We’ve already had a fairly decent look at LG’s upcoming G Flex curved display smartphone thanks to a brief hands-on video and there’s no question the form factor is wild. Now, the device and it’s 6″ curved display is being teased for arrival on Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T thanks to Twitter tipster @evleaks.
I’ll be the first to admit that I think all smartphones look better dressed in white (no fingerprints!) and this newly leaked image of the LG G2 is no exception. However, even if the white looks more decadent than the black LG G2 that doesn’t take away from those horrible, eye-gouging Verizon logos that are so prominently placed. Twitter tipster @evleaks dropped the press image late last night and oh who am I kidding, those logos, kill them with fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3x-bAWZWPM
The video may be slightly cringeworthy (hot girls are always turned on by geek tech, right?), but the concept is certainly an exciting one: a foldable display which allows a pocketable smartphone to unfold or unroll into a tablet …
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LahYuSyWidc
We first heard the LG G Flex – a smartphone with a curved OLED display – was on its way just over a month ago. That was followed by renders and then photos and video. What none of these showed, however, was the the flexible display really does flex. In fact, the whole phone does …
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Minutes after launching on Google Play, Google’s new flagship Nexus 5 smartphone is now officially sold out for some models as shipping times continue to slip for others in at least US.
The black 16GB model is now listed as sold out on Google Play, while the white 16GB model has now slipped to Nov. 8. For the black model, Google Play says that it is “out of inventory” and to “check back soon”.
The 32GB models of the device are still listed as shipping by in 1-2 business days. Nov. 8.
Shipping times are also slipping in other countries. All models of the device are currently listed as shipping by November 8 in Canada.
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The Galaxy Round, which Samsung touted as the world’s first smartphone with a curved display, turns out to be just an extended production run of a prototype device – according to a source cited by SamMobile.
Samsung is looking to produce only limited quantities of the device, even in South Korea. It’s apparently a prototype device to test curved OLED displays, similar to devices like the SCH-W850 and the Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE (SHV-E120S), which were also produced in limited quantities in order to test AMOLED and HD AMOLED displays, respectively.
But while this particular device is unlikely to go on sale in the U.S., now that Samsung has proved the technology is practical, we can be fairly sure that company has other curved display phones and tablets in the pipeline. LG also appears to have a curved smartphone on the way, in the form of the G Flex.
Following Samsung’s announcement of the Galaxy Round, the world’s first curved-display smartphone, Engadget has discovered a few renders of LG’s upcoming entry to the curved smartphone arena. The phone, called the G Flex, will feature a top-to-bottom curved display—the opposite of the Galaxy Round, which left-to-right. Reports earlier this month stated that the oddly-shaped display will be a massive six inches.
Nothing more is known about the phone at the moment, but it is said to be expected some time next month. More renders are included below.
Following a translated report yesterday claiming that LG was planning to introduce its first smartphone with a flexible OLED display, The Wall Street Journal chimes in today with more details on the device. According to the report, LG will launch the “G Flex” smartphone next month featuring a 6-inch curved OLED display:
LG’s new phone, dubbed G Flex, will have a six-inch screen using organic light-emitting-diode technology, a person familiar with the matter said. The handset itself is slightly concave, according to sketches of the prototype viewed by The Wall Street Journal.
For the Flex’s curved display, LG employed what the company refers to as a “plastic OLED” screen, using materials that are more flexible than conventional liquid-crystal-display screens, said the person familiar with the matter.
The WSJ was also able to grab the image above showing a sketch for a prototype of LG’s curved device.
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Samsung might have planned on being the first to market with a flexible OLED screen with a special edition of its Galaxy Note 3, but it looks like LG too will soon be launching its first smartphone to incorporate curved display. According to a translated report from ZD Net (via UnwiredView), LG is prepping an “LG Z” smartphone that will be the company’s first to utilize that flexible display technology it’s been working on.
We don’t get many details from the report, but it does claim that the device is already in mass production and could debut as early as this month.
It’s worth pointing out that we still don’t have any real official details on either of these curved devices from Samsung or LG, but we’re guessing the first generation of flexible display smartphones will likely sport a rather rigid casing that will make the product appear curved, opposed to actually being flexible in one’s hand.
After accidentally leaking the device in its video for the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat software release, today we get a better look at the upcoming Nexus 5 thanks to FCC documents (via Phonescoop).
It’s clear the device in these FCC images is the same as the one we spotted in the promotional video earlier this month, and we also get a clearer look at the much larger camera lens on the back of the device. It’s also more solid proof that the device will indeed be manufactured by LG– and likely based of its new LG G2– after rumors that Google’s Motorola could potentially produce the Nexus 5 started circling last month.
Last week FCC documents surfaced online that also pointed to an LG-made device, as well as a Snapdragon 800 processor, a 5-inch display, and LTE support for AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. As with past Nexus launches, it will also be running the latest version of Android, which by the time the device launches will be Android 4.4. Kitkat.
The mystery over whether the Nexus 5 is made by LG or Motorola appears to have been solved by FCC approval documents. The documents refer to the handset as the LG ZNFD820, but all the signs point to this being the replacement for the Nexus 4, expected to be launched in the next month or so. Google recently slashed the price of the existing handset, with the 8GB model going out of stock for good.
It appears to match the video grab we caught earlier this week.
Engadget points out that the casing images appear to be an excellent match for the phone which Google apparently inadvertently included in the KitKat promo video that it swiftly withdrew. The specs also look likely for what we expect to be a significant upgrade to the Nexus 4 …
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Earlier today, Google announced its upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat software update. In tandem with the announcement, Google posted a video that showcases the unveiling of the KitKat statue at the company’s headquarters.
At about 38-39 seconds into the video (embedded below), a Google employee is seen taking photos or video recording the statue with an unknown Nexus device (on the left).
<em>Close-up shot, click for larger</em>
The backplate seems similar to that found on the new Nexus 7, and the camera lens appears to be larger than the current-generation Nexus 4. Speaking of the camera, Google executive Vic Gundotra previously hinted at major advances in the Android camera department:
The unannounced phone also appears larger in size, so perhaps the new device will sport a bigger screen.
The next Nexus phone is rumored to debut in Q4. The video below has been pulled since this report was published, perhaps indicating that this was a true leak.
Here’s a copy of the video:
And here’s the new phone blown up:
Google has just announced that it is cutting the price of its Nexus 4 in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, the United States, and the UK. The device now runs just $199 for 8GB of storage and $249 for 16GB in the United States. Previously, it was priced at $299 for 8GB and $349 for 16GB.
We've lowered the price of #Nexus4. Get it for 25% off or more in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Korea, US, UK: http://t.co/g8vIKtBC9N
— Google Play (@GooglePlay) August 28, 2013
Even though the Nexus 4 was released nearly a year ago, it’s still very solid smartphone, and will continue to get updates directly from Google for a long time to come. The device is powered by a 1.5GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM and an 8MP camera.
Google is expected to announce a new Nexus device sometime this fall, though exact details still remain up in the air. Some rumors point to Motorola manufacturing the device, while others claim that it will be LG again.
At the same price as many phones are on-contract, the $199 off-contract Nexus 4 is a great deal. It’s available on Google Play now and will ship within 1-2 business days, though that may change depending on demand.
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We may all be eagerly awaiting affordable 4k displays for our computers and TVs, but things are starting to get just a little silly in the race for ever higher resolutions in small-screen devices. LG has just announced a 5.5-inch screen with a 2560×1440 resolution, giving it a pixel density of 538ppi.
It’s an impressive technological achievement, but the question we have to ask is: why? Once you get much beyond 300ppi, pixels essentially become invisible at any sane viewing distance. 538ppi is over-kill. Of course, one could ask ‘Why not?’, but there’s a simple answer in mobile devices: both the display itself, and the beefier graphics processor needed to drive it, consume power. Pointless resolution equals pointless reduction in battery-life.
The sad thing is that non-tech-savvy consumers will likely lap it up. Bigger numbers are better, right? It’s the same phenomenon we’ve seen with cameraphones, with manufacturers boasting higher and higher megapixel numbers when any photographer will tell you that cramming masses of pixels into a tiny sensor actually results in worse image quality, especially in terms of low-light performance. It’s why DSLRs have much larger sensors than smartphones.
There’s only one reason you might want ultra-high resolution in a phone: the ability to push the display to a large-screen device.
As an aside, LG refers to the 2560×1440 resolution as ‘Quad HD’. It would be more accurately described as ‘Quad 720p HD’ as it’s the same number of pixels as four 1280×720 displays.
Full press release below …
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With conflicting reports related to which company will be producing Google’s next-generation Nexus smartphone, today TechTastic (via Nowhereelse) posted the images above showing what they claim is the upcoming Nexus 5. There are two rumors floating around when it comes to the Nexus 5: one claims that Google’s Motorola will build the phone, and another claiming Nexus 4-maker LG will reprise its role. The images above don’t exactly follow the look of the glass Nexus 4, but it would line up with rumors that the Nexus 5 will be based on LG recently announced G2. It’s also worth noting that this is apparently a prototype, which might explain the less than polished exterior in the images. It doesn’t exactly seem to be sporting the “thinner design” compared to the G2 that we’ve been hearing about.
The Nexus 5 is rumored to have similar specs to the 5.2-inch display and Snapdragon 800 processor found on the LG G2, but previous reports said it will receive a downgraded Snapdragon 600 CPU and 10 megapixel camera.
Following a report from usually reliable sources that Google would be using Motorola, not Nexus 4 manufacturer LG, to make its next-generation Nexus smartphone, conflicting reports today claim that isn’t the case. Vietnamese website Tinhte, which we know from previous Apple and Moto X related leaks has quite a solid track record, is claiming that Google will once again work with LG for the Nexus 5 and that the device will be based on the company’s recently announced LG G2.
According to the report, the Nexus 5 will include a 5.2-inch display, Snapdragon 800 processor– the same as the G2– but will sport “a thinner design” similar to the new Nexus 7. Earlier this month, a post from Taylor Wimberly, who happen to be correct with a few Moto X leaks, said that Motorola is working on the next-generation Nexus to be released in Q4 of this year. Google’s been known to weigh its options with several manufacturers prior to the release of a new Nexus device, but we’ll have to wait for more solid details before we know for sure.
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Photo: phandroid.com
Chinese site MyDrivers (comical Google Translate warning) is citing Korean sources suggesting that the Nexus 5, next year’s replacement for the Nexus 4, will be made by LG and based on the G2. An earlier rumor suggested that the handset would be made by Motorola.
It has already been rumored that LG would be making next year’s Nexus 7 …
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWewOTjaef8&start=047]
When organising a publicity event for a new product, there are a few things you need to check. Book the venue, check public transport links, make sure you have enough sample products … oh, and ask people not to bring weapons with them.
The video above is in Korean, but you get the idea. More details below the fold …
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After teasing the device in nearly every way possible, LG is finally set to introduce its new G2 flagship in New York City tomorrow. @evleaks has once again, however, taken the anticipation out of the event and leaked a clear press image of the device. The image confirms the large, 5.2-inch display, as well as rear-placed volume and power buttons.
As far as specs go, the device will have a 5.2-inch full-HD display, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a microSD card slot, a removable battery, on-screen navigation keys, and Android 4.2.2 with LG’s custom skin.
We’ll be sure to bring you all the official news out of LG’s event tomorrow, but at this point, the only we don’t know is availability and pricing.
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Teasing is in. After HTC teased the One Mini so much there was little we didn’t know by the launch, LG appears to be following suit with the G2, the successor to the Optimus G.
First there was the news that it would be powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor, then the likely screen, the official name, and the glass back and rear buttons. We’ve had a series of leaked images and video, and now LG has shown us its QuickWindow case.
An opening or “window” on the cover of QuickWindow allows users to glance at various information displays without having to open the cover flap. With only a light swipe of a finger, the QuickWindow UX will appear in the window which users can view while on the go. Information that can be viewed through the QuickWindow cover include a clock, weather report, alarm, music player, incoming phone call details and incoming text messages …
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LG has just posted its earnings for Q2 2013. The company reported revenues of $2.78 billion for the quarter, which is a 34.5 percent increase year over year. LG says that it also sold a record 12.1 million smartphones during the quarter, which led to an operating profit of $54.37 million, which is slightly lower than last quarter. LG attributes the drop to weaker demand in the South Korean market.
LG expects the lower-end L-Series and F-Series devices to increase overall sales growth, while its flagship G2 device should “increase the company’s product competitiveness.”
The company is expected to announce its highly-anticipated G2 flagship on August 7th.
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Ahead of an August 7th press event, LG has announced this evening that its next flagship device, a successor to the Optimus G, will be called the LG G2 (via Engadget). This corroborates reports earlier this summer, claiming that LG wanted to saved the Optimus branding for its lower end devices. LG also says that it will reserve the “Vu” branding for future phones with a 4:3 display.
“Our vision is to make LG’s newest G devices synonymous with excellence, raising the bar even further for the ultimate in user experience,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The new G2 will build upon the excellent reputation established by previous G Series products.”
While LG is not officially set to unveil its G2 flagship until August 7th, Engadget has just gotten its hands on clear, detailed images of the device, as well as a video that basically take all the suspense out of LG’s official event next month. According to the leak, the device will feature a 5.2-inch 1080p display with an incredibly small bezel that makes it appear edge-to-edge. Visually the G2 looks a lot more like the Nexus 4 than the original Optimus G. It has a more rounded design, as opposed to the blocky design on its predecessor. On the back is the volume rocker, which we saw in leaked images last month.
Update: LG has sent out another invite to the same event, this time with an image the same as the one in the video.
Last month, LG sent out a press invite to an event on August 7th and given all the leaks and rumors, almost everyone assumed the event would be for the LG G2, a successor to the Optimus G flagship. LG has now released a video teaser for the event that essentially confirms that it will be for the G2.
Throughout the entire video, a man walking through New York City sees “To me, you are perfect. From G…” posted everywhere, from benches to taxis to graffitied walls. The video ends with a slide reading “Great 2 have you” with the date and time for the event listed below.
We’re still about a month away from the August 7th event, but we’ll be sure to bring you everything you need to know regarding LG’s next flagship.
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