Oppo N1 Mini Coming in May/June with 5-Inch Display, Octa-Core CPU

Oppo fans will be pleased to know that their favorite company will embrace the current trend and will launch a “mini” version of one of its most popular smartphones, the N1.

According to Hardwarezone, the Chinese company plans to release a variation of the popular N1, which will be called Oppo N1 Mini. The smartphone has yet to be unveiled officially, but word is that Oppo will launch the device on the market sometime in May or June. Unlike the original Oppo N1, which boasts a huge 5.9-inch capacitive touchscreen display that supports full HD (1080p) resolution, the mini version will “only” pack a 5-inch display. No word on resolution yet, but we suspect it will only offer HD (720p) support.

On the inside, the Oppo N1 mini won’t be less impressive than the original model, which rocks a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 clocked at 1.7GHz, as rumors claim it will be powered by a MediaTek octa-core chipset. Design-wise, both Oppo N1 models will look similar, so don’t expect any changes in aspect. It is also worth mentioning that Oppo N1 Mini will be available in LTE and non-LTE variants, depending on the market. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

Oppo N1
Image credits to Oppo

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Gigabyte Launches P34G Gaming Laptop with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M

Today Gigabyte launched a new gaming laptop, called the P34G that comes bundling a sleek and elegant look. The company says the device could prove to be the right solution for business users who like to kick-back and relax by playing the most advanced in the industry today.

The new P34G is kept alive by virtue of a powerful and efficient 4th-gen Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and bundles NVIDIA’s next-gen GPU, in the form of the GeForce GTX 860M GGR5 4GB discrete graphics (based on the Maxwell/Kepler architecture). The flagship laptop bundles Super-Cool technology which packs dual heat pipes plus two dedicated fans for CPU & GPU, a system which is said to be able to maintain an optimal overall temperature even while playing the most straining games. Furthermore, the Gigabyte Fan Tweak has 3 different fan speed choices that allow users to opt for the right mode, depending on the tasks they are engaged with. There’s a bunch of other dedicated software, including LAN Optimizer (gets rid of network latency) or LockWin Key (locks the Windows Key)

The P34G v2 is equipped with one mSATA SSD up to 256GB and one 1TB HHD. In the display department, we have a 14-inch AHVA display (1080p) with 72% NTSC wide color gamut. Another drawing point is that the laptop is really slim and lightweight being only 20.9 mm / 0.8 inches and 1.67 kg / 3.68 lbs heavy, which makes it comparable to an Ultrabook. So far, there’s no information regarding pricing or availability.

Gigabyte launches new gaming laptop
Image credits to Gigabyte

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Zotac Outs Fastest GeForce GTX 750 Ti Graphics Card, Called Thunderbolt

The GeForce GTX 750 Ti graphics card is one of the only two video boards powered by NVIDIA's Maxwell graphics processing unit architecture, and also the best, which means that it's the one most prone towards factory overclocking, something that Zotac has just proved.

The company has formally released the GeForce GTX 750 Ti Thunderbolt, which features a base GPU clock frequency of 1229 MHz, and a GPU Boost maximum setting of 1320 MHz. For the sake of comparison, the normal, reference card from NVIDIA works at 1020 MHz and 1085 MHz, respectively. Obviously, the company went to great lengths to push the board as high as it could go while still making do with air cooling. Speaking of which, the cooler is a large thing, with a thick aluminum fin stack and a shroud made of the same material. The fans are two in number, with a diameter of 90 mm and boasting hybrid impellers (two sets of blades, for better airflow and volume). Between the heat conductivity of the metal and the high air moving power of the fans, the heat is kept at bay quite well.

Of course, the cooler makes contact with the memory chips as well, otherwise their own overclocking would have caused an overwhelming amount of heat. To elaborate, while NVIDIA's reference card has the 2 GB of GDDR5 working at 5400 MHz, this one, Zotac GeForce GTX 750 Ti Thunderbolt, functions at 6 GHz. To sum up, the Zotac GeForce GTX 750 Ti Thunderbolt is the fastest GTX 750 Ti card made so far, and probably won't get a true rival any time soon. The name is still a bit odd though, not just because the coloring of the board does not evoke the phenomenon in the slightest, but also because “Thunderbolt” is the name of a particularly speedy storage/video interface, an interface which the card lacks.

Instead, the newcomer sticks to what works, a pair of DVI outputs, an HDMI connector and one DisplayPort. It's a real shame that the product isn't available outside of the Greater China Region. We're quite certain that there are plenty of Americans and Europeans that would jump at the chance to own the fastest Maxwell board on the market. Alas, they will have to be content with admiring the product from afar, or contact an acquaintance in China that can acquire one. The price is of 1,199 RMB ($194 / €140).

Zotac GeForce GTX 750 Ti Thunderbolt
Image credits to Hermitage Akihabara

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Intel's 64-Bit Mobile Chips Will Have OS-(B)Locking Features

Bad news for Android users planning to purchase smartphones powered by Intel’s next-generation 64-bit Merrifield chipsets, as the company has confirmed that these SOCs will be OS-locked.

According to German site Golem.de, Intel’s Technical Account Manager Frank Kuypers said in an interview that his company’s upcoming Merrifield 64-bit mobile chipsets would be added a new feature called “hooks,” which is meant to block some of the features, more or less important, if it detects that a new OS has been installed on the device. Kuypers claims that Intel’s new chipsets will be able to detect if an Android user replaces the operating system on their smartphone with another version or with a completely different one, and then block some of the features that user should benefit from by default. For example, let’s say you own an Android smartphone powered by Intel’s new Merrifield mobile chipset and you want to install a CyanogenMod ROM that would presumably make your device faster and more reliable.

Well, you should know that “thanks” to the new “hooks” feature integrated in these mobile chipsets, you risk losing some of the most important capabilities of the phone, such as LTE/UMTS, as well as some – if not all – emails received. The reason is simple, as Kuypers says that Intel’s SoC will be capable of identifying the new software installed as “risk” and will block these features until you revert to the previous OS version recognized as “safe.” The new technology implemented within Intel’s hardware will be active beginning 2014, along with the “hooks” functionality that will be used to lock the processor for certain OSes or OS versions. It remains to be seen which OS versions and/or mobile platforms will be blacklisted by Intel.

I reckon this is an unexpected turn of events for Intel, which isn’t even among the popular mobile chipset producers on the market. Perhaps the company wants to sell even less mobile chipsets to Android handset makers, or else we can’t see a reason to lock down an Android OS, which is an open source platform in itself. Last but not least, it appears that Intel is still undecided whether to make the use of this “hooks” feature public. Purchasing an Android smartphone without knowing that you can update to a new version or install a customized ROM is unacceptable. According to the company, the “hooks” functionality is meant to improve the security on Android devices that are powered by Merrifield chipsets, but this should not affect users’ experience.

Intel Android smartphone
Image credits to Intel

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Alleged LG G3 Benchmark Screenshot Confirms QHD (2560x1440) Display, Octa-Core CPU

The first details on LG’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the G3, leaked last week when the phone’s UAProf (User Agent Profile) confirmed that its display would support QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution.

The second leak came shortly afterwards in the form of the first screenshots taken from the alleged LG G3, which, once again, confirmed that the smartphone would indeed boast a stunning QHD display. The third leak regarding the LG G3 comes today via lgg3.com blog site and reveals slightly more details on the smartphone’s specs sheet. It appears that the Dutch site was able to take a screenshot from some benchmarking scores supposedly achieved by the upcoming LG G3. According to the benchmark shown in the screenshot, the LG-D850, which is also known as LG G3, will indeed sport a QHD display and will be powered by Android 4.4 KitKat operating system out of the box. However, given the fact that this is just a prototype, there’s a high chance that LG G3 will run the latest version of Android, namely KitKat 4.4.2.

Furthermore, the first info on the phone’s insides is unveiled in the screenshot as well. It looks like LG and MediaTek have partnered for the making of the G3, as the smartphone is confirmed to pack a MediaTek MT6595 chipset. This particular chipset accommodates two quad-core processors and a very powerful PowerVR Series6 graphics processing unit. MediaTek’s MT6595 chipset is equipped with one quad-core CPU clocked between 2.2 and 2.5GHz, as well as a 1.7GHz quad-core processor that should handle the less demanding operations. The screenshot claims that the minimum CPU frequency is 1.7GHz, while the maximum frequency is 2.2GHz, so there’s a high chance that the LG G3 will be powered by a 2.2GHz octa-core CPU.

Previous rumors claimed that the LG G3 might be packed with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor inside, but in light of the recent leaks, these speculations should not be taken into consideration anymore until further proof. Other LG G3-related rumors that have yet to be confirmed claim that the smartphone’s QHD display will measure 5.5 inches, which probably puts the device in the phablet category. Last but not least, the flagship smartphone should pack at least a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, autofocus, full HD (1080p), as well as OIS (optical image stabilization). LG G3 is expected to be launched on the market sometime in May/June, but judging by the amount of leaks that pop up online, it might go on sale slightly earlier.

LG G3 benchmark scores (screenshot)
Image credits to lgg3.com

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Xiaomi’s Tablet Said to Be Launching Later Today

As I told you before, Xiaomi has been expected to launch its first tablet product for months now. And since its tablet optimized MIUI interface is already a reality awaiting to be installed by Nexus 7 2013 users, it could only make sense, the slate per-se would see the light of day soon.

As Gizchina reports, the smartphone maker is gearing up to roll out the Xiaomi tablet in Beijing later today, alongside a 5.5-inch phablet called Xiaomi Hongmi. In anticipation of the launch, a couple of new pictures showcasing the slate have been leaked online. Granted, they aren’t particularly clear, but one can make an idea about what’s coming our way, soon. According to the latest information, the tablet will have a 9.7-inch screen with a pretty unimpressive resolution of 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and draw power from a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.6GHz combined with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

Other highlights of the slate are promised to be an 8MP camera on the back and 1.5MP in front. On top of that, the Xiaomi slate should have 3G, voice calling capabilities and the usual connectivity radio feat. Keep an eye out later today for the new tablet.

Xiaomi has been said to be launching its tablet today
Image credits to GizChina

Xiaomi has been said to be launching its tablet today
Image credits to Tablet-News

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iOS 8 Removes Game Center, Enhances Notification Center

The latest iOS 8 leak is out by means of a list containing some of the refinements and tweaks planned by Apple for the next major revision of its mobile operating system. Focus areas include Notification Center, inter-app communication, Voice Memos, Messages, Game Center, and CarPlay.

9to5mac boasts a list “provided by sources” of just “some” of the retouches Apple is “considering” for some of the apps and services in the upcoming iOS 8. Notification Center is one of the major elements Apple is looking into for some imminent changes. The sources said the translucent drop-down menu for managing alerts “may be simplified,” and that Apple is considering reducing some views from the panel to only include “Today” and “Notifications.” Apparently there’s a bit of uncertainty regarding the inclusion of these tweaks in the first builds of iOS 8. Apple is planning to implement an “XPC” service to enable apps to communicate better with one another and share data: “For example, a future photo editing application could have the ability to push the edited content for upload via the Instagram or Facebook apps.” The feature was initially planned for iOS 7, but somehow it never made it inside the OS. Apple could just as well delay it again, the sources said. The Voice Memos app will be enhanced so that its controls become more visible. The confusing interface will be tweaked so that people can understand better what buttons to tap to perform a certain action.

Game Center will be removed as an individual app, but not as a service. Gamers will sill be able to access the interface in games that are made for Game Center. CarPlay will be usable both with a Lightning cable and over WiFi when iOS 8 debuts. The leak also includes information about the general functionality of the operating system, and how Apple plans to enhance its performance and run faster than iOS 7. “In addition to the in-app tweaks, Apple has been working to speed up iOS 8 in comparison to iOS 7. Applications are said to launch more quickly, close more quickly, and overall system navigation is said to feel much smoother and more stable. Apple sped up animations and improved stability in the recent release of iOS 7.1, but the enhancements in iOS 8 are said to go a bit further.”

A lot of changes are expected to go down before Apple unveils iOS 8 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference this summer. iOS 8 is also likely to drop support for some old-generation hardware, like the iPhone 4.

Notification Center in iOS 7
Image credits to TechCrunch

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WhatsApp VOIP Feature Leaked, Shows Identical iOS 7 Design

WhatsApp is slated to become a phone-calling app thanks to the upcoming addition of a VOIP (Voice Over IP) feature that will enable customers to conduct phone calls over WiFi and 3G without being taxed by their operator (except for the data costs).

A couple of leaked screenshots from iPhoneItalia show that WhatsApp is getting a phone interface that looks strikingly similar to Apple’s own Phone app in iOS 7. In fact, in some areas the graphics are identical. For example, the rounded End-Call button is exactly the same in iOS 7.1. Acquired by Facebook for $19 billion (€13.66 billion), WhatsApp is slated to become a direct competitor of FaceTime Audio, Viber, and other VOIP clients currently used on iOS today. It wouldn’t be too surprising to hear that WhatsApp is moving into desktop territory soon.

Facebook stands to deal a heavy blow to phone operators worldwide as VOIP solutions can be used over WiFi, completely avoiding carrier fees. Even when used on cellular data VOIP apps rack up smaller bills than regular calling through the carrier’s network. The new update will also put more focus on photo messaging with the addition of  camera icon on the tool bar just above the keyboard.

WhatsApp screenshots
Image credits to iPhoneItalia

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Dual-OS Machines Aren’t Dead, Ramos i10 Pro Leaks in More Pics Ahead of Official Launch

There has been a lot of fuss about dual-boot machine lately since word got out the ASUS Transformer Book Duet might be discontinued due to pressure coming from both Google and Microsoft. But, strangely enough, the two giants don’t seem to be singing the same tune to the Chinese manufacturer Ramos.

We’ll explain what’s bizarre. For some time now, we have been telling you ASUS is faced with pressure coming from Google and most recently Microsoft. Both want to halt the production of the 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid capable of switching between Android and Windows 8. For one, Google is fearing the move will increase the adoption of Windows 8 machines in detriment to its own platform. But why would the two giants be OK with the Chinese manufacturer doing exactly the same? Granted, we don’t currently know whether Ramos will market the device in the US or any other markets external to China, but even so, it would be interesting to know why the Asian continent seems a good place for dual-OS to flourish. Anyway, regardless of the paradox, Ramos is actively gearing up to launch the dual-booting machine at an event scheduled for March 20 in Beijing, during the Jing Park Art Center conference.

And today, we get the opportunity a more extensive sneak peak of what’s headed for us in a few days (via 1Pad). The tablet has also been put on display in recent days at CeBIT 2014 in Germany. As you can see in the new photos, the Ramos i10 Pro is indeed a dual-booting device capable of switching between Windows 8 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Also visible is the 5MP rear camera, dedicated Windows keys, dual-stereo speakers and an UltraStick card slot that allows users to insert a SIM card to bestow 3G connectivity. Also evident from the pics, is the fact the tablet will become available in multiple colors, not just the bland black we see with other models, including a vivid yellow. Putting looks aside and going for what’s really important, the i10 Pro obviously comes with a 10.1-inch display with a capable 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution (which is the same as the ASUS Transformer Book Duet was supposed to have) and draws power from an Intel Bay Trail Z3770D processor combined with 2GB of RAM and backed up by 32GB of internal storage.

We’re going to be providing you with more details, like pricing and availability dates in the news few days. In the meantime, check out the gallery bellow.

Ramos i10 Pro will launch soon
Images credits to 1pad.cn

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QWERTY-Enabled BlackBerry Kopi Emerges in Leaked Photos

One of the handsets that Canadian mobile phone maker BlackBerry might bring to the market in the not too distant future is reportedly codenamed BlackBerry Kopi, and the smartphone has emerged online once again.

The phone was rumored to arrive on the market with entry-level specifications packed inside, while featuring a design similar to that of BlackBerry Q5. However, it has been canceled and will never be released, it seems. Blackberry has been long rumored to plan on bringing to shelves a new series of cheap smartphones, so as to grab some more market share, and the BlackBerry Z3 that went official last month during the Mobile World Congress proves that. However, some more such phones should hit the market in the coming months, and BlackBerry Kopi might be one of them. The same as Q10 and Q5 handsets, it should combine the traditional BlackBerry keyboard capabilities with touch features, for a better overall experience. As N4BB notes, the new mobile phone was initially set to become official in the first quarter of this year, but BlackBerry decided to cancel its release for whatever reasons.

It is said to be part of the company’s K-series lineup and to have been planned to arrive on the market with a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8960 processor packed inside. Moreover, the mobile phone is said to still be making the rounds at various BlackBerry partners, and no official info on what will happen with it has been provided as of now. According to N4BB, BlackBerry will still release a QWERTY-enabled BlackBerry Q20 handset before the end of this year, even if BlackBerry Kopi is not launched. In addition to the K-Series, the mobile phone maker was also expected to bring to shelves handsets in the C-Series family, also aimed at the entry level of the market. As you can imagine, BlackBerry has yet to offer any official confirmation on the above, and it remains to be seen which of said devices will actually arrive on shelves.

BlackBerry has had a series of very difficult quarters lately, and has lost a great deal of users and market share to rivals such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone, a trend that is expected to continue. However, the company is not leaving the fight just yet, and the release of appealing entry-level devices might actually help it regain its foothold, though it will certainly face fierce competition in the low-level market, especially from Android devices. Hopefully, it won’t be long before BlackBerry offers some more info on its plans for this year, so stay tuned to learn whether Kopi will be one of the phones to look for.

BlackBerry Kopi
Images credits to weibo via N4BB

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