This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21245931

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pantech unveils biggest smartphone to offer 'full HD' Pantech unveils biggest smartphone to offer 'full HD'
(about 3 hours later)
A South Korean firm has unveiled the biggest smartphone to date with a screen capable of showing 1080p high-definition video at full resolution.A South Korean firm has unveiled the biggest smartphone to date with a screen capable of showing 1080p high-definition video at full resolution.
Pantech's Android-powered Vega No 6 features a 5.9in (15cm) display, which packs in 373 pixels per inch.Pantech's Android-powered Vega No 6 features a 5.9in (15cm) display, which packs in 373 pixels per inch.
China's Huawei recently unveiled a 6.1in handset, but it was only a 720p display.China's Huawei recently unveiled a 6.1in handset, but it was only a 720p display.
They add to the so-called "phablet" category, as manufacturers test how big customers are willing to go.They add to the so-called "phablet" category, as manufacturers test how big customers are willing to go.
When Samsung pioneered the format with its 5.3in Galaxy Note in 2011, many analysts suggested its size was too large to find favour. When Samsung helped pioneered the format with its 5.3in Galaxy Note in 2011, many analysts suggested its size was too large to find favour.
But it proved a success for the firm, leading Samsung to announce a larger successor last August. Dell had previously released a 5in phone - the Streak 5 - but had ended up discontinuing the line to focus on a larger 7in tablet.
But the Note proved a success for the South Korean firm, leading Samsung to announce a larger successor last August.
In recent months other firms, including Sony, LG, HTC and ZTE, have unveiled smartphones with 5in and larger screens. More super-sized handsets are expected to be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which begins on 25 February.In recent months other firms, including Sony, LG, HTC and ZTE, have unveiled smartphones with 5in and larger screens. More super-sized handsets are expected to be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which begins on 25 February.
Remote controlRemote control
Technology consultancy Ovum suggested that demand for the format was proving particularly strong in emerging markets where most customers could not afford both a phone and a tablet.Technology consultancy Ovum suggested that demand for the format was proving particularly strong in emerging markets where most customers could not afford both a phone and a tablet.
"The Galaxy Note has been a proof-point that consumers will adopt the larger phone," said the firm's researcher Adam Leach."The Galaxy Note has been a proof-point that consumers will adopt the larger phone," said the firm's researcher Adam Leach.
"It's an artificial barrier that a phone has to be below 5in and a tablet above 7in."It's an artificial barrier that a phone has to be below 5in and a tablet above 7in.
"There is a limit on what can be used with one hand, but there's an economic point that if a device can be used like a tablet and a phone then it's got more value, especially to people who can only afford to buy one device.""There is a limit on what can be used with one hand, but there's an economic point that if a device can be used like a tablet and a phone then it's got more value, especially to people who can only afford to buy one device."
The popularity of phablets is taking some manufacturers in unexpected directions.The popularity of phablets is taking some manufacturers in unexpected directions.
Taiwan's HTC recently announced it would bundle a bluetooth remote control with its 5in-screened Butterfly handset in China.Taiwan's HTC recently announced it would bundle a bluetooth remote control with its 5in-screened Butterfly handset in China.
The add-on HTC Mini has its own screen and can be used to make calls or send messages when paired with the larger phone.The add-on HTC Mini has its own screen and can be used to make calls or send messages when paired with the larger phone.