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    A treat for Apple lovers: Globe Telecom offers the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display

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    Globe Telecom is brewing something sweet for the holiday. Today, the Telco announced that it will offer the newest iteration of the iPads—iPad Air with Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPad mini with Retina display with Wi-Fi + Cellular—in the Philippines starting on December 19.

    Adding extra joy to the holiday festivity, Globe will offer these brand new iPads under a range of appealing data plans that will keep its customers connected to its fast LTE network with speeds up to 42mbps.

    Keep posted for updates. For more information on the iPad, please visit www.apple.com/ipad.

     

     

    Smart gets exclusive rights to Nexus 5 in PH

    Nexus 5In a recent post, we’ve announced that the Nexus 5 will be coming here really soon. And folks, we just got official word that the first smartphone to run on the latest Android 4.4 Kitkat will be available exclusively to Smart plans. They will be launching the device and data plans next week so you’ll have to wait a bit more for the official date of availability of the device.

    We’re as excited about the release of the Nexus 5 as you are, so keep posted for updates on the official announcement soon!

    Smart Bro offers LG G Pad 8.3 under Gadget Plus Plan 999

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    Smart Bro is now offering the LG G Pad 8.3 under Gadget Plus Plan 999, which comes with a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi device that includes 50 hours of surfing every month. The plan comes with Smart’s Anti-Bill Shock guarantee, a feature that activates automatically so that subscribers need not worry about excessive data charges, ensuring that the subscriber does not pay more than PHP 1,599 a month, inclusive of the fee for the gadget purchase.

    Those who wish to subscribe to Smart Bro’s Gadget Plus Plan 999 to get an LG G Pad 8.3 can order through the Smart Online Store, call 6727277, dial *888 (for existing Smart subscribers), or select Smart Stores nationwide.

    The LG G Pad 8.3 is also available for Smart’s prepaid subscribers for a total fee of PHP 17,395, which is inclusive of a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi device.

    Lenovo launches the ThinkPad Yoga and flips your idea of convertibles all the way ’round

    Lenovo just today launched the latest addition to their constantly-growing mobile computing line. The latest device to hit the shelves is the ThinkPad Yoga, a business convertible that gives great flexibility to users in more ways than one.

    “The ThinkPad Yoga can flip, fold, twist, turn and separate to adapt to multiple usages in today’s challenging work environments. The ThinkPad Yoga’s multi-mode design and compact sie gives Filipino professionals an edge to take their work aspirations to the next level,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager for Lenovo Philippines.

    The Yoga, a versatile device aimed at Business users, has customization options along with the same reliability and durability we have all come to expect from the brand. The 12.5-inch machine has a magnesium alloy chassis that offers an amazing visual and multimedia experience thanks to Windows 8.1 and its gesture-optimized glass trackpad.

    Along with the usual twisty feats associated with the Yoga line, the ThinkPad Yoga also features a lit and lock mode that locks the keyboard in place when in tablet mode, giving the Yoga a solid, streamlined feel when in tablet mode, as well as NFC for wireless communication across similarly-enabled devices.

    The Yoga offers users several configuration options, from processors up to 4th Gen Core i7 processors, up to 1TB of storage and more than enough battery life to last you all day. It also responds to voice commands allowing users to play music, execute searches and use IM services without needing to lift a finger.

    The ThinkPad Yoga will be available starting this month at Lenovo Exclusive Stores and the SM North EDSA Think Exclusive Store, as well as Lenovo corporate resellers with prices starting at PHP 71,100.

    Gadgets Giveaway Anniversary Edition: Smart LTE Plug-it

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    Oh it’s the holidays! But you don’t have to wait for Santa on Christmas eve to get your present. Join our Gadgets Giveaway, for a chance at an early Christmas gift!

    This week’s giveaway is a Smart Bro LTE Plug-It worth P3,888 for your desktop and notebook PCs. Browse the internet wherever you are at blazing fast speeds up to 42 Mbps.

    If you’re ready to take this device home, follow the steps below to join the raffle:

    Step 1: Like Gadgets Magazine (You can skip this step if you’re already a fan)

    Step 2: Share the promo photo on Facebook

    Step 3: In the comments section below the promo photo answer the question, “What is the maximum speed at which you can surf the internet using the Smart Bro LTE Plug-it.”

    And that’s it! Just make sure you complete all the steps and you share the promo photo to PUBLIC so we can verify your entry.

    Promo runs from December 6 to 13. You have until 5pm on Nov 13 to submit your entry and the winner will be announced on the Gadgets Magazine Facebook page on the same day.

    All-new Toyota Vios is still TMP’s best seller

    Toyota ViosToyota Motor Philippines (TMP) continues to uphold strong sales this November 2013 with 7,458 units coming from October’s record-breaking sales of 7,476 units. In the Passenger Car segment, TMP sold a total of2,715 units while the Commercial Vehicle segment tallied 4,743 units.

    As of November, the manufacturer experienced a growth of 17% versus 2012 (January – November.) Likewise, their sales of 68, 611 for the first 11 months of the year has already surpassed 2012’s sales volume by over 3,000 units reaching a new sales milestone.

    This high sales volume was spearheaded by the All-New Toyota Vios which continue to be well received by the market. The best-selling vehicle in the country has tallied its 3rd consecutive month of record-breaking sales registering 2,329 units last month.  All in all, with such strong performance across all segments, the no.1 automotive company in the country is poised to achieve its 12th consecutive Triple Crown.

    “I (TMP) am confident that we will end the year with an even stronger sales position with the expected favourable market demand this holiday season.  I would also like to thank our customers for the trust and loyalty they have shown in our products. Their confidence in our brand inspires us to keep moving forward and continuously find ways to serve them better.” said TMP President Mr. Michinobu Sugata.

    Petron “Grab a Porsche” promo extended

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    Petron Value Card holders have more chances of completing their Porsche collection with the extension of the “Grab a Porsche” promo until December 15, 2013.

    The Porsche toy car set consists of: (1) a red Porsche Carrera GT with remote key; (2) a grey Porsche 918 Spyder with remote key; (3) a Porsche GT3 Cup with racing decals; (4) a black and red Porsche 911 GT3 RS with racing decals; and (5) a blue Porsche Cayman Race with racing decals. The models with remote controls are offered for P240 each, while the three other models with racing decals are available at P180 each.

    All five toy cars have enhanced functions such as rev sound with lights, alarm sound with lights, horn sound with lights, as well as pull-back and go action. The remote control can activate all five cars’ engine start/rev sound with lights, door lock sound with lights, and door alarm sound.

    The toys are 1:32 scale models of the actual cars and are made of high-quality die-cast metal. They have been approved by the Department of Health (DOH) as being safe for children. Each car is a carefully detailed collector’s model packaged with a removable base, and are equipped with a sound chip and LED head and taillights.

    For every P1,000-single or accumulated purchase of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Super Xtra, Petron Turbo Diesel or Petron Diesel Max, show your Petron Value Card to buy one Porsche toy car of your choice.

    The Petron “Grab a Porsche” promo is offered at all participating Petron service stations nationwide, exclusively for Petron Value Card holders. The toy car can only be purchased at the participating Petron station where you loaded fuel, or same site redemption only.

    To be eligible for this promo, you can apply for a Petron Value Card, which is available to everyone who patronizes Petron products and services. Simply ask for the Petron Value Card at any participating Petron station to get your card on-site so you can immediately start enjoying its perks. For only P100, you get the Petron Value Card pre-loaded with 100 points, which you can use to pay for your gas purchase. As a reward card, you earn 1-point (with a cash value of P1) for every P250-worth of fuel spend. As a discount card, you get discounts for purchases of Petron Gasul and Petron lubricants, SMC products at San Mig Food Ave., and as much as 70% off from partner establishments. It also offers free personal accident insurance coverage as well as free 24-hour towing and roadside assistance.  Terms and conditions apply.

    Check out posters and flyers for more information about Petron Value Card rewards and privileges.  Also ask for exclusive Petron Value Card rewards and promos every time you gas up at a Petron service station.

    Isuzu gives even more to Yolanda survivors through World Vision

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    Isuzu companies here in the Philippines have increased their giving in order to help those whose lives were torn apart by super typhoon Yolanda. Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing Corporation donated PHP 1 Million each to World Vision Philippines. This is on top of the previous PHP 500,000 donation the company made to the GMA Kapuso Foundation for the victims of Typhoon Santi in Nueva Ecija, and P1 million to ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya for victims of the earthquake that devastated parts of Bohol and Cebu.

    Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) of Japan also contributed to the Red Cross for Yolanda relief Efforts. All of the donations from Isuzu are part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, which is an important part of their business.

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    “There are probably no words, no act, that could be said or done to people who have lost almost everything, including the lives of their loved ones, in the tragedy that struck parts of the Visayas in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “But, in our humble way, Isuzu Philippines Corporation would like to extend assistance through a donation to World Vision Philippines, which may help in alleviating the plight of survivors as they rebuild their communities and lives.”

    Since last year, World Vision has been IPC’s partner in the TESDA Automotive Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte–one of the hardest-hit areas in all of the country.

    The organization advocates the relief and development of children, their families and their communities to ensure their welfare, and aims to overcome poverty and injustice in society. Serving people worldwide regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender, it respects other people’s faith and culture, and does not attach conditions to the assistance it provides.

     

    FlexiLease: BMWs holiday treat

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    Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), BMWs official importer and distributor in the Philippines, shares the joy of having another successful year with the BMW FlexiLease program.

    The special offer from ACC is an advancement into BMW ownership that introduces flexible payment schemes while delivering utter vehicle luxury.

    “BMW is all about spreading JOY and delivering sheer driving pleasure to as many people as possible” said Maricar Parco, ACC President “what better way to celebrate the most joyous time of the year than by giving everyone a chance to drive a BMW?

    Available until December 31, BMW customers for the 3-year lease term will only have to pay 50 percent of the monthly lease rate for the first year for select variants of BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and X lines.

    Apart from flexible payment terms, FlexiLease also offers exclusive benefits such as no LTO registration cost, no insurance cost, and no chattel mortgage fee.  Moreover, the monthly lease is already inclusive of the BMW Standard Maintenance Service.

    With the FlexiLease programs, customers who are eyeing a new BMW can enjoy low initial cash-out and monthly rates. Plus, customers can drive a brand new BMW vehicle every two or three years depending on the lease term applied for.

    Interested applicants may inquire more about the FlexiLease program by visiting authorized BMW dealerships in the country or going to www.bmwflexilease.com. They can also email their inquiries at [email protected].

    Kalibrr ready to enter PH BPO scene

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    Kalibrr

    After having raised USD 1.9 million, Kalibrr, a cloud-based startup software company, is ready to take on Philippine’s BPO market.

    Paul Rivera, Co-Founder and CEO of Kalibrr, said that the amount raised would be used to launch their recruitment, assessment, and talent management platform, allowing them to change the system of how jobseekers and employers connect.

    Kalibrr has been identified as a promising company.  We aim to become one of the fastest growing cloud-based software companies in the Philippines in terms of revenue, and to become the industry-wide standard for assessment and recruitment software.  That is why we are thankful to our investors for having faith in what we do,” Rivera said.

    Global investors include Omidyar Network, Siemer Ventures, Learn Capital, and several others. Another notable sponsor is Kickstart Ventures, an accelerator-incubator company owned by Globe Telecom. This enterprise helps startups operating in the Philippines to build robust businesses and technical foundations, and to scale.

    “The BPO industry shows fantastic job creation and industry revenue opportunities; but industry insiders worry about how inefficient the hiring system actually is. Newspaper classifieds and online job board postings attract thousands of applications, but resumes are not an accurate indicator of job fit, so BPO recruitment teams still spend hundreds of hours and dollars sifting through resumes and doing interviews to find the few candidates to fill the roles. That’s time and money lost, for both the hiring company and the applicants,” explains Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart Ventures.

    Kalibrr is changing all that!” Navarrete enthuses. “Since we first invested in them last year, they have evolved their Big Idea into an actual industry-tested platform: one that the leaders of the Philippine BPO industry recognise and use for their businesses. This second round of funding from Kickstart is a recognition of all that Paul, Dexter, Tim, Danny, and their team have achieved in their first year, and it is a commitment to their continued growth and success.”

    Kalibrr uses advanced machine learning algorithms and online assessments, thereby upgrading the recruitment process. This system helps eliminate inefficiencies in sourcing and screening candidates. It also matches job seekers with the jobs that correspond to their skills.

    A challenger appears: Evoluzn launches 2 new tablets just in time for Xmas

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    The market is absolutely saturated with Android devices, and more continue to enter the space every day. We’re not complaining though. More options potentially means more happy consumers. The latest player to enter the crowded Android tablet arena is a company called Evoluzn (and pronounced “evolution, just so we’re clear) and they have two interesting new offerings, in case you’re looking for a nice device to wrap up for the Christmas tree.

    The first device, a nice little seven-inch number, is called the ZN 7V, and packs a Marvell Dual Core Cortex A9 processor running at a clock speed of 1.2 GHz. The screen comes with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, and gives you support for 1080P video playback. it has 1GB of RAM, 8Gb of internal memory and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. A nice bonus is integrated 3G connectivity and the ability to make and receive voice calls and messages, as well as a handy 2MP main camera, backed up by a 0.3 front-facing snapper for video calls and greatly simplified selfies. It has the standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth, and is rounded off nicely by a large 2900mAh battery.

    The beefier ZN 8P is Evoluzn’s second device, and brings a little more to the tablet party. It comes with a more powerful MTK Quad-core A7 processor clocked at 1.2GHz, has a 7.85-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and 1GB of RAM. It has 8GB of internal memory, which is expandable up to 32GB, and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The main and front cameras are 5 and 2Megapixels respectively, it comes with a massive 5000mAh battery, and dual-sim support for calls and SMS, with 3G connectivity on both lines, no dongles or add-ons required. Like its little brother, it also comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity, but has FM radio support on top of it all.

    The product presentation was very very impressive, and gave us a great look at the hole design process and all the optimization that went into creating the tablets both on the hardware and market side. These devices are extremely focused, and give the best balance of features and price I have seen, to be absolutely honest. The presentation, which gave us a look at the thinking behind making the products, showed a product built from the ground up, with very very carefully chosen components to create the absolute best balance of performance and price. More than once, it was made clear that the devices were put together with features that are at par with some of the best tablets in the market. Of course, some compromises have to be made in a device at the price point they chose, but a slightly thicker tablet is a small price to pay for, well, a smaller price to pay.

    The ZN 7V is available at MemoXpress stores all over the metro and comes with a one year warranty for PHP5,999 and the larger ZN 8P can be yours for PHP 8,990. It’s a deal that’s pretty hard to beat. to sweeten it further, the first few hundred buyers get free Bluetooth stereo headsets. We just can’t stress enough how impressed we are at the devices, particularly the 8-inch tablet. The price might not be as low as some of the other tablets in the market, but it’s a lot of tablet for the cash-out. We can’t wait to get our hands on a review unit, and we’ll let you know how it turns out.

    Sony launches the SRS-BTS50 portable wireless speaker, two Walkman headphones

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    Available in black, pink, white and blue, the SRS-BTS50 is designed with a combination of mesh fabric and rubber. It is also splash-proof, which makes it okay to bring along to the beach or by the poolside. The SRS-BTS50 pairs with your phone via NFC, establishing a Bluetooth connection. It even allows you to make handsfree calls when connected to your phone as it features an integrated microphone.

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    It is equipped with a G-force sensor that detects the position of the speaker to determine the proper sound setting it should use. In its normal position where the speakers are facing the user, it uses stereo sound, but when facing upward, the speakers automatically produce a surround sound effect.

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    According to Sony, it can run for as long as 10 hours of continuous music playback. The SRS-BTS50 also comes with a hook that lets you attach it to your belt, your bike or anywhere else so that it’s convenient to bring around.

    OTHER SPECS:

    • Diameter of speaker unit: 39mm x 2
    • Max. effective output: 5W (2.5W + 2.5W)
    • Number of input terminals: 2

    The SRS-BTS50 will be available this month for PHP 6,999.

    Sony also introduces the Walkman WH Series: the NWZ-WH505 and the NWZ-WH303. Both devices can be used as either headphones or loudspeakers/music players.

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    The WH505 features the bigger storage capacity among the two with 16GB of space for you to store your favorite music. It comes in two colors—silver and black—and comes with a headband that is padded on the underside and lined with leatherlike material. Its earcups have a glossy surface on one side, and thick, cushy pads on the other. The swivel-hinge earcups have track controls, volume controls, a microUSB port, a port for the 3.5mm cable which you plug in when you want to use the device as headphones. Just above each earcup is a speaker from which the music stored in the device plays when in loudspeaker mode. A switch that triggers either headphones or loudspeaker mode is found on the edge of one of the earcups.

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    It uses a 40mm driver unit (dome type), has a frequency response of 5-25,000Hz, and claims approximately 20 hours of battery life. It supports a variety of formats, including MP3, WMA and AAC-LC. The WH505 retails for PHP 9,999.

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    The WH303, on the other hand, features 4GB of storage, a 30mm dome-type driver unit, a frequency response of 30-20,000Hz. It has the same features and nearly the same appearance as the WH505, but instead of a glossy surface, the earcups of the WH303 have a matte texture. The WH303 comes in three colors: black, white and red. It costs PHP 5,999.

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    PasaHero is the newest hero for commuters

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    PasaheroRecently launched by ABS-CBN, is the newest hero for Pinoy commuters, PasaHero. PasaHero is a passenger safety app that promotes the safety of commuters by tracking a commuter’s trip, and allowing for a quick way to notify loved ones in case of an emergency.

    The app uses GPRS through an Internet-map based system in order to record the device’s current location, and track the duration and distance of the trip.

    Upon begining a trip, passengers are required to fill in details of the trip including the mode of transportation, the vehicle’s plate number and color, and even a photo of the vehicle.

    A “Panic” button alerts a customized list of emergency contacts of the user’s exact location in case the passenger feels threatened or encounters any danger.

    There have been a few apps that has the same function, but PasaHero seems to be gaining popularity as it ranked number six on the overall app charts in the Philippines.

    PasaHero can be downloaded for free at the App Store and will be available for Android devices this December.

    Honda Cars Greenhills now open

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    Honda Cars Philippines continues to expand its dealership network and has just opened a brand new full-service dealership, Honda Cars Greenhills (HCGH).

    Honda Cars Greenhills boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and a brightly lit and high cieling showroom to house the latest Honda vehicle models, parts, and accessories. According to Honda, highly competent service technicians and accomodating sales and customer relations officers await its patrons.

    HCGH is located along Ortigas Avenue cor., Columbia St., Mandaluyong City. HCGC is the 6th dealership of the Yuchengco Group of Companies and with its 7th dealership along Marcos Highway (Pasig) already under construction and soon to serve nearby residents.

    To know more about the dealership, you may reach HCGH through telephone number 986-2574 / 9862921.

    Torque: Five years of bringing quality mobile phones to Filipinos

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    Torque executives with new brand ambassador Abra.

    Local mobile phone brand, Torque, marks its 5th year of delivering quality and affordable devices in the Philippines.

    Hopping on the surge of mobile phone usage in the country five years ago, Torque introduced a throng of options that will fit the budget and lifestyle of its users. Today, Torque has cemented itself as a key player in the highly competitive and aggressive mobile phone market with its affordable phones and tablets that are packed with prime features.

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    “Torque has, indeed, gone a long way given the relatively short time of operations,” Torque CEO Christopher Uyco said. “In keeping up with the very dynamic mobile phone market in the Philippines, our commitment remains the same: to provide innovative product designs and highly thoughtful specifications based on what the market demands.”

    Pinoy creativity meets world-class features

    On its fifth year, Torque continues to innovate the best devices for Filipinos, offering them value for money.

    “We engineer and design our own phones and tablets through our scaled and talented Torque engineering team,” Uyco continued. “From the seemingly insignificant details to the essential functions, each product is made with only excellence in mind.”

    Torque has beefed up its product lineup with mobile handsets that go beyond calling and texting. The D1c, D1e, D1i, D5i, DTV5, and DTV15 Slim are all devised with a dual-SIM capability, FM radio, camera with video recorder, multimedia player and expandable memory up to 32GB. The DTV15 has an added mobile TV, a feature also available for the i20 TV+WiFi and i80 TV+WiFi models. The i20 and i80 have 2.8 inches and 3.5 inches screens, respectively, dual SIM capability, camera with video recorder, and expandable memory up to 8GB. Both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/JAVA/GPRS/MMS support.

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    Adding to the myriad of offerings, Torque has also ushered budget-friendly, and powerful Android gadgets under the Droidz series: the Beat TV, Pop 3G, Play 3G, Active 3G, Stark 3G, Atom S, Space 3G, Avatar TV, Quad, Motion and Life HD. These models all have a 1GHz Dual Core CPU under its hood, except for Quad, Motion and Life HD, which packs a 1.2GHz quad-core chip. Tablets that debuted under the Droidz line are the Edge, Duo Slim, Duo, Duo TV, Drive Slim and Push+. All of these models are run by a 1.2GHz CPU with 4GB to 8GB ROM and 512 RAM, with 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and an Android Jelly Bean 4.2 OS. Also, the DROIDZ tablets are equipped with dual shooters.

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    Torque also introduced phablets: Droidz Portal X, Mini D and Mini Q, which sports 7 inches and 7.85 inches capacitive displays, respectively. All models feature dual-SIM support and is powered by a 1GHz dual- and quad-core CPU with 4GB ROM and 512 RAM, except for Mini Q which is powered by a 4GB ROM and 1GB RAM. Built-in dual cameras are also integrated, as well as a mobile TV feature for the Droidz Portal X.

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    Moreover, Torque shared their intention of releasing Octa-core, LTE, and Gorilla Glass equipped phones in the 1st quarter of 2014.