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Windows RT hardware, and the Surface RT tablet in particular, isn't just selling poorly. Microsoft's often ignored slate was the reason behind a $900 million loss posted by the company last quarter, while some manufacturers abandoned their plans for future RT devices altogether. Yet here we are, a day after Microsoft's official event, and we have a new Surface tablet on our hands – the Microsoft Surface 2, powered by Windows 8.1 RT. It is in many ways better than last year's model, bringing the mandatory upgrades in the hardware department, such as a faster processor and a better screen. Will this be enough to make the Microsoft Surface 2 competitive, however?
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Design
Built quality was one of the assets associated with the first Surface RT tablets, and from the looks of it, the new model hasn't taken a step back in that respect. In fact, it sports the same magnesium "VaporMg" casing, treated with a fresh new silvery paint job. The kickstand is present as well on the Microsoft Surface 2 and can now snap at two angles – one optimized for placing the device on a table, and the other meant for those times when it is placed on the user's lap.
The Microsoft Surface 2 tablet is thinner and lighter than the model released in 2012, but the difference is likely to go unnoticed. It weighs 675 grams and has a thickness of 8.9 millimeters, so it is only 5 grams lighter and 0.1mm thinner than the previous Surface RT. These figures rank it among the heavier 10-inch tablets out there.
Most ports and buttons on the Surface 2 are placed on its sides, save for the power key, which is located on top. On the tablet's right side we find a USB 3.0 port, supporting much higher data transfer rates than the USB 2.0 standard still widely used today.
Built quality was one of the assets associated with the first Surface RT tablets, and from the looks of it, the new model hasn't taken a step back in that respect. In fact, it sports the same magnesium "VaporMg" casing, treated with a fresh new silvery paint job. The kickstand is present as well on the Microsoft Surface 2 and can now snap at two angles – one optimized for placing the device on a table, and the other meant for those times when it is placed on the user's lap.
The Microsoft Surface 2 tablet is thinner and lighter than the model released in 2012, but the difference is likely to go unnoticed. It weighs 675 grams and has a thickness of 8.9 millimeters, so it is only 5 grams lighter and 0.1mm thinner than the previous Surface RT. These figures rank it among the heavier 10-inch tablets out there.
Most ports and buttons on the Surface 2 are placed on its sides, save for the power key, which is located on top. On the tablet's right side we find a USB 3.0 port, supporting much higher data transfer rates than the USB 2.0 standard still widely used today.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/6401717.jpg)
Display
Our thumbs-up goes to Microsoft for outfitting a high-res, 10.6-inch screen on the Surface 2. It has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9, which makes it ideal for any task from watching movies or playing games, to surfing the internet or browsing through your photo gallery. The company's ClearType tech has been implemented, meant to improve text legibility.
Interface and software
Microsoft's new Surface tablets come with an updated version of the company's operating system. In the case with the Surface 2, we have Windows RT 8.1 pre-installed, bringing along a number of improvements, both visual and under the hood. Personalization, multitasking, and cloud connectivity are among the key aspects that have been polished further. There is now a broader selection of built-in apps, and among them is the Microsoft Office 2013 RT pack, which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook 2013. Simply put, you get a potpourri of productivity essentials bundled with the Microsoft Surface 2.
A neat perk for all who choose to get a Microsoft Surface 2 comes courtesy of Skype. Each Surface 2 user will get a full year of free international calls to over 60 countries worldwide (landlines only). In addition, access to public Wi-Fi hotspots by Skype is provided free of charge.
All of that is great to hear, but we can't omit mentioning that the Microsoft Surface 2 can't run legacy Windows software like the Surface Pro tablets can. All in all, the Surface 2 is limited to the 100,000 or so Windows RT apps available from the Windows Marketplace. The figure isn't small, but the selection isn't as broad when compared to what Android and iOS have to offer. Processor and memory
Under the hood of the Microsoft Surface 2 we find an NVIDIA Tegra 4 (T40) SoC with a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU. 2 GB of RAM are thrown in as well for good measure. This should be enough processing power to deliver a smooth user experience, especially knowing that Microsoft makes sure its software is optimized for the hardware it is meant to run on. The Surface 2, however, might be outpaced by future Windows RT tablets by other companies, should the competition choose to go with a beefier silicon by Qualcomm.
The base Microsoft Surface 2 model comes with 32GB of storage, out of which some will be reserved for system files. Those who need extra space may pick the 64GB model, but will have to pay $100 extra. Thankfully, there's a microSD card slot on the Surface 2, allowing cards of up to 32GB to be added. And if that's not enough, 200GB of cloud space is provided courtesy of Microsoft's SkyDrive.
Camera and multimedia
Now that's a nice surprise. Gone are the 0.9MP cams found on the previous Surface RT; instead, we have a 5MP cam on the back and a 3.5MP front-facing camera. Chances are these will take pictures of acceptable quality and will provide clearer video during online calls. Sound is delivered by a pair of built-in stereo speakers that have been "digitally enhanced for fuller sound".
Battery life
We're expecting battery life to be above average with the Microsoft Surface 2. It should be able to last through 10 hours of video playback, according to Microsoft. Stand-by time is quoted as 7 to 15 days. When the provided charger is used, the device's battery should go back to 100% in 2 to 4 hours.
Expectations
So that's the new Microsoft Surface 2 tablet in a nutshell. It builds up on what people liked about its predecessor and brings improvements in areas that needed to or could be developed further. The mandatory hardware specs bump is also there, as the new model has a faster processor, better cameras, and of course, a better display. Software availability, however, is still a drawback for the Surface 2 and Windows RT tablets as a whole, even though the library of RT-made apps now hosts 100,000 titles. Still, with Microsoft Office RT 2013 pre-installed, the Surface 2 tablet could be a decent choice for those in need of a productivity device that can also play movies, music, and games every once in a while. With a base price of $449, the Microsoft Surface 2 is positioned as an alternative to the iPad and the premium Android tablets. We'll see how it fares against the tough competition once it is on the market next month.
Our thumbs-up goes to Microsoft for outfitting a high-res, 10.6-inch screen on the Surface 2. It has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9, which makes it ideal for any task from watching movies or playing games, to surfing the internet or browsing through your photo gallery. The company's ClearType tech has been implemented, meant to improve text legibility.
Interface and software
Microsoft's new Surface tablets come with an updated version of the company's operating system. In the case with the Surface 2, we have Windows RT 8.1 pre-installed, bringing along a number of improvements, both visual and under the hood. Personalization, multitasking, and cloud connectivity are among the key aspects that have been polished further. There is now a broader selection of built-in apps, and among them is the Microsoft Office 2013 RT pack, which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook 2013. Simply put, you get a potpourri of productivity essentials bundled with the Microsoft Surface 2.
A neat perk for all who choose to get a Microsoft Surface 2 comes courtesy of Skype. Each Surface 2 user will get a full year of free international calls to over 60 countries worldwide (landlines only). In addition, access to public Wi-Fi hotspots by Skype is provided free of charge.
All of that is great to hear, but we can't omit mentioning that the Microsoft Surface 2 can't run legacy Windows software like the Surface Pro tablets can. All in all, the Surface 2 is limited to the 100,000 or so Windows RT apps available from the Windows Marketplace. The figure isn't small, but the selection isn't as broad when compared to what Android and iOS have to offer. Processor and memory
Under the hood of the Microsoft Surface 2 we find an NVIDIA Tegra 4 (T40) SoC with a 1.7GHz quad-core CPU. 2 GB of RAM are thrown in as well for good measure. This should be enough processing power to deliver a smooth user experience, especially knowing that Microsoft makes sure its software is optimized for the hardware it is meant to run on. The Surface 2, however, might be outpaced by future Windows RT tablets by other companies, should the competition choose to go with a beefier silicon by Qualcomm.
The base Microsoft Surface 2 model comes with 32GB of storage, out of which some will be reserved for system files. Those who need extra space may pick the 64GB model, but will have to pay $100 extra. Thankfully, there's a microSD card slot on the Surface 2, allowing cards of up to 32GB to be added. And if that's not enough, 200GB of cloud space is provided courtesy of Microsoft's SkyDrive.
Camera and multimedia
Now that's a nice surprise. Gone are the 0.9MP cams found on the previous Surface RT; instead, we have a 5MP cam on the back and a 3.5MP front-facing camera. Chances are these will take pictures of acceptable quality and will provide clearer video during online calls. Sound is delivered by a pair of built-in stereo speakers that have been "digitally enhanced for fuller sound".
Battery life
We're expecting battery life to be above average with the Microsoft Surface 2. It should be able to last through 10 hours of video playback, according to Microsoft. Stand-by time is quoted as 7 to 15 days. When the provided charger is used, the device's battery should go back to 100% in 2 to 4 hours.
Expectations
So that's the new Microsoft Surface 2 tablet in a nutshell. It builds up on what people liked about its predecessor and brings improvements in areas that needed to or could be developed further. The mandatory hardware specs bump is also there, as the new model has a faster processor, better cameras, and of course, a better display. Software availability, however, is still a drawback for the Surface 2 and Windows RT tablets as a whole, even though the library of RT-made apps now hosts 100,000 titles. Still, with Microsoft Office RT 2013 pre-installed, the Surface 2 tablet could be a decent choice for those in need of a productivity device that can also play movies, music, and games every once in a while. With a base price of $449, the Microsoft Surface 2 is positioned as an alternative to the iPad and the premium Android tablets. We'll see how it fares against the tough competition once it is on the market next month.
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The latest monthly stats are out from mobile ad network AdDuplex. For September, Nokia represented 88% of the Windows Phone market globally. The low-end of the Nokia Lumia range continued to do very well with the Nokia Lumia 520 representing over 21% of the platform on a global basis. Looking at just Windows Phone 8 models, the Lumia 520 captured 31.6% of that market in September. In the states though, the Nokia Lumia 520 owned only 3.6% of the Windows Phone market. But that is because the device's twin brother, the T-Mobile Nokia Lumia 521, had captured 14.2% of the Windows Phone market for itself. The phone recently was spotted on sale at HSN for $80 (including the use of a coupon code) and that is off contract. $80 is a hard price to beat considering the value you are getting for the money.
While Nokia has been kicking butt and taking names on the low end of the Windows Phone market, on the high end it has not done as well. The Nokia Lumia 1020 and its 41MP PureView camera is not even close to being represented on the global and U.S. pie charts. Meanwhile, this month the Nokia Lumia 920 had a 9.3% and 13.3% share of the Windows Phone market globally and in the U.S. respectively.
Some of the other charts showed off interesting stats. While you might think that AT&T would be the top U.S. mobile carrier selling the Windows Phone platform, that honor actually goes to Verizon. The top mobile operator in the nation made 35% of all Windows Phone sales in September vs. 32.3% for AT&T. With 19.2% of the Windows Phone market in the states this month, T-Mobile is third. AT&T has had to cut the price of the Nokia Lumia 1020 from $299.99 on contract to $199.99, signifying the difficulties that Nokia and Windows Phone have had on the top end of the market.
But those problems might soon go away thanks to the GDR3 update. This Microsoft pushed update will allow Windows Phone models to offer larger sized screens with 1080 x 1920 FHD resolution, and carry more powerful processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 expected to be under the hood of the upcoming Nokia Lumia 1520. Expected to be unveiled in two days, this model is supposed to be the first Windows Phone phablet with a 6 inch glass. Interestingly, 67.7% of active Windows Phone 8 models active have the GDR1 Portico update in use while 30.6% are running GDR2.
Speaking of Windows Phone 7 (alright, no one really said anything about Windows Phone 7 but we needed a segue), about one third of active Windows Phone models are powered by the greybeard while the remaining two thirds are powered by Windows Phone 8.
While Nokia has been kicking butt and taking names on the low end of the Windows Phone market, on the high end it has not done as well. The Nokia Lumia 1020 and its 41MP PureView camera is not even close to being represented on the global and U.S. pie charts. Meanwhile, this month the Nokia Lumia 920 had a 9.3% and 13.3% share of the Windows Phone market globally and in the U.S. respectively.
Some of the other charts showed off interesting stats. While you might think that AT&T would be the top U.S. mobile carrier selling the Windows Phone platform, that honor actually goes to Verizon. The top mobile operator in the nation made 35% of all Windows Phone sales in September vs. 32.3% for AT&T. With 19.2% of the Windows Phone market in the states this month, T-Mobile is third. AT&T has had to cut the price of the Nokia Lumia 1020 from $299.99 on contract to $199.99, signifying the difficulties that Nokia and Windows Phone have had on the top end of the market.
But those problems might soon go away thanks to the GDR3 update. This Microsoft pushed update will allow Windows Phone models to offer larger sized screens with 1080 x 1920 FHD resolution, and carry more powerful processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 expected to be under the hood of the upcoming Nokia Lumia 1520. Expected to be unveiled in two days, this model is supposed to be the first Windows Phone phablet with a 6 inch glass. Interestingly, 67.7% of active Windows Phone 8 models active have the GDR1 Portico update in use while 30.6% are running GDR2.
Speaking of Windows Phone 7 (alright, no one really said anything about Windows Phone 7 but we needed a segue), about one third of active Windows Phone models are powered by the greybeard while the remaining two thirds are powered by Windows Phone 8.
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As loyal readers surely know, here at PhoneArena we deliver much more than just the latest smartphone news. Our database of phone and tablet specs is one of the most extensive out there, and our reviews section contains in-depth information about any popular handset announced over the recent years. Then come the handy extras we offer on our page, including our Phone Finder and Visual Phone Size Comparison tool. And today, PhoneArena got even better.
We're happy to announce our Camera Comparison tool, which, as the name implies, is used to compare the cameras of two or more smartphones and/or tablets. But no, we aren't talking about simply listing the specs of two devices' cameras side by side. Instead, we present you with several images taken under the exact same conditions (with all camera settings set to automatic).
We're happy to announce our Camera Comparison tool, which, as the name implies, is used to compare the cameras of two or more smartphones and/or tablets. But no, we aren't talking about simply listing the specs of two devices' cameras side by side. Instead, we present you with several images taken under the exact same conditions (with all camera settings set to automatic).
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Right on cue, the iOS 7 software update has been made available for download. And it isn't just live in a single market. We're getting reports from all over the world, including the US, the UK, Mexico, India, China, and parts of Europe.
The iOS 7 update weighs in at around 667 to 768MB for iPhone users. Those of you who have an iPad are looking at a download of between 716 to 900 megabytes, depending on your model.
We're hearing that the iOS 7 update requires at least 3.3GB of free space, so keep that in mind before hitting the download button. One user Multiple users informed us of having troubles getting the software to download completely, but this is likely just a temporary issue.
While iOS 7 is downloading on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, feel free to read our iOS 7 review, or check out all the new features introduced with iOS 7.
The iOS 7 update weighs in at around 667 to 768MB for iPhone users. Those of you who have an iPad are looking at a download of between 716 to 900 megabytes, depending on your model.
We're hearing that the iOS 7 update requires at least 3.3GB of free space, so keep that in mind before hitting the download button. One user Multiple users informed us of having troubles getting the software to download completely, but this is likely just a temporary issue.
While iOS 7 is downloading on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, feel free to read our iOS 7 review, or check out all the new features introduced with iOS 7.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/642323.png)
Earlier today, Nokia announced the introduction of the 108, the company's first ultra-affordable cameraphone.
Slated for a Q4 2013 launch, the Nokia 108 carriers a price tag of just $29 with which the company is, once again, hoping to appeal to those, among others, for whom a mobile phone continues to be a luxury. We say once again, because the Nokia 105 from back in February is very reminiscent of the Nokia 108 in both looks and mission. The main areas where the two differ are the inclusion of a 0.3MP rear shooter, a slightly grown 1.8-inch screen (up from 1.4''), and the addition of Nokia Slam – a new, Bluetooth-based, service which allows you to share photos and such with most Android/WP devices. What's more, the Nokia 108 also comes in a second, dual-SIM flavor, and will also star Nokia's beloved Snake game, a fact that the company's marketing team is trying to ensure will receive publicity.
Both versions of the Nokia 108 come with an FM Radio, an MP3 player and support for microSD card (up to 32GB). Those of you with devices that can't make it through a full day will be glad to hear that the Nokia 108 provides up to a whopping 31 days of standby time, courtesy of its seemingly tiny 950mAh battery.
As mentioned before, the Nokia 108 should land in time for the holidays, and will arrive with the now Nokia-signature palette of bright colors: cyan blue, red and yellow, among with the more traditional black and white.
Slated for a Q4 2013 launch, the Nokia 108 carriers a price tag of just $29 with which the company is, once again, hoping to appeal to those, among others, for whom a mobile phone continues to be a luxury. We say once again, because the Nokia 105 from back in February is very reminiscent of the Nokia 108 in both looks and mission. The main areas where the two differ are the inclusion of a 0.3MP rear shooter, a slightly grown 1.8-inch screen (up from 1.4''), and the addition of Nokia Slam – a new, Bluetooth-based, service which allows you to share photos and such with most Android/WP devices. What's more, the Nokia 108 also comes in a second, dual-SIM flavor, and will also star Nokia's beloved Snake game, a fact that the company's marketing team is trying to ensure will receive publicity.
Both versions of the Nokia 108 come with an FM Radio, an MP3 player and support for microSD card (up to 32GB). Those of you with devices that can't make it through a full day will be glad to hear that the Nokia 108 provides up to a whopping 31 days of standby time, courtesy of its seemingly tiny 950mAh battery.
As mentioned before, the Nokia 108 should land in time for the holidays, and will arrive with the now Nokia-signature palette of bright colors: cyan blue, red and yellow, among with the more traditional black and white.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/5324846.jpg)
A week ago last Tuesday, Google surprised everyone by introducing Android 4.4 and announcing that it would be called KitKat. Before Google made the introduction, it had been assumed that the next build of the Android OS would be 5.0 and would be named Key Lime Pie. But now that Android 4.4 is reality, what will the next build be called? In India, a region of the world where low priced Android models have been selling well, some are pushing to have a local beverage, Lassi, be selected as the "L" food product for the next build of Android.
Lassi is a thick, yogurt based drink popular in the area and that name is favored by graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Meanwhile, another group from IIT Kharagpur sent an open letter to Google’s Sundar Pichai, saying that the country's support of Android deserves to be rewarded. This group would like to see another Indian sweet called Ladoo get the nod for Android 5.0.
Google was able to work out some special tie-in deals with KitKat related to the Android 4.4 naming, such as a special version of the candy bar containing a contest to win a Nexus 7 (2013). Is this the wave of the future? What food company could Google use for "L" that could also offer promotions like KitKat? How about Lipton Tea for Android 5.0. A little too Milquetoast for such an important build number?
Lassi is a thick, yogurt based drink popular in the area and that name is favored by graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Meanwhile, another group from IIT Kharagpur sent an open letter to Google’s Sundar Pichai, saying that the country's support of Android deserves to be rewarded. This group would like to see another Indian sweet called Ladoo get the nod for Android 5.0.
Google was able to work out some special tie-in deals with KitKat related to the Android 4.4 naming, such as a special version of the candy bar containing a contest to win a Nexus 7 (2013). Is this the wave of the future? What food company could Google use for "L" that could also offer promotions like KitKat? How about Lipton Tea for Android 5.0. A little too Milquetoast for such an important build number?
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/4480568.jpg)
The word "phablet" has always been a bit of an awkward word. It was created because there is an indistinct grey area between the acceptable size for a smartphone, and the acceptable size for a small tablet. Not everyone is a fan of the word, and Nokia wants to find out what your feelings are on the term. It seems Nokia isn't sure if people like the word, or even know it.
This is an important topic for Nokia because it has the 6-inch Lumia 1520 on the way, so the company has been surveying users on their feelings about the term phablet. It is an odd thing to market, because while the word phablet is widely used in the tech press, but the average user may not be too familiar with it. Being a portmanteau of phone and tablet, it's not a difficult word to figure out, but it still doesn't get much use outside of our world.
Samsung almost always avoids using the term when talking about its Galaxy Note devices, and Samsung is the undisputed king of the phablet market. That's a pretty telling thing right there. We're not sure who Nokia is targeting with its survey, but we'd like to see the results. It would be interesting to see how people refer to devices like the Galaxy Note.
This is an important topic for Nokia because it has the 6-inch Lumia 1520 on the way, so the company has been surveying users on their feelings about the term phablet. It is an odd thing to market, because while the word phablet is widely used in the tech press, but the average user may not be too familiar with it. Being a portmanteau of phone and tablet, it's not a difficult word to figure out, but it still doesn't get much use outside of our world.
Samsung almost always avoids using the term when talking about its Galaxy Note devices, and Samsung is the undisputed king of the phablet market. That's a pretty telling thing right there. We're not sure who Nokia is targeting with its survey, but we'd like to see the results. It would be interesting to see how people refer to devices like the Galaxy Note.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/6068227.jpg)
While we told you on Friday that Nokia had tested Android powered handsets before accepting the acquisition offer from Microsoft, word came out on Friday about another interesting matter involving Nokia and the giant software company. It seems that Microsoft had produced prototypes of a Microsoft Surface Phone. A published report stated that Microsoft was testing the Surface Phone at the same time that Nokia was checking out a Nokia Android flavored model.
According to those in the know, Terry Myerson was in charge of the Surface Phone. Myerson, who looks after Windows, Windows Phone and the Xbox operating systems, led Microsoft in the production of various prototypes of the device. The prototypes were apparently created just in case Nokia decided to switch sides or back off from the deal with Microsoft. With Nokia controlling 80% of the platform, Microsoft could have been in trouble had the Finnish based handset manufacturer decided to give Android a go. And Nokia was getting increasingly upset with Redmond's desire to push the low end of the market.
Nokia was said to be ready to fork Android, similar to what Amazon did with its tablets, and release a low spec'd Android handset in 2014. But once the deal closes and Nokia's handset business belongs to Microsoft, we don't expect anymore attempts at a Nokia built Android handset or a Microsoft Surface Phone.
According to those in the know, Terry Myerson was in charge of the Surface Phone. Myerson, who looks after Windows, Windows Phone and the Xbox operating systems, led Microsoft in the production of various prototypes of the device. The prototypes were apparently created just in case Nokia decided to switch sides or back off from the deal with Microsoft. With Nokia controlling 80% of the platform, Microsoft could have been in trouble had the Finnish based handset manufacturer decided to give Android a go. And Nokia was getting increasingly upset with Redmond's desire to push the low end of the market.
Nokia was said to be ready to fork Android, similar to what Amazon did with its tablets, and release a low spec'd Android handset in 2014. But once the deal closes and Nokia's handset business belongs to Microsoft, we don't expect anymore attempts at a Nokia built Android handset or a Microsoft Surface Phone.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/5086586.jpg)
Last month, we heard that HP might planning a comeback to the mobile space with a Windows tablet that visited the FCC, but the plans may not stop there. A new rumor says that HP may be looking at getting into the extremely competitive smartphone market with a Windows Phone device. There had been scattered rumors about HP and Android, but those have faded over the recent months.
There is almost no information to be had on HP's plans though. So far, all that we know is that there are some nebulous "trusted source" who says that HP has been working on a smartphone for a while now and that it is expected to be running Windows Phone 8. Beyond that, we can speculate and hope, but there is no concrete evidence about what is in the works. HP would be jumping in at an interesting time as Windows Phone GDR3 is on the horizon which will bring support for quad-core devices, 1080p displays, and a wider array of screen sizes.
Of course, HP has had an up-and-down experience with the mobile space in the past. HP did well way back in the days of Windows Mobile, but fell off when it purchased webOS from Palm, and has been in limbo since. We can't say we have a lot of faith in the company at this point, but we're certainly interested to see what it can offer.
There is almost no information to be had on HP's plans though. So far, all that we know is that there are some nebulous "trusted source" who says that HP has been working on a smartphone for a while now and that it is expected to be running Windows Phone 8. Beyond that, we can speculate and hope, but there is no concrete evidence about what is in the works. HP would be jumping in at an interesting time as Windows Phone GDR3 is on the horizon which will bring support for quad-core devices, 1080p displays, and a wider array of screen sizes.
Of course, HP has had an up-and-down experience with the mobile space in the past. HP did well way back in the days of Windows Mobile, but fell off when it purchased webOS from Palm, and has been in limbo since. We can't say we have a lot of faith in the company at this point, but we're certainly interested to see what it can offer.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/4144323.jpg)
Basically ever since Nokia first partnered with Microsoft to build handsets exclusively running Windows Phone, there have been those who have wanted to see the company ditch that strategy and begin developing Android devices. Of course, that possibility is gone now that Microsoft has agreed to purchase Nokia's devices unit.
And, that purchase agreement has raised questions. First of all being: why would Microsoft need to purchase a company that was already exclusively building the best devices in the Windows Phone ecosystem? There are two schools of thought to answer that. Some believe that Nokia was on the verge of going bankrupt, and the best way to keep that from happening was for Microsoft to purchase the devices unit. The other school of thought is that Nokia was planning to abandon Windows Phone for Android.
That second idea seems to have some legs, because a new report from The New York Times is saying that Nokia was testing Android-powered devices in the time leading up to the Microsoft purchase. It wasn't just testing, but there was a real possibility that Nokia was planning to actually release an Android handset sometime in late 2014; and, Microsoft knew the whole time.
Although sources do say that the possibility of Nokia moving to Android was not part of the purchase talks with Microsoft. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that the information didn't help to give Nokia a bit of leverage in the negotiations, assuming Nokia wasn't in a pinch because of possible bankruptcy issues.
And, that purchase agreement has raised questions. First of all being: why would Microsoft need to purchase a company that was already exclusively building the best devices in the Windows Phone ecosystem? There are two schools of thought to answer that. Some believe that Nokia was on the verge of going bankrupt, and the best way to keep that from happening was for Microsoft to purchase the devices unit. The other school of thought is that Nokia was planning to abandon Windows Phone for Android.
That second idea seems to have some legs, because a new report from The New York Times is saying that Nokia was testing Android-powered devices in the time leading up to the Microsoft purchase. It wasn't just testing, but there was a real possibility that Nokia was planning to actually release an Android handset sometime in late 2014; and, Microsoft knew the whole time.
Although sources do say that the possibility of Nokia moving to Android was not part of the purchase talks with Microsoft. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that the information didn't help to give Nokia a bit of leverage in the negotiations, assuming Nokia wasn't in a pinch because of possible bankruptcy issues.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/5173742.jpg)
We all know that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is the proper choice to go with in the Galaxy S4 line if you want something that’s waterproof, but some people would still rather have the original flagship model instead. By itself, the Galaxy S4 is filled to the brim with all the cutting-edge hardware and features to make it a prized offering in the landscape. However, its plastic construction wouldn’t be able to endure the rough punishment of it being dropped over and over again – plus, it’s not waterproof either.
Well folks, the team from Seidio have a case that utilizes the latest advanced technology to safely guard the flagship phone – giving it many of the rugged properties of the Galaxy S4 Active. Taking a quick look at the Seidio OBEX Waterproof case for the Galaxy S4, it definitely sprinkles that imposing appearance when the handset is set inside of it. There’s not much of a pleasant style with its design, but the red accented trim of our particular model helps to break things up just a little bit. At the same time, the once slim profiled handset is transformed into an even thicker and unwieldy device – the compromises that come with being ruggedized.
Consisting of only two components, a front and rear part, the Seidio OBEX case seals the smartphone at various critical points to block out particles and liquid from seeping into its compartment. Relying on the combination of polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane materials, it’s nice that there’s sufficient padding to cushion the handset from drops – enabling it to withstand drops from multiple angles at 6 feet high. Heck, we even decided to take our Galaxy S4 for a dip in water for 10 minutes, where it easily survived with no issues.
Due to the snug fit of the case and how it adequately protects its various ports, accessing the 3.5mm headset jack becomes problematic for certain headphones, seeing that the now recessed nature of the jack doesn’t permit some headphones to connect properly without the aid of an adapter. Thankfully, there isn’t much of an impact to the volume output of its earpiece and internal speaker. Indeed, its output is suppressed due to the case covering the earpiece and speakerphone, but at least we’re still able to make out voices at the loudest volume setting.
Like we said, you can always choose to go with the Galaxy S4 Active if you don’t want to bother with cases, but if you can’t get over what the original model brings to the table, like its vibrant AMOLED display, the Seidio OBEX case is something reasonable enough to give it some of the same properties as its close sibling. At $80 a pop, it’s pretty much in line with other comparable cases.
Well folks, the team from Seidio have a case that utilizes the latest advanced technology to safely guard the flagship phone – giving it many of the rugged properties of the Galaxy S4 Active. Taking a quick look at the Seidio OBEX Waterproof case for the Galaxy S4, it definitely sprinkles that imposing appearance when the handset is set inside of it. There’s not much of a pleasant style with its design, but the red accented trim of our particular model helps to break things up just a little bit. At the same time, the once slim profiled handset is transformed into an even thicker and unwieldy device – the compromises that come with being ruggedized.
Consisting of only two components, a front and rear part, the Seidio OBEX case seals the smartphone at various critical points to block out particles and liquid from seeping into its compartment. Relying on the combination of polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane materials, it’s nice that there’s sufficient padding to cushion the handset from drops – enabling it to withstand drops from multiple angles at 6 feet high. Heck, we even decided to take our Galaxy S4 for a dip in water for 10 minutes, where it easily survived with no issues.
Due to the snug fit of the case and how it adequately protects its various ports, accessing the 3.5mm headset jack becomes problematic for certain headphones, seeing that the now recessed nature of the jack doesn’t permit some headphones to connect properly without the aid of an adapter. Thankfully, there isn’t much of an impact to the volume output of its earpiece and internal speaker. Indeed, its output is suppressed due to the case covering the earpiece and speakerphone, but at least we’re still able to make out voices at the loudest volume setting.
Like we said, you can always choose to go with the Galaxy S4 Active if you don’t want to bother with cases, but if you can’t get over what the original model brings to the table, like its vibrant AMOLED display, the Seidio OBEX case is something reasonable enough to give it some of the same properties as its close sibling. At $80 a pop, it’s pretty much in line with other comparable cases.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/262305.jpg)
The Sony Xperia Z caused quite a ruckus at CES early this year, with its ability to be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The device is even available from a U.S. carrier, T-Mobile. Since then, we've seen the humungous Sony Xperia Z Ultra launched and the introduction of the Sony Xperia Z1, the first in a new line of "One Sony" camera-centric smartphones. That would mean that the Sony Xperia Z is getting a little long in the tooth and is due to be replaced in Sony's line up.
That's where our story begins. A source claiming to be close to the situation (no, not the Jersey Shore cast member) revealed what he says are the specs to the Sony Xperia Z2 (C770X). The phone is code named Avatar and is equipped with a 5.2 inch IGZO Triluminuous Display with a 500ppi pixel density. If true, this would top the current industry leader, which is the 468ppi on the 4.7 inch HTC One. The silicon inside the phone would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 Chipset and a multitasker's wet dream, 3GB of RAM, would be on board.
The 20.7MP rear-facing camera would support 4K video capture and a 3200mAh cell would keep the lights on. And the Sony Xperia Z2 would give you a break as it said to run on Android 4.4 Kit Kat. Expect the new model to be on display at CES 2014 where it will have some pretty big shoes to fill.
That's where our story begins. A source claiming to be close to the situation (no, not the Jersey Shore cast member) revealed what he says are the specs to the Sony Xperia Z2 (C770X). The phone is code named Avatar and is equipped with a 5.2 inch IGZO Triluminuous Display with a 500ppi pixel density. If true, this would top the current industry leader, which is the 468ppi on the 4.7 inch HTC One. The silicon inside the phone would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 Chipset and a multitasker's wet dream, 3GB of RAM, would be on board.
The 20.7MP rear-facing camera would support 4K video capture and a 3200mAh cell would keep the lights on. And the Sony Xperia Z2 would give you a break as it said to run on Android 4.4 Kit Kat. Expect the new model to be on display at CES 2014 where it will have some pretty big shoes to fill.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/6621199.jpg)
Ubuntu Touch is scheduled to be ready for distribution on October 17th. We've shown you some of the polishing work that has been done recently with adding in a tutorial for the swipe gestures and over-the-air system updates. Today, we're seeing a performance video that is looking quite smooth, which is to be expected, but what makes it more interesting is that this is pure Ubuntu running its new Mir display server.
This is important because Mir is a completely new display server that has just been added in with Ubuntu 13.10. It is also important because this is pure Ubuntu here, and it is no longer using an Android surfaceflinger or anything like that. This is the performance that Canonical has been aiming for, and it looks quite good. The video isn't that long, but it gives a good idea of what to expect.
We're just over a month away from Ubuntu Touch being ready for prime time, and finally getting to see what sort of apps have been developed for the platform (which is the real question surrounding it all). After that, it'll be time for Canonical to finish the tablet optimizations and docking capabilities for Ubuntu 14.04.
This is important because Mir is a completely new display server that has just been added in with Ubuntu 13.10. It is also important because this is pure Ubuntu here, and it is no longer using an Android surfaceflinger or anything like that. This is the performance that Canonical has been aiming for, and it looks quite good. The video isn't that long, but it gives a good idea of what to expect.
We're just over a month away from Ubuntu Touch being ready for prime time, and finally getting to see what sort of apps have been developed for the platform (which is the real question surrounding it all). After that, it'll be time for Canonical to finish the tablet optimizations and docking capabilities for Ubuntu 14.04.
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/7/4/22745558/5499696.png)
Optical Image Stabilization is great. It's always there for you, and it can mean the difference between an unwatchable 'action' sequence and a clip that's actually enjoyable. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, most manufacturers have ignored the tech, with a few exceptions, like HTC, Nokia and most recently: LG with its G2.
So what does all of the above have to do with the upcoming Nexus 5? Two things. First, it appears very likely that LG's great work with the Nexus 4 has convinced Google that it should manufacture the Nexus 5, as well. And second, if the street has the truth of it, the Nexus 5 will be based on the LG G2, to a certain extent (probably a smaller screen, no rear buttons). We know that, because of a wildly publicized FCC filing from yesterday, which requested a “class 2 permissive change” for the LG G2. What went under the radar, however, is that the torn-down Nexus 5 actually uses the very same OIS camera unit that the LG G2 does, even though as far as the looks go, the Nexus 5 is completely different in that regard. This means that the next Nexus will probably be the newest device to join onto the camera-loving bandwagon, and this is certainly good news.
For those of you who haven't had the chance to catch up yet, the Nexus 5's release date is expected to take place by the end of the year, or at worst -- early 2014. As we said earlier, the screen will probably be smaller, at the reported 4.96-inches, and so will the battery – down to 2300mAh from G2's hearty 3000mAh unit. And though we're expecting the Nexus 5 to be a great performer, courtesy of Snapdragon 800 and the 2GB of RAM its said to pack, the most eye-catching feature of the device for most will probably end up being the alleged Android 4.4. KitKat its said to arrive with out of the box.
So what does all of the above have to do with the upcoming Nexus 5? Two things. First, it appears very likely that LG's great work with the Nexus 4 has convinced Google that it should manufacture the Nexus 5, as well. And second, if the street has the truth of it, the Nexus 5 will be based on the LG G2, to a certain extent (probably a smaller screen, no rear buttons). We know that, because of a wildly publicized FCC filing from yesterday, which requested a “class 2 permissive change” for the LG G2. What went under the radar, however, is that the torn-down Nexus 5 actually uses the very same OIS camera unit that the LG G2 does, even though as far as the looks go, the Nexus 5 is completely different in that regard. This means that the next Nexus will probably be the newest device to join onto the camera-loving bandwagon, and this is certainly good news.
For those of you who haven't had the chance to catch up yet, the Nexus 5's release date is expected to take place by the end of the year, or at worst -- early 2014. As we said earlier, the screen will probably be smaller, at the reported 4.96-inches, and so will the battery – down to 2300mAh from G2's hearty 3000mAh unit. And though we're expecting the Nexus 5 to be a great performer, courtesy of Snapdragon 800 and the 2GB of RAM its said to pack, the most eye-catching feature of the device for most will probably end up being the alleged Android 4.4. KitKat its said to arrive with out of the box.