Waterproof Smartphone Duel: Samsung Galaxy S4 Active vs. Kyocera Hydro EDGE

Waterproof smartphones are not new; a variety of waterproof and liquid-resistant handhelds have been available for years. (So have a bunch of awkward accessories designed to waterproof any smartphone.) But the unique devices reached a new level of mainstream awareness following Samsung and AT&T's summer release of a waterproof version of the popular Galaxy S4 called the GS4 Active. 

What follows is a high-level look at both Kyocera Hydro EDGE and Samsung GS4 Active technical specifications, my thoughts on the most notable differences and, finally, a quick video in which I give the Hydro EDGE the dunktainer treatment.

Kyocera Hydro EDGE vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active: Tech Specs

Kyocera Hydro EDGE

How Waterproof?: Certified for IPX5 and IPX7 (IP57), which means the Hydro EDGE offers some protection against dust and debris and can be submersed for up to 30 minutes in up to 3.28 feet or 1 meter of water. (Read more about waterproof ratings on AndroidAuthority.com.)

Height: 4.9"

Weight: 4.5 oz., according to Boost Mobile; 4.9 oz., according to Sprint.

Width: 2.5"

Thickness: 0.39"

Display: 4" IPS, impact-resistant WVGA (800 x 480 pixel) touch screen with Asahi Dragontail glass

Camera: 5MP, auto-focus camera with flash and camcorder including "advanced" features such as panorama, HDR, facial recognition, smile/blink detection and burst mode settings.

Network: Sprint 3G

Selling Point: Kyocera Sonic Receiver Tech, which lets you "HEAR IN PLACES YOU NEVER COULD BEFORE." (Yes, Kyocera used all capital letters in its Hydro EDGE marketing material, presumably to let us know just how well you can hear people who speak in all capitals while using the Hydro EDGE.) With Smart Sonic Receiver tech, "sound transmits as vibrations that go directly into your eardrum;" "there's no speaker hole--the entire touchscreen is a sweet spot;" and "peak volume is 100db, which is the equivalent of hearing a jackhammer from 6.5 feet away."

Battery: 1600 mAh Removable Battery; 13 hours average talk time

Storage: 1 GB RAM/4 GB ROM

Processor: 1GHz dual-core

Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.1

Visit KyoceraSmartphones.com for more information on Hydro EDGE.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

How Waterproof?: Certified waterproof for IPX6 and IPX7 (IP67), which means the GS4 Active offers complete protection against dust and debris and can be submersed for up to 30 minutes in up to 3.28 feet or 1 meter of water.

Height: 5.5"

Weight: 5.39 oz.

Width: 2.8"

Thickness: 0.35"

Display: 5" FHD TFT (1920 x 1080 pixel) with Corning Gorilla Glass 2

Camera: 8MP rear; 2MP front; 4x digital optical zoom; auto focus; zero shutter lag; geo tagging; HD video recording; LED flash; various camera modes including, auto, aqua, night, sports, panorama, eraser, rich tone (HDR), and more.

Network: AT&T 4G LTE

Selling Points: A set of gestures that enable basic touch-free navigation; Support for NFC; Samsung S Beam; Wi-Fi Direct; and more.

Battery: 2600 mAh removable battery; up to 17 hours talk time

Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM, with support for external microSD memory cards up to 64 GB

Processor: 1.9Ghz quad-core processor

Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2

Availability: AT&T in the United States

Price: $199.99 with new two-year AT&T wireless service agreement

Visit Samsung.com for more information on GS4 Active tech specs.

SOURCE: CIO.COM

N.Korea unveils 'secure, homemade' smartphone

North Korea, one of the most isolated and censored societies on the planet, has unveiled what it says is a domestically-produced smartphone.

Industry analysts say the "Arirang", built around Google's Android OS, is likely manufactured in neighbouring China, however.

The existence of the phone, named after a famous Korean folk song, came to light during a factory inspection by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at the weekend.

During the tour, Kim was given a detailed briefing on the "performance, quality and packing of the Arirang hand phone," Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Some analysts suggest the "Arirang" is aimed at getting North Koreans to use an officially-approved phone that can be properly monitored.

While Internet access is virtually non-existent in North Korea, which comes bottom of any media freedom survey, the country is not a complete IT desert.

Cell phones were introduced in 2008 through a joint venture with the Egyptian telecom firm Orascom, which says there are now two million users in North Korea.

A domestic Intranet was launched in 2002 and some state bodies have their own websites.

It is a natural progression for an impoverished country desperate for investment, but in North Korea the economic imperative is always weighed against the potential for social disruption.

Subscribers to the sole cell phone system provider, Koryolink, can call each other, but not outside the country.

The Intranet is similarly cut off from the rest of the world, allowing its very limited number of users to exchange state-approved information and little more.

Access to the full-blown Internet is for the super-elite only, meaning a few hundred people or maybe 1,000 at most.

For all the regime's efforts, the information barrier erected around North Korea has, in recent years, begun to lose some of its prophylactic power.

Smuggled Chinese mobile phones allow people near the border to connect with Chinese servers and make international calls, while re-wired TVs allow access to outside broadcasting.

The KCNA report on Kim's factory visit noted that the young leader praised the "Arirang's" developers for coming up with a product that "provides the best convenience to the users while strictly guaranteeing security".

KCNA photos of the factory visit show workers with the finished phones, inspecting, testing and packing them. There are no pictures of an actual assembly line.

"Despite KCNA's reporting that the handsets are made at the factory, they are probably made to order by a Chinese manufacturer and shipped to the factory where they are inspected before going on sale," said Martyn Williams, who runs the North Korea Tech website.

Steven Millward on the Tech In Asia website reached the same conclusion.

"Possibly, the whole smartphone is made in China, and only the final boxing is done in the rather sparse plant that Kim Jong-Un toured," Millward said.

In February, a picture of Kim Jong-Un with a smartphone triggered fevered speculation about which brand was favoured by the leader of one of the world's most repressive nations.

After ruling out an Apple iPhone or a Galaxy from South Korea's Samsung, the consensus was an HTC phone made in Taiwan.



SOURCE: YAHOO.COM

Hottest Phones You Can’t Buy Yet

Nokia Lumia EOS

We’ve heard rumors of two top-of-the-range Nokia phones already this year, the Lumia 920 replacement with the codename Catwalk and this, the EOS, which could house a top-notch PureView camera (possibly called the Lumia 1000). We’re featuring the EOS over the Catwalk because there’s a chance it’ll be Nokia’s attempt to capture our attention at Mobile World Congress, plus as the Lumia 920 is only a few months old, it’s a bit early to be talking about its sequel.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

The Galaxy S4 Mini is the little brother of the Galaxy S4 with many of the same functions, just slightly scaled back. Powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, it has a 4.3-inch, 960 x 540 pixel Super AMOLED screen, 1.5GB RAM, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and 8GB storage. (Thankfully it does include a microSD slot, so you can expand the amount of file storage.) It operates on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

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LG Optimus G2

Thanks to Viral Phone, rumors about the LG Optimus G2 have finally given us the details we’ve been waiting for. Compatible with LTE Advance networks, the device will sport a 5.2-inch, 1920×1080 pixel HD screen powered by a Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor. It will run on 2GB RAM, operating on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, with a not-too-shabby 13-megapixel rear-facing camera. The company is expected to announce the phone in August, meaning it should be available by the fall.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

The Galaxy Cam was a very cool device, but it stopped short of what we really wanted: a true camera phone. The Galaxy S4 Zoom picks up where it left off. Not only does this have a full 10x optical zoom, it’s also an impressive phone to boot. While it might be a little awkward to hold a phone with a giant lens on it up to your face, it can’t be much worse than trying to talk on one of the giant phablets that have become so popular. We can’t wait to try this one out.

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Yotaphone

It’s a little gimmicky, but still a fun phone nonetheless. For the most part, it’s pretty average: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, 4.3-inch, 720p display, 2GB RAM, 12-megapixel camera and TKGB internal storage. What makes this a standout device is the E Ink screen on the backside of the phone. It’s completely customizable and can be used as an energy efficient way to view your Twitter feed, the weather, push notifications, or even a favorite image to add a personal touch without needing a case. It’s currently available overseas and should make its way to the U.S. by the end of the year.

HTC Launches Smaller Flagship Phone

With One Mini, HTC becomes the latest phone maker to adopt the miniaturization trend.

The One Mini follows the same external design cues and ergonomic proportions of its bigger brother, the HTC One, and on the inside uses the same custom skin, Beats Audio technology, and user interface. However, the smaller device's size means that some internal components have had to be changed.

It has a 720p 4.3-inch display (instead of a 4.9-inch full HD screen). There's also less RAM (1GB) and a smaller dual core 1.4GHz processor, but it will still pack a sufficient punch to run any app currently available on Google Play and will be more affordable than the company's true flagship, extending the cool factor to more potential users.

As such, the HTC One Mini becomes the latest in a growing range of 'mini me' gadgets that includes the Samsung Galaxy SIV Mini and the Sony Xperia ZR. Interestingly, HTC is also currently rumored to be in the process of developing and launching a tablet version of the One which would also compete head to head with similar offerings from Samsung and Sony.

Announced Thursday at a low-key press event in London, the Mini will be available in August.

LG Optimus G Pro (E980)

Connect & Share like a Pro

Stay in the moment with an immersive and expansive display, camera features that capture the essence of a memory, and processing power ready to fuel unparalleled experiences.

LG Optimus G Pro (E980)

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Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean	Speed Without Limits	Everlasting Endurance	13 MP Full HD Camera with Dual Recording and Dual Camera
Quadruple Your Personal Power	QuickMemo™	Dual Screen Dual Play	Android Beam

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Product Features

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system
  Along with a 1.7GHz, quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor allows you to stay connected and productive on the go.
• 4G LTE speed
  Offers quick and easy connection speeds.
• Wi-Fi Direct
  Enables simple Web access.
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE compatibility
  For wireless communication with a Bluetooth-enabled device. Also supports Miracast, NFC and IR Android Beam technologies.
• 5.5" high-definition touch screen
  With IPS technology, 400 ppi and 1920 x 1080 resolution to simplify navigation and showcase images in arresting clarity.
• Built-in 32GB storage
  Also includes a microSD card slot for compatible cards up to 64GB (not included).
• 13.0MP rear-facing digital camera
  With an LED flash and time catch shot and burst shot capabilities allows you to capture stunning images, and along with a 2.1MP front-facing camera, lets you record striking videos with 1080p resolution.
• MP3 player
  Makes it easy to listen to your favorite tracks. The 3.5mm input enables connection of compatible headphones (not included), so you can listen in private.
• HDMI connectivity via SlimPort adapter (not included)
  So you can enjoy content stored on your phone on a compatible high-definition display.
• QSlide 2.0 and Quick Memo apps
  Offer enhanced functionality.
• Hands-free speakerphone
  Lets you chat safely while driving. Voice activation allows easy hands-free control over your phone.
• Customizable ringtones
  Allow you to easily personalize the sound of your phone. Vibration alert discreetly notifies you of incoming calls and messages.
• Up to 16 hours of talk time and up to 24 days of standby time
  With the included lithium-ion battery.
• QuickRemote
  For universal control of your TV, Blu-ray player, cable set-top box, surround sound system and more, directly from your phone.
• * Phone activation required before use.

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Anyhow, As we have informed you, we will give you some information about its specification below this.

• 5.5 inches Full HD IPS Touchscreen
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 1.7Ghz Quad-Core CPUs Processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 32 GB Internal memory
• MicroSD up to 64 GB
• 3,140 mAh Capacity Battery.
• Talk Time up to Up to 15 hours and 30 minutes and standby time up to 24 days.
• GSM Quad Band/UTMS Tri Band/LTE Dual Band Network
• AT&T 4G LTE Network
• 5.91" (H) x 3.00" (W) x 0.37" (D) Dimension
• Android 4.1.2 Platform Jelly Bean Operating system
• Connectivity such as Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-fi 802.11a/b/g/n, S-GPS For Enhanced Location Accuracy.
• 13 Mega pixel Full HD Rear-Facing Autofocus Camera
• 2.1 Megapixel Full HD Front-Facing Camera

Motorola's Next Smartphone Will Be Able To Listen To You Even If The Screen Is Switched Off

The Moto X.

New details on Motorola's upcoming flagship phone, the Moto X, leaked over the weekend in a training video for Canadian wireless carrier Rogers. 

The video was first discovered by the tech site Ausdroid, but you can only watch it on this Google+ page right now.

Here's a breakdown of the most important features discussed in the video:

• The Moto X will always be listening for specific voice commands, even if the screen is turned off. You'll be able to conduct searches and perform other commands by using Google Now, the voice assistant that built into Android phones, by saying "OK Google Now..."
• Motion controls let you perform actions without tapping the screen to open an app or pressing a button. For example, you can launch the camera app by quickly twisting the phone.
• A new notifications system called "Active Updates" will display incoming calls, texts, tweets, etc. on your lock screen. You can quickly glance at your phone and decide if you want to address the notification. (This is very similar to how the iPhone works.)

Motorola hasn't been shy about discussing the Moto X in recent months. In fact, it's already started an ad campaign for the phone. Motorola's CEO Dennis Woodside said in May that the device will launch in October, but there have been a few reports recently that the phone could launch as early as August.

Huawei Ascend G525

It seems that Huawei is taking a page out of the local brands’ game by releasing a competitively priced quad-core dual-SIM handset in the form of Huawei Ascend G525. 

This smartphone has all the basic stuff that one would look for in a decent Android handset. That includes a 4.5-inch IPS display with qHD resolution, a pair of cameras placed on the back (5MP w/o flash) and on the front (VGA).

Handling the workload for this handset is the tandem of 1.2GHz processor quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. It comes with Android Jelly bean which takes up a good amount of the phone’s 4GB internal storage. Good thing though that the ROM can be expanded through a micro-SD card slot.

Huawei Ascend G525 specs:

• 4.5-inch qHD display @960×540 pixels, 244ppi
• Qualcomm MSM8225Q 1.2GHz quad-core
• Adreno 203 GPU
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB internal storage up to 32GB via microSD
• Dual SIM, dual Standby
• HSPA 7.2Mbps
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• GPS w/ aGPS support, GLONASS
• Stereo FM Radio
• 5MP rear camera
• 720p video
• VGA front-facing camera
• 1,7000mAh battery
• Android 4.1
• Dimension: 134 x 66.8 x 9.9 mm
• Weight: 160g

The ZTE Grand X Quad V987

Android phones continue to flood the market, and in a space whose devices are  constantly jockeying for position, ZTE offers a device that gives you quad-core power, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

 

 

 

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Complete Specs:

• Model: ZTE Grand X Quad V987
• Dual SIM GSM
• Dimension: 141x70x8.9mm
• Weight: 163g
• OS: Android 4.1.2 jelly bean
• 5inch of TFT capacitive touch screen
• With 720×1280 pixel of display resolution
• 8MP of primary camera
• Camera features: LED Flash, autofocus, touch focus, Geo-tagging and face detection
• Full HD video recording of 1080p with 30fps
• 1.3MP of secondary camera for video calling
• 1.2GHz of Quad-core processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 4GB of internal memory
• Expandable to 32GB of external memory with support of micro SD card slot
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Micro USB v2.0
• Multi audio/video format player
• Bluetooth v4.0
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Network: GSM/EDGE/GPRS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass
• HTML5 for browsing
• Document viewer
• Java MIDP emulator
• 1800mAh of battery life
• Color: White 

Lenovo A706

The Lenovo A706

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Quad Core Processing

The A706's quad core processor enables better multitasking, delivers a smoother Android experience and eliminates stutter when playing games or HD video. 

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Android Jelly Bean

Android Jelly Bean 4.1 gives you seamless access to all your favorite apps and games.

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4.5" IPS Display

Enjoy a better experience when gaming, watching videos or surfing the net and accurate color fidelity means you can enjoy your photos as nature intended.

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Hi-Res Photography and HD Video

The A706's 5M camera takes great photos including high speed bursts of up to 16 in-a-row, while Smart Camera software enables intelligent smile correction, auto face 'make-up' editing effects, and auto-exposure mode. The front camera also makes video chat easy and fun for you and your friends.

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Dual SIM

If you want to separate business and pleasure Dual SIM configurations give you the option of having two phone numbers in one smartphone.

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Dolby Digital Plus

Get the best audio experience from headphones or through speakers. Experience excellent fidelity and surround sound when you connect to your home theater.

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MicroSD Storage

4GB of internal storage can be increased by another 32GB with a MicroSD card giving photographers and music fans all the space they need. 

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Lenovo A706 QuadCore Features/Specifications

• Network: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz
  WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
• Display Type: capacitive touchscreen
• Screen Size: 4.5" IPS Resolution 480 x 854
• Dimensions (WxDxH) 136 x 69 x 10.4 mm
• Weight 130g
• Sim: Dual SIM slots
• WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n with hotspot capability
• Bluetooth® 3.0
• A-GPS
• Internal Memory: 4GB (eMMC)
• 1GB RAM
• Card Slot: MicroSD up to 32GB
• Camera: Rear: 5M auto-focus
• Front Camera: Front: 0.3M fixed-focus
• OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Processor: Quad-Core Qualcomm MSM 8225Q 1.2GHz
• Audio Dolby® Digital Plus
• Battery: 2000mAh Lithium Polymer user-replaceable 

Links: http://shopap.lenovo.com/th/en/smartphones/a-series/a706/index.html