Thursday, March 21, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Lenovo allegedly preparing a mid-range P780 5-inch phone with a monster battery

Posted: 21 Mar 2013 02:34 AM PDT

Android-battery

One of the biggest names in the PC industry for several years now, Lenovo has always kept a relatively low profile in the Android world, especially relating to smartphones. But it appears we'll be having no more of that soon enough, as the Chinese company is looking to make a similar push to that of its neighbors and local archenemies – ZTE and Huawei.

We're pretty psyched about the IdeaPhone K900, the world's fastest Intel-powered handheld to date, but that's not all Lenovo has in store for us Android geeks. According to unconfirmed rumors, a mystery P780 smartphone is also in the works.

The new guy has mostly run-of-the-mill specs, so you would never pick it out of a lineup, but there's one little feature that makes it stand out big time. Or better yet, one big feature – a monster 4,000 mAh battery.

That's just short of a world record, being beaten to the punch by Huawei Ascend Mate's 4,050 mAh ticker. Then again, exactly the fact that the Lenovo P780 will come with average specs could make it very attractive, as we expect the humongous battery to hold its own for days on end.

lenovo p770

P780's 5-inch display only boasts a 1,280 x 720 pixels resolution, while the processor beneath the hood is a power-saving quad-core MediaTek MT6589 unit with an unknown clocking speed. There's also only 1 GB of RAM, so on the whole the performance will be fairly unexciting, but the autonomy – out of this world.

There are a few other rumored specs, including 8 GB of on-board storage, an 8 MP rear-facing snapper and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, while the release is tentatively scheduled for May. Based on the name, we're guessing Lenovo's new phone will look a lot like last year's P770 (pictured above), but we have to wonder how much bulk the massive battery will add.

We've saved the best for last, as rumor has it the P780 will sell for just CNY 1,999 ($318) in China in a SIM-free flavor. Now if only Lenovo would make it available outside Asia as well, we wouldn't have to worry so much about making our batteries last, would we?

The post Lenovo allegedly preparing a mid-range P780 5-inch phone with a monster battery appeared first on Android Authority.

Unreleased Google Play v4.0 gets previewed on video

Posted: 21 Mar 2013 01:31 AM PDT

Google-Play-v4.0

Google has been busy doing some spring cleaning in the past weeks, though it hasn't forgotten to give us some new toys to play with as well, such as the freshly introduced Google Keep. Another thing that we can look forward to seeing is the redesigned Google Play.

It's been months since Google Play received its last update and makeover, now it looks like Google is readying to unleash version 4.0, which the good folks at Droid Life has managed to get an early copy of.

As the quick walkthrough video shows, the new Play Store is still missing some sections, with the main page being the most prominent one. But from what we do get to see, it definitely borrows some UI elements from Google Now; expect to see brighter colors, cleaner layouts, and bigger pictures.

While the exterior is still being worked on, the app seems to be functional. Google has removed the annoying transit page that usually pops up whenever you hit the download button, which means there's less clicking. The settings option has also been simplified.

In case you feel like going on an APK hunt, the full build number is 4.0.16. Hopefully we don't have to wait until Google I/O in May to get the final version. Do you dig the new UI?

The post Unreleased Google Play v4.0 gets previewed on video appeared first on Android Authority.

HTC One SV Review!

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:04 PM PDT

htc-one-sv-in-hand

The HTC One SV isn’t the most recent addition to HTC’s increasingly confusingly named One series of phones, nor is the most talked about. That doesn’t mean, however, that it isn’t worth a look.

It may not have the most eye-poppingly impressive specs, but the HTC One SV is part of a recent trend of very capable yet inexpensive dual-core phones. Does it have what it takes to keep up with its competition? Read on to find out.

In a hurry? Check out our video review or jump to the conclusion at the end of the article.

Specs

  • 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
  • Adreno 305 GPU
  • 4.3-inch WVGA display (800 x 480, 217 ppi)
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 8 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD slot
  • 5 MP rear-facing camera /w 1080p video capture
  • 1.6 MP front-facing camera /w 720 video capture
  • 1,800 mAh replaceable battery
  • Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich

Build Quality & Design

It’s fairly easy to confuse the HTC One SV with other devices in the same line, such as the One X, and it’s likely that this was a conscious decision on HTC’s part. If you’re a fan of the look of those devices, chances are fairly slim that your opinion of the One SV will be drastically different.

htc-one-sv-back

As with most devices from HTC, the One SV is well built and feels very solid. Despite this, it manages to keep its weight down at just 122 grams. The phone is very comfortable to hold, and even with its light weight and generally small size, it doesn’t feel like the HTC One SV is going to leap out of your hand easily.

Display

As with most phones in this range, the display is where the HTC One SV takes the biggest hit when compared to phones on the higher end of the scale. The low resolution of 800 x 480 and pixel density of 217 ppi just can’t hold up to the super-high pixel counts in phones costing much more.

htc-one-sv-front

You’re not going to notice to low resolution and pixel density in every case, but it is noticeable. Photos look good on the screen, for example, but computer-generated imagery is where the low pixel density is most noticeable. Text and icons aren’t as sharp as they are on more pixel-rich displays, but the aliasing isn’t as apparent as it would be on a larger screen size.

Pixel count isn’t everything, and the other aspects of the display are well done. Colors are warm and vivid, and the brightness and contrast are right where they should be.

Performance

As we’ve come to expect in these dual-core Snapdragon devices, performance was generally good. Apps launched quickly without fail, and scrolling through the home screens and app drawer was smooth. We tested a few games from the Google Play Store, and while they generally ran fairly smoothly, we did notice the occasional hitch in performance.

htc-one-sv-bottom,jpg

To break performance down into more quantifiable terms, we ran a few benchmarks, starting with AnTuTu. We ran the full benchmark three times and took the average, leaving us with a score of 10898. In comparison, the LG Spirit 4G we reviewed recently scored an average of 11783 with similar hardware.

Next, we ran Epic Citadel which may not be as comprehensive of a benchmark, but is just plain cool. In High Quality mode, the benchmark resulted in an average framerate of 48.0 FPS, while we ended up with 50.7 FPS in High Performance mode.

Software

In a somewhat disappointing move, the HTC One SV runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense 4.1. While we’ve heard that an upgrade to Jelly Bean and Sense 4+ could be on the way, I checked for an update multiple times during testing and wasn’t offered an update.

htc-one-sv-right-side

While this means that you won’t be able to use some software–Google Now springs to mind–it generally doesn’t mean much when it comes to the overall look and feel of the device. With the Sense overlay, you’ll be hard pressed to tell what Android version is running underneath, and in use the phone acts just like an entry in the One series running newer software would.

When it comes to other software, HTC has included quite a bit of what could be considered bloatware on the One SV and, as usual, it can’t be removed. Luckily, many of the apps included are small, useful utility apps. For example, the Flashlight, FM Radio, Mirror, Voice Recorded and Wi-Fi Hotspot apps will probably come in handy on more than one occasion.

Camera

I wasn’t blown away by the camera in the HTC One SV, but I wasn’t expecting to be. The cameras in phones of this class are never the greatest, and that is certainly the case here, but at least HTC made sure to cram the camera in the One SV full of features.

The main camera is 5 megapixels and capable of 1080p video recording, while the front-facing camera is 1.6 megapixels and captures 720p video. Colors are reproduced well with relatively little distortion, and low-light performance is surprisingly good, especially for a device in this class.

htc-one-sv-camera

Where it gets more interesting is the amount of bells and whistles HTC has thrown in. Burst mode and Best Shot are included, as are HDR mode and the ability to simultaneously capture images and video. Speaking of video, the 1080p video capture is usable, and HTC has included its always fun slow-mo recording mode.

Battery

While it’s easy to look at the battery capacity of 1,800 mAh and dismiss the battery, that isn’t the case here. Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets can do some very impressive things with relatively low-capacity batteries, and the combination of a smaller screen and lower-clocked processor help extend battery life as well.

Even after a full day of heavy benchmarking and testing, I got just over eight hours of battery life out of the HTC One SV. Using the phone more like a normal person would, I easily made it through a full day without needing to charge until late that night.

htc-one-sv-box

In a move that is somewhat unusual for HTC, the battery in the One SV is replaceable. Extended batteries are available, although they don’t seem to offer much more capacity than the included battery. Still, if you want to make sure that you don’t run out of juice, you’ll be glad to know that you can carry a spare battery.

Video Review

Conclusion

Devices like the HTC One SV are becoming increasingly common, and with the specs and performance being so similar across the board, the deciding factors are generally going to boil down to two things: design, and pricing. Pricing is trickier, as various deals are always going to make this a changing landscape. With style, well, that’s up to you.

The HTC One SV is a stylish, well-performing phone that is well suited for HTC fans and those who are either on a budget or just don’t need a high-end phone. If you don’t like HTC Sense, you might want to look elsewhere, but otherwise the One SV could be a great choice, especially if you can find a good deal on it.

htc-one-sv-right-side htc-one-sv-in-hand-back htc-one-sv-in-hand htc-one-sv-front htc-one-sv-flat-bottom htc-one-sv-camera htc-one-sv-box htc-one-sv-bottom,jpg htc-one-sv-back

What do you think of the HTC One SV? Let us know in the comments below.

The post HTC One SV Review! appeared first on Android Authority.

Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Tab 3 reportedly coming at IFA 2013

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:02 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Logo aa 600px

A new report reveals that Samsung could unveil more Galaxy-branded products at IFA 2013 in Berlin, Germany, this September, including the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Tab 3.

The info comes from Sam Mobile, whose insider had access to such details, although he wasn't able to share any details about the Galaxy Tab 3's hardware.

The first Galaxy Tab model was also officially unveiled at IFA, back in 2010, while the second-generation tablet versions were announced at MWC 2012. The report also notes that these devices will apparently stop receiving support from Samsung, with the Galaxy Tab 2 set to stop at Android 4.2.2.

The Galaxy Note 3, which recently appeared in another rumor claiming that AT&T execs will have access to a 5.9-inch mockup unit this week, will also be announced at IFA. Even if not confirmed, such a move would make plenty of sense considering that the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 were also unveiled at the same German trade show, in previous years.

We'll be back with more Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Tab 3 details in the following months, as more rumors detailing these devices will surely get leaked.

The post Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Tab 3 reportedly coming at IFA 2013 appeared first on Android Authority.

Google Play Books now available in Mexico

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:00 PM PDT

Google Play

Google Play Books opens up a world of great reading content, but unfortunately it is only limited to a few select countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, India and a few others. The good news is that Google continues to expand the list of countries that the service is available in and has now added Mexico to the list.

Besides offering plenty of local titles and Spanish translated favorites, the Google Play Books store also lists everything in pesos and gives Mexico its first real taste of Google Play’s extended services beyond just apps. Now here is to hoping that Play Magazines, Music and the rest of the expanded parts of the store eventually make it to Mexico as well.

For those in Mexico, are you glad to see the Books part of Google Play finally reaching Mexico, or disappointed that you didn’t get some of the other parts of Google Play added as well?

The post Google Play Books now available in Mexico appeared first on Android Authority.

Making the best of your battery life

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:46 PM PDT

android-battery-life 2

We love our pocket powerhouses (easy, now), but the battery life can be dismal. Aside from buying a Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, which has a battery about the size of the device itself, what options are we left with? The increasing trend of non-removable batteries is troubling, as no new technology for battery life has come to light. Same batteries we've always had, but the technology it powers keeps getting more powerful. We're screwed, right?

Nope! There are plenty of things we can do to mitigate the drain on our devices. Some of them require little to no work on our part, while others are a stopgap for those inevitable times our batteries just plain run out. Whether it's a change to your device from the ground up or a simple app from the Play Store, we'll go over some good ways to make your battery last.

Be smart

We love having our phones on and working all day, but do we need that? Think about how and where you use your phone, or more importantly, where you don't. If you're in the office all day, does your phone need to be on? Perhaps a Google Talk message will do instead of a text message (you can even text from Google Voice on the desktop, if you like). If you can't answer those calls anyway, there is no point in having a phone on, ready to receive them.

Take a minute to consider how you accomplish things, and you may find there are better solutions to tethering yourself to your mobile phone all day. Most of what you want your phone for can probably be accomplished right from a browser like Chrome, with a few extensions or apps. Breaking out of our mold is often the first step towards a better way.

There's an app for that

Sometimes, we just can't turn our device off. Rather than accept hopelessness, we should search for solutions. Apps are usually the best way to reduce battery drain, and can be used on just about any device. We’ve found one that is simple, works great, and best of all… free!

Deep Sleep

The deep sleep battery saver app is probably the most robust of its kind. Essentially, it puts your device into hibernation when the screen is off. All connectivity is halted until you wake up the screen and unlock your phone (the way you always do, no tricky unlock feature here). There is a free version with a few presets, like slumber which puts your device to sleep as described above. Others, like "aggressive", hibernate the device for a few hours, then turn the signal on for a few minutes to download messages.

deep-sleep-battery-saver1

In hibernation, the alarm clock and call functions work, so you'll never oversleep or miss a call. I've been testing this on my Nexus 4, and am pleasantly surprised. Whereas I would normally struggle to get through a day on a single charge, I've now been able to get two days battery life routinely, with a max of almost four days.

There are many other battery saver apps, but DS is easy to use, less fussy than many others, and does a solid job. The basic version has some great customization options, which let you better manage your battery by choosing the times of day (and days) you want the settings active. This is particularly advantageous for those of us who have a pretty set routine to life, and know when we can and can't check our device. There is a pro version of the app which lets you customize the individual app settings to suit your needs, and better manage your battery.

Rootin'

If you've got your device rooted, or are interested in doing so, a custom ROM can help with battery life. Many custom ROMs will help with essential battery functions, because they tend to strip away all the unnecessary fussiness of stock ROMs and skins. By choosing a ROM that best suits your needs, and a theme that doesn't suck juice with things like live wallpaper, you could end up saving a lot of battery life and getting a device makeover! Why do I feel like I just came up with a new idea for a reality show?

If you're interested, check out CyanogenMod or Paranoid Android. They're two of the largest ROM developers, and have some excellent products. They also have a stellar support community, so if you need help, just ask. As always, be safe before you make any changes to your device and make sure you're not violating any warranty or insurance language in your contracts.

New Trent Chargers AA

Battery!

Sometimes, things just happen. We run out of juice… maybe we forgot to charge the device, or maybe we just used it a bit more than we thought we would. However it happens, not having our device when we need it sucks. If this sounds like something you may run into, or currently do, a backup battery pack may just be your best option.

On test are two options from New Trent, the Easypak and the iCarrier. The Easypak is a 7,000mAh pack, while the iCarrier is a monster 12,000mAh pack. While all battery packs may seem the same, these two are very different from one another.

New Trent AA

Of the two, the Easypak is meant more as a portable solution. It's a slim design with two ports, one for tablets (2.1A) and one for phones (1A). There are also two pre-existing cables, a USB meant for charging the Easypak (it was possible to use a wall plug from a Galaxy Nexus), and a micro USB meant for charging your device. Charging was fairly quick, and of course slowed down with more than one device charging at the same time. Charging a Nexus 4 & 7 simultaneously was a breeze, and was finished in about 2 hours. It also had enough juice left over to charge the Nexus 4 to about half two days later.

A bit heftier than it's cousin, the iCarrier is a daunting 12,000mAh battery pack. Unlike the Easypak, it charges via a DC cable and power source. It has two ports, with no pre-existing cables present. If you will be in need of charging a phone 5-6 times on the go, this is your best choice. It's big, it's powerful, and it performs.

best-battery-widgets-android-phones-tablets-header-120702

Conclusion

We tend to want it all with our mobile devices. Our desire for a powerful, fast device that lasts all day and night is often at conflict with reality, but it doesn't have to be. With the methods we discussed here today, you can make your battery last quite a bit longer, and not run out of power while away from a power source. We often think of our devices as toys, but they're also lifelines. Not being able to make a call at a critical time is a scary thought, and a factor we should consider when thinking about managing our constant drain.

Battery life is partly measured in how many times you charge the device, so extending your battery life also prolongs the life of your device a bit. Buying a new device every year or two is fun, but the diminished capacity of your battery shouldn't be a factor in a new purchase. We like these options, but if you have another you'd like to add, please do so in the comments section below.

 

The post Making the best of your battery life appeared first on Android Authority.

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 to have exclusive TripAdvisor integration

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:28 PM PDT

tripadvisor-galaxy-s4Samsung normally has one exclusive app on its flagship phones. Last year it was Flipboard on the Galaxy S3, and it seems this year it will be TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor, the extremely popular travel website, will have its app pre-loaded onto the Samsung Galaxy S4 in addition to having the app integrated into some of Samsung’s own apps like the Travel Widget.

Samsung’s Travel Widget will showcase TripAdvisor photos from a number of popular travel locations around the world. Touching the on-screen star will save that photo to the TripAdvisor app and tapping the photo will bring up a list of information, such as reviews, photos, opinions and contact info.

In addition to having quick access to travel information via the Travel Widget, user can opt to have a beautiful slideshow of travel photos when the Galaxy S4 is locked. It’s a great way to show off travel locations on the beautiful Full HD display. It appears that TripAdvisor will also be integrated into Samsung Story Album.

City Information is a feature in Samsung Story Album that will give you a more immersive photo experience by pulling in TripAdvisor travel content to match photos a user has in any Story Album. In other words, TripAdvisor will provide enriched information inside of Story Album.

TripAdvisor also has now added exclusive features to its app. Users can now enable the Single Sign-On option, which will allow you to use the app with a Samsung ID. Users will also be able to add information on hotels and flights straight into the phone’s Calendar app. Contact information for a hotel, restaurant or city attraction can now be retrieved from the Galaxy S4′s Contacts list as well.

What do you think of TripAdvisor being integrated into the Galaxy S4? Like it or hate it, let us know in the comments!

Show full PR text

TripAdvisor App Pre-Installed On New Samsung GALAXY S 4 Powering Inspiring Features and Custom Integration

NEWTON, MASS., MARCH 19, 2013 — /PRNewswire/ – TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced that its market-leading mobile app is now pre-installed onto the new Samsung GALAXY S 4, enabling millions of consumers worldwide to have easy access to trusted TripAdvisor travel content.  TripAdvisor is the only travel app that will be pre-installed on the new Samsung GALAXY S 4.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO)

In addition to pre-installing the app, Samsung is using TripAdvisor content—millions of photos and over 100 million reviews and opinions—to power its own travel apps:

  • Travel Widget – Designed to inspire, the Travel Widget will showcase TripAdvisor images of popular travel destinations and attractions around the world. Users can touch the on-screen star icon to save places to their “Saves” list on TripAdvisor, or tap the image to see details in the TripAdvisor app, which include reviews, opinions, photos and contact information.
  • Lock Screen Slideshow – When the phone enters “locked” mode, users can opt to see beautiful travel photos of the world’s most visually striking destinations on the device’s high-definition display.
  • City Information in Samsung Story Album – Samsung Story Album helps build a digital photo book  by seamlessly connecting travel content to user’s travel photos. TripAdvisor lets users add more enriched city information into the Story Album.

TripAdvisor has added exclusive features to its application, including Single Sign-On with a Samsung ID, the ability to load details of hotels and flights found on TripAdvisor into the phone’s native calendar app; and the ability to load contact information for a hotel or attraction to the GALAXY S 4′s Contacts list.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Samsung to preload the TripAdvisor mobile app on the new Samsung GALAXY S 4,” says Steve Kaufer, chief executive officer and co-founder of TripAdvisor. “The combination of more than 100 million TripAdvisor traveler reviews and opinions with our inspirational travel photos on the latest Samsung device will provide a perfect companion for modern travelers.”

“We wanted to ensure that Samsung GALAXY S 4 users can access up-to-date inspirational travel destinations, photos and insights,” says Chanwoo Park, Vice President of Product Strategy Team at Samsung.  “We are excited about our global partnership with TripAdvisor to fulfill our customers’ unmet needs and their enriched mobile experiences.”

Garnering nearly 30 million downloads to date, the TripAdvisor mobile app has already helped millions of travelers plan and have the perfect trip. The free app is available in 20 languages on all major mobile platforms, as well as on mobile browsers and tablet devices via its website,www.tripadvisor.com.

About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors**, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

The post Samsung’s Galaxy S4 to have exclusive TripAdvisor integration appeared first on Android Authority.

Google Keep note-taking web and Android apps are now official

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:22 PM PDT

Google Keep

A few days ago a new Google note-taking app called Keep made its way to the net for a brief time, before disappearing again. Now Google Keep is back, and finally official.

So what does the new app bring to the table? Basically it is somewhat like Evernote, allowing you to create, save and share notes, pictures, task lists and other content in an organized manner. The experience goes far beyond your phone or tablet though, as it is integrated into Google Drive and that means that all your notes and data are accessible from any device or computer with access to Drive.

Don’t want to take the time to type in all your notes? No worries, the app is easy to control with your voice as well, and can even automatically transcribe voice memos for you.

While this shouldn’t be a problem for those of us with reasonably new hardware, it is worth mentioning that the app does require Android 4.0 ICS or higher to work. For those with Jelly Bean 4.2, there is also a lock screen widget that makes taking down notes with Keep even easier.

Hit the Google Play link below to grab the app. Additionally, if you want to edit and create notes on the web, head over to http://drive.google.com/keep. What do you think of Google Keep, sound like something you will use regularly or not?

The post Google Keep note-taking web and Android apps are now official appeared first on Android Authority.

Google X Phone possibly hinted at by Motorola’s Guy Kawasaki Google+ handset personalization remarks

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 01:27 PM PDT

motorola-leak-vietnam-x-phone-1

We'll continue to explore Google X Phone rumors today by tying recent X Phone reports with certain remarks Motorola's Guy Kawasaki made on his Google+ account.

Former Apple fan now turned into Motorola advisor Kawasaki on Thursday wrote an interesting message on Google+ that reads:

Wouldn’t it be great if you could personalize your phone like this [see video below]?

In addition to the question, he also posted a 5-minute YouTube video that shows how Porsche cars can be exclusively customized to meet the needs of buyers. "Porsche Exclusive – the most personal car," posted on Porsche’s YouTube channel only a few days ago, is definitely an interesting video, showing how the car maker can help buyers feel at home with their new Porsche purchases.

But why is it important for Android? By itself, Kawasaki's message doesn't mean anything. However, when making the connection between that question and recent X Phone rumors, the message suddenly gets hidden meanings.

Did Kawasaki just confirm that, to some extent, some Motorola handsets will be customizable by users in the future – namely the X Phone line?

A couple of recent reports have suggested that the X Phone will not be just a new Google handset, but a family of devices meant to challenge the competition. The X Phones could feature a unique, never before seen feature in a mobile device: user customization. According to that pair of articles, X Phone buyers will be able to personalize the hardware of their handsets to some extent: RAM, storage and color. On top of some hardware customizations, users will reportedly also be able to setup the device – in an HTC Get Started way – even before receiving it.

Those individual X Phone devices would have budget-friendly prices and will be shipped in about a week after being ordered. Moreover, they would most likely run a vanilla Android OS, which will be updated by Google not the carriers – on that note, the reports also say that at least one Android upgrade will be guaranteed for X Phone handsets.

Naturally, we'll tell you again that we’re looking at unconfirmed details for now, and we're just going to have to wait for Google I/O to arrive to get more information on this potential family of smartphones.

With that in mind, we can't say whether Kawasaki's apparently innocent remark is just a marketing stunt, meant to remind Android fans that the X Phone is coming, or whether it's all a simple coincidence.

But since we did mention coincidences, we’ll also remind you of a similar situation that followed a different sort of script, Google’s Vic Gundotra posted on Google+ a short while ago that the company will continue to improve the camera experience of future Nexus handsets, and just a few days ago another unconfirmed report, this time on the future Nexus 5, claimed that the device could come with a Nikon camera inside.

Is Google pushing its next line of smartphones, the X Phone and Nexus, with fresh rumors and such almost-cryptic Google+ messages, or are we making too many connections? What do you think?

The post Google X Phone possibly hinted at by Motorola's Guy Kawasaki Google+ handset personalization remarks appeared first on Android Authority.

Meizu MX3 is rumored to feature an Exynos 5 Octa processor

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 01:19 PM PDT

Meizu

Looking for a sexy and unique smartphone without paying a fortune? You might want to forget all the shiny new handsets coming out of Korea, Japan and the United States, and instead turn your attention to China. There are plenty of great brands to be found in China, including Oppo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Meizu. The later of these is actually preparing for its successor, the Meizu MX3.

We can’t say for sure if the Meizu MX3 will live up to the aesthetically pleasing design seen with the MX2 (pictured above), but its specs certainly will make your mouth water.

The phone is expected to feature a 5.1-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 display and an impressive Exynos 5 Octa processor. Yes, that’s the same processor as you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S4. The phone is also believed to have a bezel that is ultra-thin on both sides to make it easier to handle with one hand, similar to what was seen with the recently leaked picture of what is believed to be the Xiaomi MI-3.

Not much else is known about what the next-gen Meizu phone will bring to the table, nor do we have any idea when it will hit or how much it will cost. There is also the possibility that this is nothing more than a rumor. Still, if you are a fan of high-end Chinese handsets, the Meizu MX3 is probably going to be worth keeping an eye out for.

The post Meizu MX3 is rumored to feature an Exynos 5 Octa processor appeared first on Android Authority.

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Xiaomi Mi-3 pictured in the wild, could be one of the first handsets running Snapdragon 800 [RUMOR]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:10 PM PDT

With all the quad-core processors hitting smartphones this year, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU remains one of the most coveted. This might have something to do with processor’s 4 cylinders firing at a blazing 2.3GHz. While we most likely wont see the 800 hitting these shores until the end of this year, it looks like China could be one of the first in line when the 800 drops. Reportedly the next-gen Xiaomi Mi-3 phone will have the Snapdragon 800 housed inside and that’s not all…

Word has it that by the time the Mi-3 is released, it will come out of the box running Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, along with the next version of MIUI as a topping. And let’s not forget a 5-inch 1080p display, 13MP camera, 3,000mAh battery and anything else considered “high-end” these days (like an aluminum body from the look of these supposed “leaked” images).

Of course this is all rumor at this point with no word on pricing, but going by Xiaomi’s previous Mi-Phones, we can expect it to launch for around $310. Like always, there’s a slim-to-none chance these will ever make it outside of their homeland of China. If it looks anything like the above pics, I might be making a trip to China sometime in the very near future.

[iT163 via UnwiredView | Images via GizChina]

First look at the all new Google Play Store 4.0 with revamped Card-ified UI [VIDEO]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 05:08 PM PDT

While the vast majority of us are currently running Google Play Store version 3.10.14, it appears as if a leaked build of the all new, Card-ified Play Store version 4.0.16 has leaked into the wild and it has completely revamped Google’s online marketplace. As we mentioned, things look a whole lot more simpler and easier to view than before with a cleaner, more card-like interface.

One of the biggest changes — besides the UI of course — is the removal of the “App will be downloaded and installed” screen, meaning that when you click on “install,” Google Play does just that and you can continue viewing the app listing. No more annoying back button, no more “Keep Shopping” button. Also, it appears as if all apps are auto-updated by default, with a new option to select if you don’t want an app to auto-update. An interesting move, no doubt.

You can watch the full hands on via the video below, we don’t imagine it’ll be too much longer before we’ll be enjoying this latest update on our own devices (at the very longest it’ll be introduced with Key Lime Pie during Google I/O in May). What do you guys think of the new Google Play Store? Anyone absolutely hate it?

[via Droid-Life]

Review: Sidebar Pro and Lite, multitasking the Ubuntu Touch way [VIDEO]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 04:45 PM PDT

The greatest part about Android is the sheer flexibility developers have with the platform. Sometimes we see a rival OS come out with some pretty interesting ideas and features and as Android users, we don’t have to mope around wondering when Google will introduce something similar to their mobile OS. No. A random developer from the Play Store can create an app with much of the same functionality.

Take the Ubuntu Touch OS which, back when it was introduced, showed off a slick way of jumping to your favorite apps using a sidebar gesture. Have to say, I was a bit envious. Well, I wasn’t green for too long as developer Mohammad Adib has created an app called Sidebar (Lite and Pro) that mimics Ubuntu’s multitasking behavior, granted it doesn’t always work perfectly. Let’s dive into it.

What I Liked

Alright, so Sidebar behaves much of the time exactly how you’d expect it to behave. Pulling from the side of your screen (this can be configured to either the left or right side) pulls up a list of apps and widgets that can be customized with the app shortcut of your choosing. In the latest update, the developer has added the ability to list your recently used applications, making it loads more useful for quickly switching applications (especially since I loath using Sense 4′s multitasking menu). And it’s not just applications. You can even add shortcuts to toggle WiFi, Bluetooth, Torch, even music player functions like play, pause and skip. Configuring Sidebar to your specific tastes is also easy an intuitive (see above screenshot). There’s a variety of toggles to adjust the sensitivity or how big the icons appear in Sidebar. If you have a favorite theme you’re using and want Sidebar to match, you can even change it’s color and opacity. All in all, this sounds pretty epic, right? Well, now let’s talk about what I didn’t like.

What I Didn’t Like

Customizing Sidebar with your favorite apps or quick toggle shortcuts is a chore. Adding and deleting is simple enough, but once they’re in your Sidebar, it’s impossible to arrange them without first deleting one and adding another to the bottom of the list. This could be easily fixed (in theory anyway), but enabling some kind of drag and drop interface that I’m praying will come in a future update.

Another issue I had with the app was its speed. You would think tapping the icon of an app recently opened and still waiting in RAM would pull it up instantly — this was not the case. There was often times a 2, even 3 second lag time waiting for a summoned app to open. In that downtime alone I could either use the horrible Sense 4 multitasking system, or jump to my homescreen and select a shortcut from a folder.

Lastly, Sidebar doesn’t play well with other apps. If you have an app that needs to run in the foreground, Sidebar will push it somewhere in the back, knocking it on the floor and giving it a few quick kicks while it’s down. When playing Rdio for instance, I couldn’t get through a single song without the app closing on me. Other times, I’d unlock my phone only to be greeted with a blank or transparent screen where the only thing I could select was my notification bar. Almost as if an invisible app was open, just not behaving properly. It wasn’t until I uninstalled Sidebar that my phone once again started behaving itself, and I regained my sanity.

Verdict

The idea of Sidebar is what I love and I think it has the potential to become great. A few updates from now, after all the bugs have been ironed out and everything is working the way it should, I’ll revisit Sidebar. Until then, there’s no way I can keep this admittedly brilliant idea installed on my phone. If you guys want to give it a try for yourselves, the free “Lite” and paid $2 “Pro” versions can be found below. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did. Or perhaps you prefer another multitasking application? Let me know if you’re using another app with similar functionality in the comments below.

[Google Play Links: Sidebar Lite and Sidebar Pro]

Meet Fuel, a portable battery charger that fits on your keychain [VIDEO]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:40 PM PDT

This interesting little Kickstarter project caught my eye, and for a few different reasons. Its status as a simple battery charger isn’t the most exciting bit in the world — after all, portable chargers have been around for quite some time. Perhaps it’s the fuel can-shaped body that caught my eye. Perhaps it’s the tiny size, a size so small that you can attach fuel to your keychain.

Developed by Massachusetts-based Devotec, a maker of solar-powered Bluetooth speakers and phone changers, Fuel is said to be the next small gidget (not quite big enough to be a gadget) for your collection.

Looking at the device, you’ve probably guessed there can’t be much room for a big battery inside. You’d be right — fuel is only rated at about 220mAh, or enough to get you 20-30 minutes of talk time or 2-3 hours of extra standby time on typical smartphones. That’s not enough to get you going for the rest of your day should you run out of juice by noon, but it’s a nice pick-me-up for those days where you just can’t get to a wall outlet and need to stretch your phone’s life a tad longer.

The device plugs into your phone using a male microUSB cable, and receives charge through a female microUSB port on the other end. It is regulated by standard PCM and PCBs inside, has an on-off switch, and has LED indicators to let you know the status of the device. Fuel is rated for at least 500 charges, so it should be quite a while before you’ll need to replace it.

Kickstarter pledges start as low as $1 and the highest tier goes up to $20, so it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for you to help make this into a reality. The goal is $20,000 April 19th, so if you’re interested in seeing this come to market be sure to get over to Kickstarter and put your dollars into the pool.

Rumor: Meizu MX3 to be first third-party device with Exynos 5

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 03:10 PM PDT

According to new rumors by MyDrivers, Meizu and Samsung will soon be in bed together for the former to fit one of the latter’s latest silicon into a new smartphone. That’s right, the Meizu MX3 could be coming to us later this year with Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa chipset stuffed inside. The handset will reportedly be a 5.1 inch device with a ridiculous resolution of 1,920×1,200.

Despite the size, the device should be even more of a joy to carry than the MX2 as we’ll apparently get super-thin bezels to cut down on size and a heaping bowl of ugly. On the software front, another Smart Bar app is expected to be introduced, as well as Weibo integration and a new music service. We shouldn’t expect this thing to launch outside of China and other parts of Asia, but it’s still something worth getting excited about.

Although Meizu doesn’t have much traction outside of its homeland it is still doing a fine job of cementing itself as a premier device OEM. We’ll continue to pray to see these beautiful handsets in places like Europe and North America someday, but for now all we can do is dream about what could have been.

[via Unwired View]

Rumor: Samsung to announce Galaxy Tab 3, Note 3 at IFA Berlin

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 02:44 PM PDT

We’re less than a week removed from the official (and very flamboyant) unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S4, and the Samsung rumor mill is already spinning back up. This time, the folks at SamMobile are hearing that Samsung will be looking to unveil new products in the Galaxy Tab line and Galaxy Note handset line at the IFA conference in Berlin, Germany, a show typically held in September.

Specifically, Samsung could be gearing up to release the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, which — if other devices in this particular arc are anything to go by — could be a 7-inch device. Samsung could also look to launch a new 10-inch variant in this particular arc, but that isn’t being confirmed or denied either way. The third edition of the Galaxy Note will also be in tow, apparently, and early thoughts are that it will feature Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa chipset, a full-HD display not to exceed six inches (but could be lower than that), and more.

In related news, it’s being reported that these launches would officially kill support for the original 7-inch Galaxy Tab. The second Galaxy Tab will still hold up, though, as it will reportedly receive Android 4.2.2 at some point down the line. We can’t say we didn’t see this coming considering the age of the original, but if you are shocked or saddened to hear this news then it’s time to get all of the emotions out of your system now and look into after-market development. You can find more info about all of that over at the All Things Root subforum at AndroidForums.com’s Galaxy Tab section.

Google Search sports cards now more interactive

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 01:57 PM PDT

Google has announced that its search results for sports-related queries have been enhanced with a greater degree of interactivity and functionality. The biggest change will be the ability to group sports schedules by day and week, so you’ll get an easier view of who’s playing and when.

Going further than that, clicking on individual games will give you more detailed information on that game and links to sites where you can read up more on it. League standings, player stats, and more are also served up in an easy-to-view manner. Oh, and Google’s making it easier to keep up with the March Madness madness by giving you a full bracket view of the tournament. You can try it out via your mobile and tablet browser, or any desktop browser, really, by visiting Google.com.

[via Google+]

Google launches Keep, a note-taking app [VIDEO]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 01:37 PM PDT

The other day, we were let in on an early sneak peak of Google Keep. The site went live ahead of Google’s readiness, but quickly went down and left us all watering at the mouth. Welp, fast forward to Wednesday and Keep has gone live at drive.google.com/keep, and it also has a nice application to go along with it in the Google Play Store.

Keep offers a lot more than we were originally lead to believe, which makes sense considering the first early look at the service didn’t look all that “done.” Welp, you can liken this to a nice, juicy rare steak now. Google Keep allows you to jot down your thoughts in pure text, create lists, add pictures with annotated text, and even take voice notes that can be transcribed to text. Notes can be color-coded, titled, searched for, and easily deleted at the swipe of your finger.

You can take notes using home-screen widgets and place those notes on your home-screen without having to go through the app. The app isn’t hugely complex, and that’s the very chord Google wanted to strike with this one — simplicity to create usefulness, and powerful enough to make it a must-have app on your device.

Its existence under the Google Drive URL means your notes stay backed up to your Google account, and you can access them from any device that has a web browser or a Google Keep app. Google says Keep will eventually be accessible right through the main Google Drive URL, but for now there is no direct integration. Enough said — give it a try at the website and in the Google Play Store here, and let us know what you think!

[Update]: The site is giving an error message right now, but it’s not a 404 page and it’s still live. Google has also officially announced it on its own blog so we’re fairly certain this wasn’t another slip-up. We’ll keep an eye on the site to see if things improve, but the site itself is still live so keep trying (no pun intended) over the course of the day.

[via Google]

Pebble smart watch firmware 1.9 now available

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 12:57 PM PDT

A few days ago, we were told about a new firmware upgrade headed to the Pebble smart watch. We were told to expect new watchfaces (including a snake clone), as well as some under-the-hood changes, tweaks, and fixes that would make the experience better for users and developers (in the future) alike. Welp, that update is finally officially available.

Version 1.9 introduces everything as promised, as well as tweaks to the ambient light sensor that will improve performance of the device’s backlight feature. In order to update you’ll want to head to the update menu inside the Pebble app, which can be downloaded for free in the Google Play Store. Get to it, and let us know how you’re liking it in the comments below.

Sprint letting MVNOs take on Android smartphones

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 12:22 PM PDT

While the allure of big names such as US Cellular, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, MetroPCS, Cricket, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint would have you thinking these are the only carriers in the United States, that isn’t the case. MVNOs still do exist, and Sprint is still just as willing to serve them up with devices than anyone else.

The Kansas-based carrier has announced that it would be allowing MVNOs to custom-brand select devices from Sprint’s line of Android phones. The first three phones in the program are the LG Optimus G, the LG Mach, and the Sprint Flash. This particular group covers the ground nicely from entry-level to high-end, and I can’t imagine there’s an MVNO out there who wouldn’t be happy with any of them to fill a particular need.

Sprint has mentioned that other devices would continue to be added at some point down the line, with several coming as soon as the end of this month.. These devices can be enabled with Mobile ID (the generic version of Sprint ID), and Mobile Zone (again, the generic version of Sprint Zone).

These two software features, with the former being a device customization tool and the latter providing account information and updates, aren’t groundbreaking at a user level, but should be something nice for MVNOs searching for something unique to add to their devices.

"The Android operating system provides such incredible flexibility and supply chain economy of scale that, when coupled with the Sprint Mobile ID and Mobile Zone products, can now extend a value and a new branding opportunity to our wholesale customers," said Bill Esrey, vice president of Emerging & Wholesale Solutions at Sprint. "The Custom Branded Device Program enables our MVNO customers to extend a personal and direct relationship that transcends outside of the store walls, at Sprint's volume pricing."

If you’re with a smaller MVNO carrier and they don’t have the device selection that swoons you as soon as you take a look then keep your fingers crossed that they pick some hand-me-downs from Sprint through this program. Read on for full press details.

Sprint Introduces Custom Branded Device Program, Enabling MVNOs to Custom-Brand White-Label Android Phones

For the first time, MVNOs have greater access to completely de-branded devices from Sprint

Coupled with white-labeled Mobile ID and Mobile Zone products from Sprint, MVNOs can extend their brand elements to end users more efficiently

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 20, 2013 – As the proliferation of smartphones continues to grow, Sprint (NYSE:S) Emerging & Wholesale Solutions today introduced the Custom Branded Device Program. Through the program, MVNOs will have greater, and potentially quicker, access to a large selection of completely de-branded marquee Android handsets out of Sprint and Boost Mobile device inventory with volume pricing included.

Select Android devices can be automatically modified through Mobile ID and Mobile Zone, giving MVNOs the ability to extend their own brand directly to end users through over-the-air activation. Currently, Sprint has three devices available for this program – LG Optimus G, LG Mach and Sprint Flash. Several additional devices are expected to be added to the lineup by the end of this month.

Industry analyst firm Strategy Analytics reported in January that 70 percent of the world smartphone market share belonged at the end of 2012 to Android Meanwhile, in early February, research firm comScore released its quarterly U.S. smartphone market share numbers, which showed Android leading in market share with 53.4 percent of the total smartphone market.

"The Android operating system provides such incredible flexibility and supply chain economy of scale that, when coupled with the Sprint Mobile ID and Mobile Zone products, can now extend a value and a new branding opportunity to our wholesale customers," said Bill Esrey, vice president, Emerging & Wholesale Solutions at Sprint. "The Custom Branded Device Program enables our MVNO customers to extend a personal and direct relationship that transcends outside of the store walls, at Sprint's volume pricing."

Sprint continues its commitment to the "open" mobile ecosystem through open platforms Mobile ID and Mobile Zone, which are white-labeled variations of the popular Sprint ID and Sprint Zone applications. These platforms enable Sprint's international and wholesale customers to replicate Sprint's success with the retail versions of the same services – driving enhanced customer engagement and revenue growth opportunities for MVNOs.

  • Mobile ID – Mobile ID delivers a complete mobile experience – centered on consumers', students' or businesses' interests or favorite brands – including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, all in a couple of simple clicks. With more than 6 million downloads in the United States, Sprint smartphone users have already begun to harness the power of ID packs to create their own experiences while catering to different tastes and hobbies. Mobile ID enables personalization for the end user that offers access to a broad array of categories, allowing MVNOs to deliver a successful customized application to defined markets and customer segments.
  • Mobile Zone – Mobile Zone provides a messaging gateway for end users to receive communication from their MVNO and enable customers with self-help services. Mobile Zone can enhance the user experience while improving MVNO-to-customer interaction. An interactive and relevant mobile application, Mobile Zone allows users who are always on-the-go a way to manage their account and discover new content anywhere and at any time.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2012 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years.Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

This TouchWiz ‘security flaw’ is so ridiculous it’s no wonder Samsung overlooked it

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 11:05 AM PDT


There is a new Samsung TouchWiz security scare being bandied about the internet today. In a video demonstration, a Galaxy Note 2 owner shows how a glitch gives anyone opening the phone’s emergency dialer access to the handset’s home screen…for less than a second.

Yes, the video successfully demonstrates that an individual, with enough effort, can gain access to a Samsung device using this method to bypass the lock screen. It involves downloading a lock screen removal app from the Google Play Store via a series of deftly placed taps during the infinitesimal period of time the would-be phone thief has access to the device’s software.

The only problem is that a whole bunch of things need to go right in order for this to happen. There is the small matter of navigating to the Google Play Store, activating voice search, finding the proper app, and hoping the app shortcut lands in an easy to tap area. There is the matter of registering that tap (or any of the taps before it) within the allotted time. In other words, this seems like an awful lot of work for the average crook looking to get inside your phone. We doubt anyone would have even thought of this if it wasn’t for the obsessed tinkering of this individual Note 2 owner.

Anyway, freak out if you want. It seems like a super easy fix for Samsung, if they even bother patching it. To us, though, this security “flaw” smells more like a security fail.

[via Terrence Eden]

Google Currents updated with audio support

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 10:47 AM PDT

Google Currents has been updated, bringing a host of audio-related functions to the news reader app. These include foremost the ability to create playlists from editions containing audio. Along with that ability comes new in-app playback controls as well as status bar audio controls when Currents is running in the background.

The new functionality could help to grow Currents as a podcast distribution platform while also providing a richer experience for readers and content providers alike. It’s a completely different take on the news reader than Google’s other, soon to be defunct, syndication platform.

The latest update to Currents is currently available via Google Play. Grab at the link below.

Download Link

 

Amazon to offer $99 Kindle Fire HD [RUMOR][UPDATE]

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 09:10 AM PDT

In a tablet market where manufacturers are competing more and more on price, Amazon might have a $99 trump card up their sleeve. According to a new report, the retailer will soon offer a 7-inch Kindle Fire HD at just below $100. The tablet will sport a TI processor and 1280 x 800 display, specs not unlike those available in the current $199 model.

It could be that Amazon is simply cutting the price of the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD, as they recently did with the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. That tablet’s LTE version dropped from $499 to $399, while the WiFi edition saw more modest savings. It could also be a version subsidized with “special offers.” If the low-cost 7-inch slate is a new model, how the specs will vary from the current generation is unknown.

The 7-inch tablet range has seen its fair share of quality offerings below $200, but offering a $99 tablet could push Amazon’s sales numbers ahead of the pack.

Update: An Amazon spokesperson has extinguished rumors of the $99 Kindle Fire, stating simply, “It’s not happening — we are already at the lowest price points possible for that hardware.” So that’s that.

[via TechCrunch]

UK will get Galaxy S4 with quad-core Snapdragon 600 and LTE

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:49 AM PDT

We’re getting a better picture of which version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be available in certain regions of the world as we inch closer to the flagship phone’s launch. Earlier in the week we added Sweden to the list of countries that will see the quad-core Snapdragon 600 variant of the phone at launch. Now, a statement from Samsung confirms the same for the UK.

"Samsung Galaxy S4 is equipped with a 1.9GHz Quad-core AP or a 1.6GHz Octa-core AP. The selection of AP varies by markets … In the UK, the Galaxy S4 will be available as a 4G device with a 1.9GHz Quad Core Processor."

The 1.9GHz quad-core model will also launch in the US and Canada. The major deciding factor is the on-board LTE radio. It’s safe to say regions without LTE access should see the Exynos 5 Octa-equipped GS4. As for the UK, the statement does not definitely say the UK won’t see that model, only that the LTE version will be available. That leaves open the door for both versions to become available, but the likelihood of that is unknown.

[via EuroDroid]

Motorola’s Guy Kawasaki talks phone personalization, could hint at X Phone sales model

Posted: 20 Mar 2013 07:32 AM PDT

Motorola advisor (and former Apple evangelist) Guy Kawasaki posed an interesting question recently via Google+: “Wouldn’t it be great if you could personalize your phone like this?” The this of his question referred to a video clip highlighting Porsche Exclusive, the auto makers offering allow for buyers to create a completely custom vehicle, from paint job to stereo and more.

So what does this have to do with Android and rumors of the X Phone? You might recall a report from last week detailing how Moto will approach the brand. It was said that Motorola and Google will offer buyers the option to customize different aspects of their new handset at time of purchase, including RAM, storage size, and color. The idea would be akin to the sort of upgrades offered when buying a PC or laptop.

Is Kawasaki’s post a hint at what we can expect when the X Phone is unveiled later this year? It seems more than coincidence based on the recent speculation. It would certainly add an interesting twist to smartphone buying, treating the devices more like the mini personal computers they really are and less like the mobile phones they started as.

[via DroidLife]