HTC debuts Desire 626, a mid-range device with HD display

HTC has just outed a pretty solid mid-range device with an HD display and 4G connectivity. The new Desire 626 was just officially launched in Taiwan and it carries a 5-inch HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB internal storage that is expandable via microSD. It is packed with a 13MP rear shooter with BSI sensor and f/2.2 aperture as well as a 5MP front camera. The downside is you get a non-removable 2,000mAh battery. It is now available in Taiwan for around US$190 with dark blue and white color options. We’re hoping it somehow finds its way here though.

Source: HTC | Via: Android Community

Apple to reportedly release streaming music service in the coming months

Spotify’s newest competitor might be making its debut soon. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is reportedly prepping its Beats-based streaming music service for an official launch. The Cupertino-based brand is said to be working on iOS 8.4, a software update that will be released after Apple Watch goes on sale in April, and the company is “currently considering” using that update to include its music service. 9to5Mac previously reported that the service might cost US$7.99 a month and it would be integrated into iPhone’s music but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. There will reportedly be an Android version of the app as well. Again take these rumours with a grain of salt. But if there is any truth to it, we’d finally see fruits of Apple’s $3 billion purchase of Beats.

Source: 9to5Mac

Offline photo sharing now available for Skype on Android

In case it’s been bothering you that you can’t send someone photos on Skype when they were offline, now you can do so with the update for the Android app. Skype also now supports picture-in-picture view for phones on Android, meaning you can leave the app and still see the person you’re chatting with. This feature has been available on Android tablets for a while already so it’s good to see that it’s making its way to the smartphones.

Source: The Next Web | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Reports claim no major announcements from Sony at MWC

While we will still be seeing Sony at this year’s Mobile World Congress, reports claim Sony won’t be showing off its next flagship at the upcoming event. Sony is reportedly changing the way it will deliver flagship devices to cut costs. With the Xperia Z3 just a few months old, it would make sense for them financially to release less devices each year. It is said that Sony will not be holding a formal press conference this year but will have a “welcome greeting” for the media on the first day of the event on March 2. Maybe Sony might introduce something but if they aren’t holding a press con or livestream event for it, then don’t expect it to be their next great flagship.

Source: Cult of Android