Sony Honami benchmarks arrive with mention of Snapdragon 800

The recent Sony Honami leaks seem to have been mostly image related, but as of today we are getting a look at some specs. The details are coming by way of a GFXbench report which is showing details of the processor, graphics and version of Android. The handset is listed as model number C6903 and shown to be running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

The report shows the handset as having a MSM8974, which is better known as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. The other details include the handset having Adreno 330 graphics and a 1080p display. Finer points from the report include a max CPU speed of 1958Mhz, though we know the Snapdragon 800 is capable of more. Not to mention, earlier leaks have pegged that at being 2.2GHz.

There is also mention of the display size being 1794 x 1080, but that will likely translate to 1920 x 1080. While this filing was showing the handset as running Android 4.2.2, it seems likely that Sony will have it running Android 4.3 by way of a future software update.

Other recent Honami leaks included the FCC filing, which suggested that an announcement would be happening in September. Earlier leaks have also suggested a similar timeline for an announcement. Some of the other still rumored specs point towards a handset with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a 3000 mAh battery.

The Homani related leaks have been plentiful and out of those, much of the focus seems to be on the camera. The handset is expected to arrive with a 20 megapixel rear-facing camera. That camera is expected to have a 1/1.6 sensor and Xenon flash. There is also expected to be some software related goodies. A recent leak detailed some camera modes that included one that was able to “broadcast live video to Facebook” and one that offered augmented reality views.

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Sony's flagship Honami smartphone sneaks into FCC's database

In the past, Sony hasn't been too strict about issuing confidentiality requests when slipping its Xperia smartphones into the FCC's database. The Honami, however, is no typical Xperia. For those unaware, manufacturers generally submit equipment to the FCC for testing shortly before the product is ready to launch on US shores -- once its radios are cleared for use on the airwaves that the FCC controls, precious little stands between said product and your hands.

We've seen a stream of Honami leaks over the past few weeks, but none have indicated quite so clearly that it's nearly ready for a formal debut. The filing masks all internal and external photos, but a software version entitled "s_atp_honami_1_25_1" (seen after the break) makes obvious what device we're looking at. This, Motorola's X, and an impending iPhone refresh? Looks like we're in for a star-studded autumn in the handset universe.

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Rumor Has It: Attack of the giant iPhones

Rumorland never fails to entertain.

This week, LG filed for a million trademarks, including ones for GPad, G Watch, and G Band. One could guess that it's for a tablet, smartwatch, and activity monitor. Of course, why not? Now, trademark filings don't necessarily mean that these products are being worked on, but nobody would surprised if LG were to throw its hat into the smartwatch ring. I mean, everyone else is.

In other rumor news, Sony might be working on a new camera lens accessory that could attach to your mobile device or be used on its own. If this pans out, this'll be pretty awesome. Although I wonder why you'd carry this accessory with you, rather than your already awesome dSLR. But who am I to judge? The more accessories the better, I always say!

And finally, Apple is rumored to be working on bigger iPhone and iPad screens. Like, way bigger:5.7 inches, perhaps, and almost 13 inches for the iPad. Would that be something you'd like? Hit the comments and let me know.

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Rumor: Sony to launch high-end camera attachment for smartphones

Smartphones have become the go-to piece of kit for taking pictures for the average consumer, evenNikon finally acknowledged that it’s starting to feel the pinch from this shift in technology. But at the moment, even the most high-end smartphone camera lack the versatility of a more expensive “proper” camera.

But we are starting to see smartphone manufacturer’s take note, Samsung already has its firstcamera/smartphone product on the market, and now it looks like Sony is planning to release its own piece of photography tech for smartphones.

According to the rumor, Sony is planning a lens camera accessory for mobiles devices, which will feature the same 1-inch 20.2 megapixel Exmor R sensor and f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens as Sony’s RX100M2 camera. The accessory will also supposedly feature a built-in battery, as well as NFC and WiFi connectivity.

The most interesting feature of this product is that it will be able to pair with, and mount on, any number of smartphones, and then use the smartphone’s display as a live view screen for the camera. So, regardless of your smartphone’s original camera, you’ll be able to take some pretty decent quality snaps.

Sony Alpha Rumors, the original source of the news, is adamant that a product will be heading our way soon, having marked the post as SR5, its code for almost certainly correct. We’ll just have to wait and see.

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Sony reportedly to unveil new camera lens for smartphones

An innovative new lens for your smartphone could soon pop up from the folks at Sony.

Citing "two trusted sources," blog site SonyAlpha served up a photo and details on the alleged new lens. The lens would come with a built-in sensor, battery, and memory, so it could mount onto a smartphone or be used on its own. It would send photos to your smartphone or tabletthrough WiFi or NFC where you would preview the live images.

Due to be released soon, the lens would supposedly employ the same sensor and Zeiss lens found on Sony's DSC-RX100M II digital camera. The RX100M II is equipped with a 20.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor and a 3.6x lens. A second lens with a smaller sensor and larger zoom could follow up.

Though this bit of news falls into the rumor stage, SonyAlpha seems sure of its authenticity, giving it a grade of SR5 (almost certainly correct) on its rumor scale.

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Three smartphones that will disrupt the industry

Every so often a device comes along that changes the course that its respective industry was on. It changes the way we look at the world, and sometimes, it tears a hole in the fabric of time and space. Okay, maybe a device can’t be that awesome, but you get the point.

In the upcoming months we have a multitude of devices coming, but there are three smartphones which stand out amongst the noise. The much-hyped Moto X, might just redefine the term high-end, the Sony Honami (Xperia i1) could bring Sony back to its former glory and the LG G2 may be the phone that turns LG into the powerhouse it aims to be.

So how will these devices disrupt the industry?

Moto X – High-end. Redefined.

The Moto X might be the most-leaked smartphone in recent history, but thankfully for Google and Motorola, it’s also one of the most hyped. Coined as the return of Motorola, under the watchful eyes of Google, there’s a lot riding on the Moto X and Motorola’s upcoming smartphones. Just how much? Around the $12 billion that Google bought Motorola for, plus a rumored $500 million for marketing.

So when some relatively mid-range specifications were leaked, a lot of people were disappointed. However, it looks as if Google and Motorola will be focusing on providing a brilliant user experience rather than attempting to run the gauntlet of the spec-race.

Current leaks say that the Moto X will have a 720P 4.4-inch (or 4.7-inch) display, 2GB of RAM, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, and a 10-megapixel camera.

Motorola and Google clearly believe that the Moto X can match the big boys without matching their specification lists. However, with a massive marketing budget and the clout of Google and Motorola behind the smartphone, it could redefine the meaning of high-end and force other OEMs to focus on a great user experience, rather than the amount of cores they can cram into their device.

Sony Honami (Xperia i1) – The rebirth of Sony?

There once was a time when Sony was one of the finest electronics companies in the world. Sony’s Bravia TVs were heralded, the Walkman was an industry leader, and its Sony Ericsson phones weren’t too shabby either. Now though, Sony has been relegated to the stands as Samsung dominated the television and smartphone markets, and the Walkman has been antiquated by smartphones and tablets.

2013 has brought a more focused and streamlined Sony, intent on recapturing its former glory. The Sony Xperia Z was a decent seller, but not enough to catapult Sony into the top 3 smartphone makers as it so dearly wants. The Sony Honami is the antithesis of the Moto X focusing on destroying every other smartphone that has been announced this year when it comes to specs.

Rumors claim that the Sony Honami will have a 20-megapixel camera, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3Ghz, 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch Full HD display, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, water-resistance, and a 3000mAh battery. The Sony Honami is expected to be announced at IFA 2013 on September 4.

Sony’s clearly hoping on to take a bit of gloss off of the announcement of another smartphone which is expected to be announced at IFA 2013, the Galaxy Note 3, and the Honami could push Sony back into the limelight if it can get its carrier deals in order.

LG G2 – Weird name, even weirder button placements

The LG G2 (pronounced El-Ge-Ge-to) might win the gold medal for the weirdest name on this list, but it certainly wins the gold medal for weirdest button placements. Of all of the ways that LG could’ve shook up the industry in terms of design, it chose to tweak what has long been a standard of smartphone design.

The phone has been leaked in photos several times, and they all point towards the LG G2 moving the volume buttons to the back of the device. Done scratching your head yet? If so, put your smartphone in your hands (if it isn’t there already) and you’ll realise that the button placements make perfect sense, since that’s where your finger rests when using your smartphone.

Just because the button placements on the LG G2 make sense, doesn't mean it'll be practical in real life.

Now just because something makes sense, doesn’t mean it’ll be practical in real use, so we’ll have to wait for a hands on before we decide whether this is a good move from LG. The LG G2 also has a solid set of specs to back up its strange button placement, with an already confirmed use of the Snapdragon 800, and rumors claiming it will have a 5.2-inch Full HD display, 2GB of RAM (some rumors say 3GB), and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

LG hopes that the G2 will help it capture the all important 3rd place in the smartphone market, and there are also rumors that the next-gen Nexus smartphone will be based on the LG G2. The G2 is expected to be announced at an event in New York on August 7.

Wrap up

The next few months are destined to be interesting for Android users, and these three devices could disrupt the industry for different reasons. The Moto X’s focus on user experience, the Sony Honami’s attempt to reignite the sleeping giant that is Sony, and the LG G2’s venture into the deep end of smartphone design, are all unique attempts at standing out in a crowded market.

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Sony may unveil new smartwatch next week

Sony seems to be timing the launch of a new smartwatch for next week.

A series of tweets posted by the company's Xperia account have laid a trail of breadcrumbs pointing to the debut of a new watch at the Mobile Asia Expo 2013 trade show, which runs from June 26 to 28.

The latest tweet posted on Friday offers the most obvious clue, saying "Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock" and displaying a photo of Sony's current smartwatch, which launched in April of 2012.

A prior tweet posted an image of a survey claiming that one-third of smartphone owners want a smartwatch. Another tweet touted that Sony launched the first "smart" watch in 2007. And still another said: "Wearable tech is in our DNA. Remember WALKMAN, now...?"

All of the tweets carry hashtags of #itstime and #MAE13 (which stands for Mobile Asia Expo 2013).

The smartphone arena has gotten more crowded since Sony entered the race last year. The company may be looking to outrival its rivals with an all-new watch springing up a host of new features.

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Why Xbox One's used games policy doesn't need to be the end of gaming as we know it

Last week, Microsoft finally provided some additional information on how the "game licensing" policy will work for the company's newly introduced Xbox One. It was our first peek behind the curtain on how discs, digital downloads, game sharing, and Xbox Live accounts will work and interact on the upcoming game console.

The new policy explicitly states that the new system was designed so that "game publishers can enable you to trade in your games at participating retailers." But reading between the lines of that lawyery language, most gamers took that to mean that the aftermarket for the buying and selling of used Xbox One games was dead on arrival.

The howls of outrage and calls for boycotts began immediately.

Why the unprecedented wave of righteous indignation? Is this truly the end of a way of life for gamers everywhere?

Well, yes. But that's because we've been living in a transitional age. One with a loophole in the form of shiny silver discs.

In reality, that's what the outrage is all about: the closing of that loophole. One we've taken for granted for 30 years. I can sympathize with that. We've had it pretty good up to this point. But believe me, if the technology existed in 1985, there is no way on Earth that Nintendo would have allowed you to let a dozen of your friends borrow your copy of Super Mario Bros.

Why? Because each time you lend the game out to a friend, it's money lost for the publisher and, more importantly, the developer. And ultimately, that's not good for the industry.

But gouging the customer isn't a solution, either -- and that's what many gamers feel is happening if the subsidized economy of game resales is shut down.

Physical media's last gasp

We've all dealt with the digitization of most of our entertainment. Carrying around an MP3 player is better than switching discs out on a portable CD player. Reading your Kindle is easier than lugging around hardcover books.

All of these conveniences have come at the expense of physical media. But because video games operate with much larger file sizes, they have remained on the outside looking in when it comes to digital distribution. The idea of physical ownership has evaporated into owning a license, which has become the way we symbolize virtual possessions.

That's what your e-book library is: a collection of digital licenses. And your iTunes collection. And your video collection. All that stuff in the cloud? Licenses instead of discs. And the gaming industry is just finally catching up.

Let me be explicitly clear: I am not defending money-hungry corporations that want to turn you upside down until moths fly out of your pockets. But I do think we're overlooking the developers who create these works of art for our playing enjoyment. I want them to feel that their work can be supported through the empowerment of gamers. I want them to be able to measure that.

Winners and losers

So who loses out the most in the evolution of licensing? We all do, but maybe some more than others. The "binge and resell" gamer will probably feel it the most. This gamer will finish a title in a weekend, then resell it at a brick-and-mortar store -- or an open marketplace for a better return -- and get a maximum value for a nearly new game.

Who else? Gamers who rely on buying used games. But this might be fixable. Each game has a diminishing value the second it's released -- and in the case of used games, opened. In an open market that price fluctuates, where at a chain retailer it's predetermined. (Just think how most new games are sold as used for $5 below full price.) The gradual lowering of the game's value in the open marketplace is something that can be adopted into the new dynamic pricing structure of Xbox and PlayStation's digital stores. Just like the way Tomb Raider (released in March) is now sold for $45 used, so, too, can the official Xbox One pricing be in its digital store.

Here, the middleman reseller is bypassed, and the money is going to the makers of the game -- or at the very least, headed in the right direction.

Steam's all-digital success story

My biggest problem with the bandwagoning and witch-hunting that's been floating around is double-sided. First off, we don't really know the full story about PlayStation 4 and its policies regarding licensing, so the angst aimed solely toward Microsoft might be unfair. The playing field is still open. Second, a lot -- but not all -- of the core elements of the licensing system Microsoft is outlining for Xbox One are similar to Steam.

A word-of-mouth hit with PC gamers, Steam has managed to develop an overwhelmingly positive reputation with gamers thanks to its frequent sales, ease of use, game management, empowerment of its loyal community, and support for the independent gaming scene. It's owned and operated by Valve, a developer responsible for franchises like Half-Life and Portal.

But where there are similarities in structure, right now there doesn't seem to be much congruity in philosophy with Valve's game distribution platform. That imbalance is manifested primarily in one of the most important elements regarding all of this: pricing.

Flexible pricing is what has made Steam a PC gaming haven. I recently bought every single Grand Theft Auto game ever made on Steam for under $15 -- total. That's spectacular. Sales and deals can revive catalog titles, and make them attractive to a new group of consumers. And publishers can get revenue they'd otherwise miss out on: 100,000 consumers paying $10 for an older game beats out 10,000 paying $60.

How to get gamers to stop worrying and love the Cloud

As my colleague David Carnoy recently explained, the "value" of games is as much about psychology as it about economics.

As Carnoy pointed out, if used games can't be resold, they're "worth" less to the buyer. If Microsoft and Sony want to appear that they're in this for the gamers, they need to address that value discrepancy. And following Steam's model is the best way to do that.

New games are going to cost the most, I get that. But surely the money saved in not having to manufacture and ship physical media can chip away at the price of a game. Better yet, incentivize game buying. Offer digital punch cards. "Purchase three Xbox One games and get 20 percent off your next." Offer weekend sales. Bundle titles together. Give us reasons to get excited about browsing an online store, the way it is when discovering a great deal on Steam.

Meanwhile, there are other elements of the Xbox One game-licensing policy that are undeniably positive. First, up to 10 family members can use your account regardless of which Xbox they're on. Second, some disc games will be able to be loaned to a friend for free as long as that person has been on your friends list for a month. If you want to bring a game over to a friend's place, you can log in on his system and download it.

You'll have all your games no matter where you go. As long as there is an Xbox One, you'll have total access to everything you've purchased. (You know, just like Steam.)

No, we can't have our cake and eat it, too. I read a lot of enthusiast sites crying about how the shift away from used games is a crime against the culture of gaming, but they ignore that the switch to digital is simply another evolution of the medium. A lot of things have changed in 30 years.The point is this: this new world of gaming doesn't have to suck.

There's a stench of hypocrisy that emanates from a class of gamer who demands progress on every level from a new console, yet belligerently revolts at the discovery that games won't be delivered on plastic discs any longer.

The funny thing about Steam is that no one complains about the lack of discs, or the dearth of game lending and reselling. That's because its convenience and affordability trumps any downsides.

If Microsoft and the game publishers follow Steam's model and create a more dynamic digital marketplace, the death of used games will be a small footnote, not an epitaph.

It's a big if. But one that could well determine the success or failure of the next generation of consoles.

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How Sony and Nintendo can battle the Xbox One

Microsoft's Xbox One is out of the bag, and the next-gen console war's in full swing. So what happens next? Truthfully, the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii U are still big boxes of mystery -- even though one's already been out in stores for months.

So, how will this new gaming landscape shake out? Sony and Nintendo, the also-rans to the current success story of Microsoft and the Xbox 360, will have options. But they're not always pretty.

Sony

Differentiate or die
Under the hood, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are more similar than any two gaming consoles have ever been: both have AMD-based processors, Blu-ray video capabilities, camera bar sensors, and motion controls. And both promise cloud service improvements. Microsoft may have the edge on TV-input promise, but that's not an ace in the hole. Sony needs to explain why people would choose a PS4. That "share" button isn't enough. Microsoft's clearly going after Sony's media-hub consumer electronics strategy and design aesthetic, so PlayStation needs another angle.

Cloud streaming: find the killer app
Sony's Gaikai acquisition and PS4 integration have potential, but what's the amazing feature that people can understand? Sony has already muddied the waters with its current PlayStation Certified program, which delivered only old original PlayStation games on a handful of tablets and phones (like Sony's own Xperia line). Sony needs to reboot this concept and make it real: play any PS4 game on any Android or iOS device so long as you have good bandwidth and aPlayStation controller at hand. It's a tall order, to be sure. But that would be a game changer (pun intended).

Think the Amazon Prime approach: lots of great content, and the rest you pay for individually. (And, combined with the streaming approach listed above, you could play them anywhere.)Turn PlayStation Plus into Netflix-meets-Amazon Prime
Sony's done a nice job of offering a lot of freebies with the PlayStation Plus. It could go further: what if Sony actively curated a catalog of older games for every platform and gave many of them away for free to subscribers?

Triple down on original and curated content
Sony as a game studio has a big edge on Microsoft: its first-party efforts have often better. Plus, there's Sony's little-discussed "pub fund" that finds new talent out of game-design schools like USC, leading to console-defining indie efforts like Journey and The Unfinished Swan. Even if Sony sells off its music and TV ventures, the game-development studios should strengthen, and focus on providing a thriving, open platform.

Be even more 'gamer-friendly' than Microsoft
So, this is a tough sell: Xbox Live is the best online service of the gaming generation we're in right now. But in talking to people after the PS4 and Xbox One events, I hear more gamers satisfied by Sony's "game and specs porn" approach thus far than by Microsoft's, which focused on the Xbox One's wide range of entertainment options, leaving actual games to be discussed at the company's E3 press conference later in June. Maybe Sony can run with this and present an even more gamer-oriented take this time out, rather than the traditional Sony "home entertainment plus games" package. Then again... narrowing focus doesn't feel like a proper strategy against Microsoft.

Price
Maybe the PS4 can be more affordable than the Xbox One... but sacrificing profitability on hardware can be a Pyrrhic victory.

Nintendo

Give up on "next-gen"
Nintendo's already lost the next-gen wars, if the trophy's given to hardware. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are a different class of product, and studios like EA are sending a clear message: the PS4 and Xbox One stand together, and the Wii U stands alone. But Nintendo never won with the Wii on pure power: it was a GameCube under the hood with a new controller that won on selling a fun proposition to families. So...play to those strengths.

Focus on kids
The Wii, the Nintendo DS/DSi, and now the 3DS thrive on being kid-friendly and parent-friendly. The Xbox One, with its imposing piano-black finish and AV-receiver facade, isn't for kids. It's for parents. The PS4 looks like it's for mature gamers. Nintendo needs to keep focus on kids and family -- and stop trying to shoehorn hard-core gamers in.

Make it cheap
If the Wii U were half the price of an Xbox One or PS4, there might be some hope. But that aggressive strategy needs to start now. The Wii always had a price edge on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but the current $349 price is just too much. The "Basic" Wii U SKU just got slicedfrom $299 to $239 at Target -- that's a start, but Big N needs to be even more aggressive.

Revise the GamePad hardware
It's bulky and has terrible battery life. Shrunken down and boasting better performance, it could change perceptions of the Wii U. It needs to work better, and the Wii U software needs to be far less laggy.

Make your own games
I said this before. I'll say it again. Mario, Zelda, Metroid. More please. Repeat again. Do it a lot.

Fix or dump TVii
There are interesting ideas baked into Nintendo's TVii strategy: the GamePad as IR remote control, and the easy-to-swap way that streaming video leaps between tablet and television. But TVii is a half-baked product as far as the way it works with cable boxes. We'd prefer Nintendo to keep TVii...and figure it out a little better

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Android rumor roundup

Google I/O may have passed without any new hardware announcements or big Androidreleases, but we still heard chatter around the elusive white Nexus 4. This week also brought additional details about previously rumored devices.

White Nexus 4 (May 16, 2013)
Google will reportedly announce the white version of the LG Nexus 4 on June 10, according toAndroid And Me. After being tossed around the rumor mill for months, the handset is said to be the first to run a to-be-announced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean build.

The specifications should be nearly identical to the current model, but with IPX7 waterproof rating. Indeed, the so-called LG Optimus GJ could withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.LG Optimus GJ (May 15, 2013)
LG is rumored to announce a waterproof version of the Optimus G on May 22,according to ePrice.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (April 17, 2013)
Samsung may opt to stick with the same familiar plastic build and not the "higher quality" aluminum materials of the HTC One, according to SamMobile. While it does conflict with the blog's earlier reports, Samsung has long stuck by plastic, so this amended rumor doesn't come as a surprise.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is rumored to feature either a 5.99-inch or a 6.3-inch display. Additional specifications for the device are reported to include an eight-core processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front camera, and 3GB RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will presumably arrive in the fall, perhaps around October, which is in keeping with Samsung's release cycle.

Verizon may soon offer the HTC One.

Verizon HTC One (May 15, 2013)
An HTC smartphone that recently received Wi-Fi certification could be Verizon's take on theHTC One. As spied by Blog of Mobile (translate), the PN073XX features dual-band WI-Fi and LTE connectivity. Verizon has a press event slated for May 22 at CTIA in Las Vegas, so it makes sense to assume this is the big reveal; the Droid DNA also happens to be free (with contract) through May 21.

May 3-10, 2013

Nexus 7 (May 10, 2013)
A more powerful Nexus 7 tablet may not have arrived at Google I/O but that doesn't mean it's not coming. According to KGI Securities analyst Mingchi Kuo, the rumored tablet will carry the same affordable $199 price tag, the 7-inch tablet may feature a 5-megapixel rear camera, faster Qualcomm processor, higher resolution display, and support for wireless charging. DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza told CNET in March that the next model may reach 323 pixels per inch, which could mean up to 1,900 x 1,200 pixel resolution.

Previous Amazon smartphone rumors indicate that the retail giant has scrapped plans for 4.3-inch screen in favor of a larger 4.7-inch display. Early reports had the phone arriving as soon as the second quarter, though it appears Amazon will now miss that mark. Presumably, both Amazon phones will employ a forked version of Android, similar to the Kindle Fire tablets. Allegedly, Amazon has tasked Foxconn with building the Kindle Phone.Amazon 3D phone (May 9, 2013)
Amazon is reportedly working on a pair of new smartphones, including one capable of creating 3D capabilities and hologram-like images. Details are light, but the phone is said to employ eye-tracking technology that makes images appear to be floating "like a hologram and appear three-dimensional at all angles."

An artistic render of the rumored Sony i1 smartphone.

Sony i1 (May 1, 2013)
Early details for a Sony "Homani" i1 suggest we could be in for an incredibly powerful and gorgeous experience later this summer. Leaked hardware specifications are purported to include a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 32GB internal storage, 2GB RAM, and a camera up to 20-megapixels. Other features may include a form factor with glass, metal, and traces of carbon fiber.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom (May 10, 2013)
A Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is may arrive as soon as June, reports Russian tech site Hi-tech.ru (translate). Features are alleged to include a 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED display and a 16-megapixel camera with 10X optical zoom. Documents found on a Bluetooth special interest group Web site list the device as model number SM-C101.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 (May 10, 2013)
Leaked benchmarks for a Samsung SM-T311 are linked to an upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. Specifications could include Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS with Samsung's TouchWiz interface, an 8-inch WXVGA (1280 x 800 pixel resolution) display, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and a 4,500mAh battery.

April 27 - May 3, 2013

The HTC "M4" looks to be a lower-powered and smaller take on the HTC One.

HTC M4 (May 1, 2013)
HTC will reportedly debut a smaller version of the flagship HTC One smartphone, according toPhone Arena. Operating under the codename of "M4," the handset is rumored to feature a 4.3-inch 720p display, an "UltraPixel" camera, a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and LTE connectivity. These reports confirm early chatter of a lesser-powered M7 (HTC One) would soon be announced. Presumably, the M4 will also run the latest version of HTC's custom Sense UI.

Motorola X Phone (May 2, 2013)
A trio of new images appear to suggest Ma Bell is in line to carry the so-called, and still unconfirmed, Motorola X Phone. The three photos, which come from oft-reliable Twitter source@evleaks, show a smartphone (or smartphones) that somewhat resembles previously leaked photos. Bearing the name "Blackboxed Motorola for AT&T," it appears to be the same handset found in a batch of images that have since been removed from a Vietnamese site.

New benchmarks surfacing this week show a potential X Phone running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. These new numbers conflict with scores from last week that tipped tipped Android 5.0.1. The scores, which can be easily rigged, showed a "Google X" with a 1.5GHz processor and a score of 15,479.

Could we be looking at one (or three) of AT&T's future X Phones?

Sources indicate that users might be able to customize multiple facets of the rumored device, including the outer materials and colors. Internally, reports suggest that the X Phone is actually part of a larger brand and an approach that could feature user-defined configurations for memory and processor options as well as carrier selection.

It likely won't be called the X Phone when the project hits prime time, but the project is at least very much real. A job posting on LinkedIn advertised for an "X Phone" product manager.

Plenty of other rumors swirl around the suspected device, including one that the X Phone may offer hardware choices that resemble the Droid Razr Maxx HD, according to one PhoneArenasource.

Nexus 5 (May 1, 2013)
Google may again tap LG as the handset maker of choice for the next generation of Nexus smartphones, according to the Korea Times. No hardware details or time frames were given; however, we might anticipate something in the fall. Given that the trend as of late is to release the Nexus experience in the fall, we might expect specs and rumors to come in short order.

Toshiba's next Android tablet could feature a keyboard dock.

Toshiba AT10LE-A (May 2, 2013)
Toshiba is rumored to be testing a new high-end Android tablet capable of connecting to an external keyboard, reports Techblog. Hardware specifications are said to include Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 4 1.8GHz processor, 10.1-inch display, microSD, Mini-HDMI output, and stereo speakers. There are no indications yet as to which markets may carry the Toshiba AT10LE-A, nor are pricing details clear.

The Toshiba AT10LE-A seems to run the Android 4.2.1 version, and according to benchmarks that appeared recently Tegra 4 processor, will be clocked at 1.8GHz.

Might the NEC Terrain be a rugged take on the "business" form factor?

NEC Terrain (April 29, 2013)
AT&T looks to be readying another portrait QWERTY Android, this time in the form of an NEC. Known as the NEC Terrain, the phone should run Android 4.1+ and feature a display in the realm of 2.8-inches to 3.0-inches. No additional details are known however the rubber coating and moniker lead us to believe a rugged experience could be in order.

April 20 - April 26, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (April 26, 2013)
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Samsung expects to release a waterproof and dust-proof version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Known for now as the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, the smartphone is rumored to touch down in July.

Samsung Galaxy Core (April 26, 2013)
Samsung could also be readying yet another member of the Galaxy family as word of a Samsung Galaxy Core trickles online (translate). Details for the smartphone point to a trimmed-down experience with specs such as a 4.3-inch (800x480) display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 768MB RAM, 8GB internal storage (with microSD expansion), a 5-megapixel rear camera, and a 1,800mAh battery. Resembling pretty much every other Samsung handset as of late, the Galaxy Core figures to run Android 4.1 with TouchWiz UI.

The so-called Samsung Galaxy Core offers entry-level hardware specifications.

Sony Xperia ZR (April 26, 2013)
Sony may introduce a 4.6-inch variation of the Xperia Z in the near term, reports Xperiablog. Previously rumored under the moniker "Dogo", the C550X looks to feature a 720p HD display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, a 13-megapixel (Exmor RS) rear camera, and 2,300mAH battery. While the processor is listed as a Qualcomm design, it is unclear whether it will be a Snapdragon S4 Pro or Snapdragon 600 series. Like the Xperia Z, the so-called Xperia ZR is also rumored to be water-resistant.

Previous rumors for the handset line up closely with the Xperia ZR specs; however it's not an exact match. Details uncovered in March suggested the Dogo would feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU, though it was listed with 32GB internal storage. For what it's worth, this handset was also tied to the name "Xperia A" and was said to feature an IR blaster and NFC support.

Other rumors we're tracking

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (April 19, 2013)
Samsung looks to have delayed the release of the Galaxy S4 Mini by eight weeks, reportsSamMobile. Rumored to come in two colors (Black Mist and White Frost), Samsung may offer the handset in both single-SIM and dual-SIM flavors.

Dovetailing with previous rumors, the Galaxy S4 Mini could feature a 4.3-inch qHD display, an 8-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, AGPS, and provide 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB storage options.

LG Optimus G2 (April 18, 2013)
The LG Optimus G2 could prove to be too thin for a conventional form factor, or so says tech site MyDrivers (translate). Word on the street is that the volume and power buttons will be moved to the rear, as they do not fit properly on the sides. First discovered by its model number, the LG D801 has been found to score considerably high on benchmark tests; all sources indicate LG may be readying one of the most powerful devices to date.

Rumored as the LG Optimus G2, details include Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, a 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, a 13-megapixel rear camera, 2GB RAM, and an Adreno 330 GPU. Expected to offer a full-HD 1,920x1,080-pixel display, it's possible that the D801 will boast a screen size of 5 inches or larger.

Huawei Edge (April 11, 2013)Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 (April 18, 2013)
The first details for what is expected to be the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 have arrived, suggesting that another midrange experience is on the horizon. Preliminary specifications are reported to include a dual-core 1GHz Broadcom processor, a display resolution of 480x800 pixels, 4GB internal storage, and a 5-megapixel camera. As often has been the case with European models of this kind, the Galaxy Ace 3 is rumored to come in a variety of colors and single-SIM and dual-SIM editions.

Huawei may dial up the Edge as the handset maker's flagship device for summer 2013. Recently leaked (translate) details suggest the smartphone will run Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and feature a quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, a 4.9-inch 1080p HD display, and 2,600mAh battery. Reportedly, the Huawei Edge will come in 16GB and 32GB models and could come in a svelte 6.3mm chassis.

Android-powered notebooks (April 2, 2013):

 Rumors out of Digitimes suggest that Google is building an Android-powered notebook PC that could arrive as soon as the third quarter. Reportedly, the "Androidbook" is one of Sundar Pichai's projects and could help accelerate Google's foray into the PC market.

Casio C881 Gz'One Commando (April 1, 2013):

 A Casio C881 Gz'One Commando has been recently spotted in FCC documents, tipping Verizon's hand for an upcoming military-spec device. Presumably a successor to last year's C771 Gz'One Commando, the details look to include CDMA and LTE support, as well as NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

Sony Togari (March 27, 2013):

 Sony may introduce a massive 6.44-inch smartphone this fall with rather impressive specifications. Components are reported to include 3GB RAM, a 2.3GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 32GB of internal storage, and 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera. Powered by a 3,500mAh battery, the Togari should also feature a stylus, NFC, LTE, and an IR blaster.

HTC Droid DNA/Butterfly successor (March 27, 2013)

: A follow-up to HTC's Droid DNA phone is being planned, says HTC Chief Marketing Officer Ben Ho. Talking with reporters earlier in the week, Ho said that HTC would soon launch a second-generation Butterfly aimed at those looking for the large-screen experience.

Google's Android smartwatch (March 21, 2013)

: Google looks to be joining Apple in the development of a rumored smartwatch, according to a recent Financial Times report. Details are light, however, the watch is said to be designed by the "Android unit" at Google. An unnamed source said that the watch will "act as an extension to the smartphones using that operating system." According to a 2011 patent application, the watch will have dual-screened display and a interactive user interface.

Samsung smartwatch (March 18, 2013):

 Samsung has confirmed plans to release a smartwatch, but details like pricing and availability are unknown. "We've been preparing the watch product for so long," Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, recently said during an interview with Bloomberg. "We are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them."

LG smartwatch (March 22, 2013):

 LG could be cooking up both a smartwatch and a wearable computing device along the lines of Google Glass, reports the Korea Times. It remains unclear whether the LG watch will run Android or Firefox; both are likely candidates for the hardware maker.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Plus (March 21, 2013): 

Samsung could introduce a Galaxy Tab 3 Plus later this year, according to a SamMobile insider. Reportedly, the high-end Samsung tablet will feature a Super AMOLED FULL HD Display and may come in either a 10.1-inch or 11.6-inch display size. Early rumors pegged pegged the device with a 2,560x1,600 pixel resolution and possibly a quad-core Exynos processor and at least 2GB RAM.

ZTE Quantum (March 19, 2013):

 Sprint is rumored to be testing a 4G LTE smartphone from ZTE, reports AndroidPolice. Carrying an N8910 model number, the Quantum is said to run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and feature a 5-inch 720p display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB RAM, and 4GB internal storage. Flanked by a 13.0-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 0.9-megapixel camera, the Quantum could be another lower-cost alternative for Sprint customers.

Sony Xperia L (March 6, 2013):

 A Sony Xperia L could soon be introduced as a mid-tier Android device, reports Xperia Blog. Details for the handset are reported to include a 4.3-inch, 854x480-pixel display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 8GB internal storage, microSD slot, and an 8-megapixel camera. Said to run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Xperia L is also known by its C210X model number.

T-Mobile could soon introduce an entry-level Prism II.

T-Mobile Prism II (March 3, 2013)

: T-Mobile may offer the Huawei U8686 as the T-Mobile Prism, indicates oft-reliable @evleaks. Specifications are reported to include Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, a 1GHz single-core processor, and a display with 320x240-pixel resolution. Typically, a QVGA display falls at around 3.5 inches.

HTC G2 (February 1, 2013):

 Not to be confused with the another HTC smartphone of the same name, a low-end Android model is also rumored for a spring 2013 release date. Details obtained by Unwired View include a 1GHz processor, a 2.5-inch HVGA display, 512MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and 5-megapixel camera. Presumably aimed at first-time smartphone users, the G2 could run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Samsung Godiva (February 25, 2013): 

The Samsung Godiva, spied indicates Verizon may offer another member in the Stratosphere family. Details are rumored to include CDMA and LTE bands, GSM roaming, NFC, and support for future AWS networks. A photo obtained by Engadget, however, shows no physical keyboard.

Asus ME371MG tablet (February 7, 2013)

 Asus will allegedly debut an "ultra-budget" 7-inch Android tablet in the second quarter, reports Bulgarian tech site Tablet.bg (translate). The tablet could have an Intel Atom Z2420 dual-core processor, a microSD expansion slot, 1GB RAM, and a 3-megapixel rear camera. Powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the ME371MG is listed with a 7-inch 1,280x800-pixel IPS screen, 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, and 4,270 mAh battery.

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