ZTE announces super-slim quad-core Grand Era U985

ZTE announced a new handsets for China called the Grand Era U985 today. It's boasting a 4.5-inch 1280 x 720 display, an 8 megapixel camera, and an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor. Although ZTE is touting the Grand Era U985 as "the world's slimmest quad-core smartphone" at an average 8.6 mm thickness, it's done out by the recently-announced LG Optimus G, which is only 8.45 mm thick. At its slimmest part the Grand Era U985 is 7.9 mm, however, so take that as you will.

ZTE is planning on showing off a few other handsets soon, including the quad-core Grand Era V985 and the Grand Era LTE, as well as the lower-end Grand V970 and Grand U930. We'll be keeping an eye out for those.  The Grand Era U985 is due to launch in China within the next couple of days with full support for the local TD-SCDMA network.

It's a little hard to get especially excited about something just launching in China, and there doesn't seem to be a lot here that would make anyone seriously wish it was available stateside. Besides, how big of a deal is slimness at this point? Does a difference of a millimeter or two of thickness really matter to you?

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Samsung Champ Neo Duos: a simple phone with a touchscreen and two SIM-cards

Samsung Electronics has introduced a new mobile phone to support two simultaneous SIM-cards. The model is called Samsung Champ Neo Duos (GT-C3262), is known about its release in the Indian market, however, it is possible that this is a budget solution with a touch screen and will appear in other regions. The model is the simple characteristics and, obviously, will be quite affordable.

The phone has a 2.4-inch touch screen with a resolution of QVGA, which supports data input stylus. He also has a VGA-camera, wireless module Bluetooth, social networking ChatON, Facebook and Twitter, 3,5-mm audio jack and battery capacity of 1000 mAh. The model works in networks of 2G and without recharging can withstand up to 14 hours of talk time.

Fujitsu STYLISTIC M532/EA4 - Android 4.0 tablet Tegra 3 for corporate users

Japanese company Fujitsu introduced at home 10.1-inch tablet, running an operating system Android 4.0, quad-core nVidia Tegra 3 and intended by the manufacturer, for the corporate market.

In addition to that provided by the novelty has increased protection against external influences, meeting military standards (MIL-STD-810G) - dust-resistant, immersion in water to a depth of 5 meters, and the work is in low (from -30 ˚ C) and high (up to +50 ˚ C) temperatures. The stated duration of the device in active mode is more than 13 hours.

Home sales Fujitsu STYLISTIC M532/EA4 scheduled for early next month, the issue price is still open.

Specifications Fujitsu STYLISTIC M532/EA4:

• Support communications standards:
• Dimensions: 262.6 h175, 4x8, 6 mm
• Weight: 560 g
• Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core, NVIDIA Tegra 3
• Platform: Android 4.0
• Display: 10.1-inch, TFT, resolution of 1280x800 pixels, capacitive touch panel (working up to 10 simultaneous touches)
• Main Camera: 8 MP
• Front camera: 2 MP
• Memory: 1 GB (LPDDR2), 32 GB internal, microSD slot for memory cards
• Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n, Bluetooth v3.0 + EDR, microUSB 2.0
• Others: Stereo speakers, microphone

Galaxy S4 due in February

Fierce rivalry between Samsung Electronics and Apple for leadership in smartphones gets a degree hotter after the U.S. technology giant released its latest iPhone 5 last week. Samsung plans to unveil its new Galaxy handset — the S4 — in February, 2013. / Korea Times file

Samsung plans to unveil new device at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Samsung Electronics plans to unveil the latest in its Galaxy line, the S4, at a European technology exhibition in February, according to company officials and local parts suppliers for the technology giant.

The timetable was released just three days after rival Apple introduced the iPhone 5, which has received a mixed response from industry experts and consumers as it is seemingly lacking in innovative features.

``Samsung is ready to unveil the next Galaxy smartphone _ the Galaxy S4 _ at early next year’s mobile world congress (MWC) in the Spanish city of Barcelona,’’ said an official from the firm asking not to be identified, Sunday. The new device is expected to hit shelves globally in March at the latest.

MWC is the biggest exhibition in the world for telecom companies and Samsung, will exhibit the new Galaxy at its booth.

The new Galaxy, expected to be the firm’s most powerful handset yet in terms of hardware specifications and software advancement, will help the Suwon-based outfit further cement its leadership in the global smartphone market.

The official said that the smartphone, due out nine months after the May debut of the Galaxy S3, will be more than enough to curb Apple’s latest iPhone, compatible with long-term evolution (LTE) networks.

In Europe, Samsung is gaining a bigger share of the smartphone market. The Korean company was involved in patent disputes with Apple in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. A recent ruling in the U.K. said Samsung didn’t infringe on Apple’s design patents.

Executives from Samsung’s local parts suppliers said the company’s new flagship smartphone will ``definitely use’’ LTE networks. It will also sport its in-house Exynos-branded application processors and quad-core chips. The S3 is using both Samsung’s Exynos and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors depending on the country.

``Samsung is asking Apple to pay more to use its mobile application processors produced at its plant in Austin, Texas. The release of the S4 means more market share for Samsung as it is the only firm that can guarantee on-time delivery, output commitment and better pricing for mobile application processors,’’ said one executive.

The screen size of the S4 is expected to reach 5-inch from the the current 4.8 screen size of the S3, while it will use Google’s Android software and sport an OLED display, said the officials.

But Samsung has yet to decide whether it will use flexible display technology for the upcoming Galaxy due to production problems encountered by Samsung Display.

Samsung Display officials declined to comment on the new Samsung smartphone project.

``Samsung wants to keep its one-year product schedule and the Galaxy S4 will be the first to match that strategy. The S4 will see some external changes but retain its popular rectangular shape with rounded corner concept,’’ said an official from one of Samsung’s local partners.

Samsung is currently in talks with major American carriers to apply modified phone designs.

Market analysts and experts view the S4 as a ``clear message’’ to Apple. ``Samsung’s edges in manufacturing will further shine after the patent disputes go further on. In markets, Samsung is confident to widen its lead over Apple, though the legal fight is a totally separate issue,’’ said an industry executive who is familiar with the matter.

Samsung expects sales of the S3 to pass 30 million by the end of the year. It has already sold 20 million in just over three months.

The S4 will help Samsung take on Apple in the United States, according to officials. Market research firm IDC shows Samsung has a 30 percent share, globally, while Apple has 16 percent. But NPD’s recent data shows Apple controls 31 percent of the U.S. smartphone market, followed by Samsung on 24 percent.

The S4 plans come amid escalating patent disputes between the two technology giants in 50 different cases on four continents. Apple won a victory last month after a United States jury found the Korean firm copied key features of the iPhone and awarded Apple $1.05 billion in damages.

Last week, the International Trade Commission (ITC) of the United States backed the verdict, ruling Apple didn’t violate patents owned by Samsung Electronics in making the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.

U.S. Federal Judge Lucy Koh is scheduled to hold a hearing on Dec. 6 to consider Apple’s request for a permanent U.S. sales ban of eight Samsung smartphone models and the firm’s tablet following the jury’s verdict. Seven of the eight smartphones that Apple is seeking to ban are part of the Galaxy line.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr

the Sony Xperia TX Taiwan official version, tri-color is the first out of the box!

Xperia TX focus of attention, the first to
the latest survey looked ePrice new machine you very who after the vote, I was surprised to find this powerful US-based Xperia TX also popular with readers of all ages out of the box , more 31% The percentage of votes among the popular first; see then the support of the fans sake, of course we will not let you down, just today the first to obtain three-color Xperia TX Taiwan official version and do instant out of the box for the first time for everyone Share. Tri-color together and see one arrived in three, like Kinder surprise eggs, allowing you time to meet you three wishes! ▲ parity king the first we have achieved Xpeira TX Taiwan official version, a place of tri-color, white, pink, black, respectively. ▲ this boxed volume smaller than before NXT series a lot Oh, about the size of only a CD box and then a big some. We for the most eye-catching pink out of the box it! The ▲ confirmed for the pink the Xperia TX is correct, I can not wait to want to disassemble it coming. ▲ Open! ! The pink Xperia TX look just in front of us. From this ratio is not a better understanding of the size of TX Packed? ▲ The box under the original standard accessories: quick charger, headset, USB cable, headphone sets, manual, as well as mobile phone body. Future after you get the goods you had better check a careful, do not be unworthy stores to pit Oh. ▲ The Ear Headphones I once introduced MH750, its heavy bass quite unexpectedly, we get after be sure to give it a try.  ▲ quick charger latest Oh, the same is 1.5A output, but not before the ion sinking, but volume more compact EP880, with the EP800 is almost the same size, more convenient to carry out! Tri-color Xperia TX  volley back time to see your fill ▲ the Xperia TX tri-color volley, but the most eye-catching than the pink, after reading out of the box, apart from anything else on the appreciation of the real machine! ▲ identification Xperia TX a good way, that is the front frame and body back cover is the same color, which is very different and Xperia T. ▲ you are not the author, see the back cover can not but have been peach red to attract in the past? Xperia TX three different color in the cover material part, pink and white back cover material at the sense of more rigid and smooth, the black matting and soft touch material.  ▲ First, we take a look at the TX three color, most especially this pink. ▲ pink in my opinion, in fact, the real machine looks a bit purple, but after the different angles of light refraction, will exhibit pink, pink, purple different feelings, very bright. The former Lens part ▲ Xperia TX equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera. ▲ You see, this perspective, the feeling of the color and some do not like it? Xperia TX main lens camera with a 13 megapixel back-illuminated sensor, many people are directed at the camera function from Oh. ▲ this photo is to make everyone look TX design color, although the back cover, the fuselage frame and lens frame are of different materials, but all turned into pink color.  ▲ hey hey hey, we the Xperia TX cover to the demolition, saw it? Even the lens border have become full of pink, the overall sense of ah! ▲ micro SD and micro SIM slot above the battery position. The white section ▲ TX debut! Did not feel the whole atmosphere instantly jump to a dreamy atmosphere?  ▲ author favorite the TX white models one of the reasons is because this white pearl white, instead of Si Banban pure white, and pink version will be in accordance with the different angles and light have different visual experience, but also to the light-colored models Xperia XT toys not too pronounced sense.  ▲ special white version of the lens border and body frame into a bright silver color with the same color of pink and black design big difference. ▲ will be clearer by this photo, TX white version with pearl white body with bright silver border, although it is a different color, but more individual colors set off out, I like the white version of TX factors again have praised Sony delicate design. ▲ equipped physical shutter button is also rare in the smartphone intimate design.  ▲ White TX this point of view is not the feeling but not too like it? Really good water! ▲ gratifying, the couple the machine finally have more color can be selected, and a white powder with a cool style Oh!  ▲ "amount? Honourable the not!?" Yes, the right side of this is the recent red HTC J Although two mobile positioning is not the same, but a Japanese brand, a Japanese style, and the same are white models, of course, we will particularly want to see the difference in Hello!  ▲ both body size is relative to take about the same, but the screen is not lit, difficult to see where is the edge TX 4.6-inch screen range, this is the big advantages of the No Air Gap Clear Black Panel technology, so that the whole slices of whole black mirror more texture. To turn on the screen, AMOLED screen J color seems kinda lovable yeah, Brilliant! ▲ back cover comparison and, TX pearl color extinction arc cover, HTC J is the shiny surface of the white back cover. But close look at the HTC J, in fact, under the bright topcoat same pearl texture of the material design, just the color a little more white and shiny paint, so the light would sometimes like photo showing partial silver white pearl color.   The ▲ thickness of the comparison and body thickness control is a big advantage in TX, equipped with a larger 4.6-screen, but it has a slimmer body design. Do not worry the Xperia TX futures activities, recently started running like Xperia XT friends, and finally sent everyone a good news, According to the information I have mastered, Sony will also expand the pre-order activity in recent days, pre-order will be added according to past experience seems sending good futures ceremony, we can first purse give ready, ready to hand Hello. And in the near future we will also launch Xperia TX Advanced test article to you like Xperia TX friends do not forget to keep an eye parity king Oh! ▲ you most like which color TX? Finally, the fit according to Zhang Xperia TX tri-color, for a Perfect Ending! ※ Further reading: Black the Xperia TX Taiwan version to start testing early experience

http://www.eprice.com.tw/mobile/talk/4551/4810622/

Smartphones let work win out

Tonight, as my husband stands in our bedroom, fingers whirling across his smartphone and eyes glued to its tiny screen, I have no idea "where" he is. Is he checking the score of his beloved home team, or dealing with a rant from an indefatigable boss overseas? Is he working or home-ing, or both?
This melding of work and home, of course, is an old story. In 1999, I wrote an article about three generations of a Baltimore family and their work-life balance. Shattering my romantic views on what it was like to live a few easy steps from work -- literally over the store -- the family's elderly patriarch told me that his parents couldn't wait to move to the suburbs and put some distance between family and work. Their hardware business had shadowed their evenings and weekends, stealing peace. Decades later, the patriarch's restless, cell phone-toting, entrepreneurial son blamed the portability of work for his recent divorce.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/14/opinion/oms-jackson-smartphones/index.html

Samsung denies Galaxy S4 report

A day after reports that Samsung plans to announce a follow up to its popular Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone in February, the Korean company has taken to Twitter to deny them.
The Samsung Galaxy S4, a new iteration of the phone that has established itself as the chief rival to Apple's iPhone, will be introduced in February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, according to The Korea Times.
A day after that report surfaced, though, Samsung took to its Korean Twitter account to deny it.
"Please note that some media reported speculation that the Galaxy S's subsequent models will be released," the tweet read in Korean, calling the report "a simple rumor [that] is not true."
The report from the Times, the oldest English-language newspaper in South Korea, cites unnamed company officials and parts suppliers in the region.
Among the Galaxy S4's features will be a 5-inch screen, slightly larger than the display on the popular Galaxy S III and a full inch bigger than the iPhone 5, the report said.
It will have more powerful hardware and software and will "definitely use" 4G LTE networks, a parts supplier told the paper.
The perils of sleeping with your mobile phone
Phones running Google's Android operating system have been outselling the iPhone for some time. But that's a fragmented field that includes dozens of phones of varying quality. No single handset has established itself as a serious rival to Apple's phone.
The Galaxy S III has made perhaps the best claim. Last month, the company announced it had sold more than 20 million units in three months, making September the first month since the release of the iPhone 4S that it wasn't the world's top-selling smartphone.
Snap reviews of the iPhone 5 have been somewhat mixed, at least among the tech media. Many who got a hands-on demo at Apple's Wednesday announcement praised its slimmer, lighter design, bigger display and faster processor. Others said the device failed to produce groundbreaking advances at a moment when Apple, perhaps for the first time ever, finds itself needing to catch up with features available on other phones.
Customer response, however, has been overwhelming.
Pre-orders of the iPhone 5 "sold out" almost instantly (an admittedly arbitrary feat considering Apple controls the supply), with orders topping 2 million in the first 24 hours. That's double the 1 million for last year's iPhone 4S in the same time period.
The phone hits stores Friday in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom. It rolls out in 22 other countries on September 28.
The S4's release would mark Samsung's biggest salvo since a federal court in California ruled that Samsung violated multiple Apple patents in the release of its own products. After the ruling, Apple asked the court to add the Galaxy S III to the list of products that are in violation.
The case was just one of roughly 50 patent disputes in different countries. Some of the other courts have ruled in favor of Samsung.
According to the South Korean news report, Samsung is working with U.S. carriers on modified designs the company said will eliminate any questions about patents.
The report said Samsung plans to fire back in another way, too. Samsung is asking Apple to pay more for the processors it produces at an Austin, Texas, plant and is promoting itself as "the only firm that can guarantee on-time delivery, output commitment and better pricing for mobile application processors," one executive told The Korea Times.

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