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Some rather contradictory rumours have appeared as well, stating that Microsoft could soon make their Windows Phone and Windows RT operating systems free for device makers. This would hopefully cause a drop in production costs as device makers currently need to pay license fees for every device. This contradicts earlier rumours that Windows RT would be replaced by Windows Phone but this could be another option which Microsoft are considering. According to this rumour, Microsoft would only ask for licensing fees from their Pro products like Windows 8.1 and other desktop operating systems. While this could let Microsoft compete with Android, doing so would mean a heavy blow to their revenue streams as this is how Microsoft makes their money. It also raises the question of "Would you get Windows RT if it was free?". Considering the limitations of Windows RT, only for educational or other specific situations. A free Windows Phone operating system on the other hand would definitely help raise Microsoft's profile and perhaps sell more Windows Phone based devices, but it wouldn't help Microsoft make money, unless they got creative with Office and other solution pricing. As usual, take this rumour with a pinch of salt.

While rumours about a more affordable Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lite have already circulated, supposedly due to a cheaper LCD screen, other tech specs have leaked out regarding the Note 3 Lite. This includes screen size which may be 5.7-inches along with a lower-end 8MP rear camera as opposed to the 13MP rear camera on the current Samsung Galaxy Note 3. According to some other rumours, Samsung has already started production of the Galaxy Note 3 Lite, with the production goal to be 1.5 million Note 3 Lite units by the end of February 2014. Other features that we could see being used in the Note 3 Lite is the PLS-LCD screen along with a metal mesh layer, both of which are Samsung technologies that are designed to reduce production costs while enabling a more sensitive stylus without having to use a digitizer. Rumours indicate that we could see the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lite at the MWC Expo 2014 which is due at the end of February 2014. However, do remember that this is also a rumour so take everything mentioned here with a generous pinch of salt.

In a slew of Microsoft related rumours, the upcoming upgrade of the Windows Phone operating system, Windows Phone 9 may offer a number of changes, including removing the current Live Tiles user interface. Instead it would probably go for a more Android-like interface. Other changes also include the rumour that Windows Phone 9 will replace Windows RT. These rumours come courtesy of Eldar Murtazin who has been mostly correct when it comes to Nokia / Microsoft leaks. According to the blogger, we could see Windows Phone 9 in Q3 of 2014. No exact Malaysia release dates or pricing were available but in all likelihood, the upgrade to Windows Phone 9 will be free. Do note that this is still very much a rumour so take it with a pinch of salt.

This time around Maxis is also the first to offer the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display from RM1159. Going for a retail price of RM1699, Maxis is of course offering the 4G LTE Cellular version of the iPad mini with Retina Display. This includes the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage versions but you have to sign up for 24 months under either the SurfMore50 plan or the SurfMore75 plan. Like some other telcos, you will have to make an advance payment which is then rebated back into your account. For more details check out the table and links in this article.

The upcoming Nokia Normandy could very well be an Android smartphone headed for the lower cost Asha line. While hardware tech specs are not available yet, reports indicate that it may be using a forked version of Android that won't use Google Services. Perhaps, Nokia will incorporate their own services instead or perhaps some of Microsoft's but doing so would still allow for full smartphone apps. While it has been leaked by serial leaker evleaks, there is still no news when or for how much the Normandy could arrive in Malaysia. Microsoft could just as easily shut this move down and implement a free version of Windows Phone instead so stay tuned and we'll keep you posted.

If you like a lot of bling on your smartphone then you're in luck as Samsung has officially revealed the Galaxy S4 Crystal Edition in Thailand. Utilizing a white Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500, the backside of the smartphone is covered with Swarovski crystals in a wavy pattern. Tech specs match up with the I9500 model including the usual 1.6GHz Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor and chipset. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Crystal Edition is currently available in the Samsung Shop for 20300 baht (RM2038). No news on Malaysia release dates or pricing but you'll probably see it soon.

Samsung may be considering switching the current AMOLED displays in their smartphones to PLS-LCD displays. The move is supposedly because the price war is getting more cut-throat as lower cost Chinese smartphones are expanding into the market. The PLS-LCD displays offer more or less the same level of quality as AMOLED displays but offer a 20% cut in cost for a smartphone. On top of that, PLS-LCD technology is also owned by Samsung and could offer better yield compared to AMOLED displays. This doesn't mean that Samsung would stop using AMOLED displays completely though as they could be used in the rumoured premium Galaxy F Series of smartphones instead. However, such a move would result in the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 having PLS-LCD displays and not the current AMOLED displays.  

According to reports, U Mobile may soon be coming out with their own 4G LTE services. Instead of just offering postpaid plans, the U Mobile 4G LTE will also be available to prepaid users with a Malaysia release date set on 17 December 2013. While the reports don't mention them, it could also mean that U Mobile may also start selling 4G LTE devices as well. Here's what U Mobile had to say about it all:

Attesting to the telco’s commitment to provide an elevated, seamless mobile experience to consumers; U Mobile is officially announcing the availability of its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) service to its subscribers, promising high-speed mobile internet experience that is ideal for internet browsing, video streaming, uploading and downloading content; and ultimately, staying connected with friends and family.  U Mobile will also be among the firsts in Malaysia to offer LTE service to prepaid subscribers, giving more possibilities and high-speed mobile internet connectivity to its customers. 

Reports have appeared claiming that a new 5.2-inch Nokia Lumia device could be on the way soon with tech specs and features very much like the Nokia Lumia 1520. The device goes by the codename of Nokia RM-964 and could come with the aforementioned 5.2-inch display with full HD pixel resolutions, a 20MP PureView camera and a Snapdragon 800 processor. Many are speculating that this could be the international version of the Nokia Lumia 929which is exclusive to Verizon in the US. While the tech specs above do make it sound interesting, it would be even better if Nokia somehow manage to slim down the device even further and add on the four HAAC microphones available on the Lumia 1520.

While the Google Nexus range of devices often gives a more pure Android experience, there other Google Play Edition devices that offer a similar experience as well. Joining the ranks of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One is the LG G Pad 8.3 and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. The first phablet and tablet to join the Google Play Edition ranks, the two devices will run Android 4.4 Kit Kat and get faster Android updates than other non-Google Play Edition devices. Tech specs for the LG G Pad 8.3 include an 8.3-inch Full HD display, 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The Sony Xperia Z Ultra on the other hand offers a 6.44-inch full HD display, 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and standard Xperia Z water and dust resistance. The LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition is only WiFi capable but the Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition is equipped with 4G LTE. Check out the video in this article.