Nokia Asha range expanded as three new budget phones are unveiled

Nokia has expanded its range of Asha branded feature phones, with the Nokia Asha 502, 503 and 500 officially unveiled at Nokia World in Abu Dhabi.

Although far from the most exciting product announcements of the day, the new Nokia Asha series continues the Finnish phone manufacturer’s push into affordable phones and see a new clear plastic clad design ethos introduced from the company.

“I would like to introduce to you the next three members of the Nokia Asha family,” Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said in unveiling the new Asha handsets. He added: “We are introducing an all new design and a better camera to the Asha range.

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Xbox One Release Date: November 22 launch now one month away

The Xbox One release date is now just one month away, with Microsoft’s next-gen console and PS4 rival set to hit retailers on November 22.

With just one month to go until the official Xbox One release date, the console looks set to be in short supply at launch, with manufacturer Microsoft having recently stated that all day-one Xbox One pre-orders of the next-gen console have sold out.

The Xbox One release date will precede the UK PS4 release date by a full week, although Sony’s next-gen gamer will hit US retailers seven days prior to its bitter rival.

"November 22 is a special day in Xbox history,” Yusuf Mehdi, Vice President of Xbox Marketing said in making the Xbox One release date announcement last month. “On this day, we first launched Xbox 360 in 2005. Our next chapter begins in 79 days, when Xbox One becomes available."

The Xbox One release date will see the eagerly awaited console launch simultaneously in 13 global markets on the 22nd. Launch territories for the console include Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and Spain. The US and UK are also included.

Although the Xbox One release date will precede that of the PS4, it will be more expensive. The Xbox One price was set earlier this year as £429, some £80 more expensive than the PS4 price tag.

With Day One console pre-orders having already sold out, Mehdi has confirmed that Microsoft will make more available giving eager gamers an extra chance.

"We are humbled and gratified by the tremendous interest in Xbox One from game fans everywhere,” he said. “We sold out of our pre-order supply faster than at any other time in our history and we are on path to have the biggest launch of an Xbox ever. We look forward to celebrating with millions and millions of gamers this holiday.

"As a result of this incredible consumer demand and the development progress on Xbox One, I am thrilled to share that today we are making available a limited number of additional Xbox One Day One consoles for pre-order. We have coordinated with our retail partners to make it easy for you to reserve your Xbox One today."

Read More: Xbox One pre-orders

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iPad 5 to offer a keyboard case, just like Microsoft Surface's Touch Cover?

Historically, one of the things preventing the iPad becoming the true "post PC" device touted by Apple, is the need for users turned off by touchscreen typing within productivity apps to carry a separate keyboard.

That could all be about to change during Apple's launch event in California tomorrow, according to reports speculating that a new keyboard-packing Smart Cover will be unveiled alongside the new slates.

British-based tech blogger and former Apple staffer Jamie Ryan said he has spoken with former colleagues who informed him a thin-and-light keyboard cover has been prototyped for the full-size 9.7-inch iPad models.

Ryan said a few different designs had been built, but was unsure whether the process was "far enough along" for an introduction during tomorrow's eagerly anticipated launch, where an iPad 5 as well as an iPad mini 2 are likely to break cover.

According to Ryan's best guesses, if the cases do make it into tomorrow's presentation, they'll be targeted at 'pro' users whose iPads are mainly deployed for work related tasks, rather than those using their devices for entertainment and consumption purposes.

If the keyboard case does arrive, it'll likely to connect to the device via Bluetooth 4.0, rather than docking at the foot of the device, according to Ryan.

Obviously, however, this isn't a new concept. Microsoft's Touch Cover or Type Cover for its Surface tables offer a remarkably thin keyboard that doesn't require extra space within the man-bag and still offers ample protection for the device's touch-screen.

With Windows 8 and the Touch Cover, Microsoft is able to truly lay claim to the post-PC title that Apple and its iPad, at present, cannot. For pro-users, Microsoft's device also has the advantage of being able to run desktop-style productivity apps like Photoshop, Office and more.

Will Apple take a little inspiration from Microsoft tomorrow, in order to improve the experience for those seeking to be more productive with their device? We have less than 24-hours until we find out.

Via Gizmodo

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BBM for Android and iOS arriving today, but some users will need to wait

BlackBerry will finally begin the process of rolling out its BBM messaging platform for iOS and Android on Monday, but those who haven't already signed up for information will have to wait their turn before jumping aboard.

The Waterloo-based firm says those who've requested invites will get first dibs on the long-awaited messaging platform, while those registering today will be afforded access at a later date.

The company withdrew the app last month after an unfinished build leaked onto Android, with a million users installing and another million side loading on to iPhone.

This led to a host of problems with an unforeseen burden on services and as a result, the beleaguered Canadian giant decided to place BBM back into its box until the situation could be brought under control, inflicting more damage on its already diminishing reputation.

That mishap is probably the reason BlackBerry is opting for a staged roll-out this time. It'll work as thus: Users will soon be able to download the app from BBM.com in their iPhone or Android browser, or once it hits the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, they can enter their email address to "hold a spot in line."

Blackberry will then email users once they reach the front of the queue and will be able to start using BBM for real.

None of this will apply to those who "took the time" to register their interest in BBM. BlackBerry said "the millions" who did can jump on board straight away and start messaging until their hearts are content.

"If you didn’t sign up in advance, don’t worry – we are focused on moving millions of customers through the line as fast as possible," said the company on its official blog.

Have you been able to jump on board with BBM on your Apple or Google smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Nokia World tweet teases trio of new announcements

Nokia has released a special image ahead of its Nokia World event tomorrow, teasing a trio of new announcements.

The official @nokia_uk Twitter feed has posted a rather intriguing picture ahead of the Nokia World event, showcasing three different sized suitcases packed for the Abu Dhabi event.

With the Nokia Lumia 1520 6-inch smartphone strongly tipped to make an official appearance tomorrow and a heavily rumoured Nokia Lumia 2520 Windows 8 tablet potentially on the cards, the most interesting is the smallest suitcase.

Nokia’s image bears the caption: “We’re all packed and ready for Nokia World!”, while the @nokia_uk tweet reads: “Small, big, bigger ;) #NokiaWorld”.

We expect that the Lumia 1520 is represented by the big yellow suitcase, whilst the bigger and slimmer black suitcase is indicative of the Lumia 2520 tablet.

Whatever is in the smallest grey suitcase must be pretty precious though as it is the only one handcuffed to the mysterious traveller.

Some suggest that the “small” device launching at tomorrow’s event will be a possible Nokia Lumia 525 entry-level handset, but there haven’t been any rumours to support that.

It could be the Nokia Guru MP3 player and iPod shuffle rival teased earlier this week, but we doubt that would need such a secure suitcase.

We’re not entirely convinced that it wouldn’t be the purported Nokia Facet smartwatch that was patented and prototyped last week either.

Small suitcase contents aside, the Nokia Lumia 1520 is expected to launch with a full 1080p HD resolution 6-inch display running Windows Phone 8. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and offer a 20-megapixel PureView camera in the rear.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is expected to have a 10.1-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080p full HD resolution. It is also tipped to have a Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM and run Windows 8 RT.

TrustedReviews will be in Abu Dhabi tomorrow to bring you the news of what those pesky suitcases contain.



Next, read our pick of the best smartphones of 2013.

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New Apple TV reportedly hit by delays, may miss tomorrow’s event

Apple is reportedly experiencing delays with its next-generation Apple TV set top box, which may cause it to miss tomorrow’s event entirely.

Although we may hear of a software or minor spec bump for the Apple TV at tomorrow’s event, it seems the new revamped control system option isn’t ready yet.

TechCrunch columinist MG Siegler wrote a blog post outlining the delays for the truly next-generation Apple TV, saying the new hardware will probably not feature at tomorrow’s event.

“Well, now I feel the need to pour a little – just a little, mind you – cold water on the rumour fire,” said Siegler on his blog. “While I still haven’t heard anything concrete, the most recent whispers I have head is that the Apple TV project has been delayed a bit.”

The next-generation Apple TV should offer a new type of control scheme when it launches, but that seemingly won’t be for a little while yet.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t see an Apple TV update at the event – we could see an updated unit with a spec bump or something. But the thing to be more excited about, the device with some sort of new-fangled control system, doesn’t seem like it’s ready just yet.”

Late last week, the French and German arms of online retailer Amazon hinted that the updated Apple TV will launch on October 23, with both sites listing the existing model as out of stock.

However, this will not be the next-generation unit that Siegler is talking about.

“It’s hard to imagine Apple holding a third event following the iPhone one in September and the iPad event next week,” he added. “But who knows? Not me, this time.”

The special iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 launch event is happening tomorrow, October 22, from 6pm BST. We only have 24 hours to wait to see if any Apple TVs make an appearance.

Next, read our pick of the best TVs of 2013.

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Nokia Guru leaked as NFC-enabled iPod shuffle rival

The Nokia Guru looks pretty similar to the iPod shuffle...

Nokia could be launching its own iPod shuffle rival in the Nokia Guru, complete with NFC compatibility.

The first press image of the Nokia Guru has leaked online via notorious tipster @evleaks, who leaked the initial details of the rumoured Nokia MP3 player.

Although details on the Nokia Guru are rather scarce, it has been suggested that it will be an MP3 player equipped with NFC functionality to connect it to a smartphone or tablet.

Like the iPod shuffle, the Nokia Guru lacks any kind of display and seemingly has just a play button on its largest face. There is a volume rocker on the side of the device, and we hope there’s some track skipping buttons there too.

If the Nokia Guru does have NFC connectivity, it could be that the music player uses the smartphone or tablet display as its own. Users may also be able to transfer music via an NFC connected device as well as remotely control the Nokia Guru.

The leaked press image of the Nokia Guru shows the device in a rather baby blue-esque hue, but we expect it will also be available in a range of other vibrant hues like the Nokia Lumia smartphones.

We’re not sure how much the Nokia Guru will appeal to consumers, but to have any success it will have to beat or match the £40 price tag of the iPod shuffle.

Nokia may well officially unveil the MP3 player at its Nokia World event in Abu Dhabi tomorrow alongside the heavily rumoured Nokia Lumia 1520.

The Lumia 1520 is expected to launch with a Full 1080p HD 6-inch display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, if today’s leaked specs are anything to go by.

It should also have a 20-megapixel PureView camera in the rear and run Windows Phone 8 Update 3.

Next, read our pick of the best portable speakers of 2013.

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