Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video Rumor & Release Date Roundup

On September 4th we expect Samsung to show off the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 — a new big-screen, S Pen toting phablet designed to deliver a familiar Galaxy Note experience with updated specs and features.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the new Galaxy Note for 2013 which we believe will arrive soon after a September announcement internationally and in the UK.

We’ve yet to discover everything there is to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, but we expect a faster processor with battery sipping technology, an improved camera experience and the latest version of Android.

Watch our Samsung Galaxy Note 3 video of rumor roundups and release date predictions.

Buyers looking at the Galaxy Note 2, should hold off until the Galaxy Note 3 release, which looks like it is on the fast track for September soon after the announcement.

The Samsung Mobile Unpacked Episode 2 is already on the books for September 4th in Berlin at IFA 2013. This event will likely feature an extravagant launch event full of accessories and even a Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

As the fall progresses we are looking at a slew of new phablets, and large screen smartphones like the HTC One Max, a Nokia phablet and larger screen devices like the LG G2 and a possible Nexus 5. Let’s explore the Galaxy Note 3 specs, features and more to see how Samsung will likely compete with the influx of new smartphones.

Here are the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumors in a five-minute video summary.

Galaxy Note 3 Video: Rumor Roundup

We’re still waiting for a leaked Galaxy Note 3 video, and we may not see one until the days before the launch event, but we do have a roundup of the latest Galaxy Note 3 release date and rumors in a five-minute video that will bring you up to speed with what you can expect in September.

Galaxy Note 3 Display Rumors

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display is reportedly increasing from the 5.5-inch size of the Galaxy Note 2 to 5.7-inches on the Galaxy Note 3. This small increase would put the screen size nearly 3/4 of an inch bigger than the Galaxy S4, and Almost 2 inches bigger than the iPhone 5.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display will jump up to 5.7-inches and to a 1080P resolution according to rumors.

With the Galaxy Note 3 we also expect a high-resolution display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution that should equal out to 386 ppi, which should deliver a sharp looking display for photos, videos and text.

As part of the Galaxy Note 3 display, we expect S Pen support. Samsung delivered a new S Pen and a new set of S Pen apps and features with the Galaxy Note 2, and while we haven’t seen any new S Pen leaks for the Galaxy Note 3 it looks like Samsung is banking on an improved Galaxy Note 3 S Pen.

Look for the S Pen to play a major role on the Galaxy Note 3.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 already brought some of the S Pen features to the screen with just a finger, so we could see a mix of S Pen and touch controls come together.

Galaxy Note 3 Design Rumors

A large number of Galaxy Note 3 photos leaked out in recent weeks and months, but none have shown off a final or near final design for the Galaxy Note 3.

Even though we haven’t seen any clear photos of a Galaxy Note 3, we have some ideas about the Galaxy Note 3 design.

First off, we could see a thinner Galaxy Note 3, shrinking from over 9mm to about 8mm in thickness.

The Galaxy Note 3 design could feature thinner bezels like the Galaxy S4 to stay with a similar size.

This can come from enhancements in designs, internals and new materials, similar to how Samsung shrunk to the Galaxy S4.

Even though the larger Galaxy Note 3 display is rumored, rumors suggest the overall size of the Note 3 shouldn’t grow much. This is possible thanks to thinner bezels along the sides of the Galaxy Note 3, similar to the Galaxy S4 shown in the photos above.

Look for a new design from the Galaxy Note 3.

When it comes to the materials used in the Galaxy Note 3 it looks like plastic is in the cards. While some users may go for the HTC One Max solely for the aluminum materials, it looks like the Galaxy Note 3 could come with better plastic.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 arrived with a new polycarbonate plastic that is thinner, lighter and stronger than that in the S3 and Note 2. This plastic also feels better.

The Note 3 back is likely removable with access to a large battery and a MicroSD card slot.

In addition to a plastic design, look for a removable back on the Galaxy Note 3 that provides access to the battery and a MicroSD card slot.

Galaxy Note 3 Camera Rumors

Rumors point to a new Galaxy Note 3 camera with a 13MP sensor as the likely upgrade. There is talk of optical image stabilization which if it is included should help users take better photos and videos.

Expect an improved camera with supporting software.

In addition to the new sensor, look for new software on board, similar to the Galaxy S4, which allows users to use both cameras at the same time and modes to erase unwanted people from photos and much more.

Galaxy Note 3 Performance & Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will likely ship with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor in the U.S. and a Exynos 5 Octa processor internationally. The device will likely come with 3GB of RAM.

Both of these processors include battery saving technologies that should help the Galaxy Note 3 last longer and charge faster.

Two leaks point to a massive 3,000+ mAh battery in the Galaxy Note 3. While the actual size is unconfirmed expect a big Note 3 battery that will give users long life.

Galaxy Note 3 Software

We expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will run Android 4.3 with a new TouchWiz overlay that delivers a host of Samsung specific features.

Look for Multitasking with the Samsung Multi-View feature that puts two apps on screen at the same time, allowing users to watch a movie and check Twitter or take notes and surf the web at the same time.

In short, TouchWiz is Samsung’s branded version of Android that should arrive on the Galaxy Note 3 with a suite of Samsung-specific features. The video above highlights the latest Samsung software features, some of which could come on the Note 3.

Galaxy Note 3 Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date rumors point to a very swift release. Two separate rumors suggest a September Galaxy Note 3 release date. Both rumors come from trusted publications that previously shared information about smartphone launches.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date is rumored for as early as just after the September 4th event from SamMobile to later in the month from Geeky Gadgets.

Like the Galaxy S4, look for a fast Galaxy Note 3 release date.

Both of these sources point to an International release soon after the Galaxy Note 3 announcement, which would help Samsung get to market in time to compete with the iPhone 5S and possibly ahead of the HTC One Max.

If Samsung is aiming for September, the U.S. Galaxy Note 3 release date could arrive soon after. The Galaxy S4 release came for AT&T right after the international release, soon followed by T-Mobile.

iPhone 5S Release Date Rumored for September 20th

The iPhone 5S release date is once again on the table, with a date in late September soon after an iOS 7 release date. The rumor also claims the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 release date is set for the end of September.

The new rumors comes right as details point toiPhone 5S production kicking off at Foxconn, where Apple’s partner hand-assembles the iPhone 5S.

Like the previous rumor, we are hearing that the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C release date could arrive on the same day. This leak doesn’t discuss rumors that Apple is planning to replace the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S with the iPhone 5C.

Shoppers should expect the iPhone 5S release in 2013, and an iPhone 6 in 2014 according to leaks and rumors.

According to Greek blog Tech Maniacs, an un-named source tipped them to Apple’s iPhone release plans. This new September iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C release date timing comes just a week after the same source claimed the iPhone 5S release was delayed until October 25th.

According to the new report, that was not accurate, though it could be the timing for the iPad 5 and iPad mini release.

The new iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S release date timeline is as follows, according to their inside source.

• iPhone 5S Event – September 10th
• iOS 7 Release – September 16th
• iPhone 5C & iPhone 5S Release Date – September 20th

The publication previously identified the iPhone 5 release date in 2012, though it remains unclear if this comes from an un-named Apple source or is simply an educated guess, which Gotta Be Mobile also previously worked out.

At this point the iPhone 5S event for September 10th is all but confirmed after receiving a “Yep” from Jim Dalrymple, who is well-known for confirming or denying Apple events ahead of invitations actually going out.

With the iPhone event in place, working out the rest of an iPhone 5S launch is pretty straightforward.

Like the source, we predict the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S release date is set for late September, likely on September 20th. Apple typically announces a new iPhone, takes pre-orders later that week and then starts selling the iPhone at the end of the next week. In this case, that is September 20th.

This also matches up with an analyst estimate that claims Apple will need to announce and sell a new iPhone before the end of Apple Q4 2013, that ends on September 28th.

As far as the iOS 7 release date, September 16th sounds early, as Apple usually releases the new iOS update two days ahead of the new iPhone release. It is possible, but look for a iOS 7 update to arrive closer to September 18th.

The report also points to an October iPad mini 2 and iPad 5 release, possibly on October 25th. This is possible, as multiple analysts and leaks suggest an iPad event in October, but the latest production information suggests the iPad mini 2 may not be ready to release until November.

Gotta Be Mobile is currently talking with sources who shared iPhone release details in the past, and will share more as soon as we know when Apple plans to release the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C.

Amazon Launches Up Your Game Xbox One Game Deal

In what is likely a move to capture the last remaining holiday bump in sales before the Xbox 360 is replaced by the Xbox One, Amazon is kicking off its own trade-in program that will see users get bonus gift cards in exchange for updating Xbox 360 titles to their Xbox One counterparts.

From now until December 31st, users will be able to trade-in Xbox 360 versions of their games and receive a $25 Amazon credit when they purchase that same game’s Xbox One version. The gift card is on top of the minimum $25 that the user can expect to receive as part of their game trade-in.

In order to get the gift card and the guaranteed trade-in value, users will have to have purchased one of the titles coming out for the Xbox 360 that also has an Xbox One version. Right now, only Madden NFL 25, Call of Duty: Ghosts, FIFA 14, NBA 2K14, Battlefield 4, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Watch Dogs and Need for Speed Rivals qualify for the program, though Amazon does note that this list could change at any time.

Users will be able to purchase Call of Duty Ghosts for the Xbox 360 and then trade it later for a version for the Xbox 

Users, won’t be able to mix and match the game they trade in and upgrade to get the credit. Since Xbox One games will cost $59.99, according to Microsoft, users can expect to pay just $9 to upgrade to Xbox One titles on the list.

That value mirrors the exact sale that Xbox One upgraders can expect if they take advantage ofGameStop’s upgrade program. That deal allows users to upgrade their Xbox 360 games to Xbox One versions for just $9. It also requires that users trade-in their pre-purchased 360 version of the game before they can receive the discount.

Both of these deals are great for users who already plan on updating to the Xbox One this fall. Instead of having to keep to consoles in their living room, they’ll instantly be ready to forego their Xbox 360 and move on to the new console with less gaming baggage.

iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5 vs. IPhone 5C Photos Show Apple’s New Lineup

Ahead of Apple’s rumored iPhone 5S launch event come photos that seemingly show off what the rumored iPhone 5S will look like compared to the iPhone 5 and the cheap low-cost iPhone, the iPhone 5C.

Apple is heavily rumored to be hosting an iPhone 5S launch event on September 10th wherein the company will announce the successor to the iPhone 5 and also reveal a roll out date for the highly anticipated iOS 7 update. The company is also rumored to be coming out with an iPhone 5C, a cheaper iPhone variant that may wind up pushing out one of Apple’s current iPhone offerings.

This photo gives consumers a look at what to expect from Apple’s iPhone lineup.

The final versions of the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S remain elusive but we have seen mockups and possible parts and back plates emerge over the last few weeks, showing off what Apple could bring to the table later this year.

Photos out of Chinese microblogging site Weibo give consumers the best look yet at what an iPhone 5S, Apple’s current iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C might look like next to each other.

The iPhone 5S is expected to have dual-LED flash.

The photos appear to be mockups of an iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, much like we’ve seen emerge in the past and they depict an iPhone 5S that is a big larger than the iPhone 5 and a device that sports a place for dual-LED flash. We also see the iPhone 5C and its large plastic design. The device is also compared to the iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 offering a glimpse at just how thick the iPhone 5C might be.

This falls in line with the iPhone 5C plastic back we’ve seen emerge.

The back of the purported iPhone 5S sports a white Apple logo, something that did not come on the black version of the iPhone 5. So, while not confirmed, it’s likely that these are mockups based on rumored specifications.

These do match up with rumors however as the iPhone 5S is thought to be keeping a design similar to the iPhone 5 while the iPhone 5C is expected to debut with a polycarbonate plastic design.

The iPhone 5S is expected to keep a design similar to the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5S is also expected to include a fingerprint reader, upgraded camera, improved processor, and more. The iPhone 5C is expected to retain a 4-inch Retina Display while also arriving with a 8MP to 5MP camera and a Lightning port.

This is how the iPhone 5C could stack up next to the iPhone 4S/4.

Both devices are rumored for a September 10th launch and a September 20th release date though neither of those is confirmed. Apple, in the past, has released its iPhone only a couple of weeks after announcing it.

Real Time Traffic from Waze to Google Maps

Following the company’s buyout of the Waze, mapping service earlier this year, users had expected that Google would bring some of the real-time mapping solutions of Waze’s application to Google Maps. That day has come, As of right now, Google Maps for Android and iOS  users are able to get directions based on real-time traffic conditions.

Google detailed the new features in a blog postthis morning. Unfortunately, it hasn’t rolled out the feature worldwide just yet. Only Google Maps users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States will get the feature initially.

Real-time mapping is huge for smartphone users who frequently commute. Instead of calculating the route to take based on initial conditions, the new technology will Google maps to periodically check for the latest traffic conditions in the user’s area. This means, it’s more likely that users will be able to avoid sudden traffic jams and road hazards.

Waze information is now integrated into Google Maps.

Since users themselves are mostly responsible for the traffic information that Waze, and now Google Maps, relies on, the information is curated by  other drivers, lending it a bit more accuracy than traffic radio stations or news websites who track traffic in a specific area.

Google is also taking this opportunity, to add some features to Waze’s iPhone and Android application as well. The company has now integrated Google Search into Waze, so that “users have access to even more search results when navigating.” Google Search is now included with, but won’t replace the search providers that are already offered inside the application.

Google has also added its Street View technology to the Wazy Map Editor so that users can easily correct any mistakes they find, just as they can with maps are already available on the service.

Early rumors had pointed to a potential buyout of Waze by Apple since its technology was heavily integrated into Apple Maps, its in-house solution for directions and traffic. That buyout never came. Instead, Google announced that it would purchase the company for an unspecified price back in June.

Windows Phone 8: 3 Things Microsoft Needs to Do to Catch Up

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 is a thing of legend. Having completely and utterly reached a breaking point with Windows Mobile, Microsoft later spent the next four release cycles building a new mobile operating system from the ground up. It was a calculated risk that, in the end, mostly paid off.

Microsoft might have counted on iOS gaining a foothold, but it seems it didn’t see Google’sAndroid juggernaut coming at all. The reset left Microsoft with an operating system that was well designed and could be just as intuitive and useful as Apple’s iOS. It also left Microsoft in a perpetual game of Android catch-up that still plagues it to this day.

To be frank, the gap is clearly evident when comparing Android and Windows Phone. Here are some of the steps Microsoft needs to take to make Windows Phone an actual true alternative to Android.

Move to Windows Core Faster

Most Windows Phone flagships like the HTC 8X, have decidedly mid-range specs thanks to the operating system.

When Microsoft first announced that it would be getting rid of the Windows CE underpinnings it had used to create Windows Phone and replace it with the Windows core, many industry watchers hailed it as the moment when Microsoft would finally be able to give Windows Phone the same scale and breadth of Windows.

To date, that’s hasn’t happened. Instead, Windows Phone device makers are still stuck on a constant treadmill of waiting for specific updates to Windows Phone before they can introduce their advanced devices. According to Nokia, that’s why it took it so long to release the Lumia 1020. Microsoft needs to move quicker in transitioning Windows Phone to using the kernel and code from Windows, preferably Windows RT.

Rethink App APIs & Add a File System

At no time does Windows Phone display it’s immaturity more than in dealing with applications. Like Apple’s iOS, Windows Phone sandboxes applications, meaning that (excluding actions that are allowed by the operating system) apps on Windows Phone are completely unaware of each other. On paper, that’s great. Apps can’t interfere with other apps and can’t harm the operating system. These are both good things.

On the other hand this leads to all sorts of strange, and decidedly bad, experiences for users. For example, a Bit-Torrent application can only download information if it’s open, barring that Windows Phone suspends the application. Even worse, even when that file is downloaded other apps aren’t able to see that file. In a world where smartphones really are hand-held computers, Windows Phone should be a little more computer like and a little less device like.

Introduce Accessories Program

While Nokia has kept the accessories market interesting with things like it’s wireless charging system, other OEMs and Microsoft have done very little to encourage accessory makers.

How Windows Phone doesn’t have some kind of “Works with Windows Phone” program is beyond me, but more than three years after the platform’s introduction, the accessory ecosystem remains absolutely weak. That isn’t to say that it’s a complete loss — Nokia has introduced a huge line of accessories that integrate with their own applications.

That’s the real shame though. For a platform that prides itself on making it easier for users to transition between devices by mandating a user-interface, Microsoft hasn’t even attempted to bolster an accessories market for Windows Phone. That’s a shame, since products from Apple and Google are all about extending the users’ experience with all sorts of third-party accessories.

Of course, none of this virtually guarantees Microsoft more market share for Windows Phone, but it would mean that the company wouldn’t continue being hit over the head for having mediocre experiences when compared to iOS and Android.

Unfortunately, Microsoft isn’t expected to ship another major update to Windows Phone until earlynext year. We’ll have to wait until then to see if Microsoft makes any significant progress in addressing the issues holding its platform back.

PS4 Release Date Confirmed for November 15th

Users looking forward to the start of the next generation of console gaming now have an official date to mark on their calendars if they’ve pre-ordered Sony’s next generation console. The PS4 release date is officially November 15th.

Sony announced the PS4 release date just as it wrapped its press event at the GamesCom trade show in Cologne, Germany. The company didn’t elaborate on any of the launch of events or festivities that it might have planned for the release.

With the disclosure of the PS4 release date, Sony finally wraps up a public relation saga that started this February. When it first showcased the PlayStation 4 and its accompanying controller, it promised to deliver a PlayStation that was all about gamers and the features they expect in a next generation console.

The PS4 release date has finally been confirmed.

entric focus was seen as tone-deaf, however that view changed as Microsoft announced the Xbox One, a device that was so forward-thinking and entertainment minded that it alienated some gamers who felt that Microsoft just didn’t care about them anymore. Sony made matters worse for Microsoft at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.

At the show, its mix of disdain for consoles that did anything other than focus on games, and the console’s relatively cheap $399 price tag, were just what it needed to put it a step ahead the Xbox One in prospective user’s minds. That its message resonated with so many gamers that it felt compelled to announce a release date this early is key, since Sony also announced a few things that didn’t impress gamers.

With the PlayStation 4, Sony is requiring users who want to play online with friends, to purchase a membership to PlayStation Plus. Until that point, Sony had always maintained that the best thing for gamers was to continue offering online gaming for free. A PlayStation Plus subscription currently costs users $10 a month.

By announcing the PS4 release date well ahead of Microsoft, Sony is signaling that it’s confident it has the right public relations message, hardware architecture and games to take on Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Although we now have the PS4 release date, Microsoft has yet to detail when users can expect it to launch the Xbox One though it’s thought to be arriving in November.

New iPhone 6 Screen Concept Resembles Galaxy Note 3

The latest iPhone 6 concept video to arrive comes with a large screen that dwarfs the rumored Galaxy Note 3, offering up an iPhablet for iPhone users that need a bigger screen for mobile productivity.

While the iPhone 5S release date looks good for next month, the iPhone 6 that many users expect in 2014 is the center of a lot of consumer attention. We know a lot about the iPhone 5S, but the iPhone 6 promises a much wider range of possibilities.

Rumors suggest Apple could be ready to deliver an iPhone 6 with a larger screen and with a higher resolution display, making the second screen size jump since the iPhone first arrived. This new iPhone 6 would also reportedly come with a new design, which is another key request from iPhone users.

In the latest iPhone 6 concept we get a look at what Apple could do for a Galaxy Note 3 competitor. This concept comes from Ran Avni, the talented source of many iPhone 6 concepts, who goes big with this concept.

iPhone 6 Concept Video: Big Screen, Small Size

The iPhone 6 concept video below shows what the iPhone 6 could look like if Apple channels the Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy Mega screen sizes to deliver a phablet with iOS on board.

iPhone 6 Concept Display

The star of this iPhone 6 concept is the large 6.2-inch display with Full HD resolution, which equals a 319 ppi rating for a Retina+ display. Avni also notes that Sharp would make the iPhone 6 display with IGZO technology. IGZO displays deliver better touch experience and are battery friendly, but are not in a current iPhone.

The iPhone 6 concept features a 6.2-inch Full HD display.

Covering this massive display is Gorilla Glass 3, a new tough strengthened glass that can better withstand scratches and drops. Corning announced Gorilla Glass 3 at CES 2013, but Apple doesn’t name the manufacturer of iPhone glass.

iPhone 6 Concept Design & Features

This iPhone 6 concept comes in eight colors, like the rumored iPhone 5C. Thanks to the super-thin bezels the overall size of this iPhone 6 concept looks manageable. We’ve seen Apple use a similar trick to make the iPad mini narrow, and we expect Apple to use the same tech to make an iPad 5narrower, so seeing it in action on an iPhone wouldn’t be too much of a surprise in 2014.

This iPhone 6 concept comes in eight colors.

The front of this iPhone 6 concept includes a Fingerprint Sensor and FaceTime camera built-in to the home button area. The iPhone 5S will likely introduce a fingerprint sensor, which could hide in the home button. The sensor and camera would also act as a home button on this concept.

Avni suggests we’ll see iOS 7.1, but odds are a big change like this would deliver an iOS 8 release alongside. He expects an Apple A8X chip with 2.5GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB, 128GB and 256GB. This seems a little extreme, but rumors suggest Apple could offer an iPhone 5S with 128GB of storage and new chips top out at 384GB.

Thin bezels help keep an iPhone 6 with a massive display to a manageable size.

From a camera standpoint the rear sensor would jump up to 10MP and the front camera to 3.2MP.

While we don’t know exactly what to expect from an iPhone 6, there are hints of a larger screen. Tim Cook is wary of the quality of current large, high-resolution screens, but improvements could change his mind.

Analysts suggest Apple needs a larger screen iPhone to make inroads in other markets, and if Samsung can deliver success with the Galaxy Note 3 and a 5.7-inch display it could show Apple that there is a significant marketshare of consumers looking for a large screen phone.

Reports from China point to an iPhone 6 prototype with a 4.8-inch display back in December 2012, and it is possible that Apple’s Board of Directors already knows of plans for a bigger screen on an iPhone 6.

Turn Your iPhone Into a Home Security Camera When You Upgrade to an iPhone 5S, 5C

With the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, and 7 other compelling smartphones slated or rumored to launch this fall, when you do decide to upgrade to a newer phone, what will you do with your old smartphone? Some people will keep their old device around as a spare, and while that’s a good idea most of the time that phone will be sitting in a drawer somewhere collecting dust. Others will sell their old device or trade it in to finance the cost of upgrading to this year’s latest and greatest model. Still yet, another use for that old phone–and one that also considers the environment in mind–is to re-use that old iPhone or iPad for its rear-mounted camera for a home security system.

Thanks to the Presence app from People Power, your old smartphone could be turned into a cheap, accessible security system. All that’s required is a constant source of power, which means accessible to a wall charger that’s plugged into your home power socket, and a wireless connection, which can be done through WiFi. This inexpensive setup could replace more complicated home monitoring systems that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Currently, according to a report on CNET, the iPhone 3GS or later as well as the iPad 2 or later are all compatible with the People Power-made app. The company is also looking at developing an Android version of the app to turn your old Android smartphone into a home security camera in the future.So with your phone mounted and set up to capture photos and videos of potential burglars and home intruders, you’ll also need an app installed on your new phone so that you can remotely view what’s happening at home when you’re away.

People Power CEO Gene Wang told the publication that the setup with the Presence app has been able to stop a home robbery and catch thieves breaking into a warehouse. Miami Unified School District will also be using the Presence app as a security system in classrooms and the Miami, Arizona school district is asking locals to donate old smartphones for that use.

So what happens when the thieves snatch the phone that’s mounted to the wall in your home that you’re recording footage with? Well Wang says that would be a really foolish move. ”We’re going to have a picture of you so that’s not the brightest thing you can do.”

Future features include HD video capture, motion detection that triggers video recording, and other features.