New Nexus 7 Goes on Sale in Japan
The new Nexus 7 is already on sale in the US and other parts of the world but, Japan had to wait that little bit longer. The 2013 model of the Nexus 7 launched in Japan on August 28th, with the 16GB model costing 27,800 yen and the 32GB model setting you back 33,800 yen. While the WiFi-only model is available right now, there’s word that the LTE version of the Nexus 7 will be launching in September. Not just that but, it’s said to support all three major networks, KDDI au, NTT DoCoMo and Softbank.
Galaxy Tab 3 Kids Gets Spotted in Korean Brochure
Earlier in the week, Samsung took wraps of their kid-friendly version of the Galaxy Tab 3. Essentially this is the same Galaxy Tab 3 that’s already out there but, this time around there’s more focus on the experience, this time aiming it at the little ones. Specs wise, this is the same Tab 3 as before but, it’s got a more colorful paintjob and comes with some child-centric software and games. It’s been spotted in a Korean brochure, which could mean that the device is going to launch in Samsung’s home of South Korea very soon.
Xiaomi Getting Ready to Launch 7-inch Tablet, Dubbed “Zimi”
We’ve been hearing for some time now that Xiaomi is preparing their own 7-inch tablet and now there’s another leaked image and a name to go along with it. The above tablet is said to be called “Zimi” and could launch before the end of the year. Said to be packing a 1080p display, a quad-core CPU and be 3G-capable, this little guy is sizing up to be a great tablet. According to sources, the device could cost somewhere in the region of 1,300 Yuan when it launches.
Free Apps Now Available in Iran
Over in Iran, Google has finally flipped the switch on apps in the Play Store. While paid-for apps and in-app-purchases are still not available, users will now be available to download to your devices. It’s a shame that Google have had their share of problems in Iran but, hopefully this is a signal of better things to come. YouTube is still blocked in the region however, and of course there still seems to be no general acceptance of Google and their services by the Iranian government.
Google Testing Out More Languages in Africa
Google Translate is a fantastic tool, and I’m sure many of you use it even on a daily basis. For those in Africa however, there have been some African languages missing. That appears to be changing however, as Google Africa is asking volunteers to help them with new languages in Google Translate. In the region, Hausa, Igbo, Somali, Yoruba and Zulu will be added to Google Translate once they’ve been tested. This is a great move from Google and hopefully it takes off.
2013 Nexus 7 Hits Parts of Europe, Too
While the new Nexus 7 has launched in Japan, it’s also hit Europe, too. Or at least, certain parts of it at least. Available from the Play Store in respective regions, the new Nexus 7 is now available in Europe. If you’d like to know more about this year’s Nexus 7, you can take a look at our review here. The new Nexus 7 is available in Europe in the following places:
- France: €229/269
- Germany: €229/269
- Spain: €229/269
- UK: £199/239
MTV Slate Launches in India
MTV India has partnered with Swipe Telecom to launch the MTV Slate in India. It’s a great-looking tablet, if not a little bit like an iPad Mini. It has an unusual display size of 7.85-inches, comes with Android 4.2 and everything else you could want in an Android tablet. At just RS 14,999 it should be a good deal, too. Take a look at the full specs below:
- 7.85-inch (1024 x 768 pixels) capacitive multi-touch IPS display
- Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
- 1.2 GHz quad-core Cotex A7 processor
- 5MP rear camera
- 0.3MP (VGA) front-facing camera
- 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio with recording
- 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS
- 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory , 32GB expandable memory with microSD
- 3,200 mAh battery
Micromax Launch 5.7-inch Canvas Doodle 2
Micromax are here again with another canvas device already. With a 5.7-inch HD display, there’s a lot going for the this latest from Micromax. Running near-stock Android 4.2 helps, as does the reasonable price tag of RS 19,990. This is a lot of fun for the money but, just what are you getting for that much? Take a look below:
- 5.7-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD capacitive touch screen IPS display
- Full aluminum body
- 1.2 GHz quad-core processor
- Dual SIM (GSM + GSM)
- Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
- 12MP rear camera with Dual LED Flash
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 1GB RAM, 12GB internal memory
- 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS
- 2,600 mAh battery
Galaxy S4 Zoom to Launch in Singapore on September 5th
September is shaping up to be a big month for smartphone releases all around the world. With this latest, it looks like Singapore is going to be getting their hands on the Galaxy S4 Zoom come September 5th. If you’re unfamiliar with the Galaxy S4 Zoom, think of the Galaxy S4 Mini and a point-and-shoot digital camera grafted together. With a 4.3-inch qHD display, dual-core CPU and the usual, this is not going to be a great phone. However, it’s a great cameraphone. With the 16-megapixel sensor and optical zoom lens on the back of the device, this will probably take the best photos of any smartphone out there. There’s a whole host of camera modes, too, making this a great device for those looking for a do-it-all device if you want to take a lot of photos.
Xolo Are Back with the Q1000S, 5-inch HD Smartphone
The Q1000S from Xolo is a great device from Xolo and it’s something that could be just for you. Coming in at 5-inches, the HD display is on the larger side but nothing too bad. Also, the quad-core CPU should be great for everyday tasks. Overall, this is a decent device from Xolo, and for just RS 18,999 it could be your next smartphone. Take a look why:
- 5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD IPS display at 295 PPI
- 1.5 GHz quad-core MediaTek 6589T processor with PowerVR SGX544 GPU
- Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
- Dual SIM (GSM + GSM)
- 13MP rear camera with LED Flash, BSI 2 sensor
- 5MP front-facing camera , BSI sensor
- 6.98 mm thick and weighs 158g
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Full HD 1080p video recording and playback
- 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory
- 3G (HSDPA: 42.2 Mbps, HSUPA: 11.5 Mbps), WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
- 2,500 mAh battery
Panasonic to Leave Japanese Smartphone Market
According to Nikkei Pansonic is ready to leave their home market of Japan when it comes to smartphones. Citing difficulties with NTT DoCoMo, the company has finally had enough. With DoCoMo’s discounts on Samsung and Sony phones over Panasonic devices, it’s become increasingly difficult for Panasonic to make money off of their smartphone arm, and so now they’re throwing in the towel. This was a long time coming but, it’s still a shame to see. Apparently, Panasonic will continue to sell devices to the corporate market and elsewhere in the world but, the land of the rising sun is no longer a money maker for them.
HTC’s Zara Mini Leaks Out, Yet Another Mid-Range for China
Having just passed through the TENAA, it looks like the 301e is going to become the Zara Mini. PhoneArena have some scoops on both the specs and leaked images of the device. Overall, this is yet another mid-range device from HTC, said to cost somewhere in the region of 1,300 Yuan. While this is nothing special for HTC, it’s good to see them continue to offer mid-range devices in one of their more important markets. We just wish they could be a little more imaginative when it comes to these devices. Needless to say, here are the specs:
- Android 4.1.2
- 4.3-inch, 480×800 TFT display
- 1GHz dual-core chipset, possibly a Snapdragon 400
- 512MB of RAM, 8GB of microSD-expandable internal storage
- A 5MP CMOS sensor capable of 720p video at the rear with a 1.3MP front shooter
- 132x66x9.88mm, weighs 125g
- dual-SIM support, compatible with GSM/WCDMA networks
- gravity, proximity and light sensors
- comes in black and white
Meizu MX3 Shows Up in Leaked Photos Again
The Meizu MX3 is an anticipated smartphone from Meizu and it looks like the company is very nearly ready to show it off to the world. Next month should be an exciting time for Meizu fans as they should see the official reveal of this device. Said to be packing a Samsung Exynos Octa CPU, 2GB of RAM and a great display, this should be a big release for China.