iPhone 6 design simplicity mimics iOS 7

The Apple iPhone 6 is not expected to release until 2014, but it’s already attracting a large amount of interest. This may be because the iPhone 5S anticipated for fall is not thought to be more than an incremental upgrade. Many of you will already know about the recent introduction of iOS 7 and how it will have a cleaner, flatter design. Now a designer has come up with a rendering of the iPhone 6 where the simplicity mimics that of iOS 7.
We’ve seen a multitude of iPhone 6 concept designs and they are always interesting to see, although of course some are better than others. What they all do though is offer us some insight into what could be possible for future iPhone designs. This latest design (see image below) has attempted to envision an iPhone 6 befitting the upcoming iOS 7. The operating system upgrade is heading for a fall release and has a very minimalistic approach that this latest concept reflects.
Some imagined specs are also given by the designer, known as The Techno Toast. These include a 1.9GHz Apple A8 quad-core processor, 4.8-inch Full HD display featuring Gorilla Glass 4, 3GB of GDDR5 RAM, and up to 128GB of internal storage. There’s also a microSD card slot for another 64GB of storage expansion, though knowing Apple’s aversion to expandable storage this seems like a stretch of the imagination too far.
Other specs provided for this concept look include a 3000 mAh battery and 12-megapixel rear camera. As for the design it features anodized aluminum sides, has a glass front and back and the screen has rounded edges. Specs-wise we think that this iPhone 6 imagining would more than satisfy plenty of people. As for the styling no doubt you will all have your own opinions, but to us it looks ultra-minimalistic, almost to the extent of being barely there!
We’d like to hear what you have to say about this rather understated iPhone 6 concept design that echoes the new-look iOS 7. It’s stark and unfussy, but do you think that also makes it unappealing? Alternatively, maybe you’re impressed by the imagination of the designer? Let us have your comments.
Source: DeviantArt

Galaxy S4 vs. iPhone 5 on iOS 7 beta 2 with benchmarks

Now that we have seen iOS 7 beta 2 launch within the last couple of days it is time to see a video comparing the Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. iPhone 5 with iOS 7 beta 2. This follows on from a previous article we published looking at the first beta and these two smartphones.
The Galaxy S4 is currently the top smartphone being offered by Samsung and while it’s newer, the iOS 7 update brings a lot of new features to an aging Apple phone, so this software will make some users feel like there’s no need to replace the iPhone 5 or 4S anytime soon.
In our first article we looked at an 11-minute iOS 7 beta 1 hands-on video, but today we are featuring 3 videos looking at the speed difference between Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and an iPhone 5 running the latest iOS 7 beta 2 update. You will also see a video running benchmarks for speed performance and a full review running for 17-minutes.
These handsets are extremely different in terms of mobile software and screen size, but they’re also the best Samsung and Apple currently offers for most people.
How do you think the iPhone 5 performs against Samsung Galaxy S4? Take a look at the videos below to see what’s changed in iOS 7 beta 2 and how these tests compare the Galaxy S4 vs. iPhone 5.
You can see the original comparison for beta 1 in this article and also the release notes for beta 2 we published via an article yesterday, which includes support for the full-size and mini iPad as well now.

Samsung Galaxy S5 carbon fibre design hope

There is no doubt that at the moment Samsung is the market leader in the Android smartphone world, but that doesn’t stop the company coming under criticism from some quarters about the build quality of its devices. Now though this could be about to change as the Samsung Galaxy S5 design could see it built using carbon fibre following an announcement of a new partnership.
The design of Samsung’s Galaxy range of smartphones has recently come under fire but the company has announced a new partnership with the Germany based SGL Group for carbon fibre composite materials. Each company will have a 50% stake in the new venture that will also allow Samsung to get a steady long term supply of these materials.
It is being claimed that the material will be used for a number of new products but the press release didn’t mention specifically smartphones and tablets, but you would have thought they would come under the “electronic products” that were mentioned.
The level of criticism aimed at Samsung and the build quality of its smartphones increased after the HTC One was released with its aluminium body, but Samsung has always argued that using plastic has allowed it to produce high levels of products to be released at the same time in many markets.
What this deal does mean though that going forward the flagship smartphones from Samsung are more than likely going to be built from carbon fibre, which will possibly be for the Galaxy S5 next year. It has been reported that the Galaxy Note 3 will hit mass production in August so this deal may have come too late for this handset to lose its plastic body.
Do you like the idea of carbon fibre Samsung Galaxy handsets or would you prefer aluminium?
Source: SGL Group.

New Ford and Vauxhall licensed cases for smartphones, tablets

If you fancy a new vehicle branded inspired case for your smartphone or tablet then look no further than Richbrook. They have just released a new batch of cases for Ford and Vauxhall fans, which are officially licensed.
The new range of scratchproof Ford and Vauxhall device cases are available for most devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, S2, S, Note 2, iPhone 5, 4S, HTC Desire and so many more including BlackBerry etc.

The cases are only £22.95 and can be purchased exclusively through Demon Tweeks – click the relevant link – Ford or Vauxhall; you can even get ones to fit your iPad 2, 3 and mini.
The designs are lovely and range from simple blue oval motif on a white or blue background, with Ford’s familiar blue racing stripes on a white background and a black case featuring the celebrated ST trademark.
The Vauxhall ones look stunning, we especially like the VXR logo design printed on black background, do you fancy the famous griffin logo?
The cases have printed designed that are scratch-proof, the main case features include Four officially licensed Ford cases, Four officially licensed Vauxhall cases, Highest quality polycarbonate, Sublimation process means motifs are scratch resistant and fits top range phones and tablets.
Please let us know what you think of the new Richbrook Ford and Vauxhall licensed cases for smartphones, tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 production signals release

The anticipation for the arrival of the next model in the popular range of Galaxy Note devices has been gathering pace in the last few weeks, with a number of supposed leaks and speculation surrounding the device. Now rumours of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 production signals that a release is drawing closer.
There are a lot of smartphone consumers that are looking forward to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date, and now new reports are suggesting that Samsung has notified its parts suppliers that the production of the Galaxy note 3 will hit full speed in August.
This would put the device on schedule for the September reveal at the IFA 2013 event in Berlin, Germany, and comes after rumours surrounding the device increase. We have seen images of the supposed device increase in number recently as an expectant public waits patiently for the handset to arrive.
Samsung will have increased competition this year though but if these claims are indeed true the company could have enough supplies of the Note 3 to make the device available in a number of regions almost straight away.
The company’s component suppliers have allegedly seen a reduction in orders for the Galaxy S4, and insiders claim that profitability will be hit as some of them will be left with a backlog of parts.
Samsung has looked to soften the blow and to keep its suppliers onside by giving them this news along with orders for the Galaxy S4 Zoom and S4 Mini. We recently published an article looking at what Samsung needs to improve on the Note 3 compared to last year’s model, and the biggest request so far has been an increase in internal storage and hopefully this will be included in the new model.
Are you planning on getting the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?
Source: ETNews via Google Translate.

The Samsung Galaxy Core is the next smartphone in line to release, as far as we can see this handset will be released in India and the Galaxy Core price will be Rs 15,199, which is reasonable considering what it comes with specs wise. This is a Dual SIM smartphone running the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, you can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Core right now by visiting here and the price tag is attractive at only Rs 15,199 in India. Samsung Galaxy Core specs, pre-order and price in India pic 1 The main Samsung Galaxy Core specs include a 4.3-inch display with 480 x 800 pixels resolution, it also comes with 8 GB of internal storage, 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM and microSD card slot for up to an additional 32 GB. It also features a 5-megapixel camera on the rear and a VGA camera on the front, HSDPA 3.6 connectivity, built FM radio, 1800 mAh battery, WiFi, as well as Smart Stay, Best Shot, Smart Alert, Voice Unlock, S Voice and Motion UI. It comes with other services such as Premium Hub, Cloud and ChatON. If you pre-order now you will be happy to know shipping starts on July 1. At the moment you can only pre-book the white version but the Samsung website states that the blue version is forthcoming. Some of the specs above look like they have been borrowed from its other flagship models, and in that we mean the smart features. The Galaxy Core is a reasonable featured smartphone with a decent price tag. Will you be pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy Core smartphone? Samsung Galaxy Core specs, pre-order and price in India

Although we enjoy bringing news about all of the latest smartphone and tablet devices, we also like to keep readers informed about the many useful accessories available. Today we want to give you some details about two iPhone 5 cases, and let you decide which you’d prefer from the waterproof LifeProof vs Otterbox cases that we’ll give you the gen on.
First we’ll tell you about the LifeProof frē case for iPhone 5, which offers all-round protection as it’s waterproof, dirtproof, snowproof and shockproof. All this gives robust protection yet the case is light and slim adding only 1.5mm to each edge. The style of the iPhone 5 is still evident, with a rear-window that shows the iPhone design, and the case offers restriction-free access to functions, buttons, ports and controls. The case also features a CrystalClear double AR-coated optical-glass lens, and a Sound Enhancement System to maximize sound output and quality.
The LifeProof frē for iPhone 5 is durable, and yet stylish. It’s made from high-quality advanced materials and the case comes with a cleaning cloth, headphone adaptor and headphone jack cover keeper. This is compatible for all models of the iPhone 5 for all carriers. You can order this iPhone 5 case (image below) from LifeProof here, and the price is $79.99 with numerous color options.

Next we have the Otterbox iPhone 5 Armor Series waterproof case, and this offers watertight latches, O-ring seals, port covers and mesh coverings. The vents are made from a non-permeable membrane, and the advanced materials used give protection from drops up to 10 feet. It can also withstand two tons of crushing force and has a built-in screen protector.
The Otterbox iPhone 5 Armor Series case for iPhone 5 features over-molded bumpers to protect corners and edges, and metal latches that lock the two halves of the case and form the waterproof seal. It also has precise openings that enable full functionality of the camera and flash without removing the case, and custom fit interior silicone for cushioning. This case (image below) is available from Otterbox here priced at $99.95.
The product page links above also give further details with exact specifications, including standards for water and dust-proofing, and we’ve also embedded a couple of videos below that give you a good look at each case. We’re interested to hear which of these two cases you’d choose as protection for your iPhone 5, the Lifeproof or Otterbox option? Why not send us your comments to let us know.

Samsung Galaxy Core specs, pre-order and price in India

The Samsung Galaxy Core is the next smartphone in line to release, as far as we can see this handset will be released in India and the Galaxy Core price will be Rs 15,199, which is reasonable considering what it comes with specs wise.
This is a Dual SIM smartphone running the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, you can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Core right now by visiting here and the price tag is attractive at only Rs 15,199 in India.

The main Samsung Galaxy Core specs include a 4.3-inch display with 480 x 800 pixels resolution, it also comes with 8 GB of internal storage, 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM and microSD card slot for up to an additional 32 GB.
It also features a 5-megapixel camera on the rear and a VGA camera on the front, HSDPA 3.6 connectivity, built FM radio, 1800 mAh battery, WiFi, as well as Smart Stay, Best Shot, Smart Alert, Voice Unlock, S Voice and Motion UI.
It comes with other services such as Premium Hub, Cloud and ChatON. If you pre-order now you will be happy to know shipping starts on July 1. At the moment you can only pre-book the white version but the Samsung website states that the blue version is forthcoming.
Some of the specs above look like they have been borrowed from its other flagship models, and in that we mean the smart features. The Galaxy Core is a reasonable featured smartphone with a decent price tag.

Will you be pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy Core smartphone?