Verizon bumps up Samsung Galaxy S 4 launch to May 23rd

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Samsung Galaxy S 4 for Verizon" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/samsung-galaxy-s-4-verizon-pr-1366323265.jpg" /></div>Disappoined that Verizon wasn't going to offer its variant of the Galaxy S 4 until May 30th? You're in for an unexpected treat: Big Red has just moved up the launch by a full week, to May 23rd. The $200 contract price remains the same, but we won't complain much when Samsung's quad-core flagship should now arrive ahead of the long weekend. It looks like those supply issues weren't quite so bad as some thought.<br /> </div></div>

Verizon bumps up Samsung Galaxy S 4 launch to May 23rd

Disappoined that Verizon wasn't going to offer its variant of the Galaxy S 4 until May 30th? You're in for an unexpected treat: Bi...

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Panasonic's 16-megapixel Lumix DMC-GF6 official with wireless sharing, flip screen

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Panasonic's 16megapixel Lumix DMCGF6 official with wireless sharing, flip screen" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/panasonic-gf6-04-09-13-02.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Panasonic's micro four-thirds Lumix DMC-GF6 is finally official after a leaky start, and the news is good for social types with high photo standards. The mirrorless cam's standout feature is without a doubt its connectivity, letting you pair it to a smartphone or tablet via NFC, then transfer photos and video automatically over WiFi with an included app -- which can also remotely control the camera. The GF6 also sports an updated 1040k-dot screen that can tilt and flip 180 degrees for self-portraits, along with a new mode dial from it's GF5 predecessor, a welcome change for more serious shooters. Other highlights include 1080/60i full-HD AVCHD video, a 25,600 ISO range, JPEG and RAW shooting, built-in flash, a new Venus Engine image processor, 3.7 fps burst shooting, low-light autofocus and a 0.5-second start-up time. You'll be able to grab one in black, white, brown or red, and while Panasonic hasn't officially announced a price or arrival date, it's expected to hit shelves in the next month or so for around £449 with a 14-42mm kit lens ($680). Check the PR after the break for the full dope.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text"> New Sleek, Stylish Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera with Wi-Fi® / NFC LUMIX GF6<br /> Featuring Superb Picture Quality and High Speed Response<br /> Panasonic is proud to introduce a new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera DMC-GF6 from the stylish, most compact GF series of LUMIX G. The new 16.00–megapixel Live MOS Sensor achieves high-resolution, high sensitivity image recording. The Venus Engine is also newly developed for DMC-GF6 to attain high-performance signal processing and the advanced noise reduction system minimizes noise and even achieves shooting at max. ISO25600 (Extended) high sensitivity taking best advantage of the new sensor.<br /> The DMC-GF6 boasts high-speed, high precision Light Speed AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording. Newly integrated Low Light AF enables accurate focusing on the target subject even in low-lit situations. Getting ready to shoot in only 0.5 sec after start-up, the DMC-GF6 never misses fleeting shooting opportunities.<br /> The DMC-GF6 is not just an interchangeable lens camera but a creative magic box full of wide-ranging attractive features including the new Self Shot, Creative Panorama and Stop Motion Animation in addition to the popular Creative Control mode with a total of 19 fascinating filter effects. The Stop Motion Animation allows producing unique stop motion video and the Clear Retouch function enables to erase unwanted part of a picture after shooting – both operations completes with stunning ease in camera.<br /> With the Wi-Fi® connectivity featuring NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, users can connect the camera to their smartphone/tablet anywhere at one-touch, which makes sharing images much easier. It is also possible to use a smartphone/tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone/tablet right after shooting. On the other hand, both photo and video can be archived to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home.<br /> The DMC-GF6 records 1920 x 1080 at 60i (60 Hz) / 50i (50 Hz) full-HD video in AVCHD with high quality stereo sound. The P/A/S/M mode in video recording is also available for more expressive creation of motion picture footage.<br /> Despite its sleek, compact profile, the DMC-GF6 is a practically reliable digital camera with a built-in flash(GN6.3 ISO160･m / GN5.0 ISO100･m) and 3.0-inch large approx.180°tiltable monitor. Dressed in stylish colors - black, white, brown and red, the DMC-GF6 brings new opportunities to enjoy shooting higher quality image with cutting-edge digital technologies.<br /> - Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in Europe and some Asian areas.<br /> - Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.<br /> - You can check the recordable time on the screen. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)<br /> 1. New 16.00-Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine for Superb Picture Quality<br /> The DMC-GF6 integrates new 16.00-megapixel Live MOS sensor which enables high resolution and high sensitivity image recording while minimizing generation of noise. The image processor Venus Engine is also newly developed to feature its advanced noise reduction systems. By extending the control level of noise, controllable area of noise is expanded by approx. 64x in size. This makes it possible to remove large block of noise which was formally hard to detect and helps produce clear, smooth image especially for the nighttime scenery. In addition, the Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) works in two separate steps allowing even finer control over noise level. The texture of noise itself, regardless of the noise size, is improved with this deliberate control, which is resulting in the reproduction of smooth human skin even in high sensitivity recording.<br /> Furthermore, the optimum design of newly adopted Detail Reproduction Filter Process enhances the limit resolution by max. 3% and the contrast of middle to high range by max. 5%. Plus, the advanced Intelligent D-range Control offers wider dynamic range while maintaining the smooth gradation thanks to the high-precision signal processing. Suppressing both blocked shadows and blown highlights, every part of an image – from dark to bright – is faithfully reproduced.<br /> The combination of the new Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves ISO3200 (Auto) and max. ISO25600 (Extended). The Low Light AF in DMC-GF6 gains higher performance in such as moonlight even without AF assist lamp to set focus on the subject more precisely.<br /> 2. Pursuing Even Higher Speed Response and Mobility<br /> The DMC-GF6 boasts even higher response. It takes only approx. 0.5 sec to shoot photo after startup (CIPA). Not only its intuitive touch controllability on the rear monitor, the optimum layout of operation devices makes the camera control smooth and easy. The newly added function lever allows direct adjustment of allotted function - zoom*, exposure or aperture** control, which works for magnification in playback mode and page flip in menu. The mode dial has come back for this new DMC-GF6.<br /> All cameras of LUMIX G adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with bright lens with small F value. The DMC-GF6 also boasts high-speed Light Speed AF making it possible to capture fast-moving subjects clearly. Also, AF Tracking enables consecutive shooting to capture moving subject in sharp focus.<br /> Combined with the Full-area Touch AF, it is possible to set focus on any point in the field of view which realizes quick and intuitive focusing operation with free frame composition. In addition, the newly adopted Touch AE (Auto Exposure) function allows setting focus and exposure at a single touch on the subject displayed on the monitor.<br /> * When used with Power Zoom lenses H-PS14042 or H-PS45175.<br /> ** In M (Manual) mode.<br /> 3. A Variety of Shooting Functions for Artwork Creation<br /> The DMC-GF6 is not just a high quality camera but an advanced photographic tool enhancing shooting experience with wide variety of options.<br /> With the new Self Shot mode, users can shoot their own portraits by stretching an arm to hold the camera with the rear monitor flipped approx.180° vertically to get in a frame properly. A variety of options such as Creative Control can be applied on this self-portrait, too.<br /> The popular Creative Control mode is upgraded by increasing its filter option from 14 (for DMC-GF5) to 19 (for DMC-GF6) adding new Old Days, Sunshine*, Bleach Bypass, Toy Pop, Fantasy in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Soft Focus*, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect and Star Filter* and Miniature Effect** mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable.<br /> With the new Creative Panorama function, it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture and to put on a filter effect of Creative Control***.<br /> The new Stop Motion Animation function enables producing a stop motion (stop frame) video in camera with the pictures that are sequentially shot while moving the object by degrees.<br /> This effect makes the object appear as if it is moving by itself.<br /> Another new in-camera function is Clear Retouch, which makes it is possible to erase unwanted objects or figures in an image by just tracing over them on monitor with a fingertip. They naturally disappear without destroying the image.<br /> * For photo only.<br /> ** Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)<br /> *** Some filters of Creative Control cannot be used in Creative Panorama mode.<br /> 4. Wireless Connectivity for One-Touch Picture Sharing & Remote Shooting<br /> via Wi-Fi® / NFC with Smartphones<br /> The DMC-GF6 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with compliant smartphone/tablet. All these flexible shooting / browsing / sharing style are made possible with the DMC-GF6 and the Panasonic's dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android smartphones/tablets.<br /> Users can connect the camera with a smartphone/tablet by just bringing them together. What is new is that the setup is extremely quick and easy, making it possible to pair the camera directly to the smartphone/tablet without connection procedure of information input for authorization.<br /> Remote shooting of both photo and video* is available by using the smartphone/tablet for a remote shutter with a monitor which displayed live at smooth 30 fps. Not only releasing a shutter, zooming**, focusing and settings of shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation are all controllable with a smartphone/tablet.<br /> The Instant Transfer function allows the camera to transfer the photo data to the designated electronic devices automatically whenever shutter is released. In playback mode, users can also touch the image displayed on the camera to transfer it directly to the smartphone/tablet right on the spot. In addition, it is possible to tag the location information to the image by utilizing the GPS (Global Positioning System) log of a smartphone / tablet.<br /> Archiving images becomes easy. DMC-GF6 transfers the data to PC or other compliant electronic devices automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home. Also, with Panasonic's exclusive cloud service "LUMIX CLUB", DMC-GF6 can automatically synchronize images via internet with the designated devices and web services like Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or YouTube™.<br /> The Wi-Fi Direct™ function allows direct playback of images on the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) – compliant VIERA HDTV***.<br /> * For remote shooting of video, start/stop recording is available over smartphone/tablet control.<br /> ** With LUMIX G Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 or H-PS45175.<br /> *** Using [Playback on TV] of the Wi-Fi function, you can display images on a TV that supports the Digital Media Renderer (DMR) function of the DLNA standard. Please check the following website about the compatible devices for details.<br /> http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/<br /> 5. Other Attractive Features for DMC-GF6<br /> High Quality 1920 x 1080 Full-HD Video with Stereo Sound<br /> The DMC-GF6 records 1920 x 1080 at 60i (60 Hz) / 50i (50 Hz) full HD videos with full-time AF and high quality stereo sound in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. In addition, the P/A/S/M mode also lets users enjoy professional-like expressive video recording. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.<br /> - Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in Europe and some Asian areas.<br /> - Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.<br /> - You can check the recordable time on the screen. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)<br /> Compact, Stylish Design with a variety of Color Selection<br /> The DMC-GF6 features ultimate compactness in sleek, stylish design despite its incorporation of useful built-in flash (GN6.3 ISO160･m / GN5.0 ISO100･m). The design dispels impression for conventional big, heavy and colorless DSLRs. Fashionably dressed in black, white, brown or red, the DMC-GF6 matches any style and fashion regardless of gender. In addition, new power zoom digital interchangeable lens in white H-PS14042-W is specially bundled in the white camera kit as DMC-GF6X-W.<br /> New Approx. 1040K-dot 180゜ Tiltable Touch Monitor<br /> The new large, approx.1040K-dot high resolution monitor boasts approx. 100% of field of view, and it tilts up approx. 180°. The front panel is directly attached to the new In Cell Touch LCD without containing air layer in between. The result is that the reflection of external light is dramatically suppressed. Together with the increased resolution by approx. 13% and improved color reproduction by approx. 20%, the monitor for DMC-GF6 secures higher visibility than ever. Plus, attenuation of transmitting backlight is minimized to achieve wide angle of view and by 25% of power saving.<br /> The touch-control system immediately lets users to set focus to the subject by just touching it on the screen and you can even release the shutter. It is free and easy to enlarge the target point with fingertips to set precise focus.<br /> Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus Mode) and Scene Guide for Beginners<br /> For beginners of Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode supports taking beautiful pictures with a variety of shooting-assist functions including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control. The Intelligent Scene Selector now integrates Food Recognition mode. It detects food on the dish and captures it to look delicious. The iA Plus mode lets users adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.<br /> The Scene Guide* offers 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the one closer to the situation they are going to shoot and optimum parameters for shooting the scene will be automatically set. Furthermore, shooting procedure, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens for the scene can be shown for users to learn photography.<br /> </div></div></div>

Panasonic's 16-megapixel Lumix DMC-GF6 official with wireless sharing, flip screen

Panasonic's micro four-thirds Lumix DMC-GF6 is finally official after a leaky start, and the news is good for social types with high ...

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Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-launch-1364405253.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Following the likes of Meizu and Xiaomi, another star is born in the Chinese smartphone market. In fact, some may already know the man behind this new Android-based Smartisan OS: Luo Yonghao, a self-taught ex-English teacher (and later becoming the principal of his own English school until last August), as well as the founder of influential blogging platform Bullog.cn (now Bullogger.com) and the chairman of Chinese font studio Redesign. Luo is also a relentless consumer advocate, with his most notable act being his fridge-smashing protest outside Siemens' Beijing headquarters in November 2011, in order to highlight the company's refusal to acknowledge their faulty fridge doors (all explained in the "More Coverage" link at the bottom).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Already a bit of a legend in China, the 40-year-old serial entrepreneur announced last April that he had formed <span>Smartisan Co., Ltd.</span><span> to work on a smartphone OS, and that it would shame all manufacturers with its revolutionary user experience. Having missed the December target that he promised, Luo eventually took the stage in Beijing last week to spend well over three -- yes, </span><em>three</em><span> -- hours going through the thought process behind his Smartisan OS, so bear with us here.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS launch event</strong></h3></div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/imag1331_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/imag1336_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc1399_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc1409_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-0-1364412817_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-23-1364413526_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS unveil: Visuals</strong></h3></div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-1-1364413616_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-2-1364413618_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-3-1364413621_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-4-1364413624_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-5-1364413626_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-6-1364413628_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Unlike the lead images of this article, the clever play with the name "Smartisan" is much better at reflecting the company's insane attention to detail (Luo actually wanted just "Artisan" to show his appreciation for great craftsmanship, but the trademark was already registered by ARM). Known for his ability to talk on stage for hours at his annual entrepreneurship talks, Luo did us a favor by breaking his presentation down into four parts: Visuals, Functions, Humanization and "two more things" -- a light-hearted homage to Steve Jobs' classic keynote act.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>For the Visuals part of Smartisan OS, Luo dived straight into other Chinese manufacturers' "unhealthy" obsession with iOS' square icon style and grid layout, followed by </span>ridiculing some icons<span> that render the original objects (like balls, wheels, shoes or even toilets) much less recognizable and meaningful in their deformed shapes. Even Lenovo's circular icons couldn't escape from Luo's </span><span>verbal rage -- they are "damn ugly" in his view.</span><span> On a related note, Luo is also baffled by how Apple's desktop icons don't suffer from the square problem forced upon their mobile counterpart.</span></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-vs-all.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>In comparison to all the screenshots above, Smartisan's approach is much more appealing to the eye. As a strong believer in closed systems for the sake of quality control, Luo's first step towards that direction is to revamp the icons for over 1,000 apps -- about 200 to 300 of which are already done as of the press event. The goal is to offer icons that look official yet futuristic, and from what we saw on the stage, our favorites were the authentic-looking hairy paw for Baidu Search (the audience had a good laugh over that one) and the more vibrant triangle for Google Play -- something that Luo hopes to eventually replace with Smartisan's very own app store. Obviously, the current team of 24 strong can't do this alone, so they'll be receiving submissions from graphics designers via Smartisan's forum; and in return, these folks will get a mention in the OS, especially in the menu where you can toggle between the original icons and the enhanced icons.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Another key to the clean look of Smartisan OS' launcher is the combination of a smaller grid, the dark background and the lack of icon labels. For the four-by-three grid (as opposed to five-by-four on most smartphones), Luo reasoned that most people don't use more than 12 icons every day, thus allowing bigger icons for each panel of 12. This is visually enhanced by the removal of wallpaper option, a decision that Luo believes was intentional in the first version of iOS, yet eventually revoked by Apple due to the missing feature being one of the main reasons for users to jailbreak back then. Outspoken as ever, Luo went as far as calling mobile manufacturers that provide scenic wallpapers "bumpkins." As for the removed icon labels, Luo believes that the icons can speak for themselves, and that the users who install those apps should know which is which, anyway.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="458" data-src-width="612" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-launcher-1364493885.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS: Functions and Humanization</strong></h3><br /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-14-1364413885_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-15-1364413886_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-16-1364413888_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-17-1364413911_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-18-1364413913_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-19-1364413914_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Each icon panel gets a light shade to make them stand out individually, and every time you turn on the phone, they all animate very briefly by lightly popping in and out. Users will be familiar with the usual drag-and-drop icon management action, but unlike most phones where you have to slowly drag one icon across multiple home screens, Smartisan OS speeds up the process by letting you zoom out to an overview of four home screens with 36 icons (or even up to nine home screens with 81 icons on full-HD devices), where you easily drag one icon from one screen to another without having to wait for the screen to switch, or without having to use a second finger to swipe to the next screen (as nicely implemented by at least HTC and Xiaomi). In the multi-home screen mode you can also select several apps from different screens and then place them into the same one. You can see this all at 46:50 in the video at the bottom of this article.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Another handy feature here is the ability to hide or lock certain panels, and we can already imagine the use case of stowing away rarely used system apps or bloatware. Luo wasn't afraid to joke about hiding the naughty apps this way, either. But going back to the subject of bloatware, Smartisan OS will be bundled with just a few apps that Luo considers to be the cream of the crop in the Chinese market: Momo (a local "flirting" app), WeChat (IM app, but still in discussion), Sina Weibo, Youku (video platform) and Sogu input (customized by Smartisan). Luo insisted that there's no business relation here at all and users are free to uninstall these, unlike the ones that are tied to most other smartphones these days.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-humanization.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While Smartisan OS may sound like just another launcher so far, the amount of care gone into the fine detail in other areas should justify its "OS" moniker. Here's a list of all the highlights in chronological order according to the event video at the bottom:</div><ul dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><li> Your added note for a caller shows up above profile picture when he or she dials in, in case you need a reminder of who the caller is (31:30, featuring "Jack Wong" from "Meizu"; detailed talk at 57:25)</li><li> World clocks intentionally have different second hand positions purely for the sake of sentiments, as inspired by clocks in a typical hotel reception (you can shake to synchronize) (34:04)</li><li> Contacts can be sorted by date added, location, interaction frequency (can be overridden in case your other half gets upset; "You should understand if you're married," joked Luo) (36:00)</li><li> Tap profile picture on contacts list to toggle shortcuts for call, SMS, add to favorites, set ringtone and set picture (will support Sina and Renren profiles) (41:08)</li><li> SMS delivery delayed by three seconds in case of regret (56:30)</li><li> Reply or read out SMS in quick pop-up notifications</li><li> Clock app shows you the weather of a selected city, as well as the time difference between there and your location (58:30)</li><li> Can rotate screen at any time using two-finger gesture (fingers swipe horizontally in opposite directions) (59:55)</li><li> Brightness slider shows up under volume panel when volume keys are pressed (61:08)</li><li> Calendar shows only important dates for lunar calendar, and also shows weather forecast for the next few days (62:15)</li><li> Country flags instead of text menu for language setting, so that you can easily reverse the damage if someone accidentally changes the language (65:43)</li><li> Swipe across screen to reset notification counters, then the counters restart (68:33)</li><li> Friendly reminder to rotate phone when capturing video in portrait position (<em>finally!</em>); and likewise with mirroring option while taking self-portraits with front camera (73:00)</li><li> Button-based voice command more straight forward than Siri ("as introduced by some guy called Scott"); phone call toggled by lifting and placing next to ear (detected by gyroscope and proximity sensor) and say recipient's name, makes you look less like an idiot (87:40)</li><li> When switched on, phone automatically unlocks if its proximity sensor detects it's out of the pocket; or hit the home button to peek at the time while phone is on standby (107:40)</li></ul><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-humanization-2.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS unveil: Two more things</strong></h3><br /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-2.591_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-3.001_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-3.00_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-1.22_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-1.23_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-24-1364414337_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> It's clear that most of these enhancements are based on simple modifications rather than technological breakthroughs, but then again, these seemingly obvious tweaks should serve as a wake-up call to the other mobile manufacturers. Of course, t<span>here are still a lot of unanswered questions, but we suspect Smartisan will have a lot more to show the world following its inspirational debut. After humbly thanking CyanogenMod for the resources and even McDonald's for the late night deliveries, Luo announced that the first public beta for select devices (including the Galaxy S II as shown in the demos) will be available on June 15th, followed by Smartisan's very own hardware at some point next year -- by which point Luo will stop supporting third-party devices. "Only Luo's hardware is worthy of Luo's software," said the amusing </span>entrepreneur<span>.</span></div></div>

Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design

Following the likes of Meizu and Xiaomi, another star is born in the Chinese smartphone market. In fact, some may already know the man b...

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HTC One officially hits Germany, UK and Taiwan next week, other regions before the end of Apri

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="HTC One review" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/htconebigger.jpg" /></div>There's been an uncertainty hovering over just when the HTC One would make its formal debut, between delays in many areas and a trickle of availability in others. At least in theory, those doubts have been resolved: HTC now says that Germany, the UK and Taiwan will have an official One launch next week. Europe, North America and large swaths of Asia-Pacific will get their own units before the end of April. The company hasn't been more specific about carrier deployments, but we're sure that HTC is happy just to beat a key competitor to store shelves. Read the company's full statement after the break.<br /> <blockquote> "HTC has seen unprecedented demand for and interest in the new HTC One, and the care taken to design and build it is evidenced in early reviews. The new HTC One will roll out in the UK, Germany and Taiwan next week and across Europe, North America and most of Asia-Pacific before the end of April. We appreciate our customers' patience, and believe that once they have the phone in their hands they will agree that it has been worth the wait."</blockquote></div></div>

HTC One officially hits Germany, UK and Taiwan next week, other regions before the end of Apri

There's been an uncertainty hovering over just when the HTC One would make its formal debut, between delays in many areas and a trick...

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T-Mobile to begin selling BlackBerry Z10 to business customers March 11th for $249.99 (update)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="TMobile to begin selling BlackBerry Z10 to business customers today" data-src-height="341" data-src-width="314" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc04276-1361316609.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The BlackBerry Z10 is finally ready to ship out to customers in the US, as T-Mobile has officially announced that it is selling Canada's pride and joy starting Monday for $250, but only to business customers initially. Deliveries of the device will arrive on doorsteps (or in office mailrooms, perhaps) by the end of the week. As for the rest of the T-Mobile customers anxious to get their hands on the first BB10 handset, we still haven't received any word. News of the launch date was reported by <em>Reuters,</em> and we reached out to T-Mobile to confirm pricing and availability and received the following statement (update: T-Mo sent an updated statement confirming a pre-order date):</div><blockquote dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <i>The BlackBerry Z10 will be available for pre-order for business customers starting on March 11 for $249.99 on a two-year Classic plan. Please note that pricing can be impacted by volume discounts and other factors, making the device even more cost effective. The consumer retail availability date and pricing will be shared at a later date.</i></blockquote></div>

T-Mobile to begin selling BlackBerry Z10 to business customers March 11th for $249.99 (update)

  The BlackBerry Z10 is finally ready to ship out to customers in the US, as T-Mobile has officially announced that it is selling Canada&#...

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