Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Sony Xperia Z Ultra official specs, features, and availability

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 02:30 AM PDT

Xperia Z Ultra press

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is official. The long rumored device previously known as Togari and Xperia ZU has been formally unveiled at a Sony event at Mobile Expo Asia 2013 in Shanghai.

Long story short, all the leaks we've heard were spot on. We're talking about a massive 6.4-inch Full HD LCD display that employs Sony's Triluminous  technology, which promises to improve color gamut for more vivid images, along with the X-Reality Engine, which enables sharper video.

Users will be able to use any common graphite pencil, metal pen, or capacitive stylus to jolt notes or write on the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. We don't know yet if the device will be bundled with a stylus.

The two million pixels of the display are pushed by Qualcomm's latest and greatest system-on-a-chip, the Snapdragon 800. Coupling a quad-core CPU clocked at 2.2GHz with a speedy new Adreno 330 GPU, Snapdragon 800 has been shattering benchmark records and promises to deliver a noticeable improvement in real life performance. The Z Ultra comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, with the possibility of expansion using the microSD card.

The Xperia Z Ultra draws its juice from a 3,000 mAh battery, which may sound impressive, until you consider that the smaller Galaxy Note 2 features a 3,100 unit, while the newly announced HTC Butterfly s comes with a 3,200 mAh battery. So, why hasn't Sony put a larger battery on the Xperia Z Ultra? To keep dimensions in check. The device is stupendously thin – 6.5 millimeters, or just 0.34 millimeters thicker than the current record holder, the Ascend P6 from Huawei. For a 6.4-inch device, the Z Ultra is also reasonably lightweight – 212 grams, and, no doubt, a bigger battery would have greatly increased the phone's weight. For comparison, the 7-inch Nexus 7 weighs 340 grams.

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra comes with an 8MP rear camera fitted with an Exmor RS sensor, capable of HDR video, and a 2MP front camera.

In terms of design, Sony used the same principles that made the Xperia Z and the Xperia Tablet Z popular. Just like its smaller namesake, the Xperia Z Ultra features a glass back with a metal frame, accentuated by silver elements, like the now iconic power button. The Xperia Z Ultra is waterproof and dustproof, and is rated IP55 and IP58 on the Ingress Protection scale. Three color options will be made available: white, black, and purple.

The LTE capable Sony Xperia Z Ultra will run Android 4.2 out of the box, with Sony's small apps, and other additions and customizations on top.

Sony hasn't revealed the price or availability of the device, besides stating that the Xperia Z Ultra will become available in the third quarter of the year, which could mean as little as a week, or as long as three months.

The new Xperia™ Z Ultra: The world’s slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display

6.4″ Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate big screen entertainment experience

Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust-resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance

Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen  Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and one-touch connectivity

Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery life

25th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces the next revolution in premium large-screen Android smartphone entertainment. The new Xperia Z Ultra is waterproof**, ultra-slim with a lightweight design so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. It’s the first smartphone ever to incorporate a Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by Sony’s latest X-Reality™ for mobile picture engine to deliver the most immersive viewing experience imaginable. Additionally, the Xperia Z Ultra will also feature the fully integrated Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs, 4GLTE and HD voice to provide a seamless connected entertainment experience, industry-leading battery performance and amazing speed.

“The Xperia Z Ultra is the most exciting revolution in large-screen smartphone entertainment devices with both the slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display* in the world that is second to none.” said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “We’re already bringing the best of Sony technology and design across a range of premium smartphones and tablets, and now we are bringing this same premium offering to the large-screen smartphone segment, setting a new standard for others to follow.” The world’s largest Full HD smartphone display* Xperia Z Ultra features a 6.4″ touchscreen Full HD display with Sony’s unique TRILUMINOS® Display for mobile, creating a wider palette of rich natural colours thanks to Sony’s BRAVIA TV expertise. The breakthrough technology includes X-Reality™ for mobile – Sony’s intelligent super resolution display technology which analyzes each image and reproduces lacking pixels to optimize quality for the sharpest videos. It analyses elements depending on the scene and adjusts them based on pattern, outline and colour composition. It also strengthens subtle patterns and accurately portrays their detailed feel, as well as reinforcing bold outlines. The large Full HD display has been optimised to experience at least 60%*** more of the screen than most other smartphones.

The world’s slimmest Full HD smartphone*

Xperia Z Ultra is supremely slim and lightweight with a beautifully crafted 6.5mm body and weighing just 212 grams for ultimate portability. Sony craftsmanship in design and attention to detail comes to the fore with clean lines and premium materials – the front and back are made of tempered glass, creating a seamless surface with the OptiContrast™ panel housed in an innovative solid metal frame which looks stunning from any angle. It features the same acclaimed OmniBalance design as Xperia Z and Tablet Z. The Xperia Z Ultra is available in a choice of black, white or purple colour finishes.

The only waterproof Full HD smartphone**

Xperia Z Ultra is both elegant and durable. With an impressive rating of IP55 and IP58, this smartphone isn’t only resistant to dust, but is waterproof** too – giving you the freedom to enjoy it anywhere. You can even film in Full HD underwater, taking your large-screen smartphone experience to a new level. The camera features “Exmor RS for mobile”, HDR for both photos and film, and Superior Auto mode automatically activates HDR and noise reduction when needed, so you’ll get stunning imagery even in challenging light conditions.Ultimate entertainment experience The Xperia Z Ultra is uniquely positioned to offer the ultimate big screen phone entertainment experience for watching movies, playing games, reading books and browsing the web.

Sony’s “WALKMAN”, Album and Movies media applications enable discovery of online and offline content through a single access point with new ways to enjoy and share that content.

The “WALKMAN” application leverages Sony’s audio engine and Facebook integration for sharing and discovering new music and is unique in that it provides seamlessly integrated access to all your downloaded music as well as access to a global library of over 20 million songs from Sony’s cloud-based subscription music service, Music Unlimited.

The Movies application brings new intuitive ways to discover, manage and play movie content, together with easy access to an extensive library of blockbuster movies and the latest TV episodes from the Video Unlimited2 service.

The Album application provides seamless integration with the PlayMemories Online2 service, letting you access all your photos and albums from within the Album app instantly and easily, wherever you are. You can even set an automatic upload of your photos to the PlayMemories Online service to access and enjoy from any your favourite Sony devices.

The Sony Reader app2 provides seamless Reader store2 access so you can download and enjoy the latest bestsellers – it even lets you sync purchased books in popular formats and continue reading from same page.

Xperia Z Ultra will include an exclusive free entertainment content offer, including a free trial of the Music Unlimited2 service (subject to availability).

Ultimate performance with the world’s fastest smartphone processor****The Xperia Z Ultra features the world’s fastest smartphone processor**** – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with HD voice, that together with Sony´s audio Sony’s ClearAudio+ mode and Xloud loudness enhancement, delivers not just exceptional speed and performance, but also unsurpassed voice and audio quality.

Battery STAMINA Mode significantly improves the standby time of your smartphone by four times or more1

as it recognises when you’re not using your display and automatically turns off the functions you don’t need, while keeping the notifications you want. As soon as you press the power button to wake up your screen, everything is up and running again.

Built for business

The Xperia Z Ultra is the ideal business partner thanks to the super responsive screen with handwriting recognition which is compatible with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm). You can even write notes or sketches during calls so you’ll always be ready capture your ideas as they happen. The easy-toggle keyboard makes it ideal for one-handed input and multi-tasking, with small apps to help you improve productivity so you don’t lose time browsing between windows.

The robust security architecture safeguards both your corporate and personal data, with support for multiple accounts that are quick and simple to set up.

Further business oriented applications will be made available in future as software updates, ensuring you get the best smartphone experience – whether for work or play.

Ultra connectivity

With one-touch functions you can instantly and easily share music, photos and videos from your smartphone to a wide range of NFC-enabled Sony devices, including speakers, SmartWatch, wireless headsets and TVs. There are several new and innovative accessories joining the range of popular connected devices.

The SBH52 is a dynamic Smart Bluetooth™ Handset that provides easy hands-free call handling with a single press, while leaving your smartphone conveniently in your bag. The OLED display conveniently lets you browse your call log, view text messages, and see who’s calling you. Use it as a quality stereo music headset to listen to your tracks or to the built-in standalone FM radio with RDS.

Pairing and connecting is done simply by touching it to your Xperia Z Ultra or other NFC-enabled device. And it’s sleek, minimal design is splash-proof, meaning you can now use it anywhere, in any weather.

The latest generation of SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 SW2, helps you keep track of everything without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag. The SmartWatch 2 is a truly multifunctional digital watch and phone remote that lets you receive notifications, control your music, and connect with one-touch NFC to your Bluetooth™ headset for easy call handling. The water-resistant design makes it more versatile to use than ever and can be personalised with any standard watch strap. Use it as a standalone watch or with your smartphone. There are over 200 apps available for our first generation and with an open API we expect new applications will be developed quickly and easily for SmartWatch 2.

The Magnetic Charging Dock DK30 has an innovative magnetic pin that lets you to place your Xperia Z Ultra snugly in the dock using one hand, either with or without the phone cover on. While your phone is charging, it stands at a comfortable viewing angle easily allowing you to keep watching your favourite movies even while charging.

Xperia Z Ultra features

6.4″ Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine for the ultimate viewing experience  Ultra slim, waterproof** and dust resistant (IP55/IP58) durable design  Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance

Write and sketch with any pencil and selected stylus or pen (capacitive stylus or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm)  8 megapixel camera with “Exmor RS for mobile” sensor and HDR for videos and photos

Full accessory ecosystem for premium entertainment and connectivity  Battery STAMINA Mode for outstanding battery lifeThe Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally from Q3 2013 (exact timing of availability will vary by market).

    


Sony SmartWatch 2 official: specs, features, release date and pricing

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 02:24 AM PDT

Sony SmartWatch 2

Sony on Tuesday officially unveiled its second-generation smartwatch, the SmartWatch 2, at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai.

Previous rumors did say the company was working on a new smartwatch model, and it looks like Sony delivered. We're looking at a companion gadget for Android devices, one that also happens to be water-resistant.

Specs and features

The new smartwatch from Sony packs a bigger 1.6-inch touchscreen display that offers a higher resolution (220 x 176 pixels) and improved screen brightness.

The SmartWatch 2 is built using "high quality materials" including an aluminum body and stainless steel wristband (which can be swapped with any standard 24mm straps). The device is water-resistant (IP57 certified) and offers NFC and Bluetooth support for pairing with Android smartphones and tablets that run Android 4.0 or higher.

The watch features a user interface "similar to Android UI so it is more intuitive" and works as a standalone wristwatch when a connection to an Android device is not present. However, users will be able to read previously downloaded emails even when the device is offline.

Sony SmartWatch 2

The SmartWatch 2 will come with support for answering calls, reading messages, checking social media updates, taking photos straight from the device, controlling presentations and music playback, adjusting volume and running mapping and fitness apps.

The company says it has "over 200 unique apps" for the SmartWatch that have been downloaded over 1 million times to date. We'll also remind you that Sony is welcoming developers to create new apps for its SmartWatch devices via its Open SmartWatch initiative.

Finally, the SmartWatch 2 is said to offer the "longest battery life for a smartwatch," although actual details are not provided at this time. Engadget has it that the device will get you four days of use of moderate use on a charge.

Release date and pricing

The SmartWatch 2 will be available worldwide starting from September 2013 according to Sony's announcement, but there's no price tag for it yet. The current model costs around $100, depending on where you purchase it from.

Introducing Sony SmartWatch 2 – the world’s first water-resistant smartwatch with NFC connectivity*

A multi-functional message notification device, Android app interface and music remote, all in a sleek and water-resistant design
Combines Sony’s technology and design expertise with one-touch connectivity and premium build quality
Next-generation Sony SmartWatch offers improved performance, intuitive interface and standalone capability
Reaffirms Sony’s leadership in smartwatch and wearable technology segment**
25th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai –

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2, the most advanced smartwatch available*.
Sony SmartWatch 2 is a second screen for your Android smartphone that, as well as enhancing existing phone functionality, offers unique new benefits. Combining form and function in a sleek design, it serves as a multi-functional watch, notifier, Android app interface and phone remote control, all-in-one.

Openness with Android
App expandability is key to Sony SmartWatch 2. It can be personalised with more dedicated apps than any other smartwatch* to seamlessly suit your needs,
whether you are on the go, keeping active, in business meetings or simply at home.
Download a host of SmartWatch apps and experience a range of unique functions – many of which can even be enjoyed without ever needing to reach for your phone:

Handle your calls by a simple touch of your wrist
Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app
Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal
Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist
Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone
Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go
Quickly and easily adjust the tracks and volume on your music player, without ever taking your phone from your pocket
SmartWatch 2 is also both sleek and reassuringly robust thanks to its water and dust resistant design, giving you the freedom to enjoy it on the beach or simply on the go – come rain or shine.

An increasing market in wearable tech
A typical smartphone user reaches for their phone many times a day to read messages, check the time, view and make social media updates, use their favourite apps, take photos, listen to music and play mobile games. SmartWatch 2 addresses this need by offering you a convenient touch screen device so you no longer need to remove your phone from your pocket or bag.

“Sony is the proud leader in the smartwatch market** since introducing our first Bluetooth watch in 2007,” says Stefan K Persson, Head of Companion Products at Sony Mobile Communications.

“Competitors are only now launching first generation devices, while we are already launching a 3rd generation device with all the insight gained from over half a
million customers combined with Sony’s wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartwatch experience.

“The future of wearable devices is incredibly bright with analyst research predicting 41 million ‘smart’ watches will be sold by 2016,” continues Persson. “We have over 200 unique apps dedicated for Sony SmartWatch with over one million downloads to date and we are continuing to work with our strong developer network to deliver ever more compelling smartwatch experiences.”

The best of Sony in a SmartWatch
If you use Android, on either smartphone or tablet, Sony SmartWatch 2 is your ideal smartwatch partner.

It’s easy and convenient to access notifications from your wrist such as messages, calls, email, Facebook™/Twitter™, Calendar, or use it as a remote for your Walkman™ or other digital media player. This wireless accessory is ideal for pairing with large-screen devices, such as the newly announced Xperia™ Z Ultra, in situations which call for discrete usage.

SmartWatch 2 introduces new features as a natural successor to the current Sony SmartWatch such as NFC connectivity for one-touch pairing, stunning premium design and a range of technologies including higher resolution for sharper viewing, better visibility even in sunlight, longer battery stamina, more intuitive interface, standalone watch functionality and a wide range of pre-installed and recommended apps.

When not connected to your phone, SmartWatch 2 works as a standalone digital watch. Read previously received notifications, access the time, set your alarm or even use as a light when searching for your keys.

SmartWatch 2 can also be personalised with any standard 24mm wristband and new Sony watchstraps will soon be available for further expression of your personal style.
Using groundbreaking design, Sony continues to introduce new technologies and has the largest range of NFC accessories available from wireless headsets to portable speakers, TVs, SmartTags and SmartWatch.

Key features for Sony SmartWatch 2

Screen brightness (sunlight readable)
Longest battery life for a smartwatch* (battery level indicator shows low battery warning)
Water-resistant (IP57)
Easy setup (NFC pairing and connecting)
Standalone watch functionality
Standard micro USB cable for charging
User interface similar to Android UI so it is more intuitive
Bigger screen with higher resolution (1.6 inch, 220 x 176 pixels)
High quality materials (aluminium body and stainless steel wristband)
Extended compatibility (works with most Android phones)
Swappable wristbands – personalise with any standard 24mm strap

Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2 will be available worldwide from September 2013.

    


Moto X could launch on August 1, purported “Goodbye Moto” ad campaign seems to suggest

Posted: 25 Jun 2013 01:36 AM PDT

Hello Again concept ad

A new proposed ad campaign for Motorola seems to indicate that the company will go through some sort of big branding changes, with August 1 tipped as a big day for the company.

According to images published on Behance.net by designer B.A. Bäkken and labeled "pitch work for Motorola," the company may be going through a rebranding phase. It's not clear whether Bäkken will indeed be working on the company's next ad campaign, but if that's actually the case, then Motorola may flood billboards and newspapers with "Goodbye Moto" ads, as seen in the following gallery.

Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad Goodbye Moto concept ad

Here's what one of those images reads:

We’re not good at goodbyes. No one is. They’re hard. And sad. But the time has come. After nearly a century of innovation, we must say farewell. Farewell to the first handheld cell phone. To the Razr. To the game snake. Farewell to the Motorola that has shaped today.

It’s time to start building tomorrow. Change is afoot. New faces. New ideas. New technologies. The Motorola that returns will not be the company you once knew. But we have some work to do. So until we’re ready, we’re going away. No new ads or tweets. No site updates. Just silence until we begin the next chapter.

Until we meet again, goodbye Moto.

Various images have a date on them, 8.1.13, which could be the day of Motorola's rebirth – assuming the ad campaign is indeed real. And what better way to relaunch itself than by releasing the already confirmed Moto X smartphone? Some of the images also feature a timer that reads 37 days 13 hours. The concept ads have been published on June 23, which is about 38 days away of August 1. A June 11 date is also present, and very puzzling for that matter.

Then again, August 1 may be just a placeholder date, and we could be reading too much into it. However, previous rumors did say that the Moto X could arrive in August. As for Motorola, the company did say the phone will launch this summer, without providing actual release dates.

The same designer has a second gallery of concept ads that also seem to be "pitch work for Motorola," for what looks like the second phase of the ad campaign, which seems to be called “Hello again.” Both projects are tagged inside Behance.net as “rebrand.”

Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad Hello Again concept ad

While the first ads were dominated by a gloomy black, the new images feature cheerful colors (an indication to potential color options for the Moto X?), and they even show a Motorola Android handset. "Hello again" seems to be the new message, but there are several other tag lines concerning change – you will note that the Motorola logo is very much in the picture:

  • Nothing won't change.
  • What could change? How about everything.

The longest bit of text says on one of the ads says the following:

A word to the billion people the world has never heard from before. Hello.

Is Motorola referring to people that aren't yet connected to the Internet? On stage during I/O 2013, Google did say that it wants to bring more people online and Motorola could definitely be used to help with that, among other things.

We'll note that we're just speculating at this point, as there's nothing official regarding this alleged branding change for Motorola, and the company is yet to announce launch dates for the Moto X.

As for the ads, we would assume that such concept work would remain hidden until being shown to the world for the first time, not displayed online ahead of the start of such a complex ad campaign.

Did Motorola actually call for such concepts from designers, or does Bäkken simply believe that a rebranding campaign is in order for the company? When going through other concept ads in his portfolio on Behance.net, you’ll notice that Bäkken has posted similar “pitch work” or “proposed design” concepts for other companies. On further investigation, you’d find out that Bäkken is a Design Director with Venables Bell & Partners, an ad agency in San Francisco that has plenty of reputable clients including companies like Intel, Amazon, Audi, BMW and many others. However, Motorola isn’t one of them, or at least not yet.

Did Bäkken inadvertently revealed Moto’s upcoming ad plans? We'll just have to wait and see whether any ads carrying the “Goodbye Moto” and “Hello again” messages will start appearing all over the place in the coming weeks/months.

    


Image host Imgur launches official Android app

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 07:44 PM PDT

unnamed (8)

In a move certain to delight cat, GIF, and meme lovers everywhere, image host Imgur took the wraps off its official app for Android today. In beta for several months, the application allows Imgur users – "Imgurians" – to browse, upload, and manage pictures and galleries. The search feature allows for fairly granular sorting, including filters for date, specific photo libraries, and Reddit subreddits. And all the standard social features, like commenting and points, are present.

Despite the improvements, a number of users are unhappy with Imgur's introduction of ads to the service. The decision makes sense from an economic standpoint: according to PC Mag, Imgur mobile usage grew from 7 percent of users in January 2011 to 30 percent this year. Understandably, the company wishes to cash in on its runaway success. Hopefully, Imgur can strike a balance between revenue-producing sponsored spots and good user experience.

    


Stable builds for CyanogenMod 10.1 rolling out to multiple devices

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:54 PM PDT

Cyanogenmod

CyanogenMod 10.1 has finally hit stable build status after first being announced with nightly builds last fall. While on the road to stable, the CM Team has released monthly or milestone builds and as of recent, multiple Release Candidates or RC builds. Starting today, official stable builds of CM10.1, Android 4.2.2, have began hitting their build servers. To see if your device is ready for the stable treatment, head on over to get.cm.

CM10.1.0 Stable

Now that CM10.1 code has been finalized, what does the CM Team have up their sleeves? They plan on returning to their M-release cycle and working on adding a few other juicy tidbits for all you crack-flashers. First up? The all new CM Privacy Guard.

 

    


Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update rolling out in certain markets

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:41 PM PDT

Xperia Z

The Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the Xperia Z is apparently rolling out officially, mostly in European markets.

Xperia Blog says that Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update (firmware version 10.3.A.0.423) is available in Spain and Ukraine for model number C6603 (LTE version) and in Taiwan for model number C6602 (HSPA+ version).

Similarly, "carrier customized versions" are available in Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. We're most likely looking at a gradual update roll out, so if you haven't received yours yet, keep checking until you get it.

For some reason, Sony has not posted details for the update in the software section of its website, with the company listing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (firmware 10.1.1.A.1.253) as the latest available software.

The Android 4.2.2 update has been unofficially available for almost two weeks now, and we have already seen a few videos showing the leaked ROM running on the Xperia Z.

Did you get your Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update yet?

    


Android PC: are devices like the new HP Slate 21 the beginning of a new trend?

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:22 PM PDT

hp slate 21 aio press 1

You have probably heard more than once about how mobile devices are cutting into the traditional PC market. While it's obvious that Android affects the PC world by attracting users away from conventional PCs, that's not the only way that Android is messing with the status quo.

Recently we’ve seen a whole new breed of personal computer in the form of Android hybrid laptops and all-in-one desktop machines. These machines look quite a bit like typical Windows PCs, but instead have both touch mechanics and the power of Android baked in.

So what's going on here, are we at the beginning of a new trend where Android competes directly with Windows, Mac OS and Linux? Maybe.

The bigger question is why is Google's mobile OS finding its way into more "traditional" PC hardware all of a sudden? To answer this, we first need to look at where the PC market is right now with Windows 8, and how this is affecting the future of the traditional PC.

Microsoft's gamble with Windows 8

Microsoft's gamble with Windows 8 was a bold, daring move. Consumers were starting to move away from traditional PCs, and Microsoft felt that bringing mobile features to Windows could prove to be the solution to their problem.

Unfortunately, Microsoft’s strategy hasn’t paid off (at least yet). PC sales continue to slump. People continue to whine about Windows 8, even with Microsoft promising to rectify some of their mistakes with Windows 8.1.

We aren’t going to debate the reasons why Windows 8 isn’t an instant success. What's important is that even if Microsoft turns things around, they have already opened up a door for change.

PC manufacturers understand that consumers are frustrated with PC options on the market right now, either due to dislike of Windows 8 or simply because they feel that current PCs are too expensive. This is why companies are looking for a solution that satisfies their customers and helps pick PC sales back up.

This has lead to at least four different methods of dealing with the "Windows problem":

Chrome OS

While Chrome OS is still a niche product, more manufacturers seem to be expressing interest in Google's net-centric desktop OS. Chrome OS provides an experience that is similar to Windows in many ways, offering multi-tasking and a UI that is at least a little reminiscent of Microsoft's OS.

On the other hand, most consumers aren't all that familiar with it. There are also misconceptions about what Chrome OS can do, with many folks not realizing that the OS is capable of quite a bit more than just being a "web browser".

I speculate that another problem with adoption by more manufacturers could be that putting Android on a device is just easier and less risky. Companies like Asus are already actively working with Android, and so there is nothing new to learn nor really any new hoops to jump through.

I have big hopes for Chrome OS and feel it ultimately could be a big rival to Windows, Linux and Mac OS – but that doesn’t mean that it is a solution for everyone.

Windows start-menu replacements

Companies like Samsung have already come up with their own pre-installed start button replacements and assistants that help make the changes in Windows 8 easier to deal with.

This solution doesn’t work so much for tablet hybrids, but it’s fine for more traditional PCs.

Samsung ATIV Q

Windows & Android: A marriage of convenience

Just last week Samsung announced its Ativ Q hybrid tablet/laptop. While the idea of tablets that transform into a laptop with a dock are nothing new, the Ativ Q is one of a few such devices that manages to combine Windows and Android under one roof.

Windows allows the PC to work as a "true productivity" machine using Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office and other programs. At the same time, being able to quickly switch over to Android solves Microsoft's lack of many of the most popular mobile apps.

On the downside, consumers already complain about Windows having two UIs: the desktop and the new Start Screen. With Windows 8/Android AIOs and convertibles you basically have to deal with three UIs.

A dual Windows/Android machine could be perfect from those that need more “power user” features but still want Android functionality. That said, it is really more of a band-aid solution to the PC market’s slump, not a cure.

Pure Android on the desktop

Going back to the original Transformer, there have been pure Android tablets that transform into laptop alternatives. On the desktop/AIO side of things however, nearly all of these Android devices also feature Windows. Things are about to change, thanks to the HP Slate 21 AIO.

Announced earlier today, HP's unique AIO runs entirely on Android and utilizes an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor.

The device might not hold a candle to an Intel Core-powered All-in-One or have the more traditional desktop programs provided by Windows, but what it does have is an attractive, low-power design that is considerably cheaper than your typical AIO with a target price of just $359.

hp slate 21 aio press 2

Are pure Android PCs the future?

Last Friday our team debated the question of whether or not Android could eventually become a dominant force in the PC world. The opinions on the matter were rather divided.

Personally I think that turning Android into a 'hardcore' PC operating system makes little sense, and really that's more of the place for Chrome OS as it continues to evolve. But as a low-cost basic laptop, desktop or All-in-one platform for those that really have limited needs? Why not.

Some people like the idea of tablets and smartphones but would rather have a big-screen AIO. They also want something simple and affordable. For that purpose, Android-powered devices like the HP Slate 21 AIO could prove to be a huge success. Even if Windows 8 eventually becomes a big success story, not everyone wants or needs what Windows brings to the table – especially when Android OS is free to use for manufacturers, allowing them to keep the pricing down.

A pure Android laptop or desktop machine will never overtake Windows, Linux or Mac for power users, gamers or business users, but it could co-exist with other desktop platforms. This is why I suspect that the Slate 21 is just the beginning for "Android PCs".

Google will probably never directly support or push Android devices (it's future is Chrome OS), but they don’t need to. If there proves to be enough consumer interest, manufacturers will go ahead and build pure Android PCs anyhow. That’s part of the beauty of an open OS.

Are the Slate 21 AIO and other Android computers the beginning of a new trend or are they just another limited niche?

    


Samsung GT-i9505G kernel source released, may be Galaxy S4 Google Edition

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:20 PM PDT

Untitled

An interesting new entry has appeared in Samsung's Open Source Release Center database. Designated as the kernel source for a new device with model number GT-i9505G, it's rumored to be Galaxy S4 Google Edition code. Why, you ask? Well, the smartphone's release date – June 26 – is two days away, and Samsung's Snapdragon edition of the GS4 is the GT-i9505. In addition, the new model number is listed as having received WiFi Alliance certification, and can be now found in the Bluetooth registry.

To add further credence to the rumor, pictures taken with the i9505G have been posted to Picasa recently, potentially (according to a source) by Google employees. While these photos are neigh impossible to verify, they're the strongest evidence yet of a connection between the new model number and the Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

Of course, it's entirely possible this source code is for some other smartphone entirely. The "G" at the end of the model number doesn't necessarily indicate a Google Edition phone; Samsung's released products before with similar naming schemes, like the 9100G. Looks like we might have to wait until June 26 to find out for sure, but until then, let the speculation and anticipation continue!

    


CyanogenMod 10.1.0 stable version released

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:20 PM PDT

CyanogenMod

The CyanogenMod team announced that the stable CyanogenMod 10.1.0 version has been finalized.

In a short blog post, the team said that CM 10.1.0 has moved from Release Candidate phase to general release, with all the devices that got release candidate versions until now being supported by the stable version.

Other devices that did not have their own release candidates will not be supported by CM 10.1.0, and the same goes for Tegra 2-powered devices and "many of the Exynos based Samsung devices." And here's what's "next on deck" for the team:

With the 10.1.0 code finalized, we will return to our M-release cycle and work towards adding additional functionality and features; including the new Privacy Guard feature, which was merged into the nightlies today. There are many new and exciting things planned for the remainder of the year, just wait and see what we will do next!
CyanogenMod Team

The CM 10.1.0 files "will be landing on [the] servers as they complete the build process," the blog says, which means you'll most likely get access to them shortly, as long as your device is supported.

    


UMEOX unveils the X5, new world’s thinnest smartphone

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 02:03 PM PDT

5.6mm-chinese-phone-render

Well, that didn't last long. Mere weeks after Huawei declared the Ascend P6 the world's thinnest smartphone, UMEOX, a China-based smartphone manufacturer, dethroned it with the X5. Leaked nearly a month beforehand but formally unveiled today, the device is both ultrathin and record-breaking: the X5 is only 5.6mm thick. That's more than a half millimeter thinner Huawei's P6, which is pretty amazing considering the P6's 6.18mm thinness, and 1.33mm less thick than Oppo's R809T, another super-thin phone.

UMEOX didn't provide much information about the X5's internals, but did reveal the device is powered by a MediaTek SOC, contains a dual-core CPU, and features a 4-inch LCD panel. UMEOX said it plans to launch the phone in French markets beginning this summer, but mum's the word when, exactly.

    


Samsung and SGL Group enter carbon fiber venture, bye bye plastic Galaxies?

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 01:52 PM PDT

Samsung Logo

Samsung and Germany-based SGL Group ("The Carbon Company") on Thursday announced a "strategic partnership for carbon fiber composite materials," with each company having a 50% stake in the new venture.

Samsung will apparently get a "stable long-term supply of carbon fiber materials" which will be used to build various products including "consumer electronics, medical services and engineering applications." The press release specifically mentions some future products including wind blades, pressure vessels, automotive and household appliances alongside the generic "electronic products."

As you can see, smartphones and tablets aren't exactly part of the announcement, but we would assume such devices are included. Both Juergen Koehler, member of the Board of Management of SGL Group, and Yoosung Chung, President & CEO of Samsung Petrochemical, mentioned carbon fiber materials as options for the "digital media" markets. Is that exec code for mobile devices?

Samsung has been criticized more than once for the plastic used in various Galaxy smartphones and tablets, including the latest Galaxy S4 flagship smartphone. By choosing plastic, the company is able to produce a lot of devices in a timely manner and launch them almost at the same time in various markets – even so, the Galaxy S4 launch was delayed by insufficient stock – but not all buyers are happy with this particular design choice.

HTC One

HTC One

Some reports have suggested that Samsung may have been somewhat worried by flagships from competitors – particularly the aluminum unibody HTC One – and had considering replacing plastic with metal in future devices. However, those rumors have not been confirmed. The upcoming Galaxy Note 3 is not going to have a metal case, if most reports are to be believed.

Samsung has proven that it can make metal-based devices – such as the Galaxy S4 Active that was just unveiled and launched in some markets – but its future may be tied to carbon fiber considering this new partnership.

Recent reports have also revealed that Galaxy S4 demand is lower than initially estimated – either because devices like the HTC One and the Xperia Z are putting up a great fight in stores (with design potentially being one of the reasons buyers choose one of these devices) or because the initial estimates were wrong to begin with. Samsung is not worried about such reports according to recent official statements, saying that the Galaxy S4 is selling very well – and it's probably safe to say that it's selling a lot better than other Android devices out there.

That said, we can't but wonder whether the partnership between Samsung and the SGL Group has anything to do with the recent advancements in mobile design, and the company’s (and our) need for better built devices. Whatever the reason for this partnership is, in case Samsung will indeed replace plastic with carbon fiber in the following years, at least for flagship devices, Galaxy device buyers will certainly be happy.

    


Reuters: Xbox and PC games coming to Android, iOS devices via Microsoft

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:57 PM PDT

Xbox Logo

A new Reuters report reveals that Microsoft may be interested in bringing Xbox and PC titles to Android and iOS devices by the end of the year, although the article isn't revealing that many details.

According to Nikkei, Microsoft will partner up with Japanese smartphone game maker Klab to launch Xbox- and Microsoft-based games on Android handsets and the iPhone. Obviously, we would assume that these games will be compatible with tablets as well.

The "old" "Age of the Empires" – actual name of the series is Age of Empires we'll note – is apparently going to be one of the games that will hit the Play Store and App Store as a free-to-play title by the end of fiscal year 2013. Other titles will follow, but were not named at this time.

Considering that smartphones – and tablets for that matter – are becoming more powerful gaming devices, and considering that Android and iOS are kings of market share and profits, respectively, it would make some sense to see Microsoft bring more app to these platforms.

After all, Microsoft is already making quite a lot of cash from Android OEMs via various licensing deals it has secured. Moreover, the company has various Android and iOS apps in place, and has brought its Office suite – albeit a limited version – to iPhone, with Android also supposed to get it in the future.

Moreover, the company has Xbox-related apps in the two app stores, including the Xbox SmartGlass app. The company has recently announced a new console, the Xbox One, which will hit stores later this year, and it may be interested in connecting more smart devices to its Xbox environment in the months and years to come.

Since Microsoft is yet to make any Android and iOS gaming-related plans official, we can only speculate on why the company's future moves – Reuters' report isn't that revealing either – so make sure you take everything with a grain of salt.

What Xbox and/or PC titles would you like to play on your smartphone?

    


Gartner: Android to ship a billion devices in 2014

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:28 PM PDT

Best-7-inch-Android-tablets

It's hard to believe that a half-decade ago Android was a barely heard of blip on the mobile OS radar. Fast forwarding to 2012 and more than a half-billion devices shipped running on Google's OS. Think that's impressive? If Gartner's latest projections prove correct, 2014 could be the year that Android ships a billion devices.

Gartner also believes that PC shipments will continue to trend downward, suggesting a 10.6 percent year-on-year decline. Meanwhile phones will continue to grow at a somewhat modest 4.3 percent, with tablets leaping towards a massive 67.9 percent increase.

gartner-os

"Consumers want anytime-anywhere computing that allows them to consume and create content with ease, but also share and access that content from a different portfolio of products. Mobility is paramount in both mature and emerging markets."

Honestly we can't say we are too surprised at these projections. Although the PC market might not be dying, more folks are moving towards low-cost mobile devices as an alternative to traditional computers. Additionally people who do use desktops and laptops are finding out that they don't need to upgrade more than once every 3-6 years.

It is interesting (though again not terribly surprising) to note that Gartner predicts that the types of desktop/laptop devices consumers purchase will also continue to shift as more folks turn towards ultra-mobiles such as Macbooks, Ultrabooks and Chromebooks.

devices-gartner

While nothing in Gartner's forecast is exactly shocking, remember that these are just predictions and the market can change quickly. After all, Android's success in such a short amount of time is testament to how rapidly the world of tech can evolve.

New technologies like Google Glass and other wearables could certainly affect these projections down the road. So could competing platforms like Tizen, iOS and Windows. We are also seeing more Android desktops and laptops which could also have a major effect on the future of the traditional PC market.

No matter what happens one thing we do know is that Android's future is certainly bright, whether it continues on tablets, smartphones, PCs or even wearable devices.

What do you think of Gartner's latest projections for next year, will they prove to be spot on?

 

    


Huawei CEO: the “Galaxy S4 is just a so-so smartphone”, we will be third by 2015

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:09 PM PDT

huawei logo [aa] (1)

Hot on the heels of the newly announced high-end Huawei Ascend P6 smartphone, Huawei's CEO has outlined the company's plans for the future, which turn out to be quite optimistic.The company’s CEO Richard Yu has revealed his intent to make Huawei the third largest mobile manufacturer in the world by 2015. A bold statement perhaps, but this comes from a company which recently fantasied about acquiring Nokia, so it's not totally out of character.

Yu stated that the company would make its way into third by focusing on quality and innovation. The aim being to produce smartphones which are better than those of Samsung and Apple, whilst selling them at a lower price point. That certainly sounds like a great idea for them and for consumers, but we'll have to wait and see how well that plan plays out.

But Richard Yu didn't just talk about Hauwei's future, he also shared some of his thoughts about Samsung and Apple. In fact, the company's CEO was keen to rile up all of the current big players; calling Samsung out for producing plastic handsets which it pushes on consumers using a huge advertising budget, stating that Apple is loosing its grip on the smartphone industry, and even calling Google's Android operating system too complicated for consumers. Cheeky stuff, but does Richard Yu have a fair point?

The best smartphone in the past was from Nokia, then from Apple, then from Samsung. And who is number one? The industry is so dynamic – no matter how successful you are, if you're currently number one, doesn't mean tomorrow you'll be number one.

Samsung, they have such huge money – if you invest in marketing and branding then people will always buy no matter how good the products are. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is just a so-so smartphone...

In its latest update, Apple makes the phone extremely simple to use. But if we are just learning from them we can't catch up, because they are now slipping. We want to go higher than them...

We have a good relationship with Google. We want Android to be more user friendly, so we have made a lot of enhancements. Google is good for an engineer but it's not good for the consumer. It's a little bit too complicated.

Those sound like some strong words coming from a much smaller company, and it's a pretty bold challenge the industry’s big players, especially if you're reading this in the West where Huawei isn't exactly a household name. But the company has actually been doing quite well recently and third place isn't out of reach.

Take a look back at some of the global smartphone figures, put together by Strategy Analytics and IDC, earlier in the year and you can see that Huawei is already sitting comfortably in fourth place, right behind its rival LG.

market share table q1 2013

The important point to note from this data is that Huawei has already surpassed big names like HTC, Nokia, and Sony recently, as the company is doing very well in the Chinese high-end smartphone market. The company managed to push itself into second place last quarter, selling 8.1 million smartphones in China. However this is a highly competitive market, with LG and ZTE competing fiercely for the spots behind the industries leaders, Samsung and Apple.

So whilst third place may be attainable, maintaining it will be a more difficult task. You can be sure that Huawei isn't the only ambitious company eyeing that third place spot, and there are a lot of strong products already on the market from HTC, Sony, and other companies which are all equally poised to capitalize on any lull in Apple or Samsung's dominance.

What do you make of Richard Yu's comments; unfounded overconfidence, or a piece of justified optimism?

    


Latest CyanogenMod 10.1 Sony Xperia build introduces new camera features

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 11:19 AM PDT

htc one vs sony xperia z z price aa

Many manufacturers seem to be moving away from openly cooperating with the dev community, but Sony has taken an opposite approach as of late.

Not only has Sony worked to make its devices more mod-friendly, they have also collaborated directly with those in the Android modding world, and even released AOSP code for its newer devices like the Xperia Z and Tablet Z.

In yet another move in the right direction, Sony is now working with the CyanogenMod team, bringing special camera features over to CM 10.1 for users of newer Xperia devices such as the T, V, Z, ZL and Tablet Z.

The first build to support the new camera features has already arrived, dubbed FXP 225. Here's the full changelog of what to expect with the latest build:

  • Improved Camera (T,TX,V,Z,ZL, Tab Z LTE and Wifi):
    *HDR (only picture)
    *ISO modes
    *Scene modes
    *Sony’s image/video stablization
  • Fix network options (Tab Z Wifi)
  • Fix Vol keys for recovery (ZL, Tab Z Wifi)
  • Minor audio Fix (Z,ZL)
  • latest cm 10.1

In addition to what's already mentioned, the CM team also plans to bring shutter speed and HDR video functionality sometime in the near future.

Sony hasn’t always been the most beloved player in the Android game and is far from perfect, but their recent combination of great devices and positive attitude towards the modding community has certainly gone a long ways towards mending the company’s rep.

To download the latest CM10.1 build for your Xperia device, head over to the official FXP website.

    


Nobody wants to make another Facebook phone. Who can blame them?

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 11:13 AM PDT

htc-first-front-2

Interested in making the new Facebook phone? If you said "no way", you're not alone. It seems as though nobody wants to get on board with Facebook, as their search for a manufacturer has left them wanting. Lenovo, ZTE, Huawei, Sony–even Samsung–have rebuffed the idea of making another Facebook phone.

If you're wondering why anyone would turn down what amounts to work, you're right to do so. Then again, it makes sense when considering HTC and their First, which was the first Facebook Home phone. That device, which came with the much maligned Facebook skin baked right in, was a disaster. It was a middle of the road design with unfortunate hardware, and fell flat with consumers.

On the heels of their delightful One, the First was a misstep for HTC.

Facebook Home also fell on its face. Initial feedback was terrible, and that's not changed with time. Back in April, we told you all about the backlash, and noted a Play Store rating of 2.2 at the time of print. Today, that rating is only 2.4, but has nearly double the reviews.

The real surprise may be Samsung, who is deftly controlling the Android market. With an offering at just about every level and size, they've no reason to turn Facebook down. Samsung, when compared to the other manufacturers listed, can hit and miss as they please. Samsung also has the ability to make a device with respectable specs, but still keep the price lower than many others. The Korean conglomerate controls every aspect of the manufacturing and design process, putting them in a unique position to succeed at just about every juncture.

Facebook-Phone

The other manufacturers are not so fortunate. None of them control the process so thoroughly, and probably rely on Samsung for some of their hardware. While they are responsible for the manufacturing and process by which the devices are built, more often than not the parts are made by someone else. This makes the manufacturing process less profitable, and leaves less room for errors in judgement. A lack of focus could lead to a loss of profit, a position none are willing to be in.

It's hard to believe that over one billion people use Facebook, yet nobody wants a device that ties into it so closely.

Those manufacturers–save for Samsung, of course–are in the process of building their brand. Whether that be a reintroduction into the market (like Sony), or the shaky legs of a Huawei, the decision making process moving forward is crucial. Sony has a very impressive Xperia lineup, and their rumored Honami device may be groundbreaking. Huawei is making waves with the Ascend Mate, and even Lenovo has a high-end Android device in the works.

It's reasonable to believe those companies also picked up on what HTC went through. On the heels of their delightful One, the First was a misstep for HTC. While the aim of the phone was clearly Facebook Home, HTC still came under fire for providing the hardware. Even as Home was lamented, HTC did not escape scrutiny for their part in that debacle.

Those companies who are reticent to make a Facebook phone are wise to do so, if Facebook wants to continue the path they're on. Unless those devices are going to be Nexus experience devices, each manufacturer will have their own user interface to worry about. Facebook Home is a proven failure, so there is no reason to get involved. For those without a proven interface, having no name is better than having the Facebook label.

Facebook has tried and failed several times to have devices made for their service. It's hard to believe that over one billion people use Facebook, yet nobody wants a device that ties into it so closely. Zuckerberg's crew may have had high hopes for Home, but it could end being the final nail in their mobile device coffin.

    


Facebook is said to have a “Flipboard style” reader in the works

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 09:41 AM PDT

mark-zuckerberg-facebook Credit: Mashable

As the drop-dead date for Google Reader draws near, the discussion on what replacements to use is heating back up. There are plenty of good utilities out there, but none as sublime as Reader. Many users will simply turn to Twitter, or news cobbling services like Google Currents or Flipboard.

If Facebook has their way, you'll turn to them. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Facebook is working on a "Flipboard style" news reader. This service will cobble together content from publishers, as well as Facebook users, into a magazine style format. It's also said to be geared toward mobile devices, and called–you guessed it–Reader.

The project is still being tested internally at Facebook, according to "sources close to the matter". The real question may be whether or not you're willing to trust Facebook with knowing any more about you, even stories you're interested in reading. This is clearly a way to promote advertising, but with Facebook constantly compromising users' data and personal information, why trust another service of theirs?

The space soon vacated by Reader has many interested in filling it. Facebook is keen on being your day-to-day news stop, having recently re-designed their news feed. That design, which looks eerily like Google+, is Facebook's grand gesture at being "the best personalized newspaper in the world", according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Reader is leaving us soon, but there are so many other news aggregate apps and utilities out there which are robust enough to make us feel as though Reader simply got a facelift, rather than went away. As Facebook Home suggests, the company has good ideas, but others do it better.

    


The Best MP3 Downloading apps for Android! (video)

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 09:38 AM PDT

best music mp3 apps for android

Streaming music is all the rage these days, but believe it or not, there’s still some people out there who like keeping a stash of music loaded on their devices for offline use. With that said, we’re going to show you some of the best MP3 downloading apps for Android!

If you’re in a rush, jump straight to the video, otherwise, stick with us as we look through some of these awesome apps.


Download Free Music Mp3 App

Download_Music_MP3_App_screenies

First up on our list is an app that is unimaginatively named Download Free Music Mp3 App. This particular app only performs two tasks, and you can probably easily guess what they are. It plays and downloads music. While it’s recommended for downloading your music, we highly recommend something else to play it with. Aside from the obnoxious ads, it does exactly what it says it does.

Get it on Google Play


MP3 Music Download Ocean

MP3 Music Download Ocean screenies

Next up on our list is Mp3 Music Download Ocean. This app, like all the others on our list, downloads music and doubles as a music player, though the music player is kind of weak. However, the more important part, is that this particular app was able to find pretty much everything we threw at it. It also lets you see your entire music library.

The app as whole is very laggy, which slows down searching and playing music quite a bit. If you can get past that, it’s not a terrible app to use. You can preview tracks before downloading, and downloads can be viewed separately from your library. All in all, it’s really not a bad app.

Get it on Google Play


MP3 Music Search Download Pro

MP3_Music_Download_Search_Pro_screenies

Aside from searching for and downloading Mp3 files, this particular app offers a very unique selection of music that you just don’t find on the others. For example, when searching for Daft Punk, we were able to check out their entire Coachella set.

When using this app, you’ll notice that there’s only one screen. There’s no added music player, no file browsing, and there’s not even a settings menu. Just the search option. If you’re looking for simplicity, this app is perfect for just that.

Get it on Google Play


Music Download

Music_Download_screenies

There’s a lot of unimaginatively named apps on this list, and the same goes for Music Download. Don’t discount it yet, because it certainly is flashier than the others. Upon opening the app, you’ll notice a really slick interface. Unfortunately, the only two options that actually do anything is the search and the music player. While it’s interface is really well put together, the music player is pretty bland, so we don’t recommend using it to play all of your music.

The search works just as you would expect, however, the latest music cannot be found with this app. If you’re into older tracks though, you can find a lot of stuff like Beethoven. Like a few of these apps, the ads are pretty obnoxious, but the app itself works well.

Get it on Google Play


Music Download Paradise

Music_Download_Paradise_Pro_screenies

Of all the apps on this list, Music Download Paradise is definitely the best looking. Unfortunately, this is also the app that we had the most trouble with. Both downloading and streaming music can take a few extra minutes, and maybe longer depending on your signal. However, if it seems like it’s not working, let it go for a few minutes and it usually works itself out.

With the bad stuff out of the way, the music selection is pretty good, and the ads aren’t that bad at all. All in all, if you’re looking for a well designed app, and something that isn’t so intrusive, Music Download Paradise is a great choice. Beware though, it does add an icon and a bookmark on your home screen that you’ll have to go delete.

Get it on Google Play


Video

Wrap up

Leaderboard_MP3_ARTICLE

If you take a look at our leaderboard (image above) you can see how these apps stack up against each other. These ratings are based on how you, the people, rated them on the Google Play Store, and as always, there isn’t any bias on our part.

It’s important to keep in mind that there are a lot of excellent MP3 stores and streaming services that let you download music. Google Play Music, Spotify, Amazon Mp3, and even music purchased from iTunes will work great on Android. Of course, those services tend to be the apps that everyone goes too for their music needs, so we thought we’d mix it up a bit by showing you something a little different.

On the other hand, it’s unfortunate that a lot of these apps are lacking quality music players and a nice, clean UI, too. Nonetheless, if you have a favorite MP3 downloading app, be sure to tell us about it in the comments!

    


Huawei launches the calls-capable MediaPad 7 Vogue

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 08:28 AM PDT

huawei logo [aa] (2)

Now I know we've seen a lot of these in the past year, but this budget tablet might have a few tricks up its sleeves. The 7-inch 1024×600 display is nothing to write home about, but it is of the IPS variant so that should ensure wide viewing angles. The MediaPad 7 Vogue has an aluminum unibody design coming in black and white colors, tipping the scales at 335 grams and is 9.5mm thick.

An aluminum unibody design should ensure a premium feel on an otherwise budget tablet.

Underneath that metal is Huawei's own quad-core K3V2 Cortex-A9 processor, clocked at 1.2Ghz. This the same processor as the one found in the Ascend Mate which we reviewed a week ago, and we found the performance of the processor to be decent, however the Ascend Mate's chipset was clocked at a higher 1.5Ghz.

The MediaPad 7 Vogue also comes with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot for an additional 32GB worth of space. There's a 3-megapixel camera on the back, and a 0.3-megapixel camera on the front.

huawei3

On the software side of things the tablet is running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, with Huawei’s Emotion UI on top. Keeping the device running is a decent 4100mah battery, which Huawei says is good for 4 consecutive HD movies, or 20 hours of continuous calling.

That's right guys and gals, this is another 7-inch tablet capable of making calls (just like the Asus Fonepad), meaning the MediaPad 7 Vogue has a Wi-Fi and 3G variant. The 3G variant supports DC-HSPA+, allowing the tablet to reach download speeds of up to 42Mbps.

No prices have been listed just yet, but the MediaPad 7 Vogue will be available in China this month, with other markets to follow soon after.

Are you interested in this budget tablet? Or is the Nexus 7 still the go to 7-inch tablet?

    


White Xperia Z Ultra leaks in all its glory ahead of tomorrow’s launch

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 07:51 AM PDT

Sony Xperia ZU Ultra leak

Sony did an awful job keeping the Xperia Z Ultra (ZU) secret – we've learned most of its specs and features already, and we've also seen it in several leaked images.

We know that the Xperia Z Ultra will be powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor, which all but guarantees smooth performance, and that the massive 6.44-inch Full HD display will feature Sony's in-house developed Triluminous and X-Reality Engine technologies.

Now we got the clearest images of the Xperia Z Ultra, courtesy of Chinese site ePrice. The images, which seem authentic to us, show the Xperia Z Ultra used with an actual pencil, in line with earlier speculation that the users won't need a digitizer to write on the display, like the S Pen that comes with the Note 2.

Sony Xperia ZU Ultra leak 2

The two other images show us the front and rear of the white version of the device, and what appear to be some metallic accents. It was rumored that the Xperia ZU would come with a magnesium alloy chassis, but it's hard to tell from these pictures.

Sony Xperia ZU Ultra leak 3 (1) Sony Xperia ZU Ultra leak 3 (2)

We'll learn everything there is to know about the new Sony Xperia Z Ultra, as well as the new Sony SmartWatch, the Xperia C, and a new version of the Xperia SP, in less than 24 hours.

    


Galaxy Tab 3 family to sell in the United States starting July 7, pre-order tomorrow

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 07:16 AM PDT

samsung galaxy tab 3 10.1 white

Launched at the beginning of the month, the new Galaxy Tab 3 series will become available in stores in the US on July 7, Samsung announced today. Potential customers will be able to pre-order the devices starting tomorrow.

The series comprises of three devices, including a new size option: Tab 3 7.0, Tab 3 8.0, and Tab 3 10.1. All the configurations listed below are WiFi only.

The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 will cost 199$ when it becomes available in July, with customers set to get in exchange for their money a 7-inch 1024 x 728 TFT display, a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2Ghz, and 8GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). Software-wise, Samsung opted to install Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0, with the usual bevy of additions and customizations.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0

The Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 is Samsung's answer to the successful iPad Mini. With an 8-inch display of 1280 x 800 resolution, a dual-core processor running at 1.5GHz, and 1.5GB or RAM, this device looks like an excellent alternative to Apple's tablet, especially considering that it's slightly cheaper, at $299. The Android version was bumped at 4.2 for this model, and the internal storage capacity is also double that of the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0. Do not mistake this model for the S Pen-carrying Galaxy Note 8, which will come in its LTE variant as an AT&T exclusive.

samsung galaxy tab 3 8 brown

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0

Finally the biggest member of the family is the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1. Obviously featuring a 10.1 inch display of the same resolution as the Tab 3 8.0 (1280 x 800), the Tab 3 10.1 stands out from a sea of Android tablets through its "engine" – an Intel Z2560 processor, a beefy Clover Trail+ design. Samsung and Intel are said to be tightening their collaboration, with the Korean giant eager to diversify its stable of processors, in a bid to reduce reliance on chips from Qualcomm or from the in-house Exynos operation.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1

Getting back to the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, this model only features 1GB of RAM for some reason, but it makes it up with an IR blaster for controlling TV sets and other devices. The device will sell for $399.

As leaked a while ago, the Galaxy Tab 3 line will feature a rather good looking gold-brown color option, along the classic white.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Portfolio Offers Consumers New Variety and Personalized Experiences for Staying Connected

As consumer tablet usage swells, new consumer research shows demand for more choice and Samsung’s new 7″, 8″, and 10.1″ tablets deliver
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – June 24, 2013 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today debuted three new tablets as part of the Galaxy Tab 3 family, allowing consumers to choose which tablet suits them best. The 7 inch, 8 inch and 10.1 inch Galaxy tablets offer a range of screen sizes and a suite of experiences built for a broader set of individual and family preferences, making this lineup of tablets ideal for both home and on-the-go uses. The Wi-Fi-enabled Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio will be available in three form factors: Galaxy Tab 3 7.0, Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 and Galaxy Tab 3 10.1., and will be available in the U.S. beginning July 7, with pre-orders starting tomorrow.

“Samsung’s industry-leading smartphones, Note devices and tablets address consumers’ diverse demands and personal preferences,” said Nanda Ramachandran, vice president of emerging business at Samsung Telecommunications America. “The Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio offers consumers more options for tablets that serve as their ultimate smartphone companion, the center of home and on-the-go use, and mobile devices packed with content and services.”

New consumer data* from Forrester Research validates that tablets are quickly becoming a central mobile device for consumers. Specifically, 49 percent of U.S. consumers who own both a mobile phone and tablet prefer the tablet as their primary device to go online. Data from the same Forrester survey further indicates that across 25 types of tablet applications there is no single dominant use of tablets by users. The typical user is more well-defined by their lack of uniformity as evidenced by the fact that they engage in a widely varied mix of five to six different application types in a given month. Only games top the 50 percent threshold for all tablet users – so it is obvious that each consumer is looking for a customized device that fits their personal needs on functionality in addition to size, price, power and connectivity. Whether reading an e-book, engaging on social networks, or allowing the kids to play games, the Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio has something for everyone.
“In addition to providing consumers greater variety in terms of size, form factor, price points and experiences, the Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio will be widely available for purchase from a multitude of retail channels further reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to delivering personal choice to all,” said Travis Merrill, vice president of tablet marketing at Samsung Electronics America.

Familiar Galaxy Experience

The Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio blends the familiar Galaxy family feel in sleek and slim designs with compelling content and services that consumers will want to use in their everyday lives. Created to be the perfect companion to the Galaxy line of smartphones, the Galaxy Tab 3 devices give consumers a seamless transition of content and services between their various Galaxy products. Similar to the Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy smartphones, physical home and capacitive buttons are included.

Home Entertainment Hub

The Galaxy Tab 3 has various form factors and light-weight builds, which quickly and easily transition into the center of the home. Research shows that 85% of tablet users watch TV while using their tablet, with 41% of them doing this daily.** For this consumer, each Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio device’s built-in IR blaster turns the tablets into a universal remote and can activate Samsung’s innovative WatchONTM service. This service recommends TV shows and on-demand content, enabling the tablets to function as the hub of the living room and king of second screen consumption.

Packed with Content

This newest portfolio also makes discovering, accessing and sharing new content, including over 750,000 apps, from the Google Play and Samsung Apps stores even simpler. The Galaxy Tab 3 makes it convenient to stay connected on-the-go, balancing any number of tasks, such as emailing, managing your schedule, social networking, online shopping, reading, playing games and streaming content.
In addition, each of the devices in the Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio will come with a bevy of content value through pre-loaded content and Galaxy Perks available at www.samsung.com/us/galaxyperks. Specifically, hundreds of dollars’ worth of content, including a $10 voucher for the purchase of applications, books, movies and music in Google Play; one year of free Boingo hotspot service; three months free Hulu Plus service; two years free DropBox Service with 50GB storage space; and more.

The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is aimed at consumers who are in the market to purchase a portable tablet with all the features and reliability they need to stay connected throughout their daily activities. Built for portability, the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 allows users to consume and manage content on-the-go. It is compact enough to easily slide into handbags or a jacket pocket so that consumers on-the-go will appreciate its compact size and lightweight design.

The premium Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 product is thin, lightweight, feature-packed and powerful, making it the ideal portable tablet for on-the-go performance. With Samsung’s built-in Reading Mode, the Tab 3 8.0 is the perfect e-reader-sized tablet.
New for the Galaxy Tab family of devices is Samsung’s Multi-Window functionality. Following the popularity of the feature on Note devices, Multi-Window comes to the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. Offering true PC- like multi-tasking, consumers can use two apps side-by-side, with support up to 20 applications, including Polaris Office, Google Chrome and Facebook.
The Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 offers a larger HD screen optimized for entertainment – watching movies and playing games. With Samsung’s WatchON TV recommendation service, built-in IR blaster and 10.1-inch screen, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 is the new hub of the living room. As a second screen companion and perfect tablet for viewing content and watching movies, the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 transforms the ultimate content-consumption device.

The latest Galaxy Tab family is also SAFETM (Samsung for Enterprise), allowing users to work and play with confidence that their photos, emails and contacts are protected. The portfolio also includes expandable memory up to 64GB through a microSD card.
This newest family comes in two color options – White and a unique Gold Brown. The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0, 8.0 and 10.1 will be available for purchase from major retailers nationwide on July 7 with pre-sales beginning June 25 at Best Buy/Best Buy Mobile, Amazon, Wal-Mart, h.h. Gregg, Office Depot, Toys ‘R’ Us, P.C. Richard & Son, Fry’s, Newegg, Sears and Samsung.com. The Galaxy Tab 3 portfolio will be priced at $199, $299 and $399, respectively.

    


S4, S3, and Note 2 owners: Jay Z Magna Carta app available in Play Store, get it now

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:55 AM PDT

jay z magna carta holy grail samsung galaxy

HTC might have signed up Iron Man, but Samsung isn't looking too worried with Jigga Man on its side.

Rap mogul Shawn Carter, alias Jay-Z, has reportedly signed a $5 million deal with the Korean giant to make his new album available to users of Samsung's flagship devices ahead of its commercial launch.

Titled Magna Carta Holy Grail, the album will launch worldwide on July 7, but Samsung users will be able to get it early using the app called Jay Z Magna Carta, which was just released on the Play Store.

According to the terms and conditions of the promotion, the app can be downloaded on the following devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: SGH-I337, SCH-I545, SPH-L720, SGH-M919, SCH-R970, SCH-R970C; SHV-E300K; SHV-E300L; SHV-E300S; SGH-N045; GT-I9500 (International); and GT-I9505 (International – LTE).
  • Samsung Galaxy S3: SGH-I747, SCH-I535, SPH-L710, SGH-T999, SCH-R530, SCH-L710, SCH-R530M, SCH-S960L; SHV-E210K; SHV-E210L; SHV-E210S; SGH-N064; SGH-N035; SCH-J021; BGT-I9300 (International); GT-I9300 (International); and GT-I9305 (International – LTE).
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II: SGH-I317, SCH-I605, SPH-L900, SGH-T889, SCH-R950; SHV-E250K; SHV-E250L; SHV-E250S; SGH-N025; GT-N7100 (International); and GT-N7105 (International – LTE).

The offer is, unfortunately, limited to users in specific markets. These are:

  • United States
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • Germany
  • France
  • South Africa
  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom

If you're interested in downloading or streaming Jay Z's new album for free, head over to the Play Store to download the app. According to its description, the first million users to download and log in the app will get the album on July 4, three days ahead of the rest of the world.

Any Jay Z fans here?

    


Rumor: LG G2 to launch in July in Korea, ahead of August 7 media event

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:35 AM PDT

LG Logo

The LG Optimus G’s successor, which is rumored to be called simply LG G2, is now said to launch in July in the company's home country, and later in other markets.

The company has already issued press invites for an August 7 media event taking place in New York, supposedly to unveil the LG G2, but the handset will reportedly arrive earlier in South Korea.

A few days ago, LG announced that the successor to the Optimus G – the company did not refer to the device as the G2 in the press release – will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, just as previously rumored.

However, other specs and features have not been revealed. A different rumor did say that the G2 will feature a new design, with buttons placed on the back of the handset. Slim bezels and, therefore, an edge-to-edge display are also to be expected, although nothing is official yet.

In addition to saying that the handset will be announced in July in South Korea, DDaily also says that the handset will come with LTE-Advanced support, another expected feature for the device. A Samsung Galaxy S4 version also packing a Snapdragon 800 CPU and LTE-Advanced capabilities is also supposed to hit the same market soon.

Comparatively, the first Optimus G model was announced in mid-September 2012, launching in various countries in the months that followed. The handset is of particular importance considering that it's an almost identical version of the fourth-generation Nexus smartphone.

Obviously, we're very curious to see whether an LG Nexus 5 similar to the LG G2 would be launched later this year, especially considering the recent Nexus-related reports surrounding the company.

    


Rumor: Sony’s upcoming SmartWatch will be “minimally water-resistant”

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:17 AM PDT

Sony logo aa (1) - 600px

According to Cnet, the next-generation SmartWatch will bring a larger screen than the current version, which has a 1.3-inch OLED display, and NFC for one-touch pairing with smartphones.

Like its predecessor, it'll be running a version of Android, and will feature a capacitive touchscreen. According to Cnet, it will also be minimally water-resistant (50 points to whoever can tell us what “minimally” means in this scenario). The successor to the Sony SmartWatch is expected to be announced at this week's Mobile Asia Expo 2013 trade show in Beijing.

Wearable technology has been in the headlines ever since Google unveiled Google Glass, and with a Google smartwatch also in the works, Sony would like to get its own smart watch onto the market quickly. Remember nothing is official until Sony actually releases the new SmartWatch, and until then we advise you to take this rumor with a grain of salt.

Do you believe smart watches will go mainstream in 2013? Will you buy the next-gen Sony SmartWatch?

    


Sony’s lineup for tomorrow: new Xperia C, Xperia SP variant, plus Xperia ZU and SmartWatch

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 04:48 AM PDT

sony logo [aa] (1)

Sony will be hosting dual events tomorrow in Shanghai, China and Munich, Germany, and it looks that all the inter-continental fuss will be worth the wait.

The Japanese manufacturer is rumored to show four new products, including the exciting and thoroughly leaked Xperia ZU (Ultra) 6.44-inch competitor to the Note 2, and a new generation of the Sony SmartWatch.

Besides these two stars of the show, a couple of other phones destined for the Chinese market will also be making an appearance – Xperia C and a TD-LTE version of the Xperia SP.

Sony Xperia C

Sony enthusiast site Xperia Blog published a report citing a "trusted source" that spills the beans on the new Sony Xperia C, previously known under the codename CN3.

The dual-SIM Xperia C is said to feature a 5-inch LCD display of 540 x 960 resolution, a MediaTek quad-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The 8.88mm thick Xperia C's specs sheet will be completed by an 8MP rear camera with a Sony Exmor R sensor. Software-wise we're looking at an Android 4.2.2 installation, with Sony's usual addition and customizations.

If the report is accurate, the Xperia C will launch in China and other markets, though from the looks of it, this budget device will not make it to the Western markets.

TD-LTE Xperia SP

Sony is also said to announce a TD-LTE version of the mid-range Xperia SP, destined for China Mobile. The Xperia SP is sold as a "premium" smartphone with an affordable price tag, and, when we reviewed it, we were quite impressed with its build quality.

Stay tuned for more info.

    


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