T3 India

Nathan George

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 may launch early to avoid iPhone 6S clash

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That’s according to the Wall Street Journal, which claims launching earlier will give Samsung "some breathing room" before Apple releases its latest handsets (thought to be the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus).

Basically, it appears that Samsung has learnt from its mistake – don’t try and compete with Apple. Samsung had high hopes for the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge, but they were released so close to the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus that it hindered their success. As a result, Samsung may have lost millions of potential sales, proving how crucial timing is when it comes to smartphones.

If Samsung were to debut the Galaxy Note 5 in mid-August, then it would give the company a head-start in the race over Apple, which typically releases its shiny new tech in September.

So what can we expect from the Galaxy Note 5? Well, previous leaks suggest the phablet will have a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and a 64-bit octa-core Exynos processor.

Like the Galaxy S6, the Note 5 will reportedly get a glass back too. Rumours also claim it will be released in black, silver and white. 

Forget 4K, Samsung is trying to make an 11K display

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According to the folks at ETNews, Samsung is working on a smartphone display with a ludicrous 11K resolution. Now let that sink in…

The company is already looking past 4K and even 8K displays, aiming for the pinnacle in mobile display technology. With 11K, the panel would have a pixel density of 2,250ppi, which would put current displays to shame.

So why aim for the 11K mark? Well, apparently at such a high quality, the phone would be able to offer 3D visual effects without having to don some dodgy thick-framed glasses.  

On top of that, it would also greatly improve the capabilities of virtual reality headsets. While we like the Samsung Gear VR, it uses the Galaxy Note 4’s 2K display which isn’t really enough and can ruin the immersion. Meanwhile 11K would split the screen between the two lenses easily, making for a much better experience.

Samsung is said to be working alongside the South Korean government – which is investing nearly 27 million into the project over 5 years – and 12 other companies. The plan is to unveil the 11K panel at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

This isn’t the first time Samsung has tried something new. It debuted a dual-curved display on the smash-hit Galaxy S6 Edge and has also filed a patent for a flexible smartphone. 

Huawei tipped to launch Nexus phone this autumn

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According to the folks at The Information, Huawei will indeed help Google build the sequel to last year’s Nexus 6. The report also claims that the next-gen flagship will be launched this autumn.

If true, Huawei will be the first Chinese manufacturer to take the job. Companies that have taken the job in the past include HTC, Samsung, Asus, LG and most recently Motorola.

So why Huawei? Well, the report points out that Huawei has become "one of Google’s strongest and most trusted partners in selling devices powered by Google’s Android software."

And apparently, the working relationship will extend much further than just the 2015 Nexus. Huawei is also helping Google to set up an Android app store for China. The Google Play Store isn’t available there at the moment due to government regulations, so Huawei might be able to assist.

In exchange, Google will reportedly help Huawei to market future devices in the West. On top of that, it will also reportedly help get the Huawei Watch working with the iPhone.

It will certainly be interesting to see where the new Nexus fits in the series, though. After all, the Nexus 7 name is already taken by Google’s tablet. Some tipsters reckon they might just use the Nexus 5 name again and keep going recycling the same three numbers, but we’re not so sure.

We’ve also heard that Google might follow Apple’s tactic of releasing two handsets, as it did with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple reportedly set to announce new iPods next week

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The news broke last week that Apple is refreshing its iPod devices, after images showing iPods in new colours were spotted in the code for iTunes 12.2. Now French site iGen suggests the new MP3 players will be formally debuted this coming Tuesday, July 14.

We’re told gold, grey, electric blue, fuchsia, pink and black versions of the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Touch are on their way. All of them are said to don upgraded internals, apparently, the reason is to support Apple Music. With less storage – because we’re all streaming our music, supposedly – the new line-up could be a cheap alternative to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

If the rumours are true, the iPod Touch – which hasn’t been updated since 2012 – will be improved the most. Apple is said to be swapping its 32-bit processor for a faster 64-bit processor, as well as giving it a beefier camera and Touch ID tech. 

Apple Pay also hits the UK next week on July 14, which probably isn’t a coincidence. With Touch ID packed into the new Touch, users will be able to pay for things in seconds.

However do note, this report is hardly gospel. Given the fact that Apple has yet to shed any formal light on the supposed iPod unveilings, take these claims with a pinch of salt for now.

Check out everything we know about the iPhone 6S.

Microsoft announces Minecraft for Windows 10

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Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition is officially a thing, and marks the latest way you can play the addictive world-building game. You can already get it on Windows, Mac, Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.

While there’s already a version for Windows, this new variant has additional optimizations that set it apart. This includes seamless swapping between touchscreen, controller or keyboard/mouse controls, Xbox Live and Minecraft Pocket Edition online play, and record/share support for built-in GameDVR functions.

This is the latest movement from Microsoft on Minecraft, which has actively pushed the game since it purchased studio Mojang in 2015. Now Minecraft is available on Xbox One, Windows 10 and a version is currently in development for the HoloLens augmented reality headset.

Best of all is that owners of the PC version of Minecraft will get Minecraft Windows 10 Edition Beta for free. For others, it will cost $10 for an unspecified time.