Google sends out invites to October 24 event in New York: Here comes the Nexus 5?

Summary: With the Nexus 5 likely to be officially announced by Google on Thursday, next week will be a very busy for mobile enthusiasts, with Apple and Nokia also announcing new products.

(Image: CNET)

Google is reportedly sending out invites for an October 24 event, which may see the first official glimpse of the next-generation Nexus smartphone.

It comes less than a day after the long-awaited Nexus 5 briefly appeared on the Google Play Store, priced at $349.

Given Google's own slip up (which may have been on purpose), as well as past Nexus announcements, all rumor roads lead to the announcement of the Nexus 5 running the new Android 4.4 "KitKat" operating system next week.

The long-awaited smartphone, which will likely be manufactured by LG, may have a couple different memory configurations, including 16GB and 32GB storage, but lacking microSD expansion capabilities as per previous iterations. Reports also point to a Snapdragon 800 processor, new camera technology, and include Qi wireless charging functionality.

Google's boost to the specification tables, unlike past Nexus devices that always had one or two things missing, could lead the Nexus 5 to being the Android device for the lucrative holiday season.

Similar to the wild success of the Apple iPhone, recent Nexus releases were wildly popular and stock sold out quickly. On Thursday, stay close to your computer and keep your eye on the Google Play Store.

Further reading

Matthew Miller started using a Pilot 1000 in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since.

Apple sends invites for September event: iPhone 5S on deck, what we know so far

(Image: Apple via CNET)

Apple is finally ready to talk about, what we are guessing is its latest and greatest smartphone. 

Just hours after Microsoft stole the spotlight with the news it would acquire Nokia's phone making business, Apple took the limelight for itself. The next Apple smartphone, dubbed the iPhone 5S, is expected to be announced at an event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California on September 10.

The technology giant sent sister site CNET an invitation this morning, reading: "This should brighten everyone's day." The "bubble" graphics indicate the event will also focus on iOS 7, the next-generation mobile platform, which will launch with the next smartphone.

What's on the cards? It's clear as day that the Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant will launch the latest iteration of its popular premium smartphone. But it's unclear if Apple will also launch something entirely new — a low-cost budget iPhone designed for the emerging markets, dubbed the iPhone 5C, as rumors suggest.

We are not, however, expecting a new iPad to make an appearance at the September event. Following an adjusted release cycle last year, Apple will likely hold a separate event in November, just ahead of the lucrative December holiday season.

CNET will be there live with all the live coverage and the breaking news, while ZDNet will have instant analysis as it happens and to follow.

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