Showing posts with label ver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ver. Show all posts

Nokia Lumia 525 becomes official


Update: According to one of Nokia’s localized Facebook pages, the Lumia 525 should ”be available on 14 December at the suggested retail price of SGD249 at Nokia Stores and Nokia Solution Partners”. That translates from Singapore Dollars to roughly $199.

The first time we heard about the Nokia Lumia 525 was at the end of October when a certain contest announcement revealed its existence. Since then, we’ve seen the device leaked in press renders showing off future possible color options, and today, the Nokia Lumia 525 becomes official.

We’re expecting the press release to be published soon with details on pricing and availability. Until then, there’s the official product page which mentions the specs: four-inch WVGA display, the same dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor clocked at 1GHz and found on many other models, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), five-megapixel main camera (sans flash), and a 1,430mAh battery.

As far as color options are concerned, the Nokia Lumia 525 will be able to accept “glossy, changeable covers in dazzling orange, radiant yellow and luminous white”. More details can be found at the source link below, and in the embedded video.

Nokia Lumia 525 becomes official



Source: Nokia (YouTube, Facebook, Pocketnow)
Thanks everyone for the tip on pricing and availability!
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Are the Galaxy S 4′s Software Features a Gimmick?


Software, for the time being, is the biggest differentiation between theGalaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 by Samsung.
Sure, as it’s been explained countless times now, the specifications aredifferent. The S4 has a larger, much more dense display, a faster processor (on both models) with more cores, the battery has 500 more milliamp-hours and the camera is a 13-megapixel sensor, versus 8-megapixels in the older model.
But as I explained earlier today, the real world performance advantages between the Galaxy III and Galaxy S 4 will ultimately be negligible. The only truly significant upgrade is in its display, as the million extra pixels should counteract the graininess of the PenTile subpixel arrangement on the less dense display.
As all these specification bumps become less important (or less significant), software and design differentiation are key. And while Samsung may not have put a lot of effort in a totally new design, is has software engineers innovating new and unique features left and right.
Samsung unveiled just shy of two dozen new software features in the Galaxy S 4 yesterday evening. All were software features that aim to drastically change the way you interact with your smartphone, to simplify your life and make your phone a “life companion”. Air Gesture, for example, allows users to control their device without ever touching it. A swipe with your hand can scroll through content on the device or even answer a call. AirVIew works just as it does on the Galaxy Note II with the S Pen – hover the S Pen over the display to preview content. But on the S4, which is not compatible with the S Pen, Air View works by hovering a finger over the display.
Smart Scroll and Smart Pause work similarly to Smart Stay and Smart Rotate in that they track eye movement to operate differently. With Smart Stay, the screen stays on as long as you’re looking at it and reading; Smart Rotate keeps the device orientation consistent with your face; Smart Scroll scrolls content based on your eye movement; and Smart Pause pauses video when you look away from the device.
S Health turns your phone into a fitness-aware device what uses various sensors to track your exercises and sync up with other fitness peripherals.
There were several camera features introduced, as well. Dual Camera allows the front and rear shooters to work simultaneously, in videos and in stills, allowing the camera holder to be included in the activities. Sounds & Shot allows you to annotate pictures and videos with short audio clips. Drama Shot is basically Burst Mode on steroids, allowing the camera to take over 100 stills in four seconds, and the end product can display multiple shots in a single frame. And Eraser lets you delete moving objects from the background of an image.
S Translator, similar to Google Translate, offers speech-to-text and text-to-speech translation.
And these are only the most notable features. Samsung Knox, Group Play, Adapt Display, Story Album and more have also been added to the mix.
So what do we make of all this? Samsung’s big gambit is clearly adding a large helping of software features in lieu of any jaw-dropping specifications or a major design refresh. And, honestly, we’re fine with that. Some of us aren’t terribly thrilled with the rehashed design. But software differentiation is great … so long as the features are noteworthy, useful and original.
Many of the features introduced by Samsung last night weren’t entirely new. Dual camera functionality was announced on the LG Optimus G Pro just days ago. Eraser is a feature coined from the Scalado (now part of NokiaRemove technology, as debuted in several BlackBerry 10 previews last year. (For the record, it could simply be licensed.) And Samsung Knox is not unlike BlackBerry Balance.
That aside, how many of the features introduced last night are actually useful? How many times will anyone actually use these features?
Looking back on my time with the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III, I can honestly say I have only ever used the features a time or two. Outside of general testing and showing off to friends and family, I have never enabled them and used them. Smart Stay fixes a problem I’ve never really had – I learned a long time ago to bump my screen timeout to a few minutes and just hit the power button when I’m done.
The only features I have used consistently are Popup Browser and Multi-Window. But I have yet to see a compelling feature from the Galaxy S 4 and new version of TouchWiz that I can see myself using more than once.
It’s hard to deny that eye-tracking features aren’t cool. Smart Scroll and Smart Pause, Smart Stay and Smart Rotate are all innovative. But how hard is it to scroll with your finger? And how accurate is it? What will keep it from scrolling when I just want to look at the bottom of the display? And I’ve never thought, “Man, I wish this video would pause itself when I look away.” Not once, and I still don’t see the appeal.
Air View was kind of nice on the Note II, though I rarely used it. It makes sense with the S Pen. But hovering your finger seems a bit strange. What does that accomplish that a long-press or gesture couldn’t? Dual Camera is probably the only feature I can see any true appeal in, yet I can’t figure out when or why I, personally, would ever want to use it.
Point being, Samsung loaded its phone down with a bevy of new software features, features that will eventually trickle down to other devices. I hate to be such a naysayer, but not a single one of the newly introduced features is anything that remotely moves me. They’re all a bit gimmicky – features that might raise a brow, but also features that few will ever use in normal usage.
What say you, folks? Are any of the features introduced yesterday evening of interest to you? Or do they all seem to solve problems you have never had? Does it seem as if Samsung is grasping at straws to innovate software?
                                                                                                                                  VIA: pocketnow.com





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Beautiful Black and White iPhone 5 Renders Can Fool Anyone



Ever since the upcoming iPhone 5′s alleged backplate purportedly surfaced on the web, everyone started commenting on the relatively same iPhone stretched out for a larger screen.

However, a certain Flickr user, Martin Hajek, took the matter into his own hands and created these beautiful renders based off of what we’ve seen on the video showing off the alleged backplate. As you can see, the renders are professionally made and look real enough to fool anyone into believing that this is indeed Apple’s next smartphone. Let us know of your thoughts below!


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Logitech unveils its Solar Keyboard Folio for the new iPad and iPad 2, we go hands-on

Logitech unveils its Solar Keyboard Folio for the new iPad and iPad 2, we go hands-on
There are all sorts of ways to go green these days, from driving an EV to installing super efficient light bulbs, and now Logitech's given us an environmentally friendly way to type tactilely on a tablet. It's a new iPad and iPad 2-friendly case called the Solar Keyboard Folio, which packs a Bluetooth keyboard powered by ambient light using the same solar cell tech found on the firm's computer keyboards. Once topped up with photons, Logitech claims its battery will keep you typing for over 1,000 hours even in complete darkness. The case is crafted of black, soft-touch, faux leather embossed with a small Logitech logo and has perforations for the iPad's speakers, plus a portal for the tablet's camera.
Its keyboard is made of gray plastic, and pecking at the grid is a similar experience to using the one found on Logitech's other recently released iPad typing peripheral, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. Buttons are short-throw and provide satisfying clicky feedback, but the space bar and shift keys have a hollow feel when pressed. Perhaps the Folio's most intriguing design feature is the feet on the corners of the cradle in which the iPad is placed. Those little nubs allow for two viewing angles -- your slate can be seated in a more upright position behind the keyboard for typing, or in the notches outside the two shift keys for a more obtuse viewing angle when the keyboard isn't needed. What's this bit of green gear cost? It goes on sale in the US and Europe this month with an MSRP of $130.
Logitech Introduces Light-Powered Protection for the New, Third-Generation iPad
New Solar Keyboard Folio Provides Hassle-Free Protection with Minimal Bulk


NEWARK, Calif. - May 3, 2012 - Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the expansion of both its solar and tablet accessories lineups with the Logitech® Solar Keyboard Folio.
Made for the new, third-generation iPad® as well as the iPad 2, the ultra-slim, book-style case and keyboard offer stylish design with protection, featuring a built-in keyboard that's powered by light.
Similar to Logitech's solar keyboards for Mac® and PC, the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio includes onboard solar cells that charge the built-in Bluetooth® keyboard in any light, whether indoors or outdoors. When fully charged, the battery lasts for up to two years, even in complete darkness (based on a average use of two hours per day).
"Now that people are seemingly inseparable from their tablets, using them for everything from sending emails to watching videos, they want accessories powered to meet their needs," said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. "The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is a smart partner for your iPad. Its sleek built-in keyboard uses light to charge and it provides hassle-free protection for your iPad – both for the front and back. It gives you an ideal way to use and protect your tablet without adding bulk."
The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio has two stand positions, so when you want to use your iPad you can choose the viewing angle that's best for you. Open the folio and place your iPad in the first position to enjoy the full keyboard when you're typing. Place your iPad in the second position and the first keyboard row acts as your one-touch media playback and volume controls, so you can play, pause and change volume instantly.
The folio also has an instant On/Off function, which means your iPad automatically wakes when you open the folio and goes on standby when you close it.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in May 2012, for a suggested retail price of $129.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com or our blog.

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iPhone 4S to launch with select regional carriers April 20th



Been hankering after an iPhone 4S, but just can't tear yourself away from that great local network? Well, if you live in a select handful of locations, you might just be in luck, as it seems Apple has been working with some of these smaller operators to give them a piece of the pie. The lucky carriers we've heard about so far include nTelos in Virginia, Alaskan Communications, GCI (Alaska), MTA (Alaska), Appalachian Wireless (Kentucky), and Cellcom (Wisconsin). The golden date for all the above is April 20th, and deals of course will vary. Hit the source and coverage links below or PRs after the break for the deets, and let us know if your local network's been spotted putting up the iPhone bunting too.


Alaska Communications to Offer iPhone 4S April 20

ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alaska Communications (NASDAQ:ALSK) today announced it will offer iPhone 4S to customers in Alaska beginning Friday, April 20 at 12:01 a.m. Alaska time. iPhone 4S will be available for $150 for the 16GB, $250 for the 32GB models and $350 for the 64GB model in 14 retail stores and online at www.alaskacommunications.com. Alaska Communications will also offer iPhone 4 for $50.

"As the Smartphone experts, Alaska Communications has a range of plans to meet the needs of all Alaskans, at home and at work."

iPhone 4S is the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible features including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all-new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5.1, the world's most advanced mobile operating system; and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices.

"We are delighted to offer Alaskans the best iPhone yet on Alaska's smartest network," said Anand Vadapalli, Alaska Communications president and CEO. "As the Smartphone experts, Alaska Communications has a range of plans to meet the needs of all Alaskans, at home and at work."


nTelos Wireless to Offer iPhone 4S on April 20

WAYNESBORO, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, nTelos Wireless (NASDAQ: NTLS) announced that it will begin offering iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 to customers on April 20. iPhone 4S will be available starting at $149.99 for the 16GB model, $249.99 for the 32GB model and $349.99 for the 64GB model. iPhone 4 will be available for just $49.99. All models will be available in nTelos Wireless retail stores, online at www.ntelos.com, and through telesales at 1-888-427-8858. Customers can pre-register their interest starting today at www.ntelos.com/iphone.

"iPhone 4S offers an abundance of new features, and with our industry-leading, nationwide smartphone plans, customers can now enjoy the nation's best networks for less."

iPhone 4S is the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible features including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all-new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5.1, the world's most advanced mobile operating system; and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices.

"As a wireless service provider well-known for delivering the best value in wireless, we're pleased to offer the amazing new iPhone 4S to our customers," said Jim Hyde, president and CEO for nTelos Wireless. "iPhone 4S offers an abundance of new features, and with our industry-leading, nationwide smartphone plans, customers can now enjoy the nation's best networks for less."

nTelos Wireless retail stores will open early, at 7:00 AM on Friday, April 20, so customers can take advantage of the best value in wireless. Nationwide smartphone plans start at just $79.99 and include unlimited data and messaging. Plus, families can save with the industry's best value unlimited everything smartphone rate plans, which start at just $139.99 a month for two lines.
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