Foursquare Android app get new features

Location based check-in application, Foursquare has released an updated application for its Android application. The application now comes complete with background notification to help users discover more while they check-in to their favorite neighborhood or place.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that Microsoft has approached Foursquare for an investment opportunity. However, according to sources , Foursquare spokesperson Brendan Lewis has dismissed the reports.

Nonetheless the newest application upgrade for foursquare brings a ton of utility for its users with background notification originating from the application. The notification will be sent basis the location of the user helping them discover and enjoy more. The application will scout a particular location for the user so that they could find new places and areas of interest if they check in to some place new and so on.

Foursquare today has over 4 billion check-ins and more than 32 million tips that global users have shared with the service regarding places or services worth discovering all around the world. Basis these, Foursquare now will be offering more personalized suggestion for the users so that they can do more than just checking in to places and winning over their friends.

Digg reader app arrives for Android

Digg, the news aggregation service, has introduced a new reader application for the Google Android platform. The Digg reader allows reading the Digg stories and sharing them over variety of social services. After the Google Reader was discontinued, this is a sincere attempt from Digg to keep the barebones style web content reading enthusiasts engaged.

Digg is a social bookmarking websites where users can submit the stories published anywhere on the web. Based on the popularity and Diggs it receives, the story is ranked. The new Digg reader app for Android platform brings the Digg's Top Stories to the readers. Apart from that, users can always add other RSS feeds or folder in the Digg Reader. The user can choose to view the content in Text only and Web view.

The Digg reader allows searching the Digg Top Stories and one can always save any story or send it to third party service such as Instapaper, Pocket or Readability. Stories can also be shared over the social networks, email, Dropbox, Google Drive, text or any other app that supports sharing. Best part is that users can log in to the Digg app using Google, Facebook or Twitter credentials.

Digg has tried to promote its slowly declining number of users with a content reader app. This the first version of the Digg reader app released for the masses. We expect Digg to add more significant feature in due course of time. Get the new Digg app for your Android devices from the sources

BBM coming for Android, iOS-BlackBerry

Putting an end to all the speculations , BlackBerry has now officially announced the imminent release of BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) application for Android and iOS operating system based devices.

"BBM is coming to Android and iOS," a message on BlackBerry's webpage read.

Though on the webpage nothing more has been revealed, earlier at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando, BlackBerry chief executive officer Thorsten Heins announced that BlackBerry Messenger apps for iOS and Android will be made available for free.

BBM or BlackBerry Messenger till now is available for BlackBerry device owners only. Messages sent via BlackBerry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication is only possible between BlackBerry devices. BBM gained popularity over the years due to its secure nature.

Curiously, BlackBerry users now have to pay a certain amount in order to use the BBM service. Currently, in India, the cheapest BBM plan costs around Rs 129. So how the BBM Android and iOS service will affect the BlackBerry BBM users is remain to be seen.

The upcoming Android and iOS applications are expected to have BBM multi-chat facility. They may also have the voice note sharing or voice messaging feature. Along with that the applications will also include BlackBerry Groups, where BBM users are able to set up groups of up to 30 people and share calendar, photos, files and more with rest of the participants in one go.

HTC working on another mini handset-Z3

HTC was rumored of working on a smartphone codenamed Zara which is set to arrive with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Now according to EVLeaks , HTC will launch a mini version of the phone as HTC Z3.

The HTC Z3 is said to come with a 4.3-inch LCD display with 480x800 pixel resolution and dual-SIM configuration. The smartphone would have a dual-core 1 GHz mobile processor, 512 MB RAM, and Sense user interface with Android 4.x Jelly Bean operating system. This smartphone will have 8 GB on-board storage and micro SD card support. At the rear, there is likely to be a 5 megapixel camera while in the front the HTC Z3 may feature a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Images of the HTC Z3 were spotted at the China's Telephone Certification Body - Tenaa . Both Zara and Z3 smartphones are expected to be announced in coming few months.

Sony rolls out Android JB for Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra

After announcing the roll out of Jelly Bean 4.2 for its Xperia Z tablet, Sony has now announced that it will also roll out the update for its Xperia Z Ultra smartphone. The upgrade aims at offering a new set of features and functionality to the devices.

The Jelly Bean 4.2.2 upgrade, release version 10.3.1.C.0.136, will bring Sony Media Apps and integrated services to the devices. The My Xperia application that offers an added level of security for the devices has also been included in the upgrade. Along with that a handful of new widgets for both the home screen as well as the lock screen have been added to the upgrade for the users.

Now with this new upgrade, the Sony Xperia tablet Z users would get support for 64 GB SD card as well. Both devices now get multi user function support allowing different users to get their individual profiles on the same device.

The upgrade is likely to made available both over the air as well as through PC. If you still haven't received a notification for the same, keep checking as the upgrade will improve your user experience.

KBC official mobile game now available for Android, iOS

Multi Screen Media, a part of Sony Pictures Television, has launched KBC official mobile application along with a dedicated website (kbcsony.com).

As per a press release issued, the digital platforms are packed with a host of rich and immersive video content, exciting features, games and users also stand the chance to win Apple iPADs.

iOS" title="KBC official mobile game now available for Android, iOS">

Like the website, this official mobile gaming application provides users with a complete real-like experience, just like playing KBC as the hot seat contestant. Users can use all lifelines, score points and grow up the money tree and share scores on Facebook and Twitter. The app also comes with features like "Globe Quiz" and Insta Hot Seat.

This is a paid application and is available at USD 0.99 at both Apple and Android stores.

Speaking on the launch, Nitesh Kripalani, executive vice-president - new media, business development and digital/syndication at Sony Entertainment Network commented, "Kaun Banega Crorepati is undoubtedly one of the most admired and loved game show on television today. The popularity quotient is huge and the fan base is getting bigger every year. Our digital platform is especially designed to give our users much more than what they can get from their television sets - a whole new immersive on-demand second screen experience right at their fingertips."

"The idea is to bring the KBC experience up close and personal, across multiple platforms, be it mobile, tablet or online", he added.

Moto X said to get a price drop to $100 in Q4 this year

Motorola's latest and greatest Moto X has generally been lauded by everyone for its unique customizable colors and performance but the $200 price tag on contract has often raised questions, especially considering you get much more powerful smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One for the same price.

It seems Motorola is aware of this and is planning a price drop in the near future. evleaks has revealed that the Moto X will be getting a price drop in Q4 this year and will drop down to $100 on a contract.

Moreover, the wooden panels that Motorola showed off when the device was announced (but are not yet available) will be available around the same time for a $50 premium. You can see the four panel options that will be available through Moto Maker later this year.

Source

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iPhone 5S name pops up on Japanese KDDI carrier

The Japanese carrier KDDI has confirmed the name of the Apple's next flagship - the iPhone 5S. The name with the dummy link is now gone, though at this point it's as certain as it gets that Apple is going to stick to its usual naming scheme for yet another year.

Apple will supposedly reveal the next generation iPhones on September 10. We expect to see the iPhone 5S with faster processor, better camera and dual-LED flash as well as two new color flavors - graphite and gold.

The gold version of the iPhone 5S has already leaked in pictures, but today there is a new video that shows its panel s torn down side by side with an iPhone 5.

For the first time ever Apple is expect to break pattern and release a cheaper iPhone model dubbed iPhone 5C. It is rumored to pack the same internals as the current iPhone 5, but switch from aluminum to plastic body. The iPhone 5C will reportedly replace the iPhone 5 on the market.

September 10 is 11 days away now, but until then we have already a lot to look forward too - the IFA expo will bring us various hotly-anticipated gadgets such as the Samsung Galaxy Note III, HTC One Max, Sony Xperia Z1, the Samsung Smart Gear watch and whatnot. One thing is certain - September will be an exciting month for tech enthusiasts.

There is one more piece of info, this time it’s about the iPhones' release date date. A leaked internal calendar showing the available vacation days for the Apple Care employees shows a blackout is coming. Nobody working for Apple will be able to take days off starting on September 15 through September 28. The end of that frame is probably when the new iPhone lineup sales will kick off.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Via 1 | Via 2

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HTC Zara to be unveiled as HTC Desire 601

HTC Zara is actually HTC Desire 601, according to the usually very reliable evleaks. An official render of the phone has already leaked once along with a bunch of specs.

HTC Zara a.k.a. Desire 601 will supposedly pack a 4.5" qHD display and will run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8930 chipset with two 1.2GHz Krait cores, 1GB of RAM and an Adreno 305 GPU. The rumored specs sheet continues with an 8MP camera, 8GB expandable storage and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with Sense 5.5 UI on top of it.

HTC Zara

Recently we saw another unannounced HTC model leaking, which according to the latest rumors is codenamed HTC Zara mini. It will probably have the same internals as Zara/Desire 601, but downgrade the display to a 4.0" WVGA unit and the rear camera to 5MP resolution.

HTC Zara mini

An educated guess would be that both HTC Zaras are going to be unveiled in September alongside the HTC One Max.

Via

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Galaxy Note III to hit UK on Sept 16, Xperia Z1 on Sept 24

Samsung is doing great job so far keeping the Galaxy Note III phablet under wraps and we are yet to see leaked pictures of the actual device. However we spotted renders, specs, panels, different model rumors, and, most recently a launch date.

Today's piece of info comes for Three UK internal document, which contains various devices release dates including the Samsung Galaxy Note III and Sony Xperia Z1.

According to this leaked doc Three UK will be launching the Samsung Galaxy Note III on September 16, while the Xperia Z1 flagship will hit the UK shelves on September 24. If the document is indeed authentic, we guess the other UK carriers and retailers will be getting the two devices around the same time, as well as the rest of the world's major markets.

Both devices will be unveiled on September 4 in Berlin and we'll be there to cover the events live for you.

Source

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Foursquare Android app get new features

Location based check-in application, Foursquare has released an updated application for its Android application. The application now comes complete with background notification to help users discover more while they check-in to their favorite neighborhood or place.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that Microsoft has approached Foursquare for an investment opportunity. However, according to sources , Foursquare spokesperson Brendan Lewis has dismissed the reports.

Nonetheless the newest application upgrade for foursquare brings a ton of utility for its users with background notification originating from the application. The notification will be sent basis the location of the user helping them discover and enjoy more. The application will scout a particular location for the user so that they could find new places and areas of interest if they check in to some place new and so on.

Foursquare today has over 4 billion check-ins and more than 32 million tips that global users have shared with the service regarding places or services worth discovering all around the world. Basis these, Foursquare now will be offering more personalized suggestion for the users so that they can do more than just checking in to places and winning over their friends.

Digg reader app arrives for Android

Digg, the news aggregation service, has introduced a new reader application for the Google Android platform. The Digg reader allows reading the Digg stories and sharing them over variety of social services. After the Google Reader was discontinued, this is a sincere attempt from Digg to keep the barebones style web content reading enthusiasts engaged.

Digg is a social bookmarking websites where users can submit the stories published anywhere on the web. Based on the popularity and Diggs it receives, the story is ranked. The new Digg reader app for Android platform brings the Digg's Top Stories to the readers. Apart from that, users can always add other RSS feeds or folder in the Digg Reader. The user can choose to view the content in Text only and Web view.

The Digg reader allows searching the Digg Top Stories and one can always save any story or send it to third party service such as Instapaper, Pocket or Readability. Stories can also be shared over the social networks, email, Dropbox, Google Drive, text or any other app that supports sharing. Best part is that users can log in to the Digg app using Google, Facebook or Twitter credentials.

Digg has tried to promote its slowly declining number of users with a content reader app. This the first version of the Digg reader app released for the masses. We expect Digg to add more significant feature in due course of time. Get the new Digg app for your Android devices from the sources

Alcatel One Touch Idol S and Idol Mini go official

Alcatel has extended its collection of smartphones with the introduction of One Touch Idol S and One Touch Idol Mini. Both the devices come with a compact design along with a slim profile. The Idol S is the slimmer of the two with its profile measuring just 7.4mm, while the Idol Mini is also very slender at 7.9mm.

The highlights of the Alcatel Idol S include a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The device is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz along with 1 GB of RAM and features an 8 megapixel rear camera that is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.

Th Alcatel One Touch Idol S comes with a 1.3 megapixel front camera and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The device has 4 GB of internal memory and there is a microSD card slot for further expansion. Alcatel's latest mid-range addition has a wide range of connectivity option and the smartphone will be available in Slate, Fresh Rose and Cherry Red color options.

On the other hand, the Idol Mini is an entry level smartphone, sporting a relatively small 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. The smartphone also features a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, 512 MB RAM, 5 megapixel rear camera and 4GB inbuilt memory with microSD card support.

The Idol Mini runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and comes with HSPA+, Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth 4.0 radios.

The Alcatel Idol Mini will also be available in a dual-SIM variant with its hardware specifications remaining mostly unchanged. The only difference is the dual-SIM Idol Mini does not come with a microSD card slot and has 8 GB of internal storage.

Alcatel Idol Mini will also be up for grabs in three different color options - Cranberry Pink, Silver and Slate. There are no details on the pricing and the availability of either new smartphone at the moment.

Source 1 | Source 2

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LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom launches across Europe

Samsung announced the Galaxy S4 Zoom back in June and unleashed its 3G version worldwide in July. It's just now though Samsung is releasing the LTE-capable version of the S4 Zoom.

The LTE Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is completely identical with the already available version but as you probably guessed adds support for 4G networks. The gadget will be available on various EU markets and carriers very soon, though there is no official pricing just yet.

We already spend some quality time with the SM-C101 non-LTE model and you can read all about our encounter right here.

In case you need a refresh, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is basically a hybrid between Galaxy S4 mini and a digicam with its 4.3" qHD screen and 16MP OIS camera with 10x optical zoom at the back.

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Huawei outs waterproof Honor 3 in China

Huawei has launched the Huawei Honor 3 on the Chinese market. The successor of the popular Honor 2 features a 4.7" 720p IPS in-cell display and runs on the Huawei's homebrewed K3V2E chipset with a quad-core 1.5GHz processor and 2GB of RAM.

The rest of the specs of the Honor 3 include a 13MP camera with Sony lens, a LED flash, 8GB expandable internal storage, and a 2150 mAh battery. There is also a 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chats. The Android version ticking inside is 4.2.2 Jelly Bean skinned with Huawei's Emotion UI.

Huawei Honor 3

Huawei Honor 3 is IP57-certified, which guarantees its survival under 1 meter deep water for up to 30 minutes. The IP57 certification also includes dust protection.

Huawei Honor 3 is already available for purchase through Huawei's official online store. It costs CNY1,888, which equals about €235 or $310.

Source | Via

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Archos unveils its IFA lineup early: Android phones and tablets galore

Archos unveiled its IFA lineup a few days early – the new additions include many tablets and smartphones, all powered by pure, unskinned Android.

The company is introducing a new line, Oxygen. The Archos 50 Oxygen features a FullHD screen, 13MP front-facing camera and 5MP secondary camera, quad-core 1.5GHz processor running Android 4.2 and 16GB of storage.

The new phones in the Titanium range will start at €99 with a 4" screen, dual-SIM connectivity, 5MP main camera, dual-core processor running Android 4.2. The Platinum range will see new phones too, but Archos will unveil the full details for them and its other new phones at IFA.

The Archos 97b Platinum tablet is an iPad 4 competitor with aluminum body, a 9.7" screen with 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution. The French company is also kicking off its Gen11 tablets with the Archos 101xs2 with HD IPS screen, stereo speakers on the front and a magnetically attached keyboard. Both have quad-core processors and run Android 4.2.

The Xenon line will see 3 new tablets with HD screens, 3G and 3G+ (whatever that means) connectivity, quad-core processors and Android 4.2. There will be a sequel to the Archos GamePad too (a tablet with built in game controls), but detail will only be made available at IFA.

Finally, there will be a couple of kid-oriented ChildPad tablets with Android 4.2 and Play Store filtered for kid-friendly content. There will be an 8" and a 10.1" tablets and the bigger one will be able to use "magnetic figurines" for more tangible play.

Source (PDF)

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BBM coming for Android, iOS-BlackBerry

Putting an end to all the speculations , BlackBerry has now officially announced the imminent release of BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) application for Android and iOS operating system based devices.

"BBM is coming to Android and iOS," a message on BlackBerry's webpage read.

Though on the webpage nothing more has been revealed, earlier at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando, BlackBerry chief executive officer Thorsten Heins announced that BlackBerry Messenger apps for iOS and Android will be made available for free.

BBM or BlackBerry Messenger till now is available for BlackBerry device owners only. Messages sent via BlackBerry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication is only possible between BlackBerry devices. BBM gained popularity over the years due to its secure nature.

Curiously, BlackBerry users now have to pay a certain amount in order to use the BBM service. Currently, in India, the cheapest BBM plan costs around Rs 129. So how the BBM Android and iOS service will affect the BlackBerry BBM users is remain to be seen.

The upcoming Android and iOS applications are expected to have BBM multi-chat facility. They may also have the voice note sharing or voice messaging feature. Along with that the applications will also include BlackBerry Groups, where BBM users are able to set up groups of up to 30 people and share calendar, photos, files and more with rest of the participants in one go.

Cheaper Galaxy Note III with LCD and 8MP cam is in the works

The latest rumors coming from Korea suggest Samsung is trying to lower the cost of the Galaxy Note III phablet for the emerging markets by replacing some internals with cheaper components.

To achieve a price cut, the Galaxy Note III will lose the Super AMOLED screen in favor of a regular LCD unit plus the camera will be downgraded to an 8MP one. Thanks to those sacrifices, Samsung will be able to launch the Galaxy Note III phablet at a cheaper price point in the emerging markets.

According to the etnews report, those new LCD/8MP Galaxy Note III phablets are 30% of the entire first batch of Notes III that is currently manufacturing in Samsung's factories.

We admire Samsung putting efforts to make the Note III available to more customers, though we hope if indeed true, Samsung would still launch the top-shelf model in those countries too so people have a choice.

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Note III on September 4 in Berlin and we'll be there to cover the event as it unfolds.

Source (in Korean)| Via

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HTC working on another mini handset-Z3

HTC was rumored of working on a smartphone codenamed Zara which is set to arrive with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Now according to EVLeaks , HTC will launch a mini version of the phone as HTC Z3.

The HTC Z3 is said to come with a 4.3-inch LCD display with 480x800 pixel resolution and dual-SIM configuration. The smartphone would have a dual-core 1 GHz mobile processor, 512 MB RAM, and Sense user interface with Android 4.x Jelly Bean operating system. This smartphone will have 8 GB on-board storage and micro SD card support. At the rear, there is likely to be a 5 megapixel camera while in the front the HTC Z3 may feature a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Images of the HTC Z3 were spotted at the China's Telephone Certification Body - Tenaa . Both Zara and Z3 smartphones are expected to be announced in coming few months.

Sony rolls out Android JB for Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra

After announcing the roll out of Jelly Bean 4.2 for its Xperia Z tablet, Sony has now announced that it will also roll out the update for its Xperia Z Ultra smartphone. The upgrade aims at offering a new set of features and functionality to the devices.

The Jelly Bean 4.2.2 upgrade, release version 10.3.1.C.0.136, will bring Sony Media Apps and integrated services to the devices. The My Xperia application that offers an added level of security for the devices has also been included in the upgrade. Along with that a handful of new widgets for both the home screen as well as the lock screen have been added to the upgrade for the users.

Now with this new upgrade, the Sony Xperia tablet Z users would get support for 64 GB SD card as well. Both devices now get multi user function support allowing different users to get their individual profiles on the same device.

The upgrade is likely to made available both over the air as well as through PC. If you still haven't received a notification for the same, keep checking as the upgrade will improve your user experience.

KBC official mobile game now available for Android, iOS

Multi Screen Media, a part of Sony Pictures Television, has launched KBC official mobile application along with a dedicated website (kbcsony.com).

As per a press release issued, the digital platforms are packed with a host of rich and immersive video content, exciting features, games and users also stand the chance to win Apple iPADs.

iOS" title="KBC official mobile game now available for Android, iOS">

Like the website, this official mobile gaming application provides users with a complete real-like experience, just like playing KBC as the hot seat contestant. Users can use all lifelines, score points and grow up the money tree and share scores on Facebook and Twitter. The app also comes with features like "Globe Quiz" and Insta Hot Seat.

This is a paid application and is available at USD 0.99 at both Apple and Android stores.

Speaking on the launch, Nitesh Kripalani, executive vice-president - new media, business development and digital/syndication at Sony Entertainment Network commented, "Kaun Banega Crorepati is undoubtedly one of the most admired and loved game show on television today. The popularity quotient is huge and the fan base is getting bigger every year. Our digital platform is especially designed to give our users much more than what they can get from their television sets - a whole new immersive on-demand second screen experience right at their fingertips."

"The idea is to bring the KBC experience up close and personal, across multiple platforms, be it mobile, tablet or online", he added.