The best selling phone in the world: can you guess which one is it?

Did you know that the best selling phone in the world is not an iPhone and not even a Galaxy? As surprising as it might be, with over 250 million total sales, the basic dirt-cheap Nokia 1100 is actually the world’s most popular phone. Not just this - the Nokia 1100 is actually the best selling electronic gadget ever!

The reason for its popularity is without a doubt its price, as basically you could get one for tens of dollars without any lengthy contract agreements.

Nokia 1100, the world's best selling phone

If you're wondering what were the specs of this best-seller, let us remind you that it had a monochrome display with support for 4 lines of text and a resolution of 96 x 65 pixels. It had no browser, no camera, no mobile data, basically, it was just a phone for calling and texting. Oh, and it had 2 games on board, one of them being Snake, naturally...

Among top smartphones, though, it’s probably no surprise that the Apple iPhone 5s is the single most popular gadget. Analysts estimate there are over 100 million iPhone 5s sold and that number will surely continue to grow, so we would not be surprised if one day in the future the iPhone 5s actually surpasses the Nokia 1100. This is just a guess, though, and even if that was to happen, it’d take years.

While we don’t have any hard data about the second most popular smartphone out there, it seems like it’s the Samsung Galaxy S III. Back in mid-2013, we heard about it getting nearly 50 million units sold, a number which has surely grown a lot since then.

Source:phonearena.com

How to protect your phone from pocket dialing and texting random people

Is there anything more annoying and frustrating than your phone dialing or texting random people while you think it’s just quietly resting in your pocket? We’ve had this happen so many times: sometimes, after a night out partying, we’d find our camera feed filled with tens if not hundreds of images that our smartphone not so smartly photographed while resting in our pocket. Other times, it’d text our friends a random string of letters, and on more exotic occasions, it’d update our Facebook status.

The first couple of times this happens, you might find it funny to see your phone lives a life of its own, but after a while this just gets annoyingly embarrassing. Not having to deal with such issues is one reason why we absolutely love fingerprint scanners in phones like the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S5.

Is there any easy way to protect your phone without having to type in a PIN code or a hugely complicated pattern, though?

There is one nearly perfect software solution, but it only works on the exotic (at least for our Western part of the world) Xiaomi phones and their MIUI (pronounce My UI) custom ROM. Called a ‘misuse’ protection option, it basically detects when your phone is in your pocket by using the proximity sensor, and anytime you accidentally push the lock, the phone receives a command to lock the display back off momentarily.

Luckily, there is an Android app that does just about the same. It’s called Battery Keyguard, it’s free, and at the moment, it’s only available on the XDA Developers forum.

Better Keyguard is actually nothing more than a Tasker profile exported as an Android APK. It is programmed to enable the proximity sensor for 1 second, every time the display is switched on. If the sensor is not covered in that particular moment, nothing will happen, but if it is, the screen will be turned off right away, so no accidental pocket dialling can occur.

We tried it on our Motorola Moto G smartphone and it worked just fine. There are a few things you need to do for the app to work, though: first, you’d need to give it admin rights (go into Settings -> Security -> Device Administrators, and mark Better Keyguard).

On some smartphones, inside the app, you’d need to check “Try to disable built in” option. And finally, on some smartphones, the app won’t work with a pattern lock - you need to switch to no lock at all (go to Settings -> Security -> Screen Lock -> select None).

And that’s it. Now, do you need something like this, and does your phone pocket dial random people? Let us know in the comments below.

Source:phonearena.com

Leaked iPhone 6 renders may show exact size and shape of Apple's next flagship

The leaks have been coming a bit more frequently recently, and it is making us feel like we're starting to get a fairly accurate picture of what to expect from the big redesign in the works for the Apple iPhone 6. Now, we're getting to see what are reportedly official renders of the device with exact dimensions included.

The leak comes from UkrainianiPhone, and reportedly includes renders which are designed to help accessory manufacturers make cases and other products to go along with Apple's new device. If the renders are to be believed, the iPhone 6 will measure 138 x 67 x 6mm (5.4 x 2.6 x .24 inches), which would put it in the same range as other devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, and Sony Xperia Z, although much thinner, as Apple is wont to do.

These images look quite similar to the schematics that we saw a few weeks ago. They appear to confirm the more rounded design that has been rumored as well.

What do you all think? Are you more on the side of hoping these are real or not?

Source: phonearena.com

iOS 8 concept brings together all the rumors in one video

We've heard quite a few rumors on the topic of iOS 8, and many of them sound fairly reliable, especially if you assume that the iWatch is real and will be released as part of Apple's 2014 lineup. Today, TechCrunch released a nice new video that gathers up all of the various rumors that we've seen so far and mashes them together.

Obviously, the video essentially amounts to a rumor roundup combined with a concept render, but it does cover all of the more interesting things we've seen. The big pieces are those that would potentially connect to the iWatch, like the new Healthbook app, which would track various items. It's unclear exactly what would be included beyond the usual heart rate, pedometer, distance, calorie tracking, etc. The video shows options for bloodwork, hydration, and blood pressure, but there have been rumors that those added features wouldn't make the cut, because it would then add required FDA certification for the iWatch.

The video also shows off what a potential Notification Center redesign could look like, as well as added Siri features with Shazam's help, and of course CarPlay. There have been other iOS 8 rumors, but the ones that made the video are the ones that have been repeated enough to seem reliable. Nothing looks to be a huge change, but this has been shaping up to be a year Apple focuses on hardware more than software.

Source:phonearena.com

Dual SIM Samsung Galaxy Core 2 to be launched in May

It looks like Samsung has a new smartphone that’s going to be included in the company’s Galaxy Core series. According to Russian website Hi-tech.mail.ru, the upcoming handset is called Galaxy Core 2.

The website has a couple of images that allegedly show the new Galaxy Core 2, and it’s also providing details about its features. Reportedly, the handset will run Android 4.4 KitKat at launch, sporting a not-so-great 4.5-inch display with 480 x 800 pixels. It will further offer HSPA+ connectivity, dual SIM capabilities, a VGA front-facing camera, 5MP rear camera, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, only 512MB of RAM, 4GB of expandable internal memory, and a 2,000 mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Core 2 should cost about $277 (€200) in Russia, which is more than you'd expect to pay for it. Anyway, the handset is supposed to go on sale there starting May. We’re assuming that Samsung will also release it in various other markets.

Before the Galaxy Core 2, Samsung introduced four other smartphones from this series: the original Galaxy Core, the Galaxy Core Plus, the Galaxy Core Advance, and the Galaxy Core LTE.

Fast & Furious 6: The Game v4.0.0

Fast & Furious 6: The Game v4.0.0
Requirements: Android 2.3+
Overview: Step into the world of Fast & Furious 6. Earn cash and the respect of the “Fastest” drivers as you drift and drag through the London street scene.
Join the Fast & Furious crew as they prepare to take on a series of jobs in an all new heist mode. Fast & Furious 6: The Game takes the mobile racing genre to greater heights with stunning graphics, new game modes, addictive challenges and intense full-throttle missions that dare you to exceed all limits.

JOIN THE FAST & FURIOUS 6 CREW
Take down an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers to earn respect as you drift and drag through the streets of London.

YOUR RIDES
Collect, customize and upgrade a slew of high end licensed vehicles that range from the classic 1970 Dodge Charger to the super cars of today - all featuring stunning graphics.

PULL OFF ONE LAST JOB, OR TWO
Earn big cash and unlock the next tier upgrades in heists with the Fast & Furious 6 crew

COMPETE
Jump into tournaments or join a crew and take on the world by dominating the global leaderboards

What's in this version:
The Fast & Furious mechanics have been hard at work to bring you:
- New Cars! At long last, the Nissan’s have arrived! Get into the 2008 Nissan 350z today!
- We’ve made improvements to: Tournaments, Message of the Day, Tej’s Bonus Boxes and the Map
- Additional bug fixes and game optimization

DOWNLOAD APK

DOWNLOAD DATA OBB

Soccer Rally 2 v1.05 [Unlimited Balls/Coins]

Requirements: Android 4.1 +
Overview: Rev up your engines and get ready to experience soccer like never before! Smash, shoot and score your way to victory.
Drive to glory through 20 challenging tournaments, featuring different balls from a Soccer ball all the way to a Tennis, Beach ball and Hockey Puck.

Prepare for the Tournaments and hone your skills in the Academy. Here, your skills will be tested to the limit with intriguing challenges such as Multiball, Ball Sorter, Cannon Defence and Time Attack.

Prove you are the best by taking on our friends with Same Device Multiplayer, which lets you turn your phone or tablet device into an intense, 2 player car soccer arena.
Drive and customise 9 cars ranging from an American Saloon, sporty compact to a Rally Car, Hot Rod and Sports Coupe, each with their own different performance and characteristics.

Enjoy real car physics and high quality graphics while listening to a soundtrack provided by real unsigned bands and artists.


• Defeat 20 challenging Tournaments, featuring a variety of different balls to become the ultimate champion.
• Challenge your friends to the most intense same device multiplayer, car football game ever.
• Academy 90+ challenges including Multiball, Ball Sorter, Cannon Defence and Time Attack.
• Choose from 9 different cars, each with their own different performance and characteristics.
• Customise and style your car unique to you, with up to 9 layers and 200 decals to choose from. Share your results across Facebook and Twitter.

DOWNLOAD GAME

Apple to replace faulty power buttons on iPhone 5 devices

If you happen to own an iPhone 5 and have been experiencing issues with the power button on the device, you may be eligible for a free repair from Apple.

The company determined that a “small percentage” of iPhone 5 smartphones manufactured through March 2013 may have faulty power button mechanisms. The good news is that Apple has narrowed things down to a group of serial number lots, so the company knows if your phone is eligible.

The process Apple has set up is pretty straight forward. First, you check to see if your serial number is part of the group of devices that may have the problem (see source link). Then you can either take it in to an Apple store or send it in to Apple (who will provide you with a postage paid box). Apple will return your iPhone via the same method.

Apple will have 16GB iPhone 5 loaner devices available (via the Apple stores only) if you cannot be parted with your iPhone for however long it takes to make the repair. There is no cost to you either way. Of course, if your power button is having issues due obvious indicators that your iPhone mig ht have been dropped, Apple will insist you remedy that issue before any further work will be done.

The replacement program is active for the US and Canada right now, and beginning May 2nd, Apple will extend it to other countries.

Source: phonearena.com

With 4G/LTE underway, Nokia and NTT DoCoMo talk about 5G

In developed markets, LTE service has quickly become the norm. The data service has proven to be an improvement over the older “3G” networks in just about every way.

While we refer to LTE service as “4G,” there was controversy for a while as LTE, in its current form, does actually meet the standards that have been established as 4G. The ITU-R standards body later bowed to the marketing pressure, and that is why we saw WiMAX, LTE, and even HSPA+ referred to a 4G.

LTE-Advanced meets the true definition of 4G and as such, the insiders refer to LTE-A as “true 4G.” Since LTE-A is already seeing commercial deployment, eyes are already starting to look at what is next. What is in store for us with 5G?

As it happens, the standard for 5G is not yet defined, but NTT DoCoMo CTO, Siezo Onoe, discussed the next generation of wireless communication at a conference in New York, dubbed the “5G Summit.” Since the LTE standard we enjoy today was originally proposed by NTT DoCoMo, when the company has something to say about what might be next, people tend to listen.

Mr. Onoe, along with Nokia Solutions and Networks VP of research and technology, Lauri Oksanen, said there is still a great deal of work to be done just to reach a definition of what 5G will be, but there are some things they both expect to see written into the specification.

5G will most certainly operate with much higher frequency bands and utilize millimeter wave radios. This is based on the expectation that providers will simply need access to more spectrum. With higher bands though (think 28GHz and above) comes the requirement for more densely arrayed antenna systems.

“Early tests have shown that it is possible to build a [millimeter wave] small cell network with the nodes roughly 100 meters apart,” according to Oksanen. However, according to Onoe, “If we deployed that many small cells, we may have some problems, even in Japan,” such as, access to enough fiber optics to handle the backhaul.

That means 5G will definitely have some spec requirements related to the physical facilities on the back end. 5G will have a more comprehensive multi-frequency standard as well, since the lower frequency bands will eventually migrate to the new standard and will be needed for the same reasons they are desirable now. Machine-to-machine communication will be in the picture as well.

Onoe believes the year 2020 may see the first launch of 5G and we may begin seeing testing of the technology as early as 2018. Lab tests of some of the ideas slated for 5G are already being conducted according to Oksanen. There has been no defined data speed set as of yet, but measurements in the realm of gigabits-per-second are part of the conversation.

Source:phonearena.com

Did you know that Google spent just $50 million to buy Android?

Looking at how companies spend billions of dollars nowadays, you might think that back in 2005, when Google acquired the Android start-up, it would have spent no less than a fortune on it. After all, today’s realities show how companies like Facebook are ready to spend $19 billion for an instant messenger app like Whatsapp and over $2 billion for a Kickstarter project like the Occulus Rift. Surely, Android would have cost Google no less, you might think.

Turns out, though, it did not. We've already told you the story about how Android’s co-founder Andy Rubin started working on an operating system for digital cameras, but later on changed the project to target mobile phones, and that’s how Android was born. A year or so after the start of the project, Rubin, ran out of money, and started looking for funds at big companies like Samsung and Google.

After being laughed out of court at his first visit in Korea by Samsung top executives, he had scheduled a meeting with Google’s Larry Page. Over at Mountain View, Rubin started with a vigorous pitch, showing Page slides to illustrate how the 700-million-unit phone market is more than triple the size of the traditional computer market, and how that gap is only growing.

It did not take long to convince Page. Instead of getting funding for Android, though, Rubin was met with a surprising proposition - Google wanted to buy Android right away. The interesting part, however, is the price both parties agreed on: merely $50 million (plus incentives).

GOOGLE WANTED TO BUY ANDROID RIGHT AWAYAt the time, this bought Google the talented, but still very small Android team. Rubin co-founded the project with 7 other engineers, and by the summer of 2005, they were all under Google’s inviting wing. Best of all, they were not limited in their spending budget. Almost immediately after the purchase, Google shelled out over $10 million to back up the Android effort with patents.

From there on, it’s all history, but fact is that now, Android is the world’s most popular operating system, with a commanding market share of over 80%. Not bad for a company that Google bought for $50 million, is it?

Android co-founder Andy Rubin (on the left) and Google's Larry Page

Source:phonearena.com

All your base are belong to us: Nokia is now Microsoft

The deal has been sealed, and so Nokia's whole Devices & Services division is now officially part of Microsoft. Almost, that is, because some recent "adjustments" to the deal left Nokia's Chennai (India) and Masan (South Korea) factories out of its scope.

The initially announced transaction price for the acquisition of Nokia's Devices & Services division was about $7.2 billion, but in its just-published statement, the company informs that it expects the final price to be slightly higher, due to a positive estimate of Nokia's net working capital and cash earnings. Unofficial estimations quote a total price of about $7.5 billion.

It's still somewhat unclear exactly what the future of Nokia and its smartphones is going to be at this point, but hopefully we'll know more soon, as it's been announced that more details surrounding the closing of the deal are to be disclosed on April 29, when we're also going to learn about the company's first quarter 2014 financial results. Expectations are that Nokia will continue building Windows Phone smartphones for Microsoft, but it's uncertain under what brand those smartphones are going to be released. A leaked memo has recently revealed that the part of Nokia that's getting acquired by Microsoft will be renamed to Microsoft Mobile, but neither Nokia, nor Microsoft have provided confirmation yet.

As a direct result of these latest developments, top Nokia executives Stephen Elop, Jo Harlow, Juha Putkiranta, Timo Toikkanen, and Chris Weber are currently on their way to the life-boats scattered around the burning platform, getting ready to join Microsoft's ranks. Once he returns to Microsoft, ex-CEO Stephen Elop is going to become chief of Redmond's Xbox and tablets businesses.

Source:phonearena.com

iPhone 6 may feature curved glass and curved edges

The rumor mill around the Apple iPhone 6 won't be slowing down until Apple decides to give us some actual information on the device. The rumors have been consistent enough, that we are pretty sure the phone will feature a 4.7-inch display, but a new rumor is talking more about the design, and the possibility of curves.

The smart money for the iPhone 6 has been on the idea that Apple would be performing a fairly major redesign of the device, which is somewhat standard operating procedure for Apple every two years. Now, a report from Japanese blog Mac Otakara is claiming that the iPhone 6 will feature curved edges, which have been likened to those on the Samsung Galaxy S III, or the Squair bumper case pictured below. That kind of description also makes it sound like the edges may be somewhat similar in shape to the iPhone 3G/3Gs.

The report also says that there is a chance that Apple will use curved glass on top of the display, but unfortunately that part of the rumor isn't as interesting as it sounds. The rumor claims that Apple won't be using curved glass in the way the LG G Flex or the Samsung Galaxy Round did, but rather in curving the edges of the display in order that it would sit flush with the chassis.

Source:phonearena.com

iOS 7.1.1 released, improvements to Touch ID performance on board

Apple took the ribbon off an update to iOS today, version 7.1.1. While it is a minor update with the standard “bug fixes” fare of goodies, a couple key features should see notable improvements.

For iPhone 5s users, Touch ID performance should be improved. There were some grumblings around the internet about the fingerprint sensor’s ability to “remember” fingerprints. Over time, the Touch ID’s sensor performance would degrade and users would have to re-scan their prints.

Another notable area of focus was for the iPhone’s keyboard. Apple squashed some bugs in an effort to improve the on-screen keyboard’s responsiveness. For those that like to connect a Bluetooth keyboard, Apple has also tweaked settings to allow better performance of the VoiceOver feature when using a Bluetooth connected keyboard.

iOS 7.1.1 should be available for the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5c, and 5s, along with the iPad 2, the newer retina iPads, iPad Air, both generations of the iPad Mini, and last but not least, the fifth generation iPod.

Grab the update on your iOS device by checking “Settings,” then “Software Update.” The file is roughly 19MB, so the update will not take too long.

Source:phonearena.com

How to install Instagram on BlackBerry

With the official release of OS 10.2.1 hitting devices around the globe, we now have the option to install Android applications right on the device — including Instagram. It's obviously not an official BlackBerry version, but it still works like a champ on the new OS. So if you've been waiting to get your gramming on from your BlackBerry, here's how to get it done.

Note that you'll need to be running OS 10.2.1 for this to work.

Step 1: Download the Instagram APK

You can grab the Instagram APK from here. You can hit up the site on your BlackBerry browser but it may be easier to find the file from your PC, then moving it to your device. This listing has a whole bunch of other apps as well, but grab the com.instagram.android-812147-v5.0.0.apk file for Instagram.

- If saving to your BlackBerry, just tap the file in the iist, then save it to your device.

- If using a PC - download the file, then transfer it to your device over USB, by emailing it to yourself or using Dropbox, Box etc.

Step 2: Install the APK

​Find the Instagram APK file on your BlackBerry (in the folder you saved it to or wherever you transferred it from your PC).
Tap the file to open, then tap Install.

Tap Accept in the popup dialog to continue.

When the install is finished, you'll have Instagram installed on your BlackBerry. Tap Open, login (or sign up) and you're on your way!

Source:crackberry.com

How to install an Android app (APK) to a BlackBerry

If your BlackBerry Z10, Q10, Z30, Q5 or P'9982 has been updated to BlackBerry OS 10.2.1 or higher, you can now install Android apps directly onto the phone. Here's how!

BlackBerry 10.2.1 introduced the ability to install .APK files, which are the app files used in Android, directly to your phone. This throws the doors open to install a wide variety of Android apps on your BlackBerry 10 device, be it a Z10, Q10, Q5, Z30, or anything else. This used to be possible through a long, convoluted process, but it's much easier now. Basically, if you can't find an app in BlackBerry World, odds are there are other sources for your favorite app.

Step 1: Find your APK

We have a few sources you can count on.

- Amazon App Store

- 1mobile Market

- APK Train (website)

- Snap APK Downloader​

Step 2: Get the APK file on your BlackBerry

You can get an Android APK install file on your BlackBerry by visiting the source in your BlackBerry browser (which is the easiest option), e-mailing yourself the file, or moving the file directly from your computer to your phone by plugging them together with a USB cable.

Step 3: Install the APK file from your BlackBerry

If you downloaded the APK from your browser, the Downloads window should have already popped up asking you where you want to save it and what the filename should be; just tap the file when it's done. If the download window isn't there, it's easy enough to get back up. Tap the overflow menu button in the bottom-right (three little dots), and tap Downloads.

If the file was moved to your phone in any other way, you can find it easily by tapping the magnifying glass icon from the home screen at the bottom in the middle and typing ".apk" in the search box at the top. Anything you've moved over should show up under the Documents and Files result. Just tap the one you want to install.

Your Android app should start installing after a short "Processing" indicator. Tap the Install button in the top right, and tap Accept on the pop-up window which informs you of the device permissions that are required for the app to run.

Extra information

The first time you install an .APK, you'll be prompted to turn off a safety setting which otherwise blocks installation of these files. The previous installation screen should return with a handy "Open" button replacing the "Install" button when it's done. At that point, the app will now show up alongside all of your other apps. Just swipe on the home screen from right to left a few times to find the icon and put it in whatever folder or home screen you like. Hold your finger on the icon for a moment to drag it around. Another thing you may want to do is hide the bar at the bottom of the screen. Just swipe down from the top when the app is open, and tap Hide bar.

Now, remember that there are no guarantees that these apps will function as advertised. BlackBerry does not run Android, it can just run Android apps. The Android app player in BlackBerry 10 is good, and should handle most of what you throw at it. Test things out and let us know what's working and what isn't in the comments! Having trouble installing something? You can ask for help in the comments too!

Source:crackberry.com

Nokia X vs Moto G

Nokia has stiff competition in the budget Android space for its first entrant, so how does the Nokia X stack up against the current king, the Moto G?

In late 2013 Motorola knocked our socks off with the Moto G. What it delivered was a top of the line Android experience for not a lot of money. It changed the budget space for the better and set a new benchmark for how a cheap Android phone should be made. Solid hardware, excellent software, even better price.

Nokia is also well known for its more price-oriented devices. Indeed, we pitched the Moto G against the similarly priced Lumia 625 already, but now it's a straight up Android on Android fight. The Nokia X costs roughly the same as the Moto G (at current pricing), runs Android and is targeted towards the budget conscious smartphone buyer.

So which is best? There's only one way to find out.

The hardware

Both Nokia and Motorola can make good quality smartphones. Both are also big on customization and color, and so both the Nokia X and the Moto G can be had in a variety of colors, some louder than others. But, hardware really is the Moto G's strong point, and the Nokia X can't come close.

For while the Nokia X is extremely well built, durable and solid feeling, everything else about its hardware is lacking. It feels sturdier than the Moto G, but after that it's a Motorola whitewash. Screen, internals, camera, all go to the Moto G. The Snapdragon 400, 720p display and 5MP camera with flash are streets ahead of the Nokia X's lacklustre Snapdragon S4, 480x800 resolution display and 3MP fixed focus camera with no flash.

The Moto G also comes with 8GB of on-board storage as standard with a 16GB option. The Nokia X comes with 4GB built in but does have an optional microSD card slot which the Moto G does not. Important to note if you're into expandable storage.

The software

Both phones may run Android, but that's where any similarities end. The Moto G is running a clean, crisp, near Google fresh build of Android 4.4.2 KitKat while the Nokia X runs Nokia's own 'fork' of Android. And one based on an early version of Jelly Bean, at that. Nokia's software has a simplistic front to it reminiscent of Windows Phone.

But without Google Play the Nokia X is down on apps. The Nokia Store isn't so great right now, and while you can install the Amazon Appstore, there's just no substitute for the sheer might of the Google Play Store. You can only buy apps from Nokia, no music, no movies.

Both manufacturers have added their own touches to their respective phones. But again Motorola probably has the edge. The Migrate app along with Motorola Assist, Trusted Bluetooth and the pretty nice Motorola Camera app are all fine additions. Nokia has MixRadio and HERE Maps which are both excellent apps and services, as well as an overly spec'd up Camera app given the hardware.

But you just can't beat the power of Google's software and services when it comes to an Android phone.

The camera

Nokia is well known for making some of the very best smartphone cameras out there, but that doesn't follow them to the Nokia X. The Moto G won't exactly be shooting you any prize winners either, but for our money it still beats out the Nokia. Higher resolution images at 5MP to 3MP, but more importantly the Moto G has auto-focus and an LED flash. The Nokia X has neither of these things.

The camera isn't likely the highest priority for buyers of either phone, but if you're getting one you want to get the best you can. The Moto G's shooter improved a little with the KitKat update and definitely has the edge. Nokia has the more feature packed camera app, but Motorola's is still such a pleasure to use for capturing those quick snaps.

Price

Nokia manages to claw back some brownie points when it comes to cost, since the 4-inch Nokia X we have here is priced around €89. The list price of the Moto G is higher than this, but it's also been the subject of some pretty impressive deals.

Value for money would still peg the Moto G as the better buy since you get so much more for your spend, but looking at how much you have to part with alone, Nokia has it beat.

The bottom line

If you're specifically looking for a cheap Android phone, the Moto G is still the one to buy. The compromises Motorola made to deliver the device and experience it did is still remarkable and makes it the undisputed king of the budget space.

The Nokia X isn't without some charm, but it's a more likely prospect to someone who doesn't really care too much what their phone is running, or just wants a cheap phone that will also go on Facebook and Twitter.

Source:androidcentral.com

With Classic, BlackBerry hopes to rewind the years to when QWERTY was kin

BlackBerry announced Q20, new QWERTY handset alongside Z3 touchscreen smartphone at the sidelines of MWC. The Canadian handset maker had revealed at the time that the smartphone will be available before end of this year, but did not give an exact release date.

Now, in an interview with USA Today, company's CEO John Chen has confirmed that BlackBerry Q20 will be launched this November as BlackBerry Classic. Chen added that the BlackBerry 10 touch-cum-QWERTY smartphone is inspired by the popular Bold range of smartphone. Other features detailed by Chen include fast Internet, Web browsing and multimedia capability. As of now, there is no word on specifications of the BlackBerry Classic, but we do know that the phone boasts the return of the command keys that include 'Menu,' 'Back,' 'Send' and 'End' buttons, along with a trackpad.

"We're going to return the familiar user experience in the handsets business," Chen told USA Today. "There's a new product called the BlackBerry Classic that's coming out. It's an updated and enhanced version of one of our most popular and successful products called the Bold. It will include a keyboard and a good touch-screen, very fast Internet, Web-browsing capability and multimedia capability. But also it will be very productive and very secure. So, all the familiar things that people love, with some new technology updated. That will come out in November along with the server that helps companies manage devices."

There is also no word on the pricing of the BlackBerry Classic, while the Canadian company had earlier revealed that the BlackBerry Z3 would be priced below $200.

BlackBerry had also detailed four smartphone categories for its revival strategy that included - affordable, classic, high-end and prestige.

Earlier, BlackBerry's chief executive John Chen indicated that the company has plans to introduce multiple QWERTY phones in next 18 months. "The focus is going to be very keyboard centric," Chen had said.

Source:gadgets.ndtv.com

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 tipped to sport three-sided Youm flexible display

Samsung's Galaxy Round smartphone created a lot of buzz with its curved display, but its limited availability barred it from becoming a disruptive phone in the global market.

However, it seems Samsung might launch its next Galaxy Note phablet with company's Youm flexible OLED display technology this year, if a new report is to be believed.

ZDNet Korea in a report citing industry insiders claim that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be the company's first smartphone to feature a three-sided Youm display. The report further suggests that the three-sided display will be utilised to show notifications for mails, messages and calls on the bent side of the device without unlocking the device.

Notably, the South Korean handset maker showcased the Youm flexible OLED display technology at CES last year. Samsung also showcased a curved prototype featuring a wrap-around screen that took the display around the edges of the device.

In addition, Yoon Han-kil, Senior Vice President of Samsung's product strategy team, in an interview told Reuters that Samsung plans to launch the next Galaxy Note in a new form factor in the second half of 2014.

Han-kil said, "Our ultimate goal is to make products that consumers really aspire to have. This is how we are trying to find a breakthrough in the stagnant premium market".

Samsung, at its second analyst meeting in November last year, had spilled the beans about its upcoming devices with newer technologies, saying that devices with folding displays (pictured above), such as foldable phones could be expected in 2015.

It's worth pointing out that Samsung usually launches its Galaxy Note phablets in the second half of the year. Last year, the company launched the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with 5.7-inch full-HD display and Android 4.3.

Source:gadgets.ndtv.com

Update for Samsung Galaxy S5 offers improved performance; water resistance failing?

While the Samsung Galaxy S5 received an update to kill bugs just before its release, the first post-launch update has been pushed out. It weighs in at 28MB and brings "improved performance" to Samsung's new flagship model. The software is dated April 11th, the date that the handset was released to 125 countries. The new build is G900W8VLU1AND, and of course, the Android OS version remains 4.4.2.

Once you do receive this, we'd stick to the rules despite the comparatively small size of the update. That means you should use a Wi-Fi connection when downloading and installing the update. And we would also suggest that you make sure your batteries are charged to at least 50%.

One thing we do need to touch on concerning this phone, is the IP67 certification. There have been some reports of water leaking into areas of the phone when the device is supposed to be able to be able to withstand a submerging up to 3.2 feet, for up to 30 minutes. Make sure that you have your battery cover securely fashioned and your USB port closed before getting your new pride and joy all wet. Just consider this a friendly warning.

Update for the Samsung Galaxy S5 brings improved performance

Uh-oh, water in the battery compartment

Source:phonearena.com

Video shows early look at BlackBerry 10.3

Last month, we wrote about many of the changes expected in BlackBerry 10.3, but at the time we only had some screenshots to show you of the updated OS. Now, we can show you a video that shows off some of the changes that BlackBerry users can expect when the next update is made to BlackBerry 10. One of the most eagerly awaited features is BlackBerry's virtual personal assistant. Called Intelligent Assistant, this app does the same things that Siri, Google Now and Cortana do. At least it is supposed to, when it works. On the video, it was clear that Intelligent Assistant was neither intelligent or much of an assistant on this early version of BlackBerry 10.3.

Many of the new camera features are discussed, such as the panoramic feature. The latter has received high praise from those who have tested this setting. A self timer is now included for selfies, along with settings for HDR, and resolution. Speaking about the camera, there is a new photo gallery for your pictures. Also included is a new Automatic Stories feature that splices together pictures and video by time and location. The idea is that you can create a visual story.

The home page is much more attractive with those ugly grey backgrounds in back of app icons removed in place of a tiny drop shadow. Talk about addition by subtraction! BlackBerry Hub now features a flatter UI in BlackBerry 10.3. The accent color in Hub has been changed to orange from blue. Another color change is found with the web loading bar, which is now green. Our earlier story mentioned the new focus on Black and Red in BlackBerry 10.3, and many of the applications sport red accents.

Instead of giving everything away, why not take a look for yourself. Simply click on the video below to see some of what the next build of the BlackBerry 10 OS will bring. Keep in mind that this particular version is a couple of months old, which means that you can pretty well bet that some changes have already been made.

Source:phonearena.com

Did you know that Android was not actually made by Google?

Android, the world’s most popular operating system, is a platform that nearly everyone would associate with Google nowadays. And that’s only natural - after all, the search giant has brought it to its global success. But did you know that Android was not born in the Googleplex?

In fact, it was not until 2005, a whole two years after the Android operating system was conceived, that Google took over the company. Interestingly, Android commenced way back in October 2003 as a platform targeting digital cameras, not phones.

A brainchild of engineer and avid robot lover Andy Rubin (hence, the name Android), in its early days, the OS was developed by just a handful of fellow engineers. The small team realized swiftly that the digital camera market is not the best fit for its effort, and changed the target to mobile phones. Rubin headed the project - he already had the experience at Danger, after all, a start-up that brought us the iconic T-Mobile Sidekick with that vintage slide-out keyboard.

The platform was already well under way until one day, a year and a half after it was started, the Android start-up ran out of money. Rubin spoke with Samsung first, but the company laughed the idea of buying nascent Android out of court, so it was a lucky day for both Android and Google when they found each other in 2005. Google took on the project, and investment in it only grew with time, so today it's easy to forget that Google did not actually start Android. That trust in the nascent Android, however, has certainly paid off.

Source:phonearena.com

Loch Ness monster spotted on Apple Maps? (It actually is a boat)

 The Loch Ness Monster 

really a boat

While Apple Maps may never reach the same status that Google Maps, or HERE Maps has, it might become known for finding something that no other mapping application has. Believe it or not, there are many out there who claim that Apple's mapping app shows the Loch Ness Monster. No, this is not a belated April Fools joke. Satellite pictures taken for Apple, apparently show some type of creature in the waters of the famous Scottish lake.

The image does not appear on Google Maps. And while some say that the "monster" is nothing more than the wake from a boat, there are no images revealing any part of a boat nearby. And since other boats do appear in satellite pictures taken in the general area, the photo of the Loch Ness Monster was not created by an imaging error.

In February, Gary Campbell, president of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, said that no sightings had been reported for 18 months. That is something that had not happened since 1925. The Apple Maps image was discovered by Loch Ness Monster fan Andy Dixon who said that finding the picture was strictly a fluke. "It was purely by accident that I came across the image," Dixon said. "I was trawling through satellite transmissions of different parts of the country and I thought I would try Loch Ness."

"Whatever it is, it's just below the surface and heading south so unless there have been secret submarine trials going on in the loch, the size of the object would make it likely to be Nessie"-Gary Campbell, president, Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club

We wouldn't be surprised to find out that members of the Bigfoot fan club are scouring satellite images right this second, to find one with that elusive monster in it.

Source:phonearena.com

Chrome Remote Desktop comes to Android

This is one app that has been in the works for quite a while. We first heard that Google was working on a remote desktop app that would work between Chrome and Android in June of last year, and really we didn't hear anything about the project since then. At least not until today, when Google finally released the Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android.

The app is surprisingly easy to use. All you need to do is install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on each desktop, laptop, or Chromebook that you want to be able to access, then install the app on your Android device. The early reviews on the app are mostly positive, with many users saying that the performance is smooth and easy. There are some limitations, especially if you have multiple monitors on your desktop, which will display as a single monitor, and Linux is still left in the lurch.

If you need something relatively basic, it should work fine. If you need more advanced options, you may still be best served with another app like Splashtop. Google has obviously done quite a bit of work on the app though. Even though it just hit the Play Store today, if you check the listing, you'll see that the app is already at version 35.0.1916.37. You don't often see that with new apps.

Source:phonearena.com

iPhone 6 's alleged battery photographed, might indicate the phone has grown in size

According to leaks from Apple's supply chain, the iPhone 6, which is set to begin small-scale trial production in May, will have a battery capacity of no more than 2000mAh, with the surest prediction hovering at 1700mAh. This sounds plausible, considering it marks another incremental addition to the battery capacity, following the 130mAh increase between the iPhone 5 (1440mAh) and iPhone 5S/5C (1570mAh).

There's also a purported spy photo of the battery - it's the same elongated, rectangular block we know, but there's a difference in how it attaches to the smartphone's logic board. The pins appear to be positioned on the top of the battery, instead of on its side, like in the iPhone 5S. The difference is indicative of a redesign in the handset interior, possibly engineered to accommodate a larger display. It's inevitable that an increase from 4 to 4.7-inches (the iPhone 6's most persistently rumored screen diagonal so far) will lead to a bigger, wider handset, so it's obvious that Apple's engineers are working to make the most efficient use of the additional space.

If the battery photo is legitimate, it could be considered proof that Apple is resizing the iPhone. But it's always better to keep the salt-shaker nearby when it comes to rumors.

Source:phonearena.com