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- LG Spirit 4G Review! [video]
- LG Optimus L7 II releasing in Germany for €249 (~$324)
- Google files an application with the USPTO for a patent with back panel touch controls
- SEC filing by Nokia hints at the possibility of a Microsoft Surface phone
- XOLO Q800 launched in India for Rs 12,499 (~$240)
- White hat hackers leave Chrome OS unscathed at Pwnium 3
- Optimus 4X HD gets a breath of fresh air with bootloader unlock and Jelly Bean leak
- CCleaner making its way to Android with one-click cleaning
- Second U.S. Apple vs Samsung ‘Siri’ patent case not suspended, judge decides
- Ubuntu not just for “elite” users says Canonical founder
| Posted: 09 Mar 2013 09:37 PM PST
While they may not be the biggest carrier or have the most coverage, there are plenty of things to like about MetroPCS, like their lack of long-term contracts and their low plan prices. Now we can add another item to that list: the LG Spirit 4G, a low-cost midrange phone that offers an awful lot for it’s relatively modest price. In a hurry? Either check out our video review or jump to the conclusion at the bottom of this article. Specs
Design & Build QualityI found something very strange about the LG Spirit 4G: my opinion of the look of the device seemed to change very drastically depending on the angle I saw it from. From certain angles, you could easily confuse it for one of LG’s high-end offerings, while from others it almost looked like a device that would ship running Froyo.
I am usually a fan of LG’s design aesthetics, but this time that wasn’t quite the case. The Spirit doesn’t look terrible, but it doesn’t generally have the same sleek look that many higher-end LG phones have. The silver plastic that sits at the top of the screen reminded me of an electric razor on more than one occasion, and I have a feeling that wasn’t LG’s intention. Build quality is very impressive for such a device with such a low price point. The case is plastic, but very sturdy, which leaves you with a device that is a combination of light and relatively durable. Trying to twist the LG Spirit 4G leads to a bit of flex, but nowhere near as much as I’ve seen in similarly priced offerings from other manufacturers like Samsung.
The LG Spirit 4G is a comfortable phone to hold and use, and generally just has a good feel to it. One minor nitpick is that the power button always felt like it should have been about a centimeter lower, as the reach up to turn the phone on always felt a little unnatural. DisplayDespite falling just short of HD, the LG Spirit 4G’s display is fairly nice. Colors are vivid without being oversaturated, images are bright without being washed out, and icons and text are rendered clearly and sharply.
Part of this has to do with the size of the screen. A similar resolution on a 5-inch screen, as with the Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos, for example, is just plain ugly. On a 4.5-inch screen, it works just fine. Have we seen better displays? Sure. Is this screen good enough for everyday use? Definitely. PerformanceWith the relatively low-res display combined with the dual-core Snapdragon chipset, I was expecting performance to be fairly decent, and was still impressed with how well the LG Spirit 4G performed. Running five successive AnTuTu and then averaging out the scores left me with a final score of 11783. Not exactly mind blowing, but still nothing to sneeze at.
Running Epic Citadel in benchmark mode was more impressive. When all was said and done the final average framerate was 59.0 FPS with a performance level of “High Performance”. Considering the framerate is capped at 61 FPS, that isn’t bad. Granted, this has as much to do with the small amount of pixels the LG Spirit 4G’s hardware is pushing compared to high end phones as it does the device’s raw power, but it’s still noteworthy. Luckily, the performance wasn’t just confined to benchmarks and other tests. The same speed carried over to the games I tested as well as basic functions like launching apps, rapidly scrolling through homescreens and browsing the web. SoftwareAs with many mid-range LG devices, the LG Spirit 4G runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Sadly, there hasn’t been any definitive information on whether the Spirit will be receiving an update to Jelly Bean, we can always hope.
LG has outfitted the Spirit 4G with its launcher, as is par for the course. While the default look is definitely on the gaudy side for my tastes, more of this has to do with MetroPCS and its design decisions than it does with LG. Change the wallpaper and move some widgets around, and it is definitely much easier to live with. Alongside the standard Google apps you’ll find a bunch of apps by both LG and MetroPCS, many of questionable usefulness. The file manager is useful, and Polaris Office may be useful to some, but it’s hard to imagine most people getting a lot of use out of the bundled MetroPCS apps or LG SmartWorld. CameraThe camera is where things start to go down hill a bit. It’s not that the LG Spirit 4G’s 5.0-megapixel rear-facing camera is awful, it just never seems to do anything especially interesting with a photo. The autofocus works well enough, but even trying hard to get a shot lined up in good light never led to anything other than an accurate-but-bland representation of the subject.
The 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera is more of the same, but with less pixels and higher chances of a blurry photo. The shooters in the LG Spirit 4G are definitely quite usable, they’re just not going to be much use for avid photo buffs. While it suffered from the same somewhat lackluster color, the 1080p video recording produced decent results. Motion was smooth and the video was generally crisp, though low-light performance was definitely hampered by the camera sensor. Audio quality, however, was surprisingly good. BatteryThe 2,150 mAh battery in the LG Spirit 4G might not seem particularly large, which makes sense because it isn’t. Still, I’ve often found that Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets do very well with low-capacity batteries, and that seems to be the case here.
LG claims 7 hours of talk time, which I always equate to moderate use, more or less. It seems that LG may have been on the conservative side with its estimate. After benchmarking, testing games and apps, watching videos and effectively trying to kill the battery by letting Epic Citadel run continuously, I still got over 7 hours of battery life. Using the phone like a normal person is likely to deliver more, though it’s worth noting that 4G LTE is a notorious battery drainer, so results may vary based on where and how you spend most of your time. Luckily, the battery is removable, so you can keep another battery on hand if necessary or replace the battery if you kill it. Video ReviewConclusionThere are better phones out there, and yes, there are better phones available on MetroPCS, but if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck option available on the carrier, the LG Spirit 4G is definitely worth the $199 it is currently going for via their website. While the screen resolution and camera may not be at the top of the class, the performance and general sturdiness of the Spirit make it a serious contender in the mid-range market. Have you had the chance to try out the LG Spirit 4G. What do you think of it? What are your pros and cons? We’d love to hear in the comments below.             The post LG Spirit 4G Review! [video] appeared first on Android Authority. |
| LG Optimus L7 II releasing in Germany for €249 (~$324) Posted: 09 Mar 2013 03:35 PM PST
Apart from the Optimus G Pro, LG had a less than stellar showing at this year’s MWC, despite raising expectations through a series of teasers and trailers. A big part of its “new” lineup is the latest iteration of the L series, featuring the entry-level to mid-range offerings, the Optimus L3 II, the Optimus L5 II, and the Optimus L7 II. All three smartphones featured minor upgrades from its predecessors, but are obviously targeted at consumers not looking for high-end phones, and may end up doing better than expected. The L series is slowly making its way to various markets around the world, and now, the LG Optimus L7 II is all set to release in Germany. Here’s a quick look at the specifications of the mid-range smartphone -
Compared to the previous iteration, the LG Optimus L7 II boasts an upgraded processor, better camera, and larger battery, but the specifications are still quite disappointing. The only thing that could make things better is the price point, and does seem to be the case to some extent, considering the €249 (~$324) price point in Germany. LG may enjoy some success with this smartphone because of its brand recognition, even though there a lot of devices from Indian and Chinese manufacturers that are better, at least on paper, and are priced cheaper. That being said, the phone definitely doesn’t look bad, and at least features the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on-board. If you’re thinking about picking up and LG Optimus L7 II, check out our first look and hands-on video from MWC 2013 below - What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up an LG Optimus L7 II? What do you think of the specifications of the device, compared to other mid-range smartphones from other OEMs? Is the low price point enough to justify the poor specifications? Let us know in the comments section below. The post LG Optimus L7 II releasing in Germany for €249 (~$324) appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Google files an application with the USPTO for a patent with back panel touch controls Posted: 09 Mar 2013 03:11 PM PST
Google has filed an application with the USPTO for back panel touch controls on a smartphone and even tablets. The intriguing part about the technology is that it will be able to distinguish contact from holding the device normally and contact intended to control an app or part of the device. The patent sounds a lot like the PlayStation Vita’s back touch panel, which is in place to free up the front OLED screen. It’s possible that Google could be doing something similar in order to free up screen real estate from a users fingers, but that’s just speculation. If it were to happen though, no doubt Sony would give Google a bit of flak. Apple filed an application for a similar patent in 2006 for future tablets, before the making of the iPhone, but the USPTO denied it. It’s possible that Google’s application will get denied, or the USPTO may find it unique in that the patent is for a touch panel on the back of an Android smartphone and tablet. The technology sounds great, especially for a device like the Note 2 with its 5.5-inch screen since some people have trouble using the device with one hand. It seems like it would be very tedious on a device with a smaller form factor though. Besides, what would happen to the back touch panel if you dropped your phone by accident? Again, it’s all speculation at this point, we’ll just have to wait and see what Google ends up doing with this. The post Google files an application with the USPTO for a patent with back panel touch controls appeared first on Android Authority. |
| SEC filing by Nokia hints at the possibility of a Microsoft Surface phone Posted: 09 Mar 2013 02:16 PM PST
We last heard about a possible Microsoft Surface phone around the time the Surface tablet was released, but there was no indication at the time that this smartphone would ever see the light of day. Guess who does think a Surface phone may make its way to consumers soon – Nokia! Yes, the same Nokia that decided to go all-in with the Windows Phone OS, is now worried that Microsoft may be working on a smartphone of its own, or may even ditch Windows Phone entirely. A recent law-mandated risk filing with the SEC by Nokia, which was dug up by ZDNet, states that Nokia is worried that “Microsoft may broaden its strategy to sell other mobile devices under its own brand, including smartphones. This could lead Microsoft to focus more on their own devices and less on mobile devices of other manufacturers that operate on the Windows Phone platform, including Nokia.” Such filings are legally required by the SEC to list out possible business risks to allow investors to make informed decisions. In the similar filing from 2011, Nokia acknowledged the risk of moving from Symbian to Windows Phone. Now, in the latest filing, Nokia says that the risk comes from the possibility that Microsoft may reduce their investment in the OS, or shut it down completely. The possibility of a Surface arises again in the filing, with Nokia stating that a deteriorating relationship could occur with Microsoft, possible because of influences by other device manufacturers, or if Microsoft decides to build its own hardware, or even move away from the mobile game altogether, leaving Nokia stranded. Granted, such filings list ALL perceived risks that could occur in a business relationship, but the continuous mention of a Microsoft-made Windows Phone has piqued our interest. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop staid last year that a Surface Phone would be good to stimulate the Windows Phone ecosystem, but obviously made that statement without considering how such a device would affect the company he heads. Now that the risks have been laid out, how do you think Nokia will react if a Surface phone does become a reality? Is it finally time for Nokia to make a shift to Android? Do you think the disappointing sales of Windows Phone devices will lead to Microsoft giving up on the OS entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. The post SEC filing by Nokia hints at the possibility of a Microsoft Surface phone appeared first on Android Authority. |
| XOLO Q800 launched in India for Rs 12,499 (~$240) Posted: 09 Mar 2013 12:29 PM PST
The flood of budget-friendly quad-core smartphones continues in India, with Lava International jumping on the bandwagon with its latest offering under the company’s XOLO sub-brand. Even though the XOLO Q800, the first device in the company’s Q (quad-core) series, is powered by the same 1.2 Ghz quad-core MediaTek processor you’ll find in every other low-cost quad-core smartphone in the country, while other OEMs have favored a 5-inch display, XOLO has decided to go with a smaller, and maybe more favorable, 4.5-inch screen. Here’s a look at the specifications of the XOLO Q800 -
It’s good to see Indian manufacturers moving towards the (almost) latest OS for their devices which has been a major turn off in the past, with the XOLO Q800 running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Granted, the issue of updates to the next iteration of the OS are still a problem, but hopefully that will change. Interesting to note, if you’re a music buff, is that the XOLO Q800 features a Yamaha 168 PA music system, which XOLO promises provides “an awesome musical experience,” along with some enhancements on the software side, such as “Shake to change song” and a filter that sorts music files according to size. There isn’t much that makes the XOLO Q800 stand out from other quad-core smartphones like the Micromax A116 Canvas HD, other than the smaller display, which comes down to personal choice, with the display of the latter also featuring a higher resolution. If you’re looking for a more compact device, the XOLO Q800 is the smartphone for you. If you’re interested, the XOLO Q800 is available from online retailers Flipkart for Rs 12,499 (~$240) here. What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up the XOLO Q800? How do you think the latest offering from XOLO will do against the ever-growing number of other budget-friendly quad-core smartphones? Let us know in the comment section below. The post XOLO Q800 launched in India for Rs 12,499 (~$240) appeared first on Android Authority. |
| White hat hackers leave Chrome OS unscathed at Pwnium 3 Posted: 09 Mar 2013 12:15 PM PST
The fact that entrants couldn’t exploit the target machine compliments Google’s initiative to keep Chrome as secure as possible. The downside is that whatever holes there are left remain undiscovered. While the Chrome OS may have stayed strong, the standard Chrome browser, Firefox and Internet Explorer were exploited in the Pwn2Own that was in tandem with the Pwnium 3 challenge. Regardless, Chromebook Pixel owners should be much happier with their purchases after seeing how secure the Chrome OS is. It may not be free from exploits, but the challenge proves the Chrome OS to be very secure. While it may be secure, no doubt hackers will be encouraged to try and exploit the Chrome OS on their own after hearing how entrants weren’t able to exploit it. The post White hat hackers leave Chrome OS unscathed at Pwnium 3 appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Optimus 4X HD gets a breath of fresh air with bootloader unlock and Jelly Bean leak Posted: 09 Mar 2013 10:26 AM PST
The Optimus 4X HD was one of LG’s better devices in 2012 despite having a rough launch. The device had some very bad software issues, which were mostly fixed in future updates. No hacking or fiddling with the software could go on because of how tightly locked down it was though. Due to its lack of third-party support, the device didn’t take off so well. That’s about to change though. Jelly Bean has been leaked and the bootloader has been unlocked. There’s even a ClockworkMod Recovery ready for users to fire up. While this is all great news, it’s a bit more complicated than most processes. Before messing around with Jelly Bean, the bootloader and the ClockworkMod Recovery, it’s highly suggested that you do some careful reading. Hopefully all of this will breath a little life into the phone. If you have a Optimus 4X HD, be sure to hit the source link where you can find more information. The post Optimus 4X HD gets a breath of fresh air with bootloader unlock and Jelly Bean leak appeared first on Android Authority. |
| CCleaner making its way to Android with one-click cleaning Posted: 09 Mar 2013 08:38 AM PST
CCleaner has a wild amount of success in the world of PCs. Whether it be Windows or Mac, the tool is very well known for getting rid of unwanted temporary files, cache and cookies that build up over time often taking gigabytes of precious space. There are a lot of apps on the Play Store that do the same thing CCleaner does. We’ll have to wait and see what CCleaner for Android has to differentiate itself from other similar apps in the Play Store. At the very least, it will be nice to have a notable tool available in the Play Store for those still using anything below Android 4.0. Android 4.0 comes with a built-in cache cleaning tool, which is why devices running that or higher don’t need to use an app that does the same thing. CCleaner will still, inevitably, be very popular among Gingerbread users considering that Gingerbread is still dominant on many smartphones. We’ll let you know when Piriform announces a release date for the app. The post CCleaner making its way to Android with one-click cleaning appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Second U.S. Apple vs Samsung ‘Siri’ patent case not suspended, judge decides Posted: 09 Mar 2013 08:29 AM PST
After initially asking Apple's and Samsung's lawyers whether it would be a good idea to suspend a second Apple vs Samsung in the U.S. until the first one is resolved, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh decided that the Siri trial should go through. The first case between the two saw Apple as a victor, with the jury awarding the iPhone maker $1.05 billion in damages. But that didn't mean the case was over, with both parties, unhappy with the result, filing appeals. The same judge decided to cut Apple's damages by $450 million a few days ago, although a new lawsuit will be needed to determine whether Apple is entitled to more cash from Samsung or not, following their first clash in U.S. courts. Judge Koh also said the second patent case between the two can go on as scheduled. The trial, whose potential suspension Apple objected to in the first place, is set to start in March 2014 and concerns various search-related patents – hence its Siri nickname. In this case, Apple alleges that various Samsung devices are in violation of its patented search technology on mobile devices, Siri included. Other patents are also part of the case, and multiple Samsung-made Android devices are targeted. Samsung will have its own counter claims against Apple, although the company is yet to win any case against the iPhone maker, with the majority of its patent infringement claims being shot down in various courts so far, both in the U.S. and in other markets. However, judge Koh requested that both parties cut down the number of claims they have against each other and the number of expert witnesses to streamline the case. We should have more details on the matter in the months to come, so get ready for another battle between giants. The post Second U.S. Apple vs Samsung 'Siri' patent case not suspended, judge decides appeared first on Android Authority. |
| Ubuntu not just for “elite” users says Canonical founder Posted: 09 Mar 2013 07:54 AM PST
Canonical showed of its Ubuntu OS for smartphones and tablets at a event a few weeks ago, and the response has been quite positive across the board. Of course, there have been some detractors, and the move by the company to other platforms has received it’s fair share of criticism. In a blog post, Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Canonical, decided to put to rest some of the doubts people have, especially pertaining to the issue that some people consider Ubuntu to be exclusive. I’ve always thought of Ubuntu as a programmer’s OS, at least the initial releases, and many consider it exclusive because it was “hard.” Leet, Mark Shuttleworth calls them. He goes on to to say that he has zero interest in catering to this crowd, and instead wants to create a free and open platform that is the leader across both consumer and enterprise computing, that is, catering to the masses. He believes that that is exactly what they have with Ubuntu and Unity, and adds that if they plan to move ahead from being a platform for hobbyists, they need to work on Unity to keep up with Android, Chrome, Windows, and iOS. If you’ve seen the first edition of Android Authority’s “The Friday Debate,” where we talk about which new mobile OS has the best chance of catching on, my personal choice was Ubuntu, with the caveat being how well the reach of the OS extends to the masses, and of course, finding the right OEM partners. With the current mindset, Ubuntu could well be on its way to being a popular platform across PCs, smartphones, and tablets. You can check out the complete blog post here, where apart from talking about their focus on Unity, he mentions the issue of rolling releases, and addresses what detractors have to say. You can also take a look at our first look of the Ubuntu phone from this year’s CES - What are your thoughts? Do you think Ubuntu catered to the so-called “Leet?” Do you think Ubuntu for smartphones and tablets is going to be welcome by the masses? Let us know in the comments section below. The post Ubuntu not just for “elite” users says Canonical founder appeared first on Android Authority. |
When you think of a touch screen you think of the front display. With that display you interact with your device by swiping up, down, left or right. In the future we may not be using the front display at all to interact with our smartphones or tablets.
Hackers taking part in Google’s 
Piriform, a company who specializes in PC optimization software, took to its blog to announce that CCleaner will be coming to Android soon. A release date and pricing were not given, but we would assume CCleaner would be free like its PC-counterpart.
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