Droid Life

Leaked Photos Hit the Web of NVIDIA's Tegra Tab

Tim — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 09:56:01 +0000

Recently, a device branded the Tegra Tab was pictured and thrown onto the web, but there has been no word from NVIDIA that they are working on such a device. It has been reported for some time that NVIDIA would be looking into contracting out hardware (tablets included) to make sure that their new Tegra processors were hitting the market, but nothing official ever came from that. NVIDIA lost the bid to have their Tegra 4 processor power the new Nexus 7, which instead features a chipset made by Qualcomm. Unfortunately, that has been a sad move by Google, as Qualcomm has been very stingy about releasing factory images for the device.

No exact specs are currently known for the Tegra Tab, but we would say it is safe to assume it will feature a Tegra chip, most likely the Tegra 4. The Tegra 4 has yet to hit the market in a major way, and currently only a handful of tablets and the SHIELD portable gaming console feature the processor. From the photos, we can see that the tablet does feature a back-facing camera, and even a slot for a possible stylus in the top left corner. But will it ever hit the States? Recently, NVIDIA filed for the trademark, Tegra Tab, so it is possible that we could see this in America sometime in the future. We will keep you posted. Via: The Verge

Report: Asus to Create New Nexus 10 Instead of Samsung?

Kellen — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 09:18:29 +0000

Shortly after announcing the new Nexus 7 on stage at a Google event in San Francisco two weeks ago, Android boss Sundar Pichai allegedly told a Wall Street Journal reporter that a new Nexus 10 was also on the way and that Samsung would be making it again. The news didn't exactly surprise us, since Samsung and Google have had a solid partnership over the years, especially when it comes to the Nexus brand. With that said, a new report out of Geek.com suggests that Samsung may not make the new 10-inch tablet at all, and that Asus, who has made both Nexus 7 tablets for Google, may have actually won the bid. According to "multiple sources," the new Nexus 10 will be sold at both Best Buy and through Google Play during the upcoming holiday season. No information on potential specs has surfaced at this point, but Asus seems to have a good enough relationship with Qualcomm that we could see a Snapdragon chipset inside. Last year's Nexus 10 used a dual-core Samsung Exynos 5250 processor. We also would expect to see a similar 2560×1600 high-resolution display to the one included in last year's N10 and the newly introduced 2013 Nexus 7. Sources of ours point to upwards of four new Nexus devices being introduced at Google's fall event in October. The new Nexus 10 will likely be one of them. I'm fine with either Samsung or Asus making the Nexus 10. Do you care either way? Via: Geek

Light Flow Updated With New Features for Android 4.3

Kellen — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 08:31:33 +0000

Light Flow, one of the most powerful notification light tools on Android, received an update this morning to introduce new features that work with Android 4.3. In the update, LF allows you to swipe away notifications, remotely clear notifications by reading them on other devices, and "handle" restricted profiles for tablet users. Outside of the 4.3 stuff, support for Gmail folders, incoming calls, and the new Skype app were added. HTC One root users should have a better experience, plus the app now has the power to exclude notifications from sleep mode. The LF team also added support for an additional 72 apps. Android 4.3 features:

Swipe away notifications
Remote clearing of notifications read on other devices (e.g. hangouts, email)
Handle restricted profiles for users

Other features:

Support for new Gmail folders (e.g. promotions, social, updates etc)
Exclude notifications from sleep mode
Support for incoming calls
Support for new Skype app
Samsung multi-window support
Better support for HTC one root users
Added support for 72 new apps

Play Link [Full changelog] Cheers RW-1!

Amazon Goofed, Your Chromecast Orders Haven't Been Pushed to October

Kellen — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 08:06:17 +0000

If you ordered a Chromecast through Amazon prior to August 7 and were told that you'd see your order within a couple of weeks, potentially by August 21, you are still on schedule, according to an Amazon spokesperson. Yesterday, shipment update emails were sent out to a number of our readers who had ordered Google's HDMI dongle, claiming that their orders had been delayed until October, months later than initially expected. Amazon has now admitted that this was "an incorrect estimated order delivery" date. Amazon is "actively fulfilling orders and all customers who placed orders prior to August 7 should receive their orders in the coming weeks," according to this spokesperson. You should also see a new email with a correct estimated shipping date arrive in your inbox shortly. Keep in mind that you Google Play is only showing a 2-3 week shipping estimate on the Chromecast. That's not a terrible wait, especially with Amazon now showing a 2-3 month wait on new orders. Via: Wall Street Journal | Amazon Cheers Scott and Ian!

Textbooks Arrive on Google Play, Books App Updated With New Features

Kellen — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 07:18:05 +0000

Textbooks have arrived on Google Play for the student in all of us. With both rentals and purchases available, Google is claiming to have a "long list of publishing partners" and a "comprehensive selection of higher education titles" to get the school year started with. Gone are the days of toting around a backpack with 20 lbs of books in it - the times of textbooks on tablets, phones, and in cloud has arrived. Well, at least on Android it finally has. Google may even have deals on select book rentals that will run you 80% under what an actual printed textbook purchase would cost. You can access textbooks on Google Play in the Books section, through the pulldown menu. In related news, Google also updated their Play Books app to include compatibility with the new textbooks section. Rentals of books is now supported, along with highlighting and note-taking through scanned pages books, an improved scrubber, and other performance tweaks. Here is the full changelog:

Highlighting and note-taking are now supported in scanned pages books.
Added support for rental books.
Added support for copying selected text if copyright allows.
Improved UI design of the scrubber and recommendation cards.
Stability and performance improvements.

Via: Android Blog | Google Play Textbooks | Play Books

Google Brings Local Ads to New Google Maps App for Android

Tim — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 19:05:13 +0000

Today, Google announced the return of clickable ads for the Google Maps app for Android. When a user makes a search for a particular place/business, a corresponding result with be featured (advertised), which will then allow for the user to either look up that business's information and from there, the choice is the searcher's. This is big for business owners that are looking to bring more attention to their stores, given that Google Maps is currently used by over 1 billion people every month.

Relevant ads on the Google Maps app can now appear at the bottom of the screen after a user performs a search. They include a title, ad text, and a link to get directions. Users can tap or swipe upward to see more information — this is a new click type known as “Get location details” and results in a standard CPC charge.

Google is pretty well known for showing the right ads at the right time, so don't be alarmed if these new ads tend to help more so than get in the way. At least, we would hope so. Via: AdWords

Rumor: Motorola Nexus Coming in Q4?

Kellen — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:33:08 +0000

"I just want a Motorola Nexus!" How often have you seen that in the comments of this site? Probably more than you can count, right? Taylor Wimberly, who was spot on with details of the Moto X months before it launched, has heard from sources that Motorola and Google will finally partner up to release one in Q4 of this year. He doesn't have any other details other than it won't be a Moto X turned Nexus, but could potentially be a different device altogether. I'd attempt to speculate on what exactly we could see, but truthfully, I have no idea. Will it be better (in terms of specs) than the Moto X? Maybe it'll be equal? It can't go lower, can it? I was told we could see upwards of four Nexus devices this fall (including the much anticipated watch) - maybe this Moto device is one of them. Also, don't jump to the conclusion that LG couldn't still be making a new Nexus. We could see two phones for all we know. Take to the comments, please. Hypebeast. Via: +Taylor Wimberly Cheers BK, Lawrence, and Open1Your1Eyes0!

Icons and UCCW Episode 2: Phlats, Click UI, MNML Digital, Elegante, and More

Kellen — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:02:34 +0000

A week ago, we posted up a set of UCCW clock widget skins that we are really into, along with an icon pack or two that we also thought you might enjoy. Since it was well received, and this community always seems to be looking for a new way to customize their Android device, we thought we'd drop another set on you. In today's lineup, we have three icon packs, four UCCW skins, and three wallpapers that should turn your device into the fresh tech is was born to be. In the top image, you are looking at Elegante UCCW skin paired up with Click UI icons. Below, (from left to right) you are looking at Circular Emotions skin next to a setup with Stark icons, a Stark wallpaper, and the minimal iOS 7 clock. In the very bottom image, you've got Phlat icons, with MNML Digital skin, and a wallpaper I can't seem to get enough of. Links to everything can be found below.

Be sure to send in any that you think are worth of being featured.

Why the Moto X is My New Phone...Until the Next Nexus Arrives [Opinion]

Kellen — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:47:36 +0000

When the Moto X finally goes on sale at the end of this month, I've pretty much made up my mind that it's going to be my next phone. After spending the last week or so with a review unit (be sure to read our review), I like everything about it, even with its higher-than-expected price tag and mid-range-type specs (though they are still painful at times in the back of my mind). The overall package, which includes 99.1% stock Android, solid camera, good display, set of new features I actually use, and a body that feels better in hand than almost any other phone on the market, is something I can get down with. So yeah, I'm ready for my MotoMaker-made Moto X to take me through a couple of months of use before the next Nexus arrives. That's right, as much as I'm a fan of Motorola's new flagship, the next Nexus is also on the horizon. What a world we live in.

Stock Android Does Me Right.

So here is the deal. I work in the Android business, meaning I buy new phones all of the time because it's my job to. I'm definitely not your average consumer. But I don't just buy any phone, I buy the ones that after I have reviewed them, are actually great products (at least in my eyes) and that I could see myself using in-between reviews of other phones. The Moto X is the next phone to fill that void. Why? Well, because of all of the things I just mentioned, but probably most importantly, because again, it runs mostly stock Android. Over the last couple of years, I've tested all of the important devices in the industry from the Galaxy S3 to the S4 to the Optimus G to the HTC One to the Nexus 4. And you know which of those sat next to me on my desk the longest, even after all of the reviews were said and done? The Nexus 4. No LTE, no expandable storage, and a glass back that I have a love-hate relationship with still didn't matter in the end. There is nothing better at this point to me than a phone that runs stock Android and also receives updates in a timely manner. The experience of stock has greatly improved over the last couple of years, even offering up features that custom skins from OEMs can't (Photo Sphere being one). Sure, I bought an unlocked U.S. HTC One and made it my device of the moment for a solid couple of months. There were times when I wanted to sneak back to the Nexus 4, but I had made the investment in the One and generally liked what it had to offer, including Sense 5. I also reviewed the Galaxy S4 in there and kept the review unit around longer than Samsung would probably like because it's the most popular Android phone and I always feel like I should keep one close. So those two phones have taken up a ton of my time since they both were launched. But you know what, when the Google Play Editions of each were released, I didn't even hesitate to buy them. A return to stock Android on hardware I felt necessary to keep around is like the ultimate situation. Leading up to the Moto X, the Galaxy S4 GPE has been in my pocket, on my desk, and by my bed at night. It's an amazing device (which I should probably review). It already has Android 4.3. The camera is insanely good, even with Google's stock software. And the general feel of the GS4 in hand (outside of the gross, glossy backside) is second to none (or to the Moto X). But beyond all of that, the real decision was made because again, it's stock Android.

A Custom Phone.

It sure sounds like the Galaxy S4 GPE is an almost perfect device, so why replace it with the Moto X? While they are mostly equal in my eyes, the Moto X has my attention right now because not only does it feel amazing in hand, I really want a custom phone. I know that sounds silly and probably shouldn't be reason enough to buy a phone, but never before have we been able to have a phone that is 100% our own. It certainly sucks that MotoMaker is only available on AT&T at first, however, the idea is so refreshing that I need to give a shot. And after reviewing the phone and finding no issues in terms of performance, I'm willing to dive into one.

Sorry, LG G2 and Galaxy Note 3.

Yesterday, LG officially unveiled the G2. It appears to be a spec monster, but personally, there was nothing there that grabbed my attention. The 5.2" display sounds like a world beater, as does the Snapdragon 800 inside, but the phone's design, which comes off as a Galaxy S4 copy-and-a-half, is so uninspired. And what's with the over-done LG UI that might have even more features-you'll-never-use than the GS4? It has at least two types of multi-tasking (maybe even three), floaty objects with transparency, memo apps that I'd never use, and a volume-rocker-home-button combo on the back that is still confusing me. Did anyone else ever think they'd never see a smartphone company lead off a phone presentation by saying, the "most innovative" feature is a rear placed button arrangement? Not the camera with OIS, or the insanely good FHD display, or the processor that no one else has used to date - the button arrangement is it. But back to the design - what happened to the Crystal Reflection back from the Optimus G and Nexus 4? Now that was actually a cool design innovation. Sure, the glass covering the Crystal Reflection was a terrible idea, but it's not like they couldn't come up with another material to use on top of it. Instead, we've got the Galaxy S4's body, with a more cartoony UI, and a button arrangement that may be more of a nuisance than anything. We'll be sure to give the G2 a full review, but so far, I'm not seeing how this could be my next phone. What about the Galaxy Note 3? Yes, it's coming in early September, at least the announcement of it. But to be perfectly honest, I can already tell you that I'll let Tim run the Note 3 cult just like he did with the Note 2. Oversized tablet-phone combo devices are just not for me. Even if Samsung goes away from slippery plastic and uses a more premium feeling material, the phone will be too big for my liking. So no, the Note 3 probably won't replace the Moto X in a month.

The Next Nexus.

And that all brings us to the next Nexus, which LG is rumored to be making for an October reveal. Aren't we then assuming that the G2 is a reference for the new Nexus? Probably. You know, as much as I wasn't wow'd by the design of the G2, I could probably put up with it if there was a big "Nexus" logo on the back and that UI was gone. Actually, I almost wouldn't be surprised if Google said, "Sure, we'll use the G2 as a base for the Nexus 5, but we want a matte finish on the back and we're also going to class it up by tweaking the look a bit." And who doesn't love a pretty matte finish? Hello, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10? But as I've already said a couple of times, a Nexus is a Nexus, meaning you get the 100% stock Android and updates faster than any other phone. So as an Android blogger, this is the device we look forward to the most each year, even if it doesn't lead anyone's sales numbers. And that's why it will more than likely replace my Moto X in 3 months. Maybe.

The Point.

The point of this isn't to convince you that you should buy the Moto X. It's also not supposed to convince you to wait to buy a new phone until the new Nexus arrives. In fact, I guess it's just more of me sharing the thought process behind my smartphone purchases, because I struggle with them just like all of you do. I think in the end it keeps coming back to devices that run stock Android, even though I thought for years that I could put up with skins. Apparently, I can't. Over the next couple of months, you'll have some amazing choices in smartphones. Some will run stock, some can be customized on the outside, and others will run over-the-top skins. My focus will be on the two that closely match up to Google's vision of Android.

Noodlecake's Box Cat and Bloop Hit Google Play, Both Look Quite Entertaining

Tim — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:43:40 +0000

Two games from Noodlecake Studios, the publishers of other classics like Super Stickman Golf and Punch Quest, hit Google Play today. The names are Bloop and Box Cat, both of which appear to be quite fun. Naturally we will go over Box Cat first since it deals with kitties, and we adore kitties. Box Cat is labeled as an arcade smasher game, with your main goal being to create traffic jams. The more cars you hit and the higher your car-crashing combo, the higher your score will be. The game features an original soundtrack for your kitty pleasure, plus features some sweet 8-bit cat characters. Next up we have Bloop. This game is best played with friends, and is a fast-paced "frantic" title. You and your friends attempt to touch all of your matching colored tiles, but it gets harder as the gameplay goes on. The tiles start getting smaller and soon, your friends will start pushing and shoving trying to touch all of their titles. It's a neat looking game, but play it on a smooth surface with plenty of room. Check out all of the game trailers down below. Play Links: Bloop ($0.99) | Box Cat ($0.99)

Bloop Trailer

[youtube]http://youtu.be/2cX54gRxjow[/youtube]

Box Cat Trailer

[youtube]http://youtu.be/zcZjes7gcCU[/youtube]

Android Nearly Hits 80% Global Smartphone Market Share in Q2

Tim — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 10:32:01 +0000

New numbers for Q2 of 2013 are in from IDC (International Data Corporation), ranking Android still as the world's most widely-used mobile operating system, capturing 79.3% of the global market share. In a separate report from Q4 of '12, Android was rocking a solid 70%, so to see a continued growth of almost 10%, we'd say Android's growth is healthy for the time being. As for Apple's iOS market share across the globe, its numbers have dropped slightly to 13.2%.

I was asked recently when I thought Android would finally lose its edge and basically implode on itself from growing so big in such a short time. It's a good question to ask ourselves - like all things, what comes up, must eventually come down. As for when Android will start losing market share, we will have to wait and see if Apple plans on doing more than just a revamp of their UI to bring in more users. Then there is Windows (3.7% market share) and other OS makers (BlackBerry 2.9% market share), but with their recent performances and nothing wow'ing anybody in the mobile game (40MP cameras don't count), who really knows what their plans are for competing against Google and Apple. If you had to put a timeframe on it, when would you say that Android could start its decline from absolute world OS domination? 5 years from now? 10? Let's get some conversation going down below. Via: IDC

Play Store Update to 4.3.10 Causing "Package file is invalid" Error for Many During App Updates

Kellen — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 09:50:40 +0000

The newest version of Google Play (build 4.3.10) is apparently causing a number of problems for users who are trying to update apps. Both our comments and a variety of forum threads are filled with readers who are receiving a "Package file is invalid" error during updates. The error isn't showing for all apps, nor have we been able to figure out a pattern. At times, the error presents itself with Google apps, while at other times they update fine. We're also seeing the error for non-Google apps, but again, it's tough to figure out why and when it will happen. Feel free to weigh in if you are having any issues with 4.3.10. As soon as we know a fix or hear something official, we'll be sure to pass it along. Update: This is not guaranteed to fix you, but some have had success by going into Settings>Apps, clearing cache or data on Google Play Services, and then restarting their phones. Update 2: Some users are reporting that the issue showed up before the 4.3.10 update, so it could just be a general Play store issue. Cheers Terry, BulletTooth_Tony, and everyone else!

Netflix for Android Updated, Brings a Fix for Android 4.3 Bug

Tim — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 08:30:41 +0000

If one of your devices is currently running Android 4.3, and you love Netflix, then you might have noticed that the newest version of Android was having troubles at times with the streaming service app. Whatever the issue was, it has been resolved in the newest update that is now available through Google Play. What's New:

Fixes and optimization for devices running Android 4.3.
On the new Nexus 7 HD, this version requires all Android 4.3 system updates to be installed.

We love it when bugs get squashed. Now all we need is for the MLB At Bat people to get their act together and resolve their Android 4.3 issues. Play Link

T-Mobile Posts Q2 Earnings, Shows Strongest Growth in Four Years

Tim — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 08:10:23 +0000

With the announcement of their UN-carrier plans behind them, T-Mobile posted its Q2 earnings this morning, showing off a lot of revenue growth and big boosts in customer numbers. In total, T-Mobile picked up 1.1 million new customers, with more than half of them signing up for postpaid service. Just a year ago, T-Mo lost 205,000 customers, so these new plans (and the iPhone) could represent a big turnaround for the network.

T-Mobile's Un-carrier approach has clearly resonated with consumers. By fixing the things that drive them mad, like contracts and upgrades, and freeing them from the two-year sentences imposed on them by our competitors, they are choosing the new T-Mobile in unprecedented numbers.

In terms of financials, revenue is also up 27.5% year-over-year, with apparent thanks going to the company's acquisition of MetroPCS. The company's ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) is down though, dropping 6.5% year-over-year to $53.60. Any thoughts on the recent moves that T-Mobile has been making? It's clear that the other carriers are watching them like hawks. Via: T-Mobile

Google Play Version 4.3.10 Rolling Out to Most, Includes New Update Features

Kellen — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 07:21:48 +0000

A couple of days ago, Google started pushing out an update to Google Play as version 4.3.10. The file was originally posted to a pirated app site (which we were made aware of), grabbed, and then distributed across the Android world, so we chose to ignore it and wait until the mass rollout began to be ultimately safe. That rollout has now begun. Should you open your Google Play store this morning, you'll likely see an extra long loading time as the update automatically takes place and bumps you to 4.3.10. The update is significant in that it makes the app update process a little more informative and less obnoxious. If you have apps that are set to automatically update or have recently updated them, a new area in your My Apps section will show "Recently updated" apps. Also, if you update a handful of apps all at once, rather than having them listed out individually in your notification bar, Google is now combining them into a counter. See, more informative and less obnoxious. They also made some UI tweaks to Play Books and to purchase buttons, but that doesn't really affect you. If you haven't already received the update, you can grab it below. Download Link Cheers Planklongbeard and everyone else!

How to: Cut a Micro SIM Into a Nano SIM for Your Moto X

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 16:30:46 +0000

Today, you are going to learn something you probably never knew you could do. OK, that's probably not 100% true. I'm sure many of you knew that you could cut down a SIM to a micro SIM, but with nano SIM cards on the horizon, we thought we should point out that the same procedure can be done from micro to nano as well. Phones like the Moto X (and yes, the iPhone 5 too) use nano SIM cards, so should you choose to buy either of them, you'll either need Verizon (or your carrier of choice) to provide you with a new SIM or you can perform surgery. We tend to prefer surgery (because it's fun), which is why this tutorial has been born. Also, I have an NFC SIM for use with Isis and didn't feel like dealing with the process of getting a new one when beginning my Moto X review. I figured the least I could do was show you some action. Ready to do this?

Instructions!

1. Order a nano SIM cutter. Amazon has plenty of options, though this is the one I used. I think it ran me $7, with free Prime shipping. It's also a solid hunk of metal, so cutting something into "nano" size somehow felt more manly. Yes, manly.

2. Open the nano cutter box and spread out its goodies for quick access. Yes, that's sandpaper. 3. Pull out your micro SIM from whichever phone it is currently resting.

4. Grab the metal adapter tray, and insert your micro SIM card. Slide them together inside the nano cutter. 5. Prepare for glory.

6. Set the nano cutter (with micro SIM insert) face down on a table, and press that bad boy with some force. BAM!

7. There she is, your new nano SIM.

8. Compare it to a real nano SIM, because we can.

9. Sand the excess paper away so that it fits nicely into the Moto X SIM tray.

10. Insert into Moto X. You win.

Verizon Confirms Plans to Carry LG G2, Posts First Picture of the Device With 3 VZW Logos

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:28:07 +0000

This afternoon, Verizon confirmed their plans to carry the freshly announced LG G2. LG mentioned during a press event today, that they would push their new flagship out to the four major U.S. carriers, but we were still waiting for Big Red to officially acknowledge that they were a part of those plans. Thanks to Twitter, they have gone ahead and stated their intentions, while also showing a press image of their specific variant of the phone. As you can tell, LG did not have the same kind of pull as Motorola did with the Moto X when it came to branding. We've got two LG logos and three Verizon-related marks. Woof. All they would announce for today is that the device is "coming soon." If you were looking for an AT&T confirmation as well, you can stop by this page and sign-up to be notified of availability. Via: @VZWnews Cheers @volman1980!

Motorola Engineer Defends Moto X: Jabs at Samsung's "Not True 1080p" Display, Calls HTC's LCD Inferior to AMOLED, and More

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:05:59 +0000

The Moto X has been both praised and criticized over these short few days since its unveiling. The praise seems to have come from those who have used the device (mostly press), while the criticism arose quickly from consumers once they saw the price ($199) Motorola had attached to a phone that - at least on paper - appears to have inferior specs to phones like the Galaxy S4 or HTC One. I don't want to necessarily say that Motorola engineers and executives have been in damage control to defend the phone, but they have certainly been vocal in trying to explain their reasoning behind their hardware choices. One of Moto's top engineers, Iqbal Arshad, sat down for a Q&A with CNET today to discuss his thoughts on the Moto X, why he thinks it has "world's first" type of features, and why the technology used in the GS4 or One are inferior to what they have accomplished. This is certainly worth a read. If anything, at least jump to the last question where he talks about future customizable features through MotoMaker. Arshad on why you don't need a quad-core CPU, and why their dual-core CPU is not "last year's":

For one, we are not using last year's Qualcomm processor. It's this year's processor. It is a dual-core processor, but the thing people have to understand is that in mobile devices, more CPUs don't necessarily mean better or faster devices. In fact, in most instances no more than two CPUs are being used at any given time. In order to save power, the algorithms controlling the device are often trying to turn off CPUs. In the stress tests we have conducted on competing devices, we launched 24 websites at once on the device, and none of the devices used more than two CPUs at once to do this.

On changing how smartphones work, and the first dig at Samsung:

If you think about it, the market has been relatively stagnant. Everything is built on these standard chips and displays. And we are all trained to respond to those small incremental changes in these components. But Motorola's vision is to really change how smartphones work. The small computers we carry around in our pockets aren't really "smart." I mean what can you do with the Samsung Galaxy S3 that you can't do with the Galaxy S4? The answer is nothing. We aren't developing technology for technology's sake. But we are trying to make mobile computing more intelligent.

On how innovative X8 architecture is and why no one else is doing it (Samsung and HTC):

We have come up with a new processing architecture that allows us to do things like touchless control without sacrificing battery power. For a Samsung or HTC device to offer the same kind of functionality would require three batteries. And that is the reason why no one else has done touchless control. Nobody has done it because it kills the device's battery life. None of those other processors could do all the noise cancellation and offer the same level of intelligence and still be low power. What we have done with the Moto X has not been done before. It's the world's first.

On defeating the spec war that chip and display manufacturers have created:

It's hard because people are programmed by the industry to look at things like how many cores a chip has or whether the display is 1080p. That's how chip and display manufacturers differentiate their products. But we've spent thousands of engineering hours building a new kind of processing architecture that will really change how people use their phones.

On the Galaxy S4 "beating" the Moto X's display in terms of pixels per inch:

First of all, what Samsung has done with the GS4 screen is not true 1080p. Instead, Samsung is using a PenTile display. Each pixel is made up of three color sub pixels. It's missing one of the pixels. We are using a true RGB pattern custom display that gives true color reproduction without wasting battery life. Samsung is using a graphics processor, but they're using it the wrong way and their performance is actually worse than ours. They are burning more battery life. In the case of HTC, they're using an LCD screen, which is simply an inferior technology. Also, the human eye cannot discern resolution beyond 300 pixels per inch. And we exceed that. So the eye can't even see the difference. But the human eye can see big differences in color saturation and reproduction. In fact, I'd say that is even more important than resolution. So we decided to focus on that aspect instead.

On adding future customizable features to Moto X (like RAM, screen size, processor, etc.):

We do have a road map for extending the capabilities of the device and customization in the future, but I'll talk about that in the future.

Yeah, I'd say Arshad has heard about enough when it comes to criticism of the specs of his Moto X. If you haven't yet, be sure to read our Moto X review. Via: CNET

Report: Moto X Launching on All Carriers August 23, MotoMaker an AT&T Exclusive Until November

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:32:43 +0000

I don't think we need to hammer home out thoughts on Motorola giving AT&T the exclusive on MotoMaker at launch any longer, we've made it pretty clear that we think it's a terrible decision. MotoMaker is easily one of the three reasons customers will think about buying this phone, so locking out anyone who's not on AT&T makes absolutely zero sense to us. But again, you know that, so we're trying not to continue to dwell on it. In the end, other carriers (including Verizon) will see Motorola's Moto X customizer. The big question since the phone's reveal, has been "When?" During our time on the DL Show last Friday, we put our money on it being an AT&T exclusive until the holidays. If a report out of Ad Age is correct, we were spot on with that assumption. Ad Age claims to know everything there is to know about the marketing campaign behind the Moto X, one of which is Motorola plan for MotoMaker. According to this report, we'll be waiting until early November before any other carrier will be able to push customize versions of their Moto X. As a part of AT&T's exclusive deal, you'll see plenty of promotion of the Moto X from America's recently dubbed "most reliable" wireless carrier. On semi-related news, Ad Age is also reporting that the Moto X will arrive on August 23 at Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. We reported August 23 for Verizon last week, so it's no surprise to us, however, we would love to see the phone launch at other carriers on the same day. Far too often do we see a staggered rollout of phones availability here in the U.S. We should point out that this report states that T-Mobile will sell the Moto X on August 23, but Motorola has already confirmed that the T-Mo version will only be available directly through Moto's site at launch. Details, details. We were also told during our press meeting with Motorola during the unveiling of the Moto X that the phone would be available starting in late August or early September depending on the carrier. In other words, we'd be surprised to see it launch on all four of those carriers at the same time. If the 23rd is indeed launch day, you have just over two weeks to remain patient. Via: Ad Age

Wednesday Poll: Interested in the LG G2?

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:09:56 +0000

Today, we met LG's newest flagship device, the G2. It is an incredibly power-stacked device, featuring a 5.2" 1080p display, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM, a 13MP camera capable of taking some great shots and a newly modified version of LG's user experience. It's a really sleek device, complete with an entirely new button configuration, which people might have troubles getting used to. There are some other devices that were recently announced, such as the Moto X and the new lineup of DROIDs, plus you also have the Galaxy Note 3 on the horizon. The G2 will have to compete with all of these, especially with two of them likely going to each major U.S. carrier as well. From what you have seen and heard so far, how do you feel about the G2? Thinking about possibly picking one up? Let us know. [poll id="266"]

Instagram Introduces Video Importing in Version 4.1, Video Recording to Ice Cream Sandwich (Updated: It's Live)

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 11:29:26 +0000

Instagram announced this morning that in version 4.1 of their apps on both Android and iOS, users will be able to import previously recorded video from device galleries. In the previous version that introduced video, you were only able to record video through the app, not pick and choose previously recorded clips. This new importing feature also allows you to trim the clip down and choose which section is centered in the Insta-square. But maybe more importantly, video recording is now available on devices running Ice Cream Sandwich in this new version. ~~The update should be available later today~~. Update: The update is live, but appears to have employed the dreaded staged rollout method of updating an app. It's there, but you probably can't have it. Play Link Via: Instagram

Android Device Manager is Now Live

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 10:54:29 +0000

The new Android Device Manager service from Google is now live. Introduced last week as a service that would allow you to track lost devices and factory reset them, you can test it out for yourself today. Well, you can test it out assuming you have received the back-end device administrator portion of the service. To check to see that Android Device Manager has been given permission to access your location, you'll need to open up Settings>Security>Device administrators on your phone. You should see an box that can be checked for "Android Device Manager." Check that box (to allow for remote wiping) and then head to this Google site.

Once there, you should be able to access all of your devices via pulldown menu. The current remote options include forcing your phone to ring or erasing your device. But from the Android Device Manager web app, you can change the name of phones, refresh their location, and hopefully pint-point them on a map. ~~I'm personally having issues getting it to locate any of my devices, but I'm assuming that'll change before long~~. Update: If you are using a Google Apps account, the ADM apparently won't work. Works flawlessly and quickly when logged in with a Gmail account, though. Go test it! Via: Android Device Manager | +Android

Even Though Benchmarks Are Silly, the LG G2's Still Crush

Tim — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 10:42:46 +0000

While we don't tend to care about benchmarks as much as we used to, we figured we would at least do a couple to give you a rough idea of what to expect performance wise from the LG G2. As you can see from the two I took above, the results are pretty much off the charts, given that the device is running the new Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.3GHz, has 2GB of RAM and also features that GRAM technology that LG bragged about. The benchmarks I ran were AnTuTu and Quadrant, two of the most commonly used tests to pit phones against each other. With a five star rating from AnTuTu and the largest Quadrant score I have probably ever seen, it's a safe bet that the G2 can perform under pressure. Any other tests you'd like us to perform before we head out?

LG G2 Allows for Customizing the Notification Toggles and Navigation Button Layout

Tim — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 10:18:04 +0000

In our hands-on video with the new G2, you might have seen LG's take on a notification pulldown. Needless to say, it's a bit cluttered. Luckily for potential buyers, you can highly customize the system toggles and shortcuts that are featured, so at least we know that apps you don't even use won't be taking up valuable display real estate on a daily basis. In the video below, an LG rep goes over how you can customize not only the pulldown notification bar, but the actual system navigation button setup that comes on the G2. You can choose different layouts for your Home and Back buttons, as well as add a button for Quick Memo and other apps. Smooth move, LG. [youtube]http://youtu.be/me9eLhUmaek[/youtube]

LG G2 Hands-on, Tour and Gallery

Tim — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:47:55 +0000

LG announced the G2 smartphone today, and since we are in New York for the party, we got some hands-on time with the device right after they unveiled it. The device features a gorgeous 5.2" 1080p display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP back-facing camera equipped with OIS technology (first of its kind in a mobile device), and that very interesting button configuration along its backside. So far, I must say I am very impressed with what LG has created. The phone is lightweight, looks stunning. takes phenomenal pictures, operates at blazing speeds, and brings some interesting proprietary software which we will highlight a little later. Down below we have our quick intro/hands-on video, as well as an image gallery.

Gallery

Hands-on

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixq73bl96c0[/youtube]

Spec Comparison: LG G2 vs. Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:30:47 +0000

With the LG G2 now official, and a spec list in our inbox, it's time to do our standard comparison to its competitors. Since the G2 is the first on the planet to use Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 800, a brand new IPS display tech, and Optical Image Stabilization in its 13MP camera, it's easily going to show its advantages over the Galaxy S4, HTC One, Moto X, and Nexus 4, at least on paper. But, we still wanted to get it all out there for you. You'll find the chart below.

No ETA on Factory Image for New Nexus 7, According to JBQ (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:20:15 +0000

Been wondering when the factory images would arrive for the new Nexus 7 aka "flo"? According to Jean-Baptiste Queru, the master of all things AOSP and factory image, we have no ETA. In fact, he went as far as saying "I don't know if they'll ever be available at all." Now, before you freak out, keep in mind that this same situation presented itself when the Nexus 4 launched, but we now have images for that device, including the new JWR66V Android 4.3 build. We also know that the binaries for the device aren't available either. For whatever reason, they may not have permission to distribute these files at this time. We have seen this a handful of times in the past, but usually it relates to CDMA technology. Again, be patient. We'll update you as we have more. Update: And JBQ has now quit AOSP - could be related to this situation. His message is as follows:

Well, I see that people have figured out why I'm quitting AOSP. There's no point being the maintainer of an Operating System that can't boot to the home screen on its flagship device for lack of GPU support, especially when I'm getting the blame for something that I don't have authority to fix myself and that I had anticipated and escalated more than 6 months ahead.

Via: Android Building

LG G2 Coming to the "Four Major Carriers in the US"

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 08:51:20 +0000

During today's press event for the LG G2, LG confirmed that the phone will launch on the "four major carriers in the U.S." They didn't specifically say AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, but we'd assume that's what the company meant. Those are the big four, after all. Sprint has already acknowledged that they'll carry the phone "later this year." T-Mobile has said that more pricing and availability will be shared in the "coming weeks." Verizon and AT&T have yet to acknowledge the G2's existence.

LG Announces the G2 With 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800, 5.2-inch FHD Display, 3,000mAh Battery, and More

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 08:11:17 +0000

Well, the LG G2 event just kicked off in NYC, but LG went ahead and sent out the official press release for the phone. This is LG's new flagshp for 2013, and boy does it sound like a beast. We just went from the Moto X unveiling where the focus was off of specs, and now to this, where it's all about next-gen everything. It will be available over the next 8 weeks starting in South Korea followed by North America, Europe and other key markets. The G2 uses a 5.2-inch Full HD display with 423ppi that is the world's thinnest, according to LG. It also runs a Snapdragon 800 processor, which is Qualcomm's newest and most powerful to date. We're also looking at 16GB or 32GB storage options, 2GB LPDDR3 800MHz RAM, rear 13MP camera, 2.1MP front camera, 3,000mAh battery, Android 4.2.2, and both black or white versions, all packed into a body that is 8.9mm thick. The display is mostly edge-to-edge (2.65mm), but also uses Graphic RAM (GRAM) technology to reduce battery consumption by up to 26%. They also included that 3,000mAh battery to make sure you get plenty of life. On the back, you'll find the volume and power switches, something that is new to the smartphone game. LG thought this move made sense because people tend to hold their phone this way, but they also tossed in some features thanks to the new placement. You can quickly launch QuickMemo or wake the screen. The camera is equipped with Optical Image Stabilizer, LG used 24 bit/192kHz Hi-Fi sound for audi playback, is ready for LTE (and LTE Advanced), and is using a new UI with specially built software features. Update: The G2 will arrive on the four major U.S. carriers, which we would assume means Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Update 2: Here is a spec showdown between the G2, Galaxy S4, Moto X, HTC One, and Nexus 4. Update 3: Be sure to check out our hands-on video tour of the G2. Also, you'll want to see the new customizable features that the phone offers. Here is the shortened spec list: - Processor: 2.26GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 featuring quad Krait CPU - Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS (1080 x 1920 pixels / 423 ppi) - Memory: 32GB / 16GB - RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 800MHz - Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS / Front 2.1MP - Battery: 3,000mAh - Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 - Size: 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm - Colors: Black / White Gallery

More coming!

LG G2 INTRODUCES NEW DIRECTION IN SMARTPHONE DESIGN

More Than 130 Global Wireless Carriers on Board to Roll Out LG’s Latest Premium Device
NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled its latest flagship smartphone LG G2, the first smartphone introduced under LG’s new “G” Series for premium devices, exemplifying LG’s aim to bring forth more customer-centric innovations. Nearly 700 guests from over 30 countries converged at the renowned Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York for the global introduction of the device. Based on LG’s research of consumer lifestyles and behaviors, the smartphone offers users more real-life benefits such as ergonomic design, practical functions and an intuitive user experience. “Our definition of innovation today is technology that truly resonates with consumers,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, who welcomed the guests to the event. “We have always listened to and learned from consumers in pursuit of innovation. We took these insights to new heights in developing LG G2, the most exciting and ambitious mobile phone in our company’s history.” New Perspective in Smartphone Design The LG G2 brings everything together in a device with comfortable, functional, convenient and beautiful design. The LG G2 shifts the paradigm in smartphone design by placing all the buttons on the rear of the device, making this the first smartphone to be completely devoid of side buttons. The unique Rear Key concept came from the realization when studying users that the larger the phone became, the more difficult it was to properly access the side keys. Moving the main buttons to the back of the phone gave users more control since this place was where individuals’ index fingers are naturally located. Researchers found that moving the buttons also resulted in fewer dropped phones when adjusting the volume while talking. Long-pressing on the rear-mounted volume keys allows users to launch QuickMemoTM and the camera, making note taking and photo capturing even easier than before. And if the LG G2 is lying on a surface face up, there’s no need to lift the phone to access the power button on the back. With KnockON, the LG G2 can be powered on simply by tapping twice on the display. Edge-to-Edge Display and Best-In-Class Power Capacity LG upped the ante by incorporating a 5.2-inch Full HD display in the LG G2, the largest display designed for one-handed operation in today’s popular 2.7-inch width smartphone category. In addition to the expansive viewing experience, LG’s innovative Dual Routing technology reduced the phone’s bezel to a mere 2.65mm on the side edge. And with proven IPS technology, the LG G2 offers superior graphics, accurate colors and clear images without any distortion. For more efficient energy usage, the LG G2 employs Graphic RAM (GRAM) technology. GRAM reduces the display’s energy use by up to 26 percent on a still frame and increases overall usage time on the device by approximately 10 percent. And with a generous 3,000mAh battery that is thoughtfully designed to take maximum advantage of the interior space, the LG G2 is more than ready for a full day’s work or play. OIS and High Resolution for Great Pictures The LG G2’s high-resolution camera comes equipped with Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) technology to prevent blurring, allowing for clearer, brighter and sharper images even when in motion or shooting in dim environments. Most current smartphone cameras with OIS tend to offer resolution in the 4MP to 8MP range. The G2 is unique in that it offers 13MP and OIS technology in a slim design without a protruding lens. And features such as Super Resolution and Multi-point AF help keep everything in focus, just like a standalone point-and-shoot digital camera. Studio Quality Hi-Fi Sound In recent years, there has been an increase in consumer demand for superior sound in smartphones as high-quality multimedia content becomes more ubiquitous. Smartphones have become hubs for entertainment of all kind — TV shows, movies, games — and consumers expect the sound to be just as good as the image. The LG G2 is the first smartphone on the market today to feature 24 bit/192kHz Hi-Fi playback that reproduces studio-like quality sound, far superior to a CD. Now consumers can hear a level of audio realism that hasn’t been possible before in a smartphone. Practical UX Connected to Everyday Life Research shows that the most frequently used smartphone features are the most basic ones that users often take for granted such as SMS, social networking, directions and of course, making phone calls. The LG G2 comes with a number of compelling user experience (UX) features that provide the most practical value by focusing on a smartphone’s most popular tasks: - Answer Me — Automatically answers the call after lowering the ringtone when the phone is raised to one’s ear. - Plug & Pop — Recommends options or related features to choose from when the earphone or USB cable is detected. - Text Link — Allows information embedded in text messages to be selected and easily saved in a memo or calendar and searched on a map or the internet. - QuickRemote — Not only can LG G2 be used to remotely control popular home entertainment devices, it can also learn from conventional remotes and be customized to operate multiple devices with flexible layouts and keys. - Slide Aside — Enables easier multitasking by simply “sliding” open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe. - Guest Mode — Protects owner’s privacy by displaying only pre-selected apps when guests access the phone with a secondary unlock pattern. Unmatched Performance with Next Generation LTE The LG G2 runs on the industry’s most advanced mobile chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 Processor and redefines the smartphone experience through stunning performance, rich graphics and outstanding battery efficiency. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. Through a long-term partnership collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, LG was able to deploy the chipset integrated perfectly with the LG G2 hardware to offer powerful and yet stable performance. Following the global launch event in New York City on August 7, the LG G2 will be rolled out in over 130 wireless carriers in the next eight weeks starting in South Korea followed by North America, Europe and other key markets. Specific dates for market availability will vary by region and carrier. Key Specifications: - Processor: 2.26GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 featuring quad Krait CPU - Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS (1080 x 1920 pixels / 423 ppi) - Memory: 32GB / 16GB - RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 800MHz - Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS / Front 2.1MP - Battery: 3,000mAh - Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 - Size: 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm - Colors: Black / White # # # Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the US and other countries. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. About LG Electronics, Inc. LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 87,000 people working in 113 locations around the world. With 2012 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com. About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing ground-breaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

Turn Your Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S4 or Other AMOLED Device Into a Moto X With New ActiveNotifications App

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 08:03:51 +0000

Do you have a device with an AMOLED screen that is running Android 4.3? Like say, the Galaxy Nexus or maybe a Galaxy S4 running a custom ROM (or the Google Play Edition running official 4.3)? As of this very moment, you can enjoy my favorite feature of the Moto X - Active Display (well, at least some parts of it). A developer has created an app called ActiveNotifications that uses AMOLED displays on any device to create a similar experience to what you would find on the Moto X. The notifications show previews with a single press, can be swiped into or away, and shouldn't drain your battery since the app won't light up black pixels. Seriously, it's an awesome start. I just installed it on my Galaxy S4 GPE and am testing it now. But if you own a Galaxy Nexus, which I know many of you do, as long as you are on Android 4.3, you can test it yourself. The app is listed as an "experimental app," so there may be bugs. It's also free to at least test, or you can purchase the premium version for $0.99. Note: After playing with it for a bit, it appears as if it can only handle a single notification at a time. On the Moto X, you get a list of notifications in the bottom portion of the display if you have more than one. I'm assuming the developer can work on this, which is why he has labeled it as an "experimental app." Still, a great start. Here is the feature list:

FEATURES: * Notifications don't light up when your phone is in your pocket, purse, or face down to avoid accidental unlocks * Select which app-notifications you'd like to receive via ActiveNotifications * "Sleep at night": Don't show notifications at night (Premium feature) * "More privacy": Hide additional notification details (e.g. SMS text, sender) (Premium feature) * Automatically switch off screen when dismissing notifications(Premium feature)

Play Link Via: XDA Cheers Razma and Stephen!

AT&T Continues to Increase 4G LTE Blanket, Adds 13 New Markets

Kellen — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 07:23:12 +0000

The expansion of AT&T's 4G LTE network continues today, as the company has announced that another 13 markets will go live across a variety of states. We're talking new markets from California to Mississippi to Idaho and Kansas. According to AT&T's website, their LTE network now reaches more than 346 markets, with most of the major cities already taken care of. It's time now for America's newly anointed "most reliable" network to start branching out to smaller towns and areas. The new markets are:

Stockton, California
Topeka, Kansas
Mt. Sterling, Kentucky
Laredo, Texas
Zanesville, Ohio
Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Medford-Ashland, Oregon
Kirksville, Missouri
Charlottesville, Virginia
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Greenville, Mississippi

Via: AT&T

Live: LG G2 Unveiling in New York City

Tim — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 07:06:34 +0000

LG is set to unveil their new flagship G2 smartphone this morning at 11am Eastern, 8am Pacific. We are here in beautiful New York City to bring you all of the coverage of the device as soon as it drops, which will hopefully include some hands-on videos, full galleries and wonderful commentary from yours truly. We will be live blogging the event, so feel free to join us in conversation down below. A live feed of the event has also been embedded for your convenience, so let's have some fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQLLee2vMFk[/youtube]

LG G2 Official Image Surfaces on the Eve of Its Unveiling (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 15:51:36 +0000

Thanks once again to @evleaks, we have another official press image of a device moments before it has been officially unveiled. This time it's the LG G2 which will be introduced by LG at a press event in NYC tomorrow morning. Tim is already in NYC preparing for the festivities, which we'll also have a live blog of. The image above confirms the massive display, but also the rear-placed volume rocker and power-lock switch. Since the device appears to be incredibly slim, this placement of the physical buttons is probably a smart play, even if it could take some getting used to. The G2 is expected to sport the world's slimmest 5.2" FHD display, Snapdragon 800 (quad-core) processor, 2GB RAM, microSD card slot, removable battery, on-screen navigation buttons, and at least Android 4.2.2 with LG's newest custom skin on top. Rumors suggest that we could see a multi-carrier launch for the G2, a first for LG. Verizon is reportedly already on board. Update: Here is another picture -

Ready for the G2? Via: @evleaks

HOT Watch Lets You Make Actual Calls With Your Smartwatch, Already Funded on Kickstarter

Tim — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:11:02 +0000

Smartwatches have grown in popularity thanks to brands like Pebble and Metawatch, but my issue is that those devices are purely an extension of your cellphone. Sure, you can check your texts and emails on them, but what if you have a call and need to answer it? Out comes your phone and then your watch isn't doing anything. Seems like a waste of space in certain circumstances. With HOT Watch, which is already fully-funded through Kickstarter, you can do all of the cool things that the other smartwatches can do, and then some. The coolest idea that I saw was that you can actually use the watch to make calls, then do nifty gestures with your hand to end them. Everything works over Bluetooth 4.0, so you just cup your hand and place it next to your ear, then talk away. Beyond just the calling, it can act as a calorie counter, Twitter feed app, email app, message app and the list really goes on. It appears that the watches start at about $130, so watch the video below (it's quite informative) and give us your thoughts down below. We should point out that the HOT Watch launched on July 31 with a goal of $150,000. In 6 days, it has jumped over $316,000 raised, with more than 2,000 backers.

Google Granted Patent for App-Launching Pattern Unlock Feature

Tim — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:14:22 +0000

If Google ever puts its newly appointed patent into affect, folks who opt for a more secure way to unlock their device may not have to give up those wonderful lockscreen app shortcuts. The idea is super simple - a user can create custom unlock patterns for their lockscreen, and each of the custom patterns can open a different app (camera, music, email, etc.). Smart idea, right? A feature like this would be very easy for Google to work into a new version of Android, so our fingers are crossed that this feature can come to fruition sometime in the future for everyone. Keep it up, Google. Via: Engadget | USPTO

Twitter Update Adds Login Verification Improvements, New Photo Gallery

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:07:21 +0000

This morning, Twitter updated their Android to let you enroll in login verification and approve login requests directly from the app. You no longer need a phone number to do so, nor do you need to rely on text messages for verification. They also introduced broader international support for verification, are providing backup codes that can be written down in case you lose your phone, and provide more context during login requests. Here are the additional details on login verification:

No phone number required: By using push messaging and in-application approvals, you no longer need to provide your phone number to use login verification. If you manage multiple Twitter accounts, but only have one phone number, you can now opt all of them into login verification.

Broader international support: Now, all you need is an Internet connection and one of our supported apps to enroll in login verification. Login verification via SMS has been available through supported mobile carriers across the world, but that didn’t cover everybody.

“My phone fell in the ocean!”: Backup codes generated in the application can be written down, stored in a safe place, and used to access your account on twitter.com even if you lose your phone.

More context: When a login request is made, you will see browser details and approximate location in the app. If you receive an approval request from halfway across the world, you may be getting phished. Review this page for more information on keeping your account secure.

It wasn't all about serious verification biz, though. Twitter also added a new photo gallery in search. A new "view more photos" option will show you a photo gallery of photos related to specific searches. The update should be live already, unless of course, there is a staged rollout. Play Link Via: Twitter

Motorola Plans to Hand Out Free Moto X Phones to Friends and Family Willing to Test MotoMaker

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 10:58:25 +0000

According to AllThingsD, Motorola is in the process of offering friends and family of employees a chance to test out their MotoMaker program and receive a free Moto X. We've actually received similar information from sources of ours, but this report claims to have seen the program details. Those program details include a $200 offer to test the online customization software. But if testers are interested in earning extra perks, Moto is offering $250 in incentives by providing additional info through an interview. The program was announced to employees yesterday, and includes a $100 discount on a custom MotoMaker-made Moto X during checkout for friends and family, along with an additional $100 if they provide feedback within two days of getting the phone. Since the phone is running $199 on-contract, you are essentially getting the phone for free. Moto spokesperson William Moss said that the MotoMaker configurator is an "important part" of the Moto X experience, so this program ensures that everything is "working absolutely smoothly" before the big end of August launch. We took a tour of MotoMaker during our press slot last week at the Moto X unveiling. It's worth a look, as is the video below.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnTvmB44Cec[/youtube]

Via: AllThingsD

Blue HTC One Press Render Leaked

Tim — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:36:48 +0000

Ah, there she is. This is the HTC One in blue as leaked from the @evleaks Twitter account, a device we have been hearing about for quite some time. Now that we are seeing the device, we are sort of surprised it's not too dark or rich of a blue, kind of like the intensity of the red One that HTC showed off last month. We should note that there are currently rumors circulating that Verizon will be getting the One in blue sometime after the device finally goes on sale, but with no real evidence backing it up, we will remain hesitant for now. The One is expected to launch on Big Red August 15, just a week and a half away. If you had to choose just one, would you go for the silver, black, red or blue One? I would lean towards red, personally. Red is hot. Via: @evleaks

HTC One Max Pictured Again, This Time With Something to Compare Its Size to

Tim — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:22:57 +0000

Yesterday, we got a fantastic look at HTC's upcoming One Max smartphone. They were some good pictures that showed off a massive-looking device, but it was still hard to tell just how big this phone was. Thanks to a new leak, we now have it sitting on bottom of another device (an XT882 from Motorola), so we can see a good comparison of the One Max against something else that is already on the market. For your reference, the XT882 has a 4" display, with dimensions coming in at 4.81" x 2.46" x 0.52". The One Max is still expected to launch with a 5.9" 1080p display, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB+ of RAM, an UltraPixel camera, BoomSound, and hopefully HTC will throw in some other goodies to take advantage of that gorgeous display. Show of hands - who's interested? Via: NoWhereElse

Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 Spotted Running Android Build KRS36B, First Sign of Key Lime Pie?

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:06:19 +0000

The Chromium bug tracker has long been a great destination for unreleased Android version spotting. Like Glacier Park is for grizzly bear appearances or Hawaii for whale watching, wild, untamed beasts are always lurking in the bowels of Chromium. The members of the Chromium Project seem to regularly have devices running new builds of our favorite mobile OS, which appears to be the case again today. Spotted in a posting of bug 267659, a Chromium user was reporting on an issue with Cloud Print by listing out his devices. The Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 both made appearances running Android build KRS36B. Why is that significant? The "K," my friends. The "K" in KRS36B is for "Key" in Key Lime Pie, the expected next release of Android. All previous releases for Jelly Bean start with a "J," just like Ice Cream Sandwich releases started with an "I" and Gingerbread builds with a "G." For example, the most recent Android 4.3 update that rolled out to the original Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 is JWR66V. And since Google continues to push forward with this alphabetical naming scheme, "K" can only mean the new version of Android. Most of us are assuming we'll see some major UI refinements or changes in Key Lime Pie, and that there is a good chance it'll be Android 5.0. However, the numbering scheme won't be confirmed until Google decides to make it official.For all we know, Android 4.4 could end up as KLP. Rumors suggest that Google will unveil the new version of Android this fall during an event that will feature a new Nexus 10, new Nexus 4 (or other new Nexus phone), and maybe even a watch. October 15 could be a date to circle on your calendars. Via: Chromium Project | Ausdroid Cheers Hector!

Android 4.1.2 Update is Actually Rolling Out to the Motorola XOOM LTE, No Really

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:13:44 +0000

Got to be fake. No way is this actually happening. Android 4.1.2 for the Motorola XOOM LTE on Verizon is rolling out. Go get some. Cheers CharlieX!

Moto X Review (2013)

Kellen — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 06:00:31 +0000

Now that the Moto X is official, priced, and ready to arrive on the five major U.S. wireless carriers, it's our job to try and figure out if this "mid-range" device with its premium price tag and handful of tricks is worth every penny that Motorola thinks it is. We know that you have all seen the spec sheet - it tells a story of a device that certainly can't compete on paper with the Galaxy S4 and HTC One. But that's not what Motorola cares about. They want to win you over with a customized phone assembled in the U.S. that runs as smooth as butter, has a simple approach to Android, and carries a set of features that should make your life easier without confusing or overwhelming anyone. After dedicating my life to the phone since it was handed to me at Motorola's press festivities on August 1, I think I have plenty of thoughts to share on all of that. It's time to talk Clear Pixel camera. It's time to talk 720p vs. 1080p display. It's time to talk performance. And most importantly, it's time to talk about that damn price. Let's do this.

The Good

Design

With the Moto X, Motorola tried to create a product that "skips the gimmicks and gloss" to instead focus on "comfort, approachability, and warmth." Have they done that? I'd like to think so. The Moto X is a beautiful little handset. With its curved backside that tapers towards its bottom to match the contours of your palm, it feels amazing in hand. It's a two-part design, with both top and bottom casings, but thanks to an incredibly well-molded fit, it feels as premium as any unibody design. There is a soft texture applied to the back that is neither slippery nor sticky - it's perfect. The lack of logos on the device is also welcome, something Motorola claims was done because the overuse of branding is "irrelevant" to the end user. On the front you have an edge-to-edge 4.7" display with as little side bezel as you'll find on any smartphone. Even the top and bottom sections, sometimes referred to as the forehead and chin, are smaller than any phone I can recall. Part of the lack of bezel can be attributed to the lack of hardware navigation buttons. Motorola chose on-screen navigation buttons for the Moto X, so instead of taking up space at the bottom of the phone with Home, Back, and Multi-task, the display is used. But not only is this a space saver, it also matches up to Google's approach to Android. If you were looking for a phone that is all display without the extra fuss, this would be it. Accompanying the front panel, you also have a front facing camera, sensors, speaker grill, and a microphone. You'll notice them on the white version because they are black against white, but since there is no carrier or manufacturer branding on the front, you won't mind. On the black version, you get a 100% clean, almost infinite black appearance.

What amazes me the most about this design, is that when you hold it in hand, it feels like you are using a phone from years past when 4" displays were popular and phones were smaller. But that shows you how amazing of a job Motorola did at making this phone really compact. For example, look at the picture above, with the Moto X sitting on top of the HTC One. The One is clearly quite larger when compared to the Moto X, however, they use the exact same size display. So, the Moto X meets the demand of users today by giving you an oversized screen, but manages to include it in a package that allows you to easily manage use of the phone. In most situations, you can use the Moto X with one hand, a note we can't say we have said for many phones over the last year. Last, the Moto X is made of plastic, yet somehow manages to feel like it's a high-end device. This isn't your glossy, slippery, fingerprint-heavy, Samsung plastic. This is a thoughtfully designed smartphone that emits class.

MotoMaker

Motorola is trying to do something that no other smartphone manufacturer has ever done by allowing customers to custom order a phone online through a service called MotoMaker. The best example of a current service like this is Nike ID, which allows shoe fanatics to custom design their own shoe. With MotoMaker, you get to choose from 22 different colors or materials for the back panel, another two for the front, and a handful for the accents around the camera lens and physical side buttons. You can also choose the storage amount (16GB or 32GB), custom engraving on the back, optional case, boot-up message, and eventually which carrier you'd like the phone to work on. Motorola will pair matching color accessories to your phone, let you pre-sign-in with a Google account, and choose from a set of wallpapers that fit with your color choices. It's a great idea, especially if Motorola can deliver on their promise to deliver your phone in 4 days or less.

When you think about phones, you have to understand that phones have long been a way for consumers to show off their personality or make a statement. With MotoMaker, you no longer need a bejeweled case, set of protective stickers, or a mountain of cash to pay for something like ColorWare coloring. MotoMaker is free as a part of your phone purchase. I personally cannot wait to make a custom Moto X. At some point, MotoMaker will be available for more than AT&T, but unfortunately at launch, AT&T models are your only option. More on that in a bit. We went on an entire tour of MotoMaker that I suggest you check out.

Software Features (Active Display, Touchless Control, Quick Capture Camera, and Assist)

Active Display is easily my favorite feature on the Moto X. What is it, you ask? Active Display is Motorola's new take on how notifications should be handled when your phone is in a locked state or say, in your pocket. With Active Display, your phone automatically turns a portion of its display on when you pull it out of your pants, a bag, or simply flip the device over (and sometimes even by picking it up). But don't worry, only portions of the display are active, so this doesn't drain your battery like you may think that it would. Instead, Motorola shows you the time and icons for any notifications you may have with a minimal white text on black background. To quickly access these notifications, a single touch on your display will then give you a shortcut to your most recent or a quick peak at older ones. From there, you can decide to access your most recent or unlock your entire phone so that the rest of your notifications can be checked (pictured above). It's easily my favorite feature because I grab my phone probably 100 times throughout a day. With Active Display, I no longer have to reach for the lock switch or swipe down from a notification bar. All I have to do is pick up my phone and it'll show me the time and if I have notifications. Thanks to the single-press option for quick viewing, I can also see if any of them are important or if I'd like to ignore them with a swipe to the right or left. You can imagine the amount of time this saves. But not only that, it also eliminates blinking LED notification lights that provide you with little information.

Quick Capture is another of Motorola's highlighted features for the Moto X that you'll probably see in commercials and as talking points any time someone from the company is showing off the phone. Motorola realized how often users pick up their phones to take pictures, so Quick Capture allows them to do this much faster. Like Active Display, Motorola is eliminating steps to make a regular action much simpler. Instead of unlocking your phone, searching for a way to access your camera, and them fumbling over a shutter button, all you have to do is perform a double-twisting action with your wrist, so that the sensors in the phone know to fire up the camera. Once the camera UI loads, a tap anywhere on the display will auto-focus and snap a picture. While it's not exactly perfect, and often times takes a couple of twists to get it right, it can be an incredibly quick way to launch your camera once you get the hang of it.

Touchless Control is the Moto X's third biggest software feature. Think of it as Google Now or Voice Search but with an added level of power. Through a series of spoken "OK, Google Now" commands, the Moto X learns your voice and then sits in an always-on state, waiting for your voice commands whether your phone is awake or asleep. Your phone could be sitting in a cup holder or on your desk, but would only require that you say "OK, Google Now" to have it fire up and complete a command. You could say, "OK, Google Now, remind me to do the laundry this afternoon," and your phone would set a reminder. You could be driving down the highway and say, "OK, Google Now, give me directions to the nearest brewery," to find a local watering hole without having to touch your phone. It can call people, text friends, and perform trivia dominating Google searches. The voice detection works well, especially once you get your recorded voice the way you like it. It took me a couple of re-records before I found one that would activate easily, so you may need to play with your volume and pitch a bit. It's one of those services too, that will only get better as Google continues to update Google Now with new actions. Assist is probably the least talked about of the bunch, but is equally as important for those who travel a lot, regularly fill up calendars and need quiet time, or simply like to sleep at night without getting bothered. Assist is an app that when activated, gives you three categories to choose from: Sleeping, Driving, and Meeting. In a way, they are like profiles that set your phone to a certain state depending upon your needs. If you are driving and you have Assist turned on, the phone will recognize that you are in a car and automatically start reading text messages and incoming calls aloud. If you set it to Sleeping, you won't be bothered by notifications between the hours you select, unless you want to set an exemption for important people. In Meeting mode, your phone will silence itself based upon your calendar status, and even auto-respond to calls with a pre-set text message.

All of these features can be found in action below in one of our videos. Be sure to check it out.

Mostly Stock Android

The Moto X runs Android 4.2.2 at an almost stock level. There really is no skin on top of it all, only a few software additions like Active Display, Assist, the Camera UI and Touchless Control. Motorola decided that Android has matured enough that it can stand on its own, and really only needs select additions like I just mentioned. So if you want a close-to-stock Android experience on a device, the Moto X delivers it as good as anyone.

Performance

Look, we got away from the benchmark game long ago, so we're not going to bore you with screenshots of GFXBench or Vellamo. I'll simply say this - the Moto X has zero performance issues. With Motorola's X8 Mobile Computing System paired up with the dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, it's clear that the entire system has been fine-tuned to be smooth as butter. It's a bit of a downer that Motorola didn't use the quad-core Snapdragon 600 that the rest of the world has taken too this year, but this is where we sit. I think the takeaway here, is that mobile processors are probably not being fully taken advantage of if a dual-core chipset can run this good. In fact, (and not to bring up benchmarks again), if you run any of the GPU tests, you'll find that the Moto X outperforms its biggest competitors. Part of that has to do with the lower resolution display, but some credit should also be given to Motorola. Things like accessing Google Now with a swipe up from Home happen instantly, multi-tasking between apps doesn't hiccup, the camera launches quickly, and the phone never seems to get hot. Again, we may be looking at a dual-core processor in a time when the rest of the world is looking for the biggest and baddest quad-core, but you won't walk away from the Moto X disappointed.

Availability

Motorola accomplished something that few phone manufacturers have done in smartphone history - they produced a phone and convinced every single carrier that matters in the U.S. to sell it. The Moto X will be available on the 5 major U.S. wireless carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile (not in store though), Sprint, and US Cellular. At a price of $199 on-contract, you shouldn't have any trouble purchasing this phone by the time we hit early September. At the time of this review, no carrier has released specific dates for release, but Motorola insists that we'll start seeing it on store shelves by late August or early September.

Bootloader and Developer Editions

Motorola was only minutes into their announcement of the Moto X when they confirmed to us that the bootloader on the phone was "not unlocked." They weren't specific at the time, but you could bet that they were referring to AT&T and Verizon's versions of the phone. Thankfully, within a day, they clarified their stance by listing out the options of phone models for those who choose to tinker with their technology. Motorola will release the T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular Moto X variants with unlockable bootloaders out of the box. For those on AT&T and Verizon, you will have the option to pick up Developer Editions that will also have unlockable bootloaders. The only issue here is that the T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular variants will likely be available at reasonable on-contract prices, while the Developer Editions can be had at full retail.

Somewhere in the Middle

Camera

The camera on the Moto X is not an award winner, but it's also not a bottom feeder - it's somewhere above average, with times where it can be a rockstar. The Moto X houses a f/2.4 lens and 10MP RGBC sensor with Clear Pixel technology. It's supposed to let in 75% more light than a typical RGB sensor, meaning it should produce great results in low-light situations and also in shots that have a lot of movement. My results were a mixed bag, though there were times when I couldn't help but be impressed by the amount of detail that the camera was able to capture. You'll see in the few sample shots below that you'll go from an extremely noisy shot (cat picture) to one that could be framed on a wall (flower picture). I don't know if the Moto X's camera is doing some wild overprocessing or what's happening, but you'll see this jump in quality regularly between shots. It's almost as if you need to pull the camera app up, let it hang out for a 10 seconds to adjust to its surroundings, and then snap your picture. I ran through a series of test photos today with the Moto X on a tripod (hope to post them soon), comparing it to shots taken with the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, and it came away as a success. I would say that the Galaxy S4 slightly bests the Moto X in terms of detail and overall image quality in good light, but the Moto X crushed it in low-light performance and was step-for-step with it in other situations. Well, aside from some weird discoloration that showed up every couple of low-light shots (see below). I also found that the Moto X outperformed the HTC One camera in almost every situation, but that could be due to the One's low-resolution camera.

I should point out that the camera UI is beyond minimal. There are no filters. There are no special action shot modes or GIF creators. You tap anywhere you want to take a picture. There are settings for touch-to-focus, Slow Motion video, Panorama, location tagging, flash toggles, and HDR. That's it. Overall, I'd say that the Moto X camera is a success, but that it needs some fine-tuning from Motorola over the coming weeks as we approach launch.

Full resolutions: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Full resolution

Battery Life

Like the camera, battery life has been mostly average for me, but had some highlights along the way to make it overall a positive experience. With Motorola choosing to go with a 720p display, paired up with a dual-core chipset that uses a couple of companion cores to help conserve power, I was expecting to hit 20 hours of battery life without having to worry about looking for my charger. That hasn't been the case at all with the 2200mAh battery tucked inside. On four separate charges, I put the Moto X through a variety of situations, some that were begging for juice in under 6 hours, others that could have gone another 5-6 hours.

On my first charge out of the box, with an hour or so of setup and general tinkering since it was still a fresh new toy, I was able to get through over 10 hours with some room to spare. My screen on time was 3.5 hours. The second full charge I put the Moto X through, I hammered on it as hard as I could. We're talking 3.5 hours of screen on time in a 5 hour period that saw me drain the phone to 24%. I was testing it all from Touchless Control, to gaming performance for an hour with a heavy title like FIFA 2012. On my next two charges, I backed off a bit. I took an entire day with what I would consider to be heavier than a normal day's use, and saw almost 11 hours off the charger while still ending up with around 26% battery left. And then today, I went even lighter - 9 hours, with less than an hour of screen on time, leaving me with 57% left. So again, the battery life on the Moto X is neither bad nor great. It's really somewhere in the middle. I wouldn't complain about it, but I also wouldn't be bragging about it. It'll get you through a day, which is about what any other phone outside of the new DROID MAXX can say.

Display

Full resolution

No, the display is not a full 1080p like you will find on the Galaxy S4 and HTC One. It's a RGB 720p AMOLED with 316ppi, that Motorola claims to have chosen because it is battery efficient. With our so-so battery tests, I'm actually glad that they chose the 720p panel or this phone may not have made it through half a day. But aside from the resolution, the Moto X display is absolutely fine. We have been critical of Motorola's display choices over the last few years, but find very few things wrong with this one in particular unless we really start nit-picking.

It's an AMOLED, so yes, you'll get the crazy pops of color and what some consider to be over-saturation. I personally like AMOLEDs because of the vivid colors they produce, however, this isn't one of those AMOLEDs that is so over the top that you are begging for an LCD. You do get a warmer tone than I would typically like (pictured above), so you do have to be careful with overly white objects looking slightly yellowish. In situations where I did find excessively white pages being displayed (like above), the contrast to the fully-white front of the phone didn't help with that yellowish or warm tint. The black version of the Moto X may help with this. Outside of the regular downsides to an AMOLED, I did actually enjoy this display. Text is sharp, video and games all looked great, viewing angles are fine, and since it's not a PenTile pixel arrangement, there is no blurring as you jump in and out of apps or scroll down articles. With the lower resolution than what you find on the GS4 or One, you also may find yourself zooming less as objects will naturally appear larger.

The Not-so-Good

Price and Specs

After spending the last 5 days with the Moto X, I tried and tried to convince myself or least find some way to justify the $199 on-contract price that Motorola has given it. I hate to admit it, but I've failed to do such a thing. I cannot for the life of me figure out how Motorola came to the conclusion that this phone should be priced at the same level as the Galaxy S4 or HTC One. Look, I get that we're trying to end the spec wars and simply provide an experience that is unmatched by any other phone. But as a techie who knows the prices of other top tier phones, seeing a 720p display and a dual-core processor in a phone, I can only think "mid-range." But that's not at all what Motorola is asking us to pay. And I know that Google is in a position unlike anyone else because they can make money off of content and ads, but they were able to sell the Nexus 4 with similar specs for $349 off-contract almost a year ago. At this point, you would think that 720p panels and dual-core processors would be shoved in back rooms of supply chain warehouses, with slashed prices, begging for some company to come buy them all up in bulk. But here we are with the Moto X and its premium $199 on-contract price tag. And you know what, I'm sure that the majority of future Moto X buyers won't care for a second what the screen resolution is or what processor is inside because they'll be able to make it all pretty with MotoMaker (eventually). That's great for Motorola. But tech enthusiasts like myself, who tend to be pretty damn vocal, are going to have a hard time swallowing this pill. Especially with the Snapdragon 800 arriving in a few weeks in devices like the LG G2, which will only further stress this situation. With that said, the phone is being assembled in Texas, which will surely raise costs for Motorola. They are also allowing users to customize their phones with MotoMaker for free, something I would have guessed would have been an added cost. But speaking of added costs, why not sell the stock black and white versions for cheap and then charge an additional $50 or $100 for those who want their phone customized? No matter what, the price stings to someone who lives and dies with tech.

MotoMaker on AT&T only

Outside of price, there is one other massive disappointment. Hell, I'd even call it a failure on Motorola's part. Yes, I'm talking about the exclusive deal they made with AT&T to be the launch partner of MotoMaker. For those not familiar, MotoMaker will only be available for AT&T customers for an undisclosed amount of time once the phone launches. Motorola has already announced that the service will come to other carriers (Verizon being one), but for the time being, only folks with AT&T service can customize a phone to their liking. To me, MotoMaker is going to be the #1 reason that average consumers will choose to buy this phone. The price sure isn't going to be it. The software features like Active Display are awesome, but those don't sell a phone like giving someone the power to select a personalized set of colors and engraving will. I think I mentioned this above, but I cannot wait to customize my own phone. For years, we have moaned about the constant flood of black or white phones. Sure, Samsung has produced colors for its flagships, but never at launch. Motorola is telling us that you can customize an entire phone's appearance for no extra charge, the minute it goes live on AT&T, and see it in 4 days or less. That's awesome! Except that it's only on AT&T. Ugh. I could go on and on. Fix this problem, Motorola.

Other Notes

Wife point of view: Every time I get a new phone to review, I always hand it over to my wife and have her give me her immediate impressions. With the Moto X, she initially thought, "This is a cool little phone. It looks nice." But then I started feeding her the marketing spiel about Touchless Control, Active Display that would work when she pulled her phone out of her purse, and of course, MotoMaker. She thought all of the features were fun, but once she heard that she could customize her own phone, she wanted me to order her one immediately. I showed her the phone in the morning, and by the time she had come back home for the day, the first thing she said was "I want that phone. Let's order one." She was then crushed when I told her that it was an AT&T exclusive option, because she's on Verizon.
Speaker: Rear speaker gets plenty loud, but Motorola has typically been known for putting in quality speakers.
Battery tests: During our battery tests, we always run 4G LTE only. There were a couple of moments that I had to toggle on WiFi to download a game or something, but 99% of the time the phone sits on LTE.
Active Display: Have I said how awesome I think Active Display is?
Wallpaper and clock: Because a number of you have asked, the clock I'm using in most screenshots is a UCCW clock widget skin called Flat Sense. The wallpaper can be downloaded here.

Video

Unboxing

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LDH3ee9hmw[/youtube]

Software Features

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P5_yAA9xTE[/youtube]

Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX0OKEIqH7w[/youtube]

Gallery

The Verdict

I really like the Moto X. In fact, I think you'll like it a lot too. The entire package has few flaws, if any. We're talking about an above average display, a solid camera, industry standard battery life, stock Android, buttery smooth performance, and a set of software features that will actually make your life easier. Motorola wants you to forget about specs and concentrate on the experience that a smartphone should deliver. With the Moto X, I can safely say that this is one of the first times in years that I have picked up a phone, used it for a week, and not really had anything to complain about. And keep in mind that I've only been using one of the stock, white models - the MotoMaker experience is still to be had! So here are my final couple of thoughts. If specs mean little to you, you are willing to put your faith in Motorola to do you right, and you want to be able to fully customize the appearance of your phone, then you really can't go wrong here. We're talking about a premium experience in a smartphone package that is assembled in the U.S., something that can't be said for any other phone on the market. On the flip side, if you are a tech junkie on the bleeding edge, you may be somewhat let down by the 720p display and dual-core processor. Even though you may not notice a difference in performance or be able to pick out a pixel with your naked eye, it's something that may always be in the back of your mind, especially at its $199 on-contract price. I know I've had trouble getting over it, but even as I wrap up this review, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to even more time with the Moto X.

Links: Moto X deals at eBay | Amazon

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 14

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:10:19 +0000

We have been so tied up with new phones, traveling to and from press events, Android versions and other great news that we have been too busy to accommodate for a Q&A session. We finally get a breather this week, so it's time for Volume 14! The Q&A Sessions are a chance for you, the reader, to ask any and all of the DL staff a question that has been on your mind. It can be Android related, somewhat personal, sports related or anything else you can think of. We would love to share some thoughts on the Moto X, DROID devices and Nexus 7 tablet or maybe share insight as to what we can expect to see from Google in the last half of this year. It's up to you, the readers! On Friday, we’ll grab a handful of the best comments and let the team tackle them. To see all of our previous Q&A’s, check them out here.

Samsung Galaxy Folder Pictures Leaked, Looks Like a Sweet Flip Phone

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:53:06 +0000

Back in mid-July, a rumor out of Asia was getting tossed around that Samsung was working on a flip phone. But wait, who the heck cares about a flippin' flip phone? Well, the supposed Galaxy Folder isn't a normal flip phone. The Folder runs Android 4.2.2, sports two 3.7" AMOLED touch-screen displays with resolutions of 800x480 (one front and back), a Snapdragon 400 dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 4G LTE connectivity and a battery of 1,820mAh battery.

According to the most recent speculations, the Folder is said to never get past Korean borders in terms of global availability. And you know what, that kind of sucks. I could see plenty of people jumping back on the flip phone wagon if something like this hit our shores. I mean, it looks kind of looks badass, am I right?

What's more funny is that I can already see people making spec comparison charts for the Galaxy Folder to the Moto X. Via: Engadget | Cool Smartphone

Google Reportedly in Talks With Verizon to Offer Google Play Music All Access in Your Monthly Bill

Eric — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 13:05:05 +0000

Unless you were an early adopter of Google Play Music All Access when it launched a few months ago, the price to get started will run you $9.99 each month. That price is pretty competitive when compared to other music services out there, but if today's rumors are true, paying for it could get a little more streamlined, if you are on Verizon. This rumored deal would allow Verizon customers to charge the $9.99 monthly payment into their existing phone line to make things seamless. It's worth noting that Verizon and Google are already offering six months of free All Access when you buy one of the new DROID phones, so this new deal doesn't seem like much of a stretch. Google could get lots of new subscribers through this method, while Verizon customers get to use up their tiered data plans by streaming all this music. Everyone wins, right? Via: Billboard

HTC Takes to Vine and Posts Apparent One Max Teaser Clip (Update: Full Video Added)

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 12:48:43 +0000

We might be getting closer to the unveiling of HTC's One Max than we previously suspected. Rumors suggested that HTC would be announcing their mega-sized device sometime before Samsung had time to show off its upcoming Galaxy Note 3. With a date now set for a new Unpacked event on September 4, HTC looks to be speeding up the process for teasing this device. HTC is utilizing the free web to post apparent "teasers" for the One Max. In their latest Vine post, some guy is waiting for a helicopter arrival and then he gets a big low five from the guy who gets out. There are two shots where a phone is clearly visible, but it's impossible to tell if its the actual Max or just the regular One. We are leaning towards it being for the One Max given the tag of, "Big Things Ahead." Either way, HTC is looking to build some excitement surrounding the device. We got some eyes-on time with the One Max earlier today, and a few of you did show some interest in the phone. It has amazing specs - a Snapdragon 800, rumored 5.9" 1080p display, 2GB of RAM (or more), UltraPixel, BoomSound and the list goes on. Below we have embedded the Vine.

I would like to go on the record and just state that we might be in for one of the more epic marketing battles we have ever seen for two Android devices. With HTC going after Samsung's own Note lineup of devices, I would bet that Samsung will likely employ their massive marketing budget to somehow show what the Note 3 would offer over the One Max. The point is, the One Max is said to just be a bigger version of the One. The Note 3 on the other hand isn't just a big phone, but will probably come with a stylus and a gang of other features that are crafted just for the Note 3's size. We will have to wait a bit to see if HTC plans on doing any proprietary software of sorts to accommodate the One Max's large display. Update: HTC has posted the full 16 second video on their YouTube with much better quality. It's a safe bet that it is Robert Downey Jr. in the video, the same man/myth/legend that reportedly worked out a $12 million deal with HTC. [youtube]http://youtu.be/nVm0DC4A47w[/youtube] Via: HTC Cheers Scott!

Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Editions Get Android 4.3

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 11:35:39 +0000

Over the weekend, owners of Google Play Edition of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 started seeing Android 4.3 hit their devices, only about a week after the newest version of the OS was announced. Android 4.3 (still Jelly Bean) didn't bring too much in terms of features, but did pack in Bluetooth Smart, autocomplete for the dialer and a virtual surround sound driver for compatible devices. If you own one of these devices and have yet to update, what are you waiting for? Head into Settings > about phone > system update and grab Android 4.3. Via: AnandTech

Samsung Partners With BlackBerry, Will Offer BBM on All Galaxy Devices in Africa

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:45:21 +0000

Today, out of Android's Twilight Zone, Samsung announced a partnership with BlackBerry to bring BlackBerry Messenger to all Galaxy devices through Google Play and its proprietary App store. What makes the move interesting is that Messenger's launch has been highly anticipated by those who care, but the service is said to be launching just in Africa, with no word on it going anywhere else globally. Now, this could just be an announcement of an exclusive partnership to bring the app to all Galaxy devices in Africa, and a launch of BBM could happen separately for other Android users around the world. We will have to await more details from BlackBerry on what to expect. Samsung's George Ferreira, VP and COO of Samsung Electronics Africa, had this to say on the newest partnership.

At Samsung we are all about collaboration, innovation and driving consumer experience based on choice, value and customisation to suit every lifestyle. As such, bringing a top tier messaging service such as BBM is another way that we are expanding the catalogue of our messaging services and offering customers an amazing way to stay instantly connected with colleagues, friends and family.

Is anyone still waiting for BBM to hit Android? We have been talking about this for years it seems. Via: CrackBerry

Google Looks to Motorola, Could Handle Future Google Glass Production Outright

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:12:47 +0000

In a comment recently made by Motorola's CEO Dennis Woodside, the opportunity to produce Google Glass outright for the search giant could someday happen. According to Woodside, his company already handles some of the thought process behind manufacturing issues Google has been met with, but Moto does not currently produce units themselves. As of now, neither company is giving any word on when that would take place, but we would assume it could happen around the time Google plans on mass producing the headsets. There have been reports that a public launch of Glass could happen around the holidays of this year or even sometime next year. It's been very unclear, and until we hear actual word from Google on an official release, nothing is confirmed. Moto-made Google Glass - can you dig it? Via: Wall Street Journal Cheers Gabe!

HTC One Max Pictured, Shows Off Huge 5.9" Display With Almost No Bezel

Eric — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 09:29:13 +0000

Over the weekend, we get our first sneak peek at the next massive Android phone that is soon to hit the market. The rumored One Max from HTC is said to go head-to-head with Samsung and their Note 3 this September. The One Max looks a bit taller than the original One, but features the same screen resolution (1080p), stretched over 5.9" of glass. Other than the larger display, the One Max follows the same pattern as the One Mini and keeps the overall look of the One series the same. The specs will be significantly buffed though - 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 3,300mAh battery and 1080p screen make the name superphone really stick. Sense 5 will surely be on-board with BoomSound, BlinkFeed and everything else you ~~hate~~ love about HTC's Android skin. If this phone eventually lands on Verizon, are you at all interested?

Via: Facebook | ePrice Cheers Patrick!

Android Device Manager Starts Rolling Out, Still No App to Control it Though

Tim — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 08:38:39 +0000

Last week, Google introduced Android Device Manager, a service that would help Android device owners locate their lost/stolen devices, and also remotely wipe their data incase of theft. In Google's blog post that announced the service, Mountain View mentioned that Device Manager would go live sometime later this month, but over the weekend, some folks are already seeing it appear via a new Google Play Services app, version 3.2.25. Although, an app to control Device Manager is still unavailable, so in essence, this doesn't do anybody much good. As you might know, Google is very fond of their staged rollouts, so if you don't see an update for the app or Device Manager under your list of "Device Admins," don't fret. With time, it will come. ADM is a service that we wish Google would have pushed out a long time ago, but as they say, it's better late than never. Via: reddit

LG G2 User Manual Leaks, Shows microSD Storage and Removable Battery

Kellen — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 07:45:46 +0000

Even though the LG G2 will be unveiled at a press event on Wednesday in NYC, the leaks continue to pour in with details that we had yet to confirm. According to a leaked copy of the user guide for the device, the G2 will feature a removable battery (possibly 2600mAh), use nano SIM cards (same as the new Moto X), and contain a microSD slot for expandable storage, something only Samsung seems to want to do these days. The rest of the details have been known for some time, all of which will be confirmed in a couple of days. From previous leaks and announcements by LG, we know that the device will sport the world's slimmest full HD (1080p) display at 5.2-inches and run a Snapdragon 800 processor. We're also looking at an incredibly thin body with the G2, one that is so thin that they have decided to put power button and volume rocker on the back of the device, underneath the camera lens. The G2 will run LG's newest custom skin atop Android 4.2.2 and carry 2GB RAM. All signs point to this being LG's best device yet. The display looks gorgeous, it has on-screen navigation keys (which we're fans of), and may arrive on all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon. To see the phone in action, be sure to check out this video.

Via: NoWhereElse | Engadget

Why You Should Consider the Moto X [Opinion]

Ron — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 07:14:00 +0000

The Moto X is the first Android phone in a long, long time that I have actually wanted. If you're tempted to stop reading right there because you think this is going to be another biased fanboy rant, stop right there. My primary phone is an iPhone 4S and the next phone I buy will be another iPhone. Motorola isn't paying me and I don't have a gun to my head. I really do like this phone and I think you should too.

Carriers & Brand Recognition

I think this is going to be the first Android phone since the Droid or the Galaxy S where people will be proud to say that they have this phone because their friends have it too. The Moto X is distinct from the Droid and the Galaxy S (and its successors) in that it offers a level of customization yet consistency that enables a sense of community and individuality at the same time. Like the S4, they'll be able to walk into any carrier and buy it. Like the iPhone, there are simple options and a built in level of customization to make up for the lack of accessories that iOS users use to create a sense of individuality. In short, it takes the customization that Android is well known for and packages it in a way that I think people will be proud of.

Specifications & Android

This phone is coming at a time when the spec wars have effectively ended, which enables Motorola to emphasize what actually matters: software. A lot of people appear to be complaining that the Moto X has mid-range specs. The truth of the matter is that mid-range specs have been more than enough for a top-tier phone for a long time, but Android hasn't been ready. Android devices are somewhat notorious for having issues with framerates, IO performance, and general lag. Many users reported having issues with a phone slowing down with use. While I definitely had many of those problems, I always attributed it to running custom ROMs or my perception after seeing newer hardware. I can remember being frustrated that iOS users often had superior performance despite having less RAM and a slower processor. It turns out that Android needed some enhancements to deal with those issues. Starting with Android 4.1, the Android team began to address performance issues dealing specificaly with framerates through Project Butter. In Android 4.3, Google has added TRIM, which greatly enhances IO performance. Between increased framerates and better IO performance, Android should be feeling better both out of the box and after being in use for months at a time without a wipe. While the Moto X isn't launching with Android 4.3, it is launching at a time when Android has reached enough maturity so that having an insane processor and tons of RAM isn't necessary. Obviously having top of the line specs does help, but the vast majority of people don't need a phone with top of the line specs. What they need is a phone that will perform well over a two year contract. I have no doubt that the Moto X can be that phone for most Android users, especially after it receives Android 4.3.

Hardware Customization

This is something that I've wanted for a long time. For Android enthusiasts, Android has always been about being able to customize the phone to your liking. A lot of the debate between iOS and Android enthusiasts has been about the level of customization available to each user. A lot of the debate centered around the idea that if you want a simple phone that is easy to understand, you get an iPhone, but if you know what you're doing then you get an Android phone. While I have a lot of scruples with that idea, I get it. I've spent many hours customizing my home screens with widgets and icon packs and launchers and tweaks only to flash a totally different ROM on my phone to enable slightly different tweaks. The Moto X takes that kind of a obsession with software design customizations and brings it to the hardware. While the customizations are essentially limited to colors and engravings, I love the idea of being able to select the colors I want for my phone. I think giving people tons of options to color their phones and have them shipped to your home in 4 days is going to resonate well with consumers. People already buy cases and covers for their phones to make their phone feel more personal; personalized color options takes that to the next level.

Software Customizations

The Moto X is not shipping with stock Android, but the customizations they have added are designed to enhance and simplify the phone. These aren't gimmicks like pausing video when you look away; these are real features that change the way you use the phone for the better. Like I said on the Droid Life Show, I think the ability to launch the camera with the flick of a wrist will be an amazing feature for enthusiasts, moms, students, and everyone in between. The fact of the matter is that people want to be able to take good photos quickly. The Moto X doesn't come with the best camera on the market, but from what I've seen it takes good shots and the interface is brilliantly simple. Tap to shoot, swipe from right to left to enter Gallery, swipe from left to right to adjust the camera settings. Most people don't want to have a million options when taking a picture. They may want to make some edits before posting a picture to Instagram, but other than that people just want to take a photo to remember a moment. Active Notifications are another software enhancement that I find ingenious. I personally hate a notification light for two reasons. First, it just keeps blinking at me to tell me something I usually already know: I have a new notification. I don't need a constant reminder. Second, while some phones allow a great deal of customization in terms of notification light colors and blinking patterns, I still find I would rather know precisely what the notification is so I can decide if it warrants my attention or not. Some of Nokia's phones have implemented a similar idea for showing bits of information on the screen without lighting up the whole thing. Motorola takes this a step further by adding functionality to respond to notifications in an intelligent manner with swipes. Voice recognition integrated with Google Now is another feature that I think is innovative, but probably not life changing. I like that you can train the Moto X to listen just for your voice. If anything, having voice recognition prepares for a future where multiple humans in one space are trying to use Google Now with their voice. While I'm praying that history does not go in the direction of people talking at their phones in public, I still think this is a neat way to give voice feedback more security than other intelligent assistants (I'm looking at you, Siri).

Conclusions

The Moto X is not the best Android phone if your expectations include the best processor, the best display, stock Android, and no carrier interference for updates. If that's what you want, then keep dreaming. If, however, you want a phone lets you customize its hardware and software, has pleanty of power, and is going to be available on every major carrier, then I think you ought to consider the Moto X. There will always be another phone with a higher resolution screen or a processor with more power than you need or more megapixels. If you want power and top of the line specs, go get an S4 or a One; you'll be happy with either phone. The Moto X isn't about overwhelming you with specs; it's about meeting your needs as a device while tailoring itself to your aesthetic tastes. The Moto X really is the first phone that can be designed by you in a meaningful way.

Samsung to Host Unpacked Event on September 4, Galaxy Note 3 Surely to be a Part

Kellen — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 06:54:33 +0000

Galaxy Note fans, mark September 4 onto your calendars. Actually, as Samsung has put it in their official invite, "note the date" on your calendars. Yes, this will be the unveiling of their next "Galaxy" at an Unpacked event just ahead of IFA in Berlin. But as you can tell, they aren't trying to keep it a secret - it'll be the Galaxy Note 3. The event will be streamed live for the world to see, much like they have done with almost all of their big events over the last year or so. Since the actual event is being held in Berlin, this won't be a repeat of the Galaxy S4's Radio City Music hall launch, but you should still expect it to be a big production. This is Samsung we are talking about. Keep in mind that while the event will showcase the Note 3, we don't have any idea when it will launch. After all, it took Verizon months to release the Note 2 after it was announced last year, however, most other carriers had the device available fairly quickly. For those big on history, the two previous Galaxy Note devices were both announced just prior to IFA. Who is ready?

Get Yourself a Verizon Moto X Today on ebay, Prototype in White Available for $800

Kellen — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 10:38:48 +0000

The Moto X may have officially been unveiled this past Thursday, but we have yet to hear an official launch date. We were told by Motorola that the device would start to arrive in late August or early September, and that they were leaving specific dates up to their carrier partners. If you can't wait for those announcements to come or for the end of the month to arrive, ebay is your friend. Listed today, we have a Moto X "prototype" with a "Buy It Now" price of $799.95. Should you choose to fork out the substantially increased-over-retail price, you could have the phone by Tuesday. The seller has a pretty stellar ebay record with over 2200 ratings and a 99.1% positive feedback score, so it looks like this may be legit. They claim that this phone is unlocked, and that it will work on just about any carrier's network (both CDMA and GSM). However, if you want LTE, you'll have to use this phone with a Verizon SIM. You won't complain about that though, will you? Clearly this was a test device, as you can see the "Motorola Confidential Property" and "Not For Sale" branding all over the front. You can even see the serial number listed in the top right corner, so whoever gave this phone up, is not afraid of the wrath that Motorola could potentially bring down upon them. This model has a two-toned color scheme with a white back and black front. Any takers? Via: ebay Cheers Saul!

Special Moto X Edition

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 20:52:19 +0000

Since we haven't been able to host a Droid Life Show in a few weeks thanks to our travel schedules with all of these major tech events happening, we decided to sit down for a few minutes today to at least talk through some of it. The Moto X is obviously the hot topic of the moment, but we also haven't shared any thoughts on the new Nexus 7, Chromecast, or new DROIDs in any sort of live on-air format. So, join Tim and I, and let's talk about it! The show kicks off around 2:00PM Pacific (5:00PM Eastern).

This Week in the Life of DROID - 8/2/2013

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 17:00:14 +0000

It was Moto X week, and boy was it busy. We got up our full review of NVIDIA's SHIELD portable gaming console, plus we did a ton of comparing of this year's top devices against Moto's newest flagship device. We posted up an in-depth look at what Moto's X8 Computing System exactly is, and were also surprised by Google when they announced their new Android Device Manager. If you missed any of the craziness (how could you?), take a peek down below and catch up.

Watch: Droid Life Show Moto X Edition [Subscribe]
Watch: Moto X hands-on and unboxing.
Watch: Moto X feature rundown.
Review: NVIDIA SHIELD.
Hands-on with the MotoMaker website.
9 things you should know about the Moto X.
Spec Comparison: Moto X vs. DROID ULTRA vs. MAXX vs. Mini.
Spec Comparison: Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One vs. Nexus 4.
Showdown: Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One.
Motorola and Google unveil the Moto X.
Punit Soni confirms unlockable bootloader for certain Moto X variants, Verizon to get "Developer Edition."
Google announces Android Device Manager, a tool to help you find your lost phone!
Sony Honami pictured, shows off 20+MP camera sensor.
What exactly is Moto's X8 Computing System? We've got the answer for you.
Verizon roadmap shows Moto X launch scheduled for August 23.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Galaxy Note 3 Launch Reported for September 4, Along With a Samsung Smartwatch

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 16:00:45 +0000

According to recent reports out of Korea, Samsung will look to launch the newest member of the Note line, the Galaxy Note 3, on September 4. That date is just a couple of days before Berlin's IFA event, which is when Samsung has announced the last two renditions of the Note smartphone lineup. The Note 3 should excite anyone looking to upgrade, as the device is rumored to feature Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 800 processor, a very large 1080p display, a 13MP back-facing camera and plenty of Sammy's software enhancements. What gets us a little more excited is not just the Note 3, but talks of a Samsung smartwatch to go along with it. Referred to as Samsung Gear, this would be a wearable device that unites perfectly with your smartphone, showing you notifications and could also tie into Samsung's S-Health software. The device/accessory could go well with the fitness crowd who like to keep track of their distance traveled, calories burned, etc. The Note 3's launch has been talked about for some time, but every rumor has pointed to an unveiling for sometime in September around IFA. If this is the device you are waiting for, it would appear that you only have one more month to wait. Via: Phone Arena | Asia Economy

Video: Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:32:17 +0000

So, we've compared the specs of the Moto X to those of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, but isn't the real story here how they differ in terms software and experiences? After all, lists of details on paper never tell the true story of any product, it always comes down to whether or not a product's set of features helps to make your life easier. At least that's the way it should be. Motorola, with the Moto X, is trying to do that in as minimal of a way as possible, which is the exact opposite approach to some of its competitors. With the Moto X, you are looking at a phone that was purposefully left with mostly stock Android, so that users aren't bombarded and overwhelmed by software features. The experience is similar to what you would get with a Nexus device, but Motorola has gone ahead and added in small details here and there to make the phone easier to use in select places, like the camera or lock screen. Motorola has really just tried to add-on useful features where it feels the experience of Android can be improved without getting away from Google's intentions. Compare that to Samsung or HTC, who have completely skinned Android, turning it into something that at times is almost unrecognizable. But they certainly pack in the features. In areas like the camera, Samsung has introduced so many special modes or filters, that I couldn't even list them all out for you. HTC has done some interesting things as well, with Zoes and BlinkFeed. Again, these two have simply taken the opposite approach to what Motorola is trying to do. In the video below, we take a quick look at both hardware and software of the Moto X, Galaxy S4, and One.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX0OKEIqH7w[/youtube]

Motorola's Punit Soni: Unlockable Bootloader on T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular Moto X, Developer Edition Coming to Verizon

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 13:32:22 +0000

Bootloaders and the Moto X, what is really going on here? Yesterday, we were told that the bootloader on the phone is "not unlocked," but with so many variants, did that statement mean from all of them? Apparently not. According to Punit Soni, Motorola's VP Product Management, the bootloader status all hinges on the carrier, assuming it's not a developer edition. Let me explain. The Moto X versions headed to Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular will all have unlockable bootloaders. The AT&T and Verizon version will not be unlockable. However, there will be a Verizon Developer Edition and a general North American Developer Edition (which would assume will work on AT&T) in the future. We don't have dates, but Punit has confirmed this info. Here is Punit's note over at Google+:

Perhaps this got missed in the launch hullabaloo ... Moto X on the Sprint, US Cellular, Rogers and T-Mobile networks will have an unlockable bootloader, and in addition, we will be offering a Verizon Wireless Developer Edition and a general North American Developer Edition. Hope that clarifies some of the questions out there.

Feeling a bit better? The price certainly won't change, but at least you know that you'll have a version available to you that will work on your carrier of choice with an unlockable bootloader. +1. Via: +Punit Soni Cheers hr!

Temple Run 2 Updated, Play as Usain Bolt and Google Play Games Services Added

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 12:50:16 +0000

Temple Runners can go grab the latest update for Temple Run 2 through Google Play, featuring the game's first-ever guest appearance. The developers balled out and got Usain Bolt to appear in the game, allowing players to buy Bolt as a playable character for a limited time. And you can bet that he has a pretty sweet "Bolt" power according to the changelog. On top of the world's fastest man, Temple Run 2 now features Google Play Game Services, allowing players to stack their scores up against their friends through Google+. It was unclear if it will now feature cloud saves too, but my guess is no. That would be a nice future update. What's New:

Announcing the first guest star in Temple Run history - Usain Bolt! That's right, you can now run as the fastest man on Earth to escape from your favorite Evil Demon Monkey! And you're going to love your unique Bolt powerup! You can buy Bolt for a limited time, but hurry, he goes fast! We also added Google Play Game Services, sign in under the settings menu and see how you compare to your friends!

Play Link

Comparison: Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One vs. Nexus 4

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 12:22:39 +0000

First, we gave you the Moto X when compared to its brothers sold exclusively on Verizon - now we've got Motorola's new flagship compared to other flagships of the moment. This is how the Moto X stacks up against the Galaxy S4, HTC One, and the Google-inspired Nexus 4. Is the Moto X really that far off in terms of specs than the others? Let's look. As I was putting this together, I saw a couple of things. The first is the craziest, and it involves the Nexus 4. It's still quite remarkable to think about how cheaply priced this phone is. But we all understand that Google is the only company on this list that can make zero money off of the hardware of their phone, since they can turn around and make it back and then some through Google Play services (at least in theory). Sure they own Motorola, but time and time again we have been told that Motorola is operating as a separate entity. So in other words, they still need to make money off of their hardware sales. (A conversation for another day should probably be over whether or not they should operate as Google or at least with Google's approach to hardware pricing.) So the other thing that stood out to me, is how small of a gap there really is here when it comes to specs. We're talking 1080p over 720p, and quad-core over dual-core. Because of those two things being on the lower end in the Moto X, the world has decided that this phone is overpriced and worthless. But then you couple that idea with the fact that Moto's parent company is selling a phone for $299, and all hell has come crashing down. I think it'll be tough for Motorola to convince die-hard tech fans that the Moto X is worth its $199 on-contract price when compared to the Galaxy S4 and One. But maybe Motorola wants the rest of the world, not those tech die-hards. I think in a perfect world, they'd try to capture everyone, however, after watching the waves of furious internet techies cry out over last couple of days, this might not be the phone to do it.

Comparison: Moto X vs. DROID ULTRA vs. DROID MAXX vs. DROID Mini

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 11:29:36 +0000

We had a couple of readers ask that we compare the Moto X to the other recently announced phones for Verizon (DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini), but since review units for the new DROIDs aren't currently ready, we're stuck looking at the four on paper for now. This is a quick spec comparison to show you the subtle differences in each phone. Some differ in display size, battery capacity, and of course, they almost all differ in price. We'll compare the Moto X to other OEM flagships here in a minute. For now, here is your new Motorola line-up, on paper. Update: After you are done here, check out the comparison of the Moto X to the Galaxy S4, HTC One, and Nexus 4.

Android Distribution Charts Updated for August, Jelly Bean Hits 40%

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 10:53:06 +0000

The Android distribution numbers were updated for August last night, showing that Jelly Bean's foothold in the Android pie continues to grow at a steady pace. Now at 40%, up from last month's 38%, it now has a very nice lead over Gingerbread, which still has a large chunk at 33%. As for the rest - Ice Cream Sandwich 22.5% (was 23.3%), Honeycomb and Donut remain at 0.1% (was 0.1%), Gingerbread 33% (was 34.1%), Eclair 1.2% (was 1.4%), and Froyo 2.5% (was 3.1%). Via: Android Developers

Google Announces Android Device Manager, a Tool to Help Find Your Lost Device

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 10:35:50 +0000

The Android team took to the official blog today to announce a feature that all Android users need, whether they want to admit it or not. If your Android device gets lost/misplaced, you can now use Android Device Manager to locate its exact position or you can "ring" your device. If your phone has been stolen, you can also use the service to remotely wipe your device, ensuring that your info and its private contents are safe. The service will go live later this month, and be available for devices running Android 2.2+. A separate Device Manager application will go live at the same time, so stay tuned for when that will happen. This is great news. Via: Android Blog

Moto X Feature Tour: Active Display, Touchless Control, and Quick Capture Camera

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 10:10:23 +0000

Oh the Moto X, I get the feeling that it's going to be quite the aggressive conversation starter over the next few weeks as we approach launch through U.S. carriers. I love it that people have opinions on both sides about this phone. If anything, it's going to make for some entertaining chatter in the comments. But no matter what, our coverage will continue! With its $199 price and specs that on paper aren't matching up to other flagship phones, we are as curious as many of you to find out if this phone can compete or even stand up to its competitors, for that matter. As I've said three or four times now, so far it's doing just fine. To move forward with our deep look at the Moto X, we're taking you on a tour of the three features that Motorola is going to highlight time and time again during their marketing blitz. Here we have Active Display (probably my favorite feature thus far), Touchless Control (Google Now voice actions), and Quick Capture Camera (which I apparently suck at using). Check out the video below to see them all in action.

[responsive_vid]

Update: A number of people asked about security and how this will work with a PIN. With a PIN set, you can still touch the notifications to see previews, but if you swipe into one, it'll then take you to the PIN unlock screen. Also, keep in mind that you don't have to use Active Display if security is an issue.

Verizon Approves Android 4.1.2 Update to XOOM 4G LTE, Build Number JZO45M (Update)

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 09:58:00 +0000

In a shocking development, Verizon approved an update to all remaining XOOM 4G LTE tablets top build number JZO45M. The update, which is ~~based off of Android 4.2~~ (not 4.1 as we previously assumed), will bring all of Jelly Bean's great features such as Google Now, expandable notifications, multiple user accounts, and an enhanced keyboard. Oh, and don't forget about Project Butter. You can more than likely expect to see this update roll out to XOOM owners sometime over the weekend or next week. Update: Looks like Verizon screwed up and instead of putting the correct version of Android - 4.1.2 - they put 4.2 instead. This update is in fact, Android 4.1.2. Thanks to all those that commented down below. Via: Verizon

Official CyanogenMod Support Announced for Eight New Devices

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 09:17:14 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, as everyone was still dealing with all of the Moto X news flying in, Team Douche took to Google+ to announce official support for eight new devices. Six of them are from Motorola and the other two are made by Samsung. Each device will be receiving a build of CyanogenMod 10.2, which is based off of Android 4.3. This news should be pretty exciting for these root-loving devices owners. New devices:

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (apexqtmo)
Samsung Galaxy S4 - C Spire (jfltecsp)
Motorola Atrix HD (mb886)
Motorola Photon Q - GSM (xt897)
Motorola Photon Q - CDMA (xt897c)
Motorola Droid Razr M (xt907)
Motorola Razr HD - GSM (xt925)
Motorola Droid Razr HD - CDMA (xt926)

Once builds are live for these devices, you can find them at cm.get. Via: +CyanogenMod

XOOM 4G LTE Soak Test Apparently Rolling Out This Morning

Tim — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 08:40:16 +0000

Any XOOM 4G LTE owners recall signing up for a Jelly Bean soak test from Motorola back in early May? Well, according to emails that arrived in inboxes last night, the first phase of rollouts should begin sometime this morning. The update will bring your well-aged tablet up to Android 4.1+, allowing XOOM owners to finally get off of Ice Cream Sandwich. In the email, Moto's forum manager apologizes for the wait, but mentions that Moto had to go back to the drawing board for this one. Whatever that could mean. Are there any XOOM owners left on Verizon that are looking to download this update once it's available?

Hello, Thanks for signing up for the Verizon XOOM LTE software test. I'm so sorry there was such a long break between registration and the test. Sometimes we have to go back to the drawing board -- this was one of them. The software should be pushed to your phone early tomorrow. We're counting on your participation in the private community -- so please take part! Your input is very important to us. To ensure we hear you, please follow these guidelines: Please post all your feedback in our private community (link below). This also where you'll find help during the soak. Please do not call or contact Motorola or Verizon support for help during the soak. Those teams are not yet ready to support this software. I'm not able to check private messages on the forums during soaks, so if you need immediate help that's not a good route to take. Use the private area instead. If you have any problems accessing the private community, please click here for help. I know some of you indicated problems logging in when registering and I'm sorry we didn't get to you ahead of the soak. One tip -- your log-in email is the one where you are receiving this email. Please start your visit to the private community here. You'll find additional important information in the Welcome message as soon as you sign in. Thanks so much for your participation! We really appreciate your time and insights. Regards, Matt Motorola Feedback Network Motorola Owners' Forum

Cheers J and R!

Moto X: 9 Things You May Not Know About Motorola's New Flagship

Kellen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 07:53:41 +0000

It appears, at least from our readers' standpoints, that the Moto X reveal yesterday rubbed many of you the wrong way. It's pretty obvious that many of you were hoping for a price well below that of the typical $199 on 2-year contract trend. We sort of forgot about the idea that this phone could drop in at some sort of Nexus-like pricing once we saw the pricing of the DROID ULTRA, but it is what it is. And after all, this is Motorola's new flagship - they fully consider this to be on-par if not better than the competition. No matter what, we can tell that you aren't exactly happy, since many of you were focusing on this as potentially being your next phone. I'll just say this, you have to give it a chance. You have to go get your hands on it once it hits stores. By no means are we done with a review nor do we have final thoughts, but everything we have seen in the last day with the phone has been nothing but positive. It's a different type of device, that's for sure. It'll take a different mindset, one that isn't worried about quad-cores and 1080p. If those things are the most important thing to you, then maybe this phone isn't for you. Over the next week, we'll be diving fully into this to decide if we are in that boat or not as well. For now though, we wanted to share some Moto X features that you may not be familiar with that might improve your thoughts on it. If anything, at least take a look at the CPU and GPU section, as there is some confusion on this front.

Same GPU as the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, performs better in benchmarks.

Worried about a processor that is a "year old"? We're seeing that argument over and over again in the comments, so we thought we'd point out a bunch of tests ran by ArsTechnica this morning to kick this thing off. Before we dive into performance, though, we wanted to make it clear that the Moto X, even though it sports a dual-core CPU, uses the exact same Adreno 320 GPU as the Galaxy S4 and HTC One. The CPU is also more than likely using Krait 300 cores instead of the year-old Krait 200 cores that many think it's using. By all means, this is a custom job with tech on-par with the Snapdragon 600, it's just not quad-core, so it'll lack some overall power, something that seems to be throwing you all for a loop. That said, this phone is no slouch. In terms of gaming, you may see better performance on the Moto X than you will on the One and Galaxy S4. For one, the Adreno 320 GPU will run better on a 720p display than a 1080p display, that's for sure. You can see proof of that in the frame rates generated in the GFXBench 2.7 onscreen test above. But even offscreen, where the benchmark scales everything to 1080p, to put all phones tested on an equal playing field, the Moto X tops the GS4 and Nexus 4. Their series of benchmarks also shows the Moto X beating the Galaxy S4 in browser tests, but overall falling in a full performance bench, but that's because it's only a dual-core CPU. The processor and GPU combo in the Moto X is nothing to worry about.

HD Display may only be 720p, but it sure as hell isn't PenTile.

Full Macro Shot

In the past, we have been extremely critical of Motorola for using terrible (and I mean terrible) PenTile AMOLED displays in phones like the Bionic and RAZR. So when we saw that the Moto X was carrying another AMOLED display, we were initially concerned. That said, Motorola is making it as clear as possible that this is not PenTile and is 100% RGB. There are no shared pixels, as each has its own red, green, and blue sub-pixels. We're talking no blurring when scrolling through text and sharp images. You are looking at 316ppi for the Moto X's 4.7" display. So no, it's not 1080p, but you could argue either way that none of us truly need a 1080p display on a smartphone. From personal experience, I'll simply say that as long as its a great HD display, I could go without the full HD resolution. Remember, I'm the guy that kept going back to the Nexus 4 and its 4.7" 720p display, even after there were handfuls of 1080p phones on the market. Sure FHD is great to have, to say you have it, but if it's a great 720p panel, your eye probably won't tell the difference, other than icons and text will look bigger when compared to a 1080p panel. Also, the 720p display on the Moto X should greatly improve battery life over other phones using 1080p displays.

Includes Crystal Talk for HD calls and better Touchless Controls.

Motorola has included CrystalTalk dual mic noise cancellation and noise adaptive hearing enhancements to aid in voice calls in noisy environments. This tech features automatic vocal amplification, background noise filtering, and articulation enhancement, but also plays a role in making Moto X's Touchless Control feature work well, even in loud situations. So in other words, you get better sounding "HD" calls for both you and the person you are having conversations with.

Features dual LTE antennas.

This was rumored a week or so before the reveal, but the Moto X does indeed have dual LTE antennas. So you are looking at an antenna that carries the 2G, 3G, and initial 4G LTE signal, like you would see in a normal phone. But then Moto tossed in a second, dedicated LTE antenna to help it sustain and maintain fast connections on 700MHz LTE bands. They claim that this move means less power is needed to transmit and receive data, so in the end, you should see improved battery life and better data performance.

Has water-repellent coating.

To be clear, the Moto X is not a water-resistant phone. With that said, Motorola has used water-repellant coating on the outside and inside to keep you safe in a rain storm or something that would cause droplets of water to sneak onto your device.

Custom-shaped battery.

This is sort of a random bit, but cool none-the-less. Motorola told us during a briefing yesterday that they are using a custom step-shaped battery in the Moto X because of the space constraints. To keep the phone small enough, they had to get tricky on the inside, which is also why they went with nano SIM cards. They claim this battery enables 31% additional capacity without impacting the size.

802.11 ac WiFi, custom vibration effects, and speaker membrane temperature monitoring.

The Moto X also features the newest 802.11 ac WiFi standard, uses new haptics technology, so that you can customize vibration effects (though I'm still looking for this feature on the phone), and somehow monitors the temperature and movement of the speaker membrane to enable up to 6x more sound power to be emitted. Just sharin'.

Moto X: Recapping Today's Events

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 17:22:27 +0000

Moto X day has essentially wrapped up for us, at least in terms of initial coverage. Tomorrow will likely be more fun, though, because we'll have had some real time with the phone, and already have a series of posts in mind to show off everything this phone is capable of like comparisons and features that we wish every phone had. I'm enjoying every moment with it so far, if you can believe that. We are definitely hearing loud and clear the anger towards the price, exclusivity of MotoMaker to AT&T, and the locked bootloader, but I challenge you to think a little differently with this phone. Motorola is certainly trying to. They feel that the overall experience of this phone will meet the needs of a bigger range of people than most phones out there without having to put the latest and greatest processor inside or a 1080p display.. I know it's a tough sell to many of us, especially when we have all been sold on the spec wars, but something just feels different with this one. I can't fully explain that yet, however, I will certainly try. In the mean time, we blasted out a dozen or so stories immediately at 3PM Eastern, some of which you may have missed. In case you did miss any of it, we've got a round-up of links for you below.

The Moto X will cost $199 on 2-year contract at 5 major U.S. carriers.
Video: Our first look, unboxing, and gallery of the device.
MotoMaker is the customization tool, here is a tour of it. | Wood backs on the way too.
Moto X Specs.
Where and when can you buy the Moto X?
Poll: Are you buying the Moto X?
Bloatware.
Yes, the Moto X has a locked bootloader.
Moto X is a brand for Motorola, meaning we may see a cheaper prepaid version of the Moto X soon.
We may also see a Google Play edition at some point.
Video: The first two commercials for the Moto X are out.

Now, take a deep breath, sleep away the anger overnight, and come back tomorrow to see what else we have in store for the Moto X.

Motorola CEO: Cheaper Version of Moto X in the Works for Prepaid Markets

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:41:43 +0000

In a meeting directly following the unveiling of the Moto X, Motorola's CEO Dennis Woodside gave a little insight into his company's plans to release a cheaper version of the device for developing and prepaid markets. In the upcoming months, Motorola plans to unveil a cheaper X model, one that will be more desirable to those who aren't looking to pay $600+ for a smartphone, in addition to it being available internationally where customers tend to buy devices outright, not subsidized through carriers. Woodside spoke briefly on the current less-than $200 smartphone market and said this:

The experience of devices you can get for less than $200 is subpar right now. We want everyone to have access to affordable smartphones.

As for the Moto X's full retail price here in the U.S., we are still awaiting confirmation from Motorola, but apparently AT&T divulged that the off-contract price will sit at $575 for the 16GB version and $629 for 32GB. A cheaper variant of the X for prepaid and developing markets could be a success, but for those that want the latest and greatest specs, they will probably not be too thrilled when they hear what types of cuts are made to make the device more affordable. Via: CNET

Facebook Adds Cover Feed to Standard App, FB Home No Longer That Special

Eric — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:25:33 +0000

Remember the HTC First? Just four months ago, HTC and Facebook got together to launch a unique phone powered by stock Android that looked like it had a lot of promise at the time. Fast forward to today and the First has been discontinued and now Facebook Home, the First's big selling point, is losing exclusive features as well. Unless Google Play's staged rollouts haven't gotten to you, Facebook for Android received an update today that adds Home's Cover Feed to the standard app. This allows you to turn your lockscreen into a slideshow of what your friends and family on Facebook are up to, which either sounds awesome or the worst thing in the world. Unfortunately for some, this feature is only supported on a list of devices right now:

Galaxy S3
Galaxy S4
Galaxy Note 2
HTC One
HTC One X/+
Nexus 4

If you are itching to get this new Facebook feature onto your phone, hit the link below to see if the staged rollout has come to you. Play Link

Where and When can I Buy the Moto X?

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:54:41 +0000

Assuming you are ready to fork out $199 on contract for the Moto X, or maybe even buy it off contract, you probably want to know when and where you can do such a thing. In the list below, we've got the official word from each carrier. The big five in the U.S. will all carry some form of the Moto X, so you should have no problems finding it once it becomes available. The quick list:

Verizon: Has not yet announced anything. Motorola confirmed they are carrying it.
AT&T: $199 for 16GB, $249 for 32GB on 2-year contract - no launch date announced.
T-Mobile: Has not yet announced anything. Motorola confirmed they are carrying it.
Sprint: $199 for 16GB - no launch date announced.
US Cellular: Has not yet announced anything. Motorola confirmed they are carrying it.
Motorola.com: Versions from all carriers will be available here. No date announced.

Here is the official word from Motorola's Moto X press release:

Moto X will be available in the US, Canada and Latin America starting in late August/early September. In the US, woven black and woven white models will be available at AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and at national retailers including Best Buy stores with a suggested retail price of $199 with a new two-year agreement. Additionally, it will be available on all carriers, including T-Mobile, at Motorola.com.

We'll continue to update this post as dates and pricing comes in. Via: Motorola

A Look at Verizon Bloatware on the Moto X

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:28:19 +0000

The Moto X is not bloatware-free. Early reports suggested that Motorola was going to do everything in their power to keep the bloat to a minimum, possibly on an Apple level, but I'm not sure they won that battle. Sure, they kept the amount down when compared to phones from LG and Samsung, however, there are still plenty of pre-installed Verizon apps that cannot be removed. In the set of screenshots above, we're counting nine (9) in total - Caller Name ID, Mobile Hotspot, NFL Mobile, QuickOffice, Verizon Tones, Voicemail, Setup, My Verizon, and VZ Navigator. Now, you could argue that a couple of those aren't actually bloatware and that they are useful, but by our standards, they make the cut. You could probably toss in Assist, Migrate, and Moto Care if you were getting really picky, but since those are a part of the Moto X experience, we are leaving them out.

Thursday Poll: Are You Buying the Moto X?

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:26:17 +0000

We finally know the official specs. We finally know the official *on-contract* pricing. We finally know which carriers it is coming to. The Moto X is finally official. Official! The only question remains, do you still want it? With many folks caught off guard by the $199 price tag, we noticed some people jumped ship pretty quickly in the comments section. Once you choose yes, no or still deciding, feel free to go down below and let us know which carrier you plan on going with if you are picking one up. If you chose no, tell us why. Time to tell us how you really feel. [poll id="265"]

Moto X 'Google Play Edition' is Coming Soon

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:58:32 +0000

According to The Verge, a Google Play Edition of the new Moto X device will go on sale sometime "soon" from Google. For sale directly through Google Play, there is no word on how much the device will cost exactly, but it is said that only a 16GB version of the phone will be available for sale. The GPE devices, such as the One and Galaxy S4, feature vanilla Android and receive updates much more quickly than their carrier-based siblings. No skins to worry about and no bloatware installed on the devices. Additionally, there is no telling whether the Moto X GPE will be available for customization, a feature that is launching as an AT&T exclusive, but is said to come to other carriers sometime later this year. Once more info is learned on when and where we can see a Moto X GPE, we will update you. Via: The Verge

Here are the First Two Moto X Commercials

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:30:37 +0000

Rumors of a $500 million marketing budget for the Moto X have still not been confirmed, but we should all expect Motorola to put this phone in our faces as much as they can. This is the first phone inspired by their new Google leadership - it's their baby, if you will. To kick off the marketing craze that will certainly accompany this phone up and through launch, we have two commercials. The first is called "Quick Draw," which highlights the phone's quick gesture shortcut to the camera. The second spot is called "Always Ready," and shows the phone's hands-free features. Customization of the Moto X is also a big part of each spot.

Quick Draw

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpU1mW0Mjm8[/youtube]

Always Ready

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXyCbrdQEyA[/youtube]

Moto X Specs

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:30:21 +0000

Here are the official specs for the Moto X. It's been a long time waiting for this phone, but we finally have it. It's coming to the top four carriers, has the ability to be customized to the extreme (starting on AT&T), plus the device comes packed with some great software enhancements for the 10MP back-facing shooter. It will hit the streets sometime late August/early September for $199 on contract for the 16GB variant. $250 on contract for the 32GB version.

Moto X

4.7" HD 720p display
1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor
Moto X8 Computing System
Adreno 320 GPU
2GB of RAM
10MP back-facing camera
2MP front-facing camera
16GB and 32GB storage options
Android 4.2.2
Bluetooth 4.0
2,200mAh battery
NFC
Weight - 130 grams

For more Moto X coverage, click here.

First Look: Moto X With Custom Wood Backs

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:12:48 +0000

Motorola is trying to change the smartphone game a bit by allowing customers to customize the entire look of their phone. But outside of flashy colors from MotoMaker, Moto is ready to experiment with different types of materials on its Moto X, one of those being wood. During our time with the device today, we were told that Motorola is currently testing Bamboo, Teak, Ebony, and Rosewood wood backs with availability happening later this year. When you pick up a device with a wood back, you can actually tell from the texture that it's wood. We're not talking about a heavily laminated skin on top of plastic - Motorola actually means to put wood on the back of a smartphone. And wood could be just the beginning. The wood back option should rollout some time in Q4 of this year. Here is a first look wood on a smartphone.

Gallery

Motorola Announces the Moto X - Starts at $199 On Contract Through Five Carriers

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:06:11 +0000

After months of waiting, the Moto X is here. Today in New York City, Motorola pulled the curtains back for its new "Made in the USA" flagship device. The phone will launch on five carriers in the U.S. starting in late August/early September. The device will be priced at $199 on contract for the 16GB storage option, but for $50 more, you can grab the Moto X in 32GB on contract. The devices features a Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor with the Motorola X8 Computing System, a 10MP camera, Android 4.2.2, 2GB of RAM, a 4.7" HD 720p display, 2MP front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0, 2,200mAh battery, Touchless Control and a whole lot more. Starting at launch exclusively for AT&T, buyers can head to the MotoMaker website and design their very own Moto X. With the customization choices vast between build materials, colors, engravings and cases, there is no doubt you can make one that you will instantly love looking at. To see more Moto X, check out our full unboxing and hands-on gallery here, and peek at MotoMaker here. Via: Motorola

Moto X Bootloader is Locked (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:05:35 +0000

As of this moment, the bootloader on the Moto X is "not unlocked," according to Motorola. I know that this news is going to disappoint many of you, but with the phone being tied to carriers, I can't say that I'm exactly surprised by this move. There is also no word on a developer edition, however, we were told that an unlocked (as in SIM unlocked) version of the phone is in the works, however, it will be specific to AT&T's LTE. Motorola's Punit Soni has clarified the bootloader status of each variant. Hint, it's good news.

Verizon Moto X Unboxing and Hands-on: Both Black and White Versions

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:00:59 +0000

Here she is, folks, the Moto X. We've been hanging out with Motorola for much of the day, hearing their opinions about their new flagship, spying on custom made versions of the phone (including ones with wood backs), and itching to spend some real quality time with it. That (quality) time hasn't exactly come just yet, but we did have a moment to sit down with the white and black versions on Verizon, unbox one of them, and snap a bunch of pictures of the other. Throughout the rest of the day, we'll have continued coverage, including that of MotoMaker, the customization web tool that Motorola is using to let you design your own phone (an AT&T exclusive for now). For now though, enjoy the quick look.

Unboxing

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LDH3ee9hmw[/youtube]

Gallery

Moto X in White

Moto X in Black

A Few Moto X Color Pics

MotoMaker Hands-on and Tour: Motorola's Moto X Customizer (Updated: Video Added)

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:00:10 +0000

The rumors were true, Motorola is indeed allowing future owners of its new flagship Moto X to customize their phone like never before. The color choices are as wild as Motorola's goals with this new idea, but so far, we're really liking what we have seen. I spent a ton of time this morning with Motorola's online customizer for the Moto X - it's called MotoMaker. This is where Motorola is truly trying to standout from a crowded smartphone space by allowing users to fully customize the look of their phone. From the front face to the back plate to the accented buttons to the wallpaper to engraving on the backside, there really is nothing like this. All of the customizing happens in Texas, where the phone is made, allowing Motorola to offer customers an insane turn-around time of about 4 days (sometimes less). At launch, the MotoMaker and all of its customizations will only be available to the AT&T variant of the phone, something we reported a few weeks back. The goal is clearly to make this feature available to all carriers, but Motorola wasn't ready to announce anything just yet. So yes, this is another AT&T exclusive, though it shouldn't be too long before you can customize a Moto X for your favorite carrier. So how does it work? Let's walk through it step by step. From the start screen which will be located at motomaker.com (pictured at the top), this is where you dive into colors for the back of your Moto X. Motorola has categorized them based on some specific palettes of Cool, Neutral, Warm, and Wood (yes, wood). You can quickly click from color to color, all the while seeing a live preview in your browser. You can even go full 360-degree mode if you'd like.

Once you have chosen a back color, you move to the front where you can choose from either white or black. There could be additional colors in the future, but these are the two choices for now. Motorola plans to allow for fans to vote on future colors, so stay tuned for that.

After the front, you get to what may be the coolest part - customizing the accents which are items like the volume rocker and power switch or the ring around the camera. This is where you can really make the phone your own. At this time, there are 7 options for the accents.

After choosing an accent, Motorola will let you engrave the back with whatever you'd like at no extra charge. They did tell me that there is a filter to stop those who want something like "f*ck" on the back, but almost everything else is fair play.

After you have engraved, you can choose from a handful of select cases, one of which is clear plastic as to not hide the color scheme you just picked out.

Once you are finished designing the appearance, you get to choose storage amounts in the phone. The two choices are 16GB and 32GB. The 16GB model runs $199 on-contract, while the 32GB model will jump up $50 to $249.

To take it all a step further, Motorola will then let you toss in a special message on the boot animation, similarly to what you did to the back with engraving. It could be as simple as "Hi!" to "Droid Life."

After you choose the boot animation settings, Motorola will bring up a set of wallpapers that you can have default from first boot. They initially select one that matches your color choices on the phone, but you can choose any that they have available.

Before moving onto accessories, Motorola will let you sign-in to your Google account on the phone, so that when it arrives, you'll only need to enter your password and then be on your way to downloading apps and other setup processes.

Once setup internally and externally are completed, you get to choose accessories that range from additional wall chargers to SOL Republic headphones that match the color choices Motorola offered during design.

Here is the review screen so that you can confirm your custom Moto X.

And finally, you get to choose at checkout if you are signing up through AT&T, or if you have a Moto X Card. A Moto X card is like a voucher or gift card that you purchase in AT&T stores that can then be redeemed online. The idea here, is that you might want to walk into a store to get your hands on the phone, but then want to turn around and customize a phone online. Assuming you like the phone, you can sign-up for service with AT&T, purchase the phone on the Moto X Card, and then head home to customize one online. The Moto X Card has a redemption code on the back.

So that's MotoMaker! Again, it will be an exclusive AT&T feature at launch, but it's clear that Motorola is looking to push this to other carriers. Update: Here is a video tutorial from Motorola. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnTvmB44Cec[/youtube]

Rymdkapsel Lands on Android, A Fantastic Strategy Game That is Highly Addictive

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:30:26 +0000

As if to torture you, here is another story that has nothing to do with the Moto X. Recently launched onto Google Play is Rymdkapsel. It reminds us a lot of games like Starcraft and Warcraft, as you begin with nothing, then must create a blossoming colony from gathering resources and expanding your space platform. But watch out! There are regular alien attacks on your base that aren't going to let you build as peacefully as you would like. To fight back, you must build up your defenses. The gameplay is smooth and fun, bringing easy-on-the-eye colors and shapes that give off a pretty relaxing feel. It's $3.99, so check out the trailer below and see if this game is worth the investment for you. Play Link ($3.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/sNcN1jleLWQ[/youtube]

Chrome Beta for Android Updated, Brings a Ton of Fixes

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:48:54 +0000

The Chrome team recently posted an updated for the Chrome Beta app found on Google Play. Listed in the changelog isn't anything too crazy, but there are a ton of main fixes that took place, as well as the acknowledgment that many other bugs still exist. Scroll down below to see the full log of fixes. Changelog: This release has a number of stability improvements as well as the following fixes:

260804: Touch is offset on Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
238928: Chrome UX issues for QVGA devices
256201: date/time input min/max constraints are off by one
256232: Date input - unable to enter a date before 1970-01-01 in date or datetime-local fields
260238: Time input - unable to enter time between 00:00 & 00:59
183830: Japanese websites appearing in inappropriate fonts on Android

Known issues:

259048: Some WebAudio pages crash
247153: Graphical corruptions while scrolling on Galaxy Nexus/ICS and Galaxy Tab 2/ICS
256858: [RazrM] Flashes observed on entering and exiting fullscreen (user initiated)
255469: Old embed code YouTube videos are not displayed
260440: [X86-Intel] Text gets duplicated when entering & unable to delete text in the text fields

You can grab the update by following the well-placed Play store link down below. Play Link

Tiny Thief, The Most Adorable Game About Larceny, On Sale for $0.99

Eric — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:10:28 +0000

A game with a good art style and a bit of humor can go a long way. Tiny Thief from the team at Rovio Stars is just one of those games and has won a lot of people over. You play as the unnamed Tiny Thief on a quest to fight for the little guy and take back the riches from the corrupt and greedy. The game doesn't really feature action scenes, but rather presents each level as a puzzle that you have to navigate on your way to the goods without getting caught. Rovio has the game on sale right now for only $0.99 and is definitely worth checking out if you need a new game to get into. Many of you in the comments on earlier Tiny Thief stories said you would check it out if it were less, so now's your chance. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-hV0RaqcGI[/youtube]

Sony's Honami Device Pictured With 20MP Sensor and G Lens

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:34:40 +0000

The Honami device from Sony has been making rounds across the web for some time, with press renders and other spec details leaking like crazy. The newest leak shows off what Sony has in store for the device's back-facing camera. According to a leak from Vietnamese site Tinhte, the device's camera has been pictured featuring Sony's G Lens technology with an XX.X indicator for the megapixels. A photo was taken of the camera's software, showing off a setting for 20MP and a full resolution of 5248 x 3936. Yeah, that's a massive photo. For other specs, it was previously reported that the device will feature a Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM, a 3,000mAh battery and a 5" 1080p display. Many OEMs have been focusing on the shooter aspect of their devices, something which we are all for, but it is possible to overdo it. Once the Honami is launched, we will be interested in seeing this device stack up against the other top devices of the time.

Via: GSM Arena | Tinhte

BBM Hits Beta Testing Stage, Because Someone Out There Still Wants It

Eric — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:02:36 +0000

We have been hearing rumors that Blackberry Messenger is coming to Android for almost a year now. Seems like every few months, just when we have forgotten about it, another leaked screenshot or release date comes out to remind us that Blackberry is still working on it. Emails have been sent out to members of a Blackberry Beta group that BBM for Android is available for download right now for testing. If the email is to be believed, the app is still on track to be launched "later this summer," which only gives them a few more weeks to get it tested. It also looks like rumors that the app will work on devices with Android 4.0 and above is true. Hopefully after all this time in development the app is going to be worth it. Are you waiting for this app at all? Or has BBM lost its luster after all this time? Via: BBOS

NVIDIA SHIELD Gets the Teardown Treatment

Tim — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 08:33:54 +0000

We just got done posting our complete NVIDIA SHIELD review, and like clockwork, iFixIt has posted their form of a review - a complete device teardown! The teardown is a great way of seeing exactly what is inside the SHIELD, making it such a powerful gaming machine. Besides NVIDIA's Tegra 4 processor, we get eyes on with some Samsung memory chips, SK Hynix RAM, the SHIELD's interesting battery configuration and the springs that control the triggers. Remember, don't try this at home. For folks who do their own tinkering, you might be saddened to learn that SHIELD only scored a 6 out of 10, making it a not-so-easy device for self repair. That's still better than the HTC One, which scored a 1 out of ten.

Via: iFixIt

Motorola Connect and Migrate Go Live in Chrome and Play Stores Before Moto X Reveal

Kellen — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 05:41:03 +0000

Hours before the official reveal of the Moto X, two new Motorola-powered apps have popped up in both Chrome and Google Play stores with ties to the insanely hyped device. One is Motorola Connect, a Chrome extension that allows you to see text messages and calls coming through your "Connect enabled phone" in Chrome. The other is an Android app that helps you migrate "photos, videos, SIM contacts, and even your call and text history" from your current phone to one of Motorola's new devices. Here is the description for Connect, which includes "Moto X":

Motorola Connect allows you to see text messages and calls coming into your Connect enabled phone on your computer’s Chrome browser. You can read and respond to texts using your keyboard and even know who’s calling before deciding if you should reach for your phone. Motorola Connect is currently supported on Moto X, DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX and DROID MINI.

Here is the description for Migrate:

One of the biggest pains of a new phone is losing some of your important stuff. Now you can move your photos, videos, SIM contacts and even your call and text history—from your old Android phone to your new Motorola phone in just a few steps, wirelessly. Motorola Migrate can only transfer media from devices with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above

So again, we are hours away from the Moto X becoming official. Should we look into these at all? Why would Motorola push both of these services live today if the phone isn't coming out for a couple of weeks? Maybe Verizon's August 23 launch date really is later than everyone else's? The hypebeasting never stops. We'll know it all in a few hours! Stick close to the site this afternoon.

Via: Chrome Store | Play Link | Android Police [2]

Moto X: Your Final Thoughts and Predictions on the Eve of Its Reveal

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 17:46:13 +0000

Tomorrow is the day. We find out what Moto means by "designed by you." Pricing will become official. A launch date will be decided upon. Surprises will likely be in store. We'll see how smart a smartphone can be. You can make up your mind as to whether or not you want it. The hypebeasting can end. Yes, I'm talking about the Moto X. This is your final predictions and thoughts thread. Have at it.

Google Calendar Updated With Synchronized Notification Dismissal Across Devices

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:00:25 +0000

Today, Google pushed out a small but neat update to the Calendar app. Inside, Google has placed synchronized notification dismissals for those tired of old notifications and also addressed lots of bug fixes. The synchronization feature may sound familiar, as it is also featured in other Google apps, most notably the Hangouts app. Once you view a message or dismiss the notification, it syncs across all of your other devices, making sure you aren't wasting any time in dismissing the same notification multiple times. What's New:

Synchronized notification dismissals across all your Android devices
Bug fixes, including crash when selecting colors for Exchange accounts

Go grab the newest update from Google Play by following the link below. Play Link

Chromecast Receiving First Update - Improves Performance, Reliability, and Security

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:25:28 +0000

Google's Chromecast is set to receive its first update just days after launching and taking the tech world by storm. The update doesn't include any new features, but will improve performance, reliability, and security for the $35 dongle. That's it. Chromecast updates automatically since it's attached to WiFi, so you don't need to do anything to receive it. You probably can't even force it, to tell you the truth. In fact, you probably won't even know when it updates, unless you happen to have your TV turned to the input for your Chromecast and are staring blindly at it. Via: Chrome Releases

Google Play Music App Updated, Brings Chromecast Improvements

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:10:27 +0000

Google Play Music lovers that also have a Chromecast should attempt (don't forget about staged rollouts) to pick up the newest update that brings improvements for the streaming service. We haven't been able to try the update out yet, but the service already works decently well with Chromecast, so who knows what "improvements" could mean exactly. If the update is live for you and you are able to try out streaming to Chromecast, let us know how well it goes. Play Link Cheers K!

What is Motorola's X8 Mobile Computing System?

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:40:40 +0000

When Motorola took the wraps off its new DROID family of phones last week, one of the highlighted areas involved their new X8 Mobile Computing System that is tied to the dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor inside each phone. They gave us a general overview of this idea that they had an octa-core type of experience inside each device, with cores dedicated to performing low-power tasks. But the dirty details were somewhat missing. Today, Iqbal Arshad, Motorola's senior vice president of engineering, shared some of the secrets with PCMag on the eve of the Moto X unveiling, since well, the Moto X is expected to carry a similar CPU setup. From what we have gathered from Iqbal's comments, the X8 system is a cluster of processors and "then some separate elements of the system," that allow for "intelligent, probabilistic computing." Don't be fooled though, the base is indeed that dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro clocked at 1.7GHz, but Motorola has done some things to its firmware to make it somewhat of a custom job. For the chipset geeks in the building, Iqbal said that they have "done additional optimizations on top of that such as optimizing the entire Linux user space to move it to an ARM instruction set, cache optimization, Dalvik just-in-time optimization, and we've changed the file system." But outside of the Snapdragon processor, they also included a "contextual computing processor" and a "natural language processor" inside X8. Arshad wouldn't reveal where they got these additional processors from, but did mention that they aren't ARM. The contextual computing processor deals with the sensors, display and touch interaction, but also may act as the main processor when the phone is in standby mode. The natural language processor deals with audio, noise estimation and noise cancellation Arshad mentioned that the combinations of these processors and custom firmware has helped to extend battery life and improve performance, up to 50% better than their competition. He also said that if they didn't have the contextual and natural language processors in place that they "would need two additional batteries." But maybe most importantly, Motorola can take X8 and apply it to any mobile processor because they have "decoupled" all of their customizations from the legacy CPU. In other words, X8 will show up in devices sporting even newer or more powerful mobile processors down the road. It's interesting stuff, to say the least. We were once disappointed by the inclusion of a dual-core processor that's a year old, but if Motorola's X8 system can live up to any of this newly built hype, we may not care what CPU is inside. Via: PCMag Cheers Max!

Google Reportedly Testing "Hyperlocal" Google Now Card

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:10:59 +0000

Google Now already shows a lot of cards to users. There are cards for sports, weather, nearby places and so much more. There is currently a national news card, but nothing that focuses on news that is happening in your own neighborhood. According to Quartz, Google has confirmed to them that they are working on a "hyperlocal" Google Now card, capable of bringing users news that is based on the time of day and their current location. So far, it is reported that the card is up and running internally at Google, but is still in early beta stages. As for when it will be available for all, there's no say. One Googler touched on what the company is looking to accomplish with this new hyperlocal feature:

It teaches me things about my neighborhood. For example, I found out Miss Mexico came to my son’s school, I saw that Chipotle was giving out burritos, and someone was stabbed in the park near my house. It’s very, very targeted to you and your interests.

If Google Now starts telling me where I can get free food, then this sounds like my kind of card. Fingers crossed. Via: Quartz

Recent Verizon Roadmap Still Shows Moto X Arriving on August 23 at Verizon

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:34:15 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, a Verizon roadmap showed a potential launch date of August 23 for the Moto X. According to sources of ours, that date has not changed with less than a day to go until the phone's unveiling. I wouldn't necessarily say I find this all that surprising, but with the flip-flopping of dates for devices like the HTC One, it is a little. New sources are also giving us an HTC One launch date of 8/15, which we reported earlier. Verizon is still showing the DROID ULTRA and MAXX with launch dates of August 20 as well, but that was announced last week at both phones' unveilings. Last, the DROID Mini may not arrive until August 29. One thing to keep in mind with the Moto X launch date for Verizon, is that we could always see the phone available sooner from other carriers. Verizon has typically released phones later than others, just look at the Galaxy S4 and Note 2. So even if Big Red goes with 8/23, don't be surprised if AT&T or T-Mobile are ready sooner. We'll know for sure tomorrow. New Device launch Schedule:

HTC One - 8/15/13- Replacing DNA
LG Enact- 8/15/13-- Basic Phone
Motorola X - 8/23/13-- High end Smartphone
Motorola Droid Ultra- 8/20/13-- In store Launch
Motorola Droid Maxx- 8/20/13-- In store Launch
Motorola Droid Mini- 8/29/13-- In Store Launch

Cheers Mr. K!

Just in Case You Forgot, Google Posted a "How to" for Photo Spheres

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:45:15 +0000

If your current Android device is capable of taking a Photo Sphere (vanilla Android 4.2+), then it might be time for a quick refresher course on how to take the best spheres possible. Google posted a nice little video detailing how best to take a Photo Sphere, and wouldn't you know, their result looks incredibly perfect. I'll admit, I didn't actually know I should have had the phone so close to my body/face. Not that it looks awkward or anything like that. If you have taken a cool Photo Sphere, link it down below so we as a community can give you "+1" Interwebz and street cred. [youtube]http://youtu.be/NPs3eIiWRaw[/youtube]

Tegra-Exclusive Blood Sword THD Lands on Google Play

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:15:21 +0000

Just in time for the launch of NVIDIA SHIELD (full review here), Blood Sword THD has hit Google Play. This game is one of the few Tegra-exclusive titles we have seen hit Android in a while, so anyone running anything but a Tegra-powered device should look for something else to occupy their time. We know, it sucks. In Blood Sword, you play as a heroic character who is attempting to defeat the world's evil forces. You have a massive sword that is capable of wielding brutal damage upon your enemies, as well as some sweet magical powers to help. The game reminds us a lot of Diablo, a classic game with top-down RPG gameplay. It costs $0.99, but again, Tegra devices need only apply. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/vfLqSZbDA6U[/youtube]

Google Launches Official AdSense App for Android

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 11:42:56 +0000

Google published an official AdSense application onto Google Play today, allowing site owners to take control of their accounts right from their Android device. With AdSense, site owners can manage Google ads that appear on sites, ad revenue and also see information on advertisement performance. For now, the app is limited in functionality, but it does allow users to see important info regarding their sites, so it's about time we are finally seeing this come to Android.

The Google AdSense app provides an easy way to access key data from your AdSense account. Access reporting features anywhere, directly from your mobile phone. The first version of the app gives you access to: the key earnings information, top custom and URL channels, ad units and sites reports, payment alerts.

If you own a website or plan on doing so, you will want to pick this up and tie it directly into your Google account. Play Link

Google's JBQ Discusses ETAs on OTAs, Don't Dare Asking About 'em

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 11:05:06 +0000

Google's JBQ, the man behind the Android Open Source Project, recently took to Google+ to discuss why folks shouldn't ever ask for ETAs on OTA updates. He explained it quite simply in that Google wants to make sure people don't experience some catastrophe after the update, as something can always slip through the cracks during the internal test period. In short, it takes roughly two days after the first phase of rollouts that they can gather enough data to say if they are ready for another rollout to another limited group of users. It takes time, but JBQ is only looking out for your best interest.

Phase by phase, the OTA gets exponentially deployed to more and more people, up to a point where enough people are running it to be able to extrapolate even rare issues to the entire population, at which point the flow gets much faster. The point of going phase by phase is explicitly to be able to stop the process in case something goes wrong, and that's why there can't even be an ETA.

Makes sense, right? I think this meme could properly describe people awaiting updates to their Nexus devices. Via: +Jean-Baptiste Quéru

Starbucks Drops AT&T WiFi, Picks Up Google's 10x Faster Offering Instead

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:25:38 +0000

Everyone always tells me I should leave the cave and go work from a Starbucks for the day. Well, now that the coffee giant has decided to drop AT&T's WiFi, and instead will offer Google's, I might be so inclined to do so. Google will now offer WiFi at participating Starbucks stores, capable of offering speeds up to 10x faster than AT&T's current speeds. The service will appear in new Starbucks stores over the next month and will then filter out to the remaining 7,000+ coffee shops throughout the country. Starbucks's Chief Digital Officer Adam Brotman, had this to say on the newest partnership with Mountain View.

We do hope this is one step amongst many that we can continue to build upon what's already a great partnership with Google.

Thanks to Google's WiFi, can we expect Starbucks to start selling more grande coffees with two pumps vanilla, three raw sugars with room for cream? Via: CNET

Will the Moto X Use Nano SIM Cards?

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:53:10 +0000

According to the image above which shows a device said to be the Moto X lying next to a SIM card tray and smaller nano SIM, we could be looking at only the second or third major device to sport the shrunken SIM. Currently, the iPhone 5 uses a nano SIM, and maybe even the Padfone Infinity, but most other devices still use micro SIMs, which have sort of become the standard over the last couple of years. There isn't necessarily an advantage to the nano SIM over the micro SIM that we are aware of, other than size. We would assume that nano SIM hardware is smaller than micro SIM hardware, which would in turn help save space on the inside of the device. With Motorola reportedly tossing in all sorts of fancy sensors, maybe this was a way to make room? We also aren't sure if all Moto X variants will use nano SIM or if we are looking at a special device for select markets. In the end, it's not a big deal either way, you just may end up having to stop off at your local carrier to get a new SIM card, since your phone likely has a micro SIM at this time. If you aren't interested in ordering a new SIM from a carrier, should the nano find its way into the U.S. Moto X, there are SIM cutters all over Amazon that will do the trick. Via: GSM Insider Cheers Tristan, Scott, and trophynuts!

Google Allowing Glass Explorers to Invite a Friend to the Program

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:32:09 +0000

Do you have a friend that is lucky enough to be a part of the Google Glass Explorer program? Don't you wish you could be as cool as them? Well, depending on how good of friends you are, they can now invite you to join in on the party. Google is extending the offer to a single friend of someone already enrolled in the Glass program. The requirements? For starters, you will need to be 18 or older, be able to pick up Glass in either San Francisco, New York City or Los Angeles and be a U.S. resident. Oh, and don't forget about the $1500 price tag that comes along with the unit. Anyone have a good friend that can get you the hookup?

Via: CNET | +Ryan Mott

AT&T Lights Up Another 10 Markets With 4G LTE

Tim — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:00:58 +0000

Ten new 4G LTE markets from AT&T popped up this morning, mostly in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Georgia. From the names of these towns, it's a safe bet that AT&T is starting to hit the more rural (not as heavily populated) areas of America with most of the large markets complete. Over the past five years, AT&T has reportedly pumped a solid $100 billion into their wireless network in America, and for the most part, it's starting to really show. New Markets:

Marthas Vineyard, Massachusets
Durant, Oklahoma
Enid, Oklahoma
Ardmore , Oklahoma
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Russellville, Arkansas
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Charleston, West Virginia
Cedartown, Georgia
Rome, Georgia

Anyone basking in some new LTE glory thanks to these light ups? Via: AT&T

Isis Mobile Wallet Finally Rolling Out Nationwide This Year

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 08:35:06 +0000

Anyone remember Isis Mobile Wallet, the joint venture mobile payment system created by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile? Anyone? No? Thought by many to be the only reason we can't access Google Wallet on any of those three carriers, Isis' nationwide rollout will finally happen this year, according to a press release from the company. For those not familiar, Isis is a mobile payment system that allows you to pay for items at during checkout at retailers with your mobile phone. Using NFC technology, a simple tap of your phone to a contactless terminal will allow you to keep your credit card and wallet in your pocket. The service has been in testing since October of last year in Salt Lake City, UT and Austin, TX. Apps for it for each carrier have also been live in the Play store, but in order to use it, you need a special NFC-ready SIM card. We've already setup the service on our RAZR HD, providing a full guide on how you can get Isis up and running and obtain a NFC SIM. No specific date was mentioned for the rollout of Isis, only that it would arrive "later this year." Are you still interested in a mobile payment system? Via: Isis

Koush Creates Chromecast App That Allows Sharing of On-phone Video and Pictures to Your TV

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 07:39:19 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMIsMjms_Zw[/youtube]

At this time, it's no secret that Chromecast is certainly somewhat limited in functionality. Netflix, YouTube, and select Google services are a great start, but we would love to see some of our favorite apps from Twitter to photo sharing services join the party. Thankfully, Google has already pushed out a Google Cast API to developers, so that in the near future, we'll see apps feature the "cast" button allowing for mirroring of their apps' content to TVs. Koush, of ClockworkMod and ROM Manager fame, is already preparing his first cast-ready app for the moment developers are ready to release them. In a quick post or two to Google+, he showed off a video and photo sharing app that takes your locally stored phone files and displays them instantly to your TV. In his short clip, Koush records a quick 17-second video, jumps into the stock Android gallery, presses the "Share" button, and then chooses his Chromecast. The video that he just recorded begins playing almost immediately. He says that he is also working on sharing music and playlists as well, but again, none of his work can be released at this time. As you can imagine, this is only going to get more exciting as developers build in cast support for their apps. Any in particular that you would love to see with cast integration? Via: +Koush [2]

How to: Factory Reset a Chromecast

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 06:23:14 +0000

The Chromecast, Google's new HDMI dongle, is largely thought to be nothing short of a bundle of awesome, especially at its $35 price point. But there still may be times when it has issues and needs troubleshooting. Since there isn't much of an interface outside of a "Ready to Cast" screen and the help of an Android app, performing tasks like a factory data reset could be somewhat confusing. So if you ever run into a point of no return and are completely frustrated, this is how you can start over from the beginning. According to official Google Support documents, there are two ways to Factory Data Reset (FDR) your Chromecast:

Factory Data Reset your Chromecast from the Chromecast app. You will find the option to FDR under ‘Settings’ or ‘Menu’
Physically hold down the button on your Chromecast for at least 25 seconds or until the solid light begins flashing.

There you have it. And if you haven't already, be sure you check out our entire overview and guide to the Chromecast. Via: Google Support

Microsoft Office Mobile for Android Now Available

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 06:00:37 +0000

Microsoft released Office Mobile for Android this morning, bringing Office 365 subscribers a chance to access, view and edit their Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint documents. The app itself is technically free and works on devices running Android 4.0+, but again, you need a 365 subscription in order to actually use it. Everything with this app revolves around the cloud, though, which is to be expected in 2013. You can make simple edits, view "great-looking" docs, resume reading Word documents from where you last left off, and even edit while offline. We've got the full list of features below. Here are the "key" features:

Access documents from virtually anywhere:

Cloud – With your phone, you can access Office documents that are stored on SkyDrive, SkyDrive Pro, or SharePoint.**

Recent Documents – Office Mobile is cloud-connected. The documents you’ve recently viewed on your computer are readily available on your phone in the recent documents panel.

Email Attachments – You can view and edit Office documents attached to email messages.

Office documents look stunning:

Great-Looking Documents - Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents look great on your phone, thanks to support for charts, animations, SmartArt Graphics, and shapes.

Optimized for phone - Word, Excel and PowerPoint have been optimized for the small screen of your phone.

Resume Reading - When opening a Word document from SkyDrive or SkyDrive Pro on your phone, it automatically resumes at the place where you left off reading, even if you last viewed the document on your PC or tablet.

Presentation Views - The Slide Navigator view in PowerPoint lets you browse slides faster, while speaker notes help you practice your presentation.

Make quick edits and share:

Edit - You can make quick edits to Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents.

Documents Remain Intact - Formatting and content remain intact when you edit Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents on your phone.

Edit While Offline - Your device doesn’t have to be continuously connected to the network to work on an Office document that is stored online. You can view and edit recently used documents even while you’re offline. Your changes will be saved online when your device reconnects to the network or to Wi-Fi.

Create – You can create new Word and Excel documents on your phone.

Comments - You can review comments that have been made in Word and Excel documents on your phone and add your own comments.

Share - When you’re done with your edits or comments, simply send the document in email or save it to SkyDrive or SharePoint.

Play Link

Verizon HTC One Launch Bumped to August 15

Kellen — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 05:40:10 +0000

It's July 31, and Verizon's version of the HTC One is still not available. A previous roadmap pegged HTC's flagship for an August 1 launch, but since August 1 is tomorrow and Big Red has yet to announce an actual launch date, we're going to assume that it's not coming this week. Sources of ours have also given us documentation showing that the launch date has actually moved to August 15. It's tough to understand why this phone has been pushed out this far, but we all know Verizon tests future devices longer than anyone, often times releasing phones months after other carriers have had similar phones available. We know it's still coming, Verizon has said as much. Hell, it's even stopped off at the FCC. I'll just say this - with a Moto X unveiling set for tomorrow, your focus shouldn't be on the HTC One at this point. See what happens tomorrow. If you don't like what Motorola has to offer, then look to August 15.

Cheers B, ___, and ___!

NVIDIA SHIELD Review

Tim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:59:59 +0000

Unveiled at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NVIDIA's SHIELD portable gaming console has changed quite a bit from when it was first shown off. We were one of very few sites that were able to get an early hands-on experience with the device, falling head-over-heels for the "Project SHIELD" almost immediately after playing with it. Now in late July (thanks to a delay or two), the device is ready for the general public, undergoing a few cosmetic changes and other enhancements to make it into what NVIDIA hopes is a superb Android-powered gaming device. SHIELD is capable of performing an extremely long list of tasks - some jaw-droppingly awesome, some just plain awesome, but with a price tag of $299, is SHIELD worth the investment to everyday buyers or best suited for only the hardcore gaming elite? Let's take a look.

The Good

Hardware NVIDIA's SHIELD comes packing some sweet specs that any gamer would go gaga over. It is powered by a Tegra 4 quad-core processor clocked up to 1.9GHz complete with a 72-core GeForce GPU, features a 5" HD 720p (1280 x 720, 294 ppi) display, 2GB of RAM, 802.11n 2x2 MIMO game-speed WiFi connectivity, 16GB of flash storage (with expandable microSD card slot), Bluetooth 3.0, 28.8 watt hours of battery, and comes running a vanilla version of Android 4.2+. While the interior of the device sounds "beasty," it is in no way outdone by the SHIELD's eye-catching exterior. The device features a full built-in gaming controller, complete with two left and right thumb joysticks, a full D-pad, a left and right trigger and a left and right bumper button configuration along its backside. In addition, SHIELD features two insanely-loud front-facing speakers, capable of putting out enough sound to make anyone deaf. And I'm not exaggerating - these things are loud. On paper, this device is a top-tier luxury device that can deliver an excellent gaming experience for the price of $299. While we're at it, we should mention the SHIELD comes with an unlockable bootloader, but tinkerers beware, this will void your warranty. Battery Life The battery found in SHIELD is comprised of 3 cells with a combined rating of 28.8-watt-hours. The device is capable of delivering 4 to 5 hours of hardcore Tegra-optimized gaming, while offering up to 10 hours of typical Google Play non-optimized gaming. Users can play up to 15 hours of HD movies while on that cross-Atlantic flight or listen to music up to 40 hours. It's definitely a beefy battery, something I never even worried about while I spent time with the device. If battery is something that has concerned you with portable gaming consoles, you don't need to worry about that with SHIELD.

Build Quality/Feel SHIELD is a beautiful device. I love looking at it. It's smooth to the touch, with a hint of this rubbery slick texture, perfect for holding hours on end. I put the "feel" of the device to the test while on a flight back from San Francisco and while I sometimes occasionally get uncomfortable holding my Xbox controller for hours on end, the SHIELD offers a somewhat exaggerated size to it, allowing for a looser grip than that of the Xbox controller. Since it's bigger, your hand is forced to ease up on the grip, allowing the device to rest comfortably in your hands. It's sort of a hard thing to describe, but whenever I had a friend hold the device, they were surprised by how solid and portable the device felt. The device does have a bit of weight to it, but that gives off the sense of sturdiness and ruggedness that someone would expect from a mobile gaming console. If dropped, you would want to make sure your $300 unit wasn't going to fall apart on you. After opening and closing the clamshell lid a few hundred times, it still feels as if it's brand new, with no sign of looseness or wobbliness, something I was actually anticipating after a lot of use. For not being known as a real hardware maker, NVIDIA nailed that aspect for SHIELD. Mobile Gaming on SHIELD Is it a surprise that the gaming aspect of SHIELD is a positive? I would hope not! The experience is unparalleled. Sure, you could hook up some MOGA controller to your current device and get the same "feel," but it's just not the same. When playing SHADOWGUN or Dead Trigger, the SHIELD is badass. This ties directly into the overall feel of SHIELD, but if you like the feel of an Xbox controller, then this device's sticks are going to feel right at home in your hands. When playing an online multiplayer game, you pretty much have an unfair advantage over other players, but hey, nothing wrong with that. So far, I was able to take SHIELD with me on a plane, in a car, on the couch, at my desk and even on a bus. On each of these occasions I experienced a good time. The display's ability to be angled completely back is also a huge plus while on the go, as there is no need to worry about weird glare or something like that. SHIELD was definitely built for gaming and if it does one thing right (it does more than one), it's the gaming aspect.

Timely Updates When we had our meeting with NVIDIA to brief us on SHIELD, we brought up updates, given this device is basically running pure Android 4.2 with very minimal optimizations for the device. According to the SHIELD team, the device should receive updates to new versions of Android just six to eight weeks after they launch, a timeframe that isn't bad at all. Considering it takes much longer sometimes for other OEMs to get updates done for phones, we were happy with that number. Updates will come directly from NVIDIA, and after already receiving an OTA or two on the SHIELD, I can gladly say the updating process is a breeze. Accessories SHIELD launches with a few accessories, one of which we would highly recommend picking up if you plan on buying a unit. NVIDIA designed these custom tags, which are magnetic lids that go onto the device. This is an easy way to customize your SHIELD to your liking, but NVIDIA stated that these would be used more in a multi-SHIELD household. There is a plain black lid, a carbon fiber (my favorite) and a metallic silver cover. All are made from good materials and don't show scratches or wear after quite a bit of use. The accessory which we urge you to pick up is the hard shell case. If you are going to be doing any traveling with SHIELD, you better have one of these. They run $40, but are designed to fit the unit perfectly and also come with a slot in the backside, perfect for charging while the device is bundled up safely in the case. In the future, we would love to see more products come out for SHIELD in terms of accessories, especially more colors/options for custom lids.

Features Found Nowhere Else SHIELD is capable of streaming PC games over your home's WiFi connection, something no other device is capable of doing. The only issue is that you need a GeForce GTX powered desktop, but if you have one of those, you are in real luck. I don't have the required hardware at my house, so unfortunately my review will lack any portion of this awesome feature. Although, NVIDIA has done plenty of their own videos and highlights of this feature, a bit of which can be seen in the below video. If this feature is the main-selling point for you, then check it out. [youtube]http://youtu.be/AYyaYeih1LY[/youtube]

The Not-so-Good

Cost Now let me clarify, the price of $299 is not outrageous or even uncalled for when it comes to SHIELD. The main issue, is potential customers in general. No, I'm not calling anyone cheap, but every time the price is mentioned there are plenty of people who claim that the price is keeping them from picking one up. It was announced that SHIELD would launch for $349, a price that seemed reasonable for what you get. This is not a janky device. It is made of high quality materials, brings a polished gaming experience and the support of NVIDIA. After plenty of community feedback, NVIDIA backtracked and lowered the price to $299 and still, the community didn't feel it to be low enough.

Now, another issue is that companies such as Google are creating great products with ASUS and Samsung, then taking a financial loss when customers buy their products at ridiculous prices. Google can get away with not meeting margins, other companies shouldn't settle for this. If NVIDIA makes a superior product and values it at $299 or even $349, they should stick to their guns and not devalue their own product in light of some negative feedback. To sum this section up, $299 is a great price if you plan on using SHIELD to its potential. It has the PC game streaming over WiFi, a solid 5" display, Tegra 4 performance and a fantastic controller built in. If that isn't worth $299, I don't know what is. If you are buying this to play games found on Google Play, then this investment may not meet its potential. Lack of 1080p Display Using a 720p HD display instead of going Full HD could be a result of attempting to keep their price low. For this, we understand, but the SHIELD's display reminds us of last year's Nexus 7. The colors don't pop and images aren't extremely crisp. It gets the job done, but if I was streaming my high-quality PC games to SHIELD, I would want to see some high-res awesomeness. Unfortunately, there isn't much else to say on the matter, but if there ever is a refresh of SHIELD sometime in the future, we hope it comes with 1080p. Finding Games That Aren't Compatible This has been our number one issue with SHIELD. Over the course of time we have had our review unit, plenty of awesome games have hit Google Play, games that would pair very well with SHIELD. What is even more concerning is that there are a number of games that have been on Google Play for some time that SHIELD would go nicely with, but there is no support. Here are a few that should be compatible right from the start, yet aren't - N.O.V.A. 3, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Crazy Taxi, Smash Cops Heats, Into the Dead and the list goes on. NVIDIA combed Google Play and has a list of 100+ titles that are compatible, but as a group of Android enthusiasts who enjoys mobile gaming, their list really didn't impress us. A big peeve was downloading a game (sometimes they are huge 1GB+ files) and opening it up on SHIELD, only to find that the controls didn't work. Playing a game with on-screen controls with SHIELD is so awkward that we didn't even bother in most cases. If you can't use the controller, then what's the point? This issue, in our eyes, should be addressed by NVIDIA supporting some type of platform for developers to quickly build in SHIELD compatibility. If users were assured that support for the device was coming to games they want or even a thought in the developer's mind, it would help quite a bit in the short term. No Front-Facing Camera The lack of any camera at all is sort of a downer. We could chalk this one up to keeping the price down again, but it's still something that plenty of people would have liked to see. There seems to be plenty of room for a front-facing shooter, but what's done is done. This would have been a great little Google Hangouts device as the device acts as a stand for itself, so again, this is just a downer to us. Huge Bezels Sorry for the nitpicking, but this bugs us enough to justify its place in the not-so-good section. Surrounding the SHIELD's display and its edge, there is about a 3/4" gap of just pure bezel. We would have loved to see this space filled by more display, but what can you do? When you look at the device's front, you get the sense that the display is almost too small for how big the controller is, as if the screen isn't proportionate to the monster controller. Again, this might just bother us, but along with a 1080p display, we would have been happy with a bigger one too.

Interface Gallery

Device Gallery

Videos

Unboxing [youtube]http://youtu.be/wfgXELoI-qQ[/youtube] Hardware and Software Tour [youtube]http://youtu.be/efKWyJsQmnE[/youtube] Playing With an AR Drone 2.0 [youtube]http://youtu.be/RYkhradSwUk[/youtube] Dead Trigger 2 Gameplay [youtube]http://youtu.be/06WJiGSuvPw[/youtube]

The Verdict

Well, time to wrap it up. In conclusion, I would just ask that potential buyers be sure of what they are looking for SHIELD to accomplish. If you are looking for the perfect device to connect to your PC for streaming games to your couch, then it's a no brainer. If you are looking to have an over the top Google Play gaming experience and want to maximize your fun, while spending $300, then go for it. I think SHIELD overall is a fantastic, albeit luxury device. This isn't a toy that everyone needs though, and unless you are very heavy into mobile gaming, then it won't serve much of a purpose. It has no camera, the display is awkward to use when not using the built-in controller, and for $300, some people might want to get more for their money. My best recommendation would be to see if there is a SHIELD Experience Center near you. If so, go spend some time with the device. Get your hands on it and see if this is something you would truly want/need. Experience Centers are all over the country and you can find one near you by following this link.

Question of the Day: What Does the Moto X Need to be to Win You Over?

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 15:53:28 +0000

In less than two days, we'll know everything there is to know about the Moto X. We'll see a confirmation on specs, how Motorola plans to let you customize it, if there are any extra tricks in store outside of what we saw last week during the DROID unveiling, and probably most importantly, when it'll be available and for how much. But what we want to know, since this has been one of the most hyped phones since maybe the Galaxy Nexus LTE on Verizon, is what do you need to see on Thursday to make the Moto X your next phone? The specs, from everything we have seen, show a phone on par with the DROID ULTRA. We're looking at a phone with a dual-core processor (with some special Moto tweaks), 720p display, and mostly stock Android. Compared to the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, it can't really compete from a spec standpoint. But even though we have known that side of the equation for a few weeks now, people can't seem to stop talking about this phone. In fact, we seem to know so much about this phone, yet tech enthusiasts are still buzzing with every story we write about it. Is it because we're all realizing that the spec wars have finally come to an end? Do we believe that Motorola will show us a phone and experience that won't need to have the ultimate in processor and display? Are we expecting the price to be so good that we can't say no? How innovative can their team of engineers be in terms of smartphone technology? Will there be surprises that push it all over the edge? Or are wis it simply because we are all ready for a new player to emerge? With less than 48 hours until the official unveiling of the Moto X, tell us, what do you need to see to go back to Moto? Or have you already made up your mind?

Portenzo is Offering 10% Off New Nexus 7 Cases With This Coupon

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 14:17:49 +0000

I would imagine that if you picked up a new Nexus 7 over the last few days, that you are in the market for a new case. Since the design of the device has changed, you probably already figured out that the case from your old Nexus 7 is not going to work with the 2013 model. And since we told you not to buy the flimsy, rubber mess that is the official Travel Cover, we figured we should probably give you another quality option to replace it. In the past, we have been huge fans of Portenzo's bookcases, even if they carry prices on the higher end of the case spectrum. But with a 10% off promo running until tomorrow night at midnight, this is your chance to jump into one for cheaper than usual. Last year, we looked at the Alano case (pictured above), which is the high-end single-sheet of leather bookcase, along with the standard bookcases for the original Nexus 7. These cases are all hand made, using hand sanded woods, hand-distressed leather that has been imported from South America (for the Alano), and come with more customizable options than you'll find on most cases. If you want quality, Portenzo is a case maker you should consider. The current product time is running about 14 days, with shipping happening around August 9. Portenzo cases range in price from $35 up to well over $100. Use coupon code NEWNEX at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Via: Portenzo Cheers Daniel!

Google Launches "Views" as a Place to Share Your Photo Spheres and Panorama Shots of the World

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:47:27 +0000

If you own a Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Google Play Edition phone or have flashed a stock Android 4.2 ROM that supports Photo Sphere, Google has given you a new service to upload your beautiful pictures of the world to. It's called Views, and is somewhat of an extension of Google Maps. All Google asks that you do is take Photo Spheres as you travel the globe and then share them to Views to create one of the coolest photo collections we have ever seen. There is a web interface that you can upload from your computer to, but Google also claims that you can view your Photo Spheres of places in the stock Android gallery, press "Share," and then share through Google Maps. I can't get sharing through Google Maps to work through my Galaxy S4 GPE, but it could simply be a user error on my part. You can also share your DSLR panoramic shots as well. If you don't have a phone that shoots Photo Spheres, I suggest you at least head over to the Views site and browse around through the stunning pictures that users have submitted of different places around the world. What a fun site this is. Via: Google Lat Long | Google Views

Icons and UCCW Episode 1: Flat Sense, Circle Weather, Clean Desk and ThreeBar

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:05:40 +0000

We're always on the hunt for some of the best looking clocks, skins, icon packs, and wallpapers, something you probably know if you have participated in any of our "Show Off Your Home Screens" days. But since we recently ran one of those special events, we're not ready to fully launch into a share everything post. Instead, we thought we toss out a few of our favorite UCCW clock skins of the moment. For those not familiar, UCCW (Ultimate Custom Clock Widget) is the powerhouse of clock widgets. If you want a pretty clock widget on your home screen, you need to install this app immediately. Once you have it installed, you can choose from thousands of clock skins through Google Play with a simple "uccw clock skin" search. The app used to be somewhat confusing to use, but it has really matured over the last year. To use it at this point, make sure you have UCCW installed, go out and find a skin and download it, then head to a home screen and add a UCCW widget in whatever size you think the skin you downloaded will look best in. You should see the new skin listed as an option once you have chosen a widget size. So today, we've picked four that are fitting in nicely with our current wallpaper favorites and icon sets. All are minimal, some are free, others cost a dollar, most are flat, and none will be a regret should you install them. Rather than describe each, I've tossed in pictures of them all in action on my home screen. The top image is Flat Sense - middle left is Circle Weather - middle right is Clean Desk - bottom is ThreeBarClock.

Play Links: Flat Sense ($1.01) | Circle Weather ($0.99) | Clean Desk Clock | ThreeBarClock Icon Pack: Tendere ($1.59) Wallpaper: Dream Light And don't forget to install UCCW, as you'll need it for any of these skins to work.

Any others you would suggest we check out?

Official US Airways App Flies Onto Google Play

Tim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:30:33 +0000

US Airways launched its official Android application onto Google Play recently, allowing travelers an easy way to access their itineraries, boarding passes and Admiral Club locations throughout the country. When thinking about booking a flight, you can also perform a search for your perfect flight, as well as have access to the app while on the flight for free through the GoGo inflight WiFi. Check out the app's full list of features below. Features:

Quickly view flight info from your recent searches
Check in quickly from 'My trips'
Look up, label and organize your trips
Store all your boarding passes in the app's boarding pass wallet
Email trip info to your friends and family
See club locations and terminal information
Access your Dividend Miles account and read news

Fancy yourself a traveler? Go grab it. Play Link

Vimeo and RedBox Voice Support for Chromecast, With HBO Go and Plex Following Suit?

Tim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:40:44 +0000

Chromecast doesn't seem to have only Android fanboys excited anymore, as online content publishers appear to also be jumping on board with the possibilities the device brings. With Vimeo publicly excited about "offering Chromecast support in our products," it's only a matter of time till even more are joining suit. In a recent teardown from GTV Hacker, it was found that tests of Chromecast were made with HBO Go, which could also end up being an official partner for paid TV subscribers who can't get enough of their True Blood. In addition, it was reported by Gigaom that RedBox is looking to bring their Instant service to Chromecast, allowing those who make the trips to kiosks no longer necessary. That's a way to save gas. Plex's company Twitter sent out a promising tweet, stating that the team purchased a few Chromecast dongles, hopefully intending them to begin work on bringing a mirrored media service for users some time in the future. With that said, Chromecast is quickly becoming the Internet's favorite $35 gadget, so at this point, the sky is the limit. Is there an online content provider that you wish would announce support for Chromecast? Please, nothing vulgar in the comments. Via: Gigaom

Size Comparison: Moto X vs. iPhone 5 vs. RAZR vs. Galaxy S4

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 10:19:32 +0000

In his latest leak, Taylor Wimberly has posted up a photo size comparison of the Moto X next to the iPhone 5, original DROID RAZR, and Samsung Galaxy S4. We can guess at Moto's intention for letting this picture out, but it seems sort of obvious that they are showing how compact the phone is even with its 4.7-inch display. By comparing to two of the world's hottest phones plus one of their own, I'd say it's safe to assume that design is going to be a key selling point come Thursday. Up against the iPhone 5, you can see that it doesn't actually stand that much taller, but the screen size is significantly different at 4.7" and 4". Thanks to little bezel on the sides, along with a minimal forehead and chin, Motorola was able to create what appears to be a truly edge-to-edge display. It won't be massive in your hand, yet you'll still be able to enjoy plenty of big beautiful display. When you compare it to the original DROID RAZR, I think it's obvious that Motorola is showing how far they have come in terms of design. The RAZR sports a 4.3" display and a ridiculous amount of bezel. The Moto X, again, has a larger display in a much smaller footprint. And last, against the Galaxy S4 I think Motorola is simply showing that the smaller package of the Moto X is the optimal size of a smartphone. Whether or not you agree with that is up to you, but the design ideas between the two phones are similar. Samsung also produced a device for 2013 that had a slimmer frame but with a bigger display than its predecessor, but it's still slightly bigger overall than the Moto X. And yes, we can see that the Moto X is showing old ICS icons and the recently banished MotoBlur navigation icons. We'd assume that the photo is either slightly old or Moto got lazy with the screen shot they used for the phone. Taylor has produced solid info on the Moto X throughout its life as a rumor, so we're willing to give him the benefit of the doubt here. Focus on the size, not the icons, people. Via: +Taylor Wimberly

Contest: It's Nexus 7 Launch Day, We're Giving Away Two to Celebrate! (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:39:01 +0000

With the new Nexus 7 hitting retailers at the end of last week, today as the official launch day sort of lost some of its excitement. So to help bring back some of that excitement, we're going to give two of them away! That's right, two of DL's readers will walk away with the brand new 2013 Nexus 7, with it's beautiful FHD display, Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, and Android 4.3. The 16GB version of the new N7 runs $229, but this will save two of you from having to pay that price. Ready?

Contest

Update: Winners have been picked and emailed! Prizes: Two (2) Nexus 7 16GB tablets. How to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway Winners: Winners will be chosen tomorrow morning at 9AM Pacific (12PM Eastern).

Original Nexus 7 Performance Issues Possibly Fixed Thanks to Android 4.3

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:12:09 +0000

Thanks to an update to Android 4.3, the original Nexus 7 may welcome in a new life with less lag and better performance. According to Brian Klug from AnandTech, the 4.3 update "enabled support for fstrim, an application which TRIMs blocks not in use by the filesystem." In other words, your original Nexus 7 that has been terribly slow for months will now manage storage properly and potentially present an experience like you would expect all of the time. In the past, the Nexus 7 was apparently looking at anything written to its internal storage, and then continuing to look at it over and over again even if you had deleted it. For example, if you downloaded a massive 500MB game to your device and then deleted it later on, the eMMC internal storage of the N7 recognized that you had deleted the game by offering you up free storage again, but was still considering that empty block of 500MB space as being data it needed to track. So while you were showing storage available, internally, your tablet still thought that it needed to keep an eye on that space, thus slowing down performance. With TRIM, the eMMC controller now communicates across your file system, telling it to stop monitoring that unused data chunk that was previously taken up by a deleted game or file or movie. It's as if TRIM helps your file system refresh and better manage what you have stored. So once you have Android 4.3 on your OG Nexus 7, you should start to see performance improvements TRIM puts in work for a bit. Via: AnandTech

CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightlies Will Now Feature "Focal," Part One of Nemesis

Tim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 08:51:20 +0000

If running the latest builds from CyanogenMod is your calling in life, then you will be ecstatic to find out that Team Douche has pushed Focal to the CM10.2 repositories. For those unfamiliar, Focal is first feature that the CM team unveiled for the project Nemesis, a modified camera app that brings the joys of AOSP, but with some extra goodies to make taking pictures a fun time. With the code now being pumped into all CM10.2 nightlies, anyone running the latest builds that are built off of Android 4.3, will be able to enjoy the new feature. As always, you can grab the newest builds from the get.cm site (once they are available, of course). Happy flashing. [youtube]http://youtu.be/SRSpaLa1rYg[/youtube] Via: +CyanogenMod

Sprint Launches 41 New 4G LTE Markets, Brings Total to 151

Tim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 08:13:13 +0000

Subscribers in more than 40 markets should see 4G LTE on Sprint's network this morning, as the company announced a massive rollout of LTE across the country. Sprint's 4G LTE total market count now sits at an official 151, which technically puts them ahead of T-Mobile in terms of quantity, but we have yet to test the quality. Customers all the way from Portland, OR to Jacksonville, FL should see a big change in data speeds, so if you are on Sprint with an LTE-capable device, let us know how the service is moving forward. The full list of cities can be found below. New Markets:

Baraboo, Wis.
Kokomo, Ind.
Beaver Dam, Wis.
Laredo, Texas
Brownsville/Harlingen, Texas
Lebanon, Pa.
Bronx/Brooklyn, N.Y
Morgan City, La.
Columbus, Miss.
Nacogdoches, Texas
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Nashville, Tenn.
Durham, N.C.
Oakland, Calif.
Dyersburg, Tenn.
Ocala, Fla.
Faribault/Northfield, Minn.
Palm Coast, Fla.
Fayetteville, N.C.
Philadelphia
Fitchburg/Leominster, Mass.
Ponca City, Okla.
Flint, Mich.
Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda, Fla.
Fort Lauderdale/Pompano
Portland, Ore.
Beach/Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Rocky Mount, N.C.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Saginaw, Mich.
Greenville, N.C.
Salinas, Calif.
Greenwood, Miss.
Springfield, Mass.
Holland, Mich.
Tulsa, Okla.
Homosassa Springs, Fla.
Tupelo, Miss.
Jackson, Tenn.
Wausau, Wis.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Wilson, N.C.

Via: Sprint

[Deal] Get 50% Off the Samsung Qi Wireless Charging Pad With This Coupon, Perfect for Your New Nexus 7

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 07:41:08 +0000

Samsung finally released their Qi wireless charging back for the Galaxy S4 back in June, which we took a brief look at. Wireless charging has always been a nice add-on to phones, assuming you are willing to pay the price for the setup that typically includes a $50 charging pad along with a $40 wireless charging-ready back plate. Well, unless your phone has wireless charging built-in, then all you need is the pad. Either way, it's not necessarily thought to be a reasonably priced charging alternative, but more of a luxury item. But what if you could get yourself into the pad for 50% off or $25? You can. Using coupon code RV18623 during checkout in Samsung's online store, you can pickup the wireless charging pad for the Galaxy S4 for $24.99. Keep in mind that this wireless charging pad is built to the Qi standard, so it's not specific to the GS4, Samsung has simply branded it that way. You know that brand new 2013 Nexus 7 that you just picked up? It works on the pad. I'm using them together right now. This charging pad should work with other devices that have wireless charging built-in like the DROID DNA. For $25, I don't think you'll find a better time to get into wireless charging.

Via: Samsung Cheers Jonathan and Scott!

DROID RAZR Experiencing Chromecast Bug, Only YouTube and Netflix Seem to Work

Kellen — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 07:24:08 +0000

The Chromecast quickly turned into the darling of the tech world almost over night thanks to its easy setup, access to range of services out of the box, and impossible-to-deny low $35 price tag. For the most part, we have heard nothing but positive things out of users who were lucky enough to pick one up on day 1, moments before the HDMI streaming dongle was sold out almost everywhere. Well, there is one group of users who is having a rough time with it - owners of the original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX. For whatever reason, the original RAZR is unable to cast items in either Google Play Music or Play Movies and TV. It does however, work just fine in both YouTube and Netflix. So while RAZR owners can still use about half of the Chromecast service, you can imagine how frustrated they are without being able to access it all. Some users are also reporting back that initial setup of the device cannot be done through the RAZR and instead needs to be performed online.

I was able to test Chromecast on three different Motorola devices and came to the conclusion that it is indeed a problem specific to the RAZR. In the pictures included in this post, you'll see my DROID Bionic, RAZR HD, and RAZR all lined up with Play Music, Play Movies and TV, and YouTube up and running. In only the YouTube image are we seeing the cast icon displayed on all three devices. In the Play Music and Play Movies and TV images, the cast icon is not available on the original RAZR. Why that is, we have no idea. Some forums are reporting that Motorola support has claimed it to be an Android version issue, and that Chromecast requires you to be running Android 4.2.2, however, we know that is not the case. There is only a Android 2.3+ requirement on the Chromecast. To prove that Chromecast works on Gingerbread, look no further than my Bionic which is still running Android 2.3.4 and has no problems accessing any of the Chromecast compatible services. My RAZR HD is running Android 4.1.2 and is having no problems either. It could simply be a bug in the Play Music and Play Movies apps that needs to be addressed by Google. We see bug-fixing app updates all of the time. With so many devices on Android, there are bound to be some that struggle at times with platform-wide available apps. Until we know for sure, we'll simply have to sit back and watch for an update...from someone.

Cheers Ross and Michael!

LG Announces the QuickWindow Case for the G2, Samsung's S View Cover Rolls Its Eyes

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:31:53 +0000

Look, we're fans of what LG has done in the smartphone game over the last year, and are really looking forward to the new LG G2 that will be announced on August 7. But can we not be quite as obvious in our blatant copying of Samsung? Please? First it was the announcement on the eve of the Galaxy S4 unveiling that LG's phones would get an update with eye-recognition tech, a feature that everyone knew was going to be announced by Samsung. Now it's a case that is almost an exact rip-off of the popular Flip and S View covers that Samsung has produced for the GS4 and Galaxy S3. It's called the QuickWindow Case. And guess what, it comes in a bunch of bright colors, flips open and closed, and of course, has a window on the cover that can provide you with useful information. Yes, this sounds exactly like the S View Flip Cover that we took a look at months ago. To give credit to LG, though, it appears as if they have improved upon Samsung's original design by adding in additional features. With a simple swipe of a finger across the window, users can access a clock, weather report, alarm, music player, incoming phone call details and incoming text messages. The window is also much larger than the window seen on Samsung's design, so it makes sense that LG would be able to produce more information through it. The case will be available at the time of launch, however, we do not yet know pricing.

Press Release

LG EXPANDS ACCESSORY OFFERINGS WITH PREMIUM SMARTPHONE CASE

Convenient QuickWindowTM Case for LG G2 Available in Seven Colors
SEOUL, July 30, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) will be introducing a line of premium cases for its upcoming flagship device, LG G2, to be available at the same time as the smartphone. The aesthetically beautiful case, QuickWindow, is the newest addition to LG’s growing premium smartphone accessory lineup, which includes cases, headsets and portable chargers. An opening or “window” on the cover of QuickWindow allows users to glance at various information displays without having to open the cover flap. With only a light swipe of a finger, the QuickWindow UX will appear in the window which users can view while on the go. Information that can be viewed through the QuickWindow cover include a clock, weather report, alarm, music player, incoming phone call details and incoming text messages. “LG’s newest premium accessory delivers practical and stylish options while protecting the smartphone, which for many consumers is a significant investment,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Our smartphone designers have in mind the type of case they’d like to see on their designs. So it made a lot of sense for LG designers to share with our customers their vision of the perfect accessory.” The QuickWindow case for the LG G2 will be available in seven different colors, including black, white, pink, purple, blue, mint and yellow. The cases will be available simultaneously with the launch of the LG G2. # # # About LG Electronics, Inc. LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 87,000 people working in 113 locations around the world. With 2012 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

New Nexus 7 Official Travel Cover First Look

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:55:15 +0000

With the new 2013 Nexus 7 now available from a variety of retailers, we are starting to see the official accessory line-up for the device become available as well. The first of the bunch that we were able to take a look at is the Travel Cover, which is a lot like last year's travel cover, only it doesn't say Nexus anywhere on it. But it's a TPU-style case that flips open or shut, has cut-outs in all the right places (even for the dual speakers), and should give you a decent amount of protection for around $20. With that said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that anyone buy this case as it doesn't offer the tightest fit nor does it include a sleep-wake magnet. As you'll see in the video below, the case wraps around the device nicely, is made of a decent rubber material, and again, has all of the proper cutouts for ports, cameras, and speakers. But that's sort of where the good ends. When holding the device with case on, should you place your thumb or finger near the edge, the rubber slips off of the sides just enough to scare and annoy you. While I don't think the case would easily slip off the entire device, feeling any slippage at all in a case is not something you should look for. The video will show this issue in more detail. Also -and these are sort of minor issues - the case doesn't say "Nexus" on the back like it did last year (cosmetic annoyance), plus it lacks a magnet inside the cover. So when you open and close the case, the device won't either wake or go to sleep. In other words, you have to press the rubbery lock switch to wake your device each time you want to use it. And I don't know if this is bad or not, but with the screen on and the cover closed, you can actually see the screen. Yep, it's thin plastic. You can pick these Travel Covers up at Amazon today, but again, I'm not necessarily recommending that you do. We'll be taking a look at the rest of the official accessories as they become available.

Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e00wI0Ywads[/youtube]

Gallery

Galaxy S4 Allegedly Explodes, Burns Down Apartment and Torches Mercedes

Tim — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:10:05 +0000

According to a recent report from Hong Kong, a Galaxy S4 is the suspect in an arson fire. Not that the device will be tried or anything like that, but according to the device's owner, the S4 was acting normally, then it just blew up in his hands. Once the device caught fire, the victim threw the device onto his couch, which then lit up the rest of his apartment and the fire even spread to his Mercedes. With the victim of the fire assuring those concerned that the device was running a Samsung battery and was only charged using an official Samsung charger, could the blame be put onto the tech giant? According to investigators, no foul play is currently suspected. Samsung issued a statement that they are personally looking into the matter and are sending down a chemical analyst to insure that the device and its components came from one of their factories. The quicker Samsung can blame this on some janky third party component, the better. We will keep you posted on how it unfolds. For now, we suggest carrying around a bucket of water when using your Galaxy S4. For those with a waterproof S4 Active, you're basically screwed. /s

Via: The Register | Xianguo

Chromecast Gets Rooted Over the Weekend, Cat Runs Gameboy Emulator as Result

Tim — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 13:30:04 +0000

Over the weekend, many developers and Google enthusiasts got their hands on the new Chromecast. It's a $35 HDMI dongle that streams YouTube and Netflix videos to your HDTV, but with some work, developers are looking to make it a much more intriguing machine. The folks at GTV Hacker successfully rooted the Chromecast, bringing lots of neat info surrounding the little stick into light. Interestingly enough, they have established that the Chromecast's roots lie in Android and not-so-much ChromeOS's. In fact, more of a modified Google TV release, "but with all of the Bionic / Dalvik stripped out and replaced with a single binary for Chromecast." After this all took place, a hacker over on Reddit was able to get a Gameboy emulator running through the device, then proceeded to allow his cat to make a demo video. If you didn't already know, the guys at DL love cat videos. With all of this accomplished, you can bet that the Chromecast's future is looking pretty bright in the eyes of developers. And if you're a developer looking to get in on the action, GTV Hacker is a good place to start. [youtube]http://youtu.be/yKJ8iX45cGY[/youtube] Via: Reddit | GTV Hacker Cheers AngryManMLS and Jason!

Moto X: Everything We Know Just Before Thursday's Unveiling

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 13:08:07 +0000

With the Moto X going all sorts of official this Thursday, August 1, we thought it was time for another round-up of all we think we know about Moto's new flagship phone. And yes, we're calling it a "flagship" even though the specs are thought to be somewhat mid-range because we'd be surprised if Motorola doesn't by all means consider this to be on-par with the One, Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5. They wouldn't have taken out an entire full-page ad in several massive newspapers, let Eric Schmidt run wild with it in front of photogs, bring it up on stage at D11, or reportedly have prepared a $500 million marketing budget for it if they didn't think what they had created was nothing short of awesome. So let's talk about what we're pretty sure we know with only 3 days left until the device's unveiling.

Design

That is the Moto X in both white and black. It has leaked left and right, including through a previously mentioned photo shoot with Google's Eric Schmidt. He sported the white version with black face, but since the phone can be customized on some level, you could potentially choose how you want both the front and back to look. The press renders of the white and black versions are likely the stock models headed to carrier stores. We're also expecting some level of customization, which we think means that you will be able to choose the front and back colors of the device, plus potentially pre-load it with wallpapers of choice. We have already seen green, red, blue, and purple back plates, but there are rumors that materials like wood will be available as well. A green version of the phone also recently popped up at a Motorola employee gathering. To allow for this type of customization, Motorola will have to launch some type of website that will take your orders. Rumors suggest that Motorola will promise a couple of day turn-around once ordered. The phone is being assembled in Texas. In terms of build, the most recent rumors suggest that the phone will come equipped with "Moto Magic Glass," a single layer of Gorilla Glass which is molded to a special polymer to make for a continuous surface that wraps around the entire front and edges of the phone. There will be a zero gap construction, allowing for a smooth and seamless feel along the backside. Last, the Moto X may feature a laminated aluminum structure for a light weight and high strength design. If all of this pans out, it could be one of the best feeling and looking devices of the year.

Specs

On a spec front, we have what we believe to be the entire spec list thanks to a variety of leaked benchmarks. As I mentioned above, the spec list isn't going to blow your mind if you are concerned about numbers. Motorola has done some tweaks to the processor in what they are calling their X8 Computing System. X8 uses a modified Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor, which has been tweaked to help the phone power select areas in the device - some that require always-on low power, others that need more juice for bigger tasks like gaming. The battery life should greatly benefit by this new system. The rest of the specs match up to most of the current smartphones on the market, outside of the display which only weighs in at 720p. Most high-end phones in 2013 use 1080p panels, but Motorola has done some interesting things with the panel they are referring to as a "Motorola OLED." It has areas that can light up by themselves without powering on the entire display to show things like on-screen notifications. The 720p panel should also help reduce battery drain. Here is the list:

Processor: 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8960DT, dual-core) processor
Display: 4.7-inch display, reads as 4.5-inch because of on-screen nav buttons (1184×720 resolution)
RAM: 2GB RAM
Cameras: 10.5MP rear, 2.1MP front
Battery: 2200 mAh
Storage: 16GB internal storage (no microSD slot)
Other: NFC, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi
OS: Android 4.2.2

Software Goodies

Thanks to a leaked Rogers video and the announcement of the new DROID line-up on Verizon, we know a handful of the new software features that will accompany the launch of the Moto X. we know that the phone will show you notifications on-screen, rather than through a notification light. We know how the camera works. We know it'll always be listening for your voice commands. And we know it'll have a way to "zap" photos to other devices nearby. To see most of these new features in action, hit up our DROID hands-on videos here and here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWIKmWpVO8[/youtube]

Carriers

The Moto X is going to all of the major U.S. carriers. We don't know the specific time of launch for each just yet, but FCC approvals at least give us proof that it will be on Verizon (XT1060), AT&T (XT1058), Sprint (XT1056), US Cellular (XT1055), and T-Mobile (XT1053).

Release Date and Price

There currently is not an announced in-store date for the Moto X. The device will be announced and unveiled on August 1, that much we know is true. August 23 has been tossed out as a possibility for an in-store launch (on Verizon), and I would have to admit that that seems likely. I know that a rumor came out over the weekend suggesting that the device could arrive as early as this week, but I'm not ready to buy into it. That sounds amazing and all, however, Motorola isn't showing the phone to press until this Thursday, so making the phone available the same day or the next makes almost no sense. If anything, we could see a pre-order come Thursday or Friday, but that's speculation on my part. Hopefully, I'm wrong and we can all buy it at the end of this week. In terms of price, there are rumors that think we could see the phone for as cheap as $300 off-contract, while my mind is starting to wonder if it'll be priced like other high-end phones at $199 on-contract and $599 off through carriers. The reason I bring up those prices is because the new DROID phones sit at those numbers and feature almost identical specs and features to the Moto X. We know that Motorola wants prices to come down far below those typical $600 and $650 off-contract price points, but I don't know if they are ready to do it just yet. Thursday can't get here fast enough. We'll be on hand in NYC for its unveiling - be sure to keep close.

Leaked Press Render Shows Red HTC One Headed to Sprint

Eric — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 11:18:11 +0000

When we first caught wind of the idea that the HTC One in red actually existed, it sounded like common sense that it would eventually end up on Verizon. Customers on Big Red are still waiting to see any kind of HTC One, let alone the red version of it. The ever reliable @evleaks has snagged a press render that suggests we will see it on Sprint instead. The One has been on Sprint pretty much since the day it was announced, but this new color option hopes to spur some new sales. We have no info on this red One other than the image above, but it's likely that with all the carrier exclusives that we have been seeing, this might not come to Verizon. Anyone on Sprint looking to pick this up? Via: @evleaks

Google Launches New Zagat Android App and Website, Makes Trusted Ratings Available Without Registration

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 11:04:47 +0000

Zagat, Google's semi-recently purchased restaurant and nightlife review service, received a brand spankin' new website and Android app today (iOS too). The new design matches that of almost all of the recently updated Google apps, featuring a slideout navigation panel, card-style UI, integration with the new Google Maps v7.0, and buttery smooth transitions. But beyond the app overhaul, Google has made "trusted" Zagat ratings and reviews now available for free without registration. You'll also find the latest news and video content from "expert local editors" and curated top 10-type lists. The new app and website are available now. Unfortunately, the new Zagat only covers nine cities (Austin, Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.), but Google is planning to expand to 50 U.S. and international destinations over the coming months, with coverage also expanding to shopping, hotels, and other places of interest. The app really is beautiful and smooth, so if you are in one of the select cities, or plan to travel to one soon, I highly recommend you check it out. With services like Yelp becoming less trustworthy or watered down over the last few years, I've found myself leaning on Zagat scores much more often than ever when looking for spots to dine in new cities. Go grab the new app!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep3iIDDDlaM[/youtube]

Via: Google Blog | Play Link

CyanogenMod Founder Contemplating Abolishing Root Requirements For Custom ROMs (Update)

Tim — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:30:05 +0000

The founder of CyangoenMod, Steve Kondik, took to Google+ to bounce off an idea to his followers concerning Android 4.3 and root access. With the intro of Android 4.3, Google added in some "much-needed" security features which restrict setuid binaries on the system partition, but also limit the capabilities of processes. With that said (and there's more to say, but it borderlines developer mumbo jumbo that I am ignorant to), Steve mentions that the need for root may not be there anymore. When he needs root access for a certain situation, he simply tweaks some stuff and makes it happen. But for the masses, he wants his team to focus on the security of the system and doesn't want to compromise the OS.

Koushik Dutta and Chainfire are working hard to permit root in some way on 4.3, but I feel that anything done at this point might severely compromise the security of the system and we should start considering better options. Going forward, I'm interested in building framework extensions and APIs into CM to continue to abolish the root requirement. A few good use cases for root are: * Firewalls and network software, potentially requiring raw sockets. * Managing the DNS resolver * Tweaking various sysfs nodes to control the kernel All of these can be done without exposing root, and they can be done in a very secure way.

At the end of his post, Steve poses the question, "If you're using CM or another custom ROM, what do you actually use root for?" Let us know down below and maybe it will help them decide if they want to keep root or not. Update: Steve took to his G+ page again to clarify that he isn't looking to remove root completely from the ROM. "What I want to see is the common use cases supported by the platform so that we can write more powerful apps." Via: +Steve Kondik

Motorola Reminds Us That the Moto X Arrives Thursday

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:04:17 +0000

It's Moto X week. If you didn't already realize it, Motorola's official Twitter account is reminding you with the image above. On Thursday, August 1, Motorola will officially unveil the Moto X and attempt to sell based on the fact that it was assembled in the U.S. and can be customized to your liking. Moto's new flagship will also sport most of the features that were on display during the new DROID unveiling last week, but we get the feeling there will be some other surprises in store. We'll be putting together an updated recap of all Moto X happenings thus far, so stay on the lookout for that. In the mean time, describe your general feelings about the Moto X with only a few days to go. Via: @Motorola

Blastron Blasts Onto Android - It's Like Worms but With Robots Instead

Tim — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 09:10:44 +0000

Back when I was younger, Worms was a great way to get my fix of cartoon violence. You placed your character in a strategical position on a map and would then fire missiles/guns/nukes at opposing worms. Whoever dies first loses. Recently launched onto Google Play is Blastron, a game with the same modus operandi, but with robots instead of war-hardened worms. As you progress, your robot is heavily customizable with different weapons and power-ups. The game is free, but there are a ton of in-app purchases to give you the upper hand against online opponents. For fun, I gave a quick look at the app's page on the iOS AppStore. Listed as one of the top selling in-app purchases is the $100 "Vault of Gears." $100?! People must be crazy for this game. Literally crazy. Go check it out! Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/RwGRZ53olTk[/youtube]

Tendere Icon Pack Goes Minimal Rectangles, Wallpapers Easily Worth the Price

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 08:44:51 +0000

From the creator of the increasing popular icon pack known as Flatro, we present to you Tendere. As you know, we're always on the hunt for the next hot set of icons, and Tendere with its rectangles, minimal color palette, and retro angles, might be it. The pack contains 350 icons at this point (will certainly grow), along with nine "abstract/minimal" wallpapers. The entire set screams flat and old school, while still carrying that new school minimal design. It's a solid mix, but I'm really liking the idea of moving to rectangles instead of following the trend of every icon pack using perfect squares. Tendere works with all of the popular launchers like Nova, Apex, Action, TSF, and more. Play Link ($1.59)

Guy Kawasaki Posts Pictures From Motorola Campus Party, Neon Green Moto X Makes Appearance

Kellen — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:36:07 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, moments after Motorola took out a full page ad in a variety of newspapers to do a somewhat formal announcement of the Moto X and the idea of it being the first customizable phone, pictures of its potential custom color choices surfaced. Those colors, assuming the images were legit, included a light blue, red, purple, and an incredibly bright green. So far, these have been the only images of colored Moto X parts outside of the white and black versions that have been pictured left and right. So while we loved the idea of the Moto X being customizable, we had yet to see much proof outside of those original back plate pics. Well, thanks to Moto evangelist Guy Kawasaki, who posted up pictures of a little Moto party at corporate headquarters last week, we now know that the green color from those pictures exists and is already in use by what we would assume to be a Moto employee. As you can see in the picture above, we have three guys sitting on an outdoor couch, enjoying a pint, some Motorola branded pillows, and the sun in Libertyville. But if you look close enough, you'll notice a green beacon of light presenting itself as the true star. Yes, that is indeed a Moto X in the same green color we saw back on July 3. You can see the centered batwing "M" logo, camera lens, and flash, along with a speaker grill set to the right of the camera. Also, the other two gentlemen seated next to Mr. Green, may have Moto X phones as well, in both black and white. But it's too hard to tell from this picture.

So, there you have it. The green back we saw a few weeks ago was real. Since it was coupled with pictures of red, purple, and blue backs, there is probably a pretty good chance that those will be color options as well. Now, to find out the details of how this customization will go. If we don't know before Thursday, we'll definitely know on Thursday. Update: And just like that, Guy has since pulled the photo. Via: +Guy Kawasaki Cheers Lucas!

Verizon Galaxy S4 has Been Rooted Again Running Build VRUAME7

Kellen — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 10:00:07 +0000

As many of you know, the newest update for Verizon's Galaxy S4 (build VRUAME7) patched up the previously released root and bootloader bypass exploits. Since that update dropped on July 9, owners of the phone have taken to forums to pledge their hard-earned cash towards bounties in hopes that someone would find a new exploit. While I don't think that the root bounty has been claimed, since it also required a successful recovery flash, we are one step closer thanks to a newly released root method. Through the combined efforts of XDA members DooMLoRD and PWM978, and the help of others, you can root your Galaxy S4 by using a microSD card, a terminal emulator app on your phone, and a couple of files. This method looks like it should take you all of 2 minutes to complete. It also doesn't wipe your phone or ask that you flash a pre-rooted factory image. If you want to root your GS4, hit up the entire guide at the link below. Via: XDA Cheers open1your1eyes0 and Garrett!

This Week in the Life of DROID: 7/26/2013

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:30:35 +0000

This week was easily the busiest week we have had here at DL this year. Well, maybe not as crazy as a week at CES or Google I/O, but it was definitely intense. Verizon and Motorola launched three new DROID devices - the ULTRA, MAXX and Mini, and on top of that, Google announced Android 4.3, a new Nexus 7 tablet and an HDMI dongle that has the Internet going crazy called Chromecast. If you missed any of this week's highlights, here they are listed down below.

As you can see, it was quite the week! Have a great weekend, folks!

Chromecast Gets the iFixit Teardown, Google's Dongle Doesn't Hide Much

Eric — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:50:18 +0000

The iFixit team didn't wait too long to get their hands on Google's new little TV streaming dongle. There is not much to the Chromecast to begin with, so the iFixit team realized they wouldn't have to pull out the big guns to tear it down. Nevertheless, they broke out the tools and cracked it open to give us a glance at the magic behind the new tech. The best part about this teardown is that iFixit didn't even give the Chromecast a repairability score because "there's just nothing in it to repair." The only parts inside the device are attached to the motherboard and an aluminum heat sync. Only 8 steps separate you from the start to a completely torn down Chromecast. If you are curious to see what the innards of that dongle look like or want to hear iFixit's theory surrounding the Chromecast's H2G2-42 model number, hit the link below.

Via: iFixit

New Moto X Details: Moto Magic Glass, Laminated Aluminum Structure and Dual LTE MIMO Smart Antennas

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:08:21 +0000

More details are hitting the web concerning Motorola and Google's upcoming Moto X device. The source for this new info is Taylor Wimberly, the ex-owner of A&M, now taking to his Google+ page to spill almost everything he knows about the device. With a past of being pretty spot on with the Moto X leaks and info, we tend to listen when he has something to say about Moto's upcoming flagship. Taylor has detailed three different features of the Moto X, all accompanied by press shots of the device that we haven't seen before. To start it off, he says the Moto X will come equipped with Moto Magic Glass, a single layer of Gorilla Glass which is molded to a special polymer to make for a continuous surface that wraps around the entire front and edges of the phone. In addition, the Moto X will feature zero gap construction, allowing for a smooth and seamless feel along the backside.

The next detail concerned the X's construction. According to Taylor, the device features a laminated aluminum structure for a light weight and high strength design. Good to know for those who like a light, yet tough design - something Moto has been known for since the beginning. Last up is the addition of Dual LTE MIMO Smart Antennas, which should allow for exceptional data speeds and better reception than most devices. The device will have two antennas dedicated to 4G LTE, with five antennas being fit inside in total. There will be the 4G main, 4G diversity, 2G/3G main, GPS and finally the Bluetooth and WiFi antenna.

With the addition of these three things, this phone is starting to add up to one helluva device. We are already packed and ready to head to New York City next week for its unveiling where we will be bringing you the best possible Moto X coverage you could hope for. Hope you are ready for this. Via: +Taylor Wimberly [2] [3]

Video: Verizon Takes Us Through the History of DROID to Promote the New Family

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:57:59 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoTywCnEj1I[/youtube]

The DROID brand at one time stood for everything you could want in a smartphone. But with some misfires over the last couple of years, and a handful of marketing campaigns that seemed to create confusion and negativity rather than excitement, Verizon is going to need to do something special to bring this family of devices back to glory. In a new commercial to help kick off what will likely be a massive marketing wave for the ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini, Big Red is trying to take it back to the roots - to the days of the original DROID. In this full one and a half minute commercial posted to the Verizon YouTube account this afternoon, we are taken on a history lesson of the DROID brand. Verizon and Motorola want you to show you "innovation over flash," phones that can do more, and to "challenge everything, again." It's an interesting spot for those of us who have followed the DROID brand from the beginning of its life. It definitely brings back memories, but also reminds me of that original campaign. It's to the point. It's bold. And it's in-your-face the right amount.

Moto X Destined for T-Mobile Stops by the FCC, Model Number XT1053

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:48:21 +0000

With previous info pointing towards a launch onto four of the five top carriers in America, a T-Mobile variant of the Moto X has made its way through the FCC rounding out the bunch. With model number XT1053, we now have the models for each version, pretty much confirmed for Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular and T-Mobile. Besides detailing the radio bands being deployed inside of the device, no other juicy info has been found inside these documents. Then again, what else do we need to know at this point? The device's specs are not 100% confirmed yet, but they have been seen plenty of times, with the X's unveiling set for next week in NYC. For additional info on each variant, follow the links for which model number you want.

Model numbers: XT1060 (Verizon), XT1058 (AT&T), XT1056 (Sprint), XT1055 (US Cellular)

Via: Engadget | FCC

Get $30 Off the New Nexus 7 Through Staples With This Coupon Code Until July 28

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:33:22 +0000

So the new Nexus 7 may have gone live for purchase in Google Play moments ago, is also available for immediate pick-up at select Best Buy stores, and can be Prime shipped to your house via Amazon by tomorrow, but none of those compare to the current deal Staples has running. If you use coupon code 41178 during checkout, $30 will be slashed off the tablet. In other words, you are getting the brand new Nexus 7 with FHD display, double the RAM, and newer processor for the same price as the original N7 16GB when it first launched, and a cheaper price on the 32GB model. Using this code, you'll lock into a new Nexus 7 for $199 (16GB) or $239 (32GB). Update: Staples appears to now be out of stock. The deal runs until July 28 (Sunday), so go get it!

Via: Staples [2] Cheers @BiggiePhat!

New Nexus 7 Now Available for Purchase From Google Play

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:23:42 +0000

The Nexus 7, which technically doesn't launch until July 30, is now available for purchase through Google Play. If ordered, the device won't ship until the 30th, but you will get free shipping (3-5 days). Assuming you aren't interested in ordering from Amazon or Best Buy (both of which have it available now), this is your next best option. Update: Staples is running a $30 off promo on tablets until July 28. May want to shop there first. Play Links: Nexus 7 16GB | Nexus 7 32GB

Hidden "App Ops" Feature in Android 4.3 Lets You Selectively Disable Permissions From Apps

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:06:21 +0000

Hidden not-so-deep inside of Android 4.3's settings activities, you'll find an interesting new addition called App Ops that appears to be a work-in-progress setting for letting users manage permissions of apps with more control. You can access App Ops using an app that allows for shortcut making of activities, or you can download a handy app called Permission Manager (link below) that was recently created to access this menu on the fly. So what exactly does App Ops do? Once accessed, you'll find four columns of tabs for Location, Personal, Messaging, and Device. In each column, the OS has added apps that it feels meet the particular category, which is a nice attempt at organization. From category columns, you can tap on individual apps to access the area that's most important - permission control. In each app listing, you'll see the list of permissions for each that can be either toggled to On or Off. For example, if you don't want Hangouts accessing your camera, you can turn it to off. If you don't want Twitter knowing your location, you can turn that off too. According to Android Police, this new App Ops section isn't quite ready for prime time yet, so toggling some of these features on or off could provide mixed results. Just know before you go tweaking and removing permissions, that you are doing so in an unfinished product. Either way, it's a pretty exciting development, especially for security and privacies freaks. Can you imagine how great this would be if you were allowed to deny specific permissions during the installation process of an app? That may be in the works as well. Play Link

Via: Android Police

Here are the Final Press Renders for the Moto X

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 11:01:14 +0000

Next Thursday on August 1, the Moto X will be unveiled in New York City, and these are the final press renders according to @evleaks. We have seen the device pictured plenty of times and pretty much know how it will perform thanks to our hands-on time with the new DROID ULTRA, but the Moto X could still pack some mystery with it in terms of features and customization options. From previous leaks and what comes in the ULTRA, we have narrowed down that the Moto X should come with a Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz (with Motorola's X8 Mobile Computing System), 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory, a 10MP back-facing camera, feature a 4.7" 720p display with on-screen navigation buttons, 2,200mAh battery and NFC capabilities. Sound like something you would like? Who here is still holding off on getting a new phone in hopes that the Moto X is exactly what they want?

Via: @evleaks

Samsung Ships 72.4 Million Smartphones During Q2, Holds 30.4% of Global Market Share

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:25:38 +0000

Global sales of smartphones for the second quarter of 2013 have been calculated by research group IDC, showing some big numbers for Samsung in the newest report. During Q2 of this year alone, OEMs shipped a combined 237.9 million smartphone, a 52.3% year-over-year growth, which is the highest annual growth rate the firm has seen in five quarters. Of that large number, Samsung shipped a reported 72.4 million smart devices, good for roughly 30% of the global market share. Trailing behind Samsung is Apple with 31.2 million units shipped, coming in at about 13% of the market share. Other vendors like LG, ZTE and Huawei combined for around 15% of the global share, so it's clear that in the smartphone game, Samsung isn't getting touched by their competitors.

If you happened to notice, HTC is not present on this list for reasons we are not 100% sure of. It was reported that the HTC One was doing well with about 5 million units shipped within just 30 days of its launch. The chart states these are the top five smartphone vendors in the world, but it's hard to imagine that HTC has dropped that much, even below ZTE. Via: IDC

Google Hangouts Updated to v1.1, Includes More "Butter" and Emoji

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:04:07 +0000

Google Hangouts received an update today (or earlier in the week but is just now rolling out to everyone) to version 1.1. The update is minor, as in it doesn't include Google Voice or any other new feature. What we are getting is more emoji, and additional "butter" to make the app run faster and slicker. The update also fixes a bunch of bugs. And that's it. What's New:

1.1

Added more emoji!

We added some butter to Hangouts to make it run faster and slicker.

Fixed a bunch of bugs.

Play Link Cheers Jason!

The Makers of Beautiful Widgets Launch Quad Drawer to Google Play

Tim — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 09:40:13 +0000

A simple question is raised by the developers of the newly launched Quad Drawer application, the same folks that created one of Google Play's most highly praised applications, Beautiful Widgets - How much time do you spend searching for apps on your device? Well, it may not seem like a long time for most people, but LevelUp Studios has found a way to make the process of locating your apps a bit faster. Quad Drawer is not a full launcher, but just an app drawer. It works alongside whichever launcher you use on your device, so it could be the stock Android launcher that comes pre-installed or it could be any number of third party launchers found on Google Play. When you open Quad Drawer, you are shown what looks like a regular app drawer, but there is a built in search function that allows you to type in what app you are looking for. No aimlessly looking through tons of icons. You can set how you want your apps displayed, in a grid pattern or in a list, but you can also organize your apps by alphabetical order or even by most commonly used. The feature that makes the app very cool is the floating window. When enabled, a semi-transparent icon appears on your device's display. You can move this icon to whichever location you want and it will remain there even when in other apps or playing games. This way, you will always have access to your apps without needing to back out of what it is you are doing on your phone. The developers placed two different themes for the app, one light and one dark, just in case you are going for a certain feel on your device. Overall the app looks and performs pretty well and is priced for only $1 in Google Play. Go check it out. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/7g4ho7YeppU[/youtube]

T-Mobile Drops Huge Lineup of Devices to $0 Down Starting Tomorrow

Eric — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 09:10:42 +0000

As far as monthly payment programs for devices go, T-Mobile's JUMP! program is probably your best bet. T-Mobile is looking to make that deal even better starting tomorrow with a deal on almost all of their top smartphones and devices. Head into a T-Mobile store tomorrow and as a part of their JUMP! program you can grab a top smartphone for no money down upfront. Phones like the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy Note 2 are topping the list. Sony's Xperia Z and the HTC One are also included in this program. Of course you are going to pay for these in monthly installments instead and that is where T-Mobile is going to make their money back. This program raises the monthly cost of the phones ever so slightly to even out the cost, but it's still a pretty good deal. If you're looking to get into T-Mobile's LTE lineup, this might be the sale for you. Is anyone interested in this?

Via: TmoNews

Tip: Chromecast Can Cast Your Entire Desktop Screen Too, Not Just Tabs

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 08:53:54 +0000

During Google's announcement of Chromecast earlier this week, they talked about the new HDMI dongle's ability to cast full browser tabs, but would only give this feature a "beta" tag. We've already shown you how that works in our in-depth look, which we highly recommend you check out. What we wanted to make you aware of now, is the other feature for Chromecast that Google is only willing to call "experiemental" at this time. We're talking about full screen casting, or mirroring from your desktop. As you can see in the image above, my TV isn't just showing a tab maxed out to full-screen, it's showing my entire desktop. And since it's showing my entire desktop, I can open up any app and have it show up on my TV. I could edit an image, root my phone through a command prompt, or even browse through the pictures stored on my Macbook in iPhoto. Sure, there is a slight delay, just like when sharing Chrome tabs, but the experience of sharing your entire desktop is already there. To access this experimental entire screen casting, all you have to do is tap the Cast button in Chrome (assuming you installed the Chrome extension), tap the little down arrow box in the pop-up, and select "Cast entire screen (experiemental)." Once you have that option checked, you'll then tell the Cast extension to cast to a Chromecast.

I should point out that even with "Audio mode" checked, I was unable to receive audio through my TV or sound system speakers while sharing my entire screen. For example, I tried watching a movie in VLC, but the audio came through my computer, rather than the TV. Again, it's experimental, so don't expect it to work flawlessly and have every feature imaginable. If anything, I think it shows the potential here in Chromecast beyond the streaming of media. Cheers Tristan!

Official Asus-made Accessories for the New Nexus 7 to Include Travel Cover, Premium Cover, and Screen Protector

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 07:28:02 +0000

Typically, when Google releases a new Nexus product, we don't see official accessories arrive for it at the time of launch. In the past, it has taken months before we have seen docks and cases, even though they are often times on hand when the products are unveiled. With the new Nexus 7 that was announced earlier this week, accessories weren't a part of the party, however, Amazon is listing out at least three official Asus-made products with their listings for the device. None are available just yet, but if the listings are showing up, we could be close. According to the Nexus 7 product page, we're looking at a travel cover (pictured above) in at least six different colors. It looks similar in design to last year's official Asus Nexus 7 TPU case, but obviously has been changed to match the ports and design of the new 7-incher. The listing also shows a premium case with a cover that flips into a stand, along with a set of screen protectors for protecting that beautiful FHD display. We've got the product descriptions below. Travel Case

Made from light yet durable polymer
Provides improved damage resistance everywhere you go
Special inserts for connectors allows you to charge without removing the cover, keeping your Nexus 7 FHD protected at all times.
Available in 5 vibrant colors: Orange, Blue, Pink, Green, and Dark Grey

Premium Case

Soft microfiber and durable polyurethane construction.
Features a folding-cover that can prop up the tablet like a stand.
Two positions - One to watch movies, one to type on the tablet.
Cut-outs and inserts tailored for all of Nexus 7 FHD's camera, ports, and buttons.
Slim and sturdy design fully protects the Nexus 7 FHD front and back from everyday bumps and scratches.
Available in black and white.

Screen Protector

Two screen protectors in one packages: 1x Matte Screen Protector, 1x Glossy Screen Protector.
Includes 1x Squeegees and 1x Cleaning Cloth to help you apply the screen protector smoothly without bubbles
Proprietary technology to resist bubbles, glare, fingerprints and guards against scratches

Amazon Links: Travel Case | Premium Case (no link yet) | Screen Protector Update: More info on each case is available at Asus' site - Premium Cover | Travel Cover Cheers Bradley!

New Nexus 7 Available and Shipping From Amazon Today, Store Pick-ups at Best Buy Too

Kellen — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 07:12:37 +0000

The new Nexus 7 isn't technically supposed to launch until July 30, but retailers like Amazon and Best Buy flipped the switch to "available" today. Amazon in particular is simply showing the device as "available." Should you have a Prime account and choose the 1-day $3.99 shipping option, you could have it as early as Monday, but if you can't wait even that long, $8.99 will get it to you tomorrow. They have both 16GB and 32GB WiFi models in stock at the same $229 and $269 prices. Amazon Links: Nexus 7 16GB | Nexus 7 32GB Store pick-ups also are popping up as an option through select Best Buy stores. In fact, our inbox was flooded with emails from readers who had their pre-order statuses updated to "pickup in-store today." As you can see in the image below, most stores around me are showing "ship to store in 3 to 5 days," however, at least one store out of Spokane is listing the device as available for pick-up immediately. So if you want the device today, it's at least worth checking out your list of nearby Best Buy stores to see if they have any in stock.

Via: Best Buy Cheers Luke, Matt, Mike, Justin, Erich, Justtyn, Michael, Patrick, and Josh!

Due to Insane Demand, Google Axes Netflix Deal When Buying Chromecast (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 15:16:38 +0000

After just a single day of Chromecast devices flying off of the shelves, Google has decided to end the sweet three months of free Netflix deal. Google reported to the LA Times that the deal was too sweet and couldn't keep up with demand. So in essence, was Google losing too much money on the promotion? Not that they can't afford it, but the Chromecast was costing just $11 when factoring in the promo. Again, certain retailers still have units available with the Netflix deal, so make some calls and get yourself a Chromecast before they are all gone. Update: Google has posted the following message to their Google Play listing to let customers know when the cut-off was for the Netflix deal. If you placed at order before 1PM PST on 7/25, you will still receive a Netflix code.

Via: LA Times Cheers to the hundreds of you that sent this in!

Photo Sphere Software Gets Major Improvement in Android 4.3

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:10:58 +0000

As detailed in a Google+ post from Googler Evan Rapoport, the Photo Sphere team worked exceptionally hard to make the software work much better on compatible devices running Android 4.3. Stitching and exposure were always a bit off, but according to Rapoport, a lot of the issues that were found in the initial software have been resolved.

First, alignment and stitching are much better, giving you more level horizons and fewer errors throughout the image. While environments with lots of moving things are always challenging, scenes like the one attached here with a long flat horizon are now much better. Second, we've improved exposure compensation for each individual frame, producing a beautifully exposed photo sphere. You can compare this to the previous versions that produced gray areas and inconsistent coloring in areas of high contrast (near the sun, horizons, buildings against blue sky, etc.).

Check out the via down below to see how nice and shiny new Photo Spheres will be. Now if only Photo Sphere was available for all devices. Sad face. Via: +Evan Rapoport

Thursday Poll: Did You Buy a Chromecast?

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:40:58 +0000

Once they hit Google Play and online retailers, the Chromecast sold out fast. You can find some in select stores, so be sure to call up your local Best Buy and other retailers if you are still looking to snag one. Priced at $35, we should have known that everyone was going to go crazy for this little device. It has a lot of potential and launches with some great content streaming features, perfect for those that love devouring videos on the web. Feel free to answer our poll below and then share why you decided to buy one. Was there a feature that stood out for you? [poll id="264"]

Video: Relive the Nexus 7, Chromecast and Android 4.3 Announcement

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:13:33 +0000

If you couldn't catch yesterday's magic, with the unveiling of the new Nexus 7, Chromecast and Android 4.3, Google has gone ahead and made the event replay-able via YouTube. The video lasts just a little over an hour, but it's nice to watch Sundar and Hugo do their thing onstage. Unfortunately, there were no real awkward moments or anything too interesting, but if you missed it, here you go. [youtube]http://youtu.be/YRu18f2GRQo[/youtube]

Google Play Games has Its Own Easter Egg

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 11:51:23 +0000

Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right. B, A, Start. Via: reddit

Video: An In-depth Look at Google Chromecast (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 11:28:51 +0000

Is it safe to say that Chromecast is the talk of the tech world since its unveiling, yesterday at Google's breakfast with Chrome boss Sundar Pichai? We've already seen it sell out through Google Play, Amazon, and Best Buy (online), and have had more emails in our inbox about it than any other product announcement in recent memory. At $35, I can't exactly say that I'm surprised, though. So today, we're taking an in-depth look (12-minute video overview) at Google's new HDMI dongle that streams video, music and Chrome browser tabs to TVs from phones, tablets, and computers. You'll hear me say in a number of times in the video below, but after spending 5 minutes with Chromecast, it's painfully obvious that this is the new Nexus Q. The functionality here is identical to what Google originally showed off on the Q, except Chromecast costs $35 and the failed Q ran $299. It's a fairly simple device, both in functionality and setup. But probably most importantly, it's one of those devices that hides in the background, yet is always available should you need it. And since it works with both Android and iOS devices, you are bound to have something lying around that can take advantage of it. Assuming of course, that you have a need for streaming content from a smaller screen to a bigger one. Enjoy the video. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments!

Video Overview

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1tOeW8AcSA[/youtube]

Gallery

Update After posting this initial video, we had a bunch of important questions in the comments that needed to be answered, so I'm doing that through this section. Also, since most of you wanted to know how streaming sites like Hulu, ABC, and NBC worked, we filmed another quick video with them in action. Oh, Netflix is in there too.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTx7lFKd_o8[/youtube]

Other notes:

Netflix works great. Streams from either computer or app using the Cast button. Should be full 1080p.
My Netflix codes arrived via email about 12 hours after initial setup. I've seen some report that they are getting codes at the time of purchase, but this was my experience.
I tested video from Hulu, ABC, and NBC - they all worked great once I got my WiFi connection solid through the Chromecast.
I mentioned in the video (but didn't show) that you can go full screen video on sites like Hulu and ABC - just want to confirm that yes, you can go full screen.
Chromecast can plug into anything that has an HDMI port. In other words, you could plug it into a monitor if you wanted to (pictured below). I plugged mine permanently into my audio receiver, so that it would use my home theater sound and not just my TV's.

The quality of your PC browser tab casting all depends on your WiFi connection. Since my receiver is low to the ground, in a corner, and pushed up against a wall, it's not exactly in the best spot for a Chromecast that needs a WiFi connection. If you use this setup, you'll definitely want to use the extender that's included in the box to get better positioning. After tweaking mine, I'm getting a much better connection and experience when casting Chrome tabs.
Chromecast settings tweaks may help as well, especially if your connection isn't the best. By tapping on the Cast icon for the Cast extension, you'll get a chance to toggle options (pictured below). Since my WiFi is struggling to connect with the Chromecast, I left mine at "High (720p)" and have had no problems.

If you are casting from a mobile device (tablet or phone), it will continue to cast even with your screen off - not your TV screen, but your mobile device screen.
Receiving notifications during a cast doesn't interrupt the cast. So if you get an email or text or Hangouts message while you are casting a video to YouTube, playback goes uninterrupted.
If you are watching TV through one HDMI input and then Cast something from a device, it will automatically switch over to the Chromecast input. Once done, though, you'll have to manually switch back to your TV input.
Sideloaded or on-device music cannot be casted to Chromecast. You'll get this error:

LG G2 Reportedly Confirmed for Verizon Launch in September

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:45:30 +0000

According to a Korean news site, an LG executive has spilled the proverbial beans on the company's launch plans for the upcoming G2 flagship device. Unveiling of the device is set to take place on August 7, with North American availability beginning sometime in September on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. It's not an official statement from LG, but with a device that has us pretty excited, we will keep the hypebeast going. Over the past few weeks, we have had many eyes-on with the device, everything from pictures to a full video. As for the specs and why you should be excited for this device, the G2 should launch with a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a gorgeous 1080p display, a extremely slim design and come running Android 4.2.2. If this device does launch onto Big Red, are you jumping on it? Via: Engadget | Khan.kr Cheers Eric!

Chromecast App Launches Onto Google Play

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:30:16 +0000

If you already ordered or plan on ordering a Chromecast, head on over to Google Play and pick up the official app. With the Chromecast app, you can set up your new device to run on your home's WiFi network and also change the device's settings, such as the name and the WiFi password. Waiting on your Chromecast to show up? Play Link

Google TV Won't Die, Update to Support Chromecast Coming Later This Year

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:09:12 +0000

Yesterday morning, Google launched Chromecast, a $35 HDMI dongle that plugs directly into your HDTV, allowing for easy media streaming straight from the web. Good news for Google TV lovers is that support for the device is coming in an update later this year according to a Google employee. No word was given on how support would come for existing systems, either software or hardware update, but the good thing to know is that it is coming. The Googler's post was connected to this update from the official Google+ page of the GTV developers.

With the exciting news about Chromecast we are getting a lot of questions mostly wondering if Google TV is dead. No, in fact partners are continuing to launch new Google TV-enabled HDTVs and boxes. As we announced at I/O, we are working with partners to bring the latest experience of Android and Chrome to devices later this year. We believe there is ample room for both products to exist and succeed.

In addition, Sundar Pichai told the Wall Street Journal that new Google TV devices are coming soon and that Chromecast would not be replacing GTV. Happy? Via: +Warren Rehman | @Amir_Efrati

Sundar Pichai Confirms New Nexus 10 by Samsung is in the Works

Tim — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 09:22:23 +0000

With yesterday's announcement of a brand new Nexus 7, but no mention - not even the slightest hint - of a new 10-inch Nexus 10, some larger-tablet fans are getting concerned. But don't go worrying too much. According to Amir Efranti, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, tweeted that Google's Sundar Pichai has confirmed a new Nexus 10 is in the works. As head of Android and a few other things at Google, we would say it's a safe bet that he knows what's going on. From what Sundar said, the new Nexus 10 is currently being developed by Samsung, just like the last one. As for when we will see it, all he said was in, "the near future." With words like that, could it be reasonable to assume we will see it launch in October, right alongside a new version of Android at another Google event? We will just have to wait and see. Are you more excited for the next rendition of the Nexus 10 than the Nexus 7? If so, why exactly? Via: @Amir_Efrati

Tip: You Can Play Local Video Files Through Chromecast

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 08:40:19 +0000

We're still playing around with the Chromecast, and will have some thoughts on it later, but we wanted to point out a feature that you may not have been aware of after watching yesterday's demo from Google. Chromecast can play local video files from your computer to a TV. That means you aren't stuck with YouTube or Netflix or uploading your current collection to a cloud service - you can grab files already on your computer and then stream them to a TV. Outside of owning a Chromecast device (which is sold out everywhere), all you have to do is install the Chromecast extension on your PC, then find the file path of a local video file that you'd like to play, paste that path into the address bar in a Chrome browser, and then press the Chromecast button to cast it on over. It really is that simple.

One of our readers said he noticed a slight frame rate drop, but it's not all that noticeable. I tried it as well and thought video looked pretty damn good. Again, we're still familiarizing ourselves with Chromecast, but are hoping to have more later today. Cheers Corey and Leo!

How Awesome is It That the New Nexus 7 LTE Works on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T?

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 08:08:29 +0000

I'd hate to call it shocking, but one of the most interesting announcements out of yesterday's Google event was the fact that the new Nexus 7 LTE model works on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile LTE networks, all from a single device. In the past, we have seen tablet manufacturers produce separate models when they tweak them to work on specific carrier network frequencies, but not with this one. Google has done something awesome. According to the official tech specs for the new Nexus 7 LTE, we're looking at connectivity through North American LTE bands 1/2/4/5/13/17. Verizon is 13 (own some 4 as well), AT&T is 4 and 17, and T-Mobile is 4.But taking that a step further, it also works on HSPA+ 850/900/1900/2100/AWS (1700/2100). In other words, if you are using your device on AT&T or T-Mobile and leave an LTE area, you'll fall back to their HSPA+ networks and still have data. That won't necessarily work with Verizon, since this chip doesn't appear to support CDMA, but that's not surprising. You are almost looking at one of the first truly unlocked LTE devices - actually, I think this is the only LTE device I can think of that works out of the box on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. How cool is that?

So how does that work? The spec list doesn't say, but I would assume that the Nexus 7 LTE takes microSIM cards, which are the same cards found in almost all phones today outside of the iPhone 5. You could essentially do two things - 1) take the SIM card out of your current phone and drop it into the tablet to get data from day 1, or 2) add the tablet to your current data plan and get its own SIM card. Verizon and AT&T allow you to add on tablets to shared data plans for $10 per month. "OMG, that means the next Nexus will work on Verizon!" Not so fast. While this single LTE chip is something to get excited about, this doesn't mean that the next Nexus will work on Verizon's network. Keep in mind that tablets can do this neat little unlocked LTE trick because they are using data only. If you want a phone to work on Verizon's network - at this time - you need it to connect to their 3G CDMA network as well, to you know, make calls. And since CDMA networks are about as locked down as you'll find, with all power to the carriers, we're still in the same position we have been since the Galaxy Nexus LTE. Now, once Verizon opens up Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), then things could change. And since they are planning to start their VoLTE service next year, there is always a chance that we'll see someone take a stab at an LTE-only phone when that happens. The takeaway here is that Google now seems ready to fully invest in LTE for their Nexus line, something they weren't ready to do last year with the Nexus 4. As you all know, they received quite the backlash when they announced the phone without LTE support. Their Nexus 7 tablets from last year also left out LTE support in favor of HSPA+. So if anything, outside of it being super cool to have this kind of LTE connectivity, I'd say this sets the Nexus brand up nicely to return with an LTE phone this fall. I'd also be willing to bet that it'll work on T-Mobile and AT&T's LTE networks, much like the Google Play Edition phones currently do.

Download: Android 4.3 OTA Updates for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Galaxy Nexus

Kellen — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 07:23:20 +0000

During Google's Android and Chrome event that took place yesterday in San Francisco, Hugo Barra announced that most of the their Nexus family of phones would start seeing OTA updates to Android 4.3 almost immediately. That list includes the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus (GSM). But while these updates technically started yesterday, we know that almost everything involving software at Google these days happens in stages, so you may not be prompted to update for some time. Thankfully, we're already finding OTA update links, meaning you can manually update today if you'd like. Download Links (JWR66V):

*Note: In order to update with these files, you need to be running stock Android 4.2.2 (JDQ39). To update with these files, you have a couple of options:

If you are stock, non-rooted - You can use the "adb sideload" command and make magic happen without root or a custom recovery. We have an entire guide to walk you through this method. It may take a minute to get the Android SDK setup, but that's something you should have anyway if you own a Nexus.
If you are stock, non-rooted and hate adb sideload - The "adb sideload" command can be a bit finicky, so another way is to use a custom recovery and then flash the OTA file through there. You have two recoveries to choose from: TWRP or ClockworkMod. You can find a guide for flashing a custom recovery through adb here.
If you are stock, rooted, with custom recovery - You can essentially flash the OTA zip files in recovery and update. If you lose root, hit up this G+ post for instructions on getting it back.

Download: Two New Wallpapers From the New Nexus 7

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 20:42:51 +0000

The new Nexus 7 includes two new wallpapers that we thought you might enjoy as Android enthusiasts. The best looking of the two - in my opinion - is the one you are seeing above, which is the same wallpaper used in most of the promo images for the new 7-inch tablet from Google. The other is some sort of a spiral-warp-speed-black-hole-ish design, that truthfully, doesn't seem to match up to the polish and cleanly feel of previous Nexus wallpapers. But I'll let you be the judge of that. Both are included below with download links should you be interested.

[Download Link]

Download: New Google Play Version 4.2.9

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 20:33:28 +0000

The new Nexus 7 that was announced today by Google runs version 4.2.9 of Google Play, which is newer than the version that we saw last week in an Android 4.3 build (version 4.2.3) for the Nexus 4. We aren't noticing any major differences at this time, but thought we'd share it anyway. If you discover something, be sure to let us know. Download Link [mirror]

Where and When Can You Buy the New Nexus 7?

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:30:27 +0000

The new Nexus 7 was announced today at a Google event in San Francisco, but since it's not technically available for purchase at this time, we wanted to make sure all of the launch details were clear. Soon enough, you'll be able to buy Google's new affordable 7-incher at a variety of retailers and price points.

Price: Nexus 7 16GB (WiFi) $229, 32GB (WiFi) $269, 32GB (LTE) $349.
Release date: WiFi model goes on sale July 30 in the U.S., LTE model in the coming weeks.
Retailers: Google Play, Best Buy, Gamestop, Walmart, Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Amazon, Home Shopping Network, Radio Shack, J&R, and B&H Photo.
LTE connectivity: The LTE model works on T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon networks. Carrier support will initially be in the United States and then expand internationally.
International: Nexus 7 will arrive in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Korea, and Australia in the coming weeks.

All clear?

Google Cast Chrome Extension Now Available

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:04:50 +0000

The extension needed to cast your computer's Chrome browser to a Chromecast device is now available. This extension allows you to find and play content on your Chromecast device from your Chrome browser. Of course, you'll need a Chromecast device, which most of you don't have because you had to order it this morning. Anyways, get the extension installed ahead of time to make sure you can cast away from the get-go. Cheers Scott!

First Android 4.3 ROM Built From Source Available for Download to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:55:35 +0000

We read the comments in posts and clearly there was a lot of people wondering when Android 4.3 would hit the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon. Of course, this isn't an official build, but a developer has already released a built-from-source Android 4.3 ROM for the rooted users. Taken straight from Google's servers with some added tweaks to make the ROM work, this is pretty much what exactly would be rolled out from Verizon. So, if you are ready to be one of the first to run Android 4.3 on your Galaxy Nexus, read on. The ROM does not come rooted, but you can flash a zip file to allow for root access while you are in your device's custom recovery. It's your basic installation - download ROM zip, boot into recovery, flash zip file, wipe data/cache, reboot and enjoy. And of course, make a backup, people! You can find full instructions and download links by following the link below. Via: RootzWiki Cheers blakjakdavy!

Wednesday Poll: Favorite Announcement From Today's Google Event?

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:00:37 +0000

Now that you have had a chance to soak in all that Google announced today, we are curious to know which piece you are most excited about. Did the new Nexus 7 win you over with its super high-res display? What about Android 4.3? It's finally here! - and OTAs for most Nexus devices are rolling out as early as today. Did the Chromecast blow your mind at its $35 price? Let us know what grabbed your attention, and then weigh in with thoughts in the comments. [poll id="263"]

A Look at What's New in Android 4.3

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:23:33 +0000

Not only did we get two new devices from Google today, the Nexus 7 and Chromecast, but we got a brand new version of the Android OS. Android 4.3, still named Jelly Bean, isn't the most major update for the OS we have seen, but it does bring a few things that people should enjoy. Below, we will go over the additions to Android 4.3 as highlighted by the Android team on their official blog. Bluetooth Smart aka Low Energy Certain sensors and devices that rely on Bluetooth Low Energy will now finally have support on Android. For example, there are many fitness bands that you can strap to your body, which will then relay information straight to your device via Bluetooth Smart. These sensors can check heart beat, calories burned during a workout and things of that nature. What makes Smart different is that it consumes less power to transmit this information to your device, allowing for both your phone and sensor to last longer. Dialpad Autocomplete The stock dialer got a fancy update, now allowing for an auto-complete setting. When typing out a number or even a name in the dialer, the device will automatically check your entry against the address book to save you some time. It shows three numbers at once, so the chances of it hitting the right number and saving you some key presses is quite high. This feature can be toggled on and off in the Settings menu.

Accelerated 3D Graphics With OpenGL ES 3.0 The new Nexus 7 comes equipped with support for OpenGL ES 3.0, the newest industry standard for accelerated 3D graphics. What this will allow for are more immersive and highly-detailed games to be made available for the platform. "This brings photorealism to a whole new level in the games you're playing: blades of grass on the soccer field come alive, asphalt on the street looks real as you screech by, stubble on a villains' face almost pokes out of the screen." Developers can already go out and start taking advantage of this for their games through Google's developer site. Restricted Profiles for Tablets An addition that only tablet users will be able to use is Restricted Profiles. There is already multiple account support on Android tablets running Jelly Bean, but with these new restricted profiles, one account can be used to manage other accounts on the device. For example, if there is one tablet to a family of five, the children's accounts can be set up not to display mature content and will allow for a safe browsing/gaming experience on the device. Each account can have its own settings, so while one account isn't allowed to do Google searches, the others are. Other Android 4.3 additions:

Virtual surround sound.
Easier text input - an improved algorithm for tap-typing recognition makes text input easier.
Lower latency input for gamepad buttons and joysticks.
Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 support - display song names on a car stereo.
Additional language support.
Disabled apps tab - check which apps are disabled in Settings > Apps.
Faster user switching - switching users from the lock screen is now faster.
Location detection through Wi-Fi - use Wi-Fi to detect location without turning on Wi-Fi all the time.
Enhanced photo daydream - navigate through interesting albums.

And that's it for the major changes. Check out the full blog post from the Android team and the Android site for the full changelog. Via: Official Android Blog

Chromecast Now Available From Amazon for $35 With Prime Shipping (Best Buy Too)

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:10:35 +0000

Chromecast, Google's new HDMI TV dongle, may be sold out through Google Play already, but Amazon now has it up and live for the same $35 price, plus Prime shipping. If you were in need of an incredibly affordable accessory that allows you to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to a TV, this is probably your best choice. Amazon Link Update: If it's sold out through Amazon (which it likely is), feel free to try Best Buy who is also offering free shipping. Some stores may have the Chromecast in stock as well. To find out, you can call your local stores and give them SKU 9071056. Update 2: Best Buy is showing as being sold out online. Again, check with your local stores. Cheers Matt, Tristan, Daniel, and everyone else!

Video: New Nexus 7 vs. Old Nexus 7

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:06:25 +0000

Been hoping to see a full comparison of the old Nexus 7 versus the new Nexus 7? Well, look no further! Kellen was pretty smart and brought along his old Nexus 7 down to San Francisco to Google's press event, so below is a video showing off some of the major differences between both devices. To kick it off, let's start with the obvious. The old Nexus 7 features a 7" HD 720p display, last year's Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and has no back-facing camera. The new and improved Nexus tablet sports a Full HD 1080p display, a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor clocked at 1.5GHz, 2GB of RAM, a 5MP rear-facing camera and has dual back-facing stereo speakers. It's not the largest jump in specs we have ever seen, but it does bring new life to the device and should make a lot of buyers very happy. Check out the full video and image gallery down below.

Video

[youtube]http://youtu.be/wI228nhg_Z0[/youtube]

Gallery

New Nexus 7 Unboxing and Gallery

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:29:43 +0000

Here is our first hands-on video and gallery of the new Nexus 7 from Google. It comes shipped with Android 4.3, packs a Full HD display (1920 x 1200), dual back-facing speakers, a 5MP camera and a smooth plain black backside. Needless to say, it's a pretty hot device. Powering the Nexus 7 is a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor clocked at 1.5GHz, along with 2GB of RAM. Once available for purchase, there will be a 16GB and 32GB of storage WiFi-only option, priced at $229 and $269 respectively. In addition, there will be an LTE variant capable of running on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks, priced at $349.99. Now, onto the unboxing.

Unboxing

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdkxg2msfgU[/youtube]

Gallery

Rockstar Hosting Sale Through Google Play, Includes the Grand Theft Auto Series

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:03:13 +0000

Starting today and ending July 30, pick up all three of Rockstar's official Android titles on sale through Google Play. Vice City is listed at just $2.99, GTA3 is going for the same price and Max Payne is just $1.99. The GTA titles are usually listed around $5, so if you have been waiting for a sale, now is the time. Play Links: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City ( $2.99) | Grand Theft Auto 3 ($2.99) | Max Payne ($1.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/w6Gz8TMA_So[/youtube] Cheers Chris!

Google Play Movies and Play Music Apps Updated to Support Chromecast

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:25:28 +0000

Even though none of us own a Chromecast yet, Google has gone ahead and updated the apps for Play Music and Play Movies for compatibility. Now, once you get your fancy new dongle, you can stream your music and videos right to the big screen with the press of a single button. There is also some bug fixes listed for both apps, so even if you aren't a dongle man, go grab it anyways. Were you able to snag a Chromecast before they sold out? Play Links: Play Movies & TV | Play Music

New Nexus 7 Specs

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:00:17 +0000

The new Nexus 7 is finally official from Google. After what appeared to be massive success with last year's version (no sales numbers were ever released), the Nexus 7 has received some major improvements. Down below we have listed out all of the specs that you will want to know and it's a pretty awesome looking list. There is a Full HD display, Snapdragon quad-core processor, rear-facing camera and Android 4.3. It's a dream tablet for Android lovers.

Nexus 7

7.02" 1920x1200 HD display (323 ppi)
1080p HD IPS
Corning Glass
1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor
2GB of RAM
Adreno 320 GPU
16GB and 32GB storage options
LTE variant available for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
1.2MP front-facing camera
5MP back-facing camera
Android 4.3
Dual-band WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
Dual stereo speakers
Surround sound by Fraunhofer
3,950mAh battery
Wireless charging

Click here for more info on the new Nexus 7 from Google.

Google Play Games App Now Live on Google Play Store

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:46:39 +0000

At this morning's press event, Google announced that the Google Play Games app was ready for users to download through the Play store. The app is made for users to keep track of their achievements in different games, as well as to stack themselves up against their friends and global leaderboards. On top of that, you can also find new games to play that feature the game services that are offered by Google. Features:

Discover great games
Play with your friends, and see what they're playing
Join multiplayer games
Track your achievements
Compare scores with other players

As you can see in the above image, I really need to go play more Granny Smith. Go grab it on Google Play right now. Play Link

New Nexus 7 and Chromecast Order Pages Live on Google Play

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:17:43 +0000

If you are ready to throw money at your computer's monitor, then head to Google Play and bookmark the new Nexus 7 pages for when they go live. Orders aren't yet available, but it's a good place to keep an eye on if you want to be one of the first to own it. In addition, the new Chromecast dongle is up and available for purchase, listed at $35. The 16GB WiFi-only model of the Nexus 7 start at just $229, bringing a Full HD display, dual stereo speakers, a quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM and a whole bunch of other goodies. The 32GB WiFi-only is priced at $269.99. For those that want the LTE variant, you will need to wait just a bit longer as there is no specific launch date available. Play Links: Nexus 7 (32GB) | Nexus 7 (16GB) | Chromecast ($34.99)

Android 4.3 Factory Images Already Available for Nexus 4, 7, 10, and GSM Galaxy Nexus

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:03:00 +0000

And just like that, we've got Android 4.3 (JWR66V) factory images already available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (WiFi and HSPA), Nexus 10, and GSM Galaxy Nexus (takju and yakju) variants. If you don't want to wait for the OTA to arrive or a .zip to flash, you can always flash factory images in adb. These do wipe your phone though, so keep that in mind. Via: Google Developers

Google Announces Chromecast Dongle, Easiest Way to Bring Online Entertainment to Your TV

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:59:05 +0000

The Chrome team announced Chromecast this morning at Google's SF press event, a dongle that is plugged into your home's TV HDMI port, allowing for streaming online content right to your television. It is made with YouTube and other video providers in mind, turning any compatible TV into a streaming monster. The service is cross platform, meaning even iOS users can take advantage of Chromecast. All control of videos is done with your device, so there is no need to learn any new user interface or things of that nature. In the top of apps, like Netflix and YouTube, a new icon can be found when you want to push a video to your TV. It's a simple way of watching your favorite content right on the big screen. It also works with your music, so think of this dongle as a very simplified Nexus Q. An added bonus is that it doesn't only work with Play Music, but other apps like Pandora. Control from your desktop is also allowed. While watching a YouTube video on your computer,s imply hit a button and it is instantly pushed to your TV. The device is only $35 and is available for purchase right now on Google Play.

Android 4.3 Landing in AOSP Now

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:57:46 +0000

It has begun. Android 4.3 is "landing in AOSP" according to JBQ. Here are the details:

Google Airlines welcomes you on the ground in Android International Open Source Airport Project. The local time is exactly 4:30 pm. We will be taxiing for a few minutes to our gate JSS15J while ground support guides us to the public git server.
We hope that you had a pleasant flight and we welcome you to Jelly Bean, or that you have a conflict-free rebase while connecting to your final version.

Your source files will be delivered down the https://android.googlesource.com stairs, in hall jb-mr2-dev, on carousel android-4.3_r2.1. Oversize kernel source files will follow a few minutes later at the counter.

Customs forms are available at https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/drivers and need to be filled before starting a device build, even if this is not your first trip to Jelly Bean.

If you forgot to pack something in your luggage, pre-packed luggage is available at https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images that contains everything you might need.

Should you have any questions, our agents are standing by at the android-building Google Group. Complaints and suggestions can be filed athttp://b.android.com. Volunteers can head to the android-contrib Google Group, and job applicants to http://google.com/jobs

Even if you've visited Jelly Bean before, you will notice that our graphics public transportation is now smoother and more energy-efficient. The city is also safer for everyone, with an entire block dedicated to children. Location Hill was renovated, and the repaving of Bluetooth Avenue continued all the way to BTLE Street and AVRCP 1.3 Park. Our filesystem garbage collection service can now handle active households that generate a lot of trash.

On behalf of all of Google Airlines and of our Android ground crew, captain Conley and cabin chief JBQ wish you a pleasant experience with Android 4.3 and we hope to see you again soon.

Via: Android Building

Android 4.3 Announced by Google at SF Event

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:24:39 +0000

Well, Android 4.3 is finally here and official. Google's Hugo Barra took the stage to announce the newest version of the world's most popular mobile operating system. As for what is inside and how it differs from 4.2, Google highlighted restricted multi-user profiles for tablets and support for Bluetooth Smart aka Bluetooth Low Energy. Google also added support for OpenGL |ES 3.0, capable of allowing developers to bring more highly-detailed games and apps to Android. Google is bringing DRM APIs in partnership with Netflix, which will allow for streaming full HD movies/shows from the provider via an updated application. Updates to Android 4.3 should hit the older Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus starting today apparently. That was fast. The Google Play Edition devices should be receiving the update sometime very shortly. Developing... Via: Google

Google Announces New Nexus 7, Brings Full HD Display and Android 4.3

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:17:17 +0000

This morning at Google's event in SF, the company has announced a brand new Nexus 7 tablet. The tablet is light and was designed to be more portable, according to Hugo Barra. It features the same 7" display, but comes with a higher resolution (1920 x 1200), back-facing camera, dual stereo speakers and Fraunhofer audio technology. It ships with a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, dual-band WiFi and there is a 4G LTE variant for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile on a single device. Not multiple variants for different carriers. It also packs in wireless charging. Battery performance has been increased as well, going up a full hour of usage. For students, Google announced Google Play Text Books, a way for students to get their books purely digital, no more 400 page door stops. It will launch in August. The tablet comes shipped with Android 4.3, the first device to do so. The device is priced at $229 for the 16GB WiFi model starting next tuesday on July 30. The 32GB LTE model will be available in the coming weeks for $349. Finally, the 32GB WiFi model will be priced at $269. [youtube]http://youtu.be/5LysTmwDan8[/youtube] Developing...

NVIDIA Brings the Kepler Architecture to Mobile, Desktop Power for Phones and Tablets

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 08:35:35 +0000

This morning, NVIDIA released a ton of info regarding their current plans to bring the Kepler GPU to mobile devices. The addition of the Kepler GPU for the company's next-gen mobile processor was announced back at GDC in March, but the details on what Kepler can do for a phone or tablet were still heavily under wraps. According to NVIDIA, the introduction of the Kepler GPU to mobile devices will be as big of a step as the GeForce GPU was for desktops 14 years ago. The Kepler GPU is capable of bringing PC-class performance and power to mobile devices, allowing for certain desktop-only programs to run just fine on mobile. For example, advanced physics and simulation software could work on your device, as well as a large suite of other OpenGL programs. As for when we can expect to see all of this power and raw performance come to tablets and phones, NVIDIA only gave us a 2014 launch timeframe. If you are interested, hit up NVIDIA's blog and the videos down below to see what Kepler is doing for mobile.

Island Demo

[youtube]http://youtu.be/miEglxHz1iA[/youtube]

FaceWorks 'Ira' Demo

[youtube]http://youtu.be/Vx0t-WJFXzo[/youtube] Via: NVIDIA

AT&T Announces Seven New 4G LTE Markets

Tim — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 08:04:32 +0000

AT&T announced seven new 4G LTE markets this morning, continuing the push to complete its rollout. Along with the announcement, AT&T also wanted to remind us that not only do they have America's fastest LTE network, but it is now also the most reliable according to third party data. On Monday, that claim was taken quite seriously by Verizon, prompting them to take out a full page ad in the WSJ setting the record straight on the standards of reliability. But enough with the drama. Here are the newest LTE markets for AT&T.

Columbia, Missouri
Sussex County, Delaware
Merced and Madera-Chowchilla, California
Vallejo-Vacaville, California
New London County, Connecticut
Greenville, Alabama
Troy, Alabama

Via: AT&T

Live: Google's Breakfast With Sundar Pichai, Likely the Nexus 7 and 4.3 Unveiling

Kellen — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 06:16:50 +0000

Who wants breakfast? How about a side of Android 4.3 with your sunny-side-up new Nexus 7? At Google's planned breakfast event with Android and Chrome boss Sundar Pichai that is taking place this morning, we may be snacking on both, along with some Chrome news as well (Chromecast?). We're here in San Francisco to join in on the festivities, so whatever is announced, will be seen here at DL. And unlike yesterday's get-together with Verizon, this one is streamed live for the world to see. Yes, that means you are coming along for the ride. Get your bibs on, it's time for a Google event! The event kicks off at 9AM Pacific (12PM Eastern).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZzS6BxHEns[/youtube]

New Nexus 7 Pre-orders Already Live Through Best Buy, Full Gallery Too

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 23:02:28 +0000

Well, there she is in all her glory. The new Nexus 7 is now live through BestBuy.com for pre-order, meaning we are almost 100% guaranteed to see it unveiled at tomorrow's breakfast meeting with Sundar Pichai. The 2nd generation tablet from Google has already been leaked, what feels like a dozen or so times through testers and retailers over the last few days, but this one sort of puts the nail in the coffin. According to Best Buy, we're looking at $229 and $269 prices for the 16GB and 32GB variants, respectively. On a specs front, we've got a 7-inch HD (1920x1200) display, 2GB RAM, 5MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera, 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor (same as Nexus 4), Adreno 320 GPU, and Android 4.3. But you already knew all of that, didn't you? Yes, within the last week this and the Moto X became two of the worst kept tech secrets in recent memory.

And because it's available, here is an entire gallery of the new N7.

Gallery

So we'll see you tomorrow morning at Google's breakfast with Sundar - try to act like everything is a surprise. Update: It's at Sam's Club too.

Via: Best Buy Cheers Jonathan and Alex!

The Red Striped DROID ULTRA is Indeed a Verizon Employee Exclusive

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 18:45:18 +0000

The DROID ULTRA with a red racing stripe down its back that made an appearance yesterday is indeed an exclusive "Employee Edition" of the new Motorola flagship for Verizon. This shouldn't surprise anyone, since we saw employee exclusives of the RAZR MAXX and RAZR MAXX HD over the last two years, both of which carried limited release colorways. To make the deal worth it for employees, Big Red has priced the device at $99 on contract, and tossed in a Griffin Reveal case and SOL Republic JAX Earbuds. This special edition ships on August 20 with the rest of the new DROID family. Since it's an "Employee Edition," don't expect to pick one up unless some brave employee tosses theirs up on eBay.

Some Lucky Dude Already Picked Up the New Nexus 7, Here is the Retail Box

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:47:12 +0000

The new Nexus 7 is more than likely going to be announced tomorrow at a breakfast event with Android boss Sundar Pichai and then hit retailer channels some time around July 30. But if you are one lucky reddit user in particular, you already have one. As you can see in the pictures we have included, a user named xQcKx over at reddit managed to get a hold of one, posted up a few photos of it, told people he was taking more pictures of it, and then disappeared. He may have even deleted the original post, however, it still lives on for now. No matter what, we're officially jealous.

Via: reddit

"Chromecast" Added to Google Play's Devices List, What is It?

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:26:13 +0000

Remember a few weeks back when we reported that Google was working on an ultra-affordable Chrome dongle for TVs or displays called the Chromekey? At the time, we thought Chromekey would be the device name and that you would be able to "CAST" your Chrome browser from desktop or mobile Chrome browser to any display to have a bigger browsing experience. Well, according to Google Play support docs, that device appears to have been renamed to Chromecast. The Chromecast device showed up moments ago through support pages, but it currently redirects to a broken link. We made a prediction on last week's DL Show that we would see the Chromekey at tomorrow's breakfast event with Sundar, and that may be spot on. For this device to show in the official supported devices list, an announcement must be imminent. To read our entire report on the Chromecast, hit up this link. Via: Google Support [2] Note: We had made an adjustment to the story last night to include screenshots from a supposed Google Play rep mentioning that Chromecast was some sort of TV service, but have since removed that. Our original report was spot on. That rep was clearly confused.

DROID-a-Palooza: A Recap of Today's Motorola and Verizon Announcements

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:10:47 +0000

What a day, eh? Motorola and Verizon have given us three new DROID offerings in various shapes, sizes, and textures. We'll have much more in-depth looks at each over the coming weeks as review units become available, but we thought this recap of today's events would help fill up your time. We also wanted to make sure that you didn't miss anything.

Videos: DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX | DROID MINI | Software feature overview
A mega gallery of all three DROIDs.
A variety of thoughts on the new DROIDs and how they impact the Moto X.
The new DROIDs all have locked bootloaders.
Motorola is the exclusive partner of the DROID brand going forward.
Video: Verizon's new DROID commercials.
Poll: Are you buying one of the new DROIDs?
Specs: DROID ULTRA and MAXX | MINI
Buy a new DROID, and Verizon will give you 6 months free of Google Music All Access.
The official announcement.

And don't forget that we'll be on hand for Google's breakfast tomorrow at 9AM Pacific.

Verizon Exec Confirms Exclusive Partnership With Motorola for DROID Devices

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:50:30 +0000

The DROID brand got kicked off with a huge bang back in late 2009 with the launch of the original "OG" DROID smartphone. The device is pretty much known as a legend among other devices and is a great looking-back point to where we can see ourselves now. It's 2013 and we have quad-cores, 1080p displays and a ton of other fancy specs that we would have only dreamed of back then. Alongside the DROID was the DROID Eris, a somewhat weaker device that was launched by HTC at the same time. For quite a while, other OEMs besides Motorola were given branding rights for DROID devices by Verizon. There was the HTC DROID Incredible, Incredible 2, Incredible 4G LTE, Samsung DROID Charge and most recently the DROID DNA from HTC. During that time, Motorola also kept pumping out DROID-branded devices in the DROID RAZR line and DROID *insert numerically ordered device names here* lineup. Confirmed by a Verizon executive today, going forward, we won't be seeing anymore DROID devices from anyone else besides Motorola. Jeff Dietel, a Verizon marketing exec, said that the DROID brand needs to stand for something to the customers. According to him, the new DROID lineup from Motorola will be promised a longer shelf life in comparison to past hero devices on the network. What this could mean for HTC and their struggling sales, it's hard to say. On one side, this could give them more time to focus on hero devices to launch on all four carriers, instead of concerning themselves with an exclusive. Then again, having an exclusive means you can also rely on the carrier to handle some of the marketing burden for the device you're launching, plus the almost-guaranteed sales thanks to the popularity of the DROID brand. Either way, moving forward, we can expect to see DROID devices from only Motorola and no other OEM. Feel free to share your thoughts on this move by Verizon down below. Via: CNET

Initial Thoughts on the New DROID Family of Phones, and the Moto X

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:20:26 +0000

Outside of Apple reporting quarterly earnings numbers moments ago, the day belonged to Motorola and Verizon. With three newly introduced DROID devices at varying price points, and with a set of new demo-friendly features to show off, we had a lot to cover this morning. But as the day is winding down, I've got to admit that I have dozens of thoughts running through my head, all of which involve these new phones along with their soon-to-be-introduced brother, the Moto X. Let's talk about it all.

The Devices

Motorola gave us three new devices today that would be tough for any normal person to tell apart. Sure, a couple are glossy and another soft-touch, but in terms of specs, they are almost all identical. We're looking at three phones - the ULTRA, MAXX, and MINI - all running 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processors, with 2GB RAM, 10MP cameras, and 720p HD displays. The ULTRA and MAXX are clearly larger in size than the MINI, and the battery capacities are different, but again, that's not much of a difference. I'd have to say that the MAXX is the obvious leading choice of the three, simply for the fact that it has 48-hour battery life. But overall, do any of these devices give us a package that makes them better than the Galaxy S4 or HTC One? That's a tough call. The specs certainly don't scream, "We are better!" The displays aren't better than either of those two phones. The processors aren't as powerful. The cameras don't have as many tricks. Maybe the user experience on the new DROIDs will be better? Unfortunately, we won't know the full answer to that question until we can spend some extra quality time with them during a review period. Then again, I guess if you like mostly-stock Android with a half-dozen feature add-ons, you may be able to already answer that. At this point, after having spent 20-30 minutes with all three new DROIDs, I'm wondering what makes any of these phones more appealing than the newest offerings from Samsung and HTC, two phones that have been available for months. And now that I say that, didn't we say the same thing when the RAZR HD was released last year?

Cool and innovative or seen it before?

You could argue that the new Active Touch, quick camera launch gesture, and always-listening Google voice actions features are going to help set these devices apart from the pack. But keep in mind that Samsung has just as many if not more gimmicks like these. We can only hope that Motorola helps to make them more useful then what Samsung has done. Motorola did bring up a new feature called Motorola Connect that they didn't have on hand for a demo, but it sounds like one of the best of all. It's an app or service that pairs with a Chrome browser extension on your PC to let you handle notifications through your computer. It's not necessarily a new concept, but cool enough. They are also introducing something called DROIDZap as a picture sharing feature for device-to-device transfers. It sounds like something you will never use, and not just because it has a terrible name. They couldn't really demo the idea because they only had one device paired to the service, but that's sort of my early problem with it - the setup sounds far too complicated for any normal user to want to invest much time in. And other than those five or six features, nothing blew my mind today as being incredibly innovative. If anything, the coolest thing they talked about was their X8 Mobile Computing , which "involves eight tightly integrated processors, special algorithms, and sensors," to create a an experience like no other phone. They have dedicated cores to manage audio sensors, others for graphics, and more dedicated to performance, all while producing industry leading battery life. But that's all geek stuff, not necessarily mass-market consumer-focused.

What's left for the Moto X?

If you have kept up at all with the Moto X saga, then you probably finished our DROID coverage today going, "Wait, I thought these new DROID features were all features from the Moto X?" You are not alone if you did. We couldn't help but wonder, what's left to make the Moto X standout after seeing Active Touch, "OK Google Now," and camera gestures on these other phones? Sure, it's being built in Texas and will give its users the chance to customize things like the outer casing, but we seem to be in a day and age that's all about exclusive software features. Motorola just announced three phones that all have features we are supposed to see from the Moto X. There better be something else in the bag.

What do these prices say for the price of the Moto X?

I think the scariest moment from today's festivities involved pricing. Verizon plans to sell these for $299 (MAXX), $199 (ULTRA), and $99 (MINI) on 2-year contracts. We're talking specs that don't even come close to the HTC One or Galaxy S4, yet are accompanied by prices at and above both of those phones. Keeping that in mind, the ULTRA is essentially what we're looking at with the Moto X, so what does that mean for Moto X pricing? This morning, we talked about the idea that the Moto X could drop in for as little as $300 off-contract, but doesn't today's news worry you that there is no way in hell we are seeing it for anywhere near that price off-contract? That would be extremely unfortunate. While I fully understand that Motorola has put a bunch of engineering work into these phones, plus plans to build the Moto X in Texas, it still would seem absurd for them to charge more than a couple of hundred dollars for this phone.

Random Bullets

Camera shutter seemed a bit slow to me. Definitely need to spend more time with them, though.
The glossy backsides of the Mini and ULTRA are fingerprint machines. They also feel gross. If you hate the slippery mess on the backside of the Galaxy S4, I wouldn't even try to touch these.
The back of the DROID MAXX is soft touch and feels identical to the RAZR MAXX HD. I really like that softness, just not sure I'm a fan of the kevlar design.
The displays on the ULTRA and MAXX are definitely OLEDs. Colors are crazy vibrant, so if you like OLEDs, you'll probably like these. I personally didn't mind them at all. And I can't wait to snag the wallpapers from them, because Motorola has all sorts of new good ones in there. If you are an LCD fanboy, well then, these probably aren't the DROIDs for you.
Motorola rep did mention these as being "Motorola OLED" displays. In other words, they are the only ones using them.
The ULTRA is insanely thin.
Someone at our press table asked about the bootloader - yes, it's locked on all of them.
Someone also asked how much bloatware would be installed, which gave all media at the table a good laugh. Unfortunately, a Moto employee there took the question seriously, and confirmed that they are still finalizing it all. The demos units had plenty already, FYI.
Browsing around the phones showed no substantial lag or annoyances. All devices seemed very smooth and polished. Can probably thank this new X8 computing thingy.
None of these phones have microSD card slots.

Overall

At the end of today, we aren't fully sure what to make of this new Motorola. We certainly saw three new DROIDs from them. The specs on them are not going to win any sort of hardware battle on paper, though. The phones feel like much of the same from last year, but with some added twists and gloss. The battery life on the MAXX sounds amazing. But I think until we get the Moto X, and see if it can somehow hold its own against its DROID-branded brothers, we're already peaking one eye over the edge to see what else is on the horizon. Of course, you'll want to stay on the lookout for our reviews of each device.

Riptide GP2 Released for Android, Brings Even Crazier Jet Ski Action

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:00:50 +0000

After what seems like forever, Riptide GP2 has finally launched for Android and iOS. The original Riptide GP was a huge success, used by companies like NVIDIA to show off their CPU's computing power with sweet effects and like-like water splashes on your screen. It was fancy, but after a while, it got boring. With the sequel, that all goes out the window. Riptide GP2 features an online multiplayer mode, a fancy new career mode full of tons of races (you'll never get bored), customizable jet skis and some seriously wicked graphics. As a cherry on top, GP2 is one of the few games that fully utilizes Google Play Service's Cloud save system, as well as achievements. Play Link ($2.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/Jn7YJxqpJYY[/youtube]

Video: DROID Mini Hands-on and Overview

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:21:13 +0000

If you have already checked out our hands-on videos of the DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX from Verizon's unveiling, then it's time for the DROID Mini. The smallest of the three new additions the DROID family features a 4.3" 720p display, a 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, a 10MP back-facing camera and wireless charging. In fact, the Mini is the same exact device as the ULTRA and the MAXX, but in a smaller package. Verizon and Motorola were firm that there would be no sacrifice in performance for those that want a smaller device in their pocket. Anyways, enough with the chit chat. Check out the video below. [youtube]http://youtu.be/4UispSr7hLM[/youtube]

Click here for more info on the DROID Mini.

SwiftKey Moves Your Suggestions to the Cloud In Latest Beta Update

Eric — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:08:08 +0000

The third-party keyboard replacement, SwiftKey, has some of the best prediction software that can be found on an Android device. However, if you have it installed across multiple devices, the information stored to power those predictions doesn't travel with you. The SwiftKey team is fixing this problem in the latest beta update by introducing SwiftKey Cloud. Available today, you can backup and restore your suggestions into the new cloud system, so incase your device gets lost or stolen your predictions won't be lost as well. This allows for people with multiple devices to have the same level of prediction on each device. Also being introduced in this update is trending predictions, where SwiftKey now scans Twitter and other social networks for keywords that are being used during that time and will tailor predictions if your typing calls for it. Personalizing through Facebook, Gmail and Twitter can now all be done with one click, vastly simplifying the process from where it was before. This update will be rolled out to all users as a free update after being tested as a beta. The download links for the beta are below. Download Links: Swiftkey for phones | Swiftkey for tablets Still using SwiftKey or have you moved on to other keyboards? [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGvOid4jnug[/youtube] Via: SwiftKey

Video: DROID MAXX and ULTRA Hands-on and Overview

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:11:16 +0000

After waiting a good amount of time in line to get ours hands on the new DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX, here is our hands-on video and overview of the phones. The MAXX is the largest of the three newly announced DROID devices, coming in at 8.5mm thick. It has a 5" OLED 720p display (non PenTile), a Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz and 2GB of RAM. For the most part, the MAXX is running a stock version of Android 4.2.2, but throughout the device's software you will see certain Moto touches that help bring some of this device's features to fruition. The phone's main selling feature is its massive 3,500mAh battery, capable of 48 hours of talk time according to Motorola. On the back side, you will find a 10MP camera and a 2MP camera on the front. As for the ULTRA, think of it as the same exact device as the MAXX, but without the 3,500mAh battery. Instead, the ULTRA features a smaller 2,130mAh battery, capable of up to 28 hours of talk time. Besides the battery, it has the same display, same processor, same amount of RAM, same camera, same software and same everything else. Have a look below and check out our full walkthrough videos.

DROID MAXX

[youtube]http://youtu.be/AX3GITbTj0c[/youtube]

DROID ULTRA

[youtube]http://youtu.be/qqykqKygO80[/youtube]

Click here for additional DROID ULTRA and MAXX coverage.

Video: Demo of Active Touch, "OK Google Now," and Quick Camera on the DROID ULTRA

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:25:36 +0000

During our time this morning with the new lineup of DROID phones - the DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini - we had a chance to be taken through a demo of three of what will likely be their most talked about features. In the short clip below, Motorola reps walk through Active Touch, using "OK Google Now" to accomplish hands-free tasks, and new camera functionality like Quick Camera. More videos on the way!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNvDJ1lQ7KQ[/youtube]

Video: Verizon's Promo Clips for the New DROID Lineup Hit the Web

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:10:41 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/p80qd3RWPW8[/youtube]

With new phones comes new advertising. With the DROID ULTRA, MAXX and Mini now announced, it is time for Verizon to begin their efforts on bringing awareness to the devices. Four different clips have been merged into a single video that has hit YouTube, giving off some OG DROID nostalgia feeling. What we really like so far is that they are bringing back the quick, almost subliminal feel to the commercials that the original DROID device had. We missed that. No more silly robot battles with girls in leather. It was nice, but it didn't bring any credibility to the device. With these clips, they highlight device features, such as the massive battery, always-listening software and more. Like what you see so far? Cheers s23!

Tuesday Poll: Are You Buying One of the New DROIDs?

Eric — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 11:50:42 +0000

We now have the newest members of the Motorola DROID brand. Verizon announced the DROID Mini, DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX today in one of the shortest press conferences we have ever seen. The 4.3" DROID Mini features the same dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and Motorola X8 Computing System found in the ULTRA and MAXX, but only costs $99 on-contract. The 5" 720p DROID ULTRA is the thinnest of the bunch, coming in at only 7.18mm thick and costs $199 on-contract. Then there is the 5" DROID MAXX with a whopping 48 hour battery life and an OLED screen that you can also find in the Ultra. The MAXX will hit Verizon for $299 on-contract, along with the rest of the DROIDS, on August 20. Verizon lists all these phones as launching with Android 4.2 and wireless charging capabilities out of the box. So that leads us to today's poll - will you be buying one of the new DROIDs? If rumors are correct, the Moto X is coming just around the corner for $300 off-contract. Do these look enticing in any way? [poll id="262"]

DROID Mini Specs for Verizon

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 11:36:06 +0000

Here are the official DROID Mini specs, Verizon's newest addition to the DROID family lineup. Of the three that were announced today, this is the smallest, packing just a 4.3" LCD 720p display compared the ULTRA and MAXX's 5" OLED displays. Beyond just its smaller size, the device boasts the same exact specs as its bigger brothers, so you don't have to worry about sacrificing performance if you prefer smaller devices.

DROID Mini

4.3" LCD 720p display
Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.7GHz dual-core processor
2GB of RAM
2,000Ah battery
16GB of onboard memory
NFC
10MP back-facing camera
2MP front-facing camera
Bluetooth 4.0
Android 4.2 "Jelly Bean"

Check out a full hands-on gallery of the DROID Mini here.

DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini Hands-on [Gallery]

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 11:09:51 +0000

We've got first impressions and videos on the way for Verizon and Motorola's new DROID family, which includes the DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini, but for now, enjoy this set of pictures. We'll continue to update it as we have more!

Droid Mini

DROID ULTRA

DROID ULTRA in Red

DROID MAXX

The Family

Verizon Offering Six Months of Free Google Play Music All Access For Buying One of the New DROIDs

Eric — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:36:01 +0000

One small announcement from today's DROID announcement that we wanted to make sure that you didn't miss was Google Music related. Google may have said they are not playing favorites since they bought Motorola, but the new DROID Mini, ULTRA and MAXX are the only Android devices to get you six free months of Google Music All Access when you buy them. These devices also come with Ingress invites for you and 5 of your friends if you are looking to get in on Google's virtual reality game of capture the flag. As fun as that sounds, All Access is a near $70 value. We are big fans of the service here at Droid Life, but whether or not this extra service will be enough to sell someone on a new phone remains to be seen.

DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini Have Locked Bootloaders

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:33:39 +0000

A Motorola rep has confirmed to us that the bootloaders on the new DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini devices will in fact, be locked. No surprise here, folks.

DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX Specs

Tim — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 10:16:00 +0000

We have three new DROID devices to talk about today, so here is a post focused just on the device's specs. Below, we list out specs for the DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX. Both devices are almost identical in the shape and size aspect, but the insides differ just ever-so-slightly. They both feature 5" OLED 720p displays (non PenTile), 2GB of RAM, Moto's new X8 Computing System and 10MP cameras. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the new family members.

DROID ULTRA

5" OLED 720p Display
Motorola X8 Computing System
Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.7GHz dual-core processor
2GB of RAM
Touchless Control
10 Megapixel back-facing camera
2 Megapixel front-facing camera
2,130mAh battery
7.2mm thin
16GB of Onboard Storage
Bluetooth 4.0
Android 4.2

DROID MAXX

5" OLED 720p Display
Motorola X8 Computing System
Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.7GHz dual-core processor
2GB of RAM
Touchless Control
3,500mAh battery
2MP front-facing camera
8.5mm thin
Gorilla Glass
32GB of Onboard Storage
Wireless Charging
Bluetooth 4.0
Android 4.2

More specs will be confirmed and added to this list as details for the devices are released. With only about a single millimeter differentiating these two in looks, which would you lean towards? Wouldn't the MAXX be the clear buy even though it does cost $100 more on contract? Can't argue against 48 hours of battery life.

Verizon and Motorola Announce the DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 08:57:23 +0000

Verizon and Motorola unwrapped their latest collaborations today at a press event in NYC as the DROID ULTRA , DROID MAXX, and DROID Mini. The DROID ULTRA is all about being thin, with the MAXX acting as the battery workhorse, and the Mini is about being "compact without compromise." In terms of specs for the ULTRA, we're looking at a 10MP camera, with a kevlar back, a better CPU than last year's RAZR HD, along with double with the RAM. The device carries a 5" 720 OLED display and a 2,130mAh battery. The MAXX carries similar specs, but jumps battery life up to 48 hours on a single charge, yet is still 8.5mm thick. Inside is a full 3,500mAh battery and 32GB of onboard storage. The MAXX also supports wireless charging, but it isn't clear yet whether the ULTRA is also capable. We are leaning towards yes. Motorola is also implementing a new 8-core processor architecture that they are calling X8 Mobile Computing. They are dedicating cores to select areas of the device, like 2 application processor cores, 4 graphics process cores, 1 contextual computing core, and 1 natural language core. On a software front, these new DROIDs will use some of the Moto X's tricks in terms of voice control without having to touch the device. You'll see the on-screen notifications, though the entire screen doesn't need to light up in order to show you them. They are also introducing a new camera sharing feature called DROID ZAP (hah, really?). Pricing is as follows: ULTRA at $199 on contract, MAXX at $299 on contract, and the Mini will be $99 on contract. You can pre-order today - devices ship August 20. Buyers should note that if you purchase the device before September 30, you receive six months of Google Play Music All Access for free.

Press Gallery

What if the Moto X is $300 Off-contract?

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 08:47:10 +0000

The Moto X is coming next week, on August 1. We know that much. We also know the specs, what the camera UI looks like, and some of the new features that Motorola will use to try and make the phone stand out from a crowded market. But what about the price? Could Motorola do something crazy and offer it at Nexus 4-like price points? They might. Recent rumors that are circulating the blog-o-sphere suggest that Motorola may introduce the phone at $299 off-contract for the 16GB version, while also releasing a 32GB variant at anywhere from $350 to $399. We've had sources suggest that it could be as low as $200 off-contract, but I'm not going to lie, that sounds insane. Only 16GB versions are floating around in the wild for testing, so the 32GB variant rumor is just that, a rumor. But let's talk about low prices - is it even possible to go that low for such a new phone? Well, sure it is. Dennis Woodside - Motorola CEO - said himself in a recent interview that his company is interested in the "low-cost, high quality market." They see this huge gap between feature and smartphone pricing ($30 to $650), and they feel as if they can bring that gap closer together or at least dive right into the middle of it. You could call that a hint or a vision of the future, but Motorola seems poised to make something radical happen today. But think about the specs. We're talking about a processor that is technically a step behind that of the Nexus 4, which was a phone that sold for $299 at launch. For those not familiar, the Nexus 4 sported a Snapdragon S4 Pro, but was the quad-core version - the Moto X is running a Snapdragon S4 Pro that is the dual-core version. The display is a 720p panel, which we would assume could be had for quite reasonable prices these days now that the standard has become 1080p. The rest of the make-up is pretty standard smartphone stuff these days in terms of hardware. So why not? If Motorola wants to do something wild and really grab attention, an insanely low price would help do that along with a push for experience over specs. Get people this phone without a contract at a great price, let them customize it, have it learn their patterns, and you may have a winner. What would a $300 off-contract price mean to you?

Sonos Updates Android App, Allows for Music Playback From Mobile Devices

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 07:24:16 +0000

Sonos, the makers of lovely Hi-Fi home audio equipment, released an update to their Android app this morning that allows for playback of music (or podcasts) stored on Android devices through Sonos speakers. No longer are you stuck loading all music onto a home computer or media server - the days of streaming whatever audio is stored on your phone are here. The update is live already through Google Play, so if you own any of the Sonos products, be sure to update your device. Here is how you can play music from your phone through Sonos:

Update your Sonos Controller for Android to software version 4.1.1. This release is for Android Controllers only — the rest of your Sonos components do not require an update.

Ensure your Android device is on your home wireless network, and then launch the Sonos Controller App.

Go to the Music menu and select ‘This Mobile Device’ – this option will appear if you have music stored on your phone or tablet. You will now see all of your device’s music, playlists and podcasts available and can play them on Sonos.

Via: Sonos [Play Link]

Programming Note: Verizon's DROID ULTRA Press Event Today

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 06:24:09 +0000

Verizon is hosting a press event this morning in NYC to unveil the newest in one of their most popular families of devices. We're pretty damn sure they are going to announce the Motorola DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini, but hey, as Tim mentioned yesterday, we have been duped before. All jokes aside, this time we actually will see devices, rather than an embarrassing display of commentary by J-Lo. With that said, our coverage is going to be a bit different than usual in terms of this event. You see, we are out west still, and not in NYC this time around because Google is hosting an event tomorrow in San Francisco that we also wanted to attend. That doesn't mean you aren't going to see the new DROID family in all its glory here at DL, it just means that we aren't going to be on-hand for Verizon's stage song-and-dance. Instead, we'll have all of the hands-on time you could ask for through a get-together in SF, it just may be an hour later than the folks who are in NYC. So keep it locked around 10AM Pacific, as our coverage with the device in hand will kick off around then. And if you haven't yet, be sure to get in your last minute predictions!

Samsung Announces New Exynos 5 Octa With 2-Times Graphic Performance Over Previous Octa

Kellen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 06:09:19 +0000

Samsung made their new Exynos 5 Octa mobile processor official last night as the 5420. The new chipset is still an eight-core ARM Cortex-based processor, though this time they swapped out the PowerVR SGX 544MP3 GPU for an ARM-based Mali-T628, which Samsung claims produces "two times greater" graphics performance over the previous Octa (5410). So in terms of it being "Octa," we're still looking at four Cortex A15 cores and another four Cortex A7 cores, which ARM refers to as big.LITTLE. The A15s are clocked at 1.8GHz for the heavy lifting, while the A7s are clocked at 1.3GHz. The CPU performance has been improved by some 20% in this new chipset. The new Exynos 5 Octa is currently sampling and will be ready for mass production in August. Galaxy Note 3, anyone?

Press Release

Samsung Brings Enhanced Mobile Graphics Performance Capabilities to New Exynos 5 Octa Processor
SEOUL, South Korea, Jul 22, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, today introduced the latest addition to the Exynos product family with top level of graphic performance driven by a six-core ARM(R) Mali(TM)-T628 GPU processor for the first time in the industry. With mobile use case scenarios becoming increasingly complex, Samsung's newest eight-core ARM Cortex(TM)-based application processor gives designers a powerful, energy efficient tool to build multifaceted user interface capabilities directly into the system architecture. Samsung will demonstrate the new Exynos 5 family at SIGGRAPH 2013 in the ARM booth, #357; Exhibit Hall C at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Samsung's new Exynos 5 Octa (product code:Exynos 5420), based on ARM Mali(TM)-T628 MP6 cores, boosts 3D graphic processing capabilities that are over two times greater than the Exynos 5 Octa predecessor. The newest member of the Exynos family is able to perform General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Units (GPGPU) accelerating complex and computationally intensive algorithms or operations, traditionally processed by the CPU. This product also supports OpenGL(R) ES 3.0 and Full Profile Open CL 1.1, which enables the horsepower needed in multi-layer rendering of high-end, complex gaming scenarios, post-processing and sharing of photos and video, as well as general high-function multi-tasking operations.

"ARM welcomes the latest addition to the successful Exynos Octa 5 series, which uses ARM's Mali GPU solution to dramatically improve graphics performance," said Pete Hutton, executive vice president & general manager, Media Processing Division, ARM. "ARM big.LITTLE(TM) and ARM Artisan(R) Physical IP technologies continue to be at the heart of the Octa series and now complement the new functionality brought by ARM GPU Compute. This combination enables unprecedented capabilities in areas such as facial detection and gesture control, and brings desktop-quality editing of images and video to mobile devices."

"Demand for richer graphic experiences is growing rapidly nowadays," said Taehoon Kim, vice president of System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. "In order to meet that demand from both OEMs and end users, we developed this processor which enables superb graphical performance without compromising power consumption."

The newest Exynos processor is powered by four ARM Cortex(R)-A15(TM) processors at 1.8GHz with four additional Cortex-A7(TM)cores at 1.3 GHz in a big.LITTLE processing implementation. This improves the CPU processing capability by 20 percent over the predecessor by optimizing the power-saving design.

In addition, the multiple image compression (MIC) IP block inside this System-on-Chip successfully lowers the total system power when bringing pictures or multimedia from memory to display panel. This feature results in maximizing the usage hours of mobile devices with a high-resolution display such as WQXGA (2500x1600), in particular when browsing the web or doing multimedia application requiring the frequent screen refresh.

The new Exynos 5 Octa processor also features a memory bandwidth of 14.9 gigabytes per second paired with a dual-channel LPDDR3 at 933MHz, enabling an industry-leading fast data processing and support for full HD Wifi display. This new processor also incorporates a variety of full HD 60 frames per second video hardware codec engines for 1080p video recording and playback.

The new family of Exynos 5 Octa is currently sampling to customers and is scheduled for mass-production in August.

For Further information :

- Samsung Exynos brand site : www.samsung.com/exynos

- Samsung Exynos twitter : www.twitter.com/samsungexynos

- Samsung Exynos facebook : www.facebook.com/samsungexynos

- Samsung Exynos Youtube : www.youtube.com/samsungexynos

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Moto X Camera UI Leaks, Shows Gesture-based Navigation Tricks

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 20:04:50 +0000

The Moto X is still a full week away from its official unveiling, but as is typical these days with almost any device, we are starting to know it better than its manufacturer would probably like us to (including the specs). In the latest leak, we get a tutorial view of the camera UI, which takes a minimal approach while still packing in functionality thanks to gestures. We're expecting the camera sensor to weigh in at 10MP. As you can see from the image above, a swipe from the left side of the camera UI will jump you into a Settings menu, while a swipe from the right will take you into the gallery. The gallery swipe is similar to what you see with stock Android, but the settings menu tucked to the left are new. Once into the settings menu, you get what appears to be a wheel of options, that we would assume would be chosen with a flick to scroll and a tap to select. From these images alone, you can see HDR, slow motion video, panorama, and location options.

You'll notice that the twist-to-open camera feature is there as well, which was first seen a week ago in a leaked Rogers video. The option can be turned on or off, but should give you the quickest method of launching your camera, since it can be done with both the screen off or on. The last things we are seeing involve taking pictures. To zoom in and out, you can drag a finger up or down on the display. To snap, all you have to do is tap anywhere. If you'd like to take multiple photos, simply hold your finger on the screen for a few seconds. And that's the camera! Looks simple, yet refreshing and useful. Cross your fingers that it can actually take decent pictures.

Remember to stick with us all day on August 1 for the device's unveiling. And here is the Rogers video one more time:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWIKmWpVO8[/youtube]

Via: Android Police Cheers Roderick and Scott!

Assemble Your Crew of Friends and Yell Out Technobabble in Spaceteam for Android

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:58:04 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/aBfHhfxLNPE[/youtube]

If you can talk your friends into having some fun, go and download Spaceteam on your iOS and Android devices. With Spaceteam, a team of 2-4 players must save a spaceship that is in distress. How do you save it? By yelling crazy space jargon at each other, of course! Connecting multiple devices over WiFi or Bluetooth, each player is given a set of buttons and instructions on how to save your ship from an exploding star. The only issue is that your instructions are on your friend's display, so you must work as a team if you are to survive. Remember to keep a cool head and channel your inner Jean-Luc Picard. The game is free to download, so go give it a try with a friend or two. Play Link Cheers Ben and Chris!

Last Minute Thoughts or Predictions for Tomorrow's Verizon Event?

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:13:33 +0000

Kellen arrived shortly ago in San Francisco, one of two cities (the other is NYC) where Verizon is hosting a small press event. There are no guarantees in this world, as we've seen Verizon pull a fast one on us before, but their invitation does state that we are to see the next generation of their most popular family of devices. We can't think of any VZW device family that would be more popular than the DROID family, but again, it's Verizon. With plenty of leaks from last week and over the weekend pointing to an unveiling of the DROID ULTRA, ULTRA MAXX and DROID Mini, is it possible that Verizon could have anything else in store? Take to the comments section below and let us hear your final thoughts and predictions for tomorrow's event. Now would be a good time to work on your Viva Movil jokes. [youtube]http://youtu.be/Iv6lmi4g0ls[/youtube]

Falcon Pro Updated to Version 2.0.5, But Don't Go Looking on Google Play

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:14:50 +0000

For those not following, Falcon Pro was recently removed from Google Play by its developer, because Twitter apparently shut the app down. With Twitter not allowing the app to generate any new user tokens, having customers buy the app and then not being able to use it didn't make much sense. The developer found somewhat a workaround for this, hosting his own site now where everyone that either purchased the app already or wants to use it can download it for free. In addition, the developer also found a sneaky way around Twitter's token limit, which may or may not have been fixed by Twitter now. Either way, there is a new update for the app, bringing some new features and fixes which everyone is welcome to go download. Inside the app, there is now offline access for your favorites, as well as auto-preloading tweets that you favorite for offline viewing. To see the full changelog, we have it posted down below. What's New:

New - Offline access for Favorites
New - When you fav a tweet, the link gets automatically preloaded for offline reading
New - You can now choose between ViewText or Instapaper for the mobilizer service (under User Experience settings)
Fixed - scollablle (Tato Note: scrollable?) custom login for small devices
Removed - Google Play previews (new play store design broke it)
Removed - Lucky patcher check (no point anymore)
Other fixes

Via: +Joaquim Verges

Verizon and AT&T Prepare For War Over Standards of Network Reliability

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 13:18:37 +0000

Last week, AT&T published a press release that states recently commissioned third-party studies found its 4G LTE network to be the nation's most reliable. The only issue with that, is Verizon has long-touted its network as America's most reliable. So, the question is, who truly has the most reliable network? Is the claim simply a slogan used by Verizon to attract customers or part of a very large and ongoing marketing ploy? According to a full page ad put out by Verizon in the Wall Street Journal, while others claim to meet certain levels of reliability, Verizon continues to set the standard for reliability. For Big Red, claiming to have the most reliable network is not, "a hollow claim." With the company currently investing $7 billion annually to maintain and buildout its network from coast to coast, Verizon continues to stand behind its "Can you hear me now?" standard. As mentioned in the ad, Verizon goes directly after AT&T - "So before others can claim reliability they need to answer to our standard." In the comments section of the post we wrote regarding AT&T's reliability claims, readers weren't afraid (are you ever?) to give their thoughts on both of the network's reliability. There was a lot of talk about network congestion in certain areas and things of that nature, but with customers from both carriers in so many different parts of the country, it's hard to make everyone happy and give them perfect signal strength and excellent data speeds in all circumstances. What's your take on the reliability beef between AT&T and Verizon? If you have tried both networks, lets us know your thoughts on each one and see how it all stacks up. It will be interesting to watch this drama unfold between the top two wireless carriers, both of which have massive marketing budgets for this type of thing.

Via: The Verge

Gameloft Posts Teaser Video for Upcoming Thor: The Dark World Game

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 12:48:02 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/kK5fRQxVcNI[/youtube]

Over on YouTube, Gameloft released a gameplay trailer for their upcoming title, Thor: The Dark World. The game is set to be released around the same time the movie hits theaters, later this year in the fall. You play as Thor, attempting to restore order to the Nine Worlds in over 100 missions. You can use the God of Thunder's "iconic" combat moves, as well as take control over the Warriors Three. To top it off, the game will be free to download from Google Play once released. I think I can safely say we are more excited for the movie than we are the game, but it looks nice regardless. We'll keep you posted on its release.

Paris, 22 July 2013 - Having previously teamed up to develop several successful games including The Amazing Spider-Man and Iron Man 3 – The Official Game,Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, and Marvel are joining forces once again to bring the official game inspired from the highly anticipated new movie Thor: The Dark World to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android. In this free-to-play game, Thor must restore order to the Nine Worlds. Perform all of the God of Thunder’s iconic combat moves as you lead Asgardian forces, including the Warriors Three, in over 100 exciting and varied missions against Marauders and Dark Elves. Gameloft’s stunning HD game engine brings to life the beauty of the Thor universe and worlds like Jotunheim and Asgard. Thor: The Dark World will also include a compelling social multiplayer element where fans join forces to earn victory. An original story inspired by the film and co-written by famed Marvel writer Christopher Yost provides a gripping narrative for the game. "We are delighted to continue our excellent collaboration with Marvel,”said Karine Kaiser, VP Marketing & Licensing at Gameloft. "Developing official games from Marvel’s cinematic blockbusters and bringing the fans an immersive experience in a Super Hero world inspires us every time.” "Thor: The Dark World – The Official Game will allow fans of the franchise to play as one of Marvel’s most iconic Super Heroes in a game of epic scope and beauty.”said Javon Frazier, VP Games Marketing at Marvel. "With this new game, we are further expanding the successful relationship between Marvel and Gameloft." Thor: The Dark World –The Official Game will be released in conjunction with the theatrical film from Marvel this Fall.

AT&T Expands Mobile Share Plans With 300MB and 2GB Options

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 12:15:54 +0000

AT&T expanded their Mobile Share plans this afternoon to include a 300MB and 2GB plan to their already extensive line-up of data options. The 300MB plan will run $20 per month, while the 2GB plan drops in at $50. These new plans also help match up to Verizon's 2GB offering, since AT&T previously jumped from 1GB to 4GB options. We've got the new plans included in AT&T's updated chart below, which also lists out the cost per smartphone. To give you an idea as to where this new 2GB plan stands when compared to Verizon's Share Everything, you are looking at $45 + $50 for unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data, bringing you to $95 per month. On Big Red, the 2GB plan at $60 plus a smartphone for $40, would run you $100. So there is your share data options from the two biggest carriers in the U.S. The new AT&T plans go live on July 26. Oh, and keep in mind that you can get unlimited, talk, text and data (with 2.5GB at full 4G speeds) on T-Mobile for $60.

Via: AT&T

CyanogenMod Team Teases "Nemesis" With Video, But What's Nemesis?

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:51:04 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcpyavQSvMk[/youtube]

Over the weekend, the CyanogenMod team took to their YouTube, hypebeasting a mysterious something called Nemesis. What could it be? The video is not clear, but it starts with the words, "Something wicked this way comes. Nothing can be perfect. Things can be better." The words "FREE" flash on an Android device's lockscreen, but seriously, there is no telling of what this may be. Watch the video and then let's start brainstorming what could be around the corner from CM. Cheers asdf!

Anxious to See the New Ubuntu Edge? Help Crowdfund it Through Indiegogo

Eric — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:00:59 +0000

The highly anticipated Ubuntu mobile device that we have seen teased by Canonical has taken to Indiegogo looking for funding. Much like Kickstarter, Indigogo helps people crowdfund projects by taking donations in return for different promises from the developer. In their post, the Ubuntu Edge group lays out the problems of developing a new device - most importantly, the fact that manufacturers don't want to take a chance on a new product that they can't trust will actually sell. So Canonical is coming to you and asking for help. $32 million worth of help. Canonical doesn't have a definitive list of specs for the device yet because they are still looking for the best pieces to put together in this device, but they have promised that it will be a 4.5" device with "the fastest multicore processor" and will feature 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone will be made from a single piece of machined metal and the screen will be made of sapphire crystal to make sure it won't crack. And of course it will boot Android as well as Ubuntu's new gesture-based OS. This is where Indiegogo comes in. Canonical says they aren't in the business to start making phones, rather they want to make the "ultimate device, the catalyst for innovation" for mobile phones. They are looking to raise $32 million, the biggest crowdfunding project to-date in only 30 days. $20 is the starting donation level, but for today only if you donate $600, you can get an Edge for yourself. The prices go higher up from there. Canonical said that if this project goes well they hope to do this annually, bringing together the best pieces of a smartphone and putting them together for the "true enthusiasts." Are you interested at all in the Ubuntu Edge? [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQLe3iIMN7k[/youtube] Via: Indiegogo Cheers Raj, Jeff, Randy, Sean, Brad, David and Raj again!

Fleksy 2.4 Arrives Today - Increases Accuracy, Smartens Editing, Reduces Memory, and More

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:38:21 +0000

Fleksy, a keyboard I can't seem to get away from, is set to receive an update today to version 2.4. In the update, users should see "significantly increased" accuracy, along with a new tutorial, reduced memory (by 20%), smarter editing, simpler delete swiping, and more.

Fleksy 2.4 - Accuracy, Editing, Tutorial! - Significantly increased Accuracy. Especially in smaller words - New interactive Tutorial. Be a Fleksy Expert! - Reduced memory by 20%. Eliminated loading! - Smarter editing: Web/Email Addresses/Manual edits won't be corrected - Simpler delete: Flick Left always deletes words. Toggle - Enabled Autocorrect in most fields. Including Chrome bar - Words learned won't be capitalized unless intended - Bugs squashed [Whatsapp smileys, landscape, Phonebook,+]

You'll still need to be a part of the beta in order to download the latest update. Feel free to join through Google+ and get to tapping. This keyboard certainly takes some practice to get used to, but I can tell you that I'm fully addicted and haven't switched off of it in weeks. Once you have joined the group, here is the direct Play link. Is anyone still using Fleksy, or is it just me?

Samsung Announces First Ever Developers Conference, Will be Held This Fall in SF

Eric — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:20:57 +0000

Today, Samsung started pre-registration for developers and attendees who want to attend to the first ever cross-platform and cross-product Samsung Developer Conference, taking place in October. Samsung is joining the likes of Google, Microsoft and Apple as companies who have conferences dedicated solely to the developers on their platforms. The multi-day conference is to take place October 27 through 29 in San Francisco at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. During the event, you can expect to see a lot of focus on Samsung's software and SDKs and who knows, maybe all attendees will get a free phone or something. If you are a developer and are looking to collaborate with other developers to work on Samsung products, hit up the link below to sign up. Via: Samsung DevCon

LG Posts G2 Teaser Video, Inadvertently Creeps Us Out

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:55:10 +0000

Showing little shyness from a good tease, LG posted a video to their YouTube account today, giving a quick glimpse of the upcoming G2 device. The video itself is quite weird, as LG attempts to personify the G2, mentioning that the device is inspired by everything about you. It's inspired when you smile, when you dream and even when you cry. The company is attempting to relay that the device learns from us and our actions, but I think it came off as a bit creepy. Maybe that's just me. In the video, LG does confirm that the device sports back-facing volume and power buttons, so that's a bonus. We have seen great leaked pictures and a video of the device, but nothing was technically "confirmed" from LG. As mentioned at the end of the video, LG is hosting an event in New York on August 7. We will be in attendance, bringing you all of the info as it comes out. [youtube]http://youtu.be/zqmQ1A22nIQ[/youtube]

Motorola DROID ULTRA Limited Edition Poses for the Camera

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:18:48 +0000

Last week, we saw a semi-questionable press render of the DROID ULTRA with a red racing stripe down its back leak for the world to see. We weren't exactly sure what to make of it, but a new photo of a "Limited Edition" DROID ULTRA has surfaced with a semi-similar stripe, leading us to believe that there may be another variant of the ULTRA for either employees or special occasions. As you can see from the picture, the kevlar back is given a V-shape design, with a centered red stripe targeted down the middle at the point of the V. If Motorola was trying for a "racing stripe," this certainly accomplishes that look. In terms of "Limited Edition" DROID devices, this is nothing new. There were limited editions of the original DROID RAZR MAXX and then the DROID RAZR MAXX HD with special red designs, however, they were only made for Verizon employees. And since both of those were the MAXX variants of their particular RAZR families, I wouldn't be surprised if this picture is really of the DROID MAXX, rather than the ULTRA. By the way, tomorrow is the day that we find out all there is to know about the new DROID family from Motorola. Stay close by, as we'll have coverage for most of the day. Via: HelloMotoHK Cheers Antony!

Milestone 2 of AOKP Now Out and Available for Flashing

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 08:44:10 +0000

Over the weekend, Milestone 2 of the Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) was released for the masses. It took a bit longer to release due to some of the developers taking vacation time and other important obligations, but it is finally out and it has a few features that show big progress since the Milestone 1 build. To start it off, the custom ROM features AOKP Ribbon and more enhanced permission management. A few new system toggles were added (StayAwake, Sleep, Reboot), as well as HDR mode in the AOSP camera, but that feature won't be available for every device. To top it off, a few more devices are now supported, including the HTC One, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2. Major Features:

AOKP Ribbon
Permission management
Dark AOKP
mGerrit * check our latest changes anytime
Persistence support * keep DPI/hosts settings between wipes
Quick Torch on Lockscreen
HDR mode in AOSP Camera (does not work on every device)
Few new Toggles * StayAwake, Custom, Sleep, Reboot, etc.
Superuser from Koush

You can grab the update and learn more about the ROM by following the via link down below. Via: AOKP Cheers Michael!

NVIDIA SHIELD Launch Now Scheduled For July 31

Tim — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 07:54:47 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, NVIDIA reached out to folks that pre-ordered SHIELD, explaining that they have a brand new launch date for the Tegra 4-powered device. Due to a hardware-related issue discovered in the last stage of the company's quality assurance tests, the SHIELD launch was pushed back from its original launch date of June 27 and is now scheduled for July 31. Here is the brief note sent out to those that pre-ordered.

We want to thank you for your patience and for sticking with us through the shipment delay of your SHIELD. We have great news to share with you - your SHIELD will ship on July 31st. Our goal has always been to ship the perfect product, so we made sure we submitted SHIELD to the most rigorous mechanical testing and quality assurance standards in the industry. We built SHIELD because we love playing games, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

To sort of make up for the delay, it appears that NVIDIA is throwing in a free SHIELD t-shirt for those that pre-order the device. Free t-shirts never hurt, right? Via: NVIDIA

T-Mobile HTC One Receiving Update to Build 1.27.531.11 - Still Android 4.1.2

Kellen — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 06:45:37 +0000

The HTC One on T-Mobile will start receiving an update as early as this morning that will improve stability, LTE connectivity, and reception, plus enhance a couple of processor issues. The update is to build 1.27.531.11, and is 247MB in size. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be the 4.2 update that has been reaching international variants of the device over the last week or so. Once you have updated, you'll still be running Android 4.1.2. To update, you can wait for the update to pop-up on your device, or sideload it through HTC's website.

Software version
Android version 4.1.2/Software 1.27.531.11 - Current version

Version:

Android version 4.1.2/Software 1.27.531.11

Approved 07/22/13

Improvements

Software stability

LTE and reception

The specified item was not found. - Resolved

The specified item was not found. - Resolved

Processor enhancements

The specified item was not found. - Resolved

The specified item was not found. - Resolved

Prerequisites

1.27.531.8

Device software is not rooted

50% battery life

Data connection

File size of update is 247 MB

Via: T-Mobile Support

Moto X Leaks Continue With More Specs, Blurry Cam Pics, and a Bunch of Other Stuff We Already Knew

Kellen — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 17:31:12 +0000

It wouldn't be a proper day at this point if we didn't have something to report on either the Moto X or Nexus 7. Since the Nexus 7 has been everywhere this afternoon, we thought we'd also share some Moto X happenings that popped up, mostly because they help round out the specs, and we know that you love talking about this phone, if nothing else. The rest of today's leak via Android Police - outside of the specs - is really just a bunch of blurry cam shots of the AT&T model and other info we already knew. Anyways, let's get to the new stuff. So according to a series of benchmark screenshots that were run on the device, we can now essentially confirm the 10MP camera on the rear, and that the device does indeed sport a 4.7-inch display, with about 4.5-inches usable because of the on-screen navigation buttons. The processor, once again is a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro. We also get second or third or fourth (I've lost track) confirmations on the RAM, storage, connectivity options, and battery. In terms of the benchmarks that were run, the device is not going to be some sneaky beast, because after all, it is running a semi-older dual-core processor. Just keep in mind that we're starting to really hear that Motorola may do something crazy with the price of this phone to make it irresistible to almost everyone, and that's off contract. We've also heard nothing but glowing remarks from those who have had a chance to use the device. In fact, I haven't heard one complaint about the screen resolution or the lack of a new processor like the Snapdragon 600. We'll get our hands on the device come August 1, so be sure to mark it on your calendars and hang around the site. Here are the specs now that some other pieces have been figured out:

Processor: 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8960DT, dual-core) processor
Display: 4.7-inch display, reads as 4.5-inch because of on-screen nav buttons (1184x720 resolution)
RAM: 2GB RAM
Cameras: 10.5MP rear, 2.1MP front
Battery: 2200 mAh
Storage: 16GB internal storage (no microSD slot)
Other: NFC, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi
Model numbers: XT1060 (Verizon), XT1058 (AT&T), XT1056 (Sprint), XT1055 (US Cellular)

Some additional pictures:

Be sure to check out the official press renders for the device in both white and black that came out yesterday. Via: Android Police Cheers Trevor!

Best Buy Ad Shows July 30 Launch Date, $229 Price, and 1920x1200 Resolution for the New Nexus 7

Kellen — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 16:58:39 +0000

The new Nexus 7, even though it will likely be announced at a Google event on Wednesday, has been leaked more ways than we can count over the last 3-4 days. It initially popped up in a series of photos and video, then through a variety of retailer inventory systems showing pricing and availability dates, and then moments ago in an official press render. And with all of that, we still wanted confirmation on an upgraded display, along with more information on a launch date. We think we now have that thanks to a Best Buy ad that is scheduled to run in next Sunday's paper. The BBY ad shows the "Google Nexus 7" with a $229.99 pricetag, "available Tuesday" (July 30), with a 1920x1200 display resolution. So yeah, here she comes looking all sorts of beautiful and matte an a still incredibly reasonable price. Get your credit cards ready.

Via: PhoneArena

Here is the New Nexus 7 Official Press Render

Kellen — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 16:47:12 +0000

And that right there, would be your official new Nexus 7 press render, courtesy of @evleaks. The device was first leaked last week, along with most of its specs and potential launch dates through retailers, but this is the cleanest look yet at Google's new 7-inch tablet. As you can see - and would expect - it runs stock Android, has front and rear cameras, vertically placed Nexus logo on the back, lower-chin notification light, top and bottom speakers, plus a headphone jack up top. In terms of display and bezel, I wouldn't say that this new version has any less bezel than last year's model, but the screen resolution is expected to be bumped up significantly. You'll notice that the time on the clock reads 4:30, which used to be a dead giveaway for the version of Android that the device was running. But over the last few weeks, as Android 4.3 launch dates have slipped and devices carrying the 4:30 time in their press render clocks are still running 4.2.2, that's no longer a given. Then again, we are expecting to see this new tablet and Android 4.3 at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday, so this one could be accurate. Specs will likely go as follows: 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, 7-inch FHD display (1920x1200), 5MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera, 16GB or 32GB of storage, no microSD slot, wireless charging, a SlimPort, WiFi and LTE radios (notice the SIM slot, lower-left), and whatever the newest version of Android is, which will be 4.3. The 16GB model is rumored to priced at $229, with the 32GB model dropping in at $269. Via: @evleaks

Another Moto X Press Render Leaked, This Time in White

Tim — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 20:04:33 +0000

Earlier this morning, we got our first look at a leaked press render of the upcoming Moto X, set to be finally announced on August 1 in NYC. Another render has leaked to the web, but this time, it's in white! If you had to choose so far, would you go for black or white? Via: @evleaks

Here is the First Moto X Press Render (Updated)

Kellen — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 08:17:35 +0000

What a sexy device. That folks, is the cleanest image yet of the Motorola Moto X, thanks once again to @evleaks. It's a press render, in case you were wondering, that shows us both the front and back of what may be one of the most minimal designs in recent memory. On the front side, we're seeing what is believed to be the phone's 4.5-inch display, with on-screen navigation buttons and what appears to be stock Android. We have a front facing camera in the top right corner, sensors to its left (next to the speaker), and a spot left of center in the chin area that's either a mic or notification light. But since we know the phone will show notifications on-screen, that may very well be just a mic. On the back, we're looking at what is believed to be a 10MP camera, with flash and Motorola "batwing" logo below it. There is a speaker to the right of the camera, along with a noise canceling mic towards the bottom right area. The headphone jack can be spotted at the very top-center of the device. As I mentioned at the beginning, the design of this device is something Motorola should be proud of. The front is as edge-to-edge or all-display as it gets. The back, with its sloping body, looks like it'll be a dream to hold, especially if the screen size has been kept under 5-inches. Motorola is keeping it simple, while still adding some style. And how can you not be fan of their choice to not place the word "Motorola" anywhere on the device? All signs point to this phone not having the most recent and most powerful processor or 1080p display, but everything we've heard from sources suggests that you won't notice or care. The performance is said to be exceptional, but I think it's obvious that Motorola is going for experience rather than specs. I just hope that means an incredibly reasonable price as well. Update: Here is the side profile of the Moto X (@evleaks):

The Moto X will be unveiled on August 1. We'll be there to bring it to you. Thoughts after seeing the phone like this? Via: The Unlockr Cheers Ahmed, Scott and everyone else!

Samsung Ready to Update the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition to Android 4.3 the Minute Google Releases It

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:43:48 +0000

A newly leaked system dump of Android 4.3 for the Google Play Edition of the Galaxy S4 has hit XDA, reassuring buyers and the Android community that Samsung and Google are working together to ensure that as soon a new version of Android is released, these GPE devices will have it. This is the second leaked build of Android 4.3 we have seen for this device, with this one showing a build date of July 11. What this leads us to believe is that once Google "okays" Android 4.3, the Galaxy S4 GPE will be ready to receive it. Previously, it was somewhat unclear whether the HTC One and Galaxy S4 GPE devices would be first in line to receive the newest versions of Android alongside Nexus devices, but this a pretty good sign. As for when Google intends to launch Android 4.3, they have scheduled a press event for next week on the 24th in San Francisco. We are pretty sure that this is when Google will decide to announce it. As a reminder, we will be on hand at that event to bring you all of the news as it drops. If you are interested in flashing the 4.3 zip file onto your Galaxy S4 GPE, you find it on the XDA thread linked below. Via: XDA

Verizon Galaxy S4 Root and Bootloader Unlock Bounty Now Sits at $3000+ After Just 8 Days

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:10:17 +0000

It's no secret that the most recent update to many of the Samsung Galaxy S4 variants in the U.S. patched up the previous bootloader and root exploits that were discovered by Dan Rosenberg. The Verizon variant is one in particular that is no longer a free device (Dobby is a free elf), so as has been the case with locked down devices over the years, we have a growing bounty on our hands that in only 8 days has eclipsed the $3000 mark. Shortly after the update went live and owners of the phone quickly realized that Big Red had done them dirty, a thread over at XDA has been asking for donations to a bounty amount in hopes of grabbing the attention of hackers and security exploit magicians. The thread lists out bounties for root access only (plus recovery) along with a root (plus recovery) and bootloader solution. The root-only option sits at $2260, while the root + bootloader option is at $3160 at the time of this post. So far, no one has produced either a root or bootloader bypass to claim either bounty. If you didn't think root and bypassing bootloaders was important, maybe this will help you realize that there is still a strong development community for top tier devices like the Galaxy S4. Now, if only we could get Dan to come back and work his mysterious bootloader touch. To add to the growing pot, hit up the XDA link below. Via: XDA Note: There is an AT&T bounty up as well, but it doesn't have quite the same amount of buzz around it. Also, if someone is able to break through on the Verizon version, I wouldn't be surprised if a similar method worked for the AT&T variant. Cheers Open1Your1Eyes!

Sparky Lock Screen Brings Some Easily Changeable Flair to Your Android Device

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:59:29 +0000

If you were thinking about quickly spicing up your Android device, without the need for root or custom ROMs/themes, then revamping your lockscreen with a simple app is a good place to start. Recently launched is Sparky, a lockscreen app that brings preset themes that actually look good right to your device. From what I can tell, this removes all types of lockscreen security (example: no passwords, pattern unlocks), but if that isn't something you are concerned about, it's a cool app. The free version comes with two themes, but for $2, the full version gives you a very healthy selection of themes. Surprisingly enough, the purple donut theme already went well with my wallpaper and icon choice though, so I will stick with that. Each theme lists missed calls and text, so they also add a bit of productivity as well. Go check it out on Google Play by following the via links down below. Play Link: Lite | Full ($1.99)

Moto X to be Unveiled on August 1

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:21:27 +0000

It's official, the Moto X will be unveiled on August 1 in NYC. A press invite just arrived in our inbox, with nothing more than "moto x - August 1 - New York" included. Well, you can see the device in both white and black hanging out as well. From what we can tell, this won't be the classic live press event. We're looking at an opportunity for press to get their hands on the device behind the scenes and then report back. So be sure to stick with us on August 1. Yessir.

Google is Developing "Chromoting," a Chrome Remote Desktop App for Android

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:13:20 +0000

Recently discovered by François Beaufort, the same man who leaks other Chrome-related news thanks to his very in-depth looks at source code, Google's Chromium team appears to be working on a new Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android. Being called Chromoting, the app can connect to any user's desktop computer, allowing for viewing and manipulating of a host's desktop. The source code for the app is there and Beaufort even installed it, but said there is very minimal amount of usability. So far, the app can authenticate an account, connect and communicate with the host service and establish a peer-to-peer channel. There is still no ability to view the host's desktop or any type of input functionality. So for now, it's in the very pre-release Alpha stage. Apps and extensions like this already exist, but there is nothing out by Google that ties directly into Chrome and an Android app. If and when released, you could probably think of this as something like TeamViewer, but with a somewhat limited functionality (browser based), but we just don't know yet. We will keep an eye on it for you.

Via: The Next Web

Tipster Points to July 31 Launch of New Nexus 7 at Staples Stores

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:54:47 +0000

According to another leak this morning, the new Nexus 7 from ASUS and Google will go on sale at Staples, starting July 31. As seen in the memo sent out to employees down below, inventory will begin arriving at stores as early as next week, but will be kept in "lockup" until the last day of the month. Apparently, any sales associate that sells a new Nexus 7 before the sales embargo lifts will be getting into a lot of a trouble, including the possibility of termination. So please, don't go bothering your local Staples employees to sell you one. Much as we have already seen and reported on, the memo states that the new Nexus 7 will feature "superior specs." These specs should be the 1.5GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.3 operating system, 5MP back-facing camera, as well as other features that "they can't talk about yet." July 31 - that's right around the corner. Are we totally pumped yet?

Via: Engadget

Night Riders 3D, a Simple Motorcycle Racing Game Set to a Nice Soundtrack

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:41:52 +0000

Recently launched onto Android is a somewhat simplistic-looking 3D motorcycle game called Night Riders 3D. Using OpenGL, the developer puts you on the seat of a speedy bike, pitting you against other 3D racers. There isn't much to look at on the various tracks, but the gameplay is quite smooth and the music is good. With easy touch controls, you tilt your vehicle either left or right while accelerating through tight corners. Like we mentioned, it's simple, but plays great. You can try it out for free on Google Play and if you really like it, there's a paid version for about $2. Play Link: Free | Paid ($1.95) [youtube]http://youtu.be/NuWqmyHUPE4[/youtube]

Rovio Account Launches for Android Today, Allows for Saving Game Progress Across Multiple Devices

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 09:29:07 +0000

This morning, Rovio announced the availability of their new cloud-based save system, Rovio Account, for Android and iOS. With an account, players can finally save their game data to the cloud, with the ability to access their data on any number of devices. This also allows for multiple accounts on the same device, that way you don't have to worry about overwriting anyone else's data. The service is currently only available for the OG Angry Birds game, as well The Croods. Rovio states more titles are coming soon and we'll keep you posted as they are announced. Via: Rovio

Brand New Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini on Sale For $399 Through Online Deals Retailer

Tim — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 09:00:15 +0000

Usually when we see a device pop up on the homepage of various Internet deals sites, we expect to see either old or refurbished devices going for too much money. Today's deal actually doesn't seem all that bad, as 1 Sale A Day is asking for just $400 for a brand new (in retail packaging) Galaxy S4 Mini from Samsung. Usually listed in the excess of $500 ballpark, a cool $100+ off isn't bad at all. It is the International GSM unlocked variant, meaning you will be able to pick up on either some AT&T or T-Mobile coverage, but you won't be seeing any 4G LTE on either carrier. HSPA+ will be seen on AT&T just fine, but T-Mobile's HSPA coverage will be seen less, as the band that is supported is currently being refarmed. So if you were thinking about picking one up for working here in the States, keep that in mind. The Galaxy S4 Mini is no top tier superphone, but it's perfect for some users. It features a 4.3" HD display, a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor, Android 4.2.2, an 8MP camera and the full list of Samsung's proprietary software hotness. Via: 1 Sale A Day Cheers Jason and Jimmy!

Nexus 7 Leak Shows 1.5GHz Quad-core Processor, Wireless Charging, SlimPort, and Android 4.3

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:25:23 +0000

The new Nexus 7 is on its way, that much is certain. We also think we know what it looks like for the most part, that it'll be priced at $229 (16GB) and $269 (32GB), that retailers are expecting display units as early as July 20, and that Google will more than likely unveil the 7-inch tablet on July 24 at a press event in San Francisco. But what about specs? We've seen some, but a new leak points to a couple of additional features that we had not yet heard of. According to a leak over at Engadget, we could be looking at a 1.5GHz quad-core processor (thought to be a Snapdragon S4 Pro), 7-inch display (not new), dual cameras (5MP on the rear), and Android 4.3 (not surprising). In terms of new features, this short spec list shows a SlimPort that supports 1080p output for playing HD content through bigger displays. It also mentions wireless charging, something the Nexus 4 currently has. We'd love to see wireless charging, but if that means that we have to wait 6-8 months for Google to release a specific wireless charger for this tablet, we'll pass. Unless of course, that the Nexus 4 charger somehow works with it. Ready for the new N7?

Via: Engadget Cheers Scott!

New DROID ULTRA or MAXX Picture Appears With Red Racing Stripe on Back?

Kellen — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:16:48 +0000

The new DROID lineup will officially be unveiled on Tuesday during a Verizon event, but there are still plenty of details that are doing their best to avoid us. While we still do not know specs at this time (anyone claiming to know them are simply speculating), we do have what appears to be a new picture of either the ULTRA or the MAXX with a red racing stripe down the back. The source claims that this is a variant of the MAXX, but we were told that this may actually be the ULTRA. Either way, I'm kind of digging the red stripe rather than the full red back that we saw earlier in the week. Previous reports suggested that the ULTRA would come in black, white, and red, with the MAXX only showing up in black. Maybe things have changed? Employee edition? Via: @srcleaks

Download: New Google Play 4.2.3 From Android 4.3 on the Nexus 4

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 14:23:13 +0000

Android 4.3 is now available as a ROM for the Nexus 4, but outside of a handful of minor tweaks here and there, there isn't much to talk about. There is something new from it that all of you can install, though, and that's the latest version of Google Play. This is version 4.2.3, up from the 4.1.10 that was released back in May. We pulled it from the ROM and have links to it below. There aren't any obvious changes to, but we know how much you like having the newest of the new. This should work on almost any phone. Download Link [Mirror] If you have issues with either of those, here is another version. To install, simply download the .apk from above to your device, and tap to install it when it finishes.

(H/T Android Police)

Officially Licensed Firefly Game to Hit Android in 2014

Tim — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 13:58:39 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/y364b2Hcq7I[/youtube]

Based on the cult hit TV show Firefly, an announcement out of this year's San Diego Comic Con confirms that an officially licensed Firefly game is coming to iOS and Android device sometime in 2014. The game will be a social online role-playing game that takes place in space, as you take command of a space ship and find yourself a crew. After that, it's off to find work for your crew and to trade supplies with other online players. To create an account and learn more about the upcoming game, sign up right here on their site. Via: Polygon

Google Posts Q2 2013 Earnings - $14.11 Billion in Revenue, Motorola Drags in $998 Million

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 13:25:51 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1hsc1Gu8s8[/youtube]

The Q2 earnings numbers for Google are now posted, showing revenues of $14.11 billion during the quarter, up 19% year-on-year, though still slightly below investor expectations. The operating income for the quarter was $3.47 billion. Their semi-recently purchased Motorola arm managed to pull in $998 million during the quarter, up 7% over Q2 2012. Still, they had an operating loss of $342 million for the quarter. As of June 30, Google has $54.4 billion in cash. The earnings call with Sir Larry Page goes live in a few minutes (1:30PM Pacific). Feel free to listen along with us.

Motorola Teases Moto X With Inside Look at Texas Assembly Plant

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 13:07:33 +0000

Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside said that the Moto X would be the first phone ever fully assembled in the U.S. at a plant in Texas. As we inch closer to the phone's unveiling, his company is trying to make it clear that they aren't messing around. In a picture posted this afternoon by the official Motorola Twitter account, we get an inside look at the assembly of a Moto X in progress. And yes, it is indeed a Moto X in the works if you go by the messaged attached to the image. Moto had this to say along with the picture:

Yep. This guy is building exactly what you think he is. Designed by you. Assembled in the USA.

The only thing I'll say, is that technically this phone in particular couldn't have been "designed by you" because you haven't ordered one or customized one yet. Since the phone isn't available, this is likely the standard black or white variant. But that's just me nitpicking. We know for a fact that Motorola is going to allow some form of customization when the phone launches here in the near future. To what extent, we're not fully sure yet, but have seen pictures of what we believe to be color options. The only thing we're worried about now is the whispering we're hearing behind the scenes which suggests that AT&T may have some sort of exclusive on the customization and that the other carriers are only getting black and white variants. Do work, Moto factory assembly guy. Via: @Motorola

BulkyPix Releases Song Rush for Android, a Platform Runner That Uses Your Own Music

Tim — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 11:57:15 +0000

BulkyPix, a well-known Android and iOS game publisher, just launched Song Rush onto Android today. The game is a 2D runner, where the levels are created using user-picked music. You can select your own tracks or the pre-installed tracks. The songs are what generates the obstacles in the course, so it adds a very personal feel to the game. Using an algorithm to turn your own music into custom-built levels, the gameplay will never be the same thing twice (unless you always use the same song, I'm guessing). I have yet to try a level with death metal, but I'm guessing it could be quite the workout for this poor little character. It's free on Google Play, so go check it out. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/Zpvi0poeiXw[/youtube]

Krome Allows For Your Device's Notifications to Appear Right on Your Desktop

Tim — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:49:28 +0000

Introduced recently for Google's Chrome desktop browser, rich notifications are cards that appear on your desktop, informing you of notifications on your account, such as new emails and Google+ activity. They are great, but with a new app called Krome, you can now also receive your Android device's notifications right on your desktop. Once configuration is complete, you can even begin replying to text messages you receive right from your browser. To use Krome, your computer will need to be running Chrome v27 or higher, with rich notifications enabled. For now, they are only supported on Windows computers and according to Google, Mac OS will be supported sometime soon. So until then, sorry Apple users. The app costs just $0.99 through Google Play, so go give it a whirl if you're interested. Play Link ($0.99) | Chrome Extension

Samsung Teases New Exynos 5 Octa Processor Coming Next Week

Eric — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:02:43 +0000

Here in the States we have gotten quite accustomed to seeing Qualcomm and their Snapdragon line of processors in our domestic devices, including Samsung phones like the Galaxy S4. Samsung is a global company, however, and looks to keep their own line of Exynos processors going. Samsung took to Twitter today to tease us with the snippet that "a new Exynos 5 Octa is coming next week!" Samsung also figured that nothing celebrates a new processor launch better than a Twitter giveaway. Unfortunately, Samsung is saving the details for the new Octa until next week when it is announced. All we know at the moment is that it is "more powerful" and "enhanced" over the older version. In their teaser today, Samsung also said that once the new hardware is announced there will be a #ExynosEvolved Twitter competition with the winners getting some "brand new, Exynos-powered devices." This could mean some of their devices that feature older versions of the Exynos chipset, but it could also hint towards us seeing the new Octa being in an upcoming device. Note 3 maybe? Either way, next week is shaping up to have lots of announcements with Verizon, Google and now Samsung having events. Are you excited for what Samsung has to show?

Via: Unwired View | Twitter

Verizon Reports Q2 Earnings - Adds 941K New Subscribers and Earned $5.2 Billion in Profit on $29.8 Billion in Revenue

Tim — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:43:51 +0000

Verizon reported its 2013 Q2 earnings this morning, showing solid growth and great numbers spanning the March-June period. While the money aspect isn't all that intriguing for us, the subscriber numbers are starting to sound very serious. Verizon is reporting that their base is now at 100.1 million customers, up 6.6% from last year. Just in Q2, Verizon was able to add another 941,000 post-paid subscribers to their network. Of those 100.1 million total subs, Verizon reports that 64% of them are smartphone users, showing that flip phones and feature phones are well on their way out of the picture. Verizon announced that it activated 7.5 million smartphones this quarter, 6.4 million of those being 4G LTE capable. Although, 51% of activated smartphones were the iPhone. Still good numbers for Android activations though, as it accounts for the majority of the remainder. For those of you who care about the money side of things, Verizon reported $5.2 billion in profit on $29.8 billion in revenue during Q2. Verizon's wireless sector brought in a cool $20 billion in revenue, with total business for Verizon up 4.3 percent in revenue and 16 percent in profits. As we mentioned last night on the DL Show, it will be interesting to watch subscriber numbers after their new VZ Edge plans go live. Via: Verizon [2]

AT&T Claims to Have the Most Reliable 4G LTE Network in the Country

Eric — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:21:11 +0000

Any follower of the mobile industry knows that all of the major US carriers like to brag about their network being the best at this or the fastest at that. AT&T has long had the reputation for dropping calls and having a somewhat unreliable service, but today, Big Blue announced that according to an independent third-party surveyor, it has the most reliable 4G LTE network in the country. In a press release given out by AT&T today, it points to multiple tests of their LTE network to show that it is the most reliable in terms of providing download speeds. They have also been rated highly for having strong call and text performance in multiple cities across the country, as well. AT&T's LTE stretches to 315 markets as of right now, which still has a ways to go in order to match Verizon's number of 500. T-Mobile is currently ranked third in number of LTE markets with 116. We will have to watch and see if AT&T can keep up this reliability as they continue their rollout to more of the country. Who do you think has the most reliable network? We should do a DL poll. There is nothing more official than that. Via: AT&T

Android 4.3 Shows Up on Lucky Nexus 4, ROM Pulled and Available for Download

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 08:42:59 +0000

Last night during the DL Show, a reader tipped us to a G+ user who was claiming to have picked up a Nexus 4 from a Googler. Normally, this wouldn't grab our attention except that he claimed the device was running Android 4.3 and proceeded to post the screenshot you are seeing above. Towards the end of the show, we continued to follow along and then jumped in an IRC channel with the G+ user as the development community worked for hours to try and coach him through a full backup of his system. At around 11:00PM west coast time, they were able to successfully perform a full backup. As the evening wore on, a couple of developers were able to patch the backup into a flashable .zip, meaning all Nexus 4 owners now have the opportunity to run Android 4.3. At the XDA link below, you'll find a couple of download links - one that is simply a rooted .zip, and another that is deodexed. Download them to your device, make a backup, and then flash through custom recovery. More coming... Via: +Jeff Williams | XDA

HTC Announces the One Mini, Will Hit Select Markets Starting in August

Tim — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 08:21:10 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, HTC took to their Twitter account to tease the announcement of the One Mini. This morning, we finally have the device revealed for the masses. After what seems like months of leaks/speculation/rumors, the device is finally official with market launch set for a yet-to-be-determined date in August. The One Mini features a few of the things that makes the larger One such a desirable device for consumers, but in a smaller 4.3" package. Some of the things that the Mini will feature that are also found in its big brother are BoomSound (two front-facing speakers that deliver a punch), an UltraPixel camera along its backside, as well as software enhancements made possible by HTC's Sense 5. Yes, don't worry, Zoes are on the One Mini. As for the hardware side of things, the One Mini comes with a crisp 4.3" 720p LCD 3 display, a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.4GHz, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of non-expandable storage and just a 1,800mAh battery. Another shocker is that HTC decided to remove NFC and the IR blaster from the Mini - not sure why NFC had to go, but apparently it has. Select market availability is set for August, with a wider global launch being prepped for September. No word on pricing yet, but does this interest you at all? [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7USply-sxw[/youtube]

THE HTC ONE^® GOES COMPACT WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE HTC ONEMINI

HTC’s ultimate 4.3” smartphone complete with HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™
London, July 18, 2013 — HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the HTC One mini, a compact version of the award winning HTC One, which has redefined the smartphone experience with revolutionary technologies including HTC BlinkFeed™, HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™. Available in 181 countries and across more than 583 networks worldwide, the HTC One has proven to be an unprecedented success across the globe, receiving multiple industry accolades since launch and increasing the company’s brand awareness with young consumers to an all-time high of 87%[1]. The number of consumers intending to own an HTC in the next six months has also doubled as a result[2] with the HTC One being recommended by 94% of owners[3]. Answering the call of consumers who want the best in mobile technology in a body that slips easily into a pocket, the HTC One mini heralds an exciting period for the company, as it builds on its platform of innovation leader. Distilling the iconic design of the HTC One, this new addition to the family combines a 4.3” display and powerful dual-core 1.4 GHz processor. It also runs the latest version of Android with HTC Sense^®, bringing HTC’s flagship mobile experience to style-seekers who demand premium looks and performance. “We are proud to be behind the market’s leading smartphone and now, with the addition of the HTC One mini, the best smartphone family in the world.” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The HTC One mini embodies everything that makes the HTC One a success on a smaller but equally eye-catching scale.” An object of desire Sporting a sharp and vivid 4.3” High Definition 720p screen, the HTC One mini boasts HTC’s unrivalled design credentials. Available in Glacial Silver and Stealth Black, its striking aluminium unibody, slim profile and tapered edges both look incredible and feel great in the hand. HTC BoomSound: mobile sound changed forever The HTC One revolutionised the smartphone audio experience with HTC BoomSound’s dual frontal stereo speakers. Powered by dedicated amplifiers to deliver less distortion and finer detail, the HTC One mini offers the same huge sound, delivering the raw power that will put you and your friends at the heart of the action, whether listening to music, watching videos or playing games. Beats Audio™ integration takes immersive audio to the next level, guaranteeing the best listening experience available on a mobile phone. HTC BlinkFeed: Your favourite content all on one screen The HTC One mini puts your favourite content at the centre of your mobile world. Transforming the home screen into a single live stream of relevant information, HTC BlinkFeed delivers social updates, news updates and photos directly to the place you need them most. Aggregating the freshest content, with more than 10,000 feeds served up daily from the most relevant and interesting sources, all the information you need is available at a glance, without the need to jump between multiple applications and websites. HTC UltraPixel Camera with HTC Zoe and Video Highlights Never miss a moment with HTC’s revolutionary camera experience powered by the stunning UltraPixel Camera and featuring HTC Zoe. Capturing 300 per cent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors, HTC’s UltraPixel camera captures photos in incredible detail and enhanced dynamic range, even in low light. HTC Zoe also brings special moments to life in three-second videos, enabling a range of advanced editing capabilities and creative flexibility. With the ability to take awe-inspiring images and amazing self-portraits on the 1.6MP front-facing camera, you won’t want to keep them to yourself. Watch your photos come to life in a living, breathing gallery and share special events with visually stunning 30-second shows, created automatically by Video Highlights – no professional editing software or skill required. Simply select your own soundtrack from one of the pre-loaded themes or from your personal music library, before sharing your videos online for everyone to enjoy. Global Availability The HTC One mini will be available in select markets from August and rolled out globally from September.

Verizon Announces VZ Edge Upgrade Plan - No Contracts, Month-to-Month Phone Payments, Early Upgrades

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 07:51:10 +0000

During the company's Q2 earnings call this morning, Verizon CFO Fran "ShamWow" confirmed that they will offer an upgrade package in the future called VZ Edge. At the time, he wouldn't dive into specifics, but Verizon has now officially announced "Verizon Edge," and provided the basics in terms of details. As you know, we first reported VZ Edge earlier in the week. This announcement matches up to our information. With VZ Edge, customers can purchase phones on month-to-month service plans, meaning they can get new phones without having to sign up for a contract. The payments of the phone will be spread out over a 24-month period, with the first month's payment coming at the time of purchase. In terms of upgrading early and often, VZ Edge allows you to upgrade after you have been in the plan for 6 months and have paid off 50% of the full retail cost of the phone. At that time, you can choose a new phone and start it all over again by trading in your current phone. Since you are spreading out the full cost of the phone, there is no big, upfront downpayment. According to Verizon's announcement, there is no finance charge or upgrade fee to participate in Edge. When Big Red announced a device payment plan a couple of months back, they included a $2 per month finance charge at the time, so at least they realize that the fee was nickel and diming customers and apparently removed it for Edge. The new VZ Edge service goes live on August 25 to Share Everything plans. Yes, it says "Share Everything" specifically, so I'm not sure that those of you who still have unlimited data will be able to participate. We'll find that out for sure. Update: Verizon has confirmed to us that VZ Edge is not available to customers on unlimited data plans. Before you think about signing up for the service, you'll want to read our take on it. Via: Verizon [2]

The Droid Life Show: Episode 31

Kellen — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 00:32:59 +0000

Everyone ready for tonight's show? It's episode 31 of the Droid Life Show, where we plan to dive deeply into the big events next week being hosted by Verizon and Google. But that's not all, because we have new Nexus 7 and Moto X leaks galore, plus our usual back and forth banter with apps and games mixed in. It should be a lively show with the DL crew fully in attendance. Ready to party? The show kicks off around 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). A live video broadcast and chat are embedded below.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVfzjj-rCFI[/youtube]

Join Us Live for the Droid Life Show Tonight at 6PM Pacific!

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:30:39 +0000

Wednesday is once again upon us, and that means it's time for another Droid Life Show. We'll be live tonight at 6PM Pacific (9PM Eastern) to discuss the two major industry events happening next week from Verizon and Google. There are bound to be predictions and other thoughts pertaining to each gathering, especially since one of the events involves the return of the DROID brand. Outside of those happenings, we have plenty to discuss when it comes to the new upgrade plans introduced by AT&T and T-Mobile, along with the abundance of Moto X leaks that were dropped on us over the weekend. It should be another packed show! Again, the show begins at 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). We’ll have live video and chat embeds at that time.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

LG's New Flagship Device Officially Dubbed the G2

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:30:50 +0000

In a short-but-sweet press release sent out this evening by LG, we now have confirmation on the name of their next flagship phone. It's the LG G2. No Optimus branding will be found anywhere near this phone or any of their future flagships. It's all about the "G." The LG G2 is expected to be announced at a press event that LG is hosting in NYC on August 7. In semi-related news, LG also announced that any new 4:3 phones will be dubbed "Vu," because you know, we all were asking for more 4:3 phones.

Press Release

LG ALIGNS PREMIUM SMARTPHONE BEHIND NEW “G” NAME

G Branding for All Future LG’s Premium Phones
SEOUL, July 19, 2013 — The next flagship device from LG Electronics (LG) will be officially known as G2 and will be the first smartphone from LG to be launched as part of the company’s new “G” premium brand. Future smartphones in the same series will carry only the G name while the branding of mobile devices that have already been in-troduced will continue unchanged. “Our vision is to make LG’s newest G devices synonymous with excellence, raising the bar even further for the ultimate in user experience,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The new G2 will build upon the excellent reputation established by previous G Series products.” Furthermore, LG’s premium 4:3 display smartphones will be rebranded as simply “Vu:” going forward. All of LG’s smartphones feature next generation core technologies and familiar UX with each series highlighting a different facet of the company’s product expertise. # # # About LG Electronics, Inc. LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 87,000 people working in 113 locations around the world. With 2012 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

And Here are the First Pictures of the New Nexus 7

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:06:46 +0000

Can we officially dub July 17 as "New Nexus 7 Leak Day"? Starting with pricing leaks this morning, followed by the scheduling of a Google Event for next week and retailer inventory dates sneaking into public view, we now also have a first look at the Google-inspired 7-inch tablet. In a series of photos, one of which includes a sticker listing out specs, there may no longer be any surprise to this device. According to a set of leaked photos (plus a video), we're looking at a device that looks almost identical to last year's Nexus 7, aside from an adjusted placement of the "Nexus" logo, addition of a rear camera, and the disappearance of the faux-leather backside. But the overall shell and front side look identical, including the placement of the ports and buttons. In terms of specs, the device still rocks a 7-inch display, however, this leak didn't include a mention of the screen's resolution. We're also looking at a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (not surprising since the Snapdragon 600 rumor was thought to be bogus from the get-go), 1.2MP front camera, 5MP rear camera, and what is being listed as 4GB of RAM. The RAM sounds a bit high, especially if this tablet is going to drop in at an insanely low price of $229, so don't be surprised if that's wrong and we're looking at 2GB. And that's that. How does she look?

Via: Android Central Cheers Open1Your1Eyes0, Damian, Rashad, and Tony!

Google Play Music All Access Now Available in New Zealand and Australia, Books in a Bunch of Other Countries

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Not that we normally report on many of the global happenings involving Google services, but today, Google appears to have pushed both Music All Access and Books into a handful of new countries. Google Play Music All Access is probably the biggest news, as it is no longer a U.S. exclusive and can now be taken advantage of in New Zealand and Australia. Books on the other hand is now available in Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, and Romania. Via: Google Support

HTC Tweets One Mini Teaser, Reveal Set for Tomorrow?

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:30:29 +0000

It would appear that the time has finally come for HTC to officially unveil the One Mini. While the device has been seen plenty of times and we pretty much know everything there is to know, it's about darn time. The official HTC UK Twitter account states that the OEM "has a 'little' bit of news for tomorrow," July 18. In the picture, we can clearly see the Mini and its white trimmed edges inside of a pocket. So, there you go. From the most recent reports, the One Mini is said to sport a 4.3" 720p display, BoomSound, an UltraPixel camera, a dual-core Snapdragon chipset, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. All of the device's specs will be confirmed tomorrow if and when the Mini is announced. Excited for this one? Via: @HTC_UK

Super Mega Worm Released to Google Play, Mother Earth is Striking Back

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:06:47 +0000

After being out on iOS since 2010, Super Mega Worm has finally made its way to Android. While we haven't been left out of all the fun - we did get some Christmas Worm action - it still sucks it took this long to bring the original to Android. In the game, you play a giant worm whose goal is to destroy mankind before we can destroy Earth. With all of our oil drilling and intense deforestation practices, it's sort of a surprise something like this has yet to happen. Being equipped with what appears to be some type of EMP blast and a plasma cannon for a mouth, you jump on top of planes and pretty much destroy everything you can. The game costs a single dollar in Google Play. Go grab it and see what we as Android users have been missing out on all this time. Play Link ($0.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/xNhxQ0SElwE[/youtube]

Retailers are Expecting Shipments of the New Nexus 7 Next Week

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:45:46 +0000

Shortly after pricing info for the new Nexus 7 made an appearance this morning, evidence that the revision of last year's popular 7-inch tablet is headed to retailers as early as next week surfaced. According to documents that have leaked out of OfficeMax, the new Nexus 7 will hit stores on July 20 and be placed on display next to the old Nexus 7. Yes, these documents actually refer to them as "new" and "old," meaning this is indeed the 2013 Nexus 7 still made by Asus. OfficeMax plans to at least carry the 32GB version, as is outlined in the documents below. Specs are still somewhat of a mystery at this point, with rumors pegging the device as having anywhere from a Snapdragon S4 Pro (quad-core) processor to a Snapdragon 600. It should also carry at least a 1080p display, rear camera, and 4G LTE that works on most of the U.S. networks. With a Google event scheduled for next Wednesday morning in San Francisco with Android boss Sundar Pichai now on our calendars, you may as well pencil in the new Nexus 7 as being a lead topic.

Via: Engadget

Verizon's DROID ULTRA Spotted in Red

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 12:05:40 +0000

While Verizon has been reported to receive a white and black variant of the DROID ULTRA, it appears that a device painted red is also in the works. Leaked from the reliable @evleaks Twitter account, the red version should launch alongside the other two, giving buyers a tough decision if they plan on picking one up. Verizon has set up a press event for July 23 which we will be on hand for, with all fingers pointing to the unveiling of these devices. We're ready, Verizon. Bring it. Anyone liking the red? Via: The Unlockr

Snapdragon 800-Powered Galaxy S4 Labeled as GT-i9506 Hits Benchmarks, Could See International Launch Outside of Korea

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:45:43 +0000

Samsung has been quite the company when it comes to evolving and adapting their products to fit in with what consumers demand in their phones. At the time of launch, the Snapdragon 600 was the best of the best for what could power the Galaxy S4, but with the Snapdragon 800 now in mass production by Qualcomm, we could see Samsung fit the 800 inside of the S4, then ship it internationally - not just in Korea. According to previous reports, the Snapdragon 800 is set to launch inside of some big upcoming flagships, most notably LG's G2 smartphone, Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 and HTC's One Max. For Samsung to keep their top-selling device on par with the second half of 2013's lineup, a full integration of the Snapdragon 800 into the S4 would make sense.

While re-releasing the Galaxy S4 with an updated processor would undoubtedly tick off thousands of current Galaxy S4 owners, Samsung is all about staying current and featuring the cutting-edge specs with their top devices. The current international model of the Galaxy S4 is model GT-i9505, so now that GT-i9506 has surfaced, we could be seeing the change take place in International markets, then the U.S. While a chipset change is yet to be announced by Samsung, would this idea surprise anybody? Galaxy S4 owners, how upset would you be if this took place? Via: Unwired View

Verizon Releases Update to Samsung Stratosphere 2, Squashes Lots of Bugs Found in Jelly Bean Update

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 10:28:30 +0000

Back in March of this year, the Stratosphere 2 from Samsung on Verizon's network received a major update to Android 4.1. With this new update, which is set to begin rolling out today, a lot of the bugs that were in the Jelly Bean build are getting squashed, along with a couple of feature additions. For example, a nasty bug that rendered your display useless and with a blue monotone look has been fixed, as well as a reset bug that plagued the stock Internet application. About five other major fixes are included, so if you have noticed any of those problems on your device, you will want to pick up this update. As for enhancements, the SIM pin entry screen will now display the correct amount of remaining attempts (oh gee, that's nice), lockscreen functionality has been improved and there is now enhanced lockscreen security, whatever that means. If you have a Stratosphere 2, go grab the update through the Settings>About Phone menu. If it's not there yet, keep trying over the next few days. The size for this software upgrade is approximately 91 MB Via: Verizon

Google Schedules Press Event With Sundar Pichai for July 24 - Android has to be the Topic, Right?

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 09:49:01 +0000

Get yourself ready for some action - Google is sending out press invites to a July 24 event in San Francisco with Sundar Pichai (Chrome and Android boss) as the host. No topics were mentioned in the invite, but with so many Android rumors floating about, we'd be surprised if our favorite mobile OS wasn't the topic. We still have yet to see Android 4.3, even after a half-dozen rumored launch dates have passed by. The Moto X is looming, especially with Verizon set to announce the new Motorola DROID lineup the day before in NYC. And don't forget about the new Nexus 7 whose pricing just popped up this morning. There is a livestream planned, so everyone should be able to join in on the festivities. Guesses? Via: CNET

Zynga and SessionM Partner to Offer Scramble With Friends Players Real-World Rewards

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 09:30:10 +0000

A new partnership was announced this morning, as Zynga and SessionM are looking to bring real-world goodies into the hands of Scramble With Friends players. Soon to launch this month, an updated SwF app will feature more, how do I put this, immersive advertisements, allowing players to earn things like iTunes and Amazon gift cards.

Starting in July, players will see an icon within Scramble With Friends giving them the option to play for achievements and earn loyalty points, which they can collect and redeem for a real-world reward. The partnership will reward active, loyal players while giving brand advertisers new opportunities to deliver valuable engagement-based video ads that are entirely opt-in and add tangible value to players.

If you happen to play a ton of Scramble With Friends, then there is no reason you shouldn't be getting rewarded for it, right? The press release did not state if this will come to both iOS and Android versions of the app at the same time, but we would think that is what they would try to do. Would you consider viewing some ads in exchange for gift cards a good deal? Better than nothing, I suppose. Via: MarketWire

New Nexus 7 Priced at $229 for 16GB, $269 for 32GB?

Kellen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 09:15:58 +0000

According to a leaked screenshot out of an unnamed electronics retailer, we may have our first look at potential pricing for the new Nexus 7. In the screenshot (pictured below), we're looking at prices of $229 and $269 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively. While we still have no firm launch date, other than July references from our sources and others throughout the industry, the chances of the device showing up in the next couple of weeks seems likely. Plus, showing up in inventory systems is always a great sign.

If those are the final prices, we're looking at a slight bump from the $199 and $249 that accompanied last year's model, however, the specs are expected to be quite the jump. The processor is rumored to be anywhere from a Snapdragon S4 Pro (quad-core) to a Snapdragon 600. We're also potentially looking at a device with a better display (1920x1200), 5MP camera, 4,000mAh battery, and models that include LTE connectivity. Speaking of LTE, the Nexus 7 that stopped by the FCC recently showed LTE band support on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. With pricing of the original Nexus 7 dropping at retailers like Staples, and with a drop through Google Play coming any day now, the time is near. Ready? Via: Android Central

HTC One on Sprint Receiving Minor Update, Brings HD Voice Improvement

Tim — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 08:24:34 +0000

Owners of the HTC One on Sprint can go check their phones this morning, as Sprint is currently beginning a roll out of software version 1.31.651.2 to the device. The update is quite minor, bringing what is listed as an "HD Voice enhancement" and a moving of Sprint Music to the ringtones list. If you own a One on Sprint, go check if you have an update through Settings>Software Update. Via: Sprint

New Leaked LG G2 Picture Details a Possibly Removable 2,540mAh Battery

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 16:25:19 +0000

One of the features that many smartphone users crave for is a removable battery. With the ability to swap batteries, someone could always have a spare battery with them, making sure that their phone is never without charge. According to a new leaked image that has surfaced on the web, the LG G2 could feature such a thing, while its size has also been noted at 2,540mAh. Not a bad size at all. We have seen the outsides of the G2 pictured and even filmed, but seeing a close up of its "interior" is something we have yet to see. This shot gives us a decent look at the back-facing volume and power buttons, while also giving us a peak at the device's battery. It's an interesting shot that has been cropped weirdly, but it gives us an idea nevertheless. Does the ability to remove the G2's battery make it a bit more desirable for you? Via: Phone Arena

Chrome Beta for Android Updated, Brings Support for WebRTC

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:39:43 +0000

An update hit the Chrome Beta app for Android today, bringing a few features, two of which are happily welcomed. Firstly, Google lists that the Beta will now have faster page loads, something which no one would argue against. Secondly, support for WebRTC has been added, which is a platform for users to enable "real-time communications" via the mobile web. What's New:

Support for WebRTC, a web platform feature to enable real-time voice and video communications
Faster page loads
Lots of under the hood changes for stability and performance

To grab the latest changes, you can pick up the updated app through Google Play. Play Link Cheers Chris!

Verizon Hosting July 23 Press Event to Unveil Next Generation of "Their Most Popular Family" of Devices

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:44:53 +0000

Verizon has invited us to a media-only event on July 23 with few details other than that they plan to "unveil the next generation of one of their most popular family of devices." I'd say that means we should plan to welcome in the DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX, and DROID Mini as early as next Tuesday. Unless you can think of another family of devices that has been rumored like wild over the last few weeks, I can't imagine it being anything else. We'll be there of course, bringing you all of the details.

New to Google Play: Adult Swim's Robot Unicorn 2 Brings Magical Rainbow Power Back to Android

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 13:23:53 +0000

Adult Swim, the TV station that hosts my favorite shows on Sunday nights, finally launched the much-anticipated sequel to Robot Unicorn to Google Play. Robot Unicorn 2 brings the same fast-paced mystical beast action, but with some added features and enhancements that make this next step in the franchise a definite step in the right direction. Players can choose between two teams, Team Rainbow and Team Inferno. Hint: go Team Inferno. On top of being able to pimp out the look of your 'corn, you can get through different worlds with the help of twelve different types of boosts/power ups. If you are ready to battle giant monsters and fly through the skies, go grab it for free on Google Play. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/tdw0XGAgqUw[/youtube]

Comparing Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile's New Upgrade Plans

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:41:11 +0000

The newest fad in the wireless industry has quickly become upgrade plans. After Verizon and AT&T both extended upgrade periods out to 24 months, we have since seen T-Mobile and AT&T officially announce new options to upgrade, but all signs point to Big Red joining them in August. T-Mobile's is called JUMP!, AT&T's is called "Next," and Verizon's will be called "VZ Edge." It's pretty obvious that carriers have realized that upgrades are simply another way for them to rake in cash, by implementing fees or locking customers into payment plans that will keep them on their network. So to try to help explain all three of these new plans, I've attempted to break down some basic examples below. It's a long one, so strap in.

VZ Edge from Verizon

Since the only details we know about VZ Edge are through a report of ours, ~~we still do not know everything~~, however, since it appears to be an extension of Verizon's device payment plan, we can make pretty good guesses here. ~~Once this plan is announced, we will try to get back and update this post to make it 100% accurate~~. Update: Verizon has announced VZ Edge, so we've made edits to the original post to make sure it is accurate. The Basics:

Full retail priced smartphone or tablet price must be a minimum of $349.99.
Pay for the full retail priced smartphone or tablet in 24 payments.
~~Finance charge of $24, which is just $2 per installment~~.
Once 50% of the device is paid off and you have participated for 6 months, you can upgrade to a new phone.
To upgrade, you trade in your current phone.
There are no upgrade fees, no contract agreements, or finance charges.
Device Payment Plan customers can take advantage of Share Everything pricing and data sharing.
First payment due at time of purchase. Your next payment will appear on your next Verizon Wireless bill.1
Feel free to pay off the full balance of your new full retail priced smartphone or tablet anytime you want.

Example 1: I'll use my current Verizon situation as an example, since it includes unlimited data and is likely a scenario that many of you are looking at. I have an older $80 per month 700-minute share plan, along with two lines that each have $29.99 unlimited data plans. I'm also a current customer, so there was no upfront cost for a new phone. So my bill, sans taxes and fees, runs about $140 per month. If I were to buy into the device payment plan in order to pick up a new phone and ~~still keep my unlimited data~~ (can't keep unlimited data, have to switch to a Verizon Max plan), we're looking at the full retail price of a phone broken down into 24 monthly payments ~~plus a $24 finance charge (also broken into 12 payments)~~. So say I choose the Samsung Galaxy S4 which costs $650 - I would then be looking at an additional monthly charge of around $27 for 24 months; my bill would jump to $167. But with VZ Edge, I can upgrade to a new phone once that Galaxy S4 I just bought is 50% paid off and have participated for 6 months. Assuming I pay the regular $27 per month payment, I could upgrade again in 12 months time. I'd have paid $324 already on that phone. ~~Now this is where it becomes a bit of a mystery, as the full details are not yet available~~. Verizon has followed T-Mobile or AT&T's lead, in that they allow you to trade in your current phone that is 50% paid off and pick up a new one. You wouldn't have to pay an upfront cost other than the first month's payment to get your new phone. So essentially, depending on the full retail price of the phone you buy, you are looking at anywhere from an extra $15 to close to $30 added on to your bill per phone. At the end of the 24-month payment plan, should you not upgrade after paying 50% off, you will pay an additional $325 (top tier phone price) in a year period for something like the Galaxy S4, which is on top of the $1680 your service plan already ran you during that same year. Example 2: To use one of Verizon's current plans, let's just tackle a single line on Share Everything with a standard 2GB of data. You are looking at $40 per month for the smartphone line itself (unlimited talk and text), plus $60 per month for the 2GB of data ($15 extra for every GB over). Your bill would be $100 per month. If you decide you want to participate in the device payment plan with VZ Edge and start with a Galaxy S4, you will also pay an extra $27 per month installment. If you pay the phone off after 24 months, you will have paid $325 extra in a 2-year period on top of the $1200 your service plan ran you. You could also upgrade a year in (or once you paid off 50% of your phone), but that shouldn't change your payment if you bought another phone that was $650 at full retail. Again, that's assuming Verizon will let you swap out phones at the 50% mark and not make you continue to carry a payment for the old phone until it's paid off. At the end of a 2-year period, you are looking at $2400 for the service, plus $1300 (assuming you picked up two $650 phones), totaling $3700 (sans taxes and fees). Keep in mind that you may also be able to tack on an additional $200 or so, should you have bought a subsidized phone at the beginning of the contract or as a new customer. Conclusion: Where this all gets really dirty, is in the idea of a subsidy. You see, with most wireless plans, customers buy a phone at a subsidized price of say $200 for the latest and greatest at the beginning of a contract. Carriers give you such a good deal on a phone that would normally cost $650 because they build a subsidy type of charge into your monthly service plan to help pay off that phone. While they may not ever admit that, it's widely understood in the industry that this is the way it works. So say my bill is $140 for my two lines, a portion of that is likely there to cover a subsidy, should I have received a deal on a phone when I signed my contract. With something like VZ Edge (and also AT&T Next, which we'll get to), Verizon is asking you to pay a monthly fee for a device (~~plus a finance charge~~) and also that subsidy that is built into your service plan. Yes, you are essentially getting double pimp-slapped. Feel insulted? You should. Note: Verizon has announced that there are no finance charges with VZ Edge, so that's why you are seeing the finance charge sections crossed out.

AT&T Next from AT&T

AT&T announced AT&T Next on July 16 as their attempt to offer an early upgrade option for those who love to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Of course, this move came shortly after they raised their upgrade dates on contracts from 20 to 24 months. The Basics:

Customers can get a new device with no down payment.
Upgrade and activation fees are waived with AT&T Next.
The monthly device installments do not have a financing fee.
There’s no penalty if the customer pays off the balance of their installment plan early.
Customers can trade in their device after 12 months, or they can keep using their device, and have no more installment payments after 20 months.
There’s no additional monthly fee required to participate in AT&T Next upgrades.
Devices operate on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network.

Example 1: AT&T's plans work much like Verizon's, so I'll just grab one of their Mobile Share plans that includes unlimited talk and text. If we choose the 4GB data option (there isn't a 2GB option), then we're looking at $45 per month for a single smartphone plus $70 per month for 4GB of data. Your bill, as a single line, would run about $115 per month or $2760 for the life of a contract (sans taxes and fees). But let's say you decide you want to participate in AT&T Next, so you buy a new phone. You choose the Galaxy S4 which costs $650 at full retail. AT&T breaks that down in 20 monthly payments, making it $32 per month extra on top of your $115. There is no finance charge per month, unlike Verizon who charges $2 per month. In 12 months, you can decide to trade your phone in and pick up a new one. AT&T will wipe the other phone and payment away and let you take on a new monthly payment for the new phone. If you don't want a new phone at the 12-month mark, you can continue to pay your current phone off until you hit 20 months. When upgrading at the 12-month mark, there is no downpayment. If we look 24 months down the road, you could be on your second phone and have paid $768 ($32 per month), assuming both were $650 phones, plus the $2760 for your wireless service for a total of $3528. This scenario does not include the $200 you likely spent when you signed your contract and purchased a subsidized phone. Conclusion: So the difference here when compared to Verizon's plan is minimal. There are different monthly installment periods and percentages, but in the end it's the same deal. AT&T Next asks that you pay for normal wireless service with the subsidy built in to the cost, plus add on an additional monthly payment for a phone. Again, they are double charging you for a phone - you are paying for it twice.

JUMP! from T-Mobile

T-Mobile introduced JUMP! as their upgrade plan, giving customers the opportunity to upgrade phones two times every 12 months, while paying a $10 per month charge (this also includes insurance for the phone). The Basics:

Buy a new smartphone on a Simple Choice Plan using our Equipment Installment Program.
Enroll in JUMP! for $10 a month when you add Services to your order.
Upgrade as soon as six months after enrollment.
Trade in your phone each time you upgrade so you can get the same great price as new customers for new phones.

Example 1: Let's say you pick up T-Mobile's Simple Choice plan which runs $60, gives you unlimited talk and text, plus unlimited data with up to 2.5GB at full 4G speeds. Since T-Mobile makes phones separate from their plans now, you really do only pay $60 a month for service. Unlike Verizon and AT&T, T-Mobile doesn't include a subsidy phone charge in their plans. But this is where it gets different. Should you choose the Galaxy S4 at the time you sign up for service, you will pay a down payment of $150 for the phone. You will then have a $20 per month installment plan to pay the rest of it off over 24 months. If you sign-up for JUMP!, so that you can upgrade often, you will pay an additional $10 per month which is the fee associated with the program. Your monthly bill is now $90. So you participate in JUMP! for 6 months and decide to upgrade to a new top tier phone that costs $150. You trade in your Galaxy S4, pay the $150 for the new phone, and continue on about your way. T-Mobile doesn't ask you to pay off the previous phone, they just give you a new installment plan that matches your old at $20 per month. You have now paid $300 upfront for two phones, and $180 (equal to 6 months worth of payments for phones, plus $10 JUMP! fee). If we take the upfront costs of the phones out for a second, you are essentially paying $30 per month ($20 installment for phone, $10 for JUMP!) for early upgrades and to be a part of JUMP!. If you were to upgrade the one time during your first 12 months (you can do it twice if you want), you would have paid $720 for service, plus $240 in device installments, plus $120 to be a part of JUMP!. Tack on the $150 you paid as a downpayment on the first phone, plus another $150 as a downpayment on the second phone and your total for one year's worth of service on T-Mobile sits around $1380. If you don't upgrade to another phone at any time then for another 12 months and just pay for service, your total cost would sit somewhere around $2460. Now, T-Mobile wants you to upgrade more, so they have given you the opportunity to upgrade twice every 12 months, so should you have upgrade again, you could tack on another $150 which would be a downpayment on a top tier phone. Conclusion: In the end, T-Mobile's JUMP! upgrade option is just that, an option, but it's not necessarily cheaper as a stand-alone product than either Verizon or AT&T's new upgrade plans. You are paying around $30 per month (depending on the phone) to participate in their JUMP! program ($20 installments and $10 JUMP! fee), plus you have to throw down a downpayment of around $150 for a top tier phone each time you upgrade whereas VZW and AT&T don't require downpayments. So in terms of how much you are paying per month, it seems like you would be paying more for T-Mobile's upgrade plan, right? Technically yes, but just for the upgrade plan. Since T-Mobile pulls out the subsidy fee from their service, they aren't hitting you up twice for the same phone, something that both Verizon and AT&T are doing by adding in subsidy costs into their wireless plans. In reality, you have lower service expenses, with slightly higher priced upgrade options on T-Mobile. Also, T-Mo's plan includes equipment coverage in the $10 fee, while Verizon and AT&T still charge you extra.

Final Thoughts

I probably don't need to say this, but none of these companies would be doing this if they weren't making money in the end. The big deal to me with these plans, is the fact that Verizon and AT&T are essentially charging you twice for your phone. They include a subsidy fee in their wireless service, but are now also asking that you pay a monthly fee for a phone just because you want to upgrade more than once every two years. With T-Mobile, the entire package looks cheaper, but that's because T-Mo doesn't include a subsidy fee in their wireless plans, leaving it substantially lower from the get-go. For example, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (with 2.5GB at full 4G speeds) on T-Mobile for $60 per month, while AT&T is charging you $115 for something comparable because of the subsidy fee. Verizon is much the same way. T-Mobile is clearly the more affordable overall option, but you already knew that. Your problem for sticking with one of the big two carriers probably has to do with coverage and network more than anything. Hopefully this will at least help you realize where that few extra hundred dollars is going when you decide to join their upgrade program in order to keep your current plan. If anything, know that you aren't getting a deal. *Note - In the examples, I didn't go into the idea that you could re-sell your phones after you pay them off, as that can completely change the entire situation.

Samsung Possibly Working on the Galaxy Folder, an Android-Powered Flip Phone

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:33:30 +0000

While it may not be a device rocking a full QWERTY keyboard, how does an Android-powered Galaxy-branded flip phone from Samsung sound? The idea of a flip phone rocking Android isn't that crazy, but the fact that Samsung has determined that the Galaxy brand needs to cover everything from large 10"+ tablets to Galaxy Cameras, we would be shocked by what the company wouldn't throw the name onto. According to reports out of Asia, we could be seeing the Galaxy Folder sometime in the future. The flipper is rumored to feature a Snapdragon S4 processor, while also sporting a display resolution of 800 x 480. For now, no other specs have been spoken of. The chances of the Galaxy Folder hitting America is slim and by slim, I mean slim. With Americans finally grasping onto why a 5" display is king, you would be hard pressed to find someone willing to dive back into the early 2000s with a flip smartphone. Thoughts? Via: Ameblo

Sony 'Honami' Apparently Leaked - Features Snapdragon 800 and 20.7MP Camera

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 10:25:54 +0000

According to a recent leak on ePrice, Sony is working on a new flagship smartphone codenamed, Honami. This device, which is being created to compete with HTC and Samsung's recent flagships, will feature what most would consider quite the high-end specs list. In the leak, the Honami is detailed to feature a 5" 1080p display, be powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor complete with 2GB of RAM, while also carrying a 20.7MP camera on its backside. The phone is said to contain a 3,000mAh battery, as well as feature 16GB of storage while also offering a slot for expandable memory. In terms of flagships, this is definitely what we expect to see these days. Sony has been sending out press invites for this year's IFA in Berlin and with Samsung and HTC looking to boost their device portfolios with new additions around the same time, IFA would be the perfect place for Sony to unveil this monster. The only question is, will it ever come to America? Via: TechnoBuffalo | ePrice

True or False App is a Great Way to Pass the Time

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 09:46:03 +0000

Want to test your wits? Over on the Play store, you can grab the newest True or False application, putting your puny brain to the test. As you answer questions correctly, you will be met with increasingly tough questions, but what makes it nice is that you always have a 50% chance of getting it right. If a question stumps you, you can simply pass the question and move onto the next one. There is also a multiplayer mode, which allows for you to go up against your fellow friends, pitting yourselves against each other. The game is well developed and is an excellent time waster if you find yourself in need of one. To give it a whirl, go grab it on Google Play via the link down below. Play Link

Tinder Released to Android, It's Like the Pandora of Dating Apps

Tim — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 09:02:11 +0000

If finding the love of your life or at least a quick fling is something you are currently in search of, then you will be happy to know that iOS's beloved Tinder app is now available for Android. Think of Tinder as Pandora - you are given a profile complete with a picture, age and a name. From there, you can choose to like or dislike the person, much like you would on a Pandora station when going through songs. If they like you back, boom, you're on your way to a good time. The app uses your Facebook profile, discretely, but make sure you are conscience of what you are doing on there. I would hate to see anyone embarrass themselves. And here's a message to the ladies out there - now that Tinder is available for Android, watch out for an increase in "cheap" Android users. Wink wink. Play Link Cheers Ronin and Doron!

Now Playing and NexMusic Both Axed From Google Play, Likely Because of Lyric Fetching

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 08:51:32 +0000

Dear devs, if you have created a music client, do not have it fetch lyrics without first getting some sort of license to distribute them. A few months back, we saw CyanogenMod's music player Apollo get taken down from Google Play for what the developer assumed had to do with his lyric scraping, and now two separate (and popular) music apps have suffered the same fate over the last day or so. Now Playing, the Google Now card-style music player (pictured above), that has been incredibly popular since launch is now gone due to what the developer claims were "takedown requests from Sony." Joining him in the recently pulled party is the developer of NexMusic, who also claims that there is "some copyright issue with lyrics." He had some other colorful commentary directed at Sony, but we'll leave that out for now. As you probably guessed, both apps had free and paid versions, so that means we have customers who bought the app left without official app support through Google Play. We should point out that the Now Playing developer is considering ending development on his app, while the NexMusic dev is still pushing out betas through XDA. In the future, if you plan to invest in a music app that includes lyric fetching, you may want to contact the developer to see if they are doing it legally. One example would be Shuttle. Via: +Jack Underwood | XDA Cheers Ryan!

Custom Beam LWP Makes Phase Beam the Customizable Being It Always Wanted to be

Kellen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 08:27:05 +0000

Phase Beam has easily been one of the greatest live wallpapers of all time. Introduced as the purplish, bubbly, floaty live wallpaper to Nexus devices, it has been a go-to for us even after so many years. But as you know, we saw the introduction of a new variant with the Google Play Edition devices called Sun Beam, that brought us the same bubbly floaty joy only in a red and orange colorway. It's beautiful. Have you ever wanted other colors, though? Like, what if you could customize Phase Beam to match your current mood or theme? You can. An app called Custom Beam LWP was introduced to the Google Play store within the last week that brings Phase Beam to you with a load of customizable features. You can change multiple colors of its appearance, adjust settings for things like the beam angle or gradient angle, tweak the speed, and even have it change depending on your battery state. Did I mention that it's free? Play Link Via: reddit

AT&T Announces "AT&T Next" as a Plan to Get Customers a New Smartphone or Tablet Every Year With No Down Payment

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:15:24 +0000

AT&T didn't wait until July 16 to announce (unless you are on east coast time) "what's next in wireless," which they teased us all about last week. "What's next" is their new upgrade plan called "AT&T Next" that allows customers to purchase a smartphone or tablet with no down payment (or activation fees) and agree to pay monthly installments for the device. After 12 payments, customers can decide if they'd then like to keep the device or trade it in again for another brand new device (once again with no down payment). If they'd like to keep their current phone, they can pay their device off after 20 months. There is no monthly fee to participate in this plan, plus monthly installments range from $15 to $50 per month. The example AT&T gives includes a Galaxy S4 - you can pick up a GS4 with no money down and pay $32 per month for 12 months and then upgrade to something new, or keep it and pay it off in 20. Paying off the phone early does not mean a penalty either. The new AT&T Next plan goes live on July 26. Here are the major bullet points according to AT&T:

Customers can get a new device with no down payment
Upgrade and activation fees are waived with AT&T Next
The monthly device installments do not have a financing fee
There’s no penalty if the customer pays off the balance of their installment plan early
Customers can trade in their device after 12 months, or they can keep using their device, and have no more installment payments after 20 months
There’s no additional monthly fee required to participate in AT&T Next upgrades
Devices operate on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network

This news comes on the heals of T-Mobile's JUMP! program that was announced last week and our exclusive story on Verizon's upcoming upgrade plan called VZ Edge.

Intro Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC9zG1MgTLs[/youtube]

Press Release

AT&T Customers Can Get a New Smartphone or Tablet Every Year With No Down Payment With "AT&T Next"

No Down Payment, No Upgrade or Activation Fees, and All On The Nationâ€™s Fastest 4G LTE Network AT&T 4G LTE Now Covers More than 225 Million People
Dallas, Texas, July 16, 2013 Today, AT&T* introduces what’s next in wireless. Beginning nationwide on July 26, consumers can get a new AT&T smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment, no activation fee, no upgrade fee and no financing fees.** With AT&T Next, customers purchase a smartphone or tablet with no down payment and agree to pay monthly installments for the device. After 12 payments, they can trade it in and upgrade to a brand new device — again with no down payment — or they can keep using their device and have no more payments after 20 months. AT&T Next is available for new AT&T customers or existing customers who are upgrade eligible. “With AT&T Next, customers can get the newest smartphone or tablet every year with no down payment. That’s hard to beat, and it’s an incredible value for customers who want the latest and greatest every year,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility. AT&T’s 4G LTE network now covers more than 225 million people nationwide and 328 markets. AT&T’s 4G LTE deployment is expected to cover 300 million people by year-end 2014, with nearly 90 percent of the build completed by the end of this year. The great performance of AT&T’s network continues to be validated by independent third-party testing. AT&T 4G LTE service was recognized as having faster average download and upload speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld/TechHive’s most recent 20-market speed tests — the second consecutive year that AT&T has ranked first overall. PCWorld/TechHive also ranked AT&T’s as the fastest combination of 3G and 4G services in the 20 cities it tested.*** And AT&T was named America’s fastest 4G LTE network in PC Magazine’s 2013 Fastest Mobile Networks 30-market study — and also swept the top rankings in all six U.S. regions from coast to coast: Northeast, Southeast, North-Central, South-Central, Northwest and Southwest.**** AT&T Next is available for any current smartphone or tablet in AT&T’s industry-leading selection of devices. The interest-free monthly device installments range from $15 to $50, depending on the device selected. For example, a customer purchasing a Samsung Galaxy® S 4 would have no down payment and pay $32 per month, in addition to the monthly wireless service plan they choose, with the option to trade in their device and upgrade after 12 payments or to keep using the device and pay off the installment plan in full after 20 months. There’s no penalty for paying off the installment plan early. AT&T offers a broad choice of device purchasing options. In addition to AT&T Next, customers continue to have their choice of all current options, including getting a discounted device with a two-year service commitment; paying full retail price for a device with no-commitment; getting a partial discount for an early upgrade after six months with a two-year service commitment; or bringing their own compatible device. More information is available at www.att.com/next or at any AT&T retail store.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. ** Requires 20-month 0% APR installment agreement & qualifying credit. Wireless service req. (voice & data for smartphones/data for tablets). If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on device becomes due.Sales tax due at sale. Qualifying devices only. Upgrade after 1 yr.: Req. min. 12 installment payments, acct. in good standing, plus trade-in of current device in good & functional condition & purchase of new device/wireless agreement & service plan. After upgrade remaining unbilled installment payments are waived. AT&T Next available only at AT&T owned retail stores & att.com. If device is returned, restocking fee up to $35 for smartphones or 10% of tablet sales price may apply. Terms subject to change. *** PCWorld/TechHive, May 23, 2013, “AT&T clocks best overall speeds with 3G/4G combo” **** PC Magazine, June 17, 2013; http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2420333,00.asp About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

New Google Play Web Store Now Live!

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:28:17 +0000

The new Google Play web store that was first announced at Google I/O back in May is now live! The update introduces the familiar card style design that we have seen in the current Google Play 4.0+ Android app, and all of its accompanying Play Movies, Music, Books, Magazines, solo apps. Most importantly, the new Play store is reactive, so it will adjust as it needs to depending on your screen size. To navigate, you'll now find a navigation panel on the left top corner with tabs for Apps, Movies & TV, Music, Books, Magazines, and Devices. To jump into each section, a simple click will take you there. Once in a section, that navigation area will change with specific links that pertain to that section, like "My Apps" and "Shop" in the Apps section. To quickly jump to another area, you should also see a white bar with arrow to the left that can be hovered over to show additional sections.

In app listings, you'll see big beautiful cards for apps, along with a variety of clickable items in each card. One tip we'll already offer, is clicking on the link that says "FREE" or a price, as it will launch directly into the install box where you can choose which device you'd like the app installed on. In individual app pages, you'll see massive images (depending on your screen size), cleaner sections for comments and reviews, related apps, easier to spot "What's new" area, and more. Wishlists buttons too! It's incredibly good looking, to say the least.

New Stuff:

Wishlists added to the web store!

Couple of things missing though:

Can no longer uninstall apps from the web? I can't seem to find the option.
Can no longer see which apps are installed on specific devices.

If you find any secrets, have tips, or notice anything missing, be sure to share them in the comments!

(Trollololol.)

Gallery

Via: Google Play

Video: Google Glass, meet the NFL. NFL, meet Google Glass.

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:50:57 +0000

Since Google Glass hit the streets, many have spoken of the device's potential game-changing (pun intended) features that could find their way into sports arena across the world. If you could strap Google Glass to the face of today's top athletes, we could see exactly what they see as they hit a monster home run or make the perfect pass for a game-winning touchdown. The possibilities are practically endless. ESPN was able to get Glass onto the heads of two St. Louis Ram's players and the team's general manager, showing them what the future could be like with the help of the device. Some good points are brought up, as Glass could be quite the distraction for players. In time, the device could be made smaller and less intrusive for your sight, but that's up to Google at this point. The GM definitely took more of a liking to it, with thoughts of play calls and decision making clearly on his mind. Any sport in particular you would like to see adopt Glass? [youtube]http://youtu.be/i_eqxf85ex8[/youtube] Cheers cjohnson481!

Throwback: Moto X Screen Notifications Bring Back Memories of the 2010 NoLED Days

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:15:43 +0000

Over the weekend, after seeing the leaked Rogers promo video of the Moto X showing a "new" feature for smartphones that would display on-screen notifications with the phone locked rather than through a notification light, I couldn't help but be taken back to 2010. Anyone remember an app called NoLED? If not, I'll catch you up. You see, there was this time a couple of years back when phones didn't always have notification lights. I think the Samsung Galaxy S2 and many of the original Galaxy S variants were this way, so in order to see missed notifications on them, outside of a beep or two, users had to figure out other tactics. One of those was an app called NoLED, that as you can imagine was built for phones that didn't have LED lights. NoLED takes your incoming notifications and turns them into bright and colorful icons that float around your screen even with your phone in a locked state. So like Motorola's new feature for the Moto X, you can quickly glance at your phone, see which apps have notifications and then decide if you want to dive into your phone or not. It appears to still work well after all these years. In fact, it was updated last month, so I'd imagine that it's much more efficient, stable, and battery friendly than it was a few years back. Feel free to give it a try, since it is free after all. Ahhh, memories. Play Link

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TuVkRSYYGA[/youtube]

Tonight is the Home Run Derby, Go Grab the App and Play Along

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 14:25:52 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/yTJvYN0KsiY[/youtube]

MLB's All Star Week kicks off tonight with the Home Run Derby. To celebrate, the MLB launched an official Home Run Derby app to Google Play today, letting players take control of today's hottest hitters. The game features some pretty sweet graphics and for being free, is actually quite fun to play. There is an arcade mode, which allows for you to go into a time attack mode, then also the classic derby mode which is more of like what you would see on TV tonight. There is a global leaderboard, so challenging friends and others is also an added bonus. As I mentioned, it's free on Google Play, so go check it out and let's go team National! Play Link Cheers JT!

EA Games Releases Fancy New Tetris App to Google Play

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 14:02:59 +0000

Very recently, EA Games decided to remove the old Tetris app that was found on Google Play and added in the newest version, the same that has been on iOS for some time. It features a more modern look, complete with fancy tiles and newer music. Why they decided to completely remove the old one, we don't know. This is the same Tetris game that we all grew up with, but with some added features such as Facebook leaderboards, as well as a new Tetris Galaxy mode. In Galaxy mode, you have to make split-second decisions, while also getting various power-ups to help you through different levels. If you still love yourself some Tetris, go grab the newest version through Google Play. It's free to play, but be aware of the ads. They're quite nasty. Play Link

HTC Posts Infographic of "Little Things That Pack a Big Punch," Could be a One Mini Reference

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:45:06 +0000

This morning, HTC posted an infographic of "little things that pack a big punch" to their official blog, which the internet has now decided is a confirmed teaser for the soon-to-be-introduced HTC One Mini. It certainly could be a teaser, if HTC is into that sort of thing. The post does mention that they packed all sorts of technology into the "svelte" package that was the HTC One, and after hearing rave reviews from critics, would like to bring the experience to as many people as possible. They then end the post with a line of "In that spirit, here’s an homage to little things that back a big punch." So you tell us if this is a teaser or not. Then, jump through the inforgraphic to catch a Tyrion Lanaster highlight, learn the budget of Paranormal Activity, and who the hottest chili pepper is.

Via: HTC

Verizon to Introduce "VZ Edge" Upgrade Plan, Upgrade to New Phones Once 50% of Previous is Paid Off

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:17:25 +0000

Back in April, after extending upgrade periods to a full 24 months, Verizon introduced a new device payment that would allow customers to upgrade phones by purchasing them at full prices with the payments spread out over a 12-month period. According to sources of ours, Verizon will introduce a new upgrade initiative on August 25 called "VZ Edge" that will allow customers to upgrade their phones much more frequently to "stay on the leading edge of technology." In an training slide detailing the new plan, we can see that Verizon is offering up VZ Edge as a way for customers to avoid signing contracts and upgrade fees, while remaining on the "best network" and with the latest devices. All of the specifics are not yet available, but this slide does mention that if customers are on the previously mentioned monthly payment plan, that they can upgrade to a new device at any time once they have paid off 50% of their current phone. The document doesn't say specifically, but we would assume that this new VZ Edge plan is for those who participate in the device payment plan only. While the pricing of Verizon's plans may not be the cheapest in the land, this is at least a move in the right direction in terms of offering customers upgrade options, especially after they raised upgrade periods to 24 months. With this new VZ Edge plan, you could upgrade quite often and still never have to sign a new contract. Isn't that what you all want? Note: We're seeing early comments wonder about keeping unlimited data. While we don't have 100% confirmation, we do know that Verizon lets you keep unlimited data if you participate in the current device payment plan. Since VZ Edge appears to be an extension of that plan, I would assume this would also allow you to keep your unlimited. The slide specifically mentions "no service contract," which is like buying a phone at full retail or through the payment plan. Update: Verizon has confirmed with the announcement of Edge that you cannot keep unlimited data. In a way, VZ Edge is like T-Mobile's new JUMP! program, which allows their customers to upgrade twice per 12 months. In theory though, one could upgrade more often through Verizon's new program, however, there is going to be a difference in the voice/text/data plan pricing from carrier to carrier.

We'll see what other details we can dig up, but from what we can tell, this new upgrade plan will go live on August 25.

Revolv Home Automation Team Shows Off What Google Glass Can Do For Your Home

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:01:29 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/XuWbRwZd2IA[/youtube]

Many developers and enthusiasts alike have been getting their hands on Google Glass thanks to the #ifihadglass competition. With units going out all around the world, it's nice that the public is starting to see some of the work these people have been putting in. The development team over at Revolv, a company that specializes in home automation, just posted the above video, giving us a peek as to what we can expect Glass to help us with in the world of automation. We can see that will some easy swipes and spoken phrases, we can lock our doors, turn on the lights and play some tunes through Sonos. Yep, it's a bright looking future. Sweet stunner shades, bro. Via: BGR

Carbon for Twitter Updated, Brings In-App Browser and Huge Performance Improvements

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 10:20:23 +0000

With users flocking away from Falcon Pro and their drama with Twitter, Carbon is looking like a pretty good alternative for 3rd party tweeting. Today, the app received an update to version 1.2.0, bringing a long list of new features, as well as major performance boosts. In the update, the developer has added a built-in browser, allowing users to check out full webpages that were linked to in tweets. On top of that, YouTube video playback has been added, plus Vine video playback. The full list of changes can be seen below and as you can see, it's pretty decently sized. What's New:

4x1 Home Screen Widget for quick actions (The original)
In-App Browser
In-App YouTube video playback
Vine videos Timeline Preview and playback
People Search
Tweet font size options
Quote style options
New Image Viewer screen
Save Image option
Image Upload option to Twitpic
Notification frequency options of 5 up to 120 minutes
Option disable image/video previews on Timeline

If Falcon Pro has been giving you troubles, go check out Carbon and let us know what you think of the newest update. Play Link Cheers @bd7349!

HTC One Max to Reportedly Launch in September, Going Head-to-Head With Samsung

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:50:35 +0000

With Samsung all set to reveal the Galaxy Note 3 at this year's IFA in Berlin, HTC is reportedly to launch its direct competitor, the One Max around the same time. A source of German-based site, Mobile Geeks has confirmed that HTC will make the One Max available in the early part of September, in hopes to steal some of Samsung's limelight. The One Max is to host a very large 5.9" 1080 display, as well as feature Sense 5 and the company's UltraPixel camera technology. HTC has been battling with Samsung for a good part of 2013 with its One device, doing pretty well in terms of sales. Adding another direct competitor shows that the company isn't afraid of taking the gloves off, even though they don't have the same amount of marketing power that Samsung holds. The One Max is said to feature a Snapdragon 800 processor (the Note 3 is reported to have the same), 2GB of RAM, come in 32GB or 64GB storage options and carry a 3,200mAh battery. From what we know about each device right now, which jumbo phone would you lean towards? One Max or Note 3? Via: Mobile Geeks | Pocket Lint

Galaxy Mega 6.3 DUOS Leaked Featuring Dual-SIM GSM/CDMA Capabilities

Eric — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:14:13 +0000

Not too long ago, the Droid X's screen size of 4.3" was way too big for most people to handle. Fast forward to today and we are getting another look at one of Samsung's upcoming Mega devices. Announced by Samsung a few months ago, the Mega line features two models with massive 5.8 and 6.3" screens. This new version pictured above features a dual-SIM setup with GSM and CDMA compatibility, but we shouldn't get too excited just yet. There is a slim chance that we could eventually see this device featured on Verizon's network, but the AT&T LTE model that we saw pass through the FCC is much more likely to be seen in the States. The specs remain unchanged, featuring a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 720p LCD screen, Android 4.2.2 and a massive 3,200mAh battery. This CDMA/GSM variant will most likely be heading to China, but if Verizon did pick it up, would anyone want to give up your 7" tablet for a 6.3" phone? Via: Phone Arena

More HTC One Mini Pictures and Spec Details Leaked

Tim — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 08:40:39 +0000

With a launch of the One Mini from HTC rumored to be penciled in for sometime this summer, we have yet to hear anything official from the company. Thanks to the Internet leakers, we pretty much know every detail of the device, except for which carriers it will end up on. A new set of specifications have been leaked onto the web, highlighted by the One Mini's UltraPixel (4.1MP) back-facing camera, Android 4.2.2 and a 1.4 GHz Snapdragon 400 processor. In addition, AnTuTu benchmarks reveal the device's 4.3" 720p display, sporting a resolution of 720 x 1280. The One Mini also comes with 1GB of RAM, a 1.6MP front-facing camera and HTC's beloved BoomSound speakers. No official word on if they rock as hard as the bigger One's speakers though.

If the One Mini ends up on the carrier of your choice, do you plan on picking one up? Via: Android Next

Moto X Dominated the Weekend With Benchmarks, Specs, Motorola Hypebeasting and More

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 07:53:09 +0000

So, if you happened to unplug from all things Moto X this weekend, then you actually missed quite a bit. First, we had the device and all sorts of details about it leak in a promotional video for Rogers Wireless in Canada. We know about the phone's always-on capabilities, new voice actions, notification system, and camera gestures. Motorola is going to try to win over crowds with software tweaks, the idea that the phone can do things hands-free, and what we're hoping is an affordable price. But that mega-Rogers leak wasn't all that happened. No, sir, we also saw a benchmark, screen measurement, screenshots of specs, a teaser by Motorola, and some extra "Moto Magic." I'll drop it all for you below and then let you sort of have at it in the comments. There is a lot to take in, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on it all. The first place to start if you want to catch up is going to be the two videos below that were posted by reddit user Kronikbudz (classy). The guy had the Moto X (AT&T variant) in hand all weekend and posted two videos, but also hung out over at reddit answering questions and even doing a measurement of the device's display. And here are the measurement and size comparison pictures:

Brian Klug from AnandTech posted this series of screenshots to Twitter that give us a look at specs, including all of the sensors in the phone:

Motorola teased a fast camera for the phone on Twitter with this image and the line "Either this kid is really fast, or today’s phones are really slow."

In terms of specs, what was previously reported appears to be correct:

4.7" HD (720p) display
1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (MSM8960T)
2GB RAM
16GB internal storage with about 12GB usable
No micro SD slot
Android 4.2.2

And last, in case you missed the Rogers video, here it is again: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWIKmWpVO8[/youtube] If you hadn't figured it out at this point, we think we pretty much know most of the details of this phone. While the processor may sound like last year's cheese, it appears to perform with the best of them and no one has complained about overall performance. It won't win you over in specs, but Motorola likely doesn't care - it wants to win you over by how it fits into your life and what it can do from a software standpoint. At this point, we have seen professional pictures of it taken in the hands of Eric Schmidt and seen it leak all over the internet within the last few days, so I'd say we should be hearing something official from Motorola any day now. Via: reddit | @nerdtalker | @Motorola Cheers to everyone who sent all of this in!

Angry Birds Star Wars 2 Launching September 19

Kellen — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 07:04:20 +0000

Rovio teased it at the end of last week, but it's now official - Angry Birds Star Wars 2 will launch September 19. It'll include new characters, the opportunity to choose the "Pork Side," and a way to teleport figurine characters into the game to customize your lineup. So yeah, it's another Angry Birds, if you are still into that sort of thing.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DKNKI27GdA[/youtube]

Amazon Appstore Giving Away $50 Worth of Productivity Apps Today for Free, Including Splashtop HD and Docs to Go

Kellen — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 09:06:50 +0000

Amazon is currently hosting a 1-day deal on seven of the most popular and expensive productivity apps with a combined value of around $50. If you decide to grab any or all of them, you won't pay a dime. We' talking about apps like Splashtop Remote HD ($8.99), a full version of Documents to Go ($14.95), PrinterShare ($12.95), Tasks N Todos ($5.99), Spacedraw Key ($4.99), and WiFi File Explorer ($0.99). Of course, you'll need the Amazon Appstore installed in order to use or at least install any of them, but the deal is solid enough that you may as well at least add them to your account. What I mean, is think about at least logging into your Amazon account online and at least tapping the "Get now" button to purchase them in case you need to use them at a later date. Via: Amazon

Moto X Features Highlighted in Leaked Rogers Wireless Launch Video

Kellen — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 08:32:14 +0000

This morning, a promo video from Rogers Wireless (a Canadian wireless company) leaked for the upcoming Motorola Moto X, giving us confirmation on some of the new features that will accompany the phone at launch. We're talking hands-free searches, notifications showing up as information on screen rather than through a notification light, gestures to launch your camera, and more. First of all, we get some incredibly clean looks at the device throughout. You can see that it most certainly looks a heck of a lot like a previous Nexus or Google-inspired phones. In fact, when we posted pictures of it on Friday, many of our readers were quick to point out that it almost looks like a Galaxy Nexus. In this clip, your thoughts about that won't change, especially with the minimal branding and on-screen navigation buttons. In terms of features, the rumors of the device being able to work hands-free, simply by talking to it, are true. The video shows a woman saying, "OK, Google Now" with the phone fully asleep, yet it wakes and then performs a search. The clip also highlights other Google Now features, like setting an alarm or getting directions, but it may do more than just Google Now searches. As you can see in the image above, there is a list of commands that can be brought up by saying, "Help me." The second feature highlight has to do with notifications that will show up on your display in quick flashes, almost like a Daydream. Instead of seeing a blinking notification light that tells you very little, they claim, the screen will flash with the time and show notifications along with it.

The last feature involves the camera. Motorola built in a motion gesture that can launch the camera by twisting your wrist twice, meaning you don't have to search out a camera icon or a lock screen button in order to snap a picture. Once in the camera, you can press the screen at any location to take a picture or even hold down to take several picture. On most cameras, touching the screen focuses on an area, but Motorola seems to have decided that's not needed? Kind of odd, and I'm hoping there is a change for that in settings. And that's most of what you'll see below. Oh, and ignore the mention of it being a Rogers exclusive, that's only for Canada (unless you are Canadian and not a Rogers customer). We are fully expecting this phone to launch on all major U.S. carriers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWIKmWpVO8[/youtube]

Via: +Дима Прокопенко Cheers Mike, Joel, master94, Israel, Ryan, and Roderick!

This Episode Will Sherpa You Up the Mountain This Weekend

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 20:38:31 +0000

If you don't happen to have any plans this weekend, then this would be an excellent time to catch up on what's been going on in the Android world. In episode 30 of the Droid Life Show, we covered all of Motorola's upcoming devices from the Moto X, to all of the devices bound for Verizon as DROIDs. In addition, we discussed our love for the LG G2's design, plus touched on T-Mobile's recent UN-carrier moves. Make sure to catch us live as well when you can, every Wednesday night at 6PM PST.

This Week in the Life of DROID: 7/12/2013

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 16:30:14 +0000

The weekend is here, saving us from all of the work-related stress that everyone suffers through. If you were too busy working (we hope you weren't), here is your chance to catch up on what you missed this week. It was a crazy week for Motorola, as its Moto X and upcoming DROID devices were nowhere close to being safe from Internet leakers. We pretty much learned every detail possible for the Moto X (minus exact tech specifications), as well as saw what to expect from LG with a leaked video of the upcoming G2 phone. Trust us, there was some good stuff this week. If you missed any of the action, catch it all down below.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Rovio Teases New Angry Birds Star Wars Game, Announcement Coming Next Week

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:16:50 +0000

According to a short blog post from Rovio, they have "big news" coming next Monday, July 15. Apparently, the news centers around a brand new game that the publisher is working on, one which has to do with the Angry Birds Star Wars franchise. Here is exactly what Rovio said on the post:

Attention, Angry Birds fans! Stay tuned on Monday, July 15th, for big news about a brand new game! We’re talking the biggest character line-up ever, awesome new powers, and maybe even a few surprises!

If you ask me, we could be looking at Rovio starting from Episode 1: Phantom Menace now, as the above bird looks to be dressed as Anakin Skywalker, with his shadow appearing as Darth Vader. You think Rovio will somehow make the Jar Jar Binks character even more hated than he already is? We shall see on Monday! Via: Rovio

Verizon's Moto X Variant Poses for First Picture

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 14:40:10 +0000

There she is, folks. That is your first look at the Moto X variant headed to Verizon. No details have accompanied the photo, but we can clearly see Big Red's "4G LTE" logo in the notification bar, along with a phone design that matches up to previous leaks. The phone pictured appears to be running stock Android or at least a version that is extremely close to stock Android. We're looking at the stock icons, coupled with on-screen navigation keys. Most importantly though, the screen takes up almost the entire front of the device and is most definitely edge-to-edge with little chin or forehead. Clearly this is a test device, hence the "MOTOROLA CONFIDENTIAL PROPERTY" and "NOT FOR SALE" tagged across the top and bottom. The circular Motorola logo in the top left is also typically used on test devices rather than retail units. So when this phone launches, it could be almost brand-less outside of the little Motorola batwing that should be inserted into the indention on the back side. And remember, this device won't be a DROID in the sense that the ULTRA and MAXX will be. This is Motorola and Google's baby that will be a flagship across all carriers. To catch all of the latest in our most recent recap of the Moto X, you'll want to check out this post. So, what do you guys think? Via: +Android Central

Fireball SE for Android is Most Definitely an Addictive Survival Game

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 14:11:06 +0000

So I picked up a game this afternoon called Fireball SE because it was creeping up the charts in the "New Paid" category on Google Play and can't seem to put it down. You play as a fireball, of course, that floats around in a space-type atmosphere trying to avoid enemies. With your thumb on the screen, you steer the ball throughout a designated area as swarms of bubbly bad guys attempt to end your flaming life. But to defeat them, you have bombs which can be set off as combos to earn you extra points or to eliminate bad guys in waves. As you eliminate waves of bad guys, you move up in levels where the difficulty also increases. There are power-ups, three different game types, achievements, and instant satisfaction. I think I'm loving Fireball SE because you can pick it up, play it, put it down for a while, and then pick it up again and not feel like you have to start over or have to invest a ton of time into it. It's all about instant satisfaction and enjoyment here. The graphics are solid but simple, and the controls work flawlessly without much practice. The game runs $1.99, but is easily worth the price. Play Link ($1.99)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_iputWeJCs[/youtube]

[Deal] Get a Brand New Nexus 7 32GB From Staples for $169 With This Coupon

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:52:04 +0000

On Monday, Staples dropped the price of the both the 16GB ($179) and 32GB ($199) Nexus 7 models, signaling what most of us assume is a clearing of inventory to make room for the new 2013 Nexus 7. But if the $50 discount on the 32GB version wasn't enough for you, we have an additional discount of $30 that you can use to drop the price below that of even the 16GB model. All you need to do is enter coupon code "20098" during checkout, and Staples will hack another $30 off the price, dropping it to $169. Even with the new Nexus 7 almost upon us, that's a heck of a deal. The deal appears to apply to the 16GB Nexus 7 as well, so you would be looking at $149 for it. Via: Staples | Coupon code: 20098 Cheers Dave!

Control Center App Brings the Look of iOS 7 to Your Android Device

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:07:49 +0000

We don't want to get into the argument of which OS is better, which one looks cooler or anything like that. People like what they like. And you know what, we like the look of iOS7's Control Center. While the basic idea of having system toggles and controls have been a part of Android for some time, the way Apple implemented it looks pretty nice. An Android developer decided to bring Control Center to Android and it works wonderfully. With the app installed, which doesn't even need root, users can control their WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, display brightness and even set shortcuts to applications on the device. It's a neat little tool that definitely ups the productivity of any device. It's free on Google Play, but one of the shortcuts is unchangeable and stuck on a "Game Center" ad network. Kind of lame, but developers also have bills to pay. We're hoping a paid version is released that allows for its removal. Go check it out. Play Link Via: BGR

Amazon Offering Angry Birds Star Wars Ad-Free For Free Today

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:58:50 +0000

Have the Amazon Appstore installed on your Android device? Well, if not and you want some awesome Angry Birds Star Wars action for free, you best get on that. For a limited time (we're guessing) Amazon is giving away the ad-free version, which carriers a value of $1, for completely free. Score! To download, you will need to have the Appstore app installed and you can grab that through Amazon's site. Follow the via link down below to get started. Appstore Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/l6lYFO_tKlE[/youtube] Cheers SoundWave1026!

MoDaCo.SWITCH App Allows for Flashing Between Sense and GPE ROM on HTC One

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:00:38 +0000

Currently under development, the MoDaCo ROM team is hard at work on SWITCH. The app, which is still in testing, would allow HTC One owners to easily "switch" between a Sense UI ROM and the Google Play Edition ROM. One moment you will be playing with BlinkFeed and Zoes, then the next you will have pure vanilla Android. It will be up to you on how a dual-booting device will benefit you in the long run. Below is a demo of the app working and as we can see, it works very well. Users will need to be rooted and running a custom recovery in order to take advantage of SWITCH, so if you are hoping to give this a try, definitely make sure you are all squared away in that department. Check out the demo below and we will keep you posted on when it hits the forums. [youtube]http://youtu.be/vOZFIGcIJ5s[/youtube] Via: MoDaCo

Difference Between the International and U.S. Moto X - All in the Speaker Grill and Plastic?

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 09:24:16 +0000

(U.S. variant)

As the leaks have continued to pour in, the number of readers who are pointing out the movement of the speaker grill on the Moto X has increased as well. For those not familiar, the speaker grill on the Moto X seems to jump from the left side of the camera lens to the right side depending on the leak. We have seen the speaker move from left to right on both pictures of the phone itself and in replacement or custom back plates. So what's the deal? Well, one reader of ours has a theory that the speaker on the right, along with higher-quality plastic, represents the U.S. variant, while the speaker on the left coupled with cheaper plastic, represents a lower-end model that is headed internationally. He even whipped up a fancy PowerPoint presentation (yes, they apparently still exist) to present his facts, some of which we have included. As you'll see in the photos below, one of which is the original Moto X leak from months ago, we're seeing what appears to be a high quality plastic, almost like what we saw on the HTC One X, along with a speaker grill on the right. You can see in the FCC filing for the AT&T version of the device (pictured above), that the speaker grill is on the right side as well. And last, the version that Eric Schmidt was caught using today also has the speaker on the right. And since Schmidt works for Google and is based in the U.S., it would make sense that he would have the U.S. variant.

(U.S. variants)

In terms of this international version, we have a couple of things working for us. First, a report surfaced within the last week suggesting that Motorola may push a cheaper (or low-cost) version of the phone to international markets. While the U.S. Moto X seems like it should be a low-cost device as well, knowing the specs, that's a conversation for a different day. If we go with this talk of the international variant being cheaper, then our reader points out that the pictures of the Moto X with left-placed speaker grills simply look like they were made with cheaper materials. I'll admit that it's tough to tell from the pictures, but they do look more plasticy, if you will. But to further the discussion of their being both international and U.S. variants, you need to look no further than the picture directly below which shows dual-SIM slots. On rare occasions (if ever) do we see U.S. phones with dual-SIM slots because the carriers here probably hate them, but they do exist and are great for traveling abroad. Typically though, it's an international thing. And since the international version has dual-SIM slots, that means they had to move the speaker grill from the right to the left (also seen in the picture below) because of the top-right location of the 2nd SIM.

(International variants)

Follow all of that? Of course this is just a theory, but it makes a lot of sense to us. Plus, since many of you have pointed out the fact that the speaker grill keeps moving, we wanted to at least address it. If you have other thoughts, be sure to let us know. If you'd like to download this lovely PDF, you can find it here. Cheers Matthew!

More Moto X Customization Details Rumored - Ceramic, Wood and Fabric Custom Backplates

Tim — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 09:00:53 +0000

Will there be anything for Motorola to announce once they finally decide to pull back the curtain on the Moto X? At the current pace of leaks and pictures of the device, that would be a big "nope." Previous reports have shown that Moto's next flagship will have intense customization enhancements, allowing customers to choose from many different colors for the phone, as well as custom engravings. Thanks to another small leak of info from ex-Android and Me owner, Taylor Wimberly, some material options have been highlighted for the Moto X as well. According to Taylor, not only will customers be allowed to choose from a custom color, but will have the ability to choose from different custom materials. Materials like ceramic backs, fabrics and various wood grains would be available to choose from, marking the first time a smartphone buyer could choose from such a wide selection. Taylor gave the following tidbit over on his Google+ page:

Plastic is the default material, but wood is also an option that should be available at launch. Other materials like metals, ceramics, and fabrics should become available after the August 23rd launch. AT&T has some kind of "exclusive" thing for the Moto X launch, but I don't know if it's an exclusive material/color or something else completely different.

Sign me up for some oak. Any material you are hoping to see available? Via: +Taylor Wimberly Cheers BananaTroll, Kevin, Walt and Justin!

Eric Schmidt has a White Moto X Already, Yes He Does

Kellen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 08:02:56 +0000

So Eric Schmidt is hanging out in Sun Valley this week at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference with all sorts of tech moguls and other influential billionaire types. While we normally wouldn't care about a billionaire boondoggle at a resort, we started caring the minute Schmidt pulled out a phone that just so happened to be the Motorola Moto X. There really isn't much else to say about the phone other than how Schmidt is interacting with both people and the phone. For example, Schmidt starts by holding it up to his head for what has to be a hilarious conversation with some overseas diplomat, because that's how Big E rolls.

"Aaaahahhaha, Kim Jon Un-derrated."

We also see him holding it down in the perfect position for texting to Sergey Brin or Larry Page about, well what else? How awesome it is to be a Google big wig worth billions of dollars.

"Yo Sergz and Larr, have I told you how awesome we are lately? Picked up a new Brooks Bros. sweater to celebrate in the Valley."

But then Tim Cook, giddy as all hell, showed up and the mood changed.

Until Schmidt shouted out "How's that stock price, Cookie?" Which of course gave everyone a good laugh thanks to the hand gesture for added value.

In the end, the Moto X was there, with Eric Schmidt. In white. Here are a couple of extra pictures.

Via: Corriere | Reuters Cheers LiterofCola, Jeff, Justin, and everyone else!

Vine for Android Receives Update - Includes Capture Widget, Channels, Other Capture Tools

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 17:04:44 +0000

If you are still holding on to the glory days of Vine, even after Instagram tried its best to kill it by introducing its own video service, you'll be happy to hear about the latest update. Released this afternoon to Google Play, the new version of Vine includes channels (15 of them to be precise), "revining" of favorite posts, a fast capture widget, new capture tools (focus, grid, and ghost), and more. Go get it! (Assuming it's not a staged rollout.) Here is the full changelog:

This update to Vine is our biggest yet! CHANNELS Browse or submit your posts to 15 new channels REVINING Share your favorite posts with all your followers on Vine in one tap FAST CAPTURE WIDGET Instantly jump to the Vine camera right from your home screen NEW CAPTURE TOOLS Shoot with style using the new focus, grid, and ghost tools Other updates:

A new mute button in the menu

Performance improvements

Play Link

Video: Qualcomm Humorously Ponders a World Without Cellphones and It's Terrible

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 16:12:37 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/Cr5esKfUeYw[/youtube]

Smartphones as we know them haven't even been around for 10 years, yet they have become so intensely woven into our society that many people out there probably couldn't go a single day without their beloved phone. How would we get our emails? What about all those tweets that we all seem to complain about, but still can't get enough of? It's an interesting idea to think about - 2013 without mobile smartphones. Qualcomm has made a short video, comically looking into a world that doesn't have cellphones. Just as you'd imagine, it's whimsical and scary. What about you? Could you live in this world without a smartphone?

Thursday Poll: What Upcoming Phone are You Most Excited for?

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:27:59 +0000

When summer hits each year, we typically get excited because we know that brand new smartphones are about flood into the market. In this industry, the summer/back-to-school and holiday seasons are always filled with new flagships from the top manufacturers. This year, though not much is official at this time, appears to be no exception. We're expecting four new phones from Motorola, including the first inspired by the new Google leadership. But we will also see the HTC One finally arrive on Verizon, LG's new incredibly impressive flagship called the G2, and maybe even a Galaxy Note 3 unveiling in September. We'd like to know which phone has you most excited. Is it one of the new Motorola devices like the Moto X, the G2, the somewhat-old HTC One, or are you waiting for whatever Samsung has next? [poll id="261"]

Sprint Launches Unlimited Guarantee Talk/Text/Web Plans, Open to New and Existing Customers Starting July 12

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:27:37 +0000

Today, Sprint announced a new plan for customers, the Unlimited, My Way. The purpose of Sprint's new "Guaranteed Unlimited" plans is to assure new and existing customers that for the life of line(s) that you activate, you will always have unlimited talk, text and web. In addition, Sprint is also launching the My All-In plan, a line of service where smartphone users receive unlimited data, talk and text, while also receiving 5GB of hotspot data. That plan costs $110/month, and is of course, guaranteed for the life of the line. How the Unlimited, My Way Plan Works:

Customers first select the number of lines; all lines come with unlimited talk to any wireline or mobile phone and text.
Customers then choose their data for each line: $30/month for unlimited data on smartphones or $10/month for unlimited data on basic phones. Additional options include $20 for 1GB of data on smartphones or basic phone users can choose not to add data to their account.2
Customers also have the choice to activate mobile hotspot functionality on their smartphone for $10 per month for 1GB of data on the Sprint network.

The plans will be available starting July 12. More info can be found by following the via link below. While Sprint does have the unlimited data going for them, it's still hard to make any type of decision if you live in an area that is poorly supported by their network. We will see what types of improvements and moves they make towards building up their infrastructure as SoftBank takes control. On the other hand, with Sprint talking about buying into an Unlimited Guarantee plan, could this be a sign that tiered data plans are around the corner? Why else would they be guaranteeing something they already offer? Any thoughts on these new plans? Via: Sprint

Heml.is Wants Your Help in Creating the Ultimate Minimal Yet Secure Instant Messaging Service

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:54:51 +0000

With PRISM and data collection techniques by our government filling front pages of tech sites over the last month, I can imagine that plenty of our readers are hesitant to commit themselves to tech services of any kind, especially those that involve sending personal messages. The folks behind a new app called Heml.is agree that security is of the utmost importance. In fact, Hemlis means "secret" in Swedish, so you can tell by the name of their product that they are shooting for supreme privacy. So what is Heml.is? It's another instant messaging app. I know, I know, just what we need, right? Even though the last thing the world can use is another IM app, we thought we'd share because this app not only looks beautiful, but it really does have a focus on security and your privacy. It will also be free to use, but as is typical with most apps these days, can have extra features unlocked for a price. The Heml.is team claims that they are building an app "where no one can listen in, not even us." They do not even plan to store your messages on their servers once they have been delivered, though they may offer different expiry times later on. For now, that's the deal. As you can probably tell from the image above, the app is not quite ready. Heml.is is asking for funding help, however, they aren't using Kickstarter because Kickstarter is only for the U.S. and UK. But in case you were wondering, they have already cracked their funding goal in a short two days, so no matter what, this app is going to be made. If you want to back it to help their cause, you can for $5 which gets you two unlock codes. Again, the app will be free once it is released, so if anything, watch the video below to decide if it's something for you. The app will be available on Google Play and iOS once it is ready. When will it be ready, you ask? The only timeframe they are giving right now is, "when it's done." They claim that they will try to get it out the door as soon as possible, but of course, want to do it right.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPeujbY3feM[/youtube]

Via: Heml.is

Pacific Rim Game Hits Google Play, Right Before Theatrical Release

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:01:18 +0000

Pacific Rim, a movie that is set to hit theaters this weekend, just had its mobile game version hit Google Play. In the game, massive mechanical humanoids take on mega beasts from the sea in some weird plot that I still don't really understand, but apparently it "looks cool." The gameplay is much like Mortal Kombat - there are two fighters and as you beat down your opponent to low health, the screen even flashes, "Finish Him." Can you believe it? The game is a hefty $5 on Google Play, so mull it over in your head before dropping a Lincoln on it. Play Link ($4.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/Y39RSjS5L0U[/youtube]

Verizon Joins Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group, Could Bring First Ubuntu Phone to the U.S.

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 11:05:17 +0000

While Canonical has been successful in gaining the attention of European telecoms with their Ubuntu-based smartphones, the company has had a harder time getting U.S. carriers to bite. As of today, that has all changed and we could see an entirely new mobile OS hitting our shores much sooner than previously anticipated. Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest carrier, recently joined the Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group (CAG), allowing Canonical the opportunity to "shape Ubuntu into the most compelling new, alternative platform for mobile." Samir Vaidya, a member of Verizon's Device Technology team states, "Verizon Wireless is joining Ubuntu’s CAG to participate in technology discussions around this new platform, which has the ability to bring new and exciting features to developers and ultimately, customers." Canonical stated that they would like to have the first Ubuntu-based smartphones in two global markets by this October, with more markets following in 2014. We have done a brief hands-on with Ubuntu Touch on a Nexus 10 while it was still in its very early stages. What do you think about a mainstream Ubuntu OS on Verizon? Via: ZDNet Cheers Seth!

Google Offering Up Free eBook on Android Photography Through Google Play

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:45:23 +0000

Google is currently sending out invitations for Android users to download a free copy of Android Photography, an eGuide written to assist smartphone users in taking better pictures. The book is written by Colby Brown, a professional photographer who specializes in fine art, so you know you at least have someone that is quite competent in walking you through the process. Keep in mind, this isn't just a beginners' guide on opening the camera app and taking snapshots, but more of a look at the process of taking good shots, then also editing them using third party software on your phone. If you want your Android device to capture the best pictures possible, then go give it a look. Play Link

Samsung's Summer of Mobile App Academies Continues Onward Today

Eric — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:35:03 +0000

This summer, Samsung has put some of its efforts into educating the next generation on jobs in science, technology, engineering and math, by putting on their Mobile App Academies. Spanning multiple dates in multiple cities, these app academies invite 11th and 12th grade students to learn from "leaders in mobile technology and application development" and get to develop their very own applications. If they make the best application, they could get money towards college. The Academy is located in Atlanta, GA today and next week travels up to Chicago, IL. The three weeks after that are also packed with app developing and learning as well. Samsung is shelling out $20,000 in scholarships for the grand prize, which is a lot to anyone just starting college. It's awesome to see Samsung putting time and effort into making sure that the upcoming generation understands mobile applications and their connection with the sciences. The full press release is below if you want to read the details on this great program or sign up for an upcoming event.

$35,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Winning Mobile Application Ideas;

Teachers Learn Skills to Increase Knowledge of Mobile Application Development and Receive Continuing Professional Education Credits
Dallas, TX – June 25, 2013 – In an effort to further encourage education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among America’s youth, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) will offer high school students in six cities across the country the opportunity to participate in Samsung Mobile App Academies. In its second year, the two-day mobile application academies are free for eligible 11^th and 12^thgraders interested in STEM, and will award $35,000 in scholarships for the students who create winning App ideas. The Mobile App Academies will be hosted in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco beginning June 26. With more than 800,000 apps available on the Android operating system and 1.7 million apps worldwide, mobile app development is one of the hottest trends in the wireless industry. The academies will expose students to the growing social and educational possibilities of mobile application development and give them the opportunity to create apps that are interesting and culturally relevant to them and their communities. During the two-day event, students will have access to thought leaders in mobile technology and application development as well as web entrepreneurs so they can learn first-hand about the latest developments in mobile technology. Students will use the Samsung Galaxy Note™ 10.1 tablet as their portal to the program curriculum and tool for researching the digital landscape and exploring the latest trends in the mobile application industry. Participants will be able to submit their own mobile application concept proposal for a chance to win a grand prize of $20,000 in scholarships; 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $10,000 and $5,000 in scholarships. All winners, plus one 4^th and one 5^th place winner, will receive the new Samsung Galaxy S^® 4 smartphone. Additionally, Samsung is collaborating with its developers group to explore building the student’s winning app. To bring the Samsung Mobile App Academies into the classroom, Samsung will also introduce a one-day Samsung Mobile Application Teacher Workshop hosted at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. The free workshop will guide educators through a series of STEM related activities and lesson plans to further transform their classrooms into more interactive, technically savvy learning environments. Through lessons that connect with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards, educators will increase their own mobile application knowledge, learn about new emerging software platforms and potential careers for students in the mobile device and applications marketplace. All Samsung Mobile Application Teacher Workshop attendees will receive a Samsung Galaxy Note™ 10.1 tablet and may be eligible to receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. “Samsung Mobile App Academies aim to positively influence and inspire the next generation of mobile application developers,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “By expanding our program to six cities nationwide, we have the opportunity to further connect with and further empower top performing high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The new Samsung Mobile Application Teacher Workshop gives educators a robust understanding of mobile application development and fuels information sharing with other STEM stakeholders in the academic community. Samsung Mobile App Academies will be held at the following locations: June 26–27: San Francisco, CA, University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) July 10–11: Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) July 17–18: Chicago, IL, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) July 24–25: Boston, MA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) July 30–31: Dallas, TX, University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) August 7–8: New York City, NY, Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU Poly) Samsung Mobile Application Teacher Workshop will be held at the following location: August 1: Dallas, TX, Perot Museum of Nature and Science Samsung collaborated with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, to develop the program curriculum for the Mobile App Academy as well as online resources for teachers interested in spearheading mobile application courses throughout the school year. In 2012, Samsung launched its first-ever Samsung Mobile App Academy (formerly known as Samsung Mobile Application Boot Camp). More than 120 high school students participated in the program and $35,000 in scholarships were awarded to the top three winners. The grand prize winner Joseph Romano, a 10^th grader at Arlington High School in Arlington, MA, received a $20,000 scholarship for his Better4All volunteer application. Romano’s mobile application is a crowd-sourced service, which allows users within a specific region to report and respond to volunteer opportunities within three main categories: road hazards, off-road issues and volunteer positions. For more information about the Samsung Mobile App Academies program, please visit www.scholastic.com/samsungacademy.

Another Photo of the Moto X Surfaces, Looking All Sorts of Matte

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:45:51 +0000

Well, there is another photo of the Moto X. It looks a lot like all of the other photos of the Moto X that we have seen over the last couple weeks, meaning it doesn't reveal anything else about this somewhat-mysterious-but-not-that-mysterious device coming out of Motorola. Actually, I take that back - Tim noticed almost immediately that the phone has a headphone jack placed directly in the center of the top, which for those of us who love bottom headphone jacks, is a huge disappointment. Other than that, there is the speaker grill, rumored 10MP camera lens, centered flash just below it, Motorola indention-logo-combo, and a super ergonomically sexy curved backside. Ahhh, yeah. To read our most recent recap of all Moto X happenings, hit up this post. Via: Weibo | Blog of Mobile

Tiny Thief Lands on Google Play, Filled With Medieval Puzzle Stealing Fun

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:30:44 +0000

Tiny Thief, a new title from Rovio Stars, made its way onto Google Play this morning as a game with a mix of medieval, platformer, and puzzle. You play as a tiny thief who attempts to steal from the rich and give back to...himself...or some times friends and family. Each level must be completed through a series of precise steps, all the while making sure you are not seen by the baddies. Should you be seen, obviously you fail. Along for the ride is your squirrel friend, which gives you a star for finding on each level. And speaking of stars, yes, this is a 3-star rating type of game with the three stars representing the three goals that you need to complete on each level. The main goal is always outlined for you, plus you have the squirrel, but the game becomes difficult when you have to find the hidden goal. The graphics are simple, cartoonish, and fun. The gameplay is OK, but can be a bit slow since you are sneaking around the entire time and are only allowed to tap the screen in areas to move. It can be a bit tedious, but once the difficulty ramps up can also bring some enjoyment. Play Link ($2.99)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-hV0RaqcGI[/youtube]

Cheers EvantheGamer and jdhas!

Sprinkle Islands Pours Onto Google Play, 48 Levels of Adorable Firefighting

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:05:31 +0000

The highly anticipated sequel to Sprinkle from game publisher Mediocre launched onto Google Play this morning, Sprinkle Islands. With the sequel, we will get more of the same type of gameplay as you did in the first, controlling a tiny firetruck with an enormous hose attached, going around from level to level in different worlds attempting to solve puzzles in a race to extinguish fires. As you can see above and in the trailer below, there is a nasty fire monster trying to stop you, so that of course is an added challenge. The full game costs $2 on Google Play, but there is also a free to play version that you can try out before investing your hard-earned George Washingtons. Try it out and let us know what you think. Play Link: Free | Paid ($1.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/NVRVQWcUV2Q[/youtube]

Possible Verizon Roadmap Suggests August 1 Launch of HTC One, August 23 for Moto X

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 08:45:59 +0000

According to a purported document out of Verizon corporate stores that was obtained by PhoneArena, we may have a look at the roadmap of the company's device releases and policy changes through the end of August. First, this roadmap touches on the July 25 price increase of extended warranties and Total Equipment Coverage, which we first reported earlier in the week as happening. After that, it dives into the good stuff, namely the HTC One and Moto X. If this document is accurate, then Verizon currently has the HTC One penciled in for an August 1 release. I'd certainly hope that they wouldn't push it out any further than that, especially now that we've seen an official press render for it appear, along with a sighting of the phone at the FCC. The Moto X on the other hand isn't supposed to arrive until August 23, again, if this document is to be believed. That's a little over a month away, and could be a possibility, especially since we haven't seen an official announcement out of Motorola's camp. All signs point to the Moto X launching on all major U.S. carriers - hopefully Verizon isn't last to the party with this late August date. As you'll see below, the new DROID lineup is no where to be found. If you were hoping to snag a DROID ULTRA, MAXX, or Mini before we hit September, you may be out of luck. Here are the important dates:

Via: PhoneArena

Google Maps Listens to Feedback, Adds Offline Maps and "Where's Latitude?" Buttons in New Update

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 08:16:18 +0000

The freakout that ensued after the release of Google Maps v7.0 over the thought that both Latitude and Offline Maps were missing was heard loud and clear by Google. We know now that Offline Maps is still there, it simply requires that you put an area of the map you'd like cached in view, then tap Search, and finally enter the words "OK Maps" to save it for later. Seems simple, right? Not so much. But as I just mentioned, users also noticed that Latitude, the popular person tracker, was missing. Google addressed both issues in a blog post hours after the update was released, confirming that Latitude was being retired and that Offline Maps required an extra not-so-intuitive step or two to work. Apparently, that was not enough as they are preparing to push another update to make all of this as clear as ever. In a Google+ post last night, the Google Maps team recognized that users are missing the easy way to access offline maps. They mentioned that their engineering team has been working "around the clock" to add a "Make this map area available offline" button in the search box (pictured above), so that you no longer have to type "OK Maps," though that option is still available. They even included a "Where's Latitude?" link at the bottom of the side menu that will direct users to more information about the retirement of the service. Both additions will join an update that will roll out globally starting today. Let us know if you receive it. Via: +Google Maps

Here is the Changelog for the VRUAME7 Update for Verizon's Galaxy S4

Kellen — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 07:58:11 +0000

Verizon pushed out a substantial update as build VRUAME7 to its variant of the Samsung Galaxy S4 over the last couple of days, but seems to have forgotten to post the changelog, which they almost always do well before the update goes live. Well, that changelog is now live, though I'm sure many of you already installed the update. But in case you were curious as to what it fixed, enhanced, or improved, feel free to check it out both parts of the support document that we have included in this post. In terms of additions, the list claims that they added a WiFi quick toggle to the notification area, but I'm not seeing it. All I'm able to find is the same obnoxious permanent notification that wants me to turn WiFi on. They also added a new version of S Health, because we know how much you are all using it. The rest of the update is filled with items that were "improved," "resolved," and "enhanced" like battery consumption in Group Play, hovering in email, Bluetooth connectivity with Ford Sync, screen not waking during calls, etc. There is no mention of apps-to-SD, even though we know it's included. They also do not mention much in terms of security, but we can assure you that this patches all sorts of bootloader and root exploits.

Cheers Noah!

The Droid Life Show: Episode 30

Tim — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:34:41 +0000

After last week's absence due to a holiday, we're back! Tonight, Episode 30 of the Droid Life Show kicks off as we dive head first into topics ranging from Motorola's large lineup of on-the-horizon devices, as well as all of the cash they're planning to fork out to market them. We have our hands on both of the new Google Play Edition devices, so we will be going over how we feel about those, plus give our take on all of the moves T-Mobile has been making in attempting to distance themselves from the other wireless carriers. It should be a fun-filled show, so join us live! The show kicks off around 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). A live video broadcast and chat are embedded below.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H7zELEooy8[/youtube]

Catch Droid Life Show Episode 30 Tonight at 6PM Pacific!

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:02:24 +0000

We are back after missing last week's Droid Life Show thanks to the Fourth of July holiday, but should have a packed (and I mean packed) show for you all tonight. With tons of info hitting the web about Moto X and leaks of the DROID ULTRA, MAXX and Mini, tonight should be one helluva show. We will likely discuss T-Mobile's fascination with doing everything completely the opposite way from that of Verizon and AT&T, plus talk about how much we love the Google Maps update. Don't miss it. The show begins at 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). We’ll have live video and chat embeds at that time.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

LG Announces World's Slimmest Full HD LCD Display for Phones, It's 5.2-inches and Likely Going in the G2

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 19:30:53 +0000

This evening, LG announced that they have produced the "world's slimmest full HD LCD" for smartphones. It weighs in at 5.2-inches, is only 2.2mm thick with a 2.3mm bezel, and is a "true" full HD (1080x1920) display with its RGB sub-pixels. This new panel should provide enhanced outdoor readability thanks to "superiority in displaying resolution, brightness, and contrast ratio." It will also provide an enhanced touch experience, better "grip-ability," and a larger visible display space. It sounds like a hell of a display.

If it's not obvious, this display will likely ship with the new LG G2 that should be announced in NYC on August 7. That device has long been rumored to carry a 5.2-inch display, so the fact that this new panel made by LG was announced a couple of weeks before should be a dead giveaway. LG didn't mention a time frame for shipping these panels, but if they are announcing it, I'd assume it's ready now.

LG Display Introduces World’s Slimmest Full HD LCD Panel for Smartphones

New panel will enable sleeker Full HD smartphones delivering superior viewing experience

Seoul, Korea (July 11, 2013) – LG Display [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220], a leading innovator of display technology, today announced that it will unveil the world’s slimmest Full HD LCD panel for smartphones. The state-of-the-art 5.2-inch panel is an exciting advancement for the premium mobile device market enabling sleeker Full HD smartphones featuring better “grip-ability” and a superior viewing experience.

Only 2.2mm thin with a 2.3mm bezel, LG Display’s new panel is both slimmest and narrowest among existing Full HD LCD panels designed for mobile devices. This world’s slimmest Full HD LCD panel will provide larger visible display space on smartphones, critical as mobile devices are used for multimedia viewing more than ever before. Additionally, the panel will make devices easier to grip as well as lighter in weight.

Key to realizing the world’s slimmest panel is LG Display’s Advanced One-Glass-Solution (OGS), the latest touch technology enabling an enhanced touch screen experience, developed and applied to the new panel for the first time ever. Dual Flexible Printed Circuits, superior to a single circuit, have been inserted between the panel and touch film, reducing the number of lines on the panel by more than 30 percent. Utilization of a direct bonding system has also resulted in Optical Clear Resin between the panel and touch film for greater brightness.

The new panel’s superiority in displaying resolution, brightness, and contrast ratio results in enhanced outdoor readability. By utilizing 1,080X1,920 pixels consisting of Red, Green, Blue (RGB) sub-pixels, the panel is a true Full HD display. And with a brightness of 535 nits at maximum, LG Display’s panel outperforms all current mobile Full HD LCD panels. Finally, measuring contrast in real-life surroundings with Ambient Contrast Ratio results in a reading of 3.74:1 based on 10,000 lux, confirming the perfect performance of the panel even in strong outdoor sunlight conditions. Renowned testing firm Intertek has officially certified these results.

“Today’s introduction of the world’s slimmest Full HD LCD panel represents an exciting advancement for the high-end smartphone segment, and is possible due to our world-class expertise in IPS and touch technologies,” said Dr. Byeong-Koo Kim, Vice President and Head of LG Display’s IT and Mobile Development Group. “LG Display will continue its commitment to developing products that maximize consumer value as well as opening new doors for the mobile and tablet PC industry.”

###

About LG Display

LG Display Co., Ltd. [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220] is a leading manufacturer and supplier of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, OLEDs and flexible displays. The company provides TFT-LCD panels in a wide range of sizes and specifications for use in TVs, monitors, notebook PCs, mobile products and other various applications. LG Display currently operates nine fabrication facilities and seven back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China, Poland, and Mexico. The company has a total of 56,000 employees operating worldwide. For more news and information about LG Display, please visit www.lgdnewsroom.com.

WSJ: Motorola to Spend $500 Million Marketing the Moto X, All Major Carriers, Limited Bloatware

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 16:55:49 +0000

According to a report out of the Wall Street Journal this afternoon, Motorola is about to spend a boatload of cash to market and promote their upcoming Moto X device. Their sources expect Google to allow Motorola to spend upwards of $500 million to market the device both domestically and internationally (in select markets). With the device reportedly launching on all four major carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint - the money could go a long way, especially with the device likely keeping the same form factor and specs across all of them (similar to what Samsung does with the Galaxy line). Sources who spoke with the WSJ mentioned that Google and Motorola have minimized the amount of bloatware that carriers are allowed to install on the Moto X. They also said that pricing of the device will match that of Motorola's competitors, meaning we could see $199 on-contract and $599 off-contract points. I've got to admit that the pricing sounds high - was hoping for them to undercut everyone. As has been rumored for a week now, and confirmed by Motorola, the Moto X will be the first to allow user customization. The specifics of the types of customizations haven't been revealed, but early reports indicate that customers will be able to choose a couple of colors for the phone and even preload wallpapers. The specs at this point, point to a mid-range type of device, but we're starting to hear rumors that the phone may be setup differently than traditional phones. While the phone will use a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, we've been told by a couple of sources that Motorola has figured out a way to use multiple cores to power different parts of the phone. While that doesn't exactly make much sense on paper, I wouldn't doubt it if they worked some engineering tricks and will surprise us during its unveiling. To read up on everything we know about the Moto X thus far, you'll want to read this post. Via: Wall Street Journal

Vote for Next Flip Cover Color and Get 25% Off at Samsung's Accessory Store

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:12:28 +0000

Samsung is currently letting the public choose the next color of their Flip Cover accessory for the Galaxy S4, while also letting them get a sweet deal on a new accessory. By completing the survey, folks are entered into winning a new Galaxy S4, plus get a 25% off code for the Samsung accessory web store. Don't pass that deal up. The code can apparently be used on whatever accessory you choose, so go have some fun. Go fill out the survey here and get your discount code. Cheers Andrew!

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition Unboxing and Overview

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 14:53:49 +0000

Over the weekend, we took our first look at the HTC One Google Play Edition, promising that we'd do something similar with the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE once we had it. Well, the time has come, and the device is in house. As is typical when we receive most devices, we thought we'd do a quick unboxing and then get right down to the comparisons between the Google Play Edition and the regular TouchWiz'd Galaxy S4. In the video below, you'll see that the phone really is nothing more than a normal Galaxy S4 that's running stock Android 4.2.2. The hardware specs are all identical, but all of the Samsung enhancements are gone, including the fancy Airview apps, camera modes, and gestures. It almost feels like you are being a bit cheated after forking out $650. But then again, isn't this what we've been asking for - a flagship device that runs stock Android and receives timely updates? We'll spend more time with the device over the coming weeks and will hopefully have some answers to that question. In the mean time, enjoy.

Unboxing and Overview

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Fh1BbdBE8[/youtube]

Gallery

Here is Google's New Google Maps Commercial, Please Rock Out

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:09:14 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVg7hx3srzo[/youtube]

The new Google Maps v7.0 was released last night. It's awesome. This is the new commercial. Detroit Rock City.

Google Chrome Catches Up to Beta With New Update - Introduces Google Translate, Fullscreen on Tablets

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:04:55 +0000

Back in May, Google Chrome Beta for Android updated to include the ability to take advantage of Google Translate on web pages not in your native tongue. Today, the stable version of Chrome received a similar update, along with fullscreen browsing on tablets and a new user interface for right-to-left languages. The update - as usual these days - appears to be staged, so you may or may not be able to download it from the Play store at this time. What's new:

Fullscreen on tablets - Scroll to hide the toolbar
Google Translate - Look for translation bar when reading web pages in other languages
New user interface for right-to-left (RTL) languages, including Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew

Play Link

T-Mobile Announces "JUMP!" as New Phone Upgrade Policy, Lights Up 116th LTE Market, Intros Sony Xperia Z

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 12:16:02 +0000

T-Mobile is still on stage in New York at the time of writing this, unveiling all sorts of new company initiatives, but since the press release for it all has already gone live, let's talk about it. We've got four big things to discuss: their new JUMP! phone upgrade policy, the launch of their 116th 4G LTE market, a new family option, and the release of the Sony Xperia Z on their network. In terms of JUMP!, we're looking at a $10 per month charge per phone that allows you to upgrade your phone whenever you'd like (sort of) and protects against malfunction, damage, loss or theft. You can upgrade phones using T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Program (EIP) twice every 12 months after you have been a part of JUMP for six months. All you have to do is trade in your previous phone in "good working condition" at any store. If you have remaining payments on that phone, they will be wiped out, since you'll likely add on a new payment plan when you buy a new phone. New phones will be purchased at the same price as new customers. On the 4G LTE front, T-Mobile announced today that they are now live in 116 metropolitan areas, reaching 157 million people across the country. They were initially expecting to hit 100 million people by this point, but as the numbers suggest, they have crushed that goal. By the end of the year, they are expecting to be in more than 200 metropolitan areas, and covering more than 200 million people. T-Mobile also announced a new "breakthrough" family option for their customers. This new plan gives families with four lines of unlimited talk, text and web (up to 500MB of high-speed data) for $100 per month. There is no credit check or annual contract. And finally, T-Mobile announced that they are now carrying the Sony Xperia Z. The device will launch on July 17 for $99 down, but if you pre-order it on July 16, they'll toss in a free Sony Bluetooth speaker as a gift. If you don't feel like waiting until July 16, you can purchase the Xperia Z from 38 different Sony stores as early as today.

More info about JUMP! can be found at T-Mobile's site.

T-Mobile Announces Boldest Moves Yet as America's Un-carrier

- Unveils JUMP!(TM) - a groundbreaking approach to more frequent phone upgrades - Rapidly expands 4G LTE network to cover 157 million people in 116 metro areas - Launches four-line family plan for $100 per month
NEW YORK - July 10, 2013 - T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) isn't resting after turning the industry upside down with its "Un-carrier" approach to wireless earlier this year. It's picking up the pace and continuing to revolutionize wireless for consumers. At an event in New York today, America's Un-carrier announced a groundbreaking new program, JUMP!(TM), which enables people to upgrade their phones when they want, up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment. "At some point, big wireless companies made a decision for you that you should have to wait two years to get a new phone for a fair price. That's 730 days of waiting. 730 days of watching new phones come out that you can't have. Or having to live with a cracked screen or an outdated camera," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US. "We say two years is just too long to wait. Today, we're changing all that with the launch of JUMP! Now, customers never have to worry about being stuck with the wrong phone. And, yes - it's really as good as it sounds." In addition to JUMP!, T-Mobile today announced a major expansion of its 4G LTE network to reach 157 million people in 116 metro areas across the United States. The company also unveiled a program enabling families to get four phone lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month - with no credit check or annual service contract required. Today's news builds on months of momentum since T-Mobile announced a series of bold moves in March. The announcements included dramatically simplifying its lineup of consumer rate plans to one affordable plan for unlimited talk, text and Web on a nationwide network; eliminating the need for consumers to sign annual service contracts; and enabling customers to get popular smartphones whenever they want for amazingly low upfront pricing. Since then, market data indicates the company has nearly tripled its flow of postpaid net-new customers from AT&T and shows T-Mobile gaining more net-new customers in May than each of the other major wireless carriers in New York; Los Angeles; Houston; the San Francisco Bay Area; Miami; San Diego; and Washington, D.C. An Easy "JUMP" to Phone Upgrades JUMP! from T-Mobile is designed to provide customers with total protection for one of their prized possessions: their smartphones. It offers the freedom to upgrade to a new device more affordably and protects against malfunction, damage, loss or theft - all for just $10 per month, per phone (plus taxes and fees). That's just $2 more than most customers have been paying for handset protection alone. Beginning Sunday, July 14, customers can choose to upgrade when they want, not when they're told with JUMP! Here's how it works: Customers can upgrade to a new phone, financed through T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Program (EIP), twice every 12 months after they've been in the JUMP! program for six months. Simply trade in an eligible T-Mobile phone in good working condition at a participating store location. Any remaining EIP payments will be eliminated, and current customers can purchase new phones for the same upfront pricing as new customers, with device financing and Simple Choice Plan, a no-annual-service contract. With JUMP!, current customers never pay more for their new phones than new customers.1 T-Mobile's 4G LTE Network Rapidly Expanding Having a great device means little without a fantastic network supporting it, so T-Mobile is also moving at incredible speed to make its already lightning-fast network even better and faster for customers. Today, T-Mobile announced that its 4G LTE network now reaches 157 million people across the United States - far exceeding the company's stated midyear goal of reaching 100 million people - and is live in 116 metropolitan areas. Major metropolitan areas where T-Mobile's 4G LTE network service has launched include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, and many others. The company debuted 4G LTE less than four months ago. T-Mobile remains on target to deliver nationwide 4G LTE network coverage by the end of the year, reaching 200 million people in more than 200 metropolitan areas. In addition, T-Mobile's 4G HSPA+ network service is available to 228 million people nationwide. By combining 4G HSPA+ and LTE network technologies, T-Mobile can provide customers with a strong, seamless nationwide 4G network experience. Launching Breakthrough Family Option with No Credit Checks T-Mobile today is also extending its Un-carrier strategy to families by addressing a huge customer headache: being denied premium family-plan rates because of less-than-premium credit. Beginning July 14, families can get four Simple Choice Plan lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month (plus taxes and fees) - no credit check and no annual service contract required. An average of one in three consumers who apply for wireless service do not have strong enough credit to qualify for the best wireless rates, according to industry data. Other customers prefer to avoid the hassle of a credit check. As a result, these customers may forego service from a top provider or purchase several prepaid lines. But with T-Mobile, all families can now access a great multi-line deal with no credit check. Simply put down a deposit (roughly equivalent to one month's bill) to get the same incredible multi-line rates and network experience as other customers. The Simple Choice Plan has been wildly popular with families since its introduction in March. About 80 percent of customers who have signed up for the plan have opted for multiple lines. Continues to Expand 4G LTE Device Lineup T-Mobile also is quickly growing its premium lineup of 4G LTE-capable devices. Today, the company announced pricing and availability for three new devices, bringing its portfolio to nine 4G LTE-capable smartphones. The new devices include the following:

Xperia® Z from Sony. T-Mobile will be the exclusive U.S. wireless company to offer Sony's flagship water-resistant Android(TM)-powered smartphone to customers this summer.2 The Xperia Z will be available for $99.99 down, with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com starting July 17. On July 16, customers can also pre-order the device online from the same website and receive a free Sony Wireless Bluetooth Speaker gift with purchase (while supplies last). Customers may also purchase the device beginning today at any of the 38 U.S. Sony Store locations, including the flagship store in New York, or online at www.Sony.com/xperiaz/tmobile and will be eligible to receive the free Sony speaker as a gift with purchase (while supplies last).

Nokia Lumia 925. Also starting July 17, T-Mobile's first 4G LTE Windows Phone will be available for $49.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com.

Samsung Galaxy Tab(TM) 2 10.1. T-Mobile will provide current Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 users with an over-the-air software update that will enable customers to take advantage of T-Mobile's 4G LTE network in the coming weeks. Well-qualified customers may also purchase the device with the 4G LTE capability for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $15 for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com today.

JUMP! may not be available in all locations. See your sales associate at participating T-Mobile retail stores, or go to http://www.T-Mobile.com for details. For more information, fact sheets, artwork and other collateral materials, see 's-un-carrier-2-0-event. 1 Device pricing may vary based on approved credit. 2 As of Feb. 4, 2013, outside of Japan there are no smartphones with a waterproof rating higher than the Sony Xperia Z/ZL. For more information on Strategy Analytics results, go to http//:www.sonymobile.com/testresults. 3 If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Not available in Washington, D.C. About T-Mobile US, Inc.: As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: "TMUS") is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The company's advanced nationwide 4G and 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences for customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile US operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. It currently serves approximately 43 million wireless subscribers and provides products and services through 70,000 points of distribution. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Isis Mobile Wallet Will Give You $100 Amazon Gift Card If You Add a Credit Card to Your Account

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:51:39 +0000

Isis Mobile Wallet - the join venture between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile that is the reason you can't have Google Wallet - is still not currently available to the masses because it's still being tested in select markets. But, should you be in one of those select markets (or if you convinced Verizon to send you an NFC SIM) and are using the app, then we wanted to make sure you were aware that a current promo running through the app could land you a $100 Amazon gift card. According to promo emails going out to customers who have "activated an Isis Mobile Wallet," all you need to do is add a "participating" credit card to your account and they will hook you up with a $100 Amazon gift card. Sounds super simple. I would attempt to test it myself, but my RAZR HD is rooted and unlocked, which means Isis will not work on my device. Should you have a non-rooted (and supported) Isis device, you may want to activate the app and add a card, just to get yourself $100.

Cheers R!

Live Blog: T-Mobile's "Boldest Moves Yet" Event

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:15:36 +0000

Well, since T-Mobile might be announcing some interesting new ideas for the wireless industry at their "Boldest Moves Yet" event today, we figured we should get in on the fun. We are not at the event, but thanks to the Internet, we can watch from the comforts of our homes/offices and keep you all up to snuff on what it is they have in store. Earlier today, word spread quickly across the web that T-Mo is looking to intro a new plan called, Jump. Jump will allow customers to upgrade their existing devices whenever and however often they choose. No more two year waiting periods. That could certainly change things up a bit, yeah? Down below we have a link to the live feed of the event and a place for you all to chat and discuss their announcements below on this lovely Wednesday. Let's have some fun!

Crazy Taxi Motors onto Android, Charges You $4.99 for the Ride

Eric — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:04:33 +0000

"Transport back to 2000" is the promise that SEGA is making to us by releasing the Dreamcast classic, Crazy Taxi, out on Android today. Anyone who owned a game console or walked into an arcade in 2000 knows what Crazy Taxi is. The game puts you in the shoes of an over-the-top cab driver who breaks almost every law in the traffic book to get their passenger to their destination as fast as possible. The game features Arcade mode for shorter playtimes or Original mode to let you play for a little bit longer. SEGA has optimized the game for today's mobile processors and screens, while also adding in two different control modes. You can either steer by touch, or by turning your tablet/smartphone like a steering wheel. Throwing in new mini-games and the ability to listen to your own music playlists while driving, SEGA hopes to justify the $4.99 price tag that this app comes with. If you are looking to relive the old classic though, hit the link below and brush up on your driving skills. Play Link ($4.99) [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd18NGVmeuc[/youtube]

LG Optimus G Pro on AT&T Gets Value Pack Update

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:30:30 +0000

AT&T's version of the LG Optimus G Pro is receiving its "Value Pack" update today, bringing it up to speed with the international variant of the phone. The update includes innovative features like Smart Video (pauses and resumes as you look away or back), Dual Camera (snap photos with both cameras simultaneously), custom LED colors for the home button LED, and more. The update is available to all AT&T customers who own the device. To grab the update head into Settings>Genera>About phone>Software update>Update Now. Details of the Value Pack:

New Tools:

Smart Video intelligently recognizes the position of a user's eyes, automatically pausing the video when the user looks away and then restarting it once they resume active viewing.

Dual Camera, an extension of the Dual Recording feature, lets users simultaneously capture photos of the subject and the shooter using both the front and back cameras for a picture-in-picture composition, so both sides of an experience are snapped and saved.

Pause & Resume Recording allows user to pause video in record mode and then restart the recording to create one continuous video file.

Enhanced Quick Remote Function:

Magic Remote Pad is designed to work with LG Smart TVs released in 2012 and after, allowing for smoother, more intuitive navigation.

Text Keypad transforms LG Optimus G Pro into a convenient input device for LG Smart TVs.

New and improved communication and notification functions:

The HomeButton LED now also gives users the ability to customize alerts as well as the LED color of notifications from their favorite contacts.

Additionally, users can now select from 800 color emoticons when texting or emailing.

Check out the video below to see the new features in action:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrJ9HKhfSgU[/youtube]

Infinite Flight Released to Google Play, $5 for Some Top Notch Flight Simulation

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:03:55 +0000

This week on Google Play, one of the top flight simulator apps for mobile devices, Infinite Flight, finally launched to Android. From the boom in sales and positive feedback, I'd say it's safe to say that this is a good one. For $5, the app features 27 different aircrafts to choose from, as well as the ability to fly around all major airports with accurate runway and taxiway layouts. There are a ton of features that I know nothing about, so go give it a look over and get to flying. Play Link ($4.99) [youtube]http://youtu.be/dzSR6iLqdPk[/youtube] Cheers David!

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S4 Now Receiving OTA Update (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:41:13 +0000

The update for Verizon's variant of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is receiving an over-the-air (OTA) update this morning. We are still waiting for Big Red to publish the changelog, but are assuming that it's the same update that was available yesterday via desktop upgrade assistant. The update includes apps-to-SD support, and also patches the previous bootloader and root exploits. So if you are into hacking your device, I'd try to put this one off if you can. As soon as we have more details, we'll update this post. To grab the update, head into Settings>More>About phone>Software update>Check new. Update: The update is identical to the update that went live yesterday:

Cheers Bill, @cjohnson481, @brownsfan88, @knowles79, @Ty101691, @JustinL81and everyone else!

T-Mobile to Launch 'Jump' Device Unlimited Upgrade Plan

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:27:10 +0000

T-Mobile has a press event scheduled today, but the announcements they have in store are pretty much already known. The highlight of the show is definitely going to be the introduction of Jump, an unlimited device upgrade plan that will allow T-Mo customers to upgrade their current handset at "new customer pricing" whenever they want, as much as they want. According to previous reports, customers might have to pay an additional monthly fee to enroll in the service, but details on that are still unconfirmed. When signed up, a customer will no longer have to wait two years or for whenever their upgrade date is reached, allowing phone addicts to always have the best device on the market, if that is something they want. On the contrary, both AT&T and Verizon recently switched to a more strict 24 month upgrade eligibility plan for their customers, as well as removing customer's NE2 credits. All of the details will be known once the event goes live today at 2:30PM EST, 11:30AM PST. Via: The Verge | @zpower

Leaked DROID MAXX and ULTRA Ads Hint at 48 Hour Battery Life and August 8 Release

Tim — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 08:43:08 +0000

There is no doubt that when a new DROID is launching on Verizon, the nation's largest carrier makes darn sure that everyone is aware. The upcoming DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX are clearly not going to be an exception, as leaked commercial storyboards have since been found posted on the web. Filled with speed boats and tropical islands, each commercial highlights a specific feature of their respective devices, two of which should have battery life advocates very happy. During the DROID MAXX commercial, it states that the device has "48 hours of worry-free battery life." Yep, two full days. Verizon's previous battery champ, the RAZR MAXX HD, sported 32 hours of talk time battery life, so it's clear that Moto was able to fit one beast of a power source in there.

Up next is the ULTRA. In this storyboard, Verizon highlights voice actions found on the device, showcasing a man telling his phone, "Hello Moto, Open Spotify. Play Coltrane Mix." Then, Blue Train begins playing. What makes the ULTRA ad stand apart is that there is specific date posted on this one, 8-8-13 (August 8, 2013). It's not an official date from Verizon, but it could be a safe bet to at least pencil in the date if you were hoping to pick it up. Which one are you leaning more towards? Via: Android Central [2]

Entire New DROID Family Poses Together: ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 08:37:55 +0000

Thanks once again to @evleaks, we now have the pictures of the entire new Motorola DROID family that is headed to Verizon. From left to right you are looking at the DROID Mini (first picture of it), DROID ULTRA, and the battery beast known as the DROID MAXX. As we sort of expected, this whole new family really just looks like a remake of last year's DROID line that featured the RAZR HD and RAZR M. In terms of specs for each, it's all still a mystery, though we have a feeling that could change at any moment. The ULTRA and MAXX are rumored to have 5-inch 1080p displays and 10MP cameras, but the Mini details have yet to surface. Newly leaked story boards from a marketing agency who likely has the contract on these new Motorola devices show the MAXX as having 2-day battery life and the ULTRA potentially launching on August 8. Via: @evleaks

RAZR HD and RAZR M Updates Fix the Kernel Exploit for Unlocking Bootloaders

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 07:51:05 +0000

Normally, we like to see software updates to our favorite phones because they tend to fix bugs and bring other enhancements that make them more stable or usable. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case this time around with the new updates for the RAZR HD and RAZR M that were approved yesterday by Verizon. While they do improve GPS and eliminate random power cycles, they also aim to patch the kernel exploit that Dan Rosenberg used to unlock the bootloaders of each. In fact, in the changelog, there is a line that reads "ARM Trust Zone Security fix (Kernel exploit allows bootloader unlock)." So, if you have yet to unlock your device (instructions), now would be the time to do it. For those who have already unlocked, I was under the impression that a phone couldn't be relocked afterwards, but you'll have to refer to the security specialists in the building on that one. As always with OTA updates, proceed with caution.

The update should start rolling out to devices today.

FYI: Offline Maps Saved by Typing "OK Maps" in Google Maps, Latitude Retires August 9

Kellen — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 07:11:40 +0000

Moments after the new Google Maps v7.0 went live last night, the cries of "Where is Latitude!" and "What happened to offline maps?" spread throughout the internet crowds. Since Google had yet to push out a blog post detailing the new features of Google Maps prior to releasing the update, you can imagine that we were all scrambling and concerned. Now that a post has been issued, we have two bits of news - one good, one bad. Offline maps are indeed still there, but Latitude will retire on August 9. In order to save a map for offline viewing, all you have to do is bring the area you would like to save into view, and then type "OK Maps" in the search box, press enter, and it will save the map for you (pictured above). Depending on the size of the map and your connection, it should take only a few seconds to save. We should mention that the My Maps section of Google Maps is not in this release, but Google assures us that it will arrive shortly. In terms of Latitude, you should have seen this coming. Latitude service will officially shut down on August 9, as Google is pushing users over to Google+ and their Locations feature. That's unfortunate for those of you who do not use G+, but that's where we stand. Here are the rest of the new highlight features from Google's announcement of Maps:

Explore: Explore is a fast and easy way to visually browse and discover new places without even typing. Simply tap the search box and you’ll see cards showing great places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.

Enhanced navigation: In addition to current traffic conditions, we’ve added two new features to help you navigate around traffic. You can now see reports of problems on the road that you can tap to see incident details. While on the road, Google Maps will also alert you if a better route becomes available and reroute you to your destination faster. This feature is available only on Android and is coming soon to iOS.

Designed for tablets: A dedicated tablet design brings all the features of this new app to Android tablets and iPads, which makes exploring the world from the comfort of your living room much more fluid, smooth and fun.

Reviews, Zagat and Offers: There’s a new 5.0 star rating system that gives you a quick read on how your friends and others rate places like restaurants, bars and cafes. For an expert’s opinion, the Zagat badge of excellence and curated lists are integrated into search results so you can quickly spot the very best places. From “Best Restaurants to meet for a drink in NYC” to “Best Restaurants in the Mission” in San Francisco, Zagat’s there to help you uncover the local gems.

Via: Google Lat Long | Google Support

New Google Maps 7.0.0 Goes Live in Google Play, Here is the New UI We Saw at Google I/O

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 21:24:11 +0000

Remember the new Google Maps app for Android that we saw previewed back at Google I/O? It went live this evening for both phones and tablets! Well sort of. As is typical since I/O, Google is using their staged rollout method of releasing app updates, so there is a pretty damn good chance that you can't download it yet. Sucks, right? But anyways, the new Maps is here! We have only spent a couple of minutes with it, but the differences are noticeable almost immediately. You now have a much more open main map screen that gives you the opportunity to view more at all times. To access some of your favorite options (like bicycling, satellite, or traffic), you can swipe from the left on the tiny menu button tucked in the bottom left hand corner. But if you want to make a quick search or pull up nearby locations, feel free to tap in the search bar located at the top. If you want to get even more detailed, or want directions, tap the little directional icon that is situated in the search box. Those are just some of the changes we are noticing up front, but there will likely be more tricks tucked inside this massive update. Feel free to share your findings in the comments! Here is the changelog:

New design for Android phones and tablets
Enhanced navigation including live traffic updates, incident reports and dynamic rerouting
Explore: A new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep

Play Link Note: If you can't find it live in Google Play, feel free to stop by this link (mirror). Unfortunately, those links may only work for 4.2+. According to Google Play, you have to be running Android 4.0.3+ in order to install this from Google Play. Update: As many have pointed out in the comments, ~~Offline maps are now gone after the update~~, and that is incredibly unfortunate. Latitude is also gone, but that's likely because it is a part of Google+ now. Update 2: Google has finally posted an announcement of the new Maps v7.0 with news of offline maps (they are still there!) and Latitude. Cheers Dave!

Newegg Updates Android App, Brings Personalized Homepage and Push Notifications

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:34:58 +0000

For fans of the online tech retailer, Newegg, you can go grab the newest version of their Android application through Google Play. For version 3.0, Newegg set out to bring a completely new look and feel for the app, allowing users to personalize their homescreen with specific listings, as well as the ability to set push notifications for certain products. Now you can easily keep track of that sweet monitor you've been wanting for the house. On top of that, you can now use gift cards for your purchases, so that's also a major plus. Full changelog is down below. What's New:

Create a personalized Home Page – set your own updates, etc.
Customize Push Notifications.
Add Price Alert.
Use Gift Cards for Purchases.
We will acquire access to your camera and phone calls so that you could scan barcode and click to call our customer service in a more convenient way.

Go grab it through Google Play right now. Play Link

Video: LG G2 Performs for the World in Quick 1-Minute Clip

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:37:45 +0000

Earlier today, the new LG G2 found its way into a handful of clear pictures, showing off a big, beautiful edge-to-edge display with on-screen navigation buttons. We also got a look at the phone's unique Power and Volume button setup, which happens to be on the back of the device underneath the camera lens. Overall though, the set of pictures showed an impressive looking phone that even non-LG fans should get at least a little excited over. But if those photos weren't enough, this 1-minute clip of the device in action should help. Thanks to YouTube channel 4Leakz, we get a quick tour of the G2 that includes an unlock with the rear back button, navigation through screens, a look at the model number (Android 4.2.2 on board too), and interaction with those on-screen navigation keys, which appear to float thanks to their transparent background. It's snappy, as one would expect with that Snapdragon 800 on board. Come on, you have to be impressed, right?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRtCJmcw-6A[/youtube]

Verizon's HTC One Finally Stops by the FCC

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:14:39 +0000

Hey look, Verizon's HTC One finally taking a step closer to becoming a reality! The device, which we are expecting "later this summer," stopped by the FCC today showing off CDMA, GSM, and LTE radios. Of course, the only LTE band tested was Big Red's band 13, but the GSM radios could lead to it being global ready. There is also a mention of the model number HTC6500LVW which was the dead giveaway. I guess now we sit back and wait for Verizon to tell us when they plan on unleashing this beast. Since it's through the FCC, it technically should be all ready to go. Then again, further ~~extensively painful and ridiculously unnecessary~~ testing is probably needed, just like with all of their phones. The Galaxy S4 launched a full month on Verizon after it did on all other carriers - they've clearly broken that record with the One.

Via: FCC | Blog of Mobile Cheers Sean and Tony!

You Can Now Make Calls in Google Hangouts, Continues to be the Future of Google Voice

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:42:05 +0000

This afternoon, Google announced that making calls through Hangouts will go live over the next couple of days. Since the move from Google Talk to Hangouts happened shortly after Google I/O, we've been anxiously awaiting the return of calling through Gmail. To make up for the wait, Google has gone ahead and made calling "better than before." When the new calling goes live, calls to the U.S. and Canada will be free from "all countries where Hangouts calling is available." International calling will remain as cheap as ever. They also improved the desktop calling experience by allowing you to add multiple phone numbers and video participants to the same call. For those familiar with video Hangouts, the sound and Google effects are there as well. See the top image to get an idea of how that will work. To make calls (once the service is live), you'll see a new phone icon in Gmail or a new "Call a phone" menu in Google+ and the Hangouts Chrome extension (all pictured below).

On a last note, Google reminded us today that "Hangouts is designed to be the future of Google Voice." They didn't mention Android or the Google Voice app anywhere in the announcement, but if calling has come to Gmail, G+, and Chrome, we'll keep our fingers crossed for it arriving before long on mobile. Via: Official Gmail Blog

Device Gallery of LG G2 Hits the Web, Extremely Thin and Unique Design Incoming (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:29:48 +0000

With LG's press event for early next month, we still have a little bit of time before the above pictured device, the G2, is official unveiled. Thanks to Engadget who recently got ahold of some nice pictures of the device, we now know exactly what we are in for. From what we saw in a previous press render leak, the device is ultra thin. So thin in fact that the volume rocker and power button have been placed on the device's backside, allowing for some serious cuts in dimensions. Beyond that, we can see LG has been working hard on their custom UI, throwing in on-screen navigation buttons and ridding themselves of those capacitive buttons that no one seems to be a fan of (at least many of us). One touch that we are really excited to see is the transparency changes between apps, as shown in the home screen image and the camera application image. Very nice touch. You'll find dual speakers along the bottom side of the device and there is a nicely sized camera lens as well. From what we have heard about the specs department, LG isn't slouching on that either. The G2 will to sport the new Snapdragon 800 chip, 2GB of RAM and a lovely 1080p display that could push 5-inches. The phone pictured is running on Sprint's network with Android 4.2.2. Update: A video of the device in action can be seen here. Let us know what you think - fan of the volume rocker placement or any other thoughts on the G2?

Via: Engadget

AT&T Tells Us to "Get Ready for What's Next in Wireless" on July 16

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:20:46 +0000

AT&T has something planned for July 16, at least that's what a new teaser image that arrived in our inbox states. It doesn't necessarily claim that an event is on the horizon, only that we should "get ready for what's next in wireless." That could mean an announcement of new LTE markets, new phones (maybe the Moto X?), a music service in partnership with Beats Audio (yes, that's a rumor floating around out there), or something completely out of the ordinary like AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega figuring out that he can shave wirelessly without having his electric razor plugged into the wall. Until we hear more, feel free to make to get creative in the comment with guesses.

DROID RAZR M Receiving Update to 98.16.3 and 98.18.78 - Same Deal as the RAZR HD Update

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:13:43 +0000

Update: For some reason, Verizon is pushing out two different builds of 98.16.3 and 98.18.78. We aren't sure what is different, but should we find out we will update the post. The RAZR HD isn't the only device seeing a Google Security patch, SMS fixes, and GPS enhancements - the DROID RAZR M is joining the party. The new update that was approved by Verizon this afternoon, brings the phone up to build 98.16.3. As I just mentioned, this update is almost identical to the update that was just approved for the RAZR HD and MAXX HD. It even includes new Backup Assistant and SmartActions apps. Full details in the image above - the update will likely rollout within the next week. The update is 50MB in size. More info.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 Finally Launches, Although It's a Soft Launch in Australia and New Zealand

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:37:10 +0000

Could Plants vs. Zombies 2 be the next Duke Nukem Forever? Sure, they haven't been developing the game for more than a decade or anything, but with all of these delays and soft launches, it sort of feels like it. Today, PopCap's Sr. Producer Allen Murray, took to the company's blog to announce the availability or lack thereof of their upcoming mega title. The game has technically launched, but it's a soft launch that is taking place in only Australia and New Zealand. Yeah, that's kind of a bummer for anyone who has been waiting for this sequel since earlier this year. What gives, PopCap? Why no U.S. love yet?

The goals of this focused launch are twofold: First, it’s to test our back-end server capacity to make sure we are ready and capable of handling the traffic of our players worldwide. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to be connected to play, we just want to make sure everyone can get the game.) Second, it’s an opportunity for us to test at scale how our players play the game as well as how they interact with our store.

Oh, well I guess that makes sense. We will do our best to keep you posted on the game's launch here in America. Via: PopCap

DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD Receiving Update to 9.20.1 and 9.18.79 - Fixes Bugs, Includes Google Security Patch

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:30:34 +0000

Update: For some reason, Verizon is now pushing out two different builds of 9.20.1 and 9.18.79. We aren't sure why, but should we find out we'll update the post. A new update for the the Motorola DROID RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD has been approved by Verizon as build 9.20.1. It appears to be nothing more than a bug fixer, rather than the 4.2.2 update we were hoping for. In the update, users will find new versions of SmartActions and Backup Assistant. Outside of those new goodies, Motorola appears to have patched a bunch of SMS bugs, enhanced GPS and Bluetooth, and patched a security exploit. The update is 50MB in size. Typically when we see updates approved by Verizon, they begin to rollout within a week or so. We'll keep you posted. More info.

Video: Samsung Shows Off Future of Wearable Technology and Mobile Phones

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 11:37:36 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/PiYolKRuY7Q[/youtube]

At MobileBeat, Samsung's Young Sohn took the stage and showed off the following video, detailing the company's take on what the future could look like for smartphones and wearable technology. The video details new flexible display technology, plus a wearable sensor that emits waves into your body, allowing for non-intrusive checks of your blood. Hard to believe that this is the path we are on currently. Feel free to wach the video and then throw your thoughts down below. As for the device they show off, I am loving that, but am less enthusiastic for the wave-emitting sensor. Still a little creepy to me, but it could be a major turn on for others. Via: All Things D

HP Drops Slate 7 Lineup Price by $30, Now Just $140 for 8GB and $170 for 16GB

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 11:00:33 +0000

HP recently dropped the price for both of the Slate 7 devices in the Android-powered Slate lineup, bringing the total prices to a low $140 for the 8GB model and $170 for the 16GB variant. $30 across the board. Whether this move is to spark some movement in inventory or to make room on something else, it's a buyer's market out there in terms of tablet. The Slate 7 devices come shipped with Android 4.1, are powered by a 1.6GHz dual-core processor, sport a 7" 1024 x 600 display (unfortunate) and host 1GB of RAM. They are weak in terms of specs, but with that price point, it is what it is. If you're interested, you can grab one from the via link below. Via: HP Cheers Kurt!

SanDisk Launches Waterproof "Extreme" microSDHC UHS-I Card in 16GB to 64GB

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:30:30 +0000

With internal device storage being taken up by larger operating systems, bloated with tons of proprietary software, the need for a good SD card has really never been higher. Unless you are spending more cash to buy a device with higher storage, investing in an SD card is a good way to store your important pictures, videos and files, allowing you to take them wherever you go. This week, SanDisk announced another line of cards, the Extreme microSDHC UHS-I cards. The UHS stands for Ultra High Speed. The Extreme line isn't necessarily new, but the the sizes are what should excite some folks. Previously, these were only available in 8 and 16GB options. The new cards come in sizes of 16GB all the way up to 64GB, capable of read speeds of up to 80MBs and write speeds of 50MBs. While the tech specs are impressive all by themselves SanDisk spared little expense in making the Extreme line just that, extreme. The card itself is waterproof for up to 72 hours in 1m of salt water, while also being shockproof and X-Ray proof. SanDisk was kind enough to send us over one of the new Extreme microSD cards, so be on the lookout for a writeup after we spend some time with it putting it through the paces. [youtube]http://youtu.be/KX1YUwa3840[/youtube] Via: SanDisk

AT&T's Galaxy S4 Also Receiving 357MB Update (Updated: Includes Apps to SD)

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 09:55:06 +0000

This appears to be the week of updates for U.S. variants of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Sprint kicked things off with an update yesterday that included apps-to-SD along with Samsung's KNOX security solution. Then today, Verizon's variant of the phone is showing an update as well, which we were able to install via PC software installer. It too includes apps-to-SD support and what we can only assume is KNOX, since the update was substantial in size. We're still downloading the update, but are assuming it's similar to both those that hit Sprint and Verizon's Galaxy S4 models. We'll update this post as we have more. To grab the update, head into Settings>More>About device>Software update. We were told that the Verizon update from earlier patches root and swaps out the bootloader, so proceed with caution. Update: It does indeed include apps-to-SD and more than likely prepares it for KNOX use.

Samsung's UAProf Reportedly Confirms Galaxy Note 3's Existence

Tim — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 09:31:15 +0000

According to Samsung's own UAProf (User Agent Profile), the Galaxy Note 3 does in fact exist internally. Of course we haven't had any type of confirmation from Samsung itself, but the list of rumors and expected announcement dates have been fueling the Note 3's fire for quite some time. Was there ever a chance the device wouldn't come to fruition? No, not really. Not only is the name "confirmed," but the device's display resolution is also mentioned, weighing in at a lovely 1080 x 1920. Yep, full HD on this one. In addition, there is mention of an ARM11 CPU and the model name SM-N9ooA. Since history tends to repeat itself, most people have the announcement of the Galaxy Note 3 pegged for sometime during this year's IFA, just a few short months away in September. Is this the device you have been waiting for this year? Via: SamMobile

Rovio Releasing New Game Tiny Thief This Thursday, Like a Physics Style Medieval Action Adventure Story

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 09:12:21 +0000

On July 11 (this Thursday), Rovio will release their newest Rovio Stars game called Tiny Thief. The preview for the new title shows a cartoonish medieval action adventure type game, that may have some physics-based puzzles along the way. You play as a tiny thief or mini-Friar Tuck, who completes tasks throughout levels while avoiding capture. There are robots (what?), candy stores, bears in cages, dragons breathing fire, pirates, knives, and more. It actually looks like it might be quite enjoyable. We'll be sure to remind you when it goes live.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-hV0RaqcGI[/youtube]

Reminder: Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Editions Ship Today!

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 08:02:56 +0000

If you pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One Google Play Editions, then your orders should have shipped this morning - ours did. And actually, we chose 2-day shipping, but UPS is showing that they arrive tomorrow. So if you did pre-order and upgraded the shipping, there is a chance you'll have them in one day. For those who had yet to decide or were holding out for more info, we'll have that for you shortly. In the mean time, be sure to check out our first impressions of the HTC One Google Play Edition, which we received over the weekend. Anyone order either device?

Here is our hands-on of the One GPE from this weekend:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWUERPEFw50[/youtube]

New Software Update VRUAME7 Available for Verizon's Galaxy S4 Through Desktop Installer, Apps to SD Card Included

Kellen — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 07:47:23 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon has a new update available this morning, though the way to get it differs than the procedure you are probably most used to. Instead of being pushed over-the-air (OTA), Verizon is using a Software Upgrade Assistant through either Windows or MAC PC to install the update. Now, we noticed a mention of this tool on Big Red's site a week or so ago but assumed it was a placeholder for a future update. Boy were we wrong. We were able to attached our Verizon GS4 to a MAC this morning, find the drive that housed a VZW Installer app, launch that app, and then begin an upgrade process. The update is VRUAME7, and appears to be very large, as the update took a substantial amount of time to download and then install (probably 20+ minutes). For now, all we can tell is that the update allows for the notification bar to remain transparent on any wallpaper and that apps can be moved to the SD card. There is a chance that it also includes Samsung's KNOX security suite, which was recently a part of an OTA for Sprint's Galaxy S4. Verizon has yet to release an official changelog, so we're stuck digging for changes.

One reader of ours did lose root after updating, so be careful. There is also a new line in the "About phone" section that reads "Secure boot status, Type: Samsung," however, that could mean nothing for all we know. Update: We've been told that this permanently patches the previous root method, includes a new bootloader, and will (for the time being) make life hell for those who want root. If you wan't to keep your freedom, do not update yet. (More at this XDA thread.) Instructions for setting up the software update installer can be found here. Cheers Tae!

Floating Touch is Like Chat Heads But With Quick Toggles, App Shortcuts, and Other Tools

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 20:13:58 +0000

Facebook Home may be a massive bust in our eyes, but if there was one innovation that came out of that project, it's pretty clear that it was Chat Heads. We've already seen an app called Floating Notifications mimic the functionality by surfacing as a way to better manage notifications without having to access the notification shade. And of course, we all know that Paranoid Android's HALO was inspired by Facebook's floating messenger app. Tonight though, we have a new app to share that has attempted to tackle the floating app trend - it's called Floating Touch. Floating Touch doesn't go the notification route. Instead, it wants to be your floating-everywhere-all-in-one-tool that can open your favorite apps, toggle off or on WiFi or Bluetooth, wipe out tasks, and even lock your screen. It floats on your desktop as an icon that can be moved on the fly, only requiring a tap to access. You can customize up to eight slots in the app for free, but if you'd like to add layers, the premium version gives you even more power. Check out the video below to see all of its power - then give the free version a spin. Play Link

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWjjPh2cWfM[/youtube]

Quick Look: XGEAR Sentinel Tempered Glass Back Protector for Nexus 4

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:46:28 +0000

If you read Droid Life on any sort of regular basis, then you know that I'm not the biggest fan of LG's decision to go with glass on the back of the Nexus 4. In fact, I've broken two of them (one was an Optimus G) without knowing what happened. It's still a mystery to this day. But since I love this damn phone, even with its lack of LTE, I've been on a constant lookout for something to protect its backside that doesn't involve one of those terrible feeling plasticy, filmy, protectors (especially now that mine is white). The option now lives, thanks to our friends at XGEAR. The product is called the Sentinel 4.1 and is a tempered glass protector made specifically for the back of the Nexus 4. It's just .5mm thick, carries the same 8H hardness of their front screen protectors, and utilizes beveled edges to make it smooth to the touch. They also tossed on a special coating to help your phone resist finger prints, and provide cutouts for the camera, flash, and speaker. So none of your phone's features are affected, but you should have piece of mind that the original back glass plate won't break should you set it down. After using the Sentinel for a week, I can easily say that I'm a fan. It fits perfectly into the back slot of the Nexus 4, just inside the rubber rim. Once applied, it does add a slight thickness, but if anything, it helps the device feel more natural in hand. Rather than feeling the indentation of the backside, you'll now feel the glass back first thing. The camera still works fine, though the N4's was never that good to begin with. But most importantly, you won't be as scared to set your phone down on its back knowing that you have protection. It also feels like a high-end piece of glass and not some cheap piece of protective plastic. The Sentinel 4.1 runs $34.99, so by no means is it cheap. If you want protection though, you'll have to pay for it.

Gallery

Via: XGEAR ($34.99)

Explaining Motorola's New Line of Phones for Verizon: DROID ULTRA, MAXX, Mini, and Moto X

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:04:54 +0000

Over the last week or so, we have gone from being fully confused by the incoming line of Motorola phones on their way to Verizon to feeling like we have a pretty good grasp on the situation. And since a couple of readers asked that we try and help clarify it all, we thought we'd take a stab at explaining this unique situation. After all, we're talking about four new phones, all made by Motorola, headed to one carrier at what could end up being around the same time. Ready?

The Devices

Keep in mind that none of this is fully confirmed at this time since Motorola has yet to announce anything, but thanks to numerous leaks over the last week, this is what we know as of today. We will see four devices in total made by Motorola launch on Verizon within the next couple of months. We have the Moto X, DROID ULTRA, DROID MAXX, and DROID Mini. The Moto X is not a part of the DROID brand. There is a chance that they all launch around the same time, however, don't be surprised to see the Moto X launch first, with the DROID devices trickling out shortly after.

Moto X (XT1060, XT1058, XT1056, XT1055)

The Moto X is expected to be Motorola's first "hero" device of the year. Not only will it arrive on Verizon (XT1060), but also on other major carriers throughout the U.S. including AT&T (XT1058), Sprint (XT1056), and U.S. Cellular (XT1055). Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside said at the D11 conference that this phone will be assembled in Texas, anticipate your needs as you use it, arrive before "October," and be broadly distributed. Motorola's PR team confirmed to us that this phone will in fact arrive "late summer." Motorola launched a new marketing campaign just before July 4 for the device that started as a full-page newspaper ad, detailing their plans to allow you to customize your phone. Shortly after, ABC News reported that Moto will allow you to choose from a "palette" of colors for both the back plate and the front trim of the phone. You will also have the option to custom engrave a message on it, and even upload a wallpaper to have set as the default. We've already seen a number of different colored backs for the device in apparent leaks. In terms of specs, nothing is at all confirmed, but rumors peg the device as having a display in the 4.3-inch to 4.5-inch range at 720p resolution, 10MP rear camera (with an advanced sensor), 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, stock Android 4.2.2, and a 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. The Moto X (or at least a device very similar to it) was first leaked back in March and is pictured above. A rumor popped up at the end of last week, suggesting that Motorola and Google would unveil the Moto X at a private (and small) press gathering at Google's campus on July 10 and 11 of this week. Some even pointed to Moto's first ad for the device which showed a couple making an "X" and a "I" as representing the 11th of July and confirming this. A writer for Forbes was one of the press invited to the gathering (which is indeed taking place), but said that he was told by Guy Kawasaki (the organizer) to expect an actual press event later on and that this was more of a gathering of "close personal contacts." Kawasaki would not confirm whether or not the Moto X would be the topic. Also, a CNET reporter is claiming that the Moto X is not the subject for the meeting. So something is going down this week that may or may not involve the Moto X. Either way, there will likely be a separate and much more public event for the device later on. Edit: The Wall Street Journal has added some information to the saga, claiming that Motorola will spend upwards of $500 million to market the device. They are also reporting that the phone will hit all major U.S. carriers and have limited bloatware. They suspect that the pricing will match other flagships, meaning $199 on contract and $599 off. Edit 2: Eric Schmidt has now been photographed with the phone in white. We do not know when this phone is launching, but would guess that it could be out before the end of July or maybe even early August.

DROID ULTRA (XT1080, XT1080W, XT1080R)

Outside of the Moto X, which we still believe is headed to Verizon, Big Red and Motorola will also team up to introduce a new line of DROID phones similar to last year's RAZR HD and RAZR M. The first is the DROID ULTRA (pictured above). Specs are scarce, but one report claims that we should be looking at a 2013 flagship-type device with a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 processor, and 10MP camera (with advanced sensor). As you can see from the pictures of the phone, we're also going to see a fully kevlar-wrapped phone, with capacitive hardware navigation buttons, and a top-centered rear camera surrounded by a speaker. The device will come in three colors: black, white (picture), and red. No release info has even been suggested at this point, but with press renders and test devices already showing up, it shouldn't be long before this phone arrives.

DROID MAXX (XT1080M)

The DROID MAXX is the brother to the ULTRA in that it is likely nothing more than an ULTRA with a bigger battery (look at the model numbers). Just like what we saw last year with the RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD, the MAXX probably won't change in any sense other than that it will last longer on a single charge. Oh, the price will also probably increase by $50 or so thanks to that higher capacity. No word on a release for this either.

DROID Mini (XT1030)

The DROID Mini is the biggest mystery of them all, but we would guess that it'll be similar to the RAZR M, meaning it'll have decent specs without being considered a flagship. We're likely looking at great battery life, a decent camera, 720p display, and a small form factor (hence the name "Mini"). No pictures or rumors of a release date have surfaced yet.

Last Thoughts

At first thought, it struck me as being odd that Motorola would attempt to sell four different phones through Verizon at around the same time. But then an industry friend pointed out that AT&T currently sells around seven different Samsung phones, so the move wouldn't be all that shocking. I'd imagine that Verizon will leave the Moto X promotion up to Motorola though, and that their budget will be all about the new DROID line. So even if they are selling three new DROIDs and the Moto X at the same time, they will be advertised through completely different channels. So, all clear? Do you have enough info to start saving up for one in particular?

Refurbished Motorola "OG" DROID on Sale for Just $40 Through eBay

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:27:22 +0000

Ah, what a trip down memory lane looking at this phone induces. For me, the OG DROID from Motorola is what started it all and I am positive that I am not the only one. Many of us got our start in loving the green robot with the DROID, so here is a chance to pick up the most beloved Android device for just $40. The specs don't quite match up to any of 2013's flagships, as the 3.7" "high resolution" display, 5MP camera, Android 2.0+ (later upgraded to 2.2+) and 256MB of RAM seem a bit outdated. What a ways we have come since then! They are being sold seller refurbished, but for $40, you can't beat that deal. Via: eBay Cheers Scott!

Facebook Home Updated, Brings Folders to Home's Launcher

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 14:43:34 +0000

Facebook pushed out an update to Facebook Home today, allowing for users to place apps in folders through the launcher. According to Facebook, this was a feature that was highly requested, which doesn't surprise anybody. Once updated, you simply drag one app and drop it on another app icon to create a folder. Pretty simple, right? We are still waiting for the Galaxy S4 and HTC One to receive "official" support for Facebook Home. Months after launch. Show of hands, who is using Home? Play Link

Sprint Buyout Set For July 10 Completion, Company Looks to Match Verizon's High-Speed Coverage Within Two Years

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:48:31 +0000

With SoftBank's acquisition of Sprint set for completion on July 10, to the tune of $21.6 billion, SoftBank's president is already talking investment plans for America's third-ranked mobile carrier. Seeking approval to invest some $16 billion into Sprint's network, Masayoshi Son looks to beat out AT&T and match Verizon's high-speed network (4G LTE) coverage within just two years. As of this past March, Verizon was on the brink of completing their LTE roll out with roughly 500 LTE markets, a number that dwarfs Sprint's current amount of markets at just 88. With the large investment going straight into pumping out higher speeds for customers, this is certainly a welcomed change as far as Sprint subscribers are concerned. While Sprint continues to play catch up, Verizon will undoubtedly begin their forward motion towards the future of data in LTE-Advanced and "5G" networks. Via: Nasdaq Cheers Trevor!

Android Distribution Charts Updated for July - Jelly Bean Up to 38%, ICS Drops a Bit

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:16:23 +0000

The Android distribution numbers have been updated to start July, showing Jelly Bean (Android 4.1+) jumping from 33% to almost 38%. That increase appears to come at the expense of Ice Cream Sandwich devices that were updated recently, as 4.0 sits at 23.3%, down from 25.6% a month ago. The rest of the numbers look like this: Gingerbread 34.1% (was 36.5%), Froyo 3.1% (was 3.2%), Eclair 1.4% (was 1.5%), Honeycomb and Donut each at 0.1%. Via: Android Developers

Kavinsky Game Lands on Google Play, French House Music and Ferraris Forever

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:47:17 +0000

If anyone listens to some French techno music, this news might make your head explode. A new game landed on Google Play, featuring the ~~man~~ superhero himself, Kavinsky. For anyone unfamiliar with this artist, a few of his songs became very popular thanks to appearing in the movie Drive, starring Ryan Gosling. Anyways, onto the game itself. In this title, you play as Kavinsky who must go up against a ton of punk baddies. While driving your Ferrari Testarossa, you smash through police checkpoints and man handle boss characters at the end of stages. The gameplay is pretty fluid, but be mindful of which perspective you choose, either over-the-shoulder or 2D arcade style. The game's aesthetics reminds oneself of Borderlands, which is a great touch to the characters and environment. What puts the game over the top is that the soundtrack is nothing but music from Kavinsky's new album. Solid. The game is free to download from Google Play, so if you're a fan, there is no reason you shouldn't check it out. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/axWyEObMwgk[/youtube]

Verizon Raising Price of Extended Warranty to $3.00, Total Equipment Coverage to $8.00 This Month

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:22:20 +0000

Over the past couple of days, we've had a couple of sources reach out to let us know that Verizon is on the verge of raising the prices of their Extended Warranty and Total Equipment Coverage (TEC) plans this month. Each will jump $1.01 for basic and smartphones (excluding the iPhone) on July 25 for new customers (or those new to EW and TEC). So you are looking at $3.00 for and Extended Warranty and $8.00 for TEC. If you are currently enrolled in either service plan, you will have until September 26 before your bill will change. For those who are already enrolled, the Extended Warranty will jump from $1.99 to $3.00 per device per month in September, while TEC will jump from $6.99 to $8.00. The iPhone and tablets will remain at $9.99. Here are some additional details:

Why the price change?

We work to deliver a superior customer experience and to maintain costs so that our customers can protect their wireless investments. To continue to offer customers the best choices in wireless equipment protection, the EW and TEC price is changing.

Timing

-New customers: effective date is 7/25/13. New customers include those who are:

New to Verizon Wireless and to EW or TEC.

Existing customers adding EW or TEC for the first time to an existing or new line of service.

-Existing customers with EW or TEC service: effective date is 9/26/13. -Existing customers will be sent notification letters of the price change between 7/10/13- 7/26/13.

So, there you have it. Update: We reached out to Verizon and they have since confirmed the changes will go live on July 25.

Twitter for Android Receives Update, Now Syncs Direct Messages Across All Platforms

Eric — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:02:58 +0000

If you mosey on over to Google Play today, you will find an update waiting for you if you use the Twitter for Android application. The Twitter team has taken some time to fix a pretty big problem that Twitter across all platforms has had. Direct Messages will now sync across your account and devices no matter where you read them.

Up until now, reading a Direct Message that you received on your phone would not mean that it would show up as read on your browser or desktop application. Finally Twitter got around to fixing this problem and assures us that while it was added in this application, "syncing will roll out gradually." Twitter has also improved how searching works inside the Android application as well with this update to help you keep up with everything that is going on at all times.

What's New:

Now when you read a Direct message it will be marked as read in all of your official Twitter apps (including twitter.com, mobile.twitter.com, Twitter for Mac, Twitter for iPad and TweetDeck) and vice versa.
As you search you can now see user avatars and clear past searches from the dropdown menu
Richer search results indicate when there are new Tweets for your query and show account results with bios and social context

Have you switched to Twitter for Android with the recent struggles third-party apps like Falcon are experiencing?

Play Link

Via: Twitter

Samsung and Boingo Strike a Deal, Offer Free Hotspots for Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy Tab 3 Owners

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 11:20:50 +0000

This morning, Boingo and Samsung announced a partnership that should help out those who purchased a Galaxy Note 8.0 or one of the Galaxy Tab 3 variants. Inside the device packaging, buyers will be greeted with a sheet that allows them to access a one year premium membership to Boingo, a WiFi hotspot service that you can find in over 35,000 locations. This new bonus is part of Samsung's Galaxy Perks Program, the company's way of giving more value to a buyer's device. Other perks include free service subscriptions and even Google Play credit.

BOINGO WI-FI OFFERED WITH SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 3 AND GALAXY NOTE 8 PRODUCTS

Samsung Collaborates with Boingo to Provide One Year of Free Boingo Wi-Fi Access in North America to Galaxy Tab 3 and Galaxy Note 8 Wi-Fi Users
LOS ANGELES – July 8, 2013 – Boingo Wireless (NASDAQ: WIFI), the leading DAS and Wi-Fi provider that serves consumers, carriers and advertisers worldwide, today announced that Samsung Electronics America, Inc., has selected the company to provide premium Wi-Fi connectivity for Galaxy Tab® 3 and Galaxy Note® 8* Wi-Fi tablet users. Consumers who purchase a Galaxy Tab 3 or Galaxy Note 8 tablet will receive one year of free, unlimited access to the aggregated Boingo Wi-Fi network in North America, including more than 35,000 hotspots in the United States, Canada and Mexico, when they register for Samsung’s Galaxy Perks. The agreement between Samsung and Boingo will ensure convenient connectivity out-of-home and on the go for Galaxy tablet users, keeping them connected to their professional and personal networks and their favorite entertainment content. “The Galaxy Tab 3 and Galaxy Note 8 offer users a curated suite of valuable services and content, and we’re proud to offer our premium Wi-Fi services as part of this great program. We look forward to connecting Galaxy tablet users at thousands of locations where they work and play, including major airports, shopping centers, stadiums, restaurants and even Manhattan subway stations,” said Howard Buzick, vice president of business development for Boingo Wireless. “Our Wi-Finder app for Android tablets makes it one-click simple to access reliable Wi-Fi, and our built-in Virtual Private Network client will help keep Galaxy Tab users secure as they surf.” Consumers who purchase a Galaxy Note 8 or Galaxy Tab 3 7.0, 8.0 or 10.1 tablet will receive in-pack instructions to register for one year of unlimited Boingo Wi-Fi access in North America, courtesy of Samsung. The Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio offers a variety of form factors and lightweight builds to meet any consumer’s tablet needs, while the Galaxy Note 8 offers power and advanced technology to enable multi-tasking at home, at work or on the go.

Rumor: Galaxy Note 3 to Release With Up to Four Different Models

Eric — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:50:05 +0000

Over the past couple months, we have heard enough rumors to fill every inch of the Galaxy Note 3's huge screen. Everything from how much RAM it will have to what type of material the device will be made out of has been rumored. As we get closer to IFA Berlin, the leaks just keep coming. The latest rumor to hit mentions that we could see up to four different models of the Note 3 when it launches, but is that really too many? First broken by Korean news site ETnews, Samsung is reportedly going to launch four different models of the Note 3 when it eventually gets unveiled later this summer. Four may sound like a lot, but if you think about it, there isn't much to it. Say Samsung goes with the Exynos processor outside the United States like it has done in the past and brings a Snapdragon to us, and each one of those models has a 32GB and 64GB memory option and bam; four models. That might not be what Samsung has up their sleeve, but you can see how four models isn't that many. We did see Samsung turn the Galaxy S4 into four completely different phones, the S4, S4 Mini, S4 Zoom and S4 Active - so they could be planning something like that for the Note. Note 3 Mini anybody? Via: ETNews [Translated]

Here is the Front and Back of the Motorola DROID ULTRA, Verizon's Next DROID

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:25:35 +0000

The Motorola leaks continue to pour in today after seeing their new DROID lineup leak for the first time over the holiday weekend. This time, we've got the front and back press render of the DROID ULTRA, once again courtesy of @evleaks. We had previously seen the ULTRA in white, but earlier reports indicated that the phone would also come in red, black (pictured above), and as a MAXX variant, with what we would assume to be a bigger battery. In this new render, we are getting the first look at the kevlar wrapped back, camera, and branding. The first thing that stands out is the subtle Motorola logo, along with the words "DROID" and "Verizon." It doesn't actually say "Motorola" or "4G LTE" anywhere, though it's guaranteed to work on Big Red's LTE network. The camera housing shows a top-centered lens with flash set to the left. The camera may also be surrounded by a speaker, however, it's tough to tell from this photo. The camera may end up as a 10MP shooter with an extra "C" sensor that should help "establish white balance and exposure" to create better photos no matter what your environment is, at least according to @evleaks. He also guesses that the phone will sport a 5" 1080p display and run a Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM. On the front, we get a third confirmation that these new DROID phones (not the Moto X) will use hardware capacitive navigation buttons rather than on-screen keys. I have to admit that it seems a bit odd that Verizon is going to release an entire new DROID line of phones made by Motorola (DROID ULTRA, MAXX, and Mini), but also bring us the Moto X sans DROID branding. Why does Verizon need four Motorola phones in its lineup at the same time? For those keeping track, here are the model numbers of Moto's new Verizon phones:

XT1080 - DROID ULTRA
XT1080W - DROID ULTRA (in white)
XT1080R - DROID ULTRA (in red)
XT1080M - DROID MAXX
XT1060 - Moto X
XT1030 - DROID Mini

Via: Unlockr

More Photos Leak of the Moto X, Shows Off the White and Black

Tim — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 09:10:50 +0000

Over the weekend, additional photos hit the web, showing more variations of the Moto X device. The last good picture gallery we posted was of Motorola's more colorful options for buyers, but here you will see the "plain" white and black variants. The white device does appear to have some type of rough texture on its backside, while the black looks to come in both a glossy finish and matte tone. As we already know though, these are just two of probably many colors Moto will offer for this device. As a refresh on specs, the device is rumored to come with a 4.3" 720p display, 10MP camera, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and come running Android 4.2.2. It will be your fully customizable mid-range smartphone. Either way, once the device is finally announced and made public, let's try to act surprised.

Via: No Where Else

Rumor: Moto X to Feature "Clear Pixel" Camera?

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:48:49 +0000

A new Moto X rumor is making the rounds this morning courtesy of our friend Taylor Wimberly, who used to own and run the site Android and Me. In the rumor, Taylor claims that the new Motorola flagship will sport a camera with "Clear Pixel" technology that can be controlled by gestures. What exactly does that mean? He only offers an explanation of "dark, blurry pics and lack of details" will be "things of the past." The Moto X camera is rumored to be a 10MP sensor, which is an odd size if you look at the typical sensors in the mobile industry. But if we attempt to find references to "Clear Pixel" technology, the only mentions out there include Kodak and 5MP cameras that shoot 720p video from a few years back. That doesn't necessarily scream new technology, but it's out there. A commenter in the G+ thread from Taylor gives us the following as well:

Since they can't afford to waste battery life on high-power flashes, camera phones have a tough time handling low light. A new imaging sensor design from Kodak addresses the problem using a different kind of pixel. Today's cameras detect light with an array of red, green and blue pixels--which each see just one color. That means each pixel is ignoring two-thirds of the incoming light. The new sensor adds a panchromatic or "clear" pixel that detects all wavelengths of visible light, making it much more sensitive to the overall light level. By using a mix of clear and color pixels, the new sensor becomes two to four times as sensitive to low-light conditions. The specific pattern of how the four kinds of pixels are distributed can be varied depending on circumstances--a cameraphone, for instance, might use a pixel pattern that doesn't require much computing power to reconstruct the image from the incoming light data. Another benefit is that greater light sensitivity allows faster shutter speeds, reducing the blur in action shots. The first prototypes are expected early in 2008.

In terms of gestures combined with a camera, your guess is as good as ours in trying to figure out what that means. Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside said that the Moto X would contain new advanced sensors, and also try to predict your needs. In a recent report out of ABC News, sources claimed that a simple flick of the device could activate the camera without having to unlock or wake it. No matter what, I'm excited for this phone even if the current rumored specs are nothing to write home about. Normally, rumors like these are ignored by us, but Taylor has led the charge for Moto X rumors for months now and been spot-on from what we can tell. He was one of the first to talk about the phone being fully customizable with a variety of color choices, something that has now been confirmed by Motorola. Via: +Taylor Wimberly

Staples Drops Nexus 7 16GB to $179, 32GB to $199 - Here Comes the New Nexus

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:57:51 +0000

Ready for the retail clear-out of the Nexus 7? As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago in our latest Q&A session, Google was preparing to drop the price of the Nexus 7 to make way for the new model which could launch by the end of the month. While we're waiting for that to happen through Google Play, the discounts at retailers have already begun. Staples dropped the price of the 16GB and 32GB Nexus 7s to $179 and $199, respectively. Their website claims that this offer expires on July 13, but I'd imagine that the deal will run until they can clear out whatever stock they have left. With the new Nexus 7 potentially launching on July 30 (though nothing is ever solid with Google), the sooner they can get rid of these the better. But keep in mind, should you now be considering a purchase of one of these, that the new version will be an upgrade. It'll likely sport a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, better display, 4G LTE radios and rear camera. If I were you, and you were in the tablet buying market, I'd wait a few more weeks. Staples Links: 16GB Nexus 7 | 32GB Nexus 7 Via: Android Police

LG Teases August 7 Mobile Event in New Video, G2 All But Confirmed

Kellen — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:35:24 +0000

LG already has a date saved with us for August 7 to unveil something in NYC that is mobile related. At the time that we were asked to mark it on our calendars, we tossed out the idea that this could be their press event to announce the new LG G2, which has leaked a couple of times over the last few months. Sure enough, they posted a teaser video for the event last night that all but confirms the G2. Throughout the 1:39 clip, the quote "To me, you are perfect. From G..." strung about on billboards, walls, bus stops, and in book stores. But it becomes painfully obvious when the invite drops a "Great 2 Have You!" line at the end. And yes, the bold on the G and 2 are on purpose. The G2 is expected to have a mega-high-resolution display with little bezel and run on a Snapdragon 800 processor. The device may also be so thin that LG had to place the volume rocker on the back, something that was seen in a leaked promo video. Other than that, the phone is somewhat of a mystery. If it's anything like last year's Optimus G Pro, it should push the limits of mobile technology. If you haven't yet found a place again for LG in your hearts, now might be the time to start letting them back in.

G2 Reference

Teaser

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yYB8RZukKU[/youtube]

HTC One Google Play Edition Unboxing and Overview

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 11:43:56 +0000

We now have our first of the two Google Play Edition devices in house, so to give you all a quick overview, we thought a standard unboxing, hands-on, and initial impressions would be fitting. This is the HTC One Google Play Edition, which is now available for pre-order through Google Play for $599, with an expected ship date of July 9 (this Tuesday). We'll take a look at the Galaxy S4 GPE as we have it, but for now, it's all about the HTC One. So what are we looking at? Well, it really is just an unlocked HTC One that runs stock Android 4.2.2 instead of Android with Sense 5 on top. That really is the most basic way to describe it. The hardware is identical. It still has the UltraPixel camera, 4.7" FHD display, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, Snapdragon 600 processor, and BoomSound front speakers. The only difference, again, is in the software. For those not familiar with Google Play Edition devices, think of them as "Nexus like" phones in that they run 100% stock Android and should receive updates in a timely manner. They aren't called "Nexus" because there is some manufacturer input here, but they are about as close as it gets. For years, Android enthusiasts have asked for the top-of-the-line hardware without the custom manufacturer skins and now we have two options. Jump below to check out our thoughts in a video overview. More to come.

Gallery

Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWUERPEFw50[/youtube]

Koush Gets Google Voice Working Through Any SMS App on Cyanogenmod, Available for Download

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 07:56:06 +0000

Google Voice, while an amazing concept and at times brilliant product, has been neglected by Google for the last couple of years and is for the most part incredibly frustrating to use these days. It still doesn't do MMS, but maybe more importantly, users have been forced to use the painfully buggy and slow Google Voice app for texting rather than some of the more popular SMS apps available. Thanks to Koush, that second issue may have been fixed. In a G+ post two days ago, Koush (of ClockworkMod, Helium, and trolling fame) mentioned that he has found a way to get Google Voice SMS working through not only the stock SMS app on Android, but also any third party app that does text messaging. Yesterday morning, he then released the first build of the concept for users to try out. This is essentially what it does:

The app will sync your existing Google Voice messages into your messaging store. New Google SMS will be received as if it were a normal SMS. When you send a message out from your messaging app, it goes out via Google Voice.

As of now, this is a feature that only CyanogenMod ROM is capable of producing, so you have to be running CM in order to test it (July 1 and later build). Obviously, you'll need Google Voice installed as well. Once you have those two requirements taken care of, hit up the instructions at his G+ to dive in. How awesome is this? Update: He already pushed out a beta 2. Instructions here. Via: +Koush [2] Cheers Peter!

Tablified Market HD Updated With New UI, Finding Tablet Apps Never Looked so Good

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 07:38:32 +0000

The team behind Tablified Market HD pushed out a major update to their tablet app-finding service this week, bringing with it a UI that mimics that of the new Google Play store in a sense. They also included Roboto font throughout, a new navigation drawer, auto-updating of screenshots, higher resolution screenshots, a new screenshot gallery, and a whole bunch of new apps and games. For those not familiar, Tablified Market HD is an app that collects all of the best tablet apps that are available on Google Play and then makes them easy for you to find. Since Google has yet to figure out a way to properly showcase tablet-optimized apps, we're forced to use apps like Tablified. It's currently the best we've seen at featuring apps made specifically for tablets. So if you have a tablet yet are frustrated with the tools currently available to help you find optimized apps for you big screen, give this one a shot.

Whats in V4.5.8?

Brand new UI inspired by the Google Play store/books app

Now using Roboto font throughout the entire app

Incorporated the new navigation drawer for 7" devices and smaller

App icons, descriptions and screenshots auto-update when they change on Play store

Better portrait mode support 10" devices like the Nexus 10

Higher resolution icons and screenshots

New screenshot gallery which allows you to swipe between screenshots

Easier access to the app's YouTube video. Positioned right next to the screenshots.

And of course, tons of new apps and games

Play Link

Motorola DROID ULTRA Makes First Appearance in White?

Kellen — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 07:11:20 +0000

Yesterday, we saw the Motorola DROID MAXX on its way to Verizon in a first press render. Today, we're potentially looking at the DROID ULTRA in white (XT1080), also on its way to Verizon as the other brother. No other details were provided by XDA forum member xavierk75, the person responsible for the photo, but it certainly looks a lot like the MAXX. The first thing that stood out was the entire white face plate. The ULTRA is rumored to be available in white, black and red when it hits Verizon stores, so that's a good starting point. Motorola has in the past not gone completely white with phones though, and has instead left fronts black and then added colorful accents to outer rims or backsides of phones. Again, this is the "new" Motorola, so anything is possible. The second thing we noticed were the hardware capacitive navigation buttons of Home, Back, and Multi-task. These were present on the DROID MAXX picture yesterday, and are a major change in design for Motorola when compared to all of their phones from last year. Over the past twelve months or so, we saw Motorola adopt Google's new stock standard of having on-screen software navigation keys, but at some point they must have decided to change that. Well, the Moto X will more than likely still use on-screen keys, just not these new DROID branded phones for Big Red. Other than those two things, the phone looks a lot like last year's RAZR HD. The bezel is semi-thin, but not industry-leading. We're also seeing a front camera to the right of the speaker grill, along with an area for housing sensors. The side houses the volume rocker and power/lock switch, just like the last couple of year's of Moto phones have. And that's it. The picture doesn't necessarily give off any indication of the screen size or type. The rest of the specs remain a mystery as well. Thoughts? Via: XDA

Motorola DROID MAXX Makes First Appearance in Press Render?

Kellen — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 06:55:12 +0000

That folks, is the new Motorola DROID MAXX, coming soon to Verizon. At least according to @evleaks, who posted the press render this morning with only the words "Motorola DROID MAXX, for Verizon, 2013." So we have no specs or even a release date, but we can grab some other information courtesy of the render. First, we've got the classic red DROID eye, confirming that this phone is indeed a part of the DROID brand. Next, we've got kevlar wrapping from the back to the front lower chin and there is a small front speaker grill, with a front-facing camera next to it. Motorola's standard setup of power/lock switch nestled above the volume rocker on the right side of the device is also present. We're a little confused about the navigation button setup, though. The device almost appears to have hardware soft navigation keys, which most Motorola devices moved away from in the last year. The Back-Home-Multi-task buttons are below the display and embedded in the black bezel of the device's front (at least in this render). That's an odd move if that's the case. The buttons are also not sporting the stock Android look, like we saw Motorola change to on the RAZR HD and RAZR M with Jelly Bean updates. So yeah, some interesting things going on there. We're hoping it's just the picture, and that Motorola hasn't decided to go back to hardware buttons. Other than that, we've got no Motorola or Verizon branding, and the device really just looks like a mash-up of the RAZR M and RAZR HD from 2012. The design is not all that interesting or new. So we're wondering now if the "DROID MAXX" is the DROID ULTRA MAXX that we were tipped to a week or so ago? Verizon is supposed to get three new DROID devices from Motorola this year - the ULTRA, ULTRA MAXX (or maybe just MAXX), and the ULTRA M (or Mini). This could very well be one of them. The model numbers for Verizon's Moto lineup look like this: ULTRA (XT1080), MAXX (XT1080M), Mini (XT1030), and Moto X (XT1060). What do you guys think about the design? Via: @evleaks [2]

Android 4.2.2 Rolls Out to HTC One Devices in Europe

Eric — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 12:21:04 +0000

Owners of older HTC devices will tell you that the company has not always had the best track record with pumping out Android updates in a timely manner. That stigma has slightly changed; however, with HTC trying to put on its best face for customers and investors alike. The latest version of Android, 4.2.2 aka Jelly Bean, started rolling out to HTC Ones in Taiwan last week. Additionally, reports have this upgrade expanding across the globe to One devices in Europe.

The new update brings Android's Daydream feature and lockscreen widgets that are featured in stock Android, as well as a changelog of Sense UI features. There is a new look to the notification bar, battery percentages in the notification bar, the addition of quick settings to the Sense drop down menu and many other new enhancements.

A launch like this in Europe usually means that we will see it here in the States fairly soon. Fingers crossed.

Via: Android Central

Motorola Supposedly Sending Subliminal Messages, Moto X Announcement to Take Place July 11?

Tim — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 10:30:44 +0000

Either this is a very smart/sneaky thing Motorola is doing or the Internet needs to take off the tinfoil hats. According to Leo Laporte, who received an invite to a small press event taking place July 10 and 11, Motorola plans to unveil the Moto X on July 11. How do we know this? Well, apparently Motorola already told us, we just didn't "see" it. In the ads that went up earlier this week, showcasing talks on the Moto X and all of its custom goodness, there was a man and woman jumping off of a dock. The man is jumping in the form of an "X" and the woman is in the shape of an "I." In Roman numerals, this could be taken as "XI" which means "11." Some people are running with this and assuming that since reports speculate that the Moto X is launching in August, that a device announcement could be taking place on July 11. Seems legit, right? Does this come off as a bit of a stretch or could you see this being the real deal? Via: This Week in Google

Samsung and HTC Post Estimated Q2 Earnings, Both Fall Short of Analyst Expectations

Tim — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 09:59:59 +0000

Both HTC and Samsung posted estimated earnings for the second quarter of 2013, showing good numbers, but neither company hit analysts' revenue expectations. Both reports are still "estimated" and unaudited, as Samsung is set to post their official numbers later this month and the same for HTC. Samsung's report showed record-high operating profits of 9.5 trillion Korean won ($8.3 billion in U.S.), an increase of 47 percent year-on-year. Q2 sales are estimated to have hit a whopping 57 trillion won ($49.9 billion in U.S.), but both figures failed to meet the forecasts of analysts, as they had Samsung pegged to produce 10.16 trillion won in operating profits and 58.7 trillion won in sales. As for HTC's financial struggles, they seem to be somewhat leveling off. The Taiwanese company reported unaudited operating income of NT$1.05 billion ($35 million in U.S.) and net income before tax of NT$1.52 billion ($51 million). With these estimated earnings, HTC did meet their own expectations, but it seems that the analysts aren't as easy to please. While the numbers aren't bad, HTC's profits dipped 83 percent from the same quarter of last year. While these are not anywhere near as close to being as bad as Q1's figures, HTC will need to walk the talk with their upcoming global marketing campaigns, as suggested by their CEO. Via: HTC | Reuters

Stop the Hypebeasting: Ferrari Motorola Phone is Nothing More Than the Primus

Kellen — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 09:28:33 +0000

Over the holiday, a cut-off picture of a kevlar-backed Motorola phone made the tech rounds, prompting people to ask if this was potentially the first look at the new Moto X. In somewhat sad news, I can only tell you that it is most definitely not the Moto X or the DROID ULTRA. In fact, the phone pictured is nothing more than a special edition Motorola Primus. The phone caught us all off guard because it was a phone that most of us had never seen before, but also because it carried a Ferrari logo (likely for the CCR/Ferrari French Quarter Classic in New Orleans) and the tag "Elite Partners, New Orleans 2013." Since that race happens in October, the Moto X (or DROID ULTRA) could launch around that time, and we're expecting to see a high-level of customization with kevlar, the clues appeared to be lining up. But again, it's the Motorola Primus. And none of us recognized it because it was an exclusive to Peru as the XT621. Check out the picture below. The phone's specs include a 4" display, 1.2GHz single-core processor, 5MP camera, and push-to-talk services. It also runs Android 2.3, even though it was released in January of this year. So, there you go. The Primus.

Cheers GreekNasty!

Video: Samsung Ad for Iceland is Quite Bizarre

Tim — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 09:08:12 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/uhM-DuM2WgE[/youtube]

Have you ever tried making a phone call with an apple? No, not an Apple product, but an actual apple? Yeah, I didn't think so. Apparently, they don't get very good signal in Iceland, as Samsung posted a new TV spot showing off the joys of owning a Galaxy S4. Once you own one, you will be dancing with burglars and playing with goats in no time. Pretty interesting, Samsung.

Motorola Sending Out Soak Test Invites for DROID RAZR HD and MAXX HD

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 17:21:21 +0000

Invites from Motorola to join a RAZR HD and MAXX HD soak test are landing in email boxes, hoping that some owners out there will test a new software build for the devices. Both devices run the exact same software on Verizon, Android 4.1.2 with Blur on top. Could this be for Android 4.2? Soak tests usually take a couple of days to start. Once they rollout to testers and are successful, the official update tends to go live a few days later. Here is the email that is being sent out.

Thanks for joining the Motorola Feedback Network. We are inviting owners of the Droid RAZR HD and RAZR HD Maxx on Verizon to participate in an early preview of a new software release, and provide feedback. If you are not currently using a Droid RAZR HD or HD Maxx, please excuse and ignore this email. Click this link -- *retracted* -- to take the enrollment survey if you wish to take part. Note that you must be a member in good standing of the Motorola Owners' Forums to be included. The registration window could close without notice so please respond as quickly as possible. This is a confidential test under the terms of the Motorola Feedback Network. Do not post any details or information about this on any public sites. Thanks -- please understand that start times are always fluid. We ask for your patience if you register but don't hear from us right away. Matt Motorola Owners’ Forums Motorola Feedback Network

Cheers Sam, Jeesung, Michael, Robert, and Campbell!

White 16GB Nexus 4 Joins His 8GB Brother, Now Out of Stock on Google Play

Kellen — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:45:03 +0000

The limited edition Nexus 4 in white is now unavailable in both 16GB and 8GB sizes through Google Play. The 8GB version was wiped out last week, but the 16GB version managed to hold out until moments ago. Since the white variants were deemed "limited," it makes sense that Google would run out of inventory. The ~~good news is that the 16GB version is listed as "temporarily" out, meaning there is a chance that they will have more in the near future~~. We'll try to update you as we see changes in inventory. Update: Scratch that, it's now listed as "no longer available for sale." Via: Google Play

Motorola XT1030 and XT1080 Hit FCC, More Than Likely En Route to Verizon

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:24:56 +0000

According to new FCC filings, two Motorola devices, models XT1030 and XT1080 have passed the Commission's tests. If you will recall, a Motorola device with number XT1060 also recently passed through the FCC, which was previously known as the XFON on its way to Verizon. Both devices allow for working on LTE bands 4 and 13, meaning these devices could also show up on Verizon's network sometime very soon. As for which exact devices these two are, we can't be 100% certain. From what we have reported so far, our intuition would lead us to believe that these could be the ULTRA M and ULTRA MAXX, essentially being the littler and bigger brother to the XT1060 aka DROID ULTRA. Although, we can't count out the Moto X device completely either. The two devices which passed through the FCC sport NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac radios, features that each of these devices could have when they launch. If you are confused by so many capital letters and weird naming schemes, don't worry because you are not the only one. Now we play the game where Verizon and Motorola take their time to officially unveil these devices. Via: Engadget | FCC [2]

Several Moto X Custom Colors Apparently Photographed

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:56:19 +0000

Today is turning into a day filled with Moto X news and of course, we love that. In details leaked on what we can expect from Motorola in terms of customization for the Moto X, it was said that Moto was going to offer plenty of custom colors for buyers to choose from. Thanks to French blog No Where Else, these images could be the first peek at what kind of neon goodness we can look forward to. Pictured on top are two very bright green back shells, while down below we get some teal, red and purple hotness.

For some reason, I really want that green one. And purple. You know what, just give me the whole lot. What are you thinking? Are you liking these? Via: No Where Else

QWOP App Fumbles Onto Google Play Tomorrow, July 4 for $1

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 13:31:51 +0000

Remember QWOP? Yep, the game that you love to hate. Using your keyboard, you controlled a rag-doll figure that just couldn't seem to figure out how to run properly. With some practice, some could find the game somewhat "cute" or "enjoyable," but I think it was mostly a source of frustration and humor. Well, the official QWOP app is hitting Android tomorrow, July 4. Noodlecake Studios, the publishers of other fun Android titles, are releasing it to Google Play for $0.99. Get a feel for what to expect by watching the iOS trailer for the game down below. Prepare yourself. Play Link (Goes live tomorrow on July 4) [youtube]http://youtu.be/FqFblpzqego[/youtube]

Moto X Customization Details Leaked - Custom Colors, Engravings and Wallpapers

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 12:35:45 +0000

Sources of ABC News that are close to Motorola and the Moto X device, say that they know the exact details of how far users can go to customize their future device. Through the ads and information Motorola recently posted, we knew the device would allow customers to build their own unique-looking device, but we did not know to what extent. According to the source, users can select the casing color, trim color, receive custom engravings on back of the device, as well as have personal/custom photos installed to be the phone's wallpaper. All of this will take place through a website that Motorola is building for consumers.

Through a website, buyers will be able to select from a palette of different colors. One color can be used for the back case and another can be selected for the trim of the phone. Users will also be able to engrave a name or message on the back cover as well as upload a personal photo through the site to be used as the wallpaper on the phone's screen, according to people familiar with the rollout.

The source states that the device will come shipped with Android 4.2.2 and that it will in fact be available on Verizon. Custom editions can be bought through the web, but regular or "standard" editions can be purchased in stores with no extra/custom features. On top of just aesthetics, Motorola is said to be working very hard on unique sensors for the phone. ABC reports that the phone will be "smart enough" to know when a user is driving, automatically launching the speakerphone function when receiving a call. In addition, a user can simply flick the device to open up the camera app, which means no more fumbling around while looking for the app shortcut. Are we liking what we hear so far? Custom engravings and colors? Sign us up. Via: ABC News

Ingress Updated, Brings New Inventory Sorting Controls and Better High-Density Display Support

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 12:19:47 +0000

The Ingress development team pushed an update out to the app today, bringing lots of new features and bug fixes. Players are still out there fighting for whichever side they chose, opening and closing portals as much as they can in their free time. To start it off, higher density displays should notice a more crisp look for the app, as well as the addition of new Portal Hack animations. There is a new Fire Mode which was added and an improved Health display on Portal Keys. What's New:

New Inventory sorting controls
New Portal Hack animations and results view
New Fire mode
Improved Health display on Portal Keys
New player welcome messages
Better support for high density displays
Portal Key count shown in Linking view
Bug fixes

Anyone here still playing this game? Play Link

Rumor Suggests the Galaxy Note 3 From Samsung Will Feature 3GB of RAM

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 11:36:55 +0000

As reported in an article through a Korean news outlet, the Galaxy Note 3 from Samsung could feature a cellphone first - 3GB of RAM. From what we have posted before, the Note 3 is said to boast a massive 1080p 5.99" display and be powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip or Samsung's in-house Exynos 5 Octa processor. The chip will all depend on which market you purchase the device. The same report suggests that LG's upcoming Optimus G2 will also feature 3GB of RAM, a device that we caught a glimpse of through a few video slides last month. The G2 is another superphone that many will want to keep their eyes on, reportedly featuring a nearly bezel-less display, as well as the Snapdragon 800 inside. This beefing up of RAM is something we look very forward to. Excited yet? Via: SamMobile | Korea Economic Daily

Samsung Appoints Gregory Lee as New President of Samsung Telecommunications America

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 11:05:27 +0000

Watch out, folks - there is a new man on campus. As of today, Gregory Lee, Samsung's former Global Operations Manager in Southeast Asia has a new gig. Mr. Lee will now lead Samsung's mobile efforts here in America as the President of Samsung Telecommunications America. The former president, Dale Sohn, who is directly responsible for Samsung's large success with the Galaxy portfolio of devices, is headed back to Korea to act as Executive Advisor to Samsung's CEO, JK Shin. What this means for consumers, only time will tell.

Samsung Announces Gregory Lee as President of Samsung Telecommunications America
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the appointment of Mr. Gregory Lee as President of Samsung Telecommunications America (STA) effective immediately. In his new role, Mr. Lee is responsible for leading the company's mobile business operations and strengthening the company's leading position in the smartphone market in the U.S. Mr. Lee comes to STA after serving as President of Samsung's Southeast Asia Headquarters for the past three years. Prior to that, he was the head of Global Marketing Operations in the Samsung Electronics Headquarters in Korea. As a recognized expert through his achievements in marketing and innovative operations in Southeast Asia, Mr. Lee will continue to build STA's success and mobile business initiatives. Samsung Telecommunications America's outgoing President, Dale Sohn, will return to Korea as Executive Advisor to Mr. J.K. Shin, co-CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications. During Mr. Sohn's leadership of STA over the past seven years, Samsung became No. 1 in the U.S. mobile phone market, achieved record results with the Galaxy S® smartphone portfolio, and Mr. Sohn has driven Samsung's commitment to network business.

Samsung Hits 20 Million Global Sales of the Galaxy S4 in Just Two Months

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 10:30:19 +0000

According to new reports out of Korea, Samsung has hit 20 million sales of the Galaxy S4 in under two months, 1.7 times faster than they did with the Galaxy S3. In late May, Samsung announced that they had reached 10 million sales and since then, they never stopped pushing units. Samsung's goal is to reach 100 million in total sales, a figure that would break any of the company's current sales records. By the time the Galaxy SV (5?) is launched, who knows, it could definitely happen if they stay on this pace. If you have a Galaxy S4 in your pocket or next to you on your desk, are you still happy with your purchase? Via: Yonhap

HTC One Max Outed in Leaked Document, One Mini in Black Pictured Again

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 09:50:43 +0000

Two tidbits of info are hitting the web today, surrounding HTC's upcoming One Mini and One Max devices. The One Mini, which we have heard quite a bit about has been pictured yet again, but some specs were also "confirmed" from the source that took the photos. According to Smart News, the One Mini will ship sometime in Q3 with Android 4.2.2, come with a Snapdragon 400 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage, a 4.3" 720p display at 342ppi and will hit all four of the major carriers in the U.S.

As for the One Max, a leaked document out of Germany shows that the device could indeed exist, coming in a silver color. The One Max, codenamed the "T6" is rumored to feature a 5.9" or 6" 1080p display, as well as Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 800 processor. As of now, there is no rumored date for a launch of the One Max, but we can guess that we might see it sometime either before Samsung's announcement of the Galaxy Note 3 or shortly thereafter. Any new takes on the One Mini or One Max? Via: Unwired News | Smart News

Falcon Pro Developer Finds Loophole Allowing New Users, Offers App for Free

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 09:03:12 +0000

There has been plenty of curiosity surrounding Falcon Pro and the app's apparent "shut down" from Twitter. Hitting the token limit for a second time, the developer is still quite intent on making users happy, recently launching a new site and secret method for new users to login without a token. From getfalcon.pro, you can download the Falcon Pro application and any new updates to the app for free, then sideload it onto your device. From there, if you already have a token, all you need to do is simply login and enjoy. If you don't have a token, the developer claims there is a secret way of accessing the app, but again, it's a secret.

If you don't own a token, there's still a way to log in... but you have to find it. I want to see how long it'll take you to unlock the hidden feature. Make sure to let me know your findings, let the experiment begin :)

After playing with the app, I almost have it unlocked, but I think there is a special pattern that I can't figure out yet. I'll need your help, folks. After hitting the Falcon logo, tap the corners of the screen to make colors appear. This must be some type of combination. Let's crack the puzzle together!

If you find out how to login, be sure to post it down in the comments so everyone else can start using the app as well. Via: +Joaquim Verges

Motorola's Campaign Begins, Moto X Sign Up Page Goes Live

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 08:14:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, Motorola's plan to launch a full print-ad campaign was detailed for the world. In a tweet sent out this morning from the official Motorola account, a sign up page for additional info on the Moto X phone has gone live. Once signed up, emails will be sent to you at a later time, allowing Moto to keep you up to date on their newest happenings with the device. Much like we saw in yesterday's ad, Moto is pushing very hard the concept of "Assembled in the USA," as well as the fact that the device is "Designed by You." We still don't quite know to which extent users can "design" a phone, but it's still a fun idea. According to the sign up page, Moto is going on a hiring spree for their Texas plant, adding 2,000 people to their workforce.

And this is just the beginning. By the end of the summer we expect there to be more than 2000 new employees in Ft. Worth, TX working to make all of this possible. Imagine what else you can do when you have the world's best design, engineering and manufacturing talent located here in the USA.

Sign Up Here. Via: @Motorola

Snapchat Updated With New Interface, Enhanced Camera, "Dancing Ghost"

Tim — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 07:52:16 +0000

This morning, Snapchat received a big update on Android, bringing a few features that have been present on iOS for some time. Included in version 3.0.1 is a refined interface, which allows for swiping between the camera and your Inbox, as well as the addition of improved camera software. What's New:

New Interface
Swipe to access snaps and friends
Easy search for friends
Faster camera
Snapkidz
Dancing ghost

Overall, the app seems to be a whole lot smoother, so go grab it in Google Play. Play Link Cheers Brian and Tareck!

NVIDIA Sets Up SHIELD Experience Centers in Select GameStops, Go Try it Out

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 15:47:28 +0000

With launch pushed back, there are people out there that pre-ordered NVIDIA's SHIELD gaming console, but were met with sad emails last week. If you just can't wait to get your hands on a SHIELD unit and want to see what all of the fuss is about, NVIDIA has partnered with GameStop and Micro Center to set up some unique SHIELD Experience Centers throughout the country. In total, there appears to be 20 Experience Centers throughout the United States. Their locations range from San Francisco and Long Beach, CA all the way to the East Coast in Miami, FL and New York, NY. If you want to try one out for yourself, you can look up to see which location is near you on their pre-order page right here. In addition, you can see some of the fun we have been having with our SHIELD unit by checking out this video here. Just flying a Drone 2.0 with SHIELD, no big deal. We also have an unboxing. Via: NVIDIA

Android 4.3 to See App Drawer Sorting by Favorites or Alphabetically?

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 15:30:38 +0000

We still don't have Android 4.3, even though most thought that it was originally scheduled to be released at Google I/O in May and then mid-June at the latest. But no matter what, no one is expecting it to bring major changes to the UI. At this point, thanks to a couple of leaks (including a 4.3 ROM for the Galaxy S4 GPE), we're really looking at some under the hood stuff along with tweaks to notifications and potentially even the app drawer. Site Myce.com dug through code found in a project on the Linux Foundation Labs, noticing there to be mentions of sorting apps and widgets either alphabetically or by favorites. Currently, the stock Android app drawer only lists each alphabetically, so this change would at least allow for better control over the maze that can be dozens of installed apps. They noticed that the system will count each time an app is opened, which could mean that the "Favorites" tab will be populated automatically. The same goes for widgets. If you currently use a third party launcher, you'll know that sorting options have been available for years. It's not surprising to see stock Android adopt features like this as they are useful, it's just not something that's to be considered game changing. Then again, 4.3 is no longer expected to fall into that category anyway.

Still no word on a release of Android 4.3. Soon? Maybe? Via: Myce

Motorola Ad Talks Moto X, USA Assembled, and Customized by You

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 13:06:01 +0000

Get ready for it, the new Motorola is coming, and it's bringing with it a USA assembled, customizable phone known as the Moto X. In an advertisement expected to run in newspapers tomorrow, Motorola talks about their new project and how no one thought they could do what they are about to do. The Moto X was first announced (if you can call it that) on May 29 by new Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside. He said at the time that they planned to assemble the device (which he dubbed a "hero" device") in Texas, something no other company currently does. He also mentioned that the phone would use advanced sensors to predict your needs, is "unlike other things out there,” would arrive later this summer, and will be widely distributed amongst carriers. In this advertisement that will be published tomorrow - can see it in New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post - Motorola introduces another new feature to the Moto X, maybe the most significant. The phone will be the first that "you can design yourself," the ad reads. We aren't exactly sure what that means, but your mind can probably come up with a few ideas immediately. Are we talking the appearance of it or are we talking internal hardware choices too? Both? We've heard rumors in the past that suggest color choices (maybe up to 20), but will the look be the only thing you can customize? Motorola's VP-global brand and product marketing Brian Wallace said in an interview to Ad Age that smartphones are like shoes or a watch in that you carry them everywhere with you. People even judge a person based on their smartphone. "Yet, it's the one thing you carry that's the least customizable." They are going to change that. We should also point out that Guy Kawasaki - one of Moto's new champions - asked his G+ followers back in March if they'd like to be able to personalize their phones like Porsche allows with their Exclusive program. We assumed at the time he was talking about a program similar to what we're about to see. I guess those thoughts were right. How exciting. View the entire ad below.

Via: Ad Age | The Verge

Facebook Home Updated, No Changelog Currently Available

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 12:43:58 +0000

Facebook pushed another update out to Facebook Home today, adding who-knows-what as there is no official changelog yet posted in Google Play. Facebook mentioned at time of launch that large monthly updates would be brought to the app and it is about that time of the month. The last update was June 6. As you can expect, Facebook is utilizing the staged rollouts of the update, so once the update and changelog is live for all, we will update the post with the new features/fixes. Anyone still using Home? Play Link

Android 4.2.2 for the HTC One Starts Rolling Out in Taiwan, Also Available for Download

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:20:19 +0000

The long-awaited Android 4.2.2 update for the HTC One has finally been approved and is arriving on unlocked units in Taiwan as of this morning. The update is massive, weighing in a 465MB, but that's to be expected since it includes an extensive list of new features and tweaks. We should point out that HTC has yet to officially announce anything, including global availability. Can't be long though, right? In the update, we're seeing greatly improved notification controls, an entire Quick settings panel, rearranged widget panel, new lock screen option, "enhanced" Home button behavior (including the option to set as Menu), battery status level in status bar, six new Highlights themes, other camera improvements, and more. The jump from 4.1 to 4.2.2 may not be all that significant on paper, but HTC is doing more because they are also improving Sense 5.0. Again, no word on when the developer or other unlocked units will see the update, but we're assuming it'll be fairly soon. The full changelog:

System

Android 4.2.2 update

Launcher bar enhancement

Widget panel rearrangement

New Lock screen style: Widget

Enhanced Home button behavior

Add Home button options to make navigation menu bar removable

Power

Show battery level in status bar

Notifications

Quick settings panel: 12 default settings by new touch gesture

Gallery/Camera

AE/AF lock feature: Lock Exposure/Focus at viewfinder screen

Zoe: New Zoe file format for better file management

Video Highlights: Add 6 more themes

Music

Music channel: Add seek, fast/back forward functions to enhance user experience

HTC Sense Input

Chinese dictionary update

We've got a download link to the file below, however, you need to do the research to decide if your phone can use it. We've linked to two ongoing XDA threads that have all sorts of discussions. Via: XDA [2] [Download]

Insider Tips New YouTube App, Will Allow for Video Search Multitasking

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:05:51 +0000

Ryan Socio, the gentleman who first reported the name Hangouts in regards to Google's "Babel" project, recently got his hands on an unreleased version of the YouTube app for Android. According to Socio, the app has some sweet new features on the way. Without giving any info on when we could expect the new version to hit Google Play, the insider states that the app will feature real multitasking capabilities, allowing watchers to view their videos, while also searching for other videos at the same time. While inside a video, a little arrow will appear - with a quick swipe with your finger on the arrow, a browser will appear, allowing you to search simultaneously for more content as the video plays inside of a smaller box. According to the source, the app performs very smoothly and will retain the YouTube app's current aesthetics. We will definitely keep you posted. Via: The Verge

Polaroid Releases Polamatic App for Android, Because There Aren't Enough Filters Already

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:40:28 +0000

Can't get enough filter goodness? No need to worry, as Polaroid launched the official Polamatic app to Android today. With this app, which can basically be used as an extension of Instagram, allows you to place filters and specially-designed borders around and on your photos. Polaroid makes it quite clear that these are not just janky computer generated borders, but are actually scanned HD versions of existing Polaroid frames. Spared no expense. Once you get the desired look through additional photo touchups and edits, you can easily share your creations to Instagram, Facebook and all of the other social networks. It might seem steep, but the app costs $1.99 through Google Play. We think $1 would have been more fitting. Play Link ($1.99)

MLB At Bat Updated for the All Star Break, Brings Push Notifications for Teams

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:05:15 +0000

We are nearing the half way mark for the MLB season, meaning it's not too late for them to push out new features for the official At Bat 13 app on Android. Inside the update, which is numbered version 2.3.0, fancy push notifications can be set for whichever team you would like, allowing for pings on when games start/end, there is a lead change and also when there are video highlights. In addition, support for the All Star Week has been added, allowing subscribers to watch the game live and also track the bombs during the Home Run Derby. It should be a fun week. What's New:

Customize At Bat push notifications for your favorite teams. Create notifications for Game Start, Lead Change, Game End and Team News. At Bat 13 subscribers also can choose Condensed Games and video highlights (video highlights requires OS 3.0 or later)
Follow All-Star Week live, including the 2013 Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game
Supports Ford Sync equipped vehicles

Well, let's hear some predictions for who will win the All Star game and who will be crowned at the Home Run Derby. Go! Play Link

HTC: One S to Remain on Current Version of Android and Sense, No Android 4.2

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:32:33 +0000

Owners of the One S from HTC got some sad news recently, as the company announced via support forum that their devices won't be receiving any bumps in builds of Android or Sense. The device currently sits at Android 4.1 with Sense 4+ built on top and there it will remain for the rest of its life. HTC gave the following statement to The Unwired:

We can confirm that the HTC One S will not receive further Android OS updates and will remain on the current version of Android and HTC Sense. We realize this news will be met with disappointment by some, but our customers should feel confident that we have designed the HTC One S to be optimized with our amazing camera and audio experiences.

That's a bummer. Via: The Unwired

Pebble Partners With Best Buy to Sell Popular Smartwatch - Available Online Today, in Stores July 7

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:49:59 +0000

Due to increased demand, Pebble has partnered with Best Buy to make their popular smartwatch available across the country in retail shops. The device will sell for $149.99, is available online today, and will reach store shelves by July 7. The black version (Jet Black) is the only model currently available, but the Pebble team has plans to make the red version available in August. Be sure to read our full review of the Pebble if you haven't yet, but are considering joining the wearable tech trend. All of the details can be found below.

General Info

Pebble's price at Best Buy remains the same: $149.99.

Cherry Red Pebbles will be the second color available at Best Buy, coming in August.

All five Pebble colors are still available for pre-order with us at getpebble.com.

Grey, Orange, and White Pebbles are only available for pre-order with us at getpebble.com at this time.

Best Buy Mobile locations are not included.

Unpaid Pre-Orders

If you decide to pick up a Jet Black Pebble at Best Buy, no action is needed to cancel your unpaid pre-order from getpebble.com.

We'll still invite you to finalize payment and create a Pebble Account when we approach your place in the pre-order queue: just ignore that invite if you no longer want it.

We started fulfilling paid pre-orders in May—we'll continue shipping Pebbles in the US and internationally as quickly as possible.

Paid Pre-orders

Paid pre-orders for Black, Red, Orange, and Grey should all be in Step 3 or later when you log in to your Pebble Account. Email ordergetpebble.com if this isn't the case for you.

We'll continue to produce and ship all five Pebble colors and fulfill outstanding orders placed directly with us.

US retail availability of Jet Black now and Cherry Red in August will relieve some demand on the getpebble.com pre-order queue.

Kickstarter Backers

This milestone is as big for us as it is for you: as retail customers discover Pebble, savor the fact that your support got us to this point in about a year's time.

For all Pebble colors, Kickstarter orders have been fulfilled first before being available to others elsewhere. Best Buy availability of Jet Black now and Cherry Red in August doesn't prevent us from honoring our commitment to our earliest supporters.

Kickstarter orders for Black, Red, Orange, and Grey should all have shipping notices now. Email kickstartergetpebble.com if this is not the case.

The first batch of Arctic White sent to our distribution centers covers the first 58% of our Kickstarter orders for this color. The second batch should capture the remaining ones.

Via: Pebble | Best Buy

AT&T Fires Up 35 New 4G LTE Markets

Tim — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:40:57 +0000

It has been some time since we have seen a light up of this many 4G LTE markets at the same time, but it sure is exciting. This morning, AT&T announced 35 new LTE markets, bringing their market count total to somewhere around 350. The markets span from the East to West coasts and are also sprouting up in the Virgin Islands. Full list of new markets can be found down below. New Markets:

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Victoria, Texas
Palatka, Florida
Grand Junction, CO
Morgan City, LA
Valdosta, Georgia
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Yakima, Washington
Bremerton, Washington
Moses Lake, Washington
Silverthorne, Colorado
Homosassa Springs, Florida
Chico, California
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Sherman-Denison, Texas
Corinth, Mississippi
Grenada, Mississippi
Batavia, New York
Milledgeville , Georgia
New Ulm, Minnesota
Beckley, West Virginia
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Midland, Texas
Odessa, Texas
Lawton, Oklahoma
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Searcy, Arkansas
Dunn, North Carolina
Dillon, South Carolina
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lafayette, Louisiana
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Meridian, Mississippi
Greenwood, Mississippi
New Iberia, Louisiana

Via: AT&T

[Deal] Sphero is Amazon's Goldbox Deal Today, Priced 35% Off at $85

Kellen — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 07:38:26 +0000

Sphero, the robotic ball that can be controlled with your Android device, is available today as Amazon's Goldbox deal for $84.99, which is $45 cheaper than you will typically find it. The Sphero is one of those products we've often considered picking up, as we see their team at every trade show and often find it to be a cool toy, however, we could never justify the $130 price tag that was attached to a ball that's mostly a niche product. But hey, drop 35% off the price, and we're down. For those not familiar, Sphero is a waterproof, light-filled robotic ball that pairs with an Android or iOS device. Once paired, you can drive the ball around remotely, play a number of games that have been created for it (including some that use augmented reality), set up obstacle courses, etc. It really is a pretty cool product, but like I just said, the $130 price was always a bit of a turn-off. This $85 price may be the cheapest we see. And now my cats will forever hate me. Amazon Link ($84.99)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvXcVV27TJE[/youtube]

To see a bunch of uses and promo vids for the Sphero, you may always want to hit up the Sphero YouTube channel.

DROID ULTRA Landing Page Pops Up at Motorola Site, Provides Handful of Details

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 23:24:50 +0000

Last week, @evleaks reported that Motorola and Verizon had partnered up to release a new line of DROID phones with a similar naming scheme to last year's RAZR HD and RAZR M pairing. Instead of RAZR though, sources of ours claim that Moto and Big Red had chosen the name "Ultra" this time around, but would still release regular and MAXX editions along with a smaller M model. While details outside of the name were scarce, tonight a reader of ours stumbled upon a landing page that is publicly displayed on Motorola's site that seems to confirm the existence of the ULTRA line of phones. No photos are a part of the page (since it appears to be a work in progress), but there is a paragraph (pictured below) that tells us to "Think Thin." It also says that the "DROID ULTRA" will be available in a "bunch of glossy colors" and a "DuPont Kevlar body" that is thinner than previous models yet still "tough as steel." The landing page lists an entire spec list as well, but it matches up identically to the RAZR M and is liking a cut-and-paste job as they continue to prepare the page for launch. So that's all we know for now. The idea that there will be multiple colors to choose from does match up to earlier reports that the new Motorola phones may end up being customizable. The focus on thinness is a bit surprising, though. I'm starting to wonder - is the Moto X variant for Verizon this "ULTRA M," with the regular ULTRA and ULTRA MAXX falling in line as the new "hero" devices that CEO Dennis Woodside spoke of a few weeks back?

Update: We should point out that @evleaks provided some new info over the weekend through another Tweet, saying:

Coming to Verizon, all from Motorola: DROID Ultra in black/white/red, DROID Mini (b/w), DROID MAXX (& Moto X in b/w)

Via: Motorola Cheers Jamison!

Kickstarter's Lumu Light Meter Adds Android Support With 10 Days Left, Photographers Get to It

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 15:34:23 +0000

Lumu, a light meter for your smartphone that plugs into a headphone jack, had its Kickstarter campaign updated this afternoon to finally include Android support. For the first couple of weeks of its existence, Lumu was an iOS-only accessory, even though it was picking up massive steam by the minute. In fact, we're only two weeks in and its funding status currently sits at $171,000, with an original goal of just $20K. As you can tell, the Lumu has been an instant hit with early tech adopters. So what exactly is Lumu? Again, it's a light meter for your smartphone that aims to replace the pro equipment a photographer would use. So not only is it portable, but it eliminates the need for an actual light meter, since it's really nothing more than a ball that sticks into something you already always carry - a phone. With a light meter attached to your phone along with the Lumu app, one could (in theory) capture light readings for input into a camera prior to snapping a photo. But where Lumu becomes ultra useful is in the app itself. You can save light readings into the cloud for later usage, record voice notes, store locations, and even save photo parameters. The Lumu team opened up availability for the Android version of its light meter moments ago, so if you get in now, you can grab it for $79 as somewhat of an early bird special. The Lumu is expected to retail at $150, so you are saving almost 50% off of that price. Photographers, or amateurs looking to take photography more seriously, this is definitely an accessory worth looking at.

Contest: Win 1 of 6 Android Foundry Cruzerlite Cases for the One, Note 2, and Galaxy S3 (Updated: Winners Picked)

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:32:58 +0000

The folks at Cruzerlite recently partnered up with Andrew Bell and the Android Foundry to create two special edition TPU cases for their ever-growing line. They sent us over a few samples to show off and then give away to DL readers, so since it's a holiday week, we thought we'd do that today. We have six of these new Android Foundry cases, along with two EXO cases for the Galaxy S4. Not a bad little contest, right? The first case is called Anderoids, which as you can tell from the picture above, is a take on Asteroids. The second is called Circuitry, and is a look at the electrical side of our friend, the Bugdroid. Each case is made of TPU, however, this is the nicest TPU I have ever felt. I'm not sure what has changed with TPU over the last year, but it no longer feels like cheap slippery plastic. These two cases have a soft-touch to them that not only feels premium, but also gives you a sense of protection. So far, I'm a huge fan of both. To check out the rest of Cruzerlite's line, be sure to hit up their online shop. After doing that, get back here and enter the contest below for your chance to win one!

Contest

Update: Winners have been picked and emailed! Prizes: 6 (six) Android Foundry Cruzerlite cases (2 Galaxy Note II, 2 Galaxy S3, and 2 HTC One), plus 2 (two) bonus EXO Galaxy S4 cases. How to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway Winners: Our six (6) winners will be selected tomorrow morning at 9AM Pacific.

Sliding Messaging Finally Loses the Beta Tag in Google Play

Tim — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:13:35 +0000

Over the weekend, Sliding Messaging, a replacement SMS/MMS application that we have discussed on numerous occasions, finally lost its beta tag. Reaching version 6.50, the developer feels that most of the features and bugs have been added/fixed, so the app is finally ready to be called 100% ready. Included in the newest update is large list of new features, ones that we will list out from the changelog down below. If you have yet to try this app out or gave it a whirl back when it was first launched, definitely give it a try now. Months of work have gone into making it a solid texting app replacement. What's New:

Scheduling SMS support
Draft support
Pattern unlock added as a security option
Pull to load more messages
Ability to cache conversations for smoother sliding
Performance enhancements
MMS fixes and option to receive through stock
New themeing options

The developer states that the price will be increasing up from $0.99, so grab it for cheap while you still can. Play Link ($0.99) Cheers Damian!

Google Glass Update Brings Web Browsing and More Hands Free Voice Controls

Tim — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:36:57 +0000

While we are still awaiting the official launch of Google Glass, their team is continually making enhancements and improvements to the device's software. They launch monthly updates to users that already have units, bringing new features and fixing various bugs. The newest update, which should roll out to devices over the next couple of days, brings additional voice controls as well as full web browsing. For the voice controls, users can do less tapping and more talking. For example, if you receive a text messages, you no longer need to tap to open it, but can instead simply say, "read aloud." The way to control your browsing experience is pretty interesting. To look around the webpage, you simply pan your head from left, right, up and down. Neat.

Once you’re on the web page, there are a few ways you can explore: Scroll - Slide your finger forward on the touchpad to scroll down. Zoom - Slide two fingers forward or backward to zoom. Look around - With two fingers down on the touchpad, move your head around to pan. Click - As you look around, you can tap to select anything in the center of the screen.

With monthly updates bringing useful features every time, it's pretty easy to stay interested in Google Glass. Via: +Project Glass

Amazon's GameCircle Not Just for the Kindle Anymore, Comes to All Android Devices

Tim — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:13:36 +0000

Amazon's GameCircle, released to match the likes of Apple's GameCenter, allows players to track achievements, see themselves on leaderboards and sync their game data in the cloud. Since its release, only specific Kindle devices could take advantage of GameCircle - starting today, that all changes as Amazon now allows any Android app to have GameCircle built into it by the app's developers. Update: Amazon reached out to clarify that developers can use the GameCircle SDK to incorprotate these features into apps found on Google Play. That's a big plus for users. ~~As you could imagine, this feature is available to apps only inside Amazon's Appstore and you won't be seeing this through Google Play~~. Besides, with Google's launch of Google Play Games, they finally released their own solution to the demand for a cloud-based gaming service. [youtube]http://youtu.be/HdoxX0XGros[/youtube] Via: Amazon

Groupon Selling 16GB Unlocked HTC One X for $349.99

Eric — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 09:40:18 +0000

If you've been waiting to drop your contract with one of the big carriers and go prepaid, but haven't found the unlocked phone to do it with yet, today might be your lucky day. Groupon is hosting a deal that gets you the HTC One X, the same phone I used in our prepaid carrier test, for only $349.99 with free shipping. Incase you need a refresh on the specs, the One X has a 4.7" 720p SLCD display, a 1.5GHz Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and an impressive 8MP camera on the rear, rounding out the spec sheet. With this unlocked phone you'll get access to T-Mobile or AT&T's HSPA and 3G networks, depending on whichever carrier you choose to buy into. Not a bad phone for the price, but you could also get the 16GB Nexus 4 for the same money. Which one would you choose? Via: Groupon

Skype Updated to Version 4.0, Receives Another Facelift

Tim — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 09:15:00 +0000

It's a new month and to celebrate, Skype is launching a brand new Android app. After finally hitting a huge 100M download milestone, we are greeted with Skype version 4.0. Inside the app, there is a fancy new user interface, based on recent conversations more so than your contacts list. When you open the app, you now see lists of recent messages, allowing you to quickly start back up with chatting. What's New:

Everything.
No, seriously. Quite literally everything. We took a closer look at all the ways people use Skype, and used that insight to lovingly redesign and rebuild a shiny new Skype for Android.
Got an Android tablet? Don’t worry if you don’t see any changes, yours are just around the corner…
Free and unlimited video messaging
Record life’s everyday moments and share them with the people who matter most, with free and unlimited video messaging over Skype.

A unified look on multiple platforms is something a lot of companies could benefit from. Good work, Skype. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/QHIzzQB4Lew[/youtube] Via: Skype

Verizon Galaxy S4 Gets a Google Play Edition ROM Port

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 08:42:07 +0000

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition launching at the end of last week, it only makes sense that developers would do their best to bring ROMs from it to every variant of the device. The Verizon version of the GS4 is one of the first to receive the love, which isn't all that surprising, but seeing as the GPE is a GSM phone, you can imagine that a bit of work went into making this work properly. According to the developer, this is a port from the GT-I9505, but doesn't specify if it's from the Android 4.3 build. I'd assume that it isn't and is instead a port from the 4.2.2 ROM that ships with the phone. He has all sorts of versions of the ROM available, from builds with blackout Google apps, to the bare bones no-root style. There may be some minor bugs here and there, but he offers up some ideas for temporary fixes in the mean time. It may not be perfect, but hey, it's a stock option for those with Verizon's version of the phone. You'll find download links and instructions at the link below. Via: XDA Cheers Tanuj!

Verizon Drops the DROID DNA to $50

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:51:34 +0000

Even with the HTC One appearing today in its first press render, we still don't have a firm date on its launch at Verizon stores other than "later this summer." What we do have are a few signs that the DROID DNA is on its way out the door, which as you know, is the phone that most expect the One to replace. A couple of weeks ago we received a tip that authorized Verizon resellers had moved the DNA to "closeout" status, and that once stores ran out of inventory, that they wouldn't receive new stock. The point - to clear out remaining inventory to make room for the One. This morning, Verizon dropped the price of the DNA down to $49.99 on new 2-year contract. They are calling it a limited time offer, but if any of the previous signs mean anything, this could be Verizon's move to clear out inventory from their online shop and in official stores. It could also just be a 4th of July sale. If you were interested in the DNA, now would be the best time to buy the phone that was one of the first in the industry with a 1080p display. It still packs some of the best specs in the business, even if it is seven or so months old. It really has been the last "DROID" deserving of the name. And if $50 is still too much, you can find it for a penny at Amazon. Via: Verizon Cheers Chris!

Verizon's HTC One Appears in First Press Shot

Kellen — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:35:58 +0000

Well, there she is - the Verizon HTC One. It looks like...an HTC One, only with Verizon's 4G LTE logo in the notification bar. Otherwise, we've got the same silver and all-metal color scheme, HTC's Sense 5.0, BoomSound front speakers, wide-angle front camera, and that love-it-or-hate-it navigation button setup. We still do not know when this phone is arriving, other than "later this summer." If you are one to buy into dates displayed on a phone, then you could potentially throw Thursday, September 5 into the ring. How often have those been correct over the years, though? Still excited for the arrival of the One on Big Red? Via: @evleaks

Here Comes Your Pre-July 4 Party Starter

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 20:00:01 +0000

The weekend approaches, have you listened to the Droid Life Show episode 29 yet? The live show went down Wednesday night, but both video and audio replays are ready to kickstart your weekend. After all, you need tech prep as we head into the shortened holiday week, don't you? Yes, of course you do. During episode 29, we talked a lot about the future of Motorola (including new Ultra phones), the newly released Google Play Edition devices, Sony's ridiculous Xperia Z Ultra ~~tablet~~ phone, the LG G2, Samsung's new LTE-Advanced Galaxy S4, delays for NVIDIA and the SHIELD, and our favorite apps and games of the moment. It was another great time. Also, we won't have a show next week, since again, it's a holiday week. Make sure to catch us live as well when you can, every Wednesday night at 6PM PST.

White Nexus 4 8GB With Bumper is No Longer for Sale Through Google Play

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 18:03:00 +0000

The promo for the white Nexus 4 (8GB) that was coupled with a free white Bumper on Google Play is no longer for sale as of today. We're a bit confused, because you can still pick-up the 16GB white Nexus 4 with Bumper, along with both black versions of the phone, just not this white 8GB model. If the promo for the free bumper is running out, why not sell the phone by itself? Maybe they will? As of this moment, they aren't. I guess "limited edition" wasn't a joke. We should mention that these Play store listings change quite often, however, they rarely ever switch to "no longer for sale" unless something has permanently changed. We'll be watching the other pages closely. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out our comparison of the white Nexus 4 to the black Nexus 4. Via: Google Play

This Week in the Life of DROID: 6/28/2013

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 16:48:57 +0000

Man, talk about a packed week! With news getting tossed around for all of the major OEMs, I would say it was a pretty great week to be an Android fan. With the launch of the Google Play Edition devices onto Google Play, it would appear we are also getting very close to the launch of a new version of Android. On top of that fun, there is talks of an Android-powered gaming unit from Google, we got a brand new logo for Motorola ("a Google company") and I got to fly around a AR Drone 2.0 with NVIDIA's SHIELD. Yep, I'd say it say it was a good week. If you missed any of the highlights, check them out below.

Stay cool out there, folks!

FYI: Google Play Support Now has Live Chat for Questions About Device Purchases

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 16:10:06 +0000

Did you know that Google Play Support now has a "Chat with us" option? In the past, if you needed support for issues through Google Play, you had two options: "Email us" or "Call us." While these options certainly work, especially "Call us" since you can almost instantly get ahold of someone on the support staff over the phone by using it, some of us would rather use an online chat at times to take care of business. That's now possible for select situations - those that involve device sales. I tested the service out moments ago, finding myself in a Hangouts-like in-browser chat session with Google Support and a friendly tech named Jason. The nice thing about the chat was the fact that I didn't even have to leave the Google Support page, because the Google Talk session started from within the same tab that I was using to find support. After asking Jason if the service was new, which he confirmed, I then let him get back to real customers and was able to close out my session. It was super simple.

Also, the entire conversation is now listed as a chat session through my inbox, so should I need to go back and look at our conversation later, I can do that. I did see an option to go "off the record," but in a support setting, I'm not sure why you would want to do that. As I mentioned earlier, this new chat support is only available for pre-sales of devices - in other words, you can't get support for app sales, books, or movie returns. This is for hardware only. To access the "Chat with us" option, head into Google Play Support>Nexus help center and select a device, then Contact us, then "Buying devices...," then "I have questions...," and finally, the device you have questions about. You should see the button to start a live chat. If you are planning to buy a Nexus device in the near future and have questions, think about giving this new chat service a try. Via: Google Support

Verizon to Sell the Samsung Galaxy S4 32GB Starting Tomorrow for $299

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 15:22:09 +0000

Starting tomorrow, June 29, Verizon will begin selling the 32GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 online for $299 on new 2-year contract. Up until this point, Big Red only carried the 16GB version of the phone at a price of $199 on contract (with $50 rebate). Since the phone's storage can be expanded through a microSD slot, the need for 32GB of storage built-in makes little sense to most, but there are those who don't want to deal with removable storage. I guess this is their option. The announcement only mentions that the 32GB version will be available online, so you may not find it at all in stores. It also mentions that while they go on sale tomorrow, they won't ship until July 3. Any takers? Willing to spend $100 more for an extra 16GB of internal storage? Via: Verizon

Motorola Finally Commits to Updating the DROID XYBOARDs to Jelly Bean, Doesn't Give a Time Frame

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:13:19 +0000

Late last night, a reader of ours noticed that Motorola had recently changed the status of the DROID XYBOARD tablets to "will be upgraded to Android 4.1." The last either was mentioned - back in February - all we know was that both 8.2 and 10.1 XYBOARDs were still under review and that there could be a chance that neither would receive the bump from Ice Cream Sandwich. This appears to give the three DROID XYBOARD owners on Earth something to look for. The problem is, Motorola didn't bother to place a time frame on the update, so it could be months.

And keep in mind that the original Motorola XOOM 4G LTE still doesn't even have Jelly Bean and it's technically a developer device that runs 100% stock Android. We saw soak test invites go out for it back in early May with no word since. New Motorola, please get here already. The old is filled with nothing but terrible memories of delayed or broken updates. Via: Motorola Cheers Tom!

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 13 Answers

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 12:32:55 +0000

Here are the Volume 13 answers from the Droid Life Q&A Sessions. On Monday, a good amount of you took to the comments section to get your questions answered, leaving us with lots of interesting inquiries, focusing primarily on Motorola, Nexus devices, and what the DL Crew finds themselves doing during the summer months. We love it when you get a little personal. Down below, we go over why 2013 has been sort of a "slow news year" in terms of Android and devices, what we dislike about Android, if we could see a Google Play Video All Access service and a whole lot more. Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tato and R is Ron.

This year has been the slowest that I can ever recall for Android in terms of new software and hardware. It seems like the pace of mobile innovation is slowing. Is it a sign of the technology maturing, a lack of competition or something else?

T: Besides Samsung, I think OEMs are realizing that focusing on few products leads to better sales. If you spend more time and energy on a device, it shows and consumers naturally respond to that. The HTC One is a prime example of this change in a company. Stop trying to reach as many different buyers as you can and instead, focus on the entire market with one device. So far, I'd say it has worked pretty well for them. So that's probably why we're seeing fewer devices. -- As an OS, it's clear that Android has matured by leaps and bounds. As many ask us, where do you see it going from here? It's hard to say since it already features so many great things, but that's what is great about Google. They will surprise us, somehow. R: It's a sign that OEMs can't afford to keep throwing out a device every other month without making money. Samsung can afford to do it, but everyone else is slowing down. The other major factor is that most people now have smartphones and are stuck in two year contracts, so it doesn't make sense for companies to pump out tons of phones. -- In terms of software, I think that is definitely because Android has reached a more mature state. We've talked about that issue on the show before. Innovation is slowing because companies are running out of ideas. That's why you'll continue to see gimmicks advertised as new features; the smartphone as a concept is mature. K: I think in 2010 and 2011, the industry had a new toy (Android) that they were trying to be the best with. It was like companies were trying to one-up each other each month with a new camera or 3D screen or dual-core processor. I'd say it all has matured, but that's such an amazing thing. Phones from even a year ago were not awesome in the way that 2013 phones are. Think back to 2010 or 2011 and how many issues we all had? Most of those are all gone now.

What do you NOT like about Android?

T: Well, when I get asked that by friends and family, the usual answer is Android's overall "janky" feeling. At times, the lag and stuttering just gives off a janky vibe. That's the best way to describe it. Jank. Project Butter definitely improved on the jank, but there is still some jank to fix. Let's get this trending - "#GotJank" R: I don't like that Android's icons vary widely in size and shape. I don't like that a lot of Android apps lack polish because developers have to support so many devices to make money. I don't like that the physics of Android still lags behind the smoothness of iOS. I don't like how stock Android handles battery life. K: That even though we are 4 or 5 years into the game, I still have yet to find a perfect Android device. Out of all these manufacturers, none has created a phone I would consider to be perfect - they all have some issue that drives me nuts. Nexus 4 has a sub-par camera and no LTE, Samsung has that terrible physical home button, and the HTC One is too big and also has a terrible nav button setup. You'd have thought that by now someone would have done it just right, but nope.

With Google Play Music working now with a monthly fee, do you think Google TV/Movies will follow suit?

T: OMG, that would be siiick. Although, with streaming comes huge licensing issues that would take time for Google to work out with the studios. As you might see, not all music in Google Play is available on All Access, due to licensing, so you would see an even more poor experience on an All Access Video service most likely. I mean, this is Google we're talking about so anything is possible, but I don't think we will see anything like that soon. And if they do work out some deal where we can stream their entire movie/TV library, then I would expect the monthly price to be quite high. R: Nope. The deals for that sort of thing would take months and probably wouldn't be worth Google or the studios' time. The movie/TV industry isn't hurting like the music industry has been, so they have no incentive to move towards subscriptions. K: Well, that would certainly be a great service, but I think the music and TV/Movies industries are so different that I'm not sure it's possible. But then again, we do have Netflix and Amazon doing something along those lines, so it's certainly possible. I just hope that if Google does it, it doesn't suck like Netflix and Amazon.

Do we still really think that there will be TWO Motorola devices (mid-range for summer, "hero" device for fall) and if so, will all carriers get the latter?

T: Motorola will hopefully look to take the Samsung approach, hopefully releasing a hero device to each carrier. As their CEO said, we can expect to see multiple devices, so it could definitely be happening. R: Nothing is confirmed. (Tim's note: Dude stole my saying!) K: Moto CEO Dennis Woodside said they would release multiple phones from now until October, so yes, I do think we will see a hero device along with the mid-range XFON. I also think their goal is to get both on every single carrier they can. The only confusing thing, is how Motorola is going to go about fighting themselves for those new DROID Ultra phones that are headed to Verizon.

Who's your favorite band?

T: *Hipster answer* Well, they're pretty underground, so you've probably never heard of them. *Real answer* My two favorite bands are Gojira from France and Ghost from Sweden. R: Right now it's Citizens and Ghost Ship. K: Ooh, tough one. I'm a hip hop guy, so I'd have to say favorite of all time is Gang Starr. For non-hip hop I'd have to say Ryan Adams (pre-sober days). But I'm listening to a lot of The Weeknd these days, plus Yeezus, the new J Cole, and even Miguel.

If you all lived on a deserted island for one full year, and you could only play ONE Android game, what game would that be and why?

T: Well, naturally I would have NVIDIA's SHIELD with me, so I would probably like to have Need for Speed: Most Wanted on it. Pretty awesome game. R: An updated version of Hex Defense. K: Oh come on, you already know. I think I've beat Granny Smith on 15 different devices already - some twice, because I had to factory reset a phone for one reason or another.

What are your favorite summer activities?

T: Besides lounging around and doing nothing, I like to get out and go for walks with the dogs, play some baseball/softball, eating bacon burgers. Word. R: Going to the beach/pool. Having a working air conditioner. K: Beer festivals. You'll also find me holding down the grill almost every weekend and finally getting to run outside, since it rains the other 9 months of the year here in Portland.

What tablet (7, 8, or 10 inch) would you recommend that is on sale right now? Would it be advisable to wait to see if Google releases new Nexus tablets?

T: I would wait for the refreshed Nexus 7. No doubt. It's coming. Unconfirmed, but I just feel it. R: I would wait for the next Nexus tablet. I've seen a lot of people complaining about slowed down Nexus 7s, though, so maybe pay a little more for something from Samsung (if you can handle the beast known as TouchWiz). K: I definitely wouldn't buy a tablet right now because the new Nexus 7 is coming. It's currently scheduled for a release around July 30th, with the original Nexus 7 potentially seeing a discount next week to move remaining inventory. Shh, you didn't hear that from us. :)

What are your thoughts on the Samsung NX Camera?

T: I think it's really neat. I know some are turned off by the Android-powered stuff, due to the Android jank issue, but this camera's hardware could actually outweigh Android's issues. We don't know pricing yet, but I am definitely excited to try one out once I get the opportunity. R: I don't think people want Android on their camera, especially their really expensive camera. I don't think this appeals to professionals and it certainly doesn't appeal to regular consumers. I imagine it will do just about as well as the Galaxy Camera. K: Cool concept, but I would have much rather seen them going with the smaller NX body style that you see on the NX1000 and NX2000. I'm also scared of the price, which could exceed $1000.

Google Trekker Explores BattleShip Island, May Look Familiar if You Like James Bond

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 11:00:11 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/c5kmKO_gGsc[/youtube]

Google recently opened up the Trekker program to third parties, allowing folks to borrow those funny looking backpacks, enabling Google to expand their Street View of the entire world at a quicker pace. The newest exotic spot to get Street Viewed is the Japanese island of Hashima, otherwise known as Battleship Island. Hashima was once a coal mining facility that housed workers, but was abandoned in the 70s. Since then, due to the buildings falling down, tourists are restricted from stepping foot on the island. If you watched the last James Bond film, then it should look quite familiar to you. Ready to take the tour? Check it out here. Via: TechCrunch

Crazy Bill: Zombie Star Hotel Launches on Android, Time to Assassinate VIP Zombies

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:10:16 +0000

If you were to encounter some of humanity's more famous/important people, but in zombie form, would you be able to destroy them? Great people like Albert Einstein, Elvis, Mother Teresa - would you be able to blow them away? Well, they're zombies so I would hope so! In Crazy Bill: Zombie Star Hotel, you're the newest threat in Zombieland, a world controlled completely by zombies. As Crazy Bill, you take a huge arsenal of weapons into the Zombie Palace Hotel, a place where all of the zombie VIPs stay, allowing you to take them all out in a single stop. Seems convenient. As you pass through each floor of the hotel, you are met with new opponents and increasingly difficult challenges. You can use power ups to help you overcome the hordes and there are plenty of different sweet guns to choose from. It's free in Google Play, so go check it out. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/4Zi9UM2YBzc[/youtube]

Friday App Sales: HD Widgets, 10000000, Sprinkle, Combo Crew and More

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 09:35:28 +0000

Friday means it's time for us to find some sweet apps to keep us busy with over the weekend. Today, there appears to be no shortage of good titles to choose from, including some games/apps that we have talked about plenty of times. There is the pro version of Beautiful Widgets, as well as HD Widgets, another exceptional widget app for Android. For games, there is Reckless Raving 2, 10000000, Sprinkle and Anomaly Korea. All good games that should keep you very happy. App Sales:

HD Widgets ($1.29)
Pettson's Inventions ($1.04)
Hyperlight ($0.99)
Reckless Racing 2 ($0.99)
10000000 ($0.99)
Combo Crew ($0.99)
Sprinkle ($0.99)
FlickFolio ($1.99)
PicFolio ($1.99)
Beautiful Widgets Pro ($1.29)
Anomaly Korea ($0.99)
Earth and Legend ($0.99)
Granny Smith ($0.99)

Plenty of good ones here to keep you busy this weekend.

Songza Introduces Songza Club Subscription Service, Allows for Ad-Free Playback

Tim — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 09:08:38 +0000

If you find yourself in certain situations and need that perfect playlist of music, but don't have the time to create one yourself, then maybe you have already tried out Songza. This app builds playlists for you right in the cloud, then streams it down to your device, all for free. Songza utilizes heavy advertisements to allow their service to be free, but with times changing, the company is looking to bring in more money to pay additional royalties to artists. With that said, Songza is introducing two new monetization services, a subscription plan and a new interactive ad experience for users. Songza's co-founder sent out a letter explaining the introduction of the two new paid service platforms.

As you may know, for every one of those 500,000,000+ songs you hear each month, we pay royalties to the deserving artists who create them. As a result, we need to earn more each month so we can keep delivering our expert-made playlists to you that improve the things you do every day.

With the need for income up, Songza is introducing Songza Club, a service which users pay $0.99 a week for. With the subscription, users can enjoy an ad-free experience on the application, as well as twice as many skips of tracks. In addition, Songza is introducing a new ad service, one which is a bit more interactive than your regular push ads. With these, the user interacts with the commercial, which will then allow for ad-free playback for 24 hours. Pretty solid trade off, yeah? Play Link Via: Songza

Fleksy Keyboard Receives Big Update, Beautiful New Vanilla Theme Too

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 08:08:42 +0000

Fleksy, my new keyboard obsession on Android, received a solid update yesterday that makes it fully-resizable, reduces the file size of the app, and adds a ton of enhancements. One of those enhancements is a beautiful new "Vanilla" theme that really is as stunning as the original dark theme. Is there a better looking keyboard than Fleksy? For those new to Fleksy, you'll need to join their beta test group on Google+ in order to give it a spin. It is free and open to join, so why not? The keyboard comes via the original developers of BlindType, as a keyboard that essentially lets you blindly type away, but is smart enough to figure out where you were headed. You can even fully hide the keyboard, giving you the ultimate full-screen typing experience. That feature alone is worth showing off to your friends. Again, I'm a huge fan of this keyboard and have made it my daily 'board in favor of Swiftkey. It took a weekend to really get used to it, but I haven't looked back in weeks. To grab the new beta, first join the group, and then follow the instructions to grab it through Google Play. Has anyone else fallen in love with Fleksy or am I standing alone? The full changelog:

Fleksy is now resizable, from Full to Tiny!
Introducing: Vanilla, Fleksy's first theme!
Reduced file size by 25%, memory usage by 15%. More to come
Configurable Haptic Feedback duration
Smoother animations
Improved web typing
Removed white text box hiding app in landscape
Increased accuracy
Improved Tutorial
Dictionary will backup in cloud for stock Jelly Bean
Bugs squashed [S4 flicker, swap invisible, bullets, facebook tag, KingSoft Office, and more]

Links: Join Beta Group | Play Link

Android 4.3 ROM Leaks for the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition, Nothing Much to See

Kellen — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:40:37 +0000

Well, Android 4.3 has now leaked, except not for a Nexus. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition is the beneficiary (along with the regular GS4 GT-I9505) this time around, receiving the newest version of Android before even Google had a chance to make it official. We were told by reliable sources to expect it on June 20, before learning the week of that the 20th was out and that no new date had been picked. We're now approaching July and 4.3 is still evading us. Thing is, we're not sure why as this leaked 4.3 build appears to be incredibly minor. It's Android 4.3 alright - it's also still Jelly Bean. Nothing surprising there, but once it has been loaded up, finding changes becomes difficult. The folks at Android Central went ahead and flashed the build to their Euro Galaxy S4 and didn't find much other than a file listing for "android.hardware.bluetooth_le," which means the rumor of Bluetooth LE landing in 4.3 was correct. That's pretty much it. If you own the Google Play Edition of the Galaxy S4 (how could you?) or the GT-I9505, you can load up 4.3 today pretty easily. The leak comes via SamMobile. Via: SamMobile [2] Cheers Brian, Jay and Weber!

Vine Receives Big Update, Front Facing Camera Support and Plenty More

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:26:09 +0000

Vine for Android is getting a major update today, full of amazing new features that users have been clamoring for since it first launched earlier this month. Oh wait, most of these things should have been there since day one. I forgot that their development team rushed to get this app out of the door as quickly as possible and might have skipped a few things along the way. In the update, which is now live on Google Play, users can finally take advantage of their front-facing cameras while taking videos. In addition, you might notice some "overall speed improvements" and enhancements to the performance of the camera load time, as well as a new upload manager. What's New:

Front-facing camera
New upload manager for unsubmitted posts
Improvements to settings
Improvements to camera loading time and support for more devices
Speed improvements overall
Bug fixes and UI improvements

Finally doesn't even begin to express my feelings toward this update. But then again, now that Instagram does video, I find myself not even opening this app anymore. Play Link

Video: Quick Look at the Samsung Galaxy S4 Wireless Charging Kit

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:04:11 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging kit finally went on sale at the beginning of June for a not-so-cheaply-set price of $90. We got a hold of one today to show off in case any of you had plans on picking one up, but were waiting to hear more details. So, here is a quick look at both the charging cover ($40) and the charging pad ($50). The first thing you notice after unwrapping the charging cover is that it's not as thin as the standard back. That's not surprising, since it likely houses a charging coil that when touched to the charging pad, charges your phone. So if you were hoping to swap out the standard back for this charging cover and not add any thickness, that's just not going to happen. This will also mess with the fit in your case should you use one. In fact, I tried to slap the phone into a Ringke Slim and realized immediately that it wasn't going to fit. So if you upgrade to the charging back, wave goodbye to a case. I noticed initially that the new back cover feels a bit stickier than the original back for my GS4, but that could also be because I just pulled a piece of sticky plastic off of the back. Hopefully it stays this way, since the slippery battery cover of this phone can be a turn-off. The charging pad is exactly what it sounds like - a pad that charges your phone. It's a flat piece of plastic with a soft-touch top and a rubberized non-slip bottom. There is one microUSB port at the top, along with a status light to show if your phone is charging or not. In order to use the two together - can't believe I'm typing this - you attach the charging cover and then set it on the charging pad. That's it. Oh, don't forget to plug the pad in. Boom! Wireless charging. Samsung Shop: Charging Pad | Charging Cover You can find the combined kit in our accessory store with decent shipping rates.

Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB8rBbaEqcI[/youtube]

Gallery

WSJ: Google is Developing a New Nexus Q, Gaming Console and Google Watch

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 15:38:26 +0000

According to a report out of the Wall Street Journal, Google has plans to introduce an Android gaming console of their own, along with new model of the Nexus Q and a smartwatch. Wait, that sort of sounds familiar? That's right, because just before I/O, sources of ours said that Google was indeed working on a new version of the Nexus Q with a "gaming focus." We were also told at that time that a watch was in the works, possibly even already on the wrists of select Google employees, but that it wouldn't arrive for some time. As you all know now, neither appeared at Google I/O, so their status became a question mark. Seeing both appear in a story at the WSJ is always a good sign, though. In the WSJ's report, they don't specifically mention that the new Nexus Q will be the Android gaming console, only that it will be released. Their report isn't exactly clear, but it almost sounds as if they believe that there will be both a console and a Nexus Q as separate devices (which makes little sense). Our sources made it sound like they were one-and-the-same, but the details at the time were extremely fuzzy. This new report mentions that this version of the Q will be much more affordable. The original Q was priced at $299. Keep in mind that we saw a media player built by Google touch down at the FCC a month or so ago, so there is something to this idea that a Q would return even if Google continues to kill off the original. As far as smartwatch goes, no exact details were released, only another report that Google is working on one. The WSJ expects at least one of these devices to be released this fall. Via: Wall Street Journal Cheers David!

T-Mobile Sets the Date For a Press Event on July 10, Promises "Bold Moves"

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 15:00:43 +0000

T-Mobile is sending out invites to a press event that is set to take place July 10 in New York City. As far as what we should expect, all we get is the tagline, "Our boldest moves yet." Well, that's pretty mysterious. The last big moves T-Mobile made was their announcement of the UNcarrier pricing plans and so far, those seem to be going over pretty well in the industry, as even AT&T introduced similar plans. Any guesses on what we could see? Via: Engadget

Custom ROMs Built From HTC One Google Play Edition System Dump Popping Up

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:10:14 +0000

Owners of a rooted GSM HTC One that have been dying to get a complete taste of vanilla Android are in luck, as custom ROMs built off of the Google Play Edition HTC One are now popping up on the web. In short, this is a rooted and deodexed version of exactly what comes on the GPE HTC One devices found on Google Play. Thanks to system dumps, now everyone can get in on the fun.

Stock Android 4.2.2 for HTC One M7 -Made from system dump of Google Play Edition HTC One -Rooted with Koush's superuser app and binary -Latest busybox installed -Odexed Requirements -GSM HTC One (m7ul/m7tmo/m7att) -Custom Recovery (TWRP, CWR) Features -Stock Android 4.2.2 w/ Google Apps -New Camera UI with improved thumb controls -Wifi and BT are working -Tbalden 4.2.2 kernel

To flash this ROM, you will need an unlocked HTC One, running a custom recovery (either ClockworkMod or TeamWin). In recovery, you will simply flash a zip file of the ROM and that is it. If you have those things and are ready to run some stock Android, follow the via below. Via: XDA

Facebook Announces Android App Beta Program, Signups Are Live

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:44:11 +0000

Facebook announced at an Android whiteboard meeting today, a beta program to help strengthen their mobile app offering. Allowing a small portion of users access to software before a full on update/launch, Facebook is hoping to cut down on issues that could potentially arise if they miss something during their internal testing phases. This beta is just like similar ones we have seen from apps such as Falcon Pro, Nova Launcher and Sliding Messaging. What makes this one different is that Facebook is the first major company to adopt Google's newest beta program platform. So far, we're digging it.

Beginning today, the Android beta program will give users who opt-in access to the latest versions of Facebook for Android before the general release. Our goals with this program are to expand our pool of testers and gain feedback across a more diverse set of devices. Just by using the app and reporting issues, beta testers will be able to help us improve performance on a wide variety of Android devices we may have otherwise been unable to test at scale.

To sign up and get yourself into the beta, join this Google Apps group here and then download the app from Google Play. It's that simple to become a tester. Via: Facebook

Thursday Poll: Are You Covered by Verizon's 4G LTE Network?

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:13:27 +0000

This morning, Verizon announced that the build-out of their 4G LTE network is "substantially complete" and that it covers 99% of their 3G network. This news comes right on schedule with what Big Red told us earlier in the year, but even though they claim to be 99% of the way there, we are still hearing from some readers who are still only in 3G territories. So to get a feel for Verizon's coverage, at least in the DL community, we thought we'd toss out a poll to get your feedback. Are you covered by Big Red's LTE network or not? Simple "yes" or "no." [poll id="260"]

Plants Vs Zombies 2 Needs More Time to Germinate, Release Date Pushed Back

Eric — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:37:56 +0000

The name of the game may be Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time, but PopCap is asking for a little more development before they release their game. The game that was first promised in "early summer" was officially announced last month with a release date of July 18, but today PopCap took to Twitter to announce that release schedule isn't going to be made. To say that people have been waiting anxiously for this sequel would be quite an understatement. PvZ is one of the best selling mobile games across multiple platforms, but PopCap can't seem to push this game out the door. All we are left with after this latest delay is "later in the summer." Who knows when that will be. Via: Twitter

Game Publisher BulkyPix Hosting 50% Off Summer Sale on Top-Selling Apps

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:13:40 +0000

BulkyPix, a game publisher on Google Play whose titles we have written up a few times, is currently hosting a Summer Sale. More than ten games are listed at 50% off, resulting in some pretty sweet deals. The main games you should focus on are Redneck Revenge, Undead Soccer, Soldiers vs. Aliens and Yesterday. At least those are my personal recommendations. Sales:

Undead Soccer ($0.99)
Redneck Revenge ($0.99)
Yesterday ($2.99)
Fort Boyard ($0.99)
Soldiers vs. Aliens ($0.99)
Bee Control ($0.99)
Magnetic Sports Soccer ($0.99)
Magnetic Sports Hockey ($0.99)
Babel Running ($0.99)
Evofish ($0.99)
Little Amazon ($0.99)
Aby Escape Deluxe ($0.99)

Can't argue with deals like this. Nope. [youtube]http://youtu.be/n6C7CdEHcvA[/youtube]

Yes, There is a Red HTC One and It's Going to a UK Retailer

Eric — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:10:58 +0000

When the HTC One first launched, there was some back and forth on the web whether the red-colored variant of this device would ever hit retail shelves. Well, the device that we saw listed on HTC's site the day of the One's launch is finally going to the public, but unfortunately not to Verizon's network. HTC announced today that the UK phone retailer, Phones4U will exclusively feature the red HTC One for Europe. Other than the new color palate, there is nothing different internally in this One. It's the same 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB of RAM. For now, the only details on a launch date for this red device is "mid-July." This color could eventually make its way to other markets in the future, but that depends on the period of exclusivity that Phones4U received from HTC. Would you pick this color if Verizon eventually carried it? Via: Phandroid | Phones4U

Tip: Use the Volume Rocker to Snap Pictures With the New Camera App

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 09:40:07 +0000

As pointed out in our comments section by a few of our lovely readers, while using the new camera application that was ripped from the Google Play Edition devices (download available), you can use your phone's volume rocker to take pictures. No more tapping on the screen to capture that perfect moment. While in the camera app, simply tap on either volume "up" or "down" and boom, snapshot. Now lets see some sweet cat and dog pics. Cheers Ryuuie!

Nexus Q Now 100% a Paper Weight, New Play Movies Update Kills Off Pairing

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 09:07:27 +0000

During this year's Google I/O, the fate of the original Nexus Q seems to have been signed, sealed and delivered - it's likely not coming back (though we're still slightly crossing fingers). A new one wasn't announced nor did Google announce new software or an update for the original that was introduced in 2012. It was indeed a sad day for those of us who actually used the half-baked-media-center-glowing-bowling ball. If the absence at I/O wasn't enough though, the news got worse once the newly announced Google Play Music app (from I/O) was released to the world as it broke pairing with the Q. So even though we didn't get an update or new hardware, up until the release of this new music app, one could still use the Q as a music or movie streaming device. But again, the new music app broke that side of the device, leaving us with movie and video streaming only. Well, until today. A new Play Movies update has been released, and sure enough, it breaks pairing with the Q. This would be the new Play Movies that matches up in styling to the rest of the new Play apps, something we are actually happy about since the last version was somewhat of an eye-sore. But now that it breaks the Q, part of us is slightly saddened. If you are familiar with how Nexus Q pairing works, you'll notice that in the top-right screenshot, that the Play icon is gone, which was previously used to toggle between your phone and the Q. R.I.P. Nexus Q. (For now, until this Google-made media device is released.) Play Link And if it's not live for you yet, you can download it here. Cheers 4n1m4l!

Verizon's First LTE-Only Phones to Launch Late Next Year, Along With VoLTE

Tim — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 08:47:03 +0000

Verizon's completion of their 4G LTE rollout means big things for next year's roadmap, according to a recent discussion with the carrier's Chief Network Operator, Nicki Palmer. Shooting for a time frame of late 2014, Verizon intends to launch its first line of LTE-only devices, capable of handling simultaneous voice and data through a single radio, something that Verizon's users have been without for some time. In order to make this transition smooth for customers, Verizon is working "very aggressively" on their VoLTE capabilities and should be ready for its launch across their entire network around the same time that LTE-only devices are ready to ship. Unlike the rollout of 4G LTE across America, the launch of VoLTE will be instantaneous across the entire network with the flip of a single switch.

We will get this right. Our brand is built on reliability. We will want to go big with this.

As for all of the hype surrounding LTE-Advanced, Verizon also made it quite clear that they will be a leader in that field as well, although they do seem to have a bit more realistic grasp on what LTE-A would entail for customers. For Big Red, LTE-Advanced would mean more of a "collection of enhancements, features, and standards" at first. In the long run, they will be "aggressive" at looking into the network upgrade. This is what we have all been waiting for, yes? Via: CNET

Verizon Reaches 500th 4G LTE Market, Now Covers 99% of 3G Network

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 07:49:31 +0000

This morning, Verizon announced that with the activation of Parkersburg, West Virginia as a 4G LTE market, they have reached 500 markets in total. But more importantly, their initial build-out of 4G LTE in "substantially complete" and now matches up to more than 99% of their 3G network. In terms of people, Big Red serves LTE speeds to 298 million people across the country, which is about 95% of the U.S. population. They are indeed the leader in 4G LTE coverage. The initial goal was to reach this state by the end of 2013, but early in the year Verizon adjusted plans after realizing they were months ahead of schedule. We're now at the end of June and the initial workload is complete - I guess that means it's time for VoLTE? For reference, AT&T has now reached 315 LTE markets as of yesterday. Via: Verizon

Download: New Stock Camera App From Google Play Edition Phones

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 07:23:04 +0000

After posting the new boot animation and SunBeam live wallpaper from the new Google Play Edition phones, we made mention of the camera app with its new UI being the next on our list to get a hold of. At that time, it wasn't available, however, we knew it wouldn't take long with this good of a community. Late last night, the camera .apk from the GPe phones was made available, and appears to work on any phone without root. I installed it on my HTC One without issue (pictured above). In fact, I was able to snap a Photo Sphere, Panorama, video, and regular photo like you would hope. This camera also comes with the stock Android gallery. To install, download the file to your phone tap on it when it finishes, and then install. It should show up in your app drawer with the stock camera icon. If you have a Nexus, it will more than likely replace your current camera. Download Link Via: XDA Cheers @WinDroidGuy, Jeremy, and Robert!

The Droid Life Show: Episode 29

Kellen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 00:47:59 +0000

We're back! The Droid Life Show episode 29 goes down tonight in what should be one of our fullest and story-packed to date. We took last week off, but since then a number of important happenings have crossed our paths. We've now got Google Play Edition phones available, there have been leaks of Motorola and LG phones galore, Sony dropped a behemoth of a ~~tablet~~ phone on us, NVIDIA SHIELD and OUYA are upon us, and we even have some apps to cover. This should be a good one - join us live! The show kicks off around 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). A live video broadcast and chat are embedded below.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X557Mr8JOcA[/youtube]

The Droid Life Show Episode 29 Goes Down Tonight at 6PM Pacific

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:37:31 +0000

After last week's break, we are going to have a completely packed episode 29 for all of you tonight on the Droid Life Show. We have Google Play Edition devices from Samsung and HTC to discuss, a new image of Motorola's upcoming X Phone to ponder, images of the supposed LG G2 which blew our minds, NVIDIA's SHIELD gaming system and a whole lot more on the agenda. I'm serious, it's going to be crazy. The show begins at 6:00PM Pacific (9:00PM Eastern). We’ll have live video and chat embeds at that time.

Subscribe | iTunes | Show Page

Google Play Edition Boot Animation and SunBeam Live Wallpaper Available for Download

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:37:10 +0000

The new Google boot animation and SunBeam live wallpaper that are currently exclusive to the Google Play Editions of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 have already been pulled and released for our tinkering pleasure. Thanks to the release of the GPL files (similar to factory images) for each phone by JBQ, members of XDA were able to get inside and pull out these two goodies. We're still awaiting the arrival of the new Camera app, but we'll take these two for now. The boot animation is a .zip file that can be flashed through your custom recovery (yes, you need to be rooted). The files are 1080p wide, so it should look good on almost any device. With the SunBeam wallpaper, you can try to install it as you would any other sideloaded .apk, but it may error out on you. Should you run into an issue, you'll need to be rooted so that you can push the file to /system/app. Set the permissions to RW-R--R--, reboot, and enjoy. Downloads: Boot Animation | SunBeam Wallpaper [2] Via: XDA [2]

Duolingo Updated in Google Play, Brings Tablet Optimization and Leaderboards

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:53:39 +0000

This afternoon, the popular language learning application Duolingo, received an update on Android that brings support for tablets. In addition, the app now also supports landscape mode across devices, so no more holding it in portrait to get your learning on. To top off the update, leaderboards have been introduced, allowing students aka players to rank up their language skills against their friends. What's New:

Tablet Optimized - Duolingo now supports the perfect device for learning!
Leaderboards - Sure, it feels great to spend the day making progress in a new language; but it's even better when you can leave your friends behind in the dust.
Landscape Mode - Hold your device however you like, even Gangnam style.
Awesome New Sidebar - With a single tap on the Duolingo logo you can now access your stats, see the leaderboard, and strengthen your skills.

If you have a trip to a foreign country planned in the future and want to learn their language, trust me, this is a really fun and engaging app that could help. Play Link

Directly From Google or Not, Google Play Editions Will Receive Updates Shortly After They Are Released

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:34:02 +0000

Shortly after Google made the new Google Play Editions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 available, stories began to run with fear that updates would not be directly supplied by Google and that OEMs would still be a part of the equation, causing delays. I think I even saw someone claim that HTC and Samsung would hold updates back, and not release them until they had their own skinned versions of updates ready for the carrier-tied versions of the same phone, as to not show preferential treatment. Except that logic goes completely against the point of these phones, but yeah, it's getting wild out there. These worries began because select media outlets with the devices in hand noticed that the kernels for each have been built by HTC and Samsung in both GPe phones. Oh no! That means that the OEMs are still a part! It's like the Galaxy Nexus LTE on Verizon all over again...or something! Ok, not so fast. Settle, folks. We reached out to Google PR to get some clarification on the subject, and have news that you should have expected from the beginning. Actually, this is essentially what Google told us from day 1, when they first announced the "Nexus experience" phones. Updates will be timely, as Google will work directly with HTC and Samsung. This is what Google told us:

On background, we will be working very closely with Samsung and HTC on future software updates for these devices and they will receive software updates shortly after a new version is released.

So there you have it. Whether they are coming directly from Google or not, they have committed to supplying updates "shortly" after new versions of Android are released. Even with kernels being built by the OEMs, there won't be significant delays or any other shenanigans. Better?

Boomerang is the First Decent Gmail Replacement App Available for Android

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:17:14 +0000

If you have heard of Mailbox for iOS and are currently awaiting its arrival for Android, today is not that day. Sorry about that. Although, this app best relates to Mailbox, called Boomerang, an alternative email application that can replace the standard email and Gmail apps that come installed on our devices. Don't get me wrong, I love the Gmail application for Android, but like everything else, there are things about it that could be a lot better. Boomerang brings a great design, along with some cool features, making it one of the first apps to actually make us consider dropping the Gmail app. The big selling feature is the "Boomerang" itself. If you receive an email, but want to make sure you see it or are reminded of it at a later time, you can simply select to have the app send it back to you at a predetermined time. There are options for later that day, next week and a few other options to choose from, on top of the ability to select an exact time for when you want it. That feature alone is what directly relates this app to Mailbox. Beyond Boomerang, there are gesture-based controls, much like are already found in Gmail. You have your various folders and different accounts all lined up on the left side in a pull out bar, with quick access to those just a single swipe of the finger away. If you swipe on individual emails, you are given quick options for each message. There is archive, trash, Boomerang, label, star and mark as unread. Depending on which way you swipe the message, a different action will be performed. It's pretty sweet. Examples of these are previewed in the video below. There are still some issues with the app, as it is brand new and bugs are sure to be present. From my experience when trying to open an attachment, the app comes back with an error stating there is no app installed on my device to open the attachment. Well, I know that's not true, so it must be Boomerang's problem. Beyond that, it's been a pretty decent experience and I'm excited to see what fixes and other features there are to look forward to. Give it a go and let us know what you think. And don't worry, I know how hard it is to try and stop using the official Gmail app. Nearly impossible. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/cY2EwWYxPI8[/youtube]

Koush Details New PushSMS Feature for CyanogenMod, a Secure Messaging Service

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:05:55 +0000

Yesterday evening, Koush took to the official CyanogenMod page on Google+, announcing that he has been in the process of building a brand new messaging service called PushSMS, an "app" that rivals Apple's iMessage in terms of security. Koush took security and privacy to the next level, enabling users to send encrypted messages, allowing for a greater sense of security when messaging friends and family. It gets a little technical and fortunately for those who are somewhat illiterate on this topic, Koush gives a full explanation on the post. Here is a quick excerpt.

I've built out a secure/push based messaging plugin for CyanogenMod. Messages between two CyanogenMod will be encrypted end to end and sent over GCM. It's built into the framework; so it works transparently, even with third party apps. (This is actually one of the cooler points IMO, and I do a lot of testing with GoSMS, etc) It's basically PGP (encryption + authenticity) for text messages, built into the system.

The service isn't quite ready for testing, so don't go downloading the newest nightlies quite yet. We'll let you know when it starts getting built into the ROM. For more info on PushSMS, please check out Koush's post on Google+ by following the via link. Via: +CyanogenMod

Google Now's New TV Info Feature is Pretty Awesome

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:44:19 +0000

This morning, Google updated its Search app for Android to include a new TV information card that can be viewed through Google Now. It requires you to have a WiFi-enabled TV, with your TV and phone connected to the same network in order to work, but otherwise doesn't need any other setup. No pairing, codes, or IR blasters are necessary. So since I happen to have a TV with WiFi, I decided to see what the experience is like and how exactly it works. After waiting a few minutes for Google Now to find my TV, I can now safely say that this will probably be one of my most used Google Now cards. As I mentioned, it took a minute for Google Now to realize that my TV was on, but within a couple of minutes, I was greeted in Google Now with a card that asked if I was "Watching live TV?" It also mentioned that it found my LG TV through my WiFi network, and then asked that I tap to "Listen for a TV show," just as Google described this morning. So I did! I happened to be on HGTV at first, and sure enough, Google Now listened to the show (similarly to how it does with Music) and then returned a result for Property Brothers (which was actually on TV). I then tapped the "Read more" button and was taken to a Google Search results page for the show to find out more information. But that's just the beginning - it gets better.

If you are watching a movie, Google Now will return overviews of the film, show you the starring actors, provide bios to some of them, and then even list out supporting roles at the bottom, all with quick cards to give you more info.

I even tried a live sporting event (Brazil vs. Uruguay, Confederations Cup), thinking it wouldn't stand a chance. It proved me wrong, showing the listing for the match, followed by a list of players that I could quickly find more info on with "Read more" links.

While I don't consume a massive amount of TV, I still find myself often wondering if actors in shows or movies are in anything else, who the director might be, which teams a certain player used to play for or what college he attended, who the coach of team is, etc., etc. With Google Now showing TV information, all of this info immediately becomes more accessible. Thanks, Google.

Video: Flying a Parrot AR Drone 2.0 With NVIDIA SHIELD

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:40:46 +0000

NVIDIA is working extremely hard to create a product that people want, bringing Android to its highest potential in the realm of mobile gaming. One of the features that SHIELD offers that I can't get enough of, is the feeling of an actual controller in my hand while playing my favorite games. So, what happens when you pair said controller, complete with joysticks and triggers, with a new Parrot AR Drone 2.0? Pure nerd magic. Optimized for SHIELD, the AR Drone 2.0 application allows me to take full control of the quadrocopter, providing an exceptional experience for anyone that loves flying and bringing attention to themselves at the local frisbee disc golf course. Using the built-in joysticks, I can control the Drone's height, rotation and every other aspect of the craft. Since the Drone has a built in HD camera, the feed goes directly to SHIELD's 5" HD display, allowing me to pilot the machine even when I'm not in its line of sight. As I express in the video, it really is an enjoyable experience. Below, you can see me at my local park, getting mean mugged by our local frisbee disc golf team as I encroach on their turf to get some flying time in. [youtube]http://youtu.be/_vL-w3s6WB0[/youtube]

Video: Unboxing of NVIDIA SHIELD

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:05:36 +0000

After months of waiting patiently, although sometimes we weren't as patient, NVIDIA has provided us with a review unit of SHIELD for our testing/gaming pleasure. With this post, we will provide you a quasi-unboxing video and a device hardware gallery. Ready for a SHIELD overload? Good. The device is built well and the software pairs with the looks very nicely. It's dark, almost giving off sort of a mysterious vibe. The few times I took it out in public, people seemed very interested in the device and had a natural feeling of wanting to play with it. Luckily, NVIDIA spared no expense making sure SHIELD came with some great games onboard, so showing off the gaming power of this device is pretty easy. Powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 4 processor and 2GB of RAM, the device can handle any gaming task you might throw at it. It powers through titles like Grand Theft Auto and Real Boxing, still providing enough power to go around for your favorite apps and entertainment. Built into SHIELD is a 5" 720p display, an HDMI-out port capable of providing 4K video out, a microSD slot for additional storage, plus that specially designed controller, complete with joysticks, bumpers and triggers. It's the ultimate Android-powered gaming system. For more info, check out the pics and video below and be on the look out for more SHIELD coverage.

Gallery

Unboxing Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq1YwzoHHBA[/youtube]

NVIDIA Delays Launch of SHIELD, New Release Date "TBD"

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:03:56 +0000

For those waiting to receive their NVIDIA SHIELD, you may want to stop holding your breath. NVIDIA announced today that SHIELD has experienced some mechanical issues, forcing the company to push back the device's launch. Previously, the device was set to go on sale for $299 starting tomorrow, June 27. That is apparently no longer the case.

During our final QA process, we discovered a mechanical issue that relates to a 3rd party component. We want every SHIELD to be perfect, so we have elected to shift the launch date to July. We’ll update you as soon as we have an exact date.

With launch now pushed to sometime in July, any new thoughts on the fate of SHIELD? Update: Here is the message that is being sent out to those who preordered SHIELD:

New Camera UI, Boot Animation, and Wallpaper Arrive With Google Play Edition Phones - Still Android 4.2.2

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:49:34 +0000

Now that the Google Play Editions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are available for purchase and in the hands of a select few media outlets, we're starting to see a look at the version of Android they are both running. Surprisingly enough, they appear to be running slightly different versions than any of us have, even on Nexus devices, though the version is still Android 4.2.2. So what's different?

New Camera UI

The first thing we noticed after looking through JR Raphael's write-up over at Computerworld, was the new camera UI that first appeared on a Nexus 4 running Android 4.3 a few weeks ago. We assumed this new camera UI, with a much more intuitive-stacked menu system, was going to be a part of the oft-rumored 4.3 update, but that's clearly not the case. Again, the new Google Play Edition phones are still running JDQ39 (Android 4.2.2), but the camera app is indeed a newer version than what is publicly available today. In the current stock Android camera UI, the menu functions as a circle that can be impossible to navigate because your finger often covers up the options. With this new stacked version, your finger is never in the way.

New Wallpaper and Tweaked App Drawer

The second thing we noticed was the new red-themed Phase Beam wallpaper. On Nexus devices (and many other non-Nexus phones and tablets), Phase Beam in purple and blue has been a standard for as far back as I can remember. On these new special edition devices, we're seeing this slightly tweaked version that may or may not come to Nexus phones. If you want to experience the red Phase Beam today, you can grab a third party version from Google Play. In terms of the app drawer, Google appears to have tweaked the Google Play Editions to a 4x5 layout. On the Nexus 4, we're seeing 5x5, but the Nexus 4 also carries a slightly wider resolution ratio than the Galaxy S4 and One, which could be the difference in layouts. It's nothing major, but still something different.

New Boot Animation

Last, here is the boot animation from the One "Google Play Edition." I think the takeaway here is that these are non-Nexus devices, so you won't see the Nexus X that is currently used on Google's lineup of phones and tablets. These are Google Play Edition phones, so Google went ahead and created a special boot animation for them. I actually like it, and can't wait for it to be turned into a flashable file for all of us to enjoy. The new animation semi-mimics the refresh animation you see on the Google+ app for iOS.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U75TYBWTRII[/youtube]

Via: ComputerWorld

evleaks: Verizon to See Motorola DROID RAZR Ultra and RAZR M Ultra?

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:59:50 +0000

In the wireless industry, understand that phones are often times planned years in advance. That also means that contracts or agreements have been made between phone manufacturers and carriers...years in advance. With that in mind, take today's tip from @evleaks, which suggests that Motorola and Verizon have teamed up once again to continue the DROID RAZR line, as evidence of that idea. According to a Tweet sent out by the famed leaker, Verizon and Motorola will release new phones called the DROID RAZR Ultra and RAZR M Ultra. No other details were provided, but @evleaks has been spot on with pre-release info enough times in the past that we tend to listen when he speaks. And if you think about it, a new line of RAZR products isn't necessarily out of the question, especially after the success of last year's RAZR HD and RAZR M devices on Big Red. We're a bit confused, though, because we were supposed to see the "new" Motorola in 2013, yet a continuation of the RAZR line seems like nothing but old news. Then again, remember what we mentioned at the beginning. These phones could have been a part of an agreement with Verizon long before Google decided to change Motorola for the better. We should point out that sources of ours recently tipped us to this new Ultra line of phones, but didn't use the "RAZR" name, and instead referred to them as the DROID Ultra, DROID Ultra Maxx, and DROID Ultra Mini. One thing is certain, the "Ultra" tag will be a part of this new DROID line headed to Verizon. As a bonus, our sources suggested that we may also see a MAXX, which is Moto's nickname for phones with insanely long battery life. Now the question is, will we see these new DROIDs alongside Verizon's Moto X (XT1060) variant? If we look at last year's timeline, we saw the RAZR HD and RAZR M arrive in the fall. The Moto X is expected to arrive at any moment as a cross-carrier device without special branding, so maybe we'll see the Moto X first, and these new Ultra devices a few months down the road. That of course is just speculation. Thoughts on the Ultra line? Via: @evleaks

HTC Releases Kernel Source for One "Google Play Edition"

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:23:46 +0000

Just as the "Google Play Edition" of the HTC One went live in the Google Play store, HTC went ahead and posted the kernel source for the device. Listed as the "One Special Edition," you can tell that this is the Google Play Edition thanks to the carrier being "Open Market," the region showing as "Google WWE," and type listed as "Stock UI." Update: They have since fixed the site to show "Google Play Edition." Hackers and tinkerers, go get some. Oh, and Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition soon-to-be-owners, they dropped their kernel source earlier in the week. Link down below. Via: HTC Dev | Samsung

HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 "Google Play Editions" Now Available

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:08:47 +0000

As expected, since the date is June 26, the new "Nexus experience" editions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are now available through Google Play. Each runs a completely stock version of Android that will be ~~updated directly by Google~~ (or won't they?), much like its line of Nexus devices. You won't find HTC's Sense or Samsung's TouchWiz anywhere on either phone, making these the ultimate flagship phones for Android enthusiasts. The HTC One can be had for $599, while the Galaxy S4 drops in at $649. Both phones do not require a contract through a carrier and are sold as "unlocked," however, each will work on either AT&T and T-Mobile LTE networks. They also come with unlockable bootloaders, so they are by all means hacker-friendly.

The Galaxy S4 will come with 16GB of internal storage, but that can be expanded through a microSD card slot. The HTC One carries 32GB of internal storage, and does not have room for growth. The rest of the specs remain the same as their carrier-tied versions. The devices will ship soon (in July). This is your opportunity to buy the latest and greatest in smartphones, but have them mostly handled by Google. Are you ready to dive in? Play Links: HTC One ($599) | Samsung Galaxy S4 ($649)

Executive: T-Mobile to Rollout LTE-Advanced Features "Later This Year"

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:45:58 +0000

At a New York-based event this Tuesday, T-Mobile senior vice president of technology, strategy, finance and development, Dave Mayo, talked up the carrier's plans for LTE-Advanced. According to Mayo, T-Mobile will begin, "rolling out LTE-Advanced features later this year." In terms of what we can exactly expect of these features, Mayo did not give any insight. According to Light Reading, one of the features we could begin to see is, "'carrier aggregation' techniques that bond together two or more separate radio channels to get faster data speeds; two-by-two smart antenna arrays -- also known as 2x2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) - for faster uplink and downlink; and relay nodes, low-power base stations that provide improved coverage and capacity at the cell edge." With all of this talk going around about LTE-Advanced, it's hard for a data hog not to get excited. At conferences and press events, Verizon too always mentions the future of their network, but never specifically states LTE-Advanced technology. Their CEO has mentioned work on 5G and 6G networks, but there has not been any talks about it coming to fruition anytime soon. No doubt we will soon see a big boom in mobile data speeds over the next few years here in America. Via: TmoNews | Light Reading

Google Search Receives Update: TV Show Information, Offers Show When Nearby a Location, New Voice Action for Music

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:11:53 +0000

Google Search received an update today on Android that introduces a couple of new Google Now and action features worth mentioning. The first new feature will display information about shows you are watching through your internet-connected TV (as long as you are on the same WiFi network as your TV). The second will automatically pop up saved offers once you approach a nearby redemption location. And third, we're seeing a new voice action that will play music from either your phone or the Play store. Oh, they also tossed in Voice actions tips. The update is technically live, but yeah, you know about those staged rollouts. What's new:

Information about shows you're watching on your internet-connected TV (US only)*
* Requires phone/tablet to be on the same network as your TV
Saved offers when nearby a redemption location
New voice action: play music from your phone or the Play Store
Voice actions tips

Update: Google posted a better explanation of how the TV show info works to G+:

TV Cards: If you have an internet-connected TV, Google Now can help unlock more information about what you’re watching. Just connect your Android device to the same network that your TV is on and tap “Listen for a TV show” in Google Now. We will show you information, like where you’ve seen an actor in the cast before, or more information about the people mentioned in the show. So if you were watching Nik Wallenda cross the Grand Canyon this weekend, with Google Now, you could learn that the “King of the Wire” in fact holds seven Guinness World Records, including highest bike ride on a high-wire. Google Offers: Now you can get reminders for your saved offers when you're near the store -- right when you need it. Google Now will pull up the offer so you can use it quickly and easily.

Play Link I hate to say this, but should you get the update, feel free to share the love in the comments. Update: You can download the new Google Search here. Cheers Phil!

Motorola Reveals New Minimal Logo, Calls Itself a "Google Company"

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 08:54:36 +0000

That right there is your new Motorola logo. Gone is the bright red "M," in is some sort of a purple, along with an all-lowercase "motorola" and the tagline of "a Google company." The company hasn't officially unveiled this new logo in any sort of announcement, but they decided to go ahead and use the new look in a sponsorship of the TechWeek Chicago conference that is going down on June 27. The logo was tucked away in the bottom corner of the sponsorship page, but it's certainly there. When you think of Google, this new minimal-all-lowercase design makes a lot of sense. Look at Google Glass as an example of Google's minimalism or the Google.com home page. But a new logo is one thing, what we want to know is when this rolls out, if it will happen when the Moto X is finally announced, and if the M logo will be available in something other than purple? Update: The Verge also posted up this multi-colored version.

Thoughts on the new look? Via: TechWeek | The Verge

AT&T Fires Up 7 New 4G LTE Markets, Continues to Boast Nation's Fastest Speeds

Tim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 08:23:49 +0000

This morning, there are seven new 4G LTE markets available to AT&T subscribers, bringing the grand total to around 315+. According to recent tests that brought a showdown between the top U.S. carriers, AT&T still had a dominant lead in overall speed of their network. While 4G LTE still gets some folks excited, it's hard not to think about the future and what LTE-Advanced could do for us. Is it possible for a webpage to load too fast? I didn't think so. New Markets:

Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Minot, North Dakota
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Jackson County, Georgia
Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota
Visalia, California
Hot Springs, Arkansas

Via: AT&T

Moto X for Sprint Appears in the Wild for LTE Testing With Removable Battery?

Kellen — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 08:13:57 +0000

The Moto X is coming, we know that much thanks to a semi-announcement from Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside. What we're confused about, is whether or not the XFON is the Moto X or if Moto X is a new brand or series of devices to be introduced by Motorola. For those not familiar, the XFON has been seen all over the place thus far as Moto's first multi-carrier phone in some time, even appearing at the FCC with variants for AT&T, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, and Sprint. It's thought to be nothing more than a mid-range phone with some neat tricks up its sleeves that Motorola has yet to fully reveal. But while we remain confused on the difference between the XFON and Moto X, one thing we do know is that Sprint's variant is in testing and has been pictured (above) in the wild. According to PhoneArena, a tipster sent in the picture above during LTE testing on Sprint's network. They claim that the display size is roughly 4.5-inches, which matches up to rumors that it will fall anywhere between 4.3 and 4.7-inches in size. We're looking at stock Android, with on-screen navigation buttons, 16GB of internal storage, and what may be a removable battery. As you are all well aware, companies outside of Samsung moved away from removable batteries long ago, so this would be a welcomed surprise. Even as phones continue to become more efficient, there is comfort in knowing you can quickly swap out a dead battery for a fresh one. Other info that has surfaced over the last couple of months point to this phone running a 1.7Ghz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, with 10MP rear camera, and 2GB of RAM. There are no current rumored dates for a launch of the XFON, even if the media is trying to convince you that August 1 is in play. Via: PhoneArena

Samsung Announces Galaxy S4 LTE-A, World's First LTE-Advanced Smartphone

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:10:43 +0000

This evening, Samsung and SK Telecom, a Korean carrier that recently finished construction on the world's first commercially available LTE-Advanced network, announced the Galaxy S4 LTE-A. The LTE-A is the world's first device able to connect to an LTE Advanced network, as well as containing Qualcomm's newest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 800. Earlier today, a leaked hands-on and unboxing went up on the web of the new Galaxy device, complete with full retail packaging. In terms of what separates this and the regular S4 that everyone knows and loves, inside the LTE-A is upgraded GPUs, the 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon chipset and the LTE-Advanced radios. It still features the same 13MP camera, 2GB of RAM, Android 4.2.2 software, as well as all of that Samsung proprietary software. The device will be available in both red and blue, hitting shelves sometime this summer in Korea. For now, Americans will have to remain patient to see something like this hit our shores. [youtube]http://youtu.be/FEMw9hJyn1E[/youtube]

Samsung LTE Leadership and Future-Focused Innovation Produces World's First LTE-Advanced Smartphone

Breakthrough GALAXY S4 LTE-A doubles network connection speeds and reimagines the smartphone multimedia experience
SEOUL, Korea - June 26th, 2013 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leader in mobile technology and digital solutions, today announced the GALAXY S4 LTE-A, accelerating smartphone expectations with advanced multimedia experiences and the fastest downloads, web browsing, multimedia streaming and applications loading. The world’s first commercially available LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) smartphone, Samsung’s GALAXY S4 LTE-A, combines technology innovations included in the highly acclaimed GALAXY S4 with new advanced features and twice-as-fast network speeds to produce an unparalleled multimedia experience. “Samsung maintains a unique position for delivering LTE innovations as a provider of the parts, devices and equipment required to deliver next generation 4G LTE services,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “The introduction of the GALAXY S4 LTE-A demonstrates Samsung’s desire and ability to provide consumers with technological innovations that take advantage of increased network speeds to deliver richer and fuller experiences.” World’s First LTE-A Smartphone Samsung’s introduction of the GALAXY S4 LTE-A, the world’s first LTE Advanced-capable smartphone, is the latest expression of the company’s efforts in leading LTE technology. Samsung’s commitment to driving LTE adoption achieved its first milestone in 2010 with the launch of the Craft, the world’s first LTE feature phone, and continued in 2011 with the delivery of the Indulge, the world’s first LTE smartphone. In the last year, Samsung has also pioneered efforts to bring VoLTE network capabilities to users with the launch of the GALAXY S III LTE. Doubled Network Speeds The GALAXY S4 LTE-A’s advanced network enables users to experience substantially faster speeds – double today’s LTE speeds - by leveraging carrier aggregation, an approach that combines different frequencies and uses them as one. With this groundbreaking technology, users can enjoy uninterrupted high-resolution streaming of their favorite shows and stronger, faster speeds when playing games, browsing the internet, and downloading files and applications. Unmatched Multimedia Experience Featuring a powerful 2.3GHz quad core processor and a long-lasting 2,600mAh battery, and capable of accessing significantly faster network speeds, the GALAXY S4 LTE-A delivers an enriched multimedia experience to users. New features such as ImageON＊ – which analyzes images that users view, then identifies and plays videos related to the image with just one click – extend access to relevant content on the internet and create new ways to experience and interact with multimedia resources. A high resolution Digital Media Broadcasting＊ service delivers unparalleled clarity and viewing experiences for on-the-go consumption of live television programs or sporting events. In addition, the GALAXY S4 LTE-A is equipped with the same innovative features of the GALAXY S4 that help make daily life richer, simpler and more fun. ＊ImageON and a high resolution DMB are only available for the Korean version. The GALAXY S4 LTE-A will be available this summer starting in Korea in two colors: Blue Arctic and Red Aurora. More color options will be available at a later date. Samsung GALAXY S4 LTE-A Product Specifications

Network - LTE-A

Processor - Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 Processor with 2.3GHz Quad Core CPUs

Display - 5.0” Full HD Super AMOLED (441 PPI)

OS - Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)

Camera - Main (Rear): 13MP Sub (Front): 2MP

3.5mm Ear Jack

Connectivity - WiFi HT80, Bluetooth® 4.0 LE, NFC Technology

Memory - 32GB Internal memory (User Memory approximately 24GB)

micro SD slot (up to 64GB), 2GB RAM

Dimension - 136.6ｘ69.8ｘ7.9mm, 131g

Battery - 2,600mAh

＊ All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Via: Samsung | Samsung Tomorrow

LG G2 Makes Appearance in Video Slides - Massive Edge-to-Edge Display, Rear Volume Rocker

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:51:02 +0000

Thanks to a series of video screenshots posted by famed leaker @evleaks, we may now know additional details of LG's upcoming Optimus G2 or just "G2." The device has been rumored since last November, with benchmarks potentially confirming its processor (Snapdragon 800) and even what many believe to be the first photos of it popping up here and there. It should be a "super" phone, to put it plainly. So what have we learned tonight? Assuming these screenshots from a promo video are real, we're looking at an incredibly thin phone with the closest thing to an edge-to-edge display we have seen to date. You may remember this photo of an LG device that first appeared back in May, showing an almost bezel-less rim around the display? It certainly looks a lot like the device featured above.

But speaking of thin, these shots show a device that is so thin that LG has moved the volume rocker from the side to the back under the camera housing. Seems like an odd move, right? In additional screenshots, LG is trying to sell the idea by showing a user holding the device in a typical way that places an index finger directly on the spot of the new volume rocker. If you grab your phone and hold it up to your head, you may find that you also hold your phone this way. So, I'm certainly willing to give this idea a try if it lands us a thinner device profile. Last, there also appears to be a notification light between the volume up and down buttons on the back. ~~We would also assume that the physical home button on the front of the device will have a similar notification light around it~~, so by adding the backside light, ~~one would be able to catch notifications whether their phone is lying face down or on its back~~. Edit: The front may not have a physical button, and could be an LG logo instead. Would be unfortunate to have only a notification light on the back of the phone. I personally, never lay my phones face down. LG has an event planned in NYC on August 7 to show off something new from their mobile division. If I were a betting man, I'd drop some cash on the topic involving this phone. Thoughts on a rear volume rocker? What about the overall design?

Via: @evleaks

[Deal] SanDisk Ultra 32GB and 64GB Class 10 microSD Cards Up to 60% Off From Amazon

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:15:55 +0000

Samsung phones may be some of the last that can use microSD cards, but since it's obvious that you are all buying them (Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Note 2) in constant waves, we thought we'd point out that Amazon is currently running a deal on expandable storage. You can pickup SanDisk Ultra 32GB and 64GB Class 10/UHS1 cards for up to 60% off. Class 10 and UHS1, in case you didn't know, means you get "uninterrupted, Full HD video recording" on Android devices or tablets. But it also means that in between camera shots, you have less wait time. It's a speed thing - something we appreciate. Also, keep in mind that all of Samsung's newest phones can use 64GB microSD cards. Prime shipping is available with all of the cards on sale. Amazon Links: 32GB Card ($24.94) | 64GB Card ($50.47)

App Sales: Granny Smith, R-Type, Another World, Raiden Legacy and More

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 14:55:24 +0000

Here are a few app sales taking place to get you through the day. And seriously, if you have yet to buy and try out Granny Smith, you're doing it wrong. Another World, a game which is praised for its storyline and gameplay can easily keep you busy until the weekend. To top it off, if you enjoy the superhero stuff, go get on that Avengers Initiative game. It's solid. Today's Sales:

Granny Smith ($0.99)
Raiden Legacy ($1.99)
R-Type ($0.99)
Another World ($0.99)
Avengers Initiative ($1.99)
Call of Cthulhu: Wasted Land ($3.07)

Go get 'em while they're hot.

SlamBots Hops its Way on Google Play, Features Great Characters and Animations

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 13:00:42 +0000

There have been some good apps and games hitting Android lately, a trend that we certainly won't argue with. Another great looking game to launch that can be added to the list called SlamBots, brings simple, yet entertaining gameplay right to that phone or tablet of yours. The objective is pretty simple - as your character of choice, you continuously bounce around, looking for baddies to squish. But be careful, you want to make sure not to bounce into the boiling lava pit. If you land in that, you are going to have a bad time. Bounce on baddie after baddie to rack up combo points and see how long you can keep the streak going. It's free on Google Play, featuring a few ads here and there. Pretty awesome considering they could easily charge a dollar for this. Play Link [youtube]http://youtu.be/5dH1H2PLiv8[/youtube]

Humble Bundle 6 Updated With Three More Games: McPixel, Walking Mars and NightSky HD

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 11:45:54 +0000

[youtube]http://youtu.be/T9uYrY2DqzE[/youtube]

Been scoring deals through the Humble Bundle for Android? If you have yet to pick up #6, you can score three additional games, bringing the total to ten games for just $5. Score! The extra games that were just added are McPixel (an awesome title), Walking Mars and NightSky HD. Again, for $5 and the option for some to go to charity, it's a win-win situation for players, developers and the community. Go grab the Humble Bundle right here.

Foursquare Update Allows You to Check-in Your Friends

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 11:33:09 +0000

Foursquare - yes the social check-in app is still alive and well - announced that a newly released update for their mobile apps will introduce their "most-requested feature" ever. Any guesses on what that may be? Well, since I mentioned it in the title, you probably get it. Dammit. Anyways, yes, Foursquare now allows you to check-in your friends! Did you really all request this? A couple of things to keep in mind:

When you check-in and choose the "I'm with..." button, you can add friends just like you always have. But now, when you press the "Check in Here" button, Foursquare will notify your friend that you are trying to check them in. If they'd like to allow you to do that, they can go ahead and approve this action. Going forward, they will always be checked in should their friends add them to a check-in.
What if your friend beat you to the punch? If you check in at the same place, before or after the friend check-in, yours will be the only one Foursquare shows. So you can always get your photo in, or tell everyone what you’re doing.
You’ll get a notification every time a friend checks you in. Don’t want to be checked in? Foursquare added an easy delete button so you can get rid of it with one tap.

And that's that. Go check-in somewhere and try it. Play Link Via: Foursquare

Samsung Galaxy S4 "LTE-A" Pictured in Red and Blue, Includes Snapdragon 800 Chipset

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 10:52:49 +0000

Talks of a Galaxy S4 equipped with a Snapdragon 800 processor have circulated around the web for almost a month now, capable of running on an LTE Advanced network that was under construction overseas. Previously rumored to be possibly highlighted at Samsung's London event last week, nothing was mentioned about the device, so Samsung must not have been looking to globally promote the device quite yet. Thanks to a Korean mobile blog who somehow got the device, in its retail packaging mind you, we have a full hands-on unboxing gallery of the new, yet-to-be-announced Galaxy S4 LTE-A. The Snapdragon 800 processor is clocked at 2.3GHz, combined with 2GB of RAM and the newest Adreno 330 GPUs. The Korean LTE Advanced network is now complete, ahead of schedule, meaning this device should go up for sale in Asia sometime soon. For those unfamiliar, an LTE-A network should deliver twice the 4G data speeds that current LTE networks provide, allowing for amazingly fast download and upload speeds. Given America does not currently have an LTE Advanced network, we wouldn't suggest camping outside your carrier of choice's retail store anytime soon. On a separate note, can we give the person responsible for taking these pictures a medal of some sorts for being so high quality? Death to blurry leaked pics.

Gallery

Via: Sammy Hub | blog.naver

Video: Android Team Explains the Design Choices Behind the New Google Play Apps

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:57:49 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA5U_hBw544 In this week's Android Design in Action show, Android team designers Marco Paglia and Owen Otto take us on a tour of the process involved in recreating Google Play (version 4.0) and its accompanying apps. As you know, the new Google Play features a card-style design that is responsive to the type of device you are using, but it's also about putting bigger images in your face, making content easier to find, and navigating a breeze. This 30-minute clip explains scaling, grid sizes, and the choices behind the entire new look of Google Play and Google Music that you are using today. Whether you are an app designer or not, it's always interesting to dive into the minds of someone on the Android team, especially when they let you inside their thought process when it comes to major overhaul of an app we use all of the time. Also, here are a bunch of the slides from the video if you want the shortened version of it all.

Sony Smartwatch 2 Unveiled: A Second Screen for Your Android Smartphone

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:30:57 +0000

Sony unveiled the brand new Smartwatch 2 this morning, an updated and enhanced version over the previous Smartwatch that came out last year. Smartwatch 2 features a few things not found in last year's model, such as NFC technology for pairing with devices, a multi-functional message notification system, as well as a more finely-tuned interface. Knowing which tasks the Smartwatch 2 is capable of performing might make this wearable device a bit more intriguing. Out of the long list, we can list just a few that should help you get a sense for what this watch can do - answer phone calls, take remote photos, control presentations at your next board meeting with one of Sony's proprietary applications, read emails and so on and so forth. It sounds impressive and here's hoping Google comes out with something like this sooner or later down the road. No price has been set as of yet, but the watch will go on sale beginning in September of this year. For additional info, check out the full presser and embedded video below. Interested?

Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoUzM7WYlP0[/youtube]

Gallery

Press Release

Introducing Sony SmartWatch 2 - the world’s first water-resistant smartwatch with NFC connectivity*

A multi-functional message notification device, Android app interface and music remote, all in a sleek and water-resistant design

Combines Sony’s technology and design expertise with one-touch connectivity and premium build quality

Next-generation Sony SmartWatch offers improved performance, intuitive interface and standalone capability

Reaffirms Sony’s leadership in smartwatch and wearable technology segment**

25^th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2, the most advanced smartwatch available*. Sony SmartWatch 2 is a second screen for your Android smartphone that, as well as enhancing existing phone functionality, offers unique new benefits. Combining form and function in a sleek design, it serves as a multi-functional watch, notifier, Android app interface and phone remote control, all-in-one. Openness with Android App expandability is key to Sony SmartWatch 2. It can be personalised with more dedicated apps than any other smartwatch* to seamlessly suit your needs, whether you are on the go, keeping active, in business meetings or simply at home. Download a host of SmartWatch apps and experience a range of unique functions - many of which can even be enjoyed without ever needing to reach for your phone:

Handle your calls by a simple touch of your wrist

Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app

Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal

Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist

Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone

Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go

Quickly and easily adjust the tracks and volume on your music player, without ever taking your phone from your pocket

SmartWatch 2 is also both sleek and reassuringly robust thanks to its water and dust resistant design, giving you the freedom to enjoy it on the beach or simply on the go – come rain or shine. An increasing market in wearable tech A typical smartphone user reaches for their phone many times a day to read messages, check the time, view and make social media updates, use their favourite apps, take photos, listen to music and play mobile games. SmartWatch 2 addresses this need by offering you a convenient touch screen device so you no longer need to remove your phone from your pocket or bag. “Sony is the proud leader in the smartwatch market** since introducing our first Bluetooth watch in 2007,” says Stefan K Persson, Head of Companion Products at Sony Mobile Communications. “Competitors are only now launching first generation devices, while we are already launching a 3^rd generation device with all the insight gained from over half a million customers combined with Sony’s wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartwatch experience. “The future of wearable devices is incredibly bright with analyst research predicting 41 million ‘smart’ watches will be sold by 2016,” continues Persson. “We have over 200 unique apps dedicated for Sony SmartWatch with over one million downloads to date and we are continuing to work with our strong developer network to deliver ever more compelling smartwatch experiences.” The best of Sony in a SmartWatch If you use Android, on either smartphone or tablet, Sony SmartWatch 2 is your ideal smartwatch partner. It’s easy and convenient to access notifications from your wrist such as messages, calls, email, Facebook™/Twitter™, Calendar, or use it as a remote for your Walkman™ or other digital media player. This wireless accessory is ideal for pairing with large-screen devices, such as the newly announced Xperia™ Z Ultra, in situations which call for discrete usage. SmartWatch 2 introduces new features as a natural successor to the current Sony SmartWatch such as NFC connectivity for one-touch pairing, stunning premium design and a range of technologies including higher resolution for sharper viewing, better visibility even in sunlight, longer battery stamina, more intuitive interface, standalone watch functionality and a wide range of pre-installed and recommended apps. When not connected to your phone, SmartWatch 2 works as a standalone digital watch. Read previously received notifications, access the time, set your alarm or even use as a light when searching for your keys. SmartWatch 2 can also be personalised with any standard 24mm wristband and new Sony watchstraps will soon be available for further expression of your personal style. Using groundbreaking design, Sony continues to introduce new technologies and has the largest range of NFC accessories available from wireless headsets to portable speakers, TVs, SmartTags and SmartWatch. Key features for Sony SmartWatch 2

Screen brightness (sunlight readable)

Longest battery life for a smartwatch* (battery level indicator shows low battery warning)

Water-resistant (IP57)

Easy setup (NFC pairing and connecting)

Standalone watch functionality

Standard micro USB cable for charging

User interface similar to Android UI so it is more intuitive

Bigger screen with higher resolution (1.6 inch, 220 x 176 pixels)

High quality materials (aluminium body and stainless steel wristband)

Extended compatibility (works with most Android phones)

Swappable wristbands – personalise with any standard 24mm strap

Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2 will be available worldwide from September 2013. For all the latest news, views and info on Sony Xperia products, follow @SonyMobileNews on Twitter. About Sony Mobile Communications Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone and tablet portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

Designer Posts "Pitch Work" for New Motorola Campaign, Media Turns It Into Something It Probably Isn't

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:02:37 +0000

Over the weekend, designer B.A. Bakken posted to creative outlet Behance what he is referring to as "pitch work" for a couple of Motorola ad campaigns. The campaigns take into account that we are looking at a brand new Motorola, so he focused one on a goodbye to the old, with the second being used as a platform to welcome in the new Moto. It's certainly a neat idea, especially after seeing new CEO Dennis Woodside stand on stage last fall, telling everyone that we should expect big things from the new Motorola. Problem is, the tech media world has now decided to transform this "pitch work" into what they believe to be the roadmap for the Moto X. Hell, one publication even posted an image used in the campaign of the RAZR HD and blatantly called it the Moto X. They also claim that this is a "leaked" campaign, when it's pretty clear that the Bakken posted this on purpose to his own portfolio. Not sure how that qualifies as "leaked." Ugh. Let's talk about this. The "goodbye" campaign feature ideas from t-shirt graphics to inspirational quotes about saying goodbye to going silent until new products are ready to full-page newspaper ads. The return is anchored by a "Hello again" quote, along with grammatically awkward sayings like "Nothing won't change." There is even long quote of "A word to the billion people the world has never heard from before. Hello." Again, the idea makes sense, but the delivery here is all over the place and super awkward.

So why has the tech media decided that this is now the ultimate leaked roadmap and campaign for the Moto X? Because the "pitch work" included a date. In the proposed ads, Bakken tosses out dates of June 11 and another for August 1. He doesn't mention these being tied to product launches or anything of that sort, so as is typical with the media, they overlooked the fact that June 11 has since passed and instead are onto, "Zomg, August 1 could be the launch date of the Moto X!" Headline! Link bait! "We should have put EXCLUSIVE, but held back!" So folks, as you cruise around the internet today, you'll likely see sites suggesting that the Moto X is launching on August 1. Truth is, the date was only mentioned in "pitch work" from someone who pitches ad campaigns to companies. Being pitch work, I'd assume Motorola didn't accept the ideas and the Bakken has since posted the work to his portfolio to show potential clients what he is capable of. And if Motorola did like his ideas, I doubt any of what you are seeing in this "pitch work" is even close to final. It's PITCH WORK. Does anyone really believe that a a designer is going to sign a major ad campaign deal with Motorola and then out the entire thing, including specific dates, before Motorola can even start pushing it publicly? Come on. I know we have seen some crazy things in our day, but this would be a new one. Edit: As commenters have pointed out, Behance is not an ad agency, but more of an outlet for designers to post their work. One even called it the "Myspace for designers." So we've tweaked the post to reference that, but again, this just proves that this is complete crap. It's "pitch work," not a legitimate ad campaign that you should buy into. As you see the reports flooding in today, suggesting that August 1 is now the launch date for the Moto X, remember this. Via: Behance [2]

Android-Powered OUYA Gaming Console Now on Sale, $99 Through Multiple Retailers

Tim — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:26:45 +0000

This morning, OUYA finally hit the retail market after months of us watching the console go from a small Kickstarter project to a full-on Android-powered gaming system, complete with cool looking controller, of course. The device is priced at $99 and can be found out a good list of retail outlets. For the most part, it appears to be sold out at Amazon and Target, but I saw a few on the Best Buy website and GameStop site if you weren't able to pre-order one. The OUYA is powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 3 chip, one of the more popular processors from 2012. With the purchase of each console comes a single controller, with additional controllers on sale for $50. We are still awaiting our pre-ordered OUYA to show up so we can take it for a spin, so keep your eyes open for that. Did you get one? Will you get one? Via: OUYA

Verizon's Samsung Galaxy S4 Developer Edition Now Available for $649

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 07:09:20 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Developer Edition that works on Verizon's network is now available directly from Samsung for $649.99. We first spotted the listing for this device back in May, shortly after it launched with Big Red, but had no idea when to expect its arrival. I don't know about you, but this version seems to have been made available much sooner than previous developer editions. For those not familiar, the "Developer Edition" phones come with an unlockable bootloader. This is the choice that Samsung is giving you should hacking, rooting, and custom ROMs be a part of your daily activity. The price is steep, but as they say, "That's the price you pay." Keep in mind though, that there are already root methods widely available along with a guide for developers to be able to bypass the bootloader on the retail version. The need to buy this version has certainly diminished, however, the bootloader and hack-a-bility of this version won't ever be an issue.

Via: Samsung Cheers bsdxbsdx!

Sony Announces the Xperia Z Ultra: 6.4-inch 1080p Display, 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800, 8MP Camera, LTE, and More

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 06:53:54 +0000

Late last night, Sony made the Xperia Z Ultra official. Formerly known as the "Togari," the Xperia Z Ultra is a massive smartphone (not a tablet) with an extremely large 6.4-inch 1080p display. It also runs the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.2GHz, carries an 8MP camera, 4G LTE, Android 4.2, and 3000mAh battery all wrapped into a body that is just 6.5mm thick and waterproof. The Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally in Q3 of this year, though specific markets were not announced. In terms of new features outside of specs, the Xperia Z Ultra's display allows you to use any pencil or stylus to jot down notes, uses Sony's "unique TRILUMINOS® Display," and has been "optimized to experience at least 60% more of the screen than most other smartphones." We're also looking at incredibly battery life thanks to Stamina Mode, Sony Walkman integration with ClearAudio+, HD voice, and accessory lineup to help you fully enjoy that big beautiful display. I'm just wondering, when is big too big? At 6.4-inches, we're talking tablet here that also doubles as a smartphone, I don't care how Sony tries to sell this thing. Just watch the video below and see how massive the Ultra Z is in the hand of everyone, outside of the guy with mega-hands at the 50-second mark. We also don't know when it will arrive in the U.S. After all, the Xperia Z was announced at CES yet still hasn't officially arrived stateside. The Xperia ZL technically is available in the U.S., but as an unrealistically expensive unlocked phone without carrier partners. So who knows when this bad boy will arrive. At least we have another opportunity to say "Zed" for the letter Z again, though, right? Always fun.

Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h45uTBGftkQ[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXoHCIyg1Ik[/youtube]

Gallery

Press Release

The new Xperia™ Z Ultra: The world’s slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display*

6.4” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate big screen entertainment experience

Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust-resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design

Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance

Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen

Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and one-touch connectivity

Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery life

25^th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces the next revolution in premium large-screen Android smartphone entertainment. The new Xperia Z Ultra is waterproof**, ultra-slim with a lightweight design so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. It’s the first smartphone ever to incorporate a Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by Sony’s latest X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine to deliver the most immersive viewing experience imaginable. Additionally, the Xperia Z Ultra will also feature the fully integrated Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs, 4GLTE and HD voice to provide a seamless connected entertainment experience, industry-leading battery performance and amazing speed. “The Xperia Z Ultra is the most exciting revolution in large-screen smartphone entertainment devices with both the slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display* in the world that is second to none.” said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “We’re already bringing the best of Sony technology and design across a range of premium smartphones and tablets, and now we are bringing this same premium offering to the large-screen smartphone segment, setting a new standard for others to follow.” The world’s largest Full HD smartphone display* Xperia Z Ultra features a 6.4” touchscreen Full HD display with Sony’s unique TRILUMINOS® Display for mobile, creating a wider palette of rich natural colours thanks to Sony’s BRAVIA TV expertise. The breakthrough technology includes X-Reality™ for mobile - Sony’s intelligent super resolution display technology which analyzes each image and reproduces lacking pixels to optimize quality for the sharpest videos. It analyses elements depending on the scene and adjusts them based on pattern, outline and colour composition. It also strengthens subtle patterns and accurately portrays their detailed feel, as well as reinforcing bold outlines. The large Full HD display has been optimised to experience at least 60%*** more of the screen than most other smartphones. The world’s slimmest Full HD smartphone* Xperia Z Ultra is supremely slim and lightweight with a beautifully crafted 6.5mm body and weighing just 212 grams for ultimate portability. Sony craftsmanship in design and attention to detail comes to the fore with clean lines and premium materials – the front and back are made of tempered glass, creating a seamless surface with the OptiContrast™ panel housed in an innovative solid metal frame which looks stunning from any angle. It features the same acclaimed OmniBalance design as Xperia Z and Tablet Z. The Xperia Z Ultra is available in a choice of black, white or purple colour finishes. The only waterproof Full HD smartphone** Xperia Z Ultra is both elegant and durable. With an impressive rating of IP55 and IP58, this smartphone isn’t only resistant to dust, but is waterproof** too – giving you the freedom to enjoy it anywhere. You can even film in Full HD underwater, taking your large-screen smartphone experience to a new level. The camera features “Exmor RS for mobile”, HDR for both photos and film, and Superior Auto mode automatically activates HDR and noise reduction when needed, so you’ll get stunning imagery even in challenging light conditions. Ultimate entertainment experience The Xperia Z Ultra is uniquely positioned to offer the ultimate big screen phone entertainment experience for watching movies, playing games, reading books and browsing the web. Sony’s “WALKMAN”, Album and Movies media applications enable discovery of online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content. The “WALKMAN” application leverages Sony’s audio engine and Facebook integration for sharing and discovering new music and is unique in that it provides seamlessly integrated access to all your downloaded music as well as access to a global library of over 20 million songs² from Sony’s cloud-based subscription music service, Music Unlimited³. The Movies application brings new intuitive ways to discover, manage and play movie content, together with easy access to an extensive library of blockbuster movies and the latest TV episodes from the Video Unlimited² service. The Album application provides seamless integration with the PlayMemories Online² service, letting you access all your photos and albums from within the Album app instantly and easily, wherever you are. You can even set an automatic upload of your photos to the PlayMemories Online service to access and enjoy from any your favourite Sony devices. The Sony Reader app² provides seamless Reader store² access so you can download and enjoy the latest bestsellers – it even lets you sync purchased books in popular formats and continue reading from same page. Xperia Z Ultra will include an exclusive free entertainment content offer, including a free trial of the Music Unlimited² service (subject to availability). Ultimate performance with the world’s fastest smartphone processor**** The Xperia Z Ultra features the world’s fastest smartphone processor**** - the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with HD voice, that together with Sony´s audio Sony’s ClearAudio+ mode and Xloud loudness enhancement, delivers not just exceptional speed and performance, but also unsurpassed voice and audio quality. Battery STAMINA Mode significantly improves the standby time of your smartphone by four times or more¹ as it recognises when you’re not using your display and automatically turns off the functions you don’t need, while keeping the notifications you want. As soon as you press the power button to wake up your screen, everything is up and running again. Built for business The Xperia Z Ultra is the ideal business partner thanks to the super responsive screen with handwriting recognition which is compatible with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm). You can even write notes or sketches during calls so you’ll always be ready capture your ideas as they happen. The easy-toggle keyboard makes it ideal for one-handed input and multi-tasking, with small apps to help you improve productivity so you don’t lose time browsing between windows. The robust security architecture safeguards both your corporate and personal data, with support for multiple accounts that are quick and simple to set up. Further business oriented applications will be made available in future as software updates, ensuring you get the best smartphone experience - whether for work or play. Ultra connectivity With one-touch functions you can instantly and easily share music, photos and videos from your smartphone to a wide range of NFC-enabled Sony devices, including speakers, SmartWatch, wireless headsets and TVs. There are several new and innovative accessories joining the range of popular connected devices. The SBH52 is a dynamic Smart Bluetooth™ Handset that provides easy hands-free call handling with a single press, while leaving your smartphone conveniently in your bag. The OLED display conveniently lets you browse your call log, view text messages, and see who’s calling you. Use it as a quality stereo music headset to listen to your tracks or to the built-in standalone FM radio with RDS. Pairing and connecting is done simply by touching it to your Xperia Z Ultra or other NFC-enabled device. And it’s sleek, minimal design is splash-proof, meaning you can now use it anywhere, in any weather. The latest generation of SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 SW2, helps you keep track of everything without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag. The SmartWatch 2 is a truly multifunctional digital watch and phone remote that lets you receive notifications, control your music, and connect with one-touch NFC to your Bluetooth™ headset for easy call handling. The water-resistant design makes it more versatile to use than ever and can be personalised with any standard watch strap. Use it as a standalone watch or with your smartphone. There are over 200 apps available for our first generation and with an open API we expect new applications will be developed quickly and easily for SmartWatch 2. The Magnetic Charging Dock DK30 has an innovative magnetic pin that lets you place your Xperia Z Ultra snugly in the dock using one hand, either with or without the phone cover on. While your phone is charging, it stands at a comfortable viewing angle easily allowing you to keep watching your favourite movies even while charging. Xperia Z Ultra features

6.4” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate viewing experience

Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design

Qualcom^m® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance

Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm)

8 megapixel camera with “Exmor RS for mobile” sensor and HDR for videos and photos

Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and connectivity

Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery life

The Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally from Q3 2013 (exact timing of availability will vary by market). ^*Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service, as of 24th of June 2013 the Xperia Z Ultra is the slimmest smartphone with a Full HD display, for more information on Strategy analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults ^**As of 24th of June 2013, outside of Japan, the Xperia Z Ultra is the only waterproof smartphone with a Full HD display on global distribution. In compliance with IP55 and IP58, Xperia Z Ultra is protected against the ingress of dust and is waterproof. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 metre of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP55 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty will being void. Find out more www.sonymobile.com/testresults *** Display area available compared to smartphones with a 5” display or smaller **** Specifications of Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.2GHz processor verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 24th of June 2013, for more information on Strategy analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults ¹ Based on testing done with default settings, default accounts and applications for Skype™ and Twitter downloaded to the phone. The more applications installed, the bigger the effect of Battery STAMINA Mode. ² Number of tracks available from this catalogue varies by country and may be less. ³Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availability by region. Please visit www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details. * This service is not available in all markets. ** Memory comprises of approximate 5 GB firmware plus 11 GB of “Internal storage” for music, pictures and movies, and downloaded applications and their data. *** Values are according to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique as performed in controlled laboratory conditions. Actual time may vary. About Sony Mobile Communications Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

Verizon Makes the Casio G'z0ne Commando 4G LTE Official, Available June 27

Kellen — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 06:45:09 +0000

This morning, Verizon made the Casio G'z0ne Commando 4G LTE official as their next in a line of rugged, outdoor phones. It's more of a follow-up to the original Commando in that it's still able to withstand shock, water, dust, salt fog, and humid conditions, but also connects via 4G LTE. The Commando 4G LTE carries an 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, and a multi-sensor tool for updating barometric readings, sun/moon displays, temperature comparisons, and finding your way with a compass. Again, it's an outdoor companion as a smartphone. The newest Casio G'z0ne will be available June 27 (this Thursday) for $99 after $50 mail-in-rebate.

Via: Verizon

HTC Looks to Rally Marketshare to 15% With Increased Efforts in Brand Recognition and Customer Loyalty

Tim — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:08:46 +0000

Over the past year, HTC has been stuck at around 4% of the global mobile marketshare, struggling to keep up with the likes of Samsung and Apple who continue to boast the majority of phone sales. While at a recent shareholder meeting last week, HTC CEO Peter Chou, looked to rally his investors, stating that with a refocused effort in brand recognition across the globe and customer loyalty programs, HTC could get to as high as 15% marketshare in the near future.

We managed to maintain a 4-percent global smartphone market share last year and we are determined to do our best to expand the percentage to 10 to 15 percent in the future. Give us some time and we will stage a comeback. We will redouble our efforts this year to further enhance our brand recognition and loyalty around the world.

Chou also highlighted a breakthrough for the company, partnering with America's top four networks to promote a single device, the HTC One. At the same meeting, another HTC executive said the company is working harder than ever to focus on new product innovations, as well as "upgrading their global marketing mechanism." Do work, HTC. Via: BGR | Focus Taiwan

CyanogenMod 10.1 Moving Out of Release Candidate Phase, Moving Into General Release Builds

Tim — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 15:08:38 +0000

Goodbye quasi-beta aka Release Candidate "RC" builds of CyanogenMod 10.1, hello official general release. Tonight, official general builds are hitting servers for most of the top devices that are supported by the CM team. In terms of what's next for Team Douche, they gave a tiny bit of insight in the following blog post:

Next on deck

With the 10.1.0 code finalized, we will return to our M-release cycle and work towards adding additional functionality and features; including the new Privacy Guard feature, which was merged into the nightlies today.
There are many new and exciting things planned for the remainder of the year, just wait and see what we will do next!

You will be able to find all of the newest builds of CM right on their servers, here. Via: CyanogenMod

Video: A Day in the Life of a Professional Tennis Player at Wimbledon Through Google Glass

Kellen — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:52:46 +0000

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iMA-y_4KwA[/youtube]

Google Glass is still only in "explorer" or beta stage, but that doesn't mean Google isn't going to start figuring out ways to sell consumers on having the product in their lives. In a video posted to the Glass YouTube channel this afternoon, we get to join along in the preparation of a professional tennis player in the days leading up to Wimbledon. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, a solid doubles player, is the star of the show. She shows how Glass helps keep her organized using packing lists for her trip to England, on-time for appointments thanks to daily itineraries , and catching flights with travel and flight info cards. She also uses glasses as a training tool by pulling up recipes for smoothies and recording clips of her practice sessions. It's videos like these that will help Google sell Glass to consumers once there are retail versions available. One of the major selling points of Glass is to allow it seamlessly fit into your life, yet still help make it more efficient - which this video shows. I'm curious, what are your thoughts on Google Glass now that it has been in the hands of developers for a few months? We still aren't sure why people are reviewing it, but assuming you have looked at reviews, are you more or less excited about wearable techie headgear?

HP Intros Tegra 4-Powered Slate 21 Desktop Computer, Priced at $399

Tim — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:50:14 +0000

This afternoon, HP announced the Slate 21 all-in-one desktop computer. This isn't some usual desktop PC though. What makes the Slate 21 unique is that it is powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 4 processor, as well as featuring Android 4.2.2 as its operating system. Based on Google's app services, users have access to all of Android's apps, as well as a few specially designed apps from HP that make it more of a "computer" in that sense.

The HP Slate21 All-in-One expands upon HP's portfolio of multi-OS products and is ideal for family activities, providing easy access to entertainment and productivity features, plus fun Android apps. Through Google Services, customers can reach shared content such as calendars, email, notes and documents, which can be created with the built-in productivity apps; users can also print wirelessly from anywhere in the house, organize content, and connect to other devices.

The Slate 21 will go on sale starting in September for just $399, which is sort of intriguing, sporting a 21.5" Full HD touchscreen display, DTS sound, multi-user support (thanks to Android), and a built-in HP webcam. Plus, as shown in that picture, it has full keyboard and mouse support. Thoughts on a Android-powered desktop computer?

HP Introduces Android-Based Central Command Center for Home Entertainment and Productivity

HP's first Android All-in-One PC simplifies work and play for families and Android enthusiasts
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 24, 2013 – HP today unveiled the HP Slate21 All-in-One, the company's first All-in-One PC built with the AndroidTM 4.2 operating system. The HP Slate21 All-in-One enables families to enjoy cloud-based entertainment features such as TV streaming and Android apps. The HP Slate21 All-in-One expands upon HP's portfolio of multi-OS products and is ideal for family activities, providing easy access to entertainment and productivity features, plus fun Android apps. Through Google Services, customers can reach shared content such as calendars, email, notes and documents, which can be created with the built-in productivity apps; users can also print wirelessly from anywhere in the house, organize content, and connect to other devices. "Customers are looking for technology that simplifies their lives while keeping them connected to the entertainment they enjoy and the content they need," said Jun Kim, vice president and general manager, PC Displays and Accessories, HP. "The HP Slate21 allows families to easily access content through the cloud and enjoy it together on a large, interactive screen." Full HD touchscreen, high-quality graphics, and sound improve user experience To further enhance productivity and entertainment, the Slate21 All-in-One offers a 21.5-inch Full HD (2) diagonal reclining IPS touchscreen with wide-viewing angles for vivid graphics and better shared viewing. With dual-band technology, users can stream music or movies and browse the web (3) at the same time, and built-in DTS Sound technology offers a rich concert-like experience. It comes pre-installed with an HP TrueVision HD Webcam and Wireless Direct (4) which enables users to share videos, photos and data between devices without the need for a network connection, and multi-user support with the latest Android OS Jelly Bean 4.2. Additionally, it offers speed and performance with a powerful Tegra 4 quad-core NVIDIA processor, as well as an intuitive optical touchscreen with true pinch and zoom functionality. The HP Slate21 All-in-One is expected to be available in the U.S. in September, with a starting price of $399 (5) Additional information about the HP Slate21 All-in-One is available on The Next Bench.

Buzz Launcher Wants to Pay $10,000 to the Best Android Home Screens on the Planet

Kellen — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:30:50 +0000

Anyone remember Buzz Launcher? This is the third party launcher that launched as a beta back in March, allowing you to share and install all of the most beautiful home screen setups on the planet with a only few simple clicks. For example, you could spend hours cruising around MyColorScreen trying to come up with an idea for your next setup, but with Buzz Launcher, that entire setup may already be available to download through their marketplace and without having to pick and choose items from Google Play. It's a pretty brilliant idea, actually, especially for those who are constantly tweaking phone appearances or looking for the next great trend. We took at a look at this new third party launcher back in April, and came away impressed by its ability to quickly get you the setup of your dreams without much work. We also saw the potential that it could have should its userbase grow and the community involved with it continued to share their home screen setups. The app is now out of beta and officially available on Google Play, so to celebrate, the HomePack Buzz Team (team behind Buzz Launcher) has decided to give away $10,000 in cash to users of their app. More specifically, they have $8,000 to give away to the most beautiful home screens on the planet, with another $2,000 going to users who share the most. Since we're big fans of home screen customization here at DL, we thought we'd share. Promo Video:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGyyypOOGsM[/youtube]

Our hands-on:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaRWRKb5ON4[/youtube]

To learn more about the contest, hit up their Facebook page and also this contest site (which appears to be down at the moment). Also, don't forget to install Buzz Launcher (if you haven't already) to see how far the app and community have come.

Video: CyanogenMod's New Quick Camera Feature is the Coolest ROM Feature in a Long Time

Eric — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 11:54:06 +0000

It happens to all of us: that time where you really want to take a quick picture, but by the time you have your camera app open the moment is gone. CyanogenMod developer Nebojsa Cvetkovic felt the same way, but instead of complaining he wanted to do something about it. CM was one of the first ROMs to implement the quick settings that we have all come to love in stock Jelly Bean, but this new feature currently under review makes those toggles even more useful.

This new code adds a camera square in the quick toggle menu that you access when you pull down your notification bar. Open up your quick settings, click the camera button and you are greeted with a live-view of what the camera is seeing. Another click and viola, you have a picture. The photos are taken in full resolution from this mode and the camera closes itself when you close the notification menu, how awesome is that?

The feature is still currently being reviewed, but CM is definitely looking to implement this in their upcoming updates. Could this feature get you to switch from your current ROM?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bumyRLKVcKY[/youtube]

Via: +CyanogenMod

Baller Alert: Check Out These $3K Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold-Plated HTC One Phones

Tim — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 10:56:37 +0000

Got some fat stacks to burn? I didn't think so, but if you actually do, then why not ball out and get yourself a 24ct. gold-plated HTC One? Better yet, if gold isn't your flavor of choice, then maybe rose gold or platinum would better suit that Ferrari you're driving? Actually, come to think of it, if you have enough money to buy one, then I think it should be safe to say you can afford all three different colors.

Gold Genie, a U.K. company is taking orders for these devices, priced at roughly $3,000. As mentioned, there are three different metals to choose from, ranging in price; platinum being the most at about $3200. Why spend that much when the phone only comes with a 4MP camera, I will never understand. Now a gold Galaxy Note 2, that's something I can see myself investing in. And yes, they accept Visa and MasterCard. Via: Gold Genie