News

Is the OnePlus really a $1 smartphone?

Google’s Nexus does not seem to the only modestly priced powerhouse on the market. OnePlus have launched the inexpensive One, a $300 high end phone with some killer features.  OnePlus will be available at some point between April and the end of June in America, UK, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Taiwan. The is no exact release date however review samples have made their way to various outfits.

Most interestingly the OnePlus will run Android, but it’ll be a custom version of the popular CyanogenMod. Running on the new Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB of RAM and a 3100mAh non-removable battery will be inside the device.

Other specs include a 13-megapixel, six-element, f/2.0 Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor. Image stabilization and slow-motion recording at 720p will be standard, and a fast 0.3s shutter speed is promised. The camera also shoots video in 4K (Ultra HD), and selfie fans will welcome a 5-megapixel front camera fitted above the screen.

What’s that about $1? Their website brags that you might be able to acquire the device for as little $1, however there is a timer counting down. 

Nokia to become Microsoft Mobile yet still be known as Nokia

Nokia and Microsoft have sent a joint email to Nokia account holders talking about the process of data transfer between the two entities. It would appear with the sale of Nokia’s Devices & Services business to Microsoft, a Microsoft Finnish affiliate named Microsoft Mobile will assume “responsibility for your personal data and the contractual relationships for the products and services related to this business.” The email adds that customers “should experience no difference as a result of the sale.”

Essentially, the name of the will be changed to Microsoft Mobile, however, Microsoft is likely to continue using the Nokia as the consumer-facing brand. 

Privacy, Data Protection and Service Terms Information Regarding the Sale of Nokia’s Devices & Services Business to Microsoft

 

Hello,

We wanted to share some important information about your data privacy and contracts.

Nokia currently expects to complete the sale of its Devices & Services business to Microsoft in April 2014. With the completion of this transaction, a Microsoft Finnish affiliate* assumes responsibility for your personal data and the contractual relationships for the products and services related to this business. Microsoft cares deeply about your privacy and the protection of your personal data and will continue to collect and use your personal data in the same ways and for the same reasons as Nokia, and you should experience no difference as a result of the sale.

Also, please note that Nokia will continue to run its businesses, including HERE location-based products and services, which are not part of the Microsoft acquisition. The responsibility for your personal data and your contractual relationship relating to these Nokia products and services remains with Nokia. Nokia continues to be committed to the highest standards to protect your privacy and your personal data.

We wanted to give you notice of these changes. Our commitment to your privacy remains paramount. To learn more about Microsoft’s and Nokia’s privacy policies and service terms, click here. You may also contact us at: Microsoft Mobile Oy, c/o Privacy, Keilaranta 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland or Nokia Corporation, c/o Privacy, Keilalahdentie 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.

Sincerely,

Chad Fentress

Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer

Nokia

Brendon Lynch

Chief Privacy Officer

Microsoft

* With the completion of this sale, the Nokia Devices & Services business will be part of this Finnish entity, Microsoft Mobile Oy, a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.

The Amazon Phone with Holograms?

The Wall Street Journal are reporting that online superstore Amazon is finally ready to make a smartphone, with a release scheduled for this summer. In the wake of their set top TV box, Amazon will be covering pretty much all bases when it comes to tech aside from a phone. Sources say Amazon has already started showing off the phone to developers, and is planning to announce the phone in late June, with a release in September. Rumour has it that Amazon are hoping to turn some heads by using retina-tracking and will feature 3D-like holograms that seemingly jump off the display.

When I hear 3D holograms and phones I can’t help but think “Help me Obi One Kenobi, you’re our only hope.” A 12″ holographic projection of an incestious princess standing in the palm of your hand. I’m sure this is still a long ways off yet, however an announcement in a couple of month will hopefully get the Rebel Alliance hot.

Samsung Galaxy S5 delayed

Clove Technology are reporting that On-line retailers have suffered a set back in shipping the Samsung Galaxy S5 today, they did not arrive with the retailers in the first place. Inside it looks as though the S5 will instead arrive on April 14th. Not the worst delay in the world however enough to generate a few unhappy faces. This is not the fault of the retailers, Samsung have delayed it themselves. No reasons have been given right now however we have, in the past, heard tell that Samsung are having problems with the Galaxy S5’s 16-megapixel ISOCELL camera sensor and difficulties in moulding the 6-element optics.

Clove have pointed out that the  S5 is still subject to a region lock, but they have made it clearer how to remove this.

European Model: This product should be activated with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator within Europe. (as defined EU/EEA, Switzerland and the following Non-EEA countries Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M), Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia and Vatican City.) To use SIM cards from other regions, a cumulative call over five minutes must first be made with the SIM card from European operators.