Windows 8 gets Dropbox app; still no Windows Phone 8 love

Dropbox has closed a gaping hole in the Windows 8 lineup by releasing its official client for the platform.

Dropbox for Windows 8, now available via the Windows Store, bringing the ability to sync Windows 8 devices to the cloud, as well as other features like the ability to browse and preview all files on Dropbox and ability to open/ edit/ save Dropbox files from other Windows 8 apps.

The app includes support for both Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT and comes with Metro-style UI and includes Windows 8 goodness in the form of the Share Charm that lets users share any file or folder as well as the Search Charm that lets users search across their Dropbox files.

Dropbox is one of the most popular file-sharing services with over 100 million users as of November 2012. It is present on almost all popular mobile and desktop platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, BlackBerry and Android. Unofficial ports also exist for Symbian and MeeGo platform. The one remaining void is Windows Phone 8.

With Dropbox for Windows 8 now available, Windows Phone 8 users would be hoping an official client for the mobile platform is not too far away.

Dropbox for Windows 8 release notes

Description
With the Dropbox app for Windows 8, you can easily browse all your files, view your pictures, and watch your videos with a tap!

Features
Browse and preview all of your files and photos on Dropbox
Open, edit and save files from other Windows 8 apps
Share any photo, file or folder with the Share Charm
Find your files with the Search Charm

Supported processors
x86, x64, ARM

BlackBerry 10 leaks keep on coming, reveal purported price and specs

Research in Motion (RIM) seems to be having a tough time keeping its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 smartphones away from the camera. Pictures and videos of the full-touch BlackBerry 10 smartphone, which is touted to be launched as BlackBerry Z10 have been around for a while.

Adding to that list of leaks is the ones received by Business Insider, which reveal that this smartphone will be available through two major US telecom operators – Verizon and AT&T. Verizon is the largest telecom operator in the United States of America and was one of the first operators in the world to offer BlackBerry smartphone when they were launched.

The current set of leaked pictures placed iPhone 4S in between two BlackBerry Z10 smartphone to help compare both these devices. Business Insider claims that the build quality of BlackBerry Z10 is really nice. Its back cover feels rubbery and snaps pretty much like the back cover of Samsung Galaxy S III. However, these leaks do not give any indications on by when will these smartphones will start retailing.

Furthermore, a new video of the BlackBerry Z10 has been leaded by ETradeSupply.com, whichallegedly details the internal parts of this smartphone. According to this video, the full-touch BlackBerry 10 will be 10 millimetres thick.

The video features two 4.3-inch screens of what they claim to be BlackBerry Z10 smartphone. Both these screens seem to have a different layout of camera and sensor. Only one of the screens in the video seems to have BlackBerry logo, which makes the website speculate that this may perhaps be the final version of the display, while the other might be a prototype of a forthcoming BlackBerry 10 device.

RIM has already sent out invites for the January 30 event, where it will be launching its much awaited BlackBerry 10 operating system. It is expected that RIM will be launching two new devices at the launch, the all-touch BlackBerry Z10 and a QWERTY smartphone that is rumoured to be dubbed BlackBerry X10. Certain operators around the world have already started taking pre-orders for these smartphones.

The latest to join this bandwagon is the Canadian telecom operator Bell. The operator is also running a contest on its site, and promises to give away five new BlackBerry 10 devices to users who pre-register for updates.

As per Mobilenapps.com, the terms and conditions of this contest hints that the new BlackBerry 10 smartphone may carry a price tag of 700 Canadian dollars. Though it is not certain whether this price is for the full-touch smartphone or the QWERTY one.

RIM paid Nokia 50 million euros for patents

BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) paid rival Nokia 50 million euros ($65.8 million) to settle a patent dispute, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing US regulatory filings.

Analysts believe RIM will also have to pay the Finnish company a licence fee of between $2 and $5 for each handset sold using Nokia technology, the newspaper wrote.

Last month, Nokia withdrew all its lawsuits against RIM after reaching an agreement on patents relating to WLAN local area network technology, but said the terms of the deal were confidential.

However, in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Canadian company revealed the size of the lump sum settlement.

“The financial structure of the agreement includes a lump sum 50 euro million one-time payment, which has been recorded in the company’s consolidated statement of operations in the third quarter,” it said in a document published on the agency’s website.

The conflict arose from different interpretations of which technologies were covered by a 2003 licensing deal that allows RIM to use Nokia’s patented technology.

Nokia dominated the international mobile market for more than a decade but has of late lagged behind smartphone rivals such as Apple and Samsung, and credit rating agencies have downgraded the company due to concerns over its profitability and its cash position

But the Espoo-based company still holds patents to over 10,000 types of technology after having invested approximately 45 billion euros ($60 billion) in research and development over the past two decades.

Huawei's Ascend D2, Ascend Mate and W1 press photos leak ahead of CES launch

CES is almost here, and so are the inevitable leaks. Huawei, the Chinese smartphone equipment giant, is gearing up to showcase its new devices at the upcoming CES 2013, and the infamous @evleaks has  posted what are reportedly press shots of three of these mobiles.

First one is the Ascend Mate. This Android device was previously showcased by the company’s executive at a retail store in China. It is evident from the Press photo that this one is going to be a giant smartphone (or a phablet, if you will) with a 6.1-inch HD screen. The phone is powered by Huawei’s own 1.8GHz HISilicon K3V3 quad-core chip, and packs in a 4,000 mAh battery.

Next in the line of leaks is the Ascend D2. This is a “smaller” smartphone that boasts a 5-inch HD touchscreen. Under the hood, there is a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor. The D2 runs on Android (version not confirmed) with company’s own Emotion UI on top of it.

Last one is the Huawei W1. This one is a Windows Phone 8 device, which we’ve heard about multipletimes before. What is clear from the leaked image is that it will come in four different colour options. @evleaks mentions that the phone is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and will pack in a 2,000 mAh battery.

Huawei was mentioned as one of the  original Windows Phone 8 partners by Microsoft, and looks like their plans are finally coming to fruition. It will be interesting to see what other major OEMs showcase as far as their Windows Phone offerings are concerned.

All these devices are expected to debut at the upcoming  CES.

Byond launches Phablet PIII with huge 6-inch display, Android 4.1

Pune-based Byond Tech has launched a 6-inch dual-SIM smartphone-tablet hybrid in the country. Dubbed as the Phablet PIII, the device is priced at Rs. 14,999 and is now available across India.

At 11.3mm thickness, the Phablet PIII features a 6-inch FWVGA high resolution 5-point touch capacitive display (854X480 pixels) and comes with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean straight out of the box. The phablet features an 8-megapixel rear snapper with LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera as well.

Underneath the Phablet PIII is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor and has expandable storage options of up to 32GB via microSD card. It comes with a 2,500mAH battery. There aren’t any details available for the RAM or internal storage as of now.

The device supports dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) dual standby functionality and boasts connectivity options like WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 3G and Bluetooth 2.0.

Karbonn comes closest to this device with its  A30 Ta-Fone, which has also just been launched. The A30 sports a 5.9-inch capacitive touch display with 480×800 pixels and runs on Android 4.0. Other features include an 8-megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash. 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 1GHz dual-core processor, 4GB of internal storage, dual-SIM support (3G+2G) and 2,500mAh battery.

Back in October, Byond had launched 3D-based Android tablets with 7-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch screens priced between Rs. 4,300 and Rs. 11,000.

The company is eyeing to sell over one lakh smart phones per month by launching new range in lower price bracket and targeting  Rs.400 crore turnover from smart phones and tablets in 2013-14. Byond is looking at launching Android-powered mobile handsets across 3.5-6-inch screens priced between Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 13,000.

Byond Phablet PIII key specifications

• 6-inch (854 x 480 pixels) capacitive 5-point multi-touch display
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• VGA front-facing camera
• 1GHz dual-core processor
• Expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD
• 11.3mm thick
• Dual-SIM (GSM + GSM) with dual standby
• 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS
• 2500 mAh battery
• Android 4.1.1

ZTE launches Nubia Z5 smartphone with 5-inch 1080p display

We’ve reported earlier about  ZTE’s plans to lanuch two tablets this year and the company is now a step closer to accomplishing those plane. The Nubia Z5 has now been officially announced by the company. The Black and White models of the device will go on sale in China beginning January 2013 for 3,456 yuan (about $555 US). There is no word on availability in other regions as of now.

The Nubia Z5 comes with Android 4.1.1 and touts impressive hardware. The device sports a 5-inch (1920×1080 pixels) IPS display and features a huge 13-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front facing one.

At 138 x 69.2 x 7.6mm and weighing in at 126 grams, the Nubia Z5 is being claimed as the thinnest full-HD smartphone yet. Under the belly, the Nubia Z5 is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It comes with a 3000mAh battery.

The device boasts NFC, HSPA+ connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.

Rumour has it that apart from the black and white models, there is a third model expected to be revealed later. There aren’t any other details except that it is likely to be a titanium version and may be priced at 7,890 yuan (around $1,265 US).

ZTE is also expected to unveil a second   5-inch full-HD device at CES 2013 in Las Vegas. A press shot of the Grand S was leaked 3 days ago with very less details known about the phablet.

Nubia Z5 key specifications

• 5-inch (1920×1080 pixels) IPS display
• 13-megapixel rear camera
• 2-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) processor
• 2GB RAM
• 32GB internal storage
• NFC, HSPA+ connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0
• Android 4.1.1

Intex unveils iBuddy Connect Android 4.0 tablet with voice calling for Rs. 7,990

The latest addition to budget tablets from Intex comes in the form of iBuddy Connect. The 7-inch tablet runs on Android 4.0 carries a price tag of Rs. 7,990 and is the first from the company to support voice calling.

The iBuddy Connect has features similar to the 7-inch iBuddy tablet from Intex launched in July this year. The iBuddy Connect is an exception since it features a SIM card slot for voice calling.

Coming to the specs of the device, it has a 7-inch capacitive touch screen display supporting 800×480 pixel resolution and is powered by a 1GHz processor with 512MB RAM. The device comes with Ice Cream Sandwich, a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera.

The device has 4GB of on-board storage with expansion options upto 32GB. Pre-installed apps on the iBuddy Connect include Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook and more.

Connectivity options on the tablet include 3G dongle support via USB, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, HDMI. The tablet comes with a 3000mAh battery.

The iBuddy Connect is available in colour options of White and Chocolate and as part of its introductory offer, the company is also bundling a leather cover with an attached keyboard.

Intex iBuddy Connect specifications

• 7-inch (800×480 pixels) capacitive touch screen display
• 1GHz processor
• 512MB DDRIII RAM
• 4GB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB
• 2-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera
• GSM SIM support, 3G dongle support via USB, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, HDMI
• 3000 mAh lithium Ion battery
• Android 4.0.4

Videocon launches dual-SIM A20 and A30 Android smartphones

After launching budget feature phones earlier this year, Videocon has now forayed into the budget Android market with two new smartphones, the A20 and A30. The A20 is priced at Rs. 4,999 while the A30 costs Rs. 7,299.

The A20 runs on Android 2.3 and sports a 3.5-inch HVGA display and features a 3-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera. It is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor underneath with 256MB RAM. It comes with a 1350mAh battery. The smartphone has 512MB of on-board storage with external expansion options upto 32GB via microSD card.

The A30 on the other hand comes with beefed up specs in comparison to the A20. The device runs on Android 4.0 and has a 4-inch WVGA display, a 5-megapixel auto-focus rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera. Under the hood, it features a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 512MB RAM and comes with 4GB internal storage (expandable upto 32GB). It has a 1500mAh battery.

Connectivity options on these dual-SIM smartphones include 3G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0. Both devices also come with various pre-installed apps including Facebook, History Eraser and more.

Current mobile offerings from Videocon in the feature phone segment include V1528, V1531+, V1542, V1544, V1548 and V1580 ranging from Rs. 1,799 to Rs. 2,999.

Videocon A20 Specifications

• 3.5-inch (480×320 pixels) capacitive touch screen display
• Dual SIM (GSM + GSM) with dual standby
• 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• 256MB RAM
• 3-megapixel rear camera
• VGA front-facing camera
• 3G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth with A2DP and GPS
• FM Radio with Recording
• 512MB internal storage expandable memory up to 16GB with micro SD
• 1350 mAh battery
• Android 2.3

Videocon A30 Specifications

• 4-inch (800×480 pixels) capacitive touch screen display
• Dual SIM (GSM + GSM) with dual standby
• 1 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB internal storage expandable memory up to 32 GB with micro SD
• 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash
• VGA front-facing camera
• 3G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and GPS
• FM Radio with Recording
• 1500 mAh battery
• Android 4.0

BlackBerry 10 QWERTY device spotted online

There have plenty of leaked photos and videos available for the touchscreen BlackBerry 10 smartphone and now the QWERTY BlackBerry 10 smartphone has surfaced online. Two blurry photos of what appears to be the N-Series BlackBerry 10 smartphone have been posted on the Chines website cnbeta.com.

From the leaked images it appears that the QWERTY BlackBerry 10 smartphone will have curved corners and will not be radically different from the current range of QWERTY handsets being offered by the Canadian handset maker.

The major difference seems to be that the company has done away with navigation and menu buttons, which means that there is a possibility that there will be no trackpad on the N-Series BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Also, it appears that these devices will have a slightly larger screen than what is currently being offered to BlackBerry users.

Just a few days back, the grapevine was abuzz with the fact that this N-Series smartphone might be called BlackBerry X10.

Research In Motion (RIM) has already announced that they will be launching their new BlackBerry 10 operating system and touchscreen device running on this platform on January 30, 2013. According tovarious leaks it seems, RIM plans to ditch 4 digit names (like BlackBerry Curve 9300) and call the forthcoming full-touch BlackBerry 10 smartphone the ‘BlackBerry Z10’.

We’ve also seen the BlackBerry 10 OS being demoed across various official and unofficial videos. The BlackBerry 10 operating system has been designed afresh from the ground-up, with an interface optimised for touch-screen devices. At the heart of BlackBerry 10 is the BlackBerry Hub, which is the focal point of the new operating system. BlackBerry Hub is the one-stop place to access all your messages – from social networking to work and personal emails, from BBM to text-messaging and voice calls. BlackBerry 10 comes with a new soft-keyboard that learns user habits and gets better at predicting input over time.

RIM patent deal a boost for Nokia's finances

Struggling Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has settled its patent dispute with BlackBerry maker Research in Motion in return for payments, as it tries to exploit its trove of technology patents to boost its dire finances.

Terms of the agreement were confidential, but Nokia said on Friday it included a one-time payment to be booked in the fourth quarter, as well as ongoing fees, all to be paid by RIM.

Nokia is one of the industry’s top patent holders, along with Qualcomm and Ericsson, having invested 45 billion euros in mobile research and development over the past two decades.

It has been trying to make use of that legacy to ensure its survival as it battles to recover ground lost in the lucrative smartphone market to the likes of Apple and Samsung.

With sales and cash reserves falling and its credit rating cut to junk over the past year, Nokia in October announced a 750 million euros convertible bond to help fund its fightback.

The agreement with RIM settles all existing patent litigation between the two companies, Nokia said, adding similar disputes with HTC Corp and ViewSonic still stood.

“This agreement demonstrates Nokia’s industry leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on further licensing opportunities in the mobile communications market,” said Paul Melin, Nokia’s chief intellectual property officer.

Nokia has earned around 500 million euros a year from patent royalties in key areas of mobile telephony.

Some analysts have said it could earn hundreds of millions more if it can negotiate with more companies successfully.

They estimated its June 2011 settlement with Apple was worth hundreds of millions of euros, but said the RIM agreement was likely worth much less because of lower BlackBerry sales.

“Not hundreds of millions,” said Martin Nilsson, analyst at Handelsbanken, when asked for an estimate on the settlement. He added the news was positive, if not surprising.

“More or less, when companies like Ericsson, Qualcomm or Nokia go into negotiations, they end up net winners.”

Nokia shares fell 3 percent to 3.07 euros by 1000 GMT. They have been retreating in the past few sessions from their strong surge of the past month.

They rose around 40 percent over the month through Tuesday on speculation its new Lumia smartphones were selling well. Analysts have warned the phones appeared sold out in many stores as supplies were short to begin with.