As we all settle into the comfortable seats of our resting places and enjoy a sip of coffee for the weekend, what better company than catching up on what were the biggest stories in the world of personal tech in the week gone by. Just like our previous series, ‘Tech Recap of the Day’ we promise to keep the stories as concise as possible giving you a peek. So without delaying it any further here are the stories that caught our attention over the span of this week:
More Screenshots of the LG G3 reveal a revamped UI
Now that Samsung, HTC and Sony have already played their cards in terms of flagships of 2014, the onus is on LG to outdo them all with the much anticipated LG G3. Screenshots leaked confirm that the phone will bring an Ultra HD display with a new revamped Optimus UI. The UI is flatter than what we have seen on the LG G2 and features some subtle changes including a weather widget that reminds you to carry umbrella in case it is about to rain. At the first glance, the UI is extremely similar to some of the Samsung Touchwiz stuff and that is surely not good news.
The Head of G+, Vic Gundotra called it quits on his time at Google
The man behind the inception of Google+, Vic Gundotra has quit Google after 8 years of service. One of the most recognisable faces at Google, Gundotra had headed the developer and mobile programmes at Google after joining from Mercedes in 2007. Obviously he is excited about his next big move, but did not disclose as he announced his farewell via his G+ page. The current VP of Engineering Dave Besbris, will be chosen to head Google+ going forward.
Flagship Killer OnePlus One announced for $299 for 16 GB variant
The tech town went into a bit of frenzy as OnePlus announced its very first device, the OnePlus One. The company will be using Oppo’s facilities to build the phone which would be available only on an invite basis to start with in 16 countries from Q2 of 2014. The device looks readily familiar to an Oppo Find 5, but given that company is mainly made of ex Oppo employees, you can understand the familiarity. The device is offering killer specs such as a 5.5 inch display, Snapdragon 801 QuadCore SoC, 13 MP rear camera, 3 GB of RAM and 3100 mAh battery for just $299 for a 16 GB variant and $349 for a 64 GB device.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom leaks out
Samsung has built some oddly shaped camera+smartphone devices under it’s Galaxy Zoom moniker. The trend is set to continue if the leaked images of the Galaxy S5 Zoom are to be believed. An event on April 29th is scheduled in Singapore titled, ‘Kapture the Moment’ which probably is when the device will be launched. Alleged specs of the device include a 20MP sensor and a 10X zoom lens along with true Xenon flash on the rear of the device which would be powered by an Exynos 5 Octa Core SoC with 2 GB of RAM and pack a 4.8 inch Super AMOLED display.
More details of the LG G Watch emerge
Android Wear is perhaps one of the most exciting form of wearables that we have seen thus far after Google Glass. A smart watch that basically relies on integration with Google Now , is the most accurate description of Android Wear. Google had announced several partners including Motorola, LG, Samsung when it made the SDKs of Android Wear available to developers. LG has given us some more details about its variant of Android Wear which will be called the G Watch. The device will have an always on display as well as a completely dust proof and water proof body. The G Watch will be available in two variants, a black one with Gold trim and white straps and a black one with silver trims and black strap.
Nokia’s Acquisition by Microsoft Goes through, Nokia Mobility to be called Microsoft Mobile
It is indeed is end of an era as Nokia, the once giant of the mobile world has morphed into the giant money clad vaults of Microsoft. Nokia Mobility would be renamed to Microsoft Mobile Oy starting today. The deal was expected to go through on April 25th and that has happened. Microsoft had bought Nokia back in September 2013 for reportedly 7 Million Dollars. It is not clear what Moniker will be used on the upcoming Nokia/ Microsoft devices yet with Lumia or Nokia brandings unlikely to be used.
Apple posts an earning of $10.2 Billion in Q1 of 2014
You could be forgiven for thinking that Apple is going through a bit of a doom given the talks surrounding the company, but the notion was dismissed as Apple announced its Q1 earnings this week. The company made a revenue of 57 billion dollars in the Q1 of 2014 overcoming the 54.51 billion mark it set back in Q1 of 2013. Apple reportedly sold 43.7 Million iPhones this quarter while the sales of iPads dipped about 16% to 16.3 Million units sold. Tim Cook did confirm that Apple is working on new products and categories for 2014 and that he was confident of putting some of the best work out starting with WWDC 2014.
With that we come to an end of the roundup of the big stories in the world of consumer tech, we hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Stay tuned for latest in the tech space, right here.
