BlackBerry’s QNX-Based Smartphone Leaked?

A photo purported to be the very first BlackBerry smartphone that runs on RIM’s new QNX-based BBX operating system has been droing its rounds online. The device, known by its codename “BlackBerry London,” has bold angular lines similar to the P’9981 and full touch screen on the front. (Gasp! No QWERTY keys!)

The London is said to be thinner and taller than the iPhone 4. But before you ask for a launch date, keep in mind that could either be a concept device, a prototype, or a very well-made fake. According to The Verge, which first got its hands on the device, they were informed that what they have is just a dummy unit. The actual device will said to have a 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP processor with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage. There will also be an 8-megapixel camera on the rear, as well as a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

Still asking for a potential launch date? The BlackBerry London will supposed to be unveiled formally on June 2012. That is, if there is an actual device.

Source: The Verge, via Engadget

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Nokia Humanform Concept Phone Twists and All That

We have seen Nokia’s futuristic twist-to-control Kinetic concept device at the recent Nokia World and recently another concept is posted in the company’s blog. Like the prior concept, the teardrop-shaped device named “Humanform” uses a yet-to-be-explained nanotechnology. It comes with a bendable transparent display as well as a touch-sensitive casing.

Developed by Nokia’s in-house laboratory, the Humanform has a segmented design profile that works by using gestures a la Nintendo Wiimote and twist controls like its Kinetic device. The Humanform is Nokia’s vision of how the mobile world in the future.

Source: Nokia Conversations, via Engadget

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Alcatel Set to Give Ice Cream Sandwich Update to One Touch 995

Forgive me for not knowing that Alcatel is still around and has been churning Android phones that are as inexpensive as its cell phones back in the day. However, the company has been gaining buzz because of its plans to upgrade its One Touch 995 with more premium specs.

The Android-powered smartphone will apparently be beefed up with a 1.4GHz processor, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, and the latest version of Gingerbread. All these will be encased in a shell that is “less than a centimeter thick.” Apart from all these updates, what really caught the attention of techies is the promise of providing an upgrade to Android Ice Cream Sandwich. This upgraded Alcatel One Touch 995 will cost 200 euros (US$276), which is reasonable for a large-screen Android phone.

Although Alcatel has to make this announcement official, these upgrades are expected to become official during Mobile World Congress 2012.

Source: New Mobile, via Engadget

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Nokia Launches Its First Windows Phone The Nokia Lumia 800

Nokia has recently been going through turmoil when it comes to its future direction in the mobile phone industry. One of its chosen paths towards rising up is by partnering up with Microsoft in a bid to develop and make a Windows Phone worthy of the consumer’s attention. And it seems that Nokia may have already made its case with its announcement of the new Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia’s first truly Windows Phone.

The Nokia Lumia 800 looks typically like the recent Nokia N9. It is designed with tapered edges to give it a thinner look than its 12.1mm or 0.5 inch profile. It comes with a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens and with a clear black AMOLED display. But what might make it interesting is that it runs on the Windows Phone Mango OS. The new Nokia Lumia 800 was recently shown at Nokia World 2011. There’s no word yet on when it will be made available or how much this phone will cost.

Image Source: Engadget

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Samsung Exhibit 4G II Comes to T-Mobile

T-Mobile unleashes the Samsung Exhibit 4G II, an Android-powered smartphone that only costs $30 with two-year contract. If you prefer non-commitments, the phone can also be yours for a low price of $200.

Its specs are above-basic, as expected from cheap phones. The phone comes with a 3.7-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 480 resolution, a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 3-megapixel camera on the back, and a VGA camera on the front. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and it is yet unknown whether this phone will receive an Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) upgrade.

The T-Mobile Exhibit 4G II will be available for retail beginning November 2, while Walmart gets a few days of exclusivity beginning October 27.

Source: TechCrunch

 

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Vertu Constellation Luxury Phone

There are also mobile phones that are created and designed to attract a certain type of consumer. Apart from phones designed for the typical consumer, there are also phones that are geared for use by professionals, for the outdoors type and many others. Those with money to burn usually look for a mobile phone that not just anybody can have or afford, just for the sake of it. Luxury mobile phone brand Vertu has provided a new model for the rich to ogle at with the new Vertu Constellation.

The Vertu Constellation is a unique phone that oozes with luxury and elegance based by its looks. Most of its body is surrounded by black alligator skin bordered by precious metals for a body. And for those who don’t know, Vertu is Nokia’s division for its luxury cell phones. And because of this, the Vertu Constellation runs on Nokia’s proprietary Symbian OS.

The Vertu Constellation comes with a3.5 inch AMOLED touchscreen coated with a luxurious sapphire crystal surface. It also comes with an 8MP camera with a twin LED flash and HSPA+, Wifi and Bluetooth support. Since it is a luxury phone, the Vertu Constellation comes at a steep price. The price may start at around 1,000 UK Pounds or around US$1,590.

Image Source: Engadget

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Rugged and CDMA-Powered Motorola Admiral Comes to Sprint

Sprint has officially announced the Motorola Admiral, said to be the first Android smartphone in the carrier’s Direct Connect line. This smartphone comes with a 1.2GHz processor, 4GB of internal storage, a 3.1-inch VGA display with Gorilla Glass, a four-row QWERTY keyboard, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, and 3G hotspot support, all packed in a ruggedly-designed, military-specified, 810G-compliant casing.

As already stated, the Admiral comes with Sprint’s CDMA-powered Direct Connect, which allows users to chat and send emails with fellow Sprint and Nextel subscribers. This comes as Sprint is about to shut down its iDEN network in favor of boosting its CDMA coverage.

The Motorola Admiral is expected to hit retail on Sprint’s sales channels on October 23, costing just $99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Source: Business Wire, via TechCrunch

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Monolith iPhone 4 Case Comes with Pico Projector and Battery

Japanese iPhone 4 users can get themselves a very unique case as domestic accessory maker Century rolls out the “monolith,” which adds a mini projector and 1,900mAh battery into the Apple smartphone. The monolith measures 63.5 x 126.6 x 22 millimeters and weighs 97 grams.

According to Century, this innovative iPhone 4 case can beam images at up to 60 centimers in 16:9 format with 640 x 360 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 12 lumens brightness. The additional battery provides enough power for three hours of pico projector usage in every four-hour charge. The projector can also be detached to give 50 percent more life onto the iPhone battery. It is unclear whether this case also works for the new iPhone 4S.

The Century monolith iPhone 4 case is available in Japan for an equivalent of US$260, with black and white color options.

Source: TechCrunch

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Slider Bluetooth Keyboard For iPhone 4S

You know how incredibly popular a certain device is when accessories for it are being introduced in the market before the very device is yet to be made available to the public. This seems to be the case for the upcoming Apple iPhone 4S. While the iPhone 4S is yet to reach consumer’s hands, there are already accessories like this Slider Bluetooth Keyboard being made available and ready for those future iPhone 4S owners.

The Slider Bluetooth Keyboard from Concord Keystone is designed to give the iPhone 4S a phone case that comes with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for those who wish and yearn for the more traditional way of typing on their device. It can be paired with the iPhone 4S wirelessly via Bluetooth. The keyboard also comes with its own rechargeable battery so that it won’t be sharing power use with the smart phone. The Slider Bluetooth Keyboard is available at Concord Keystone for US$50.

Image Source: Concord Keystone

 

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Photos Of The LG Doubleplay Leak Out

It’s not quite certain if leaked photos of upcoming devices really come a result of someone’s mistake. It is just that such instances that seem to happen more and more frequent nowadays may now sound a bit contrived sometimes. Is it part of a marketing ploy to hype up a device launching early? Or is it actually not? But whatever might be the reason, there’s another photo leak of an upcoming device that has just spread online and it is about the LG Doubleplay.

Leaked photos of the upcoming LG Doubleplay are showing quite a unique design for a smartphone. For one, the photos show that this new smartphone features two display screens, with one hidden and stuck in between a halved QWERTY keyboard. The photos indicate that the second display may be meant to give users a quick access to their apps. But feature wise, the LG Doubleplay remains largely a puzzle for now. But indications that this new LG Smartphone coming out in November may give those interested only several weeks more to wait it out before getting their hands on this unique smart phone.

Image Source: Engadget

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Microsoft Launches Windows Phone in India

Microsoft has officially announced the coming of Windows Phone OS to India, complete with Windows Phone Marketplace, voice recognition support, and three new Mango handsets.

The first of the Mango devices is the HTC Radar, which will be available in the land of Bollywood as early as next week. It features a 3.8-inch WVGA SLCD display, a 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, a front-facing VGA shooter, and 8GB of internal storage. The HTC Radar comes preloaded with localized apps that cater to the Indian market and will be price at 23,990 rupees (about US$485).

Second in the list is the Samsung Omnia W, which comes with a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, 1.4GHz processor, 5-megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording, and a VGA camera at the front.

Lastly, the Acer Allegro is expected to be the cheapest of the lot, providing budget-conscious smartphone users access to Microsoft’s platform. As for the specs, nothing has been provided yet, but who cares about specs if its price is all that matters? The Omnia W and Allegro are expected to be available in November, with the latter costing roughly $400.

Meanwhile, the Windows Phone Marketplace will also provide a number of third-party applications for Indian users like the Times of India newspaper and daily deals service SnapDeal.

Source: Wall Street Journal, via TechnoBuffalo and Engadget

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A 350x Microscope Lens for iPhone Costs Under $50

We have long heard and seen how smartphones and tablets can be used for medical purposes. However, the new things people can do to make the medical field more accessible to people are amazing.

A team of researchers at University of California Davis, through a study provided by the National Science Foundation, has developed a 350x microscope lens for the iPhone, enabling users to magnify stuff without having to place them in a glass slide. This micro lens for iPhone could make for interesting photos as well, which users can post on their online albums.

The project makes use of a 1mm ball lens that is attached to the outside of the iPhone lens with a rubber sheet and some tape. Although this tiny lens technically can only offer 5x magnification, it creates a tiny in-focus area that can resolve details as small as 1.5 microns. The field of view is so small and there is an issue of image distortion, but combining the in-focus areas of several pictures produces a clear image that would identify cell types or even spectroscopic readings.

While the images produced are not high in quality compared to those from traditional microscopes, those high-quality microscopes are not mobile, not to mention the price difference. The developers announce that the iPhone microscope lens can be sold for under $50.

Source: Plosone.org, via TechCrunch

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BlackBerry Messenger Coming to Android?

The BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has always been the prime feature in any BlackBerry handset, which allows messaging between BB users via the BlackBerry PIN system. But recent leaked images posted on TechnoBuffalo show the private messaging service being run through Android.

The pics, according to the source, were supposedly taken by an RIM employee. It shows off the BBM for Android app running on a developer phone. Apart from the application’s icon and account interface, nothing much can be seen from the photos.

The photos can either be an elaborate hoax or Research In Motion does have plans to bring the BBM into Android.

Source: TechnoBuffalo, via Engadget

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Ray Solar Powered Charger

While there are now several ways available to charge up those portable devices. But most of them usually require an AC power source to do so. It would certainly be quite convenient to have another alternative such as a charger that gets power straight from the sun. This is what the unique Ray Solar Powered Charger offers.

The Ray Solar Powered Charger is just what its name implies- a charger that converts solar energy into electric power good enough to charge up your portable devices like mobile phones, PMP’s and maybe even tablets.


It comes with its own solar panel and battery as its main power storage facility. The solar panel is also encased in flexible TPE suction cup that can be attached into windshields in order for the panels to get maximum sun exposure. The Ray Solar Powered Charger is currently available for pre-sale at Quirky where it need to first reach a pre-sale threshold before going into production. This convenient solar powered charger goes for around US$40.


Image Source: Quirky

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Apple Unveils iPhone 4S

Expecting for the release of iPhone 5? You may have to wait longer because Apple let a lot of its fans down with its unveiling of the iPhone 4S, the third time the company launched a new handset on this year alone (after the white iPhone 4 and the CDMA-compliant iPhone 4 for Verizon).

The iPhone 4S looks very much like its predecessor, but Apple says everything in it is “all new.” The newly-launched smartphone features a dual-core A5 CPU, a new dual-core GPU that would boost graphics performance by up to 7x, the same 3.5-inch Retina display, a glass plate at the back, a revamped side antennae that intelligently switches between two sets to avoid dropped calls wherever which way the user holds the device. The antennae are also connected to a dual-mode GSM and CDMA radio that allows global roaming in either 14.4Mbps HSPA+ or EV-DO Rev. A.

At the back is a new, 8-megapixel camera with backside illuminated CMOS sensor for better image capture in low-light situations. The camera lens comes with a new 5-element assembly, hybrid IR filter, and a lowered aperture of f/2.4. With these improved camera specs, the iPhone 4S can also record 1080p video and comes with a new image signal processor for image stabilization and facial recognition, much like any other point-and-shoot cameras.

The iPhone 4S also comes with Siri virtual assistant tech, which allows users to make voice commands to enter text, check the weather, get directions, and perform web serches. Meanwhile, battery life varies from six hours of web browsing over 3G to 40 hours of music playback on WiFi.
The 4S will come in black and white color options, starting at $199 for 16GB and $299 for the 32GB model. There will also be a 64GB version, which will cost $399. Pre-order begins Friday, October 7, and shipping starts on October 14 in United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. It will be available on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint in the US, while Vodafone, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, and Three will distribute the handset over in the UK.

Source: Engadget

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iPhone 5 and 4S Rumors: What Were Right and Wrong?

The technosphere has been agog over rumors about the iPhone 5, saying that the next-gen iPhone will have the best specs, a bigger screen, and even a holographic keyboard. But alas, we only get an iPhone 4S instead. Apart from the name of the new iPhone, here are the rumors that got it wrong and the very few that become accurate.

Extensive voice controls (CORRECT) – The iPhone 4S comes with the Siri virtual assistant, which utilizes voice commands to perform a lot of tasks. Android phones also have similar functions as the Siri, as well as Microsoft’s Windows Phone Mango handsets.

Apple announces iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 (WRONG) – People thought Apple would unveil two smartphones: the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. While the iPhone 4S would be the updated iPhone, the iPhone 5 would feature an iPad-inspired design with larger screen and thinner casing. Only the iPhone 4S was unveiled, while the iPhone 5 remains a mystery.

Multiple antennae (CORRECT) – Since the world uses different wireless standanrds, iPhones are usually available in GSM and CDMA versions. The iPhone 4S comes with a dual-mode GSM/CDMA radio, enabling Apple to make, distribute, and sell just one model.

The iPhone 4S is the cheaper iPhone 4 (WRONG) – Some tech blogs reported that the iPhone 4S may be launched as the less expensive version of the iPhone 4. Sadly, Apple will debut the latest iPhone at the same $199 intro price as previous versions.

The next iPhone will have A5 CPU and 8MP camera (CORRECT) – Apple debuted the dual-core A5 CPU with the iPad 2. This processor will also come in the iPhone 4S, providing faster CPU and graphics tasks. There are also rumors that the next iPhone would have an 8-megapixel camera. That turns out to be true, but on the iPhone 4S.

Edge-to-edge display (WRONG) – The next iPhone is said to have an edge-to-edge display. That did not happen when the iPhone 4S was launched. Perhaps this will appear in the iPhone 5.

New iPhone comes to Sprint (CORRECT) – Wall Street Journal reported that the next-gen Apple smartphone would be available on Sprint apart from AT&T and Verizon. That turns out to be true.

Source: TechCrunch

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Fujitsu Arrows Z Smartphone

The Fujitsu-Toshiba mobile partnership might be ending, but it didn’t stop them from releasing a new smartphone in the market recently. It has recently been reported that the Fujitsu Arrows Z smartphone has been unveiled in Japan. It is Fujitsu that may eventually be taking up the name for this new Android smartphone as Toshiba might be selling off its stake and leaving the mobile phone business altogether.

The new Fujitsu Arrows Z is an Android smartphone that runs on a 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP4430 processor. It also features a 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, 4.3 inch LCD display and with a 13.1MP camera that can capture and view images and videos in 720p HD resolution. This new smartphone is also WiFi and Bluetooth ready, and offers support for e-wallet features and a digital TV tuner. And, mind you, this smartphone is also waterproof. The new Fujitsu Arrows Z Android Smartphone is expected to be made available in Japan sometime in late November of this year. Pricing details and whether this smartphone may also reach US shores has not been provided as of yet.

Image Source: Akihabara News

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HTC Pico Revives as Explorer

Remember HTC Pico? That phone went below our radar, too, but HTC is trying to revive the handset with a makeover. The smartphone, now called HTC Explorer, features a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 384MB RAM, 512MB ROM, a 5-megapixel camera, the new HTC Sense Zero interface, as well as a refreshed bar at the bottom that links the user to the app list and phone.

There are also rumors that the Explorer will be packed with a 600MHz processor that would enable the phone to juggle both HTC’s Sense interface and Gingerbread OS with ease. What seems to be definite about this smartphone is that it targets either the casual or budget-minded consumer.


The HTC Explorer is expected to be released this fall, probably for free on contract when purchased through a network carrier. It should arrive in black and blue color options.


Source: Pocketnow, via Engadget

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HTC Rhyme Targets Women Who Like Charms

Apparently, women want gadgets with gender-specific features. HTC is trying to cash in with that consumer mindset through its HTC Rhyme for Verizon. The Rhyme will run on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and will come with a 1GHz single-core processor and the latest HTC Sense 3.5. The handset features a 3.7-inch LCD WVGA touchscreen, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 4GB internal memory, 768MB of RAM, Bluetooth 3.0, and WiFi.

What would make this smartphone appealing to women? For one, the magenta-tinted phone comes with a little charm that is meant to hang out of the handbag and lights up to indicate they have missed a call. The HTC Rhyme also has a charging station with speakers for improved sound quality, HTC’s so-called “tangle-free” headphones, a Bluetooth headset, a wireless visor speaker for the car, and an arm band where the phone can be attached while working out.

The new phone has an enhanced camera app, which adds facial recognition, quick-burst shooting mode, and auto-upload features. Users can also preset a certain Facebook album to upload pics from their phone, which automatically sends any images taken from the Rhyme straight to that specific album.

Representatives of Verizon says the HTC Rhyme will be available beginning September 29 at Verizon’s online and physical stores, as well as at Target. This smartphhone for women will cost $199 with a two-year contract, along with the docking station, the charm, and the headset.

Source: TechCrunch

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LG Releases Optimus Q2 Smartphone

LG has recently released its new smartphone in Korea, the LG Optimus Q2. This is the successor to the popular Optimus Q smartphone that it released last year. The new smartphone came out slightly larger than its predecessor but slimmer and even lighter.

The new LG Optimus Q2 comes in a larger body with a bigger display this time but in a slim profile that measures 12.3mm or 0.48 inch thick and weighing only 147 grams. It comes with a 4-inch touchscreen WVGA display and designed with a sliding QWERTY keyboard similar to its 3.5 inch predecessor.

The LG Optimus Q2 runs on a 1.2GHz dual core processor and comes with the Android Gingerbread OS. It also features a 5MP rear camera and a VGA front facing one. It also comes with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. The LG Optimus Q2 QWERTY smartphone is expected to be released in Korea by next week. No pricing details have yet been provided.

Image Source: LG

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