DJs
The long wait for a complete overhaul of Apple's core virtual assistant appears to be entering its final stages. Ahead of the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, verified interface leaks have revealed a complete redesign of the platform UI configuration.
The legacy full-screen glow is being retired. The updated architecture repositions the entire assistant environment directly into the Dynamic Island, utilizing an active visual style described in design documentation as Liquid Glass.
source - Bloomberg
First Look: Leaked Interface Reveals Siri's Liquid Glass Design and New Chat App
The Dual-Interface Blueprint
This upgrade introduces a distinct shift in how users interact with the assistant, splitting the system into two separate functional layers based on text and voice needs.The Liquid Glass Island
An active notification layer that expands from the camera cutout. It handles contextual voice commands, local device automation, and quick glanceable summaries without pulling you away from your current app.
The Dedicated Workspace App
A new standalone chat interface built for long-form multi-step queries. It features an open text portal, active document attachment tools, and organized chat history trees that closely mimic dedicated productivity tools.
Architectural Feature Tracking
The leaked screenshots outline several major privacy and UI changes coming to the platform. The technical breakdown below shows how this architecture contrasts with previous generation builds.| System Layer | Legacy Configuration | Leaked Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Anchor | Full-screen circular graphic overlay | Dynamic Island fluid glass expansion |
| Text Interaction | Hidden deep inside accessibility menus | Standalone dedicated workspace portal |
| Data Lifespan | Persistent cloud server logs | Localized auto-deleting communication loops |
Focusing on Localized Privacy
The design leaks also highlight a major focus on user privacy controls. Security settings reveal options for automatic data deletion, which actively wipe conversation logs from processing servers after a set period to protect user information.- Contextual Awareness: The assistant monitors active motion cues to ensure secure device access when handling personal data requests.
- Precise Data Controls: Built-in location obfuscation tools prevent backend processes from gathering detailed spatial tracking info during simple inquiries.
- Cross-Device Continuity: The conversation environment coordinates directly with nearby wearables to verify you are the one making sensitive data requests.
The Tech Preview
A Clear Focus on Utility
Moving away from single voice inputs toward a split interface model shows a mature approach to mobile tech design. Integrating these tools into clean, localized interfaces makes the smartphone a much more capable and focused productivity device.
DJs
Apple Names John Ternus CEO as Tim Cook Moves to Executive Chairman
Quick take: Apple is preparing for its biggest leadership shift in over a decade, with Tim Cook stepping into a new role and John Ternus taking over as CEO.
Apple has officially announced a major leadership transition. Tim Cook will move into the role of Executive Chairman, while John Ternus is set to become the company’s next CEO.
It marks the first time since 2011 that Apple will have a new CEO, closing out one of the most stable leadership eras in the company’s history.
Tim Cook Steps Into a New Role
After more than a decade leading Apple, Tim Cook will transition to Executive Chairman. In this position, he will continue to oversee Apple’s broader direction and long-term strategy, while stepping back from day-to-day operations.
Cook’s tenure as CEO has been defined by steady growth, expansion into services, and a stronger focus on privacy and ecosystem integration. Under his leadership, Apple became one of the most valuable companies in the world.
John Ternus Takes Over as CEO
John Ternus, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will take over as CEO. He has been a key figure behind many of Apple’s recent hardware products, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Ternus is well known within Apple for his product-focused approach and has been closely involved in shaping the company’s hardware roadmap in recent years.
His appointment suggests Apple is doubling down on its core strength, with hardware continuing to play a central role in the company’s future.
A Natural Transition
Unlike some leadership changes, this transition appears to be carefully planned rather than reactive. Apple is known for long-term succession planning, and Ternus has been seen as a potential future leader for some time.
The move allows Apple to maintain continuity while gradually shifting responsibilities, with Cook still involved at a high level.
What This Means for Apple
For users, this change is unlikely to bring any immediate disruption. Apple’s strategy, ecosystem, and product roadmap are expected to remain consistent in the near term.
Over time, though, Ternus’ leadership could shape how Apple approaches hardware innovation, especially as the company continues to push into areas like custom silicon, spatial computing, and connected devices.
Quick Take
This is one of the biggest moments for Apple in years, but it feels more like a handoff than a reset. Tim Cook isn’t going anywhere, and John Ternus already plays a major role behind the scenes.
If anything, this looks like Apple staying exactly what it has been for the past decade: consistent, controlled, and very deliberate about change.
Source: Apple Newsroom
DJs
Microsoft posted the following on their Windows 10 Mobile end of support page:
This news has been coming for some time now, as Microsoft's ambitions to dominate the smartphone market was crushed in its early stages. Windows Phone was launched more than 2 years ago by Microsoft. With competitors like Google refusing to support their platform, lukewarm adoption from developers and Microsoft's own consistent rebooting of their mobile platform, Windows Phone was never able to take off as a serious contender to iOS and Android.
According to the support page, support ends on June 11, 2019, and “security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft” will end on Dec. 10, 2019. This gives current Windows Phone users a short window to switch to a different platform to stay up to date and secure.
Microsoft has noted that Windows 10 Mobile version 1709 will be the last update for Windows Phone users. After this update, Microsoft will no longer monitor the platform for vulnerabilities or provide support.
Microsoft is rumored to be working on a Surface Phone running yet another version of Windows, better optimized for modern smartphones. But there has been no official information,
Will you be switching to iOS or Android? Let us know below
Windows Phone support will end on December 10, time to switch to Android or iOS
Microsoft officially announced that they will cease to support Windows Phone after December 10, 2019. The company also recommended that all Windows Phone users migrate to Android or iOS devices.
Microsoft posted the following on their Windows 10 Mobile end of support page:
“With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device.
Microsoft’s mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices”.
Microsoft’s mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices”.
This news has been coming for some time now, as Microsoft's ambitions to dominate the smartphone market was crushed in its early stages. Windows Phone was launched more than 2 years ago by Microsoft. With competitors like Google refusing to support their platform, lukewarm adoption from developers and Microsoft's own consistent rebooting of their mobile platform, Windows Phone was never able to take off as a serious contender to iOS and Android.
According to the support page, support ends on June 11, 2019, and “security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft” will end on Dec. 10, 2019. This gives current Windows Phone users a short window to switch to a different platform to stay up to date and secure.
Microsoft has noted that Windows 10 Mobile version 1709 will be the last update for Windows Phone users. After this update, Microsoft will no longer monitor the platform for vulnerabilities or provide support.
Microsoft is rumored to be working on a Surface Phone running yet another version of Windows, better optimized for modern smartphones. But there has been no official information,
Will you be switching to iOS or Android? Let us know below
DJs
According to the report, Soltero's departure was announced to employees this week with his last day likely to be in December. It's not clear what he plans to do next. Soltero himself tweeted about his departure confirming the report.
Soltero, a former VMware executive, got to Microsoft in 2014 when the company acquired email app start-up Acompli for $200 million. In the following months, Soltero was involved in bringing a modern version of its Outlook email and calendar app to Android and iOS, while drawing on some features of the Acompli app, like its Focused Inbox that prioritized certain email messages. Outlook on mobile has gone on to become one of the best email apps in the market today.
Soltero took charge of Cortana in March. While Microsoft's Cortana is offered in various devices including Windows 10 computers, mobile phones, tablets, and smart speakers, it remains less popular than the Google Assistant, Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Earlier this year Microsoft said Cortana had more than 150 million users. Siri, meanwhile, has more than 500 million active users.
source - ZDNet | CNBC
Javier Soltero leaves Microsoft
Javier Soltero, Microsoft's corporate vice president in charge of the virtual digital assistant Cortana is leaving the company according to a report. Soltero was recognized as a rising star within Microsoft, by CEO Satya Nadella during his first year in office.
According to the report, Soltero's departure was announced to employees this week with his last day likely to be in December. It's not clear what he plans to do next. Soltero himself tweeted about his departure confirming the report.
2/ I am deeply optimistic that Microsoft will continue to grow by building great products for people around the world. I'm grateful to have learned so much about what it really takes to have massive scale success & look forward to putting these lessons to work on something new.— Javier Soltero 🇵🇷 (@jsoltero) November 6, 2018
Soltero, a former VMware executive, got to Microsoft in 2014 when the company acquired email app start-up Acompli for $200 million. In the following months, Soltero was involved in bringing a modern version of its Outlook email and calendar app to Android and iOS, while drawing on some features of the Acompli app, like its Focused Inbox that prioritized certain email messages. Outlook on mobile has gone on to become one of the best email apps in the market today.
Soltero took charge of Cortana in March. While Microsoft's Cortana is offered in various devices including Windows 10 computers, mobile phones, tablets, and smart speakers, it remains less popular than the Google Assistant, Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Earlier this year Microsoft said Cortana had more than 150 million users. Siri, meanwhile, has more than 500 million active users.
source - ZDNet | CNBC
DJs
Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian politician, TV anchor, journalist, socialite and actress is also the Brand Ambassador for Samsung in Russia. She was sued by the company for a sum of $1.6 million for using an iPhone X during a television interview.
Samsung sues its Russian Brand Ambassador for using an iPhone X on camera
Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian politician, TV anchor, journalist, socialite and actress is also the Brand Ambassador for Samsung in Russia. She was sued by the company for a sum of $1.6 million for using an iPhone X during a television interview.
As Samsung's Brand Ambassador, she is contracted to use her Samsung device in public. However according to a report by Mirror, Ms Sobchak was seen on seen on television, and at some of the hottest social events in the capital city of Moscow, using her iPhone.
This seems to have become a common trend among celebrities, to get paid huge sums of money by companies to represent their brands, only to go back to their regular products and ignoring their obligation to the company that paid them to promote their product.
source - Mirror | AppleInsider
source - Mirror | AppleInsider
DJs
CVS will now customers to use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay in its pharmacies across the United States. This is a great victory for both the payment providers and the customers.
source - CNN | PhoneScoop
CVS now supports Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay in nationwide pharmacies
CVS will now customers to use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay in its pharmacies across the United States. This is a great victory for both the payment providers and the customers.
The pharmacy store chain in the past was a part of a consortium of major retailers who opposed mobile payment technology. Instead this group of retailers developed their own payment network using the now defunct platform called CurrentC which was designed to one day allow you to pay without using your credit card. CVS even discouraged customers from using mobile payments by disabling the NFC chip on its early payment terminals.
At the end of the day, its good to see the pharmacy chain do what is best for its customers, who will at the end of the day be the ones who benefit the most from this decision.
source - CNN | PhoneScoop
DJs
source - NBC News | FEMA | Homeland Security
The first-ever Presidential Alert is headed to every US phone
Today, the United States is set to receive its first ever "Presidential Alert", a routine test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The test was previously scheduled for September 20, but was later delayed due to Hurricane Florence. Every single US cell phone connected to wireless providers participating in WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) will be buzzing around 2:18 p.m. EDT.
As long as your phone is switched on and within range of an active cell tower, the alert should pop up no later than 30 minutes after the beginning of the test broadcast. While “no action is needed” on the part of recipients, the only way to dodge the notification, accompanying tone and vibration is to turn off your handset between 2:17 and 2:49 p.m.
When the news of this alert initially went out, along with the fact that it cannot be opted out of, many questioned the legality of not being allowed to opt-out of it. Others were concerned about the WEA system being used to for political purposes.
The Communications Act of 1934 gives the president the power to use communications systems in case of an emergency, and a 2006 law called for the Federal Communications Commission to work with the wireless industry to transmit such messages.
According to tech security researcher Stephen Cobb, people are willing to pass up the benefits of having a national emergency system because they are afraid that the president could abuse the system. Jeramie Scott, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center’s Domestic Surveillance Project, would like to hear more about the WEA system, which he calls intrusive because it stops all communications to your phone while it processes the message. Scott would prefer that the U.S. stick to the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which sends warnings over radio and television.
However it doesn't look like its something we should be worried about as the FEMA assures that it will be used to warn the public only in instances of dangerous weather, missing children, and other "critical situations." There is actually a law called The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 that prevents this, or any future president, from using the system for anything other than alerting the public about a national disaster. The F.C.C. says the Wireless Emergency Alert System has been used by local governments more than 40,000 times since 2012.
In addition to the Wireless Emergency Alert on your phone, you may see a warning displayed on television and broadcasted on radio at 2:20 p.m. EDT as part of EAS (Emergency Alert System) testing. This is scheduled to last approximately one minute, following similar experiments conducted in November 2011, September 2016, and September 2017.
Unlike the EAS, the WEA system will be tested on a national stage for the first time ever later today, so all eyes are on the FCC and wireless carriers.
source - NBC News | FEMA | Homeland Security
DJs
Inbox by GMail was launched by Google a couple of years ago aiming to offer a better email experience to its users. Instead of being an alternative to GMail, the app was meant to be an active platform for Google to test new features it could bring to GMail.
Google Inbox app to shut down in March 2019
Inbox by GMail was launched by Google a couple of years ago aiming to offer a better email experience to its users. Instead of being an alternative to GMail, the app was meant to be an active platform for Google to test new features it could bring to GMail.Inbox offered users a lighter GMail experience, focusing on a more refined interface with some useful features not available to GMail users. However with the last update to GMail in April, most of Inbox's features have been ported over to the main client.
Google initially suggested that Inbox was here to stay, and that users should not be worried about the future of the app. However, recently the company has confirmed that it will shut down Inbox in March 2019.
While Google said there are still a few Inbox features that it would like to bring over to GMail, it still plans to move forward with shutting down the app. In order to make the transition easier, Inbox users have been provided with a support guide that offers all the information needed to migrate back to GMail.
DJs
HMD Global recently purchased the PureView trademark from Microsoft, thus reuniting the Nokia and PureView brands, ensuring a possible Nokia PureView device in our future.
HMD Global would later purchase the rights to produce Nokia phones back from Microsoft, and as of August 23rd, they have also gained access to the PureView brand once again. Until now, the PureView brand has been used on the following devices.
HMD Global purchases PureView brand, reunites it with Nokia
HMD Global recently purchased the PureView trademark from Microsoft, thus reuniting the Nokia and PureView brands, ensuring a possible Nokia PureView device in our future.
Since the debut of the Nokia 808 PureView, the 'PureView' brand from Nokia has been associated with amazing cameras. When we saw Nokia exclusively switch to using Windows Phone, the company also released an equally impressive Nokia Lumia 1020 which carried the PureView brand on its camera. When Microsoft purchased Nokia's mobile division back in 2013, they also received the trademark to use the PureView brand on their own devices like the Microsoft Lumia 950 and the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL.
 |
| EU's intellectual property listing shows that HMD Global now owns the PureView trademark |
HMD Global would later purchase the rights to produce Nokia phones back from Microsoft, and as of August 23rd, they have also gained access to the PureView brand once again. Until now, the PureView brand has been used on the following devices.
- Nokia Lumia 920
- Nokia Lumia 925
- Nokia Lumia 928
- Nokia Lumia Icon
- Nokia Lumia 830
- Nokia Lumia 930
- Nokia Lumia 1020
- Nokia Lumia 1520
- Microsoft Lumia 950
- Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
DJs
He also pointed out that device manufacturers had he choice of paying Google a nominal fee that covers development and distribution with a choice of installing Google's GApps Suite. Most Chinese phone manufacturers for example don't preinstall Google services on their devices, as Google Search is banned in the country.
Mr. Pichai ends the post with Google's intent to appeal the EC's fine with the hashtag #AndroidWorks. Do you agree that Android monopolizes the European market and should be punished for their business model ? Share your thoughts below
Google wants to appeal European Commission fine
The European Commission (EC) recently imposed a record $5 billion fine on Google for taking unfair advantage of its monopolistic digital services. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai has posted a memo on the company's corporate blog in response to allegations.
According to the complaint by the EC, Google mandates Android phone makers to use Google Search and Google Chrome as defaults, therefore blocking any competition. While Google does require this in return for offering Android license free to manufacturers, Sundar Pichai doesn't agree on the monopoly accusations.
Google's CEO argues that Android has created more choice in the mobile industry than there was before. If you don't like the stock application, you can simply uninstall it and choose a different product from the Play Store in a matter of seconds.
He also pointed out that device manufacturers had he choice of paying Google a nominal fee that covers development and distribution with a choice of installing Google's GApps Suite. Most Chinese phone manufacturers for example don't preinstall Google services on their devices, as Google Search is banned in the country.
Mr. Pichai ends the post with Google's intent to appeal the EC's fine with the hashtag #AndroidWorks. Do you agree that Android monopolizes the European market and should be punished for their business model ? Share your thoughts below
DJs
source: T-Mobile
T-Mobile's new International Data Pass costs $5 per day
Are you someone who often travels internationally? If so T-Mobile is announcing a new plan that may be of interest to you. Priced at just $5 a day, its users will get Unlimited calls and texts along with 512MB of 4G LTE data.
T-Mobile customers will be able to but a total of two international passes over the course of 24 hours. The international pass covers the countries that are included in T-Mobile's Simple Global list, which is set to expand to over 200 locations beginning July 22.
If you are a T-Mobile ONE subscriber, who has unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited 2G data, this plan gives you a way to upgrade to LTE data when you are traveling abroad. The daily price is half of what AT&T and Verizon charger their customers for out of country use. The new International Data Pass will be available for T-Mobile customers starting August 1st.
A Simple Global package with T-Mobile will include picture messaging, visual voicemail and one hour of in-flight Wi-Fi through GoGo (where available). If you are someone who travels out of the country often, you may want to consider a T-Mobile Simple Global plan, which is available though a T-Mobile ONE subcription.
source: T-Mobile
DJs
source - Reuters
European Commission wants to fine Google over antitrust practices
The European Commission is concluding an investigation in began in 2013 regarding Google's policy on Android and phone manufacturers. According to reports, the fine against Google could be as high as 5-billion (4.34 billion euros).
This investigation initiated with a complaint submitted by FairSearch, a lobbying group who at the time represented several companies, including Oracle and Microsoft. The complaint stated that Google was forcing phone manufacturers who used their Android operating system to install Google Search as a default search engine and Google Chrome as a default browser, and by doing that it is hindering competition in an unfair way.
Google responded to this in a blog post, explaining that its competitors Apple and Microsoft allowed fewer third-party apps to be installed on their own respective platforms. Google's senior vice president, Kent Walker, also stated that manufacturers were not obligated to have any Google apps pre-installed on their devices, and were free to use software that directly competes with Google's. These include alternate dialers, calendars and other Android apps that companies tend to include on their devices.
Google's post also points out that by bundling Chrome and Google Search with Android, they are able to offer the platform for free to device manufacturers, without charging a licensing fee, despite substantial development costs. This in turn allows manufacturers to sell their products at lower prices, which end up benefiting consumers.
Android's European market share is around 74%, which is profit Google will not want to lose. So its likely Google will want to change its business model and will likely be willing to pay the fine instead.
source - Reuters
DJs
The Indian mobile phone landscape - H1, 2015
The mobile phone market is extremely dynamic and has been growing rapidly over the years. The Indian market itself is a good example of how the market has grown, and is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. Gadget research website 91mobiles has put together their own study of emerging trends in the Indian smartphone market, and compiled some infographics predicting what we can expect in the coming months.
As per their predictions, phones launched in India this year are expected to increase by around 50 percent. Indian companies like Intex and Micromax have been largely responsible for the number of product launches in the country this year, offering an affordable selection of products to compete against global brands like Samsung, HTC and Sony.
91mobiles has many other facts of interest regarding the Indian smartphone market, which you can explore in detail in the following infographics.
Source: 91mobiles
DJs
source - Nokia
Nokia announces sale of HERE for $3.07 billion to Audi AG, BMW Group and Daimler AG
Nokia announced on Monday, that it has sold its HERE mapping service to a German auto consortium made up of Audi AG, BMW Group and Daimler AG. The price of the sale came to the equivalent of $3.07 billion USD. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016, and Nokia expects to book proceeds of $2.75 billion USD. The company will report a profit on the sale.
Nokia is now expected to focus on its acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent, which will turn the company into one of the top providers of network-technology in Europe. The auto makers are expected to use HERE as another step toward a world where cars navigate themselves using data generated from mapping services. In addition, HERE is expected to remain available for users of mobile devices over multiple platforms.
For the first half of this year, HERE took in $606 million USD and had an operating profit of $30.7 million USD. For all of last year, the mapping business took in $1.07 billion USD, but a charge of $1.33 billion USD to write off goodwill left HERE with an operating loss of $1.36 billion for 2014.
Until the deal closes, HERE and its 6454 employees will be the responsibility of Nokia. Once HERE is sold, Nokia will be left with its networks business and Nokia Technologies. The latter will work on advanced technology development and the licensing of such products. The company is expected to design and license smartphones again in 2016 under the terms of its sale of Nokia Devices and Services to Microsoft, which was announced in 2013 but closed the following year.
source - Nokia
DJs
source - EuroGamer
Need for Speed returning to consoles and PC in 2015
During its yearly financial call, EA confirmed that the Need for Speed racing franchise will be returning to high end consoles and PCs in 2015. Last year we saw the company breaking its chain after releasing Need for Speed for 13 consecutive years.
This eruption happened after the previous development studio, Criterion Games, laid off most of its staff and co-founder Alex Ward moved on to other possible prospects.
In the meantime, EA has given its new dedicated studio, Ghost Games, a chance to wrap its brains around the current-gen consoles and evolve the series beyond Criterion Games’ ridiculously high standards. Ghost Games’ first attempt, Need for Speed: Rivals
, was a solid game to bring the franchise to the new generation, but it paled in comparison to the previous efforts. Details are few and far between at the moment aside from the release window, and EA doesn't even have a name chosen yet.
, was a solid game to bring the franchise to the new generation, but it paled in comparison to the previous efforts. Details are few and far between at the moment aside from the release window, and EA doesn't even have a name chosen yet.Whatever this new game turns out to be, we hope Ghost Games can bring back the same consistency that Criterion Games’ helped build.Previous Need for Speed releases under various studios gave the franchise an unreliable image.
The new Need for Speed will be released in the second half of 2015 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Stay tuned to E3 for more. Besides Need for Speed, EA is also planning to release a new version of Mirror's Edge and a new Plants vs Zombies title for PCs.
source - EuroGamer
DJs
According to a post by ZTE on its Weibo page, the company is facing a delay in the sale of the ZTE Nubia Z9 Max by one month as a result of production issues. The handset was introduced by the company last month, alongside the ZTE Nubia Z9 mini, and was expected to go on sale tomorrow. ZTE blamed the delay on the complex production and manufacturing process required to build the Nubia Z9 Max.
The ZTE Nubia Z9 Max is made with an aluminum body and has a double glass design. ZTE says that its QC measures and production process for the device are above industry standards.
The ZTE Nubia Z9 Max is priced at the equivalent of $403 USD. Now as a result of the delay, the ZTE Nubia Z9 Max sales will now take place sometime in May.
source - ZTE | GizmoChina
ZTE Nubia Z9 Max sales delayed by one month as a result of production issues
According to a post by ZTE on its Weibo page, the company is facing a delay in the sale of the ZTE Nubia Z9 Max by one month as a result of production issues. The handset was introduced by the company last month, alongside the ZTE Nubia Z9 mini, and was expected to go on sale tomorrow. ZTE blamed the delay on the complex production and manufacturing process required to build the Nubia Z9 Max.
The ZTE Nubia Z9 Max is made with an aluminum body and has a double glass design. ZTE says that its QC measures and production process for the device are above industry standards.The Nubia Z9 Max is equipped with a 5.5 inch display with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 16MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera and a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor with 3GB of DDR4 RAM.
The handset also offers a high fidelity speaker system with 7.1 channel surround sound, a generous 2900mAh battery, 4G LTE connectivity, NFC, dual band WiFi and OTG connectivity.
The handset also offers a high fidelity speaker system with 7.1 channel surround sound, a generous 2900mAh battery, 4G LTE connectivity, NFC, dual band WiFi and OTG connectivity.
The ZTE Nubia Z9 Max is priced at the equivalent of $403 USD. Now as a result of the delay, the ZTE Nubia Z9 Max sales will now take place sometime in May.
source - ZTE | GizmoChina
DJs
After two years of discussion, Nokia has announced its acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent for a sum of $16.6 billion. The transition will combine two of the smallest network equipment firms in Europe, thus better equipping them to take on industry leaders like Ericsson and Huawei.
Nokia will give each Alcatel-Lucent stockholder .55 of a Nokia share. That works out to a value of $4.32 for each Alcatel-Lucent share. When the deal closes in the first half of 2016, Alcatel-Lucent stockholders will own 35% of the combined company. Nokia will continue to remain based in Finland under the care of Chairman Risto Siilasmaa and Chief Executive Rajeev Suri. Additionally a vice chairman will be appointed from Alcatel-Lucent. The deal is also expected to strengthen ties between Finland, and France where Alcatel-Lucent is now headquartered.
Nokia said that as a result of the deal, it will look to sell some assets including the highly regarded HERE maps business. Rumors that HERE was being shopped started to circulate last week. A combined Nokia-Alcatel-Lucent immediately becomes a competitor to Ericsson, which has the largest market share in the wireless network equipment industry at 40%. Nokia now jumps into the number two slot with 35% of the pie. Huawei, the low-cost leader, owns 20% of the market.
source - WSJ
Nokia purchases Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion
After two years of discussion, Nokia has announced its acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent for a sum of $16.6 billion. The transition will combine two of the smallest network equipment firms in Europe, thus better equipping them to take on industry leaders like Ericsson and Huawei.Nokia will give each Alcatel-Lucent stockholder .55 of a Nokia share. That works out to a value of $4.32 for each Alcatel-Lucent share. When the deal closes in the first half of 2016, Alcatel-Lucent stockholders will own 35% of the combined company. Nokia will continue to remain based in Finland under the care of Chairman Risto Siilasmaa and Chief Executive Rajeev Suri. Additionally a vice chairman will be appointed from Alcatel-Lucent. The deal is also expected to strengthen ties between Finland, and France where Alcatel-Lucent is now headquartered.
Nokia said that as a result of the deal, it will look to sell some assets including the highly regarded HERE maps business. Rumors that HERE was being shopped started to circulate last week. A combined Nokia-Alcatel-Lucent immediately becomes a competitor to Ericsson, which has the largest market share in the wireless network equipment industry at 40%. Nokia now jumps into the number two slot with 35% of the pie. Huawei, the low-cost leader, owns 20% of the market.
source - WSJ
DJs
WhatsApp for Android was recently updated to support voice calling between Android users. WhatsApp for iOS is also expected to gain the voice calling feature in just a matter of weeks, but it will have to work within the fenced-in iOS infrastructure.
Now the WhatsApp team have confirmed that they will be bringing the voice calling feature to Windows Phone users.
source - WMPU
WhatsApp for Windows Phone set to receive voice calling feature
WhatsApp for Android was recently updated to support voice calling between Android users. WhatsApp for iOS is also expected to gain the voice calling feature in just a matter of weeks, but it will have to work within the fenced-in iOS infrastructure.Now the WhatsApp team have confirmed that they will be bringing the voice calling feature to Windows Phone users.
Unlike most other major applications, WhatsApp prides itself at being a truly cross platform solution. Besides its availability on iOS and Android, you can also find WhatsApp for BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Symbian and S40. The app is free to download and use for a year and contains no ads. However, you will have to pay an annual fee of 99 cents a year.
While WhatsApp has not given an exact timeframe for bringing voice calling to Windows Phone, the company has been good at offering a consistent experience across all platforms. Now that Android users have the calling feature, and iOS is set to receive it soon, it wont likely be long before voice calling is offered on Windows Phones.
source - WMPU
DJs
On April 4th, 1975, two young men, Bill Gates, aged 19 and Paul Allen aged 22, left Harvard and Washington State and set up shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an idea to put a computer in every home, on every desk. This marked the birth of Microsoft.
When you consider that the personal computer did not exist, nor did any meaningful platform to actually put computers to use outside of commercial and industrial applications.
Over the course of four decades, with Microsoft at the center of much of it, a technological revolution would take place that would change the world forever. While the company has faced its shares of bumps along the road, one cannot deny that that Microsoft has not given up.
Despite the iPhone revolution, Microsoft was among the first to have a smartphone platform. Yes, Windows Mobile had plenty of shortcomings, but it excelled in ways other devices simply could not at the time. To this day, the HTC HD2 has a bit of cult following thanks to how great the hardware is.
Microsoft was also a pioneer with wearable technology, with the MSN connected Microsoft SPOT watch. These devices pre-dated today's wearables by a decade. A variety of the connected watches were made from top brands, including Tissot, Suunto, and Fossil. SPOT watches received their MSN Direct updates via FM radio waves. The watches usually ran about 5 days between charges to boot.
The company's greatest triumph has to be Windows - An operating system that changed the world, and while Microsoft is about more than Windows today, who would ever think that we would see a day when OS updates would be offered for free? Who would ever believe that Microsoft would open up its Beta builds of its operating system environment for everyone to participate? Windows is about to begin a new chapter as a platform that spans the desk, tablet, mobile, and augmented reality.
Whether you are a developer, or a consumer, there is very little technology in use today that is not touched by Microsoft in some way. Even Apple uses Windows machines to build some of its Mac computers.
Microsoft continues to remake itself, quite amazing given that in the 40 years the company has been in existence, it has only had three CEOs. Microsoft’s co-founder, Bill Gates is still an iconic figure, while having gracefully allowed future generations to carry the flame initially set in New Mexico 40 years ago. Today, Bill Gates thinks more about Microsoft’s future than the past.
Microsoft celebrates 40th birthday
On April 4th, 1975, two young men, Bill Gates, aged 19 and Paul Allen aged 22, left Harvard and Washington State and set up shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an idea to put a computer in every home, on every desk. This marked the birth of Microsoft.
When you consider that the personal computer did not exist, nor did any meaningful platform to actually put computers to use outside of commercial and industrial applications.
Over the course of four decades, with Microsoft at the center of much of it, a technological revolution would take place that would change the world forever. While the company has faced its shares of bumps along the road, one cannot deny that that Microsoft has not given up.
Despite the iPhone revolution, Microsoft was among the first to have a smartphone platform. Yes, Windows Mobile had plenty of shortcomings, but it excelled in ways other devices simply could not at the time. To this day, the HTC HD2 has a bit of cult following thanks to how great the hardware is.
Microsoft was also a pioneer with wearable technology, with the MSN connected Microsoft SPOT watch. These devices pre-dated today's wearables by a decade. A variety of the connected watches were made from top brands, including Tissot, Suunto, and Fossil. SPOT watches received their MSN Direct updates via FM radio waves. The watches usually ran about 5 days between charges to boot.
The company's greatest triumph has to be Windows - An operating system that changed the world, and while Microsoft is about more than Windows today, who would ever think that we would see a day when OS updates would be offered for free? Who would ever believe that Microsoft would open up its Beta builds of its operating system environment for everyone to participate? Windows is about to begin a new chapter as a platform that spans the desk, tablet, mobile, and augmented reality.
Whether you are a developer, or a consumer, there is very little technology in use today that is not touched by Microsoft in some way. Even Apple uses Windows machines to build some of its Mac computers.
Microsoft continues to remake itself, quite amazing given that in the 40 years the company has been in existence, it has only had three CEOs. Microsoft’s co-founder, Bill Gates is still an iconic figure, while having gracefully allowed future generations to carry the flame initially set in New Mexico 40 years ago. Today, Bill Gates thinks more about Microsoft’s future than the past.
DJs
According to Microsoft, the "vast majority [of phones] will be supported with the next flight." Support will also be added for phones that didn't have China Mobile Operator support in the last build.
One device which surprisingly has not made the list is the flagship Lumia 930, which is essentially the global variant of the Verizon exclusive Lumia Icon. Unfortunately no specific release date was given, but given Microsoft's willingness to share the list, we reckon it won't be too long off.
source - Microsoft
Next Windows 10 for phones build will support "a lot more" phones, here's the entire list
When Microsoft rolled out the First Technical Preview of Windows 10 for phones, the company allowed only a select few handsets the ability to install the preview version of the company's next mobile operating system. This was due to a "system partition" issue. Now, the company has revealed that the next build of Windows 10 for phones will support "a lot" more phones.
According to Microsoft, the "vast majority [of phones] will be supported with the next flight." Support will also be added for phones that didn't have China Mobile Operator support in the last build.
"We still have some work to do to validate individual phones, as well as the builds that we're flighting through our internal rings. As I said in the post on frequency I cannot guarantee a date for a new build. What I CAN tell you is that we feel great here about the partition stitching code and current builds, but we likely still have at least one more week of engineering to do to ensure we get a great build for the expanded list of devices."Following along the latest Windows 10 build for PCs, the new Windows 10 for phones build will be delivered on a similar cadence - meaning, builds will be delivered faster than before. The reason we haven't seen a new build sooner is because of the partition stitching issue.
"The latest build for PCs is the first build that we've delivered on that new cadence. We expect the same principles to hold for phones as well as PCs, but the first step for us was to get partition stitching done so that we could unlock a much larger set of phones for you to use for Windows 10 technical previews."As long as there are no long minute bugs, we can expect the following list of devices will be supported by the next build of Windows 10 for phones.
- Lumia 1520
- Lumia 1320
- Lumia 1020
- Lumia ICON
- Lumia 928
- Lumia 925
- Lumia 920
- Lumia 830 [previously supported]
- Lumia 822
- Lumia 820
- Lumia 810
- Lumia 735
- Lumia 730 (Dual SIM) [previously supported]
- Lumia 720
- Lumia 640 (Dual SIM)
- Lumia 638 [previously supported]
- Lumia 636 [previously supported]
- Lumia 635 [previously supported]
- Lumia 630 (Dual SIM) [previously supported]
- Lumia 625
- Lumia 620
- Lumia 535 (Dual SIM)
- Lumia 532 (Dual SIM)
- Lumia 530 (Dual SIM)
- Lumia 526
- Lumia 525
- Lumia 520
- Lumia 435 (Dual SIM) (DTV)
- Lumia 430
One device which surprisingly has not made the list is the flagship Lumia 930, which is essentially the global variant of the Verizon exclusive Lumia Icon. Unfortunately no specific release date was given, but given Microsoft's willingness to share the list, we reckon it won't be too long off.
source - Microsoft