Sunday, January 20, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Kim Dotcom’s Mega launch a huge success so far, a MegaMovie service coming next?

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 02:10 PM PST

kim dotcom
By now just about everyone has heard about Kim Dotcom’s newest venture, the Mega file storage site. It’s been the talk of the internet all day today. The numbers seem to indicate that it was a mammoth success. According to Kim Dotcom’s Twitter account, the service has over 250,000 registered users already with 100,000 in the first hour. The servers are at full load and things are just going so well.

What’s making this such a success? There are several factors. First and foremost, new members are getting 50GB of free cloud storage upon signing up. That’s always a good start. Another factor is the site’s crazy good encryption.

According to The Verge’s Kimber Streams, this is to help protect both the users and Mega itself. Due to the encryption, the service doesn’t have access to the content being uploaded. This helps indemnify Mega to prevent the kinds of problems MegaUpload had.

With the encryption and all that free storage, it’s hard to say no to Kim Dotcom’s Mega. Some have even suggested that it could compete with very popular services like Dropbox. Currently, Mega doesn’t have all the features that Dropbox has, but we’re all but certain features will be implemented as time goes. However, they’re off to a good start by making the interface and using the site pretty easy. To upload files, simply drag and drop them.

Is Kim Dotcom going to be launching a matching movie service?

That will be the question of the second half of today. A few hours ago, Kim Dotcom posted this tweet to the MPAA. The picture suggests that this service could be made available whenever Kim Dotcom wants, so this could be something available soon. Where all the files are coming from is unclear. Distributing copyrighted content like that is what got MegaUpload busted. So we’re sure there is a plan in place to prevent that from happening to Mega.

So what is everyone’s take on this? Has anyone given it a try yet? Perhaps the most important question, can anyone see this replacing popular file storage services like Dropbox? Let us know what you think of Mega.

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Korean Samsung Galaxy Camera LTE gets its firmware finally uploaded

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 12:15 PM PST

galaxy camera
Usually people jump for joy when there is an update. Not typically when a firmware is made available for the first time. Getting some new Android with new features can make an old device feel new again while the current firmware isn’t all that important. Unless you need it for something, like a factory reset. Then it’s essential. The Korean Samsung Galaxy Camera stock firmware is now available for download.

Those good Samsung fanatics over at SamMobile have found and uploaded the firmware for anyone to use. It’s for the EK-KC120S model of the Galaxy Camera. Here are some of the stats of the firmware according to SamMobile:

  • Model: EK-KC120S
  • Productcode: EK-KC120SRWDSKT
  • PDA: KC120SKSALL4
  • CSC: KC120SSKTALI1
  • MODEM: KC120SKSALL4

Of course, there are some things people should know before going nuts with the firmware. If at all possible, use Samsung Kies or the stock factory reset function before trying this. Also, don’t use this firmware on any other Galaxy Camera besides the EK-KC120S as it could cause a bricked device.

Where can I get the Galaxy Camera firmware?

If you’ve read the warnings and want it anyway, it’s easy to find. Simply head over to SamMobile’s firmware page and search for the device model. It should show up as a South America and Android 4.1.2. From there, just download it.

If you need it, check the links above. Has anyone been waiting for some stock firmware to play with?

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T-Mobile to have Valentine’s Day Sale and schedules a blackout period in April and May

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 09:30 AM PST

t-mobile
Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to start looking forward to the rest of the holidays this year. As per the norm, companies will tossing deals on holidays year round. T-Mobile demonstrates this by already having a plan for Valentine’s Day.

As PhoneDog’s Alex Wagner reports, T-Mobile is setting up for Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t a leap in logic to assume they would be doing something. After all, T-Mobile tosses a deal every year on Valentine’s Day. They’re usually pretty good, too.

So far, the deal itself is still hush hush. There are no details as to what is going on sale, for how long, or which days exactly. Of course, it’s very likely that T-Mobile will once again push their best smartphones like the Galaxy S III, Nexus 4, and the Galaxy Note II. So if you’ve been waiting for a high end smartphone, then start making plans for Valentine’s Day.

So what’s up with this T-Mobile blackout period?

TMo News describes the blackout as a four week period where employees won’t get vacations. So the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May, employees aren’t going anywhere. This is indicative of a huge event that will require everyone be present.

What it is exactly is anyone’s guess. Rumor has it that the Samsung Galaxy S IV will ship around then. There is also rumor floating around that this also falls into the time frame where T-Mobile will start carrying the iPhone 5. These are all unsubstantiated rumors, but the blackout does point to something big happening.

T-Mobile seems to have a lot up their sleeves for the first half of 2013. Is anyone going to be taking advantage of the Valentine’s Day sale? Or is everyone going to wait for April?

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Instagram’s Terms of Service disaster could come to an end today

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 08:15 AM PST

instagram
Instagram has had an interesting last couple of months. A little background for those that may not know is that Instagram changed their Terms of Service recently. They stated that they could essentially sell your personal photos to other companies. The worry was that deeply personal photos could end up on the front of a website as someone else’s ad. Today, Instagram could be ending it.

Instagram hasn’t been helping their case much. As early as yesterday, Instagram posted likely bogus stats claiming they didn’t lose any users during this fiasco. One sure way to keep your fans angry is to call the ones who quit not important. The Verge’s Chris Welch reports today that Instagram is due to change their Terms of Service once again to end the problem.

Is Instagram going to continue selling photos of people?

We’ll know later today, that’s for sure. It has been reported that the company will retain its right to share its photos with its parent company, Facebook. Otherwise, they claim they have no intention of selling any photos. Of course, as many of our readers have pointed out, the best way to keep your photos safe is to simply get rid of Instagram.

Will this new ToS smooth things over or is it time to leave the photo sharing giant? Let us know what you decided to do in the comments!

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Xperia Z, Xperia ZL to feature display calibration software, report says

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 07:17 AM PST

xperia-zl-display-calibration-feature-1

The Android star of the beginning of the year, the Xperia Z, and its Xperia ZL brother will hit stores in the coming months, and while we though we knew everything there was to know about them it looks like we may have missed at least one particular feature.

Both phones are reportedly going to arrive with display calibration software on board, which means that their owners will be able to independently customize the look of their screens.

According to details provided by SECafe, white balance, color saturation and hue can be manually set on the new Xperia ZL, but considering that the Xperia ZL is essentially a slightly downgraded Xperia Z, it's only logical to see the same display calibration options on the top 2013 Xperia handset as well.

We'll have to wait and see whether the feature will indeed be available on the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL, because we could also be looking at a prototype in the image above, running custom software.

Is display calibration important to you? Would you want to have such features on more Android devices?

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Sprint offers BOGO deal on LG Optimus G

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 06:54 AM PST

Optimus G Sprint

If you're looking to get a pair of quad-core smartphones that have, let's say, similar specs to a certain Nexus phone that's a little bit hard to come by, you might want to consider grabbing the phone that the Nexus 4 is based on – the LG Optimus G.

As part of Sprint's BOGO offer, you can get two LG Optimus G handsets for the price of one. Simply purchase the phone on a two-year contract for $200, the second Optimus G will be yours for free. Of course, the second device requires a separate two-year service agreement with Sprint.

You may already know the ins and outs of the Optimus G, but here's a quick rundown of its specs.

The flagship device boasts a 4.7-inch True HD IPS+ display and is powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and Adreno 320 GPU. It has 2GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage, 13MP main camera, 1.3MP front-facing cam, LTE, a 2,100mAh battery, and Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich on board – though an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is just around the corner.

The promotion will run until February 28. If you’re interested, hit the link below to take advantage of the sweet offer.

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Non-Nexus Android 5.0 Kie Lime Pie Motorola X 5-inch smartphone coming at Google I/O?

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 05:45 AM PST

motorola-x-1

We were talking about Nexus and non-Nexus devices just the other day, trying to help new Android users understand some of the differences between stock Android and custom Android ROMs depending on what handsets these OS variations equip. At the time, we told you that Google is yet to call on Motorola, its own subsidiary, to make a Motorola Nexus and wondered whether 2013 is finally the year when this will happen.

So far, the only existing Nexus 5 rumors concern LG, the same company that made the Nexus 4, although the South Korean group denied these allegations since they first appeared.

As for Motorola, the company is rumored to work on a Motorola X project, and now we have more unconfirmed details on it.

According to Droid Forums, the Motorola X will not be a Verizon-only handset like so many Droids before it, but it will be a multi-carrier smartphone. In fact, its name is not known at this time and it probably won't be Droid-branded. But it looks like this isn't going to be the Nexus 5 either.

Whatever Google and Motorola call it, it appears that the X Phone will feature a 5-inch edge-to-edge display. That’s not entirely surprising considering that Motorola  knows how to make bezelless smartphones, on one hand, but also considering the sheer number of 5-inch devices that will hit the market in the coming months, on the other hand. Most interestingly though, the handset will be running Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie right out of the box.

That means that yes, Google has to unveil the Motorola X during its mid-May Google I/O event, which is definitely exciting news especially since the X won't be part of the Nexus family, if these rumors are to be believed. But even though it won't be a Nexus, it will look and feel like a Nexus:

[...] while this will not be a Nexus device, supposedly, Motorola has been working hard to create a UI that both compliments & enhances the Android experience, and is intended to be Nexus-like. Additionally, they are working on a variety of software add-ons to improve the functionality of the device further, much like several of Samsung’s software features, like S Beam for example.

Like we always do with wild rumors, we'll tell you that nothing is confirmed at this time, as it comes from unnamed "hidden friends in high places within the industry." But we'll definitely keep tabs on the Motorola X in the following months leading to Google I/O 2013.

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Google tops Fortune’s Top 100 best companies to work for

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 05:43 AM PST

google logo [aa] Meneame/Flickr

If Google were a country, it'd have no problem charting high on the Gross National Happiness index. As a tech company, its 34,311 employees have spoken: they all love working for Google so much that for the fourth time in a row, Fortune magazine has placed Google, Inc. on top of its list of the 100 best companies to work for.

The Top 100 list is quite diverse and features companies from a wide range of industries, but what makes Google quite the catch?

According to the publication, Google's employees received "100,000 hours of subsidized massages" in 2012 alone. Meanwhile, the New Year should bring "three wellness centers and a seven-acre sports complex, which includes a roller hockey rink; courts for basketball, bocce, and shuffle ball; and horseshoe pits."

Are you reconsidering your career choice? We won’t blame you. If Google isn’t within reach, you can also consider other high-charting companies. The rest of Top 5 consist of SAS, CHG Healthcare Services, The Boston Consulting Group, Inc., and Wegmans Food Markets. In case you’re wondering, there’s no sign of AAPL on the list.

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Carbon app latest beta adds Dropbox support, more features

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 04:12 AM PST

carbon backup

Being released as a beta just a couple of days ago, Carbon has created quite the buzz online amongst those who long for a solid cloud-based backup solution, one that also allows users to sync app data between multiple Android devices.

Cloud-wise, the app initially only lets you save your apps and data backup to Google Drive, but the latest beta comes with the promised Dropbox support. Aside from that, the new Carbon allows you to save apps in batches and select all apps for backup. If you’re only looking to make a backup of the app data, you can now do so.

Carbon only works on rooted Android devices for now. But Koushik Dutta – the developer — has promised that the next beta will support non-rooted phones and tablets.

You can grab the APK for latest Carbon version right here. However, note that it'll only work until January 25. Expect one last beta to drop before we see the app making it to Google Play.

How's your experience using Carbon so far?

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Android Authority’s Best of CES 2013 online

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 03:16 AM PST

ces-logo

We are a week removed from the Consumer Electronics Show of 2013. The dust had time to settle, we had some time to digest all the new things that came out of fabulous Las Vegas, and we even got time to physically heal (yes, two of AA's brightest have gone down sick during the convention).

Our CES 2013 coverage was pretty extensive, and we like to think that we've provided good reporting on almost all important developments from CES. But, behind all the posts and videos, the Versus pieces and the Roundup pieces, there's always a fair share of bloopers, accidents, or simply stuff that just wasn't interesting enough for full coverage.

Our Joshua Vergara (one of those who battled sickness, not only the madhouse that is CES) was the man behind the camera at the show, responsible for many of the great videos you can see on our YouTube channel. Here's his Best of CES 2013 video, where he collected some of the stuff you didn't see in out earlier CES videos. Check it out!

See you at MWC 2013 in Barcelona!

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Android and Me

Android and Me


Samsung rumored to release 5.8-inch “Fonblet”

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 08:39 AM PST

At what point does a phone make the transition into a tablet with calling capabilities? 5-inches? 5.5, 5.8, 6.3? Apparently Samsung is keen on figuring this out, with recent rumors suggesting the company plans on releasing a 5.8-inch phone that will fit nicely between the 5.5-inch Note II, and...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Android Overload: Galaxy Camera gets significant update, Droid RAZR Maxx HD for $99, LG Optimus G Pro and more

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 05:51 PM PST

Welcome to your Android Overload, where we bring you all the stories that didn’t make it to our homepage! These are still worth a read, so make sure you get your Android fix before you head out the door for your weekend adventures. First things first, guys.

  • Galaxy Camera gets significant update, new shooting modes and more [SamMobile]
  • Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx HD now going for $99 on Amazon [Amazon]
  • CyanogenMod releases first Nexus Q build [CyanogenMod]
  • LG Optimus G Pro leaked [Engadget]
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus image leaked [SamMobile]
  • Facebook for Android updated with plethora of improvements [The Next Web]
  • Sony Xperia Z teared down by the FCC [Engadget]

Display calibration – Sony’s next step in smartphone technology

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 04:42 PM PST

Smartphone displays can’t get much better at this point. Full HD resolution screens are becoming a standard and there is a type of display for everyone, but many times the phone you want doesn’t have the type of display you prefer. Sacrificing your favorite display type for better specs/features is simply necessary sometimes, but Sony is here to revolutionize the way we look at this.

All displays have their pros and cons. AMOLEDs are known for deep blacks and saturated colors while LCDs are known for realistic colors (and better viewing angles). Until now, though, no Android smartphone has given us the option to calibrate the screen. Some Samsung devices will allow you to adjust saturation, but that’s about it. The Japanese manufacturer will be the first to bring us full-featured screen calibration with the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL.

Different displays technologies will still have their clear separations, but at least we will be able to get them closer to what we prefer. Imagine being able to make colors brighter on an LCD screen to make it look more like a Super AMOLED (or vice versa). Or what about darker blacks? Or whiter whites?

Manufacturers need to understand not all of us like their optimal screen settings. It’s the same reason why I never want my TVs to be professionally calibrated. I don’t like those “realistic” images. I want blacks to be dark… and colors to be bright and pop out. I even like that “soap opera” effect that makes movies look weird to others. Many call my TV settings surreal, but that is the way I enjoy TV and I am glad no TV manufacturer is forcing me to use their settings.

Smartphone displays are no different, and this is why I tend to lean towards AMOLED displays. I know I would be more likely to purchase a non-AMOLED smartphone if I could calibrate it to my will. I am also sure many of you wouldn’t avoid AMOLED so much if you could change the way it looks.

This might partially be a rant, but it is a very valid one. How can we claim our OS is the most flexible when we can’t customize the display itself? Props to Sony for making it happen. I hope more manufacturers start giving us this option – do you?

[via secafe]

Will Kim Dotcom’s Mega cloud storage service destroy the competition? [POLL]

Posted: 19 Jan 2013 01:51 PM PST

Are you willing to trust Kim Dotcom again? This is a question we ask ourselves today as Mega is released to the public. MegaUpload’s revival brings a completely new philosophy in mind. In comes Mega, a cloud storage service that has turned into a tornado within the first hours of after its launch.

Competitive pricing and privacy have turned Kim’s legacy upside down – from a defeated empire in technology to a rising behemoth. Could it be Google Drive, Dropbox and the like have something to worry about? Well, let’s look at the prices first.

Mega Cloud Storage Pricing Options

  • Free: 50 GB of storage
  • Pro I: 500 GB of storage and 1 TB of bandwidth for $9.99/month.
  • Pro II: 2 TB of storage and 4 TB of bandwidth for $19.99/month.
  • Pro III: 4 TB of storage and 8 TB of bandwidth for $29.99/month.
  • We won’t go into too much detail about this, but Mega’s prices destroy the competition. Google Drive’s 2 TB plan goes for $99.99, 5 times the price Dotcom is offering. In comparison, Dropbox’ price for the 500 GB plan costs $49.99 a month. Again, 5 times more expensive than Mega. And by the way, there are no file size limitations.

    Sure, there are no apps or computer programs yet, but this product is in its beta stage. Hundreds of thousands of users have signed up in just a few hours. Servers are overloaded. There is definitely a demand for Mega, and all of those apps and features will be coming soon, guys.

    There is simply no competition here. No other major cloud storage service offers such prices, or 50 GB of storage for free subscribers. But there is much more you guys are probably worried about. Kim Dotcom’s reputation is to follow him, probably to his grave.

    While it is true MegaUpload turned out to be a complete disaster, both for the company and its users, its resurrection is coming in with a completely different mindset. Based on what we can see (please take into account we are no lawyers), there is no reason why Mega should be more illegal than Google Drive, Dropbox or Box.

    All files are encrypted during the uploading process and they can only be shared via a link (sounds familiar?). Files will be readily available only to those you give access to. Mega is, in essence, pretty much another cloud storage service. Except with killer prices.

    Mega simply gives you the space. It is yours. If copyrighted materials are somehow pirated, responsibility will fall under the host (but even that is hard to come by, as files are encrypted). This one is really looking to be a winner.

    Anybody can now sign up and beta test Mega for free at mega.co.nz/#start. But we would like to know how you guys feel about this. Do you trust Kim Dotcom with your files after what happened a year ago? Do you think this is a great way for Kim Dotcom to take his empire back? Let us know!

    [Source: Mega Via: ChromeSpot]

    Review: $5 Poetic Palette case for the HTC Droid DNA [VIDEO]

    Posted: 19 Jan 2013 11:12 AM PST

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    I’ve shown off many a case here on Phandroid, highlighting the best the interwebs has to offer in keeping your device safe and blemish free from life’s mishaps. Today’s case “review” is a little bit different in that I have officially found my first case I am not only unhappy with — I feel the need to warn others who might be enticed by its low $5 price tag.

    The brand is Poetic and the product is their Palette case for the HTC Droid DNA (my latest Android daily driver). You may have seen this brand before thanks to their super cheap $5 Nexus 4 case found on Amazon. Reading positive reviews on that case, I was optimistic about their case for the DNA.

    Taking a look at the case in-box, everything checked out. The box itself was of nice quality (featuring nice little knife accents along the front and back). Even after inspecting the case after removing it from the box everything checked out. The case is made of a simple piece of plastic, coated in a nice soft touch finish. What could possibly go wrong? Sure there were some blemishes along the edge but let’s remember — this is a $5 case. I can’t even buy #5 combo at McDonald’s for that price.

    Finally, I slipped my phone into the case and lo and behold… the damn thing doesn’t fit. Well, let me rephrase that — the phone fits into the case just fine, it’s the case doesn’t really fit the phone very well. The case has the grip of a 6 month old baby and there’s a noticeable amount of “give” when pressing the phone into the case. It’s almost as if this case was made for a slightly thicker HTC DNA or one already wearing a case (double case protection?).

    In any case, I am disappoint and I felt the need to share with everyone here so that they wont be duped by the same case. Again, I hear good things about their bumper case for the Nexus 4 and maybe I just received a bad batch. Had the case fit my DNA properly, I’d be raving about it. Especially for only $5. I’ve reached out to Poetic to see if mine was simply a defective unit. Will update this post once I hear more.

    Watch your Nexus 7 boot up with this Phandroid boot animation! [VIDEO]

    Posted: 19 Jan 2013 09:00 AM PST

    Looking for a cool new boot animation to apply to your Nexus 7? Why not wake your device up with the Phandroid logo giving you a nice big smile? “AFAinHD” from XDA created the boot animation using our winking little friend you see at the top of our site every day, and I must say that it’s quite nice.

    Considering we caught a lot of flack for having the winking eye on the wrong side of the face in our previous logo, the error in this boot animation caught my eye right away. Perhaps it was an intentional way of paying homage to our blunder of yesteryear, but it does have a bit of charm to it and we don’t mind it one bit!

    This download link will net you all of the files you’ll need to get started, and this XDA thread will have all the instructions you need to apply the boot animation (and a nice selection of other boot animations) if you feel like showing Phandroid some love on your Nexus 7. If you happen to adapt the boot animation to other devices be sure to let us know in the comments section below and we’ll update this post with any more that happen to be floating about!

    [Thanks John!]

    Android Overload: Jelly Bean now available for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2, LG Optimus G sells 1 million units, and more

    Posted: 18 Jan 2013 08:08 PM PST

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    The Android Overload is where we stash all of the stories/articles/news bits that didn't make it onto our front page from throughout the day. But just because they weren't featured, doesn't mean they aren't worth taking a look at. In fact, there's almost always a little something here for everyone. So, take a look around and let us know if you find anything of interest.

    • Google’s Director of Engineering reveals info on their artificial intelligence project to help computers better understand human language. [ZDNet]
    • AT&T warns of massive Q4 charges to the tune of $10 billion due to pensions and Hurricane Sandy. [Reuters]
    • Android 4.1.2 now rolling out for Galaxy Note 2 users on Telus. Thanks, Jeff! [TelusMobility]
    • Amazon introduces limited ebook rentals for Kindle. [Zatznotfunny]
    • Ikaruga now available for Android devices. $9 price tag will keep many gamers away. [DroidGamers]
    • Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 2 and Galaxy Note 10.1 receive Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. [Samsung]
    • Symphony of the Origin now available in the Play Store for $4. [Google Play]
    • LG sells 1 million LG Optimus G’s worldwide. Not a bad number. [YonhapNews]
    • Carbon Beta 2 now available direct from the developer (ClockworkMod). [Google+]
    • Google Handwrite gets easier and quicker. [Google]
    • CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies now available for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. [Google+]
    • Voxer CEO says Facebook cut off their access to Social Graph over competition concerns. [AllThingsD]
    • Sony sells NYC headquarters for $1.1 billion. [BGR]

    Google Android News Android Forums

    Google Android News Android Forums


    Galaga Special Edition hits Google Play Store

    Posted: 19 Jan 2013 01:03 PM PST

    Fans of classic arcade games may be pleased to know Namco Networks has released a new title, Galaga Special Edition, in the Google Play Store. Namco describes the game as being based on the classic title, but with some new twists like better graphics and special weapon power-ups. The game contains 25 levels plus boss battles. The game is free, but several early adopters are complaining the ads that help maintain that price point are extremely annoying and intrusive into the gameplay itself. Check out some screenshots after the break and a download link if you are interested in trying out Galaga Special Edition.

    galaga_special_edition_google_play_banner galaga_special_edition_screenshot_01 galaga_special_edition_screenshot_02 galaga_special_edition_screenshot_03 galaga_special_edition_screenshot_04 galaga_special_edition_screenshot_05

    QR Code generator

    Google Play Download Link


    Samsung Galaxy Camera Gets Updated To Android 4.1.2, Bringing New “Smart” Modes Along With It

    Posted: 19 Jan 2013 08:49 AM PST

     

    The Samsung Galaxy Camera has gotten its first major software update which brings some significant improvements and goodies to the camera. In addition to bringing the Galaxy Cam’s Android software to version 4.1.2, the update brings a few new “smart” shooting modes including a dawn, food and snow settings which all aim to enhance whatever picture or image you are trying to capture— as well as some additional minor bug and lag fixes. While the update is available for users now— it will need to be flashed manually, so it’s advised that Galaxy Cam users take extreme caution in doing so. Or users can ummm, you know… wait for the update to be pushed out over the air and all.

    The complete update file can be found at the source link below.

    source: SamMobile


    Google May Have Misjudged Nexus 4 Demand By As Much As 10 Times

    Posted: 18 Jan 2013 09:44 PM PST

    The Nexus 4 has been pretty hard to come by and, if LG is to be believed, Google’s terribly inaccurate sales predictions are the biggest reason. According to Cathy Robin, head of mobile communications for LG France, demand has been 10 times higher than what Google expected. LG and Google have played a blame game of sorts but it’s hard to fault LG too much if Google did, in fact, give drastically lower sales estimates. Robin said the estimate was based on sales numbers for previous Nexus phones.

    It’s easy to play Monday morning quarterback and point to things like price and an enhanced consumer awareness of Android as factors that differentiate the Nexus 4 from its predecessors, but to miss the mark by so much is almost unGoogle. This phone came off the heels of Samsung’s Galaxy S III‘s great success. In the minds of many consumers, this was the next big Android phone. It launched at about half the price of other top tier phones. Yeah, I think there’s going to be a bit of a demand. If the Nexus 4 doesn’t make it back to the Play Store, at least we have Qualcomm’s X phone to look forward to.

    Source: CNET


    HTC One SV expected to land on the Sprint network

    Posted: 18 Jan 2013 04:37 PM PST

    Thanks to some documents from the FCC, it seems as if HTC’s One SV smartphone is heading to Sprint’s NOW network. The FCC recently approved an HTC device with the model number of PL80110 which nearly identical to the model number of HTC One SV for Cricket Wireless.

    The device will have a modest (in today’s standards) 4.3″ screen with a Snapdragon processor and Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich firmware.

    source: The FCC


    CyanogenMod team releases first build for Nexus Q to give it some life

    Posted: 18 Jan 2013 04:33 PM PST

    With the Google Nexus Q all but abandoned by Google, CyanogenMod and the rest of his team have worked hard to give it some life to the few that actually do own the device. A nightly build for the device has been made available to the masses and provides some added features that definitely prove useful such as the ability to access some apps. If you’re interested in trying this out hit up the source link for a download!

    source: CM