PHIL: Smart offers the HTC 8X and LG Nexus 4

The LG made Google Nexus 4 has been offered by Smart in the Philippines together with the HTC 8X, HTC's flagship Windows Phone device. Smart is offering the Nexus 4 free at UNLIData Plan 1500 (30 months lock in) or also free at UNLIDAta Plan 2000 (24 months lock in). The HTC 8X on the other hand is free at UNLIData 2000 (30 months lock in) and at UNLIData 3000. Well, I don't know why the HTC 8X is priced a bit higher than that of the Nexus 4 but that's how Smart is offering these two smartphones now. Via: YugaTech

Samsung Galaxy Grand Annnounced

The Samsung Galaxy Grand, is probably Samsung's youngest device so far, being announced at the very last end of the year. The Galaxy Grand is a smartphone that runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and sports a huge 5.0" display (nope, it ain't an AMOLED). The smartphone comes in two versions, the I9080 and the I9082. The I9082 is a dual-SIM version of the device. This is probably the first device sporting a huge display that supports two SIMs. Anyway, like any other Samsung announcements, the device is not yet scheduled or given a date on when it will make its way into store neither did the price. Expect it to be available in 2013, though.

Nokia Lumia 800 starts getting Windows Phone 7.8

One of those Windows Phone devices that will never see the light of Windows Phone 8, the Nokia Lumia 800 has started receiving its Windows Phone 7.8 software update. This version of Windows Phone basically makes your non-WP8 software look more like a WP8 device. Of course, just like any other updates, this one comes with tons of stability and security fixes. So, for those who owns a Lumia 800, head over here to get the update.

PHIL: The HTC 8S is also being offered at a lower price until tomorrow at just Php 9,988

Well it is not only the HTC 8X that is given a lower price but also its little brother, the HTC 8S, at the HTC Concept Store in SM North EDSA is offering the smartphone at just Php 9,988 from its regular price of Php 14,600. So yeah, for those who wants to buy these smartphones in a lower price you know where to go.

PHIL: HTC offers the HTC 8X at Php 19,988 until tomorrow regular price at Php 26,550

HTC has announced over their Facebook Page that the HTC 8X at the HTC Concept Store in SM North EDSA is offering "the most amazing Windows Phone yet" for only Php 19,988 from its regular price at Php 26,550. It seems, apparently, that this offer is only in that store in SM North EDSA. Other HTC Concept Stores should still be selling the device but not at the discounted price. This smartphone, together with its brother, the HTC 8S, was announced in the Philippines back in November. 

PHIL: Huawei Ascend D Qual XL arrives in the Philippines

The Huawei Ascend D Quad XL, according to a report by YugaTech, has arrived in the Philippines. This device was first announced by Huawei during the Mobile World Congress 2012. Unfortunately, it is only today that the device has come through to the Philippines. Anyway, I do not have any idea how much the Chinese-company is pricing the device in the country but if you see them in stores, it should be around 25,000-30,000 pesos. For those who still does not know the specs of the Ascend Quad D XL, head over here.

Nokia announced the Lumia 505 Windows Phone 7.8 smartphone

Nokia announced another family member into their Lumia line of smartphones. The Nokia Lumia 505, is a Windows Phone 7.8 smartphone that's announced in Mexico (well at least that is the Nokia website that has the phone). Anyway, this smartphone, apparently, is a aimed for those who are in a budget in buying their next or new smartphone. With regards to its availability in other markets outside Mexico, is yet to be known. But, by the looks of it this is surely a smartphone that will be sold worldwide. The Lumia 505 will not be upgraded to Windows Phone 8, unfortunately, and will only stay on the version of Windows Phone that it has when it comes out from the box. Head after the break to check out the device's specs.

PHIL: Sony Xperia V now available for pre-orders via Smart

Smart have announced that they are now accepting pre-orders of the Sony Xperia V. The Xperia V was one of the those phones that was announced by Sony Mobile back in August during MWC 2012. Anyway, in the Philippines, the smartphone will be available via Smart. I am not sure though if Globe is offering the device too. Anyway, for those who wants to pre-order one now you can go to Smart's website and pre-order yours now. The Sony Xperia V runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and sports a 4.3" HD display running with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. For more details about the Xperia V head over here.

Google Chrome version 23.0.1271.97 released

Google has released a new version of Chrome 23. The update is available via the official download page of the browser or by clicking through Options > About Google Chrome. The new version brings in bug fixes that the Chrome people have listed on their blogsite. Also, Google Chrome version 23.0.1271.97 brings an update to Adobe Flash. Before this update was installed into my system, I had problems with the browser, it kept on crashing like there was no tomorrow and it seems like this update has solved and removed that problem.

Asus PadFone 2 receives Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

According to a report by Endgadget, that the Asus PadFone 2 has started receiving the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. Well, they said that its for the "fone" part of the PadFone only. The update is being administered via OTA so for those who owns an Asus PadFone 2, you might want to go to settings and hit on System Update. Cheers!

PHIL: Smart and Globe will be launching the iPhone 5 come December 14

The Philippines' two surviving (technically speaking) carriers will be offering the iPhone 5 come December 14! Yup, it is probably the most awaited smartphone in 2012 and the Philippine market will finally get their share of the excitement. Smart and Globe will both be offering the device for Free if you get it with a 2-year contract under their Plan 2499. We are talking about the iPhone 5 16GB if you want to get the iPhone with a higher storage capacity, then you'd have to look beyond plan 2499 to get the device for free.

Sony Mobile announces the Xperia E and Xperia E dual Android smartphones

Sony Mobile announced a new Android smartphone into their Xperia Line of devices. Time will come that Sony will be using up all the 24 letters in the English alphabet and the letter "e" is down. Dubbed as the Sony Xperia E, this Android 4.0 ICS running smartphone comes with a brother. That brother is the Sony Xperia E dual. As the name suggests it's a dual-sim smartphone with all the things the non-dual version has. Anyway, Sony Mobile is expected to launch the device in early 2013. The price is still a mystery for now but the specs are not.

USA: AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S III now gets Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S III already started getting the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. Unfortunately, the update is not via OTA but rather via Samsung Kies. So for those who own AT&T's SGS III you need to Macs or PCs for you to get the fastest and smoothest version of Android available for the smartphone today. For more information about how to update your device to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean head over here on Samsung US' FAQs page.

Nokia introduces the Lumia 620 budget friendly Windows Phone 8 smartphone

Nokia announced a budget-friendly Windows Phoe 8 smartphone in France. This announcement was preceded by an introduction of a smartphone in China dubbed as the Nokia Lumia 920T (which is a device exclusive for the Chinese market). So, back to the Lumia 620, the device is said to be friendly for those who are on a budget because Nokia will be selling the device at an estimated price of only US$249! But the price is just one thing in the puzzle, we still have to see the specs of this device if that price point is rightful for it's specs. According to Nokia's presser, the device is scheduled to launch the device first in Asia next year and will be followed by the device being sold in Europe and in the Middle East.