Windows Blue: Public Preview out in June, Full Version in August

Microsoft is reportedly working on Windows Blue, the first Windows 8 major upgrade that’s expected to hit the market sometime this year.

Citing Chinese media, InformationWeek claims that the first public preview of Windows Blue is very likely to see daylight in June when it's also likely to hit RTM, while the full version of the upgrade is expected to be released two months later, in August. Microsoft obviously remains completely tight-lipped on this subject, but according to previous reports, Windows Blue may deliver the first version of Internet Explorer 11, an upgrade to the browser currently integrated into Windows 8.

In addition, it appears that the Redmond-based technology giant might offer Blue as a free upgrade for Windows 8 users, which pretty much makes sense given the fact that it’s not a stand-alone operating system, but more like a service pack.

The first version of Blue is expected in June
Image credits to wallsonline.net

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LG Optimus LTE III (LG-F260S) for South Korea Emerges

South Korean mobile phone maker LG Electronics is reportedly gearing up for the launch of new LTE-capable devices in the popular Optimus series, and one of them has already been spotted online.

Dubbed LG Optimus LTE III, the new device is expected to make an appearance on shelves in the company’s homeland market in the not too distant future, although no official announcement on the matter has been made as of now. Featuring model number LG F260S, the handset is expected to be released on wireless carrier SK Telecom’s network, with Google’s Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean operating system loaded on top.

The smartphone is also said to feature an HD (1280 x 720) screen, along with a dual-core snapdragon processor and a 2540 mAh battery. The handset might arrive in other markets around the world as well, yet a formal announcement on this has yet to be made.

LG Optimus LTE III (LG-F260S)
Image credits to Seeko via Ameblo.jp

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BlackBerry 10 Tablet Planned This Year, OS Upgrade for PlayBook Too

Canadian mobile phone maker BlackBerry is gearing up for the launch of new devices running under the newly introduced BlackBerry 10 platform for this year, including a new tablet PC, it seems.

Speaking to KYMI, Sarim Aziz, head of developer relations for Asia Pacific at BlackBerry, confirmed the upcoming launch, UnwiredView notes, though no additional details have been provided. However, he did confirm that the new mobile operating system will be pushed to the BlackBerry PlayBook, something that was already expected to happen.

Unfortunately, no specific release date for the update is available for the time being, and owners of the PlayBook will have to wait a bit longer until specific details are made available. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before that happens, so stay tuned.

BlackBerry PlayBook
Image credits to RIM

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Sanwa TAP-TST13, Show How Much Power Your Appliances and Gadgets Need

Power bills can be a real drag, and while some PCs make it easy to calculate how much power is being used, especially when the PSU is highly efficient, there can still be surprises.

Some people might appreciate the chance to see just how much power their appliances and computers use. To allow for such measurements, the Sanwa Supply has invented the "TAP-TST13" Smart Plug, according to Tech-On! The small gadget only needs to be placed between the power outlet and a device whose power consumption is measured. A smartphone, provided it has the accompanying mobile app installed, can then be used to supervise the energy consumption.

And since people might want to do something else in the meantime, the app even has "schedule management" function that automatically turns off the phone when a preset time has elapsed. The price of the gadget is ¥24,800 (approx US$269 / 204 Euro).

Sanwa TAP-TST13
Image credits to Tech-On!

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Google Preparing Linux 3.8 Kernel for Next Android Release

Mountain View-based Internet giant Google is reportedly getting ready for the release of a new major version of its Android operating system, one that might arrive on the market with Linux 3.8 kernel inside, rumor has it.

A new Linux 3.8 kernel repository was recently uploaded by Google, with “Samsung Exynos DRM advancements, open-source NVIDIA Tegra driver inclusion and lowered RAM usage” features, phoneArena reports. With Android 4.1 currently featuring Linux 3.0 kernel, and Android 4.2.2 based on 3.3 and 3.4 versions, it’s clear that a new Android release is in the pipeline.

What remains to be seen is whether it will be the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie that has been long rumored to make an appearance this year at Google I/O, or another flavor of the mobile platform, so stay tuned for more.

Google preps new Linux kernel for next Android release
Image credits to Google

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Samsung Invites Users in Times Square on March 14 for Galaxy S IV Launch

Following all the hype regarding the launch of Galaxy S IV, South Korean mobile phone maker Samsung appears set to create some more buzz by inviting everyone in Times Square in New York on March 14 for the unveiling of the device.

The company has already sent out press invitations to a Samsung Unpacked 2013 event on that day, and appears set to stream it live for all users interested in joining the party at Times Square, at least this is what the invitation published on the company’s Twitter account shows. The press event will be held at Radio City Music hall, providing attendees with the possibility to experience the new device first-hand.

Those who won’t be present in New York at any of the two events will most probably have the chance to watch the unveiling live over the Internet.

Samsung Galaxy S IV Times Sqaure party invitation
Image credits to Samsung/Twitter

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