Acer promises a Jade Primo 2 in 2016

  If you were keeping a close eye on this year's IFA, then you surely remember Acer's Jade Primo demonstration. Showing up on stage with a powerful new Windows 10 device is more than enough to make a lasting impression, but also boldly touring its Windows 10 Continuum for Phones abilities definitely makes for a memorable unveiling. The Jade Primo is still some time away from end user markets, but it is indeed a true ambassador to a whole new line of Windows 10 devices that break away from the current status quo of underpowered hardware and bring along Mycroft's vison of a seamless, portable PC experience in the palm of your hand.

  A new statement from ST Lui, president of Acer's handset division highlights that the OEM has realized the importance of this new wave of Windows 10 smartphones and intends to keep working at it, along with a commitment for a Jade Primo 2 successor next year and hopes of up to 10 million smartphone shipments in 2016

  This is all pretty exciting for the Windows realm, which is currently long overdue for a new line of higher end devices. It is also worth noting that while models like the eagerly-anticipatedLumia 950 and 950XL seem to be targeted as flagship offers, with prices in the $800 register, fans will also be able to get nicely equipped hardware it a mid-range price point, like the Jade Primo, also perfectly capable of Microsoft's new line of features, like the aforementioned Continuum.

  This development also give hope for Acer's new Predator gaming line of devices. Although still in its infancy, it does look quite promising, with offers, such as the Predator phone and tablet. They also made a debut at the IFA venue and from the looks of things, we can expect the Predator 6 phone to come out next year as well. Hopefully that goes for the predator 8 gaming tablet as well.

  For a more in-depth look at the Acer Jade Primo and Predator 6, check out our detailed hands-on review.

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Microsoft Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, and Lumia 550 get fully detailed in leaked slides

  Microsoft’s upcoming trio of Windows 10 smartphones got fully detailed ahead of their launch thanks to leaked slides from an internal presentation. Microsoft Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, and Lumia 550 will make their official debut alongside Microsoft Band 2 and Microsoft Surface Pro 4 at an event in New York City on October 6.

  In line with past leaks, Microsoft Lumia 950 XL will be the Redmond giant’s flagship smartphone. Its specs include 5.7” QHD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC, 32GB of expandable memory, Iris scanner, and 3,300mAh battery with support for Qualcomm QuickCharge and Qi wireless charging.

  The Lumia 950 XL will sport 20MP PureView camera with triple-LED flash, coupled with 5MP front-facing snapper. Cable connectivity will take place via USB Type-C.

  Microsoft Lumia 950 will feature a more compact 5.2” QHD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset, and 3,000mAh battery. The rest of the device’s specs match those of its larger sibling.

  Both the Lumia 950 XL and Lumia 950 will support Windows 10 Continuum. Users will be able to connect the devices to a full-size monitor via a dedicated dock.

  Microsoft Lumia 550 on the other hand, will be an affordable Windows 10 device. Its specs include 5” HD display, unnamed Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset with 1GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of expandable memory.

  The rest of the handset’s specs consist of 5MP main camera, 2MP front-facing unit, and 1,905mAh battery. The main camera will have LED flash.

  All in all, October 6 shapes up to be one busy day for Microsoft. We will be covering the company’s product launch live, so be sure to tune in for the full scoop on the new products.

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Lumia 640 and 640 XL said to land on AT&T this month

  AT&T will start selling the Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL sometime later this month, according to a report from WinSuperSite. While the former is expected to be released within the next week, the latter will arrive by the end of the month.

  As for the price, the unlocked version of the Lumia 640 is expected to carry a price tag in the range of $100 to $150, while that of its larger brother is expected to cost $100 more, which means somewhere between $200 and $250.

  It's worth mentioning that the Lumia 640 is already available on Cricket, and is expected to arrive on T-Mobile this Wednesday.

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