HTC Butterfly S is official, packs HTC One's UltraPixel camera

HTC has just made the Butterfly S official and it's a significant bump over the first Butterfly. The smartphone is powered by a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 - the same as the one in the Samsung Galaxy S4 - and has 2GB of RAM.

It's built around the same 5" display boasting full HD resolution and a pixel density of 440ppi. Internal storage is 16GB, and as is usually the case, HTC has teamed up with Dropbox to provide 25GB of free cloud storage for 2 years. MicroSD card support is available, too.

At the back of the Butterfly S, there's the same UltraPixel camera as the HTC One. It packs a 1/3" BSI sensor size with a 2.0 micron pixel size and wide F/2.0 aperture. Since the smartphone is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with the latest Sense UI 5 skin on top, there's HTC Zoe with HTC Share and Video highlights.

  
HTC Butterfly S official photos

Not much has changed in terms of visuals, and the Butterfly S looks more or less the same as its predecessor, safe for its thickness and different color variations - red, white, gray - and some details here and there. The most prominent of which is the metal ring surrounding the camera glass at the back.

Measuring 144.5 x 70.5 x 10.6mm, the Butterfly S weighs 160 grams and is significantly thicker than before. That's because under the hood, there's a 3200mAh battery, a lot bigger than the original Butterfly's 2020mAh unit. Connectivity options are the usual for a high-end offering and include Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, DLNA, NFC, GPS.

The HTC Butterfly S is expected to debut in Taiwan for NT $22,900 (US $766) in July. The company's plans for a wider release at this point are still unclear.

BlackBerry Q5 hits UAE tomorrow, costs $400

BlackBerry Q5 was announced last month at a dedicated BlackBerry event. It's a QWERTY smartphone targeting emerging markets and those on a tighter budget that was supposed to hit the shelves in the early days of July.

It seems the first BlackBerry Q5 stock is going to come a bit early though, as the Canadian company will be offering the Q5 at the opening of its BlackBerry Concept Retail Store in Dubai, UAE tomorrow. It will cost AED1,499, which translates to about €305 or $408. This price tag is not what we call an affordable one, but it's almost two times cheaper than the BlackBerry Q10.

The Blackberry Q5 is built around a 3.1-inch 720x720 pixel LCD touchscreen and one of BlackBerry's classic physical QWERTY keyboards. Inside the BlackBerry Q5 there's a dual-core 1.2Ghz CPU, a 5MP camera and 8 gigs worth of storage.

The Q5 is expected to hit Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia (including the Asia Pacific region), and Latin America in the beginning of July. You can have it in black, white, red or pink color.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra screenshots emerge, confirm specs

Alleged screenshots, taken from the upcoming Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet have emerged, thus confirming the previously leaked specs. Codenamed Togari, the large-screen device is expected to break cover next month, on July 4.

    
The screenshots reveal most of the phablet's specs (click to enlarge)

The screenshots confirm that the Sony Xperia Z Ultra features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 chipset with 2.2GHz quad-core CPU, and Adreno 330 GPU. There's 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in memory on board, which can be further expanded via microSD card slot. The OS version is Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

The display's resolution is listed at 1080 x 1824 pixels. The remaining pixels up to 1920 are likely reserved for the trio of virtual buttons. The listed pixel density of 342ppi on the other hand, confirms that the unit sports a 6.4" diagonal.

Manual for Samsung Galaxy S4 with Snapdragon 800, LTE-A leaks

Samsung has officially confirmed that it is working on a Snapdragon 800 based Galaxy S4 variant, carrying the model number SHV-E330S. Today we also got a manual uploaded a bit prematurely to give us more details about what the device will be like.

The chipset is obviously new – Qualcomm MSM8974 with four Krait 400 CPU cores (clockspeed is unknown but we've seen benchmarks at 2.3GHz), Adreno 330 GPU and LTE-Advanced connectivity.

The rest seems to be identical – a 5" 1080p Super AMOLED display, the phone measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and weighs 131g, there's a 2,600mAh battery inside and all the other features the currentI9505 Galaxy S4 has (plus a T-DMB antenna as this is a manual for the Korean version).

Samsung will be livestreaming its Galaxy & Ativ event this evening in London (starting at 19:00 BST), so there's a chance we'll see a proper announcement of the new Galaxy S4 as soon as today.

Qualcomm announces 6 new Snapdragon 200 chipsets

Qualcomm has secured the high-end with its Snapdragon 600 chipsets (and soon the 800) and has turned its attention to entry-level phones with six new Snapdragon 200 chips. They will be available in Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) platforms in late 2013.

The new Snapdragon 200 chipsets come in dual and quad-core flavors (8x10 and 8x12) and will be built on a 28nm process (same as the 600 and 800, current 200s are made at 45nm).

The new 200 chipsets support cameras up to 8MP and come with a new Adreno 302 GPU, which Qualcomm promises will deliver "class-leading graphics performance" (current models use Adreno 203). There's Quick Charge support too.

The chipsets support 3G HSPA+ (up to 21Mbps), TD-SCDMA for emerging markets in China and elsewhere, and can work in dual-SIM, dual-standby (or dual-active) phones and even tri-SIM, tri-standby handsets.

We can expect to find Snapdragon 200 chipsets inside entry-level Android, Windows Phone and Firefox handsets, but it's too soon to be talking about launch dates.

Nokia Lumia 928 price slashed to $29.99 on Amazon

Nokia Lumia 928 is a Verizon-exclusive version of the popular Lumia 920 that upgrades the camera department with an additional xenon flash.

The Nokia Lumia 928 was launched in May when it was priced at $99 with a new two-year contract. Now, that the Nokia EOS premiere is getting closer, the Nokia Lumia 928 has just got its first price cut.

Amazon is now offering Nokia Lumia 928 for just $29.99 with a two-year Verizon contract. The contract-free price is still $499.99, though. There is no information on whether this is a limited time offer or a permanent price decrease.

iOS 7 vs Android Jelly Bean vs Windows Phone 8 vs BB10

The battle for dominance of the smartphone world is one that has been raging for a few years. With the migration of consumers from feature phones to modern wonders such as the iPhone 5 and the HTC One, or even the cheap as chips offerings like the Nokia Lumia 520 or Huawei Ascend G330, it is clear where the money, and the future lies.

We've seen some impressive hardware come and go, quad-cores grace most flagship devices (i.e. Sony Xperia Z or HTC One) and there is even the quad/octa core that sits inside the Samsung Galaxy S4, dependent on your location.

Needless to say, all the big guns in the tech industry have some level of input into the mobile OS world. Apple has iOS (just about to reach iOS 7), Google has Android, the most recent version being 4.2 Jelly Bean, Microsoft has Windows Phone 8, leaving BlackBerry with its hopes pinned on BB10.

Interface

The iOS 7 interface is a radical new look compared with previous iterations. Although with a clean and modern new look, the formula based upon simplicity is one that has been stuck to. Icons have had an overhaul, and there is transparency through apps, giving iOS devices a more unified feel.

Users familiar with previous iOS versions may be in for a bit of a shock, with elements such as the lock screen taking a new look. Elements now seem more rounded, and much brighter than before. On the face of it, things seem very different with iOS 7, but the real changes go deeper.

Android is currently sitting at version 4.2, which is another iteration of the popular Jelly Bean OS. Jelly Bean built upon the work done by 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with everything being much smoother with 'Project Butter', and the introduction of Google Now.

Pretty much every OEM has placed a skin over the top of Android, take a look at HTC's Sense, Samsung's Touchwiz or Huawei's Emotion UI.

That said, nigh on every version builds on the use of multiple home screens populated with widgets, and apps being kept tidy in a 'drawer'.

Microsoft's offering bases itself around a system of 'LiveTiles'. These are used in a similar way to widgets on Android, providing information at a quick glance. Users of Windows Phone 7, or Windows 8 on tablets or desktops will feel right at home.

In terms of user customisation, much like iOS, Windows Phone 8 is relatively closed. Live Tiles can be resized, so that more important tiles can take up more screen real estate, and the tile colour can be any of 20 variations. It is also possible to change the lock screen, to bring up photos, or widgets and notifications.

Out of Canada comes BB10, with BlackBerry pinning pretty much all its hopes on the OS. In a similar way to Windows Phone 8, BB 10 allows 8 'Active Frames', of which only 4 are visible at one time.

These show the most recent apps used, as well as any information that app may offer, be it weather or calendar events.

Being a totally different OS to prior BlackBerry OS iterations, BB10 is at first a little confusing to use. Closing apps by running your finger up from the bottom of the screen feeling a little unnatural.

The BlackBerry 10 lock screen comes complete with notifications, calendar events and ability to quick launch the camera.

Camera

With the Camera app being one of the most widely used features on the modern smartphone, it is only natural that every OS has given the camera a certain level of attention. One feature we are very fond of, that appears on iOS 7, pretty much every Android UI and BB10 is the ability to launch the app directly from the lock screen.

• Read our in-depth Android Jelly Bean review

iOS 7 brings in a raft of changes to the camera app. There isn't a whole load of changes deep down, these being limited more to photo effects; varying lens shapes and live photo filters giving you the Instagram look, without having to use the app. Elsewhere, the interface has become more swipe-friendly.

The Gallery app has also had a few tweaks, meaning that photo's are arranged by location, being titled 'moments'. Pinching to zoom will re-draw your library, highlighting days out or holidays. Pinching further shows an overview of the year's photos, complete with location tags.

Android's camera app is one that gets a lick of paint with each UI that is placed over the top. Also, with the incredible variation in Android devices, each camera is different, the HTC One being most notable for camera tech with UltraPixel and HTC Zoe, or there is Samsung with Burst Mode found on the Galaxy S3 or S4.

Android Jelly Bean camera app

That said, there is an underlying theme that graces Android's camera and gallery app. Photo filters are common place, even the basic Android devices offer Sepia, Monochrome and Negative effects. Gallery apps are a little more varied, however most can pull down images from the cloud, from Picasa/Google+ web albums, with some going so far as Facebook albums too.

Being a unified OS across all devices, Windows Phone 8 camera settings are common. Pinch to zoom has been brought in, and the ability to take photos by tapping the screen making the app feel a little more natural. There is also the idea of 'lenses', that allow you to use camera tools that you have downloaded, rather than via a separate app.

Windows Phone 8 camera app

BlackBerry was keen to show off their camera at the BB10 launch. The reason for this is something that the Canadians are terming 'Time Shift'. This is a nifty piece of tech that, if selected, allows you to go 'back in time' to find the perfect smile. It even works on multiple faces, however needs good lighting.

BB10's other features include standard scene and shooting modes, as well as the ability to use the volume keys as a shutter button.

Media, Apps and Storage

The original iPhone launch in 2007 put media on phones very much back in the spotlight. iOS7 continues that, given that it will be available on the 5th gen iPod Touch, as well as later iPad versions.

iOS 7 now incorporates your iCloud stored media, allowing you to see all your tracks in one place, with a wall of album art in Landscape mode adding a nice look to things.

The biggest revolution it brings is iTunes Radio, Apple's much rumoured and talked about music streaming service, previously dubbed iRadio. We are unable to comment on the exact release, with availability confirmed for 'this fall' in the US, with the rest of the world left waiting for news. We can say that there will be both a free (ad-funded) and premium service, though.

• Read our in-depth Windows Phone 8 review

As for apps, Apple's App Store is by far the most famous of all app stores/markets across all OS'. iOS7 brings in some updates, such as being able to search for apps based on age range, or the 'Apps near me' feature, which shows you the most popular apps in your location. Apps can also update in the background.

Storing all this media, and all your apps is done in true Apple fashion, with varying sizes of internal storage available. MicroSD is still unsupported, although we never expected, nor ever expect that to change.

Playing catch up in the media department, Google has launched its Play Books, Play Magazines, Play Movies and Play Music apps. Whilst nowhere near as popular as the iTunes version, media downloading is now a lot easier on Android devices.

Downloading apps is also very easy, as Google's rebranded Play Store has become a very attractive and very functional marketplace, with different sections and lists of apps for you to peruse. Auto updating is available, and disable-able too.

The Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry app stores are far less populated in comparison to both the Google and Apple offerings, although we would be doing them a disservice by calling their offerings sparse (BB10 has 120,000apps compared to iOS' 900,000), especially given that the Microsoft OS has Xbox compatibility.

Since Android 2.2 Froyo, apps to microSD has been a standard feature, alongside its long supported media storage feature. App installation on microSD is also supported via Windows Phone 8, with standard microSD support also being available in BB10.

NFC

With NFC slowly becoming more prevalent across devices, it has been noticed on the lower end handsets that we have reviewed (LG Optimus L5 2, Huawei Ascend G510, Samsung Galaxy Fame to name but a few), OS support is vital.

NFC wasn't something that wasn't explicitly mentioned with the launch of iOS7. Until now, previous iOS devices haven't come with NFC chips. We could look into this and say things about upcoming iOS touting devices, such as the unlikelihood of NFC inclusion, with the claim that there's 'No need to wander around the room bumping your phone with others.' That said, apps will be able to share information via Airdrop, provided that it supports Share Sheet.

Android has supported NFC for a while. Android Beam has been used on devices to share data since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Certain manufacturers have taken it a little further, with Samsung adding it's S title to create S Beam. Google's wallet application is also likely to make use of NFC as mobile payment becomes increasingly popular.

Windows Phone 8 also packs in NFC support, with its very own Microsoft Wallet app to rival Google's version, and BlackBerry has long had NFC in its handsets so it's no surprise BB10 also makes use of the technology.

Notifications and Control

Notifications are something that are very important across devices, giving quick access to Calendar events, Emails and Text messages. Device control is equally important.

iOS 7 makes a big deal out of both notifications and Control. The notifications centre that was accessed by swiping down from the top has become a full-screen affair, also available via the lock screen.

The Control Centre is where the real innovation lies, however. Previous iOS versions had a very basic centre, however now quick settings such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be enabled or disabled, as well as controlling screen brightness, music being played, and access to AirDrop and AirPlay controls.

Android has had its notifications bar longer than Apple, so it has come on in leaps and bounds. Jelly Bean also brings in expandable notifications, showing more information about the top event, as well as being able to swipe to dismiss.

Many custom UI's include access to the quick settings (Touchwiz has gotten this nigh on perfect) in the notifications bar. Android also include a Power Control widget that can be placed on home screens, giving quick access to a lot of important settings.

Notifications aren't something that ever made it over to Windows Phone 8, however there are strong suggestions that there is a notifications centre making it over in Windows Phone 8.1. Notifications are viewable from the lock screen.

• Read our in-depth BlackBerry 10 review

With BB10, there is a dedicated Notifications hub, accessed by swiping from the left hand side of the screen, as well as notifications that can be seen for individual apps such as Email, Texts or social networks.

Maps

Given the kerfuffle surrounding the launch of iOS Maps on iOS 6, there was a disappointing lack of map based announcements with iOS7, although 'developers have been making great improvements to Maps', which will bring features such as being able to push mapping info from a Mac of MacBook to an iDevice.

There has been no such problems for mapping on Android, given that Google has managed to port across its Google Maps desktop browser application so successfully.

Google maps provides one of the most comprehensive mapping apps available, as well as being able to provide information through its Local app, and sat-navving via the Navigation app. Google's recent acquisition of Waze is going to throw in user based traffic updates as well.

Microsoft has also got a decent map app. Bing maps brings over many features that were prevalent throughout Nokia phones of old, including Nokia's turn-by-turn directions from Nokia Drive. Other useful features include downloading maps for offline use, pinning favourite locations and Local Scout (similar to Google's Local).

BB10 provides a basic mapping option as well, covering turn-by-turn and traffic updates. The app is a fairly basic affair, with fewer features than the other options available on other devices.

Browser

You would expect, given that it was the key to revolutionising mobile browsing, that Safari on iOS7 would be important. You wouldn't be wrong. The URL bar is now resizable, you can swipe through the history, and the bookmarks and tabs have had an overhaul.

Bookmarks now sit on the home screen, drawing in data from your Twitter feed. Tabbing is no longer limited to 8, and is synchronised across multiple Apple devices through iCloud.

Since Ice Cream Sandwich, Google has mobilised its Chrome browser, which now interestingly sits alongside the native Android Internet app. We've not understood why both browsers are run side by side, but it provides a little choice. Google bookmarks can be synced across, and incognito browsing is available too.

Internet Explorer is available on Windows Phone 8 devices, with the version being nearly identical to IE10, even if it looks a little different. Internet Explorer is a very accomplished mobile browser overall, and comes with the Do Not Track feature by default, as well as SmartScreen phishing protection.

BB10's browser is a minimalist design, with the URL at the bottom of the page, akin to IE on Windows Phone 8. BB10 does pack in some useful features, such as a Reader mode that lifts text and images, making it more readable. We also found that the BB10 browser was lightning fast, which is a major tick in anybody's book.

Multi-Tasking

iOS7 brings more changes to the Multi-tasking window as well. No longer does a swipe from the bottom bring up recently used apps, but a newer interface that shows information from the app screen, as well as the app icons along the bottom.

• What to know more? Check out our iOS 7 release date, news and features

Google's multi-tasking has been handled for a long time through the long press of the home button, if the device has one, or through the dedicated button on total touch screen devices. This brings up a quick window of what was last on the app whilst you were using it, and can be swiped to dismiss.

Windows Phone 8 has a similar method of bringing up its multi-tasking window. Long pressing the back button brings up the multi-tasking screen, allowing users to flick across to the app they wish to use.

RIM have implemented a multi-tasking action, which is vaguely reminiscent of cards on WebOS. The Canadians call this 'Cascades', accessed by swiping left to right. BB10 also uses the multi-tasking screen on the home page we mentioned earlier, that gives access to your eight most recently used apps, shown four at a time.

Availability

Apple have said that iOS7 will be available on a large amount of its iDevices, from the iPhone 4 upwards, iPad 2 and up, iPad Mini and iPod Touch 5th generation. iOS7 is due to launch 'this fall', and we would highly expect it to launch alongside at least one new iDevice, the iPhone 5S/6, iPad 5 or iPad Mini 2.

Android Jelly Bean has been around for two years now, available on devices from multiple OEMs, and with devices now being launched 4.1 or 4.2. There is a lot of talk of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean also being released at some point this year, and rumours of the Key Lime Pie (Android 5.x) also being launched this year.

It is available on the highest end devices, from a variety of OEMs, such as the five star HTC One, and at the bottom end of the market on devices such as the LG Optimus L3 2.

Windows Phone 8 is also available on devices from different OEMs, with Nokia Lumia devices being the most talked about. HTC, Samsung and Huawei also have their own devices out and about.

Talk of Windows Phone Blue, or 8.1 has also been bandied about, with an expected release alongside Windows 8.1. Current devices span the market, again from a variety of OEMs, with the high end Nokia Lumia 925, or the low end Lumia 520.

BB10 is unavailable on all new BlackBerry devices, the BlackBerry Z10, Q10 and Q5. Being a whole new OS, it is unavailable on previous BB7 toting devices.

As for BB10 on the PlayBook, your guess is as good as our at this point, with BlackBerry's 2012 annual conference stating that it would make its way across, although 12 months later, there is still no update. Being an all new OS, BB10 is now available on the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10 andannounced BlackBerry Q5.

Early verdict

The iOS7 launch is arguably as important to the Cupertino-based firm since Steve Jobs first took the stage in 2007 to launch the original iPhone.

A number of previous devices (iPhone 4, 4S, 5, iPad 2, 3, 4, iPad Mini and iPod Touch 5th generation) will be getting the update, with the OS also being a major precursor to the upcoming iPhone 5S/6, iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2.

Apple therefore has a very large existing customer base ready to upgrade, with those on earlier iDevices also potentially looking to the launches of the next line of products. iOS is also highly successful in the business market, as well as the personal market.

It is therefore almost impossible to say that iOS7 will be a flop, after all the trouble that Apple maps gave iOS6, it is still very popular. Android is Apple's biggest worry, with Windows Phone 8 and BB10 making strides through the mobile market, yet still not as firmly established.

Android handsets are still the most popular on a world wide scale, but only just over a third are actually running Jelly Bean, with the fragmentation the major negative point against what is a highly versatile platform.

iOS7 will be massive, but don't forget it is really just the first OS refresh to launch this year, with Windows Phone 8.1, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and/or 5.0 Key Lime Pie likely to arrive later in 2013. Expect to see the competition really heating up.

Asus may be next in line to take on the possibly-real iWatch

Asus chairman Jonney Shih has admitted that the company is having a little think about wearable tech and sort-of implied that Asus may well develop a smartwatch.

He described wearable devices as a "critical sector" at the company's annual shareholder meeting.

Discussing Google Glass as well as a potential Apple watch, Shih discussed the future possibilities presented by wearable gadgets, including biometrics, voice control and flexible displays.

"We have been running many simulation tests in our labs," he added.

Cross-field war

"The point is how to win the leading position when such devices become mainstream products. I think it's certainly a promising sector, as we are talking about a cross-field war.

"We will likely see more bio-technology integrated with computer technology in the future."

There's an air of expectancy around the whole smartwatch arena at the moment. It's as though all the tech giants are lining up at the start line, jostling for position but tentatively awaiting the announcer to call 'On your marks'.

The catalyst is likely to be the much-discussed but still entirely unconfirmed Apple iWatch.

Sure, Asus could bank on technical innovation and all that, but we reckon the key to Asus' smartwatch success is another killer product demo.

Acer shows off new desktops with latest AMD APUs

The PC industry may be in dire straights as users opt for smartphones or Ultrabooks, but that doesn't stop manufacturers from pumping out new models in a bid to steer you away from the latest skinny contender.

That includes Taiwanese box maker Acer, which has revamped its Aspire XC and TC multimedia desktop lines to include the latest AMD APUs.

First up is the new Aspire XC105, which Acer is touting as a compact desktop solution. The PC features a traditional tower form factor and combines discrete graphics with one of several CPUs on offer.

The company told us that models in the range will provide a choice of an AMD E1-1200, Intel Celeron G1610, or Intel PDC G2010. That's in addition to an Intel Core i3-2130, Intel Core i3-3220, Intel Core i5-3300, or an Intel Core i5-3330.

Acer is aiming to break away from the usual black matte textures by adding a brushed metallic finish to the case that combines glossy black, silver chrome and brushed silver.

Smaller sibling

Acer's TC100/105 is comparatively smaller, taking the shape of a micro-tower format that places ports at the front of the base for accessibility. The TC series models allow users to boost graphics by opting for a dedicated card, though there is no word yet on which makes, or CPUs, are available.

Both models in the XC and TC series are capable of housing up to 16GB RAM, leaving them open to a sizable performance boost. They also feature USB 3.0 ports to allow faster file transfers while remaining more energy efficient, in addition to HDMI 1.4 ports that let users hook up to a 3D display.

They also include Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, which gets a helping hand from Acer's Always Connect Technology that automatically detects and registers most visited access points. Acer claims the feature allows users to access the internet in 2.5 seconds, four times faster than models without the tech. Why that's a big deal for desktop users, however, is anybody's guess.

The XC is set to go on sale in July at a cost ranging from £279.99 and £499.99. The TC starts at £399.99, ranging to £599, and will be available from the same time.

Samsung distances itself from Facebook Phone links

We're hearing that the world's biggest social network is on the hunt for a new friend to help it with its mobile strategy, as it was apparently less than impressed with its HTC fling.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has met with the head of Samsung in South Korea to discuss various partnerships between the two firms - which has led many to think it's on the lookout for a manufacturer for the much-talked-about Facebook Phone.

With a disappointing reception for the HTC First, Facebook is licking its wounds as its new Home software overlay for Android appears to be a flop, so turning to the world's biggest smartphone manufacturer seems to make sense.

Ad's the word

According to Bloomberg, Zuckerberg discussed ways to generate ad revenue from mobile phones, as the social networking site finds more and more of its users logging in with their smartphones, and thus bypassing the majority of the ads you get on the desktop site.

Meanwhile the Korea Herald is reporting that Zuckerberg was talking about a "Facebook-friendly" smartphone with the Samsung executives - although the South Korean firm has tried to distance itself from these reports.

Separate sources claim Samsung doesn't currently have any interest in developing a phone with Facebook - so it's all a little confusing at the moment, although it's worth remembering Zuckerberg himself has previously said Facebook doesn't have any plans to develop a network branded handset.

Lenovo unveils ThinkPad S531 Ultrabook

Lenovo is targeting its latest Windows 8 Ultrabook at small businesses in a fresh attempt to inject some consumer-grade style into a 'bring your own device' (BYOD) workhorse.

The ThinkPad S531, which succeeds the ThinkPad S431, features a 15.6-inch screen attached to the body using a single unified hinge, allowing it to lie flat at 180 degrees. The display lacks touch sensitivity, however, meaning users will have to make do interacting with the OS using the five-button glass click pad.

Inside, the S531 sports Intel's 3rd Generation Ivy Bridgeprocessor. Despite missing out on the latest Haswell CPU, Lenovo claims the processor offers a 15% boost over previous offerings. It supports up to 10GB of memory and 500GB of storage space.

The company is touting the S531 as something of a road warrior, claiming up to nine hours' use from a standard four cell 62.8Wh battery.

Connectivity wise, the Ultrabook houses USB 3.0 ports for speedy file transfers. Users can also hook up a ThinkPad OneLink Dock, which provides dedicated video, more USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet and audio, all while charging the device. Additionally, an optional finger print reader can be installed for extra security.

Spill resistant

The S531 features a six-row backlit keyboard with Windows 8-specific shortcut keys. It's also spill resistant, putting an end to the days when a toppled coffee would result in mass panic. Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about the sticky keys.

The S531 is available now for £575 excluding VAT from Lenovo's partners and its website.

Alleged iPhone 5S images suggest Apple isn't shaking up the design

A few pap snaps of what is claimed to be the iPhone 5Shave made their way to the web, and suggest that Apple won't be shaking things up too much with the outer design of the new handset.

There's been plenty of talk about Apple toying withdifferent screen sizes for future iPhones, but if these leaky pics are anything to go by, Apple will be sticking with the status quo for the 5S as the dimensions appear to be identical to the 5.

It's on the inside that the differences lie, however, as we can see that one of the flex cable connectors is now facing vertically, while both on the 5 are currently positioned horizontally.

Not all that exciting on the face of it, but it could suggest that Apple is shifting parts around to make room for some new hardware, as previous info leaks have suggested.

The fifth dimension

The pictures came from both MacRumours and FanaticFone and appear to match up, but of course it's worth taking with a decent dose of salt on the side.

If true though, it means that production on the iPhone 5S is very much underway, meaning the September/October release timeframe is looking good.

Microsoft Surface 2 could ditch Nvidia for Qualcomm's 4G prowess

Talk of the Microsoft Surface 2 gathering pace as reports come in claiming the next iteration of the software giant's tablet will feature speedy 4G connectivity.

The original Microsoft Surface was greeted with a slightly muted response from consumers and sales have been far from stellar, so Microsoft will be hoping the second generation tablet can tempt people to part with their money.

According to a Bloomberg report, people "with knowledge of the plans" have spilled the beans on the Surface 2, and apparently Microsoft is looking to Qualcomm for a little help.

Snap this dragon

Microsoft plumped for Nvidia's Tegra chipset in its Surface RT model - which runs a cut down version of Windows 8, known as Windows RT, specifically designed for ARM based chips.

Apparently Nvidia is set to lose its exclusivity on the Surface RT though, as Microsoft is claimed to be putting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor in some, but not all, models - which could be due to its dominance in LTE-enabled chips.

The sources didn't reveal any more information on the upcoming tablets and we've currently not heard anything from Microsoft itself on the Surface 2, so we're not getting particularly carried away with these reports just yet.

Powerful 41MP PureView camera teased for Nokia EOS

The numerous rumours surrounding the Nokia EOS and its absurdly powerful 41MP camera have been given further justification after Nokia itself posted a teaser on its website.

We expect to see the Nokia EOS officially unveiled at Nokia's July 11 event in New York, and it looks like Elop and co are planning to bring the camera tech from its 808 Pureview handset to the new flagship Windows Phone 8device.

The teaser image on Nokia's official blog reads: "41 million reasons to zoom in to Nokia Conversations on July 11".

Black & white

That makes it pretty obvious that something camera orientated is on its way, and goes hand in hand with the "Zoom reinvented" tagline which adorned the press invite last week.

We could see Nokia build on the technology that wowed us at MWC last year on the 808 PureView, with perhaps more of an emphasis on the zoom capabilities as well as seeing the tech squashed down into a slimmer frame.

While Nokia doesn't give away any indication of the specs of the anticipated EOS, other rumours suggest the 41MP camera will be housed in an aluminium clad chassis - which would keep it in line with the recently launched Nokia Lumia 925.

We can also apparently expect the Nokia EOS to sport 720p display, quad-core processor and 32GB of internal storage - although all will be revealed in a couple weeks.