Mobile Miscellany: week of February 11th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought new smartphones from Alcatel, Samsung and Xolo, along with a sneak preview of the BlackBerry Travel app. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 11th, 2013.
Xolo A1000 arrives in India with 5-inch display and Jelly Bean
With the recently launched A500 already considered yesterday's news, Xolo has taken the wraps off of the A1000, a 5-inch smartphone that's now available within India for ₹13,999 ($258). The device sports an IPS display with HD (1,280 x 720) resolution, Android 4.1 and an 8-megapixel primary / 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, both of which include backside-illuminated sensors. The Xolo A1000 also wields a dual-core 1GHz MediaTek MT6577, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of expandable storage, dual-SIM support and a 2,100mAh battery. [Fone Arena]
BlackBerry Travel previewed for BB10
As a sign of good things to come, N4BB has provided an early preview of what BlackBerry 10 users can expect with the forthcoming BlackBerry Travel app. Included is the ability search for flights, make reservations, convert currencies, view weather forecasts and perform local searches. BlackBerry Travel is said to be released in the near future, but for the moment, N4BB's preview must suffice. [N4BB]
Alcatel debuts dual-core One Touch Star
New on the smartphone scene is the One Touch Star from Alcatel. While pricing and availability have yet to be revealed, we know that it'll include a 4-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU and Android 4.1. The One Touch Star will be sold in single and dual-SIM variants, each of which include a 5-megapixel primary camera that's accompanied by a front-facing VGA shooter, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of expandable storage and a 1,500mAh battery. [Android Community]
Three reveals entry-level Samsung Galaxy Fame
Three is aiming to bring Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to its customers in search of an entry-level smartphone with the Samsung Galaxy Fame. The handset will feature a 3.5-inch HVGA (480 x 320) display, a single-core 1GHz CPU, a 5-megapixel rear / VGA front-facing pair of cameras, and as a nice touch, it'll also support NFC. The Galaxy Fame will be available in Pearl White and Metallic Blue finishes, although pricing and availability have yet to be revealed. [Three UK]
Other random tidbits
Virgin Mobile has revealed that it'll soon bring the Nexus 4 into its smartphone lineup. [Android Community]
The HTC 8S is now available at Wind Mobile for $299 outright or with variable pricing on the WindTab plans. [Wind Mobile]
The Nokia Lumia 820 is now available in the Philippines and the company has revealed that the Lumia 620 arrive in the near future. [WMPoweruser]
In the coming months, both Rogers and Fido will begin offering 50MB roaming data plans at $7.99 per day for use in the US. [MobileSyrup]