VAIO Smartphone Is in Fact an Overpriced Panasonic Eluga U2

The Japanese company that bought Sony's VAIO brand has recently launched the first ever smartphone wearing this brand. The VAIO smartphone is going to sell in Japan for no less than $420 (€390) outright, which seriously overpriced considering what it has to offer.

The VAIO smartphone will eventually be released in Europe as well, probably with the same outrageous price tag attached to it, but we're not sure how well it will fare against so many other Android handsets in the mid-range specs. One reason that the VAIO smartphone might not be so popular among Android users, apart from the price, should be the fact that it's just another rebranded mid-range handset. Blog of Mobile has just found out that the VAIO smartphone is in fact a rebranded Panasonic Eluga U2, as phone that's been released on the market last month. This is probably one of the reasons that VAIO did not want to show how their phone looks like before the smartphone was made official.

As it turns out, VAIO and Panasonic Eluga U2 look exactly the same and offer the same specifications. That being said, here is what you'll get for this overpriced mid-ranger.

Customers are asked to pay more just for the brand

First of all, VAIO's smartphone will ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system out of the box. It also comes equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor clocked at 1.2GHz. Qualcomm's CPU is complemented by an Adreno 306 graphics processing unit, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory, which can be further expanded up to 32GB via microSD card slot. On the back, the smartphone packs a 13-megapixel camera with autofocus, LED flash and full HD (1080p) video recording, while in the front there's a 5-megapixel camera for video calls and selfies.

Last but not least, VAIO smartphone sports a 5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display that supports HD (720p) resolution and features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 coating.

VAIO smartphone
Image credits to VAIO

Panasonic Eluga U2
Image credits to Panasonic

Read more »

Huawei Kirin 940 and Kirin 950 Specs Leak, One Could Power the Next-Gen Nexus

If you’re familiar with the tech industry, you’re probably aware that Chinese device maker Huawei is also in the business of producing its own silicone chips, known as the HiSilicon Kirin.

Even if Huawei’s SoCs aren’t so well known as Qualcomm’s, MediaTek’s or Intel’s chips, they are slowly starting to gain more spotlight. Recent rumors claim that the next-gen Nexus phone will probably end up being built by Huawei, who will put one of its chips inside to power everything onboard. The company’s HiSilicone Kirin 930 is currently powering the device maker’s flagship models, but Huawei has plans to soon roll out the successor of this silicone architecture.

Huawei's upcoming chips emerge with details

As a matter of fact, the first details related to the next-gen Kirin 940 and Kirin 950 have already surfaced online, showing us what we should expect. The Kirin 940 is poised to arrive in Q3 2015, while the Kirin 950 will be launched in the fourth quarter of the year. Both these models are octa-core affairs featuring a quad-core Cortex A53 plus quad-core Cortex A72 setup. Both models will support dual-channel LPDDR4 RAM (25.6GB/s) memory and 4K video encoding and should arrive with Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP (highly optimized audio/voice chip geared for efficient execution of audio and voice codecs). The two chips will come with i7 co-processor (sensor hub + connectivity + security). The Kirin 940 will be outfitted with ARM Mali T860 GPU, while the Kirin 950 will be bundled with ARM’s Mali T880 GPU.

The first model will receive 7 LTE connectivity support, while the higher-end 950 will support dual-SIM cat.10 LTE connectivity. The Kirin 940 is supposed to be the next step over the current Kirin 930, while the Kirin 950 will come with slight modifications, but will be the more premium model. It’s interesting to note that one of these two chips might as well end up powering the next Nexus smartphone. The handset is poised to make a debut sometime in the second part of the year and Google will probably talk about it at its I/O conference this summer, but will actually release the device at a later date.

Huawei Kirin 940 and Kirin 950 specs revealed
@leaksfly on Twitter

Read more »

Samsung Plans to Focus on Low-End Smartphones to Regain Control of the Market

Following the high and mighty Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge launch event, Samsung will be pushing a new strategy to help it regain control of the global smartphone market.

While the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge have made a very good preliminary impression on the public, Samsung doesn’t plan to completely rely on these premium models to win back the title of top smartphone vendor in the world. According to a fresh report coming out of the Korea Herald, Samsung has already devised a well-thought-out plan to help it win the market over yet again.

Expect a lot of Samsung low-end phones to appear in the following months

Industry insiders claim that the Korean tech giant plans to focus on entry-level and mid-range phones from now on, given that its flagship announcement is now behind it. Apparently, the fact that Samsung has released the Galaxy A, Galaxy E, Galaxy J and Z families is a clear indicator of the path the phone maker has embarked upon. The thing is premium smartphones only make a small portion of Samsung’s business, but the bulk actually comes from the low-to-midrange sector. The majority of smartphone owners don't have cash to spend on fancy handsets like the Galaxy S6 Edge and will buy products such as the Samsung Z1 (the company’s first handset to come with Tizen OS) which sells for under $100 / €87.

Many of these entry-level phones will be marketed by Samsung in emerging markets such as China and India, where the demand for cheap phones goes through the roof. The report points out that market research firm Strategy Analytics has estimated that the global sales for low-to-midrange smartphone models will tower over high-end sales in 2016, amounting to a total of 107 million. Samsung will also try and target more established markets with its affordable smartphones. And the assault has already started.

Samsung J1 is the latest budget smartphone from the company

For example, the company has just rolled out the J1 handset in Europe. The device arrives with a 4.3-inch WVGA (800 x 480 pixel resolution) capacitive touchscreen and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor fitted with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. The specs aren't impressive, but customers can pick it up for only €120 / $130 a pop.

Expect more phones like the Samsung Galaxy J1 soon
Image credits to Samsung

Read more »

Cyanogen OS 12 Based on Android 5.0 Lollipop Out “in a Few Weeks”

Cyanogen's OS 12 update, which the new version of the operating system based on Android 5.0 Lollipop is still in the works. Although developer promised the update will be provided to smartphones owners pretty fast, it release date went from February to March.

Now the company has updated the status of the Cyanogen OS 12 and said that the upgrade will be available for at least three smartphones “in a few weeks.” The relevant devices mentioned by Cyanogen are OnePlus One, YU Yureka and Alcatel Hero 2+, which will all receive Android 5.0 Lollipop once OS 12 is released. For those of you who don't remember we've already reported that Micromax teased Android 5.0 Lollipop for YU Yureka a few days ago. According to this teaser the update should be available beginning March 26. This is the only confirmed release date for Cyanogen OS 12 based on Lollipop that we have now, along developer's recent statement that it will be out in a few weeks.

“We are in the final stages of preparing the Cyanogen OS 12 ‘L’ OTA updates,” say developers in a status update for this version of the OS. Keep in mind though that not all three smartphones will receive the update at the same time. It looks like the team is working separately for each of these devices and will provide the update at different times.

OnePlus One, YU Yureka and Alcatel Hero 2+ will be getting the update

For OnePlus One, Cyanogen OS 12 based on Lollipop will be released OTA (over the air) “in the next few weeks.” Developers are currently packaging final bootloader firmware and addressing QA/QE restults. YU Yureka owners will be getting the update “in the next few weeks” too, as Cyanogen is now addressing QA/QE results and beginning soak testing with users in India. You best bet is to get it around March 26. Last but not least, Alcatel Hero 2+ will ship with Cyanogen OS 11 (KitKat). According to Cyanogen, they are working hard with MediaTek to support Android 5.0 Lollipop. Plans are to release the OTA (over the air) update to Cyanogen OS 12 based on Lollipop in the May/June timeframe.

There is some information on Android 5.1 Lollipop, as Cyanogen claims that they will evaluate the change in the new version and will release them as part of a future OTA (over the air) upgrade after the initial Lollipop update.

Cyanogen OS
Image credits to Cyanogen

Read more »

Android 5.0 Lollipop for Sony Xperia C3 Gets Certified, Release Looks Imminent

Sony's Android 5.0 Lollipop saga continues with another reports that confirms the new firmware has been approved for the Xperia C, a smartphone that's not supposed to receive this upgrade.

According to XperiaBlog, Bluetooth SIG has just certified a new firmware version that's supposed to brings Xperia C3's operating system to Android 5.0 Lollipop. The listing details mention a major update named “Wukon To L,” which translates to “Xperia C3 to Android 5.0 Lollipop.” Wukong is the codename of the Xperia C3, so this update is clearly for this smartphone. Unfortunately, there's no telling when this update will hit Xperia C3 devices, but we reported earlier today that Sony will kick off the Android 5.0 Lollipop rollout sometime next week.

However, only Xperia Z devices have been confirmed to receive the Lollipop update, so we're expecting Sony to clarify the situation because for the time being everything seems so confusing. On one hand the Japanese company says that it will not offer Lollipop to non-Xperia devices, while on the other hand it tests Android 5.0 Lollipop for Xperia C3, which is a non-Xperia smartphones. Let's hope Sony will come forward with an official statement regarding the Android 5.0 Lollipop update sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for more on this one.

Lollipop update for Xperia C3 listing details
Image credits to Sony Mobile

Read more »

Sony Confirms Android 5.0 Lollipop Rollout Begins Next Week

Sony is one of the few handset makers that has yet to start delivering Android 5.0 Lollipop update for its smartphones. To make things worse, the Japanese company let it slip several days ago that it has no intention of upgrading its non-Xperia Z devices to Lollipop.

Since most customers prefer low- to mid-range smartphones, it's unusual for a major company such as Sony to ignore the vast majority of its fans. Obviously, there are many users who purchased Xperia Z phones, but they aren't the majority. Anyway, the fact that smartphones that have the required hardware specifications will not receive Android 5.0 Lollipop update from Sony doesn't bode well for the Japanese handset maker. A few days after it announced it won't offer Lollipop to non-Xperia Z devices, Sony backtracked on its initial statement and said that its has no comments on the matter for the moment.

That made us believe there's still chance for those who own non-Xperia Z smartphones. Apart from that, some Android 5.0 Lollipop screenshots taken on the Xperia C3 added to the hype. Until Sony eventually brings Lollipop to non-Xperia devices, there's still the matter of Android 5.0 arriving on Xperia Z smartphones and tablets, which is not yet available.

Xperia Z3 will be among the first to receive the update

Sony Mobile Indonesia confirmed a few days ago that Android 5.0 Lollipop will be released beginning next week, but at least three Xperia smartphones will be getting the update in India as well. Now Sony Mobile France confirmed the same information and stated that Xperia Z3 will receive Android 5.0 Lollipop update as early as next week. The Xperia Z3 won't be the only smartphone to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop next week, but the order in which these devices will be upgraded is unclear yet.

Sony Mobile has yet to come out with an official statement regarding Android 5.0 Lollipop for its devices, but we expect more details to leak in the coming days so stay tuned for more info on the matter.

@_JordanSch Si tout se passe bien le déploiement devrait débuter la semaine prochaine sur les Xperia Z3.
— Sony Xperia FR (@SonyXperiaFR) March 11, 2015

Android 5.0 Lollipop
Image credits to Google

Read more »

WhatsApp Voice Call Now Available for Select Users

The voice call feature for WhatsApp has been in the works for a long time. Many users have already been accepted into the beta program and have been able to test some of the new features added by WhatsApp developers.

One of these new features was voice calling, a new option that WhatsApp users will be given for free at some point. While WhatsApp developers have yet to roll out the voice calling new feature to everyone, there's a way that you can take advantage of it right away. In order to get access to voice calling you will need to be invited by a person who already has this new feature enabled in their WhatsApp application. Basically, if you you receive a voice call via WhatsApp from a person that has the new feature active, it will be available on your WhatsApp account as well.

You will then be able to provide the new feature to more people if you call them via WhatsApp. The invitation system has been enabled by WhatsApp developers, but it's unclear if the activation of voice calling to other accounts will only be available for a limited time. Keep in mind that you should not accept any messages from social networks asking you to enable the voice calling feature for WhatsApp because this is just malware.

WhatsApp Messenger
Image credits to WhatsApp

Read more »

ASRock Adds Godavari CPU Support for FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 and FM2A78M-ITX+ Boards

Just now, ASRock has rolled out two new BIOS packages developed for its FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 and FM2A78M-ITX+ motherboards, namely versions 1.70 and 1.80, respectively, which only include support for AMD’s new Godavari CPU models.

When it comes to installing this release, first of all take into account that this task should be performed only when the newer version includes an additional change that you can really make use of. With this in mind, save and unzip the downloadable archive, transfer all content onto a FAT32-formatted memory drive, go into the board’s BIOS menu, and select “Instant Flash Utility” located under the “Tool” menu.

At this point, the board will automatically detect and list any found BIOS version that it supports. Simply select the desired build, and wait patiently for the device to perform the upgrade. However, if this method doesn’t work, then press F6 key to boot from the attached USB drive (prepared before), browse and select the BIOS version you want to flash, and wait for it to be applied. As for recommendations, since a failure can seriously damage your device, it would be a good idea to perform this task using a stable and continuous power source such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.

ASRock FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 Board and Box

ASRock FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 Top View

ASRock FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 Motherboard

ASRock FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 Angle View

ASRock FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0 Back Ports

ASRock FM2A78M-ITX+ Board and Box

ASRock FM2A78M-ITX+ Top View

ASRock FM2A78M-ITX+ Motherboard

ASRock FM2A78M-ITX+ Angle View

ASRock FM2A78M-ITX+ Back Ports
Image credits to ASRock

Read more »

Apple Replaces Its Brilliant MagSafe Connector with USB-C on the New MacBook

In addition to the Apple Watch, Apple announced its brand-new 12-inch, fanless, and ultra-slim Retina MacBook computer during the “Spring Forward” event that took place a couple of days ago, on March 9, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, USA, besides the already popular Apple Watch.

We live-blogged the event at that point and learned that the all-new MacBook comes with a smart, reversible, all-in-one connector called USB-C (also known as USB Type-C), which substitutes no less than five different connectors, including Power, USB, HDMI, VGA, and Display ports. Well, this does not mean that it’s brilliant though, as you can only use one function at a time; otherwise put, you’ll have to buy all sorts of expensive adapters from Apple if you want to connect various devices. What’s more, the new MacBook won't use Apple's innovative MagSafe connector that is currently available on its MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines.

Apple no longer uses MagSafe on the new MacBook line

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air owners know the real value of the MagSafe connector, which has been designed from the ground up to keep their precious computers safe on the desk. The MagSafe connector uses magnets to attach to the MacBook’s case, thus not slamming it to the ground if one tripped on cord. MagSafe is an Apple innovation, introduced 9 years ago, on January 10, 2006. It is a magnetic power connector, used only to charge MacBooks. There are currently two generations of MagSafe connectors available on the market, used by millions of MacBook owners worldwide.

Now, two questions arise. Will Apple replace the MagSafe connector on the upcoming revisions of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air? If so, will this be the beginning of numerous cases of broken MacBooks? Make sure you check out the video below for more details on the matter. You won't regret it, we promise.

The MagSafe connector
Image credits to Shannon Savage

Video credits to Apple

Read more »

VAIO Smartphone Will Be Launched in Europe Too

The Japanese company that purchased Sony's VAIO brand is going to launch a smartphone under this name on March 12. While we already know many details on the phone's specs sheet, there wasn't any leaked info on its availability.

The good news is Greek blog Techblog.gr claims it has received new info that would suggest VAIO smartphone won't be exclusive to Japan or Asia. The VAIO smartphone will be launched in Europe as well, but there's no telling whether the device will be released at the same time on both continents. With only one day left until the official unveil of the VAIO smartphone, let's take a look at what this device may have to offer to Android fans.

First of all, the handsets will be equipped with a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory. It will also sport a 5-inch HD (720p) capacitive touchscreen display. On the back, the VAIO smartphone will pack a 13-megapixel camera with a Sony sensor, autofocus, LED flash and video recording, while in the front there will be a 5-megapixel camera for video calls and selfies. We'll be reporting more on the VAIO smartphone as soon as the device goes official tomorrow, so stay tuned for additional details on the matter.

VAIO smartphone mockup
Image credits to GSMDome

Read more »