Google Nexus X preview

Google’s elusive Nexus X, a smartphone the company has yet to officially reveal, but quite obviously exists, is rumoured to launch later this month.

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As usual, internet rumours claim to know almost everything about the phone before it’s even been announced. The Nexus X’s technical specifications are supposedly as follows:
 
5.92-inch display ,2560 x 1440 resolution, 498 ppi,Snapdragon 805 processor
3 GB of RAM
A model with 32 GB of storage
3,200 mAh battery
13 MP rear camera, 4K UHD video capable
2 MP front-facing camera

The Nexus X’s much bigger, 5.92-inch display makes it about an inch larger than the Nexus 5’s screen and has the smartphone’s display size edging into phablet territory. This means the Nexus’ display is even larger than the iPhone 6 Plus’ 5.5-inch screen, which could frustrate users who actually like to fit their cell phone in their front pocket.
 
Google’s Nexus X is also expected to look a lot like Motorola’s flagship phone, the Moto X, only slightly larger and with volume and power buttons that have been shifted down the phone’s body. Since the Moto X is widely regarded as one of the top Android smartphones on the market right now, the Nexus X sharing similarities with Motorola’s flagship phone is definitely not a bad thing.

 
In terms of release date, the Nexus One was released in Jan, 2010, the Nexus S was released in Dec. 2010, the Galaxy Nexus was released in Nov. of 2011, the Nexus 4 was released on Nov. 12 and the Nexus 5 was released in Oct of 2013. If history is set to repeat itself, and it often does when it comes to smartphone release dates, the Nexus X will likely be released sometime in October or early November.
 
If it doesn’t, the Nexus X will definitely be released before the end of Q4 2014. This means we should be able to get our hands on Google’s next flagship smartphone before the end of the holiday season.
 
Rumours have circulated for a while that the Nexus brand would be killed off in favour of Google’s upcoming Android Silver line of smartphones, a program that encourages manufacturers to build high-quality phones featuring a basic version of the Android operating system, giving users a more pure Android experience.
 
nexus x
Popular Android rumour website 9To5Google apparently go their hands on leaked images of the Nexus X. 9To5Google
While Google’s Android Silver line will still launch in Feb. 2015 with an LG device leading the first wave of smartphones, the company also still seems to have plans to continue its Nexus line.
 
The Nexus X will likely be the first smartphone to launch with Android L, also known as Lollipop, although some experts think Android L might be named after a different desert delicacy, Lemon Meringue Pie.
 
The smartphone is also expected to interact closely with Google’s also still unannounced Nexus Gem smartwatch and that both the smartwatch and the Nexus X will be released at the same time and interact together in some way.
 
In terms of price, things are still unclear. Some rumours indicate the Nexus X could cost somewhere between the $350 to $400 range, which means it’ll have a price tag very similar to the Nexus 5’s.
 
Source : fox.com

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Review Apple iPhone 6

NEW YORK (AP) -- Apple's new and bigger iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are more durable than last year's model and a leading Android phone, a study says.

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Apple's iPhone 6, whose screen measures 4.7 inches, did the best across a variety of tests that measures how prone smartphones are to break due to everyday accidents, according to SquareTrade, a company that provides extended protection plans.

The iPhone Plus 6, whose screen measures 5.5 inches, wasn't far behind but lost points because it could slip out of a person's hand since some users may have a hard time gripping its large but slim form, SquareTrade says.

The iPhone 5s, which measures 4 inches and came out last year, fared better than Samsung's Galaxy S5, which measures 5.1 inches.

The Samsung phone got poor marks on several tests including the slide test. The more a phone slides, the greater its chance of falling off the edge of a table.

Still, all four of the smartphones tested had a medium risk of breakage and had no drastic differences among them.

"The phones are getting more and more durable," says Ty Shay, chief marketing officer at SquareTrade. "Manufacturers are paying more attention."

SquareTrade examines the phones based on eight factors, including size, weight, grip and the quality of the front and back panels.

The company measured how far the phones slide when pushed across a table on their backs and how well they withstand drops from 4 feet and being dunked in water for 10 seconds.

SquareTrade says it uses robots to do the testing to ensure consistency, and rates the phones on a 10-point durability scale, with 10 signifying the highest risk.

Apple's iPhone 6 scored the best at 4; the iPhone 6 Plus scored a 5; the iPhone 5s a 6; and Samsung Galaxy S5 a 6.5.

Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus passed the slide test, but the iPhone 5s and Samsung Galaxy's S5 got poor marks in that area. The iPhone 6 Plus was the only one that didn't fare as well when dropped 4 feet by the robot.

The glass screen survived, but the case separated from the glass. All four phones fared well in the water resistance test.

SquareTrade provided The Associated Press with the results ahead of Monday's announcement.

Aside from larger screens, the new Apple iPhones 6 and 6 Plus announced this month promises faster performance and offers a wireless chip for making credit card payments at stores by holding the phone near the payment terminal.

The phones start at $199 with a two-year service contact. The new iPhones initially were available this month in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the U.K. Availability is expanding to more than 20 additional countries.

Source:wcpo.con

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Microsoft wants more smartphone market share

Microsoft acquired Nokia’s devices and services unit for $7.2 billion in a transaction that closed last April.

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At the ongoing IFA event in Germany, Microsoft leveraged the fruits of this acquisition with the planned launch of three new smartphones in the coming months.

While Lumia 830 will replace Lumia 820 that was launched last year, Lumia 730 and 735 will replace Lumia 720.

All three new phones have bigger screen size, memory and better cameras compared to the predecessors.

Although the prices for these new phones have not been disclosed yet, we believe that they will be priced similar to the previous models i.e. near $200 for Lumia 730 and 735, and below $350 for Lumia 830.

In this article, we will explore how these launches fits into Microsoft’s strategy to boost its revenues.

Unlike developed countries where smartphone penetration is above 50%, it is below 25% in many developing countries.

While the adoption of smartphones in developed countries fueled the first wave of global growth, strong demand in emerging markets will drive the next phase.

Currently, the sale of sub-$200 smartphones is prevalent in emerging countries, and we believe that with the availability of smartphones offering better functionality than the existing phones, smartphone adoption and penetration can rise.

According to IDC, global smartphone shipments are on the rise and set to surpass 1.2 billion unit mark this year. 

In Q2 2014, smartphone sales edged past the 300 million mark with substantial growth in sub-$200 smartphone.

High smartphone growth is the result of a variety of factors including steep device subsidies from carriers in developed countries, as well as a growing array of sub-$200 smartphones.

Additionally, Reportbuyer.com forecasts smartphone shipments to grow to 3.9 billion by 2018.

Despite the expected increase in smartphone shipments, the expected shipment figure in emerging regions such as Asia-Pacific will be less than 50%.

We believe this presents an excellent opportunity for smartphone manufacturers that have a sizable market share in these regions.

To capitalize on this opportunity, Microsoft, which has rights to market new smartphone under Nokia’s brand name, is launching upgrades to its existing line of Lumia phones.

By doing so, Microsoft hopes to capture a bigger chunk in the highly competitive emerging markets as Nokia’s brand name is still widely recognized in these countries. Currently, Windows phones’ share in smartphone market is 2.5%. 

If Microsoft can increase its market share to 10% by launching feature rich but cheaper smartphones, which have an average cost of $130, it can generate $50 billion in revenues by 2018.

We have $44 price estimate for Microsoft, which is in line with the current market price.

Source : Forbes.com

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New Jaguar XE 2015

The new Jaguar XE, the British firm's answer to the BMW 3 Series, has been revealed in London

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The new Jaguar XE was revealed at a star-studded launch event at London's Earls Court last night, ahead of the car's on-sale date next spring.

The XE will be the British brand's first BMW 3 Series rival since the Jaguar X-Type was discontinued in 2009. Since then, buyers looking for a high-quality compact saloon car were forced to look at models from Mercedes, Audi and Lexus, or step-up to the larger (and more expensive) Jaguar XF.

Prices for the new Jaguar XE will start from around £27,000, with a range of super-frugal petrol and diesel engines – including a tax-exempt diesel emitting 99g/km of CO2. All models will be launched at the Paris Motor Show next month.

We’ve got all the information on Jag's small saloon, so keep reading for everything you need to know.

New Jaguar XE 2015 design

Ian Callum, designer of the new XE has clearly used existing Jaguar models as inspiration – with hints of XF, F-Type and even XJ in the sleek and stylish body.

Callum said: “We decided to stick with the Jaguar design philosophy. People have started to get used to Jaguar and what they look like. The XE is a sports saloon with a long bonnet, great wheel to dash proportions, the cabin set backwards and a coupe profile. But we’ve still got great packaging inside. [The car is] longer than a 3 Series, shorter than an A4 and with an interior comparable with the C-Class”.

At the front, the large grille and swept-back headlights will look familiar to XF and XJ owners, while the gaping air intakes are reminiscent of the top-of-the-range F-Type coupe.

In profile the car keeps the sloping roofline and swept-back windscreen of the XF, which makes it look almost like a five-door coupe rather than a boxy saloon car – something many rivals have failed to achieve.

The rear end completes the look with a subtle boot lid spoiler, twin exhaust pipes, and complex taillight patterns.

New Jaguar XE 2015 construction

To keep weight down and add strength, much of the Jaguar's body and components are made from lightweight aluminium. That means the XE is 20 per cent stiffer than the XF, allowing engineers to setup the car to feel even sportier. In fact, Jaguar is aiming to leapfrog the BMW 3 Series by shooting straight to the top of the class for driver enjoyment.

The XE comes fitted with the same front suspension as fitted to Formula 1 cars for minimal body roll, while at the back there's a sophisticated arrangement that should cut out body lean, but not at the expense of a comfortable ride.

The XE will also be available with adaptive dampers, which allow the driver to setup the car's suspension to be either comfortable or sporty depending on the given situation.

Jaguar's keen to highlight the sporty nature of the Jaguar XE's steering, which will deliver a “connected steering feel”. What's more, the system is adjustable via Jaguar Driver Control – with Dynamic, Normal, Eco and Winter modes.

New Jaguar XE 2015 engines & gearboxes

From launch, the basic Jaguar XE will be offered with a new ‘Ingenium’ 2.2-litre diesel engine. It cuts down on internal friction by 17 per cent for improved efficiency.

It is free to tax and can return fuel economy of 75mpg – better than any of its rivals from BMW, Mercedes, or Audi. Producing 161bhp, it will also be pretty quick and we can expect 0-60mph to take around 8.0 seconds. If you want more performance, Jaguar will offer a tweaked version of the same engine.

Jaguar will also offer the XE with two petrol Ingenium engines, which will offer excellent economy and emissions figures. The Jaguar XE S model sits at the top of the range, boasting 336bhp from a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine used in the Jaguar F-Type. This will be enough to get the saloon car to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds.

At launch, the Jaguar XE will only be available with rear-wheel drive, but by 2016 the car will also be available with four-wheel drive. It uses a development of Land Rover's Terrain Response system to deliver huge amounts of grip in all weathers and will rival Audi Quattro and BMW xDrive models.

The Jaguar XE will get a revised version of the eight-speed automatic gearbox that is used elsewhere in the Jaguar line-up, but will also be available with an all-new six speed manual gearbox. It should suit the new car's sporty character, and make the car slightly cheaper to buy.

The introduction of the new car and its engines has created more than 3,000 jobs in the UK, and along with new models like the Jaguar F-Type, should boost the company's profile both here in Britain and worldwide. 

New Jaguar XE 2015 interior

The Jaguar's doors open wide to give easy access to the interior and, as you slide into the driver's seat, it is clear the car feels much lower than its rivals from BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

Anyone who has spent time in a Jaguar XF, Jaguar XJ or even a modern Land Rover, will recognise the gear selector that rises from the centre console.

Despite the centrally-mounted touchscreen there are still plenty of buttons located in the middle of the dashboard and around the gear selector. All things considered, it's evident Jaguar has a fight on its hands if it wants to challenge Mercedes for the most upmarket interior in this class.

It is spacious, though, and there should be room for six-footers on the back seat – even if there are passengers of a similar size sitting in the spacious front seats. Fitting the panoramic glass roof doesn’t harm headroom too much, although three people in the back may find elbowroom a little tight. 

Boot space is flexible with rear seats that split 40:20:40 and a standard capacity of 485 litres – five litres more than a BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class or Audi A4. The bootlid can also be electrically operated at extra cost.

New Jaguar XE 2015 specs and safety

The XE comes packed with safety features including traffic sign recognition, a lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring, and self-parking.

Adaptive cruise control means the car can keep a safe distance from the car in front autonomously, while the XE's fighter-jet-style head up display (HUD) uses lasers to project a clearer display of vital information such as speed and sat-nav directions onto the car's windscreen.

Connectivity is key in this sector, and the XE gets an eight-inch touchscreen, while Jaguar InControl apps are compatible with Apple and Android smartphones for access to internet radio, traffic information, news and navigation.

InControl can also be used to pre-heat or cool the car's interior and can alert the driver if the car is stolen. Optional WiFi connects to up to eight devices, while the XE gets a powerful 250W six-speaker stereo developed by Harman Kardon as standard.

An even more powerful 380W, 10-speaker premium stereo from British specialist, Meridian, is a cost option. 

Source : www.carbuyer.co.uk

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Microsoft to release new Lumia phones

FMicrosoft will seek to draw more people to its Internet-based services with two new mid-range smartphones it unveiled Thursday, including one designed to help people take better selfies.

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The devices are under the Lumia brand Microsoft bought from Nokia. They run the latest version of Windows Phone 8 and feature Cortana, a Siri-like voice assistant available to help with directions, calendar appointments and messages. Many of those interactions will steer users to Microsoft services such as Bing search and OneDrive storage.

Chris Weber, Microsoft's vice president for mobile devices sales, insisted consumers should feel comfortable about storing their personal pictures on OneDrive, despite the recent exposure of celebrities' private pictures stored on rival Apple's cloud-based system.

How to keep your private photos from running wild on the web
"I think we have to amplify the message around security regarding these cloud services," Weber told reporters.

To this end, Microsoft is also giving users more control over the kind of information — friends, diaries, home address — that the Cortana voice assistant will have access to, he said.

Microsoft bought Nokia's phone business in April as it seeks to boost Microsoft's Windows Phone system, which has had little traction compared with Apple's iPhones and Google's Android system. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has made mobile phones and Internet-based services priorities for the company as its traditional businesses — Windows and Office software installed on desktops — slow down or decline.

Microsoft unveiled the new Lumia 730 and 830 phones at the IFA technology show in Berlin.

The handsets won't have all the technical advances found in Microsoft's pricier flagship, the Lumia 930 phone, which is known as the Lumia Icon in the United States. The 730's rear camera takes 6.7 megapixel shots, while the 830 is 10 megapixels. By contrast, the 930 phone is at 20 megapixels, one of the highest in a smartphone.

Lumia Selfie app uses face-detection

But the 730, in particular, will have features designed for better selfies and video calls. The front camera used for selfies will be 5 megapixels, higher than the 2 megapixels found in the 830 and many other phones.

For even better shots, it'll be possible to take selfies with the rear camera. Users won't be able to see themselves on the screen, but an app called Lumia Selfie will use face-detection technology and beeps to guide users on where to hold the camera. Samsung's upcoming Note phones will have a similar feature, along with software to stitch multiple shots on the front camera to fit more people in.

The latest Lumia devices will also pander to users' vanity, by offering functions to make them look slimmer, brighten teeth and widen tired eyes on photos they've taken.

The 830 has a 5-inch screen, measured diagonally, and supports 4G LTE cellular networks. It will cost about 330 euros ($435) before tax, compared with 440 euros for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and 515 euros for the iPhone 5.

"We are going to challenge Apple and Samsung," said Weber. "We are going to continue to push price points lower," he added, while rejecting the idea that the phones are being sold at a loss simply to attract customers to Microsoft's operating system.

The 4.7-inch 730 will cost 199 euros ($284) before tax. It will have 3G connectivity and slots for two SIM cards, an important feature in emerging markets where wireless plans vary widely such that users switch services often to get the best deals. A 4G version will be known as the 735 and will cost 219 euros ($313) before tax. That will have just one SIM slot but support wireless charging.

Microsoft, which bought Skype three years ago, is also throwing in three months of free international voice calls with every new purchase.

The new phones will start shipping in September, though not necessarily right away in all markets. Typically, Lumia phones make it to the U.S. under different model numbers.
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Source : cbc.ca

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Smartphones breathalyzer module

The makers of the new "DrinkMate" for smartphones hope that putting a breathalyzer in a user's pocket will make him or her think twice about getting behind the wheel while drunk.

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Washington D.C.-based Edge Tech Labs claim the "DrinkMate" is the smallest breathalyzer in the world. It measures just 1.8 inches long and weighs an almost non-existent 0.2 oz.

Users connect the breathalyzer to a smartphone's miniUSB charging port and blow into an "innovative air inlet" to get their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level displayed on screen almost instantly.

The DrinkMate claims to have an accuracy of +/- 0.01% BAC at a BAC of 0.02%. Additionally, the device can measure a maximum BAC level up to 0.20% BAC, which should be more than enough for anyone seriously considering a drive home after a night of heavy drinking.

Edge Tech Labs is looking to raise $40,000 on Kickstarter over the next three weeks to help manufacture the tiny device, which costs just $25 for those "early birds" who donate to the project.

A $235 pledge will get a donor ten DrinkMates, while a $3,000 pledge will get the donor a flight to Washington D.C. with hotel accommodations to meet the team behind DrinkMate and learn how the device was created. 

The project has already raised $32,423 of the $40,000 goal from nearly 900 backers with 24 days left.

The breathalyzer is currently only compatible with a select few Android smartphones, including Samsung's Galaxy line, the HTC One, and Motorola's Moto X.

The device makers claim on the product's Kickstarter page that an iPhone version will be developed should the project meet its fundraising goals for the Android platform.

It's easy to imagine how a small, inexpensive breathalyzer could help save lives in states like North Dakota and Montana, which are ranked one and two, respectively, in states with the most deaths related to drunk driving as of 2012, the last year such data is available. 

Source :breitbart.com

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Massive drop in petrol price

Cape Town - Cash-strapped consumers will get a breather at the pumps after the department of energy on Friday announced a drop in petrol and diesel prices.

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All grades of petrol and diesel will decrease on Wednesday September 3.

Petrol 95 and 93 (ULP and LRP) is coming down by 67 cents a litre (c/l).

The price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur will drop by 25.38 c/l and diesel with 0.005% sulphur will decrease by 24.38 c/l.

Illuminating paraffin (SMNRP) will fall by 25.0 c/l and liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by 108.0 cents/kilogram.

The department has also decreased the slate levy from 4.38 c/l to zero, in line with the self-adjusting slate mechanism.

It is the third time this year that the petrol prices have decreased. The prices fell in June and just ahead of the general elections in May.

The department said the reasons for the fuel price decreases are mainly due to the drop in the price of crude oil and the stability of the rand against the US dollar.

Good news for consumers

Experts say the decline in the petrol price is good news for consumers.

Dawie Roodt, chief economist with the Efficient Group, told Fin24 the reduction is welcomed even though it is not much in comparison to a year ago.

"It will probably push inflation lower and result in a few more rands in the pockets of consumers."  

Economist Mike Schüssler, director at economists.co.za, concurred, adding that it could also halt a hike in interest rates.

"With really slow economic growth and consumers under pressure, the decrease comes at a time when this decline could really help the overall economy and particularly hard pressed middle class in SA," he told Fin24.

"We could well see inflation come back into the 3% to 6% range at least for a month or two which could delay interest rate hikes for a while", said Schüssler.

Debt specialist, Neil Roets, told Fin24 the price drop will bring much needed relief to motorists at the pumps, but it is no cause for celebration for the millions of over-indebted consumers

"It ... will only bring relief when they put petrol into their vehicles, but I do not think it will go further than that".

"Usually when the petrol price goes up, the cost of goods and services goes up in line with the price hike, but when the petrol price goes down, the cost of goods and services stays the same," he said.

South Africa's petrol price is directly linked to the price of petrol quoted in US dollars at petroleum export-orientated refining centres in the Mediterranean area, the Arab Gulf and Singapore.

This means the domestic price is influenced by international crude oil prices, international supply and demand balances for petroleum products and the rand/US dollar exchange rate.

Source: fin24.com

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Bigger screen for smartphones

Within two weeks, the smartphone landscape will have changed drastically from where it stands today, with the likely introduction of at least one iPhone 6, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and perhaps a few new models from Motorola, including the rumored Moto x+1.

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What these upcoming flagship phones all have in common is that they're expected to be either big or bigger than their predecessors.

The Galaxy Note 4 will likely stay with the huge 5.7-inch display size now on the Note 3, while the new iPhone will grow to 4.7 inches and the Moto X+1 is rumored to be larger than 5 inches.

Of course, there's also speculation that a larger, 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could also be introduced.

A few years ago, "phablet"-size phones, with screens that creep near or beyond the 5-inch (diagonal) threshold, were chastised for being overgrown, but now any overgrowth seems to be in the worldwide demand for such big-screen phones.

Even Apple -- once notorious for creating and leading markets because hey, Steve Jobs just knows what you want better than you do -- seems ready to capitulate to the trend and supply that demand.

Yes, I know you all have friends and family who love their little phones and bemoan the coming of bigger screens, but increasingly they're swimming against the current of global smartphone fanatics.

"Our data clearly shows that bigger is better for most consumers," the report reads.

In June, RBC Capital Markets surveyed 4,000 consumers and found that 35 percent of people who have no plans to buy an iPhone would change their mind if the iPhone 6 increased its screen size from the current stature of the iPhone 5S.

Also earlier this year, Accenture conducted on online survey of 23,000 consumers in 23 countries and found that nearly half (48 percent) of those who plan to buy a smartphone this year prefer a phablet to a smaller phone

"The phablet screen size is hitting a sweet spot," said David Sovie, managing director of Accenture's Communications, Media and Technology group.

Bigger isn't just a thing in Texas and the rest of the US, either. Earlier this month, CNET reported on a survey that found even folks in emerging economies like Brazil, India, Kenya and Mexico want taller phones.

Oh, and if you're one of those people who feels like a five-inch phone screen is already too much of a handful -- literally! -- another summer survey, from UK-based Netbiscuits, found that six-inch and larger screens are the smartphone category seeing the most growth and that 5- to 5.9-inch screen phones "will increase dramatically" in the US.

Forget Sharknadoes, "Attack of the Monster Phablets" could be coming to a theater or Netflix queue near you.

It also seems that even iPhone fans, who've held strong to their smaller displays as the Samsung Galaxys of the world have gone bigger, crave a little more screen real estate.

Phone buyback site Glyde surveyed 500 people who have recently bought or sold an iPhone on the site about which feature was most important in their next phone purchase.

"23 percent said a larger screen size," a Glyde representative told me in an e-mail. "This is up from 12 percent of people ranking screen size as most important when asked the same question last year."

So, bigger is clearly the direction the smartphone world is going, but if you still don't believe that bigger is also better, there might be one man who can convince you.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently said that even he would like to see an iPhone with a bigger screen.

Fortunately for Woz, it seems like Tim Cook and others are listening.

Source :cnet.com

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Asus Zenfone hits the martket

Asus has re-entered the smartphone market in India with their new Zenfone series announced at this year’s CES. The new series is available in four screen sizes – 4, 4.5, 5 and 6 inches.

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Today we’ll be taking a closer look at the Zenfone 5. With a starting price of just Rs 10,000 for the 8GB model, can it take the ‘budget-king’ crown away from the Moto G?
 
Design and Build

We’ve already talked about the design and aesthetics at great length in our unboxing and first impressions articles, so we’ll keep it short and sweet this time.

The Zenfone 5, as with the rest of the family, has a simple candy bar design. It’s not too flashy and thanks to the changeable covers, it’s not boring either.
 

Good build and finish
 
The phone is built mostly of plastic while retaining a premium look and feel. The Zenfone is also quite sturdy and durable and will easily handle a few knocks and bumps along the way. The placement of ports and buttons are pretty ergonomic and have good tactile feedback.
 
 
Overall, the Zenfone 5 is built well and although it might not be the flashiest phone on the block, many will appreciate its simple aesthetics.
 
Feature
The middle child of the family rocks a 5-inch IPS, HD display that’s also got a scratch resistant coating from Corning.

The display is quite vivid and colours are fairly punchy. Viewing angles are pretty good as well. Asus also bundles an app which lets you adjust the colour temperature of the display to suite your needs.
 

The new Zen UI looks very nice
 
The phone features Android 4.3 and the refreshed Zen UI, which is a big departure from Asus’s previous skins. The new theme follows a flat look for all the icons, which seems to be the trend these days.

There’s a bunch of useful apps thrown in as well from Asus like Share Link and Remote Link. The heavily skinned version of Android doesn’t slow down a bit however, which is highly commendable.

The app called ‘What’s Next’ throws up lockscreen notifications on the weather or any upcoming calendar appointments you might have.

Source: tech.firstpost.com

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S5 Mini review

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini was quietly announced via press release at the beginning of July, and it's now finding its way into stores around the world, so how does the pint-sized smartphone shape up?

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As far as design goes there's no mistaking this is a close relative to the Samsung Galaxy S5, with the S5 Mini sporting the familiar ribbed faux-metal band around its circumference and the dimpled polycarbonate rear linking it directly to its bigger brother.

It's got the HTC One Mini 2, Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, iPhone 5C and the LG G3 Beat in its sights, as these shrunken smartphones look to do battle a couple of tiers below their flagship brethren.

SIM-free you'll need at least £360 (about $600, AU$650) for the Galaxy S5 Mini, while on contact it can be had for free on two year deals starting at £24.99 in the UK.

When it comes to design it really is a mini version of the Galaxy S5, although there's no annoying flap over the microUSB port at the base of the handset.

Now you may think that the omission of this protective flap means the Galaxy S5 Mini has lost the dust and water resistant features of Samsung's flagship, but you'd be wrong.

In fact the Galaxy S5 Mini holds the same IP67 water and dust resistant rating, meaning you can drop your phone in the bath without it dying. (Galaxy S5 owners who still have to manipulate the fiddly flap every time they want to charge their device may feel some early-adopter frustration at this.)

It's not the exposed connection port at the base of the S5 Mini that's got me worried if the phone hits water though - it's the removable rear cover.

The thin piece of dimpled polycarbonate snaps snugly onto the rear of the Galaxy S5 Mini, but it's not exactly difficult to remove and the slender rubber seal that runs around part of the inside doesn't fill me with confidence.

I'll be sure to put the Galaxy S5 Mini through its watery paces in its in depth review, so make sure you check back to see how it gets on.

Behind that rear cover you'll find microSIM and microSD slots as well as removable 2100mAh battery - a strong offering, considering the recently announced Galaxy Alpha only packs a 1830mAh power pack.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini measures 131.1 x 64.8 x 9.1mm, meaning it's a little chunkier than the 8.1mm Galaxy S5, but its smaller 4.5-inch display means that in terms of height and width it's easier to manage.

I found the Galaxy S5 Mini sat in the palm nicely, but the metallic effect band and plastic rear offered very little in the way of grip and I did come close to dropping the handset during my brief stint playing around.

At 120g the S5 Mini is a comfortable weight, and it's certainly not overbearing on the wrists allowing you to hold and operate it one-handed with relative ease.

The S5 Mini does feel solid and capable of taking a few knocks, but it fails to ooze premium quality, with the overly noticeably plastic body making it feel pretty cheap in the hand.

There are a couple of clever tricks built into the body of the Galaxy S5 Mini that it's inherited from its big brother. The first of which is the fingerprint scanner that resides under the home key.

You'll need to head to the Finger Scanner section in settings to set it up, and once you've registered a digit or two, you'll be able to unlock the S5 Mini and approve PayPal payments without a password.

Trouble is the system isn't all that great. TouchID on the iPhone 5S can read your finger at pretty much any angle without the need for swiping - it's quick and easy to use.

On the Galaxy S5 Mini I had more trouble. Your finger has to be straight on the home key, which isn't a natural position when you're trying to use the thumb of the hand you're using to hold the handset.

Secondly you can't go too quickly. During my short time with the handset the Galaxy S5 Mini failed to recognise my swipe on several occasions. It's certainly satisfying when it finally does register, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort.

The other hardware feature Samsung has passed down to the S5 Mini is the rear-mounted heart rate monitor.

This is accessed via the S Health app on the Galaxy S5 Mini, and you can measure your heart rate by holding your finger over the sensor on the rear of the device.

Source : techradar.com

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BMW 2 Series Active Tourery

The all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is set to go on sale in soon, but it appears the company may be facing an uphill battle to sell it to potential buyers in an SUV-crazed market.

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The new 2 Series Active Tourer is best considered as a small MPV – a category of vehicle that has never hit any great sales heights in the local market – which is slated to be aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

But aside from a possible lower cost of entry (no pricing or specifications have been confirmed at this point in time),

A clear question remains over what BMW will do to convince potential customers to go with the boxier looking front-wheel drive 2 Series Active Tourer over a more rugged X1,

Source: caradvice.au

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The Moto 360 Watch

[Moto 360]

Moto 360 watch price, release date: Rumors suggest that Motorola's Android wear smartwatch is set for release soon. IT Portal noted from the recently concluded Google I/O conference that the Moto 360 would be out later in the summer.

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The Moto 360 is so far the only android watch with a circular screen and high quality metal construction. Will this smart device be worth the wait?

Motorola teases about this smart gadget showing off some of the design elements of the smartwatch explaining why the company chooses a round watch. Here are the rumored things to look forward to about the Moto 360.

Customization

According to Expert Reviews, the Moto 360 will come with a choice of metal or leather straps based on the limited images revealed by Motorola.

Reportedly, the company confirmed that there will be other available selection at the smartwatch's debut. The Moto 360 can easily copy the appearance of a classic analogue wristwatch with its leather strap. A futuristic look can also be displayed with a digital face and metal strap combination.

Specs

GottaBeMobile reported that the Moto 360 the screen should be at least 280 x 280, if not higher based on the hands-on videos floating around.

Rumor suggests that the Moto 360 watch screen is a custom-made OLED display. Reportedly, OLEDs consume as much as 40% less power when displaying black images vs LCDs because they can turn off individual pixels. The opposite is true for battery-draining white backgrounds.

This custom-made OLED display with mostly black watch face screensaver will help to reduce battery life consumption.

Tech Radar reported that Motorola confirmed that the Moto 360 charges wirelessly via magnetic induction. Motorola's Andoid wear photos reveal the rear of the watch features a strange purple backing. It is speculated to be used for the Qi charging method.

Compatibility

Motorola confirmed according to Tech Radar that the Moto 360, which runs with Google's Android Wear OS, is compatible with all Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 phones and tablets that take advantage of battery-sipping Bluetooth 4.0 technology.

Price

Although there's no official announcement yet, Motorola casually hinted on the price of the smart gadget through the official rules of a contest, suggesting that its "average retail value" is $249.

MobileFun states the Moto 360 will retail for $279 in the United States, although the model option or variant is not stated.


Source : iol.co.za, sport4.co.za, score.ie
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Tags : technology, android, wacth, moto 360, motorolla

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World Cup Contracts Competition Commission Findings

South Africa's government is putting pressure on construction companies to make further payments as punishment for rigging contracts to build stadiums for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup and other projects.

 

Antitrust authorities fined 15 builders, including Murray & Roberts Holdings Ltd. (MUR) and Aveng Ltd., a total of 1.5 billion rand ($141 million) in June 2013, after a probe that spanned almost four years found they colluded to drive up prices.

 

"The 1.5 billion rand in penalties is not the end of the story with the construction industry," Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel told lawmakers in Cape Town today. "We are now in discussion with the construction industry on a restitution package for their collusion and price fixing."

 

The Competition Commission probe found that companies held meetings to rig profit margins on the construction of six stadiums ahead of the soccer tournament. Murray & Roberts, South Africa's biggest listed builder, and competitors met twice and agreed to exchange cover prices, allocate tenders and aim for a 17.5 percent margin, according to documents on the competition tribunal's website. The papers also detailed collusion on projects ranging from roads to offices.

 

"We are in discussions with the government on a settlement package, which the government and the participating construction companies will unveil at an appropriate time yet to be mutually determined," Webster Mfebe, chief executive officer of the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors, said in an e-mailed response to questions.

 

Murray & Roberts was fined 309 million rand, Aveng Ltd. (AEG) 307 million rand, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcom Ltd. 311 million rand and Stefanutti Stocks Holdings Ltd. 307 million rand.

 

Patel didn't specify which companies are being targeted to make additional payments or how much the government expected to raise.

 

 

 

Source : bloomberg.com

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Tags : South africa, technology, world cup, stadium, anti trust

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Apple Latest Revenue Sales For 2014

Apple has released its latest quarterly earnings report, and the hardware story is one that you might have heard before: For the most part, the company sold more devices year-over-year, with the notable exception of the iPad, which continues to see slight declines as it did last.

By the numbers, Apple sold 35.20 million iPhones, 13.27 million iPads, 4.41 million Macs and 2.96 million iPods. During the same quarter last year, Apple sold 31.24 million iPhones, 14.62 million iPads, 3.75 million Macs, and 4.57 million iPods.

Analysts had anticipated sales of 35.78 million iPhones, 14.43 million iPads, 3.93 million Macs and 2.34 million iPods for the quarter. It beat expectations for Macs and iPods, but everything else fell slightly below predictions. The 12 percent increase on iPhone sales beat last quarter's 7 percent growth, however, and Macs grew nearly 20 percent year over year.

Apple has been riding high on iPhone gains, despite it being late in the refresh cycle for the smartphone, which generally gets a new version come fall. These results mean it's still doing well despite rumours of a new device with a larger screen.

The slight dip in the iPad numbers isn't encouraging for the potential growth of that segment, but it's also been a while now since the tablets were updated, and Apple still clearly rules the roost when it comes to slate devices. If this market is stalling as some suggest, it isn't a problem unique to Apple.

The iPad earned Apple 8 percent less revenue compared to last year, while the iPhone revenue grew by 9 percent. Mac revenue was up 13 percent, while iPod units shipped were down 36 percent, resulting in a 40 percent revenue drop year-over-year.

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Source : techcrunch.com

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Whats App Reaches 500 million users

WhatsApp CEO vows to keep things simple after hitting 500 million users mark

The app now sees more than 700 million photos and 100 million videos shared through it every day as it aims to reach one billion users.

WHATSAPP IS WELL on its way to reaching its target of one billion users after it announced it now has 500 million monthly active users.

The app now sees more than 700 million photos and 100 million videos shared through it every day, and has added 70 million new users since it was bought by Facebook in February for $19 billion.

In a blog post announcing the news, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum said it's experiencing the fastest growth in India, which has 48 million users, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia.

While it's another achievement for the company, the team is focused on keeping things simple. In an interview with ReCode, he said that one of the biggest barriers to its growth would be making the app complicated and bloated.

Since a large number of new WhatsApp users are people who either own their first smartphone or are coming online for the first time, the focus is to keep things simple.

"I worry about how to offer a competitive set of features without making the UI [user interface] difficult, the user experience worse, the application bloated… These screens are small. There's a limited amount of memory and bandwidth. It's just all about focus."

At Mobile World Congress in February, Koum said that the app would be adding voice calls to the service. When he was asked by Re/Code when this would happen, he answered in "the next few months."

The news comes ahead of Facebook's Q1 2014 earnings call, which will happen later this evening.

Source : http://businessetc.thejournal.ie

Tags : Technology, Whats App, Facebook,business

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