Android Authority |
- Is Android ready to conquer the desktop?
- Acer Iconia B1 tablet updated with new design, better internals, and optional 3G
- Hangouts/Babel doesn’t include SMS support (yet?), Android 4.3 also mentioned in rumor update
- Google Glass made fun of in latest Saturday Night Live show [video]
- Weekly News Roundup #3 – India
- Spotted: LG Optimus G2 or Nexus 5? Or something entirely different?
- Which manufacturer should make the next Nexus (Nexus 5) smartphone?
- New Samsung Galaxy S4 ads continue Grad Party theme, sans Apple this time [video]
| Is Android ready to conquer the desktop? Posted: 06 May 2013 02:22 AM PDT
If you believe any of the rumors, then Android is coming to the desktop. Intel, a major player in the PC market has confirmed to Cnet its interest in bringing laptops running Android as the operating system. However, the question must be raised, is Android capable of being a desktop operating system? The PC is NOT deadNo matter how much people say it is, the PC is not dead, it's just in an evolutionary stage of development. Those drumming up extinction propaganda always link us to dropping sales, but that was always going to happen as the market saturated. Sure the iPad and Android tablets may have accelerated the drop in sales, but it was always coming. People are still going to need a desktop PC, or at least a laptop, after all, physical keyboards are just better than onscreen keyboards, and a trackpad or mouse will always beat touchscreens when accuracy is a necessity. Maybe for some, a tablet or even a phone could replace a computer for their computing needs, but for a large percentage of people a computer will still be necessary. With that out of the way, we can move on to Android itself as a desktop operating system. The best mobile OS for the desktopOut of all of the current mobile operating systems, Android is the only one that could be implemented as a desktop OS. iOS simply can't, at least not in its current form. The lack of multi-user support and multitasking features hold it back, so for those hoping for a MacPad Air, keep dreaming. Blackberry 10 and Windows Phone will both never look to make the leap to the desktop (although Windows Phone does share many kernel similarities with Windows 8) so that leaves Android as the last man standing. Android has support for multi-users, it has "true" multitasking and is also open for tweaking. If any mobile OS is going to make a move for the desktop it's Android. Google DocsDocument creation is one of the biggest elements of a desktop operating system, in fact it's possibly the biggest element. Microsoft build its desktop empire through Microsoft Office and 30 years later, still nothing can touch Microsoft Office. Google's response to Office, Google Docs is a decent application, that for the average user could actually be considered better than Office. Sure, the hardcore Excel users won't be able to use Docs as a standalone application, but for the rest of us Docs is good enough.
It allows you to create documents, slideshows, spreadsheets, collaborate, access your creations anywhere with Internet, share easily and did I mention it's free. However, Google Drive (the application that now harbors Docs) is pathetically behind even its web compatriot. In fact it might just be the worst Google-made mobile application, it's slow and feature-less and it won't even allow you to create documents without Internet access. For Android to be a viable option for the desktop, the Drive application needs a major revamp. Of course Microsoft could itself be the solution, as rumours are pointing towards a release of Office for Android and iOS by the end of the year. Chrome and the webThere's no point dodging the fact that Chrome is another Android application that Google needs to work on. Scrolling issues not-withstanding, Chrome on Android needs major work for it to be the browser of choice on an Android based desktop OS. People are going to disagree, but Chrome on a laptop needs flash. Flash may be buggy and prone to crashes, but there are millions of sites that still use it and will continue to use it. Then there are all the performance issues, so maybe another browser like Dolphin would be a better choice. The rest of the appsAs you might of guessed already, applications will make or break Android as a desktop OS. I've already mentioned two of the biggest desktop applications in an Internet browser and documents creator, but what of the rest? Popular apps like Adobe Photoshop, a picture editing application, Fruity Loops, a popular music creator/editor and Sony Vegas, a popular pro application for video editing, are some of the more important applications on the desktop. Luckily, there is a Photoshop Touch application available in the Play Store and a recently released Fruity Loops app as well. The only thing missing from this trifecta of popular applications is Sony Vegas, but there are already some decent video editing applications in the Play Store.
Gaming is also brilliant in the Play Store. Sure, you aren't getting Skyrim quality, but mobile gaming has improved tremendously over the past few years and games like Real Racing 3 and Nova 3 are pushing mobile gaming to new heights. Popular desktop games like Minecraft and Plants vs Zombies are also available on the Play Store so gaming shouldn't be a problem for the average user. The user interfaceAndroid was designed for touch, not for a mouse or trackpad. My past experiences using the trackpad on an Asus Transformer Prime have been awkward and not at all fluid, so the UI would need improvement. This brilliant video, showcases what is possible with Android on the desktop using nothing but a Galaxy Note 2, monitor, keyboard and mouse and a HDMI cable. Sure some of the elements are from TouchWiz, but they shouldn't be difficult to implement and there are already some applications that have the same functionality as TouchWiz features. Check it out for a more in-depth picture of Android as a desktop operating system and pay close attention to the UI. Wrap upFor now, Google has its support planted firmly in the Chrome OS corner for the desktop. But not even Google would be able to stop a big player like Intel making a play with Android as a desktop operating system. Android is definitely capable of being a desktop OS, however, whether anybody would be interested is another question. Would you be interested in an Android-powered laptop? 
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| Acer Iconia B1 tablet updated with new design, better internals, and optional 3G Posted: 05 May 2013 06:47 PM PDT
The new Iconia B1 is equipped with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor from MediaTek, the same 7-inch WSVGA display from the previous model, 1GB RAM, and choices of either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. The Iconia B1 used to be good enough, but now it’s merely good. Acer worked its way through one whole word. And that’s progress. Acer plans on releasing the Wi-Fi-only version of the Iconia B1 first in Europe, Middle East and Africa starting in mid-June with a €129 price tag. Meanwhile, the 3G-enabled version will be sold for €179. Read the full press release below for all of the details. Iconia B1 with New Face and Connectivity OptionsNew York, (May 3, 2013), Acer today unveiled the second generation Acer Iconia B1 with a new pure and simple design, increased performance and additional 3G(2) data connection option, setting a new standard for a tablet targeted at young or new users or families looking for an additional tablet for their children. The Iconia B1 is also ideal for busy individuals seeking a convenient mobile companion. At 17.8 cm (7") – the same size as standard book page – the display is comfortable for e-reading, web browsing, playing games and watching videos. The Iconia B1 joins forces today with the launch of the Iconia A1 to offer a uniformed look and feel when searching for a tablet solution for all members of the family. The Acer Iconia B1 was introduced today with other new products, including the Acer Aspire R7, Aspire P3 Ultrabook, Aspire V Series touch notebooks and Iconia A1. The new line of Acer mobile products highlights the company's focus on redefining the computing experience through progressive design. #AcerTouch. Highly Responsive Fun To take your experience to the next level, this tablet combines a 1.2GHz dual-core or quad-core(3) processor or quadand 1GB of memory for fast and smooth gaming, web browsing and video watching with Android's Jelly Bean operating system to get quickly precise answers to your search queries and seamless browsing. For many search queries performed through VoiceSearch, you can now hear a spoken answer quickly. Fast and Free Media Over 500 free online magazines from hundreds of publishers and top web sites are always at your fingertips thanks to Google Currents. The recently updated smart mobile app allows you to discover, read, and share your favorite new outlets, blogs and online magazine on the 17.8 cm (7") WSVGA (1,024 x 600) capacitive display – even when offline. If you are into playing, you have more than 700,000 games and apps from the Play Store to choose from. Capture and Share More To top off the rich experience, the Iconia B1 comes with a front-facing camera to engage in live chats with your friends. The camera is on the top right corner and works also when in landscape mode, allowing your friends to get into the picture during a video chat. Available with WiFi or 3G(2) data connection as 8GB(4) or 16GB(4) version with the option to add 32GB(4) via via microSD™, the Iconia B1 is the ideal easy companion for tablet newbies or children while adults use their own. Pricing and Availability The Iconia B1-710 (WiFi) version will be available in Europe, Middle East and Africa mid-June at a starting price of €129.-. (1) The Iconia B1-711 (3G) version will be available in Europe, Middle East and Africa end of July at a starting price of €179.-. (1) About Acer Established in 1976, Acer is an information and communication technology company dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale and support of innovative products that enhance people’s lives. Acer’s green supply chain delivers environmentally friendly PCs, displays, projectors, servers, tablets and © 2013 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or 1. Estimated street price. Actual price may vary. 
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| Hangouts/Babel doesn’t include SMS support (yet?), Android 4.3 also mentioned in rumor update Posted: 05 May 2013 02:38 PM PDT
A report detailing Google's rumored Babel messaging app that would be launched in the near future has been updated to include more information about the service, but also about other Google products, Android 4.3-included. The same The Verge forum poster that revealed yesterday that Babel will in fact be called Hangout, revealing some of its features, has updated that post with more information. After previously revealing that the app would offer a unified messaging solution to Android users, feature an app icon "similar to the messenger icon" and offer a Holo UI, the tipster returned with more information. According to him, Babel will be called Hangouts (as in plural; as in Google+ Hangouts) not Hangout as previously reported. Not that the final name of the app will be that important, will it? What's more interesting is that Hangouts apparently lacks SMS/MMS sync, or at least the feature is "not there on the app that's being dogfooded." Moreover, the same Ryan Socio suggested that the final version may lack SMS support at first, when answering to a comment on his updated news: The fact that it's about 10 days away from launch doesn't make the situation feel anymore promising. Socio also added that Google Now would get "location-based reminders" and Gmail's would be "Holofied" in a "UI overhaul." In addition to dishing out all these details on future products, Socio briefly mentioned Android 4.3 in his updated post, basically confirming this particular Android version that has been already spotted in server logs, and may be already the object of meetings between certain companies involved with Android: I may not be able to get much info about 4.3, my sources are not taking part in the internal beta program. While he isn't apparently in the loop with Android 4.3 news, hardware information may be available next week. In the past, he apparently provided accurate information about Google’s latest hardware announcements (LG Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10) so he could very well be right about Google’s plans for Google I/O 2013. That said, we'll remind you that we don't have anything official from Google at this time on either Hangouts/Hangout/Babel, Google Now, Gmail or Android 4.3, so we'll have to take everything with a grain of salt until things become clearer. Google I/O is just 10 days away, an event that we'll thoroughly cover for you. 
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| Google Glass made fun of in latest Saturday Night Live show [video] Posted: 05 May 2013 01:49 PM PDT
Saturday Night Live (SNL) targeted during its latest show Google's wearable computing solution, Google Glass, in a short fake news sketch in which it mocked some of the features of the product. SNL made fun of several Glass features from the looks of the device when worn on one's head, to the hyped increased interactivity between Glass users and their peers compared to smartphone owners, to the additional gestures used to control certain aspects of the device, to voice recognition software. Invited by host Seth Myers, tech correspondent Randall Meeks (actor Fred Armisen) demoes the device and its functions, praising Google Glass and its features, or at least trying to, because everything isn't going as planned. And yes, hilarity ensues. The video of the short sketch is available below – YouTube version for international users (poorer quality), while U.S. readers can check the NBC version (better quality) – so we won't spoil it for you. Suffice to say that the SNL nails some of the arguments you may have heard against Glass since the device arrived in the hands of Explorers. Google Glass is certainly an interesting product but it's far from perfect– what gadget is? – or finished, and we definitely expect Google to further improve the device by the time it will become commercially available, which should happen at some point in a year from now according to a recent Eric Schmidt statement. Google’s former CEO also said that talking to Glass can be the “weirdest thing,” and addressed the first questions regarding privacy concerns when using the new product. In case you want to read more details about how the product is supposed to work, check out our How it Works: Google Glass feature that talks about hardware but also software features. 
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| Weekly News Roundup #3 – India Posted: 05 May 2013 09:35 AM PDT
In a new weekly segment, I'll be doing a roundup of the mobile technology news in India, including new device announcements and releases from Indian manufacturers, network carrier news, and anything else that captures the pulse of the Android scene in India. This week on the Weekly News Roundup – India, we have just one smartphone announcement, but that’s more than enough when the one is a budget-friendly glasses-free 3D smartphone priced at less than Rs 10,000. While the smartphone sector has been relatively quiet, the tablet market has been witness to four new low-cost tablets from Intex, new market entrants Fly, WickedLeak, and Zync, and Vodafone has some great deals and offers available for you. Let’s get started! Android SmartphonesMicromax A115 Canvas 3D
Both international and local manufacturers have been taking a shot at capturing consumer attention with glasses-free 3D smartphones. We’ve seen the highly-priced LG Optimus 3D and the HTC Evo 3D, and quite a few 3D smartphones from local manufacturers, that have tried and failed to generate an interest in this segment. Riding high on the success of the Canvas A116 HD, Micromax must be feeling bold , because the company is now launching a 3D smartphone of its own, the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D. Joining the very popular Canvas lineup of devices, the specifications of the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D include -
Compared to rest of the Canvas series, the specifications of the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D, such as the low resolution for such a large display and just 512MB of RAM, are somewhat disappointing. Of course, the selling point of this device is its stereoscopic 3D which means that you won’t need those annoying 3D glasses to enjoy 3D content. Granted, it’s not easy to get your hands on 3D content either, but Micromax helps out there as well. The Micromax A115 Canvas 3D will come pre-loaded with 3D games, along with “Micromax 3D Space” giving you access to 3D videos. Check out the introduction video of the device below - Rest assured the video is exaggerated, but the 3D feature may be appealing to a lot of consumers. The smartphone is available for Rs 9,999 (~$192) from all leading online and physical retail stores. You can find out more about the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D here. Source – Tech2 Android TabletsIntex i-Buddy Connect 3G
Intex is following up the i-Buddy Connect released last year with a 3G version of the tablet, which also features some updated specifications. The specifications of the Intex i-Buddy Connect 3G include -
While the specifications are quite good, the disappointing part is the fact that even though most manufacturers have been moving towards Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Intex i-Buddy Connect 3G comes with Android 4.0 on-board. Targeting the youth and student markets, the i-Buddy Connect 3G also comes pre-loaded with a host of apps like Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, and Google Talk. For students, the tablet also features an Educlass app that contains NCERT text books from grades 1 to 12, numerous question banks and sample papers, along with other interactive educational content. The Intex i-Buddy Connect 3G will be available, in black and brown color options, for Rs 9,990 (~$191). Source – The Mobile Indian Fly F8s
Fly is a new entrant to the already over-crowded local Android device manufacturer arena. It won’t be easy for a new company to establish itself against such stiff competition, but the first step is to always release a great product. Fly, with their Fly F8s tablet, has attempted to do so. The specifications of the Fly F8s include -
If you’re surprised at the 2.5GB of internal storage, Fly is one of the first company’s to advertise just the usable internal storage. That is, while the internal storage capacity of the tablet is actually 4GB, only 2.5GB is free and available to the user. The Fly F8s boasts some good specifications, but unfortunately is priced accordingly as well. At Rs 13,499 (~$260), the cost of the tablet is somewhat steep. Source – NDTV Gadgets WickedLeak Wammy Desire Tab 2
WickedLeak is known for releasing some great devices at very reasonable price points, and more importantly, with the latest Android OS iteration. So imagine my surprise when I see the first tablet launched with the company to come with Android 4.0 ICS out of the box. Of course, there’s a catch! But before we get into that, let’s take a look at the specifications of the WickedLeak Wammy Desire Tab 2 -
Aside from marveling at the great specifications, the final one on the list might have confused you. Let me explain. When buying the WickedLeak Wammy Desire Tab 2, you can choose whether to go with Android 4.0, or if you want to try your luck with a beta Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean version. Even though everything works, the beta version may have a few bugs, and if you don’t want to risk it, ICS is the choice for you. Whichever option you choose now, the company promises an update to a stable Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean by June. A good display, a quad-core Samsung processor, 8GB of internal storage, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean (either now or eventually). Looking at these specifications, I’m sure you’re wondering how expensive this tablet is going to be. And this is one area where WickedLeak has managed to surprise us again! Starting next week, the WickedLeak Wammy Desire Tab 2 will be available for just Rs 9,999 (~192). If you’re interested, you can pre-book the device here, with delivery starting from May 15. Source – NDTV Gadgets Zync Quad 10.1
While the selling point of most other tablets from local manufacturers is the low price point, Zync is one company that manufactures tablets with specifications that are similar, or sometimes even better, than those that are available from internationally-renowned OEMs, while being budget-friendly as well. Following the release of the Quad 8.0 and Quad 9.7 (which featured a retina display), Zync has launched another amazing tablet with the Quad 10.1. Here’s a quick look at the specifications -
The specifications are very similar to any high-end tablet currently available in the market, but still manages to remain reasonably priced. At just Rs 14,990 (~$288), the Zync Quad 10.1 is a steal. You can find out more about the Quad 10.1, and also order it, here. Source – Tech Tree Network Carrier newsVodafone partners with Samsung to launch “All in One” plans for the Galaxy S4
When the Samsung Galaxy S4 was officially launched in India, we knew that Vodafone would be announcing special offers and plans for owners of the flagship device. If you’ve been waiting to find out, here are the details -
It’s really easy to subscribe to these plans. All you need to do is insert your Vodafone SIM card into the Samsung Galaxy S4. You will then get an SMS within 24 hours with instructions on how to activate the plans you are eligible for. You can find out more about the special Vodafone plans for the Samsung Galaxy S4 here. Source – Think Digit Vodafone launches RedBox initiative to help make switching smartphones easy
It’s feels great when you pick up a new smartphone, but then you realize that you now have to suffer through the somewhat tedious process of transferring all your important data from your old phone to the new. Vodafone to the rescue! The network provider has launched an amazing program, called RedBox, to help their customers easily make the switch between devices. Launched at various “Retail of Tomorrow” Vodafone stores around the country, trained customer service reps will help you transfer all your data including contracts, images, videos, apps, and documents from one device to another. This will be really helpful for those not as technologically-inclined, making this inevitable step a lot easier to handle. The best part is that you’ll be able to use their services regardless of what device you’re using, and of course, it’s completely free. Source – BGR India As with every week, we’ve seen some great devices on offer from various manufacturers, but I must say that the Zync Quad 10.1 and the WickedLeak Wammy Desire Tab 2 sound absolutely amazing. See you next week! What are your thoughts? What do you think of the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D? Will you be picking up any of the tablets that were released this week? If you’re planning to pick up a Samsung Galaxy S4, will you be subscribing to any of the special plans from Vodafone? How useful do you think the Vodafone RedBox initiative is going to be? Let us know in the comments section below. 
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| Spotted: LG Optimus G2 or Nexus 5? Or something entirely different? Posted: 05 May 2013 08:05 AM PDT
An image showing an unannounced LG device has hit the web, with speculation suggesting we could be looking at an early version of LG's upcoming Optimus G2 flagship, or even at the next-gen Nexus 5. Before we dive into it, we'll tell you from the start that this image is yet to be confirmed, and we can only guess on the kind of the device it shows. So take it with the appropriate amount of salt, like you would do with any other leaked image or new rumor. The following picture has been provided by renown leakster @evleaks, who has offered various similar images in the past, most of them rather accurate. After posting some images allegedly showing the AT&T version of the Google X Phone, the same person posted this picture on Facebook, without revealing more details about the device:
Based on recent rumors and reports on upcoming LG devices, the most likely LG candidates for this handset are the Optimus G2 or the Nexus 5. A few days ago, an unknown device has been spotted with the Bluetooth SIG, and variations of it have been discovered in purported AnTuTu benchmark results. At the time, it was suggested that we were looking at the first Optimus G2 traces, and that some versions of the handset would pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, and we even wondered whether an Optimus G2-like Nexus 5 isn't also in the works. After all, since the Optimus G and Nexus 4 are almost twin brothers, why shouldn’t LG and Google continue the partnership this year and launch two similar Optimus G2 and Nexus 5, respectively? A different Korea-based story said earlier this week that Google and LG could be partnering up on various upcoming devices, including a new Nexus handset – supposedly the Nexus 5. Furthermore, LG has been named as the potential maker for the next Nexus smartphone since the beginning of the year, but we never moved past the rumor phase. From a different point of view, considering that LG's most recent flagship device (the LG Optimus G Pro) has been just announced in the U.S., the device in the picture above is likely a future handset, one that we shouldn’t expect to hit stores that soon. We would expect the Optimus G2 and/or the Nexus 5 (no matter who makes it) – or any other flagship LG device – to hit stores in the fourth quarter of the year. Is it the Optimus G2? Is it the Nexus 5? Is it something entirely different? It's too early to tell, but there certainly are some interesting details to mention, assuming that we’re looking at an actual LG device here.
First off, this unconfirmed LG handset comes without any hardware buttons on the front, features a small bezel and a prominent LG logo on the front, in a place you wouldn't expect it to see especially on a future Nexus 5 handset. The volume keys can't be spotted either, although you would expect to see them either on the left or right side of the handset. We're also looking at a different speaker grill, a different sensor placement and what looks like a taller screen. The Droid Guy has done some measuring based on that USB charging cord and estimated that we're looking at a device that measures 5 x 2.5 inches with a 5.5-inch viewable area. Would the Optimus G2 sport a screen as big as the current Optimus G Pro? While it would make some sense to see the Nexus 5 sport a 5-inch display – because that would make the fifth-generation Nexus also pack a 5-inch screen, which happens to be a popular size for 2013 flagship Android smartphones – would Google go beyond 5 inches? After all, just recently, we’ve learned that Motorola's upcoming handsets would be "just right" when it comes to size, so it would be certainly interesting to see a bigger Nexus come out.  Image Credit: The Droid Guy Like what you see in these new LG images above? 
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| Which manufacturer should make the next Nexus (Nexus 5) smartphone? Posted: 05 May 2013 05:21 AM PDT  Nexus 4 (top) vs Galaxy Nexus (bottom) We’ve seen some amazing flagship devices being released by Sony, HTC, Samsung, and LG this year, but Android geeks, or connoisseurs if you will, are still waiting to see what Google has planned for its 2013 flagship Nexus smartphone. There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to a Nexus device, such as a more than reasonable price for a high-end device, timely Android updates straight from Google, and continued software support for a long time. But nothing is more important than what defines a Google Nexus device. No skins. No Bloatware. Just pure Android. No OEM-specific software features that eat up internal storage space, no UI skins and “enhancements” that hide some of Android’s best features (such as Google Now), and no pre-loaded apps. Just a “vanilla” Android experience. The increasing number of users favoring custom ROMs is a clear indication that a lot of people prefer Android the way it was meant to be, and that’s what you get with a Nexus device. Nexus smartphones and tablets are sold off-contract directly from the Google Play Store and Google’s software engineers develop the software and are responsible for releasing updates. But, as far as the hardware is concerned, Google has been all over the place. The first ever Nexus device was manufactured by HTC, Samsung made the Nexus S and the very popular Galaxy Nexus, as well as the Nexus 10 tablet, while Asus got a chance to build the Nexus 7 tablet. And of course, LG manufactured the 2012 Nexus flagship smartphone, the Nexus 4. So with the expectation of a Nexus 5, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Which manufacturer is going to make the next Nexus smartphone?” While we can’t tell which will, we can tell which should, and what they’d have to offer if given the opportunity. Let’s take a look! Highly likelyLG
LG had some great devices on offer last year with the Optimus 4X HD and the Optimus G, but really stepped out of the shadows after being given the opportunity to manufacture the Nexus 4. The company faced well the pressure of following the very successful Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and LG and Google got a lot right with the Nexus 4. After all, what’s not to love about a device with high-end specifications at a very reasonable price point, which was less than half the full price of other flagship smartphones. Granted, the 8GB version, which has only around 5.5GB of usable storage, was a let down, but the 16GB version was completely worth it for that price. The anticipation and popularity of a pure Android experience was evident once again in the fact that the Nexus 4 sold out quite quickly, and the high demand led to Google being forced to admit to supply shortages. Those issues seem to have been sorted out, and the Nexus 4 is still one the more popular smartphones around. Given the success, it’s not difficult to imagine Google giving LG the chance to manufacture the next Nexus smartphone. In fact, if rumors are to be believed, that is exactly what is going to happen. What can we expect from an LG manufactured Nexus 5? If the specifications of the Nexus 4 were similar to the LG Optimus G, we can expect the Nexus 5 to boast similar specs to that of the LG Optimus G Pro, (maybe the 5-inch Japanese version) or the rumored Optimus G2. A 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor, and (hopefully) 16/32GB of internal storage. It’s definitely wishful thinking to hope for a removable battery and microSD slot, but we can always dream. More rounded edges as opposed to the rectangular design favored by LG, and definitely no physical home button that has shown up on the 2013 LG flagship. LG has done it before with the Nexus 4, and with a few changes, the Nexus 5 should prove to be another feather in the company’s cap. Motorola
As far as Motorola is concerned, the question isn’t whether Motorola should be given the chance to manufacture a Nexus device, but rather, “why hasn’t this happened already?” Even though one of Google’s intentions behind the acquisition of Motorola was to bolster its patent portfolio, many of us thought, or maybe hoped, that Google was going to make a jump into the hardware game as well. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard a peep from Motorola in the last year, other than the Intel-powered RAZR i and the new RAZR M, RAZR HD and RAZR Maxx HD models. But 2013 is shaping up to be completely different. The Motorola-made Google X Phone has been one of the most-rumored and hotly debated smartphones recently, and with good reason. Expectations have been soaring, and it’s crazy to imagine that Google may finally be developing a smartphone, technically, in-house. There have been a lot of leaks and speculation about this device, and while the Nexus tag hasn’t been bestowed upon this smartphone yet, the Google X Phone, when/if released, should definitely qualify as one. But, if the Google X Phone isn’t it, there’s always the possibility of a Motorola Nexus. What can we expect from a Motorola manufactured Nexus smartphone? A large battery. A well-built smartphone that can endure the drop tests we’re definitely going to put it through. Somewhere between a 4.3-inch and 4.7-inch display, and top of the line specifications that should match up to the rest of the currently available flagships. Without MotoBLUR and the lack of update issues that Motorola has faced in the past, a Motorola Nexus device could be absolutely amazing. Read on to see the other major contenders! 
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| New Samsung Galaxy S4 ads continue Grad Party theme, sans Apple this time [video] Posted: 05 May 2013 04:33 AM PDT
After releasing a new 90-second Galaxy S4 TV ad a few days ago, Samsung is back with a couple of shorter commercials part of the same graduation party theme. Previously known as "Graduation Pool Party," the Galaxy S4 ad we have already shown you is in fact called "Grad Party" and demos several Galaxy S4 software features while at the same time making fun of Apple and iPhone users in the process. Unlike the longer ad version (the third clip embedded below), the two new commercials are much shorter and focus on only one Galaxy S4 feature each, without taking any clear hits at Apple. "Easy Mode" is a short 15-second clip that shows us one of the Galaxy S4 features – evidently called Easy Mode – that allows inexperienced Android users enjoy the handset without having to learn everything such a smartphone has to offer. The ad clearly shows one man's intention of "switching" to the Galaxy S4, although a link to Apple is not clearly made, but rather left to the viewer to make. The second video, which is a longer 30-second clip, is titled "Grad Photo" and shows another Galaxy S4 feature, Eraser Shot. With it, a mother saves a graduation photo of her son in a situation other cameras wouldn't necessarily be able to do it. Eraser Shot is a new Galaxy S4 feature that lets users eliminate unwanted objects or people from their pictures in order to capture that perfect shot. Hits at Apple aren't present in this ad nor are there any subtile “switch” hints. Samsung's "The Next Big Thing is Here" campaign seems to be centered around youngsters and the graduation theme seems like it's going to stick around for a while. Just as in previous series of ads, we see some of the same characters appear in more than one ad, so it's likely to see them in the future in upcoming Galaxy S4 commercials. While one of the thee new Galaxy S4 ads do you like best so far? 
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