Sony and HTC are reportedly the latest to release new phblets - devices that share features from both phones and tablets. Information has surfaced via a JP Morgan research note of a phablet based on the HTC One but with a larger 5.9-inch screen. The device, already dubbed "HTC One Max," is expected to have the same internal specifications as the normal-sized One handset and is expected to launch in the autumn.

Sony has also sentout press invites to a product launch in Germany on June 25. The invitation asks if we "Want more," (Lust auf mehr?). The device is most probaby the Xperia Z Ultra, a water-and-dust-resistant device with a 6.4-inch full HD display.

Phablets, tipped as one of the defining smartphone trends of 2013, have been pioneered by Samsung Electronics. Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy Note III, the third iteration of the device that started the phablet trend two years ago. It will reportedy have a 5.99-inch full HD display, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and could ship with an octo-core processor.

Rumors have also Samsung to releazse the Samsung Galaxy SIV Zoom, a device that the company is expected to officially unveil at a London event on June 20. The smartphone is expected to have a 4.3-inch display, a 16-megapixel image sensor camera unit with dedicated shutter button and focal controls.

Seperately, Sony will be launching a plain vanilla Google edition of its Xperia Z smartphone in July.