Android Wear iPhone support tipped to be coming soon

Rumours have been going on for a while that Google is working on iPhone support for the Android Wear wearable platform. Recent reports claim that Google is close to finishing up with the technical details for Android Wear to work with Apple's platform. However, with the upcoming release of the Apple Watch, we're not sure if Apple will be willing to play nice with Google on this one. Of course, they want their own wearable to succeed. And Google would need Apple's help with this. You can't sideload apps on iPhone unless you jailbreak a device, we don't think Google would take that route.

Source: The Verge | Via: Ubergizmo 

Sharp tipped to be spinning off smartphone LCD business

Demonstrating just how tough it is to survive in the mobile business, Sharp will reportedly spin off its smartphone LCD division to help keep the company afloat. The move will reportedly be made in the current fiscal year, maybe around next March. The announcement will reportedly be made before Sharp announces its restructuring plans in  May. The company won't give confirmation about the plans just yet but they are saying that they are still considering reorganization options. 

Source: Reuters + Wall Street Journal | Via: Engadget

Samsung tipped to be partnering with a premium watchmaker for its new smartwatch

Samsung is said to be developing a round smartwatch referred to as Orbis and they are reportedly asking for help from a premium watchmaker for it. Perhaps to take on Apple and its new Apple Watch, Samsung is supposedly testing its Orbis smartwatch in France, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. It’s seen as a peculiar move because they usually test new devices in Germany and Poland.

According to Sammobile, this might be because they are working with a popular premium watchmaker from France like Dior, Cartier, or Chanel to unveil a premium variant of this upcoming smartwatch. No one has be confirmed to be working with Samsung yet. These are still rumours at the moment. But if it rings true, then Apple Watch will have new competition.

Source: Sammobile

Apple rumoured to be expanding iPhone trade-in program to other devices

Apple seems to be opening up its doors for its recycling/trade-in program, if reports are to be believed. According to 9to5Mac, Apple will allow non-Apple users to be part of its trade-in program. It will supposedly allow them to trade in their Android or BlackBerry devices for gift cards that can be used to buy iPhones. If true, the move is obviously to boost iPhone sales.

Apple retail staff are reportedly being trained to transfer contacts from Android or BlackBerry to iOS. But they won’t transfer anything else, so please back up those photos and other precious data you might have on your phones. The program is said to be arriving in the coming weeks.

Source: 9to5Mac