Mobile Miscellany: week of August 5th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought a smartphone inspired by TopGear's 2012 supercar of the year, leaks of a water-resistant handset for T-Mobile and an Android smartphone from LG that sells for under $100 outright. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of August 5th, 2013.
Vertu unveils limited edition Ti Ferrari
If you're wealthy enough to afford TopGear's supercar of the year for 2012, the Ferrari F12berlinetta, you'll now find a smartphone that pairs nicely with your expensive tastes. The Vertu Ti Ferrari is now on the scene, which costs upwards of $16,000 and will see a limited production run of 2,013 units. The handset sports a 3.7-inch WVGA display, a dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon CPU, an 8-megapixel camera, 64GB of internal storage and Android 4.0. As you might expect, however, the fit and finish of the Vertu puts it firmly in luxury good territory. It borrows many Ferrari design cues, which includes the same two-tone soft leather that adorns the seats of the supercar, along with a lightweight composite weave known as Alutex that accents the car's interior. Topping it all off, the smartphone is protected by the same diamond-like coating that covers the car's engine and transmission. It may sound like overkill, but if you're in the one percent, just know that the clock is ticking to snap one up. [CNET Asia, Vertu]
Kyocera Hydro XTRM leaks for T-Mobile
Soon enough, it seems that the Kyocera Hydro XTRM will be spreading its wings outside of US Cellular's nest. A recent outing from @evleaks shows the water-resistant smartphone wearing T-Mobile's colors, alongside compatibility with the carrier's LTE network. The Hydro XTRM offers a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4 Plus, a 4-inch WVGA display, a 5MP rear / 1.3MP front-facing camera setup and Android 4.1.2. US Cellular currently sells the handset for $300 outright, but T-Mobile's pricing remains unknown. [@evleaks (Twitter)]
LG Optimus L1 II makes entry-level debut
LG quietly introduced a more affordable member to its L II series with the debut of the Optimus L1 II, which will be released first in Vietnam, followed by countries such as Russia and the UK. It sells for approximately $94 outright, and includes a diminutive 3-inch QVGA display, a 1GHz Snapdragon S1, a 2MP rear camera that records VGA video, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of expandable memory, FM radio and Android 4.1.2. The Optimus L1 II also supports LG's QuickMemo app, along with Cheese Shutter, which allows users to capture photos with their voice. [FoneArena]
Other random tidbits
Following Verizon's lead, T-Mobile USA has joined the Canonical Carrier Advisory Group, which entitles it to act as a launch partner for future Ubuntu smartphones. [TmoNews]
As a followup to the Xolo A500, Lava has announced the Xolo A500S for sale in India, which sells for ₹6,999 ($115), and will be available in black, white, red and blue. The handset sports a 4-inch WVGA display, a dual-core 1.2GHz MediaTek MT6572, a 5MP rear / 0.3MP front-facing camera setup, dual-SIM functionality and Android 4.2. [FoneArena]
The Alcatel One Touch Idol Mini has leaked as a smaller sibling to the One Touch Idol. [@evleaks (Twitter)]
The Nokia Lumia 925 has yet to make its official carrier debut in Canada, but it can now be snagged through Expansys, which sells the unlocked smartphone for $714.56. [WPCentral]
Rogers and Telus are both committing to sell the LG G2 in Canada, although Bell is currently keeping quiet on the matter. [MobileSyrup 1, 2]
The Sony Xperia L is now available at Wind Mobile in Canada for as low as $29 on contract, or $329 outright. [MobileSyrup]
