Galaxy S4 to help Samsung double its market share lead

Samsung is looking to take an even larger lead over the competition this year, thanks largely to its new Galaxy S4 flagship.

In 2011, just two short years ago, Nokia was the top dog in terms of phones sold, holding some 30% of the market. Then Samsung, which rides the Android wave better than anyone else, took center, rising to 29% in just one year, with most of that market share being taken straight from Nokia.

Market research firm IHS iSuppli has predicted that Samsung will double its lead in 2013 - in other words it will lead the next largest OEM by 11 percent points rather than 5. Although it did not care to predict exactly how much of the market Samsung will control in 2013, it did say that thanks to its "massive worldwide rollout through almost every operator, the lifestyle focus of the S4 will help drive Samsung’s market share sharply in 2013."

Given how well the Samsung Galaxy S4 looked in our preview, it's not hard to envision another great year for Samsung.

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Nokia rolls out Camera Extras and Cinemagraph apps for WP7

Nokia has just launched two new camera apps for the first generation Lumia devices.The new apps are Camera Extras and Cinemagraph and are available for Lumia WP7-running 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900.

Both camera apps were previously only available on Windows Phone 8-powered Lumias. The Camera Extras offers Smart Shoot, Action Shot, Panorama and self-shot feature, while the Cinemagraph shoots a few seconds short video and transforms in into an animated picture (gif).

You can find both apps in the Windows Phone 7 marketplace right now. You can also hit the source link below and scan the bar codes.

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Here's the Samsung Galaxy S4 versions breakdown by countries

Samsung announced the Galaxy S4 with an Exynos 5 Octa chipset, but what the presenters didn’t say during the announcement is that a lot of countries will be getting the Snapdragon 600 version instead. And it’s not just North America either.

SamMobile has compiled a list that shows which country gets which model. The I9500 is the non-LTE Exynos model while the I9505 is the 4G-enabled Snapdragon model. It's worth pointing out that some lucky countries are getting both.

Here’s the list plus known prices so far. Note that it's incomplete and may not be 100% accurate.

North America

• I9505 - Canada


• I9505 - United States, $580

Africa

• I9500 – Algeria


• I9500 – Egypt


• I9500 – Kenya


• I9500 – Lybia


• I9500 – Marocco


• I9500 – Nigeria

Asia / Middle East

• I9500 – Afghanistan


• I9500 – Bangladesh


• I9500 – China


• I9500 / I9505 – Hong Kong


• I9500 – India


• I9500 – Indonesia


• I9500 – Iran


• I9500 – Iraq


• I9500 – Kazakhstan


• I9500 / I9505 – Korea


• I9500 / I9505 – Malaysia


• I9500 – Nepal


• I9500 – Pakistan


• I9500 / I9505 – Philippines


• I9500 – Russia, 30,000 rubles ($970), April 26 launch


• I9500 / I9505 – Saudi Arabia


• I9505 – Singapore


• I9500 – Sri Lanka


• I9500 – Taiwan


• I9500 – Thailand


• I9500 – Turkey


• I9500 / I9505 – United Arab Emirates


• I9500 – Uzbekistan


• I9500 – Vietnam

Australia

Europe

• I9505 – Austria


• I9505 – Baltic


• I9505 – Belgium / Luxemburg


• I9505 – Bosnia and Herzegovina


• I9505 – Bulgaria


• I9505 – Cyprus


• I9505 – Czech Republic


• I9500 / I9505 – France


• I9500 / I9505 – Germany, €650


• I9505 – Greece


• I9500 / I9505 – Italy, €700


• I9505 – Macedonia


• I9505 - Nordic Countries


• I9500 / I9505 – Poland


• I9500 / I9505 – Romania, 3,000 Lei ($878) for I9500


• I9500 – Russia


• I9505 – Portugal


• I9505 – Slovakia


• I9505 – Slovenia


• I9505 – Spain


• I9505 - Sweden, starting at SEK 220 / $34 a month


• I9505 – Switzerland


• I9505 – The Netherlands


• I9500 / I9505 – United Kingdom, £530, April 26 launch


• I9500 – Ukraine

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Some Sony Xperia Z handsets reportedly suffering sudden death

A number of Sony Xperia Z users have reported their devices suffering from sudden death. Apparently, Sony's flagship has been shutting down for no apparent reason with subsequent efforts to bring it back to life proving unsuccessful, save for a hard reset in a few cases.

There is no particular reason for the occurrence. Some users have blamed low battery for the issue, but others have had their Xperia Z expire with plenty of charge left in its battery.

Sony has acknowledged the issue and promised that a fix is in the works. It will be delivered to the users via an upcoming software update.

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Nokia wins a patent suit against HTC in Germany

Nokia is currently suing HTC in Germany on 22 cases, but one of them is finally coming to an end. The court has ruled that HTC used a battery-saving patent, owned by Nokia, in three of its smartphones.

The patent is about some battery-saving procedures while a device is connected to a network. It was infringed by three HTC phones, but all of them are already discontinued in Germany so the ruling won't affect HTC sales in the country.

Nokia expressed its satisfactions via an email statement:

"Nokia is pleased with this decision, which confirms the quality of Nokia's patent portfolio."

HTC is preparing to appeal the decision while continuing its efforts for invalidation of the patent in German and English courts.

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BlackBerry 10 OS found to be not secure enough by UK government

UK's Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG) has classified the BlackBerry 10 operating system as not secure enough. This means BB10-running devices can't be used as by the UK government services.

This is surely a big hit for the struggling company, which heavily relies on the recently released BlackBerry Z10 and the upcoming Q10 to bring BlackBerry back to its former glory.

BlackBerry's most loyal customers have always been governments and corporations, but with this ruling it seems the company's latest smartphones won't be welcomed right where BlackBerry is supposed to be the strongest.

This is not the end of course, BlackBerry promises to work on the operating system and clear out all the issues that made the CESG reject the BB10 for use by the British government.

The previous BB7.1 OS was secure enough to be classified as "restricted" by the same authority, which is only two levels below the top security level called... well, "secret". This classification was enough for the BB7.1 devices to be used for most government purposes. But since BB OS 10 is an entire revamp of the core OS, it's no wonder it differs from the previous generation.

We guess BlackBerry has a lot on its plate - unsatisfying sales, still limited apps, fierce competition and now this rejection for government usage. We are sure it will be resolved in the future, but is it going to be enough to stop the company's downhill journey? Samsung has already launched its SAFE lineup with special secured editions of the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III that already got a warm welcome from their business clients. The prospects are not looking good at all, BlackBerry.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 to ship with Snapdragon 600 in the UK

Samsung has already confirmed the Galaxy S4 flagship will ship with Snapdragon 600 chipset in the USA, Canada and Sweden. Today the UK joins the markets where the Galaxy S4 won't be powered by the company's own Exynos 5 Octa platform.

Since its announcement we knew Samsung Galaxy S4 will be available in two flavors - one running on Samsung's latest and greatest Exynos 5 Octa chipset and another based on the Qualcomm's Snapdragon 600 platform.

The Exynos 5 Octa chipset features two processors (which can't operate simultaneously) - a quad-core 1.6GHz ARM Cortex-A15 CPU used for heavier loads and a quad-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A7 CPU for lighter tasks. The Exynos 5 Octa also features a tri-core PowerVR SGX544MP3 graphics.

The Qualcomm's Snapdragon 600 chipset is already available on the market and utilized by a few smartphones out there. It comes with a quad-core Krait 300 processor and Adreno 320 graphics. In the Galaxy S4 models to use it, the four Krait 300 cores are clocked at 1.9GHz and as we saw in our preview that was enough to beat every other phone we've tested so far.

Still we expect the four Cortex-A15 cores to do even better and beat those four Krait 300 cores.

We suspect the LTE-enabled Galaxy S4 model (I9505) is the one based on the Snapdragon 600 chipset, while the Exynos 5 Octa one (I9500) won't feature LTE connectivity. That's probably why those key markets (USA, Canada, UK) are getting the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S4 - because of the LTE availability in those countries.

Do you find this is a fair trade (LTE for inferior CPU) or would you rather get the Octa core version? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Dual-SIM HTC E1 China-bound Jelly Bean droid unveiled

Today HTC announced the dual-SIM E1 smartphone in China. The droid is powered by a 1.15GHz dual-core processor and comes with a 4.3-inch Super LCD2 display of WVGA resolution. There's a 5MP main camera and a 2.1MP front snapper, 8GB of internal storage expandable via a microSD slot and 1GB of RAM.

HTC E1

The HTC E1 key selling point it its dual-SIM with dual stand-by support. The primary SIM is capable of tri-band GSM and dual-band HSPA connectivity, while the secondary supports only GSM networks. Naturally, the E1 is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

HTC E1 runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean skinned with HTC Sense 4+ UI and features the Beats Audio enhancements.

HTC E1

HTC E1 is already available on pre-order in China for 1799 CNY (€225). There is no info if the phone will be available outside the Chinese market, but it seems unlikely.

Source | Via (in Russian)

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Xiaomi Mi-3 to boast a 5" 1080p screen, Snapdragon 800 chipset

Xiaomi phones are known for their excellent specs and surprisingly low price and the rumored third generation is no exception. The Xiaomi Mi-3 is not official yet and the announcement will probably wait until Google I/O as the new phone from the young Chinese company is said to launch with MIUI software based on Android 5.0.

The Xiaomi Mi-3 will reportedly feature a 5" 1080p screen and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset. The Krait 400 cores will be clocked at the stunning (and implausible sounding) 2.3GHz. Previous rumors said 4.5” screen and Tegra 4 chipset (quad Cortex-A15 CPU).

Anyway, the upcoming Xiaomi is said to pack a 13MP camera and a massive 3,000mAh battery.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but the previous two Xiaomi phones launched at RMB 1,999 or about $310, so there’s no reason to expect the Mi-3 to be any different. Again, these are just rumors, we’ll have to wait for official info from Xiaomi.

It’s a real shame that the company’s phones are virtually impossible to buy outside of China. The company has yet to make serious move to the international market.

Source (in Chinese) | Via

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Samsung Galaxy S4 production cost estimated at $244

In its usual fashion, IHS iSupply has posted its virtual teardown of the Galaxy S4 revealing an estimate of its bill of materials (BOM). The company believes that the materials for the HSPA+ version of the Galaxy S4 costs $236, which when added to the manufacturing cost, give a total production cost of $244.

This marks a 15% increase, or $30.40, over the BOM of the Samsung Galaxy S III, which is due to the costlier Super AMOLED FullHD display, additional sensors and the Exynos Octa CPU of the S4.

As you can see from the table above, the Galaxy S4's new Super AMOLED FullHD display and touch-screen are estimated to cost $75.00 - $10 more than the 720p Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S III. As for the new Exynos 5410 Octa chipset with quad-core Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7 CPUs, IHS iSuppli estimates it to cost Samsung $30.00 to make. That's almost double the price of the quad-core Cortex-A9 Exynos 4410 chipset that powers the Galaxy S III carries ($17.50).

The materials for the LTE variation of the Samsung Galaxy S4 are $3 cheaper than the HSPA+ version, at $233 BOM and $241 with manufacturing included. The reason is the Snapdragon 600 ticking inside that Galaxy S4 version, which only costs Samsung $20.00 a pop.

Interestingly, the Galaxy S4's 13MP and 2MP camera bundle adds just $1 on top of the 8MP + 1.9MP combo of the Galaxy S III, which was estimated to cost $19.00 back in September last year. You should keep in mind that manufacturing expenses don't include additional charges such as licensing and royalties.

The Galaxy S4 will be available at the end of April and we already got the first hints of its pricing. In the UK, the phone will cost £529, while in rest of Europe it's expected to be priced around the €600-700 range. In the US, as Samsung's own giveaway terms and conditions reveal, the S4 is expected to sell for about $579

Source | Via

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BLU announces the LIFE series of affordable dual-SIM smartphones

US-based BLU Products has announced a new Android trio to join its lineup of affordable smartphones. All new phones are part of the LIFE series offering dual-SIM connectivity alongside some more than decent specs for a price that's really hard to match.

All members of the LIFE line-up are powered by the same MediaTek MT6589 SoC with 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU, a GPU from the PowerVR Series5XT series and 1GB of RAM. Android 4.2 is the starting point for the three.

With their similarities out of the way, the Life View features the largest display of the bunch, a 5.7" IPS display of HD resolution (257 ppi). The phablet packs a 12 MP camera at the back, and a 5MP unit at the front. Internal memory is 16GB, expandable via the onboard microSD card slot. However, we're not so sure how the rather small (for the class) 2,600mAh battery will cope.

On to the Life One, which touts a 5" 720p IPS display (that's 293 ppi). With an expandable storage of 16GB, the One features a 13MP camera at the back, coupled with a 5MP unit at the front. Battery is smaller, due to the more reasonable screen size, and is 2,000mAh.

Finally, there's the Life Play, with the smallest screen of the trio - a 4.7" display, again of HD resolution gives you a pixel density of 312 ppi. BLU boasts it to be just 7.9mm thick (the same thickness as the Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z) featuring an 8MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing one. There's 4GB of expandable storage and a 1,800mAh battery.

BLU has outdone itself with the pricing of the LIFE series members. The Life View and Life One will be sold unlocked for $299, while the SIM-free Life Play will set you back just $229. Expect the phones to be offered by Amazon in April, as well as AT&T and T-Mobile.

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Oppo officially outs a stunning-looking black Find 5

Oppo hast just announced a black version of the Oppo Find 5 droid, adding an additional color to its flagship offering, and in our opinion it looks even more magnificent as its white sibling.

As you can see from the photo above, the black version of the Find 5 actually looks a bit more like dark gray, but it still oozes class. Oppo will start selling the Find 5 in black starting April 1 in China. A timeframe for the international launch of the new color variation hasn't been disclosed yet.

In our in-depth Oppo Find 5 review, we shared we are quite fond of the phone's design, and the new dark color makes it all that more appealing. The 5", 1080p droid beast is powered by a 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and packs a 13MP camera with LED flash at the back.

Pricing of the black version is also unknown, but there's no reason it should be different from the price of white Find 5 ($499).

Finally, CNMO.com got hold of the phone and have taken some hands-on pictures with it. You can feast your eyes on them below.

Black Oppo Find 5 hands-on photos

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Samsung Galaxy S4 preview: Take two

GSMArena team, 19 March 2013.

Introduction

Number four was unveiled last week to set a new kind of fever brewing, after briefly easing some of the pre-announcement tension. Carriers are tripping over themselves to secure deals, while customers have been forming mile-long virtual queues at stores already taking preorders.

Samsung Galaxy S4 official photos

As for us, we were lucky to finally get some quality one-on-one time with the Samsung Galaxy S4 and run a few proper tests. We were impressed at the announcement event, and the S4 looks quite comfortable with the weight of expectations. But millions of people will settle for nothing less than the ultimate upgrade, and the stakes are rarely higher than that.

Samsung Galaxy S4 at a glance:

• General: Optional 2G/3G/LTE connectivity


• Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone


• Dimensions: 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm, 130 g


• Display: 4.99" 16M-color Super AMOLED HD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (441ppi)


• Chipset: Exynos 5410 Octa / Snapdragon 600


• CPU: 1.6 GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 and 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 / 1.9GHz Krait 300


• GPU: PowerVR SGX 544MP3 / Adreno 320


• RAM: 2GB


• OS: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)


• Memory: 16/32GB/64GB storage, microSD card slot


• Still camera: 13 megapixel auto-focus camera, face detection, touch focus and image stabilization, Dual Shot, Cinema Photo; 2MP front facing camera, video-calls


• Video camera: Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps


• Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, standard microUSB port with MHL features (TV Out, USB host), GPS receiver with A-GPS and GLONASS, 3.5mm audio jack, NFC, Infrared port


• Battery: 2600 mAh


• Misc: TouchWiz UI, Impressively rich video/audio codec support, built-in accelerometer, Smart stay and Smart rotation eye-tracking, Smart pause, Smart scroll, S Health, Air Gestures, humidity sensor, temperature sensor

There's little on the outside to suggest a massive upgrade over the Galaxy S III. On the other hand, the spec sheet implies a significant leap forward, improving on just about every aspect of the hardware and adding plenty of new software features. As usual, the truth is somewhere in between and our job today is to put a finger on it.

Samsung Galaxy S4 live photos

With the competition hardly sitting on their hands either, the Galaxy S4 is in for a fierce battle if it's to keep the Android crown in the Samsung trophy cabinet. The Sony Xperia Z is doing well to capitalize on the head start, while the HTC One has a wicked unibody design and no less impressive specs. A massive challenge indeed, but the Koreans have never been afraid of those.

Let's see how this one pans out - the hardware inspection begins right after the break.

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Apple pushes iOS 6.1.3, fixes lockscreen bypass

Apple has just released the iOS 6.1.3 update. It weighs just 18MB and fixes the issue allowing someone to bypass your secured lockscreen.

The update also brings some improvements for the Japanese Maps.

The iOS 6.1.3 update is available now for all compatible iGadgets out there over-the-air and via iTunes.

We are yet to see whether the update breaks the existing jailbreak solutions.

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Jelly Bean update for Optimus 4X HD, Optimus L7 comes this month

LG has confirmed via its official German blog that it's planning to release a Jelly Bean update for its last year high-end and mid-range offerings - the Optimus 4X HD and Optimus L7.

More specifically, LG says it'll push Android 4.1.2 only to the unlocked versions of the devices. Presumably, those purchased under carrier subsidizing will have to wait for their carrier to approve of the update.

The Jelly Bean update will bring the UI optimizations of Project Butter and will make Google Now available. Newly added features include faster NFC transmission through Android Beam 2.0, Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS), as well as expandable notifications.

LG says the update will roll out by the end of March. Users will be able to update via LG's Mobile Support-Tool. You can find more detailed instructions on how to check and install the update by visiting the source link below.

Source (in German) | Via

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