Android Authority |
- Rumor: Moto X phone to offer “pure Android” experience, “fast” upgrades and Clear Pixel camera
- HTC One mini listing shows up on GFXBench web site, confirms long-rumored specs
- Weekly News Roundup #10 – India
- Android 4.3-running HTC One Google Play edition spotted at the Bluetooth SIG
- Purported Moto X shown in new images; phone reportedly not coming on July 10-11
- White Motorola Droid Ultra alleged photo shows up
- AA Weekly: top Android news of the week, July 7, 2013
- The Sunday Giveaway: Sony Xperia J
| Rumor: Moto X phone to offer “pure Android” experience, “fast” upgrades and Clear Pixel camera Posted: 08 Jul 2013 01:19 AM PDT
A new set of Moto X phone rumors seems to reveal more information about the upcoming flagship Motorola smartphone, this time detailing Android updates and main camera. Android and Me's Taylor Wimberly is the person behind the new rumors, the same source that has offered various details about the Moto X so far, many of them accurate. Wimberly took to Google+ again to share information about the Moto X. First he mentioned the camera: Moto X will feature a Clear Pixel Camera with gesture controls. It's not clear at this time – pun not intended – what the Clear Pixel camera actually is. Sure, it's a marketing term probably devised to compete against HTC's UltraPixel, but other than that we have no idea what camera powers it will feature. Wimberly did say about it that "it means 'dark, blurry pics and lack of details" will be things of the past," without revealing camera functions. A previous rumor revealed the phone will pack a 10-megapixel main shooter, and we're certainly interested to see more details about those gesture controls, not to mention the camera-related contextual awareness features – the phone will supposedly know when you want to take a picture and automatically start the camera app. Wimberly also mentioned Android updates for the handset in a different short Google+ post: Moto X will feature a “pure Android” user experience with a commitment to “fast upgrade cycles. This isn't the first time we hear that the Moto X will offer a stock Android experience – or close to it – so we're certainly not surprised to see it mentioned. It makes sense for Motorola to go this way considering that it's a Google company. However, this won't be a Nexus device, most likely because Google still feels the need to keep the two worlds separate – Motorola handsets and the Nexus family – so it doesn't look like it's playing favorites to the other OEMs. That said, it'll certainly be interesting to see how fast the Moto X will be upgraded to the latest Android version available, especially when compared to existing Nexus devices that will be eligible for similar upgrades. In addition to today's rumors, we have already covered the most important Moto X rumors for you, and showed you a few images reportedly featuring the front and back side of the handset. 
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| HTC One mini listing shows up on GFXBench web site, confirms long-rumored specs Posted: 07 Jul 2013 09:29 PM PDT
A page for the HTC One mini recently appeared on the GFXBench web site, revealing some info about the phone’s technical specs, as well as its 3D graphics performance when compared with its big brother, the HTC One, through a couple of benchmarks. The benchmark listing’s info matches what we already know. It says the HTC One mini uses the model name “m4″ and will be running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean right out of the box. Also, its processor will have a minimum CPU frequency of 384MHz and a maximum CPU frequency of 1.4GHz. Its GPU is identified as the Adreno 305, as it should be with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC. Interestingly, the incomplete benchmark results tell us that the HTC One mini performs, on average, about 60%-70% lower than the HTC One when it comes to 3D graphics. But then again, that’s what it’s supposed to do, and it shouldn’t really have all that power given that it has modest specs — starting with its use of a 720p HD (1280×720 pixels) screen. There may be more of the HTC One mini that we have yet to see. Its rumored release date is supposed to be in August, which is less than a month from today, so perhaps the leaks will be even more frequent in the coming weeks. Are you waiting for the HTC One mini? Which of its rumored qualities so far do you find most exciting? Let’s hear your thoughts on it below. 
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| Weekly News Roundup #10 – India Posted: 07 Jul 2013 05:13 PM PDT
Note: Due to unavoidable circumstances, there was no Indian weekly news roundup last week. Today’s feature will include top news from the previous week as well. It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the mobile world in India. India has now taken over from Japan as the third largest smartphone market in the world! We have a few new smartphones to look at, some app updates, and as mentioned before, the much-needed national roaming plans from various network providers. As you can see, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s get started! SmartphonesVideocon A55HD quad-core smartphone launched at Rs 13,499
Videocon has decided to jump into the budget-friendly quad-core smartphone arena with the launch of the Videocon A55HD, which boasts a 5-inch 720p display and Android 4.2 on-board. The specifications of the Videocon A55HD include -
There are numerous smartphones from other local manufacturers with very similar specifications, but by being priced at Rs 13,499 (~$236), the Videocon A55HD is ever so slightly cheaper than the rest, giving this device a minor advantage. That being said, companies like Micromax, Spice, and Xolo market their products aggressively, so that is something Videocon will have to do as well, to compete effectively in the over-crowded Indian market. Source - IBN Live Karbonn Titanium S9 launched days before the highly-anticipated Micromax Canvas 4
It’s no secret that the rivalry between smartphone manufacturers is intense, none more so in India where local manufacturers are giving their all to capture a piece of the diverse, and very lucrative, market. Micromax has been advertising their latest upcoming product that is releasing tomorrow, the Canvas 4, all over social media. So it’s not really surprising that rivals Karbonn, have released what is expected to a similar product, only a few days before the highly-anticipated launch, with the launch of the Karbonn Titanium S9. Before we get into how this competition might shape up, let’s take a quick look at the specifications of the Karbonn Titanium S9 -
Other than taking on Micromax, Karbonn is also providing a cheaper alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (let’s be honest, it does look alike) as well, with the Titanium S9. While there is very little information available about the Canvas 4, we can look forward to a similar, if not in some ways better, product from Micromax, at a similar price range, and it’ll certainly be very interesting to see how this competition plays out. The Karbonn Titanium S9 is available for Rs 19,990. (~$350). Source – NDTV Gadgets LG Optimus G Pro officially released in India
Talking about viable alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, another amazing smartphone boasting a beautiful 1080p 5.5-inch display has finally made its way to Indian shores. First unveiled during MWC 2013, the LG Optimus G Pro has now been officially launched in India. Here’s a quick look at the specifications -
Premium specifications means a price to match, the things are no different with the LG Optimus G Pro, which will set you back a whopping Rs 42,500 (~$745). While slightly higher than other competing flagships such as the Sony Xperia Z, HTC One, and Samsung Galaxy S4, the difference is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a smartphone with a larger display. If you want to see how the device stacks up against the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, don’t forget to check out our detailed comparison here. You can also take a look at the hands-on review below - Source – IBN Live Samsung begins buyback scheme on the Samsung Galaxy S4, discounts up to Rs 5,000, plus a lot more, now available
The flagship smartphone wars are a lot closer this year, and Samsung hasn’t enjoyed the same runaway success it did last year with the Galaxy S3. Of course, marketing is the company’s forte, and Samsung is leaving no stone unturned to continue its upward climb. In India, Samsung is now offering a buyback scheme which will get you a rebate of Rs 5,000 on the Galaxy S4 when you bring in your old smartphone, effectively reducing the price of the device to Rs 36,500 from Rs 41,500. That’s not all! In addition, you also get an S-View flip cover, worth Rs 2,499, absolutely free, along with one free display replacement (worth Rs 7000). Not Enough? Then the free 12,000 coins (worth Rs 12,000) that is available to use with the MyServices app for movie streaming, games, live TV, and songs, will definitely interest you. Along with Samsung Galaxy S4-specific Vodafone all-in-one plans that promise savings up to Rs 12,000, the buyback scheme boasts a value addition package worth up to Rs 41,749! The list of smartphones eligible for the buyback scheme include all Apple, Blackberry, and HTC devices, and the Sony Xperia Ion. If you are a Nokia user hoping to make the switch over to Android, you can bring in your Lumia 710, Lumia 610, Lumia 510, and Lumia 800 to do so. A lot of other Nokia devices are also included, such as the Asha 311, 300, 302, and 303, and the Nokia C5-05, C5, C5-03, E5, 500, 5233, N8, X3-02, C6, and C3. Local brands haven’t been left out either, with the Karbonn A9 and A21, and the Micromax Canvas A110, A75, A100, A87, Ninja 4, and A73. Of course, if you’d like to stay in the Samsung family, Samsung devices such as all Galaxy (expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 2), Wave, and Omnia smartphones are also eligible for the discount. Of course, this is excluding the zero interest EMI schemes available for all Samsung products. As you can see, Samsung is definitely going all out in their effort to maintain the number one position in the Android world. If you’re still undecided, don’t forget to take a look at our hands-on review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 here - Source – IB Times App NewsCleartrip for Android adds support for train bookings
The Cleartrip for Android app so far allowed users to book domestic and international flight tickets. Now updated to version 3.0, the app allows you to book tickets for Indian Railways as well. You can now search for Indian Railways trains, find trains between stations, check seat availability, train fares, and book train tickets. By linking your IRCTC account to your Cleartrip account, you will also be able to check the status of wait-listed tickets from inside the app. While the idea behind the update is great, a lot of user reviews and comments suggest that the new features aren’t working too well, with users complaining of syncing between the IRCTC and Cleartrip accounts not working, user profiles and passenger information not being saved, and in some cases, the app crashing, so do keep these issues in mind before trying it out. Hopefully a quick update will follow that will sort all these issues out. Source – Google Play Store (Cleartrip) MapMyIndia introduces “Locate,” a new Android app to track people
MapMyIndia, one of India’s premier GPS services, has now introduced an app called “Locate,” which will help you identify, locate, and stay connected with friends and family with ease. Features of the people-tracking app include -
Locate uses GPS, Wi-Fi and Cell Tower Triangulation as available to get location. Of course, the obvious privacy concerns do come up, but the app does some to give the “trackees” some sort of protection. First of all, a person cannot track you without your own approval of their request. Secondly, the person being tracked can specify particular days and time during which they can be “seen.” The MapMyIndia Locate app is now available for free from the Google Play Store here. Source – Google Play Store (Locate) Network Carrier NewsAirtel, Vodafone, and Idea introduce new national roaming packs
Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea Cellular announced new national roaming packages and plans, just a few days after TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) allowed network providers the chance to provide subscribers with free national roaming using special combo packs. Here are the details -
It’s important to note that Aircel had introduced its “India One” plans a while back, and it’s good to see other network providers joining the bandwagon as well. Source – Money Control 
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| Android 4.3-running HTC One Google Play edition spotted at the Bluetooth SIG Posted: 07 Jul 2013 03:16 PM PDT
The HTC One Google Play edition running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has apparently been spotted at the Bluetooth SIG. According to the available documentation, the HTC PN071xx_Android4.3_G has received certification on July 5, with the application having been filed on June 18. PN071 is the model number of the HTC One, and that "G" most likely describes the fact that this is a Google Play edition phone. "Android 4.3" doesn't require any more introductions, as that's the next expected update from Google. According to the Bluetooth SIG, the HTC PN071xx_Android4.3_G will be upgraded to software version 3.05.1700.2, most likely once Android 4.3 is released. The HTC One Google Play edition model was launched on June 26 alongside the similar Galaxy S4 version. These devices are expected to run the latest Android version as soon as it's released – in this case Android 4.3 – although it's HTC and Samsung, respectively, that will be responsible for issuing the updates, not Google.
Why is a handset that's already Bluetooth-certified getting a new certification from the Bluetooth SIG? Well, Android 4.3 is expected to bring Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, so maybe that's the reason. Similarly, we've seen the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus (both reportedly running Android 4.3) receiving similar certifications. While the Bluetooth SIG can offer such details about certain devices, we'll remind you that Android 4.3 is yet to be made official by Google. That said, we do expect the new OS version to be unveiled later this month, maybe alongside new Nexus hardware. 
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| Purported Moto X shown in new images; phone reportedly not coming on July 10-11 Posted: 07 Jul 2013 11:28 AM PDT
Images showing alleged Moto X phone components (specifically the front and back panels of the handset) have hit the web, ahead of the phone’s announcement. At the same time, a new report is now claiming that the phone won’t be introduced later this week, as previously rumored. While the images can't be confirmed at this time – so make sure you take them with the appropriate amount of salt – we will notice that it looks like Motorola's marketing team is on the attack these days.
Earlier this week we've seen the first Moto X phone ad leak before it actually hit newspapers on July 4, but we've also seen a variety of leaks concerning other upcoming Motorola devices – most recently, purported images of the new Motorola Droid Ultra and the Motorola Droid MAXX have also been (conveniently?) leaked. Now it's time to look at several pictures (see gallery below) that reportedly show the flagship smartphone of the company, the Moto X. The front panel of the device is shown in most photos, and from the looks of it, it's clear that we're not looking at the Droid Ultra or the Droid MAXX from the other leaks. As you can see in these images, the Moto X has Nexus 4-like corners that are rounder than the Droid Ultra’s and Droid Maxx’s – assuming all these recent leaks actually show the final product versions.      Moreover, we're apparently looking at a device that will feature an edge-to-edge display with small bezels, and which will be available in both black and white, in addition to all the other colors that are rumored to be available to buyers. On the front side of the device we're can also see the front-facing camera, speaker and sensors, and, interestingly, a hole placed near the mid section of the bottom bezel. The black panel features a Motorola logo as shown in previous similar leaks (image below), but the same logo isn't present on the white one.  Purported Google X Phone prototype | Image credit: Tinhte The back of the handset, available in only one picture, shows the camera, flash and Motorola logo (in this order from top to bottom) all placed towards the top side of the device. The back plate seems to be similar to a device spotted in Vietnam in mid-March, which was said to be a Moto X prototype (image below). G for Games doesn't tell us where it got these images from, but the publication says they came from different sources. Other details about the Moto X aren't offered at this time either.  Purported Moto X phone prototype | Image Credit: Tinhte While the Moto X was said to be unveiled next week, a more recent report from CNET seems to indicate that the July 10-11 Motorola event will not star the Moto X:
That said, we'll remind you that we have already put together a collection of Moto X rumors for you to check out while you wait for the company to unveil its latest creation. 
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| White Motorola Droid Ultra alleged photo shows up Posted: 07 Jul 2013 10:21 AM PDT
An alleged image of the Motorola Droid Ultra has hit the web well ahead of the phone's official announcement. After just seeing a picture reportedly showing the new Droid MAXX, we're now looking at the white version of the Droid Ultra, at least according to xda-developers user xavierk75. However, the user has not specified where he got the image from or other details of the device. In case it matters, we’ll also notice that xavierk75′s forum photo post is his first and only post on xda – is it a controlled leak by any chance? The phone is said to be the XT1080, a device that has already been spotted at the FCC – at the time, we wondered whether the XT1080 model stood for one of the new Ultra models. Moreover, we've already seen the Ultra listed on Motorola's website, so it's probably only a matter of time until we see the company announce this particular device. The image reveals an Android smartphone that packs a large display with rather thin bezels, a front-facing camera near the top speaker and sensors, three capacitive buttons, and a on/off button and volume rockers on the right side of the device. The device also features a Motorola logo on the top left corner, a logo that's similar to the one spotted on other leaked Motorola handsets – including a rumored Moto X prototype – and is clearly marked as a "Motorola confidential property." The Droid Ultra in this image is looks like the Droid MAXX that we've seen the other day, although we're yet to confirm any of these two devices. According to known leakster @evleaks, the Droid Ultra is the XT1080 while the Droid MAXX is the XT1080M. That said, considering the variety of Motorola-related leaks and reports, we expect to see the company announce these devices sooner rather than later. 
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| AA Weekly: top Android news of the week, July 7, 2013 Posted: 07 Jul 2013 07:07 AM PDT
This week, we've learned more details about the upcoming LG G2, Motorola teased the Moto X, the Galaxy S4 reached a sales milestone, HTC broke the hearts of One S users, and we got some interesting news about the Android 4.3. LG G2: tantalizing rumorsLG is expected to stage a soft launch of its new flagship in mid-July, followed three weeks later by a grand international event in New York. With weeks to go till the official debut, leaks paint an almost complete picture of the G2. On Monday, we learned that the Snapdragon 800 processor that will power the G2 will not be a power-hungry beast, as some have feared. The processor did as good as or better than competitors when it comes to stamina, giving us hope for a new generation of long lasting super devices.
The G2 will be the world's first device to rock 3GB of RAM, while mobile shutterbugs should rejoice knowing that an optical stabilization system would ensure great shots even in the midst of action. Motorola, you better deliver something amazingWe're entering hypebeast territory with the Moto X. And we can't blame Motorola, happy to be in the spotlight after so many months of deafening silence – we just hope the device will live up to the hype. With that said, we're really excited about the Moto X. On July 3, Moto ran a full page ad in major US newspapers, announcing the world that "the first phone designed, engineered and assembled in the USA" is coming. The ad and a signup page that went live this week claim that customers will be able to design the Moto X themselves. However, don't get too excited about it – if a leak from Wednesday is to be believed, Motorola idea of "designing" means picking the colors of the case, choosing a custom text for engraving, and uploading a custom wallpaper. Cool, but we hoped for more.
Samsung sold 20 million Galaxy S4s, but that’s not enough for analystsTalk about high expectations – despite ruling the mobile industry, selling one of every two smartphones in Europe and raking in enough money to fund a small country, Samsung isn't doing too well in the stock market. This week, CEO JK Shin told Korean media that Samsung sold 20 million Galaxy S4 units in about sixty days, an impressive achievement that casts doubt on various negative reports that emerged over the last month. Still, when the Korean tech giant announced its earnings guidance for Q2 2013 on Friday, analysts were not impressed, in spite of record profits. The truth is no one in the mobile industry is doing very well these days, for a variety of reasons that we discuss here. Android 4.3 rumors and predictionsLast week, an Android 4.3 build leaked online, giving Android pundits a chance to look at what's new, before Google makes it official. A teardown revealed that Google has been working to make Android notifications smarter, with a focus on making wearable devices such as Glass more easily controllable from a smartphone. On Tuesday, an alleged insider revealed that Google plans to make most stock Android core apps available on the Play Store, thus making it easier than ever to obtain a stock-like experience even on unrooted devices running TouchWiz, Sense, or other manufacturer overlays. One example may be the new camera app.
Speaking of which, Chainfire, the noted Android developer, has already rooted the Android 4.3 build that leaked last week. HTC breaks the hearts of One S usersThe One S was one of the flagships that HTC launched in early 2012. It didn't feature the best specifications, but it was, and still is, an excellent device. So you can imagine the disappointment and frustration of One S users, when HTC announced that the phone won't be joining the One in the Sense 5/Android 4.2 club. The news is especially vexing because the company promised a timely update to Sense 5 for the One S, just a few months back.
Petitions rarely help accomplish their goals, but that hasn't stopped One S users from starting one asking HTC to keep its promise and update the phone to the latest version of Android. As of this writing, the petition still needs more than 900 signatures, so if you're a One S user itching to do something about HTC's cruel rejection, head over here and sign away. Video roundup What's your take?In your opinion, what were the most important news this week, and why? 
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| The Sunday Giveaway: Sony Xperia J Posted: 07 Jul 2013 04:30 AM PDT
Welcome to the very first episode of our new show called: The Sunday Giveaway! Each and every Sunday we will give away an Android phone, tablet or other cool product. To start the sunday giveaway off this week we will be giving away a Sony Xperia J Android phone. Sony Xperia J Quick Specs
Sony Xperia J ReviewRead our full written review on the Sony Xperia J or watch our video review below: How to enter the giveawayEntering our Sunday giveaway is just about as easy as it gets. You simply need to join our new Team Android Authority newsletter. Once you join our newsletter and remain subscribed you’ll be automatically entered into the draw each and every sunday. It’s that easy and don’t worry we won’t spam you, at most you’ll get an email with the top Android news of the week.
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