DROID Turbo Goes Global as Motorola Moto Maxx

The international version of Verizon’s DROID Turbo leaked several days ago when an invitation to a Motorola launch event popped up in Brazil.

The so-called Motorola Moto Maxx would be launched in Brazil with exactly the same specs and the same design. Even though there were rumors about Motorola launching different versions of the DROID Turbo at other US-based carriers, we didn’t think the global version would go official so soon. Verizon made the DROID Turbo available for purchase less than a week ago and the smartphone has already been launched in other countries. It looks like the Big Red was only able to secure exclusivity over the smartphone in the United States. It will be interesting when exactly the smartphone will be introduced at other carriers in the US, such as AT&T. There’s a high chance that it will happen before the end of the year.

Until then though, it looks like customers in Brazil will be the only ones able to grab Motorola’s new flagship smartphone. Today, Motorola officially confirmed the Moto Maxx would also arrive in Mexico in mid-November. In addition, the smartphone will also be available in other Latin American countries by the end of the year.

It may be launched in Europe and/or Asia by the end of the year

Unfortunately, no details on Moto Maxx’s availability in Europe or Asia have been unveiled yet, but we suspect more info will be shared in the coming weeks. The Moto Maxx, Motorola’s latest flagship smartphone was thought to be the next Nexus smartphone. Given the fact that Google chose to go with a phablet instead, the smartphone has been released under Motorola’s brand and is now being rolled out worldwide. The smartphone boasts a stunning 5.2-inch Quad HD capacitive touchscreen display that supports 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution and features Corning Gorilla Glass coating.

In addition, the top-tier handset is armed with a powerful 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, an Adreno 420 graphics processing unit and 3GB RAM. The handset lacks microSD card slot for memory expansion, but packs 32GB of storage inside. Another selling point of the Moto Maxx besides the impressive display would be the 21-megapixel rear-facing camera that can capture 4K video. It’s also worth mentioning that the Moto Maxx is powered by a huge 3,900 mAh battery, which should provide 24 hours of continuous usage, according to Motorola.

Just like DROID Turbo, Motorola Moto Maxx ships with Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system out of the box, but it has already been confirmed for a Lollipop upgrade soon. The Moto Maxx has been priced at $870 (€700) in Brazil, but the outright price may be different depending on carrier and region.

Motorola Moto Maxx (front)

Motorola Moto Maxx (front angle)

Motorola Moto Maxx (left side)

Motorola Moto Maxx (right side)

Motorola Moto Maxx (back)
Image credits to Motorola Mobility

Read more »

MSI's A68HM-P33 and A68HM-E33 FM2(+) Motherboards Are Both Cheap and Strong

Even though Intel's Core i5 and i7 central processing units rule the high-end market, it's still very much possible to create gaming systems with AMD hardware. In fact, it is a lot more convenient to do so for many people, given how cheap the hardware is in comparison.

Mid-range gaming systems may as well be high-end conventional PCs, but if you only look at the gaming front they are well behind the big names indeed. Nevertheless, even “mid-range” gaming PCs have what it takes to run even the latest games, even if they can't quite go beyond Full HD, or even that far in some cases, not without some advanced setting compromises. Micro-Star International has just unveiled a pair of motherboards that will let you create such a system: the A68HM-P33 and A68HM-E33.

MSI's A68HM-P33 and A68HM-E33 FM2(+) motherboards

It's not really clear what the difference between the two products is. The press release doesn't really say. It may be that one of the models will be sold in the Americas and the other in the rest of the world, or some other global plan. It may also be that one of them will be sold through retail, to DIY PC makers, while the other will be reserved for OEMs to make full pre-configured PCs with. Whatever the case may be, the specs are mostly the same across the board. There is a PCI Express 3.0 slot, for example, where you can install one video card. Since AMD's latest Kaveri APUs have Radeon GPUs with Dual Graphics support, you'll be able to get good performance even if you buy a mediocre board, since the resources will combined with those of the on-board graphics chip. It's a variation of AMD EyeFinity technology.

The 7000-series APUs aren't the only ones supported. The Richland and Trinity, 6000, and 5000 series work on FM2/FM2+ sockets just fine too. Onboard LAN is available as well, as are SATA 6.0 Gbps ports (for HDD or SSD storage), with a Dothill RAID controller there to help combine multiple drives into one) and USB 3.0 connectors. Furthermore, MSI included the OC Genie 4 (one-touch overclocking) and Click BIOS 4, plus the Command Center software to let you monitor, tune, and control the hardware parameters.

Availability and pricing

Unfortunately, the information isn't available. With MSI Military Class 4 components and protection mechanisms (humidity, high temperature, electromagnetic fields), the tag probably won't be as low as it could be, but it will surely not be too high either.

Press Release:MSI, world leading in motherboards, launches 2 new AMD A68H series FM2+/FM2 socket based motherboards, the MSI A68HM-P33 and MSI A68HM-E33. The new MSI A68H motherboards support the latest AMD Kaveri APU (7000 series) and are backwards compatible with FM2 processors (Richland and Trinity, 6000 and 5000 series). Featuring onboard LAN, PCI Express 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0 and multiple display support, the MSI AMD A68H series motherboards present a rich blend of features and technologies, offering the most stable and best cost/performance solution available.
MSI A68H series motherboards are available in microATX form factor and offer a great choice in connectivity with a Dothill RAID controller, onboard LAN, PCI Express 3.0, SATA and up to 10 USB ports. When combined with today's processors featuring advanced integrated graphics, such as the AMD 7000 series APUs, MSI A68H motherboards support AMD Eyefinity. All these features come at a very attractive price point, making MSI A68H series motherboards the most comprehensive and best cost/performance solution available.
MSI uses award-winning Military Class 4 components, composed of high quality components such as Solid CAPs and Dark Chokes, which ensure your PC runs stable under extreme conditions. These key components have all passed testing to MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring stable operation in the harshest environments.
The core of Military Class 4 is based on the essential elements which increase your stability in the worst conditions. Humidity protection and high temperature protection ensure system stability in each environment, no matter what. The new structure of the PCB limits EMI emission. On top of that, all connectors have ESD protection in order to prevent short-circuiting.
The MSI A68H series motherboards are equipped with many exclusive technologies, including the one-second overclocking OC Genie 4, the easy to use Click BIOS 4 and the Command Center software that combines features such as monitoring, tuning and controlling of your hardware. The unprecedented level of flexibility and control offered in MSI's unique hard- and software design puts you in the driver's seat of your motherboards configuration.

MSI A68HM-P33 / A68HM-E33
Image credits to MSI

Read more »

Samsung “Seducing” Apple with Low Prices for iPhone 6S/iPhone 7 Chips

Apple has yet to pick the manufacturer for its upcoming A9 chips that will power the next generation of iPhones and iPads in 2015. While TSMC seems like the logical choice (being the key supplier for A8 SoCs today), Samsung is said to be seducing Apple with lower prices.

The duo’s fierce battle for A-series chip orders began earlier this year (at least that's what we've heard), when TSMC officially snapped up all of the orders for the A8 powering the newest iPhones and iPads.

TSMC wants it all, but Samsung won’t go down without a fight

According to a report from Taiwan, Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company are still duking it out to obtain manufacturing rights to the A9 specification for the next generation of iDevices in 2015. The report in question, published by DigiTimes, states that Apple is “expected” to confirm who won the orders. We wouldn’t hold our breath for that. Sources familiar with the situation tell the trade publication that “Samsung has offered lower quotes to attract Apple's A9 SoC orders,” adding, “The Korea-based firm is also able to provide Apple the manufacture of other chips such as flash memory and backend services in-house.” One of Apple’s oldest partners in crime, Samsung has manufactured most of the A-series chips for iPhones and iPads, starting with the A4 in the iPhone 4 and ending with the A6X (or possibly even some of the A7 SoCs) in recent years. Now it wants back in the game.

The sources cited in the report say that “TSMC is making the majority of the A8 chips for Apple's latest iPhones,” which has already been confirmed, and that the SoC (system on a chip) is based on a 20nm process technology, which is also correct. However, “the upcoming A9 chip is expected to be fabricated using 1X FinFET processes,” these people note.

iPhone 7 or iPhone 6S

The A9 chips will enter trial production on a 16nm process sometime in the near future, while mass production will only commence in the third quarter of next year, according to the sources. If history is any indication, Apple will not jump ahead to iPhone 7 without first going through an incremental update of the current lineup. This means the A9 could serve as the basis not for the iPhone 7, but for the iPhone 6S or whatever nomenclature they choose next year. However, it’s not out of the question to see these incremental updates scrubbed altogether at one point.

Fake A9 chip
Image credits to iclarified.com

Read more »

HP Omen 15 Laptop with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M Goes on Sale for $1,499 / €1,198

Do you remember that we told you HP was preparing to enter the gaming notebook market too? As it is, more and more device manufacturers are looking to do exactly that, encouraged by the success of companies like MSI.

Well, this week HP is resurrecting the sleeping Voodoo line of gaming PCs by unleashing a new gaming laptop, called the Omen 15 (as seen at Digital Trends). HP is widely known for its professional and business solutions, but back in 2006 when the device maker acquired the Voodoo PC subsidiary, it attempted to penetrate the gaming environment, as well. But the idea didn't really take off and by 2009 HP already abandoned the Voodoo PC project altogether and continued to focus on what it did best.

HP is not giving up on gaming

A few years later and things are quite different in the gaming world, as the demand for dedicated gaming systems continues to rise. So HP rolled out its 15-inch Omen laptop, meant to compete head-to-head with the likes of Alienware, Razer, MSI, Lenovo and MAINGEAR. The laptop packs a black machined aluminum chassis, a backlit keyboard and speakers with an extra-wide touchpad. The touchpad is the result of countless polls HP performed with consumers trying to figure out what they wanted. In the end, the company decided against adding Windows 8.1-friendly Control Zones because they might hinder gaming.

HP has setup a nice system to maintain temperature levels at optimal conditions. It had the bottom of the notebook outfitted with rubber feet to make sure fans suck in the cold air, while the vents in the rear breathe out the hot air. There’s also a hinge for the display that elevates the panel in order to protect it from a constant barrage of hot air.

HP Omen 15 is not exactly the most powerful gaming laptop out there

Moving on to the technical specifications, the base Omen model will get you a 15.6-inch notebook with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. Under the hood lives an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor (obviously) fitted with 8GB of RAM and supported by 128GB SSD. In the GPU department, we find the previous-generation NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M GPU with 2GB of RAM, which is exactly what the new Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition with 4K packs too. The Omen is also equipped with 4 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, a mini DisplayPort, a headphone/microphone jack combo plus a battery that will sustain up to 4.5 hours of regular use.

This configuration can be yours for $1,499 / €1,198, but if you want to the 256GB PCle SSD and 4GB of VRAM treatment, you’ll need to pay an extra $100 / €79 and $200 / €160 respectively. Later on, HP will be offering a model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, but pricing for this version hasn't been announced yet. For those worried about portability, the HP Omen 15 breaks the scales at 4.7 lbs / 2.13 kg and is 0.78 thick. That’s a bit heavier than the MAINGEAR Pulse 15 that has 4.6 lbs / 2.08 kg, the MSI GS60 Ghost which is 4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg and the Razer Blade 14 with its 4.4 lbs / 1.9 kg. So choose wisely!

HP Omen 15 launches

HP Omen 15 is the company's first gaming device in years

HP Omen 15 frontal view

HP Omen 15 from the side

HP Omen 15 showing backlit keyboard

HP Omen 15 from the back
Images credits to Notebook Italia

Read more »

Samsung Android 5.0 Lollipop Roadmap Leaks, Include Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3

Bad news for Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 owners, as the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop roadmap that has just leaked doesn’t confirm the latest rumors claiming the update may arrive by the end of this year.

The most recent document that contains details on the Lollipop update for Samsung smartphones has been published by the folks over at YouMobile.org. Keep in mind, though, that given the fact that the information hasn’t been confirmed from other sources, you should take it with a grain of salt. In fact, the latest hearsay claims the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Samsung Galaxy S5 should arrive in December, along with the Galaxy Note 4 upgrade that should be available around the same timeframe. Well, according to this document presumably leaked directly from Samsung, the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 updates are now in testing and should be released in January 2015.

Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 will be the first smartphones to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, along with Samsung Galaxy Alpha. There are a few versions of Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 that will receive the update in early 2015, like SM-G900I and SM-G900F, as well as SM-N910I and SM-N910F, respectively. But these are not the only Samsung smartphones that have been confirmed to receive the Lollipop update next year. The document also mentions the Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900) and Galaxy Note 3 LTE (SM-N9005), which should get the update in February 2015.

The Galaxy Note 3 Neo update hasn't been finalized yet

The Lollipop update for Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) and Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) are still awaiting approval from Samsung and should go live sometime in March 2015 if nothing bad happens. The last smartphone listed in the leaked document is the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo (SM-N750), but it looks like the update for this specific device hasn’t been finalized yet. More details on the Galaxy Note 3 Neo update should be available in the next couple of months, but we doubt it will be available in the first three months of 2015. The list of Samsung smartphones slated for an Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade does not contain any Google Play Edition devices because these should receive the update directly from Google.

Once again, we recommend our reader to take this info with a grain of salt until more details on the matter leak online. Until then, don’t forget to check out the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop beta build for Samsung Galaxy S5 that popped up online a few days ago.

Samsung Android 5.0 Lollipop roadmap
Image credits to YouMobile.org

Read more »

Android 5.0 Lollipop Released in AOSP, OTA Update for Nexus 4 & 5 Arrives “in the Coming Weeks”

The time has finally come for Nexus and Android fans alike to start tasting Google’s Android Lollipop flavor. The new operating system officially made its debut on the market thanks to the recent release of the Nexus 9 tablet.

Google’s Nexus 9 tablet is the first device launched on the market that ships with Android 5.0 Lollipop and will be soon followed by the Nexus 6, which should be released this week as well. But what about the previous Nexus devices, which were promised to get Android 5.0 Lollipop as an update, soon after the Nexus 6 hits the market? Well, it looks like Google confirmed the OTA (over the air) update for Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 will be available for download “in the coming weeks.” This means that the rollout of the Android 5.0 Lollipop update may not start this week as we initially expected.

However, the search giant may release Android 5.0 Lollipop factory images for these smartphones, as well as for the Nexus 7 and 10 tablets. The factory images are likely to be made available for download earlier than the OTA update, which is why we’re waiting for an official announcement that should come any moment now.

Although the OTA update may arrive later, factory images will surely be posted soon

In the meantime, Google has just released the Lollipop source code on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The company also posted the source for a variety of Nexus device branches, such as Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013 LTE, 2013 WiFi, 2012 3G and 2012 WiFi). As you might have noticed, the source code for Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet have yet to be published, which might be an indication that Google will probably make the OTA updates for these particular two devices available slightly later. All in all, Nexus 4 and 5 owners should be among the first smartphone users to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, as other handset manufacturers have only received the final build this week or a few days ago.

It will take some time until HTC, Motorola, Sony, LG and Samsung tweak the latest OS update for their products, but Google Play Edition smartphones may get it soon after the Nexus handsets receive the update. If you’re an Android tech-savvy who owns a Nexus 4 or 5 smartphone, you won’t have to worry that you will be left behind, as you will be able to flash the Lollipop factory image on your device in the next couple of days.

The Wall Street Journal, Tumblr and BuzzFeed with material design
Image credits to Google

Read more »

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Confirmed to Arrive in the US on November 14

Good news for Samsung fans in the United States drooling for the company’s latest innovation, the Galaxy Note Edge, as the phablet has been confirmed to arrive in the country in less than two weeks.

Officially unveiled back in October, the Galaxy Note Edge was thought to be released on the market in limited quantities as a prototype device with the sole purpose of testing the market. Even so, customers in the United States will be able to get their hands on the smartphone that packs a two-sided display. According to an official press release, Samsung Galaxy Note Edge will arrive in the States as early as November 14. More importantly, the smartphone will be available for purchase through all major carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and US Cellular.

The phablet won't come cheap for those who want to pay for the upfront price

Although Samsung did not share any details on the Galaxy Note Edge pricing in the United States, AT&T confirmed the phablet would be available for purchase for no less than $400 (€320) with a two-year agreement. That’s an insane price even for a flagship smartphone. Anyway, customers who do not want to commit to a long-term contract will have to come up with a whopping $945 (€755) upfront in order to get the Galaxy Note Edge. The high price may be Samsung’s way of controlling the sales of the Galaxy Note Edge. We already know the company won’t be producing too many units (probably no more than 1 million), so the high price may be justified.

But let’s see what those who can afford the Galaxy Note Edge will get for this price. First of all, the phablet features a stunning 5.6-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (1440 x 2560 pixels) resolution display, along with secondary Edge screen that allows users to access email, Internet, compatible apps and weather.

It will be released with Android 4.4.4 KitKat platform onboard

As expected, the smartphone will ship with Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system out of the box, but it is likely to receive a Lollipop update soon. Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Note Edge is equipped with a 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor inside, along with an Adreno 420 graphics processing unit and 3GB of RAM. Samsung announced there would be two variants available on the market with different storage capabilities: 32GB and 64GB. However, both versions will come with microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 128GB). It’s also worth mentioning that Samsung Galaxy Note Edge will be powered by a 3,000 mAh battery and it will boast a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, autofocus and 4K video recording.  For more technical details on the phablet, check out our Samsung Galaxy Note Edge specifications page.

Press Release:Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Available in the U.S. Beginning Nov. 14
Samsung introduces a stunning new smartphone design with a curved edge display
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung) today announced that the Galaxy Note® Edge will be available in the U.S. beginning Nov. 14. The Galaxy Note Edge is the first smartphone of its kind with a functional, curved display for interruption-free notifications.
The 5.6-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED® screen has a high resolution with more pixels, making the display sharper, brighter and more immersive than ever. The Galaxy Note Edge delivers unique smartphone experiences with a scrollable screen that wraps around the right edge of the device, extending the screen with room to do and see more. The Edge screen gives access to email, Internet, apps, notifications, news and more without interrupting the content on the main screen. Night clock mode dimly displays the time, alarm and weather and is easily viewable when the Galaxy Note Edge is placed bedside. Consumers can customize the scrollable Edge menu panel with their favorite apps for quick access; the apps are always available, from any screen.
The Galaxy Note Edge is also equipped with all the advanced features of the new Galaxy Note 4, including:
A 16 MP rear-facing camera with 8x digital zoom and Optical Image Stabilization for decreased photo blurriness, and a 3.7 megapixel front facing camera with a wide angle lens that captures more friends and fun in the frame.
The S Pen™ is more precise than ever before and handwriting is more natural when interacting with the phone. With mouse-like functionality you can cut and paste, drag and drop, and do more than before.
Samsung’s unique Multi Window™1 feature allows consumers to interact with multiple apps simultaneously. Users can resize windows and seamlessly drag and drop content between apps for added convenience and enhanced productivity.
The fastest charging available on a Samsung phone and power-saving solutions. Adaptive Fast Charging2 can charge a battery up to 50% in about 30 minutes for added power in a hurry. Ultra Power Saving Mode increases standby time up to 24 hours on only 10% of battery life, offering more battery power when users need it most.
The Galaxy Note Edge also features Samsung’s KnoxTM 3 security platform for Android, offering comprehensive mobile solutions for both work and play by separating personal and work data on one device. Knox meets the strict security requirements of regulated industries and government agencies. Knox addresses the market gap to provide enterprise- and consumer-friendly devices to businesses and their employees. Samsung is meeting the need by making Android the number one choice for a secure and cost-effective platform for business use.
The Galaxy Note Edge will be available in Charcoal Black and Frost White. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular will carry the Galaxy Note Edge. Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy will also carry the device. Carriers and retail partners will confirm specific pricing, availability and specs.
Galaxy Note Edge accessories will include a Wallet Flip Cover in Charcoal Black and Frost White and power solution options including a Wireless Charging Battery Cover and spare battery charging system.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
Image credits to Samsung

Read more »

Samsung Galaxy S6 Is “Project Zero,” May Hint to a Total Rehash of the Series

It looks like Samsung has finally decided to rethink its entire Galaxy S family due to the series’ low sales in the last few years. The next Galaxy S smartphone will be entirely different from any other handset in the family, or at least that’s what we and millions of fans hope for.

For those out of the loop, Samsung announces a new Galaxy S flagships smartphone in the first quarter and usually puts it on sale in the second quarter. These flagship smartphones are usually unveiled during Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade fair, so we believe Samsung will maintain the tradition and introduce the Galaxy S6 next year in late February or early March. Until Samsung goes official with the Galaxy S6, lots of rumors on the smartphone’s specs and design will most likely leak online, but they will probably point to the prototypes the South Korean company plans to test before shaping up the final version.

This is that time of the year when we get the first rumors on the next Samsung flagship smartphone, and although it’s obviously very early, at least we can get an idea on what the company has in mind for Galaxy S6. In this regard, SamMobile reports that sources close to the matter claim the “Next Big Thing” from Samsung is called Project Zero. Samsung usually refers to the next Galaxy S flagship handset as “the next big thing,” so we believe the Galaxy S6 is internally known as Project Zero.

Samsung Galaxy S6 is expected to be unveiled in late February

The name of the project might be an indication that Galaxy S6 will be a completely new device from all points of view, but especially design-wise. Samsung plans to rehash the Galaxy S series and make the Galaxy S6 really unique and innovative. It remains to be seen whether or not the South Korean company will be successful in its endeavor, though the handset maker has a lot of work to do before redeeming itself in the eyes of its customers. Samsung’s profits have been dropping each quarter in the last two years, especially due to low sales of its flagship smartphones, Galaxy S and Galaxy Note. Perhaps the company did a better job with Galaxy Note 4, which is selling very well and is expected to reach around 10 million units sold by the end of the year.

However, the Galaxy S series is entirely another problem, which needs to be taken care of if Samsung wants to continue to be world’s number one smartphone maker. We’ll be keeping an eye out for any additional details on the matter, so stay tuned.

TheNextBigThing tagline
Image credits to Samsung

Read more »

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Is the Skinniest Tablet with the Longest Battery Life

Having a sleek tablet on your hands is sure very convenient and a lot of fun, but how much battery life can these products actually support?

The folks over at Phone Arena were curious to answer this very question, so they gathered up a bunch of new tablets including the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Nexus 9 and iPad Air 2 and put them to test to see how much they can endure.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact wins the endurance test

The results are quite interesting. It turns out the top spot goes to the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, which is not only one of the skinniest (at 6.4mm / 0.25 inches) but also the longest lasting. According to the tests, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact can sustain a battery life of up to 9 hours and 47 minutes on a single charge. The follow-up is also a tablet that saw the light of day a few weeks ago. We’re talking about the Nexus 9, which is a tad larger (it has 8.9 inches) and a bit thicker (7.9 mm / 0.32 inches). The slate can last up to 9 hours and 24 minutes, but it’s still 23 minutes shy of catching up to the Sony slate. Completing the top three is the Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2 which is a tablet with an impressive display of 12.2-inch. However, according to the tests users should be able to milk out up to 8 hours and 58 minutes of continuous use.

The iPad Air 2 only takes the number 4 spot

Interestingly enough, the super thin iPad Air 2 (6.1mm / 0.24 inches) ranked only at number 4, being shown to offer only 7 hours and 27 minutes of run time. Going back to the winner of the challenge, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact managed to score almost 40% higher than its direct competitor, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. However, don’t expect the colors on the device to be as bright and crisp as on Samsung’s AMOLED display. They are said to be cold and inaccurate, but this seems to be the company’s tactic while power saving is concerned.

As for the Nexus 9, the tablet is apparently one of the fastest, charging-time related. It can be up and running again in 254 minutes and only the iPad mini 2 can do better than that. The two slates have a similar battery capacity (6471 mAh). Sony has barely started shipping its ever-lasting 8-inch tablet and the Nexus 9 has just popped in the Google Play Store, so you can go order it from there. It should be shipping out in the next 2-3 days.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact wins the tablet battle, battery-wise
Image credits to Phone Arena

Read more »

Photos of First Microsoft-Branded Windows Phone Handset Leaked Online

Microsoft already announced a couple of weeks ago that it would replace the Nokia brand with “Microsoft Lumia” for its Windows Phone handset, but the company didn’t provide too many details regarding the date when the first device wearing its logo could hit the market.

Now it appears that this moment is almost here, as the company is trying to get the necessary approvals to launch its very first Microsoft-branded Windows Phone handset in China. Spotted on Chinese website Weibo, the device is labeled as RM-1090 and could hit the market in the coming weeks, with availability to be limited to this particular country for the time being. Of course, no official announcements are yet available, but it is only a matter of time until the very first Microsoft-branded Windows Phone handset reaches the market, so today’s news shouldn’t come as such a big surprise for anyone.

Designed to be affordable

Not much is known about this particular phone, but previous details that have reached the web in the last few weeks thanks to FCC filings have revealed that the RM-1090 will come with dual-SIM support and dimensions that make it look similar to the Lumia 830. And just by looking at these leaked photos, it’s pretty obvious that the device was designed from the very beginning to be affordable and somewhat reminds us of similar devices such as the Lumia 530. According to leaked specs that were provided in FCC documentations, the device would also include a resolution of 960x540px, as well as 3G support with HSPA connectivity.

Microsoft branding on front and back

As the software giant revealed a couple of weeks back when it officially confirmed the dropping of Nokia branding, this very first phone produced entirely under its umbrella comes with Microsoft branding on both the front and the back of the device, while the Windows logo is nowhere to be seen for the time being. People close to Microsoft’s Windows Phone plans previously hinted that the smartphone platform could be renamed to just Windows in an attempt to boost consumer appeal of the product, so it was only natural to expect all devices to feature the Windows logo as well.

At this point, only vague details are available as Microsoft hasn’t yet publicly acknowledged the existence of this device, so we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to find out more information about the company’s very first smartphone running Windows Phone. In the meantime, all the other Lumia phone models continue to be available worldwide with Nokia branding.

This is the first Microsoft-branded smartphone

Its design reminds of Nokia Lumia 530

The device will go on sale in China
Image credits to Weibo

Read more »