Yesterday Microsoft announced two new Windows Phone handsets – the Lumia 730/735 and the Lumia 830. These are new killer handsets in their respective categories, and we can't wait for you all to play with them. We had some great coverage yesterday, and you know more or less know all there is about the two devices. So we have to ask, are you planning on buying one?

Lumia 830

The Lumia 830 is the new affordable flagship from Microsoft. You'll find a 10 MP PureView camera, QI wireless charging, 5-inch 720p display and more all inside an affordable and thin package (8.5 mm!). Look for the Lumia 830 later this month at €330 ($433 USD). It'll come in orange, green, white and black, but you can swap out the rear panel for different color

• Windows Phone 8.1 Update with Lumia Denim
• 3G & DSDS RoW variant: GSM 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz; WCDMA 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz; Speed GSM: EGPRS/296kbps/236.8kbps; HSPA+: 21.1Mbps/5.76Mbps
• Memory: 1GB RAM, 16 GB internal user memory; 15 GB OneDrive cloud storage , micro SD expandable up to 128 GB
• Display: 5" HD AMOLED (1280 x 720, 16:9), 316 PPI, Curved glass (2.25D), ClearBlack, Super Sensitive Touch, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight readability enhancements
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8926) 1.6 GHz quad-core processor
• Primary camera: 10 MP Pureview technology ZEISS, f/1.9, Full HD video (1920 x 1080 @ 30fps), LED Flash.
• Secondary camera:  HD 0.9 MP wide angle (2596x1948) f/2.4, Nokia Camera, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Creative Studio,
• Size: 138 x 65.5 x 7.7  mm, Weight: 140g
• Connectivity: NFC, A-GPS/GLONASS, BeiDou, WIFI 802.11 b/g/n, microUSB, BT 4.0 LE, Nano SIM
• Battery: Removable 2520 mAh battery, exchangeable shell
• Audio: 3.5 mm AV connector (AHJ), Dual microphone, FM Radio, Internet radio

Lumia 730 / Lumia 735

 Lumia 730 (dual SIM) and Lumia 735 (4G LTE single SIM). Selling for around 200 Euro later this month, the follow up to the Lumia 720 looks to be an impressive and fun Windows Phone.

Shipping with Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1.1, the Lumia 730 features an impressive 5 MP front-facing camera in addition to a 6.7 MP rear camera with an ultra-low F/1.9 aperture. 

The Lumia 730 is a budget-friendly 'selfie' phone that comes in two variants – the dual-SIM Lumia 730 and the single SIM, but LTE-compatible, Lumia 735. You'll find an impressive 5 MP wide-angle front-facing camera in the Lumia 73x series. An ultra-low F/1.9 aperture helps make some seriously wonderful photos using the front camera.

Lumia 730/735 full specifications

• Windows Phone 8.1 Update with Lumia Denim
• 3G & DSDS RoW variant: GSM 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz; WCDMA 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz; Speed GSM: EGPRS/296kbps/236.8kbps; HSPA+: 21.1Mbps/5.76Mbps
• Memory: 1GB RAM, 8 GB internal user memory; 15 GB OneDrive cloud storage , micro SD expandable up to 128 GB
• Display: 4.7" HD OLED (1280 x 720, 16:9), 316 PPI, Curved glass (2.25D), ClearBlack, SuperSensitive Touch, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight readability enhancements
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8926) 1.2 GHz quad-core processor
• Primary camera: 6.7 MP FF ZEISS, f/1.9, Full HD video (1920 x 1080 @ 30fps), LED Flash.
• Secondary camera: Full HD 5 MP wide angle (2596x1948) f/2.4, Nokia Camera, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Creative Studio, Lumia Selfie
• Size: 134.7 x 68.5 x 8.7 (volumetric) mm, Weight: 133g
• Connectivity: NFC, A-GPS/GLONASS, BeiDou, WIFI 802.11 b/g/n, microUSB, BT 4.0 LE, Micro SIM
• Battery: Removable 2220 mAh battery, exchangeable shell
• Audio: 3.5 mm AV connector (AHJ), Dual microphone, FM Radio, Internet radio

While our Windows Phones can be tremendous productivity devices, they are also fantastic entertainment devices. From watching movies, listening to your favorite music files or playing games your Windows Phone can help you pass the time.

This week's roundup we'll stray from the top rated lists in the Windows Phone Store and approach things from more of a personal angle by highlighting five current gaming titles on my Windows Phone. Games that I have found to be great time wasters.

As a bonus, most of these games can easily stand up to longer gaming sessions if you prefer.

2048 Plus

What I like? I like the simple gaming mechanics that are matched with challenging game play that tests your skills at strategy.

Rainbow Rapture

What I like? I like seeing how high you can send your cloud into the sky. The controls are uncomplicated with you tapping/holding the screen to have your cloud dive and release your hold to have your cloud jump. The trick is holding the screen while the cloud dives down a hill and release your hold to let the cloud ride its momentum into the sky.

Hungry Shark Evolution

What I like? I like the simple gaming concept. While there are several quests you can take on, if you are in the mood for mindless game play all you need to do is steer your shark around the depths of the ocean terrorizing swimmers, pelicans, other sharks, scuba divers and more.

Subway Surfers

What I like? It's the pace of the game that draws me to Subway Surfers. The mechanics are easy to pick up on and consist of a series of screen swipes (swipe left to go left, right to go right, up to jump, etc.) but the pace creates the challenge. Ducking, dodging and jumping through the train yard will keep you on your toes and the bonus items helps keep the game interesting.

Snap Attack

What I like? While the other games in this week's roundup will test your skills of timing, strategy and reflex Snap Attack challenges your brain. You do have the elements of speed but the game tests your knowledge of words (and proper spelling). I also like the 2.5 minute games that are well suited for short gaming spurts and the online competition.

(sourcce:http://www.wpcentral.com/my-top-time-waster-games-windows-phone)

Lumia Cyan is the third firmware update from Nokia's mobile division, now owned by Microsoft. Lumia Cyan is distributed in parallel with the Windows Phone 8.1 OS update, and provides the necessary drivers and APIs for specific Lumia devices. As such, it enables unique Lumia features like the PureView camera, Living Images and an updated Creative Studio editing app, in addition to optimizing the battery, performance, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, a revised Camera app and general telephony functions.

Other features of the Lumia Cyan update will be dependent upon specific hardware. For example, the Lumia 930, Lumia Icon, and Lumia 1520 are expected to receive SensorCore support for a built in pedometer and exercise features. Those three phones will also have new camera algorithms applied to improve the quality of photos.

Miracast support for select devices will also be facilitated with the Lumia Cyan update, allowing users to stream media and mirror their phones on Miracast compliant devices, like TVs and computers.

Lumia Cyan will let users set the ranges for brightness levels. For example, you can have your 'low' setting very low, or make the 'High' setting less intense.

Nokia Treasure Tag support will come with Lumia Cyan due to the inclusion of a revamped Bluetooth 4.0 LE stack. (Early adopters of the Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers had Bluetooth 4.0 LE removed due to incompatibility issues).

Dolby Digital Plus recording ability, the first of its kind in mobile, is anticipated to be enabled in the Lumia 930, Lumia Icon and Lumia 1520, once again due to their unique hardware with newer Qualcomm chipsets.

The Lumia Cyan firmware update and Windows Phone 8.1 OS refresh began to roll-out over-the-air on June 25th, 2014, but only for the Lumia 925 in Finland and also in Argentina. The update will arrive for other phones throughout June, July and August, depending on the Lumia model, carrier (if applicable) and country/region.

Before starting the Lumia Cyan update, we recommend that you make enough space on your phone. Having about 1.5GB free phone memory will ensure that your software update goes smoothly. To check for available free space, go to Settings > storage check (storage sense). In the below Software Update FAQs you can find detailed instructions on how to clear up some space on your phone and other tips to help you, for example if you encounter an update error.

The Lumia Cyan update with Windows Phone 8.1 consists of two parts, and after the first update your phone will automatically check for updates again. Follow all the update prompts so that you don’t miss out on any of the goodies.

The long-awaited Nokia Lumia Amber update is rolling out for all Windows Phone 8-powered Nokia Lumia phones. The update is built on top of the WP8 GDR2 update from Microsoft, but has some exclusive features, developed by Nokia.
This includes a brand new camera app, the Smart Camera. This app launched with the Lumia 925 and will now be available to all other WP8 Lumia phones. The high-end devices – Lumia 920, 925 and 928 – will also get the Pro Camera app, which was introduced with the Lumia 1020.

Tips have been pouring in from Windows Phone Central readers across India that their Nokia Lumia 720s and 520s are getting notifications that the Amber update is now available. The Nokia support site also confirms that Amber has been approved is rolling out in India.

Nokia’s firmware update enables new features like flip to silence, Glance Screen and camera improvements. When coupled with Microsoft's GDR2 operating system update, users will also receive such features as Data Sense, FM Radio, default-camera selection, Lumia Color Profile, and Call/SMS filtering.

If you haven't seen an update notification on your phone already, you can go to Settings > Phone Update > Check For Updates to see if you can get it.


It's not just apps either – the Amber update brings better noise reduction, better color rendering, better exposure metering and improved autofocus to the whole WP8 range, while the Lumia 920 will also get its ISO setting ceiling pushed from 800 to 3,200.
The Nokia Lumia Amber update will allow you to install a number of cool apps, too (that are not themselves part of the update). The Nokia Video Trimmer and Nokia Video Upload will help you edit and share videos that you've captured with your Lumia phone.
The Nokia HERE suite can be updated, once Amber is installed. The new version allows for easier map updates, only downloading the changes in a map instead of downloading the whole thing (this saves time and data).

Nokia had previously planned to bring Amber to all of its devices by the end of September, which is drawing near. So far they have made steady progress, but with one week left, they are cutting it close.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4


Samsung Galaxy Note 4
As is customary, Samsung is expected to launch its next-generation Note phablet at IFA. The phablet is said to feature a 5.7-inch display, same as its predecessor Note 3, but with 2K resolution (1440x2560p).

Galaxy Note 4 is also expected to get a 20.7MP camera, a major jump from the 13MP camera of its predecessor. Just like Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5, the next top Samsung phablet will be able to record 4K (movie hall quality) videos.
2. Samsung Gear S



Samsung Gear S
Although Samsung has already announced its next-generation smartwatch Gear S, the watch will see its official unveiling at IFA. The Gear S sports a 2-inch curved display and offers features like Wi-Fi connectivity, pedestrian navigation and a built-in GPS. The device will run Samsung's Tizen operating system and not Android Wear.
Samsung has said the Gear S will start selling from October. Pricing details will be revealed during the event.
3. Motorola Moto X+1


Motorola Moto X+1
Motorola is expected to take the wraps off its new Moto X+1 smartphone on September 4, however, the device has already made numerous online appearances, courtesy leaks. The leaks reveal a design similar to Moto X complete with an optional wood finish back panel. It features a Motorola logo and a camera lens that has a circular ring enclosing it. The ring has two LEDs on opposite sides, which will reportedly act as the dual-LED flash.

According to rumours, the phone will come with a full-HD 5.2-inch display, a 12MP camera, a 2.5GHz quad-core processor, and 16GB internal storage.
4. Motorola Moto G2


Motorola Moto G2
Motorola is also expected to announce the successor to its Moto G smartphone. Going by the leaks, Moto G2 is said to sport a 5-inch display and narrower bezels compared to Moto G.

The phone will reportedly have an 8MP camera, front-facing stereo speakers and a microSD card slot. Rumours also suggest that the phone will have a 720p display, a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor and 1GB of RAM, just like the original Moto G.

5. Motorola Moto 360


Motorola Moto 360
Although we've all seen Motorola's much talked about Moto 360 smartwatch, the company has still not revealed its pricing. Moto 360 is to be officially unveiled on September 4, with an expected price tag of $249.99. The Android Wear-powerd watch has a more conventional, round watchface, unlike the rectangular watchface of the Samsung and LG smartwatches.

The Moto 360 is rumoured to have a 1.5-inch backlit LCD display with 320x290p resolution and come with a stainless steel case, plastic case back, leather band and metal buckle. It will be powered by a Li-ion battery and run on a Texas Instruments processor. Moto 360 is said to feature a built-in pedometer and heart rate monitor and can withstand water damage up to 3.3-feet for a maximum of 30 minutes. According to rumours, Moto 360 will also feature wireless charging.

6. Sony Xperia Z3


Sony Xperia Z3
Just like last year's IFA, Sony is all set to unveil its new flagship phone, Xperia Z3 at IFA 2014. The phone has been spotted at Chinese certification agency TENNA's website.

The leaks point to a design similar to the current high-end Xperia devices. It is said that the phone will sport a 5.2-inch full-HD IPS LCD display and will be powered by a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, along with 3GB RAM. It's also rumoured to sport a 20.7MP rear camera with a Sony Exmor sensor, and a 2MP front-facing camera capable of shooting video in 1080p. The phone will be water resistant.

7. Asus ZenWatch

Asus ZenWatch
Taiwanese device maker Asus has also teased its ZenWatch Androud Wear smartwatch. The watch sports a new design which is a mix of circular and square shapes.

According to leaks, the ZenWatch will purportedly include a few more voice controls on top the ones that come preprogrammed into Android Wear. Supposedly the watch will also be able to function in some capacity even without pairing with a smartphone. A Taiwanese publication reports that the watch will come to market for less than $199 and will be available from October.
8. Lenovo Vibe X2

Lenovo Vibe X2
Chinese device maker Lenovo has already made news by taking a dig at Apple with its IFA press invite for the Vibe X2. The phone's leaked specifications suggest that it will feature high-end hardware.

The Lenovo Vibe X2 is expected to come in two variants, one powered by a MediaTek octa-core processor and the other one by a 2.2 GHz dual-core part. Both of the variants are expected to sport a 5-inch 1080p display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies.
9. Nokia Lumia 730

Nokia Lumia 730
Nokia is also expected to unveil its much talked about Lumia 730 'selfie' phone at the IFA.

The phone is rumoured to target the 'selfie' market as it's expected to sport a 5MP front-facing camera. It is likely to sport a 4.7-inch HD ClearBlack display, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, 1GB RAM, a 6.7MP rear camera, and 8GB of storage with microSD support.