Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Sony Xperia Tablet Z coming soon to the US, makes stop at the FCC

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 05:59 PM PDT

Sony Xperia Tablet Z aa 600px (4)

Sony’s latest Xperia Tablet Z has hit Japan, and is reportedly going to reach Europe soon. Folks stateside who are Sony Xperia fans might soon enjoy the Xperia Tablet Z, as Sony has already submitted the device for FCC scrutiny.

This particular filing is for the Wi-Fi only variant, which is the same entry-level model launched in Europe for €449 up (about $577), and is not the LTE-enabled Xperia Tablet Z that has debuted with NTT DoCoMo in Japan. If user manuals are your thing, you can also check the documentation out through the FCC link, although we’re sure nobody really reads the manual anymore these days. The very least that the manuals offer us — on top of the photos — is a confirmation of the submitted device.

Xperia Z rear

To recall, the Xperia Tablet Z comes with a 10.1-inch display at 1920×1200 pixels. The tablet is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm APQ8064 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB of storage on the low-end. Multimedia-wise, users can expect a 8.1 megapixel rear-facing camera, all in a 6.9 mm thin body. Of course, one main selling point of the Tablet Z will be its IP55-certified water resistance, meaning you won’t have to worry about using it while sipping coffee or iced tea.

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z will ship with Jelly Bean and is expected to be priced at about $499 once it is approved for sale in the US market, a bit cheaper than its sales price in Europe and Japan. Sony is actually set to release the Tablet Z in Canada this Summer, so we could probably expect the device to launch in the US within the same time frame, if not earlier. As with earlier pieces on the Tablet Z, we think this device is potentially a solid contender in the 10-inch category, which sets it square against the full-sized iPad and the Nexus 10.

Perhaps what will make it even more attractive would be for Sony to release the LTE variant in the Americas, too. Hopefully, the prices will not be as exorbitant as those in Japan and EU.

The post Sony Xperia Tablet Z coming soon to the US, makes stop at the FCC appeared first on Android Authority.

Let’s not worry about Google Glass being banned

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 04:14 PM PDT

Google Glass Press (3)

There's a lot of news lately about Google Glass being shunned, and outlawed. Bars are banning it, lawmakers are considering making it illegal to use in a car… it's madness! If you're wondering what the point is in picking up a pair when they come out, don't. This lashing out against Glass is silly. Here's why.

Glass isn't here

Google Glass is little more than a working concept at this point. What does it do? Who is designing apps for it? We don't know. We know it's secretive, and those who have tested it at the Glass Foundry events are bound by a non-disclosure agreement. We know it looks cool, and will take pictures and video. We know it will help us navigate, and even translate. We know it will be helpful, but nothing more.

Currently, what we see via the Google Glass website is conceptual. All those I've spoken to about Glass that have actually tried Glass tell me the UI is still pretty crude. Google Now is probably going to be a focus, but that's not set in stone. Actually, with Glass, we don't know that anything is necessarily set in stone. We don't actually know anything!

Been there, done that

Remember when camera phones were a new concept? Maybe you don't, but there was a time when a phone with a camera was a radical concept that scared people. How would we regulate it? Everyone will be taking pictures of everything! It sounded like anarchy in the eyes of the press… but now we see how silly that was. If you have a phone without a camera, you're probably a hipster who bought the phone at a swap-meet so you could be 'ironic'. The real irony is that camera phones are now considered crucial, as we want to capture all of our memories without toting around an additional piece of hardware.

phone camera

Same difference

Google Glass is not a phone with a camera, but it may travel the same arc of public perception. With a phone, the fervor was that you couldn't tell a camera phone from a regular one. Who would be taking photos of what, and when? For those reasons, it was frightening to some. Google Glass will face the same challenges, as it's not clear to us (yet!) when someone will be filming or snapping photos. The functionality isn't clear because we don't know anything about Glass yet.

To ban someone from an establishment for wearing Google Glass is tantamount to profiling. Simply having something that can do something doesn't mean we will be doing it. If I have prescription glasses, and those happen to be Google Glass, am I now banned from an establishment? I need those glasses to see, and drive… so how can I be banned from using them? Is that really a fight you want to have, miscellaneous bar owner?

More merit than danger

Lawmakers are increasingly concerned with our level of responsibility. They think Google Glass will distract us from the task at hand, which is driving safely. This is their excuse for attempting to ban the device whilst driving, yet a much larger Tom-Tom or Garmin screen attached to the windshield is okay. I can turn a GPS device off just as I can Google Glass. I can have a TV mounted inside my car, yet a small screen giving me timely updates about my life is somehow worse?

If the model we've seen Sergey Brin wearing is what the final production piece, then that small screen is right about the same spot in my visual periphery as the rear-view mirror on my car. I check that often, and it doesn't divert my attention from the road. There is little reason to believe that Google Glass would distract a responsible driver, and that onus falls on you.

Google Glass is meritorious, and not given the proper respect in that regard. Hot-button topics like safe driving or being taped without consent dominate the media coverage, but that's irresponsible. It's irresponsible because we don't know anything about Glass yet. If we had a good idea of just what the device would be able to do, or otherwise capable of, we could reasonably concern ourselves with these issues.

We've discussed the benefits to Glass previously, even in its crude form. What about personal security? How many crimes go unpunished or unreported due to lack of evidence? Even if it were a simple video-taking device, that video could auto-upload to your Google Drive account. Consider the store clerk, or woman walking alone at night. We are all concerned with security, but if we're not doing anything wrong… there isn't much to worry about with Google Glass and being filmed. Much like the recent Play Store policy change to not allow anonymous comments, Google Glass has the potential to keep people honest who otherwise may not be.

Google Glass ban-w600

Change is scary

Google Glass has the potential to change everything. This product has the capacity to completely alter how we utilize mobile technology, and that scares some people. It's unknown, which naturally causes alarm. We're unsure about this massive change in direction, but that isn't reason to decry Google Glass ad hoc. It's a bit irresponsible to be so dismissive about technology we don't know anything about yet.

The same outcry occurred with cell phone cameras, then they became a normal part of life. Caution is a fantastic tool when utilized properly, but the fervor over Google Glass is not one of those examples. Fear should not be a driving force behind policy change, be it state law or a restaurant policy.

Google Glass Press (1)

Conclusion

Google Glass is happening, like it or not. Just because the technology is new, and unknown, doesn't make it dangerous. Some consider it safer, so should we make driving with Google Glass mandatory? No… that's just silly. So is the flipside, which is banning it altogether.

You can't banish something that has no proven history of being dangerous or detrimental. Those same people who are damning the technology haven't even tried it out, so how are they in a position to judge it? We needed massive amounts of proven cases where texting while driving was dangerous… yet an unseen, unproven piece of hardware is being considered harmful. This potential policy change is based on innuendo and conversation, not facts. It's really hard to have a factual conversation about Google Glass, because we don't know anything about it.

If you want Google Glass, buy a pair when they become available. Your concern should be about which color frames you want, not being pulled over by the police for wearing them. Google Glass gives us no pause for actual concern, so lets not feed the fire. We've seen witch-hunts like this before, and look at how we view those events today. Laughable, abhorrent inanity. Someday, we'll all search for these old articles about Glass… on Glass. That much we do know.

 

The post Let’s not worry about Google Glass being banned appeared first on Android Authority.

Nexus 7 now available directly from the Google Play Store in India!

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 02:52 PM PDT

nexus-10-vs-nexus-7-1

It’s been a long time coming, too long if you ask me, but Indian consumers can finally buy the Google Nexus 7 directly from the Google Play Store! After the Indian Play Store recently added the availability of books (movies and magazines are still not available), it now looks like Nexus devices have also been added to the list. I say devices, but for now, only the Google Nexus 7 shows up.

It may have been a while since you’ve last thought about the Nexus 7, so here’s a quick look at the specifications -

  • 7-inch IPS display with 1280×800 resolution
  • 1.2 Ghz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16GB internal storage, no microSD slot
  • 1.2MP front camera
  • 4,325 mAh battery
  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (upgradable to Android 4.2)

nexus 7 india

For now, only the 16GB WiFi only version of the 7-inch tablet is available on the Google Play Store, but hopefully the 32GB and 3G version of the device will also make its way to Indian shores officially soon. The Nexus 7 is priced at Rs 15,999 (~$300) and will ship by April 5.

The Google Nexus 7 has been around for a while, so why am I so excited? Because this means that Nexus devices will finally be officially available in India from the Google Play Store itself! With the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 being some of the most popular devices in the country, even though they are sold only through unofficial channels, this is definitely a great move on the part of Google.

If you’re interested in picking up the Nexus 7, you can head on over to the listing here.

What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up the Google Nexus 7 now that it is officially available from the Google Play Store? Are you excited about the possibility of more Nexus devices making its way to India soon? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Nexus 7 now available directly from the Google Play Store in India! appeared first on Android Authority.

Deal alert: Motorola Droid Razr HD now available for $0.01 on Amazon Wireless

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 02:24 PM PDT

Razr HD LTE

I really like the direction T-Mobile is hoping to take the network carrier norm in the US with their new “uncarrier” strategy, but while a 2-year contractual commitment can be bothersome, what most people would miss is the highly-subsidized rate at which the latest high-end smartphones are available. If you’re willing to skip the latest high-end offerings and are okay with last year’s best, then things are even better, with most, if not all, eventually dropping to zero price tags. Case in point – the Verizon Motorola Droid Razr HD is now available for a penny on Amazon Wireless.

The Motorola Droid Razr HD is no slouch in the specifications department, and includes -

  • 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD display with 1280×720 resolution
  • 1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
  • 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera
  • 2,530 mAh battery
  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean which is already available)

droid razr hd penny

This the second price drop for the Motorola Droid Razr HD, which was earlier available for $49.99 from Amazon Wireless. Of course, the earlier deal was available just for new Verizon customers, which is fortunately not the case this time. For a penny, both new and existing customers will be eligible to get their hands on the Motorola Droid Razr HD.

Both the white and black versions of the smartphone are available as a part of the deal and if you’re interested, you can find it here(white) and here(black).

What are your thoughts? Will you be picking up the Motorola Droid Razr HD from Verizon at this price? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Deal alert: Motorola Droid Razr HD now available for $0.01 on Amazon Wireless appeared first on Android Authority.

Samsung Galaxy S4 already cloned, launches before the real one

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:50 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 won’t be out until the end of April and manufacturers are already taking a crack at it. Thanks to a tip from  Caotic.it, we found out that Chinese manufacturer Sunle has cloned the Galaxy S4, calling the creation the S400. It’ll cost around $220 USD and will be available in China starting April 5.

Available in black or white, the specs are actually pretty solid:

  • 5-inch IPS HD display at 1280 x 720
  • 1.2GHz Mediatek MTK6859 quad-core processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 8GB internal storage with support up to 32GB
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera
  • 3-megapixel front-facing camera
  • 3G, Bluetooth, GPS
  • Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
  • 2100 mAh battery

As with any smartphone or device from relatively unknown manufacturers, quality is always a concern. With Samsung more popular than ever, many companies will do whatever they can to get a slice of the Android marketplace, even if that means shameless ripoffs. Would you or have you ever bought a Chinese knockoff?

Thanks, Andrea!

The post Samsung Galaxy S4 already cloned, launches before the real one appeared first on Android Authority.

Carphone Warehouse hints at April release for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Asus FonePad in the UK

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:36 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 aa 600 px (8)

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Asus FonePad were announced at this year’s MWC last month. While the Galaxy Note 8.0 is expected to directly compete against the iPad Mini, the Asus FonePad is supposed to be another budget-friendly offering to compete with the Nexus 7, even though that is another tablet manufactured by Asus, with the differentiating factor being the 1.2 Ghz Intel Atom processor that powers the Asus FonePad, along with its voice-calling capabilities. The good news, if you’re in the UK, is that both tablets are expected to be available in April.

There is no pricing information available just yet, but the Carphone Warehouse in the UK lists both devices as releasing next month. This is expected as far as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is concerned, but is surprising with regards to the Asus FonePad considering the late Q2 2013 arrival that we first heard about. A price listing by another retailer in the UK, Handtec, suggests a possible £371.99 (~$564) price tag for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0.

As a reminder, the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 include an 8-inch TFT display with 1280×800 resolution, 1.6 Ghz quad-core Exynos 4412 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD, 5MP rear camera and 1.3MP front camera, 4,600 mAh battery, S-Pen support, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on-board (upgradable to Android 5.0). While there are reports that suggest the availability of an LTE version in Europe, the Carephone Warehouse listing does not mention this feature.

1 Asus FonePad [aa] (1) - 600px

The Asus Fonepad boasts a 7-inch IPS display with 1280 x 800 resolution, a 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2420 processor and PowerVR SGX540 GPU, 1GB RAM, 8/16GB internal storage expandable via microSD, 3MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera (the rear camera is not available in some European releases), 4,270 mAh battery, HSPA+ and 3G support for voice calls, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on-board.
An exact launch date is not available as well, but if you’re interested in either of the tablets, you can sign up to receive more information about the release here (Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0) and here (Asus FonePad).

What are your thoughts? Would you consider buying either the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 or the Asus FonePad when it is released? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Carphone Warehouse hints at April release for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Asus FonePad in the UK appeared first on Android Authority.

LTE-enabled Chromebook Pixel to ship by April 8th, LTE pricing options detailed

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:05 PM PDT

chromebook-pixel-official-1

Until now, Google’s Chromebook has targeted the basic, entry-level market, as well as the enterprise with their barebones offerings. But with the launch of the Chromebook Pixel, Google seems to have deviated from this philosophy, with the Pixel’s premium build and finish and attractive touchscreen display. Pixel may even be a signal that Chrome OS and Android might integrate in the future, in particular because of the touchscreen.

One thing’s for sure, though. Without an Internet connection, you will find yourself frustrated not being able to access your apps and data. Which is why a data-enabled version would only make sense for a premium device like the Chromebook Pixel. According to Google, early orders of the LTE-enabled model will start shipping by April 8th. This is limited to a U.S. release, though, and users will have to connect via Verizon’s LTE network.

The LTE-enabled Chromebook Pixel will set you back $1,449, so that will entail much justification with the wife, the boss, IT department or your own savings account. By comparison, the Wi-Fi-only variant costs $1,299, which is still a bit steep compared with other Chromebooks. Taking the comparison further, Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now retails for $1,499.

If you’re coming from a regular notebook computer, it will require some adjustment, as Chrome OS runs off the cloud. But given that LTE capability is supposed to give you seamless access even without a Wi-Fi network, you should be okay, as long as you’re within Verizon’s LTE coverage area.

But — a big “but” for potential Chromebook Pixel buyers out there — this LTE connectivity comes with a limit. According to GigaOM, you only get 100MB free allocation per month for two years (which is easily consumed with fast connections). You can pay for data allocation in several options:

  • $9.99 – an unlimited day pass
  • $20 – 1 GB good for one month
  • $35 – 3 GB good for one month
  • $50 – 5 GB good for one month

Still, if you mostly connect via Wi-Fi anyway, pay-as-you-go LTE connectivity will be an added benefit for those times away from the home or office network or a public hotspot. Verizon says you can also add the Chromebook Pixel to an existing Verizon Share Everything Plan for $10 monthly, so you can simply use your existing plan’s data allocation. Sounds fair?

The post LTE-enabled Chromebook Pixel to ship by April 8th, LTE pricing options detailed appeared first on Android Authority.

Qualcomm releases ‘Reign of Amira: the Lost Kingdom’, a game designed to show off the power of the Snapdragon 600

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:04 PM PDT

qualcomm

Qualcomm wants you to know that its new Snapdragon 600 processor is totally badass in just about every way, gaming included. What better way to show off what its new chipset can do then release an in-house game that can act as a tech demo? That’s exactly what they’ve done with Reign of Amira: The Lost Kingdom.

If the game sounds familiar, that’s because it is the sequel to the original Reign of Amira, which was released not too terribly long ago as a way to show off the Adreno 320 GPU. This time around, the game is an exclusive to Snapdragon 600 devices, at least in theory. Many users are reporting the game installs and plays just fine on the Nexus 4.

Reign of Amira

So is this game worth your time? It has some nice eye-candy, that much is true. Unfortunately, if it is anything like the original, it probably doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to enjoyable gameplay. Still, the game is completely free from Google Play, so it doesn’t hurt to at least give it a try if you have a device that can handled it.

Have you tested it out yet? If so what do you think, any good?

The post Qualcomm releases ‘Reign of Amira: the Lost Kingdom’, a game designed to show off the power of the Snapdragon 600 appeared first on Android Authority.

LG Optimus G Pro Review! (video)

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:02 PM PDT

LG Optimus G Pro aa 4 600

In a world where the line between smartphones and tablets is increasingly blurry, the LG Optimus G Pro stands out as a state-of-the-art device that combines a massive display with cutting edge specifications. The G Pro is truly a beast of a phone, in more than one way. But when it's time to draw the line, is the 5.5-incher a great phone for everyone?

We attempt to answer this question in our LG Optimus G Pro review. We'll look at all the things that matter, from the quality of the display, to the hardware that pushes all those pixels, and the battery that provides the power necessary to take you through the day.

Our master videographer Joshua Vergara has weighed in on the LG Optimus G Pro in his video review – check it out at the end of the post. Or, stick with us for a more thorough rundown of the Optimus G Pro.

Build and design

Let's make it clear from the beginning – the LG Optimus G Pro is a phone made for two-hand operation. From the sheer physical size of the device (about 6-inch long) to the placement of the hardware buttons, you'll often find yourself stretching your fingers to reach a certain UI element or to push the QButton when using it with one hand. Maneuverability is further hindered by the glossy, slippery finish of the back. Especially when trying more difficult maneuvers with one hand, such as bringing down the notification shade, you risk losing grip.

LG tried to mitigate some of the inconveniences that are inherent to a large form factor by introducing certain software tweaks. For instance, in portrait mode, you can set the keyboard to be more accessible with the right (or left) thumb. However, as you'd expect, there's only so much that software tweaks can alleviate in terms of usability.

Click to enlarge

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The above lengthy disclaimer doesn't mean that the Optimus G Pro isn't a great device, once you accept that you'll have to use both hands to operate it. Design-wise, the device features smooth, modern lines that reminisce a bit of the G Pro's sworn rival, the Galaxy Note 2. Just like Samsung's device, the G Pro features an oblong Home button flanked by two capacitive Menu and Back buttons. The two devices also have about the same thickness, and a similar "feel" in hand. Obviously, the Optimus G Pro lacks a stylus, which may or may not be a drawback, depending on what you plan to do with the device.

Click to enlarge

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The back cover of the Optimus G Pro features LG's now-trademark reflective design, which we found quite appealing. Moreover, the cover is removable, exposing a removable battery a microSD card slot, both make-or-break features for many users.

The G Pro unit we reviewed came with a telescopic antenna, that is specific to East Asian markets, where watching TV on the phone is a time-honored tradition.

As a mini conclusion to this section, LG made quite a few good choices when designing the Optimus G Pro. However, it's hard to get by the, well… biggest issue with LG's new phone – the fact it could prove too big for many users. On the other hand, if you're fine with the Note 2, or if you find yourself yearning for more display real estate when poking at your current phone, the G Pro could be ideal for you.

LG Optimus G Pro aa 10 600

Click to enlarge

Display

The Optimus G Pro's massive footprint is needed to accommodate the wonderful 5.5-inch IPS LCD display. We think that bigger is better when it comes to displays, so you'll be hard pressed to find a better device in that respect.

Like most new flagship phones, the LG Optimus G Pro is a True HD device. Because the panel is half an inch larger than devices like the Galaxy S4 or the Xperia Z, its pixel density won't set any new records. Still, the 400ppi density ensures that pixels are invisible, like you can see in this close up of the panel.

LG Optimus G Pro display close up aa 1600

Click to enlarge

Being an LCD, the display doesn't feature the deep blacks and oversaturated colors of the Note 2, but for many users who prefer a natural look, that's a big selling point. The G Pro is a joy to gaze at, at pretty much any viewing angle. Of course, the applications that best showcase its prowess are video playback and gaming. If you do a lot of that, you'll love the Optimus G Pro.

Hardware and performance

If you're looking for the very best in mobile specifications, you'll find it inside the LG Optimus G Pro. It's not that LG has a lead in this area (similar specs are available in the HTC One and versions of the Galaxy S4), but the G Pro's innards are the best you can get right now.

Come to think of it, LG needed a beefy processor to push all those pixels around, and the Snapdragon 600 certainly delivers. Coupling a quad-core processor running at 1.7GHz with a tried and tested Adreno 320 GPU, the S600 will handle anything you throw at it. Combined with the 2GB of RAM, the setup shines in benchmarks.

lg-optimus-g-pro-benchmark-antutu ws
lg-optimus-g-pro-benchmark-vellamo ws

Like bells and whistles? You'll find plenty in the Optimus G Pro. All the sensors and connectivity options you've come to expect from a modern flagship are there, including a microSD card slot, for those hungry for media.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Battery

Prying open the Optimus G Pro reveals a solid 3140mAh removable battery. Given the power consumption of the G Pro's expansive screen, we were curious to see how the phone does in an improvised benchmark. Our unit powered through seven hours of looping video, and got us through a full day of use without problems.

We think LG has realized that the all the latest specs are meaningless if the phone is dead, and packed another nifty trick in the G Pro's arsenal – a charging dock that stand the phone up and charges a spare battery inside, all thus effectively doubling the stamina of the device. Finally, power saving kicks in automatically when the battery level drops below a pre-programmed level.

LG Optimus G Pro aa 12 600

Click to enlarge

All around, we feel that the Optimus G Pro is a step in the right direction when it comes to battery life, at a time when many manufacturers seem to neglect the issue.

Camera

We found the 13MP main camera of the LG Optimus G Pro to be a great performer. Megapixels aren't everything, as HTC is so keen to tell us, but the G Pro's shooter delivers more than just big images. The f2.4 aperture ensures that plenty of light reaches the sensor, which is a boon for indoor shots. However, we did find the outdoors photos to be a little too intense, as the color can overcome the detail in some cases.

The camera software on the G Pro is quite good, with features like VR Panorama (an Android Photo Sphere lookalike) and Intelligent Auto (which picks the best settings depending on the context) making it easy to get the most of each scene.

Click to enlarge

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Click to enlarge

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Overall, we loved the camera on the Optimus G Pro, and we have no trouble recommending it.

Software

LG has packed a slew of little features inside the Optimus G Pro, in an effort to make its software competitive against the Galaxy Note 2. While many users won't find them particularly compelling, others might benefit from a productivity boost thanks to apps like QMemo or QSlide.

If you ever used the Optimus G, the still very new predecessor of the G Pro, you will be right at home on the latter, as the software is virtual identical on the two phones. We especially appreciated the flexibility of the Optimus UI, right out of the box. If the Android implementations of other manufacturers are more locked down, requiring you to scour the Play Store for customization apps, Optimus UI lets you easily change aspects such as the lock screen or the screen transition effects.

Our general impression of the Optimus UI is that it looks and feels unitary. It may not have as many bells and whistles as the Galaxy phones, but it's still a worthy contender.

Hands-on video

Final thoughts

The LG Optimus G Pro is a full-blown, unabashedly powerful Android flagship, no matter how you look at it. LG has done an excellent job at packing a multitude of features beneath that gorgeous 5.5-inch display and, for the most part, managed to integrate them into a coherent whole.

The big caveat is obviously the size of the phone, which affects every part of the user experience. As Josh says in the video review, if you don't feel at home with a 5-inch device, the Optimus G Pro will feel clunky and burdensome. Big phones aren't for everyone, and there's no going around that. However, if you are willing to embrace the big phone experience, the Optimus G Pro is probably the best in class right now.

Let us know what you think of the LG Optimus G Pro.

Bogdan Petrovan contributed to this review.

The post LG Optimus G Pro Review! (video) appeared first on Android Authority.

Google X Phone render leaks, looks totally fake

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:42 PM PDT

google-x-phone-render-1

After seeing a Google X Phone rumor earlier today, we're now back with a first render of the handset, which was leaked alongside certain hardware details.

GSM Arena has received the image above from a tipster, and from the get-go we'll tell you that it looks totally fake. Unless someone wanted us to question the lack of a speaker needed for actual calls or the fact that the time is off by a couple of minutes (check out the first circle and then the status bar,) this looks like a bad photoshopped image so far.

Considering that the picture doesn’t inspire any trust, should we believe the associated hardware details? Unfortunately we can’t answer that question yet, as we have nothing official from Google.

The tipster says that the handset will sport a 4.7-inch display with 1280 x 768 resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 4000mAh battery, no microSD support and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean "with very few customizations job [sic] by Motorola." The handset is also said to come with IP57 certification (water resistant up to a meter for up to 30 minutes) and Gorilla Glass 3 display.

Comparatively, the earlier X Phone rumor said that the handset will come with a 4.8-inch display of unspecified resolution, sapphire protection instead of Gorilla Glass, a 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU and 4000mAh battery. The other rumor also said the phone will come with a carbon fiber black plate and rubber bumper corners.

There are similarities and differences between these two rumors, although that doesn’t really mean a thing since we’re used to see lots of rumors hit the web before a new product launches, with some of them contradicting the others.

Now that we've seen the first X Phone render, which can easily be proven fake, we'll get back to waiting for actual images of the device to leak. We'll also remind you that an earlier rumor claimed that an early X Phone prototype has already been leaked and previewed, that unnamed Motorola handset found in Vietnam just before the Galaxy S4 announcement.

What do you expect from the X Phone?

The post Google X Phone render leaks, looks totally fake appeared first on Android Authority.

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