Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 update to 4.1 Jelly Bean hits problems

We always like to keep readers informed about operating system updates and have posted regular articles lately about Android Jelly Bean arriving for various devices. Unfortunately some device owners end up having to wait far longer for OS updates than others and we are now hearing that there could be problems for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 update to 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Many owners of this tablet have been waiting patiently for their first experience of Android Jelly Bean on the device, as it was summer of 2012 that the Galaxy Tab 7.7 last received an update. That was to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and it seems as though ICS may have to last a while longer yet.
It is being reported that Samsung is having difficulties with the update and it’s believed to be something to do with the Exynos processor, which for some unspecified reason doesn’t seem to like Jelly Bean 4.1. It’s thought that the update to Jelly Bean may be around May or June but these apparent problems could push the update back even further, especially for owners in the US who often get the update after those in other regions.
That would mean that Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, the next major upgrade, could be available before Jelly Bean even arrives for the Galaxy Tab 7.7. Not good news then but we’ll be looking out for more developments on this and will of course pass on information as we hear it.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on the delays for the Galaxy Tab 7.7 in getting the update to 4.1 Jelly Bean. Are you the owner of this tablet and frustrated to learn there may yet be a lengthy wait? Maybe you don’t mind the wait as long as your device gets a taste of Jelly Bean in the end? Let us know with your comments.
Source: SamMobile

Final Fantasy V to release for Android & iOS

There are always certain games no matter how old they are that still bring fond memories from gamers, and this includes popular franchises that have been going for years. We now have news that Final Fantasy V will be released for Android and iOS users beginning this month in Japan.

The popular SNES instalment of the franchise will be released for both the Android and iOS users with the iOS version being released by the end of this month in Japan. Android users will have to wait until sometime in the summer and hopefully both versions will see a worldwide release as well.
This offering of the game is based on the Game Boy Advance version of the title, but features enhanced graphics and will be priced at ¥1,800, which is around $19 so it’s not exactly a cheap title to purchase.
So far the developer Square Enix hasn’t given firm details about the games availability globally, and in the past the company’s games have seen a release around the world at almost the same time. It would make sense for the company to make Final Fantasy V available around the world, as the game will undoubtedly have fans in many countries.
Do you hope to see Final Fantasy V released globally?
Source: TechnoBuffalo.

New lock screen flaw affecting iPhone 4/4S with iOS 6.1.3

There doesn’t seem that a day goes by without someone finding an issue with one of the handsets that are widely used, and now we have news of a new lock screen flaw affecting the iPhone 4/4S since the iOS 6.1.3 update.

Apple recently released iOS 6.1.3 to fix a similar issue but already a new problem has been found that also bypasses the lock screen, even though the process is a little more involved this time. A YouTube user going under the name of videosdebarraquito discovered this new flaw that allows unauthorized access to a locked iPhone’s address book and images by ejecting the SIM card when using voice control to make a call.
It seems the problem is only affecting the iPhone 4 and 4S and seems the problem is centred on the pre-Siri Voice Dial system, so owners can avoid the problem by switching off voice dialling or by leaving Siri enabled.
The problem only seems to allow unauthorised access to contacts and images stored onto the handset, and obviously it would still need to fall into the wrong hands to begin with. This problem will be embarrassing for the company though as they have only just released a software update to fix another similar issue.
It seems that as smartphones are becoming even more advanced it is allowing for issues to go undetected until a user discovers them.
Are you concerned about this latest issue?
Source: The Next Web.

HTC E1 aka 603e revealed for China with price

Like many Android smartphone manufacturers HTC offers a number of different handsets that cover many needs and price brackets, and now the company has revealed the HTC E1 aka 603e for China along with the price of the handset.

We last heard about this smartphone in February and was being called at the time the in between handset, and now away from their supply issues affecting their flagship device the company has announced the handset officially.
The HTC E1 will cost those looking to purchase it 1,799 CNY and at the moment the device looks set to only be available to consumers in China, and is available in white via the company’s online store. The handset is another that supports dual SIM capabilities and features a 4.3-inch WVGA Super LCD2 touchscreen display.
Other specifications include a dual core Qualcomm processor clocked at 1.5GHz that is paired with 1GB of RAM, which is running the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system with a possible upgrade to 4.2 at some point in the future. Memory wise there is 8GB of on board storage that is expandable further via microSD.
There is a 5-megapxiel rear facing camera coupled with a LED flash, while around the front is a 2.1-megapixel shooter. Connectivity wise there is Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, HSPA, and NFC with users also being treated to the HTC Sense 4.0+ Android overlay and Beats Audio enhancements.
The handset has a 2100 mAh battery packed into a handset measuring 128.5mm x 66.9mm x 9.8mm weighing 130grams.
Are you interested in the HTC E1?
Source: Unwired View.

Sony Xperia Z reportedly bricking, bug fix promised

The Sony Xperia Z is one of the must have smartphones currently available with some great specifications and neat features, but some owners of the handset are reporting of a worrying problem that is seemingly bricking phones with Sony already promising a bug fix for the issue.

Many new smartphones can experience issues that cause a variety of issues, but some can be more worrying than others, and even the Samsung Galaxy S3 hasn’t been without some serious problems. Despite only being available for a short time some owners of the Sony Xperia Z are reporting their handset suddenly dies.
Users are reporting that the handset will suddenly switch off and refuse to wake up again and Sony have admitted to be aware of the problem and have promised a fix with the next software update. Some users have managed to fix the problem by doing a hard restart, but this hasn’t worked for all owners that have been affected by this issue.
It is thought the software bug may have something to do with a low battery charge, but the problems have also hit owners that have had plenty of juice left in their handsets. At the time of writing it is not known how long it will be before a software update will be released to fix this issue, and it is also not clear if handsets hit by the problem can be saved.
While this can be very frustrating issue at least the handsets will still be covered by warranties, but we all know how some retailers and carriers are better than others for replacing faulty equipment.
Has your Sony Xperia Z been hit by this problem?
Source: Xperiablog.

Samsung Galaxy S4 from original to launch

We’ve been passing on plenty of information and details for the Samsung Galaxy S4 that was formally debuted last week at a special press event. Due to release in April this is, as its number suggests, the fourth in this iconic phone lineup that has met with phenomenal success that just seems to be growing and growing. We thought it would be interesting to take at look at how the Galaxy S phones have progressed over the years, from the original S right through to the new Galaxy S4 launch.

With that in mind we have a great infographic that you can view above that shows the evolution of the Galaxy S series. It’s a fascinating look at the advances that have been made and numbers sold for each iteration. First off we see the original Samsung Galaxy S, launched in 2010 and as far as specs are concerned this had a 1GHz Cortex A8 chip, 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and ran on Android 2.1 Éclair.
By the time we got to the Samsung Galaxy S2 released in 2011, the new specs included a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor, 8-megapixel back-illuminated rear camera, 4.3-inch AMOLED display and it ran the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. On to the Galaxy S3 of 2012 and this had a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display, 8-megapixel rear camera and ran Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Finally we come right up to date with the Samsung Galaxy S4 and its 1.6GHz Exynos 5 Octa core processor (or 1.9GHz Snapdragon quad-core for some regions), 4.99-inch Super AMOLED full HD display with 441 ppi, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, 13-megapixel rear camera, 2GB of RAM and new features including eye tracking technology.
As far as sales are concerned the original Galaxy S sold 20 million units, the Galaxy S2 sold 28 million in less than a year and the Galaxy S3 sold a massive 50 million by March 2013. Sales of the Galaxy S4 remain to be seen of course but they are bound to increase further still. The final touch of the infographic is a map that shows us that the Galaxy S4 smartphone will be sold in over 150 countries worldwide. You may also be interested in an earlier post with an infographic purely about the S4 (see here).
Today’s infographic is an intriguing look at the advances of the Samsung Galaxy S line over the last few years and we’d be grateful if you could share your thoughts with us by sending us your comments. Are you planning on purchasing the Galaxy S4 when it finally reaches shelves in April? Does anything on the infographic surprise you? Let us know with your comments.

Source: toptienmobiel.nl (Google Translated)

Gridcase Reactor for iPhone 5, wind up your battery

Smartphone battery life remains an issue for many different handsets with many Apple iPhone users complaining of not getting enough juice in between charges, and we often see cases that come with a battery pack to help things. Now today we have something a little different as the Gridcase Reactor for the iPhone 5 lets users wind up their handset.

This clever idea has been designed by a person Jim Clark who is looking for backing for this neat case, and is looking to raise $350,000 in the next 44 days. The Reactor case uses a patent pending generator that is extremely thin, and basically allows users to manually switch back on their iPhone 5 when no other form of power is available.
It has been designed to quickly provide a power boost to the handset as soon as the handle is turned, and because the Reactor is placed into the smartphones case there will never be a time again when you are left without any power.
There is a small built in battery that will provide enough juice to switch on a completely dead handset, and users will be able to extend the battery life of the iPhone indefinitely. The product features a 400 mAh boost battery, 500 mAh manual generator, and it is only 8.5mm thick weighing only 4.5oz.
The case is expected to sell for $149 if it becomes available but those that make early pledges will get the device for $99 for the first 10,000 units. To find out more check out the video below and head over to the Crowd Supply website.
Do you like the idea of this case?