Jun 30, 2015

Nokia: the rumors of an Android smartphone surfaced

The Finnish firm should return next year on the smartphone market. And according to a rumor circulating on the web, it could be done on Android. Nokia, which was No. 1 in mobile telephony has struggled to take the smartphone curve initiated by the arrival of the iPhone in 2007. The breakthrough of Apple’s smartphone and the skyrocketing Android devices has also led to the steady decline in its market share over the years.

Result: last year the Finnish firm sold its Microsoft terminals and service activities to focus on its phone equipment supplier and mapping activities. An agreement signed with the US computer giant, which prevents the passage of selling phones under its own brand by 2016.

But from next year, Nokia will re-enter the market for mobile telephony and it seems that it wants to run its Android terminals according to the site NokiaPowerUser . For this, an agreement was signed with Foxconn, the Taiwanese firm specializing in the manufacture of electronic products, which is particularly known for assembling Apple devices. Nokia would target three main markets: India, China and Europe. A global communication campaign could even begin at the end of the year.

Some rumors spoke last December for the arrival of an Android smartphone, named C1. This would have a 5-inch screen and is powered by a chipset manufactured by Intel, accompanied by 2GB of RAM and an internal memory of 32 GB. The Nokia C1 also will have an 8-megapixel camera and a rear 5 megapixel camera, and will operate under Android 5.0 Lollipop.

We would issue a doubt this last element, since 2016 a new version of Android will be launched. Remember also, in passing that all this information is to be taken lightly. But expect that to happen, so we can see them back on the market as one of the most significant players in the history of mobile telephony.

The Moto G (3rd Gen.) image leaked

Motorola could unveil more likely next month, the new Moto G that continues to be displayed on the web lately. Several visuals come again to appear recently. July is about to begin and, if it's not usually a very busy month in ads, some are still expected from Motorola. It is indeed the period would have chosen to renew the American part of its Moto to believe the rumors. It has long been talk of the Moto X and Moto G but could finally be announced at the same time as last year. And it is certainly not the visual below that will tell us otherwise.



Unveiled on TechnoBuffalo , they show what should be the next midrange Motorola and it seems to correspond to what we saw previously in video . The color is certainly not the same, but the shape and the two circled speaker silver on either side of the screen at the front seem already very familiar.

We also recognize the compartment length which houses the camera at the back, covered with a ribbed hood and separated from the frame like the Moto X as well in 2014 if there is no doubt any metal here judging by the lack of external antennas.

The source has obviously given no information about the components present inside but previous leaks have already allowed us to give us an idea. A 5-inch HD screen is particularly expected, with a Snapdragon 410 chipset, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory and cameras with 13 and 5 megapixels. A data sheet a little disappointing if true but we hope Motorola will catch up on the price and / or options. Answer in a few weeks maybe.

OnePlus 2: The fingerprint reader confirmed

Third teaser on technical specifications of OnePlus 2: the fingerprint reader. Chinese startup confirms its presence. The question is where it will be placed. Like last year, every day OnePlus distills the details of the technical details of its flagship. The teaser campaign began last week with the announcement of the integration of the Snapdragon 810 in a version 2.1 would be better mastered the heat level. This continued a few days later with the connector USB Type C , the one that we find in some recent or announced devices (Nubia Z9, Saygus V2, the three LeTV models, etc.). Third detail revealed on the official forums and social networks: the fingerprint reader.



Confirming a rumor dates back to last March , the fingerprint reader has indeed been confirmed for OnePlus 2. This type of equipment is more and more common in the high-end, partly because the main actors of telephony, Apple, Samsung and Google, consecutively unveiled their own mobile payment solutions. Fashion is thus securing personal and banking data. OnePlus and justifies the presence of this component in its high-end future.

The manufacturer also reports that the biometric technology is now advanced enough to supplant the eternal PIN to unlock a mobile. Not only the fingerprint reading is more secure, but it is also faster. OnePlus explains choosing a technology that unlocks the phone three seconds faster than a PIN. Since each person consults his phone on average 200 times a day, this represents a saving of time of one hour per week or more than two days a year!

The manufacturer guarantees that the same technology used in the OnePlus is better than that with the Apple TouchID. A tribute in some way. But also a snub. Competition is never soft. OnePlus says that this technology did not exist a year ago, which is why the One does not benefit and to integrate the two. We therefore ask obviously the question: what is the identity of this famous new technology?

We believe it should be, without taking too much risk, Sense ID, fingerprint scanning technology from Qualcomm, presented at Mobile World Congress last March. Compatible with Snapdragon 810 (no chance), Sense ID is a fingerprint reader with ultra-sound that crosses all materials: glass, metal, plastic, sapphire, sweating or products cosmetics. Finally, the platform is compatible with the main technological components of access security. It would be surprising if in OnePlus chooses another.

There is one last question: where will be the fingerprint reader placed? We relayed yesterday the first pictures of an alleged stolen OnePlus 2. These images were a mobile contour close enough to those of the One, but with some nuances. Up front, the touchscreen is surrounded by finer edges (resulting from the integration of the navigation buttons in the interface and not on a dedicated touchpad). At the rear, the configuration of the elements surrounding the photo sensor is slightly different. Two possible hypotheses: either the ultrasonic sensor is hidden below the touch screen, which is almost a first. Either it is hidden under the one of the items on the back of the device, thus approaching a solution like the LG G4, the Huawei Mate 7 or Nubia Z9. Answer, very later, at the end of July, during the official presentation of the mobile.

Jun 29, 2015

Motorola XT1585 Kinzie: a smartphone with 5.5-inch qHD display and 810 Snapdragron overview of a benchmark

The characteristics of a new high-end smartphone manufactured by Motorola seem to have leaked a benchmark. So upscale that it would be even superior in performance to the Moto X this year. Bad news, however: it should be reserved for the United States. Motorola could get us a third high-end smartphone this year, after the Moto X and Moto G third generation. However, do not rejoice too quickly as it should be marketed only in the US operator Verizon.

The Motorola XT1585 Kinzie is its code name, has made about for the first time last month , alongside what could be the Moto X (3rd Gen.) and another smartphone yet formalized , known under the name "Clark," which seems to have been sidelined since the Motorola roadmap 2015. But it always seems Kinzie XT1585 on track, since it just made its appearance on GFXBench , which reveals the passage characteristics.



The Motorola XT1585 Kinzie thus have a screen of 5.5 inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) and is powered by a 64-bit SoC octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 2 GHz. Hopefully for this model, it is not affected by the overheating problems experienced by other smartphones that integrate the processor.

Also note the presence of a GPU Adreno 430, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM. Be aware that the space available would be limited to only 21 GB. GFXBench mentions no MicroSD slot, but it is so far impossible to confirm or deny its presence in the smartphone.

The Motorola XT1585 Kinzie should also carry a back sensor 20 megapixel camera with autofocus, LED flash and the ability to shoot in 4K, while in front it would have a 5-megapixel sensor. Everything should run on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, ie currently the latest version of the mobile OS from Google.

As we said earlier, we should not see this happen to the rest of the world, since it should only be available in the US operator Verizon. Too bad because it looks even better with the Moto X third generation from what the rumors say. It only remains to hope that Motorola changed its mind to get us out a global version of this XT1585 Kinzie.

OnePlus 2: a design that should look like the One

Several images were relayed this weekend. Their common: they represent the entire successor to the flagship killer OnePlus. And according to initial findings, the design of this future smartphone would be visually very similar to that of its predecessor.

The OnePlus One was certainly one of the five most anticipated smartphones of 2014. The promise of Carl and Pete Pei Lau was simple: provide a high-end smartphone at the price of mid-range. Result, the OnePlus One surpassed the million copies sold worldwide. And the success of mobile has undoubtedly been hampered by undervalued forecasts and protectionist trade strategy (symbolized by the invitation system so criticized). While OnePlus One is now counter (and continues to be a bargain), its successor is looming. The presentation of the latter will be made online, on July 27, via a virtual conference can be followed through a virtual reality application. A process that will take a look at the product as if you were there.



While waiting to discover the definitive design of OnePlus 2, several video emerged this weekend. The first, drawing comes from Weibo and presents the mobile flat, the visible bottom edge. In this installment, you'll find the USB-C port that was officially confirmed by the manufacturer and two grids of larger speaker than the OnePlus One. An effort on the audio outputs appears to have been done. Hopefully this will be the case of other small defects One, including the photo sensor. The comments accompanying this photograph say that the mobile measuring between 5 and 6 mm thick.



The other two visuals, pictures, were relayed by PhoneArena. The two shots, better resolution, revealing the front and back of the phone. The first observation at the sight of these three pictures is design. First, it is common to both leaks, which tends to confirm their legitimacy. Then, the mobile represented very similar to Oneplus, at least at the front. We want to show the silver trim running around the screen. You will also notice OxygenOS, the Android version of OnePlus, the navigation keys are integrated into the interface and not accessible from the touch surface below the display.



At the rear, however, some changes appear to be expected. The photo sensor seems to have moved from the spot, but the casing, here "wood" version (or faux wood), no longer covers the back and slices of the mobile. These are protected by a contour which appears to be metallic. The camera module has evolved. The question is what all the elements it contains are.

In less than a month away from the official launch of OnePlus 2, leaks seem to accelerate around the mobile OnePlus again, especially since the manufacturer supplies itself the news of its future representative. Furthermore the USB-C port, OnePlus confirmed the presence of Snapdragon 810 SoC Qualcomm that OnePlus announced as efficient without increasing the temperature (with a limit rate). Some observers believe that this choice is a mistake, especially in light of the experience of Xiaomi, LG, Sony and HTC. So let us leave to the brand the benefit of doubt.

Oppo Mirror 5S: a modest mid-range in the final

The next mid-range Oppo has once again in the talking. Still expected in early July, the Mirror 5S no longer has secrets for us, if not its price. Oppo has not unveiled flagship for 2015, and it still will not until next announcement. It is expected by mid-July and are on a mid-range Mirror called 5 or more precisely Mirror 5S according to a new report signed Mobipicker . It also includes some pictures and more detailed product information, and is a little less well supplied less than what we hoped for initially.

Indeed, if you are looking for something to fill the absence of the R1C ultimately reserved for Asia, it certainly will not be to the Mirror 5S it will turn you unless it is only for design. And again, it does not fully resumed. The output of the speaker is not on the bottom edge but in the back, where it just spoils the lovely grounds "diamond".



Otherwise, we would finally well closest to the Mirror 3 except for memory, doubled both the RAM (2 GB) for the storage (16 GB). And we would find an HD 5-inch screen, a Snapdragon chipset with Adreno GPU 400 305 and a pair of cameras 8 and 5 megapixels. The set is powered by a battery of 2420 mAh and turn on Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Hopefully now that the price of Mirror 5S will not be too high. We still have no information about this but, since the launch in the beginning of July, we should not have long to wait. Recall that this new model is expected over twenty markets but not with the same connectivity options. Dual-SIM and 4G were notably covered.

Jun 27, 2015

Moto G 4G (1st generation): Android 5.1 Lollipop is finally available

After several months of waiting, users of the Moto G 4G (1st generation) will finally be able to enjoy the latest version of Android. Released in 2013, the Moto G 4G (1st generation) has finally received its upgrade to the new version of mobile operating system from Google.

Since this morning, many users of this smartphone received their notification indicating that the update OTA (Over-The-Air) was ready. The Moto G 4G (1st generation) purchased bare therefore go directly from version 4.4.2 to version 5.1 KitKat Lollipop (without going through the box 5.0.2) and now enjoy all the improvements that come up.

Users will thus be able to enjoy the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop, added to those of Android 5.1 (such as multi-SIM management, the voice in High Definition, as well as the tool Device Protection). Besides correcting some bugs and interface Material Design very similar to that of the stock release. This update weighs 450 MB, so remember to make a little room for everything to go well.



If you own a Moto G 4G (1st generation) and you still have not received anything, a little patience, you should see this happen notification shortly. But beware of possible confusion because Motorola has been out for two years several models of G. Moto Thus it formalized in order:

the Moto G (1st generation) - November 2013
the Moto G 4G (1st generation) - May 2014
the Moto G (2nd generation) - September 2014
the Moto G 4G (2nd generation) - March 2015

As you can see, this range is not really coherent, since the manufacturer has managed to get out a 3G model between two 4G models. Note in passing that if the Moto G 4G model (2nd generation) has it already received the update to Android 5.1, this is not yet the case of 3G Moto G, both of which are Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Honor 7 with bunch of new features

The announcement of Honor 7 is expected in the month of June. We now have a specific date. It is that of June 30. It has been unveiled by an official teaser. And that's not all we learned it.

Many Chinese manufacturers have programmed announcements in June. It even seems that both chose the same date. A MX5 or M2 is expected to Meizu on June 30 while the Honor 7 will be unveiled on the same day. It is now certain for the latter, since the alternative brand Huawei has released a teaser on Weibo. We find the number 7 and June 30 included below, plus a little hint on one of the smartphone features.

The Index is the image of a fingerprint. We see only one possible interpretation: the Honor 7 is equipped with a fingerprint reader. It is also not the first time that such a component is evoked with the next flagship of Honor brand. It has even been spotted on some photos on the run. This teaser is therefore nothing more than a confirmation. And we hope that this will not last, because there are many other areas where the rumors were promising.



We think including the technical platform, which should include an octa-core chipset Kirin 930/935 with two possible combinations for memory: 3/16 and 4/64 GB GB RAM and storage. We also expect many photos since rumors of a main 13 megapixel sensor associated with an optical stabilization system. A 5-inch Full HD screen and a battery of 3280 mAh are also included in the data sheet of the supposed 7 Honor.

Fast charging is fashionable on smartphones. It must be said that Qualcomm has greatly facilitated the task of manufacturers by integrating such a solution (QuickCharge) to its high-end chipsets. Honor 7 also incorporate fast charging solutions. And we hope that this will not last, because there are many other areas where the rumors were promising. Well, we only have to wait for an official announcement.

The OnePlus 2 equipped with a USB-C will be officially launched within a month

Last week OnePlus launched a teaser campaign to generate interest on its next feature unit. We can only say that the company will soon launch it, and worked hard for you to find nice! However, until it is revealed, the Chinese firm will continue to disseminate information in dribs and drabs on this enigmatic OnePlus 2.

Carl Pei recently formalized the date of submission of OnePlus 2. It will be exactly on July 27 at 19 pm, Pacific Time. No giant press conference, however, but a presentation in virtual reality. The OnePlus 2 is definitely one of the most anticipated smartphones this summer. First, because it succeeds OnePlus One, which has long been the best open-market tender. Then because it should have an "improved and optimized" version of Snapdragon 810 chipset which is famous as ink flow for 6 months. Fortunately, we will not have too long to wait for all the details on this future smartphone since Carl Pei officially unveils the time and date of presentation. Of course, there will be no giant press conference like Apple or Xiaomi to present this new mobile. OnePlus will use the Internet and social networks for this. In contrast, Carl Pei indicates that a video stream in virtual reality will be offered.



The Snapdragon 810 v2.1 has eight cores and should harmonize well with the rest of the hardware and software of OnePlus Two, so it should not cause heat problems. The 64-bit CPU to allow inter alia a faster camera and a better gaming experience, according to OnePlus. Other hardware specifications, the Chinese company has not yet voiced.

Also It has just confirmed that it will be entitled to a USB port Type-C . This is certainly music to the ears of many people, especially when we know that Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 810 will also be present on the device. OnePlus stated that it wished to impose as a "leader in connectivity energy" that is why it decided to take that direction. The USB Type-C is the only port on the MacBook 12 "and it is also present on the latest Chromebook Pixel in Google.



Why USB Type-C? Well, the main interest is that it is reversible and allows a faster charge. Therefore, no matter which side of the cable you connect, that's fine. Moreover, it is small enough to be seen in the phones. The USB Type C port allows two-sided insertion of a corresponding cable. This makes the charging of the device more comfortable. Many users need it at regular microUSB ports several tries, which can be quite annoying in the long run. The new standard also allows the power supply with other devices around the OnePlus 2 as the source. Thus, the smartphone can be used as a portable external battery. The price of the OnePlus 2 could rise due to the high-end processor.

Apple removes the home button on the next iPhone

According to rumors, Apple could eliminate the Home button on its upcoming iPhone, to further increase a little more the size of their screens without having to make a major change in the dimensions of the unit. But this would present a problem: where would the fingerprint reader, located just below the home button? It is rumored that Apple would develop a new screen where the fingerprint reader will be integrated.

DigiTimes cites unnamed sources in the Integrated Circuit Industry Taiwan, certifying that Apple is working on solutions "single-chip touch and display driver integration (TDDI)" for the next iPhone. This would enable their screens also work as a fingerprint reader.



Apple has also filed several patents which refer to this hypothesis in the future. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that the fingerprint reader can be moved on the screen. However, this change would bring a major change in the software experience because the Home button is also used to return to the applications and launch Siri. It is thus likely that these features will be done through gestures if the Home button no longer exists.

It is too early to say if or when Apple will implement its projects and launch an iPhone devoid of home button, which remained a constant feature on its smartphones since the first iPhone came out in 2007.