iOS 8 release date, rumours, features, apps and news

We might only have just been treated to iOS 7.1, but Apple’s mobile operating system is due for another overhaul, with an iOS 8 release date predicted to follow the software’s widely expected WWDC 2014 unveiling.

Although iOS 8 will be a more incremental update than last year’s iOS 7 refresh – the biggest overhaul since the mobile operating system was introduced – the patch looks set to bring a range of high profile improvements, with health and fitness expected to be a core theme of the software.

Compatible with a range of Apple’s portable products, including the iPhone 5S, the more colourful iPhone 5C, the iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina, an iOS 8 update will likely precede a new range of hardware.

To ensure you are kept up to date with all the latest iOS 8 release date news and rumours about the new features, we will be updating this page as new details emerge – so bookmark it now.

iOS 8 Release Date

Given that Apple is a creature of habit, we have a strong indication as to when the iOS 8 release date will be announced, and it’s not too far off.

Despite the Cupertino company having yet to offer any formal indication as to when the software will drop, we can say with a high degree of certainty that it won't be far off from the iPhone 6 launch this autumn.

You won’t have to wait that long for your first formal glimpse of iOS 8 though. The predicted late September iOS 8 release date will likely be preceded by an official unveiling as part of the company’s annual developer’s conference, WWDC.

This year, the San Francisco-based WWDC gathering will kick off on June 2 and runs through until June 6.

With an iOS 6 update having been rolled out just days before the iPhone 5 and the iOS 7 release coinciding with the iPhone 5S, we would be highly surprised if Apple changed this routine for iOS 8.

For now though, an exact iOS 8 release date remains a mystery.

iOS 8 Features

Based on early leaks, iOS 8 looks set to be visually very similar to iOS 7, with vibrant colours and soft, translucent shapes used throughout the UI. It is function, not form, however where the big changes are to be made, with major improvements to a number of core features tipped.

First up for a refresh is Apple Maps. Arguably one of Apple's biggest gaffes in recent years, the service is expected to gain new features to better rival its formidable rival Google Maps.

According to 9to5Mac, “sources briefed on the plans” have confirmed that with iOS 8, Apple Maps will finally introduce in-app public transport directions. With Apple’s mapping software having overcome many stability issues since launch, one continued bugbear is the need to be pushed to third party apps for public transit directions.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look like Apple will have an overnight fix for its public transport shortcomings, with transit directions set to be a slow, area by area rollout.

“The functionality will exist in major cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, and will expand to other locations across the United States and potentially other countries across the world around the public launch of iOS 8,” the tipsters stated.

Siri, Apple’s voice activated personal assistant is another feature set for big improvements in iOS 8.

With Microsoft having given its Windows Phone platform its own voice assistant in Cortana, reports have suggested Apple has snapped up a number of voice and dictation specialists to give Siri a new edge over the competition.

One company reportedly acquired by Apple is Novauris, a subsidiary of Dragon Systems, with reports from The Information claiming Apple’s Siri improvements will enable the assistant to better collaborate with third-party applications. What’s more, it has been claimed that the iOS 8 Siri improvements will benefit the heavily rumoured Apple iWatch when launched.

“Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” the company said, remaining coy on the reasoning for the acquisition.

It is believed both Apple Maps and Siri updates will be available to both iPhone and iPad owners.

Further iOS features tipped include improvements to CarPlay compatibility, with users no longer expected to require a Lightning cable connection to make use of the in-car services.

iOS 8 Fitness

Health and fitness is set to be a key focus of iOS 8. While some will argue this is a precursor to the widely rumoured Apple iWatch, the Cupertino-based company has been laying the groundwork for a more prominent health push for years.

Having previously joined forces with Nike on a variety of projects, the iPhone 5S added the M7 chipset and accelerometer package designed specifically to track users’ movements.

Backing up these recent hardware additions, iOS 8 will see Apple adopt more software-focussed health credentials with the leaked Apple Healthbook application set to be a one-stop shop for all things fitness.

Leaking via Weibo, the Chinese micro-blogging site, a number of Apple Healthbook screenshots have already emerged, showing the software will work with a variety of third-party accessories to catalogue everything from a user’s blood pressure, calorie burn and heart rate.

Letting you more accurately track your daily life, the Healthbook centre will also reportedly offer the ability to monitor personal hydration levels, nutrition and blood sugar.

What’s more the standard activity metrics, like distance covered, time active and the like, will also be present.

Taking a number of pointers from the iOS Passbook, a means of digitising your wallet with virtual store cards and coupons, the iOS 8 Healthbook app will catalogue data metrics from a variety of sources. Although sure to feature on the iPad, given the iPhone’s improved sensor package this could have improved functionality on the smartphone.

iOS 8 Apps

As mobile and home computer systems grow ever closer, iOS 8 looks set to add a number of new services previously found on Apple’s Mac OS X system.

According to claimed iOS 8 screenshots which have already done the rounds, Apple will bring Preview and TextEdit to its portable products.

Tipped to be fully optimised for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices, the Preview and TextEdit applications will allow users to view files synced to their iCloud accounts from their OS X powered devices.

These iOS 8 rumours surfaced via Weibo, so we suggest the Preview and TextEdit leaks be taken with a pinch of salt given that the shown application icons are direct rips of the desktop editions.

On top of this, iTunes Radio looks set to jump ship to its own dedicated application, although there is still no word if this feature will be rolled out beyond the US.

With new features and services on the way in, space needs to be made with GameCentre set to be bumped off. With iOS 8 dumping the centralised gaming hub, gamers’ scores, achievements and social elements will instead feature directly within compatible app-based games.

iOS 8 Rumours

Although there's no no evidence to support the claims, recent iOS 8 rumours have suggested Apple will bring improved mobile payment services to iPhone users.

Apple have been repeatedly tipped to bring NFC to its mobile devices. It has been claimed that the company will offer increased functionality for its TouchID fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5S.

Currently used to make digital purchases in the iTunes store, iOS 8 will reportedly introduce the option to buy physical items simply by using your phone.

Stay tuned for all the latest breaking iOS 8 news and rumours. What would you most like to see in iOS 8? Let us know in the comments below



Read More: iPhone 5S vs Samsung Galaxy S5

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Release Date: Just one week left till launch

The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date is now just one week away, with the Korean manufacturer’s latest flagship phone to hit UK retailers on April 11.

Having been formally unveiled a little under six weeks ago, the wait to get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S4 follow-on is almost over. The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date will be held alongside the launch of the newly confirmed Samsung Gear 2 and Samsung Gear Fit.

“On April 11 we will launch these great products in almost 150 countries,” Jean-Daniel Ayme, Samsung’s Vice President of European Telecommunication Operations announced during the phone’s formal unveiling back at MWC.

Although Samsung has yet to announce an official Samsung Galaxy S5 price, the phone has started cropping up on retailer's online stores priced from £579.95 on a SIM-free basis.

Ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S5 release date, check out out 'Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy S5' page for all the best and latest deals.



Samsung Galaxy S5 Features

Arguably the most eagerly awaited handset of the year, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was first shown off at MWC 2014.

Moving to a 5.1-inch display, the plastic bodied handset is powered by a new 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and runs 2GB of RAM.

With an integrated fingerprint scanner and rear-mounted heart rate monitor, the Samsung Galaxy S5 specs sheet is further bolstered by a 16-megapixel rear-mounted camera and 2-megapixel forward-facing snapper. The phone will launch in four colour schemes, black, white, blue and gold.

Running Google’s Android 4.4 KitKat OS and Samsung’s newly finished TouchWiz UI, the Samsung Galaxy S5 features list sees a 28oomAh Lithium-battery promise a 10 hour LTE browsing battery life.

The phone lines up at 8.1mm thick and 145g in weight and will be available in 16GB or 32GB storage options.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S5 vs HTC One M8

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WWDC 2014 - What to expect

What are the WWDC dates?

Apple has confirmed its next Worldwide Developer Conference will take place from June 2 to June 6.

This annual event is typically where Apple engineers, content creators, and press gather to swap technical notes. More importantly (or at least more interestingly), it’s where we find out what new software and special projects Apple is working on.

We occasionally even get sneak peeks at new hardware.

So what does Apple have planned for WWDC 2014? As ever, it’s all guess work at this point - but we can at least have an educated stab at what to expect, as well as what not to expect.

iOS 8

WWDC always means a new version of iOS, so we’d put good money on the 2014 event hosting the first public outing for iOS 8. Not that we’d get much of a return on that bet.

So what do we know about iOS 8? Not much, actually. Certainly a lot less than iOS 7 last year, which spilled its guts all over the web in the months leading up to WWDC 2013.

That should be a hint that iOS 8 won’t be the radical step forward that iOS 7 was. Rather, it promises to be a solid iterative update on the design and themes laid out by its predecessor.

The biggest rumour so far (courtesy of a leaked app icon) seems to surround a new default Healthbook app, which would appear to be Apple's attempt at a new health and fitness tracker. And if you’re thinking that might be laying the groundwork for a certain rumoured wearable Apple device later in the year (more on which later), well, we’d be inclined to agree.

Alongside this new Healthbook app, the leak appeared to show iOS versions of the TextEdit and Preview OS X apps. This suggests that Apple is looking at firming up the file-handling capabilities of its mobile OS to better replicate that of its desktop OS.

Elsewhere, we can probably expect to see iOS 8 expanding on the Touch ID system introduced with the iPhone 5S. In particular, we wouldn't be surprised to see Apple finally introduce a new mobile payment system using your fingerprints for authentication.

Another rumour that seems to be doing the rounds is that Apple will spin iTunes Radio off into its own standalone app, forming a distinct service to rival the likes of Spotify.

OS X 10.10

One other thing you can bank on at a new WWDC is a new version of OS X, Apple’s ever-evolving desktop operating system. This year could see the unveiling of OS X 10.10, a name that has cropped up in web analytics.

If that doesn’t sound like a particularly snappy new version name, that in itself should tell you that this is unlikely to be a particularly momentous overhaul. It won’t be OS X 11 (or OS 11), in other words.

Still, that’s not to say that Apple won’t be ringing the changes for Mac users. Some reports have suggested that Apple will bring iOS 7’s bold, flat visual style to the new version of OS X. We doubt that the update will be that dramatic, but a further shift away from Apple’s old skeuomorphic tendencies seems likely after Apple started the ball rolling with Mavericks.

As for precise information on new OS X 10.10 features, well, there isn't any. It’s all speculation at this point, with suggestions such as Siri implementation and an improved Notification Center sounding like good bets without being based on anything concrete.

New Apple TV

Apple once asserted that Apple TV was a mere hobby, but you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s now a priority for the Cupertino company. With the recent launch of the Amazon Fire TV, it’s pretty much imperative that Apple reveals its own living room entertainment plans soon.

Rumour has it that the new Apple TV - which would represent the first major hardware update for two years - will be able to stream content from established media institutions, and may even be fitted with a TV tuner. It could, effectively, have the capabilities of a standard set-top-box, but with Apple’s UI magic sprinkled on top.

Other reports suggest that Apple will enable its new box to act as a games console, just as the Fire TV does.

The question is, will Apple use WWDC to unveil the new Apple TV? It would make sense for one simple reason: developers. Such an ambitious new Apple TV would have to have its own App Store, so the sooner Apple can get developers making content for its new platform the better.

And what better opportunity to launch a new SDK than when you have thousands of talented content creators under one roof, hanging off your every word?

We wouldn't say we're expecting to see the Apple TV at WWDC 2014, but it would certainly make sense for Apple to do so on a number of levels.

New MacBooks

Apple has been known to use its WWDC events to announce new MacBook hardware. In 2012, the company used the event to launch the first MacBook Pro with Retina display.

That’s why we’re always a little hopeful that Apple will release an exciting new laptop at WWDC. But what might a new MacBook look like in 2014?

There’s one outstanding gap in the MacBook line-up, and that’s for a MacBook Air with Retina display. We’ve been waiting for one for years.

Reports and rumours seem to confirm that Apple has such a device in the works. Interestingly, it’s claimed that the new Retina MacBook Air will be neither an 11-inch nor a 13-inch notebook, but rather a 12-inch in-betweener.

As for the full-sized MacBook Pro range, we’re not expecting to see any major updates, as the most recent Retina model was only released in October. But that doesn’t mean that Apple won’t announce a bit of a reshuffle. After all, there's still one remaining non-Retina model that’s propping up the range, which looks a little untidy in this day and age.

What not to expect

You might have noticed a few major omissions from our list of what to expect from WWDC 2014. So let’s deal with those.

First, the obvious one. Don’t expect to see an iPhone 6 announced at WWDC. While the iPhone 4 was announced at just such a June event, the three subsequent Apple smartphone models have had their own special event closer to the end of the year.

Nor should you expect to see a new iPad launched. Again, Apple tends to launch its new tablets towards the end of the year to capitalise on the holiday spending period.

Of course, there are those rumours of a super-sized 12.9-inch 'iPad Pro,' but again, we can’t see that being shoe-horned into a packed June event.

Finally, the big new platform everyone’s waiting for - the iWatch. All credible reports point to a launch some time towards the end of the year for Apple’s smartwatch, so June’s WWDC event may come a little too soon - particularly as iOS 8 (which will likely be optimised for the iWatch) won't have its feature set finalised until nearer its launch later in the year.

Next, read our iOS 7 tips and tricks article

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Football Manager Classic 2014 PS Vita bundle to arrive on April 17

Football Manager Classic 2014 PS Vita bundle

A Football Manager Classic 2014 PS Vita bundle will be made available on April 17, Sports Interactive has confirmed.

Although the actual PS Vita Football Manager Classic 2014 release date is April 11, you will have to wait until April 17 if you want to purchase the official bundle.

“If you like the idea of playing Football Manager on the move, but don’t already have a PS Vita, then today we’re happy to announce that we have teamed with SCEE on a hardware bundle that might just be the thing for you,” said Miles Jacobsen, Sports Interactive Studio Director.

The hardware bundle will offer a black PS Vita Slim with 1GB of internal memory, a 4GB memory card and a voucher for the digital version of Football Manager Classic 2014 via the PSN Store.

If you already play Football Manager Classic, you can continue your existing career on the PS Vita and take it on the road. However, if you’re new to the game you can just start managing your chosen football team within minutes.

There is no information as yet on pricing for the Football Manager Classic 2014 bundle, but seeing as the RRP for the PS Vita Slim is £180, we reckon you’re looking at around £200 for the whole package.

Separately, Football Manager Classic 2014 for PS Vita is £25.

Of course, if you’ve got a PS4 already, there are definite benefits of purchasing a PS Vita, especially the enhanced Remote Play feature.

Read more: Best PS Vita games

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BBC iPlayer catch-up window extended to 30 days

The BBC has announced that the BBC iPlayer catch-up window has been extended to 30 days following approval from the BBC Trust.

Currently, you can only access programmes to stream or download for seven days after they are first broadcast, but this now will be extended to 30 days.

The implementation of the extension will not happen immediately though, thanks to a number of technical and legal hoops to jump through, but the BBC expects the changes to be made in the summer.

“People keep telling us that they want programmes to be available on BBC iPlayer for longer – so extending availability from seven to 30 days will make iPlayer even better,” said the BBC in a statement.

However, this catch-up window extension will come at the cost of the current series stacking option. You will lose the ability to retrospectively download multiple episodes of a TV series, with the BBC instead making individual episodes available for a longer period.

“With an average of 10.7 million programme requests every day, BBC iPlayer is highly valued by audiences and has been a phenomenal success since it launched six years ago,” said Diane Coyle, BBC Trust Vice Chairman. “It is important that iPlayer continues to evolve and meet the expectations of users.”

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of these proposals, including taking independent advice from Ofcom, and concluded that this is a sensible move that will benefit audiences and provide a clearer and more consistent catch-up service.”

In early March, the BBC unveiled a brand new version of the BBC iPlayer across multiple platforms, updating the service for what it calls the “multiscreen world.”

The new interface aims to make it easier to discover new content on iPlayer and offers special home pages for each BBC channel among other new features.



Read more: Best TVs 2014

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom specs leak points to 20.2MP sensor

The S5 Zoom specs have pointed to a 20.2-megapixel camera

With the upcoming handset having yesterday been caught on camera, new reports have seen a range of Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom specs leak, with a 20.2-megapixel sensor tipped for inclusion.

A camera-centric spinoff to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S5, the mooted S5 Zoom will seemingly follow in a similar vein to last year’s Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom offering, with a large camera sensor paired with an integrated optical zoom.

An awkward hybrid device, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom featured a 16-megapixel snapper, with the newly leaked Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom tipped to make the jump to a new 20.2-megapixel sensor.

According to serial Samsung-based tipster SamMobile, the snap-happy handset will pair the 20.2-megapixel (5184 x 3888) camera sensor with a 10x optical zoom and a secondary, 2.1-megapixel camera up front.

Further improving the phone’s imaging capabilities, the handset will also reportedly host optical image stabilisation options, a rear-mounted Xenon Flash, a variety of software-based camera modes and microSD storage expansion for increased picture saving.

Away from the phone’s photographic party-piece, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom, a phone also doing the rounds as the Samsung SM-C115, will run a 4.8-inch display with a slightly disappointing 720p HD display. The flagship S5 hosts a 5.1-inch 1080p Full HD panel.

Further leaked Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom specs include a 6-core Samsung Exynos 5 processor, 2GB of Ram and the now customary collection of Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity options. The phone will reportedly run Google’s Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS, with a Samsung TouchWiz UI overlay.

What's more, according to leaked AnTuTu Benchmark tests, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom will be more powerful than either the standard Samsung Galaxy S4 or the now superseded HTC One.

There is currently no word on when the Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom will be formally unveiled. The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date has been confirmed for next Friday, April 11.

Yesterday the first claimed image of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom appeared online. According to the reports the phone will feature a similarly rounded design to its predecessor with a slightly slimmer profile and flatter camera housing.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S5 vs HTC One M8

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Google Project Ara modular phone shown off in official video

Google's Project Ara, the future of smartphones?

Google has teased new Project Ara details, offering another early look at the upcoming modular phone ahead of this month’s developer event.

While we have only seen snippets of Google’s Project Ara modular phone up until now, so far they have only increased our excitement around the futuristic phone.

Now, the Project Ara team has teased more details about the innovative handset idea, releasing an inside Google video of how the concept is being brought to life.

With Google to hold a Project Ara developer event on April 15 and 16, the search turn technology giant has teased some new information on the futuristic modular phone, revealing the interchangeable elements will be held in place using electropermanent magnets.

“When we created this modular phone and we realised that electropermanent magnets would be able to keep it all together, we realised we wouldn’t have to cover it,” Dan McCloskey, Head of Design for Google’s Advanced Technologies and Projects Group states within the video.

He adds: “We ended up deciding to embrace this block and modular aesthetic, it was part of the phone, let’s not hide it and let’s not put it behind a cover.

“Perhaps the best design statement we could make is that this phone can flow and adapt just as much as our lives flow and adapt.”

Available to watch below, the teasing video has shown the design and engineering process behind the Project Ara handset, showing off how the Mountain View-based company is looking to bring almost limitless update and customisation options to consumers.

What’s more, we get a brief look at the phone’s interface and new insight into how you will soon be able to build and update your smartphone simply by sliding in new hardware components.

Read More: Google Nexus 5 review

Via: Engadget

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Office for iPad downloads top 12 million in a week

Office for iPad downloads have already topped 12 million in the week since they were first launched.

Microsoft officially revealed the brand new Office for iPad app suite in a dedicated press conference on March 27, bringing PowerPoint, Word, OneNote and Excel apps to the iPad for the first time.

Despite calls that Microsoft has left it too late to launch dedicated iPad Office apps, it seems consumers have other ideas.

Microsoft has announced that in just over a week, Office for iPad downloads from the App Store have topped 12 million.

“More than 12 million downloads of Word, Excel, PPT & OneNote for #iPad from the @AppStore <3” came the official Office tweet.

All the Office for iPad apps are free to download and offer the ability to view and present documents for free. However, if you want to create and edit those documents, spreadsheets or presentations you’ll need a Microsoft Office 365 subscription.

For Office 365 Home Premium, you’ll need to pay £79.99 a year or £7.99 per month to get support for up to 5 PCs or Macs with access to all software. This subscription will support Office for iPad as well.

The Office for iPad suite has been “uniquely built for the iPad” and offers a very familiar user interface to that experienced on the desktop version.

Touch handles have been introduced, helping you manipulate items within documents on your iPad.

Unique iPad features include a laser pointer for PowerPoint that lets you make a focus point of items in a slide and annotate them in real-time.



Read more: iPad Air vs iPad 4

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Samsung Ativ Core tipped to be mid-range Windows Phone 8.1 phone

Windows Phone 8.1 on the new Nokia range

The Samsung Ativ Core could be a brand new mid-range Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone from Samsung.

Samsung is apparently working on a new Windows Phone smartphone called the Ativ Core that will run the latest Microsoft mobile OS.

According to Sammobile sources, the Ativ Core will feature a 4.5-inch 720p HD display running on an unknown processor with 1GB of RAM.

The Ativ Core will be powered by a 2,100mAh battery and feature an 8-megapixel rear camera to fit with its mid-range specs.

There’s no indication as to whether the Ativ Core will come to the UK or when it will be released.

Seeing as the Windows Phone 8.1 Nokia Lumia 930, Nokia Lumia 635 and Nokia Lumia 630 will be released around the turn of May, expect the Ativ Core to make an official appearance around the same time.



Windows Phone 8.1 Features

Announced at Microsoft’s Build Developer Conference this week, Windows Phone 8.1 is a rather major update for the mobile OS, bringing some long-awaited features.

Microsoft claims the latest mobile OS update is an “experience that is inspired by people” and will be available “in a few months” for all Windows Phone 8 devices.

One of the heavily anticipated Windows Phone 8.1 features is Action Centre, the first notifications centre. Accessed by swiping from the top of the screen, it comes complete with four customisable quick settings buttons as well as listing all you recent alerts for messages and other content.

Your Windows Phone 8.1 Start Screen can now become a little more personalised, as Microsoft has added the ability to use pictures as the background. These images will be laid underneath the Live Tiles to give it a more personal touch.

Of course, one of the standout features of Windows Phone 8.1 is Cortana, Microsoft’s mobile personal assistant. Powered by Bing, Cortana is equipped with her very own notebook, helping her learn all about your interests, favourites and friends and family network.

Read more: Nokia Lumia 930 vs Lumia 925

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Samsung graphene breakthrough promises truly flexible smartphones soon

Samsung has announced it has had a graphene breakthrough that could accelerate the production of truly flexible smartphones.

Graphene was originally tipped to be the reinvigorating tonic for the electronics industry thanks to it being better than silicon and despite being flexible, actually being stronger than steel.

The carbon allotrope has high heat conductions and had the potential to be the perfect material for thinner components and wearables.

However, all talk of graphene seemed to disappear until Samsung’s latest announcement. The South Korean electronics giant believes it’s solved manufacturing issues relating to creating large, thin sheets of the stuff.

“This is one of the most significant breakthroughs in graphene research in history,” said SAIT Lab leaders. “We expect this discovery to accelerate the commercialisation of graphene, which could unlock the next era of consumer electronic technology.”

Through a partnership with the Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Samsung’s Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) has developed a method of creating large sheet of graphene whilst still maintaining its electric and mechanical properties.

Past tested manufacturing methods have reduced the benefits of graphene, which is the main reason its commercialisation has taken quite so long.

“Graphene has one hundred times greater electron mobility than silicon, the most widely used material in semiconductors today. It is more durable than steel and has high heat conductibility as well as flexibility, which makes it the perfect material for use in flexible displays, wearables and other next generation electronic devices.”

Thanks to SAIT’s manufacturing method breakthroughs, the company believes it has taken the first step to displace the electronic industry’s reliance on silicon.

Read more: LG G Flex review

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Vine adds private video and text messaging

Vine has just added the ability to send direct video and text messages from within its app.

The popular video-sharing app previously only let its users communicate through responses to uploaded videos. According to a recent Vine blog post, however, the company swiftly realised that its users wanted the ability to communicate privately through the service.

Now the Vine app can be used as a full-on instant messaging service in what the Twitter-owned company is calling "Vine’s biggest update yet."

Vine calls this new feature 'Vine messages,' or VM, which is rather obvious. The feature is accessed through a new Messages section within the Vine app, or by tapping the message option in a friend’s profile.

Vine messages (whether video or text) can be sent to multiple people, but each message is a one to one interaction rather than a group affair. Meanwhile, your message inbox is split into two sections - friends and other, depending on whether you know the sender or not. It’s possible to block the latter, if you wish.

The clever part here is that you can send VMs to friends who haven’t signed up to the Vine service. These messages will simply be sent out as SMS or email files.

One other minor addition found in this latest version of the Vine app is the ability to personalise your Vine profile with a choice of colours.

Version 2.0 of the Vine app is available now on the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store.



Read More: Best mobile phones 2014

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Windows Phone 8.1 update available April 14

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8.1 update should be available to download from April 14, according to recent reports.

The new OS was officially unveiled at Microsoft’s Build Conference earlier in the week, but no release date was forthcoming.

Now we’ve learned that users should be able to get their hands on a final version in less than two weeks time. Neowin recently published an engineering email from Microsoft claiming that the company would be releasing the Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview on April 14.

This might sound like an unfinished, exclusive version of the software, but it’s nothing of the sort. Microsoft’s developer preview initiative allows users to bypass the network operators and their often irritatingly sluggish update schedules and go straight to the source.

What’s more, anyone can make use of this developer preview facility, not just developers, though it does involve going through the early stages of signing up to be one.

All you need to do is register as a Windows Phone Developer (which will cost you $19) or sign up for Microsoft’s App Studio scheme (which won’t cost you a penny). Then, download the Preview for Developers app from the Windows Phone Store. You’ll now have access to Microsoft’s developer preview updates.

Windows Phone 8.1 brings some sizeable additions and improvements over Windows Phone 8. The biggest of these has to be Cortana, a voice-activated personal assistant with the combine capabilities of Siri and Google Now.

Then there’s the Action Center, which finally gives Windows Phone its own drop-down notification menu and settings shortcut toggles.

Those who don’t want to go through the process of signing up as a pretend developer, this initial rollout date should at least be an indication that Microsoft has almost finished ironing out those last Windows Phone 8.1 bugs.

Read more: Windows Phone 8 tips and tricks

Via: The Verge

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Sony Xperia Z2 Compact allegedly passes through FCC

Sony Xperia Z2 Compact leak

The Sony Xperia Z2 Compact may have just passed through the FCC with the model number SO-04F.

Although this model is supposedly for the Japanese NTT DoCoMo version of the Sony Xperia Z2 Compact, it could indicate Sony is preparing to launch the device in the coming months.

The Z2 Compact would be the updated version of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact launched as the mid-range yet powerful alternative to the Sony Xperia Z1.

Sony has already launched the Sony Xperia Z2 this year, so it wouldn’t be out of the question for a Z2 Compact to arrive shortly behind it.

Adding fuel to the Sony Xperia Z2 Compact rumours is that model number. The Xperia Z1 was the SO-01F, Z1 Compact SO-02F, so it would be logical to assume the Z2 and Z2 Compact take the SO-03F and SO-04F model numbers respectively.

According to the FCC listing, the Z2 Compact measures up a 127.6 x 65.5mm, making it just a touch larger in both directions than the Z1 Compact.

Leaked photographs of the Z2 Compact’s rear panel match the diagrams provided by the FCC, and feature the same component positioning as the Z1 Compact.

We expect the Z2 Compact to follow in the footsteps of the Z1 Compact and feature near identical specs to the Z2 flagship.

If the dimensions are to be believed, there should be a 0.2-inch screen bump, making the Z2 Compact pack a 4.5-inch screen compared to the 4.3-inch Z1 Compact.

There’s no information as to when the Z2 Compact will officially launch, but we’ll keep you posted.

The Xperia Z2 release date has been set for April 10, but it looks like you might not be able to get one on that day due to stock issues.

Read more: Sony Xperia Z2 vs Samsung Galaxy S5

Via: Xperiablog.net

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom picture leaked

The first alleged picture of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom has been leaked online.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 itself isn’t available to purchase yet, but that doesn’t stop the rumour mill from turning.

It seems Samsung’s second attempt at a camera-centric version of its flagship comes with a much slimmer and more subtle design than the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom.

From the image you can see that the S5 Zoom is a lot thinner than the S4 iteration and the camera does not protrude so much from the rear of the device.

This is in line with previous leaks suggesting the lens would be “much better hidden in the casing” of the S5 Zoom.

From the engravings in the lens, you can see that the S5 Zoom will feature 10x optical zoom and should come with a Xenon flash just like its predecessor.

The sensor has apparently made the jump from 16-megapixel to 19-megapixels between the S4 Zoom and S5 Zoom though.

It also looks like Samsung has equipped the S5 Zoom with the same faux leather back as devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

In terms of specs, the S5 Zoom is expected to come with a 1.6GHz quad-core CPU and 2GB of RAM.

That 19-megapixel rear snapper is also rumoured to be paired with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and 1080p full HD video recording.

It is tipped to feature a 4.8-inch display with 720p HD resolution and run the latest Android 4.2.2 KitKat OS with the new Samsung Touchwiq UI over the top.

Of course, we can’t tell much in terms of dimensions from this picture alone and it comes from a source that we’ve never even heard of before.

However, it looks like it could be a potential Samsung product, so watch this space for any more updates.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S4

Via: KZoom

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EU Parliament votes to ban roaming charges

The EU Parliament has voted to ban European roaming charges by Christmas 2015.

By the close of 2015, you’ll be able to use your mobile device to make calls, send messages and browse the internet for the same price as you do at home in the UK.

The European Parliament has voted to end roaming charges as part of wider telecoms reforms, including a proposed regulation for “Connected Continent”.

Today’s vote saw the legislation win by 534 votes to 25 in an overwhelming majority. It still requires final approval from the EU governments, but is due to take effect from December 15 2015.

“This vote is the EU delivering for citizens. This is what the EU is all about – getting rid of barriers to make life easier and less expensive”, said Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President.

“Nearly all of us depend on mobile and internet connections as part of our daily lives. We should know what we are buying, we should not be ripped off, and we should have the opportunity to change our mind. Companies should have the chance to serve all of us, and this regulation makes it easier for them to do that. It’s win-win.”

A survey carried out in February by the European Commission revealed that 94 per cent of Europeans limit their web use because of the staggering roaming charges.

In 2013, the EU legislated to lower the costs of European roaming charges, forcing operators to lower their fees.

The internet data costs when roaming were capped to 45 cents (39p) per MB, down from the original 70 cents (60p) per MB in 2012.

"In 2010 I promised to end roaming charges by the end of 2015, and now we are one step away from achieving that result,” added Kroes. “Beyond the highly visible barrier of roaming we are now close to removing many other barriers so Europeans can enjoy open, seamless communications wherever they are".

Read more: Best mobile phones 2014

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Nokia Lumia 930 vs Lumia 925

Which is the best Lumia?

A little less than a year after the launch of the Nokia Lumia 925, Nokia has unveiled a new flagship smartphone in the Nokia Lumia 930. Not only does it carry the hopes of its manufacturer, it’s also the device meant to show off Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 8.1 OS to its full potential.

But is the Nokia Lumia 930 really that much of a step up from the Nokia Lumia 925? Let’s take a look.

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 — Design

Nokia Lumia 930 - 9.8mm thick, Polycarbonate and aluminium,167g

Nokia Lumia 925 - 8.5mm thick, Aluminium and polycarbonate, 139g

In answer to our intro question, you could say that there’s a big difference between the Lumia 930 and the Lumia 925 - quite literally.

The Nokia Lumia 930 is almost a millimetre and a half thicker than the Nokia Lumia 925 (quite a lot in smartphone terms), and is almost 30 grams heavier.

Both phones are made up of aluminium and polycarbonate (posh plastic), but in different proportions. The Nokia Lumia 930 has metal sides, but they're less obvious than those of the Lumia 925.

The design really is quite different. We actually think that the Nokia Lumia 925 is more attractive, and certainly more unique. The Nokia Lumia 930 can look rather like a bloated iPhone from certain angles, while the Lumia 925 is unmistakably of Finnish origin.

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 — Screen

Nokia Lumia 930 - 5-inch 1920 x 1080 AMOLED (441ppi)

Nokia Lumia 925 - 4.5-inch 1280 x 768 AMOLED (332ppi)

One of the reasons the Nokia Lumia 930 is bigger than the Nokia Lumia 925, of course, is because it has a larger display. Whereas the older phone employs a 4.5-inch screen, the new Nokia features a de rigueur 5-inch display.

Both phone displays use AMOLED panel technology, which means you get excellent contrast, deep blacks, and colours that truly pop. Nokia’s OLED displays tend to be better calibrated and more responsive than others, so you’re unlikely to have much of a complaint with either.

Despite being larger, the Nokia Lumia 930 doesn’t suffer for sharpness when compared to the more compact Nokia Lumia 925. In fact, the larger display is significantly sharper.

With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the Nokia Lumia 930’s display produces 441 pixels per inch. The Nokia Lumia 925’s 1280 x 768 screen is only e 332ppi - a sizeable difference. It means that the vast majority of tasks, particularly when it comes to consuming media and browsing the web, will be better on the new phone.

Of course, whether you find the Nokia Lumia 930’s 5-inch display as easy to manipulate when it comes to the nitty gritty of calling and messaging on the go is another matter entirely.

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 — Camera

Nokia Lumia 930 - 20MP, 1/2.5-inch sensor, f/2.4, OIS, dual-LED flash,

Nokia Lumia 925 - 8.7MP, 1/3-inch sensor, f/2.0, OIS, dual-LED flash

Nokia puts more effort into its camera technology than any other smartphone maker, so it’s always one of the most interesting areas of comparison when a new model comes along.

The Nokia Lumia 930 seems to employ the same 20-megapixel PureView camera as was found in the Nokia Lumia 1520 when it launched towards the end of last year. Evidently this is the next generation on from the 8.7-megapixel camera tech debuted in the Nokia Lumia 920 and carried through (in enhanced form) to the Nokia Lumia 925.

It’s not just about megapixel count, which in both cases are used in a patented oversampling technique to produce cleaner 5-megapixel pictures anyway. The Nokia Lumia 930’s camera sports a larger 1/2.5-inch image sensor, which can pull in more light than the Nokia Lumia 925’s 1/3-inch sensor.

Conversely, the Nokia Lumia 925 sports a brighter f/2.0 aperture lens compared to the newer Nokia’s f/2.4 equivalent.

Both feature Nokia’s class-leading optical image stabilisation technology, which makes Nokia’s high-end phones pretty much the best around for taking low-light shots.



The Lumia 925 camera housing is much bigger than the Lumia 930's

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 — Software

Nokia Lumia 930 - Windows Phone 8.1

Nokia Lumia 925 - Windows Phone 8

Having just been announced, Windows Phone 8.1 will soon be coming to all Windows Phone 8 devices as a free update, including the Nokia Lumia 925.

For now, though, the Nokia Lumia 930 is the only one with all the benefits of Microsoft’s latest mobile OS.

Those benefits include Cortana, a new voice-activated personal assistant that promises to combine the best bits of Siri and Google Now, and an all-new drop-down notification centre (at last).

Elsewhere you get small but notable tweaks like extensive Windows 8.1 syncing, a Swype-like keyboard input option, and a snazzy new home screen wallpaper effect.

It's a clear win for the Nokia Lumia 930, then, but a short-lived one.

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 — Power/CPU

Nokia Lumia 930 - 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB RAM

Nokia Lumia 925 - 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus CPU, 1GB RAM

The Nokia Lumia 925 was perhaps the last top-end Nokia phone to operate in the Windows Phone spec bubble, which saw successive devices lagging well behind their Android competitors (on paper at least).

Of course, Windows Phone is a very streamlined OS that didn’t need masses of power to run smoothly, but there was always the problem of perception. To the partially informed, it seemed as if Android was a much more advanced platform based on the raw power of its handsets.

The Nokia Lumia 930 operates in the same performance bracket as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8, with comparable internal hardware. Which is to say that it’s a lot more powerful thank the Nokia Lumia 925.

The 930 runs on a newer Snapdragon CPU (the 800 as opposed to the 925’s S4 Plus) with double the number of cores (four), which have been clocked 700MHz faster. The Nokia Lumia 930 also has double the RAM of the Lumia 925 at 2GB.

With Windows Phone 8.1 supporting Qualcomm’s latest entry-level processors, it’s arguable that this is spec overload. But we all like a little extra juice in the tank, right?

Nokia Lumia 930 vs Nokia Lumia 925 —Battery

Nokia Lumia 930 - 2,420mAh, 432 hours stand-by, 15hrs 30min 3G talk time

Nokia Lumia 925 - 2,000mAh, 440 hours stand-by, 12hrs 40min 3G talk time

Here’s another reason the Nokia Lumia 930 is so much bulkier than the Nokia Lumia 925 - its battery is 20 per cent bigger.

That’s necessary, of course, because of the aforementioned spec hike. The larger and sharper the smartphone display, the more power is required to run it, and the same principle applies to the Nokia Lumia 930’s punchy Snapdragon 800 processor.

Despite the increase in battery size, Nokia’s estimated stand-by times for the two phones suggest that the Nokia Lumia 925 has a little more stamina in this regard. The talk time figures, however, show a major swing in the other direction, with the more powerful phone lasting an estimated three hours longer.

We found battery life in the Nokia Lumia 925 to be fairly unremarkable in our review, but it will be interesting to see what effect Windows Phone 8.1 has with its various optimisations, new power-sapping features, and improved Battery Power Sense monitoring tool.

Next, read our Lumia 930 preview

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Nokia Lumia 630 vs Lumia 620: What's new?

Nokia Lumia 630 vs Lumia 620

Amidst the announcements of Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 8.1 and the flagship Nokia Lumia 930, Microsoft also unveiled the Nokia Lumia 630 as one of its latest budget smartphone offerings.

Successor to the impressive Nokia Lumia 620, the 630 has the potential to be as good if not better than the Lumia 620. Is it enough to make the upgrade? We take a look at the biggest differences and new features to help make that decision an easier one.

Difference #1: It runs on Windows Phone 8.1

The Nokia Lumia 630, tipped to launch in May, will be one of the first handsets to run on Windows Phone 8.1 straight out of the box. The Lumia 620, which currently runs on Windows Phone 8 will receive the latest software update but it won't be rolling out as an over the air update until the summer. That means prospective buyers can enjoy new features like the Cortana voice assistant, Swype-like Word Flow keyboard to help type out texts faster, Action Center to see all your notifications at a glance and a new battery power saving mode.

Difference #2: Bigger screen

Smartphone displays are getting bigger and it's not just on high-end handsets like the Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8. The Lumia 630 features a 4.5-inch screen, which is up from the 3.8-inch display on the 620, putting it in the same bracket as the Motorola Moto G. Disappointingly, it has roughly the same 480 x 854 resolution, although it does take advantage of Nokia's ClearBlack LCD display technology that aims to generate deeper blacks, higher contrast and better viewing angles by using filters to reduce the amount of ambient light that the screen reflects.

Difference #3: More power

The Lumia 620 packs a dual-core 1GHZ Snapdragon S4 processor, which doesn't sound very cutting-edge but is still enough to run Windows Phone smoothly. The 630 ramps things up, though, moving to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz. It’s still has the same 512MB of RAM on board and Adreno 305 GPU so you can expect a similar gaming and multitasking performance. The other good news is that the additional microSD card storage is up from 64GB to 128GB if you want spend a little more on extra space.

Difference #4: Bigger battery

One of the biggest disappointments with the Lumia 620 is the 1,300 mAh battery, which struggled to make it through an entire day without needing to recharge it. Nokia has tried to address the issue by including a bigger 1,830 mAh battery to help improve the staying power. The 630 has a larger screen, though, so that doesn't necessarily mean it'll be a huge improvement. We'll have to wait and see on this one.

Difference #5: It’s going to get you fitter

Like the M7 co-processor inside the iPhone 5S and the dedicated Motion Launch processor packed into the HTC One M8, the Lumia 630 introduces a ‘SensorCore’ low-power motion processor. Working in conjunction with Bing Health and Fitness, the SensorCore can help track motion and location without significantly draining the battery.

What’s the same?

It's still going to be available in a variety of bright, colourful matte or gloss covers that will be interchangeable. Connectivity-wise it still supports Bluetooth 4.0 with Wi-Fi on board and GPS to take advantage of Nokia Maps and Drive. For photos, Nokia is sticking with a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus so you should expect acceptable image quality but with the usual struggles when a serious shutter lag and focusing speed is missing in action.

There's no details on UK pricing but the 3G-only 620 will be available in a single-SIM model priced at $159 (£95) and a dual-SIM version for $169, which is roughly £102. The Nokia Lumia 620 cost £150 at launch and we are not expecting a huge price shift when the Lumia 630 lands on these shores.

Next, read our first impressions of the new flagship Windows phone, the Nokia Lumia 930

Both will be available in three colours (bright green, orange or yellow) with interchangeable shells and either a matte or gloss finish.

Read more at http://ift.tt/1ouj4oN

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Apple WWDC 14 confirmed for June 2 – 6

Apple has confirmed that its annual WWDC conference will take place the week commencing June 2.

The iPhone 5S and iPad Air manufacturer has revealed that its annual WWDC conference will run from June 2 – 6 this year, focusing on the new updates for the iOS and OS operating platforms.

It will take place at the San Francisco Moscone West convention centre and outline the future of Apple’s OS duo.

“We have the most amazing developer community in the world and have a great week planned for them,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior VP of Worldwide Marketing. “Every year the WWDC audience becomes more diverse, with developers from almost every discipline you can imagine and coming from every corner of the globe. We look forward to sharing with them our latest advances in iOS and OS X so they can create the next generation of great apps.”

WWDC will be attended by 1000 Apple engineers and 5000 developers, with Apple claiming “life will be different as a result.

“Over the past six years, a massive cultural shift has occurred. It’s changed how we interact with one another. Learn new things. Entertain ourselves. Do our work. And live our daily lives. All because of developers and the apps they create”, reads the WWDC 14 site.

At last year’s WWDC, Apple revealed the redesigned iOS 7 and the Mac OS X Mavericks update.

This year, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 8 for iPad and iPhone devices. It is tipped to be strongly fitness and health focused with a brand new Healthbook app making the most of the iPhone 5S’ new motion-tracking M7 chip.

The Healthbook app will be able to monitor and store your fitness data like calories burnt, steps taken and miles taken, just like wrist-worn fitness trackers currently on the market (Nike Fuelband or Jawbone UP24 for example).

There’s not much information as to what new features the OS X Mavericks update could bring as yet, but we’ll keep you posted.

Read more: iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5C

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Nokia Lumia Cyan brings Windows Phone 8.1 this summer

The Nokia Lumia Cyan update will bring Windows Phone 8.1 and a range of new features to Nokia Lumia devices this summer.

Nokia has revealed all the new features anyone with a Windows Phone 8 Lumia can expect to receive in the update released later this year.

“Starting this summer, any Lumia device currently running Windows Phone 8 will receive an over-the-air update, receiving these great new features”, read the Nokia statement.

The Lumia Cyan update will bring Windows Phone 8.1 and all its specific features to the Lumia device owners.

This includes the Action Centre notifications hub, which will allow you to keep track of all your incoming alerts and also features four customisable quick settings buttons.

Accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen, the Action Centre can be accessed while your phone is locked.

Similar to the Google Keyboard offered on Android devices, Windows Phone 8.1 introduces the Word Flow keyboard with gesture typing.

With Windows Phone 8.1 you can now have an extra column of Live Tiles, giving you better access to your favourite apps. The Start Screen can also be further customised by displaying your own pictures behind the Live Tiles.

Of course, arguably the biggest feature of Windows Phone 8.1 is Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-controlled personal assistant. Nokia does state that Cortana will initially only be available in the US, and will come to the UK at a later stage.

The Lumia specific parts of the Cyan update include a renewed Camera Roll giving you access to your images, editing tools and share options from within the Nokia Camera app.

Five new filters have also been added to the Creative Studio app, which can also be accessed directly from the Camera Roll. There’s a new slideshow feature in Nokia Storyteller too, letting you share your creations on social media outlets.

If you own the Nokia Lumia 1520 or fancy the Nokia Lumia 930, you’ll be able to combine Dolby Surround Sound Capturing and Nokia Rich Recording to better portray audio in your captured video.

These two Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones will also be able to project content to compatible devices using Miracast following the Lumia Cyan update.



Read more: Nokia Lumia 1020 vs Lumia 925 vs Lumia 920

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Apple patents pressure sensitive touchscreen technology

Apple has filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office outlining its pressure sensitive touchscreen technology.

Potentially technology that could be used in future iPad Air or iPad Mini Retina iterations, Apple’s press sensitive touchscreens use infrared light to discern the force you apply with your finger.

The patent outlines that the touchscreen panels would use a combination of capacitive touch and infrared light sensing to convey force applied to it without the need for additional hardware.

This technology could potentially open up new gesture controls for interacting and navigating your iOS device.

In one particular example within Apple’s patent, the technology uses IR transmitters embedded beneath the bezels of the device that emit light to entirely cover the glass.

That emitted light would travel within the glass of the display and internally reflect when it hits your finger.

The light would then hit a receiver that could calculate the amount of internal reflection, depending on how substantially you press the glass.

Apple also outlines a number of other ways pressure sensitive technology could be used, including uses OLED layers to output a “fourth colour” in an infrared wavelength to discern pressure.

Currently, iOS devices like the iPhone 5S use capacitive touch input components for tracking the position of multiple fingers on the display.

Apple doesn’t actually mention whether it would implement this technology in future iPad or iPhone devices, but it could be used to open new levels of interactions.

You can already use “touch and hold” gestures, as well as multi-finger gestures to interact with your iOS devices, but with force-sensing elements these could be further enhanced.



Read more: iPad Air vs iPad 4

Apple pressure sensitive technology patent diagrams

Via: AppleInsider

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Amazon remains coy on Fire TV UK release plans

Amazon Fire TV might not hit the UK for a while

Despite having gone on sale in the US immediate after yesterday’s formal unveiling, Amazon has failed to offer any details on when, or indeed if, an Amazon Fire TV UK release date will be held.

With the heavily rumoured set-top box turn makeshift console having been unveiled last night, the online giant has remained coy on plans to bring the Apple TV and Google Chromecast rival to markets outside of the US.

"Fire TV is not available outside the US at this time and we're not able to speculate on future plans," an official Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to the press.

Casting doubts over the potential for an Amazon Fire TV UK release date anytime in the near future, it is expected that, like with the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet line, the set-top box will receive a period of exclusivity in the US, with sales performances helping dictate plans for a wider rollout.

A compact, internet-connected set-top box with a range of innovative features, the Amazon Fire TV’s primary purpose is to bring the likes of Amazon Prime Instant Video, Hulu and Netflix streaming service to your TV.

Coming with a bundled remote control – one which boasts an integrated mic for voice command capabilities – the $99 (£59.62) Fire TV can be paired with an additional $40 (£24.09) Amazon gaming controller to utilise the box’s gaming abilities.

“This thing is tiny, it’s incredibly powerful and it’s unbelievably simple,” Amazon’s Vice President Peter Larson said in unveiling the device yesterday.

Further Amazon Fire TV specs include a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM and inbuilt HDMI, Optical audio and USB ports.

Read More: Amazon Fire TV vs Apple TV

Via: CVG

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