Apple reportedly cutting iPhone 5S wait times with in-store pickup - The Verge

Earlier this week, Apple briefly allowed internet shoppers to reserve the iPhone 5S for in-store pickup, but the company pulled the option after just one day. Thankfully it seems the reservation system is coming back, and soon; 9to5Mac reports that Apple is preparing to start taking web reservations this week — perhaps as soon as Monday. Customers can choose their preferred color, carrier, and storage capacity, and Apple's online store will reveal which local stores (if any) have each configuration in stock. Demand for the flagship iPhone has so far outpaced supply by a wide margin, particularly when it comes to the new gold model. And even with the reinstated reservation system, you may have a tough time securing the iPhone 5S you're after. But at least you'll be able to avoid the lines. Apple on Monday reported that it sold 9 million iPhones in the first weekend of availability for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5S.

O2 plays Willy Wonka with 18-carat gold HTC One - Engadget

HTC One in 18 carat gold to go to one lucky O2 customer

O2 today announces that one lucky customer who buys a HTC One from an O2 store between Thursday 17 and Sunday 20 October will get more than just a multi-award winning phone – they'll get a HTC One made out of 18 carat gold.

The 18 carat Gold HTC One, one of only five in the country, is worth over £2000 and is the most exclusive and expensive phone ever made by HTC. To win the device each HTC One sold in an O2 shop between Thursday and Sunday will come with a Golden Ticket – entering that code online will give customers a chance of winning the golden phone. They'll also keep the HTC One they purchased in the O2 store, meaning they can share the HTC One love with another person too.

The lucky winner will also get tickets to the MOBO tour at The O2 on 14 November where the phone will be presented to them by a MOBO artist.

For more information, visit www.o2htconegold.co.uk or www.o2htconegold.co.uk/ni for customers in Northern Ireland.

Storyteller app for Windows Phone and Windows 8 appears in leaked screenshots - Engadget

@evleaks is at it again. This time the prolific leaker has blasted out two screen grabs of an app called Storyteller, which made a Live Tile-cameo in the alleged screencap of a Nokia Bandit, an oversized Windows Phone 8 device. The app appears to be a Windows 8 and WP photo album that lets users sift through images by timeline, favorites and shared, or browse them on a map. A close look at the top right of the application meant for larger devices reveals a "My tablet" menu, suggesting it boasts integration with slates. Given that @evleaks mentions Bandit, Espoo's long-rumored Sirius pad and October 22nd event date, it's a safe bet that we'll see new hardware -- and at least one new app -- this fall.

PlayStation App iOS and Android Release Date Announced - IGN

Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation App announced earlier this year will be available for iOS and Android devices in North America on November 13 and in Europe on November 22.

The App is set to provide second screen functionality for some PS4 titles, as well as let you access your PSN profile, check up on friends and trophies, send messages to other people who have the App or to PS4, PS3, and PS Vita users. You'll also be able to make purchases using the App and remotely download it, and also use your smartphone or tablet to turn your console on and off or as a keyboard for typing.

Full details on what to expect when the app goes live can be seen in our walkthrough, below.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Message unread: BBM for iPhone and Android review - The Verge

In 2008, almost every one of my friends had a BlackBerry, and swore by BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), the company's lightning-fast messaging app. It wouldn't be a stretch, in fact, to say that most of my friends bought a BlackBerry just to be able to use BBM. In combination with the world's fastest hardware keyboard, BBM offered a new degree of speed and utility. Never before could we chat on mobile as quickly as we could IM on desktops.

Five years later, I can't name a single friend who owns a BlackBerry. Their phones have all been replaced by iPhones and Androids, and maybe a couple Windows Phones here and there. BBM has been replaced by iMessage, WhatsApp, Kik Messenger, and Snapchat. The shift from BlackBerry to newer, more modern platforms is nearly complete. BBM languished as the apps it helped inspire thrived and gained hundreds of millions of users. Yet, BlackBerry just this week launched BBM for iPhone and Android — perhaps its last chance at capitalizing on the brand equity the company once commanded.

Microsoft Surface Pro 2 review - The Verge

I've been using the Surface Pro ever since it came out, but as much as I want to I've never been able to use it as my laptop replacement. It's powerful and impressive, but it's just too limited as a laptop, and too chunky as a tablet. I use tablets for long periods of the day, and I regularly work on my lap with a real keyboard, so a hybrid laptop and tablet sounds like a perfect solution. The Surface Pro wasn't it. The battery doesn't last long enough for tablet use, and it's not comfortable to use as a laptop in my lap.

Nine months after introducing the first device, Microsoft is back — it knows my problems, and says it's solved them. The Surface Pro 2 promises 75 percent more battery life, improved lap use, faster performance, and more, smarter accessories. Microsoft's second refreshed attempt to blend beauty and power into the perfect Windows 8 machine sets you back $899. That's a small price to pay — if this is the laptop I've been waiting for.

Android 4.3 for Samsung Galaxy S III leaks - GSMArena.com

• Mark Fauzii
• Report
• Rating0

To be honest, I just thought that I would sell my Galaxy S3 for Galaxy Note 3. But I change my mind ever since read this awesome news.
Life has begun again, and proud to be owner of Galaxy S3 and its best OS: Android 4.3.
Life would be worthwhile with Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Gear.

Finally time would tell us one thing: Nobody could live without Samsung.
Go Sammy, you're more than a miracle, more than savior.

• Reply
• 2013-11-03 13:59
• KicG