Apple sends out invites for a September 9th event

Apple has just sent invitations to the press for an upcoming event on September 9. The rumors have pinpointed the date already, so it is hardly a surprise.

Apple is expected to unveil the worst-kept under wraps iPhone - the 4.7" iPhone 6. If we are to trust some previous rumors, the iWatch smartwatch will be joining the next generation iPhone as well.

With the recent LG G Watch R announcement and the upcoming Moto 360 smartwatch, Apple should be in a hurry to capture some of the wearable momentum. It has already snagged a former Tag Heuer's VP of sales, another proof the iWatch announcement is happening sooner than later.

Apple also acquired Beats Audio this year, so we might see some interesting results from this collaboration announced at the event, too. Hopefully Apple has managed to keep some key features a secret through all of those leaks and will manage to surprise us in ways that go beyond the sapphire glass.

Finally, the iOS 8 is expected to start seeding to all compatible iDevices on September 9 as well.

International HTC One (M8) for Windows got Wi-Fi certified

The HTC One (M8) for Windows launched as a Verizon-exclusive but AT&T was quick to announce that this is a temporary exclusivity and put up a signup page. There's going to be an international version, which was certified with Euro LTE bands.

The international version has passed through the Wi-Fi certification body. The certification document doesn't reveal much – just the Wi-Fi spec, which is dual-band 802.11/a/b/g/n.

There's no word on how long Verizon's exclusivity will last but it's collecting all the necessary certifications. The Verizon version already got a price cut so we can expect the GSM model to launch straight at that price.

You can read our preview of the HTC One (M8) for Windows (the Verizon version) for more info on the device

Lenovo X2 makes an appearance at TENAA ahead of IFA 2014

An unannounced upper mid-range Android smartphone from Lenovo has appeared on the Chinese TENAA website. Dubbed the X2, the smartphone has passed certification in the country and has revealed a decent sounding specs sheet in the process.

The Lenovo X2 will be available in two versions with model names X2-CU and X2-TO. The X2-CU is powered by an octa-core CPU, presumably residing in a MediaTek chipset, while the X2-TO packs a 2.2GHz dual-core processor. This is the only difference between the two as both feature a 5" 1080p display, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

At the back, both Lenovo X2 versions feature a 13MP snapper with LED flash and a 5MP front-facing camera. Their dimensions are 140.2 x 68.6 x 7.27mm and the overall design is a bit reminiscent of Sony's Xperia Z-series of phones.

With the certification process done with, Lenovo should launch the Android 4.4 running phones soon enough. Nothing particular has been hinted by the manufacturer, but the IFA 2014 which is starting next week would be a convenient occassion.

LG G Watch R gets unveiled with round P-OLED display

After teasing it a couple of times, LG took the wraps off the decidedly premium G Watch R. The Android Wear device will be showcased at the company’s booth during the upcoming IFA convention in Berlin.

The main feature of the LG G Watch is its display. As the R letter in the name kindly suggests, the screen is a 1.3" fully circular Plastic OLED display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. The Korean manufacturer took a jab at Motorola’s Moto 360 by pointing that the screen of the G Watch utilizes 100% of its face (the screen of the competitor doesn’t).

LG G Watch R packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC with 1.2GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM. The rest of the device’s specs include 4GB of built-in memory, 410mAh battery, and the usual bevy of sensors (gyro, accelerometer, compass, barometer).

The smartwatch is IP67 dust and water-resistant. It is available only in black.

LG G Watch R will begin rolling out in key markets in early Q4 (in time for the holiday shopping season). Pricing and exact availability will be announced during the device’s local launch.

Official Samsung Galaxy Note 4 wallpaper leaks out

The official Samsung Galaxy Note 4 wallpaper made the rounds online. The colorful image confirms the QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution of the upcoming phablet’s display.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 official wallpaper (click to view in full resolution)

The original size of the image you see above is 2560 x 2560 pixels. This should hardly catch anyone by surprise as, typically, wallpapers for Android devices do not have the exact resolution as its display in order to be able to accommodate extra homescreen panes.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will debut at a global Unpacked event next week, on September 3. The Korean giant already released a number of teaser videos to mark the phablet’s imminent debut.

We will be covering Samsung’s Unpacked event live, so be sure to tune in to find out what the company has in store.

Samsung Gear S smartwatch goes official with Tizen and 3G

Samsung officially announced the Gear S smartwatch with 3G connectivity on board. The Tizen-based wearable device will begin rolling out in markets around the globe starting in October.

       
Samsung Gear S official photos

Samsung Gear S features a 2” curved Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels. The device is powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU, coupled with 512MB of RAM.

The rest of the device’s specs include 4GB of built-in memory, full connectivity suite including quad-band 2G/3G, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, GPS/GLONASS, and USB 2.0. The smartwatch will also be able to make and receive phone calls through an optional neck accessory with Bluetooth dubbed Samsung Gear Circle.

   
Samsung Gear Circle

Samsung Gear S features a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, heart rate monitor, ambient light and UV sensors, and a barometer. The smartwatch is IP67 certified for water and dust resistance.

Measures of the Samsung Gear S are 39.8 x 58.3 x 12.5mm. The device is powered by a 300mAh battery, which is quoted at providing 2 days of typical usage.