The will be a lot of activity this fall as rumors are that both Apple and Samsung will release major devices around the same time. Nothing is sure on either side, but Apple CEO, Tim Cook, announced that the next version of the iPhone will be released before the end of the year, which is rumored to be called the iPhone 5S as some have said.

Samsung is expected to release an upgraded device called the Galaxy Note 3 perhaps in the month of September. The competition will be fierce in the hotly contested smartphone and phablet arena.

A hot topic is what the actual features are in each device. The iPhone 5S is closer to standard size, so there is a wide selection of carrying cases and similar accessories, and since these accessories are widely available, they are also less expensive. The Galaxy Note 3 has a larger screen and is harder to fit, and the ones available are more expensive.

The Galaxy Note 3 is expected to have improved screen quality at full HD screen level. The S-Pen feature may be changed. It comes with an 8-core processor with 3GB of RAM, a 13 megapixel rear-facing camera and a metal case.

On the other hand the Apple iPhone is expected to have a plastic cover. It’s expected to have a dual core processor, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 4-inch screen display.

The iPhone is expected to be less than $600, while the Galaxy Note 3 may be over $600. In all fairness the Galaxy Note 3 is not the Galaxy S4 and is a larger smartphone than the next iPhone.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 was just released 3 months ago and some carriers haven’t even taken delivery, but that hasn’t stopped Samsung fans from imagining what the next model might look like. This particular model has a 16 megapixel camera, and no home button.

Samsung has sold 10 million units in the first month making it the best-selling smartphone ever. Samsung has also sold other variants of the same Galaxy S4 model, such as the Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Zoom and the Galaxy S4 Mini.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be released around September. The next generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, may not be released until 2014. Despite being perhaps a year away, designers with vivid imaginations are making concept models.

The phone features a 5-inch 1080p display like the Galaxy S4 and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It also features a fingerprint reader performing security functions, which is also rumored to be included in the next iPhone. Rumors suggest that Samsung could be playing with the idea. The 16 megapixel camera has optical image stabilization and a next-generation Exynos 5 Octa processor.

The Galaxy S5 concept has a water resistant metal design making the current plastic case obsolete, which is also supported by rumors. It no longer features the physical home button and instead uses on-screen keys and utilizes a new version of TouchWiz.

The LG Optimus G Pro looks remarkably similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Both have 5.5-inch screens which is large for a smartphone, and they have rounded edges and a physical home button at the bottom. They look almost the same when placed side by side, but actually the Galaxy Note II is slightly taller, wider and heavier.

Based on specs, the two devices are somewhat different. Galaxy Note II runs on a 1.6GHz quad-core Exynos 4412 processor, and the Optimus G Pro has a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor. The screen resolution of the Optimus G Pro is 1920 x 1080, while the Galaxy Note II is 1280 x 720. The Optimus G Pro doesn’t feature a built-in stylus.

The camera resolution of the Optimus G Pro is superior with 13 megapixels, while the Galaxy Note II has 8 megapixels. The Optimus G Pro has a 2.1 megapixel front facing camera, while the Galaxy Note II is 1.9 megapixel. The megapixel rating is only one factor of the camera, so it takes more to evaluate their ability to take pictures.

In cases like this where hardware is very similar, manufacturers try to display real differences through the software. The LG Optimus G Pro includes the ability to collaborate with others and it allows several windows to be viewed at the same time.

Through AT&T, the LG Optimus G Pro costs $199.99 with a contract and discounts.

Sony Xperia S devices will be updated on July 8. The smartphone received the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade recently. This update addresses issues related to that upgrade. The fix should be delivered over the air to all customers within a few weeks.

This news came through Xperia Blog after noticing the forum posting by a Sony representative named Johan who is a support team member. A software update for Xperia S devices will begin on July 8, Week 28.

The main issue this update addresses is NFC connectivity. The forum question was an answer to this issue. No other issues were mentioned for this patch.

There is a chance that the week 28 release was a reference to the update 6.2.B.0.211, which was released last week. That update only started propagation and is not available in all regions. The representative may have been just suggesting that other regions still waiting will get that update. Update 6.2.B.0.211 addressed connectivity bugs related to the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade to Xperia S at the end of May.

The usual advice applies to OTA updates, that the update may take a while to reach your device since devices are updated one by one gradually as the system load allows. As an alternative users can try PC Companion, Update Service or Bridge for Mac to check for software updates and installation over the internet.

The Chevrolet Silverado is General Motors’ best-selling model by a great deal. There is a lot on the line when it comes to the latest redesigned Silverado. It’s up against some tough competition and revised models. Let’s see how the Silverado compares.

The styling is something many will recognize and at the time undergoing change. It is the quintessential Chevy truck. Many of the good points are carried forward with additional refinements.

It allows for cargo to be loaded at a low height just as in the past which is aided by an integrated bumper step and assisted tail gate for ease of lowering. The overall low height renders running boards practically unnecessary for many drivers.

The interior is improved with the MyLink infotainment system, abundant gauges, easy-to-use buttons and switches. The dashboard is soft on top models. Luxury options are heated steering wheel and ventilated seats.

Most models have a 5.3L V8 engine. Options are a 4.3L V6 engine and a 6.2L V8. All three aluminum engines come with six-speed transmission. All engines have cylinder deactivation, variable-valve timing, direct injection, and grade braking.

The truck will come in traditional standard, extended cab, and crew cab bodies with either two- or four-wheel drive. Crew cab models come with larger rear doors than on the previous model. Extended cab rear doors are now forward-hinged.

The impression of the Silverado LTZ is that it is civilized and has the feel of a big sedan–quiet and refined. The Chevrolet Silverado competes directly with the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

Speculation over the next generation iPhone with concept models has tickled many a person’s imagination since the iPhone 5 last year. People are looking for the next big thing that will fill the longing in the void of their current device and life situation. Apple has been producing millions, but there was no new release of any new mobile devices at WWDC 2013.

Antonio De Rosa of ADR Studio has attempted a rendering based on the current rumors about the iPhone 6. His design has featured the 4.3-inch edge-to-edge display which is expected along with other upgrades.

De Rosa’s concept maximizes the display to the edges and pushes the bezel outwards. The camera and front-facing camera occupy less space.

The Home button is no longer an actual physical button, but a touch-pad implementing the rumored fingerprint recognition capability as well as gesture recognition.

The concept phone has an 18 megapixel rear camera and dual LED-flash, which is a bit unreal beyond what is typically on high-end smartphones. The camera image processing features noise reduction and image stabilization in De Rosa’s concept.

The gesture detection area of the iPhone 6 is in his concept even though the Samsung Galaxy S4 already has this feature. Apple has explained that it doesn’t fear following features in the market. De Rosa’s concept has an Apple A7 processor and an 18 megapixel camera.

Though only a figment of the imagination and a concept, it’s attractive and makes one wonder about the next generation iPhone.

The 2014 Acura MDX has enough technology in a premium SUV as a German competitor for five to ten thousand dollars less. Acura improved the technology, added another LED on the center stack, and reduced the number of buttons, reduced the weight, and improved fuel economy for the 2014 model.

In the age of watching videos on iPads, having an infotainment system with a 16-inch screens can seem redundant.

It could be the best premium SUV in its field matched up against the Audi Q5, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, GMC Terrain, Infiniti JX35, Lexus RX, Nissan Pathfinder, Mercedes-Benz ML, and Toyota Highlander.

Previously the Acura MDX featured an excessive amount of controls on the center stack with over 60 buttons several years ago. Buttons have been reduced to 9. There are two screens on the center stack: one for navigation and one for climate control. Perhaps the only alternative would be to have one long wide screen.

A third multi-informational display is for navigation, audio control, phone, and cruise control. The steering wheel is quite large which is great for control. It also features scroll wheel buttons like Audi.

An infotainment system has two screens in either 9-inch of 16.2-inch options. They can play two different programs at the same time or simultaneously. An HDMI connector allows user video input. Using AcuraLink telematics system, it supports embedded (in-dash) and tethered (through your smartphone) applications like Pandora, Facebook, etc.

The Acure MDX has driver assist for brief periods. This model costs $57,000.

The fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. It’s 275 pounds lighter and 2 inches longer. The engine is a V6 with 290 horsepower.

The 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe will have the lowest center of gravity of any current BMW. It will also weigh somewhat less than the previous model. Given that, it’s got to be a fast and capable two-door. It costs $1800 more and is more nimble, more attractive and has more options.

The drivetrain is not that different than the previous M3. The 2014 BMW 428i is available in rear and all-wheel drive. The engine is a 2.0L I-4 with 420 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. It goes 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than the time for a 2012 335i six-speed manual, which never came in all-wheel drive.

The 435i has a 3.0L I-6 with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 time is 5.3 seconds, and 5.0 seconds with the eight-speed automatic. The 420i or diesel 4 Series models are not expected in the US.

A coupe is to look good, not just have superior acceleration. Most of the 4 Series concept’s styling have been carried over from the 3 Series sedan design. It retains the Air Breather vents behind the front wheels. The line that runs from the top of the front wheel wells to the L-shaped taillights remains. The roofline is integrated with the hood better.

The 4 Series is 1.7 inches wider than the previous 3 Series and gets wider in the rear section to 3.1 inches wider. The wheelbase is 2 inches longer. The height is 0.6 inches lower.

Using lighter weight materials it is reportedly 44-99 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

Microsoft is giving away free Surface RT tablets to attendants at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference to promote the use of technology in the classroom. The donated Surface RT is to be used at attendants’ local schools. The organization says that about 10,000 Surface RT tablets are intended to be send out to schools throughout the country.

The company wants to show through their donation that its desire is to modernize education as well as expose the company’s products to all kinds of people.

Margo Day, Microsoft’s Vice President of United States Education, explained how Surface RT is a blend between a tablet computer and a laptop computer, which includes Office allowing creation and collaboration. It’s intended to show that Microsoft is not only producing Windows operating system software, but demonstrates that Microsoft is making hardware that works with Office. Microsoft’s user loyalty began with the educational market.

Day also explained how the Surface RT is superior to the iPad for an educational setting. Windows 8 allows people like teachers to multi-task and do grading and planning quicker as a result.

The offer of free Surface RT tablets follows several promotions for Surface RT tablets, including bargain prices at Staples as well as free Touch Keyboards and Type Keyboards for Surface purchasers, and $99 deals at TechEd North America and Europe events. This could be an effort to clear stock before a product upgrade.

The Surface RT was announced one year ago at an event in Los Angeles. It’s been rumored to have a 7-inch Surface device to be launched this year.

According to a new rumor, Apple is considering to prepare a 5.7-inch smartphone (perhaps running iOS 7) to be released in 2014 to take on Samsung’s currently unannounced Galaxy Note 3. 5.7 inches is a jumbo size for a smartphone, which puts it in the phablet category, but at this moment it is not confirmed.

Existing rumors about the iPhone 6 suggest that its 2014 release will have a 4.5 to 4.8-inch display. This new rumor put forth by Reuters suggests that this other variant will have a 5.7-inch screen.

Reuters’ source suggests that Apple is collaborating with an Asian supply chain to produce 5.7-inch displays for this rumored iOS phablet. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has discussed the tradeoffs that occur when a device’s screen becomes larger than 4 inches, which makes it difficult to use with one hand.

Now that iOS 7 is available somewhat, it makes it possible to create a user interface on handsets with larger screens to be easier to use with one hand.

Besides this rumor of a 5.7-inch iPhablet in 2014, Apple seems likely to be releasing a low-cost iPhone variant later in this year perhaps around $99 according to the other earlier Reuters report.

Apple’s next generation flagship device for 2013 is likely to be released in the fall with some upgraded specs similar to the iPhone 5 but with a fingerprint reader underneath the home button.