Mystery LG smartphone has a camera embedded into its display

A mystery LG phone with a camera embedded into its screen has leaked online.

Twitter tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer has obtained photographs of the unannounced handset, revealing a textured back and a dual-tone flash on the rear.

Interestingly, the device is branded with a 'V', suggesting that it will not belong to the same family as LG's flagship G series.

Previous reports suggest that LG is working on another high-end handset for 2015, a phone that could sit above its current range-topper the LG G4.

Although the V phone could be that very device, there's also a possibility that we are looking at another variant of the G4.

The leak does not shed any light on the phone's internal specs or suggest when LG is planning to unveil it.

Source: Mystery LG smartphone has a camera embedded into its display

IFA 2015: Five smart features of the Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone line-up

At the IFA 2015 yesterday (2 September 2015), Sony let fly with a trio of new Xperia smartphones. The successors to its popular Xperia Z3 and Z3+ flagship handsets were revealed at the Berlin event as the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact and the intriguing Xperia Z5 Premium. While Sony has stuck with its classic Xperia design, the Z5 range does introduce some new features above and beyond the minor iterations for which the Japanese manufacturer has been criticised the past.

With that in mind, here are the five standout features that we particularly liked about Sony's new Z5 line-up.

New camera module

Sony has revamped the 20.3-megapixel camera used in previous generations of the Xperia range, replacing it with an all-new 23-megapixel Exmor RS sensor featuring a fast F2.0 lens. While the camera megapixel count has grown, it is the substantially reduced autofocus time that is the real headline here. At 0.03 seconds the time-to-focus is the fastest of any smartphone currently available and around 10 times faster than the blink of a human eye.

The Sony Xperia Z5 range features a new 23MP camera(Sony Mobile)

Combined with a 5x Clear Image Zoom and a boost to its low-light sensitivity, Sony's Z5 range promises super-sharp, high-resolution snaps even with a rapidly moving subject.

Ultra HD display

With the Premium model of the Xperia Z5, Sony has eclipsed competitors to become the first manufacturer to release a 4K smartphone display. Just take a moment to digest that: the Full HD television in your lounge displays a little more than 2 million pixels and, at just shy of 40 inches on average, probably obscures a significant area of your wall. The Xperia Z5 Premium, on the other hand, has a 4K – or Ultra HD – display with four times the pixel count of your TV, yet somehow manages to cram the resulting 8.3 million pixels into a 5.5-inch display that you can fit into your front pocket. The result is a frankly ludicrous dot density of 806 pixels per inch – twice that of the similarly sized iPhone 6 plus.

Whether or not this pixel boost is at all perceivable is subject to much debate right now. Nevertheless, Sony has become the first smartphone manufacturer with a device that can shoot, share and display 4K footage – an important milestone as it looks to feed into its 4K television and professional camera ecosystem.

200GB expansion card support

Flash storage vendor SanDisk was the first to bring a 200GB microSD card to the market earlier this year. Its 90MB per second transfer speed isn't blazingly fast, but with 4K video consuming up to 2GB per minute, capacity is king. The Xperia Z5 smartphones aren't the first to support super-sized expansion cards, but given their 4K credentials, they make the best case so far for investing in them.

Biometric power button

Fingerprints, the long-time bane of the glossy-bodied Xperia range, are welcome on new Z5 thanks to the introduction of a fingerprint sensor. While biometric scanners are increasingly common in other handsets Sony has a taken different angle, choosing to integrate its scanner with the power button on the side.

The Sony Xperia Z5 range includes a fingerprint scanner on its power button(Sony Mobile)

Expect unlocking your phone and the use of Android Pay for goods to become more secure and much simpler in the future.

Battery boost

Your smartphone battery is your best friend and your bitterest enemy. Treated with care and given regular attention, it will look after you throughout the day; neglected and abused, it will run out on you just when you need it most. Sony's Xperia phones have been better than some when it comes to conserving battery life, and despite the batteries remaining embedded, the Z5 range does its best to keep up by promising up to two days of battery life.

The Z5 Premium is backed by a pretty substantial 3,430mAh battery, although its pixel-packed display might prove to be something of a power drain. The Z5 and Z5 Compact include 2,900mAh and 2,700mAh power units respectively. All feature fast charging, giving up to 5.5 hours of power from a 10-minute charge, and Ultra STAMINA modes which eke out even more uptime in exchange for fewer features.

Source: IFA 2015: Five smart features of the Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone line-up

How to Get Rid of Your Old Smartphone

Depending on the condition, age and demand for your old smartphone it may be worth a few hundred bucks still (iPhones in general retain value pretty well), even if it has minimal damage. Dead, severely damaged or especially underpowered devices, not so much, but, amazingly, you still may be able to get some return as a trade-in device or for store credit. But before you entomb your old iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S4 in bubble wrap and ship it off to parts (and recipients) unknown, you'll want to remove any trace of your personal info. This is to prevent identity thieves from getting their hands on your photos, passwords or personal secrets.

MORE: Best Cheap Unlocked Smartphones

We'll show you how to clean up and dispatch your old phones and offer a brief breakdown of options for uncovering the best buyer.

Clean It

Before you part ways with any device that has accessed your data, you need to purge it. That means a serious sterilization, not just hitting up all your old messages and photos and punching edit/select/delete. So crucial is this step that Apple and Google, in their good wisdom, have made the process (mostly) simple.

Here's how to go free and clean:

Android

Android devices can be securely wiped, but there's a crucial twist to the process: The seemingly obvious method — choosing Factory Reset in Settings — doesn't actually erase your data, and only makes it harder to access (whoops!). To actually wipe an Android device, you have to first enable encryption of all data on it, and once that has finished (it can take a while) then do a factory reset. Also, because many Android smartphones have both SIM and microSD memory slots, be sure to remove both of those items and either keep them or securely wipe them.

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Security.

3. Choose Encrypt phone. Go get a sandwich.

4. Once encryption is finished, go to home screen and select Settings.5. Tap Personal and choose Backup and Reset.

6. Click Reset Device, and give it a couple minutes to finish.

iOS

In any recent version of iOS (post-iOS 3 up through current versions), securely wiping your device is a piece of cake. After which, you should also be sure to remove your SIM card, which may have some personal data on it. Also, for some versions of iOS, you'll want to turn off FaceTime and log out of iMessages (click here for Apple's directions) to nip some oddball issues that could have the next owner of your phone receiving your personal iMessage texts.

1.    Insert your current phone's SIM card into your iPhone.2.    Go to Settings, scroll down and select Messages.

3.    Swipe to Off. Hit return arrow to go back to Settings.

4.    Scroll down to FaceTime.

5.    Swipe to turn FaceTime off.

Reset iPhone

1. Select Settings.2. Tap General.

3. Press Reset.

3. Select "Erase all content and settings." If prompted, input your security PIN, then sit back and watch your world fade like a young Marty McFly.

Sell It

While smartphones may not have a long lifespan, many of them command a surprisingly high price in the second-hand market. Prices have dropped considerably now that flagship smartphones are distributed, essentially, worldwide, but some phones are still worth a pretty penny, assuming they're in good condition. For instance a year old

Based on our comparisons, no one source consistently offers the best price, (or accepts all devices). If you really want to maximize cash and convenience, your best bet is to take 30 minutes and shop around for various options online and then, if possible, try in person as well. For instance, a base level iPhone 5S in good condition that has been carrier unlocked can pull in as much as $314 via Swappa, while a Samsung S5 is worth up to $293.

MORE: Cellphone Insurance: The Best and Worst Plans

Wireless Carriers

All of the four major wireless carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon) have cash for clunkers programs for old devices (you may also get slightly higher value if you do a Trade-in — see below). Verizon phones consistently earn earn the highest cash or credit — up to $145 for a base model Samsung Galaxy S5, while a mid-range iPhone 5S pulls in up to $171.

No matter the carrier, we recommend getting an in-person quote when possible at a carrier store, so that there's no risk of surprises, such as getting your phone mysteriously "lost" in the process or getting handed a severely unfair buyback offer.

Online services

Amazon, Gazelle, Usell.com, Swappa and eBay are just a few of dozens of online services that will either give you cash directly for your device, or connect you with buyers for a slice of the deal. Each service has its own terms and particularities. Amazon lists specific models it's willing to buy, and doesn't accept busted or damaged goods but has the usual no-fee return policy if you don't like the offer. Gazelle lets you pick among gift cards, a check, or PayPal transfer as payment. eBay is, well, eBay, which means it's all about supply, demand and having to deal with packaging items on your own and dealing directly with a seller. Prices below are for a good to mint condition used phone that's carrier unlocked (when unlocked models weren't an option, we selected Verizon). Swappa swept the category, with top prices for both phones.

Trade In

Apple, Best Buy, Walmart and GameStop, to name just a few, all pay for used devices, and generally offer a higher value than the carriers but for store credit or a gift card (GameStop also offers cash). And unlike the carriers, most big box stores will accept damaged and even non-functioning devices, a major issue for many of us.

Your mileage may vary based on model and condition, so get a preliminary estimate online to get an idea if it's worth your time. In our findings, Best Buy mustered the highest offerings for Samsung at $145 and matched Apple for $200 for an iPhone. Walmart, meanwhile, offered laughably low prices.

Recycle It

If you discover your phone is truly worthless, or it's just not worth the hassle of shipping it for a couple bucks, or, perhaps, you are just epically lazy, there's always the recycle bin. To do that literally, note that many locales require that electronic devices be properly recycled and may have designated collection days or locations.

For functional smartphones, there's no shortage of worthy recipients who could greatly benefit: Cell Phones for Soldiers gives talk time to troops; Secure the Call provides devices for victims of abuse; and Phones 4 Charity supports organizations like the Red Cross. There are loads more organizations that accept used phones, such as RecyclingForCharities.com, which accepts phones in any condition and makes a donation in your name to charities that you get to hand select. 

Source: How to Get Rid of Your Old Smartphone

Here’s one reason you may want a Windows Phone in October

AP

Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO.

Microsoft's next flagship smartphones, the 950 and 950XL, could feature Quick Charging 2.0, a technology developed by Qualcomm that can charge a battery from 10% to 95% in 25 minutes, according to a report from IT Home, which we first saw on WMPowerUser. 

Battery technology has traditionally been the poor friend of other smartphone innovations, such as screen or camera technology, which makes Microsoft's rumoured choice to include Quick Charging a genuine incentive to buy a Windows Phone.

Both the 950 (codenamed Talkman) and 950XL (codenamed Cityman) are rumoured to feature large batteries, at 3,000mAh and 3,300mAh respectively, and even larger displays, at 5.2-inches and 5.7-inches. Keeping these displays bright will require a lot of juice and the IT Home article says that battery tests do not work in their favour.

The report suggests that Microsoft is also working to make Windows 10 Mobile less power hungry but in the meantime having a fast charging option could prove a real bonus. 

Both devices are rumoured to feature a USB Type-C port which could contribute to the speed the devices could be charged. Samsung's version of Quick Charge, included on the Galaxy S6, requires a dedicated wall adapter and it will be interesting to see if Microsoft provides dedicated hardware. 

 The new devices are expected to be unveiled at an event held in October. 

NOW WATCH: This is Microsoft's ambitious plan to own virtual reality

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The post Here's one reason you may want a Windows Phone in October appeared first on Business Insider.

Source: Here's one reason you may want a Windows Phone in October

Looks like Xiaomi is working on the dual edge display smartphone

While curved displays are currently in trend right now, we're not seeing a lot of it from the mobile industry with Samsung and LG being the only manufacturers invested in the segment.

A new report however talks of Xiaomi's intentions to release a curved display flagship sometime soon. The corresponding image shows a mockup of the smartphone, revealing heavily curved edges on either side.

Much like the Mi 4c that we spoke about earlier, the Mi Edge is also said to be packing a Snapdragon 808 processor underneath, 4GB of RAM as well as a fingerprint scanner. The display resolution on the smartphone is said be 2560x1440 or QHD.

The press image doesn't look all that convincing to be honest, so we're taking this leak with a pinch of salt for now. But given the kind of ideas that Xiaomi has, we won't be surprised to see a smartphone like this coming to fruition.

The manufacturer is expected to be rel easing the Mi 5 and the Mi 4c smartphones sometime soon. While the company might be a no-show at the IFA 2015 event this week, expect the Chinese manufacturer to schedule an event over the coming days for the release of the two handsets, hopefully along with the Mi Edge.

Source

Via

Source: Looks like Xiaomi is working on the dual edge display smartphone

Apple iPhone 5C Series To Be Discontinued, No 6C On September 9th, Says Report

Apple is planning to discontinue its controversial iPhone 5C device at the September 9 launch of this year's new flagship smartphones, reports 9to5 Mac's Mark Gurman. Just to walk you down the memory lane, iPhone 5C was a 4-inch variant of the bigger 5S with stripped down specs and a lower price-tag.

The phone faced a bit of controversy a few weeks into its launch because of its believed-to-be underwhelming sales numbers and ageing feature set.

The 5C, built on top of an Apple A6 chipset introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012 with other older specs, is still available in the market though. Apple, sources say, will retain the iPhone 5S for people who prefer smaller 4-inch smartphones as opposed to the larger variants of its iPhones. This could be expected with a steep price drop and users could get the older phone for almost $100 less than what it's worth today.

There is also a possibility that the 5C could be retained in some markets like in developing countries just like the iPhone 4 was available in select regions after it was discontinued in the US. But considering that the 5C failed to attract any audience whatsoever, that is also highly unlikely.

The iPhone 6C is also not going to be showing up on stage at the September 9 launch event of the iPhones 6S and 6S Plus, according to sources. While the Cupertino is said to be working on the smaller variant of this year's flagship models with the capabilities of last year's iPhone 6, sources say that the device is not ready to be shipped yet.

There have also been rumours that Apple has prototyped a device with a 3.5-inch display (same size as that of the original iPhone) but it seems unlikely that this device will be launched anytime in the near future.

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Source: Apple iPhone 5C Series To Be Discontinued, No 6C On September 9th, Says Report

Move Over, OnePlus - There's Another "Flagship Killer" In Town

By Liezl Dunuan , Christian Post Contributor

August 29, 2015|7:34 am

YouTube/WileyFox

A screenshot of the logo from the WileyFox official YouTube channel.

A British smartphone manufacturer, WileyFox, recently outed not just one, but two new handsets that are said to rival the high-end specs and the low price of the OnePlus 2, OnePlus' handset that it has dubbed the "flagship killer" because of its high-power and affordability.

The new devices are called Storm and Swift and they both run on the CyanogenMod OS. The CyanogenMod OS is a custom version of Android. According to a Tech Times report, the two devices also feature additional privacy measures and are thus called "ultra-privacy-aware." They are said to be able to "lock down accessible apps" making it safer to use with kids, as well as safer to share device usage with others.

According to WileyFox's European Chief Executive Offier Nick Muir, they want to target customers who want "choice, security and reassurance." He said in statement: "These savvy individuals do not want their data made available beyond their control. They want to be able to change the appearance of their screen, beyond just the wallpaper and lock-screen.... And above all they want great quality, premium handsets with the latest technology. Responsive, well-built, reliable, quick-charging handsets with great battery life. And that's what WileyFox is all about."

The first handset is called the WileyFox Storm. It is the higher-end model of the two handsets, with a 20 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5.5-inch display with 1,920 x 1,080 ppi resolution. It has 3 GB of RAM and an internal storage of 32 GB. Its processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset. It will be selling at only $312 or 199 British pounds.

The WileyFox Swift is the second device and is only priced at 129 British pounds, or about $ 202. Under the hood, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor and 2 GB of RAM. Its screen size is only 5 inches, while its rear-facing camera is only a 13 megapixel one. Internal storage is smaller, at 16 GB only.

Both devices will be available in Europe and Africa only. And the company has no plans to release the phones in the U.S.

Source: Move Over, OnePlus - There's Another "Flagship Killer" In Town