First Ubuntu-powered smartphone comes to Europe for €169.90

One of the bigger stories of 2014 was the coming of the Ubuntu Edge powered smartphone which was (theoretically) powerful enough to be used as a desktop when plugged into a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Then, news about the the project quickly evaporated, just like that.

Now we have news that the Ubuntu phone isn't just alive, it is coming to market as the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition by Spanish manufacturer BQ (maker of phones and tablets). Selling in Europe for €169.90. The Aquaris isn't a flagship smartphone but a budget model with dual-sim capability, no LTE and a 4.5-inch display comparable to the Lumia 530 and Moto E range type of device.

Source: The Verge 

HTC One mini 2 announced for Asian and European markets

The HTC One mini 2 takes many of the features and a lot of the design direction from the HTC One (M8) but scales down some specs, size and functionality to appeal to the midrange of the market. Announced for Asia and Europe (no North American variants as of yet), the HTC One mini 2 features a 4.5-inch screen, a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage but expandable via a microSD slot. Other big features are a 13 megapixel camera and a large 2100 mAh battery. The HTC One mini 2 is likely one of the more premium devices in the "mini variant" smartphone space.

Source: AnandTech

Moto X looking to make a splash in Europe

After launching its entry level Moto G globally late last year, Motorola seems to be poised to follow thi up in Europe with 'a new addition' to the European Motorola family of products. This is most likely their flagship Moto X, could be made available to European carriers. Hopefully with the Moto Maker customization option in tow and the latest version of Android KitKat oreinstalled. All will be revealed on January 14!

Source: Phandroid

Firefox OS fires first salvo in Europe with devices from ZTE and Alcatel

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Mozilla's Firefox OS on mobile phones is the newest entrant into the iOS and Android dominated mobile market but they're starting their initial salvo in Europe. Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica will release the first Firefox OS devices, the Alcatel One Touch Fire and the ZTE Open. The ZTE Open from Telefonica will cost €69 (inc. VAT), including €30 for prepaid customers and the option of zero interest financing for post pay customers.

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