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Nexus 7 refresh expected in July, same price with updated specs

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by Jared Peters on
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We’ve been trying to pin down Google’s new Nexus 7 specs that’s bound to come out sometime in the next few years, and according to the reliable DigiTimes, we’ve got some confirmation on release date, as well as screen and processor. The release date is expected sometime in July, and the tablet will use a Snapdragon processor with a 1920 x 1200 resolution screen.  Best of all, the price isn’t going up.

DigiTimes says Google is planning on selling 6 to 8 million Nexus 7s in the second part of the year. It’s a very realistic goal based on the success of the original Nexus 7 tablet.

source: DigiTimes

US version of the Galaxy S 4 uses separate image processor for eye tracking

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by Jared Peters on
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Everyone knew Samsung was offering different variants of the Galaxy S 4 based on region, but according to an IHS iSupply teardown, that difference goes a little deeper than just the CPU.

According to the teardown, the US variant of the phone uses a separate Fujitsu image processor to handle functions such as the eye tracking and scrolling features that Samsung has heavily promoted. The reason behind this is that the Snapdragon S600 apparently couldn’t handle the processor intensive tasks alone, so Samsung improvised. The Exynos version of the phone doesn’t have the extra processor. Overall, it’s not really a huge deal, as most users probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference anyway. And, honestly, that’s a pretty smart move by Samsung to make both versions of the device perform roughly the same.

The teardown also revealed that the US version uses different hardware for WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc., although I’m sure that had more to do with cost and availability than performance.

source: iSupply

via: ComputerWorld

Snapdragon powered devices to receive Facebook Home performance enhancements

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by Jared Peters on
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Now that the dust has settled over Facebook’s big announcement, we can get into the nitty gritty details about Facebook Home. One such detail comes from Qualcomm, makers of the insanely popular Snapdragon processors. Qualcomm has said that they’ve been working with Facebook to improve user experience on Android devices using Facebook Home or the Facebook application, claiming “better overall performance, lower power consumption and improved data efficiency.” Those are three big improvements that you’re never going to hear anyone complain about. Cristiano Amon, executive vice president of Qualcomm, said they’ve been working to make the enhancements available to existing and future Snapdragon-powered devices, so if you’re one of the many who own a Snapdragon device, you’re in luck.

Qualcomm has fine tuned system performance in the CPU, GPU, and 3G/4G modems, so this should make a noticeable difference. Facebook is definitely starting off on the right foot by getting a major player like Qualcomm on board, so hopefully this little experiment goes pretty well. Hit the break below for the full press release. » Read the rest

More rumors indicate the next-generation Nexus 7 will likely have a Snapdragon processor instead of a Tegra processor

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Remember how we told you about Google’s possible intentions to use a Snapdragon-based processor instead of a Tegra-powered chip for its next-gen Nexus 7 tablet? Well Digitimes is reporting that the next tablet will utilize Qualcomm’s technology according to sources from the upstream supply chain. The reasoning, you ask? Well, Google seems to be headed in the direction of showcasing an LTE-based variation of the tablet, which Qualcomm chips seem to fare well with compared to that of the Tegra chips. Of course NVIDIA did announce its Tegra 4i chip— which is certainly LTE-friendly, but NVIDIA does have some production delays to deal with until at least mid-summer and the new Nexus 7 tablet is expected to be unveiled in May— so using a Snapdragon processor seems to be a natural fit for the new tablet.

Of course this is all speculation until we see something a bit more concrete, but it’s looking more and more like we will see yet another Qualcomm-based device out there… not that anyone’s complaining and all.

source: Digitimes

Samsung Galaxy S IV to feature a plastic build, but still feature awesome performance

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by Roy Alugbue on
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We have no doubt that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S IV will be one hell of a device, but will it have some similarities as its predecessor? It sure seems to be the case as more details are surfacing about the upcoming device. Notorious info leaker Eldar Murtazin claims that he has not only seen the device, but it will feature a few characteristics that was previously seen in the Galaxy S III. Murtazin claims that while at MWC, select members of the press got to see the secretive device and saw what is a plastic-type build— as opposed to a more premium build found in competing devices. Additionally, while the device will likely feature topnotch performance, the carrier-branded version out in the States will likely feature a Snapdragon chip compared to Sammy’s in-house chip on the international versions— just like with the Galaxy S III.

Murtzain also alludes to some of the noteworthy specs of the device, while hinting the device will be ready for primetime upon its imminent release. The device will come with a 4.99-inch 1080p display, the aforementioned Exynos or Snapdragon chips, a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facer and 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.

Naturally these leaks may all be hearsay, but it is certainly tough to dispute Murtazin’s claims. At least we won’t need to wait too much longer for this puppy to come out already.

source: Mobile-review (translated)

Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 200 and 400 for entry level phones

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by Jared Peters on
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Today, Qualcomm made their entry level Snapdragon processors official, and listed off some pretty impressive specs for what’s going to be considered “budget phone” in the next few months. The Snapdragon 200 series is the weaker of the two, offering quad A5 CPUs at up to 1.4 GHz per core, Adreno 203 GPU, and UMTS and CDMA support. The 200 series is listed as being balanced for cost and performance and will provide excellent battery life and speed for entry level phones.

The 400 series is the big brother of the two, and comes in two variants; Dual Krait CPUs running at up to 1.7GHz per core, or a quad A7 CPU at 1.4 GHz per core. It’s paired with the Adreno 305 GPU, Miracast wireless display technology, a slew of different modem options, and LPDDR2 or LPDDR3 RAM, which will drastically improve processor performance. When this generation’s budget processors are quad-core, I think it’s safe to say that the devices to be released in 2013 are going to be pretty phenomenal.

source: Qualcomm

Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 1.0 will be available on more than 70 devices

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by Macky Evangelista on
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Today, the popular mobile processor company Qualcomm, talked about their Quick Charge 1.0 project. It’s part of a Snapdragon-powered phone’s power management and in theory should allow your device to charge up to 40 percent faster than before.

The best part is that you don’t have to purchase any new accessories to take advantage of this new technology, your old existing USB charger and cables will suffice. Here’s the list of devices that will support this great new feature!

» Read the rest

Google to possibly drop NVIDIA’s Tegra processor for Qualcomm CPU in next-gen Nexus 7

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by Jared Peters on
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I imagine it’s safe to say we’re all pretty excited for whatever Google plans on doing with its second generation of Nexus 7 tablets. Full HD screen? Brand new version of Android? How about swapping out the NVIDIA manufactured processors for a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip?

Even though NVIDIA’s latest Tegra 4 chip is shaping up to be undoubtedly one of the best processors available for phones and tablets,  rumors are that Google will be opting for a Snapdragon chip instead due to “competitive pricing” and easier 3G/4G integration. Basically, Google wants something cheap and simple, and that’s exactly what the Nexus 7 delivers. And with some analysts predicting Google to move 10 million Nexus 7 tablets this year, that’s quite a chunk of change coming out of NVIDIA’s pocket. If their Tegra processors average between $20 to $25 each, that would turn into over $200 million in lost revenue. Ouch.

It’s not set in stone, like all rumors, but it’s definitely going to be interesting to see what changes Google decides to make to their incredibly successful tablet.

source: Barrons

Qualcomm introduces smaller, more efficient QCA1990 NFC chip in partnership with Atheros

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by Colton Kaiser on
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While NFC may not be catching on as quickly as the mobile industry had hoped, Qualcomm isn’t letting that slow their role. The San Diego-based semiconductor manufacturer announced the redesigned QCA1990 NFC chip today in partnership with subsidiary Atheros.

Offering significantly improved battery life and a 50% size reduction, Qualcomm is touting its chip as the most efficient NFC processor yet. Moreover, the chip is compatible with the company’s latest Snapdragon SoCs, meaning we could see it integrated into handsets as early as Q3 2013. For the full run-down, you can read the company’s official PR after the break.

» Read the rest

Nexus 4 Smartphone Down Gets Full Teardown Treatment

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by Roy Alugbue on
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So you own a brand-spankin’ new Nexus 4, but are wondering how the innards of the device look exactly? Well you are going to be in for a pleasant surprise at the gang from the iFixit team has already gone ahead and stripped the smartphone bare for our viewing pleasure. The gang gave a comprehensive walkthrough and thoroughly described everything we need to know about the internals of the device and show in plain view the noteworthy features such as the battery terminal for the 2,100mAh battery, a linear-oscillating vibrator motor and the motherboard of the device featuring the processor and RAM among other things. While it appears to be incredibly complicated what the team had done, they argue most of work was fairly straightforward and in some respects, a piece of cake.

As the device is fairly simple to take apart, one would think the Nexus 4 would have a great Repairability Score and sure enough it does. The device garnered an impressive 7 out of 10, which indicates that aside from a handful of little niggles and issues, owners of the device should be able to fiddle and tinker with no major issues.

I’m sure you’re all itching to see more, so head on down to the source link for the complete Nexus 4 teardown.

 

source: iFixit

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