LG Releases Three New LG G3 Promo Videos

South Korean mobile phone maker LG Electronics has already confirmed plans to make its next flagship Android-based smartphone official on May 27, and the company has started to tease more of the phone’s features and capabilities.

Today, the vendor has published three new promo videos for the LG G3, in an attempt to provide some more details on its camera, outer design, and display. As previously rumored, the mobile phone will arrive on the market with a 13-megapixel camera that will be accompanied by a new laser auto-focus system, and the first clip embedded below appears to confirm that. The second video is meant to offer a closer look at the handset’s outer design, which once again confirms the metallic brushed finish that previously leaked photos with the G3 have unveiled.

As for the third clip, it appears set to show more on what the 5.5-inch Quad HD touchscreen display of LG G3 will have to offer to its users. The videos are short, but they do make us want to see more of the smartphone. With all of the necessary details on it set to become official as soon as the next week, keep an eye on this space to learn more on the matter.

LG G3 promo video
Image credits to Youtube

G3 TVC Teaser - Camera편
G3 광고 속 힌트의 답을 찾아주세요.
www.LGG3event.com
추첨을 통해서 푸짐한 선물을 드립니다~
www.lgmobile.co.kr/microsite/LGG3/index.jsp


G3 TVC Teaser - Design편
G3 광고 속 힌트의 답을 찾아주세요.
www.LGG3event.com
추첨을 통해서 푸짐한 선물을 드립니다~
www.lgmobile.co.kr/microsite/LGG3/index.jsp

G3 TVC Teaser - Display편
G3 광고 속 힌트의 답을 찾아주세요.
www.LGG3event.com
추첨을 통해서 푸짐한 선물을 드립니다~
www.lgmobile.co.kr/microsite/LGG3/index.jsp

Videos credits to LGMobile KR

Read more »

Sony D2403 Is Another Mid-Range Smartphone with 4.7-Inch Display, Quad-Core CPU

Sony Mobile is one of the few major handset makers that have announced several mid-range Android smartphones this year, but some of them are yet to be released on the market.

Only Samsung and probably LG have announced that they will release a similar (or higher) number of smartphones in the first half of the year. Those who did not find any of the mid-range Android smartphones announced by Sony Mobile appealing enough will be pleased to know that the Japanese company is readying yet another mid-range handset. Dubbed Sony D2403, the smartphone has just appeared at GFXBench benchmarking website and judging by the specs listed, it’s aimed at the mid-range handset market. As always, we recommend our readers to take the information with a grain of salt until Sony goes official with the announcement. If you’re not bothered by the fact that this might be a prototype unit being tested by a lucky Android fan, then know that the Sony D2403 is powered by KitKat 4.4.2 operating system.

Specs-wise, Sony D2403 is listed as having a large 4.7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display that supports qHD (540 x 960 pixels) resolution. On the inside, the smartphone is said to pack a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and an Adreno 305 graphics processing unit. Unfortunately, the amount of RAM of the D2403 is not listed, but we suspect that the phone will have at least 1GB of RAM inside. However, we do know that Sony D2403 packs 16GB of internal memory. Again, there’s no mention of microSD card slot, so there’s no telling if users will be able to further expand storage. Another piece of information unveiled by 3D graphics performance of Sony D403 is the fact that the mid-range Android smartphone will pack an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash, HDR and full HD (1080p) video recording.

The smartphone also sports a secondary VGA front-facing camera for video calls. The usual range of sensors is included as well, such as: accelerometer, compass, lightsensor, NFC (Near Field Communication) and proximity. Sony D2403 will offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS with A-GPS support, among other connectivity options. This seems to be a single-SIM smartphone that lacks barometer and gyroscope. Sadly, nothing else is revealed in the benchmarking app, but we suspect that more details, including photos, will emerge in the coming weeks. We will keep an eye out for more details on the Sony D2403, so stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

Sony D2403 3D graphics performance
Image credits to GFXbench

Read more »

Huawei Ascend D3 Spotted in Benchmark, Specs Unveiled

One of the smartphones that Chinese mobile phone maker Huawei was rumored earlier this year to plan on releasing in the Ascend D series was the Ascend D3, and some more info on it is now available.

The handset, supposedly called Huawei Ascend D3, has reportedly emerged in AnTuTu, in the form of Huawei H300, and it appears set to land on shelves with an octa-core processor inside. Apparently, this will be a 1.8 GHz K3V3 chipset from Huawei themselves and will pack a quad-core Cortex A7 COU and a quad-core Cortex A15 processor, in a big.LITTLE setup. Moreover, the chip is said to sport the Mali T628 GPU, which will make it highly similar to MediaTek’s own octa-core processor. At the same time, the upcoming mobile phone is said to arrive on the market with 2GB of dual channel DDR3 RAM, as well as with 16GB of internal memory. The yet unannounced Huawei Ascend D3 is also rumored to sport a full HD touchscreen display, though the actual size of the screen hasn’t been provided as of now.

On the back, the upcoming mobile phone should sport a 13-megapixel camera, which should be able to record videos at least in full HD resolution. It will be accompanied by a 5-megapixel front camera for making video calls while on the go. According to info coming from Chinese website cnbeta, the new mobile phone will also hit shelves with a design similar to that of BlackBerry Z10, though no further details on the matter have been provided as of now. However, as GSMDome notes, the Huawei Ascend D3 is expected to run under the Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system out of the box. Most probably, Huawei will also load its own user interface on top of the platform, just as it did with other phones in the Ascend series. Apparently, the Chinese mobile phone maker might be determined to release the new phone with a price tag of only 2888 yuan attached to it, which would make it a highly appealing device, that’s for sure.

What hasn’t been unveiled on this smartphone as of now, however, is when exactly we might see it released on shelves and which markets will receive it. We can assume that it will be launched in China first, though Huawei should launch it in other countries as well soon after, the same as it did with its predecessors. Hopefully, more on this will emerge sooner rather than later, so stay tuned to learn the news.

Huawei Ascend D3 AnTuTu Benchmark Result

Huawei Ascend D3
Images credits to cnbeta

Read more »

Finally, a Wireless Charging Technology that Works Across Rooms

Wireless charging technology isn’t as awesome as it sounds. Sure, it’s wireless, but it’s also range-less: you have to put the device on a pad and leave it there for energy to be recovered.

Soon, though, this will no longer be the case. Not if Energous has its way, and I’m pretty sure it will have the world eating from the palm of its hand soon enough. After all, when a company solves a problem that the MIT hasn’t been able to overcome (although it might have been due to focus on other things), you know you’re looking at something potentially world-changing. Energous has introduced WattUp, a wireless charging technology that can charge from a distance. All you need to do is connect the phone, or whatever, to an external receiver, or put it in a special protective case and leave it there for a while. Sure, it’s not the same as having the technology embedded in your phone, but it’s a big step forward.

A WattUp transmitter was shown capable of recharging smartphones, and there’s even a WattUp app that detects if any wireless charging devices exist in the area. The range is of 10 feet / 3 meters. Presumably, a phone case with WattUp would cost $75 / €75 to $125 / €125, while a primary transmitter, the source as it were, would go for $300 / €300. Not sure how many years it will take for retail availability to ramp up though. No word on adapters for stuff like the Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch, but I’m sure they won’t be left out.

Energous WattUp used in a coffee shop
Image credits to Energous

Read more »

How to Update Windows XP After End of Support

Microsoft officially pulled the plug on Windows XP on April 8, so machines running it no longer receive updates and security patches, which basically makes the operating system vulnerable to attacks once a critical vulnerability is found.

Redmond has been saying pretty much the same thing for months, warning that users who aren’t upgrading could be exposed to attacks, but it turns out that there’s still a way to get updates on Windows XP despite end of support. A trick published on a German forum claims that tweaking Windows XP in order to be identified by the Windows Update service as Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 could do the trick and help everyone that’s yet to upgrade to keep their computers fully protected. The differences between Windows XP and Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 aren’t too big, so if you continue to receive updates for the latter even if you’re running the first, you should be all secure. Here’s an excerpt from Microsoft’s product FAQ regarding the differences between the two OS versions:

Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 contains the following Embedded Enabling Features:

• File-Based Write Filter (FBWF), which redirects writes to disk to RAM and helps protect the underlying OS image.
• USB Boot, which allows installation from a USB key.
• Office productivity applications are not licensed to be run on POSReady.
• POS for .NET is included with POSReady.
• POSReady does not contain Help files, which reduces its footprint.
• Both products use the same management software.

There’s also another catch. While Windows XP support was officially stopped on April 8, Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 will continue to get patches until April 9, 2019, so your computer could still get updates for 5 more years unless Microsoft blocks this trick. So here are the steps to tweak Windows XP and make Windows Update servers think that they are dealing with an embedded version:

Right-click anywhere on your computer and create a new text document. Give it any name and change the extension to .reg. Right-click it again and click “Edit.” In the Notepad window that shows up, paste the following code and then save it:

CODE:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\PosReady]
"Installed"=dword:00000001

Reboot your computer and check for updates once again. With some luck, plenty of new updates should be available for download. Keep in mind that Microsoft might very well block this trick in some other ways, but it’s still worth a try if you’re yet to upgrade.

Windows XP can still receive updates after end of support
Image credits to Microsoft

Read more »

Lenovo Golden Warrior S8 Press Photos and Details Leak Online

Lenovo has been rumored a while ago to plan the release of a new high-end smartphone in the form of Lenovo Golden Warrior S8, and more details on the device are now available, accompanied by leaked press photos.

The smartphone, expected to become official very soon, has been already listed at an online retailer, and all of the necessary details on it are available now courtesy of that listing. In fact, the phone can still be seen on said retailer’s website, namely vopmart.com, packing an octa-core processor inside and featuring a large touchscreen display. Moreover, just as its name suggests, the Lenovo Golden Warrior S8 is dressed up in a Gold color flavor, while also packing a slim body, which makes it look quite sleek, one should agree. The yet unannounced mobile phone is set to arrive on shelves with a 5.3-inch LTPS touchscreen display capable of delivering a 1280 x 720 pixels resolution, which is protected by Gorilla Glass. As mentioned above, the handset is powered by a 1.4GHz octa-core MediaTek MTK6592M processor, with Mali-450 graphics and 2GB of RAM, thus being capable of offering appealing performance levels.

Moreover, the mobile device has been listed at the aforementioned retailer with 16GB of internal memory, and with a microSD memory card slot capable of offering support for up to 32GB of additional storage space. On the back, the Lenovo Golden Warrior S8 features a 13-megapixel camera with auto focus, F2.2 large aperture, HDR, and full HD video recording. Moreover, it packs a 5-megapixel camera on the front, great for making video calls while on the go. At the same time, we should note that the new device sports all of the usual connectivity capabilities inside, including 3G (TD-SCDMA 1880/2010MHz, which means that it can be used in China alone), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, microUSB, and built-in GPS receiver.

The smartphone has also been listed with dual-SIM capabilities packed inside, with dual-standby, which should prove a great option for many users. The handset measures 146 x 76.7 x 7.9mm (5.75 x 3.02 x 0.31 inch) and weighs 146 grams. It is powered by a 2000mAh battery that should be able to provide users with around 3 days of standby time. On the downside, Lenovo Golden Warrior S8 will run under the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system right out of the box, though Lenovo will certainly include its own set of customizations on top of the platform as well. Unfortunately, as GSMArena notes, no specific info on when you will be able to purchase the new device has been provided as of now. Details on its possible release outside China are missing as well. Images gallery below, click for larger image.

Lenovo Golden Warrior S8
Images credits to vopmart.com

Read more »

Huawei’s Dual-Boot Windows Phone Allegedly Emerges Online

Huawei has been rumored a while ago to plan on bringing to the market a smartphone featuring dual-boot capabilities, supposedly capable of providing users with support for both Android and Windows Phone, and the device seems to have made an appearance online this week.

Courtesy of a photo that leaked online on weibo, we can now allegedly have a look at the device that Huawei was supposedly set to bring to the market with said dual-OS capabilities loaded on top. Just as GforGames (which has discovered the aforementioned photo with the device) notes, the Huawei smartphone was clearly destined to run Windows Phone, based on the buttons present on its front, but it shows Android on the screen instead. Dual-boot smartphones are already available for purchase, and it would clearly not come as a surprise if Huawei indeed released such a device sooner or later, though rumor has it that the company might have actually cancelled the phone already. However, with no official confirmation on the matter, we’ll have to take the info with a grain of salt for the time being, as the supposedly leaked photo could very well prove to be fake.

Should Huawei indeed plan the release of a new Windows Phone device, especially one that would also sport Android, it would certainly provide additional details on it sooner rather than later, so stay tuned to learn more on the matter.

Huawei's allegedly leaked dual-boot Windows Phone
Image credits to Weibo via GforGames

Read more »

Gigabyte Releases Extensive 9-Series G1 Gaming Motherboard Collection

In order to support the latest Haswell refresh central processing units from Intel, and the upcoming Devil's Canyon high-end, unlocked K chips, Gigabyte has launched its G1 Gaming motherboards based on the Intel Z97/H97 Chipset.

There are thirteen of them in total, from mini-ITX to full-ATX. Some of them have surfaced before, others have only got hinted at, but they should all be selling now. Here's the list:

• Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK
• Z97X-Gaming G1
• Z97X-Gaming GT
• G1.Sniper Z97
• Z97X-Gaming 7
• Z97X-Gaming 5
• G1.Sniper Z6
• G1.Sniper H6
• Z97X-Gaming 3
• Z97MX-Gaming 5
• H97M-Gaming 3
• Z97N-Gaming 5
• H97-Gaming 3

The special microsite dedicated by Gigabyte to this line has all the relevant data on them, but some things bear mentioning: “extreme” multi-GPU support (on the larger mainboards at least), M.2 onboard SSD support, SATA Express (for 700-800 MB/s HDD/SSD performance), AMP-UP Audio Technology, gold-plated audio and HDMI connectors, Gigabit LAN, black solid capacitors (last for 10 thousand hours) and UEFI Dual BIOS.

Some mainboards may lack one or more of these features, but it's a rare thing. Gigabyte wanted for even the mini-ITX motherboards to support gaming, so it made it happen. And since gaming hardware is high-end hardware, price is not as great a concern as on the mid-range segment, so the company could afford to add some other perks, not all of which were specified in the list above. Images gallery below, click for larger image.

Gigabyte unleashes 9-Series gaming motherboards
Image credits to Gigabyte

Read more »

Nokia X2 Hardware Specs Allegedly Emerge Online

Earlier this week, info on the possible upcoming availability on a successor of the Nokia X Android smartphone has emerged online, and some more details on the device appear to have been made public.

The smartphone, supposedly set to arrive on the market as Nokia X2, was said to be a bit better than the predecessor, and the newly leaked info on it appears to confirm that, to some extent. Nokia X2 is said to have made an appearance on AnTuTu with model number RM-1013 attached, and what seems to be a screenshot with the app showing its hardware specs is now available for your viewing pleasure (courtesy of MyNokiaBlog). According to the screenshot, the upcoming device will hit shelves with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display capable of delivering an 800 x 480 pixels resolution. Moreover, the mobile phone appears set to arrive on shelves with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor packed inside, paired with Adreno 305 graphics. Previously, the phone was said to be powered by a quad-core processor, though it appears that this might not happen in the end.

Nokia X2, provided that the smartphone is indeed released, is said to arrive on the market with 1GB of RAM, as well as with 4GB of internal memory. The phone should also sport a microSD memory card slot for expansion purposes, although no specific info on the matter has been provided as of now. The supposedly leaked info on the Nokia X2 also unveils that the smartphone might pack a 5-megapixel camera on the back, paired with a VGA front camera. This will certainly prove a nice enhancement over the original Nokia X, which only included a 3.2MP camera on the back, but no front camera. Apparently, the Nokia X2 handset will arrive on the market with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system loaded on top right from the start.

The original Nokia X phone was also released with the Fastlane UI on top of Android, and the successor of that device might feature it as well. Unfortunately, no official confirmation on the actual existence of the mobile phone has been provided as of now, and it remains to be seen whether it will indeed pan out in the end, so we'll take the above with a grain of salt for now. Provided that Microsoft is indeed set to release a new Android device, we might not see it go official before the end of this year. Nokia X was made official in February, at the Mobile World Congress, and there is a strong chance that the successor will be announced at the same conference next year.

Nokia X2 emerges in AnTuTu
Image credits to MyNokiaBlog

Read more »

iMessage Problem Gets Official Fix from Apple

Still can’t receive iPhone-written texts on your Droid? Not to worry. Apple is on the case. After fixing the server-side part of the issue, the company is now proud to confirm that a firmware fix is also in the works. The flaw will supposedly be gone for good really soon.

Although many users are still in the red, the problem seems to be getting rectified. Apple has started with a backend fix, and it is planning to roll out a software update that customers will be able to download and install on their iPhones to completely eliminate the flaw. A statement provided to re/code says this much: “We recently fixed a server-side iMessage bug which was causing an issue for some users, and we have an additional bug fix in a future software update. For users still experiencing an issue, please contact AppleCare.” Apple’s admittance comes late, but it’s still better than turning a blind eye to the problem, as some have suggested. According to some people’s reasoning, Apple had no incentive to address the issue because it forced customers to stay in the iOS ecosystem (rather than flee to the Android camp). The allegation was at best absurd, but you also couldn’t blame someone for thinking this way considering Apple’s restrictive approaches to certain aspects of its business.

Users will (supposedly) be prompted to download and install iOS 7.1.2 in the near future, and perhaps an incremental iOS 6.1.7 as well (for those still stuck on the old firmware). iOS 7.1.2 should also contain fixes for a recently discovered flaw that circumvents one of Apple’s security measures taken against iPhone thefts: Activation Lock. Although the bypass was possible thanks to an iCloud breach, a well-known hacker and security expert revealed that the Cupertino giant will have to also deploy a firmware fix, meaning a new incremental update for iOS 7 users. However, considering that any new iOS update must go through some thorough testing before it gets released (and that includes sending a pre-release build to the wireless carriers), customers shouldn’t expect the new firmware to arrive any time too soon.

Some users have taken matters into their own hands trying to resolve the infamous iMessage flaw. One tipster has said that you can reset your Apple ID password and then text STOP to 48369 on your Android phone to fix the issue. However, as we have warned before, these are under no circumstances official fixes, therefore using them is not encouraged.

iPhone user
Image credits to BusinessInsider.com

Read more »