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Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 to bring LTE and 64-bit support to emerging markets
We knew it was only a matter of time before Qualcomm came out with its own chipset capable of supporting 64-bit, but we figured it'd be in something a little more... high-end. The Snapdragon 410, however, is a 28nm SoC that seems to be focused more on lower-end devices and emerging markets instead. Announced by the company today, the new Snapdragon is expected to sample to manufacturers in the first half of 2014, with it reaching consumer devices during the second half. The chip also comes packed with plenty of extra feature support. First on the list is LTE, which Qualcomm says is a feature it wants to bring to all product tiers. In particular, this next-gen connectivity comes with multimode and multiband support, ensuring that many devices carrying the chip will work on LTE networks around the globe (a feature we assume will be up to the OEM to enable). In addition, the Snapdragon 410 will feature an Adreno 306 GPU and offer support for dual- and triple-SIM devices, with 1080p video playback, up to a 13MP camera, GPS/GLONASS, WiFI, NFC and Bluetooth. It'll also be compatible with Android, Windows Phone and Firefox OS, and is geared toward "high-volume" devices in emerging markets which sell for under $150. Of course, even though a lower-tier Snapdragon is the first Qualcomm chipset with 64-bit support, we strongly suspect that it won't be too long before the company comes out with new higher-end SoCs that offer the same capability. After all, CES and MWC are not too far away.
NORAD and Microsoft team on a touch-friendly Santa Claus web tracker
NORAD's Santa Claus tracking has officially entered the tablet era. The defense agency has teamed up with Microsoft on an updated web-based tracker that's designed for touch-friendly browsers, including Internet Explorer 11. The new site lets you follow St. Nick by spinning a WebGL-powered globe with your finger, and you can even call NORAD through Skype to get the sleigh's latest position. You won't have to wait until Christmas Eve to have fun, either, as Microsoft promises a daily dose of games, movies and music. Those who want to surveil Santa can visit NORAD's page today, while Windows 8 and Windows Phone users can also grab native tracking apps through their respective stores.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas coming to Android, iOS and Windows Phone in December
If Grand Theft Auto V left you eager to spend more time in Los Santos, you'll be glad to hear that Rockstar Games is porting Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to mobile devices. Android, iOS and Windows Phone users will get to relive Carl Johnson's early '90s gangster saga this December, with more detailed graphics and touch-optimized controls coming to all platforms. Gamers will also get full controller support, including Made for iOS devices if you're using iOS 7. Rockstar isn't providing release dates and prices just yet, although the imminent launch suggests that we'll get more details in short order.
Nokia Lumia 1520 reaches the UK on December 6th, starting at £80 on a £38 per month plan
Brits who've been yearning for the Nokia Lumia 1520 will soon get their chance. The supersized Windows Phone is now due to reach the UK on December 6th, when it will be available through O2 at retail and Vodafone through the web. Third-party retailers like Carphone Warehouse and Phones4u will also stock the 6-inch flagship. While the exact pricing will vary, Vodafone will sell the phone for £80 when it's attached to a £38 per month plan and a 2-year contract; it will be available for free if you subscribe to a beefy £47 plan. The 1520 will undoubtedly be one of the more expensive handsets in the country, then, but it may be worthwhile for those who want one of Nokia's most powerful devices.
Redbox Instant hits Windows Phone, will remain Lumia-exclusive for 60 days
After launching on iOS and Android almost a year ago, the mobile version of Redbox Instant by Verizon has finally arrived in the Windows Phone Store. Aside from a few cosmetic changes and added Live Tile support, the new app works exactly like its cross-platform counterparts, offering movie streaming and maps to nearby Redbox kiosks. An $8 monthly subscription also covers the rental fees for up to four DVDs, although customers can upgrade to Blu-ray discs for an additional dollar. The bad news is that the app's exclusive to Nokia's Lumia range right now -- plebes with other WP8 devices will have to wait until the end of January for general availability.
Instagram comes to Windows Phone Store today without video support (updated)
These days, a mobile OS is only as good as its ecosystem, and no company knows this fact more than Microsoft. Its smartphone platform known as Windows Phone has had plenty of growing pains during the first three years of existence, which is mainly related to a limited number of big apps and game titles. Despite these struggles, Microsoft has slowly but surely been able to court heavy-hitting developers -- even if only one or two at a time. Today, however, a gaping hole in the Windows Phone Store will be plugged, as Instagram will be available as a free download beginning today around 2pm ET. The Instagram app, which will be available only for Windows Phone 8 (sorry, legacy users), will offer Live Tiles that refresh with new data on the Start screen, and will also come with support for fast-resume; sadly, there are quite a few features that won't be available right away, such as video capture and uploading, photo tagging, viewing geotaxis and -- arguably the most important -- in-app image capture. Instagram explains that it wanted to get the app out to users as quickly as possible, so a few features had to be left out of the first version (which Instagram is calling a beta), but it assures us that future updates will come with plenty more functionality (as updates are often wont to do). Still, the addition of official support by Instagram is a good indicator of health for Windows Phone. Update: Despite Microsoft's and Instagram's repeated assurance that in-app image capture would not be available, it appears that it's actually included in the official app after all. Pressing the camera button takes you into the camera roll by default, but choosing the camera icon allows you to take a pic. Once you take the image, it auto-selects that shot and lets you upload it through Instagram. Updated headline to reflect image capture capabilities.
Nokia rebrands Music service as Mix Radio, updates Windows Phone app to match
Nokia's Music service has been a secret weapon for Lumia owners -- they get ad-free radio streaming on their phones at no extra cost. The company is driving that advantage home today by rebranding the service as Mix Radio (reflecting the service's main feature) and launching an updated music app to match. The new Mix Radio client centers on Play Me, a personalized stream defined by a few favorite artists. There are also Pandora-style thumbs-up and thumbs-down votes to refine the selection, and it's now easy to share mixes through email, Facebook, text messages and Twitter. As before, avid listeners can spend $4 per month to get unlimited downloads, improved quality and web listening. Current Lumia users just need to update their existing Music app to take advantage of Nokia's smarter audio experience.
Grand Theft Auto V's iFruit companion app reaches Windows Phone
Grand Theft Auto V players with Windows Phones have been missing out on the game's iFruit companion app for a full two months, but they're getting their turn today. The newly available port shares the same features we've seen in its Android and iOS counterparts, letting criminal masterminds tune their rides and take care of Franklin's dog Chop. Those eager to visit Los Santos Customs from the comfort of their Lumias can download iFruit now from the Windows Phone Store.
SmartGlass for Xbox One reaches Windows Phone a few days early (update: Windows 8.1 too)
As the ancient proverb goes: a next-gen console ain't no next-gen console without next-gen mobile apps. We can't remember who said that exactly, but it's impossible to forget what's built into the new Xbox One SmartGlass app. After all, Microsoft's been hyping everything you'll be able to do with that second screen for months now. In preparation for the One's launch later this week, the companion app has (unsurprisingly) landed first in the Windows Phone store. As you'd imagine, it's basically useless, but you can still download it, sign in and poke around the limited UI should you wish. We expect the new version to show up in the App and Play stores in due course, but perhaps this debut appearance will remind Sony that Windows Phone users like apps, too. Update: It appears that Microsoft not only released the SmartGlass app for Windows Phone today, but the folks in Redmond unveiled the Windows 8.1 version as well. So now that Microsoft fans can get SmartGlass on any of their devices, the only thing remaining is to get their hands on that lust-worthy console.
Google app for Windows Phone now lets you sign in, instantly shows what you speak
Google may not always be kind to Windows Phone users, but it's showing them some love today with an update to its self-titled search app for the platform. The new release lets users sign into their Google accounts, preserving their search history as they hop from device to device. It also shows voice commands as they're spoken. While the app still doesn't include Google Now or many other perks from the equivalent Android and iOS clients, the improvement is large enough that searchers will want to swing by the Windows Phone Store for an upgrade.
Office Remote for Windows Phone steers presentations from across the room
Microsoft has long championed Windows Phone's Office integration, but there has been a missing piece in that puzzle: an official way to control Office from a Windows Phone. The company is filling that gap today by launching its Office Remote app. The Windows Phone 8 client lets users navigate Excel, PowerPoint and Word on a Bluetooth-equipped Windows 7 or 8 PC, offering slide notes and other cues you'll need for a big presentation. We can't promise that managers will be impressed when you steer a quarterly results briefing from your Lumia 1520, but it won't hurt to grab Office Remote today from the Windows Phone Store.
Facebook's one-click login coming to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 apps
Android and iOS users have long been using their Facebook account for single click logging in to apps, and soon Windows 8 and Windows Phone users will be able to do the same. While the feature's is still in its early stages (on WP8, it's still in beta) Microsoft has announced that Foursquare, Adobe (Revel, Photoshop Express) and iHeartRadio are the first to get in on the action. Similar to Facebook Login on other platforms, using it will make it easier to share content from within the app, and connect your account info without punching in the credentials yet again. Foursquare will post your check-ins, the Adobe apps will let you upload photos easily, and you can share the station you're listening to on iHeartRadio. Facebook users will probably want to keep an eye on their privacy settings to avoid oversharing, while holdouts from the social network can remain assured that Microsoft's own account system is still positioned as the primary way to log in on the platform.
Nokia Black update to add Bluetooth LE across entire WP8 Lumia range
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it's making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo's website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we'll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
IDC: 21 percent of smartphones shipped in Q3 were big-screened behemoths
Supersized smartphones have been increasing in popularity for quite some time, but IDC now believes that they've truly hit the mainstream. The analyst group estimates that about 21 percent of the 261.1 million smartphones shipped in the third quarter had displays five inches or larger; that's a huge jump from just three percent a year earlier. An influx of big flagships like the Galaxy S 4 and G2 no doubt played a major role in the growth. However, IDC notes that the average price of a large-screened phone has dropped by 22.8 percent in one year -- those shipments included a wave of lower-cost behemoths like the Ascend Mate and Galaxy Mega 6.3. IDC is also estimating market share for the quarter (shown after the break), although it's painting a familiar picture. Android now has more than 80 percent of the market, while iOS is treading water at 12.8 percent. Windows Phone grew quickly as well, climbing from two percent in Q3 2012 to 3.6 percent a year later. The fourth quarter may be a different story, however -- Nokia is getting into the giant handset game with the Windows Phone-based Lumia 1520 and 1320, while Apple is enjoying brisk sales of its recently launched (if relatively small) iPhone 5s. We won't be shocked if Google's mobile rivals grab a larger slice of the market.
Vine finally arrives for Windows Phone with homescreen pinning in tow (update: now available)
Nokia broke the news that Vine was making its way to Windows Phone back in July, but there wasn't an exact word on a release day. Well folks, the time has come. Twitter's video microblogging app has made it's way to Microsoft's mobile OS. Much like the software for Android and iOS, this version captures video with a tap and hold, serves up camera tools for a helping hand and the Explore feature to checking out what's popular. In features that are unique to Windows Phone, users can pin their favorite accounts to the home screen for easy access while pivotting back and forth between other apps. If you've been eagerly waiting, the download should be live in Microsoft's app store later today. Update: Vine is now available in the Windows Phone Store via the second source link down below. Via the release notes, the app can be accessed from inside camera mode -- making use of that handy Lens feature. You can also pin the Vine camera to that home screen for one-tap launching when you're in a rush to capture the moment.
Nokia's high-end Lumia 929 Windows Phone for Verizon gets fully detailed in latest leak
It's not the first time we've seen a leak of what's purported to be Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 929 smartphone, but this latest one from Windows Phone Central should clear up most lingering questions that anyone's had about the device (with a couple of notable exceptions). According to the site, the Verizon-bound phone is a "very quick," high-end device with a 5-inch 1080P AMOLED display, a 20-megapixel PureView and 32GB of internal storage -- not surprisingly, it's more or less a slightly bigger and refined version of the Lumia 928, with a metal band around the edge being another distinguishing feature. Unfortunately, the two details that remain unknown are two big ones: a price and a release date, although the latter is said to be sometime between Thanksgiving and the beginning of next year. You can find the full spec list (and more photos) at the source link below.
Nokia Lumia 525 reaches Chinese regulator, hints at play-it-safe Windows Phone upgrade
Was Nokia's recent cavalcade of new Lumias not enough for you? Don't worry, there's yet another model on the way -- Chinese regulator TENAA has approved the Lumia 525, a previously rumored refresh of the entry-level 520. As the name suggests, the Windows Phone likely won't be a radical break from the past. Photos that briefly appeared at the Chinese agency (and were first caught by LiveSide.net) show a device that closely resembles the 520, including the flash-free rear camera. We don't know much about what's inside beyond 3G and WiFi, although an earlier rumor at BlogJack has the 525 doubling the onboard RAM to 1GB and putting a greater focus on music. The clearance doesn't necessarily confirm an imminent launch. However, there have been murmurs at Nokiapoweruser of a launch by early December; those who want yet another frugal Lumia may not have long to wait.
Android tops 81 percent of smartphone market share in Q3
Now that we know what smartphone market share looked like in the third quarter when broken down by manufacturer, it's time to compare performance by platform. As you'd imagine, the world is still Android's oyster. Strategy Analytics estimates that the OS has crossed the symbolic 80 percent mark, reaching 81.3 percent of smartphone shipments by the end of September. Not that Google was the only company doing well -- Nokia's strong US sales helped Windows Phone grow to 4.1 percent of the market, or nearly double what it had a year ago. Whether or not these trends continue is another matter. Although Android likely isn't in danger given the launches of phones like the Galaxy Note 3, there are also new iPhones and Lumias on the scene; there may be one or two surprise upsets when the fourth quarter is over.
Web-based Windows Phone dev tool has built 65,000 apps, gets upgraded with NFC
Some gave short shrift to Windows Phone App Studio beta when it launched in August, but its web based development tool is proving to be popular -- developers have already built 65,000 apps. Microsoft hopes to keep that momentum going with a slew of App Studio upgrades that should make these fast-track apps even more powerful. Beta users can now integrate other phone functions into their apps with simple, menu-driven "actions" that include context-aware tasks like dialing numbers. The update also enables NFC for beaming software to other App Studio users, and it's possible to earn money through the official Windows Phone ad kit. Those keen on using any of the beta's new tricks just have to sign into App Studio at the source link.
Viber for Windows Phone 8 gets a fresh UI, better integration with Viber Desktop
It's been less than a week since Viber brought a handful of improvements to older versions of BlackBerry OS, and now the time has come for Windows Phone 8 to get a similar treatment. Today, the VoIP service announced version 3.1 of the app, bringing with it a completely redesigned user interface, improved notifications and support for Live Tiles. Perhaps more importantly, this update enhances integration between the Viber Desktop and WP8 applications, making the experience smoother when transferring calls from one to the other. On paper, Viber's refreshed app would appear to be a much better one, but we'll let you be the judge of that after downloading the update from the Windows Phone Store.
