Latest News

With just a couple of days away from it's supposed unveiling before the IFA 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch has had quite a lot of leaks come up. This includes screenshots of the smartphone app which will be used to interface with the smartwatch, which confirms that the Gear will be called the Gear and support NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. The app screenshots also reveal that the Gear will go by the model number of SM-V700. Other features include the rumour that the Gear can only last for 10 hours on a single charge, which as opposed to other smartwatches which say that they can last from 3 days to a week on a single charge may be the dealbreaker for some people. Confirming earlier statements that the Gear will not be using the flexible screen type as shown in the earlier patent drawings are leaked images of the Gear smartwatch live. Coming courtesy of VentureBeat, the images show off a 3-inch screen that would probably be an OLED type screen and colours which include dark gray and black with built-in speakers in the strap. A 4MP camera is also visible. Hopefully, everything turns out fine for the Gear as we hope it will spur other manufacturers onwards to better smartwatches but if this news is any indication, it may not be the perfect smartwatch we're all looking for.

While it isn't the first time rumours about a metal body Samsung device have come out, new rumours have popped up stating that the Samsung Galaxy S5 (and perhaps other Samsung models after it) may get a metal body or chassis. Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will likely be released in 2014 for Malaysia, reports are claiming that Samsung may start production on a metal body Samsung Galaxy S5 by the end of the year. According to these reports a sample has already been produced and is being tested in Vietnam. Other tech specs and features for the S5 include a 16MP camera with OIS. Personally, we think that this is just wishful thinking as Samsung have been rumoured to develop metal clad smartphones before and have always declined in fear that it may delay production. Samsung would more likely go for a kevlar casing or other material before metal and we haven't seen any of those just yet either, so take this rumour with a big pinch of salt.

Announced back in June 2013, the Samsung Galaxy NX is the first cameraphone with interchangeable lens (or interchangeable lens digital camera with smartphone capabilities) based on the Samsung NX mount system. When announced previously it offered a number of intriguing features and tech specs which included a 4.8-inch touchscreen display, 3G + 4G LTE + WiFi connectivity, NX-mounting, a 20.3MP APS-C sensor, hybrid AF and 8.6 fps burst mode and many more. The price for the Samsung Galaxy NX is currently $1599.99 (RM5254) for the camera body and $1699.99 (RM5582) for the camera and an additional 18-55mm NX mount lens. Malaysia release dates for the NX will probably be in October 2013 under normal retail channels. While it isn't the most expensive of digital cameras, the high price range puts it out of range for most users but if you're already a Samsung NX lens user, this should be added incentive to get the camera. 

Previously, most mini smartphone versions were made of the flagship models but rumours and leaked images have come up showing off the mini version of the HTC Zara which is more of a mid-range smartphone. The HTC Zara Minior the HTC 301e has apparently been passed through China's Tenaa meaning that it does exist and is coming to China soon. The leaked pics of the device features the typical mini screen size of 4.3-inches but more or less the same design as the HTC Zara. Tech specs for the HTC Zara mini include the following:

• 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor
• 4.3-inch TFT display (480 x 800)
• 512MB RAM
• 8GB storage + microSD
• 5MP rear camera (720p recording) + 1.3MP front camera
• 132 x 66 x 9.88mm | 125g
• Supports dual-SIM + GSM/WCDMA + gravity, proximity and light sensors
• Android 4.1.2

The phone previously known as the Nokia Bandit recently made an appearance as the Nokia Lumia 1520. Leaked images of Nokia's first phablet have appeared, this time side by side with the Nokia Lumia 1020. From looks alone, it seems easy to confirm that the Lumia 1520 will have a 6-inch screen. However, the design doesn't stray from the usual Nokia Lumia smartphone design as you have the same look and feel of most Lumias. Unfortunately, no other tech specs or features got leaked and the picture isn't at the right angle for us to guess. No news on Malaysia release dates for the Nokia Lumia 1520 or about pricing but we're expecting the phablet to make it's official appearance sometime in September 2013.

Rumours have cropped up in Taiwan that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note III phablet may be going on pre-order just 12 days after it's announcement. We've all "Noted" the Samsung Unpacked 2 event slated for 4 September 2013, but according to these rumours, the phablet is likely to go on pre-order on 16 September 2013, with sales expected to begin on or after 27 September 2013. This rumour comes because the Note III was earlier said to "ship" in September which may indicate that it could be available in Malaysia and other countries sooner than expected. No real definite release dates in Malaysia just yet though but with the announcement just next week, it shouldn't be long now. As a refresher, the Note III is expected to offer tech specs which include 3GB of RAM, 4K video recording capabilities and a 5.68-inch Full HD 1080p display screen.

While the LG G2 has been officially announced, it hasn't been released just yet, so in an effort to maintain the hype, LG have released an introduction video showing off all the features of the soon-to-be-released G2. From what we can see it shows off how natural the rear keys feel and how some of the software features can be used in a real-life setting. Unfortunately, the video does not come with any Malaysia release dates or pricing but many are guessing that the LG G2 may make an appearance in September 2013. We think that it would be a better idea to just say Q3 of 2013 and be done with it. For now the intro video will have to do.

Quite recently, Nintendo announced the Nintendo 2DS, a handheld gaming system that can run Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS titles but doesn't show the 3D effect that plays when you use the Nintendo 3DS. Another major difference is that rather than flip up or down for easier portability, it is actually one piece with the normal 2 screens and controls you'd normally associate with a Nintendo DS. The screens on the Nintendo 2DS are the same size and have the same tech specs as the Nintendo 3DS but the 2DS system also builds in WiFi connectivity. According to Nintendo the Nintendo 2DS will be released in the United States on 12 October 2013. It will be priced at $129.99 (RM427).

This isn't the first time we've heard about the next Apple iPad or Apple iPad 5 having a more compact and narrow look nor is it the first time we've seen the Apple iPad Mini like front panel. However, these new pics show the front panel with much better lighting and not in the dark nor is it too blurry to actually see. These slightly clearer pics confirm what we saw earlier, a more Apple iPad mini like look for the Apple iPad 5, right down to the smaller side bezels and narrower look. Still no exact release dates in Malaysia or pricing so do check out the pics for yourself.

Another day another Nokia codename surfaces, this time in the form of the Nokia Lanai, which according to rumours, should eventually be called the Nokia Asha 503. Looking a lot like the Nokia Asha 501 right down to the curved corners and plastic backplate, the main difference here is that there will be a capacitive Back key and the entire front screen will be covered with curved glass. Other features or tech specs include a 5MP rear camera with LED flash along with a dual-SIM version as well. The other codename would be the Nokia Pegasus which refers to the Nokia Asha 502. Unfortunately, no news about the 502 or pricing and release dates in Malaysia just yet. We're thinking that the announcement should be any day now, as these renderings look like the real deal.