Android Community |
- Rovio drops all their Angry Birds HD games to $0.99
- Samsung Galaxy S II update to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean rolling out now
- T-Mobile Nexus 4 price drops to $49.99 for a limited time
- Verizon posts a surprisingly good ‘Top 20 Android Apps’ list
- Amazon patent filing suggests used eBook sales are coming
- LG Nexus 4 shipments have reportedly topped 1 million
- LG’s 2013 MWC ‘Save the Date’ invite teases with the number 4
- LG readying Jelly Bean for the Optimus 4X HD, L9 and L7 smartphones
- Canalys: Android accounted for 34% of Q4 2012 mobile phone shipments
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 European availability looks to include three models
- Active Lockscreen Review: A highly customizable replacement
- Dbrand offering 12 sexy Nexus 4 vinyl skins for just $9
- The Simpsons: Tapped Out by EA blasts onto the Play Store
- Samsung Galaxy S IV camera samples appear online
- Google Hangouts desktop update brings features we want on mobile
- Steve Wozniak: Samsung is a “big competitor” and Apple is “somewhat behind”
- HTC 603ะต photos leak – could be the upcoming M4
- Samsung dominating Android with 8 of the current top 10 devices
| Rovio drops all their Angry Birds HD games to $0.99 Posted: 08 Feb 2013 10:45 AM PST Just when you start to think everyone is finally getting over the excitement of this Angry Birds stage, the developers Rovio go and do something awesome. I’m still wondering when this phase will actually die, and we’re starting to think it never will. Angry Birds Star Wars revived the brand for a while, and now it looks like they’re tossing all their HD games on sale to get some added attention.
Rovio has dropped all of the HD versions of their popular apps down to just $0.99 in the Google Play Store. For those unaware the free versions are nice, but the HD versions are just a little polished. The graphics and animations are slightly crisper, and you’d think they’d remove adds but that just isn’t the case. Anywho, for those who love a good time with Angry Birds you can now get their 3 latest and best titles on sale for just a buck. Angry Birds Star Wars, Angry Birds Space, and even the new Amazing Alex HD are all on sale from Google Play. Now would be a good time to get Angry Birds Star Wars and enjoy those awesome new levels they recently added. Just like we said with Temple Run, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. Rovio knows their popular Angry Birds games are a blast and a winning combination, and we have a feeling another game will be coming sometime in 2013. In the meantime, get all their latest and greatest while the sale is here. It might be for the weekend only so I’d hurry if I were you. Enjoy! [via Play Store] |
| Samsung Galaxy S II update to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean rolling out now Posted: 08 Feb 2013 10:24 AM PST We’ve been getting mixed signals and reports regarding Samsung’s still extremely popular yet aging Galaxy S II smartphone. While they’ve been quick with updates to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and beyond, the Galaxy S II is still waiting to enjoy 4.1 Jelly Bean, Google Now, and everything else we love about the latest version of Android. However it looks like the rollout is back on track for Samsung.
Back in December the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the original Galaxy S II was delayed until earlier this year, with reports stating it would arrive in February. Late last month Samsung initiated the update for their international Galaxy S II in a select few countries, but quickly pulled the plug on that update. Today we’re happy to report it’s back and ready to rock. Reports are flowing in that the international Samsung Galaxy S II (the one with the home button) has started getting the update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean in multiple countries. The update has initially started in Singapore and other parts of Asia, as well as rolling out in Spain according to multiple sources. Things are slowly but surely getting there for Samsung. Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean brings an improved experience across the board, Google Now voice integration, Project Butter, and improved expandable notifications to name a few. The update is not available over the air, and requires a PC and Samsung Kies. For now this is rolling out in phases so if you don’t see the update, check again as it should be available soon. We’re expecting other regions to get the update soon so stay tuned. We have no further details on the US models, but will report back when we know more. Device Info
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 [via SamMobile] |
| T-Mobile Nexus 4 price drops to $49.99 for a limited time Posted: 08 Feb 2013 10:13 AM PST In most cases we would suggest grabbing the Nexus 4 direct from the Google Play Store and avoiding the contract, however we realize that cost is often an issue and that being the case — it is hard to argue with a $50 purchase price. Granted, that is $50 along with a two-year commitment, however that somehow seems much nicer as compared to the regular T-Mobile purchase price of $200. Basically, for a limited time, T-Mobile has the Nexus 4 selling at a deep discount.
This lower price will remain in effect through February 18 and we should point out that this is a web only offer. T-Mobile has the price broken down by instant discount, web-only discount and mail-in rebate. In the end you will only be paying $49.99, however there is that mail-in rebate, which in this case is $50. In other words, you will still need to be ready to shell out $99.99 to make the purchase. Aside from T-Mobile, the Nexus 4 also remains available (noted as shipping soon) with the Google Play Store where the 8GB model is $299 and the 16GB model is $349. We should also clarify, the model available with T-Mobile has 16GB of storage space. And it almost goes without saying, however you are not going to be seeing any deep discounts direct from Google.
The Nexus 4 inventory seemed to normalize with T-Mobile a short while back, but we do have to wonder — how long will that last with such a deep drop in price? Anyone tempted by this T-Mobile offer, or will you still be looking towards the Play Store for your Nexus 4 purchase? Device Info
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[via T-Mobile] |
| Verizon posts a surprisingly good ‘Top 20 Android Apps’ list Posted: 08 Feb 2013 09:52 AM PST With well over 700,000 Android apps available from the Google Play Store, deciding what to install and use can sometimes be a bit daunting. We’ve seen our share of “top Android apps” lists in the past and even have plenty of our own suggestions, but today none other than Verizon themselves have put together a nice collection. Read on to see Verizon’s top 20.
Yes, Verizon Wireless has put together a list of what they consider to be the top 20 Android apps. Not in regards to downloads or active users, but just overall their top 20 apps for any smartphone or tablet. I was expecting to see some Amazon apps (since we know they have a partnership and bundle their apps) or tons of Verizon’s own apps that are nothing but bloatware. This list however, had no such things. When I started reading Verizon’s list and seeing things like Evernote, Dropbox, ESPN, followed by Flipboard I knew we were in for something good. Yup, those all made Verizon’s top 20 list. They included AppLuvr, eBay, Jetpack Joyride, Endomondo Sports Tracker, Instagram, Netflix, Pandora Radio and even Tango. These are all pretty useful apps folks. My first thought was wow, that’s actually a pretty decent list for a carrier to come up with and offer the public. I certainly wasn’t expecting that. I actually have 10 of the 20 apps Verizon picked installed and are used on at least a weekly basis, so I’d have to agree this is a pretty good list. Now for those wanting a little fun check out our own 10 Awesome Live Wallpapers post. [via Verizon] |
| Amazon patent filing suggests used eBook sales are coming Posted: 08 Feb 2013 09:30 AM PST A recent Amazon patent filing suggests that the company is working on a method that will allow you to sell your used ebook. And while that may seem a bit silly to use the term used in reference to something digital, this could have some perks for those who tend to read a book only once. The catch here, this is simply a patent approval and Amazon has yet to actually announce anything.
Still, we can look at the filing. Maybe even dream some. According to the details coming from the USPTO, this is a patent for an “electronic marketplace for used digital objects.” The digital objects are then broken down in to everything from ebooks, to audio and video and computer applications. In this case we seem to be focusing on the ebooks, mainly because they are solidly tied to your Amazon account and can seemingly be transferred to another person. Well, they could be transferred assuming Amazon had such as system in place. Enter this patent. Further details in the patent filing note that “when the user no longer desires to retain the right to access the now-used digital content, the user may move the digital content to another user’s personalized data store.” Basically, it sounds like you are giving up your ability to access that ebook in the future. This sort of goes along the lines of taking your paper book into a used book store and getting some cash. Essentially, you are giving up your ability to access that book in the future. The catch here will be the publishers and whether they will fight this. Or probably more accurately, how hard they will fight this. Amazon does seem to have taken some of this into consideration. The filing also mentions limits, noting that if a digital object “exceeds a threshold number of moves” the ability to move maybe suspended or terminated. Assuming Amazon roles something like this out, how willing would you be to sell your already read ebooks? Alternatively, buying a used ebook sounds like a great deal especially if there is some incentive such as a lower price tag. [via IT Pro Portal] |
| LG Nexus 4 shipments have reportedly topped 1 million Posted: 08 Feb 2013 08:43 AM PST The Nexus 4 appears to have reached the big milestone — 1 million in terms of device shipments. The catch here though, this latest figure is based off of what we have seen in the past. If you remember back to early January, we saw reports about the Nexus 4 as having reached the 375,000 mark. While playing with serial numbers can be fun and interesting in a geeky way, we do have to remind everyone that the 375k number was later discussed by an LG executive.
Before we poke holes in the story though, lets focus on the 1 million milestone. As we saw before, this number from from a thread over on the xda-developers user forums. Rather simply, xda member draugaz has posted the news; “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just reached the millionth device!” The key here, it was noted that this is “just judging by serial number” and was minus the gaps. Additional details coming from this posting show that IMEI prefix 35391805* is complete and a new one will be started. Now for the other side of the story, the side where we remain skeptical. Cathy Robin who is the Director of Mobile Communication for LG France was interviewed by Challenges.fr back in mid January. Robin discussed the Nexus 4 inventory situation, which seems to have improved since that point. The other topic that came up during the interview was the 375,000 sales estimate. Robin stated that while she was not familiar with that estimate, that number was much lower than reality. Basically, the original method for estimating the Nexus 4 device sales was said to be on the low side. That means that either this latest number is inaccurate or that it actually crossed the 1 million mark a little while back. Either way though, like we mentioned earlier, sometimes dissecting serial numbers can be interesting. Those with a Nexus 4 (or any other handset for that matter) can also do a little number play at the SNDeepInfo site. This site will give details on your phone based on your IMEI number. Some of the data includes where the phone was made (country), who it was made for (carrier), the date of manufacturer along with the age of the phone and even the color. If nothing else, this site could be useful for those looking to buy a used phone. Thanks for the tip John K! Device Info
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| LG’s 2013 MWC ‘Save the Date’ invite teases with the number 4 Posted: 08 Feb 2013 07:48 AM PST LG apparently has something exciting in the works for Mobile world Congress. Or maybe more accurately, judging from the level of teasing, we hope they have something exciting because if not, there could be some backlash. In the past few days we have seen an image teaser and a video teaser. The image appeared first and came with the promise of a “new series” of mobile phones with an "unexpected distinction."
Well, following up here, we now have the official ‘Save the Date’ event invite. As you can see from the above image, LG is showing the number 4. The question remains, what does the number 4 mean? Are they planning to announce a new series that is comprised of four new devices. Or maybe just a new family of devices called Series 4. This can probably be interpreted in numerous ways. And honestly, these save the date invites generally leave us with more questions than answers. But sometimes that is the fun of things. We suspect we are going to be seeing more from LG as we get closer and closer to the big event. As a reminder, Mobile World Congress will be taking place later this month in Barcelona and Android Community will be on site to bring you the news. In terms of the LG event, that will be taking place at 8AM on February 25 and given the level of teasing, we hope LG truly has something exciting to announce. |
| LG readying Jelly Bean for the Optimus 4X HD, L9 and L7 smartphones Posted: 08 Feb 2013 07:17 AM PST LG recently began teasing in advance of Mobile World Congress and while we wait to see what they have planned for the show, it looks like they have also started teasing some current device owners with an update. Specifically, teasing those with an Optimus 4X HD, Optimus L9 and Optimus L7 with Jelly Bean. The details are still at a minimum, however if you happen to be carrying any of those three devices — an update is in the works.
LG didn’t mention which version of Android would be arriving, only that the update would bring Jelly Bean. Looking at another recent LG update may provide a clue though. The company recently updated the Optimus G with Android 4.1.2. It would be nice to see these next three go to 4.2, however we suspect they will arrive as 4.1.2. Otherwise, the big question remains as to when. LG has only stated that the updates will be arriving “in the first half” of the year. And while the tease may be sort of annoying for those waiting, we suppose that looking on the bright side is that at least you know you have an update coming. Basically, you now have something to look forward to getting. After all, Jelly Bean is a worthy update with a few nice features. Aside from these Jelly Bean updates, we are also going to be looking towards LG for additional details on the Optimus G Pro and the Optimus L7 II Dual, both of which were recently spotted in leaks. Of course, we also want the details on that “new series” of mobile phones that are said to be coming with "unexpected distinction." [via GSM Arena] |
| Canalys: Android accounted for 34% of Q4 2012 mobile phone shipments Posted: 08 Feb 2013 06:54 AM PST We have seen a few recent reports which all seem to place Samsung in a rather dominant position. And well, it looks like we have yet another to mention. This latest arrives from Canalys, who happen to be an independent analyst firm. The Canalys report is dealing with information from Q4 2012 and is showing the worldwide smartphone market share by manufacturer.
The top 5 manufacturers as listed with Canalys are similar to what we saw in the recent IDC report. That is to say the top 5 is lead by Samsung with Apple, Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo rounding out positions 2 through 5. According to the report, smartphone sales during Q4 2012 totaled 216.5 million. Looking at smartphone sales as opposed to mobile phone sales in general. The total mobile phone market is said to be at 438.1 million units. In other words, smartphone are now accounting for roughly 50 percent of all phone sales. The Canalys report also mentioned that the total mobile phone market was flat year-on-year while the smartphone market grew 37 percent. Looking at the top 5 smartphone manufacturers in terms of numbers and we see the following; Samsung with 62.9 million, Apple with 47.8 million, Huawei with 11.5 million, ZTE with 10.1 million and Lenovo with 9.5 million. Making up for the remainer was the others category with 74.7 million. An interesting detail from these numbers is that Android accounted for 34 percent of all phone shipments. To make that clear, that was 34 percent of all phone shipments, not all smartphone shipments. Compared to Apple, who had 11 percent. Taking a step back and looking at just smartphone shipments, Android then jumps to 69 percent with Apple jumping to 22 percent. Finally, just to give a brief idea of where this data comes from, Canalys is said to be monitoring mobile phone shipments across more than 50 countries. [via Engadget] |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 European availability looks to include three models Posted: 08 Feb 2013 06:19 AM PST It looks like another round of Galaxy Note 8.0 details has arrived, and while these have yet to be confirmed by Samsung, they have come by way of a reliable source of information — the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group). Anyway, this latest round of details is showing the Galaxy Note 8.0 as heading to Europe as three different models.
Nothing all that surprising in this aspect. We have seen Samsung release tablets for sale in Europe. And we also expect different variants at this point in time. Basically, the Bluetooth SIG filings show three Galaxy Note 8.0 models to include the GT-N5100, GT-N5110 and the GT-N5105. Respectively, these models break down as follows; Wi-Fi + 3G, Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G and LTE. Simply put, it looks like Samsung has their basis covered in terms of connectivity. While these filings all note the geographic availability as being for Europe, we are also expecting Samsung to release the Galaxy Note 8.0 in other markets, including the US. Taking that a step further and we are also expecting the tablet to arrive with various connectivity options when it comes to the US market. Otherwise, aside from these new model number details, the specs seem to have remained the same and include an 8-inch (1280 x 800) display, quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16/32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, 4600 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and Jelly Bean with the TouchWiz interface and S Pen. Finally, as we have seen before, Samsung is expected to make an official announcement during Mobile World Congress. [via Unwired View] |
| Active Lockscreen Review: A highly customizable replacement Posted: 07 Feb 2013 04:35 PM PST The lockscreen on our smartphone or tablets can be highly customized, although we know some tend to leave them stock just to keep things simple and familiar. For those that love customization and don’t want to root and have a custom ROM we have an awesome new app to share. We were recently tipped off about Active Lockscreen, an app that brings the utmost customization to our Android lockscreens. Take a peek below.
For those diehard users that are always looking for ways to tweak and customize their Android devices, this is certainly worth checking out. Especially if you don’t want to root or flash a custom ROM and always have to redo your lockscreen. We’ll start by mentioning this is a completely free app, works like a charm, and has tons of options and themes to completely make your lockscreen personal again. With Active Lockscreen everything is just a swipe away before you even unlock your device. In the same way that lockscreen shortcuts are present on HTC Sense and Samsung’s TouchWiz, here we have the same thing taken to another level. Every aspect can be changed, tweaked, improved, or set to your liking. From their multiple theme options, or even build your own digital skin to be used. The developers, Celltick, offer tons of themes with different looks, new colors, and even for holidays. Here’s a few features to expect right from the lockscreen, then take a peek at our hands-on video review.
After a few minutes with the app I was already a fan for the simplistic design and ease of use, not to mention all the features galore it brought to my handset. Being able to instantly turn my phone to silent, open Instagram, stream some Google Music, or even directly call back the last caller within seconds from powering on my screen just won me over. I’m a fan, but the settings UI could use a little work.
Between having old system menus and Android 2.3 Gingerbread slider bars the app certainly is a little outdated in that regard, but all the options and features it provides certainly isn’t. I’d love to see a few UI elements updated to the Holo theme, but in the end it’s all about how well the app works — which works great! From the lockscreen as the video showed, each of the 4 shortcut icons are more than just a single shortcut like most 3rd party skins. Instead they are folders bringing up a “wheel” if you will of apps and options. Then in settings you can change how many appear and customize it as you wish. We like the fact that all 4 main shortcuts act just as they usually do. Going to the camera launches the camera, but sliding into the camera and not selecting it brings up all those additional shortcuts for Instagram, Gallery, and whatever else you’d like. It’s the best of both worlds when it comes to shortcuts and folders on the lockscreen.
Celltick also has add-ons and plugins aside from all the different colored themes. This essentially brings lockscreen widgets (like Android 4.2 Jelly Bean) to your lockscreen. While this requires the few available plugins to be downloaded — the option is there for those that don’t have the latest version of Jelly Bean. We’d love to see an improved settings UI and the option for stock icons, otherwise this is a pretty solid app. The video above should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re in for with Active Lockscreen, but you’ll just need to run down to the Play Store and get it yourself to truly enjoy it. Again, this is completely free so might as well give it a spin. Active Lockscreen App download link         |
| Dbrand offering 12 sexy Nexus 4 vinyl skins for just $9 Posted: 07 Feb 2013 03:48 PM PST We know the amount of people that actually have been able to purchase the impressive LG Nexus 4 are still few and far between, but if you have and are looking for some awesome Vinyl skin covers to protect that brand new phone check out Dbrand’s new lineup. The folks from Dbrand have 12 different options to choose from all starting at just $9 each.
Dbrand has 3 different textures to cover and protect your Nexus 4 with, and they are available in 9 different colors. Offering ranges from Carbon Fiber, Leather, or Brushed Aluminum. Then their leather lineup comes in 9 different colors to rock your Nexus 4 in style. We know you all don’t like bulky cases, so why not get one of these.
Their Nexus 4 skins use quality 3M adhesive vinyl that won’t leave any sticky residue behind on your device, and can be easily removed and reapplied without issues. Then each Dbrand vinyl has been laser etched right down to the micro millimeter for an exact fit and ultimate precision. They have cutouts on all of their vinyls so you’ll still clearly see the “Nexus” branding, as well as cutouts for the camera, flash, speaker, and anything else. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really digging that brushed aluminum titanium color option. Just makes the Nexus 4 look even better than it already does. If you’re worried about cracking that glass on the back be sure and check out their wide array of vinyl covers by clicking here. What color do you guys like the best? You can even get pink for the lady in your life since V-Day is coming up and all. Enjoy!    Device Info
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| The Simpsons: Tapped Out by EA blasts onto the Play Store Posted: 07 Feb 2013 03:17 PM PST It’s the Simpsons, you can’t go wrong with them! Today Electronic Arts, better known as EA Games have released a neat new time wasting game to the Google Play Store. It’s called The Simpsons: Tapped Out and is available completely free as we speak. You’ll be playing Homer, who managed to blow up the entire city of Springfield.
D’OH! It looks like Homer is up to no good as usual, because in this new game developed and wrote by the actual TV show creators (and their usual comedy) he’s done his usual and messed something up. If you love those fun and time wasting games that are casual and easy to play this is one worth checking out. Especially if you’re a fan of the show, which I’ve been since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Homer is busy playing a few games on his Android tablet (yes we’re going with Android) and manages to forget he’s actually working and causes a complete meltdown at the plant. This results in a massive explosion that blasts away almost the entire town of Springfield. Homer will then be set on a mission almost like the SIMS where he’ll have to regrow and rebuild the city all from scratch. Here’s a quick teaser: BAAAAART! Homer will need your help to rebuild Springfield, find Marge, and get the crew back together. We first saw this last year and has been available on iOS for nearly a year, but as of this afternoon it’s finally available on Android. We sure wish developers would release games at the same time on both platforms. Is that too much to ask? For those that love the Simpsons, or just want a fun new free casual game to enjoy hit the link below.    [via Play Store] |
| Samsung Galaxy S IV camera samples appear online Posted: 07 Feb 2013 02:29 PM PST Just like multiple leaks in the past from tons of high profile smartphones, we’re now starting to see what appears to be photos snapped with a Samsung Galaxy S IV. Yes this means the smartphone is out and in the wild being used by a few lucky Samsung employees, but certainly doesn’t give us any other details. They aren’t pretty but are worth the quick mention.
Last month we brought forward some details regarding a device in the UAProf that appeared to be the AT&T Galaxy S IV, complete with a model number listed as SGH-i337. Today that same device has been found along with a few other unknown Samsung devices taking photos and posting them to the interwebs to pique our interest.
The folks from SamMobile are reporting that they’ve found three different devices all very likely to be the next flagship smartphone for the company. They claim to be seeing pictures taken with the AT&T version from the US, as well as a few others including the Korean or international GS4. While this is really anyone’s guess at this point, we like seeing any information on this upcoming device. Sadly the images are fuzzy, blurry, and don’t appear to confirm the 13 megapixel rumor we’ve been hearing for the next-gen smartphone. Instead they are at a much lower resolution for whatever reason — so that’s something to take into consideration. Reports from earlier today and this week hint that Samsung will unveil their Galaxy S IV at an event on March 15th so hopefully we start to see more and more leaks as the date draws near. Samsung worked really hard to conceal the final design of the Galaxy S III, and we have a feeling they’re being even more protective of this new model. [via PocketNow] |
| Google Hangouts desktop update brings features we want on mobile Posted: 07 Feb 2013 02:14 PM PST Google has recently announced a few new features for Hangouts on the desktop. Specifically, features that should make Hangouts nicer for those with a low or unreliable connection to the web. Needless to say, we could not help but think that these features would also be perfect on mobile devices.
As of today, Hangouts on the desktop have a bandwidth slider and an audio-only mode. Like we said, two features that sound like they would work well on mobile devices. While we suspect they may arrive for mobile in the future, Tim Blasi from Google did confirm that “today’s rollout is desktop only.” While we wait and hope, lets break down what each of these offer. Beginning first with the bandwidth slider, this will appear on the top right of every hangout. This will be as simple as clicking the “adjust bandwidth usage” icon and moving the slider to the left or right. In total there are three options available with auto-detect being the default. Users can also slide to the left to enter the low speed or ultra low bandwidth modes. The low speed mode is said to use about 500Kbps in each direction and the ultra low mode will use 150Kbps on the upstream and 500Kbps on the downstream. Aside from the bandwidth slider, the other setting that has arrived is audio only. This sort of plays on the lack of bandwidth and as the name implies — means you will not send or receive any video. Using the audio only mode means you will transfer about 35Kbps in either direction. At this time we have yet to receive confirmation these features will arrive on mobile, however we will be keeping an eye on the Google+ app in the Play Store. [via Google+] |
| Steve Wozniak: Samsung is a “big competitor” and Apple is “somewhat behind” Posted: 07 Feb 2013 01:38 PM PST Steve Wozniak criticizing Apple is nothing new. In the past we have seen him say that Microsoft was more innovative as compared to Apple. And well, it looks like Wozniak has recently dropped some additional criticism — this time dealing with the iPhone and Samsung.
You can likely see where this is going. Or at the very least, as Android fans we suspect you have a hope as to where this is going. Well, in this case he didn’t specifically mention Android, however the Samsung comment certainly points that way. Anyway, Wozniak was recently interviewed by the German language Wirtschafts Woche and he had some interesting things to say. On the topic of the iPhone, he mentioned that he feels Apple is “somewhat behind with features in the smartphone business.” Further commenting that “Samsung is a big competitor” because they are “currently making great products.” Of course, on the flip side, just because Wozniak is saying that Apple may be a bit behind, he certainly doesn’t seem to be suggesting that Apple is not making quality products. This goes to the point of Wozniak always being willing to wait in line for new Apple releases. During the interview he spoke about this and said that if Apple were to make lousy products, he “would not be in line.” Bottom line here, it is interesting to see comments like this coming from Wozniak, who was not only a co-founder of Apple, but also has the title of employee number one. Then again, as we mentioned earlier, Wozniak has always seemed willing to speak his mind in the past and we suppose we should not be all that surprised by this latest round of comments. [via MacRumors] |
| HTC 603ะต photos leak – could be the upcoming M4 Posted: 07 Feb 2013 12:38 PM PST HTC is gearing up for what they hope will be a big year in 2013. We already have plenty of details and information on their upcoming flagship HTC M7, but now some details are trickling in regarding their lower-end HTC M4 smartphone. Reports of both an M4 and G2 have surfaced, and today we have images to go along with the details. Check it out below.
Shown above is a new HTC smartphone currently being called as a codename the HTC 603ะต. Many sources have claimed this is indeed the HTC M4, but we’re thinking it might be a model lower than that device after reading some of the supposed specs. If the M series will follow along with the HTC One X, One S and V this will probably be their lowest offering. According to Blog of Mobile the HTC 603e will be a decent little Android 4.1 Jelly Bean powered handset, but the rest of the specs leave some to be desired. Details confirm the screen is a 4.3-inch WVGA 480 x 800 resolution display. It is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor and 1GB of RAM, and will rock a 5 megapixel 720p rear facing camera. Up front seems to be a rather large camera too, possibly a wide angle 2.0 megapixel shooter. This looks like a blend between the new M7, and some of the last-gen devices from HTC so for now we aren’t too keen on believing this is the M4. For now there’s no additional details and this could even be a China exclusive, but we’ll be digging for more details. You can see they still have the Beats Audio, and that front facing speaker looks quite large — something we’re all for. We expect to learn more at Mobile World Congress coming up later this month. [via Engadget] |
| Samsung dominating Android with 8 of the current top 10 devices Posted: 07 Feb 2013 12:32 PM PST While this may be a somewhat obvious statement for some, it seems Samsung is currently dominating in terms of Android devices being used. In fact, based on a recent report from Localytics, Samsung currently holds eight out of the top ten devices currently in use. Taking that a step further and this report also goes to show the success of the Galaxy Note — a device that many felt was a bit on the large side for everyday use.
This report has just been released and shows the “top 10 Android devices by users” for January 2013. You can see the chart sitting below, however the clear tops are the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy S II. Coincidentally, these two devices recently switched places. According to data coming from the December 2012 report, the Galaxy S II had been on top just one month back. Still, with 9.2 percent for the Galaxy S III and 8.2 percent for the Galaxy S II — it remains pretty close.
The two devices that are not from Samsung include the Kindle Fire which is sitting in the seventh position with 1.7 percent and the Droid RAZR which is in ninth with 1.3 percent. The Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note II appear to be sitting comfortably in the fourth and fifth spots with 2.6 and 2.0 percent respectively. In total though, the report shows Samsung as accounting for 47 percent of Android devices being use worldwide. For comparison sake, Samsung also had the same 47 percent in December 2012. Despite Samsung dominating the overall device usage, they do not currently hold the top spot in terms of Android tablet usage. For this category the number one position goes to Amazon with the Kindle Fire at 37 percent. [via Forbes] |
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