Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Huawei Ascend D2 vs Google Nexus 4

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 03:00 AM PST

huawei-ascend-d2-vs-nexus-4-1

Another day, another fresh-faced 5-inch 1080p smartphone has entered the VS chamber, this time from a manufacturer whose name is still hard as ever to pronounce (for some). You may have met the Huawei Ascend D2 before, but you will want to stick around to see how the phone – and its rather impressive specs – fares against Google's Nexus 4.

The battle between the Ascend D2 and the Nexus 4 starts here.

Specs

Ascend-D2-VS-Nexus-4-specs

Build Quality & Design

The Ascend D2 is pleasant enough to look at, but it's neither groundbreaking nor awe-inspiring, despite the company's attempt to jazz it up with some aluminum and metal.

The phone is well-built, but the sturdiness comes at the expense of its weight. At 170 grams, the D2 is heavier than the Nexus 4 (139 grams) and other 5-inchers as well. Given the bigger screen size, it's not surprising to see that the phone is taller (140 mm VS 133.9 mm), wider (71 mm VS 68.7 mm), and thicker (9.9mm VS 9.1mm).

huawei-ascend-d2-2

A little bit out of the ordinary, the microUSB port and micro SIM card slot are placed on top, while the speaker sits on the bottom. It's worth to mention as well that the D2 is dust and water resistant.

What about the Nexus 4? At a glance, the latest Nexus phone can be easily mistaken for the Galaxy Nexus, but this isn't a bad thing at all. We're a fan of the clean all-black front frame of the series. Turn the N4 over and you'll be greeted with the oft-praised glass back that "sparkles".

nexus-4-comparison

LG – at the behest of Google – is making a design gamble by going with glass for both sides of the device; all in the name of making it look and feel more premium. While it has succeeded in meeting that particular goal, it does leave the burden to users to be extra careful with their expensive toy. Butter fingers should look into investing in a bumper or case for a better peace of mind.

The head is telling us to declare the Ascend D2 as the winner, but the heart is choosing the Nexus 4. You may face the same dilemma, but ultimately you get to make your own decision, based on your preference.

Display

Huawei's Ascend D2, like other flagship devices of 2013, follows the unwritten rule of being equipped with a full HD display (1,080 x 1,920 resolution). To be more specific, the Ascend D2 boasts a 5-inch 1080p IPS+ screen with 443 ppi.

The Nexus 4 also uses an IPS+ panel, one that's protected by Gorilla Glass 2, but the 4.7-inch screen only offers a resolution of 768 x 1,280 with 320 ppi. However, the N4 benefits from the use of Zerogap technology, which eliminates some extra layer from the screen for a brighter display that's more responsive to touch.

huawei-ascend-d2-vs-nexus-4-1

Thanks to its bigger and sharper screen, the Ascend D2 edges the Nexus 4 in this round. However, make no mistake that the Nexus 4 offers as brilliant and beautiful of a display as its competitor. Besides, some may argue that anything above 300 ppi on a phone can simply be considered overkill.

At the end of the day, both are top-notch displays.  If you’re planning to watch a lot of 1080p movies on your phone, then you may want to consider choosing the Ascend D2.

Hardware

The Ascend D2 is powered by Huawei's K3V2 quad-core processor. It's the same chip you'll find on the Ascend D Quad XL, but clocked higher at 1.5GHz. Various benchmark test results place Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro – used on the N4 – ahead, but in real life the K3V2 is an able performer that's sufficient enough to run all your apps and games without hiccups.

The phone comes with 32GB of internal storage, which more than makes up for the lack of a memory expansion slot. Other specs include a 13MP rear camera with BSI sensor, a 1.3MP front-facing camera, and a 3,000mAh battery.

huawei-ascend-d2-vs-nexus-4-4

Although the battery is non-removable, it has a bigger capacity than what most smartphones are packing. It can also take advantage of Huawei's smart power-saving technology that reduces power consumption when the phone is idle by 20%.

Meanwhile, the Nexus 4 sports a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor that can easily blow competing SoCs out of the water. It also comes with 2GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing cam, and a non-removable 2,100mAh battery. The Nexus 4 is only available in 8GB and 16GB models, which makes the fact that it doesn’t have a microSD slot more lamentable.

It may be hard to believe, but apart from the processor, the Ascend D2 has the overall better specs, though not by a mile. For instance, Huawei’s offering doesn't support wireless charging and NFC. Then again, getting the Nexus line is never about owning the latest and greatest in hardware.

huawei-ascend-d2-vs-nexus-4-3

Software

Running atop Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on the Ascend D2 is the Emotion UI, which actually is a pretty light skin compared to Samsung's TouchWiz and HTC's Sense. You'll get to choose between the 2D and 3D Home launchers; both actually look very similar to a pure Android interface – well, almost.

Aside from a customized lock screen, there's also nifty feature that lets users hide the on-screen buttons on the phone. You can say goodbye to third-party solutions if you want to maximize the screen real estate.

The Nexus 4 ships with a pure and wholesome Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It may not come with too many enhancements that an UI overlay has to offer, but Google has been doing a darn good job in making sure that it covers all the bases.

If there's one reason to get the Nexus 4, it'd be for the promise of getting software updates straight from the big G. It should come as no surprise that the Nexus takes this round.

Video comparison

Pros and Cons

Huawei Ascend D2 Pros

  • 5-inch full HD IPS+ display
  • 3,000mAh battery
  • Sturdy

Huawei Ascend D2 Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • No microSD card slot
  • No NFC, wireless charging
  • No LTE
  • No release date, price

Google Nexus 4 Pros

  • 4.7-inch IPS+ display
  • Cool design
  • Guaranteed timely software updates
  • Great price

Google Nexus 4 Cons

  • Glass back
  • Non-removable battery, no microSD card slot
  • No LTE
  • Limited availability

Conclusion

Huawei is going all out with the Ascend D2 to ensure that it will make a big splash when it lands. The keyword here is "when" – especially for folks outside of China. While Huawei doesn't have any problem flooding the market with low- to mid-range phones, the release of its flagship phones is often delayed.

We're definitely interested in hearing more launch and pricing details of the Ascend 2, we can imagine you are too.

The Nexus 4 isn't without its flaws. The glass back might be prone to scratches and cracks, and LG and Google have done an impeccable job in making the flagship Nexus device almost impossible to attain. But still, being that it sports the (currently) fastest processor in the market and has the full backing of Google, as well as the promise of a stock Android experience – it's not a wonder that the N4 is highly sought after.

Which one would you go for?

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Roundup: Android gaming consoles and controllers

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 02:44 AM PST

zappy-ouya-announce

Like many other Android fans, you love a good game. Whether it be a simple puzzle game or an all-out RPG, you love spending your free time playing Android games. With over 700,000 options on the Play Store, Android gaming is for real. The question is, which is the best way to play them?

We'll round up a few of the bigger players and most popular Android gaming consoles and controllers.

The consoles

The newest craze in mobile gaming is not mobile at all. In fact, a few of your options involve you sitting down in front of your TV again! Whether it be a small screen or your living room TV, the time is approaching for you to be tethered once again. We've covered these three in depth previously, but they deserve comparison to the other options in this article.

OUYA

OUYA

The trendsetter, the innovator, the most anticipated console in a long time, if not ever. OUYA brings console gaming back in a very familiar way, and it's just as we left it when we moved to mobile. It's a very small set-top box with support for a wireless controller. It attaches to your TV via an HDMI cable, so the minimalism is felt throughout. The controller looks to be absolutely perfect for gaming, maybe the best ever. So much promise in such a little package.

Hold the phone, though. You'll have to ask yourself if you actually want to mess with a set-top box and a separate interface. At $99, it's a very attractive price, so you won't lose out on a huge wad of cash if you decide to grab one. If you have a wall-mounted TV, you may not even have a place to put it… and that could be a problem for some. It will definitely be a monster console, so we're excited for it.

Project Shield

nvidia-project-shield

A complete shock at CES 2013, Project Shield is NVIDIA's entry into console gaming. The interesting part about Project Shield is that the console is self contained. A controller with a 5-inch, 720p OLED screen attached in a clamshell package is the difference here. It has support for Steam, making it a very attractive option for PC gamers. If it can get support from developers, it may take off.

Unfortunately, we know very little about this one right now. We don't know pricing, availability, or what games will be available. It is reliant on WiFi for Steam support, and you'll have to be on the same WiFi network as your PC. That really limits the actual "mobile" aspect of this, and muddies the waters of "console". A rumored price point of somewhere in the $300 range suggest it will be high-end, and very substantially built. It also suggests that people will opt for other options before entertaining this one. Handheld gaming devices are almost extinct, and Android may not be able to reverse that trend for NVIDIA.

GameStick

gamestick console

The new kid on the block seems to be looking for a fight. GameStick is a lower price point than OUYA at $79, is trying to get a similar amount of support from developers, and eliminates the need for a set-top box. It operates on an HDMI dongle that fits into the controller when not in use, making it ultra portable and compact. It may be a big job, but the GameStick seems keen on taking it on.

The GameStick could be great, but the HDMI dongle is concerning. How much power can you pack into that little plug? OUYA embraces development, making it easily hacked and pretty powerful. Everyone is encouraged to develop for the OUYA, so you may just get the next viral hit. With GameStick, it seems as though they are concentrating on getting developer support to have games designed with them in mind. A smart move was designing a controller app for your Android device, so those games utilizing the accelerometer may be immediately available. The type and amount of support from developers and hackers may make this an interesting fight between the three.

In control

Perhaps you don't want to invest in a console. Maybe you think a controller is all you need to round your gaming experience into form. That could be, but it may not work out as well as you think. Then again, maybe that old PlayStation or Xbox controller will work just fine, and you won't have to spend any cash at all. Let's go over a few options, shall we?

MOGA

moga-bluetooth-controller,U-2-353594-3

The MOGA line of controllers are more like an attachment for your device that a standalone controller. With a flip-up holster for your device, it secures you into landscape Android gaming heaven. A little smaller than we're used to in a controller, MOGA holds its own. The design follows the console controller model carefully, so everything is familiar and easy to use.

With Bluetooth connection, MOGA is easily used on a variety of devices. While your tablet may not fit into the holster, the controller will still connect to it. A singular controller on a variety of devices make MOGA a very attractive device. The $50 price may be a little steep, but you get quite a bit with it in a leather case and free games. The interface is great, and easily lays out all of your Android games that have MOGA support built in.

Buyer beware

What I found a bit surprising about MOGA was how many games on my device simply didn't have support for it. I have roughly 50 games in my Play Store library, and only about 4 of them have support. Games such as Grand Theft Auto 3, which were originally console games and play better with a controller, don't have support for MOGA. The MOGA home screen easily lays out the available games, but it's pretty frustrating to not be able to play many of my library. Before you invest, make sure your favorite games have support.

The vice that attaches your phone to the controller holds it in tightly, but can block things like your power or volume buttons. If you want to take a screenshot, you may find that difficult. It also has a very stationary position, locking you into a certain angle with which to view the screen. The joysticks slide rather that pivot, and only support 8-way directional control making controlling some games a bit wonky. I found Asphalt 7, a favorite of mine, to be jerky and difficult to play with the MOGA.

Nyko Playpad series

Nyko PlayPad

The Nyko Playpad follows the MOGA model in connectivity and design, and unfortunately in function as well. The joystick only supports 8-way motion (just like the MOGA) making some games a bit troublesome to play. There is no holster for your device to clip onto the controller itself, but it does come with a nice stand for it.

Although there is a "Pro" series Nyko controller, it merely changes the shape of the device. Making it fit in the hand better does not forgive its poor play, and still limited support. If you're into portability, the Pro will disappoint. Think of toting around a PlayStation controller and you'll have a better idea of why this particular controller may not be what you need for mobile gaming.

SteelSeries Free

steelseries-free-mobile-gaming-controller-7

The SteelSeries Free is a powerful little controller that really packs a punch. Although tiny, it does fit well in the hand and feels very natural to hold. At an easily dismissive 4"x2", it accomplishes more than the other two controllers we're comparing it to. Dual analog joysticks with full 360 degree rotation make FPS games much more enjoyable, and its extensive list of supported games is really impressive.

For those of you that enjoy PC gaming, you may know SteelSeries from their other devices such as mice and keyboards engineered for the serious gamer. The SteelSeries Free has been a few years coming, and may well have been worth the wait. The only drawback is the $80 price tag. Paying that much for a controller is a bit steep, even with all it accomplishes. Android gaming has yet to fully accept peripheral devices to assist with gaming, so even with nearly 200 games supported, it's a far cry from being fully supported by Android.

The workaround

Xbox-360-android-controller

Don't want a new controller, eh? You may be in luck. There are many options available out there for getting all types of console remotes to work with your Android device, ranging from a Wii remote to the XBox. A wired XBox controller with an OTG cable is the best way to go, but it does draw power from the device you plug into. There is also no official list of supported games, so trial-and-error is your only recourse.

For the PlayStation DualShock or SixAxis controller, there is a bit of work to be done. Root access is required, and an app to pair the device is necessary. A bit fussy, but if you're already rooted or otherwise comfortable doing so, it may be worth it. The Wii remote pairing simply requires an app, but I don't know that a Wii remote is the most comfortable thing in the world to hold. There are tons of hacks and aftermarket devices, so if you have a favorite… it's probably out there.

Conclusion

Consoles and TV dongles threaten to take away our mobile freedom, but they may be hitting on something big. With all the Android centric remotes out there, none have the full support of Android game developers. SteelSeries Free has the most support, but it has less than 0.5% of the available games out there. That signifies that mobile gaming is not really ready to support a return to the console days of remotes.

Where the new batch of Android consoles get it right is that they support the developers rather than expecting the developers to support them as controller manufacturers seem to. Consoles represent a new way for developers to monetize their efforts. They stand to gain a lot with a great game, so it's definitely in their interest to support consoles. A controller is just more work for them, and unless they get a cut of device sales or another way to make it worth their while, it's just more work for little to no return in investment.

Android gaming is entering a new realm. We are realizing Android as a legitimate gaming platform, not just an OS. Gaming is coming into its own on Android, and much of that has to do with how powerful devices have been the last few years. If something like an OUYA can only contribute to the genre, how can it be a bad thing? Gaming any way you like, at any time you like. This is definitely an exciting time for the gaming community across the board, so let's enjoy it.

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Oppo Find 5 set for January 29th release in China

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 02:25 AM PST

Oppo-Find-5-hands-on_600pxFirst there were rumors, then there was the confirmation, following this were the hands-on and the comparisons. Now, finally, the Oppo Find 5 has an official retail date – January 29th 2013. The 16GB model of the 5-inch full HD smartphone will go on pre-order in China for 2,998 yuan ($485) on January 15th. It is expected that it will start shipping on the 29th.

After the initial Chinese launch it is expected that the device will become available in the US. In December the company confirmed, on its Facebook page, that the Find 5 will be available in the U.S. There is still some confusion over its official release in Europe. Current reports imply that during the first three months of this year it will be released in Canada, UK, Spain, Australia, Germany, France, Belgium, Malaysia, Sweden, Singapore, Finland, Greece, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Japan and Hong Kong.

The problem with a European release is that the stylish quad-core phone only supports 3G on 850, 1700, 1900 and 2100MHz. The key missing frequency for Europe is 900Mhz. Most of the networks in France and Finland use 900Mhz alongside 2100Mhz , also 900Mhz networks can be found in Demark, Poland, Romania and the UK.

For those who want to get their hands on the device before its official release outside of China, there are plenty of Chinese wholesalers who are taking orders now for the Oppo 5 with worldwide shipping available.

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First look: LG GA7900 third-gen Google TV [video]

Posted: 15 Jan 2013 01:24 AM PST

LG-GA7900-Google-TV

We've reported last week about LG's upcoming Google TVs – the new GA6400 and GA7900 series – that the Nexus phone maker introduced at CES 2013 in Las Vegas. While the platform hasn't taken off as quickly as Google and LG — as well as other partners —  would’ve liked, the third generation Google TV may just strike the right chord with consumers.

Since specs can only convey so much, we thought you'd also be interested in seeing a quick video demonstration of the smart TV. Among other things — you can see the refreshed UI, some of the included premium apps, and how the device responds to a voice search query (spoiler: quite well).

Then there's LG's magic remote, which comes with a QWERTY keyboard and built-in mic. It'll be a handy partner for all the Voice Actions that you'll be doing.

Hit play on the embedded video above to see the LG GA7900 in action. What do you think of the latest Google TV-powered smart TV from LG?

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Tapatalk HD launches version 1.0, goes on one-day sale

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 11:14 PM PST

Tapatalk-HD-Beta

Forum members very rarely frequent only one forum. The majority of people who use forums would normally frequent different sites and discussions, and mobile access has increasingly become popular, particularly in the mobile and tech niches. For these netizens, Tapatalk HD is one app that adequately addresses your communication needs.

Tapatalk HD is no longer in its beta stage and is now officially version 1.0. First released in open beta in October, it became available on Google Play in December. Designed for tablets, the app requires Android 3.0 or later. On top of the release, it has a limited time introductory offer of $0.99. After today, Tapatalk will be selling for the regular price of $4.99.

Tapatalk HD is a forum client that gives forum members have the convenience of push notifications for private messages, likes, mentions and new comments or posts to subscribed topics. It also has a gallery view for bigger forums capable of discovering new threads by images. This is very much like Tweetdeck or Hootsuite, but for forums.

Combining all the forum discussions into one app affords the user the ability to keep track of threads while on the go. The user can respond to threads without any need to navigate through cumbersome web interfaces. Push notifications make it easy for users to get alerts for private messages and subscribed threads.

As for additional features, Tapatalk HD also has administrator tools for moderating forums. The admins or moderators can use Tapatalk to ban members, and close and open threads, while using a tablet. As a tablet app, it allows for portrait or landscape orientation, with full screen scaling for different tablet screen sizes.

Are you an avid forumer? Hurry, and get Tapatalk HD for your tablet now.

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Huawei Ascend G520: The $225 quad core smartphone that’ll never land in America

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:25 PM PST

Huawei, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer that’s known for their budget Android devices in quite a few number of countries, has just launched a phone called the G520. We actually think it’ll be called the Ascend G520, but that’s not really important. What’s important here is the price tag: 1,399 Chinese yuan, which translates to roughly $225. For that amount of cash you get a quad core MediaTek processor, 4.5 inch screen of an unknown resolution, and a 5 megapixel camera. It’s going to launch later this month, the 21st, on China Mobile.

Will this thing ever land in the United States or Europe? We don’t even have to email Huawei to get an answer, because we know it’s no. Pretty much anything with a MediaTek chipset inside never leaves China, Russia, India, and a handful of other places. Why? We think it’s got something to do with intellectual property rights, better known as patent bickering.

Why are we even covering the G520 then? Because it’s a sign of things to come. If you’re a European, you should acknowledge the fact that you’re no longer living on the continent with the most advanced wireless networks on the face of the planet. That honor, thanks to 4G LTE, is now held by the Americans. On the same token, if you’re an American, you need to realize that you’re pretty soon not going to be considered a member of the world’s largest economy. China, with their 1.3 billion people, will take that title quite soon. And what kind of phones are the Chinese buying? Devices like the G520. We’d go so far as to call the G520 expensive since a majority of Chinese phones sold cost sub 1,000 RMB, which is about $160.

It’s weird for us to say this, but most of the interesting things that will happen in the smartphone space going forward will be in the midrange product tiers. It’s easy to make a decent 600 EUR device. It’s a lot harder to make a decent 120 EUR smartphone.

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LG says the factories pumping out the Nexus 4 are running “without a hitch”

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 06:56 PM PST

The Nexus 4 is a wonderful device, but it has a fatal flaw. It’s damn near impossible to purchase. If you’re lucky enough to get through Google’s broken online checkout service, then you may find yourself waiting at least four to six weeks to get your new smartphone. Who do we blame for this? At first we said Google, because Google should have been smart enough to know that demand for a $349 premium handset would be off the charts. But then Dan Cobley, the Managing Director of Google UK and Google Ireland, pointed the finger at LG, saying that supplies of the Nexus 4 from them have been “scarce and erratic”.

According to a report that was just filed today in the Korean publication Chosun, an official LG spokesperson told them that production of the Nexus 4 was running “without a hitch”. Are you confused? Because we are.

Here’s what we think really happened. Google told LG to make X number of Nexus 4 handsets. LG said no problem and setup a small section of their phone factory to do just that. Google, assuming no one would want to buy the Nexus 4 unlocked and unsubsidized since most people are afraid of paying a lot of money up front, didn’t optimize their online shopping software to cope with the additional demand. Put another way, we’re still blaming Google.

The LG spokesperson also said that the rumors that were published earlier today about a Nexus 5 were “unfounded”. That’s not too surprising. Why would LG tell a news organization that the rumors floating around the internet are true?

Given that Google I/O is in May, we’re halfway done through January, and a boat load of 1080p phones were announced at CES, do we still think the Nexus 4 is the best phone to buy right now? Absolutely. And you know what, some of us here even think the one year old Galaxy Nexus from Samsung is still more than adequate.

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Rumor: Lenovo to launch their own version of the ASUS Transformer in 2013

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 06:18 PM PST

ASUS was the first company, at least we think they were the first, to launch what many in this industry call the “tablet hybrid” form factor. Companies have previously launched laptops that featured a screen that could rotate and then collapse on top of the keyboard, but ASUS thought of something new. They made a device, the Transformer, that looked like a laptop, but then you could rip off the screen and use it as a tablet. We’ve seen the idea copied by various manufacturers, but trust us, when we saw the first Transformer roughly two years ago, our brains exploded.

According to DigiTimes, who has a mixed track record, but it’s good enough that you can’t ignore them, they say Lenovo is going to copy the Transformer form factor at some point in the first half of 2013. Said device will of course run Android, though they’re not sure if it’ll use a chip from Intel or something that’s based on ARM’s architecture. They say Lenovo had plans to launch an Intel Medfield powered Android tablet in Q3 2012, codenamed mfld_dv10, but they decided to throw those plans out the window.

Does the world want the tablet hybrid form factor? While this writer can’t speak for the rest of the Android Authority team, he definitely can’t wait for his next computer to have a detachable screen. The real question is do people want such a device running Android? Let’s be realistic. Chances are it’s going to cost as much as a machine running Windows, so what do you gain by going with Android? We’re obviously big fans of Google’s mobile OS, but given the choice, we’d rather have a laptop/tablet that helps us get some real work done.

Who knows, maybe the next version of Android will be tailored for these type of devices. We’re not going to find out about Key Lime Pie for a while, so there’s always hope.

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Samsung Ukraine: The dual SIM Galaxy Grand comes out next month for $550

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:51 PM PST

For reasons we don’t quite understand, whenever a company announces a new device, they fail to mention how much it’s going to cost or when it’s going to come out. There are a handful of exceptions: Apple with everything they make, Google with the Nexus, and operators with their subsidized hardware.

But enough trying to break down a go to market strategy, let’s get to today’s news. Samsung, back in December, announced a phone called the “Galaxy Grand”. Lots of sites say it’s a cheap version of the Note, but we like to think of it as a 2013 version of the Galaxy S II. It has the same guts as that two year old device, except the screen gets bumped up to 5 inches diagonal, and the design is modified to fall in line with the rest of Samsung’s portfolio.

When the phone was unveiled, of course Samsung didn’t say anything about pricing and availability, but guess who just issued a press release? According to Samsung Ukraine, the Grand will be on store shelves in that country next month for 4,444 UAH. That’s $546.95 in American money and 408.75 in Euros. And just to be specific, the device launching is the dual SIM varient, model number GT-I9082.

So is the price too much? Considering that a Note II will run you about 100 EUR more, we’re going to have to say yes. We’d also like to remind readers there’s often a huge divide between what a company announces as a retail price and what the price of a piece of hardware actually ends up being on the street. We could easily see the Grand falling to 350 EUR in a month or two, and at that price it’s actually quite a steal if you want a large screen device.

Have fun staring at 800 x 480 pixels at that size though.

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Will Facebook announce a smartphone this Tuesday?

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:38 PM PST

Facebook Phone concept (credit: Yanko Design)

Facebook Phone concept (credit: Yanko Design)

In the face of a wave companies making moves on the mobile phone market, Facebook seems to be the last hold out. Other high-profile companies have been carving out chunks of the smartphone market, since Apple reinvigorated the idea of the smartphone when the iPhone came out. Google has been successful with Android, which is now the most popular OS for mobile phones. And Microsoft has its own bet with Windows Phone 8. Heck, even RIM is trying to stave off extinction with its upcoming release of BlackBerry 10. In view of other companies’ offerings, the only thing Facebook has is an invite to a possible announcement of the Facebook phone.

So far, rumors of the supposed Facebook phone have come and gone. It is already approaching mythical proportions. There was a rumor last year that HTC was developing a phone for Facebook. So far this year, Facebook has sent an invite to journalists to an event at their headquarters. Without any clue, the only possible thing that Facebook might show is their own branded mobile phone.

It might not be true, and the announcement might be for something else altogether. It might even be a total revision of Facebook that they want to show to journalists. Or it could be true, but not what everyone else thinks a Facebook phone might be.

Possibilities

There are several possibilities that Facebook might come up with in the smartphone market. One of them would be its own mobile OS, similar to Android or iOS. It could be an integration of Facebook features and services and wrapped up neatly into the core of a smartphone. Much like Google, Facebook could leverage their 1 billion followers. An integrated Facebook phone could be to the social network users what Android is to Google — easy access to their own branded services.

It can also be like a Skype phone, such as a VoIP phone, which would be able to make calls to cell phones and landlines all over the world through the Internet. It can even be video chat capable. This could help solve their problem with their phone and messaging feature.

It can also be proof that the HTC deal may not be a lie after all, and that they might really have a Facebook phone in the works. With a big user-base, there is no reason why Facebook should not use the leverage this to monetize their services. It has been noted that Facebook has been great at finding users, but not been as successful at making money from them. However, if they monetize through phone payments, advertising and big data, then the company would have found the sweet spot for their business.

Why so secretive?

So far, the company has not given any indication of whether there are, indeed, any developments aimed a Facebook phone. A few things point to this possibility, though. Facebook had been experimenting with Android for some time, and a rumored “Project Buffy” surfaced in 2011 that was supposedly led by chief technology officer Bret Taylor (who has since left the company). Another report claimed that Facebook was hiring ex-Apple engineers to help with the development of a smartphone.

Is the company doing an Apple in being so secretive in its product development? One thing is for sure, whether it’s a standalone Facebook phone, integrated mobile services, or other mobile-oriented business models, what is fairly obvious is that Facebook needs a bigger presence in mobile phones to better keep up with Apple, Google and Microsoft.

And if Facebook were to launch its own mobile OS, it will likely be a fork of Android, given the already-existing ecosystem of apps and developers. It would be better to build upon the most popular mobile OS, after all, rather than start from scratch or build on a dead or untested platform.

We’ll know for sure in just over 24 hours. We’ll be sure to keep you posted. For now, what do you think Facebook has in the works, and how do you think it should make an impact on the mobile ecosystem as a whole?

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Android and Me

Android and Me


Video: Hands-on with the ZTE Grand S

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:57 AM PST

By now, it’s pretty evident that 2013 will be the year of 5-inch 1080 displays on all flagship Android phones. HTC kicked off the trend a few months ago with the HTC J Butterfly and Droid DNA, and now ZTE and every other OEM has followed suit. The ZTE Grand S may not have stolen [...]

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LG: Production of the Nexus 4 proceeding as planned, Nexus 5 rumors unfounded

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 06:31 PM PST

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There’s been a lot of finger pointing when it comes to the “failed” launch of the Nexus 4. You may remember the whole fiasco that involved the crashing of the Play Store on release day and many would-be Nexus 4 buyers being left out in the cold for months on end. Some placed the blame on Google for not anticipating obvious high demand by ordering enough units. Others pointed the finger at LG, saying they weren’t producing enough units to fulfill orders.

Today, we’re getting LG’s side of the story and according to them… nobody’s to blame. In an interview with a Korean website, an LG official was quoted as saying Nexus 4 production proceeding “without a hitch” at their plant in Pyeongtaek and that there is no problem with supply. This is in contrast to what Google has been saying, you remember they were once quoted as saying N4 shipments from LG were “scarce and erratic.”

So exactly who’s telling the truth? Well, it could be both of them. Sounds like LG is making exactly as many Nexus 4′s as they want to. Why is that? It may have something to do with the fact that LG is making so much less profit off of the Nexus 4 — offered at an extremely low $300 off-contract — when compared to their $700 flagship like the Optimus G. Couple that with plans to unveil the Optimus G2 at Mobile World Congress 2013 and things are starting to make sense.

On a side note, you may have read rumors that LG and Google were teaming up again to launch a Nexus 5 to be unveiled at I/O. According to LG, these rumors are completely unfounded (of course) so don’t get your hopes up.

[ChosunBiz via The Verge]

Chrome Beta updated in the Play Store, brings loads of fixes and plenty of bugs

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:36 PM PST

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If you’re one of those types that likes to be on the bleeding edge of tech, testing out buggy software and new features before they go live for the rest of us, then you might want to try out the latest Chrome Beta update. The update addresses a handful of bugs while bringing a whole new set along for the ride. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Fixes:

  • 164632 – Edit Bookmark is broken
  • 167351 – Youtube video controls are lost after returning from fullscreen
  • 167016 – Some Samsung Galaxy S2 freezes
  • 168062 – Double tapping on non-zoomable sites scrolls the page to the top briefly before returning to original position
  • 167379 – Sometimes tabswitcher is frozen
  • 166998 – Tab content stretched out while returning to it through side swipe gesture
  • 168632 – Crash – Stack Signature: TabAndroidImpl::FromWebContents
  • 168388 – Sync signed in info text’s font size is too small
  • 168430 – Bookmark star icon doesn’t turn grey/white immediately after bookmarking URL /deleting URL from bookmarks
Known Issues:
  • Performance is sluggish, noticeably on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S
  • Frequent freeze on devices with specific versions of Qualcomm GPU driver
  • Text autosizing may break formatting on some sites
  • Video continues playing after exiting fullscreen on android phones
  • [HTC Droid DNA] Getting crash on tabswitcher mode
  • 163439 - yahoo.com page links are not working
  • 166233 – Cannot submit comments on facebook posts or pictures
  • 165244 – Text handler jumps or disappears when moving
  • 162486 – iframe scrolling broken
  • 158633: Tap disambiguation overaggressive
  • 169910 – Flickering while opening new tab

Chrome Beta version 25.0.1364.33 will be hitting the Play Store over the next few hours, so be patient if it’s not showing up for you. Once this has been fully tested, expect it to go live for the stable release of Chrome in the coming weeks.

[Chrome Beta on Google Play]

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro now receiving Jelly Bean update

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 04:51 PM PST

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Good news if you’re the proud owner of the rough n’ tough Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro. Looks like AT&T has officially been pushing out the Jelly Bean update for the device (SGH-i547), bringing the device’s firmware all the way up to Android 4.1.1. Your SGRP should have already prompted you for the 383MB update, but if an unsuspecting parent or loved one exited it, go ahead and jump into the device’s settings to pull the update again.

With Android 4.1.1, Rugby Pro owners can finally get their hands on services like Google Now and added TouchWiz improvements like:

  • Home screen mode is added.
  • Blocking mode is added.
  • Swype is added
  • Music Hub is added.
  • Setting menu is modified.
  • Quick panel UI is updated.
  • Facebook support is updated.

While sales of the Rugby Pro most likely weren’t ground breaking, it’s nice to see both Samsung and AT&T still giving the device some love even 2 months after its release.

Thanks, Drew!

Sony to focus on higher-end smartphones, Xperia Z test photos and videos surface, ZL confirmed for Canada

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 03:21 PM PST

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There’s no question when it came to Android announcements at last week’s CES 2013, Sony stole the show with the Xperia Z and ZL. A pair of high-end devices to compete with the best Samsung and even Apple have to offer, the phones combine top-of-the-line specs with solid build quality and design.

We had the opportunity to play with both of them (as seen in our CES coverage here), even testing out the devices’ camera functions. Touted as one of the best in the biz, Sony’s packing a new 13MP Exmor RS sensor into each of its Z’s.

Unfortunately, the devices we played with weren’t connected to WiFi, so we had no way of uploading said images and video online. No worries, it looks like some lucky fellas over at BestBoys.de were able to quickly take the devices cameras for a spin, uploading the resulting images and video (in HDR) to the interwebz. Let’s take a look at a few of ‘em:

DSC_0070 DSC_0076 DSC_0063-e1357781717945 Sony Xperia Z wm DSC_0083

The video and images look rather crisp and well exposed. Guess the Exmor RS sensor wasn’t all talk after all. Remember, the Sony Xperia Z and ZL are both able to crank out HDR photos and video, creating images that rival even the iPhone’s or One X. It’s this attention to hardware details that makes the Xperia Z and ZL one of the highest-end Android devices to date.

Speaking of high-end, wheree Samsung and other Android OEM’s tend to blanket the market in entry-level, mid, and high-end devices, Sony could be taking a entirely different route this time around. In an interview with Cnet, Sony’s Xperia Product Manager Stephen Sneeden mentioned Sony could be forgoing lower, entry-level devices, focusing all their attention on superphones like the Xperia Z. Apparently this has more to do with brand image than anything with Sneeden saying in the interview:

"We're ready to be a premium smartphone provider, logically then, at the very entry level is where you lose the 'Sonyness.'"

In the Android space, attention is definitely a good thing. With a smaller product line to focus on, a manufacturer could — hypothetically speaking — offer more timely firmware and maintenance updates to address bugs. Sounds like a winning strategy for both Sony, and consumers if you ask me. ‘Course, I’m sure if you ask any Android manufacturer, they’ll tell you none of their devices are “entry level,” they’re simply “more affordable premium devices.”

Also, as if there was any question the Sony Xperia ZL would be making its way on over to Canada it seems the official Twitter account for Xperia Canada has confirmed the device will in fact be available in Canada, although no specific date was given. Now, we just have to play the waiting game to see which US carrier will be the first to snatch up and announce either the Z or ZL here in the states. My gut is telling me AT&T with the Z, and possibly T-Mobile with the ZL but anything can happen.

Minecraft: Pocket Edition 0.5.1 update to add clouds, signs, gravity for sand/gravel and more

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 02:31 PM PST

Minecraft junkies who like to take their overly-pixelated building adventures mobile will be happy to know that the Pocket Edition of the title will soon receive a pretty nice upgrade. More features were confirmed for version 0.5.1, including gravity for sand and gravel blocks, clouds for devices with certain chipsets, signs and a tone update for the skies — they’ll now be bluer in the daytime.

These are some pretty big editions. For starters, giving sand and gravel blocks the element of gravity will create new dynamics of danger for those doing some exploring. Take it from someone whose character survived a zombie riot in a cave only to have his last ounce of health taken away by sand as I tried to dig out of a cave: it’s not fun. Not at all.

Speaking of caves, it’s been confirmed that caves are being worked on, but they are causing some framerate issues on older devices. The developers may add caves as an optional feature for those who feel their device is up to task, though, so not everyone will be left out of the fun of going deep into the core of the world. That particular feature not might make it into the game until version 0.6.0 is released, though, so don’t hold your breath just yet.

Minecraft: Pocket Edition still has a long way to go before it catches up to its PC and even its console counterparts, but to be a handheld title this game is shaping up to be very nice for those of us who just can’t get enough of the experience.

Thankfully, Mojang has provided a demo for those who want to see what the game is all about and to see if it can run well on their devices. If you decide that you like what you see then take the plunge on the full version for $7 in the Play Store — trust me, it’s worth every pretty penny you have.

[via Droid Gamers]

ClockworkMod dev working on new app called Carbon to backup and restore apps from the cloud

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 01:51 PM PST

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If you’re a ROM flashing addict, you’re no doubt well acquainted with ROM Manager, a popular application for rooted users to quickly and easily backup and restore custom ROMs and recoveries. Looks like the developer, ClockworkMod (also known as Koushik Dutta) is back again, taking a break from some of his other great apps like DeskSMS to work on a new project dubbed Carbon (no, it’s not a Twitter app).

Carbon is an app that will backup and restore applications (and all their data) for easy restoring onto new devices, or fresh ROM flashes. Sure, there are plenty of apps that do similar, but Carbon will not only backup apps to your SD card and your PC and/or cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, but allows you to sync apps between multiple devices as well.

Still very much in beta form, the app is not yet available on the Play Store, but can be downloaded from Koush’s post on Google+ for free (although it will expire after 1 week). In this early state it does require root permissions to perform backups, but the final version will be available to everyone — root or not.

[via Google+]

Samsung display roadmap confirms 4.99-inch 1080p display, timing suggests Galaxy S4

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 12:51 PM PST

Rumors of a Galaxy S4 unveiling at CES didn’t pan out, but a roadmap that surfaced during the show has provided tantalizing evidence of what we can likely expect when the next-gen phone is announced. Just about every report on the GS4 has referenced a 4.99-inch 1080p display with a pixel density of 440ppi. The existence of such a display has been confirmed and the timing of its arrival on the market matches closely the speculated launch date of the next Galaxy smartphone.

The slide technically doesn’t reveal anything we didn’t already know, but it gives us enough to keep us yearning for more info on the Galaxy S4. Will the phone launch with Samsung’s freshly announced Exynos octa-core CPU? Could it gain S-Pen support? If the launch date matches the phone and the phone matches the screen, it sounds like we might be hearing more by the end of the first quarter.

[AnandTech via The Verge]

Sprint Kyocera Torque hits the FCC

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 12:14 PM PST

Spring is quickly approaching and Sprint knows folks will be looking for trails, mountains and hills to tackle. That’s why it’s readying a new rugged Android smartphone outfitted with 4G LTE radios. The Kyocera Torque has been rumored to come with Android 4.0 and will have a display with WVGA resolution, front and rear cameras and build specifications that might mirror military-grade handhelds.

The device has hit the FCC today, and the listing confirms the existence of NFC, something Sprint seems to be taking seriously seeing as it’s the only carrier partner Google has for Wallet. The leaked screen shot would suggest that this device will be mostly stock with the exception of some Sprint-specific pre-installed applications.

There’s a thin line between “easy on the eyes” and “butt ugly” when trying to design rugged smartphones, and Kyocera looks to have straddled that line quite nicely with this device. A carbon-esque look to it just exudes confidence in its toughness, but we’ll have to see it put to the test before we can give it the “tank” seal of approval.

[FCC via Unwired View]

Nexus 4 handset en route to T-Mobile stores

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 11:51 AM PST

Earlier this month we were tipped off to T-Mobile’s plan to stock the Nexus 4 in all retail stores, giving those having a hard time finding the phone in stock perhaps their best chance yet to get their hands on the latest Google Experience device. Now TMoNews has stumbled upon a shipping manifest confirming that the Nexus 4 is indeed en route to local T-Mobile outlets.

That’s the good news. The bad news? It appears most locations won’t receive a large stock to work with. The number of devices available will likely vary by store, but in this case only five Nexus 4 units are set to arrive. It is reasonable to believe that the device will sell out quickly in this instance as well.

T-Mobile customers awaiting the shipment of their online orders are also reportedly receiving shipping notification. It’s taken some time but it would seem Google and LG are finally catching up on that backlog of Nexus 4 orders.

[via TMoNews]

Taptalk HD leaves beta, goes on sale for $.99 today only

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 11:31 AM PST

Everyone’s favorite forum perusal app, Tapatalk, recently came to the big screen in beta form, and now it looks like the goods are ready for stable consumption. Taptalk HD has dropped its beta tag and is now available in the Google Play Store for a small fee. You can find the app for $.99 today only, but expect the price to increase at the end of this day.

We’re not sure how much the tablet version will cost after the sale expires, but it’s safe to assume that it’ll be at least as cheap as the smartphone version which currently costs $3. Tapatalk HD makes better use of screen real estate for tablets, and brings some new features that the phone version can’t currently enjoy.

For starters, a gallery view will let you discover new forums and discussions by going through photos. It’s an easy and beautiful way to find something new to get into. Push notifications will alert you to private messages, new posts in subscribed forums and more as soon as it happens. The app got off to a decent start with a 4-star rating  on 127 reviews, so it should be a safe bet to spend the $1 they’re asking for as of the time of this writing. Give it a try and see if it becomes yet another killer app for your tablet in a sea of many.

[Google Play Store]

Sighting in video fans the Android 4.2.2 flames

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 10:29 AM PST

The next update to Android Jelly Bean is no doubt in the works, but it may already be in the wild. That’s what a video from Czech site SmartMania.cz suggests. During a video overview of the Nexus 4, a look at the “About phone” section of the Settings menu (seen at 6:30 in the clip) quite clearly shows Android 4.2.2 as the software version.

The brief spotting is glossed over, the rest of the video serving only to highlight elements of the Android 4.2 OS that we are already familiar with. This either suggests that somehow the Android version shown in the clip is off or inaccurate, or that Android 4.2.2 will be a quite small update bringing along the sort of behind-the-scenes tweaks and fixes that there isn’t much fuss to be made about.

If the latter is true, it would seem Google has already started pushing the update (or it’s shipping out of the box for newer hardware). We await confirmation either way.

[via Engadget]

Samsung “Godiva” SCH-i425 for Verizon shows up in GL Benchmark

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:52 AM PST

It appears Samsung and Verizon are teaming up on yet another mid-range device as a new handset has hit the results database of GL Benchmark. It’s being called the “Godiva,” and its model number is SCH-i425. That model number suggests this is another entry into the Stratosphere lineup as the previous devices were the SCH-i405 and SCH-i415.

Should that be the case, we could be looking at another QWERTY device, and while that sort of form factor is a bit taboo in this day and age Verizon and Samsung probably feel that there’s still a market for a full physical keyboard. Most users get along quite fine with touch-screen keyboards, but if you can avoid alienating that stubborn group of folks who just can’t give up tactile feedback then you should.

The Samsung Stratosphere line has never introduced cutting edge hardware for the time of each installment, but the devices still tend to provide very nice performance at some very nice prices. We would be surprised if this thing had anything less than a dual-core chipset (early murmurs are saying 1.4GHz with Adreno 305) with 1GB of RAM, LTE and a 4.3 inch display and HD resolution, but for now it’s just a guessing game as the GLBenchmark result doesn’t provide much in the way of specs.

More substantial evidence in the future should paint a more clear picture than the one we have now. As for when to expect the device, we most likely will have to wait until Q2 for a release, but the Samsung Galaxy S4 might be enticing us with an irresistible package by the time that rolls around. What do you think we’ll be seeing out of this bad boy?

[via PhoneArena]

Archos GamePad coming to the United States February 2013

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 08:33 AM PST

Our friends in Europe have been enjoying the Archos GamePad since December, but Archos wasn’t interested in letting us US folks in on the fun at the same time. Heck, the company didn’t even give a peep as to when we might be seeing the gaming tablet in the United States at CES. We knew it’d be Q1, but had no clue which month to expect it.

Thankfully, an Archos rep at CES confirmed the release window for the device here in the States. We shouldn’t be going past February without seeing this device hit retailers, he says, and the price should be around $170. For that price, you’ll be getting a 7 inch 1024×600 display flanked by your standard affair of game controls. These controls can be mapped using an app that will come pre-installed on the device.

Internal specs include a 1.6GHz dual-core processor with a quad-core GPU, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. It should be powerful enough to run most games without any issues, but we won’t know until we try it out with games not totally optimized for Archos’ hardware.

Some users might be more inclined to go with a standalone tablet and pair it with a Bluetooth game controller for the sake of flexibility, but this is a nice, inexpensive package for anyone looking for little more than something to get their game on with. We’ll be looking to get a more refined date from Archos as we get closer to February.

Huawei to reclaim world’s thinnest smartphone status with Ascend P1 S followup

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 08:13 AM PST

There were plenty of companies parading around super slim handsets at CES, including Alcatel, whose One Touch Idol Ultra was declared the thinnest smartphone in the world. The Ultra Idol measures in at 6.45mm, but Huawei’s Richard Yu is promising we will see an even thinner device at Mobile World Congress.

Naturally, the phone will be the followup to last year’s Huawei Ascend P1 S, the phone that once held the title of world’s thinnest. What might logically be dubbed the Huaweid Ascend P2 S looks to reclaim the crown.

Yu also says to expect an octa-core processor in the near future. We’d act surprised, but after Huawei dropped their own in-house quad-core chip at last year’s MWV, nothing is out of the question. Will the eight core technology be married to the ultra-thin Ascend P1 followup? That’s left for speculation.

[via Engadget]

Groupon Merchants update brings mobile credit card transactions to Android

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 07:33 AM PST

With entities like Square and Paypal taking over the mobile payments scene it’s hard for new competitors to break in, but Groupon is looking to improve its chances by bringing Groupon Payments to its Groupon Merchants app for Android. The service allows merchants to accept credit card payments in an easy and secure fashion through the use of a 3.5mm-based card swiper.

The service can be activated within a matter of minutes via your Android device, and aside from the big feature discussed above users can also look forward to improved analytic data, namely the ability to view live transaction history, check daily sales reports, track deposits to external bank accounts and analyze revenue trends.

Groupon Merchants users are subject to a charge of 15 cents plus 1.8% (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or 3% (American Express) of the bill for each transaction made, standard rates for a service like this. You’ll be paying for the convenience of being able to accept payments with a mobile device, something that’s oft-desired for many different types of businesses (food truck owners, rejoice!).

Of course, as we mentioned before, Square and PayPal offer competitive rates and advantages of their own so if you haven’t already settled on a service then these three are worth putting head to head in order to carefully scrutinize the advantages and disadvantages of each. Head here for more information on Groupon Merchants and see if it’s right for you and your needs. Read on for full press details.

Groupon Releases Updated Groupon Merchants App for Android, v2.2, with Groupon Payments

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Today Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN) announced the release of the newest version of the Groupon Merchants app for Android (v2.2), which incorporates Groupon Payments into the platform, offering merchants a better way to accept credit cards at the guaranteed lowest overall rates. Groupon merchants with Android devices who sign up for Groupon Payments will enjoy a fast, intuitive experience capable of fulfilling their everyday credit card processing needs.

Groupon merchants with Android devices may now enjoy the following benefits:
•Hassle-Free Enrollment – Activate the service within minutes
•Comprehensive Features – Use the Groupon Merchants app to enter bill totals, add tips, apply taxes, process refunds and email customer receipts
•Dependable Service – Backed 7-days-a-week by a dedicated Groupon Payments support team reachable by phone and email
•Security – Encrypted credit card information keeps customer data safe
•Analytics – Payments information is seamlessly available through the online Payments Center where merchants can view live transaction history, check daily sales reports, track deposits to their bank account and analyze revenue trends
•ROI Tracking – Groupon Merchants can scan and redeem customer Groupons and monitor tips and additional spending to track the success of their deal

“We’re thrilled to bring the powerful features of the Groupon Merchants app and the cost savings and convenience of Groupon Payments to more merchants with smart phones,” said Gene Alston, General Manager of Groupon Payments. “This app is an effective tool for merchants looking to process payments and track customer growth.”

Merchants interested in learning more about Groupon Payments can visit https://www.grouponworks.com/merchant-solutions/payments or call (888) 961-1511 to speak with a representative. The Groupon Merchants app is available for download in the Google Play Shop. Merchants with iPhones can download the Groupon Merchants app in the iPhone App Store.

The guarantee of lowest possible rates is only available to Groupon merchants located in the United States. Merchants must provide proof of current third-party rates for identical services. Participation is subject to the terms of the Groupon Payments Merchant User Agreement, which may modify or discontinue the guarantee and the underlying services at any time. The guarantee is void where prohibited by law.