First Ubuntu smartphone will keep things simple, launch without an app store

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/ubuntu-smartphone-will-launch-without-app-store/

While RIM throws checks at developers, and Steve Ballmer invades other people's press conferences to shout about apps, the folks behind the Ubuntu smartphone project are taking a very different tack. According to Richard Collins, product manager at Canonical, the first device -- expected by early next year -- will target basic users and only run pre-installed software:

"In terms of our first go-to-market product strategy, the intention is not to have an application store full of ready-made applications that are there to download. We have a very definite approach in terms of addressing a very important part of the market where users are primarily interested in being able to use a core set of applications."

Let's be clear, though: this entry-level phone will be capable of accessing a storefront for third-party apps at some point in the future. A huge part of Canonical's long-term plan is to capitalize on its relationships with developers and the fact that existing Ubuntu desktop apps should be relatively easy to port to the new breed of phones and tablets. It's just that this isn't going to be the priority to begin with. Check out our full interview with Richard Collins for more.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Samsung plays favorites, blesses Korean Galaxy Grand with quad-core and LTE

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/samsung-korean-galaxy-grand-quad-core/

After being unveiled at the close of 2012, yesterday Samsung announced the Galaxy Grand for its native South Korea. At a glance the domestic build of this handset looks nearly identical to its foreign counterpart, however the device's spec sheet tells a different story. Opposed to a meager dual-core chip and faux 4G connectivity, the Korean version of the Galaxy Grand sports a beefy 1.4GHz processor, along with LTE network support. Additional unique features include NFC capabilities and USB 3.0. Aside from these hometown enhancements, the device's 5-inch WVGA display, dual-cameras and Android 4.1 operating system remain intact. Set to be available on three unannounced Korean carriers at an undisclosed time, potential suitors can pick up this superior version of the Galaxy Grand for 350,000 won (around $325).

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Via: Android Headlines

Source: Samsung (translated)

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RAmos W42 tablet boasts quad-core Exynos chip, sells for around $200

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/24/ramos-w42-tablet-with-exynos/

It's been a long, long while since we last heard about RAmos 'round here, but that doesn't mean the Chinese company isn't trying to remain relevant in the electronics game. As such, we're more than happy to tell you about the outfit's newest Android slate, the 9.4-inch RAmos W42, which is powered by a wallop of Ice Cream Sandwich, Mali-400 GPU and a Samsung-made quad-core processor -- more specifically, it's the Exynos 4412. Other tablet specs include a not-too-shabby 1,280 x 800 IPS display, 1GB RAM, 16GB of built-in storage (expandable by way of microSD) and the now-accustomed front and rear cameras. The W42 appears to be up for grabs at e-tailers like the one linked below for about 200 bucks -- now, with some great options around that same price, only time will tell whether or not folks are tempted by this very one.

Filed under: Tablets

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Via: Liliputing

Source: PandaWill

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Huawei Ascend P2 product shot leaked, confirms 13MP camera in slim body

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/24/huawei-ascend-p2-leak/

If the 170g Huawei Ascend D2 is a bit too imposing for your hands, then you may be curious to know of the Ascend P2, a previously teased smartphone that was just leaked by @evleaks. While there's no further info to go along with this image, it does show off a 13MP camera on the back of the phone, which makes us wonder how Huawei even managed to pack that into the sub-6.45mm-thick metallic body. A little digging around also showed that the company's Consumer BG CEO Richard Yu was seen fondling the P2 during a meeting back in December -- you can recognize the phone in the photo after the break. Naturally, we look forward to this successor to the Ascend P1 at Mobile World Congress next month.

Richard Lai contributed to this report.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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! Source: Unwired View, Huawei BBS, Sina Weibo

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Acer announces Liquid E1 phone with 4.5-inch qHD display, Android 4.1.1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/acer-liquid-e1/

Acer just added another smartphone to its Liquid E line of mid-range handsets, and it's called, unsurprisingly enough, the Liquid E1. Device specs aren't bad for a phone of this caliber: you get a 4.5-inch qHD (960 x 540) IPS display, a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot, a 5-megapixel camera and a decent 1,760mAh battery. It ships with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, though we would've preferred the latest Android 4.2 on board instead. While the specs didn't wow us, the curved design does look quite handsome at first blush -- it measures 132 x 68.5 x 9.9mm and weighs in at 4.59 ounces (130g), so it appears quite lightweight as well. We'd be inclined to like it even more if the price was low enough, but Acer hasn't announced that just yet. We hope to get a closer look at this smartphone at Mobile World Congress, but until then you'll just have to make do with the picture above.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Acer

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Via: Phone Arena

Source: Weibo (Acer), Eurodroid

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