Rumor has it

CEBU, Philippines - Galaxy S4 Clone reported to be released earlier than the real thing

 While Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone is expected to hit major retail markets overseas by the end of April, word of a Galaxy S4 clone scheduled for an earlier “launch” has grabbed the attention of electronic consumers and netizens alike.

 Developed by Sunle, a China-based electronics manufacturer, the “S400” smartphone is noted to hit Chinese retail outlets by April 5, with the device bearing a distinct physical likeness to the Galaxy S4.

 Revealed to be powered by a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor, the “S400” sports a 5-inch sized screen, boasting a screen resolution rated at 1280 x 720.

 Reported to feature 8 gigs of internal storage space, the mobile is also noted to come with support for wireless communications for 3G, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity standards, along with an 8 Megapixel primary camera and a 3 Megapixel secondary or front-facing camera.

 Announced to tag somewhere near $240 (Php 9,600 @ $1 = $40.00), the smartphone is also announced to roll out with Android 4.1.2 pre-installed, making it a robust Android-driven smartphone that gets the job done.

 With its “launch” date initially “tipped off” by Caotic.it, the news of the “S400” certainly raises questions over how bullish “unknown” brands are getting in churning out products and device model options, even beating major industry players in rolling out new product releases and highlights.

WhatsApp for iOS reported to implement a subscription-based service model this year

 TechCrunch reports that WhatsApp for the iOS, a popular messaging app-service suite for mobiles, is set on implementing a subscription-based service model for its iOS platform variant this year.

 Originally working on a one-off download fee scheme, the implementation of a subscription-based service model brings WhatsApp for the iOS in line with how the app-service suite is being distributed in the Nokia, Windows Phone, Android and BlackBerry platforms.

 Citing an interview with WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum as its source, the specifics pertaining to the new WhatsApp for iOS subscription model is sketchy, but the report quotes Koum in saying that it is “on the roadmap” for 2013.

WhatsApp for iOS users are advised to take note of any upcoming announcements, in relation to the suite’s new subscription terms and updates.