MWC 2016: what we want to see

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div xmlns='http://bit.ly/16Db7GR'><img alt="MWC 2016: what we want to see" src="http://ift.tt/MS0wh9"/><br/><br /><p><a href="http://ift.tt/1Dw2rAi">MWC 2015</a> has been and gone, but the products which were announced there aren't likely to be forgotten any time soon, from the flagship <a href="http://ift.tt/1G6VfLG">HTC One M9</a> and <a href="http://ift.tt/1zQe66z">Samsung Galaxy S6</a> smartphones, to the stylish <a href="http://ift.tt/1DIqiaS">Huawei Watch</a> and the innovative <a href="http://ift.tt/1E777fX">Galaxy S6 Edge</a> - and those are just some of the highlights.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>But we're already looking towards next year's show and thinking of all the things we want to see, whether it's improvements on this year's offerings or completely new ideas, there's a lot we're hoping for.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>A truly bendy phone</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="Corning Willow Glass" src="http://ift.tt/1E3WgTr" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>Samsung and LG have teased us with the likes of the Galaxy S6 Edge and the <a href="http://ift.tt/14dK6rP">LG G Flex 2</a>, but we want someone to take these ideas to the next step, with a bendable phone or at the very least a phone which makes good use of its curves.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Hopefully something will manage that at MWC 2016 and hopefully it will be a flagship, rather than being designed as a niche device.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Bigger batteries rather than slimmer phones</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="battery" src="http://ift.tt/YGXzjY" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a brilliant phone, but in focusing on design and making it as slim as possible Samsung forgot about one of the key things - good battery life, and many other manufacturers are almost as guilty of this.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>We'll happily take a thicker phone if it means a bigger battery, we'll even pay a little more, so hopefully the powers that be, or the people that make, are listening, and many of the phones announced at MWC 2016 have great battery life.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Battery innovation</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="battery icon" src="http://ift.tt/1E3WgTt" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>As well as thicker batteries how about new batteries? The same type of juice packs have been powering our phones for years and the reality is that they're just not very good.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>New battery technology is being researched all the time and hopefully by next year some of that will have gone past the research stage and been implemented into smartphones. <a href="http://ift.tt/1ydYIA9">Origami batteries</a> anyone? Or how about <a href="http://ift.tt/1E3WiKS">super-fast charging</a> ones?'</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>HTC One M10</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="HTC One M9" src="http://ift.tt/1FAKlv5" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>The HTC One M9 launched at MWC 2015 and there's a good chance we'll see the HTC One M10 at MWC 2016. But what specifically do we want? A better battery would be a good start, but beyond that it needs to be substantially different to and better than the M9.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>That might mean changing the admittedly brilliant design, or maybe HTC will achieve it by adding new features to the phone, like a fingerprint or iris scanner, but the company needs to do something, because as great as the M9 is it feels like HTC's treading water.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Samsung Galaxy S7</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="Galaxy S6" src="http://ift.tt/1E3WiKT" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>There's also a good chance we'll see the Samsung Galaxy S7 at MWC 2016 and we hope so too, especially after how impressive the S6 was.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Battery life is a key concern again and it would be good if Samsung could return some of the features it cut from the S6, like a microSD card slot and a water resistant build.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>More power, without the heat</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="processor" src="http://ift.tt/1FAKlv7" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>Each year we see ever more powerful phones, but this year the mobile chip of choice - the Snapdragon 810, has been subject to <a href="http://ift.tt/1F0xpRT">overheating concerns</a>.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>No-one wants a toasty phone, especially not when excessive heat can risk damaging the innards too, so we hope whatever phones are announced at MWC 2016 are even more powerful, but without the heat. This shouldn't be a problem, in fact <a href="http://ift.tt/1FAKlvb">Fujitsu already claims to have the answer</a>.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Smartwatches hitting their stride</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="LG Watch Urbane" src="http://ift.tt/1E3Wh9Q" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>It's still early days when it comes to smartwatches. The latest ones like the <a href="http://ift.tt/1Dpqr2y">LG Watch Urbane</a>, the Huawei Watch and the <a href="http://ift.tt/1seQ3O2">Apple Watch</a> are finally starting to look less like tech and more like fashion, but they still have a way to go before they're likely to convince the masses to ditch their dumb-watches.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>There needs to be other improvements too, with battery life key among them. We hope that by MWC 2016 many of the problems faced by smartwatches will have been solved and they'll be ready for prime time.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Modular mayhem</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="Project Ara" src="http://ift.tt/1FAKlvc" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>We were hoping Google would show off <a href="http://ift.tt/1E3WiL0">Project Ara</a> at MWC 2015, but sadly that didn't happen. Still, we doubt we'll have to wait till MWC 2016 for a good look at it, no, what we want by then is for there to be a whole heap of modular phones, or at least a whole heap of modules for phones.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Then we'll be free to fix whatever the manufacturers inevitably get wrong/not to our tastes. No fingerprint scanner? Add one. Rubbish camera? Switch it for a better one. Battery too small? Put a bigger one in. And never buy a whole new phone again. Maybe.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>A bigger Windows Phone presence</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="Lumia 930" src="http://ift.tt/1FAKlve" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p><a href="http://ift.tt/1AQxAr8">Windows Phone</a> has had a tough time up against the might of <a href="http://ift.tt/1sh4T3i">Android</a> and <a href="http://ift.tt/1tueTKi">iOS</a> and it feels like an eternity since the last Lumia flagship. But <a href="http://ift.tt/1KsNHWN">Windows 10 Mobile</a> should be out later this year and hopefully that will kick-start production of more handsets.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>We probably won't have to wait until 2016 for a new flagship, but hopefully a new OS will lead to a boost in popularity and with it a slew of new Windows Phone devices at MWC 2016.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Surprises</h3><br /><br/><br /><p><img alt="MWC" src="http://ift.tt/1E3WiL1" width="420"/> </p><br /><br/><br /><p>Surprises are always fun. Well, not always, there was that one time with the trampoline and the custard, but we don't talk about it.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>When it comes to MWC more powerful devices are a given, new phones from HTC and Samsung are likely and everything else we've hoped for, well, we already hope for it, so it won't be much of a surprise.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>So surprise us assorted tech makers. Bring us something we can't predict. Just make sure it's not something rubbish. And there's no custard. We never want to see custard again.</p><br /><br/><br /><ul><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /><li>We've got <a href="http://ift.tt/1FAKlvg">a wishlist for CES 2016 too.</a> </li><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /></ul><br /><br/><br /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANOt" width="1"/><br clear='all'/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vs" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANOx"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vu" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7AMdq"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vw" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7AMds"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vy"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANOB"/> </a> <img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1FAN4VA" width="1"/><img alt="" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1FAN2Nd" width="1"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/> </div><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />from http://bit.ly/1O7LbU1<br/></div>

MWC 2016: what we want to see

MWC 2015 has been and gone, but the products which were announced there aren't likely to be forgotten any time soon, from the flagship ...

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HTC One M9 Plus adds QHD display to a bigger, better handset

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div xmlns='http://bit.ly/16Db7GR'><img alt="HTC One M9 Plus adds QHD display to a bigger, better handset" src="http://ift.tt/1FAKleL"/><br/><br /><p>Not content with launching the <a href="http://ift.tt/1G6VfLG">HTC One M9</a> at Mobile World Congress last month, the Taiwanese firm has followed it up with the larger, better-specced M9 Plus at a special event in Beijing.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>The new king of the HTC castle sports a slightly larger 5.2-inch screen, a much-improved 1440 x 2560 pixel QHD resolution and a fingerprint scanner for secure access to your mobile. The 3GB of RAM stays the same but the processor is changed to a MediaTek MT6795T octa-core 2.2GHz chip.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>We'll have to wait and see how that compares with the Snapdragon 810 running inside the standard HTC One M9, but overall this looks like a larger, more premium option. The Duo Camera technology from the <a href="http://ift.tt/1jrawg6">HTC One M8</a> is back after having been left out of the HTC One M9.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>China exclusive</h3><br /><br/><br /><p>The phone measures 150.99mm (5.94 inches) by 71.9mm (2.83 inches) by 9.61mm (0.38 inches), making it taller, wider and the same thickness as its immediate predecessor. HTC says that Android 5.0 Lollipop with HTC China Sense is going to be running on board the phone.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>That China Sense software and the fact this was announced in Beijing should tell you all you need to know about market availability: this is very much a China exclusive for the time being. It's going to be offered in gold, gun-metal grey, and a silver and gold combination.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>With that sharper, bigger screen and the added bonus of a fingerprint scanner we're hoping to see the smartphone appear in more countries soon. We've asked HTC for comment and will let you know if we hear more.</p><br /><br/><br /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANy9" width="1"/><br clear='all'/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wS" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALWY"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vi" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANyb"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vk" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALX2"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN4Vm"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALX5"/> </a> <img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wW" width="1"/><img alt="" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANOp" width="1"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/> </div><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />from http://bit.ly/1Go2oYv<br/></div>

HTC One M9 Plus adds QHD display to a bigger, better handset

Not content with launching the HTC One M9 at Mobile World Congress last month, the Taiwanese firm has followed it up with the larger, bette...

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LG wants you to test the LG G4, but don't get too attached

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div xmlns='http://bit.ly/16Db7GR'><img alt="LG wants you to test the LG G4, but don't get too attached" src="http://ift.tt/1v1YOsv"/><br/><br /><p>LG is ramping up the hype for its upcoming flagship smartphone, the <a href="http://ift.tt/1yPx8OZ">LG G4</a>, promising its "most ambitious smartphone introduction yet" by giving 4,000 customers a chance to try out the new handset weeks before it goes on sale.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>The test drive program starts today in Korea and will be expanded to 14 other countries in the coming days: Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, China, India, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Hong Kong.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Customers who have been selected will get an LG G4 for 30 days to try out its new features, though sadly they'll have to return the handsets at the end of their time with the new device.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>According to Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, "we're putting the success of LG G4 in the hands of consumers before the launch because we believe they are the best judge of a great user experience, beyond just benchmarks and speed tests."</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Taking the G4 for a test drive</h3><br /><br/><br /><p>If you want to be selected to try out the LG G4 then you can check your localised <a href="http://www.lg.com/">LG web site</a> for more information on how to take part. According to LG you can increase your chances of being selected by sharing your experience of applying on social media.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Successful applicants will be given a number of assignments to carry out during their time with the LG G4 and prizes will be awarded. We're not sure what those prizes will be at the moment, but let's hope a few of them will allow the test subjects to keep hold of their LG G4s. 30 days isn't really a long time.</p><br /><br/><br /><ul><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /><li><a href="http://ift.tt/1yPx8OZ">Everything we know so far about the LG G4</a> </li><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /></ul><br /><br/><br /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALGx" width="1"/><br clear='all'/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wG" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANxV"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wI" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALGz"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN1ZP" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ALWN"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wK"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANxX"/> </a> <img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1FAN2wM" width="1"/><img alt="" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1c7ANy1" width="1"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/> </div><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />from http://bit.ly/1O7Lb6H<br/></div>

LG wants you to test the LG G4, but don't get too attached

LG is ramping up the hype for its upcoming flagship smartphone, the LG G4 , promising its "most ambitious smartphone introduction yet...

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Over 1,000 Apple Watch apps are already waiting for you

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div xmlns='http://bit.ly/16Db7GR'><img alt="Over 1,000 Apple Watch apps are already waiting for you" src="http://ift.tt/1wvEF2V"/><br/><br /><p>With only a few weeks left to go until the official launch of the <a href="http://ift.tt/1JcMmNH">Apple Watch</a>, Tim Cook has revealed how many third-party Apple Watch apps have been submitted.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>In a note to employees Cook said, "congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard for years to help this product reach our customers". He also revealed that over 1,000 third-party apps have been submitted to the App Store so far.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>It broke the thousand mark after just four days of <a href="http://ift.tt/1F53bb0">accepting apps</a> and the amount of submissions a day have only been growing since.</p><br /><br/><br /><h3>Fit to burst</h3><br /><br/><br /><p>Cook didn't reveal the names of any of the submissions in the note and it's also worthwhile to bear in mind Apple isn't guaranteed to let all the submissions through to the shop front.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Cook also revealed Apple employees will receive a 50% discount on certain Apple Watch models.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>All employees will be able to pick up any Apple Watch or Apple Watch Sport with a half price tag under an Employee Purchase Plan or a $550 discount from the Apple Watch Edition, says <a href="http://ift.tt/1Ddbg0y">9 to 5 Mac</a>.</p><br /><br/><br /><p>Considering the cheapest Apple Watch Edition comes in at $10k (£8,000, AU$14k) though, we don't expect many employees taking Cook up on the offer.</p><br /><br/><br /><ul><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /><li>Third party <a href="http://ift.tt/1HJrNJE">Apple Watch straps</a> are also coming soon.</li><br /><li style='list-style: none'><br/> </li><br /></ul><br /><br/><br /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1yRvcRh" width="1"/><br clear='all'/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1PeYt2H" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1PeYuUc"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1yRvcRn" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1PeYuUe"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1yRvcRp" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1PeYt2O"/> </a><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/><br /><a href="http://ift.tt/1PeYtj2"><img border="0" src="http://ift.tt/1yRvd7F"/> </a> <img border="0" height="1" src="http://ift.tt/1PeYuUi" width="1"/><img alt="" height="1" src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~4/ewM_TQxaaKc" width="1"/><br/><br /><br/><br /><br/> </div><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />from http://bit.ly/1CPOSJ7<br/></div>

Over 1,000 Apple Watch apps are already waiting for you

With only a few weeks left to go until the official launch of the Apple Watch , Tim Cook has revealed how many third-party Apple Watch apps ...

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LG teases a look at the new LG G4 software

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div xmlns='http://bit.ly/16Db7GR'> </div><br /><br/><br /><br/><br />from http://bit.ly/1Caw1Fh<br/></div>

LG teases a look at the new LG G4 software

from http://bit.ly/1Caw1Fh

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