Samsung Galaxy Note 4 should be announced September 3rd

Samsung has been settling into a routine with its flagship releases - MWC in February gets the Galaxy S announcement, and IFA in September gets the Galaxy Note. Because of that, the assumption has been that the Galaxy Note 4 would be announced at IFA, and now it looks like the exact date will be September 3rd, just before IFA officially begins. IFA 2014 is planned for September 5-10 in Berlin, but The Korea Times is reporting that Samsung will be the announcement date, and Samsung is planning to send out media invites "soon". 

While IFA has been the general time for the new Galaxy Note announcement, word has it that Samsung is rushing the announcement a bit to make sure it gets a good amount of time in the media machine before Apple announces the new iPhone 6. Of course, the announcement doesn't really give us a clue as to the release window for the device. Last year, the Galaxy Note 3 was announced September 4th, but not released until September 25th. On the other hand, Apple announced the iPhone 5S on September 10th and released it September 20th. So, jumping the gun on the announcement can only help so much when there's that big of a gap in release. 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to be just as much of a specs beast as always, featuring a 5.7-inch 2560x1440 (QHD) display, an Exynos 5433/Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, and an ultraviolet sensor. There have also been rumors of a flexible display and all metal construction. That all sounds great, but as always with Samsung devices, it is more about how heavy-handed Samsung's software will be. It seems we'll find out in about 5 weeks. 

Source: Phonearena

Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A's European version (SM-G901) may not feature a Quad HD display

Last we heard, Samsung had no plans of releasing its Galaxy S5 LTE-A (pictured on the left) outside of South Korea. However, it looks like a variant of the handset may reach Europe eventually. 

Sam Mobile can reportedly confirm that the European Galaxy S5 LTE-A carries the model number SM-G901. This SM-G901 was recently benchmarked with GFXBench, and it looks like there’s one major difference between it and the S5 LTE-A that can be purchased in Korea. While the Korean model sports a display with 1440 x 2560 pixels (Quad HD), the SM-G901 seemingly features a 1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD) screen. Moreover, the display of the SM-G901 allegedly measures 5.2 inches, thus being a tad larger than the 5.1-inch display that’s found on both the Galaxy S5 LTE-A and the regular Galaxy S5.

Different displays aside, the SM-G901 appears to have the same 2.5 GHz Snapdragon 805 processor from the Korean S5 LTE-A, plus a 16 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front-facing camera. There’s only 2 GB of RAM, though, and 16GB of internal memory. 

We must keep in mind that benchmark tests don’t always provide accurate information, so the features listed above may change when this alleged European Galaxy S5 LTE-A hits the market. At the same time, we can't know for sure if the SM-G901 will be released at all. But we'll let you know if we hear more on this anyway.

Source:Phonearena

Apple iPhone 6 may not be released until October 14th

In general, we've been assuming that Apple would be sticking to the usual timeline and releasing the new iPhone in September like it has been for the past couple of years. But, this is now the fourth time in the past two months that we've seen a rumor pointing to October as the release time for the iPhone 6.

The first rumor came from Japan's Nikkei news service, and the second came from Taiwanese supply chain sources. Both of those rumors claimed that the iPhone 6 and the iWatch would be released at the same time in October. Since then, we've heard that the iWatch has been delayed, likely until next year; and now, an unnamed source for MacRumors is putting the exact release date for the iPhone 6 at October 14th, which is the same date that the iPhone 4s was released back in 2011. The source claims to have been part of a retail store meeting at which a senior Store Leader said that October would be "incredibly busy" for Apple and for the store, and that the 14th would be an “immense” day for Apple. 

There are a couple reasons to be a bit wary of this report. First of all, October 14th is a Tuesday, and Apple tends to release new iPhones on Fridays. Second, the rumors have been putting the announcement of the iPhone 6 in the middle of September, and Apple never has more than a two week gap between the announcement and release. 

Source:Phonearena

App store BlackBerry World receives update to prepare for BlackBerry Passport and Classic

BlackBerry World is getting an update that is appearing on devices running on BlackBerry 10.2 or higher. Even those running a leaked version, or a developer version, of 10.3, will see the update. This will probably be the version of BlackBerry World that will come out of the box on the BlackBerry Passport or BlackBerry Classic, as both of those models are expected to ship with the latest version of the BlackBerry OS.

The update offers enhanced displays for higher resolution models. Under search, you will be able to view your recently viewed and bookmarked apps. And the update brings support for future form factors (like the Passport, no doubt), along with enhancements to search. And there will be a micro-carousel update on content home pages.

The actual version of BlackBerry World that the update takes us to is v5.1.0.53. Hard to believe, but when the store first launched on April Fools' Day 2009, it contained only 234 apps initially.

Source:Phonearena

John Chen: BlackBerry Z3 has been extremely well received

In a recent interview with India’s Economic Times, BlackBerry CEO John Chen declared that the latest affordable BlackBerry smartphone - the Z3 - has been “extremely well received” both in India, and in Indonesia (two of the first markets where the handset was released). Moreover, John Chen said that there’s continuous strong demand for the Z3, as users reportedly like its screen size, battery life, and price. Unfortunately, exact sales numbers haven't been revealed.

Of course, we already reported that sales of the Z3 were going pretty well (see here and here), but Chen’s confirmation of the device’s success is the ultimate proof that its launch is one of the best things that happened to BlackBerry lately. 

When asked if there would be more affordable BlackBerry smartphones in the near future, Chen wasn’t able to provide precise details. Unsurprisingly, though, he confirmed that the company would introduce new devices at various price points. Two of the handsets that the Canadian firm is planning to release later this year are the BlackBerry Passport and BlackBerry Classic - both of which will be significantly more expensive than the Z3 (pictured above). 

Regarding BlackBerry’s relationship with Foxconn, which manufactures the Z3, Chen said that this isn’t an exclusive one - meaning that BlackBerry won’t necessarily outsource all smartphone production to the Taiwanese company.

Source: Phonearena

Germany looking to buy 20,000 BlackBerry 10 phones for its officials?

Germany turned to BlackBerry 10 powered handsets, to keep the NSA from continuing to monitor the mobile communications of Chancellor Angela Merkel. The technology used by BlackBerry, was combined with anti-eavesdropping technology from German firm Secusmart. The German government was so pleased with the results from the 3000 units they employed, that there is talk that the government wants to buy 20,000 more BlackBerry 10 handsets.

While Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior wouldn't confirm exactly how many phones are being ordered, spokesman Tobias Plate said that more and more BlackBerry 10 units are being used. On Monday, Plate said that only BlackBerry handsets are able to meet the standards for security that are required by the Ministry. The spokesman also noted that the Ministry had checked out other brands of smartphones, but were sold on the security features found only on BlackBerry handsets.

"We have a federal authority for information security and they checked several smartphones, and the only brand that was approved by them is the BlackBerry smartphones… It’s the security of the device."-Tobias Plate, spokesman, German Federal Ministry of the Interior

This is obviously a positive bit of news for BlackBerry. After the new BlackBerry 10 lineup failed to help the company gain ground on iOS, Android and Windows Phone, new CEO John Chen has been working hard to turn around the company. He reached a deal with Foxconn for the contract manufacturer to design, produce, and store low-end models for emerging markets. The first phone to launch from that five-year pact, the BlackBerry Z3, has been selling well.

But more exciting is a pair of interesting high-end handsets for developed markets. The BlackBerry Passport could be a monster with high-end specs and a unique physical keyboard that doubles as a touchpad. Virtual keys appear depending on the context of what you are writing. The BlackBerry Classicbrings back the classic Bold-esque QWERTY keyboard with a touchpad and function keys. The latter isexpected to be released this November.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds up her secure BlackBerry handset

Source:phonearena

Here's some more 4-1-1 on the BlackBerry Passport

The BlackBerry Passport is quickly becoming one of the most hyped phones in the second half of the year. With its unique look and the QWERTY keyboard with contextually aware virtual keys, the manufacturer has pulled out all of the stops in an attempt to create a phone that not only satisfies the BlackBerry faithful, but also captivates iOS and Android owners.

The BlackBerry Passport has a 3450mAh battery inside. Considering that the company has always been able to optimize the battery on its phones, the Passport should be able to run all day, and then some. The device also offers BlackBerry Natural Sound, which had been previously available only on BBM calls. This feature will enhance the quality of cellular calls. Four microphones on the handset will adjust the sound to reduce ambient noise levels and also takes into considerastion the distance that the phone is from your ear. The BlackBerry Passport also is equipped with loud stereo speakers.

While the unique look of the device catches your attention, the QWERTY keyboard is also a selling point. Certain gestures will allow you to place the cursor where you want it with precise control. The virtual keys that appear on the screen, are based on what you are doing with the phone. Browsing the web? You will see virtual keys for a colon and backslashes. If you're writing an email, the "@" symbol will be available to you.

With BlackBerry 10.3 expected on the phone out of the box, BlackBerry Assistant will be on the Passport, ready to assist you in the same manner that Siri, Cortana and Google Now help iOS, Windows Phone 8.1 and Android users respectively. BlackBerry has yet to officially introduce the phone. At that time, we should find out a launch date and pricing for the flagship BlackBerry that has monster written all over it.

Screenshots from the BlackBerry Passport Source:Blackberry

Report: New supplier found for the Apple iPhone 6 battery

Back in April, we told you how Apple had been having a problem finding a supplier for the Apple iPhone 6's battery. For the next version of the device, Apple wants the cell to be no more than 2mm thick. The problem is that a regular smartphone battery weighs in at 2.8mm to 2.9mm thick. Last month, there was speculation that Apple had found a new vendor to supply it batteries for the Apple iPhone 6. According to this report, a company called Sunwoda would be replacing Apple's usual iPhone battery supplier, Dynapack International Technology Corporation.

On Tuesday, a new report was released that gave the name of Dynapack's replacement as Simplo, a company that produced batteries for the Apple iPad 3, together with Dynapack. Apple is looking for a greatly reduced size for the new iPhone battery, because of the thinner footprint expected on this year's iteration of Apple's iconic smartphone. 

While Apple might have the battery size issue taken care of, the rumored capacity of the batteries for the iPhone 6 and the iPhone phablet might be disappointing to some. As we told you earlier this month, the cell for the Apple iPhone 6 is expected to be in the range of 1800mAh and 1900mAh, while the battery for the phablet is expected to be 2500mAh. But Apple optimizes the cell to provide better battery life, so this is one spec that we will have to table until we actually get to test the battery life on the 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch iPhone models.

Just yesterday, we passed along a prediction from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has connections inside Apple, that the rumored 5.5 inch Apple iPhone phablet will be delayed due to problems with the in-cell touchscreen and the coloring on the metal casing. Kuo says that the phablet could end up being released in 2015. This is a rumor that keeps popping up from time to time. 

While Apple might have solved the battery problem with the iPhone 6, it still appears to be having trouble getting the larger 5.5 inch version of the handset, to come to market on time. As far as Apple is concerned, getting the 4.7 inch iPhone 6 to launch on time, is probably the most important target it has at this point. The phablet will just have to be released as soon as possible.

Source: Phonearena

Google Camera updated with remote shutter through Android Wear

Google has been consistently adding features to its new Camera app, and today we're getting another update to the app with a number of cool features. The main new feature is connected to Google's big new release: Android Wear, and we assume that there will be more Google apps getting Android Wear integration soon enough.

The big new feature is remote shutter functionality, meaning that you can use your smartwatch to take a picture with your camera. That's pretty cool, although it is also not exactly a feature that many people are likely to use, because you'd need to not only have an Android Wear device and a phone running Android 4.3 or higher (only about 27% of the ecosystem), but also a tripod for your phone. That's likely a fairly small group right there. The cooler part of the feature is that after you take the picture, you'll get a preview of the image on your smartwatch. 

The update also tweaks the UI for panoramas and photo spheres which makes the alignment dots bigger and easier to see. The update for Google Camera is rolling out in stages, so you may not be seeing it right away, but it should make it to your device soon enough. 

Source: Phonearena

Google Play may soon get better device-specific app restore tools

The automatic backup and restore options for Android are somewhat divisive. Some find the built-in tools from Google to be good enough, and some swear by more complete options, like Titanium Backup. But, a new rumor makes it sound like Google is planning to beef up its backup and restore options to handle multiple devices better.

The information is a bit sparse, but supposedly Google is working on a system which would work through the Play Store directly, rather than just in the Android initial setup. The way it works now is that apps you have installed on any Android device will be automatically restored to your new device. This gets messy if you have multiple devices and keep apps separate (e.g. games on your tablet, and financial apps on your phone). But, the new method would reportedly let you choose from a list of devices and only restore apps and "data" from that device. 

That sounds like a pretty solid answer to the problem, but we really want to know what exactly it means to have "data" restored. The safe bet is that it means your settings and accounts would transfer from the old phone to new, but Google has been working to bring game save syncing to Play Games. Having actual app data sync to a new device is a feature that has been on the Android wish list for many for a long, long time. 

Reportedly, the feature is still in early development, so don't expect to see it until Android L at the very earliest.

Source: Phonearena

BlackBerry Passport: Breaking Design Boundaries

Many have thought that creativity around the design of smartphones was dead – rectangular device… screen… volume and input buttons. In fact, device companies have been emulating the same, entertainment-driven look for so long that there’s been a homogenization of the visual cues in smartphone design, to the point that some called 2013 “The Year the Smartphone Died.”

Stuck in a Rectangular World

We’ve been living in a rectangular world for quite some time and know it’s a great ergonomic design that drives content, media consumption and quick communications. However, the rectangle has become a de facto approach to smartphone design, perhaps limiting innovations.

Just as a PASSPORT is the universal symbol of mobility and was the inspiration for the size and form factor of this device, your passport becomes your ticket to open new doors of opportunity.

It’s Hip to be Square

There’s a marriage of form and function with a rhyme and reason to it.

The Passport offers a unique 4.5” inch square screen with full HD capabilities. It offers the same viewing space as a 5” inch phone but offers an even better viewing experience because of the screen’s width.

Why?

Based on academic typology, the optimal number of characters on a line in a book is 66 characters (current rectangular smartphones show approx. 40 characters and BlackBerry will show 60 characters). BlackBerry Passport offers its size and aspect ratio to accommodate these characters, making it the ideal device for reading e-books, viewing documents and browsing the web. No more worrying about portrait or landscape modes, and no; you aren’t missing anything.

Consider how IMAX screens start with a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio projection for conventional movie trailers and then expand to their true dimensions (and the audience goes, “ooh”). The Passport is like the IMAX of productivity, and you don’t have to sacrifice screen real estate, vertically or horizontally.

A Tool for Many Trades

In being designed from the ground up for the working professional in mind, the BlackBerry Passport will be the perfect device for many scenarios.

Let’s take a look at a few use cases:

• For architects and mortgage brokers, imagine being able to look at full designs and schematics on the go, and still being able to handle piles of virtual paperwork with ease.
• In the healthcare field, picture being able to go through x-rays or medical documentation in the office with a patient, on a device that can maintain the necessary security standards for HIPAA compliance.
• In the area of finance, how about navigating your Web-based trading platform on your device? With enough screen real estate, you can clearly see the fluctuation in your stock and determine whether it’s time to sell.
• Writers will truly be unlocked with a navigable keyboard, while the large square screen enables faster content development and delivery. When you are looking to type stories or notes, your virtual keyboard doesn’t cover most of your screen.

The BlackBerry Passport will take you to new places on the best business trip you’ve ever had. We want you to imagine the possibilities.

Cortana goes quiet on the Fourth of July

Windows Phone 8.1 users in the U.S., had to go without personal assistant Cortana for a few hours on Friday. During this time period, inquiries to Cortana were met with a response indicating that there was a problem with the application. For example, some U.S. Windows Phone 8.1 users who were using Cortana to look up information, received a message that read, "My suggestion well is dry. Try back later or add some more interests." Some who asked the personal assistant a question were told that, "I'm sorry, the internet and I aren't talking right now."

The outage apparently affected only a small number of Windows Phone 8.1 users. Unfortunately, the same connection to Microsoft's servers that allows Cortana to be updated twice a month, is also the personal assistant's downfall. If something happens to Microsoft's servers, down she goes.

Right now, Cortana is available only in the U.S., on Windows Phone 8.1. The only way to get the new build of Windows Phone in the U.S. is to sign up as a Windows Phone developer with Microsoft, or by purchasing the Nokia Lumia 635. The latter comes with the new build out of the box. The Lumia 635 can be pre-ordered now from HSN, bundled with a pair of chargers for $119.95. The device will ship on July 21st.

Source: Phonearena

BlackBerry Passport concept shows how the phone will look in white

The handset that BlackBerry hopes will make it relevant in the high-end market, has received mixed reviews for its looks. With a 1440 x 1440 resolution screen, the BlackBerry Passport is admittedly boxy. It is also wider than most handsets. But with a screen size under 5 inches, the Passport is expected to offer a extremely high pixel density, and a unique QWERTY keyboard.

According to someone who has used the device, the QWERTY allows you to press on the keys to type letters, while numbers and punctuation appear on the touchscreen, depending on what is being typed. In other words, there will be virtual keys that appear based on context. If you're surfing the web, you will have the opportunity to press virtual keys for the colon and the slash required to type out a URL address. But your choices will be different depending on how you are using the phone.

So far, all of the pictures we have seen of the BlackBerry Passport show the device clad in black. But CEO John Chen has said that the phone would be available in white. A concept of such an animal was created by @Pootermobile, who sent a tweet out with his handiwork on Saturday. We imagine that this is a pretty good representation of what the Passport will look like in white. Any takers?

Concept shows the BlackBerry Passport in white

Source:Phonearena

Samsung Galaxy F first live photo appears, check it out

Samsung Galaxy F, the more premium version of the Galaxy S5 flagship, has been in the rumorlands since forever. All the rumors have a few things in common - a metal chassis, a QHD display and Snapdragon 805 chipset with 3GB of RAM.

The Galaxy F has leaked already in official-like renders, alleged live pictures showing super-thin bezels, and confirming some interesting details, including the possible release date.

Today we can show you a Galaxy F live picture shedding some light on the metal frame.

As you can see the frame is quite similar to the iPhone 5/5s one, while the front looks the same as the Galaxy S5. According to our insider source, the Galaxy F is very similar with the Galaxy S5, with a removable plastic back but with aluminum frame identical with the latest iPhones.

As usual you should take this photo with a healthy pinch of salt. There's no way to guarantee the authenticity of the image before Samsung actually goes ahead and announces the device. The good news is that with all those leaks lately, that moment can't be too far away now.

We also want to remind you Samsung did announce an upgraded version of the Galaxy S5 with QHD display and Snapdragon 805 chip - the Galaxy S5 LTE-A. The smartphone is intended only the South Korean market though and won't premiere outside of Samsung's homeland.

Source:gsmarena

BlackBerry CEO John Chen responds to Google and Samsung's plan to use KNOX on the Android platform

Samsung's decision to allow secure container Samsung KNOX to be used throughout the entire Android platform, is expected to help users in the enterprise feel confident with Android. The OS has been the target of the vast majority of malware strikes, according to data from security firms. KNOX is Samsung's sandbox, or container, that offers a secure browser, SMS app, contacts list, calendar and other business apps.

Samsung KNOX is going to be made part of Android L, so those receiving the update to the next build of Google's open source OS, will receive it. Those with older Android phones will be able to download a stand-alone app from the Google Play Store. With KNOX, users can turn the "container" off or on, depending on whether the phone is being used for business or play.

The news that KNOX is going to be used to protect all of Android, has BlackBerry CEO John Chen up in arms. Writing on the official BlackBerry blog, the executive says that while he applauds Google and Samsung's "efforts," people should look for companies that have spent 30 years working on security and productivity. Chen says that people should look to the company that "can walk the walk". Of course, we know that he is referring to BlackBerry.

"While we applaud Google and Samsung for their plans, we don't think it's enough for security-minded enterprises. Instead, look to companies that have literally invested three decades into advancing the twin causes of security and productivity. In other words, don't be dazzled by those who can talk the security talk. Instead, look to the company that has proven repeatedly it can walk the walk."-John Chen, CEO, BlackBerry

Source: Phonearena 

Report: Both 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch variants of the Apple iPhone 6 to launch September 25th

According to a report out of China published on Thursday, both the 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch versions of the Apple iPhone 6 are expected to be launched on the same day. That date happens to be Thursday, September 25th. Two earlier leaks, including one from German telecom firm Deutsche Telekom, said that the new iPhone would be released on September 19th.

Repeating another rumor that we've heard throughout the last few months, the version of the iPhone with the 5.5 inch screen will be known as the Apple iPhone Air. In China, the 4.7 inch Apple iPhone 6 is tipped to be priced at 5288 Yuan ($850 USD). The phablet sized model is rumored to carry a starting price of 5998 Yuan ($965 USD).

As far as when we will see the new two new iPhone models introduced, the source says that this will take place on Monday, September 15th. China Mobile and China Unicom are both allegedly in the process of testing a prototype of the iPhone 6 on its 4G network.

Source: Phonearena

New Samsung Galaxy S5 ad suggests iPhone users are "wall huggers"

 Samsung released quite a few Galaxy S5 ads until now, but the latest is the only one that directly tries to make fun of iPhone users. How’s that? Well, Samsung has imagined a somewhat apocalyptic scenario where all iPhone users are constrained to live “around power outlets” and "near the recycling bins" in order to keep their batteries alive throughout the day. In contrast, Samsung Galaxy S5 owners are perfectly fine - thanks to the smartphone’s Ultra Power saving mode, as well as the fact that its battery is interchangeable. Even without these features, our own tests show that the Galaxy S5 offers a great battery life - the best among flagship smartphones. 

At the end of the new ad (which is embedded below), Samsung advises iPhone users to stop being “wall huggers”, because they can now get an S5. 

Of course, it's a bit unfair to pit the Galaxy S5 against any iPhone, because Apple has yet to introduce this year's new models, which will most probably offer a significantly improved battery life. 

Back in March, BlackBerry CEO John Chen also called iPhone users wall huggers. Is this becoming a trend, or what? 

Source: Phonearena

Samsung Galaxy F rumored to launch in September as it takes on the Apple iPhone 6

We already have leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy F. This is the "premium" version of the Samsung Galaxy S5 that is expected to feature a 1440 x 2560 QHD screen, a metal body, the Snapdragon 805, and 3GB of RAM. In other words, this is the phone that many thought that the Galaxy S5 was going to be in the first place. 

Now, with a phone superior to the Samsung Galaxy S5 being prepped, the manufacturer is looking at a September release for the Galaxy F. The number one reason to wait is so that Sammy can have an answer for the Apple iPhone 6. No question that the first iPhone to feature a screen larger than 4 inches is going to see plenty of demand. Normally, Samsung might have had to shoot back with the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, but that might be reserved to use as ammunition against the rumored 5.5 inch Apple iPhone phablet.

A recent survey conducted by RBC Capital Markets stated that based on a survey, 35% of those who normally wouldn't buy an iPhone, said they would purchase one if it had a larger form factor. If indeed the tech titan decides to wait until September to launch the Galaxy F, the next big question is whether Samsung goes on the offense and releases the Samsung Galaxy F before the iPhone 6, or waits for Apple to launch its device first.

The second reason to wait until September, is to put as much distance between the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Samsung Galaxy F as possible. This might allow some of those who purchased the Galaxy S5, some time to simmer down a little. But the truth is, no matter when Samsung releases the Galaxy F, there will be a contingent of vocal Galaxy S5 buyers who will feel that they were cheated, thinking that they were buying Samsung's highest spec'd flagship phone (note how we didn't say phablet) for the year, only to find out that a better model was just right around the corner.

Source:Phonearena

Android is on the verge of surpassing iOS in global web traffic

While Android has long ago passed iOS in terms of the number of phones shipped globally on a monthly basis, there are some iOS users who suggest that the real way to measure which OS is the leader, is through web traffic. And iOS has been the leading operating system when looking at the amount of web traffic that each platform is responsible for creating,

But that is about to change, according to Net Applications. The June numbers released by the company tell a rather different story for iOS over the last two months. Based on mobile web traffic, iOS last month had 45.61% of the global smartphone market, compared to the 43.75% share owned by Android. This past April, iOS had a better than 13 percentage point lead over Android, which has been sliced to just a 1.86 percentage point advantage.

Last year at this time, iOS had a rather huge lead over Android. Apple's mobile OS accounted for 57.56% of global web traffic, with Android responsible for 24.66%. Two years ago, the lead was even larger with 65.27% and 19.73% of web traffic belonging to iOS and Android respectively. For all of 2009, iOS had 39.02% and Android had 2.59% of web traffic. Symbian was responsible for 16.84%. If you're wondering why BlackBerry had a low share of web traffic, even during 2009 when it was still a relevant name, it is because most of the manufacturer's handsets were used for email, texting and other messaging. Back then, the BlackBerry browser was rather poor as those of you who owned the BlackBerry Storm might attest to.

So let's say the inevitable happens and Android mobile web traffic surpasses that belonging to iOS. It will mean that Android browsers have finally caught up, and passed, mobile Safari. Yes, the latter had a huge lead at one time. But even realizing that Steve Jobs was right about flash did not slow things down for the Android browsers. We wonder what the the next several years will look like.

Source: Phonearena

Samsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition render apparently leaked

Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about a possible Google Play Edition of Samsung’s Galaxy S5, but Google I/O came and went without any announcement in this regard (granted, the other announcements that were made, including Android L, were much more important). 

While we still don’t know if Samsung will eventually launch a Galaxy S5 GPE, a render that allegedly shows this variant of the flagship smartphone was posted today by @evleaks. The weird thing about it is that it has both hardware, and software navigation keys. Unlike the regular Galaxy S5, which runs Android 4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz UX on top of it, the Google Play Edition obviously runs stock Android KitKat (with a stock Android launcher). 

A similar Galaxy S5 (with both hardware and software buttons) is currently being showed by Google on the official Android website, among other Google Play Edition handsets. So, as absurd as this may be, perhaps this is what the S5 GPE will offer, indeed: two sets of navigation buttons.

When (and if) the Samsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition will be released, it will probably cost $600 or more - since it's going to be sold unlocked. Let’s hope it won’t be long until we find out more about this. 

Source: Phonearena

Apple releases iOS 7.1.2; update exterminates bugs and improves iBeacon

Apple has released iOS 7.1.2, which is a minor update that features a security fix and the extermination of some bugs. One bug that is fixed by the update, resolves a problem with data transfer that prevented third party apps, such as bar code scanners, from working. It even includes a fix for a security issue that affected the encryption of attachments to emails. 

The update to iOS 7.1.2 will also bring some connectivity improvements and added stability to iBeacon. This is the connectivity tool that uses Bluetooth LE to send directed messages to iDevices based on location. For example, at the Apple Store, iBeacon can send a coupon for accessories to iPhone users standing in the accessories department of the store. Those looking at iPads could receive a coupon for one of Apple's tablets.

Apple started working on iOS 7.1.2 at around the time it released iOS 7.1.1. Apple's carrier partners just received the new build last week. The update is being sent out via an OTA update. If you're the impatient type, you can try to coax the update out of your device by using the software update tool in the Settings app on your iOS flavored device.

Apple has released iOS 7.1.2

Source: Phonearena

4.7-inch iPhone 6 screen glass images leak out: black and white models compared

The upcoming iPhone 6 is said to enter mass production in July, and just days before that timeframe, we’re seeing an influx of leaks. This one in particular is our first sighting of the supposed screen glass of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, and you can see very clearly that there is just a slight curve around the edges. While earlier rumors have speculated that we might see a curved screen on the iPhone 6, this latest leak shows that the curve might be a very subtle one.

Such supposed tapered edges of the next iPhone should make it easier to slide your finger from the edge of the display. Swipe gestures are already in use since iOS 7 in first-party apps like Safari where swiping from the left brings you back a page in the browser, but we can imagine this new display could allow for more proliferate use of gestures. That’s nothing, but a guess, though.

So far, the 4.7” iPhone 6 is said to come with a higher resolution (likely 960 x 1704 pixels), and a brand new Apple A8 chip. Moreover, expectations are high for the camera in the iPhone 6. KGI Securities posted a note saying that while only the 5.5” iPhone 6 is expected to feature optical image stabilization (OIS), the 4.7” model will also benefit from a new type of voice call motor (VCM) that will allow it to lock focus quicker and also save power. 

Apple is also expected to introduce new sensors, and barometer in particular is named as the most likely candidate. As for the oft-rumored sturdier, sapphire glass cover, it’s a feature said to be reserved for the 5.5” iPhone 6.

Source:Phonearena