Samsung Exynos 5410 could get software update to become true octa-core chip

We already know that the Samsung Exynos 5410 chip is not a true octa-core chip. With the big.LITTLE technology, two sets of 4 cores are utilized with one set active at a time. Just the other day, we told you howSamsung had used Heterogeneous Multi-Processing Capability (HMP) to turn its Exynos 5 line into true octa-core processors able to use all eight cores at a single time.

The interesting news this morning is that HMP can be added to the Samsung Exynos 5410, already used in the GT-i9500 version of the Samsung Galaxy S4, via a software update. That is potentially electrifying news for those with the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 as well as for those with the international model of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Meizu MX3 using the Samsung Exynos 5420.. 

Meizu has already announced that the Meizu MX3 will be getting an HMP update later this year to convert the Exynos silicon in that flagship model into a true octa-core. And yes, Samsung could do the same to its devices sporting an Exynos 5. The bottom line could be a more powerful and efficient device that can transform the inner workings of your handset thanks to a mere software update.

source: Meizu (translated), gizChina via UnwiredView

Take a peek inside Motorola's Moto X US assembly facility

You might be thinking that in comparison with the initial hype that surrounded the Moto X, the post-release reality paints quite a different picture – it feels like the buzz around Motorola's return into the smartphone market has largely flat-lined. Even if so, it doesn't seem like the US manufacturer has that much to worry about, as far as the Moto X is concerned: it's shipping over 100,000 units a week.

But shipments volume is only part of the story that Motorola is proud to tell and retell to anybody who is willing to listen – the Moto X is currently the only branded smartphone to be assembled in the States. Based in Texas' Fort Worth, Motorola's manufacturing facility has created more than 2,000 jobs, and CEO Dennis Woodside says the company will continue to hire. Speaking of Fort Worth and Motorola's pride in it, it sure pays the company to have Google as a partner, for the very same facility has been mapped out and is now available through Google's Street View module – you can literally step onto the manufacturing floor where the Moto X is being assembled. Whether this particular use of the tech behind StreetView tops Google's other, perhaps more eccentric adventures is your call, but we definitely like seeing Mountain View getting creative with it.

So make sure you head right for the source in order to get a peek.

source: Google StreetView, Motorola

Nokia Lumia 1020 price cut to $200

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is the top-level Lumia and Windows Phone handset with a 41MP PureView camera on back. Priced at $299.99 on contract, the handset cost more than many high-end Android models and the Apple iPhone 5. As competitive as the smartphone market is, the $100 difference between the Nokia Lumia 1020 and, say, the Samsung Galaxy S4, might feel like the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, Finnish manufacturer Nokia has cut the price of the Lumia 1020 to $200 to match the iPhone and Android models. 

But Nokia is also throwing in a free camera grip. This is a $79 value, but also offers a two-step shutter button that makes it easier to focus. In addition, the camera grip is embedded with a 1020mAh battery to help extend the battery life of the phone by about 50%. The grip also makes the phone feel more like a camera when you're taking pictures with it attached.

If you've been giving deep thought to picking up the Nokia Lumia 1020, now's the time. The price cut, by the way, is permanent. This should help the Nokia Lumia 1020 better compete in the camera-centric niche of the smartphone market that includes models like the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, the just announced Sony Xperia Z1 and the upcoming Oppo N1.

source: GigaOm

Often rumored Amazon Smartphone may be free off-contract

We've been hearing rumors about an Amazon smartphone for a long time now, but we have yet to hear any official word about a device, or even see a viable leak that would make us believe the device is anything but vaporware. Of course, a new report is saying once again that the Amazon smartphone not only exists, but that Amazon wants it to be free.

And, we're not talking about free on contract; we mean free off-contract. The report comes from former Wall Street Journal journalists Amir Efrati and Jessica E. Lessin, who say that Amazon's plan is to offer the phone for free, although it's unclear if the plan would require a user have an Amazon Prime subscription or not. But, there's no guarantee that Amazon will even be able to pull off this plan. 

Word is that Amazon has been talking to carriers, but would more likely end up selling the smartphone directly through its site. The plan to essentially give the phone away for free would also be dependent on deals that Amazon would make with whatever hardware company helps to manufacture the device. Amazon would obviously be looking to undercut the competition as a way to draw users to its own ecosystem, since it controls its own Appstore and content stores.

The last time we heard about the Amazon smartphone it was an incredibly odd rumor reported through Wall Street Journal which said the company was planning two different smartphones, and that one of them would have a 3D display. We're really hoping that plan has been scrapped, since the 3D fad is essentially over. 

source: Jessica E. Lessin via The Verge

Customers already lining up for iPhone 5S, obviously have no jobs, sense of time

If you follow the news at all - and we're not even talking about the tech media specifically, because mainstream media jumps on Apple news in an alarmingly lopsided way - if you follow the news at all, you will have heard by now that Apple is going to hold an event this coming Tuesday September 10th, and that event is more than likely going to be to announce the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. There is a fair chance that you will have also heard that the devices will probably be released for sale around September 20th or so. 

If you are someone who would be willing to line up to purchase one of the very first iPhones released, we would also assume that you would be someone who paid attention to the news, and you are likely someone who would follow tech media for more granular info on the product that you obviously love. So, how on Earth are there people already lining up at the 5th Ave Apple Store in order to purchase a new iPhone 5S?

It would make sense if there were even a slight chance that Apple was planning to launch the devices right after the announcement on Tuesday (something Apple has never done with the iPhone), because that would only have you camping out for four nights, and (assuming you had a job) you would only miss two and a half days at most. But, as noted, Apple never releases devices right away, which would mean these people are either going to be gone by Tuesday evening, or they are going to be camping out for two weeks. Two weeks to camp out for a device that is more than likely not going to sell out, unless Apple is purposefully making a limited supply of the champagne color, but that's not something we've heard. 

Oh yeah, the news is that people have already started lining up for at the 5th Ave Apple Store. Maybe that's burying the lead a bit. 

source: MacRumors

Analyst says a 5-inch iPhone would be more for China than the U.S.

It has widely been assumed that Apple is looking into larger iPhone display sizes, and yesterday we heard from The Wall Street Journal that Apple is specifically testing device sizes ranging from 4.8-inches all the way up to 6-inches. The idea that there will be a larger iPhone isn't being disputed, but there is still a conversation as to what Apple's motivation would be in releasing a larger device.

The general consensus is that Apple needs to combat Samsung, which has been dominating the larger phone sizes with the Galaxy S III (4.8-inches), Galaxy S4 (5-inches), and Galaxy Note II (5.5-inches.) But, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White says that Apple has been working on a larger iPhone since last year, and that Apple is aiming for a 5-inch display not so much to battle Samsung, but instead to make more of a dent in the Chinese and Asian markets. 

Devices of 5-inches and larger are more common in China and Asia, apparently because they are both a fashion statement, and because users would rather have one device that can cover multiple uses rather than multiple devices. Whatever the reasoning, a larger iPhone will not be part of next week's announcement, so we have to wait until next year to get the answers. 

source: VentureBeat

Galaxy Note 3, new Note 10.1 and the Gear smartwatch release date in the U.S. scheduled for early October

The rest of the world might be getting the Galaxy Note 3, the new Note 10.1 and the Gear smartwatch as soon as September 25th, but US carriers won't be far behind this time.

They will be announcing the availability of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 individually, and AT&T already pulled the trigger, saying it will carry it next month at $299.99 on a two-year contract, with the first orders shipping around October 1st. Verizon is also putting it up for preorder today at 9am, and T-Mobile listed availability for October 2nd.

The same goes for the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet, and AT&T even said it will carry the Gear smartwatch thingy "in the coming weeks," a pretty unusual commitment given that this has no cellular modem inside.

In any case, it's just a few more weeks before we get the new gadgets Samsung announced the other day, and they are coming on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and US Cellular just in time for the holiday shopping rush.

A drop in Galaxy S4 sales causes Samsung to plan a strategic conference with investors

Samsung is a very big company that has an extremely diverse product line including TVs, appliances, and of course mobile products. But, for all of that diversity, Samsung still gets about two-thirds of its profits from mobile devices. So, when Galaxy S4 sales dropped recently, it worried investors and analysts enough that Samsung has planned a strategic conference to talk about the future plans of the company.

Apparently, Samsung's mobile profits have dropped around 13% over the past three months, and that has investors getting a bit antsy. The thinking is that the high-end smartphone market, where Samsung has been pulling in the majority of its profits, has been saturated. The low-end market, especially in emerging markets is where the big growth opportunities are for smartphones, but it is also a more difficult segment from which to generate profits. 

With that in mind, Samsung is planning a strategic conference with about 400 investors and analysts in Seoul on November 6 to talk about its longer-term growth strategy. A Samsung executive said about the conference, "It's been a while since we last communicated our longer-term business plan, and this year's event is largely aimed at discussing our latest strategy and vision for 2020." 

source: Reuters

NTT DoCoMo to offer the Apple iPhone to Japanese users

Japan has a fairly low penetration of smartphones with only about 25% of the population having upgraded to a smartphone, but even so Apple has been doing well in the country. The iPhone was the best selling device in Japan in 2012; and, the success Apple has had has come with the iPhone not even being offered by Japan's largest mobile carrier: NTT DoCoMo.

But, a new report says that is all about to change. According to sources at the Nikkei, Japan’s major stock exchange, part of Apple's announcement set for this coming Tuesday, September 10th will be that the iPhone is going to be sold by NTT DoCoMo. DoCoMo is by far the largest mobile carrier in Japan with approximately 60 million subscribers. The Apple iPhone has been offered through other Japanese carriers like au (~38 million subscribers) and SoftBank (~33 million), but this will be the first time the device is sold through DoCoMo. 

Apple has been making a push in Asia recently. Word has it that Apple has also reached a deal with China's largest mobile carrier, and is planning a special event which would take place soon after next week's event in San Francisco. 

source: Reuters

The average global smartphone user has downloaded 26 apps

Those of us here at PointMaza love our mobile devices, and because of that we tend to download inordinate amounts of apps, just to play around with them and see what cool new stuff is out there. Not surprisingly, we are not good representatives of the general public. While some of us around here have downloaded (according to Google Play) about 445 apps, the average smartphone user downloads far fewer than that.

According to Google's Our Mobile Planet data, the average global smartphone user downloads just 26 apps, a bit over 20 free apps, and a bit over 5 paid apps each. Of course, depending on where you live, your region will likely have different numbers. South Korea, unsurprisingly, comes in number one on the list with the average smartphone user there downloading about 40 app, although South Korea is also the least likely of the top countries to go for paid apps as 37 of the average 40 downloads are free apps.

Users in Japan are far more likely to download paid apps with an average of 17.5 paid app downloads per smartphone user, and a bit over 36 app total for Japanese users. And, in the U.S. smartphone users download just under 33 apps each, with a bit over 25 of those being free apps. 

How do you compare with the world? Let us know below. 

source: Our Mobile Planet via Mashable

Moto Match from Motorola uses your Facebook page to help you customize your Motorola Moto X

Not sure what color to make your Motorola Moto X? You might want to use the Moto Match from Google's wholly owned subsidiary. The app works with your Facebook page. After you select your favorite picture from the social networking site, Moto Match comes up with a color scheme for your Motorola Moto X. Motorola's own Facebook page showed how a photo of a pair of blue woman's shoes resulted in a pretty close match using the app.

Right now, only AT&T customers can use the Moto Maker although eventually Verizon and Sprint customers will also get to customize their own Motorola Moto X. To use the Moto Match app, you need to have a Facebook account. And it would also help to have some colorful pictures on your page.

source: Motorola, @Motorola via Engadget

Did the FCC just give thumbs up to the LG Nexus 5, spotted on the KitKat unveiling video?

You might remember on Wednesday that video we showed you of the KitKat statue unveiling on Google's lawn that showed someone using a mysterious Nexus branded phone to take a picture. Right away, the interwebs burned up with news that this mysterious device was an LG built Nexus 5 smartphone. On Thursday, we can pass along the news to you that a phone similar to this device just got thumbs up from the FCC. 

Based on pictures from the FCC documentation, the device submitted to the Feds has a curved back and a large camera opening just like the mystery phone seen in the video. What we know about the device is that it goes by the model number D820, is made by LG and is equipped with a 4.96 inch screen. The phone supports 7 LTE bands (bands 2/4/5/17/25/26/41) which are compatible with carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. There is also coverage for CDMA / EVDO rev A, pentaband DC-HSPA+ and quadband GSM / EDGE, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac. Whew!

Some other documents have revealed more information such as the news that the phone is running firmware M8974A, and the software version listed is "aosp_hammerhead-userdebug KyeLimePieFACTORY eng.sangjoon84.lee.20130618.015154." The former suggests that a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor is under the hood while the latter, with the Key Lime Pie typo, tells us that KitKat is installed. The handset measures 131.9mm by 68.2mm.

If the speed with which a video is pulled corresponds to how secret the information on the video is, there is no doubt that this analysis is on the right track. All those who had LG as the manufacturer of the Nexus 5 in the office pool appear to be victorious.

source: FCC, S4G, Engadget via AndroidandMe

Apple iPhone sales down 6.2 million in Q2

We all know that iPhone sales tend to take a dive in the leadup to a new announcement from Apple, and according to DigiTimes Research, it has happened again. Apparently, compared to Q1 of 2013, Apple's iPhone sales were down by 6.2 million devices in Q2; and, revenue was down pretty big as well.

This past quarter, Apple worked with carriers to offer a number of sales and promotions in an effort to move as many iPhones as possible, because the company obviously knows that sales are going to decline before a new iPhone announcement. Unfortunately, that strategy didn't work well enough, and according to DigiTimes, Apple's revenue from iPhone sales dropped to $18.2 billion. 

That's still a pretty big number, but one that is likely to be dwarfed in Q4 this year after Apple announces the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C next week in San Francisco. 

source: DigiTimes

Samsung releases 18 minute video on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch

Samsung has released a single 18 minute video that shows off the functionality of both the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Starting with the Galaxy Note 3, Samsung shows off some of the new features of the phone including the new Air Command feature that allows the user to hover the S Pen anywhere over the screen to see a menu of 5 functions that the user can select from. The Scrapbook feature also look useful as it allows you to merely circle content using the S Pen and save it to a scrapbook category. Even YouTube videos can be saved in this manner. Pen Windows is a useful feature that lets you use the pen to draw a window that becomes an application, like a calculator.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch connects to your phone via Bluetooth 4.0 and lets you make calls (using S Voice) and take them. It also has a camera that takes photos and captures video. Using the Gear Manager app, you can decide which face setting you want on your timepiece. It's like having a few different watches in one and is a great companion for the Samsung Galaxy S4 or Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

If you've been considering either device, watching the video is going to make you want both of them even more. Make sure you can handle that before you click on the play button!



source: SamsungMobile via AndroidAuthority

Apple testing various iPhablet sizes up to 6-inches

A new report from The Wall Street Journal is telling us what we already knew, but giving a bit more information than we had before. We were pretty sure that Apple was working on a potential iPhablet, though we never had proof; and, we knew that the device would not be part of the announcement that will happen next week on September 10th. But, now we know more about the sizes that Apple is testing out.

According to WSJ, Apple is testing out various sizes for the iPhablet that range from 4.8-inches all the way up to 6-inches. We're not really sure that 4.8-inches should even be considered a phablet, even considering the largest iPhone available now is just 4-inches. It's possible that Apple has a different definition; but, the report also mentions that Apple is testing a 4.8-inch iPhone, so it could just be an oddity of the report itself. 

The current set of phablets on the market range from 5.5-inches (Samsung Galaxy Note II) all the way up to 6.3-inches (Samsung Galaxy Mega). So, it's clear who Apple would be going after with this move. While there are other good phablets on the market, like the Huawei Ascend Mate, Samsung basically has the phablet market on lock with the Note. 

There's no word on when Apple is planning to release said iPhablet, but it likely won't be any time soon if Apple is still in the testing phase. 

source: WSJ

Tweet from Nokia makes fun of Sony's new Lens-Style Cameras

On Wednesday, besides introducing the Sony Xperia Z1, Sony introduced its two new interchangeable lens which it calls the Sony Lens-Style Cameras. The two models, the DSC QX-100 and DSC QX-10, work with an Android or iOS phone and can attach to the handset or a tripod, or will work just held in your hand with the phone acting as a remote control.

Nokia might have just been sold to Microsoft, but that deal won't close for some time. So Nokia decided to sent out a tweet making fun of the Lens-Style Camera showing a lens taped to the camera on the Nokia Lumia 1020. "The perfect match?," asks the tweet.

Considering that Microsoft has been showing off its funny bone as has Nokia in a number of new ads, when those two firms unite after the acquisition closes, imagine what kind of funny stuff we might see then!

Tweet from Nokia tickles the funny bone

source: @nokia

Lenovo announces 5-inch Vibe X smartphone

Lenovo is not a name that resonates in the U.S. as far as smartphones, but the company does have fair standing in other parts of the world. Lenovo has said that it wants to move into the U.S. smartphone market by the spring of 2014, but we have yet to see the device that will make that move. Lenovo is expected to announce a Snapdragon 800 device, but hasn't yet. What we do have is the announcement of the Lenovo Vibe X.

The Vibe X, also known as the IdeaPhone S960, looks to be a slim and sleek device with upper range internals. The device itself is quite thin and light at 6.9mm and 121g, and it is made of "premium polycarbonate body" with what is supposedly a "fabric-like surface", and Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, you'll find a quad-core 1.5GHz MediaTek MT6589T SoC, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch 1920x1080 IPS display, a 13MP rear camera with an auto-focus BSI sensor and LED flash, and a 5MP front camera with a wide-angle lens. All of that running on Android 4.2. 

That's not a bad spec sheet, especially if the MediaTek SoC can hold its own. Surprisingly, not only is the Vibe X not coming to the U.S., word has it that it won't be showing up in Europe either. It will be released in China in October and 12 more regions in December. 

source: Engadget

Sony Xperia Z1 carries a premium price tag, now available for pre-order across Europe

The Xperia Z1 is on track to keep the promise given by Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai to shorten the window between the announcement of a new device and its actual delivery to end users. Unveiled just yesterday, the device formerly known as the Honami (old habbits die hard) is already available for a pre-order on Sony's web store across 7 European countries. Express delivery is included for anybody who orders the handset by September 19.

As expected, different markets will get a somewhat different price. The cheapest price tag will land in Germany, with the Xperia Z1 costing the slightly discounted €649 ($856), whereas France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands can place a pre-order for €699 ($922). Turning away from the common currency, the price for a Sony Xperia Z1 in the United Kingdom is pegged at £599 ($936), while folks from Sweden will have to doll out 5,995kr ($903).

The color options include the traditional for Sony black, white and purple. Deliveries are expected to start at the end of September.







source: Sony

Xiaomi Mi3 unveiled: Tegra 4 and top-shelf specs at half the price

Xiaomi, the company that got Google’s VP Hugo Barra on board, has just unveiled its new flagship, the Mi3. Don’t mind the Xiaomi Mi3 coming from China - it packs truly impressive top of the line specs at half the price of rivals from Samsung, LG and other big brands.

The Xiaomi Mi3 is a very slim 8.1mm handset that features a 5-inch 1080p display and the latest Nvidia Tegra 4 chip with amazing graphics capabilities and 2GB of RAM. What’s most impressive, though, is its price. The Xiaomi Mi 3 price is set at 1999 yuan ($327) off contract for the most basic 16GB model and that’s almost exactly half the price of its rivals. There is a 64GB Mi3 that will sell for 2499 yuan, or $410.

Tegra 4 and Snapdragon 800 versions

Body: Magnesium alloy
Size: 114mm × 72mm × 8.1mm, 141g
Hardware: Tegra 4 (or Snapdragon 800), 2GB RAM
Screen: 5” IPS LCD 1080 x 1920 pixel
Camera: 13mp Sony f/2.2 rear camera wit sapphire glass and dual LED
Battery: 3050mAh
Storage: 16GB/64GB

Price: from $327

Now, there will be a WCDMA and CDMA version of the Mi 3 for China Unicom and China Telecom that will instead run on a Snapdragon 800 chip.

What’s interesting is that Xiaomi is the first company to disclose the details of the MSM8974AB chip (aka Snapdragon 800). The Krait 400 processor clock speed can go up as high as 2.3GHz, the Adreno 330 graphics are boosted to 550MHz, and the two LPDDR3 RAM chips bandwidth reaches 933MHz. The chip is built using TSMC’s 28nm HPM process.

Having a Tegra 4 version is a big success for Nvidia as the chip maker is struggling to find partners. The chip features a 4+1 Cortex A15 setup with the processor clocked at up to 1.8GHz and with the whopping 72-core GeForce graphics.

Cameras, battery and release date

The Xiaomi Mi3 features a 13-megapixel Sony-made main camera with dual-LED flashlights and there is a 2-megapixel front-facing shooter. The main shooter is capable of quick burst shots firing 10 shots in a second.

Good news is that despite its thickness, the new Mi3 features a whopping 3050mAh battery that will easily last you a day, and for most people even two days of average use.

Xiaomi is selling its devices in batches and the first batch release date is expected to be mid-October. We’ve already told you about Xiaomi’s business - it’s more of an Amazon type of a company selling its devices to have more people access its web services, that it considers as main source of profits. At that price, the Xiaomi Mi3 definitely shows what can be done when you operate at close to zero profit margin. And you know what, look at those specs once again as that is more or less what Google might have in the upcoming next Nexus.

Here's a new render of the camera-centric Oppo N1; trailer #2 released

The OPPO N1 is the next camera-centric handset about to be introduced. Actually, the N1 is more than just a smartphone with a world class snapper attached. With a 5.9 inch screen, we are in phablet territory here, and the phone will offer a rear touchscreen panel. Not only that, but some rather vulgar marketing from the China based manufacturer let us know that with one handed use possible, we can attend to our business in the bathroom with a roll of toilet paper in one hand and use the phone with the other hand. If OPPO were on the ball, they could use Pete Gray's image to promote the one-handed use of the phone. And if you're not a serious baseball fan, Google him.

Render of the OPPO N1

You might also remember that OPPO's website revealed a trailer last week with a countdown timer for the next trailer to appear. Trailer #2 is now out and we have included it below for your perusal. On September 8th, the next trailer will be released and the phone itself will be unveiled on September 23rd. Trailer #2 seems to deal with the manufacturing process from the clean room to the machinery. What will the third trailer reveal? Stay tuned.

The OPPO N1 is expected to hit the ground running, with a 12MP or 13MP rear camera using a home grown N-Lens. We also expect to see the phone come with two interchangeable lenses. One will have 10x zoom while the other will offer 15x zoom. Both offer OIS for stable videos. The aptly named Owl imaging sensor (who? Oppo, of course) will capture low-light photographs clearly.

While we've seen OPPO tease the device for a few days already, what we haven't seen is the OPPO N1 sit down, dressed in its Sunday best for a photo. What we do have is a rendering that is not an official look at the N1, but is a realistic look at what the final design could be. If the phone does turn out to look like the render, do we have any takers? The phone is expected to be priced under $480.



Thanks, Anonymous Source!

source: OPPO