Android Authority

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• We’re live from Google I/O 2013
• Larry Page reveals the truth about his lost voice
• HP announces the HP SlateBook x2, a competitor to the Transformer series
• Galaxy S4 becomes fastest-selling Samsung smartphone ever after hitting 5M unit sales mark in two weeks
• Google Play Store updated with new button design and other UI tweaks
• Google’s music streaming service reported to launch at Google I/O
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition to be unveiled at I/O – rumor
• Is Google Glass going to give birth to a new billion-dollar industry?
• Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 Review
• Google IO 2013 starts tomorrow: what to expect
• The best Music Players for Android
• BlackBerry Messenger for Android coming this summer
• WebM VP9 video codec is almost complete, on its way to YouTube in near future
• Gartner: Android continues its reign as king of the smartphone market, now controls 75%
• Buying guide: Best Android phones – USA, May 2013
• Apple hoping to add Samsung Galaxy S4 to its spring 2014 patent trial
• What does Intel need to do to succeed in the mobile space?
• Kindle Fire user? $5 in Amazon Coins await you
• White Nexus 4 spotted at Qualcomm’s “The Mobile Show” booth [gallery]
• Some Galaxy S4′s experiencing headphone distortion issues – is yours affected?
• DIY Google Glass: 3D-printed pair now possible thanks to free design blueprints
• Didn’t make it to Google I/O? Googlers will answer your questions on G+
• Looking back: How the Google Nexus 7 changed the tablet landscape
• NVIDIA SHIELD release date set for June, available for pre-order now for $349
• CyanogenMod breaches the 5 million user mark

We’re live from Google I/O 2013 Posted: 15 May 2013 02:43 AM PDT Android Authority is attending Google I/O 2013, the most important Google event of the year. Stay tuned for the livestream, full keynote coverage, and for more good stuff over the next few days. Google I/O, the developer conference where new and exciting stuff is showcased every year, is about to kick off in San Francisco, and Android Authority is there to keep you on the pulse. Our editor Nate Swanner and our video reviewer Joshua Vergara are at I/O to keep an eye on all things Android. The new Android and Chrome boss Sundar Pichai warned us not to expect too much in terms of new hardware and operating systems, but, somehow we feel that Google will find a way to surprise us this year. We've heard talk of a bunch of exciting things that may come this year at Google I/O including a very intriguing Google smartwatch. Babel/Hangouts is almost confirmed, and Android 4.3 seems a distinct possibility. Then there's the talk about a refreshed Nexus 7 and perhaps a new white Nexus 4. And that’s just the stuff that leaked, hopefully there are more goodies where that came from. Today's three-hour long keynote promises to be filled to the brim with exciting stuff. Nate and Josh will be there, and we'll be hosting the livestream on our site. The guys filled their schedule over the next days with lots of interviews with developers and Googlers, so make sure to tune it to Android Authority for your Google I/O 2013 coverage. Now, who's excited?

Larry Page reveals the truth about his lost voice Posted: 15 May 2013 01:58 AM PDT Larry Page talked for the first time about the medical problems that caused him to let Sergey Brin do most of the public talking for Google lately. Fortunately, it seems that there isn’t much to worry about. You may remember that there has been quite a bit of speculation around the Google CEO’s voice problems, which caused him to miss Google I/O last year. At the time, Page told investors in a letter that there was “nothing seriously wrong”, and Eric Schmidt stated that Page would continue to run the company as before. Now, after a year in which Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt have done most of the public speaking for Google, Larry Page decided to take to Google+ and explain his problems, reassuring everyone about his health. In short, it all started with a cold fourteen years ago, after which Page never fully recovered his voice back. The founder of Google was diagnosed with left vocal cord paralysis, without an actual cause being found. While that didn’t affect him much, after another cold last summer, Larry Page’s doctors found that his second vocal cord was also affected, again with no particular cause found. Page says that things are going better now, and that he can manage both at work and at home, but giving long speeches is more difficult for him and those listening. Nothing to worry about Still, there are no serious worries, as Page says himself, and there are even good things that come with the situation. Vocal cord nerve issues can also affect your breathing, so my ability to exercise at peak aerobic capacity is somewhat reduced. That said, my friends still think I have way more stamina than them when we go kitesurfing! And Sergey says I'm probably a better CEO because I choose my words more carefully. So surprisingly, overall I am feeling very lucky. Larry Page In order to help others with the same problem, Larry Page announced the funding of a research program on the rare condition. It’s good to know that the situation is under control and that Larry Page will be able to perform his duties as usual, even if he won’t be the one talking about what Google has come up with at events such as Google I/O. The developer conference is starting today and we’ll be covering extensively for you.

HP announces the HP SlateBook x2, a competitor to the Transformer series Posted: 15 May 2013 01:35 AM PDT HP has just announced its newest tablet in its recent Android foray, the HP SlateBook x2. The SlateBook joins the Slate 7 in HP’s Android tablet ranks, however, the Slatebook isn't quite the budget device the Slate 7 is. The SlateBook x2 is an obvious competitor to the ASUS Transformer series, with its detachable keyboard, and is similar to HP’s other Windows 8 "hybrids". The HP SlateBook x2 has a 10.1-inch Full HD IPS display, 64GB of storage, microSD slot and is running Android 4.2.2. Couple those great specs with a fire breathing quad-core Nvidia Tegra 4 chip, and this looks to be a tablet set to break some benchmark records. All this comes at a great starting price of $479.99, however, it isn't clear whether the price includes the keyboard dock. Speaking of the keyboard dock, it contains a full keyboard and trackpad, options for expansion through an SD card slot and USB port, as well as an additional battery to add more battery life to the tablet. The HP SlateBook x2 comes in two colors, snow white and smoke silver, and the tablet should begin shipping in August. It also comes with stereo sound DTS Sound+ Solution speakers to pump out your favorite tunes, movies and games. The SlateBook x2 has some very nice specs at a decent price and is sure to interest some people. You can check out the HP promo below. Would you be interested in buying the SlateBook x2? Or is the Transformer Pad Infinity more your style? Let us know in the comments. PALO ALTO, Calif., May 15, 2013 — HP today announced the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2, two detachable PCs that offer the full functionality of a notebook with a removable screen that also is a sleek tablet. Powered by the Android and Microsoft® Windows® 8 operating systems (OS), respectively, these versatile two-in-one devices combine power and portability, giving customers the flexibility to create, consume and share content in more places. HP's unmatched portfolio of next-generation PCs is designed to enable users to connect with their information on devices that easily adapt to their needs. By releasing the magnetic hinge, users can move elegantly between the two form factors—tablet and notebook PC—all in one device. The HP SlateBook x2 is the first Android detachable device with the NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, providing users more realistic gaming, fast web browsing and smooth high-definition (HD) video playback.1 The HP Split x2, powered by Microsoft Windows 8, features a 13.3-inch diagonal display and powerful processor and is ideal for work or play. “Customers want to access and share content anywhere, anytime, on any internet connected device—and they expect those connections to be seamless," said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs, HP. "The HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 are next-generation devices and the latest examples of our continued commitment to evolving the computing experience by providing the flexibility necessary for customers to be productive at home, at the office or on the go. The HP SlateBook x2 and Split x2 join the award-winning HP ENVY x2 as part of HP's detachable PC portfolio. The HP SlateBook x2 also joins the HP Slate7 as part of HP's push to offer access to the Google experience, and to provide access through multiple operating systems. HP SlateBook x2 The HP SlateBook x2 enables users to shift effortlessly from entertainment to work by combining tablet portability with notebook productivity in a sleek, lightweight device that uses the popular Android operating system. With an advanced magnetic hinge design and dual battery system—one battery in the base and one in the tablet—users can easily switch from notebook to tablet and back, even while on the go. Ensuring users don't trade functionality for portability, the HP SlateBook x2 features Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2  and delivers the Google experience with services like Google Now, Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google+ Hangouts for multiperson video chat as well as access to apps and digital content through Google Play.2 The SlateBook x2 features an NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, enabling users to access the TegraZone app and experience Tegra 4-optimized games. The 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display delivers crisp lines, sharp images and precision color while reducing glare. The SlateBook x2 also includes 64 MB of storage and DTS Sound+ Solution for accessing and enjoying photos, music and videos. HP's exclusive native printing capability allows users to print directly from most applications. HP Split x2 The HP Split x2 is a versatile, two-in-one detachable PC that combines power and portability with the Windows 8 operating system and powerful 3rd generation Intel® Core™  processor family. Consumers can now enjoy a high-performance ultraportable notebook suited for virtually any intensive task, and that doubles as a 13-inch tablet to give unparalleled entertainment capability for playing games, videos and more. Whether being used as a high-performance notebook or a tablet, the vibrant 13.3-inch diagonal HD touchscreen display makes it easier to view and share content, play games with friends and family, or enjoy high-quality music with HP Connected Music3 and Beats Audio™, which provides the best-sounding, richest audio experience on a PC. An optional hard disk in the base expands storage capacity while dual batteries allow users to stay ultramobile. The HP Split x2 offers an eye-catching design with a soft-touch coating that provides a comfortable hold and shows fewer fingerprints. The HP Split x2 also offers exclusive HP innovations such as a 2-megapixel HP TrueVision Full HD1 webcam and the HP ClickPad for precise multifinger and gesture navigation. HP complements its new PCs with a suite of exclusive solutions and services that provide an array of simple and easy-to-access support tools and resources to help customers take full advantage of all the features that HP has to offer. Customers can add to the standard product limited warranty with HP Care Pack services to protect new HP products, and enhance the overall experience with accidental damage protection that helps consumers breathe easier when accidental drops, spills and surges occur. For the HP SlateBook x2, customers can purchase the HP Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection,4 which helps them avoid out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs and provides door-to-door service to consumers' homes so they are back up and running in no time. For the HP Split x2, customers can buy the HP Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection4 bundled with Lojack,5 which allows customers to take immediate action to prevent data access if the PC is stolen. Pricing and availability The HP SlateBook x2 and HP Split x2 are expected to be available in the United States in August with starting prices of $479.99 and $799.99, respectively.6 Additional information about the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 is available at www.hp.com/x2 and The Next Bench.

Galaxy S4 becomes fastest-selling Samsung smartphone ever after hitting 5M unit sales mark in two weeks Posted: 15 May 2013 01:32 AM PDT Do you want to know how well Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4, is currently selling? It is selling exceptionally well. It’s selling so well, in fact, that according to an unnamed Samsung executive who recently spoke with the English-language Chosunilbo of Korea, the Galaxy S4 is on track to hit the 10 million unit sales point by the end of this month. This is big news, and it makes the Galaxy S4 Samsung’s fastest-selling smartphone ever. The Samsung exec, who remained unnamed throughout the Chosunilbo report, reportedly said that in less than five days after the official launch of the Galaxy S4 last month, they had already shipped out four million units to telecom operators all over the world. And not only that, but that at the current rate of unit shipments and sales, Samsung is set to sell 10 million units of the Galaxy S4 by the end of May, beating its own record for unit sales with previous handsets such as the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy S3. As of this time’s writing, Samsung is already well over the 6 million unit sales mark. And with new shipments that are sure to arrive later this month, it just might hit its 10 million sales target on time indeed. Samsung is also expected to launch a modified version of the Galaxy S4 at this year’s Google I/O developer conference, this time running a “pure” or stock version of Android, a la Galaxy Nexus. From the looks of it, Samsung is getting closer and closer to dethroning Apple and becoming the new king of smartphone unit sales and shipments. If it does so before the year 2013 ends, we wouldn’t be surprised at all. If Apple isn’t careful, the question will on longer be if, but when. Do you think Apple can still fend Samsung off in this situation? Share your thoughts below by posting a comment.

Google Play Store updated with new button design and other UI tweaks Posted: 15 May 2013 01:23 AM PDT A new version of Google Play is starting to role out across the Internet. It tweaks some minor aspects of the store’s layout and design. The biggest change is a new design for the Apps, Games, Book etc buttons. Google released a major redesign of its Play Store last month and the latest update refines some of the visual aspects of the app. At the top of the Store there are buttons for Apps, Games, Music and so on and the redesigned store used a fairly unattractive grey box look for these buttons. The new store uses lots of color with some fading towards the end of the button. These make the different sections look more inviting and the design is a better fit overall. Google has also tweaked the way wishlists work on phones. On a tablet when items are added to the wishlist (which is now listed as ‘My wishlist’ rather than ‘My Wishlist’) they appear using a card index style, however on phones it was a visual list. With the new Play Store update the wishlist items on phones are now displayed using the card style previously used only on tablets. There are also a few minor, but welcome, changes in functionality. When a update to an app is considered large, the Play Store will now warn you about downloading it when you are using a  mobile data connection. Also ”Update All” now works for apps with new permissions. When updating these you will be asked to approve each new set of permissions. As with previous updates to the Play Store it can take a few days for it to reach everyone, so if you don’t get it today just wait a bit, it will surely arrive!

Google’s music streaming service reported to launch at Google I/O Posted: 14 May 2013 11:57 PM PDT Earlier this year, it was reported that Google was readying its very own music streaming service to take on the likes of Spotify and Internet radio service Pandora. A later report added just a bit more info, but we still haven’t really been able to get official confirmation from Google on the subject. Fortunately, it looks like we will soon, as a new report on The Verge has it that the big G plans to launch a new music streaming service tomorrow, at this year’s Google I/O developer’s conference. The Verge‘s report is based on information coming from music industry sources, who also say that Google has already secured separate music licensing deals with both Sony and Universal Music. The licensing deals reportedly apply for both Google Play and YouTube, which are slated to let users sign up for separate music subscription services. What this means is that Google actually plans on launching multiple music subscription services, and not just for Google Play, but for YouTube, the popular online video streaming site, as well. It’s worth noting that as of this time’s writing, Google has already signed music licensing deals with the three biggest music labels in the world, which are Sony, Universal Music, and Warner Music. The keys are now in place, basically, and all that’s left is for Google to turn the ignition and get the whole thing started. It’s like a party that’s just waiting to happen now. And as the report from The Verge — as well as a number of other sources including Bloomberg and the WSJ — now states, that party will happen tomorrow at Google I/O. There’s one important bit of information missing from all of today’s reports on the upcoming Google music streaming service, and that is information on pricing. But we’re sure that if Google does officially announce it at Google I/O, then we will get the info soon enough. And we’ll be sure to let you know about it right away. For now, keep following our Google I/O coverage for more.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition to be unveiled at I/O – rumor Posted: 14 May 2013 11:25 PM PDT Google and Samsung are said to launch a version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 that runs pure Android (AOSP) at the Google I/O keynote today. Android and Chrome boss Sundar Pichai told us we shouldn't expect much new hardware at Google I/O, perhaps in an effort to downplay rampant speculation, but that doesn't mean that we won't see anything exciting today. In fact, if a report from Geek.com's Russell Holly proves accurate, the I/O keynote could bring something that many have longed clamored for – a pure Android version of (probably) the best-selling Android device of 2013, the Samsung Galaxy S4. The report is based on "sources on hand at Google I/O", and, given Holly's usual aversion for baseless rumors, we tend to believe it. The so-called Galaxy S4 Google Edition is said to be identical in terms of hardware to the regular TouchWiz-running version, with the difference residing in the software. Samsung and Google have collaborated to create an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the Galaxy S4, which will also be unveiled at the keynote today. The Galaxy S4 Google Edition will go on sale in June and “will be available on T-Mobile bands”, at least for starters, the report goes on. The sources didn't specify if the device will sell through Samsung or through the Play Store. Why is this important, you may ask? Plenty of people prefer stock Android to TouchWiz (or any other OEM overlay, for the matter). TouchWiz is often criticized for being overloaded with features and for a somehow heavy-handed user interface. Users who like the Galaxy S4 hardware, but dislike the UI, currently have no option but to wait for a CyanogenMod release for the device. If the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition turns out to be more than a rumor, the device could become appealing to even more users. Moreover, its potential success could open the way for more similar endeavors, possibly from other manufacturers. The fact that a device of this caliber gets an AOSP project is significant in itself, and a testimony for the growing preference for stock Android. In the end, Android is all about options, and having the possibility to choose between AOSP or TouchWiz can only be beneficial for Galaxy S4 customers. How important is having stock Android for you? Are you tempted by the Galaxy S4 Google Edition? Stay tuned for our full Google I/O coverage throughout the day!

Is Google Glass going to give birth to a new billion-dollar industry? Posted: 14 May 2013 08:59 PM PDT As we mentioned in a previous report, Google Glass is now well on its way to changing your world. And it will arrive sooner or later, whether you are ready for it or not. But just how big of an impact will it have on the world of technology, and the wearable tech industry in general? A 2012 report from UK-based IMS Research, cited in a recent story on Bloomberg, posits that strong demand for wearable technology will propel the likes of Google towards becoming part of a new $6 billion USD industry, one that will cater to those who have an affinity for stuff like Google Glass and other kinds of wearable technology. The IMS Research report gives the wearable tech industry only three years to grow from where it is now to hit the $6 billion USD mark in 2016. Is the above industry forecast gospel truth? Of course not. But are things likely to turn out that way? Absolutely. With the way that Google operates, it won’t be surprising if Glass does take off in a huge way once it finally becomes available, despite it facing many issues concerning privacy and the use of wearable tech in public. Currently, the wearable tech space is dominated by manufacturers of products used in the healthcare, fitness, and medical areas, but communications and personal computing could soon prove to be the next frontier. What the people want Google is no stranger to releasing products that many people want. Although it does dabble in failed product launches and discontinued offerings occasionally, for the most part, it is still quite successful at starting new ventures. Perhaps the best example of this is Android, which it launched about half a decade ago to try and control the direction of the mobile computing market. Now Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. Google Glass could similarly do the same thing to the wearable tech industry. Right now, there really isn’t one single offering that caters to the needs of the people — that is, the masses — that can be classified as wearable tech. Google Glass could fit the bill, and it could even give Google something like a first mover advantage if — and this is a huge if — it just works. If Google does end up making Glass work very well, then third-party app developers will have a perfect platform to ride on in the next wave of high-tech industry success. In fact, they’re on it already. Just as with smartphones, apps will drive further Google Glass adoption. And this is where most of the money in tomorrow’s huge wearable tech industry is expected to be made. What if things go wrong? If things go wrong for Google Glass, it will most certainly have something to do with user controls and privacy. The tech behind it may not perfect, but then again, so was the tech behind the iPhone and iTunes before they took over their respective industries. Google Glass could mark the beginning of something that is far greater than anything that you have ever imagined. It could birth a new $6 billion USD industry, or a $600 billion USD industry. It’s a win mainly for Google, but if the individual right to privacy isn’t taken away completely by the time Google Glass launches for the average joe, then it’s also a win for consumers. There will be more apps, with more choices, for more devices.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 Review Posted: 14 May 2013 06:16 PM PDT When you have a job that doesn’t put you or your devices through very much physical wear and tear, it’s easy to pick a phone. Which one has the features you want at a price you’re comfortable with? Boom, there you go. But what if you need a phone that can withstand the rigors of a particularly demanding job? Suddenly, your choices are limited. While you can just get a strong case, there are phones build with this very issue in mind, which is why today we’re taking a look at the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2. In a hurry? Check out our video review or jump to the conclusion at the end of the article. Specs 4-inch WVGA display (480 x 800, 233 ppi) 1GHz Cortex-A9 CPU Mali-400MP GPU 1 GB RAM 4 GB internal storage (expandable via microSD) 5 MP rear-facing camera 0.3 MP front-facing camera 1,700 mAh battery Build Quality & Design There is a term that carpenters and mechanics use all the time: “Good, fast, cheap: pick two.” There is something similar when it comes to smartphones: “Rugged or good looking: pick one.” The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 obviously opted for the former. It might be tough, but it certainly isn’t very good looking. If you’re looking for a tough phone though, the Galaxy Xcover 2 should be right up your alley. While you probably wouldn’t want to use it as a hammer or to prop up your table, you can definitely throw a lot at it without worry too much about whether or not it will break. The battery panel is held on much more securely than many phones. It’s also IP67 certified, with flaps covering the USB and headphone jacks to resist damage from either sand or liquid. Display When you’re looking at a smartphone build to be as rugged as possible, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices. Usually those sacrifices come from the performance and display departments, and in this regard, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 is no different. The screen size of 4.0 inches is somewhat of a blessing in disguise, because with its 480 x 800 WVGA resolution, the Galaxy Xcover 2′s pixel density comes in at around 233 ppi. This isn’t exactly great, but it’s far better than it would be if the Xcover 2 shipped with a 4.5- or even 5.0-inch screen. One interesting difference between this phone and many other Samsung phones is that it uses an LCD display instead of the Super AMOLED displays normally preferred by Samsung. This leads to an ever-so-slightly sharper-looking display than we would see in a Super AMOLED panel at the same resolution, and less color saturation. Whether this is a plus or a minus is very much up to you, but it’s an interesting difference. Performance Now right off the bat, with a phone like the Galaxy Xcover 2 you’d certainly be expecting a beast when it comes to performance, because you’re not going to get one. If you’re looking for low-to-midrange performance, though, you should be perfectly happy. To figured out where the Xcover 2 stands performance-wise, we hit it with our usual suite of tests. To begin, we looked to AnTuTu. As always we ran AnTuTu benchmark a total of 10 times and averaged the result of each test. Out final result was an average score of 6,602. Next, we looked to Epic citadel. Now, because it is so reliant on the display resolution, this isn’t the most scientifically accurate benchmark, but it’s still fun to run. Our first run in high quality mode gave us an average framerate of 35.4 frames per second. The second run, in high performance mode, performed marginally better, turning out 37.2 frames per second. When it comes to real-world performance, the Galaxy Xcover 2 didn’t blow us away with its speed, but it didn’t feel laggy either. Launching and switching between apps was fairly quick and the few modest games we tried ran well. Software The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean which, as usual, is heavily covered up by Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. Aside from the newer Galaxy S4, if you’ve seen TouchWiz on one recent phone, you’ve seen it on all of them, so you should have a fairly good idea what to expect. Looking at the bundled software, most of it is what you’d expect to see. Without carrier-added bloatware, our review unit was fairly bare-bones. The usual Google apps and Samsungs S-suite of apps both made their expected appearances, and a few apps we’re used to seeing on Samsung phones like My Files and Flipboard were present. Cardio Trainer, a health-focused app, provided the only major surprise. Camera The Galaxy Xcover 2 has a 5 megapixel camera in the rear and a 0.3 megapixel up front. Video capture is present, but only 720p. The rear camera, despite the fairly low megapixel count, manages to take decent photos provided you set them up properly. Low light situations are problematic and you’ll more often than not be left with dark, blurry images, but the visual noise present in many smartphone cameras doesn’t seem to be as apparent here. The rear camera in generally seems to be very sensitive to light, actually: too little and the encounter the problems mentioned about, too much and you’ll find yourself with washed out, overblown images. Despite this, if you take your time to properly set up a shot, the camera is capable of taking some fairly decent shots. The 720p video capture feels like an afterthought. Because of the camera’s sensor, colors are fairly well represented, but footage looks very jerky. This is a problem with most smartphone cameras, but image stabilization would have helped here. Battery The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 ships with a 1,700 mAh battery. Now, it’s fairly easy to look at a battery that size and assume that you’ll need to charge your phone several times a day, but keep in mind that with the relatively modest specs and low resolution, the battery isn’t going to be flying through its charge like it would in a high-end device. Here’s my own experience. On a day of testing, benchmarking and shooting, I ended up getting just around 12 hours before I decided to plug in. Bear in mind, the battery wasn’t fully drained, but I was seeing warnings to plug it. With that in mind, it’s likely that the phone will do better in everyday use. There is one important thing to note, however. While I was connected to WiFi, there was no SIM inserted, so obviously I wasn’t making calls, which would have let to increased battery drain. Luckily, the battery in the Xcover 2 is removable and replaceable, so if you want to look for an extended battery or simply carry a charged spare with you, this is an option. Video Conclusion In the end, it’s a trade-off. If you’re willing to trade ruggedness and a less worrying about your phone’s well-being for lower specs and a bulkier build, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2 is worth keeping in mind. That said, there are other similar phones like the Kyocera Torque and Samsung’s own Rugby Pro as options to consider. What do you think? Do you have suggestions for rugged smartphones or would you prefer a phone of your choice and a heavy-duty case? Let us know in the comments!

Google IO 2013 starts tomorrow: what to expect Posted: 14 May 2013 02:19 PM PDT It’s the moment that us Google addicts have been (im)patiently waiting for, Google I/O 2013 starts tomorrow! From Google Glass to Google TV, and everything in-between, there’s a lot going down at I/O this year. The big question is what all can we expect from Google I/O 2013. In a recent interview with Wired, Sundar Pichai said this year’s event will be more focused on the developers and the user experience. That means that it is probably a safe bet that we won’t see a Nexus 5 or even Key Lime Pie. Based on all the clues that have been dropped leading up to I/O, here’s a guide to what you can expect: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean The wait for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie has been nearly torturous, and it isn’t over yet. Android 4.3 has already shown up in our own server logs, and it is looking more likely that we aren’t done with Jelly Bean just yet. As for what will be new with the next iteration of Jelly Bean? While we don’t know what all will be changed with Android 4.3, we have heard rumors that we will see support for Bluetooth Low Energy and OpenGL for Embedded Systems 3.0 graphics. With OpenGL, Android will be able to take gaming and graphics-intense apps to a whole new level. That leads into the next major expectation for Google I/O. Google Play Games Just this weekend, a leaked Google Play Services update revealed that Android will soon be receiving a new "Games" feature that includes achievements, game matchmaking, cloud save syncing, in-game chat, leaderboards and more. With several of the Google I/O sessions talking about games, this new GP Games feature will clearly be an important focal point at I/O. All we know for sure is that the service looks to be targeted at Android, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the new gaming features are cross-platform — making their way into Chrome, Chrome OS and maybe even Google Glass. Google Glass Google Glass is slowly pushing its way closer to a commercial release, with a possibility of release as early as late this year. That means that we will certainly see Google Glass play some kind of role at Google I/O, and we might even see a few special apps mentioned and demo’d. There probably won’t be too many major surprises here, though. Hangouts (AKA Google Babel) Without a doubt, Google Babel has been one of the most talked about Google services in the last few months. The cross-platform messenger is now rumored to be called Google Hangouts and has even been spotted in leaked images. You can pretty much guarantee that Google will make this service official at I/O. Hardware Refreshes and Updates It just wouldn’t be Google I/O if there were no new hardware announcements. We probably won’t see the return of the Nexus Q, the introduction of the Nexus 5 or anything truly crazy, but it is a pretty safe bet that we will at the very least see a Nexus 7 update. As for what the tablet’s specs will be? It’s hard to say for sure, though KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims it is coming with a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 1920 x 1200 resolution 7-inch display and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Take those specs with a grain of salt. Outside of the Nexus 7 refresh, things get a bit fuzzier. We’ve heard rumors about the X Phone debuting at I/O, but that is seeming less likely by the minute. The good news is that we might instead see a Motorola Smart Watch, though nothing is written in stone. It is also possible that we could see a refreshed Nexus 4. After all, a white variant has already been spotted more than once and then there have even been rumors that an LTE-capable version is in the works. Google TV We haven’t heard much about Google TV as of late, except for the recent release of the Asus Cube. You might think that means that Google TV won’t be a focus at Google I/O. The good news is that back in March, Google TV Developers told us through G+ that we should "stay tuned for #GoogleTV news at I/O", so that means some kind of GTV news is heading our way at I/O. Here’s to hoping that the Google TV offers new functionality that works with Google’s upcoming Google Play Games initiative. Other Wild Cards We have now covered the biggest hitters at I/O, but don’t be surprised if there are a bunch of other smaller changes and announcements, such as a new Google Maps update with an improved UI and a new Gmail update. An announcement about a Google Play music subscription service wouldn’t be too crazy either. On the Chrome OS side of things, there has been some indication that new apps that further push the limits of Chrome OS (online and off) will make their way to I/O. Last but not least: For fans of Ingress can expect a huge Ingress event taking place at I/O this year. Bottom-line, Google I/O 2013 might not see tons of new hardware, or even the latest and greatest Key Lime Pie, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to be an epic event. In fact for gamers, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting I/O events yet. Regardless of what Google throws our way, Android Authority will be there ready to go with first-class live coverage as the event unfolds!

The best Music Players for Android Posted: 14 May 2013 02:18 PM PDT Google’s own Play Music app is one of the best music players on Android. There are a lot of great things about it — the app is free, offers seamless integration with your Google account, and has a variety of features to increase your audio experience. It’s an all-around great music player, but there are more options on the Google Play Store then simply Play Music. In fact, there are other music players on the Play Store that claim to offer an even better audio experience. If you’re looking for a great alternative to Google’s Play Music, here are some of the best music player apps for Android. Fusion Player The first on our list is Fusion Music Player. You’ll notice some similarities to Google’s Play Music app, but it does do a good job at establishing an organized interface with the coveted holo theme. If you don’t like the design of the interface there are three alternative skins you can use: Twilight Sky, Dark Night, and Deep Sea. You can also stream current popular music on the top charts or SHOUTcast radio. Both are free streaming options, so you won’t have to shell out a dime for this particular app. It’s especially awesome if you don’t have a lot of music on your local storage, though, streaming quality is nowhere near the quality of Pandora or Spotify. In fact, it’s a bit choppy. Regardless, the focus of Fusion Player isn’t just streaming music, so it’s still a well-built app that does what it sets out to do well. Some of the gesture control options are really cool, such as shake to play or pause your music among other gesture control options. If you’re interested in the app, you can grab it from the Play Store here. n7player The n7player attempts to break away from the traditional music players while still offering the same functionality. This particular app comes with a beautiful modernized design, and is loaded with a ton of features, such as an equalizer and tons of customization options. Unlike a lot of other music players, you can download album art too. n7player is a very well-built music player, and as they always say, you get what you pay for. Case in point, once the trial version of n7player expires you’ll have to shell out $3.49 for the full version of the app. All in all, it’s a great music player for those who don’t mind the lack of a holo design. PlayerPro Music Player Much like the Fusion Player, PlayerPro is a very simplistic music player. It has a decent Gingerbread-like interface, but there are thankfully some other very nice skins available on the Google Play Store for free, which makes the PlayerPro a whole lot better. PlayerPro really shines when it comes to organization though. You can access your albums, songs, genres, and playlists using the tabs at the top of the app; it’s very compact and easy to access. PlayerPro has a few features too, such as a lock screen widget and a few customization options (i.e. choosing between grid or list layouts). This is another “you get what you pay for” app, and unlike n7player, there’s no trial version. PlayerPro costs $3.99, and you can get it from the Google Play Store here. Poweramp Poweramp is a favorite, and easily one of the most powerful music players on Android. You can mess around with equalizers, sound effects, and much more. It has a beautiful interface, and if things get confusing there’s a hint guide that will tell you what everything does. Poweramp has a lot of customization, including the ability to change the theme of the music player. Additionally, the app has a lock screen widget, downloadable album art, headset customization, etc. There’s literally an endless amount of features to customize the app to your liking. Being one of the most powerful music players on Android, this will cost you a few dollars. There is a trial version that you’ll be able to take for a spin though. After that expires, you’ll have to shell out $3.99 to get access to Poweramp again. If you’re interested in a unique music player, you can purchase Poweramp from the Google Play Store here. Sensor The last music player on our list is Sensor, which is arguably the most unique on this list. Sensor comes with everything you’d find in the other apps on the list, such as the standard music player, an equalizer, etc. The most unique part of the music player is being able to control the music you’re playing device’s sensors. In example, you can set Sensor to pocket mode, put your phone in your pocket, and if you want to skip a track, simply give your a pocket a smack and it’ll skip to the next track. There are other sensor options as well. There’s one when you can wave your hand across the screen or even punch your table to switch tracks. It’s really cool how the app is able to take advantage of your device’s sensors like that. Not only does it have cool features like that, but it looks really nice too. You’d think an app like this would cost a chunk of change, but it’s actually free. If you’re interested, you can grab it from the Google Play Store now. Music Player wrap-up If you take a gander at our leaderboard, you’ll be able to see how these apps stack up against each other. While all of these music players are really cool and have something unique about them, there’s no bias on our part here, as the leaderboard is based on download numbers and the ratings on the Play Store. There are at least hundreds of music player apps available on the Google Play Store, which means some really good ones weren’t able to make it to the list. If you think there’s one we should have mentioned, be sure to leave us a comment to let us know what your favorite is!

BlackBerry Messenger for Android coming this summer Posted: 14 May 2013 12:48 PM PDT 246-You/Flickr BlackBerry Messenger for Android is finally in the works, the company has announced, with the release date set for this summer. BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins has announced the surprising news (especially since the company said at one point that BBM would remain exclusive to its own devices) during the BlackBerry Live event keynote today. The press release says that BBM is coming to Android and iOS this summer, for free, subject to approval from the respective app stores. BlackBerry Messenger will be available for devices running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or higher. BBM is very popular among BlackBerry users, and it was only normal for BlackBerry to finally bring it to users of the most important mobile platform of the moment. The move is opening the service to a much wider range of possible users (current users will be able to add contacts from Android and iOS the moment the app becomes available). What will BBM offer? BlackBerry Messenger will be offering instant messaging with the popular “delivered” and “read” statuses, multi-person chats, as well as BBM Groups, allowing up to 30 people to be added to a group for group chatting. Also available will be sharing of images and voice notes. Android users won’t get BBM Channels, a feature announced today that lets users share content in BlackBerry Messenger, or voice and video chat, but the company promises that the Android version will get them “later this year”. Contacts will be added using a variety of methods, including PIN, email, SMS, or QR code scan, but Android users will also be able to connect using NFC. With more than 60 million active users, out of which 51 million use it for an average of an hour and a half every day, BBM should at least bring an additional mean of communication to Android. We’ll see whether users of Android actually need the app is released. On the other hand, the arrival of BBM on other platforms could accelerate the move away from BlackBerry – users that were reluctant to switch to Android before might be more inclined to ditch their BlackBerries now that they can keep using BBM on the new platform. Do you plan on using BlackBerry Messenger when the Android version comes out? BBM for iOS and Android to Launch This Summer WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 14, 2013) – BlackBerry® (NASDAQ: BBRY)(TSX: BB) today announced plans to make its ground-breaking mobile social network, BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), available to iOS® and Android™ users this summer, with support planned for iOS6, and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher, all subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play. BBM sets the standard for mobile instant messaging with a fast, reliable, engaging experience that includes delivered and read statuses, and personalized profiles and avatars. Upon release, BBM customers would be able to broaden their connections to include friends, family and colleagues on other mobile platforms. In the planned initial release, iOS and Android users would be able to experience the immediacy of BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people. “For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry. BBM is loved by customers for its “D” and “R” statuses, which show up in chats to let people know with certainty that their message has been delivered and read. It provides customers with a high level of control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device. BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers, with more than 51 million people using BBM an average of 90 minutes per day. BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps. Almost half of BBM messages are read within 20 seconds of being received; indicating how truly engaged BBM customers are. Today, BlackBerry also announced BBM Channels, a new social engagement platform within BBM that will allow customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play. If approved by Apple and Google, the BBM app will be available as a free download in the Apple® App Store(SM) and Google Play store. Additional details about system requirements and availability will be announced closer to the launch.

WebM VP9 video codec is almost complete, on its way to YouTube in near future Posted: 14 May 2013 10:40 AM PDT The future of online video compression technology is almost here. The Google-sponsored WebM Project has now announced it is putting the finishing touches on its upcoming VP9 video codec, with plans to finish defining it by June 17. After that date, Google will not only start pushing out the technology to the Chrome browser, but also intends to utilize it on YouTube. So what exactly is WebM? Right now, WebM technology utilizes the VP8 codec and is Google’s royalty-free alternative to the dominant web video codec, H.264. Of course, technology doesn’t stand still for long. In January, the H.265 standard arrived, bringing with it the ability to essentially cut a DVD-quality video down from a 700MB file size to as little as 350MB. With VP9, Google is hoping to bring a similar performance boost to its WebM technology. So why does this matter to you? In short, it makes watching all those cuddly kitten videos all the more efficient. This is especially important for those of us with slower mobile connections, such as 3G. It can also be important for countries where "high-speed Internet" isn’t exactly all that speedy. For those with faster connections, the technology can also open the door to higher resolution support down the road. A royalty-free video compression tech with similar efficiency to H.265 sounds great, right? There’s just one potential problem, Nokia. The Nokia Factor Back in March, MPEG LA agreed to give Google a license on patents that are essential to VP8, and potentially to VP9 as well. In total, 11 parties signed the deal, out of the original 12 involved. Who didn’t sign? Nokia. Since then, Nokia has come forward and said that they hold 64 patents and 22 pending patents that could pertain to VP8. They have also made it clear they aren’t interested in committing to a royalty-free or fair licensing agreement. This means that any one who intends to use VP8 or VP9 might have to face a lawsuit from Nokia in the future. This could be certainly be enough to hinder WebM’s adoption going forward. What do you think of VP8 and VP9, how do you feel it compares to Advanced Video Coding (H.264) and High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265)?

Gartner: Android continues its reign as king of the smartphone market, now controls 75% Posted: 14 May 2013 09:40 AM PDT Technology research firm Gartner has released its report on world smartphone sales for the first quarter of 2013. The report puts both Android and Samsung as leaders in their respective markets, with Android accounting for 74.4% of all smartphone units sold and Samsung controlling 30.8% of the smartphone market. Android has continued its stratospheric rise to prominence, with its market share increasing 17.5% year on year. Every other major smartphone operating system suffered losses, except for Microsoft's Windows Phone, although the improvement from 1.9% to 2.9% probably isn't the result Redmond was hoping for.   Google's nearest competitor, Apple's iOS dropped from 22.5% to 18.2%, continuing its slow decline. Blackberry's (formerly known as Research In Motion) marketshare was cut in half and Samsung's ill-fated Bada OS and Nokia's decaying Symbian, both continued their trip to the operating system graveyard, as they couldn't even muster a single percent each. Smartphone sales increased from 147 million units sold in Q1 2012 to 210 million, however, interestingly all smartphone markets declined, with the exception of the Asia/Pacific region, which grew 6.4% year on year. Total handset sales reached 426 million in Q1 2013, an 0.7% increase compared with the same period last year. Samsung continued its growth, albeit not as record-breaking as we have grown accustomed to, with it now controlling 30.8% of the market. Apple came in second with 18.2% of the market and LG, on the back of its successes with the Nexus 4, Optimus G and Optimus G Pro, rounded out the top 3. Chinese manufacturers ZTE and Huawei completed the top 5, with device makers Nokia, HTC, Lenovo, Sony and Co. making up the "others" section. Gartner also claims that budding operating systems Tizen, Firefox OS and Ubuntu will not affect the smartphone market in any great manner. Both Android and Samsung are at the top of their respective food chains right now and it doesn't look like this will change anytime soon. Samsung has recently released its flagship smartphone in the Galaxy S4 and Android will be bolstered by the introduction of the S4 as well as the launch of the HTC One, meaning it would not come as a surprise if Google and Samsung can muster up even bigger numbers in the upcoming quarters. Do you think Android can grow even larger than it is now? Will new operating systems affect the market?

Buying guide: Best Android phones – USA, May 2013 Posted: 14 May 2013 08:53 AM PDT Much has happened in the world of Android over the last few months, with major announcements from Samsung, HTC, Sony and LG. Also, many smartphone manufacturers have released phones across multiple carriers, which can make a buying choice difficult. But is there one Android phone you should buy? No, but there are many handsets out there, covering a wide variety of needs. Need a good camera? There's an Android phone for that. Need a budget phone? There's an Android phone for that. Join us in taking a look at the latest and greatest Android smartphones available this month across all US carriers. The AA smartphone buying guide brings you the best pre-paid and contract phones, both high-end and budget, available in May 2013 in the United States. Best phones on contract: high-end HTC One This year, HTC is trying to redeem itself with the One, a beautiful aluminum-clad smartphone that leads the market in screen and camera technologies. HTC made good decisions with the One, focusing on marketing the camera and speakers as the main selling points. The One was very well received, with many people stating that they were going to go with the One over the S4 due to the aluminum build compared to Samsung's plastic. HTC have also released the phone with three of the four main carriers in the US, which is more than can be said of its recent flagships. HTC has improved Sense greatly with the new version, cleaning up the interface and adding new features such as BlinkFeed, which is a Flipboard-style homescreen replacement that connects to your social media accounts and favorite news sources. There is also a range of camera features to go along with the improved camera, such as the new Zoe. Talking of the camera, a very nice thing about the one is the "ultrapixel" sensor, which lets the phone take brilliant vivid photos with great exposure even in low-light photos, by capturing more light per pixel. However the low amount of 4 megapixels can be concerning, as photos sometimes come out fuzzy and lacking in detail due to the small size. HTC One review HTC One availability and pricing AT&T – available for $199 on a new plan Sprint – available for $99 on a new plan T-Mobile – available for $99 down payment, $20 per month off contract Samsung Galaxy S4 With the new Galaxy S4, Samsung plans on repeating last year's success on an even larger scale by updating the specs and throwing in a multitude of handy software features. Last month, Samsung announced the S4 in style at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, building up iPhone-like hype and staging an ambitious Broadway event to unveil the new phone. The Galaxy S4 is filled with new software features, but many have labeled them as gimmicky. These include things such as Eye Scroll, Air View, which allows you to hover a finger over the device for previews, and a nifty health app. They can be useful and make the experience of the S4 more enjoyable, although probably no one will call them necessary. Many have criticized the plastic construction of Samsung phones such as the Galaxy S4. While plastic certainly has its flaws, it still holds up well and ultimately doesn't spoil the experience provided by the extra software features on this phone. On the other hand, plastic allows the cover to be taken off revealing the replaceable battery, which is widely regarded as an important smartphone feature. We found the Galaxy S4 to be one of the best performers in many categories with its blazing fast quad core processor, beautiful display and a worthy 13-megapixel camera. Samsung Galaxy S4 review Samsung Galaxy S4 availability and pricing Verizon – available for $199 on a new plan starting May 23 AT&T – available for $199 on a new plan Sprint – available for $249 on a new plan, $149 if you move from another carrier T-Mobile – available for $149 down payment, $20 per month off contract U.S. Cellular – available for $199 on a new plan HTC Droid DNA The Droid DNA is the latest member of Verizon's army of droids. This handset was the first to introduce full HD displays to the US market. Sporting a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor and an eight megapixel camera, this phone is no slouch and could certainly still be considered a good high-end choice. With Verizon skipping the HTC One, this phone is definitely the best HTC phone available on Verizon today. If you appreciate a decent build quality and Sense 4.1, then this is the Verizon phone for you. HTC Droid DNA review   HTC Droid DNA availability and pricing  Verizon – available for $199 on a new plan LG Optimus G Pro LG is making its way back into the smartphone game slowly and steadily. Last year, the high end Optimus G made its way onto several carriers but ultimately did not sell well. This time, LG is hoping that it can change the game with its latest phablet. The phone is packed with premium specs that you would expect to see from a high end smartphone in 2013 such as the fabulous 1080p display that many manufacturers are including on their devices. LG's custom Android UI is perhaps not the most attractive looking UI, but still a functional and easy to use layover with several customisation options. However this handset does lack the useful stylus found on the Galaxy Note II. If you're looking for a phablet with a stylus, then waiting for the Galaxy Note 3 would probably be your best choice. Nonetheless, the Optimus G Pro remains a strong contender and is amongst the best smartphones out right now. LG Optimus G Pro review LG Optimus G Pro availability and pricing AT&T – Available for $199 on a new plan Best phones on contract: budget Samsung Galaxy S3 Last year, the Galaxy S3 became a hit before it even hit shelves, with Samsung reporting 9 million pre-orders worldwide. The handset went on to outsell the iPhone in many countries and eventually became the hottest Android smartphone of 2012. This phone may not be the latest and greatest anymore, however, it is still a very strong contender. You get a whole host of features, 2 GB of RAM, and a still fast dual-core processor at a cost of just $99 on most carriers, which is a steal considering it will most likely be supported by Samsung for at least another year. Samsung Galaxy S3 review Samsung Galaxy S3 availability and pricing Verizon – available for $99 on a new plan AT&T – available for $99 on a new plan Sprint – available for $99 on a new plan, free if you move in from another carrier T-Mobile – available for $69 down payment, $20 per month off contract U.S. Cellular – available for $99 on a new plan Pantech Discover This midrange device was first unveiled at CES 2013 and it had little impact compared to devices such as Sony's Xperia Z, which was also revealed in Vegas and took home the Best in Show title. We were thoroughly impressed by the Discover in ourreview and gave Pantech credit for the phone's beautiful 4.7-inch 720p display, smooth interface, and decent camera, all for a small price on contract. Pantech even got the build right, creating something easy and comfortable to hold while keeping it thin and light. The downside however, is that it is running Android 4.0, which is more than a year and a half old. Still, if you're in the market for a decent midrange phone at a low price, then the Pantech Discover may be the perfect smartphone for you. Pantech Discover review Pantech Discover availability and pricing AT&T – available for $49 on a new plan Best phones off contract (SIM-free) Google Nexus 4 Google's Nexus line has always been a favorite amongst Android fans and developers, because of the stock Android interface, which is cleaner and smoother than many manufacturer UIs. It also has the benefit of receiving software updates directly from Google, ahead of the rest of the Android phones and tablets on the market. Last year, LG was selected to produce the next Nexus for Google and they did a great job, combining excellent hardware (4.7-inch 720p display, quad-core processor, 8MP camera etc.) with Google's own software (Stock Android 4.2). This phone was immediately one of the most desired on the planet and that was especially clear from launch, with the Nexus 4 selling out in an hour. It is, however, back in stock and available from the Google Play Store unlocked and SIM free at an unbelievably cheap price. Google Nexus 4 review Google Nexus 4 availability and pricing Google Play – available for $299 unlocked T-Mobile – available $20 down payment, $17 per month off contract Sony Xperia ZL The Sony Xperia ZL is the smaller brother to the beautiful Xperia Z. It keeps the same 1080p 5-inch screen, quad-core processor and 13 megapixel camera, but just in a smaller, more convenient package, which enables easier one handed use. The handset is running Sony's custom UI, which has some extra software features added on, but still generally retains a simple and functional look. However, we have noted that the display lacks vibrancy and wide viewing angles, which could potentially be a problem for some users. But if you overlook the display, the Xperia ZL is still a solid unlocked choice – even at the high price. Sony Xperia ZL review Sony Xperia ZL availability and pricing Sony Online Store – available for $629 unlocked Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini After the success of the Galaxy S3, Samsung moved onwards to create a second device for those people who liked the S3 but wanted it in a smaller package. They compressed the 4.8-inch Galaxy S3 into the 4-inch Galaxy S3 mini, keeping all the bells and whistles that its larger brother has, while making it friendlier for people who prefer smaller devices. The screen is not the only thing compressed though. The specs are also a step down but not disastrously. This phone has a dual core processor, 540p resolution and 5-megapixel camera. These specs are not bad enough to completely distract you from the experience of the phone, but some people may not be satisfied. All in all, this is still a fluid and enjoyable device, which will whet the appetites of those who want a smaller screen. Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini review Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini availability and pricing Best Buy – available for $349 unlocked Wrap up Spring is always an exciting time for Android shoppers, because of the amount of devices released during this time. Samsung, HTC and LG all have solid entries into the high end space and are all worth taking a look at if you're looking for a premium Android handset. With the rumored Motorola X Phone and Galaxy Note 3 on the horizon, it is already clear that this year will be a great one for both Android lovers and general consumers, with so many choices and variations available on the market.

Apple hoping to add Samsung Galaxy S4 to its spring 2014 patent trial Posted: 14 May 2013 08:31 AM PDT Legal battles over patent infringement happen all the time, but most of these cases don’t hold a candle to the complexity of the Samsung and Apple patent wars. Not only are the Sammy/Apple battles fought fiercely (and globally), there are also passionate fans on both sides, rooting for their favorite player. As Apple and Samsung gear up for their latest battle in California (planned for Spring 2014), Apple is looking to add yet another device to their list of 22 Samsung devices that allegedly infringe on Apple patents. So what’s the latest device to gain entry to Apple’s infringing device club? You guessed it, the Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung recently released its newest smartphone, the Galaxy S4, which began shipping in late April 2013. Based on Apple's analysis of the Galaxy S4, Apple has concluded that it is an infringing device and accordingly intends to move for leave to add the Galaxy S4 as an infringing product. Judge Koh already feels that Samsung and Apple need to cut down the amount of devices involved in the case, but Apple is determined to see the Galaxy S4 added to the list. Apple has even offered to drop one of its other 22 Samsung devices and replace it with Samsung’s latest handset. Meanwhile, Samsung is preparing a counterclaim of its own, currently with 22 Apple devices that are said to violate Samsung’s own patents, including devices such as the Macbook Air, the iPad, Apple TV and many others. In short, the drama continues with both sides preparing all the ammunition possible to fight it out to the bloody end. The big question is: when is enough, enough? Devices like the Optimus G Pro look (somewhat shamelessly) like Samsung devices, but no lawsuit is brought up over the design. Of course Apple and Samsung’s battles go way beyond the Korean electronic giant. For Apple, the real target is Google and its Android OS, Samsung just makes for an easier target due to its large share of the Android market. What do you think of Samsung and Apple’s patent war, has it gone too far yet?

What does Intel need to do to succeed in the mobile space? Posted: 14 May 2013 08:20 AM PDT Intel's a company which we all know. There's a good chance that your old PC or laptop is running an Intel chip, but the same probably can't be said for your smartphone or tablet. Many say that the company simply missed the boat with mobile computing, and it's certainly true that the company is languishing quite far behind. Intel commanded about a 6% share of the mobile market back in 2011, and only held about 7% come the end of 2012. The company isn't even worth as much as Qualcomm any more, all due to a poor showing in the mobile market. But with a change of management at the very top, what can Intel do to turn its fortunes around? Intel Atom vs ARM Cortex There's no doubt that ARM has managed to pretty much corner the mobile market and is the main obstacle for Intel. Virtually all of the big processor names in the mobile world are using ARM Cortex designs or architecture licenses in their SoCs, including Qualcomm, Samsung, Nvidia, and the list goes on. Intel, on the other hand, has been battling away in its own in a corner of the market, picking up support in the occasional piece of hardware. But the Atom line-up of processors have failed to make their mark, especially when it comes to smartphones. All of the top of the line phones above use Krait CPU cores, developed from Qualcomm’s ARM architecture license. One reason for this is Intel’s business model. The company operates as a design and manufacturing business, churning out its own chips to put in products. ARM, on the other hand, operates as a licensing business, leasing out its technology to other design and manufacturing companies. This allows chip manufacturers to target the tech specifically at smartphones or tablets, whilst Intel is left trying to single-handedly sell chips in the desktop, laptop, smartphone, and tablet markets. In fact, virtually every chip design company licenses out its technology. Graphics giants AMD and Nvidia both license their reference designs out to other manufactures who then can pick components, add coolers, etc to improve the design, or make them slightly cheaper for a budget orientated price range. Intel even does this with AMD for it’s x86 desktop processors, so why not apply the same logic to the mobile space? There's a lot to be said for specialisation, and you can't help but feel that Intel may have bitten off a little more than it can chew. Perhaps Intel would be better severed by adopting a business model more inline with that of ARM, where other manufacturers can take its designs and adapt them to their needs. Price Point vs Performance I'm not going to delve into technical specifics here, but it's sufficient to say that there are many different architectural design decisions which can be made when it comes to processors, each with their own performance and cost limitations. A rather long running argument centers around reduced instruction set computing (RISC) verses complex instruction set computing (CISC), which, simply put, is a trade-off between cheaper, low-power, small transistor count processors verses more traditional computer processors. This initial design decision gave ARM a huge advantage when it came to price, power consumption, and heat output when designing chips for small mobile devices like smartphones. Intel, instead, has been working on bringing power consumption down with smaller die sizes and production advances like tri-gate transistors. Intel’s next line-up of processors promises lower power consumption and higher performance, which is great. But what about the price? Whilst the aforementioned technology will help Intel compete on performance, heat, and power requirements, it also needs to be priced competitively, which has traditionally been a stumbling block for Intel. Yields will need to be high to keep the price down, but the 22 nm tri-gate Silvermont microarchitecture will be Intel's best chance so far at competing in the mobile space, at least as far as architecture goes. Having said that, Intel does appear to have taken the important of price onboard, what with the $200 Android laptops confirmed to be heading our way at some point this year. Whether or not these products can compete with slightly cheaper priced tablets remains to be seen, but at least we know that Intel’s chips are designed for typically priced products.

Kindle Fire user? $5 in Amazon Coins await you Posted: 14 May 2013 08:12 AM PDT Kindle Fire users have a little reason to be happy, as Amazon announced in a press release (which you can check out below) that it is giving away 500 Amazon Coins to every user. That’s a $5 value, which can be used to get apps or make in-app purchases, but you have to be a U.S. resident in order to qualify for the promo, according to the Terms on the Amazon website. You don’t have to do anything to get the credit, as it will be deposited directly into your account, but you must know that the offer is limited to 500 Amazon Coins per user. So, if you get the credit now, you won’t get 500 more if you buy another Kindle Fire. The same document says that the promotion lasts until December 31st, and that it’s available both for current users of the Kindle Fire and new ones. The 500 Amazon Coins expire one year after they’re awarded and of course, you can only use them in Amazon’s Appstore. The offer, which should cost Amazon quite a bit, is a way for the company to promote its virtual currency, the Amazon Coins, announced earlier this year. It comes right after another Kindle Fire promotion, which offered the device at a reduced price for Mother’s Day. Amazon has announced that the promotion will not affect developers in any way; they will be getting their standard 70% revenue share and don’t need to make any modifications. U.S. Kindle Fire users, have you already received your free Amazon Coins? Amazon Coins Now Available for Kindle Fire Customers SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May. 13, 2013– —(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced that customers can now use Amazon Coins to purchase apps, games and in-app items in the Amazon Appstore and on Kindle Fire. To celebrate the launch, existing and new Kindle Fire customers in the U.S. have had 500 free Coins—a $5 value—deposited into their Amazon accounts today. For customers, Amazon Coins is an easy way to purchase apps and in-app items on Kindle Fire, and for developers it's another opportunity to drive traffic, downloads and increased monetization. With discounts of up to 10% for purchasing Coins in bulk, it's also an opportunity for customers to save money on their app and game purchases. Customers can purchase Coins by visiting amazon.com/coins. "Today we are giving Kindle Fire owners $5 worth of Coins to spend on new apps and games, or to purchase in-app items, such as recipes in iCookbook, song collections in SongPop or mighty falcon bundles in Angry Birds Star Wars. And with discounts of up to 10% when you buy Coins, this is a great way for customers to save money when they buy apps, games and in-app items," said Mike George, Vice President of Apps and Games at Amazon. "We will continue to add more ways to earn and spend Coins on a wider range of content and activities—today is Day One for Coins." Amazon Appstore developers will earn their standard 70% revenue share when customers make purchases using Amazon Coins. No Coins-specific changes are required for developers with apps and games currently in the Amazon Appstore. Developers not yet in the Amazon Appstore should submit their app today through the Amazon Mobile App Distribution Portal (https://developer.amazon.com/welcome.html). Amazon Coins is the latest offering in an array of services that make Amazon the most complete end-to-end ecosystem for building, monetizing and marketing their apps and games. These capabilities include: The ability for app developers to use Amazon Web Services' (AWS) technology platform for their infrastructure needs. Building blocks such as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), and Amazon DynamoDB allow developers to focus on what differentiates their app rather than the undifferentiated heavy lifting of infrastructure. App submission for distribution to nearly 200 countries globally enables developers to reach millions more Amazon customers worldwide. In-App Purchasing on Kindle Fire, Mac, PC and web-based games. This enables developers to sell virtual items in their apps and games while allowing their end users to simply use their Amazon accounts to make the purchase. GameCircle, which includes capabilities like Achievements, Leaderboards, Friends and Whispersync for syncing games across devices, and leads to better engagement with games. Game Connect, which lets developers list their virtual goods for sale on Amazon, increasing discoverability of their games and making the purchase of virtual goods as easy and convenient as possible for customers, leading to increased monetization for developers.

White Nexus 4 spotted at Qualcomm’s “The Mobile Show” booth [gallery] Posted: 14 May 2013 08:02 AM PDT The unofficial white Nexus 4 was seen and photographed in the wild in a more official capacity shortly after a previous set of images of the device hit the web. While yesterday's photos came from a person that managed to buy it from some website, today's pictures – better quality ones that is (check the gallery below) – come from a Dubai-based mobile show where the white Nexus 4 has been apparently spotted at Qualcomm's booth. The mobile show in question can only be The Mobile Show that takes place in Dubai during May 14-15, 2013, and where Qualcomm is actually one of the sponsors. Before you ask, “The Mobile Show” is actually the show’s name. User Ahmed Haji had this to say about the handset on The Verge's forum: Hello .. I’m in dubai for a mobile show and I saw a white Nexus 4 on Quallcomm [sic] booth, and it looks amazing .. The white area around the back glass have some metallic touch and looks great .. Here’s some pictures I took for the device .. These photos taken by my smartphone, I can drop by a DSLR and take better photos tomorrow .. The white Nexus 4 appeared in various rumors before, and it looks like the product is getting more and more real. Obviously, we don't have an official announcement from Google at this time – not that we expect one with a day to go until Google I/O 2013 kicks off – but we're certainly waiting for some clarification on this particular Nexus 4 version. Yesterday, we speculated that we may be looking at a special edition white Nexus 4 that could be offered by Google to I/O attendees. But we also wondered whether the white Nexus 4 may have some special powers including LTE support and 32GB of storage – a rumor floating around does say that a slightly refreshed Nexus 4 would be unveiled at this year's I/O edition. Add to that the fact that the white Nexus 4 has now been seen at a Qualcomm booth – and you must know Qualcomm knows a thing or two about LTE – and that rumor seems to be making more and more sense. However, Haji did not mention any details about the internal components of this white Nexus 4. We'll be back with more details about this white Nexus 4 model once we have them. In the mean time, make sure you follow Android Authority which will be reporting live from Google I/O 2013 in the following days! [Update] Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the FCC ID for this white Nexus 4 model is ZNFE960, which happens to be the ID of the current Nexus 4 model (see image above).

Some Galaxy S4′s experiencing headphone distortion issues – is yours affected? Posted: 14 May 2013 07:59 AM PDT If you've been having problems listening to music through headphones on your Galaxy S4 then you're not alone. A lot of other users have been complaining on Reddit and XDA about a strange audio clipping issue occurring on their handsets. The problem seems to be affecting users with Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 powered handsets who are plugging in low-impedance (sub 16 ohm) headphones into the smartphone's 3mm jack. The issue manifests as an irritating buzzing or crackling sound if the volume is turned up past a certain point, but the exact cause has been a little harder to diagnose. Due to the hardware dependency of this issue — people have been testing the handset with any number of different headphones — I think that it's unlikely to be caused by software. The output level could be controlled by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), but that doesn’t really explain why different headphones would produce different results. Combine this with the fact that not every handset is experiencing the same problem, then it seems rather unlikely that this is a software issue. XDA member Jensign has conducted a few tests to attempt to find the cause of the problem, but the results produce more questions than it answered. As my first thought, I would have put money on power supply clipping caused by a larger than expected current drain from low impedance headphones — remember that old science equation I=V/R? But according to the results produced by Jensign, the problem only occurs at specific frequencies and only for specific volumes. The tests showed noticeable distortion at around 1kHz but nothing for above 10kHz, and he didn't experience any clipping at maximum volume, which is particularly odd. Source: jensign As a bit of an audio buff myself, I'm pretty puzzled by this. Unless there has been some mistake with the tests, the only conclusion that I can draw is that some of the audio chips used in Qualcomm's SOC are defective, resulting in bizarre distortion characteristics caused by some internal circuit resonance frequency. Having said that, without knowing exactly how the circuit works, no-one is entirely sure. Perhaps there is a software or firmware issue with certain regions and handsets which may be fixable with a patch. In the meantime, if you're experiencing this problem yourself, I suggest taking your handset back under warranty. So far, customers are having mixed responses with Samsung — some have only managed to have their handsets taken in for software updates, but that hasn’t solved the issue. Others customers have simply been refused assistance, with stores claiming that their headphones are simply “incompatible” with the Galaxy S4. We're still waiting on an official statement from Samsung to see what, if anything, it plans to do about this problem. Have you experienced any issues with your Galaxy S4 audio? Let us know in the comments. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

DIY Google Glass: 3D-printed pair now possible thanks to free design blueprints Posted: 14 May 2013 07:43 AM PDT Google Glass is on its way to change your world, whether you like it or not. For all those who are actually looking forward to its arrival instead of trying to wish it away somehow, we have some very interesting news. A guy in China named Sunny Gao has managed to design his very own version of the highly-awaited wearable gadget from Google, and the best part is that he’s giving away the design for the glasses for free. Gao attended a recent hackathon out in Shanghai and cooked up a complete DIY design of Google Glass, then went ahead and made an actual print in order to wear it in real life. From what we’ve seen, it does look very similar to the real thing. So it’s safe to say that at least for right now, it’s the closest thing to Glass that you’ll ever get (if you aren’t among those who have been given the chance to get Google Glass early, that is.. There is one major catch, though. It contains none of the real thing’s high-tech technological wizardry. In other words, it’s pretty much just another pair of glasses. Of course, the design alone makes it more than just an ordinary pair, however there’s no denying the fact that, well, it does not compute at all. If you wish to start your very own 3D-printed Google Glass project, you’ll need the design blueprints. Fortunately those are conveniently located on the Internet, where they’ve been made available free of charge as a SketchUp file. To get started, simply download the following file and proceed from there: Google Glass.skp To learn more about DIY Google Glass and the man behind it, go ahead and check out the source link below.

Didn’t make it to Google I/O? Googlers will answer your questions on G+ Posted: 14 May 2013 07:23 AM PDT Credit: Hugo Barra With Google I/O, the biggest Android event of the year, about to begin, Google announced that those who didn't make it to the conference can still get their questions answered via Google Plus. Google I/O is the most important event for the Android community, the time when the overseers of the green robot we all love so much reveal their plans for the next year. In 2012, Google I/O was a blast – the popular Nexus 7 was introduced, we got a new version of Android, and Sergey Brin showed off Glass in the most spectacular way possible. It's no wonder that so many Android enthusiasts are excited to attend I/O, and this year was no exception – the tickets for the event sold out in minutes, causing widespread frustration among those who didn't manage to grab their ticket. Google is however eager to let more people participate to I/O, even if it's only virtually. If you have a question or a request about I/O, submit it via Google Plus using the hashtag #request and #io13. A small team of Googlers will be at Moscone West in San Francisco taking pictures, talking to developers, and answering your requests and questions. The program was announced by Google community manager Melissa Daniels. There you have it – if you're curious about I/O and the sessions, or you just have a burning question about Android, just fire up Google Plus and ask away. Don't forget the hashtags. Stay tuned for our Google I/O coverage! We'd have a few questions for Googlers – let's  see, the next version of Android, the new Nexus 7, the X Phone, the Google smartwatch…. What would you ask Google?

Looking back: How the Google Nexus 7 changed the tablet landscape Posted: 14 May 2013 07:12 AM PDT With Google I/O 2013 starting tomorrow, we have a lot to look forward to! We still aren’t exactly sure of what Google has in store for us, but among a slew of rumors and possibilities running rampant is speculation about a second edition of the Asus-made Nexus 7. If true, the new Nexus 7 will feature specifications that keep up with the times, while once again boasting a very reasonable price tag, which is really exciting. Of course, the reason for this excitement is because of the great reception the Nexus 7 – the first Android tablet under the Nexus series – got when it was announced at the same event last year, becoming one of the best-selling Android tablets available since then. While not matching the sales numbers of the iPad, the Nexus 7 still managed to have a profound effect on the tablet market. The Nexus 7 arrived at a time when Android tablet manufacturers were struggling to make an impact in a highly-competitive market, and showed other OEMs how it should have been done. Google wasn't taking on the iPad with the Nexus 7, but did attempt to do so more directly with the Nexus 10 that was released by the end of 2012. Before the Nexus 7, the most popular 7-inch Android tablets were the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and the Amazon Kindle Fire, and the latter was, in part, the motivation behind Google jumping into the tablet game. Suddenly, wanting to buy an Android tablet with more than decent specifications didn’t require you to fork over $500+, and while not without its flaws, the Nexus 7 became the go-to tablet for a lot of consumers. With the possible arrival of the next Nexus 7 this week, we take a look at some of the reasons why the first-generation model managed to shake up the tablet landscape. Specifications vs Cost The rumors surrounding the release of the Nexus 7 last year meant that we knew almost exactly what to expect by the time the tablet was released. But unlike with other device leaks, the pre-launch confirmation of the Nexus 7specifications didn’t do anything to  quell the excitement. Things got even better during the launch, with the announcement of the $199 and $249 price tags for a device with high-end specifications. At the time, falling in the same price range was the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, which featured a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage for $249. Packing a 7-inch IPS display with 1280 x 800 resolution, 1.2Ghz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, and 1GB RAM, the price of the Nexus 7 was surprisingly low, and is obviously one of the many reasons the tablet was popular. Granted, compromises were made including the lack of a rear camera and microSD slot and the limited 8GB internal storage (the effectively 5.5GB space available to the user wasn’t nearly enough). But the last issue was corrected later that year, with the 8GB version being dropped, and the price of the 16GB version falling to $199. A 32GB version was also introduced. With the arrival of the Nexus 7, you could now get your hands on an almost high-end tablet at a comparatively low price. The device completely shook up the tablet market, as far as the question of specifications vs  cost was concerned. The latest software The biggest advantage with any Nexus device is the fact that you’ll always be the first to receive any software updates, with a gap sometimes as big as six months before non-Nexus smartphones and tablets catch up, and that is, of course, if OEM “support” isn’t discontinued. Of course, this (as well as the previous point) is true for all Nexus devices. But while Nexus smartphones were already around for a while, the Nexus 7 was the first tablet to provide this edge. The Nexus 7 was launched with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board, and also introduced Google Now. All subsequent minor and major (up to Android 4.2) updates were available immediately after they were announced. With that in mind, if the latest iteration of Android is announced this week, the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10 will be one of the first tablets to receive it (keeping in mind that the rumored new Nexus 7 will release with the latest version). Android tablet (and smartphone) manufacturers have had a difficult time with timely updates for their devices, and with the Nexus 7, users could finally get their hands on a tablet that would always feature the latest Android software.

NVIDIA SHIELD release date set for June, available for pre-order now for $349 Posted: 14 May 2013 06:51 AM PDT    In a blog post, NVIDIA on Tuesday announced that pre-orders for SHIELD – previously known as Project SHIELD – is available for pre-order, with shipping set for June. We can’t say we’re totally surprised to see the announcement considering that only a few days ago the first AnTuTu benchmarks for the console have been sighted, not to mention that NVIDIA always said the product will be commercially available at some point in the second quarter of the year. The device, unveiled at CES 2013, is a Tegra 4-based Android-running gaming console that features both a screen and a controller and offers access to three game stores including NVIDIA TegraZone, Google Play and Steam. SHIELD costs $349 and will be available from various retailers including Newegg, GameStop, Micro Center and Canada Computers. The company will take pre-orders from the general public on its website – at shield.nvidia.com – starting with May 20, while those of you that have registered to receive mode information about the product will be able to pre-order starting today. In case you need a reminder of SHIELD's specs, here's what the product will have to offer: Tegra 4 – The world's fastest mobile processor delivers rich graphics and unbeatable performance thanks to 72 GPU cores, four CPU cores and 2GB of RAM Console-grade controller – Precise control thanks to dual analog joysticks, a full-sized D-Pad, left and right analog triggers, full-sized bumpers and A/B/X/Y buttons Multi-touch display – 5-inch, 720p retinal multi-touch display for high-fidelity visuals Integrated speakers – Custom, bass reflex, tuned port audio system – we think this is SHIELD's sleeper feature Wi-Fi – 802.11n 2X2 MIMO game-speed Wi-Fi for game streaming Pure Android – Latest Android Jelly Bean operating system from Google, for access to Android games and apps There's more – We put into SHIELD everything we would want in a premium mobile gaming device: 16 GB memory, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, a mini-HDMI output, micro-USB 2.0, a microSD storage slot, a 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack. See the full spec sheet, here. Furthermore, here are our videos from NVIDIA's CES 2013 Project SHIELD event: Are you buying SHIELD or are you interested in other Android-based gaming consoles?

CyanogenMod breaches the 5 million user mark Posted: 14 May 2013 05:05 AM PDT CyanogenMod, one of Android community's favourite custom ROMs, has come a long way since the day of its inception, from starting as a one-man mod mission to now having collected over 5 million users. As a CyanogenMod 10.1 user myself, I'd like to offer my congratulations to the entire team on this momentous achievement. According to the official CyanogenMod statistics page, the ROM now has 5,078,265 total installs, correct at the time of writing, 1,884,054 of which are official installs and a further 3,194,211 unofficial (user compiled) ones. If you were to include all of the ROMs based on CyanogenMod as well the number would probably have breached 5 million a while ago, but unfortunately we don't have the exact figures for that. We can break these numbers down even further. Rather unremarkably, the Nightly versions of CyanogenMod 10 (Jelly Bean) are the most popular. Perhaps a little more surprisingly, Nightly builds of the older CyanogenMod 7 are the second most popular, followed by the finalised 7.2.0 Gingerbread based ROM. To put CyanogenMod's popularity into perspective, we’ll remind you that MIUI reached over 10 million users a little while ago, but MIUI has the added advantage of coming pre-installed on a handset, the Xiaomi MI2, which added 1.3 million users in just 4 minutes of pre-orders. So whilst CyanogenMod isn't the biggest custom ROM around, it still has an impressive install base considering that it relies solely on community support. Anyway, congratulations CyanogenMod, next stop 10 million!

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