HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM with CDMA support listed on company's India website

After unveiling the mid-range HTC Desire 600 dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) smartphone for the Indian market, the Taiwanese major is all set to launch another variant of the phone, the HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM (GSM+CDMA). The handset has already been listed on HTC's official website.

The HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM measures 134.9x66.78x9.55mm and weighs 127 grams. It features a 4.5-inch qHD display. The device is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor coupled with 1GB of RAM. It comes with 8GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 64GB via microSD card. The HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM sports an 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus accompanied by an LED flash and is capable of 720p video recording. There is 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera with BSI sensor.

HTC Desire 600c also features dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers. Connectivity options include 3.5mm audio jack, Micro-USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DLNA, GPS/AGPS and NFC. It also includes an 1860mAh battery.

The HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM is not a re-hash of its predecessor. Though the device sports almost the same specifications, it is not identical in design. The HTC Desire 600c dual-SIM is a CDMA variant and supports GSM+CDMA networks. The phone runs Android Jelly Bean with HTC Sense on top with BlinkFeed and other features. However, it's not clear at this stage whether the phone is running Android 4.1 or Android 4.2.

The HTC Desire 600 dual-SIM launched earlier this year for Rs. 26,990.

HTC Desire 600c technical specifications

• 4.5-inch display
• 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB via microSD card
• 8-megapixel rear camera
• 1.6-megapixel front shooter
• Android Jelly Bean

Skype confirms plans to launch 3D video calls

It looks like teleportation will soon be a reality just like what we've seen in sci-fi movies. Well, that's exaggerating things a bit, but Skype, the popular voice and video chat service is looking at introducing 3D or 3-dimensional calls.

Celebrating Skype's 10th anniversary, Microsoft's Corporate VP for Skype, Mark Gillett gave a candid interview to the BBC in which he mentioned that the company was working on 3D-screens and 3D-capture technology.

"We've done work in the labs looking at the capability of 3D-screens and 3D-capture," said Gillett.

"We've seen a lot of progress in screens and a lot of people now buy TVs and computer monitors that are capable of delivering a 3D image.

However, Gillett who joined Skype in 2010 before it was acquired by Microsoft, said that developing the technology and taking it to the masses would take more time.

"But the capture devices are not yet there. As we work with that kind of technology you have to add multiple cameras to your computer, precisely calibrate them and point them at the right angle."

"We have it in the lab, we know how to make it work and we're looking at the ecosystem of devices and their capability to support it in order to make a decision when we might think about bringing something like that to market," he said.

Live 3D video calls would need multiple cameras to capture all angles, and there aren't any good 3D viewing devices that render 3D without the user needing to wear special glasses. So Skype's work would not be easy.

"We're in the first year of your TV at home potentially having a camera attached to it, but we're several years away from the cameras capturing 3D in that context. You'll see much more penetration of 3D on TVs, on computers and ultimately in smartphones, probably, ahead of seeing it for sending a video call," elaborated Gillet.

3D technology has not really taken off at the mainstream level with problems such as the lack of good content, or the lack of glass-less 3D devices plaguing the entertainment industry. Broadcasters like ESPN and Disney are scrapping their 3D television channels and 3D home entertainment devices are not selling as much as device makers expected them to sell.

New Doctape Standalone iOS File Viewer Support 80+ File Types

If you need to review and read files on your iOS devices but sometimes cannot open them due to unsupported extension on the files. A new iOS application called Doctape might be worth more investigation as it supports over 80 file extensions, allowing you to view almost any file on your iOS smartphone of tablet when required.

The new standalone Doctpae iOS app has launched this week and is available to download for free from the iTunes App Store and uses a freemium app, with a free version also available but limited to two conversions per day. The Pro Doctape iOS App offers unlimited conversions plus additional features such as a full-text search.

Currently Doctape is only available on iOS devices but its developers say that other platforms will be supported very soon. Files supported by Doctape include:

Adobe PDF files (PDF)
Microsoft Office files (Word DOC/DOCX, Excel XLS/XLSX, Powerpoint PPT/PPTM/PPTX)
Libre Office & Open Office files (ODT, ODT, SXW, STW)
Text-files (RTF, TXT, CSV)
Audio files (MP3, M4A, AACF, AIFF, WAV, ALAC)
Video files (MP4, MOV, MPV, M4V, 3GP)
Image & vector files (JPG, PNG, TIF, BMP, AI, NEF, ARF)
Adobe Photoshop files (PSD)

“doctape gives you access to all your documents & media files on the go. With doctape, you don’t have to worry about all those different filetypes anymore. doctape does all the heavy lifting of converting every file for streamlined mobile access. By using doctape you automatically have an online backup and don’t have to worry in case your computer or mobile phone gets lost or stolen. You can even share your files with friends and family while on the go!”

CODE Keyboard Offers Mechanical Keys Without The Noise

A new keyboard called the CODE Keyboard has been designed by keyboard expert Weyman Kwong and developer/blogger Jeff Atwood which hope to bring all the stele and precision of a mechanical keyboard with none of the down sides such as the noise.

The new CODE Keyboard is now available to purchase for $150 and is available in either 104-key or the 87-key layouts and features e “ultra-rare” Cherry MX Clear mechanical keyswitches as well as LED backlighting.

The Cherry MX Clear mechanical keyswitches have been mounted onto a steel backplate making the CODE Keyboard weighty and sturdy at the same time, weighing in at 2.42 lbs as is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux systems.

“Ultra-rare Cherry MX Clear mechanical keyswitches are the heart of the CODE keyboard. These switches are unique in the Cherry line because they combine solid actuation force with quiet, non-click activation, and a nice tactile bump on every keystroke. These hard to find switches deliver a superior typing experience over cheap rubber dome keyboards – without deafening your neighbors in the process.”

For more information on the new CODE Keyboard jump over to the Coding Horror website for full details and the Code Keyboards website to place an order.

ASUS Padfone Inifinity A86's first purported images leaked

Rumours surrounding the Asus PadFone Infinity successor have been floating around for some time now, with the device appearing in GFX benchmark results, recently.

Now, some purported images of the Asus PadFone Infinity A86 have surfaced online at ePrice, showing the overall design language of the alleged Infinity A86 smartphone. The leaked images reveal the handset's design which is identical to the current PadFone Infinity. The image shows an all White Infinity A86 pictured alongside the current Fonepad Infinity. The front and back of the both the devices, the FonePad Infinity and alleged FonePad Infinity A86 are almost similar with the only difference being the colour.

The major difference is reportedly in the internals of the successor to the Infinity. The site claims that the FonePad Infinity will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor instead of the Snapdragon 600 which powers in the current PadFone Infinity. The site also notes that the device will be on sale before the end of September. However, the tablet dock has not been revealed yet.

Not too long ago, Asus's alleged PadFone Infinity A86 smartphone popped up in the GFX benchmark results revealing details about the device. The device is expected to sport a full-HD display with 1080x1920 pixels resolution; however there is no word about the size of the display. The tablet is code-named PadFone T004 and runs on Android 4.2.2. The device is said to include expandable storage and a noise-cancelling mic.

Earlier this year, Asus officially announced the PadFone Infinity, an LTE smartphone with a metallic design and a 5-inch full-HD display that can turn into a 10.1-inch tablet when docked to its companion PadFone Infinity Station at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013.

LG, Sony & Samsung Slash 4K TV Prices In USA. Will UK Follow?

Retail prices for 4K Ultra HD TVs have been slashed, drawn and quartered over this month, with LG Electronics becoming the latest television brand to cut the price of its own super-high resolution displays in the wake of similar cuts from Sony and Samsung.

As reported by Twice.com first of all, LG has confirmed that it’s reducing the asking prices of its 55-inch and 65-inch 4K TVs in the USA, in what looks to be a retaliatory move to competitors’ cuts. The models will have their prices reduced by $1,000 and $1,500 respectively, meaning that the 55LA9700 55in 4K TV will now be priced at $4,999, while the 65LA9700 65-incher will retail at $6,499, as of the 1st of September.

LG’s vice president of corporate communications more or less admitted that the discounts were forced on the company after Sony’s and Samsung’s own aggressive price drops, saying that the move would help to “keep LG Ultra HD TVs competitive in the marketplace.”

LG had previously announced price reductions for its 4K televisions in South Korea just hours after Samsung reduced the cost of its OLED HDTVs, and so the question on everyone’s lips now is – will we see a similar reduction in the UK anytime soon?

That remains to be seen, but here we’re gonna go out on a limb and say that if you are on the verge of buying a 4K TV in the next couple of days, you might just want to hold back a little. The thing is, for all the publicity it’s had so far, 4K TVs are yet to gain much traction in the overall market – simply because all but a few high-rollers can afford to shell out thousands of pounds on one of these things. If manufacturers really want to push 4K out to the masses (which they really do), then it seems they’ve little option but to make things more affordable.

Samsung has already made moves towards that in the United Kingdom, knocking £700 off the cost of its 55-inch UE55F9000, and a grand off the price of its 65-inch UE65F9000, with the two models now retailing at £3,299 and £4,999 respectively. Sony, despite rolling out cheaper 4K TVs in the US recently has yet to respond on these shores, but given how it’s been the most aggressive brand of all when it comes to marketing Ultra HD’s capabilities, we’re betting that a similar drop here will be in the offing very soon. As for LG, we should note that it’s yet to even launch its 55″ and 65″ 4KTVs in the UK (however you can always splash out £17,000 on its monster-size 84-inch beast if you desire), but with Samsung’s ultra high-definition TVs so aggressively priced, it’s likely to be forced into doing something similar.

Of course, even with these price cuts 4K TVs remain far from affordable, but if you’ve been mulling over the idea of an upgrade for your living room soon, in the next couple of weeks or so it might well be the time to make your move.

LG Cinematic IPS 21:9 UltraWide All-in-one PC Unveiled

LG has today announced a new addition to its range of All-in-one PCs with the unveiling of the new LG Cinematic All-in-one PC which comes supplied with an awesome IPS 21:9 UltraWide display.

The LG Cinematic IPS 21:9 UltraWide display offers users a 2560 x 1080 resolution and comes running Microsoft’s latest Windows 8 operating system together with a NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M GPU for advanced graphics processing.

A great feature of the new LG Cinematic All-in-one PC is its picture-in-picture (PIP) that allows users to surf the internet while watching TV, together with Extra View, which allows a section of the display to be utilised to access a TV schedule or another application. LG explains more in their press release:

“LG’s 29-inch IPS 21:9 UltraWide lineup makes multitasking more convenient with extra screen real estate for displaying more content and information on one screen. Well suited to the needs of the modern professional, these exceptional displays further enhance multitasking with 4-Screen Split and Dual Link-up features.

These advanced devices are also ideal for gamers and movie buffs, as the 21:9 aspect ratio makes the viewing experience more immersive. The IPS 21:9 UltraWide series is Mac compatible and supports Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), HDMI and DisplayPort, transforming the PCs into powerful entertainment hubs capable of mirroring and transmitting content from a wide range of devices.”

Some specifications have still to be unveiled for the new LG Cinematic IPS 21:9 UltraWide All-in-one PC and unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.

BlackBerry landing page featuring BBM for iPhone and Android spotted online

BlackBerry has been working on bringing its popular messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger, to the iOS and Android platforms for a while now. The cross platform version of the messaging service was expected to be rolled out by summer and it appears that we're finally close to its launch.

Recently, a landing page dedicated to BBM surfaced on the official site of the company, claiming that the BBM service has arrived for both, Android and Apple platforms. The dedicated page for the service said, "BBM for Android and iPhone is here."

However, the landing page was pulled later and has been replaced with a launch page that says, "BBM is coming to Android and iPhone" and includes an option to get notified when the service launches through an email prompt.

Engadget notes that, the BBM service landing page hinted that the service is just about ready to be launched and the page can reappear anytime. It is worth pointing out that the landing page that has now been removed showed iPhone instead of iOS, which hints that the BBM service may be rolled out to iPhone users initially and an iPad app might not be in the works.

Earlier, BlackBerry Messenger for Android was spotted online with some users reportedly receiving invites for the same. The report claimed that BBM for Android would be rolled out in the not-too-distant future. A screenshot revealed that users would be able to sign-in to BlackBerry Messenger with their BlackBerry ID.

In a recent development, Samsung had announced that the BBM app would be available on the company's app store, preloaded on the Galaxy series of Android devices, and on the Google Play Store, across the African continent.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z receiving Android 4.2.2 update

After releasing firmware updates for some recently and not so recently launched Xperia smartphones, Sony is reportedly rolling out the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the Xperia Tablet Z's Wi-Fi variant.

Xperiaguide claims that the company has officially rolled out the Android 4.2.2 10.3.1.C.0.136 firmware update for the Wi-Fi only variant of the Xperia Tablet Z SGP311 and SGP312.

The site notes that Android 4.2.2 10.3.1.C.0.136 firmware update for the tablet is a major update, compared to the previous ones and is a 786MB download. The site also notes that users in UK and France have confirmed receiving the new update on their Xperia Tablet Z device. It is available via the PC Companion desktop tool.

Some of the major highlights of the latest firmware update include multi-user support, a Notification bar added at top of screen with Quick Settings options, support for 64GB microSD cards, a Semi-transparent bar in the lockscreen and the addition of a new kind of widget functionality on both the Homescreen and lockscreen.

Sony unveiled the much talked about Xperia Tablet Z in India, earlier this year. The Xperia Tablet Z sports a 10.1-inch screen with full-HD (1920 x 1200 pixels) display. It runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). It is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and comes with 2GB of RAM. The major USP of the tablet, however, is its form factor. At 6.9mm, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is currently amongst the slimmest tablets around and it weighs 495 grams.

Earlier, Sony rolled out a firmware update for its flagship phone, Sony Xperia Z Ultra smartphone. The new update added a number of features; however it still kept the device on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Not too long ago, the Sony Xperia S, Xperia SL, Xperia Acro S and Xperia SP smartphones also received a firmware update.

Nokia 515 feature phone with aluminium body unveiled

Nokia has launched the Nokia 515 to expand its feature phone portfolio. The newly launched feature phone will be available in single and Easy Swap dual-SIM variants.

The Nokia 515 body is built from a single piece of anodised, sandblasted aluminium while the display features the scratch resistant Gorilla Glass 2 and is polarised for use under the sun. It features a 2.4-inch QVGA display with 240x320 pixels and boasts a pixel density of 166ppi. The phone runs on Nokia's Series 40 software and includes 64MB of RAM. It measures 114x48x11mm and weighs 101.1grams for single SIM and 102.7 grams for dual-SIM variant.

Nokia 515 includes 256MB of internal memory which can be expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. It sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and the camera includes options like voice-guided self-portrait for taking self-shots with the rear camera, Sequential shots and Panorama. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS, Micro-USB and 3G, while there is no Wi-Fi in the device. The Nokia 515 supports Micro-SIM instead of regular SIM.

There are some pre-loaded apps like Facebook, Twitter, Nimbuzz and Mail for Exchange that allows users people to check work email and sync their calendars and contacts on-the-go. The device also includes 1200mAh battery that can deliver up to 528 hours of standby time and talk time of about 10 hours.

The Nokia 515 will begin shipping in the third quarter of 2013, starting with markets like Russia, Germany, Switzerland and Poland. It will have an expected retail price of $149 or 115 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

However, it seems the Nokia 515 dual-SIM variant only will head to Indian market since company's official Indian site has listed the Nokia 515 dual-SIM variant. However, there is no word on possible pricing and availability of the phone.

Nokia 515 key specifications

• 2.4-inch QVGA display with 240x320 pixels and boasts a pixel density of 166ppi
• 64MB of RAM
• Nokia's Series 40 software
• Dual-SIM with dual standby
• Alphanumeric keypad
• 256MB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card
• 1200mAh battery
• 114x48x11mm

HTC One Max leaked specifications reveal Android 4.3, Sense 5.5 UI

A new set of specifications of what is allegedly HTC's upcoming One Max phablet has surfaced online.

According to a report in the Chinese media, the device is likely to run on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with HTC's Sense 5.5 UI on top. Other specifications leaked include the TD-LTE connectivity, 5.9-inch full-HD display with 1080x1920 pixels resolution, 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor with 2GB of RAM and Wi-Fi. The site also reveals that the alleged HTC One Max will sport a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera and the UltraPixel camera on the back, which was introduced on the HTC One.

However, the report does not mention the fingerprint scanner, which was claimed to be on the rear panel in earlier reports. The Chinese site also claims that HTC's phablet may be showcased next month at the earliest, hinting at a possible launch at IFA in Berlin.

Earlier, leaked specifications of the alleged HTC One Max mentioned 16GB of internal storage and a 3300mAh battery. The Taiwanese major is also expected to equip the phablet with a stylus.

Previously, renders of the HTC One Max (T6) appeared online, courtesy the notorious @evleaks. While the image was claimed to be the non final artwork of the HTC T6, it did give a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming phablet from HTC.

With the launch of the HTC One Max, the Taiwanese handset maker will join the phablet race with Samsung and Sony which already offer the Galaxy Mega 6.3 featuring a 6.3-inch display and Xperia Z Ultra sporting a 6.4-inch display.

Swipe MTV Slate tablet with Android 4.2, voice-calling launched for Rs. 14,999

Continuing its association with MTV, Swipe has launched a new tablet dubbed as the MTV Slate for Rs. 14,999.

The Swipe MTV Slate features a 7.85-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. The tablet runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and weighs 400 grams. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex A7 processor with 1GB of RAM. The device sports a 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera. It packs 8GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. The tablet comes with SIM card support with voice-calling capability. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G. The device also includes a 3200mAh battery. It also features FM Radio with recording.

Commenting on the launch Shripal Gandhi, Founder & CEO, Swipe Telecom said, "MTV Slate is yet another innovation as a result of an intense market research conducted across the country followed by a development phase and has been custom designed for the end consumers power packed with the latest features and astounding looks, MTV Slate will further strengthen our product portfolio for the youth."

Earlier, Swipe had launched MTV Slash tablet at a price point of Rs. 9,499.

The tablet featured a 7.0-inch display with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels. It is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor with 1GB RAM and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The device supports dual SIM (GSM+GSM) with dual standby. It comes with 4GB internal storage which can be expanded up to 32GB. There is a 5.0-megapixel camera at the back accompanied by a flash in addition to a front facing VGA camera. The dimensions of the device are 188x108x9.4mm and it weighs around 290 grams.

Swipe MTV Slate key specifications

• 7.85-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels
• 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex A7 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal storage, expandable memory up to 32GB
• 5.0-megapixel rear camera
• VGA front camera
• 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
• 3200mAh battery
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

Purported specifications of Nokia Asha 502 and Asha 503 appear online

 

Nokia seems to be in no mood to rest after the laurels earned by its Asha 501 budget feature phone, as the company is reportedly working on two new Asha devices, if a rumour is to be believed.

 

In line with the design language of the recently launched Nokia Asha 501, the company reportedly has the Asha 502 and Asha 503 phones in the pipeline. This Is Nokia, a Nokia fan website cites sources to reveal the specifications of the Nokia Asha 502, codenamed Pegasus and the Nokia Asha 503, codenamed Lanai.

The site claims that both of the alleged Asha phones could be launched in Q3 or Q4 of 2013.

The site notes that the Nokia Asha 502 will feature a polycarbonate design with a 3.2 to 3.5-inch scratch resistant display which is said to be better than that of the Asha 501, though the source is not sure about the screen resolution. It is likely to be slimmer and lighter. The RAM could be in the range of 128 to 512 MB while the processor is expected to be clocked at 1-1.2GHz. The Asha 502 is said to support 3G connectivity, the feature that was widely missed on the Asha 501. It could sport a 5-megapixel rear camera with the new Nokia Camera app for Asha devices. The site also claims that the device could support dual-SIM.

Meanwhile, the alleged Nokia Asha 503 is said to feature a polycarbonate and glass design. The display is likely to be around 3.2 to 3.4-inches. It could be powered by a 1-1.5GHz processor with a GPU and RAM could be in the range of 128 to 512MB. The Asha 503 is also likely to be a dual SIM phone with 3G connectivity.

The site also notes that both the yet to be announced Asha devices feature Nokia SLAM Bluetooth transfer for faster sharing of files, pictures and even videos. However, there is no word from Nokia about the possible availability and pricing of the Asha phones, yet.

Google's new Nexus 7 is now available internationally

It is a good day to be a Nexus fan – after Google slashed $100 off the price of the Nexus 4, bringing it down to an unbelievable $200 for the base version, the company has now extended the availability of the Nexus 7 (2013) to several new markets.

Starting today, the Nexus 7 (2013) can be bought from the UK Play Store starting from £199 for the 16GB version. The same model goes for €229 in Germany, France, and Spain, the three other European markets where Google sells devices through the Play Store.

Customers in Japan, a market where the original Nexus 7 was very successful, can pick up the new generation of the 7-inch tablet for 27,800 yen, which is the equivalent of $286. If you’re wondering about the price disparities between countries, it all boils down to local taxes and duties.

With today’s expansion, Australia, India, and South Korea remain the only markets where Google has yet to offer the Nexus 7 (2013). Customers here can find the device at local retailers, but usually at a higher price than what Google asks for it. While we have no official info on the availability of the new Nexus 7 in these countries, it’s hopefully not too far away.

Apple's iWatch coming in 2014, to be made in Taiwan

Two leading Taiwanese electronics firms that assemble products for Apple have received orders to make the highly anticipated "iWatch", an analyst and reports said Wednesday.

"Apple is likely to introduce 'iWatch' in 2014. From our channel checks, Inventec is the major assembly source for 'iWatch', with about 60 percent of order allocation," said CIMB Securities analyst Wanli Wang in a report.

CIMB projects 63.4 million units of "iWatch" shipments in the year after its launch with an average price of around $199, while the "iWatch" project is estimated to contribute 19 percent of Inventec's earnings in 2014, Wang said.

Taiwan's Apple Daily newspaper said Quanta Computer was splitting the "iWatch" orders with Inventec by taking 40 percent of order allocation, citing unnamed sources.

Inventec and Quanta both declined to comment.

Wearable computing devices such as Google Glass eyewear are widely seen as the next frontier in consumer electronics, following the huge popularity of smartphones.

Competition in the "smartwatch" market is heating up, with Google, Microsoft and Samsung Electronics racing to develop their own watch-type computing devices.

California-based Apple last month filed a trademark application for an "iWatch" in Japan.

Apple chief Tim Cook earlier this year forecast that there will be "tons of companies playing" in the wearable computing sector.

Nexus 4 gets a $100 price cut, now starts at $199

Google has announced that it is cutting the price of the Nexus 4 smartphone.

The Nexus 4 is now available at a discount of about 25 percent which means that the 8GB variant will sell on Google Play Store for $199 while the 16GB variant will be available for $249.

The discount is reportedly being offered in selective markets that include the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea and Australia. The search giant announced the discount via its official Twitter handle.

The tweet said, "We've lowered the price of #Nexus4. Get it for 25% off or more in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, US, UK.

This is the first time Google has revised the prices of the Nexus 4 which was being offered at a price of $299 for the 8GB variant and $349 for the 16GB variant since its arrival on the Google Play Store in November 2012.

The price cut can be expected to be an attempt to boost sales ahead of Apple's announcement of the new iPhone 5C, which is rumoured to be a low cost version of the iPhone that will compete against Android smartphones like Nexus 4. It could also be an exercise to clear old stock as Google gears up to unveil the next generation Nexus smartphone.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5C along with the iPhone 5S, the next generation iPhone, on September 10 at an event in San Francisco.

Moreover, the price slash comes at a time amidst several rumours around possible Nexus 4 successors. Recently, a rumour claimed that the next iteration of the Nexus phone, will be unveiled later this year and Google owned Motorola will be working on the device. The rumour came from Taylor Wimberly, a technology journalist. However, nothing has been confirmed by the search engine giant, yet.

Sony Xperia Z1 to launch on September 18 in India

The last month has witnessed a flurry of leaks and rumours surrounding Sony's upcoming flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z1 aka Honami which is expected to be announced on September 4.

Just a week before Sony's rumoured September 4 event, fresh rumours suggest that the device will be officially unveiled at an event in India on September 18.

BGR India cites sources to report that Sony's much-hyped Xperia Z1 smartphone will be launched in India at an event in New Delhi, on September 18. The site also notes that India may be among the countries where the device will be launched within two weeks of its global announcement. The site further speculates that the device could be priced around Rs. 50,000. However, there is no official word from the company on the expected pricing and availability of the Xperia Z1.

Additionally, the site also claims that Sony's attachable 'lens cameras' would be dubbed as the EspressOn. Earlier, we reported about the external lens cameras being dubbed as DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 being leaked online.

Interestingly, the external lenses can be magnetically attached with a smartphone or tablet and can work on both Android and iOS devices. Both the lenses are expected to come with built-in sensors, Bionz processor, Wi-Fi or NFC wireless connections and SD card slot support. The top-end model is likely to pack the 20.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor and f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens from the Sony RX100 II while another model will feature a 10x zoom lens with1/2, 3-inch 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. However, there is no word on the exact release date and pricing of the external lenses.

Earlier, a fresh bunch of images of the alleged Xperia Z1 smartphone surfaced online revealing the overall design of the device.

Samsung's new tablet is built with your toddler in mind

Samsung announced today the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids, a variant of the earlier Galaxy Tab 3 designed specifically with kids in mind. Clad in the brightest yellow you can get and surrounded by an easy-to-grip bright orange bumper, the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is a fairly low-end device with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel display; 3-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera; and a dual-core processor. It runs Android 4.1, but your kids probably won't ever see that, since Samsung is including its own software layer and app store targeted at children. The Tab 3 Kids also has a Time Management mode, which lets parents set specific time limits for use on the tablet. It doesn't sound much different than the time management features available in the Kindle Fire HD from Amazon.

To accessorize the Tab 3 Kids, Samsung is offering a case option with a handle that can double as a kick stand and has something called the C Pen, which will let children draw on the tablet without worrying about marking up other objects. Naturally, Samsung is releasing the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids in Korea first, with rollouts planned for China, Europe, US, Africa, South America, and South East Asia. Pricing has not been announced, but we wouldn't expect the Tab 3 Kids to be much more expensive than the standard 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3, which is priced at $199.

Apple may release iOS 7 on Sept. 10, according to Nuance email

There’s been talk for a while now indicating that the folks at Apple are gearing up to unveil a revamped iPhone (5S), as well as a low-cost version (5C), on September 10.

What we haven’t heard so much about is when the Cupertino-based company might release its eagerly anticipated all-new mobile operating system, iOS 7.

However, a marketing email sent to developers from Nuance, the company behind Siri, suggests the new OS will also be rolled out on September 10, prior to the launch of the iPhone 5S and 5C – unless Apple has plans to launch the phones on the same day they show them off, something it’s never done before with its handset. Last year iOS 6 was released to the public on September 19, one week after it unveiled its iPhone 5 handset.

The email (below), picked up by The Next Web contributor Owen Williams, says:

“As you are probably aware, iOS 7 GA [general availability] will be released on September 10th.”

Of course, it’s hard to believe anyone outside Apple’s inner circle has been informed of the precise date of the release without any public announcement having been made – the “as you are probably aware” part may suggest the company is just going by all the recent reports that’ve been circulating suggesting a September 10 Apple event.

Whatever the case, users keen to put the new OS through its paces are certain to have the opportunity in the coming weeks.

There’s more interest than usual in Apple’s new mobile operating system as it represents the biggest change since the iPhone launched in 2007. Redesigned from the ground up, the system gets a completely new look with plenty of new features. However, design chief Jony Ive and his team have apparently been careful to ensure it remains familiar to existing iDevice owners and simple to use.

Some older Apple devices won’t be able to load up the new OS. 

Logitech's latest wireless gaming mouse runs for 125 hours on a single AA battery

Gamers can probably relate to the hassle of getting interupted in the middle of a game because you had to change the batteries on your gaming mouse. Logitech wants to change all of that by announcing the new G602 gaming mouse.

Although users will still need to occasionally replace the battery on the G602, at least the interval is longer. That's because Logitech claims that the gaming mouse can last up to 250 hours of continuous use.

Apart from the battery, the G602 gaming mouse also features Logitech's Delta Zero sensor technology that proffers lag-free and precision gaming. Logitech also has new specialized mouse pads to enhance the experience. They are the Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad and the Logitech G240 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad - both of which feature smooth surfaces that improves gameplay.

Futhermore, users are presented with two modes - performance and endurance. Performance mode is basically for gaming, where users can enjoy over 250 hours of non-stop battery life. The endurance mode, on the other hand, is suited for non-gaming. On this mode, the mouse can last up to 1,400 hours.

The Logitech G602 gaming mouse will be available next month at a retail price of $79.99

Sony combines mirrorless camera and DSLR with the tiny new A3000

From the entry-level NEX-3 to the pro-level NEX-7, Sony's made a name for itself cramming big sensors into small camera bodies. The company's doing it again this week, but with a slightly different tack: it's fused the body of a DSLR with the sensor, control setup, and lens options of a mirrorless camera. The new Alpha A3000 comes with a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, an electronic viewfinder, 1080p video shooting at 60 or 24 frames per second, and a dozen or so picture filters and effects, and an E-mount. So far, so NEX.

But the A3000 looks much more like a shrunken DSLR, with a roomy grip for your right hand, a mode dial on top, a hotshoe, and buttons and dials everywhere. It's smaller than most DSLRs but obviously still larger than most mirrorless cameras, and it's quite comfortable; I found it easier to hold in one hand than any NEX camera I've used. This camera is Sony's attempt to blur the line between mirrorless camera and DSLR, and do it at a price that'll make any DSLR shopper look twice: $399.99 with a black 18-55mm kit lens. It's very much an entry-level camera, with few bells or whistles to speak of, but thanks to its E-mount compatibility it offers some growing power — and a cheap way to look like a pro holding a DSLR.

Sony's not ignoring the traditional NEX lineup, though: it's introduced the new NEX-5T, which is all about bells and whistles. The $699 camera isn't fundamentally that different from the NEX-5R, but it adds NFC: that allows one-touch connection between the NEX-5T and your smartphone or your computer. Given our past experience with Sony's camera Wi-Fi, that may not be a frequently-used feature, though we've liked the ability to use your phone as a remote viewfinder and shutter button. The 5T keeps the same sensor, same fast hybrid autofocus, and even most of the same fit and finish as the last model — but since it comes with Sony's new, smaller power zoom 16-50mm kit lens, it's a noticeably smaller footprint. We liked the NEX-5R, and though the 5T doesn't reinvent the wheel it's a nice upgrade.

Both cameras will be available in late September, along with three new E-mount lenses. They probably won't upstage the NEX-6 as our favorite of Sony's mirrorless cameras, but at far cheaper prices they probably don't need to.

Nokia Bandit phablet to be reportedly called Nokia Lumia 1520

Nokia's alleged phablet, code-named Bandit will be called Nokia Lumia 1520, if a rumour is to be believed.

Notorious phone leaker, @evleaks claims that Nokia's alleged Bandit phablet will be dubbed as the Nokia Lumia 1520. In a tweet he says, "Nokia Bandit = Lumia 1520". Unfortunately, the serial leaker has not revealed any other details about the alleged Nokia phablet.

Nokia's current flagship smartphone is the Lumia 1020 which features a 41-megapixel camera, while the company's flagship smartphone in 2012 was the Nokia Lumia 920 that introduced PureView technology on a Lumia device (at least partially).

Earlier, it was reported that the Finnish handset manufacturer was currently testing a 6-inch device running an updated version of Windows Phone 8 OS. The site further claimed that the company had code-named the device as 'Bandit' and was expected to include a full-HD (1080p) display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor. The report had also noted that the alleged Nokia phablet would ship with a 20-megapixel rear camera and may borrow the rear panel features of the Nokia Lumia 925 to accommodate the camera.

However, the device may not be unveiled before Microsoft rolls out the GDR3 update to existing Windows Phone devices. Microsoft is reportedly testing the GDR3 software update for Windows Phone 8.

Previously, a Chinese technology publication published an image of the alleged front panel of the first Nokia Lumia phablet on its Weibo account.

Nokia recently launched the Lumia 625 that features a 4.7-inch LCD screen, the biggest seen on a Nokia phone yet.

iPhone 5S makes a video appearance in full Champagne Gold glory

iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, the rumoured next-generation iPhone and cheaper iPhone respectively, are expected to be unveiled on September 10. As the date approaches closer, we're seeing a new leak almost every day.

While the next generation iPhone, the iPhone 5S has made several appearances, a new hands-on video offers a good look at the Gold/ Champagne colour variant of the phone, which has been recently making headlines. The video, posted by AppAdvice also features the Blue coloured variant of the much talked-about low-cost iPhone or iPhone 5C.

The video features the back panel of the iPhone 5S in Gold colour, revealing a much subtle Champagne colour. It compares the iPhone 5S shell to the Black/ Slate and White/ Silver coloured iPhone 5 in the videos. The iPhone 5S is almost identical to the iPhone 5 with the only physical difference being the pill shaped dual-LED camera flash. The Gold colour iPhone features White strips at the top and bottom, similar to the Silver iPhone. The phone sports Gold colour at the side edges and at the bottom, as well, in line with previous leaks. The iPhone branding on the iPhone 5S also features thinner fonts compared to the branding on the iPhone 5.

 

The Blue back panel of the iPhone 5C looks similar to the phones that have appeared in previous leaks. It's almost the same size as that of the iPhone 5 except that it's a little thicker due to its polycarbonate build. It features a Black coloured Apple logo at the back.

Just a day back, alleged pictures of a new Graphite or Grey coloured variant of the iPhone 5S and some of its components had also appeared online, courtesy Sonny Dickson.

The iPhone 5S is expected to come with a brand new Apple chip, the A7, alongside 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM, retaining the form factor of the iPhone 5. A 128GB storage variant of the phone has also been rumoured. The iPhone 5S is likely to come with a larger f2.0 aperture compared to the iPhone 5, that comes with f2.4 aperture. It's also likely to sport a fingerprint reader.

The low-cost iPhone or iPhone 5C has leaked several times. Alleged pictures of the iPhone 5C have revealed a plastic polycarbonate body back panel in White, Blue, Red, Yellow and Green colours, a round camera lens and LED flash, Apple logo and iPhone branding. However, we've not heard much about the specifications of the phone till now.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5S along with the iPhone 5C, the cheaper version of the iPhone, on September 10 at an event in San Francisco.

Galaxy Gear smart watch coming next week, Samsung says

A loose-lipped Samsung executive has confirmed not only that Samsung will be launching a smart watch, but that it will be unveiled on 4 September at the IFA trade show in Berlin.

Speaking to the Korea Times (via Android Beat), executive vice president of Samsung Mobile Lee Young-Hee confirmed that the Galaxy Gear watch will arrive next week and will be based on Android. Young-Hee also stated that it won't use a flexible display, putting an end to rumours about bendy screens wrapping around your wrist.

Further information about the watch wasn't discussed so we still don't know whether we'll be seeing a regular version of Android on board. Given the small size of the screen, it's likely that it will be a heavily customised version of the software, designed to run specific apps that link it to an Android smart phone. Actual screen size and processor remain unknown, although previous leaks hint that it'll be able to make calls and surf the web.

With a 4 September launch, Samsung is evidently hoping to get off to an early lead with its wearable tech, ahead of Apple's own much-rumoured smart watch, that's yet to see the light of day.

Young-Hee also confirmed that the Galaxy Note 3 will be given a 4 September launch. Firm specs of the new enormo-phone are still unknown, but it's expected to have a gigantic Full HD screen, a stylus for writing, 4G connectivity and potentially an octa-core processor here in the UK.

Xolo Q1000S with 5-inch HD display launched for Rs. 18,999

Xolo has launched the Xolo Q1000S in India at a price point of Rs. 18,999.

The Xolo Q1000S features a 5-inch HD IPS display with OGS display technology and boasts a resolution of 720x1280 pixels with 294ppi pixel density. It runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The device is powered by 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek 6589T processor paired with 1GB RAM. It also comes with 16GB of internal storage which is non-expandable and measures 6.98mm in thickness.

The Xolo Q1000S sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with BSI 2 sensor with LED flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of recording full-HD videos and also comes with image stabilisation technology. Other features of camera are scene detection and tuning, high dynamic range (HDR), low-light enhancement, face recognition, burst mode feature to capture up to 99 shots, Panorama and geo-tagging. The handset packs in a 2500 mAh battery that can give up to 327 hours of standby time and about 23 hours of talk time, as per the company. Connectivity options include GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G.

Earlier this month, the company had launched the Xolo A500S. The Xolo A500S features a 4-inch WVGA display that has a resolution of 480x800 pixels and pixel density of 233 Pixels Per Inch (PPI). The device is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM and a Mali-400 MP GPU. It includes a 5-megapixel rear camera accompanied by an LED flash and a VGA front facing camera. The rear camera can record videos up to 720p resolution. The Xolo A500S runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It also includes 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB through microSD card. It is a dual SIM device with support for GSM+GSM with dual standby. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, and Micro-USB. Other features include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor and AGPS. The Xolo A500S is backed by a 1400mAh battery.

Xolo Q1000S key specifications

• 5-inch HD IPS display with 720x1280 pixels resolution and 294ppi pixel density
• 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek 6589T processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage
• 13-megapixel rear camera
• 5-megapixel front facing camera
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• 2500mAh battery