After we got our first sighting of Android 4.3 this morning, information continues to flood in. We were able to spot a tweaked UI to the camera in the original set of pictures, but this video gives you almost every little detail that has been changed. The biggest is obviously the change to a settings UI that isn’t covered by your finger.

In the old UI, once you long-pressed in the center of the camera, a ring would appear around the focus with options, many of which couldn’t be seen because your finger was in the way. With this, Google has moved the settings menu to above the circle and builds on top of itself as you enter new menus. If you don’t want to interact with the menu in the middle of the camera UI, you can tap the settings circle in the bottom right, which then pops up settings over top of the shutter button. We’re also noticing a new timer option that I’m not able to find on my Nexus 4 running Android 4.2. 

We wish that the man behind the camera would have tapped on the camera menu to see if anything has changed in terms of video, Photosphere, and panorama, but that didn’t happen.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Notice anything else?

Via:  +Theogusper George Philip Piccadilly

Video: Here is the Android 4.3 Camera UI With Improved On-screen Controls is a post from: Droid Life

Over on XDA, a user posted some pictures this morning of a Nexus 4 that was seen at a mobile expo taking place in Thailand. What makes this N4 special is that the device appears to be running a completely new build number, JWR45B. Coupled with the new build is a kernel that was built in May, signs that we could definitely be setting our eyes on Android 4.3.

Only a few pictures were snapped, one of the About section, another of the camera’s semi-new interface (controls to the side rather than in the focus area), concluded by the Jelly Bean Easter Egg found through the About section. Not too much new here in terms of design, so it could be a pretty safe bet that Android 4.3 won’t feature a radical look or UI change.

After some searches on the new build number, it becomes apparent that JWR45B is just one of few numbers that could potentially be Android 4.3. Others include JWR46 and JWR39D.

It should only be a matter time when Google feels it appropriate to drop Android 4.3 on us. The question of course, is when? Will it be June 10?

Via: XDA [2]

Cheers kevlar!

Android 4.3 Possibly Spotted Running on Nexus 4, Build Number JWR45B is a post from: Droid Life

Hey, the white Nexus 4 for the third time in a week! Though this time it hits a little closer to home as it was obtained by our buddy Taylor from Android and Me while at Google I/O this week. According to his sources, this white model will be available from Google Play on June 10 and is exactly the same as the black version (same storage, and no LTE) only it comes in…white. 

Along with his new mobile addition, he is reporting that Android 4.3 will launch on June 10 as well. The update is expected to be minor, which may be the reason it wasn’t front and center at I/O this week. As one would expect, the update will hit all Nexus devices shortly after it is released.

Who is ready to pick up the white N4?

Via:  Android and Me

White Nexus 4 Shows Up at Google I/O, Android 4.3 Rumored for June 10 is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks to a display unit hanging around the Qualcomm booth at a tech event in Dubai, the white version of the Nexus 4 is getting all sorts of play this week. While this new sighting gives us an up-close-and-personal view of the paler brother to the original N4, this still doesn’t mean that we are guaranteed to see it at Google I/O this week. We would certainly love to, as the white Nexus 4 has been on our radar since first appearing back in January, but there is no indication that this version will ever see a broad retail release. 

So what do we have here? A white Nexus 4 – nothing more. There isn’t LTE or 32GB of storage from what we can tell, two features that rumormongers continue to spread across tech publications.

I’m personally a fan of the two-tone look, with the white Crystal Reflection case on the back, with a black front-side, but I know that many of you would rather it be completely white.

Via:  TechView

Video: White Nexus 4 Gets a Quick Hands-on is a post from: Droid Life

The white Nexus 4 has returned! Thanks to a new set of photos of the device posted by a Google+ user this weekend, the tech media world now thinks we are guaranteed to see this variant at Google I/O next week…with LTE…and 32GB of storage. While that’s certainly a possibility, the guy that purchased this is not some Google insider nor does he appear to have any knowledge of this device actually having anything to do with I/O. No, he bought it from a local “buy and sell website” while trading in his black Nexus. That’s it. He didn’t sneak one out of a back-alley I/O truck session or have lunch in a dark room with Larry Page. He bought it locally. 

But hey, it’s the white Nexus 4 again! Boy, do I wish I had one. Since first popping up back in late January and then re-appearing through a lengthy hands-on session, we have been crossing fingers, hoping for some sort of white N4 announcement from Google. Here we are four months later, and nothing has happened on that front.

We should point out in the past that Google has handed out special edition Nexus devices at Google I/O (like the white Nexus 7), which is happening this week. However, this is not a sign that attendees are getting one. This is just a lucky Android lover who found one at his local tech shop.

Via:  +Ervin Sue

White Nexus 4 Makes a New Appearance, Doesn’t at All Mean It’s Coming at I/O is a post from: Droid Life

The HALO feature for Paranoid Android ROM is now available in to owners of the Nexus 4 (mak0). This first build with HALO should be considered an “alpha” or really early build, but will at least give you a chance to play around with what should be considered one of the most groundbreaking ROM features we have seen in some time. 

For those who missed our coverage of HALO, think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking add-on, in that it takes notifications and apps, and allows you to access them via floating icon that can be moved to any location on your screen. In a way, it takes Facebook’s Chat Heads concept and pushes it to the limit.

The video below shows off its power.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ll see builds for the Nexus 7 next, followed by the Galaxy Nexus.

Download Links:  Nexus 4 ROM | Nexus 7 ROM | Google Apps

Update:  Nexus 7 ROM now available.

Via:  +Paranoid Android

Cheers Mitchell!

First Builds of Paranoid Android With Alpha HALO Feature Rolling Out (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

Don’t worry, we’ve seen your tips hit our inbox. We are well aware that benchmarks for devices named “Google Nexus 4 LTE” and “Google X phone” are appearing through apps like AnTuTu. We also know that both have been rumored off and on over the last couple of months as potential Google I/O launch devices. But pardon us if we aren’t buying into these benchmarks being legit or giving us any reason to call anything as “confirmed.” Let me explain. 

We’ll start first with the “Google Nexus 4 LTE,” since it’s the newest device to make internet rounds. After a couple of unconfirmed and “weird” rumors for this device floated about last week, a supposed benchmark from it is now available, leading some to report that this device along with Android 4.3 are confirmed. (Nice timing!) Funny thing is, if you actually own a Nexus 4 with stock Android (like I do), and run an AnTuTu benchmark, the device isn’t called “Google Nexus 4.” No, AnTuTu knows the name as “Nexus 4″ only. In fact, if you do an AnTuTu search for “Nexus 4,” you’ll get dozens of results back from real devices, but if you limit it to “Google Nexus 4,” you get four results of devices that may not even be the Nexus 4 (all pictured above to the left). Two are clocked properly at 1.5GHz, while the other two are are running Ice Cream Sandwich and who knows what kind of processor.

So what I’m getting at, is benchmarks can easily be faked. Toss on a custom ROM here, tweak a build.prop there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you could trick the results into showing whatever you like. And that leads us into the next screenshot on the far right for the “Google X phone” and “Google X” running Android 5.0.1

First, we know that Motorola is working on new phones – execs from Google have admitted this time and time again. Do we know that one of them will be called the “X Phone”? No. Sure, we’ve seen a job listing for the project from Motorola with X Phone mentioned, but if anything, that’s a code name (or a troll job by Google), which typically do not show up on benchmarks. Second, it’s clear that someone tried to create these results just to stir the pot. We’ve got phones with varying processors, three different versions of Android, and one even going as far as to use the word “phone” in the name. Because phone manufacturers love to use the word “phone” in an official capacity at the end of their naming conventions. Can you imagine if HTC went with the “HTC One Phone”? You get the point.

Oh and what about the top result that shows “Android 5.0.1″? We’re pretty sure the next big release of Android is 4.3, not 5.0. You can find a handful of reports who are claiming to have seen Android 4.3 in server logs (we’ve got sightings in our analytics as well), still as Jelly Bean, but nothing on 5.0 and we’re two weeks from Google I/O. If Google were to unveil 5.0, we’d have seen some sort of trace of it by now.

In the past, we have used benchmarks to help shape stories and gather details about upcoming phones, but AnTuTu listings of a random phone name with a random version of Android is not a part of that process. If you want to find legitimate results, GLBenchmark is probably your best bet.

Motorola is indeed working on new phones, hell, we even have the real codenames for them already. But there are no signs right now that point to Google actually releasing an LTE Nexus 4. We’d love for that to happen, but anything related to it at this point is nothing but rumor. Thankfully, we are two weeks away from I/O and will find out for sure then.

Benchmarks for Nexus 4 LTE and X Phone Appear Running New Versions of Android, Probably Shouldn’t Believe Them Though is a post from: Droid Life

Rather than a Nexus 5 is there a chance that Google releases a new version of the Nexus 4 this summer? According to a new rumor that is making the rounds and appearing in our inbox far too often, this is the word on the dark, back alley, make-sure-you-have-a-tight-grip-on-your-purse, streets. The rumor is this – Google is going to release a new variant of the Nexus 4 with both CDMA and LTE radios inside, along with 32GB of storage. It’ll be unveiled at Google I/O in May. So, what do we think? 

Well, first, Google seems to have made it clear at times that they aren’t fans of tying their Nexus devices to carriers. We all know from back in the days of Ice Cream Sandwich that their Android engineers spoke of having their minds blown over the carrier approval process for delaying what should be simple updates. But then again, Andy Rubin said after the launch of the Nexus 4 that they would “certainly have a desire to offer devices on every carrier on the planet.” His comments came during an explanation over the lack of LTE in the device and the idea that they didn’t want to use hybrid LTE networks along with older tech and dual-radios, since they diminish the user experience and battery life. So which is it? Do they hate carrier-tied devices or not? Or was Rubin speaking generally about having a device that works on all carriers, yet isn’t necessarily branded by them? Tough to tell.

This rumor does pose a couple of interesting points, though. The first being that Sprint received both of their Nexus devices (Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus) around April and May, long after the initial release of the same device. Should Google have figured out a way to toss in a CDMA/LTE radio inside one, launching on Sprint at Google I/O in May certainly matches up to previous time frames. Then again, Google has had to publicly state some of their frustrations with CDMA in general, as it is difficult to support in AOSP. Do they really want to go down that route again after all that we’ve been through? We’re talking withheld factory images, binaries, and updates for both Sprint and Verizon variants of Nexus devices, all of which run on CDMA networks.

The other part of this rumor mentions that we could see this version with 32GB of storage inside. As you all know, the current Nexus 4 only comes with 8GB or 16GB of storage, which in today’s smartphone era, isn’t necessarily enough thanks to massive pictures, HD video recordings, HD games, and movie downloads. One could fill up 8GB (since the system usually takes a couple of that to begin with) in no time without even trying. So, a 32GB version of the phone does make some sense.

We’re also acknowledging the idea that Google would likely release a new version of the Nexus 4 over a brand new Nexus 5 since the Nexus 4 is still only a couple of months old, makes a lot of sense. Google tends to launch new smartphones at their winter events, while saving the mid-year I/O conference for tablets and random media players that lack any functionality. Why not toss out a new version of the Nexus 4 to push sales until they can launch new hardware during the holidays?

We should point out that the folks at Android Central mentioned the existence of a similar version of this device back in November of last year, stating that it could arrive by late Q1. Obviously, that didn’t happen. They later weighed in with the idea that we may not see this phone after all, even though they had heard that AT&T and Sprint versions were in testing, because news on either device had gone silent for months. At least that’s another supposed confirmation of the device’s existence, but at this point, not necessarily in a good way.

Keep in mind that we also saw a brief glimpse of a white Nexus 4, along with a matching white Bumper, yet have never seen either officially launch anywhere. Google does some head-scratching things more often than we can keep track of. I’ll just say this – a CDMA variant of the Nexus 4 makes little sense to me after seeing what has happened over the years with both Sprint and Verizon versions of Nexus phones. But then again, this is Google we are talking about.

So, folks, we really just don’t know. One can always dream.

Via:  Sidhtech

Cheers Sean, Roderick, and everyone else!

Weird Rumor: 32GB Nexus 4 With CDMA and LTE to be Announced at Google I/O? is a post from: Droid Life

The folks at XGEAR released their new tempered glass screen protector for the Nexus 4 last week called the Fantom 4. It’s their newest tempered glass protector in a long line that includes the Note 2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Nexus, and Nexus 7. All signs point to this version being in high demand, as they have apparently sold through their initial stock in a short few days. They were kind enough to send me a review sample to share with DL, but are not expecting to see replenished stock until closer to the end of the month. Until that happens, let’s talk about this protector. 

The first thing that came to mind when applying this was, “How is it going to work with the cascading edge display of the Nexus 4?” The answer is simple, it doesn’t cascade over the sides. Unless XGEAR can figure out a way to magically curve their tempered glass, it’s just not going to happen. But after applying the Fantom 4, I can’t necessarily find it at fault for this. With the protector on, it feels as soft as the normal Nexus 4 display, you’ll just find a bit of an edge should your finger start from off the display and then slide across it. Definitely not a deal breaker for me, but something to keep in mind. For the most part, I’d say this protector fits better than some of the others I’ve had in the past.

There are cutouts for the front camera, front speaker, top sensors, and notification light. As with any of XGEAR’s protectors, the Fantom 4 is just 0.4mm thick at an 8H hardness, so it adds little thickness. They apply a special coating to help keep off oils and fingerprints and use real glass to ensure an “OEM experience.”

If there is one issue it would have to do with a tiny oily or wet-looking spot in the middle of the device that we have seen in the past with tempered glass screen protectors. It’s not pronounced on the Nexus 4 like I have seen it before, but it’s there. In order to see it, I have to get up close and personal with the device at a 130-degree angle or so. So at normal viewing angles, you may not even notice it.

Overall, it’s another solid option (maybe even the only option) for those who want glass protection on the display of their Nexus 4. It has its minor flaws, but almost every tempered glass protector I’ve seen over the last few years does.

The Fantom 4 retails for $34.99.

Gallery

Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Order today from the XGEAR site.

Quick Look: Fantom 4 Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Nexus 4 is a post from: Droid Life

Our coverage of the HTC One continues on with a comparison of the device to many of the popular phones on the market today. Unfortunately, since the Samsung Galaxy S4 is not yet available, we had to go with the Galaxy S3, Note 2, Nexus 4, RAZR MAXX HD, and ol’ reliable, Galaxy Nexus. In this clip, you’ll see size comparisons, my thoughts on the different build materials, overall feel, and having to deal with carrying around a metal phone after years of plastic in my pocket. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: HTC One vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Nexus 4 vs. RAZR HD vs. Galaxy Note 2 is a post from: Droid Life

One of our favorite case makers, DODOcase, is hosting a mega-sale on all products over the next few days. They are a San Francisco based company that hand-makes book-style cases for devices like the Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Galaxy Tab 10.1, and iPads using eco-friendly woods and fabrics. They also make these snazzy little wallet or pouch-style cases for phones (some tablets too) using premium leather and other materials. We took a look at their bookcases (for Nexus 7) and pouches (for Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3) for a number of devices a few weeks back, and are still using them to this day. These are premium products, to say the least. 

But since they are “premium” and hand-made, they aren’t exactly the cheapest accessories on the planet, with prices starting at around $60. So now is a great time to consider ordering one, since today’s sale will land you a 38% discount. If you hold out, the discount drops to 28% tomorrow and then down to 18% on Sunday. No matter what, you’ll get a deal all weekend long, even if you are a king procrastinator.

Use the coupon code  ”SUPPORTSMALL” during checkout and see the price drop drastically.

Via:  DODOcase

Cheers Nick!

Deal: All DODOcases are 38% Off If You Use Coupon Code “SupportSmall” is a post from: Droid Life

Moments ago, Google introduced three new accessories to the Nexus 4 family. The N4 listings include a pair of wired headphones for $19.99, standard USB cable for $9.99, and a power adapter at $15.99.

The accessories aren’t necessarily anything groundbreaking from what we can tell, but the headphones do at least include flat tangle-free cords, aluminum backing, double rubber ear pieces, and a microphone for taking calls. The USB cable and power adapter on the other hand, are exactly what you think they are. Need a spare charger combo? I guess this is an option. 

Keep in mind that headphone purchases also include a $5.99 2-day shipping charge.

Play Links:  Headphones | Power Adapter | USB Cable

New Nexus 4 Accessories Arrive on Google Play – Headphones With Microphone, USB Cable, and Power Adapter is a post from: Droid Life

New shipments of Google’s Nexus 4 are arriving with a couple of tweaks that were not a part of the original device. As you can see from the images above and below from Mobiflip, the changes are incredibly minor, yet still may offer something we could have used a couple of months ago – protection for that glass back. 

The first addition – and most important – is a rubber nipple or nub placed at the four corners of the backside of the device (top image). These should allow for the phone to rest slightly above surfaces and hopefully prevent scratching or in my case, full-on cracks. There is a chance that it will also help audio to escape from the backside speaker while the phone is lying back down.

The second change affects the camera, though it may not be much. As you can see from the image below, the cut out for the camera lens is slightly smaller in the new hardware. Will this cause the device to magically take better pictures? Eh, probably not.

And that’s it – minor, minor changes, one of which we are big fans of.

Via:  Mobiflip

New Batches of Nexus 4 Receive Slight Hardware Modification is a post from: Droid Life

Remember how surprised we were to see the Nexus 4 attaching itself to random 4G LTE networks (AWS band) shortly after release in places like Canada? And how we were simultaneously holding out hope that T-Mobile would launch their AWS LTE network so that we wouldn’t miss out on all the fun? Well, before that ever happened, Google updated the device to Android 4.2.2 and essentially killed off those chances. But, thankfully for us, there is still hope now that T-Mobile has officially launched their AWS LTE network in seven cities. 

As one would expect from the amazing Android tinkerer community, users are already finding T-Mo’s 4G LTE in places like San Jose, Houston and Las Vegas, all of which are a part of the seven city launch. How are they doing it, you ask? Custom ROMs and the old .33 radio/baseband from before the 4.2.2 update, which brought .48 and killed LTE.

According to the lengthy XDA thread we linked to below (start around the 100-page mark), users are finding success with both CM and AOKP ROMs. Keep in mind that they are also having to update APN settings on the device and make sure they have the .33 radio flashed.

If you live in any of the new T-Mobile LTE markets and own a Nexus 4, LTE speeds are only a ROM flash away.

Via:  XDA

Cheers @iAmAButta!

Nexus 4 Devices Seeing Plenty of T-Mobile LTE Action Thanks to Newly Live Markets is a post from: Droid Life

This week, there was an overwhelming cry for us to feature BAMF’s Paradigm v3.1 for Custom ROM Friday. We touched on the original Paradigm last year, but it looks like there has been some major updating going down since then. It is based off of Android 4.2.2, and brings some killer custom features, coupled with great speeds and long battery life. What else could you ask for in a custom ROM? 

It is currently available for Nexus devices such as the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4, but there are murmurs suggesting it is also coming to the Galaxy S3. Below, I have thrown in some of the more awesome features that come baked inside, which should help you decide if you want to go ahead with your flashing. As a quick example, there are some extra LWP’s (I love LWP’s), configurable search soft key, and even a snazzy custom boot animation.

Add-ons:

• All stock sound files
• Additional live wallpapers not included in AOSP
• Enabled extra browser settings
• Increased rotation and animation speed and opened up 360 degree rotation
• Accurate battery
• Custom clock widget from ICS pre-release
• Added long press of Recent apps to activate menu key
• Configurable Search soft key with option to enable/disable
• Custom launcher with search bar removed, 4×5 grid layout, and custom app drawer button

BAMF Add-ons:

• Custom boot animation with audio (thanks to gadget! for the logo)
• BAMF LTE Widget
• BAMF Torch Widget
• Configurable Lockscreen with three hotseats, selectable left target, and pull down for Torch
• Completely configurable QuickSettings replacing normal settings in Status Bar

Downloads: Nexus 4 | Nexus 7 | Galaxy Nexus

Via: Team BAMF

Cheers everyone who submitted!

Custom ROM Friday: BAMF Paradigm v3.1 For Nexus Devices is a post from: Droid Life