Samsung Galaxy K zoom review: Zoom-zoom

The Galaxy K zoom speeds down right onto our review track, ready to take on any cameraphone contender. This speedster is equipped with a 10x optical zoom and OIS and if you were to see only its back, you would hardly recognize you are staring at an Android smartphone with a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED screen on the other side.

   
Samsung Galaxy K zoom official images

The original Galaxy Camera didn't have phone functionality and was way too big for comfort. The Galaxy S4 zoom's specs were too low-end to deserve the "Galaxy S" badge. The Galaxy K zoom is reasonably sized (about as big as a Galaxy S4, except thicker and heavier) and offers solid midrange specs.

Key features

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 review: Splashing colors

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is the full-size member of the freshly announced tablet family by Samsung. Like its smaller sibling, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, the newcomer capitalizes on the world's only 10.5-inch Super AMOLED screen panel and aims to capture a spot at the top of the tablet hierarchy, currently dominated by the Apple iPad Air.

   
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 official images

The South Korean manufacturer has thrown some of the best hardware out there into the tablet's ultra-slim body, headed by stunning Super AMOLED display with the ultra-high resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The increasingly important class-leading tablet user interface based on the latest Android KitKat is on board as well - there's enough of it to satisfy even the most discerning user.

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Oppo Find 7 review: Dark horse

When talking about flagships, one name that keeps on popping up alongside the likes of Samsung and Sony is Oppo. Needless to say, it has long stopped being a surprise. With solid offerings of the past two generations in the Find 5 and N1, Oppo is not just planning to stay in the major league but get a place near the top with the Find 7, one of the precious few smartphones to sport a QHD display.

The Find 7 narrowly comes in second to the LG G3 (although in some markets it'll actually be available before it), after Oppo probed the market with its consciously lesser specced 1080p sibling, the Find 7a.

  
Oppo Find 7 official shots

There is another variant of the Find 7/7a floating around in the form of the OnePlus One. OnePlus, which initially surfaced as a breakaway company from Oppo, likely has more than a bit to do with their former compatriots than they're letting on, given how similar the One is to the Find 7. Take away the higher-res screen, software UI, and microSD card slot, and they're almost identical devices.

All of this is to say that Oppo has released this particular smartphone in various different forms, with the Find 7 potentially being the culmination. Like we said, it's only the second QHD-enabled smartphone on the market, and offers a compelling package any way you look at it. Here's the nitty-gritty:

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Moto G vs Nexus 5

Which is the Best Affordable Android?

When it comes to getting smartphone bang for your buck, it’s difficult to look past the £300 Google Nexus 5. Or at least it was until the arrival of the Motorola Moto G, which offers above-average performance for a well-below-average price. You can get one for as little as £100.

The Moto G may be less than half the price of the Nexus 5, but is it also less than half the phone? Let’s find out.

Moto G vs Nexus 5 — Design

Motorola Moto G - 11.6mm thick, plastic construction, 143g
Google Nexus 5 - 8.59mm thick, plastic construction, 130g

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs HTC One

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs HTC One

Now that 2013 is winding down, we can safely say that the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are two of the top Android phones of the year. The HTC One has changed the way manufacturers to look at the camera tech they use in their phones, and the Galaxy S4 is the most popular Android phone of the year. 

But which is better? We’ve had a long hard look at both phones, and here’s what we think… 

Amazon phone release date, rumours, news, specs and price

Amazon Fire Phone

Everything you need to know about the Amazon Fire Phone

The Amazon Fire Phone was officially launched on June 18 and now we're finally seeing the unique 3D effect UI handset hitting the American shores.
Sadly, the Fire Phone is a US exclusive for now, so we'll have to watch from afar as to how successful Amazon's first smartphone is with consumers.

However, in anticipation of it eventually making its way over this side of the pond, we've gathered together all the features, specs and other details on the Amazon Fire Phone for you.

We will be updating this page with all the latest Amazon Fire Phone release date details, leaks, news and rumours as new information emerges. Bookmark it now to stay in the loop on all the Amazon smartphone gossip.

Metal Galaxy Note 4 expected as Samsung promises 'new materials

The Galaxy Note 4 could feature a premium metal body as Samsung promises handsets made from “new materials”.

With the manufacturer having been repeatedly criticised for its persistent use of cheap plastic in its high-end phones – an issue we had with the Samsung Galaxy S5 – it has now hinted that more premium handset builds are on their way.

Speaking during a recent quarterly earnings call in the company’s native Korea, Samsung’s Senior Vice President of Mobile Communications, Kim Hyun-joon, is said to have promised two new high-end handsets during the next six months, both to be built using “new materials”.

Huawei confirms Arsenal phone release date

With the start of the new football season on the horizon, Huawei has confirmed that the footy-themed Huawei Ascend P7 Arsenal Edition will be released on August 16.

Officially unveiled earlier this month, the Arsenal-branded flagship phone has now been dated for launch, although pricing is still to be confirmed.

Asus PadFone X review: Like no other

The Asus PadFone X for AT&T is the Taiwanese manufacturer's first offering from the family of hybrid devices to officially hit the US market. Announced during this year's CES in Las Vegas, the device consists of a high-end Android handset and a tablet docking station with 9" IPS display and stereo speakers.

  
Asus PadFone X official photos

At a quick glance, the Asus PadFone X could well be the dream device for an Android power user. Thanks to the combination of Snapdragon 800 SoC, 13MP camera with 4K recording, and 5" 1080p Super IPS+ display, the handset can rub shoulders with most high-end offerings out there.

The bundled docking station on the other hand, will surely appeal to the budget-minded, as no competitor offers such functionality for the price. To top things off, the optional full keyboard cover will transform the device into a capable compact notebook.

Key features

Apple iOS 8 preview: Opening Up

It's the kind of thing to be happening in a galaxy far, far away. Apple opening up iOS to developers, while Google is moving towards an Apple-like unified experience across platforms and screen sizes. The simplest way to put it is that Material Design comes a year after the visual overhaul of iOS 7 - if anyone wants to see a more than just chronological relation they very well can.

Anyway, with the re-design delivered, iOS 8 (still a developer beta) goes back to work under the hood - in a continued bid to catch up to Android - not so much in terms of features (certainly not content) but flexibility in dealing with third-party apps and extensions. One of the highlights is Apple's U-turn on one of their most conservative policies.

The company has finally given the developer community a more open access to the platform and unlocked many popular core capabilities. Having been granted access to over 4000 iOS APIs, third-party apps will integrate with the Notification Center, Sharing and Action menus, Keyboard, Photos app, among others. Even TouchID is expected to be opened up, potentially making the fingerprint scanner a really big deal.

iOS 8 is trying to polish an already elaborate and attractive user interface and improve the performance with more intuitive menus, better Spotlight, Family Sharing options, iCloud Drive, better keyboard, better Photos, etc. The Handoff feature between iDevices and Macs is a big thing as well.

Let's try and summarize all the new additions to iOS 8:

Key features

Samsung Galaxy Avant

For T-Mobile

GENERAL	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
	3G Network	HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
	4G Network	LTE 1700 / 2100 / 1900
	SIM	Yes
	Announced	2014, July
	Status	Available. Released 2014, July

Google Now Launcher is available to download by all Jelly Bean 4.1+ devices

Google has launched its Now Launcher for all devices running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and higher. This makes it easier for anyone to get access to Google Now with just a swipe on the homescreen.

Google’s homescreen replacement features all the basics you’d need: you can add or remove widgets and app shortcuts, change wallpapers and reorder homescreen panes.

Unfortunately, you can’t delete a pane, as it’s automatically deleted when there’s no apps or widgets on it.

Naturally, you can place searches using the “Ok, Google” keyphrase. Check out the promo video below to see it in action.

Give it a go now by following the source link below.

Nokia Lumia 930 review: Iconic once again

It may be a new house, new rules - but no sharp movements just yet. In the aftermath of Microsoft's recent acquisition of Nokia's devices and services department, it's really anyone's guess what will happen with the Finnish company that was once at the apex of the industry. There's no question marks hanging over the Lumia lineup though - it is going strong, and the Lumia 930 alongside the Windows Phone 8.1 update is proof that it's here to stay, be it under a new leadership.

The Lumia 930 was released in the US as the Nokia Lumia Icon this past February running Windows Phone 8, and after working the kinks out with the Windows Phone 8.1 update for it, Nokia is launching the international version right to the latest software.

  
Nokia Lumia 930

Besides supporting some different LTE bands, the Lumia 930 is identical to the Icon. It does come with some nifty extras, however, as Nokia is trying to entice users by throwing in a wireless charging pad with dedicated A/C adapter, as well as some different paint jobs. Here's a look at what you get with the Nokia Lumia 930:

HTC One (E8) review: Traveling light

What if you stripped the HTC One (M8) of the metal armor it's so proud of. Imagine replacing it for plastic. Sounds like the worst thing that could happen to the top model of a struggling company. The HTC One (E8) will heartily disagree. If anything is lost, it's mostly weight, not dignity. For all we know, this edition feels like a refreshed version of the flagship complete with a new polycarbonate back, but with the same software package and even some extra processing power and a camera that's better by our books.

The HTC One (M8) is one of the most beautiful flagships of this generation. Perhaps not as feature-rich and inventive as most competitors, the One is still the one to beat for looks. The all-aluminum unibody is a pleasure to behold and has a matching feel in hand. The HTC One (E8) tunes in and offers and alternative reality version of what the second iteration of the One could have been.

Ok, in practice, the One (E8) is expected to be targeted at price-conscious consumers who found the HTC One (M8) too cost-prohibitive. And it won't even be available everywhere.

The newcomer is nonetheless powered by a more recent, 3rd generation Snapdragon 801 chipset and HTC does well to replace a thoroughly disappointing 4MP Ultrapixel camera with a more standard 13MP sensor.

  
The HTC One (E8)

While it can be viewed as a step down in the design department, the One (E8) is an important weapon in HTC's arsenal - a more affordable flagship to help HTC regain some market share lost to competitors like Samsung, Sony, and even Apple.

Here's a quick look at what the HTC One (E8) is all about:

Firefox OS review: Burning bright

The mobile Firefox OS by Mozilla aims to put the user first, like its namesake web browser, and deliver affordable, capable, open-source phones to the masses. "We're out to make a difference, not a profit", says the project's homepage. A non-profit against corporate giants. A bold statement - but we guess it doesn't mean they are letting Google and Microsoft have it all.

There are a number of Firefox OS devices already on the market - both smartphones and tablets - from multiple vendors and carrier deals are in place. So the young OS is already past the baby steps, further along perhaps than any of the other alt-OSes (Sailfish, Ubuntu Touch, the Samsung-backed Tizen).

Mozilla's mission with Firefox OS is to make the web accessible to everyone. You may not be aware but in developing countries the web is most commonly available on smartphones rather than desktop computers.

Microsoft takes Samsung to court over contract disagreement

Microsoft is taking Samsung to court over a dispute in a contract between the two companies regarding patent royalty payments. Samsung signed a cross-licensing patent deal with Microsoft in 2011, obliging the phone maker to pay royalties for every Android smartphone it makes.

Here's what the Corporate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft said in his blog post.

Counterclockwise: iPhone rumors, Skype on WM, and the Nokia 500

This weeks' edition of Counterclockwise has us looking back at several historic milestones for the likes of Skype, Samsung, Nokia, and Apple. Early August is typically the time when iPhone rumors start ramping up in anticipation of Apple's events, which are typically held in September. Join us as we take a look at all of the latest in the world of phones that happened this week over the past 5 years.

Before its acquisition by Microsoft, Skype was quickly becoming the premiere internet communications platform, and had the potential to make big changes in the world of phones with data connections. While Skype hasn't exactly taken over traditional cellular network calling by any stretch, here's a tidbit from August 1, 2008 that shows Skype running on Windows Mobile 6.1, long before the days of Windows Phone.

LG Optimus G Android 4.4 KitKat update reaches India

The LG Optimus G launched to much fanfare a couple of years ago as the precursor and basis for the Nexus 4. Yet while Google's version of the handset has been kept up to date with Android versions as you'd expect, the Optimus G has been stuck on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Curiously, it hasn't received updates to either 4.2 or 4.3, but it's planned to get Android 4.4 KitKat. In fact that update has already rolled out in LG's home country of South Korea a few months ago.

And now it's finally been spotted outside of Korea, reaching many Optimus G owners in India. Hopefully this means other countries will get the tasty KitKat treat very soon, as LG promised back in June.

Back in India, the update can either be grabbed over-the-air after your phone has notified you that it's available, or using LG's desktop software. The OTA file is around 500MB in size, while the LG Support tool will download around 1GB of data if you use it.

If you're interested in what has changed, aside from the bump up in the Android version and everything associated with that, hit the Source link below for a detailed list.

Sony Xperia T3 is now available in the UK too

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini isn't the only smartphone to become available in the UK today. It's been joined by the Sony Xperia T3, which is exclusively sold by Carphone Warehouse.

All three colors are already up for grabs - white, black, and purple. That said, the device isn't yet being offered with Pay as you go deals or in SIM-free form.

Winlot Lottery Launch Mobile Apps

The, CEO of Winlot Lottery said the Mywinlot application could be downloaded at www.mywinlot.ng/mobile. The application is presently available on all android devices and ios and blackberry will be launched very soon.  inlot Lottery Launch Mobile Apps

Winlot Global Resources Limited has launch the company's mobile apps Mywinlot www.mywinlot.ng/mobile. The event took place recently in Lagos. The event was attended by Crème de la crème of the society.

The product was launched officially by Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, the CEO of Lagos state lotteries board who stated  how good an initiative Mywinlot www.mywinlot.ng/mobile because proceeds from the product go to good causes for Lagos state. Continue...

Google revealed a new unknown phone

In the official Twitter Android photograph was published, which is unusual and should draw attention to Google Now, but which turned out to be a device that has attracted much more attention. In his hand is a unit that is 5 Nexus and can not be any of the smartphone Motorola. Smartphone devoid of any branding. 

The assumption that this Nexus 6 or Motorola Moto X +1 look strange. Nexus line is likely to be phased out, and was sold to Motorola and Lenovo to engage its popularization Google no longer needs. likely option is that this unit project Android Silver, which replaces the Nexus. Maybe it's a model from LG, and then follow and smartphones from other manufacturers. But we can not exclude the fact that it's just a render, and the model does not exist in reality, being only a collective image of Android-smartphone on which services are available Google Now. 

Russian announcement of the latest tablets ASUS MeMO Pad, Fonepad and Transformer Pad

ASUS has told about the Russian edition presented at Computex 2014 tablets. In the Russian market model announced ASUS MeMO Pad ME176C and ME181C, which are equipped with 64-bit quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor with a clock frequency of 1.86 GHz and runs on Android 4.4 KitKat.Devices are equipped with 7 - and 8-inch IPS-display respectively. Screen resolution in both cases is 1280x800 pixels. ASUS MeMO Pad 7 (ME176C) is available in white, black, blue, red and yellow versions, and ASUS MeMO Pad 8 (ME181C) - in white, black, gold and purple.

Another new series of ASUS MeMO Pad, ME581CL, also works on 64-bit quad-core CPU - Intel Atom Z3580 is clocked at 2.3 GHz. Among the distinctive features of the device - slim body (7.45 mm), lightweight (299 g) and a full set of advanced wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi 802.11ac, LTE and NFC). ASUS MeMO Pad 8 (ME581CL) is equipped with an 8-inch IPS-display with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, covered with a durable protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass 3. For high quality images meet technology and ASUS Splendid TrueVivid. ASUS MeMO Pad 8 (ME581CL) is available in white, pink and blue versions.

"Beeline" TV is open to all

Telecommunications operator "Beeline" reported that on the eve of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil opens up access to the mobile application "Beeline" TV all Russian subscribers.

Now follow the progress of one of the most spectacular sporting events of the summer on the channel "Sport 1 HD» or simply watch movies directly on the screens of their mobile devices can not only home digital television subscribers and Internet Home "Beeline", but all without exception subscribers Russia independently from the operator. The application works in networks 3G/4G/Wi-Fi any operator across Russia.

A bright new tablet Prestigio MultiPad Color

Prestigio company introduced MultiPad Color - a new tablet, executed in six colors: black, white, red, blue, purple and mint. The device is offered in three versions: MultiPad Color 7.0 3G, MultiPad Color 8.0 3G and MultiPad Color 10.1 3G with 7, 8 and 10.1-inch display, respectively. Screens devices made by technology IPS. Tablets based on quad-core processor and support cellular networks 3G (up to HSPA +). In addition, one of the new technologies, which appeared in the plates Prestigio MultiPad Color, - this NFC.

New bright and compact player teXet T-79

By the summer season trademark teXet updated model of the popular MP3-player T-795 and introduced an improved version of its T-79 based on the new processor. Now bright teXet T-79 sounds even better, longer work without recharging, and increased up to 8 GB of internal memory fit twice as many of your favorite tracks. teXet T-79 features four different colors: green juicy, saturated purple, bright orange and classic black. Most of the compact body (92h49h9, 9 mm, weight - 38.5 g) takes full-color display with a diagonal of 2.4 inches and a resolution of 240x320 pixels. On the screen, you can view videos, photos and read e-books on the go. teXet T-79 supports major multimedia formats (MP3, WMA, AMV, JPG, BMP), working with text documents (TXT).

New copes with the challenges of the music player: provided the equalizer settings and special effects allow you to adapt player "by itself" and to achieve the best sound. teXet T-79 supports lyrics (LRC) and ID3-tags, and as a bonus to the overall functionality of the recorder and perform highly sensitive radio, recording audio in MP3 and WAV. Connecting teXet T-79 to the computer and charging is carried out via USB 2.0. Suggested retail price MP3 player teXet T-79 is 1199 rubles.

Fly Era Life 5: functional and affordable smartphone

Fly Company announced a new budget smartphone lineup in ERA - Fly ERA Life 5 (IQ4416), which is equipped with a 1.3 GHz dual-core CPU MediaTek MT6572, FWVGA IPS-screen diagonal of 4.5 inches c, and ergonomic design.

Submitted to the novelty is running an operating system Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is equipped with 512 MB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory, expandable by using microSD memory cards, as well as support for two SIM cards, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, access to 3G networks.

Buy Fly ERA Life 5 can be a suggested price of 4490 rubles. Scope of supply includes a smartphone, protective film, battery, charger, USB-cable and stereo headphones.

Jolla vypuctila massive update OS Sailfish

The company first introduced Jolla major upgrade of its operating system Sailfish. Package is called Saapunki and combines packages 6 and 7, thus giving the most massive improvement in the operating system.

 It is reported that in the update include: enhanced support for fourth generation networks, subpage alerts Facebook, support for folders at startup, advanced sync settings, HTML5 support in the browser in full screen, support for applications on SIM-maps, profiles added Bluetooth and image customization lock screen. 

More than 100 new or improved features. Stoa noted that a previous service pack, for the number five came less than a month ago, and a week ago, the company reported a decline in the value of the unit for 50 euros. Likely that the next OS update Sailfish will happen in July. 

Video channel: First Look at Tablets Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and 10.5

On our YouTube channel , new videos.First Look at Tablets Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and 10.5:

Blackberry Z30 Review

While Blackberry's newest flagship phone no longer carries the same high-profile as other manufacturer's top-of-the-line offering, that doesn't mean the Blackberry Z30 is something to immediately pass up.  Or does it?

Design

In terms of design, the Z30 looks like any premium smartphone, with rounded corners, predominantly black shell, silver accents, and soft-touch back.  Far as we can tell, there's really no distinguishing feature that makes it a "Blackberry" as opposed to some other handset, although it's stylish and comfortable all the same.

HTC One Max Review

Remember when the Galaxy Note first hit the scene and some people complained there's no way anyone will want a phone that big?  Yeah, time has proven them wrong.  In fact, the big-screen smartphone market has evolved into a very profitable niche. HTC made their official entry into giant screens with the HTC One Max.  Like many handsets in the same category, it comes with premium pricing to go with that super-sized screen real estate.  Is it worth maxing out another card for?

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Review

We're huge fans of the Samsung Galaxy S4 -- it is, hands down, one of the best premium smartphones in the market today.  The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini takes the S4, shrinks it down to a more compact size, and trades in the high-end guts for a selection of midrange components. SEE SPECS BELOW...

Sony Xperia ZL Review

One of the most powerful smartphones in Sony's current roster, the Sony Xperia ZL is packed with high-end hardware and a whole load of features.  Is it worth the price of entry, though? SEE SPECS BELOW.....

LG Spectrum 2 Review

While it's not quite the powerhouse that is the Nexus 4 or the Optimus G, the LG Spectrum 2 is a quality device from the Korean manufacturer.  Suffice to say, this is one of the best offerings at its price range. SEE SPECS BELOW...

Pantech Discover Review

The Pantech Discover is, hands-down, one of the best values in Android smartphones today.  Packing excellent design, quality hardware and good specs, it's a heck of catch for the $49.99 asking price (two-year agreement with AT&T). See SPECS..

Instagram Version 6.0: New And Improved Photo Editing Features

Instagram is giving smartphone photographers a lot more support with its latest software update. With Instagram Version 6.0, users are able to edit several aspects of their images, even without using one of the app’s many filters.

In the past, the popular photo-sharing app has relied heavily on its filter effects to let users change the essence of their images, but Version 6.0 changes all that – the Instagram update offers improvements to several classics like the straighten, crop, and tilt-shift tools (among others) and adds ten brand new editing tools to choose from.

Amazon Introduces New Payment Service.

Amazon seem to be making attempt to take on Paypal. The company is introducing a new payment service with the hope that it will soon be adopted by startup companies and others offering subscription-based or recurring payments, according to a report from Reuters. TechCrunch reports that "the service will allow these businesses to tap into Amazon’s over 240 million monthly active users who currently store their credit card information on Amazon.com, then pay for things ranging from music subscriptions to monthly phone bills."

 Source: TechCrunch

Facebook Acquires Pryte

With so much effort concentrated on making internet affordable to everyone in the world, Facebook has taken another giant step - the company has purchased Pryte. Pryte brings Telco and App ecosystems together to enable app–like user experience for mobile data. Pryte announced on its site;

"Today, we are delighted to announce that our team will be joining Facebook. Since we launched Pryte we have worked to reimagine the way mobile data works in an app-driven world, by enabling partnerships between app and content providers, and mobile operators.

Review: Nokia Lumia 630 Dual Sim

Have you been longing to have a Dual-Sim Lumia phone? Meet the Nokia Lumia 620 DS

The Lumia 630 also called Lumia 630 DS is Microsoft Mobile's (formerly Nokia) First Windows Phone which is a Dual SIM now available in the market. Let's give you a quick load down of the specifications include:

Specifications

Latest Changes On Airtel Data Plans

You asked for it, and now you have it.

You wanted reduction in price on the Airtel data plans and we are excited to announce that the prices have been slashed.

 BB SUBSCRIPTION

- The data for the BB Unlimited Monthly plan has been increased from 1.5GB to 2GB
- The data for the BB Unlimited Weekly plan has been doubled from 200MB to 400MB
- The data for the BB Unlimited Daily plan has been doubled from from 40MB to 80MB

NORMAL BUNDLE
- The price of the 1gig plan has reduced from N3500 to N3000
- The price of the 3gig plan has reduced from N6500 to N5000

You can now enjoy Airtel data at a lower rate, simply dial *141*1# to connect now.