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After Microsoft practically killed off every other Nokia phone not running Windows Phone, it seems that new Nokia devices made entirely by Nokia could be coming soon. This comes from hiring ads for those who would be capable of designing a new Android smartphone. This rumour has more or less been confirmed by Sebastian Nyström, Senior Vice President of Strategy who has confirmed that Nokia is currently developing new products and therefore needs some more talent to help develop it. No confirmed tech specs or features yet, but we expect that when they do come, these new Nokia devices will be powered by Android and have a renewed focus on the cameraphone. Nokia still owns a number of phone patents and HERE maps so it could very well happen, unless Microsoft get antsy about it. No Malaysia release dates or pricing just yet but let's just hope that Nokia do a better job than their previous Nokia X range of Android smartphones.

Xiaomi has officially announced the 4G LTE capable version of their Xiaomi Redmi Note phablet. Like a few others who have followed this method, it means that the 1.7GHz octa-core MediaTek MT6592 processor in the Redmi Note has been replaced with an LTE capable 1.6GHz Snapdragon 400 processor. The new Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G is currently priced at 999 Yuan (RM519) which is about RM10 more than the RM509 the current 3G capable Redmi Note is going for. No news on Malaysia release dates or pricing just yet, but it seems quite likely that the pricing will be just RM519, especially if Xiaomi Malaysia want to maintain their value-priced momentum. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G tech specs are listed below:

• 1.6GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 (MSM8928) processor
• 2GB RAM
• 8GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5.5-inch display (720 x 1280 pixel resolution)
• 13MP rear camera (LED flash) + 5MP front camera
• Supports 4G LTE (1900/2300/2600MHz), Single SIM, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
• 3100 mAh battery

While ASUS Malaysia have yet to make any announcements, it seems that the 16GB version of the ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) smartphone may soon get a price drop down to RM519. Originally retailing for RM599 for the 1GB RAM version, this price-cut version not only offers 2GB of RAM but also the aforementioned 16GB of storage instead of the 8GB of storage space it started out with. Other tech specs and features remain the same and are listed below. While we got this information from local distributors, there is still no news yet on availability, which ASUS Malaysia will no doubt come out with soon. For now, check out the tech specs below and stay tuned for further developments.

• ASUS ZenFone 5 (A510CG)
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5-inch display (720 x 1280 pixel resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 3)
• 8MP rear camera (Sony BSI sensor, f/2.0, LED flash, 5-element lens)
• Supports Dual SIM, 3G, WiFi, GPS, ASUS ZenUI
• Android 4.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.4 KitKat)
• RM519

We've covered the arrival of a 4.5-inch display version for the ASUS ZenFone 4 recently and now ASUS Malaysia has officially confirmed the availability of the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. While retaining most of the tech specs from the original ASUS ZenFone 4, the key differences include a 4.5-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, an 8MP PixelMaster rear camera, 8GB of storage and a larger 1750 mAh battery. Another welcome feature includes Android 4.4 KitKat right out of the box while other features such as a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 layer on the screen and Dual SIM support remain the same. The larger 8MP rear camera now means that this ZenFone 4 has the Low-light feature so you can take great pictures even in the dark. The ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) should be available at all major stores and authorized distributors at a price of RM369. We'll let you know more as soon as we get a review unit so stay tuned for further developments.

Calling all large smartphone fans (especially those looking to replace their current 7-inch smartphones), ASUS Malaysia is now offering their slim and trim 8GB ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) smartphone for just RM429. The tablet with smartphone capabilities features the new ASUS ZenUI which can be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat and connects to 3G at speeds of up to 42Mbps. It supports Dual SIM and offers tech specs which include a 1.2gHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor, 1GB RAM and for this promotion, 8GB worth of storage. A 2MP rear camera and VGA front camera round up the other features along with GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and up to 64GB microSD support. The slimmer bezels on this version of the Fonepad 7 make it more compact and easier to carry around while the low promo price of RM429 should be available at the larger stores and authorized distributors here in Malaysia.

Lenovo ups the ante with their new officially announced Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro smartphone. The smartphone joins other higher-end flagship smartphones with a 6-inch display featuring a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 490 ppi. Other notable tech specs and features include a 2.5GHZ Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM, Android 4.4, 4G LTE connectivity, dual-SIM support, a 4000 mAh battery and a 16MP rear camera with BSI sensor, optical image stabilization and 4K video recording. Featuring very thin bezels, the Vibe Z2 Pro is only 7.7mm thin and looks to have a brushed metal unibody chassis in black, gold and titanium. Camera features include a low-light mode, manual mode and much more. Unfortunately, there are still no Malaysia release dates or pricing so stay tuned for more updates.

More pictures of the metal body Samsung Galaxy Alpha have appeared and this time they are quite clear. The pictures reveal a fairly standard design with a matte white backside. No sign of any brushed metal back cover as shown in previous press renders but the sides reveal a flat and thin design very similar to an Apple iPhone 5s. Tech specs and features have yet to be confirmed but rumours indicate that they will be midrange. Further tech spec details include an octa-core Samsung Exynos 5433 processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 4.8-inch display with 720p pixel resolution, 12MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and Android 4.4.4. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details just yet, but it could likely be unveiled at the upcoming Samsung UNPACKED 2014 event alongside the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on 3 September 2014. Check out the pictures for yourself below.

Confirming earlier rumours, Samsung has just sent out invites for an UNPACKED 2014 event right before IFA 2014 where they will unveil the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phablet. Tech specs still have not been confirmed for the Galaxy Note 4 but many are thinking it may offer a Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB RAM, 5.7-inch display with 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution, 16MP camera with OIS, an ultraviolet sensor and Andoid 4.4 KitKat. We're still hoping that the RAM could get an increase to 4GB but this seems unlikely now. Other devices are also expected including the metal-body Samsung Galaxy Alpha and more (including some new wearable devices). No news on Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but we should find out in another month so stay tuned for more developments.

HTC and KDDI of Japan recently launched the new HTC J Butterfly smartphone for Japanese markets. The smartphone offers the same design as the HTC One M8 except that it is water-proof and doesn't have dual-front BoomSound speakers or the Ultrapixel Duo camera. Other tech specs and features for the HTC J Butterfly include a Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage with microSD support, 5-inch full HD display, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, supports 4G LTE and packs in Android 4.4. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but the HTC J Butterfly will be in Japan from late August 2014 and could eventually come to Malaysia hopefully.

Much has been said about the tougher properties of sapphire crystal displays and how it may be used for the upcoming Apple iPhone 6, but we've yet to see it being used on other consumer level smartphones apart from the luxury brands like Vertu. However, Kyocera recently announced their Kyoceria Brigadier smartphone, a ruggedly built tough smartphone that should be the world's first smartphone using a Sapphire Shield display. Other tech specs and features of the Kyocera Brigadier include a 1.4GHZ Snapdragon 400 processor, 2GB RAM, 16 GB storage + microSD, 4.5-inch Sapphire shield display at 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, Android 4.4 KitKat and 3100 mAh battery. The smartphone is also rated for the military grade MIL-STD-810G standard, certifying that it is water, dust, shock, vibration, pressure and heat proof and capable of handling very rough environments.