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The next iPhone's nano-SIM cradle allegedly leaked
Rumors about the new iPhone have basically everything but the screen shrinking. That includes the SIM card and its ejectable drawer. French site NoWhereElse scored some photos of what it claims is the new tray, alongside the 4S version for comparison. As you can clearly see, the new SIM slot is narrower and the insert has a slightly different cosmetic design. If the part turns out to be legit, it will hardly come as a surprise. Apple made a big push for a nano-SIM standard to be adopted over competing designs from Nokia, RIM and Motorola. If the rumors and Cupertino's reliable refresh schedule hold up, you wont have to wait long to find out for sure. The next iPhone is expected to be announced next month. Hit up the source link for a few more photos.
Microsoft downplays Metro design name, might face a lawsuit over all that street lingo
If you've seen most of Microsoft's design language for nearly three years, there's only one word that sums it up: Metro. In spite of that urban look being the underpinning of Windows Phone, Windows 8 and even the Zune HD, Microsoft now claims to ZDNet and others that it's no longer fond of the Metro badge. Instead, it's supposedly phasing out the name as part of a "transition from industry dialog to a broad consumer dialog" while it starts shipping related products -- a funny statement for a company that's been shipping some of those products for quite awhile. Digging a little deeper, there's murmurs that the shift might not be voluntary. Both Ars Technica and The Verge hear from unverified sources that German retailer Metro AG might waving its legal guns and forcing Microsoft to quiet down over a potential (if questionable) trademark dispute. Metro AG itself won't comment other than to say that these are "market rumors," which doesn't exactly calm any frayed nerves over in Redmond. Should there be any truth to the story, we hope Microsoft chooses an equally catchy name for those tiles later on; Windows Street Sign Interface Windows 8-style UI just wouldn't have the same ring to it.
Sony Xperia SL shows up in multiple colors, allegedly sports a beefy 1.7GHz processor
Sony's been under the microscope for all the wrong reasons lately. Today, however, the spotlight's focusing on the rumored successor of that lovable Xperia S. According to the reliable folks over at ePrice, the upcoming Xperia SL has been tweaked in a couple of ways since its last showing; not only popping up in different (and more subtle) livery, but it's also received a decent speed bump with the alleged inclusion of a dual-core, 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU -- which is slightly different than the 1.5GHz chip previously reported. Either way, this Xperia SL cup will remain half full for the time being, as other useful details like pricing and availability are still widely unknown. [Thanks, Joseph A.]
Two sources talk of Apple iPhone event around September 12th, part sales back it up (update: one more clue)
Apple's plans for its next iPhone refresh may be getting very tangible, very quickly. It all started when iMore heard that Apple was preparing to hold an event unveiling the new hardware on September 12th, with a launch the following week on September 21st. Although the relative newcomer to the iPhone release date rumor game is still building its track record, that claim may have just gotten some extra meat: AllThingsD is joining in the chorus and touts its own sources pointing to an event in the same timeframe. While it's almost a month earlier in the year than Apple's iPhone 4S event was in 2011, it's supported by an Apple filing with the SEC showing a sharp uptick in supply purchasing during the spring, which it would need to start production for the fall. All of it is still rumor, of course, but past experience suggests that iOS fans may want to plan any September camping trips for the Apple Store line late in the month, not Labor Day weekend. Update: Jim Dalrymple at The Loop, who's well-known for his accurate one-word confirmations and denials of rumors, just posted his trademark "yep."
Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)
HP has acknowledged that it's been working on a Windows 8 tablet; it just hasn't mentioned whether or not the rumored Slate 8 is part of its plans. Imagine our surprise, then, when we're told that HP's 60-second "Make It Matter" commercial ends with an unannounced yet familiar-looking tablet right at the 56-second mark. There's only a fleeting glimpse, but it shows a metallic-looking body with a large black antenna window -- the combination of which would fit in with the Slate 8's purported aesthetics. We've asked HP whether or not this is a clever teaser for a real product or just as conceptual as the rest of the ad, and we'll let you know if we hear back on the subject. In the meantime, you can inspect the video evidence for yourself after the break. [Thanks, Brian]
Windows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink
The Windows Phone 8 SDK has escaped to the wild, and some sifting through the device emulator has dug up elements that Microsoft either skipped or only touched on lightly during the big unveiling in June. The most important addition may be the one customers see the least: backup. A WP7.hu search has the new OS replicating apps, settings and SMS messages in the cloud to prevent disaster, and that new SD card support will let WP8 owners shuffle photos from internal storage to the removable kind for safekeeping. There's also more work on Internet Explorer than we saw before, with MobileTechWorld noticing that DataSense provides an option for Opera-like remote compression to save that precious cellular bandwidth. Media fans might have the most to gain. If we go by The Verge, both the Music/Video and Xbox hubs are getting fresh coats of paint -- both to integrate new ventures like Xbox Music as well as to jive more closely with the SmartGlass visual theme. Shutterbugs will like the long-awaited options to crop and rotate their work, pick multiple photos, and unify third-party camera apps under a Lenses concept. There's even more clever features in store, such as a Maps update that finds nearby WiFi hotspots, so head on over to the sources to get a full sense of where Microsoft will be going.
BlackBerry PlayBook with 4G LTE may reach Bell by July 31st, 1.5GHz chip tagging along for the ride
RIM has been planning a 4G-capable BlackBerry PlayBook for so long that CEO Thorsten Heins' promises of a 2012 launch still made it feel distant. If Bell Canada information breezing past MobileSyrup's desk is any indicator, though, the launch is coming sooner than Heins implied -- just one week away, as of this writing. The slip has at least the one carrier reportedly offering an LTE-equipped, 32GB version of the 7-inch tablet on July 31st at a price of $550 Canadian ($540 US) without a contract. And yes, it would get that rumored 1.5GHz processor upgrade if there's any substance to the story. We'd still prefer to see the tablet jump to BlackBerry 10 more than anything, especially at that kind of price, but the RIM faithful could still find something to cheer if they're looking for a truly definitive PlayBook to make the BB10 wait feel shorter.
Samsung Galaxy Stellar pops up in Verizon docs, might light up our skies soon
Having launched an all-out blitz on the high-end of US smartphones, Samsung must be eager to conquer the mid-range as well. A Verizon rebate list finding its way to Droid-Life has the previously unknown Galaxy Stellar showing up amongst the carrier's more budget-minded smartphones for a $50 discount sometime between now and an August 19th expiry date. There's little we can definitively attach to that starry-eyed name so far, although we have our hunches: first and foremost is that it's the Jasper, the Snapdragon S4-touting spiritual successor to the Droid Charge. It might alternately be the even more mysterious SCH-i415, which just showed up at the FCC this weekend and could be a world-roaming sequel to the Stratosphere (SCH-i405) with CDMA, LTE and GSM all rolled into one. Whether the Galaxy Stellar is one of these two devices or something entirely off of the map, there's a strong indication between this, Sprint's mystery SPH-L300 and the slightly more tangible Galaxy Reverb that Samsung will leave no CDMA corner unturned in the near future.
Sprint's rumored LG LS860 'Cayenne' shows up once more, reveals hint of ICS
Well, look who decided to make a sudden appearance yet again. Not long after receiving a quick, unexpected visit from the legendary (and very crafty) Mr. Blurrycam, the purported Sprint-bound LG LS860 has decided it was due for another showing. This time around, though, the Cayenne's a little more revealing than during its previous exhibition, flaunting its powered-on 4-inch, WVGA screen and what appears to be a flavor of Android 4.0 running on the background -- this would allegedly be paired alongside a dual-core, 1.2GHz S4 CPU, which is a slight change from what we'd previously heard. As far as whether or not LG's Cayenne will be involved in the next wave of LTE-enabled slabs headed to The Now Network -- for that, our friends, we'll have to wait to find out.
2012 iPhone's maybe-finished front appears with center camera, may straighten our FaceTime chats
A claimed test sample of the 2012 iPhone's complete body has already made the rounds, but it was using a rough front panel that wasn't supposed to be wholly representative of the finished work. Frequent part leaker Apple.pro has uncovered a sample which might be closer to the real deal: the white example shows the space for the taller screen that we've come to know, just with a conspicuously shifted FaceTime camera that now sits above the speaker. It's a small change, but it suggests Apple is going for much more of a family resemblance this time around -- a previously claimed 2012 iPod touch panel was merging the fourth-generation iPod's already centered camera with the taller display. While there's still room for this to be a creative fake or an interim design, the consistency hints that Cupertino is keen to shake things up a bit for the iPhone's fifth birthday.
New 2012 iPhone body reportedly leaks, gives the glass front its time to shine
Remember that tall, mostly aluminum 2012 iPhone shell that appeared to have leaked? It's back. This time, KitGuru has unearthed what it claims is a "test sample" with the glass front panel roughly intact. We've seen the darker steel sides, aluminum back and new dock connector before, but the front gives us a much better sense of how the finished product (if real) will turn out. Sitting next to an iPhone 4S, it's suggested that the new model would stuff in that bigger screen more through a better use of the available area -- there's much less blank space than on the iPhones we've known since 2007. While we still don't know for sure if the design shown here is close to what will go hand-in-hand with iOS 6 in the fall, we're starting to see enough smoke that there's bound to be a fire nearby.
Sony's upcoming ST26i smartphone could hit the market under Xperia J name
As is often the case, once you make your first unannounced, unexpected appearance, more are likely soon to follow -- and that's what's happening with Sony's forthcoming slab, the codenamed ST26i. Unlike last time we saw it in most of its glory, though, now it's only showing up in full text mode, revealing what could be its official moniker once it finally launches. According to a leaked doc acquired by the folks from Xperia Blog, Sony's purported 4-inch handset could snatch up the Xperia J nametag after making the transition from the more subtle and discrete ST26i title. Unfortunately, no other fruitful details were revealed in the process, but something tells us now it's only a matter of time before this ICS-filled Xperia J gets past its rumor phase and becomes something more concrete.
Philips' unannounced 9 series flagship TVs get exposed by leaked document
Having already unveiled an entire set of HD, LCD televisions back at last year's CES, the next obvious step for Philips would be to work its way up the entertainment ladder and take the wraps off of its flagship 9 series. Fortunately for us (and you), though, a recently leaked document's giving us an early peek of what we can expect from the manufacturer as it tries to re-invade living rooms all over the globe. According to the revealing docs, Philips will be adding the 9707 and 9607 Smart TVs to its 9 series repertoire, offering viewers a choice between a relatively large 46-inch or a more colossal 60-incher -- both reportedly "very thin." Additionally, the intelligent couple's said to be loaded with 3D Max features, a 1200Hz Perfect Motion Rate system, and both are expected to be powered by the outfit's Perfect Pixel HD processing technology. Needless to say, given its Smart TV status, it's safe to say it'll come with the usual WiFi capabilities as well as a number of apps to pick from. If curiosity is taking over you, such exposing documents can be found at the source below in PDF form.
Samsung Galaxy Note documents pop up on T-Mobile's site, prepares for its grand entrance
If there's one thing we can be certain of, it's this: T-Mobile's been anything but cautious about keeping its own Galaxy Note variant under secretive wraps. In a matter of weeks, we've spotted it while paying Mr. Blurrycam a visit, making a short stop at the FCC offices and, most recently, showing its phablet self in some purported T-Mo press shots. And although this time it isn't being as revealing as it has in previous occasions, it's yet another sign that its eventual entrance into T-Mobile's smartphone lineup is right around the corner. As a curious TmoNews reader found out, a quick, simple search for Galaxy Note within the Magenta site brings up a plethora of support documents for the device, including bits like software overview, call functionality, media, customization and specs. In case you were planning on snagging one of these once it launches, this might be a good way to become acquainted with the Samsung's jumbo slab.
A bevy of Nokias allegedly leak into a developer app: 'Lumia 1001' tops theoretical new lineup
There's nothing easier to photoshop than a phone display, but a Nokiapoweruser reader claims to have RDA screenshots leaking five (count 'em) different upcoming Nokia smartphones. The reputed models shown -- without any other proof -- are the Nokia 510, Nokia Belle 805 and Lumias 920, 950 and 1001. These are on top of another we already saw from the same type of source, the Nokia 910, giving us a Bizarro world view of Nokia's entire possible WP8 lineup, before the company has even issued a peep. We'd love to ruminate about potential specs and pecking order, but since we're talking about an entirely abstract slate of phones, go ahead and invent your own. [Image credit: Nokiapoweruser]
Samsung T699 may become Galaxy S Blaze Q, compete for silliest phone name ever on August 15th
T-Mobile might have just gone with the nuclear option when it comes to ridiculous smartphone names. Apparently not content to let Sprint's Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch hold on to the crown for unnecessarily wordy titles, Magenta is reportedly launching Samsung's T699 as the Galaxy S Blaze Q. Yep. If you've stopped giggling, you'll be glad to know TmoNews' leaked photos and details at least hint at a serious QWERTY slider attached to the silly name. The Android 4.0 hardware should be a slightly detuned Galaxy S III, with the familiar 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 and 720p display being tempered by a more restrained 1GB of RAM and a 5-megapixel back camera. As long as a store layout document proves accurate, we'll have the choice of snagging a Blaze Q at T-Mobile on August 15th... assuming the store clerk doesn't get tongue-tied first.
Nokia Lumia 910 pops up in developer tool, has us chasing phantoms
The often rumored Nokia Lumia 910 has proven to be an ephemeral spirit so far. If the company's Remote Developer Access tool is an indicator, though, it may become corporeal before too long. A Nokiapoweruser reader has spotted the phone's name hanging out as one of the selectable devices. Unfortunately, we're not getting much more than that: there's no hardware specifications lurking about that we know of. Earlier rumors had it being a slight spin on the Lumia 900 with a 12-megapixel camera and even a Verizon edition, but the lack of hard evidence outside of the name may leave us all wondering for some time yet as to what Espoo's flagship might get in a refresh. We won't be shocked if any future overhaul waits for Microsoft's latest and greatest platform to arrive. [Thanks, Nish]
Sony PRS-T2 Reader drops by the FCC, teases e-book lovers ahead of launch
We can always count on the good ole Federal Communications Commission for a sneak peek at the latest wireless-communicating gadgets ahead of launch. Sometimes our probes are met with full-on spec sheets and user manuals to peruse, while often we're greeted with a simple model name and number, and perhaps a hint of said wireless capabilities in a test report. That's what we have today -- most of the information available is listed in that product label above, including confirmation that we're looking at a Sony Reader with the model number PRS-T2. Additionally, the report reveals that the device will sport 802.11b/g/n WiFi (but not 3G), along with a microSD slot for external storage. For now, that's all we have to share, but you're welcome to do some digging of your own at the FCC link below.
Samsung's GT-B5330 shows up in leaked photos, flaunts its QWERTY traits
If all those bells and whistles packed inside that famed Galaxy S III are a wee bit much for you, then perhaps you might be interested in this Sammy-branded GT-B5330 and all of its relatively modest qualities. For starters, the device is bound to be a delight to those who love the feel of physical QWERTY keys, with Sammy Hub also reporting that it's sporting an unpretentious QVGA, 320 x 240 screen and a bearable 850MHz processor -- all while being powered by a Samsung flavor of Ice Cream Sandwich. As is usually the case with these early appearances, though, mum's the word on when this GT-B5330 will make its official debut. That said, something tells us this won't be the last time we'll be seeing this guy show off its typing attributes.
Google's Nexus 7 tablet outed before I/O 2012 (update: now with specs, price)
Well, it looks like the rumors are true. This morning, just ahead of 2012's Google I/O initial keynote, Android Police dug up what looks to be an official press shot of Mountain View's unannounced 7-inch tablet, aptly named the Nexus 7. As opposed to our previous sneak peek, this shot shows what is most assuredly the home screen for Jelly Bean, and comes directly from Google's servers. Glad we got that settled. Now we just need to know about the actual hardware inside -- good thing we've only gotta wait another hour or so to find out. Update: Hoo, boy! The hits keep comin.' The good folks at Modaco managed to grab screenshots for the sale page of the Nexus 7, replete with screenshots and specs. Turns out, the tablet has a 1280x800 IPS display coated in "scratch-resistant Corning glass," which we presume is of the Gorilla variety, plus a front-facing, 1.2-megapixel camera. Within its 198.5 x 120 x 10.45mm case lies either 8 ($199) or 16GB ($249) of storage, plus 1GB of RAM, and NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 SoC. Connectivity comes courtesy of GPS, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Micro-USB, plus it's got NFC for all your Android Beaming needs. Rounding things out is a 4,325mAh battery and the usual spate of sensors: accelerometer, magnetometer, and a gyroscope. Want more? A video all about Jelly Bean and the new hardware running it awaits after the break, or you can hop on over to the source to order one for yourself. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub!
