Deus Ex: The Fall Review: Lots of Fun but Bugs

We gave Deus Ex: The Fall a test and found it potentially gives hours of fun, excellent game play and control. However, it suffers one horrible flaw: it crashes without warning at the worst possible times on some iPads.

SQUARE ENIX gives players a futuristic first person shooter set in 2027. Humanity’s divided between ordinary humans and super humans, augmented with bionic arms, powerful senses and weapons integrated into their limbs. Augs take Neuropozyne to support their augmentations, but supplies have started to run low. Ben Saxon, the game’s hero, needs to find out what’s happening to the supply.

The story line of Deaus Ex: The Fall ($6.99) comes with lots of twists, making it fun and unpredictable. Early in the game tutorials help advance the player. FPS newbies might get lost, but experienced gamers will find it easy to pick up quickly.

Deus Ex: The Fall Game Control and Design

The controls in Deus Ex: The Fall work great on the iPad. Some players found the original PC game somewhat complex, but the iPad version makes it easier than the original without being too simple. The game makes use of the iPad touch user interface as well as any first person shooter we’ve played. Choose either virtual FPS analog sticks or the default split screen mode, where the left half of the screen maneuvers the player through the world while the right side fires at the enemy. Players can also tap to move or aim, which makes perfect sense on the iPad. We like that the game lets players choose between the two methods.

Deus Ex: The Fall gives plenty of game control options

Visually, Deus Ex: The Fall outperforms many iOS first person shooters. We get plenty of realistic detail, like warehouse boxes with shipping labels, and a nice textured environment.

Even on the iPad mini we enjoyed fluid game play. There’s plenty of action and and interesting cut scenes, for those who like them. People who hate cut scenes will find these annoying.

Should Gamers Buy Deus Ex: The Fall?

While Deus Ex: The Fall comes close to iPad first person shooter perfection, there’s a horrible problem that makes it annoying on the iPad mini. Without warning, the game will just crash. We nearly finished one long and difficult level. The last bad guy lay bleeding on the floor but, within seconds of reaching a check point, the game died. This bug on the iPad mini keeps Deus Ex: The Fall off our list of the best iPad games ever. The game ran fine on an iPad 3rd gen. We hope they patch the bug for iPad mini users. Also, jailbreakers can’t shoot in the game, according to the app store reviews.

Fans of the Deus Ex games should get Deus Ex: The Fall, but only on the iPad 3rd gen or iPad with Retina 4h gen. iPhone 4S and 5 gamers will enjoy Deus Ex: The Fall as well.

HTC One Max: 5 Things

Rumor has it that the HTC One won’t be the only HTC One branded phone that HTC has up its sleeve. An HTC One Mini launch is thought to be imminent, seemingly confirmed by HTC itself, though the new HTC One that buyers likely have their eyes on is the rumored HTC One Max, a larger version of the HTC One that is thought to be coming sometime later this year.

In April, HTC launched its first big smartphone of the year in the HTC One. The device replaced the HTC One X as the face of the company’s smartphone lineup. The device is considered to be one of the best smartphones of 2013 and arguably one of the best smartphones of all time. And while it may not have the star power as the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the iPhone 5, the HTC One has established itself as a top-of-the-line device and a fantastic choice for consumers.

An HTC One Max is rumored for September.

So, it’s no surprise to hear that HTC has more HTC One related phones up its sleeve for 2013, especially when its biggest rival, Samsung, is rumored to have a similar agenda. Samsung recently released a phone called the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, a smaller variant of its popular Galaxy S4 line, for those that don’t need high-end specifications or a steep price tag. Naturally, HTC is rumored to be coming out with a smaller variant of its own dubbed HTC One Mini that should make landfall sometime in the next few days.

Those two devices aren’t flagships though. Both HTC and Samsung are indeed rumored to have two new flagships up their sleeve for 2013 in the forms of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the HTC One Max, also known as the HTC T6. This will be Samsung’s third rendition of the Galaxy Note while it will be HTC’s first major attempt at a phablet, a name that is derived from its size.

While the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is a hot commodity, the HTC One Max has quickly made itself known, and consumers are likely now interested in the two. That said, here, we want to take a look at the HTC One Max and relay the five biggest things that buyers need to know about HTC’s larger HTC One.

Release Around Galaxy Note 3 Makes Sense

The HTC One Max will likely launch around the same time as the Galaxy Note 3.

Rumor has it, the HTC One Max will be debuting in September, rather than late in the year as rumors originally suggested. This makes a whole lot of sense, here’s why.

HTC has been taking a beating the last couple of years thanks to the success of Samsung. Samsung’s success hasn’t been thanks to just one device either. No, it has also hinged on a two-flagship approach with the company first releasing a Samsung Galaxy S, and several variants, and then releasing a larger Galaxy Note flagship later in the year.

The one-two punch of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 put to rest any questions about who the King of Android is and it’s clear that HTC is playing second fiddle. That means that HTC needs to be smart about the timing of its device launches and thus far, it has done a good job at taking some of the wind out of Samsung’s sails.

Earlier this year we saw the company release the HTC One around the same time as the Samsung Galaxy S4. This wasn’t in the original script but happened due to supply issues. It wasn’t perfect but it ensured that the company was in direct competition with the Galaxy S, a series that is seen as the more popular of the two.

When it comes to the Galaxy Note 3 and the HTC One Max, the company won’t want to get overshadowed. The Galaxy Note is the most well-known big screen smartphone brand in the world and HTC can’t muck up the launch if it wants to put a dent in Samsung’s sales. In order to do that, it must launch appropriately and a launch several weeks or months after the Galaxy Note 3 could be disastrous.

Instead, the company will want to launch ahead or around the time of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to keep pace which is why September, which just so happens to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3′s rumored launch month as well, makes sense.

HTC One Max Specs Are Clear

HTC hasn’t announced the HTC One Max yet but buyers need to know that many of its specifications are already a given.

We know that it will have a large screen, possibly 5.9-inches. We know that that display will have 1080p resolution because all flagship devices now come with that type of resolution. We know it will be powered by a quad-core processor, likely of the Snapdragon 800 variety, because Android flagships use quad-core power. And we know it will likely have a good camera, probably HTC’s Ultrapixel camera, same as the one on the HTC One. We also know that it will more than likely be sporting a metal design. If the HTC One Mini is coming with a metal design, a higher-end HTC One Max will definitely have one as well. Those all seem to be givens.

Don’t expect many surprises with the HTC One Max.

The two mysteries of course are its software and whether or not it will have a bundled stylus. Rumors originally suggested that it would have some type of stylus, just like the Galaxy Note series, and that it would have Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

Problem is, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie isn’t likely going to be out until October or November. So Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, which is thought to be arriving next week, is more likely. As for the stylus, it’s still a possibility though it’s unclear just how HTC will incorporate it.

Perhaps it will bring the HTC Scribe UI back from the dead but that remains unclear.

Carriers

Buyers need to know that because this is an HTC device and the first of its kind with no proven track record, there is no guarantee that we will see it launch on every single major carrier in the United States.

Before the HTC One, HTC devices were limited to certain carriers. With the HTC One X, it was AT&T. With the EVO series, it was Sprint. With the HTC One, we saw it arrive on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile with a launch on Verizon set for summer. A breath of fresh air for HTC fans and regular old consumers. Still, that’s no guarantee that we’ll see the HTC One Max hit all of those carriers.

Carriers may be limited with the HTC One Max.

Devices this size are popular but they still are a bit of a niche so it’s possible that some carriers won’t take the risk, especially if they are going to offer the Galaxy Note 3. Thus far, we’ve seen Verizon rumored as an HTC One Max carrier but we haven’t seen a host of carriers mentioned like we have with Samsung’s device.

So while a widespread launch would be fantastic, buyers will want to temper their expectations for the time being.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will likely arrive for $299.99 on-contract like its brethren. If it doesn’t, we probably won’t see a price discounted anywhere below $250. The steep price is due to the fact that the Galaxy Note series comes with a bundled stylus called the S Pen, a stylus that takes advantage of unique applications.

If HTC does offer a stylus with the HTC One Max, it will more than likely do one of two things:

• Offer the HTC One Max at $250 or above with stylus bundled.
• Offer the HTC One Max with a more affordable price tag with stylus sold separately.

If there isn’t a stylus attached to the HTC One Max, HTC will more than likely try and undercut the Galaxy Note 3 when it comes to price though we suspect that it will still be more expensive than the 32GB HTC One which runs for $199.99.

Think Twice Before Buying

HTC can’t be trusted with software updates.

Buyers need to know that they should think twice before buying the HTC One Max.

As we’ve pointed out numerous times, HTC has yet to prove that it can offer lengthy support for its devices, even devices that are considered to be flagship models. Examples include the promised, but failed software roll outs for the HTC Desire HD and Droid Incredible 2, and the apparent flip-flopping on the Sense 5 update for the HTC One S. Owners of the HTC Rezound will also be quick to point out that their device was left behind even though it sported some of the best hardware available at the time.

Point is, those looking for a phone to last two years or beyond may not find it with an HTC device like the HTC One Max. Something to think about when phones like the iPhone 3GS received updates for three years and devices like the Samsung Galaxy S2 are still going strong.

PlayStation 4 vs. Xbox One: Games & Features

Later this year Sony and Microsoft will release the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, respectively, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

While both consoles are still a few months out, there’s already a lot of information out there about both. With pre-orders starting to run dry, now’s the time to decide which console is right for you.

Thankfully, a month after E3 there is quite a bit of information available for both consoles. Here’s a breakdown of how the consoles compare in terms of services based on what we know about them so far.

Exclusive Launch Games

While both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will function as media boxes, the biggest reasons to buy either are the games. Both consoles promise at least a dozen exclusives in the first year, but only a few of those will make it to launch.

The PlayStation 4 has three big exclusives scheduled for launch: Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack and Drive Club. The lineup includes something for a range of gamers including fans of shooters, platformers and racing games. The games show off the graphical capabilities of the PS4 and all look like fun.

Xbox One exclusive launch titles include Dead Rising 3, Ryse, Forza 5 and the free-to-play Killer Instinct. Microsoft’s lineup seems to cater mostly to hardcore gamers, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The games will all make use of the console’s mandatory Kinect sensor, adding a new dimension to each.

Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 3 will also have a number of multi platform games available at launch. Games like Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed IV, Need For Speed Rivals, Call of Duty: Ghostsand Battlefield 4. Those games won’t help sell either console, but will help ensure there’s no lack of games for either one.

Online Services

Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will both make use of the online services available on current consoles. Both will also require monthly subscriptions to play online.

The PlayStation 4 will require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play games online, which costs gamers $50 each year. That subscription, however, comes with free games every month. Early PS4 adopters with PlayStation Plus will get Drive Club PS Plus Edition for free as a way to start off their game collection.

Microsoft’s Xbox One will use Xbox Live for online multiplayer, which costs $60 per year. The company will also use Azure and the cloud to help make games better. For example, the cloud will store driver data for Forza 5 gamers and create Drivatars which will replace the default AI in their friend’s games with racers that race just like them.

Sharing

Sony and Microsoft will include new social aspects beyond just their respective online services.

The PlayStation 4 will let gamers stream their games to their friends on PlayStation Network or to anyone around the world using UStream.

Microsoft will include a new Game DVR feature in the Xbox One which will let gamers edit and share clips of their best gaming moments with the world. The console will also have Twitch TV support so gamers can stream their games online for all to see.

Second Screen

This generation game companies toyed with the idea of expanding games beyond the TV to smartphones and tablets, and the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will take that to the next level.

Sony will release a special PlayStation App for iPhone and Android devices that will let gamers communicate with their PSN friends from anywhere. The app will also let them buy games for their console no matter where they are, watch game streams, and interact with games when they’re at home.

The PlayStation 4 will also feature remote play with the PlayStation Vita. Remote play will let gamers stream their PS4 games to the Vita as long as they’re on the same Wi-Fi network. It’s just like tablet mode on the Wii U, but with more games.

For the Xbox One Microsoft will expand the features of its current Smart Glass app. The next generation of Smart Glass will provide more information to players in real-time and can add more to games than it currently does. Not every game will use Smart Glass, but Microsoft has shown that games like Ryse will use it in unique and interesting ways.

Conclusion

Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have their own strengths and weaknesses. The PlayStation 4 is more powerful on paper and costs $100 less at launch, while the Xbox One has some unique cloud features. There is no right answer to the question of which console is better. The easiest way to decide is to figure out which exclusives you want more, or simply which controller you want to hold while you play Watch Dogs.

Red Motorola Droid Ultra Appears Before Rumored Reveal

Just ahead of its expected reveal next week, pictures of a hot-red Motorola Droid Ultra leaked.

The singular picture of the device, which famed industry insider EVLeaks posted to TheUnlockr, depicts a device that’s almost identical to the black version that Verizon is expected to show off at an event in New York City next week.

Instead of painting the device with a high gloss simple red finish, the red Droid Ultra will inherit the cross hatched pattern that is also expected to appear on black versions of the Droid Mini,Droid MAXX and the Droid Ultra. This pattern is due to the device’s back being made of Kevlar – the same material that used in bulletproof vests.

The Droid Mini and Droid MAXX are also expected at Verizon’s event. TheUnlocker believes that the Droid Mini and Droid Ultra will come in white versions as well. According to the outlet, all three devices could be launched 

Recent leaks have pegged the Droid Ultra as having a large display and a quad-core Snapdragon processor for starting and running apps quickly. These leaks also indicate that Motorola is preparing to finally put up a good fight in the camera space with a rear-facing camera that’s has a sensor that as high as 10 megapixels.

As Verizon is heavily into pushing its smartphone users towards its latest wireless technologies, that the Droid Ultra will support the carrier’s 4G LTE data technology is almost a given. So far, the pricing of the Droid Ultra in any color remains a mystery.

The version of Android that the device is running is also a mystery. While logic would dictate that Android 4.2 would be running on the device since it is the most recent version of the operating system, Motorola has been known to ship devices with slightly older versions of the operating system along with a promise to upgrade them later down the road.

The Droid Ultra likely replaces the Droid RAZR HD in Verizon’s lineup. That device debuted as a Motorola flagship in the fall of 2012.

Nexus 7 2 Release as Early as Next Week

It appears that the Nexus 7 2 release is at hand as Google has announced a press event for July 24th and new documents indicate that retailers are expecting stock in on July 20th, ahead of the event.

Rumors prior to today pointed to a new Nexus 7 tablet, presumably called Nexus 7 2, as arriving sometime in late July or early August. That time frame was all but confirmed by a Google announcement today, one wherein the company confirmed an event in San Francisco on July 24th headed up by Android head Sundar Pichai.

A Nexus 7 2 release date could be as early as next week.

The event will be live streamed to the public, meaning, it’s likely more than just a little breakfast get together. Instead, it’s likely going to be the launch pad for at least two new products, Android 4.3 and the Nexus 7 2 tablet.

Google typically moves fast to release its new products and it appears that it will be doing something similar with Android 4.3 and the Nexus 7 2. Engadget has produced evidence from OfficeMax that suggests that the retailer, and likely other retailers as well, will be getting Nexus 7 2 stock in stores on July 20th, four days ahead of the announcement.

What this means is that we could see a release as early as next week, perhaps on the day of Google’s press event. Although stock is heading to retailer before that date, it’s unlikely to launch before Google makes an announcement. It’s also possible that we could see the company release it several weeks down the road but with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean rumored for July, a July release seems likely.

The Nexus 7 2 will replace the older Nexus 7 which arrived in July of last year.

The Nexus 7 2 will likely be accompanied by Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, a new update for Google’s operating system, and it should be coming with a 1980 x 1200 display, quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, 5MP rear camera, and LTE speeds, all of which were confirmed by an FCC filing for an Asus K009, a device thought to be the new Nexus.

It appears that OfficeMax will continue to sell the Nexus 7, even after the arrival of the Nexus 7 2, though it’s unclear just how long the predecessor will be on shelves. The Nexus 7 2 is expected to come with a more expensive $230 price tag which means that for some, the $199 or less Nexus 7 will be a tempting offer.

Upgrades Slow as Consumers Wait for iPhone 6

Without a blockbuster iPhone 6 this year is shaping up to be a bad year for smartphone upgrades according to a new report which predicts a continued slowdown as manufactures plan new smartphones and plans that offer faster upgrades for a fee.

The summer lull of new smartphones aside, a new prediction from UBS AG reported in The Wall Street Journal, points to a second year of lower than expected upgrades. This includes upgrades to a first smartphone and upgrades from a smartphone to a newer model.

A 9% drop in 2012 came even as Samsung delivered the breakout Samsung Galaxy S3 and Apple offered the iPhone 5 with a slightly larger display. At launch the iPhone 5 faced criticism for a lack of features with pundits claiming it offers, “no obvious reason to rush out and buy one.” Others boldlylabelled the iPhone 5, “Less innovation than Android and WP8, in a bigger package.”

Based on rumors, the rest of 2013 doesn’t look good for reversing this trend. We expect an iPhone 5S, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the Verizon HTC One, New Droid RAZR devices, a Nexus 5 and the Moto X to arrive yet this year, but they may not be able to offer the wallet-opening wow-factor that drives consumers to the store.

Consumers hold off on upgrades while they wait for specific iPhone features to wow them.

As more consumers are already using a smartphone, the initial wow-factor of everything a smartphone or an iPhone can do is not as easy to deliver. The latest data shows 60% of cell phone users own a smartphone, and on carriers where flagship smartphones are sold that percentage jumps up to an estimated 70% of users.

We see devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 adding bigger screens, gesture controls and eye-tracking to stand out, but consumers on Android and iPhone are demanding more in order to pay for an upgrade.

It looks like the iPhone 5S will arrive this year with the same looks and screen as last year. Rumors point to an iPhone 6 with a larger screen and a new design as a possibility in 2014. While Apple’s iPhone 5S problem is great for keeping current customers happy with their purchase longer, it does prevent a challenge for carriers and manufacturers to sell more smartphones.

It looks like the iPhone 5S will arrive with the same look as the iPhone 5 and the same 4-inch display, counting on iOS 7, a better camera and other small features to entice an upgrade. Based on comments from consumers, the iPhone 5S may not be enough, and could leave many waiting for an iPhone 6 that might wow in 2014.

When asked about upgrading to the iPhone 5S or waiting for the iPhone 6, a 22-year-old iPhone 5 owner in Ohio told Gotta Be Mobile,

“For me personally, it would either need additional screen real estate, battery life, or NFC and induction charging for me to even consider it. A processor and camera bump isn’t going to cut it.”

Jay Yeater, a marketing professional that owns the iPhone 5, expressed a similar feeling, saying, “I have the 5 and I’m over it and iOS7 is only “ok” right now.”

Eric Bisignano, an accountant in Ohio, explained why he won’t upgrade from the iPhone 5 saying,

“I’ll likely wait for a 6. I’d consider going sooner for a bigger screen. But wouldn’t jump for marginal speed or battery life improvements.”

Mike Brice, of Pittsburgh, Penn. told Gotta Be Mobile he doesn’t plan to upgrade, saying, “Features would have to be amazing to overcome price since just upgraded six months ago.” Twitter userLonotropic, a doctor who recently purchased the iPhone 5 off contract, plans to wait for the iPhone 6.

Still, there are users looking for specific iPhone 5S upgrades, which would be enough to earn an upgrade in 2013. Jeff Kirvin, an indie writer from Denver  who owns the iPhone 5 says,

“if the 5S has the rumored 2GB of RAM, 4-core GPU, bigger battery, I’m definitely buying a 5S.”.

Chad Kaup, a network administrator in Ohio hasn’t made up his mind, but is interested in the iPhone 5S if it comes with a capacitive home button.

Though some would argue the iPhone 5S name does more damage than the actual features, consumers are looking closer at smartphone purchases, and demanding more tangible features before upgrading.

Nexus 7 2 Video Surfaces Ahead of Launch

The Nexus 7 2 has seemingly made its debut ahead of schedule with what appear to be its first true photos, and video, leaking to the surface just days ahead of Google’s July 24th media event where the company is heavily rumored to be showing off Android 4.3 and its new Nexus 7.

While Google’s rumored Nexus 7 2 has leaked early and often, up until today, we still hadn’t got a good look at what Google had in store for prospective 7-inch tablet users. Today, that seal has been broken as Android Central has published what appear to be genuine photos and video of the Nexus 7 2 out in the wild ahead of its launch. The leak comes on the heels of Google’s newly official July 24th launch event in San Francisco, an event that will be headed up by Android head Sundar Pichai, a sign that something Android related is likely incoming.

The new Nexus 7 has been rumored to be built by Asus with an FCC filing suggesting that the device will be coming with a 1980 x 1200 display, 5MP rear camera, LTE data speeds, quad-core processor of the Snapdragon 600 variety and more. This leak points to a device with a 7-inch LCD display, two cameras, LTE data and a Snapdragon S4 processor.

It’s possible that we could see a difference of specs from this model to the final version, so users won’t want to read too heavily into the processor type at this point.

This is likely the Nexus 7 2, the new Nexus 7.

The photos and video finally give us a look at the elusive design which appears identical to the device that we saw pass through the FCC so long ago.

The device appears to be similar, looks-wise, to the older Nexus 7 though it is said to be coming with dual speakers and the backing look less black-matte than the older version. It looks like the volume rocker and power button remain in the same position as the Nexus 7.

The Nexus 7 2 looks a lot like the Nexus 7.

The device is apparently running Android 4.3 which again signals a new Android update on July 24th and it appears that it will be coming in, at least, 32GB form. Earlier today we heard that Google may be looking to charge $230 for the Nexus 7 2, a $100 difference from the iPad mini, though that remains unconfirmed.

What is clear is that the Nexus 7 2 will likely be heading to launch on July 24th with a release that could come as early as next week.

HTC One Mini Launch Looking Good for Today

The HTC One Mini launch date appears set for Today as HTC UK has teased a “little” news for July 18th, something that likely refers to the arrival of the oft-rumored HTC One Mini.

HTC’s M4, now thought to be called the HTC One Mini, has been rumored for arrival for several months now though it looks like those rumors will soon turn to reality. In recent days, the company has teased a smaller version of the HTC One and sources have aligned, saying that the company will be announcing the smaller HTC One in July with a release in August.

The HTC One Mini is said to be smaller version of the HTC One.

Today, the company has taken it a step further and all but confirmed the HTC One Mini for arrival tomorrow with HTC UK’s Facebook page saying that it has a “little” bit of news for tomorrow with an image that clearly resembles a smaller version of the HTC One. While it’s not confirmed, it’s pretty clear that this is what is on tap for tomorrow and it should mean that we finally get HTC One Mini specs, pricing and an official release date.

The device is expected to tout a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core processor, full metal design, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and the new Sense 5 that arrived with the HTC One back in April. These specifications have surfaced several times in the past so it’s likely that they will be on board the smaller HTC One when it arrives in the morning.

The HTC One Mini launch date appears set for tomorrow.

As for a release date, we’ve seen August 9th rumored for the United Kingdom and with HTC UK teasing the device, it’s looking like this device may be centered around Europe and countries outside the U.S.

T-Mobile USA has been rumored to be an HTC One Mini carrier though we haven’t seen the device pop up, at all. That could mean that it launches further down the road, if it does at all.

In any event, the HTC One Mini launch date appears set for tomorrow which means those interested in a smaller HTC One model should be in luck soon.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Details With Sketch

A sketch, allegedly from the user manual of theSamsung Galaxy Note 3, has emerged claiming to show off not only the device’s specifications, but the new Galaxy Note 3 in all its glory.

Several times in the past, we’ve seen photos emerge claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. However, as we’ve pointed out, Samsung goes to great lengths to keep the designs for its flagship Galaxy smartphones under wraps and thus, consumers shouldn’t expect the actual Galaxy Note 3 to emerge until much closer to its release date. In the case of the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4, we saw several bogus images emerge ahead of their launches.

This sketch claims to be the SM-N900, also thought to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

History is repeating itself with the Galaxy Note 3 it seems and today’s leak, from Dutch publicationSim Only Radar, claims to show a sketch of the SM-N900, a model number that is heavily rumored to be for the international Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The sketch is said to be from the user manual of the Galaxy Note 3 and not only show its design, which looks similar to the Galaxy S4, but its specifications as well.

The sketch suggests that the device will be using a 13MP camera with Xenon flash, a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, and two different processor chip sets including the Exynos 5 Octa and the Snapdragon 800. All of this is not out of the question and has been rumored to be on board the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

This sketch shows the backside of the device, including Xenon flash.

The sketch also shows that the device is running an unnamed version of Android Jelly Bean and while benchmarks have shown that it could be Android 4.2, it’ll more likely have Android 4.3 on board when it arrives.

While it would be great if this were the actual Galaxy Note 3 in all of its glory, consumers need to err on the side of caution. At this point, given that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch isn’t expected until early September, given Samsung’s history with leaked designs, given that Android is misspelled on the slide and finally, given how easy it would be to fake this, all signs point to this not being the Galaxy Note 3.

We should know in late August or early September whether this is accurate or not. Until then, take it with a grain of salt.