Sony Honami to be announced in Paris on July 4

Hours after a second set of images allegedly showing the Sony Honami (Xperia i1) have hit the web, a publication claims that the phone will be unveiled in Paris, on July 4, during a special media event.

We wondered the other day whether the Honami could be unveiled at Sony’s next confirmed event and it looks like we were not that far off.

Rbmen says that the device in the teaser image released for the Paris event (image below) is actually the Sony Honami, not the Xperia Z Ultra, as it was believed before. As you can see, the teaser image shows a device that apparently features a dedicated camera button and a lanyard hole towards the lower right side of the handset, design elements that we have noticed in the most recent set of leaked photos.

Invitation for Sony Paris media event set to take place on July 4.

Apparently Sony is interested in launching both the Xperia Z Ultra and the Honami simultaneously, although each device will have its own announcement event – that is if Google’s translation of the original article written in Japanese is to be believed.

The Honami’s specs are again rumored to include a 5-inch Full HD display (1920 x 1080) resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 20-megapixel camera, 2.2-megapixel front-facing camera, non-removable battery and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean under the hood. Just like other recent Android handsets from Sony, the handset will be dust proof and water resistant.

Design of right side of the handset, as shown in this alleged photo of the Honami, is similar to the device shown in the invitation for the Paris-based, July 4 media event.

Actual release dates for this flagship product are not available yet, but the handset is said to be launched by NTT DoCoMo in Japan.

That said, we’ll remind you that this is just a rumor at this point, which is yet to be confirmed, so take it with a grain of salt.

5.99 inch AMOLED Flexible display coming with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Last month, we told you that Samsung was looking at three different versions of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and one of those units was equipped with a flexible screen. Despite previous denials by the Korean OEM, speculation out of South Korea has Samsung using a 5.99 inch flexible AMOLED display on the next iteration of its phablet.

Other rumors have Samsung using both AMOLED and LCD panels with the one used on each unit depending on the market it is offered in. A published report on Friday says that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with a flexible display will start production in August and launch in September, possibly during the IFA 2013 show in Berlin.

According to the report, Samsung decided to go with the flexible display for the Samsung Galaxy Note III after demand started fading for the Samsung Galaxy S4. After sales of the handset got off to a great start with 10 million units purchased in the first month, demand for the flagship Android model has apparently dried up. Additionally, reports that LG is close to releasing a phone with a flexible display might have given Samsung the incentive to use a flexible panel for the next generation of its phablet. 

source: MTMedia (translated) via AndroidAuthority

HTC One: Turn Any HTC One into a HTC One Nexus (Google Edition)

The HTC One Nexus, or Google Edition, is now up for sale, but HTC hasn’t offered up an official HTC One Google Play Edition ROM for early adopters. Fear not, the smart people over atxda-developers already completed a file that will turn any HTC One, including the AT&T HTC One into a HTC One Google Play Edition.

In addition to delivering a Nexus experience on the HTC One, this file is also an unofficial HTC One Android 4.2.2 update.

While we’ve heard rumors that HTC will offer an official method of switching from HTC Sense 5 and BlinkFeed to a vanilla version of Android found on the Google Play Edition, there is no word on the timing of this release.

Users must root the HTC One to make this work, but that’s a pretty simple task and users that are looking forward to running stock Android on the HTC One shouldn’t have trouble completing the steps.

AT&T HTC One owners and those with a GSM HTC One can install the HTC One Google Play Edition of Android, including an update to Android 4.2.2.

To get started, make sure you root the HTC One. The HTC One All-In-One Toolkit makes rooting the HTC One a fairly straightforward experience. The Hasoon2000 HTC One All-In-One Toolkit walks users through the installation process and steps needed to root the HTC One. Check out thedetailed instructions in this thread.

After rooting the HTC One, users will need to download the HTC One Android 4.2.2 Google Play Edition ROM. This is a free download on the xda-developer forums. While this is not an official HTC One Android 4.2.2 update, it will likely deliver performance on par or better than anything HTC pushes out later this year. Though the official HTC One Android 4.2 update will retain Sense 5 and BlinkFeed.

The HTC One Android 4.2.2 Google Play Edition ROM comes from the official release on a HTC One Google Play Edition device and is rooted with superuser and busybox installed as part of the installation process.

The installation works on any GSM HTC One, but users of the AT&T HTC One may need to flash the file using TWRP, an alternate method of flashing the ROM, to make the installation work.

WiFi and Bluetooth are working, but the built-in personal hotspot app is not working, so users will need to download a third-party solution if they need this feature.  The IR blaster is also not working, which is the same as the official HTC One Google Play Edition, so it is not a surprise.

The HTC One Nexus (Google Play Edition) is available in the Google Play store for $599 unlocked with no contract. These instructions are for users with a previous model that want the Nexus or Google Play Edition experience.

Android 4.3 Update Leak Points to Minor Update, July Release

At long last, the Android 4.3 update has leaked ahead of its roll out, not only confirming the long rumored update’s arrival but also confirming the fact that it will be a minor update and that it more than likely will have a release at some point during the month of July for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition and more than likely, Google’s Nexus branded devices.

For weeks now, Android 4.3 has been rumored to be coming to Android smartphone and tablet owners, however, the details have remained in the shadows thanks to Google’s reluctance to announce the software. The company skipped Google I/O 2013 though it now appears that it’s on the verge of announcing something new.

Android 4.3 has leaked and it should be coming next month.

Android 4.3 rumors have been swirling and two credible sources have agreed that Google is prepping the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for sometime in July. No specific date has been mentioned though we don’t expect that to arrive until Google either announces, or rolls out the update to owners of its Nexus devices.

Today, we have even more confirmation of an imminent Android 4.3 update. The reliable SamMobilehas leaked an Android 4.3 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus (Google Edition) that appears to be authentic. The software doesn’t appear as though it’s going to be enticing to average consumers but for developers or those that are accustomed to installing software early.

From the looks of things, Android 4.3 doesn’t appear to be a big update, something that isn’t surprising considering we’ve heard all along that it would be a minor update to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It’s looking like Bluetooth LE is going to be on board, but thus far, nothing more substantial than that has emerged from the leak.

The Android 4.3 update has leaked.

What this means is that those looking for a big time Android update will be waiting for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie which is expected to debut sometime later this year and fully replace Android Jelly Bean.

In the meantime, it looks like Google will release Android 4.3 Jelly Bean to hold consumers over until it’s done with Key Lime Pie. Typically, updates hit Nexus devices first then carrier branded phones and tablet. Carriers in the United States are typically last in line so users of devices there should expect the software to hit sometime after the month of July.

BlackBerry Cancels Blackberry 10 PlayBook Update

BlackBerry is now confirming that there is no BlackBerry 10 PlayBook update coming to users of the company’s first tablet

The decision was announced by BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins this morning on an investors call following the release of the company’s quarterly earnings figures. Unfortunately, Heins didn’t offer any explanation for why BlackBerry Playbook users weren’t getting the update.

Until now it had been understood that those who purchased the tablet would be able to download an update that would bring them inline with BlackBerry’s latest operating system. Earlier this year Heins himself confirmed that the BlackBerry Playbook would be getting an update to BlackBerry 10, though he didn’t offer any details on when.

The BlackBerry Playbook will not be receiving an update to BlackBerry 10.

Now that a BlackBerry 10 Playbook update isn’t in the cards, users of the tablet will have to be content with the operating system the device is running now. While BlackBerry QNX was a relatively modern operating system when it launched with the BlackBerry Playbook back in 2011, it’s since languished due to a lack of updates.

Though the BlackBerry 10 operating system is built on the roots of the BlackBerry QNX operating system, it introduces a huge amount of new features that are designed to make life for BlackBerry device owners easier. For example, BlackBerry Hub puts the email, appoints, and social network updates of users in one place to easily find.

Today’s announcement likely puts the nail in the coffin for any tablets running BlackBerry 10. Heins had already made it clear that the company no longer believed that making tablets was a sound decision from a “cost to profit” standpoint.

That’s a shame since a BlackBerry 10 Playbook update might have also helped BlackBerry compete with Apple’s iPhone, Google’s Android and Microsoft’s Windows Phone. A huge part of those platforms’ selling point is that users can extend their experience with companion tablets. If BlackBerry can’t offer this, that’s one less reason for users to choose it’s smartphones and the BlackBerry 10 operating system over the others.

Currently, BlackBerry 10 is available on just two devices, the BlackBerry Z10 and the QWERTY-keyboard laden BlackBerry Q10. BlackBerry plans to make another device with a keyboard, theBlackBerry Q5, available to users in developing nations sometime this year.

HTC One Android 4.2.2 Update: Changes Detailed, Roll Out Soon

The HTC One Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update apparently has rolled out for some devices, specifically the dual-SIM variant in China, and thanks to that small roll out, we now have a full change log for the update and a sign that the Android 4.2.2. roll out for the international HTC One should be just around the corner, possibly today.

For weeks now, the HTC One Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update has dominated Android news as owners of the flagship device wait for HTC to roll out the latest version of Android to their device. The update has seen a number of significant developments including rumored release dates and timing with two carriers revealing that they expect the update sometime in July.

The HTC One Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update is here, it seems.

However, the update itself had yet to roll out, that is, until today when noted HTC leakster @LlabTooFeR revealed that the dual-SIM HTC One on China Unicom started to receive its update. It’s unclear right now just how widespread the update is or if it has hit tons of people but it looks like the update has indeed landed for at least one owner of this variant.

The roll out has produced a change log for the update as well which shows what HTC One owners can expect from HTC’s Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update. The changes are fairly substantial and should please those that have waited patiently for the software to arrive, assuming it doesn’t bring any big time bugs along with it.

The HTC One Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update change log.

What’s more is that @LLabTooFeR says that the international HTC One Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update could roll out at any time, even today. And given the emergence of the update in China, that could definitely hold up. Whatever the case may be, the roll out appears to be close and could very well be touching down soon.

HTC tends to stagger its roll outs, meaning, some regions get it before others. After the unbranded models get the software, carrier models then get it and thus far, carriers have suggested that they will be rolling out the software in July.

More changes with Android 4.2.

American carriers still haven’t made their plans known but since they are typically last to software, there is no telling if they will roll out Android 4.2 Jelly Bean to the HTC One in July or not.

You Shouldn’t Wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

For months now, Samsung Galaxy Note 3rumors have waged on, depicting a high-end and enticing smartphone set for release sometime later this year. And while the Galaxy Note 3 is going to be worth waiting for for many people, there are also several reasons why some consumers may not want to wait for the Galaxy Note 3 release.

Last year, Samsung unveiled its second-generation Samsung Galaxy Note in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The device was an upgrade over the Galaxy Note in many areas including the design, the size of the screen, the S Pen stylus, the software both Google and Samsung made, the processing power and the amount of carrier options that were on the table to consumers.

The Galaxy Note 3 is said to be coming later this year.

Unlike the original Galaxy Note, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 arrived on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon right from the get-go, making it one of the best Android smartphone options on the market. Needless to say, it’s clear that Samsung has another Galaxy Note up its sleeve and thanks to rumors, we have begun to piece together the make up of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Thus far, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the Galaxy Note 2. On paper, the device appears to have somewhere between a 5.7-inch to 6-inch display with 1080p resolution, a quad-core processor that is either the Snapdragon 800 or the Exynos 5 Octa processor, a 13MP camera, a Galaxy S4 design, and a launch date sometime in September, likely at IFA 2013 in Berlin at the beginning of that month.

The device is shaping up to be a juggernaut and one that should help continue Samsung’s run as the top phablet vendor on the planet. As we’ve said, there are plenty of reasons to wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. However, there is always a flip side.

Here, we take a look at the reasons why consumers shouldn’t wait for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and its host of new features.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is Still a Great

Plain and simple, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is still a great device and will likely be suitable for a majority of those in the market for a large screen Samsung smartphone with a stylus.

The Galaxy Note 2′s 720p display likely won’t be as good as the one found on the Galaxy Note 3, but it’s still good nonetheless. Same goes for the camera. It’s not going to be as good, but it will do the job for those that don’t need the top of the line features. The Galaxy Note 2 is slim, it has a removable back and microSD card slot, it also has an ergonomic S Pen with a host of useful apps.

Furthermore, Samsung will likely update it with software not just from the Galaxy S4 but also from the Galaxy Note 3 as well which means that its life will be prolonged beyond the Galaxy Note 3′s arrival.

Keep in mind, this is a phone that is less than a year old. It also remains one of the best smartphones available on the market and buyers wouldn’t be wrong in adopting one instead of waiting for the Galaxy Note 3.

Samsung Galaxy S4 is Good and Similar

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is one reason not to wait and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is another reason not to wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Samsung has brought a few things to the Galaxy S series that will likely entice those that are looking for Galaxy Note like qualities from a smartphone.

First, the screen is 5-inches in size. That’s only .5 inches smaller than the display on the Galaxy Note 2 and likely around .7 to an inch smaller than the Galaxy Note 3. Indeed the Galaxy S4 display is big.

Second, Samsung has brought a number of Galaxy Note software features to the Galaxy S4 including the Multi-Window View feature and Air View, which allows users to hover over content to get a preview. With the Galaxy Note, users need to use the S Pen stylus to hover over content. On the Galaxy S4, users need only use their finger.

So what this means is that users will need to heavily weigh two things. Screen size and the stylus. The Galaxy S4 screen size is only a bit smaller and it can do many of the things that the Galaxy Note series can, including some features that were once unique to the S Pen.

Cheaper Options

With the Samsung Galaxy Note series reigning supreme, Samsung and the Galaxy Note 3 carriers will likely keep the price of the new Galaxy Note around the familiar $299.99 on-contract price point. For many, that’s an expensive price tag and one that will be hard to swallow if it indeed arrives. Fortunately, there are and will be cheaper options in the build up to the Galaxy Note 3′s arrival.

For instance, the Galaxy Note 2 price has dropped significantly since it was first released back in October and November. On some carriers, it’s sitting in the bargain bin. Other big screen smartphones like the LG Optimus G Pro are also fairly inexpensive and are viable options thanks to some heavy duty hardware and some useful software.

The Optimus G Pro is an alternative worth looking at.

The Galaxy S4 is also cheap through retailers and as we’ve pointed out, is a solid alternative for those looking to get a big screen smartphone made by Samsung. Also, the HTC One price is continually dropping and it’s a device that prospective Galaxy Note 3 buyers should take a look at as well.

Can’t/Don’t Want to Wait

The Galaxy Note 3 launch date could arrive in Berlin as well.

For many people, waiting simply isn’t an option. And while it would be nice to see the Galaxy Note 3 launch and release come in July, that’s simply not going to happen. All signs point to a launch and possible a release in September which means that those who own a broken smartphone will likely want to make a move now.

As we’ve said, there are a ton of other options on the table now and waiting three months or more with a broken smartphone is going to be torture. There is always a chance that the Galaxy Note 3 won’t live up to expectations meaning the wait won’t have been worth it.

Those who can’t spend a ton of money on a smartphone also likely won’t want to wait as the Galaxy Note 3 is very likely going to be as expensive as it always has been.

With the release likely coming in the fall, those that don’t want to wait will simply not want to wait, particularly those looking for the Verizon Galaxy Note 3. Verizon is typically last in line which means that we could see a release in October or November, nearly six months from now. For the patient type, it may be worth the wait, but again, there is a plethora of options on the table now.

You Don’t Want a Bigger Screen

Rumors suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will have a bigger screen than the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, possibly a full inch bigger than the display on the older model. This isn’t confirmed, but it’s clear that Samsung will need to make a move to separate the Galaxy Note series from the Galaxy S series, the latter of which has seen its screen size bumped to 5-inches.

Now, the screen size increase doesn’t necessarily mean that the Galaxy Note 3 will be gigantic compared to the Galaxy Note 2. It will likely only be a bit bigger with Samsung increasing the height while slimming the device down. However, the overall footprint should be a tad bigger and if bigger than the Galaxy Note 2 doesn’t sound appetizing, it’s probably time to move on.

You Don’t Like Plastic

Those that don’t care for plastic designs aren’t going to want to wait for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The Galaxy Note 3 is heavily rumored to have a design similar to the Galaxy S4 which likely means that it will carry a plastic design, like many Samsung devices do. For many, this won’t be an issue but for those looking for a premium design, like those found on the HTC One or iPhone 5, it isn’t likely to be found on the Galaxy Note 3.

The Galaxy Note 3 will likely have a plastic design.

Samsung is said to be exploring metal designs though they have all been rumored for next year.

Android 4.3 Update: 5 Things to Know

While Google may have skipped a major Android announcement at Google I/O 2013, it has become clear that the company is planning to unleash a new Android update in the near future in the form of Android 4.3, thought to be a member of the Jelly Bean family of updates. And with the Android 4.3 release likely coming soon, it’s time to take a look at the most important things to know about the impending update.

In May, rumors were swirling in regards to Google I/O. Whispers pegged the event as having a number of new products on hand including the Nexus 7 2 and Android 4.3, an update that would replace Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean as the company’s most current piece of mobile software. As we now know, Android 4.3 skipped Google I/O despite signs that pointed to a launch.

In the weeks since the event however, it has become clear that Google does have an update up its sleeve. For those waiting for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, there is going to be some disappointment as the update is not going to be KLM. Instead, all signs point to Google releasing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the update that was originally thought to be coming out at Google I/O.

At this point, details regarding Android 4.3 Jelly Bean remain a bit scarce. We’ve seen some leaks and some reliable information leak, but we really haven’t seen the whole picture open up ahead of its release. Not helping is the fact that Google remains quiet about the update, even as rumors rage on as we head into the month of July.

Still, there is enough information out there to piece together some semblance of the Android 4.3 update details. But which of those details are the most important to know?

Here, we take a look at what we consider to be the five most important things to know about the Android 4.3 update.

Android 4.3 Release Date: July Likely

An Android 4.3 release is expected in July.

Google hasn’t announced anything yet as far as the Android 4.3 update is concerned but there is a very good chance that we’re going to see the update arrive at some point in July.

We’ve heard from two reliable outlets who claim that the update will land at some point next month though as of right now, a specific release date for the software remains unknown.

Backing up those claims is the fact that the update has leaked out, at least for the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Nexus (Google Edition) meaning Samsung is hard at work preparing the update for arrival.

Originally we heard that the update would be heading out on June 10th, but it appears that was premature. At this point, all signs are pointing to an arrival during July and we expect to hear more about the update, from Google’s mouth, in just a few weeks.

It’s Already Out, Sort Of

Those who are looking to get the update early can do so as the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has leaked out. However, it appears that the software is only available for two devices including the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus and Galaxy S4. Owners of the latter will be dealing with a port from the software that emerged for the Nexus version of the device.

We don’t recommend installing the software as it may not be the final version of Android 4.3, but for those that are willing and able, Android 4.3 is out and ready to be tinkered with ahead of its official release date.

Nexus Devices First

Thus far, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus and HTC One Nexus are the only devices that are rumored to be getting the update with both said to be getting it in July. However, we imagine that Google will also be updating its other Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 with Android 4.3 next month as well.

Owners of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and Sprint Galaxy Nexus should start tempering expectations as the software isn’t likely to hit those devices until a few weeks afterward. Verizon in particular is often extremely slow.

Expect Google to update the Nexus 4, and other Nexus devices first.

As for other devices, look for the software to emerge in August and September for some devices and much later for others as companies work to get their devices upgraded to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean first.

Nexus 7 2 Could Come With It

There are rumors swirling about, indicating that Google will be releasing the Nexus 7 2, a Nexus 7 2 successor, sometime in July. If that’s true, and given that a Nexus 7 2 type device has passed through the FCC it likely is, the device will almost certainly arrive with Android 4.3 on board meaning Google may pair the two together in an announcement.

The Nexus 7 2 could arrive with Android 4.3

The Nexus 7 2 is thought to be the Nexus 7′s successor and coming with a 7-inch 1080p display, quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor from Qualcomm, 5MP rear camera, LTE data speeds and a release on the Google Play Store.

It will more than likely have a vanilla version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board when it arrives now that we know that Android 4.3 is likely for the month of July.

Android 4.3 Isn’t a Big Update

Plain and simple, Android 4.3 isn’t going to be a big update. It’s not going to be the true successor to Jelly Bean, in fact it’s going to be a part of Jelly Bean. While new features could emerge in the days of ahead, from the looks of things, it’s going to be extremely small.

Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will likely be Google’s big Android update for 2013.

One feature that has been discovered is the presence of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy). That is going to be key for Android owners who use Bluetooth on a regular basis. However, beyond that, there doesn’t appear to be much.

There could be some surprises, but users should not expect an update on par with Android 5.0 KLM.

BlueStacks GamePop Mini Android Console Comes Free

Today BlueStacks announced its new GamePop Mini Android console that will come free with a subscription to the upcoming $6.99 GamePop games service.

The new GamePop Mini will come out later this year at the same time as the $129 GamePop microconsole, but gamers only have to pay for the service to get the smaller hardware. Like the GamePop, the GamePop Mini will run Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and will connect to any HDTV with the included HDMI cable.

The big differences between the two GamePop consoles are their size and specs. The GamePop Mini, as the name suggests, is smaller than the GamePop Android console, making it more portable. Inside the GamePop Mini has a slower chipset which means the small console is slower than the larger box. The GamePop Mini should play most of the same games as the GamePop microconsole, though some may not look as good.

The GamePop games service will work on both consoles, and is somewhat like Netflix for mobile games that will play on a TV. For $6.99 a month gamers gain unlimited access to hundreds of mobile games that will work on the console. BlueStacks currently claims the service will have more than 500 mobile games available at launch.

The launch games include popular titles like Halfbrick’s Jetpack Joyride and Fruit Ninja and Subatomic Games’ Fieldrunners 2. Gamers will have the chance to play those games with a controller or using their smartphone or tablet.

While the GamePop Mini and GamePop consoles will run Android, BlueStack’s Looking Glass technology will let iOS games run on the platform. Developers have to implement the technology, but the company claims many top-tier developers are already working with the tools provided.

The GamePop Mini will go up for pre-order on July 1, and will come free with a subscription. Gamers who want the $129 GamePop console instead can get that device for free by pre-ordering the GamePop subscription service by June 30.

iOS 7 Beta 3 Release on July 8th

It appears that Apple is pushing ahead with its development of iOS 7 as the iOS 7 beta 3 release date is pegged for July 8th which means that it’s still on a normal schedule as far as iOS beta releases are concerned.

Earlier this month, Apple introduced iOS 7 for the first time to developers and consumers. The software is a big time change from previous versions of iOS, bringing not only new features, but a new look to the table as well. The software will be coming out to iPhone and iPad owners sometime this fall though Apple hasn’t released a specific date.

iOS 7 beta 3 has been pegged for July 8th.

It has released an iOS 7 beta however and the company is currently on its second version, iOS 7 beta 2 which rolled out to iPhone and iPad owners just a short time ago. Typically, Apple takes around two weeks to release its iOS 7 beta software to developers. And it appears that the company remains on track as the next iOS 7 beta, iOS 7 beta 3, is rumored to be coming out on July 8th.

According to BGR, Apple is prepping the iOS 7 beta 3 release to carriers for July 8th, or, two weeks after the release of iOS beta 2. That should mean that the software will be rolling out to developers that day too. It also is likely to hit not only iPhone owners but owners of the iPad as well, despite the fact that the iPad skipped the iOS 7 beta 1.

It’s not clear exactly what will be on board the new iOS 7 beta 3 but we saw several new tidbits discovered within the second beta, including hints at changes to the camera app in the final release, and it could be that developers pick out even more hidden features inside iOS 7 when the third beta arrives.

This date obviously isn’t set in stone but given Apple’s past, it’s hard to deny that the date makes a whole lot of sense. Apple’s iOS 7 beta 3 won’t be the last beta for iOS 7 ahead of its release as Apple still has plenty of time left to work out out the kinks and ensure a stable operating system for iPhone and iPad owners this fall.

The final version of iOS 7 is expected to debut alongside a new iPhone, presumably the iPhone 5S, later this year. The iPhone 5S launch is rumored for September but that unfortunately remains unconfirmed.