Samsung Galaxy A7 Goes Official; 6.3mm Thin Full Metal Body In Tow

The Samsung Galaxy A7 has finally been announced by Samsung and comes with a full metal body. The smartphone is the slimmest Galaxy smartphone yet with a very impressive 6.3mm thin profile. The device is the latest addition to the Galaxy A-series of smartphones and follows the previously launched Galaxy A5 and A3. The A7 is the most impressive A-series smartphone yet and comes with better specifications than the A5 and A3 smartphones that were launched earlier.

The Galaxy A7 comes with a 5.5” HD Super AMOLED display and will be offered with two different chipsets depending on the market. The dual-SIM LTE/3G model will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-core 64-bit chipset while the single-SIM variant will be powered by the Samsung Exynos 5430 Octa-core chipset. Both variants come with 2GB RAM and offer 16GB of internal storage. The memory is expandable, unlike the Galaxy Alpha. At the back, you will find a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and support for 1080p video recording. On the front there is a 5MP camera for selfies, with unique features like Wide Selfie, Rear-cam Selfie, and Beauty Face Features. You might think Samsung may have compromised with the battery capacity on the A7 like the Alpha for the ultra-thin body, but you would be surprised to know that the A7 actually comes with a higher than average 2,600mAh battery. The dimensions of the devices are 151 x 76.2 x 6.3mm and weighs in at 141 grams.

Samsung has included a number of software features as well to round off the excellent hardware package. The Ultra Power Saving Mode and Private Mode from the more recent Galaxy high-end devices is present on the Galaxy A7 as well. The smartphone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat but it is expected that Samsung will release an official update to Android 5.0 Lollipop soon after launch. The device will be arriving in select markets around the world by the end of this quarter in three color options – White, Dark Blue and Gold. No pricing information has been revealed yet but Samsung does mention that the A7 will be priced very competitively. More details about availability in various markets and pricing can be expected soon.

AT&T LG G3 Vigor: Release Date, Price and Specs in the US

AT&T LG G3 Vigor: Release Date, Price and Specs in the US

LG just announced the LG G3 Vigor, which will be available exclusively on AT&T. The launch date for the new smartphone is finally available, thanks to an official announcement made by AT&T. You can expect the device to be available at your local carrier store or retail store on September 26th for just $49.99 with a two-year contract, $13.96 monthly for 18 months through the AT&T Next program, or $16.75 for 12 months through the AT&T Next program. If you’re not a fan of contracts, you can pick up the phone off-contract for just $334.99.

LG G3 Vigor tech specs

The LG G3 Vigor is a mini version of the LG G3. It comes with a 720 x 1280 5-inch IPS display, a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, an Adreno 305, an 8MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, a 1.3MP front camera, and a 2,540mAh battery to keep you going all day. The new smartphone will be running on LG’s version of Android KitKat v 4.4.2 out of the box.

LG released this device in order to compete with other mid-range versions of high-end devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Alpha. It’s extremely similar to the currently available LG G3 S, and features many of the same specs. This device still packs a punch and is definitely worth the price for those looking for a great smartphone with a great price. We may see it available on other carriers at some point, but for now, it’s exclusively available at AT&T.

Samsung Galaxy S5′s Cousin, Galaxy A5 Caught on Camera

Samsung Galaxy S5′s Cousin, Galaxy A5 Caught on Camera

The hype from IFA is starting to die down as fans are now focusing on Samsung Galaxy Note 4′s release (October 17th). The tech giant has surprised us recently with a set of leaks confirming a new device, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha 5, referred to as SM-A500F in the leak. The device is supposed to be part of a series of three upcoming Samsung Galaxy A gadgets, and will come with a unique body which is not metal or plastic, but rather, a material that feels cold. The information comes from SamMobile, known to provide trustworthy leaks in the past regarding other devices.

Samsung Galaxy A5 tech specs

Nothing is certain about the Samsung Galaxy A5, but we have some vague information regarding its tech specifications. The gadget sports a 5-inch 720 x 1280 pixel Super AMOLED display, a 13MP primary shooter which should have a very high quality and photo resolution, Galaxy Note 4′s TouchWiz, a Snapdragon 400 processor, a 2,330mAh battery, 16GB of internal storage expandable by an external microSD card, and a 5MP secondary shooter for taking selfies. The device is an elegant rectangular-shaped gadget made out of a new material we haven’t received a name for, just the fact that it’s not metal or plastic. Could it be something that makes the phone invulnerable to dropping and such?

The news is very interesting, because we expected the rest of the quarter to be calm and silent after the Berlin-hosted IFA event where companies announced all their devices. We expect Samsung to make further statements about the device pretty soon, setting a few details straight. In the meantime, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Tech Specs & Features Detailed in Infographic

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Tech Specs & Features Detailed in Infographic

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is already turning out to be extremely famous, with fans barely containing their excitement and already trying to pre-order the device. To add to the hype, Samsung has released a gorgeous infographic that unveils a lot of details about the smart gadget, including dimensions, design, color varieties, tech specifications, and a lot of other features we didn’t know about. It’s certainly a brilliant move from them, which other companies should take a note of. These sorts of infographic are by far the best way to share device details with the media and customer base.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has the following set of dimensions: 78.6mm x 153.5mm, a 5.7-inch display, a Super AMOLED touchscreen, and provides the sharpest image quality on the market. It sports two incredible cameras: a 16MP primary shooter and a 3.7MP secondary camera for taking selfies. Samsung also provides the famous S Pen which has doubled its pressure level from the previous model, doubling its initial value of 1024 and offering you a very clean way to manipulate the touchscreen of your phone. The infographic also shows charging details, suggesting that this device charges nearly twice as fast as its predecessor, from a 55-minute charging time to only 30 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 infographic reveals various details

Samsung has definitely stepped up their game this year, publishing a fantastic device which has us excited. We’re certainly going to be getting our hands on it as soon as retailers decide to put it up for pre-order.

IFA 2014: Sony announces its New Xperia Z3 Flagship Smartphone With 2 Day Battery Stamina and Improved Camera

IFA 2014: Sony announces its New Xperia Z3 Flagship Smartphone With 2 Day Battery Stamina and Improved Camera

The wait is finally over! Sony has finally launched their new flagship smartphone – Xperia Z3. The rumors over the past few months suggested it to be quite a boring device but it is actually a pretty interesting smartphone.

Let’s talk about the hardware specifications first. It comes with the same 5.2 inch 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS display with Sony’s Triluminos Display for mobile and X-Reality image enhancement technology. Powering the smartphone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, clocked at 2.5GHz. There is 3GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable by a microSD, 20.7MP Exmor RS rear camera, 2.2MP front camera, 3100mAh battery, IP65/68 certified dust and water-resistant, LTE Cat.4 support for up to 150 Mbps download speeds, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box. The dimensions of the device are 146 x 72 x 7.3mm.

These specs might not sound very different from the Xperia Z2 but actually there are a lot more differences than these specs suggest. The most promising change has to do with the battery life. Sony claims that they have been able to tune all the components of the smartphone to be as efficient as possible to extract the maximum possible battery life. The result of that is said to be a 2 day battery life. That’s right! Sony claims that you can use the Xperia Z3 for two continuous days without having to look for your charger. Even though battery capacity is down by 100mAh over the Xperia Z2, the battery life is said to be quite a lot better. There is also an ultra-stamina mode on board that limits your phone to core functions only like calls and messaging to extract the most out of your battery.

Another area where Sony seems to have concentrated is the camera. You might remember that even though the Xperia Z2 came with a 20.7MP camera, it underperformed as far as the image quality went. Its rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G3 delivered better results even though they have lower resolution cameras. The Xperia Z3 camera sees some major improvements. The maximum ISO has seen a big jump to ISO12800 now, the highest sensitivity in any smartphone to date. The G Lens has also been upgraded and is now 25mm wide lens (27mm on Z2) that allows you to capture wider shots than before. The camcorder also features a new Intelligent Active Mode which analyzes your movements when shooting a video and minimizes blur and shake from videos. The list of camera apps has also been extended, with more to follow soon.

Even though the display packs the same enhancement technologies and resolution as the Z2, the panel itself is said to be brand new and offers the highest brightness of any Xperia yet according to Sony, A contrast enhancement technology has also been adopted to improve sunlight legibility.

Playstation Remote Play is also a big feature on the Xperia Z3. Sony claims the Xperia Z3 (along with other Z3 products) is the only smartphone in the market that allows you to access your PlayStation 4 games from anywhere in your home using a Wi-Fi network. A separate attachment accessory will help connect the PS4 controller to your Xperia Z3 so you can continue playing your game on it and move around the house.

Audio is another area where Sony has achieved some significant improvements. The noise cancellation feature from the Xperia Z2 is retained but you now get DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) from Sony Walkman devices that allows you to enjoy all your music in the highest possible quality. It also comes with Hi-Res Audio supports, letting you enjoy listening to lossless audio files on the go.

Sony has always been the master of good-looking industrial designs, and the Z series line has been testament to that. The Xperia Z3 looks like an evolution of the Xperia Z2 design with much of the same philosophy but with clever new touches being added to make it a more ergonomic smartphone. The bezels have been trimmed and the side bezels are now said to be just 0.2 mm thin. This has allowed the Xperia Z3 to be slightly less wide than its predecessor and at the same time the thickness has reduced from 8.2mm to 7.2mm. Weight has also reduced to 152 grams from 163 grams on the Z2. The materials used are the same though, with double tempered glass and an aluminum frame. The dust and water resistance capabilities have also seen an improvement with the Z3 being IP65/68 certified, it is now water proof up to a depth of 1.5 meters in fresh water.

All Xperia Z3 models appear to be 4G LTE compatible and the handset supports Nano SIM cards. The Xperia Z3 will be available globally this Autumn with pricing details to be revealed at a later stage. Four color options will be offered depending on the market – Black, White, Copper, and Silver Green.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Rumor Roundup Before IFA 2014, Berlin

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Rumor Roundup Before IFA 2014, Berlin

We are just days away from the official announcement of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 4. There have been a lot of rumors going around, so let’s gather them all up and see what we expect out of Berlin this week.

Note 4: One Final Rumor Roundup

We first started talking about the Galaxy Note 4 last year, shortly after the Galaxy Note 3 was released. At the time, it was speculated that a 20MP rear-facing camera could be used in the device. It seems like the plans have changed (or those rumors were false) – now we’re expecting to see Samsung’s own 12MP or 13MP ISOCELL sensor used.

Then, at the start of 2014, Samsung’s Mobile Chief told Bloomberg the Galaxy Note 4 would come with a ‘three-sided display‘. A few months later, we heard from Samsung’s Senior Vice President and he told us a little more about this new design.

Yoon Han-kil told us that Samsung was currently working on a Galaxy Note 4 with a ‘new form factor‘, but nothing was final. Later in the interview, he said that if Samsung was unsatisfied with the results that they could go with a more traditional design. Samsung is able to produce devices with a three-sided display, but it’s possible that the device couldn’t pass durability tests. It’s also possible Samsung has been unable to create intuitive functions for the additional sides. We’ve seen them used as shortcuts for apps and functions in a couple of patent filings, but Samsung might not be happy with what they have so far.

We’ve also seen patents from Samsung for advanced handwriting recognition. We don’t know whether or not this technology is ready for the Galaxy Note 4. It could be included at the launch – it could arrive with a software update, or Samsung could end up waiting until the Galaxy Note 5 before introducing it.

In April, we also read a report from CNMO about the rumored Quad HD display in the Galaxy Note 4. We’ve seen multiple rumors back this up, and with the inclusion of Quad HD in the LG G3, it would be interesting if Samsung decided to pass on this until next year. Samsung has been using a Quad HD Super AMOLED display in the Galaxy S5 LTE-A variant, so we suspect the Galaxy Note 4 will have this resolution display as well.

In May, we saw reports suggest the idea of a 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 4. Since Apple is rumored to release a 5.5-inch iPhone 6, it was said that Samsung might want to compete head-to-head with a device of the same size. Recent rumors suggest Samsung is sticking with the 5.7-inch display for the Galaxy Note 4.

In June, we learned about Samsung’s decision to release two variants of the Galaxy Note 4. One of these is said to utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, while the other would use the in-house Exynos 5430. A few days later, we saw rumors suggesting that Samsung will use the Exynos 5433 instead of the 5430.

In July, we came across a tweet from the Samsung Exynos Twitter account that teased a retina scanner for their Exynos processors. They didn’t directly say it would be included in the Galaxy Note 4, but it does seem possible, if not in the Note 4, then possibly the Note 5.

July was a hot month for the weather as well as Galaxy Note 4 rumors. Around the middle of the month, we saw a Samsung patent for ultrasonic sensors that would be used for the stylus. We’ve seen this technology used in a Qualcomm demo tablet but we have yet to see it incorporated into a device.

Toward the end of July, there were reports of Samsung working on an ultraviolet sensor for the upcoming Galaxy Note 4. This could be implemented into the S Health application or possibly in some sort of smart widget, like LG uses for the G3. Shortly after this, we saw alleged photos of the upcoming Galaxy Note 4. However, last week we saw some leaked cases that are also allegedly for the Galaxy Note 4. These cases don’t match what we were expecting to see because of the previously leaked photo.

We seem to have a general idea about what to expect from Samsung this week at IFA. There are some details that remain fuzzy, but all in all we have an idea of what Samsung has been working on.

Apple iWatch Release Date Shifted to Next Year?

Apple iWatch Release Date Shifted to Next Year?

Apple iWatch rumors have certainly been a roller coaster ride so far. First we heard it would be available for sale this year, and then we heard some rumors claiming it will not ship until December or even early next year. Just too many contradictory reports. The most recent report claimed Apple will certainly be unveiling its iWatch smartwatch at the September 9th event being hosted at the Flint Center for The Performing Arts in Cupertino, California.

A fresh report from recode claims the iWatch will indeed be announced on September 9th, but will not be shipping soon after launch. Their trusted sources claim the Apple iWatch will not be available for purchase during the holiday season this year and will probably launch sometime in early 2015. That’s quite disappointing frankly, but probably expected given the number of rumors that were claiming iWatch production was delayed significantly due to a possible shortage of the sapphire crystal glass component being used in the smartwatch.

The rumor mills have been buzzing about the Apple iWatch over the last few months and everyone is curious to see what Apple will come up with in its very first smartwatch product. Earlier reports had mentioned only about 3 million units of the iWatch will be shipped this year due to production delays, but it looks like things have clearly worsened since that report came out.

Rumored iWatch Specifications

The iWatch has been rumored to sport a flexible OLED display with sapphire glass coating to protect the screen. It will also come equipped with more than 10 health and fitness sensors that will allow it to keep detailed records of your medical and fitness information. iOS 8 brings theHealthKit developer API which will allow developers to create various apps to help you monitor your vital health statistics at regular intervals, and also to store your medical info on your iPhone that could be accessed by medical professionals in case of an emergency. The iWatch is expected to play a major role and will include most of the sensors used by the HealthKit API.

Nexus 5 Successor to Feature Android L 5.0 Update

Nexus 5 Successor to Feature Android L 5.0 Update

Nexus 6/Nexus X is a very mysterious device right now, but it’s set to be the next iteration of Google’s flagship phone which has been sold to tens of millions worldwide. A French retailer, fnac, has recently showcased this device on their website (along with some info) before Google actually unveiled the device. The news comes as a surprise, because if we look at the situation right now, it’s possible that the tech magnate is set to release not one, but two Nexus devices this year, including the Nexus 8.

New Information Leaks Regarding the Nexus X’s OS and CPU

Fnac reports that Google’s new phone will come with Android L straight out of the box, packing a 5.2 inch display, a Snapdragon 805 CPU, and a 13MP rear camera. The Android OS it runs also comes under the name “Android 5.0 Lemon Meringue Pie”

The model listed on fnac is XT1100, a codename for a phone developed by Motorola, which suggests that the two tech companies are working together on this one. It’s a common thing these days for companies to work together to produce better working phones, and better software. This collaboration is particularly interesting because Motorola is currently developing some very interesting accessories and smartwatches, so we’re curious to see if they’ll join forces with Google in that regard.

Nexus X is said to come in two variations: a 32GB version and a 64GB version. No sign of a 16GB version, though. As for the price, it’s rather steep, but worthwhile. The Nexus X 32GB version was priced at €419.99 which translates to $419.99 off-contract in the United States, while the Nexus X 64GB version is priced at €449.99.

As a final word, TK Tech News reported that the fnac website is very prone to hacker attacks occurring, so as always, take this information with a pinch of salt.

Metal Nexus 6 Concept Delivers Beautiful Design

Metal Nexus 6 Concept Delivers Beautiful Design

A stunning new metal Nexus 6 concept delivers a beautiful design that isn’t part of the latest Nexus 6 rumors but would certainly be good enough for the real Nexus 6 release.

Every year, Google releases a new Nexus Smartphone, each one better than the last. The current Nexus Smartphone, the Nexus 5, improved on the Nexus 4′s design and brought new software and hardware upgrades to the table. Best of all, Google managed to do that without drastically increasing the price tag of its popular Nexus series.

With the Nexus 5 approaching its first birthday, all eyes are on Google and its plans for the Nexus program. And while Nexus 6 rumors have pointed to a release from Motorola, designers have taken it upon themselves to deliver their own Nexus 6 ideas ahead of its suspected release.

A new Nexus 6 concept unearthed by Concept Phones showcases a gunmetal Nexus 6 made by HTC. HTC is not rumored to be making the Nexus 6 though the company is reportedly developing the next Nexus tablet, currently dubbed Nexus 8 and Nexus 9. The Nexus 9 is, like this concept, expected to feature a premium metal design reminiscent of the company’s HTC One series of Smartphone.

This gunmetal Nexus 6 concept is complimented by HTC’s BoomSound front-facing speakers, another feature that’s rumored to be on board the Nexus 9 tablet, a large edge-to-edge display, two cameras, and virtual buttons for navigation. While it’s not based on any Nexus 6 rumors, this metal HTC Nexus 6 concept is a great looking idea that would be good enough for Google.

Nexus 6 rumors center around a new device from Google and Motorola. Motorola, a company that up until recently was owned by Google, has never made a Nexus product before. Motorola Nexus 6 rumors have been rampant in recent weeks as leaks attempt to out its specs, release date and more ahead of the busy month of September.

The Information and Android Police, both solid sources, agree that Motorola is working on a new Smartphone called “shamu.” Google likes to name its Nexus products after creatures that live in the sea and “Shamu” is a name for a killer whale that became popular back in the 1970′s. While this codename doesn’t confirm it to be a Nexus product, it means that there’s at least a good chance that it is.

Motorola’s version of the Nexus, a device that’s referred to as Nexus 6 and Nexus X, is expected to incorporate a fingerprint sensor into the design. Motorola was one of the first companies to offer a fingerprint sensor with a Smartphone (Atrix 4G). Alleged Nexus 6 benchmarks point to a number of high-end features including:

•      2.6 GHz Snapdragon 805 Quad-core Processor with 3GB of RAM
•      5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD Display
•      32GB storage
•      12-13MP rear-facing camera
•      2.1MP front-facing camera
•      Android L
•      Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and more

Both Android Police and The Information claim that “Shamu” will be a “phablet” with a screen as large as 5.9-inches, something that contradicts these supposed Nexus 6 benchmarks.

Early Nexus 6 release date rumors put the release inside of November. This fits in perfectly with Google’s usual Nexus release window and it mirrors what we’ve heard about the Android L release. Android L, Google’s next Android update, is rumored to be coming out alongside the Nexus 8 tablet in the third or fourth quarter.

If true, it could be that the new Nexus smartphone arrives much later than the iPhone 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, both of which are expected to arrive sometime next month. Samsung recently confirmed a Galaxy Note 4 launch date for September 3rd while the iPhone 6 launch date is thought to be taking place on September 9th.

So while we may not see an HTC Nexus 6 with a gunmetal design, we could perhaps see a Motorola Nexus 6 challenge the iPhone 6 and Galaxy Note 4 with a number of other high-end features.