Saturday, May 25, 2013

Android Community

Android Community


HTC One becomes first HTCPro certified for business device

Posted: 24 May 2013 04:41 PM PDT

The HTC One has been in the news a lot over the past few days. With rumors of stock Android models, bigger 5-inch screens, and patent lawsuits from Nokia. Today[...]

Google Glass labs reveals wink camera and always-on listening mode

Posted: 24 May 2013 03:51 PM PDT

Google Glass is still very much in the early stages, and obviously a developer platform with tons of features we may or may not see on the final product. Now[...]

AT&T nickel and dimes users with new monthly “administration fee”

Posted: 24 May 2013 03:06 PM PDT

Today we’ve learned that AT&T has added a new monthly fee for all users that will earn the company millions of dollars. It isn’t much, requiring subscribers to pay an[...]

Android 4.3 leaks on video with new camera UI

Posted: 24 May 2013 02:44 PM PDT

Today we’ve received potentially our first look at Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. A set of pictures leaked from the folks over at XDA showing an LG Nexus 4 with Android[...]

AT&T GoPhone users can now get HSPA+ and LTE speeds

Posted: 24 May 2013 01:58 PM PDT

Beginning today, AT&T GoPhone users can now get access to 4G speeds. This includes AT&T’s HSPA+ and LTE networks, though it is provided the user has a supported handset. For[...]

New Gmail for Android spotted in IO session video

Posted: 24 May 2013 01:56 PM PDT

Today some news has surfaced about a potential redesign of Google’s Gmail for Android. What we’re seeing could be something new that is coming soon, or instead just a mockup[...]

Galaxy S III and DROID DNA discounts coming to Best Buy

Posted: 24 May 2013 01:16 PM PDT

Best Buy is planning a weekend sale that will bring some discounts on select Android smartphones. There are a few handsets that will be available during this promotion and they[...]

ZTE Grand S US release pushed until 2014

Posted: 24 May 2013 12:40 PM PDT

ZTE unveiled the Grand S smartphone back in January during CES. At the time they offered a complete set of specs and had the handset on display during the conference[...]

Verizon Samsung GALAXY S 4 hands-on and unboxing

Posted: 24 May 2013 12:01 PM PDT

As of yesterday the flagship Samsung GALAXY S 4 smartphone is available from Verizon Wireless. And even though we’ve seen the smartphone plenty and reviewed the international and AT&T model,[...]

Google Glass Nest app brings voice controlled thermostat adjustments

Posted: 24 May 2013 11:30 AM PDT

Those using Google Glass now have another reason to consider using a Nest thermostat in their homes. The Nest is a learning thermostat that is touted as being the “next[...]

Android Authority

Android Authority


Google introduces natural language search and machine recognition for photos

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:46 PM PDT

 

You know what photos we're searching for, right? (Image credit: Photographer / Shutterstock)

You know what photos we’re searching for, right? (Image credit: Photographer / Shutterstock)

Search is increasingly becoming human. While users from my generation have been used to search operators like “and”, “or” and the plus and minus signs, search queries are becoming more and more natural language like. Take for instance Facebook’s Open Graph search, which launched earlier this year with mixed reception. You can use natural language like “photos of my friends taken in Tokyo,” for instance.

Google has announced a better way to find photos, which uses natural language, as well as photo recognition. This new feature lets you search for photos within your Google+ network using simple queries. To make search even better, Google is now employing “computer vision and machine learning,” which will recognize even generic images based on their characteristics.

With this update, you can simply do a search for “my photos of flowers” and Google will come up with images of flowers from your Google+ photos. You can then add qualifiers to focus your search: “my photos of flowers in New York,” for instance. This has a few implications, of course. First, Google is moving toward doing away with tags and captions. With the new update, Google’s algorithms (neural networks?) will attempt to identify the image based on image recognition.

Photos of flowers from Google search

Product manager Matthew Kulick says this is limited to English searches within Google.com (no support for other country domains, yet), and when you are logged in via Google+.

Going beyond photo search, of course, the bigger implication that comes to mind is that this improvement will tie in well with Google Glass. With Google improving its image recognition technology and having an improved ability in recognizing faces and objects, tying this in with persistent photo and video captured through wearable computers will become a rich source of data and analytics for the search giant.

    


Google abandons industry standard for IM, which has SMS implications for Hangouts

Posted: 24 May 2013 04:27 PM PDT

google+-hangouts-android-app-1

Google Hangouts, the darling of I/O 2013, is said to be Google's answer for unified messaging. They have been admittedly slow to pick up on the importance of messaging, and especially poor at making sure their messaging services work well with one another (and others). Hangouts was supposed to solve that, bringing us a one-stop experience for all of our messaging needs.

A noted omission was SMS messaging, popularly known as text messaging. A huge part of the overall scope of messaging, many thought it to be something that would come in time to Hangouts, as Google Voice was set to be cobbled into Hangouts at some point, and the GMail Google Talk application utilizes it. Recent news of Google's move away from XMPP is troubling news for SMS fans.

If XMPP is unfamiliar to you, don't worry. Like many back-end technologies, you're not supposed to hear about it. XMPP stands for Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol, and is the standard for things like IM (instant messaging) and the SMS architecture for Google Talk. If you used Google Talk to send an SMS, you've used XMPP. More importantly, you've used XMPP via a Google service that is, in many ways, Hangouts.

No more XMPP

Google has decided to drop support for XMPP, noting a change in "technical demands". While those demands aren't detailed, it should be noted that Google has decided not to support the server-to-server connections for XMPP, which is the real crux of the issue. That particular set of protocols is what would make Hangouts a true messaging monster. That would put your Google Hangouts server in touch with whatever SMS server your non-Google-using friend was on.

Google still supports client-to-server commands, but those are limited to those of us using a Google chat application like Hangouts. Some believe Hangouts also prevents us from deleting the history, or going off the record. While it may access those functions differently, they're still available.

Google Talk versus Hangouts

Cause for concern

Google helped push XMPP forward, so it's very curious that they now wish to move away from it. The real concern is the openness of XMPP, and that Google no longer supports it. The inability to chat with someone away from Google's servers doesn't serve the wants of many users.

The real concern is availability and implementation. If Google no longer supports an open messaging platform, instead opting for one that is only good on their servers, it severely limits your pool of friends to chat with. The utility of Hangouts now depends on either your friends or the industry getting in line with what Google is doing. While convincing your friends to get on board may be pretty simple, asking the rest of the industry to do so may prove next to impossible.

What's really going on?

Hangouts is, essentially, a cloud messaging service that operates (of course) within Google's parameters. They have the service, and the right to implement the technology which suits it best. If XMPP isn't something they're comfortable with, they don't have to use it.

Security is a priority for Google, and a server-to-server messaging protocol like XMPP may have struck the wrong chord. Messages are kept in the cloud, and Google is notoriously protective of their data centers. Another way into that pool of information is not something the folks in Mountain View would even entertain.

Hangouts also uses a different method of accessing and notifying users of messages. Rather than "read receipts" like you find on many other messaging services, Google utilizes a "watermark" system. This watermarking protocol engages in a more real-time setting, where you can see if your message has been read, and if the person or people on the other end are responding in real time, desktop or mobile. This is very different technology, and may not have worked cohesively with XMPP.

Hangouts permissions

The permissions Hangouts asks for

Lessons learned

For mobile, the switch from Google Talk to Hangouts was little more than a facelift. The deeper issues reside in back-end utility, and inside desktop applications. Google Talk inside of GMail will allow for SMS or calls. Hangouts will not, currently.

Many GMail users who utilize Google Talk are resisting the switch, as they make calls and send SMS messages from their GMail. The phone call function inside Google Talk is a VoIP protocol which has roots in XMPP. Some users operate their business making phone calls via Google Talk, so these are very crucial issues for them.

The issue Google will have to navigate is whether or not they will build Hangouts to be that one, true messaging platform we all want. SMS and Making the odd (or frequent) phone call are important for users, and losing that functionality for good only serves to draw a line in the sand.

We're with you, Google… but tread lightly.

    


First Android 4.3 hands-on video shows camera updated UI

Posted: 24 May 2013 04:02 PM PDT

Sony Xperia Z vs Google Nexus 4 aa (25)

After the first images showing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean running on a Nexus 4 at Thailand Mobile Expo surfaced, a first video showing the camera app updated UI has hit the web.

As you can see in the following video, only the camera app is shown (unfortunately), with the person recording the video not revealing other Android 4.3 features, although he or she clearly had access to the device. Not to mention that the video is recorded in portrait mode rather than landscape, but we'll end our complaining there.

The video is pretty consistent with the images offered before and reveals that the button layout of the camera app has been redesigned to allow easy access to settings with just the thumb, without worrying about unintentionally pressing the wrong buttons.

Interestingly, a countdown timer feature is apparently available in the camera app on Android 4.3.

It's still not clear why this particular Nexus 4 running Android 4.3 has shown up at Thailand Mobile Expo, and we're certainly looking forward for more details about this particular sighting.

    


Samsung GT-i8800 pictures surface, could this be one of the first Samsung Tizen devices?

Posted: 24 May 2013 03:41 PM PDT

Samsung logo aa (3) - 600px

With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition, it’s clear that Samsung and Google are committed to working together, but that doesn’t mean the relationship is perfect. For Google, Samsung having too much power in the Android world could be potentially worrisome. For Samsung, it’s about not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Right now Android is pretty much Samsung’s sole focus in the mobile world, though it also has a small presence in the Windows Phone and Windows 8 (tablet) marketplace. Samsung wants to change this, and that’s why it is preparing its first Tizen devices for release sometime later this year. What do we actually know about Samsung’s first commercial Tizen phone(s)? Nothing official yet. That said, we do know of two different Samsung models that run the Tizen OS.

Yesterday, a Samsung user agent profile leaked for a Tizen model called the GT-i8805. The web code associated with it mentions LTE support, a 720p display, an ARM Cortex-A9 processor and Tizen 2.1.

Today we are also getting a look at what is allegedly the Samsung GT-I8800 Redwood, first spotted by Greek Tizen Community. This phone also runs Tizen 2.1, and features Samsung goodies like S-Voice and S-Beam.

tizen-redwood-samsung

From what we are hearing, the pictured model will be given away at the on-going Tizen Developer Conference in San Francisco to 500+ developers. As you can see, the Redwood follows a design pattern that’s pretty close to the company’s existing Android devices. Right now, it is still unclear whether this will actually be a commercial handset, or simply a developer device.

Excited for Tizen, or do you think that Samsung should continue to keep its focus on its very successful Android devices?

    


Google reportedly working to build wireless network, aimed at emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia

Posted: 24 May 2013 02:31 PM PDT

Google logo aa

The Internet is a powerful tool. Used in the right hands it can oust corrupt governments, allow better collaboration and communication, and inspire us in ways that were impossible just a few decades ago. Those of us that have easy access to the web often take this gift for granted. We forget that out of roughly 7 billion people, only around 2 ½ billion have the privilege of using the web.

The good news is that net usage continues to increase at a rapid pace, especially considering that in the year 2000 there was only 360 million Internet users. It looks like Google is about to help that number jump up even further, at least if a new rumor is to be believed.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is planning to fund a project that would bring Internet access to as many as a billion potential Internet users in emerging markets such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

According to WSJ’s sources, the wireless network would use multiple methods and technologies to reach people who otherwise have no way to get online. As the source puts it, “There’s not going to be one technology that will be the silver bullet".

In other words, several technologies will probably be used to make this happen, depending on local regulation and what works best for the area.

Some of the methods being researched include utilizing unused airwaves currently reserved for TV and other industries. There is also talk of Google helping construct some kind of satellite network. But it gets a whole lot more unconventional than that, folks.

Google is apparently working on a unique method that uses high-altitude platforms like balloons and blimps, which could be used to transmit signals to an area of hundreds of square miles. What’s really interesting is that Google’s X lab recently acquired a company called Makani Power that creates flying wind turbines. It is possible these flying turbines have something to do with this network project.

Google’s goal isn’t to create the network by itself. Instead, the Mountain View giant hopes to partner with local companies. It also is already said to be in talks with regulatory bodies in several countries to make the changes needed for the project to go forward.

Beyond creating new ways to bring the net to emerging markets, Google is also working on building an "ecosystem of new microprocessors and low-cost smartphones" for use on the network. As you probably guessed, these devices would be powered by Google’s Android.

Keep in mind that Google has yet to confirm that this is a real project, so take everything here with a grain of salt. If true? This could be an amazing development and a project that could really make a major impact on many people’s lives.

    


The Friday Debate – Galaxy S4 and HTC One – Google Edition

Posted: 24 May 2013 01:46 PM PDT

We are all mobile geeks, here at Android Authority. We love everything with a power button. We like to comment the latest news and endlessly argue over which phone is better. On the Friday Debate, we pick a hot issue and proceed to discuss it. Join us!

We didn’t get a new Nexus at Google I/O week, but we got the next best thing – a Samsung Galaxy S4 running stock Android, to be sold from the Play Store and timely updated by Google. The news was received enthusiastically by many Android fans, and almost instantly a rumor started that HTC may be offering their own Google Edition of  the One. A week later, we have an avalanche of unofficial reports about the “Senseless” One, which is said to launch in the coming days.

In this Friday Debate, we discuss the new Google Edition Android flagships and what they mean for the Android ecosystem. Join us in the comments.

Adam Koueider

First off, I think it’s nice that the OEMS are accommodating the Android enthusiasts (and it’s about time!)

We often hear about Android fragmentation and delayed updates, so the Nexus line was people’s main choice for a pure Android experience. However, the problem with the Nexus smartphones, is that they are released at the end of the year, meaning after just a few months your shiny Nexus 4 appears a little duller compared to the 2013 high end smartphones.

Now that doesn’t mean that the Nexus 4 is outdated by any stretch, it’s just that we “Android enthusiasts” tend to be on the bleeding edge tech side of things (even when our financial positions shouldn’t allow us to).

In come the Galaxy S4 Google Edition and the HTC “Senseless” One. They give us the bleeding edge tech we so desire, as long as we are willing to sacrifice a hundred dollars or two. Of course this is also their fatal flaw, their pricing isn’t exactly in line with the Nexus ideals, but hey, you can always wait for the Nexus 5 to come out later this year.

See that’s the beautiful thing about Android, choice. You can choose to get a Galaxy S4, with the best of hardware meeting the best of software design, or you can choose an HTC One with the best of hardware design (and not too shabby specs) meeting the best of software design. It’s a win-win situation.

Of course, these devices aren’t going to sell in the tens of millions like their skinned counterparts. No matter how much we like it, these devices are strictly aimed at the Android devotee’s. The ones who’ve flashed a ROM on their devices, gone a bit wild and thought “What the heck?” and chucked a CyanogenMod nightly onto their smartphone, the developers and the aficionado’s still feeling a little burnt after the loss of Google Reader (yes, I’m still mad).

Hopefully, even more OEMs make Google Editions of their smartphones. I mean imagine a day when we turn our shiny new Galaxy S5s and HTC Twos on and see the option “Would you like to use TouchWiz or Stock Android as your launcher?”

Go on without me guys, I’m already in heaven.

 

Robert Triggs

It's an excellent idea in my opinion, as there are two major benefits of this: it helps to build a more unified Android experience, and of course it's great for consumer choice.

Consumers love free updates, and that's the big problem with Android; fragmentation. So many users are stuck with just one or two updates over an entire product lifecycle, and I wonder how many users still haven't tried out Google Now? More Nexus-type devices should help to keep Android moving forward at a steady pace, and consumers will be happier playing with the latest features.

The current line-up of Nexus devices are great, but, having said that, you're pretty limited for choice when it comes to hardware and price. Stock Android is really popular, just look at the number of people running pure or close to pure Android ROMs. There's clearly a market for stock Android at a variety of price points, so it's about time that manufacturers clambered aboard.

It's a win for everyone in my book, so I hope that we see more "Google Edition" handsets in the future.
Show less

Joe Hindy

The Google Editions of these phones are a lot like Call of Duty games. The game itself is really good, but the fan base surrounding it can ruin the experience for you. This is essentially how I feel about the Google Editions of these phones. The phones themselves are great additions to Camp Android. They give people more options for top of the line phones and, if you’ll recall, it’s this kind of diversity that made Android great to begin with.

What is quickly ruining my joy, though, is the reaction from fans. Long have I gone to websites just to see people trash talk HTC Sense, Touchwiz, and pretty much everything not running stock Android. A few weeks ago, it was understandable because high end phones should have more options. I’ll say it again, diversity made Android what it is today. Back then, enthusiasts were right. People should be given more options as to which OS they want to run. Keywords here, ladies and gents: options, choices.

Now that these options and choices are available, everyone should be happy right? There should be dancing in the streets and all the bad talk about HTC Sense and Touchwiz should end, right? Since these two OEM skins are now just options and not forced on people anymore, there should be peace in the Android community, right?

Wrong! Enthusiasts have taken this opportunity now to continue to bash OEM skins. In fact, it’s gotten even worse. This is the general attitude of enthusiasts on the subject. They have received what they’ve been demanding for years. The latest flagships with a stock offering. Continuing to complain about OEM skins has made me irritated and it’s now officially old and bothersome.

TL;DR
I’m extremely happy that there is now more diversity and choices with these new Google Editions of flagship phones. I’m extremely disappointed that many enthusiasts got exactly what they wanted and still have the audacity to continue complaining about it.

Bogdan Petrovan

To really understand the significance of the Google Editions, we have to think about what made Samsung and HTC give up on their longtime aversion to stock Android. Is it because they realized that offering a stock device won’t hurt their image? Or because there is finally a sizeable base of customers that demand the Google experience in software?

Regardless of the reason, the moment when Hugo Barra announced the Galaxy S4 Google Edition will go down in the history of Android as a turning point. I believe that, in the future, more phone makers will adopt stock Android, which will contribute to a virtuos circle of increasing adoption and increasing recognition of Google’s version of Android among customers.

What do you make of the Google Editions of the HTC One and Galaxy S4?

    


Want a cheap Sprint HTC One? Get it for $79.99 or $99.99 through Amazon Wireless

Posted: 24 May 2013 01:33 PM PDT

HTC One Stealth Black 5 1600 aa

Amazon Wireless has Sprint’s HTC One available for a mere $99.99, or $79.99 if you’re registering a new account. The deal applies for both Glacial Silver and Stealth Black models of the device.

In comparison. Sprint’s One normally costs $199.99 for an upgrade. If you’re coming from another carrier, you can take advantage of Sprint’s number porting promotion to get the famed device for $99.99. So by going through Amazon Wireless, you can get a whopping $100 off of an upgrade and $20 off if you’re registering a new account. Quite a deal, I say!

Some people are understandably still not sure about and HTC One. If you’re in that boat, be sure to check out our review of the device (video below)!

Do you plan on getting the device on the Now Network or is the service still an issue for you?

    


Rumor: HTC preparing a 5-inch+ variant of the HTC One

Posted: 24 May 2013 12:28 PM PDT

HTC One Stealth Black 1 1600 aa

Earlier in the year, HTC’s Phil Roberson stated the HTC One would be the only "One" flagship device from the company this year. Despite that claim, we’ve already heard about the HTC M4, which is rumored to be a miniature version of HTC’s latest flagship (a la Galaxy S4 Mini). Now it seems that we may also see a larger-screen version of the HTC One.

The latest rumor comes from an unnamed source reporting to Pocket-Lint. The source does not confirm the exact size of the plus-sized HTC One, only that it will be at least 5-inches. Unlike the M4, which packs a weaker 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, the sources indicate the plus-sized HTC One will have basically the exact same specs as the company’s current flagship (aside from the display).

As with all these kinds of ‘reports’, skepticism is a must. That said, it wouldn’t be horribly surprising if this turned out to be true. The HTC One has been a major hit for the company, in a time when HTC is seeing quite a bit of internal struggle. It makes sense that they would want to take the HTC One’s success and run with it.

The big question is whether or not this could have something to do with the continued rumors of a HTC One for Verizon. A 5+ inch Droid DNA successor certainly sounds like an interesting proposition, and technically wouldn’t break the promise of not making another “One”-branded flagship this year. Keep in mind that’s just speculation on my part, though.

What do you think, would adding new HTC One variants be a good idea for the company? Would you purchase a 5-inch-plus version of the HTC One or not?

    


HTC condenses company’s mobile history into a short video, concludes with the HTC One

Posted: 24 May 2013 11:37 AM PDT

htc-one-in-hand

HTC seems to be the center of quite a bit of talk recently, most of it negative. From the loss of engineers and executives, to the failure of the HTC First, all the reports share the same message: HTC is in trouble.

The light at the end of the tunnel seems to be the HTC One, and the extremely positive reception the phone has seen so far. That’s why it is no surprise to see the company talking up the handset whenever possible, such as in their latest video advertisement, "HTC – A Smartphone Innovator".

The video starts with the company’s humble beginnings, mentioning its early days with Windows CE touch devices. It continues to highlight some of the great innovations the company has brought forth over the years, concluding with the HTC One and the stellar reviews the phone has received.

It remains unseen whether the HTC One will be enough to push the company forward to brighter days, but don’t expect HTC to give up without a fight. As HTC points out, they have certainly been an innovating force in the mobile world, and hopefully they continue to be for years to come.

What do you think of HTC? Can the company turn things around for the better with their latest flagship?

    


Mailbox Android app in the works, says company founder

Posted: 24 May 2013 11:26 AM PDT

Mailbox

A Mailbox Android app is in the works, according to company founder Gentry Underwood.

The app, which has generated quite a following, is currently available for the iPhone and (more recently) the iPad, and has been acquired by cloud storage giant Dropbox in March.

In a recent interview with ReadWrite, Underwood revealed one very interesting thing for us Android users: a Mailbox Android app is in the works. Still, mum’s the word when it comes to actually mentioning a release date for the new app, or some specific details.

ReadWrite, however, thinks that an Android app would be a success, and would manage to give Google’s Gmail app a run for its money right on its home turf. Fact is that Mailbox does make email management easier and more intuitive, by using gestures for various actions. You probably wouldn’t mind having more choices, even when it comes to your email app.

To find out more about Mailbox, check out the video below.

Are you looking forward to a Mailbox Android app?

    


Fairphone, the “first completely fair smartphone” available for pre-order in Europe

Posted: 24 May 2013 11:11 AM PDT

fairphone

Fairphone, an initiative that plans on making a smartphone without harming the planet and its inhabitants, is now taking pre-orders, so it can start the manufacturing process.

5,000 pre-orders are needed for the company to start manufacturing the smartphone, which looks good in terms of specifications. It has a 4.3-inch qHD display (960 x 540 pixels resolution), a MTK6589M quad-core CPU at 1.2GHz, paired with 1GB of RAM, as well as 16GB of internal memory, expandable via the microSD slot. The main camera is an 8-megapixel one, while the front one is 1.3-megapixels. Fairphone is a dual SIM smartphone, which runs Android 4.2.

Pre-orders have already started in Europe, so you can go ahead and buy one, at a price of €325.00 (around $420), including VAT. The smartphone comes without headphones or a charger, the latter which you can get for an additional €7.50.

Why is it special?

While those specs might look alright, they probably won’t be the reason why you’d want to buy the Fairphone. You can actually help to make a difference by getting a smartphone that’s built according to a set of fair principles.

These include suppliers that have good working conditions (remember the Foxconn problems) and recycling practices that are safe for the environment, as well as not including minerals in the device that fund conflicts. That means that the metals used in your device won’t help illegal armies get financed.

Also, money from the smartphone goes into recycling initiatives, the purpose being to make phones entirely from recycled materials. Deals with manufacturers, as well as the costs involved, are as transparent as possible.

The video below will tell you more about what Fairphone tries to accomplish.

At the time this article was written, the Fairphone had sold 2,369 phones, with 20 days left on the campaign. According to the Fairphone website, if 5,000 Fairphones are pre-ordered until June 14, the first ones will start getting delivered this fall.

What do you think about this project? Do you plan on buying a Fairphone?

    


Google files patent for pinpoint haptic feedback

Posted: 24 May 2013 11:01 AM PDT

haptic-immersion

Have you ever accidentally clicked an ad on your mobile device? Sure, we all have. You're scrolling through, and suddenly you're taken to another page, one you have no interest in. The ad company appreciates the clicks, but you probably don't.

A recent patent filing from Google has some interesting implications regarding haptic feedback, and their use. While vague, it allows for us to ponder specific uses, and consider it as a future addition to the Android universe.

In this filing, the use of specific haptic feedback is noted. That technology would allow for haptic feedback to be pinpointed on the screen, rather than the entire device shaking. The immediate interest is clearly consumer utilities like gaming or mobile ad banners. If Google can further bolster their ad revenue, especially on mobile, they're smart to do so. As the mobile tech sector continues to grow, Google will be wise to find new ways to creatively sell ad space.

If we can use haptic feedback to "feel" height or layers, it adds a depth to, well, ads. Ads can then be layered on top of one another, with haptic feedback adding another level of interaction in finding ads that make sense to us. Rather than view ads as easily dismissible annoyances, we may start to view them as important parts of our experience.

This also holds many more poignant and life-altering utility. The accessibility implications for the blind immediately come to mind, as braille would then be a more intrinsic part of mobile devices. We'll jsut have to wait and see where this all leads us.

    


Android 4.3 Jelly Bean running on Nexus 4 spotted at Thailand Mobile Expo [gallery]

Posted: 24 May 2013 10:58 AM PDT

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Pictures showing a Nexus 4 handset running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean have hit the web suggesting that the next Android OS version may soon be launched.

As you can see in the image gallery below, several images have been snapped of this particular Nexus 4 model, and Android 4.3 is clearly shown. We've seen this particular Android version in various reports, not to mention our very own server logs. Since then, we speculated that Android 4.3 is a Jelly Bean version considering that the build numbers associated with Android 4.3 server log sightings all started with the letter J.

According to these images, the Android 4.3 build number on this Nexus 4 is JWR45B, which suggests again this is still a Jelly Bean version – but then again, one of the images clearly tells us that the handset is running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, just check out that Easter Egg.

The pictures have been taken at Thailand Mobile Expo, but unfortunately there are no details about Android 4.3's features at this time. One picture does show a changed camera menu, with buttons appearing around the shutter button.

android-4.3-nexus-4-jelly-bean-1 android-4.3-nexus-4-jelly-bean-2 android-4.3-nexus-4-jelly-bean-3

We're yet to see an official Android 4.3 announcement from Google, although there are several indications that a new Android version will be unveiled at some point in the near future. Despite missing in action at Google I/O, an announcement of a next Android version has been hinted by the company, which quietly issued a press release a day after the keynote to announce that a future Android version would support Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth low energy or BLE).

Nexus 4 camera button layout

Nexus 4 camera button layout

Recently, a rumor also suggested that Android 4.3 will be launched on June 10 alongside a white Nexus 4, although that date is yet to be confirmed. Coincidentally, that's when WWDC 2013's keynote is scheduled.

    


GMail and Calendar redesign leaked in I/O session video

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:51 AM PDT

GMail redesign

The crew over at Android Police have made an interesting discovery. In a session dubbed "structure in Android App Design", a screenshot of the new GMail for Android appeared. That screenshot, which is full screen, reminds us of something. A few things, really.

First, it's a lot like the other apps Google has recently updated. Full screen, with a slide out menu from the left. The bottom bar is missing, in favor of that slide-out screen. The 'new email' and 'search' buttons have been moved to the top, along with the three-dot menu button.

It also seems to confirm what we discussed earlier about a GMail redesign. Google may not have gone with gestures completely, but they have given us another beautiful redesign. If you're questioning the validity of this, that's fair, but just hold off on that.

There were other sessions which showed a few redesigned services as well. Android Police seem to think the slides were built at a time when Android 4.3 was set to be released at I/O, and thus the screenshots coincided with that. I'd have to agree, after speaking with Googlers at I/O. It seems all systems were go for Android 4.3, but it was left out at the last minute.

Watch the video, and let us know your thoughts. At about 22 minutes in, you start to see the new screens. The redesign is nice, and further hints at a total UI shift. If you watch a bit further, it looks like Calendar is getting the same treatment. These are exciting times for Android fans, no doubt.

    


Oppo Find 5 officially arriving to Europe on May 27th

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:32 AM PDT

oppo-find-5-lockscreen

The Oppo Find 5 is finally making its way to Europe! Oppo has now announced the comapny’s official European web store will open its virtual doors this Monday, May 27th.

The star of the show will be the flagship Oppo Find 5, the company’s 1080p, quad-core handset. The device will arrive contract-free for €399 with free shipping (about $515), which is fairly close to the company’s U.S. launch price of $499.

The big question is whether or not you should care. While the Oppo Find 5 was one of the first phones to feature a 1080p display, a lot has changed since the handset was first unveiled. Devices like the Sony Xperia Z, HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 all have stunning 1080p displays, alongside many other improvements and features not found with the Find 5.

In a sea of other 1080p smartphones, Oppo Find 5 might not be as unique as it was when it was first announced, but it is still a very capable handset. The Find 5 is also a good deal for those that are looking for a reasonably affordable no-contract handset, as it is cheaper than the SIM free version of devices like the HTC One (£489.95) or the Samsung Galaxy S4 (£499.95).

For those that need a refresher, the Oppo Find 5 is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and features 2GB of RAM. Other specs include 16GB storage, a 2,500 mAh battery, 1.9MP front cam and a 13MP back cam. The phone also comes standard with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

To learn more about the Oppo Find 5, check out our video review:

What do you think, could you see yourself picking up an Oppo Find 5 as an alternative to bigger name flagships from companies like Sammy, Sony and HTC?

    


Rumors: HTC One Google Edition announcement imminent, to be USA-only

Posted: 24 May 2013 09:29 AM PDT

HTC One Google Edition

HTC One Google Edition Concept

After a recent report claimed that a HTC One Google Edition handset version is indeed in the works despite official denials from the company, it looks like more independent stories are confirming the handset.

MoDaCo and Android Central have been apparently able to verify the rumors, and it looks like the Nexus experience HTC One will be unveiled next week “or so.” and will be heading to the USA alone, just like the Galaxy S4 Google Edition model. Pricing and actual launch details for such a product have not been leaked yet.

While HTC still prefers its Sense UI on top of Android, it looks like the company decided to make such a HTC One Google Edition in direct response to Samsung's Galaxy S4 Google Edition that was announced at Google I/O and which will ship starting with June 26.

Apparently the move has been approved by Peter Chou himself, as MoDaCo explains:

It seems as though the very existence of the Google Edition device has created considerable internal turmoil at HTC. There is a deep seated belief within HTC that Sense provides the best possible Android experience and there’s no reason to offer anything different – unifying behind a consistent message. HTC has always been a company however that is driven from the top and it appears as though the new device has been sanctioned by none other than Peter Chou himself, no doubt influenced by arch-rival Samsung’s recent announcement. While many inside HTC don’t agree that the Google Edition is the way to go – it’s really happening.

The Nexus experience HTC One is said to offer roughly the same hardware as the Sense-based model, although it will be interesting to see what HTC will do with the capacitive button layout of the device which doesn’t fit with a Nexus UI experience.

The regular HTC model has been selling rather well, so it's understandable why the company would want to offer users a version that runs stock Android out of the box.

However, we'll remind you that these are just rumors until HTC confirms anything, so don't get too excited just yet.

    


Nokia files another complaint against HTC, seeks ban of HTC One in the US

Posted: 24 May 2013 08:35 AM PDT

lawsuit

It's been an unfortunate few weeks for HTC, to say the least, what with the various resignations and a wave of internal problems going public. But things could be about to become much worse, as Nokia is seeking an import ban on the HTC One in the US. Talk about kicking a man when he's down.

The One is pretty much the only thing going well for HTC at the moment, so an import ban in one of largest high-end smartphone markets could spell disaster for the struggling handset manufacturer.

The call for the import ban stems from, yes you guessed it, more supposed patent infringements, six of them to be exact. This brings the total number of patent infringements claimed by Nokia against HTC to a pretty hefty 50. HTC is currently dealing with various allegations of patent infringement from multiple parties regarding not only the HTC One, but also the First.

Here's the statement from Nokia regarding the requested ban:

We began actions against HTC in 2012 to end the unauthorized use of our proprietary innovations and technologies. Since then, despite the German courts confirming infringements of Nokia patents in HTC products, HTC has shown no intention to end its practices; instead it has tried to shift responsibility to its suppliers. We have therefore taken these further steps to hold HTC accountable for its actions.

Some of the numerous allegations include: how internal components are arranged in a unibody device, how signal-to-noise ratio is handled in speech and data, and several elements to do with Google's Android OS. Nokia also claims that HTC infringed on its patents for encoding and decoding video with Android's VP8 codec.

In response to the complaint HTC simply told Bloomberg that:

upon receiving the official document, HTC is to consider all legal options to protect our rights

But it's clear that this really is the last thing that HTC needs right now.

    


Rumor: Google and Facebook face-off in a $1 billion bidding war for Waze

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:47 AM PDT

waze

You may have heard of Waze, a community driven navigation app, but it's certainly not a household name. Not yet, anyway. Even so, according to some industry insiders who tipped Bloomberg, Google is rumored to be interested in purchasing the company.

For the uninitiated, Waze operates a free GPS navigation service which is supported by community members sharing real-time traffic and road information. The service is used to notify drivers of road works, speed traps, and other potential hazards, using input from other users. The business generates revenue from location-based advertising through its smartphone app and tools available over the Web.

The proposition has the potential to set Google up directly against Facebook in a bidding war for the company. Sources have indicated that Facebook already held talks to purchase Waze for around $1 billion earlier in the month. Over the last few years, the company has also attracted investments from Microsoft, and back in 2011, raised around $30 million from various other investors and venture capital firms.

As a side note, Apple is currently not part of any take-over talks, despite initially raising an interest in the company back in January, which probably had something to do with the Apple Maps debacle.

Waze Android app

Waze offers users a variety of location specific information, which could be of interest to both Google and Facebook for targeted advertising as well as traffic features.

Google is most likely interested in the company because, as you already know, it's pretty hot on map and navigation technologies. The acquisition of Waze would see Google introduce various social features to its existing technologies, whilst also locking out its rivals and giving the company an even greater edge over its competitors. Not to mention the opportunity to add another revenue stream to its already popular maps and location services.

Facebook, on the other hand, is probably keen to add new features to its location tagging functions, although it's a little unclear as to why the company is interested in a traffic orientated application. Instead, Facebook would most likely only be interested in Waze for the location based advertising potential.

Having said that, according to Bloomberg, nothing has been decided yet, neither of the two bidders appear to be close to finalising a deal, and talks could still fall appart. Alternatively, and perhaps more likely, after seeing significant interest from other parties Waze could also opt to try to acquire further financial investments in order to continue development on its own service, which currently has over 40 million users.

    


Samsung Link replaces AllShare Play brings new interface and features

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:40 AM PDT

samsung link

Samsung Link is the new name of AllShare Play and, apart from the new name, the app also brings a new interface and some new features.

If you’re looking to share and play content across your new Samsung Galaxy S4 and all your other Samsung devices, Samsung Link is certainly useful. You can, for example, watch content from your phone on the Smart TV, manage files on your PC from your phone, listen to music stored on your home PC virtually anywhere and many other things.

You can even upload images taken with your smartphone automatically to your home PC (but you can do that with Google+, too), as well as access content from services like Dropbox or SugarSync. You can also access content online, through the service’s website.

The Samsung press announcement also mentions that you needn’t worry about content you were storing on AllShare Play, or devices you were using with it, for that matter, as you can still use them in Samsung Link (you’ll need your Samsung account, of course). The company even provides a short video presentation of Samsung Link, which you can watch below.

Not just the name has been changed. You’ll notice that the service now has a new interface (which is “brighter” than the old one, says the company), and it also comes with some handy new features, like the possibility to search for content on all devices registered on your account. It also makes browsing images and using them with third-party apps much easier.

Have you tried Samsung Link? How do you find it, compared to the old AllShare Play?

    


Sony Xperia Tablet Z release delayed in the US

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:30 AM PDT

Sony Xperia Tablet Z aa 600px (4)

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z has proven to be a very popular device, selling out in many European countries, but it looks like American consumers will have to wait a little while longer.

The Xperia Tablet Z was supposed to be released on the 25th of May, however Sony has delayed the launch a few days to the 29th of May. That is the release date on the official Sony website, with Amazon listing it as "Temporarily out of stock" and B&H claiming it will arrive on the 4th of June.

With a beautiful design, water and dust resistance, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, as well as some nifty features, it's no wonder the Xperia Tablet Z is proving to be Sony's most popular tablet yet. Now all Sony has to do is get it on the U.S market and by the looks of things, it shouldn’t be too long of a wait now.

If you want an in depth look at the Xperia Tabet Z vs another high-end 10-inch Android tablet, the Nexus 10, check out our hands-on video here:

Interested in the Xperia Tablet Z? Or have other Android tablets caught your eye?

    


New Nexus 7 will reportedly feature 7-inch panels made by AUO, launch in Q3

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:30 AM PDT

Google Nexus 7

Current Google Nexus 7 model. Image credit: Flickr

A new report says that AU Optronics (AUO) will provide 7-inch panels for the new Nexus 7, with the device expected to be launched in the third quarter of the year.

The news comes from Taiwan via DigiTimes, and while we do expect a new Nexus 7 model to be unveiled at some point in the near future, we would advise you to take it with a grain of salt considering the publication's not-always-accurate track record when it comes to rumors based on local supply chain sources.

While AUO would not comment on customers and orders, the publication says that "the new tablet will pack 7-inch low-temperature poly silicon (LTPS) panels, produced mainly by AU Optronics."

Talking about new Nexus 7 mass-production, DigiTimes notes that approximately one million units would be made in May, with up to eight million units to be made this year. The device will reportedly start shipping towards the end of the second quarter, and launch thereafter.

A release date for the second-generation tablet is not available at this time, but we'll remind you that recent reports suggested that the handset would launch in July with Android 4.3 on board, with at least another rumor from Taiwan confirming that launch window.

Just like its predecessor, the new Nexus 7 is said to be made by Asus. Including the new Nexus tablet, the company is expected to ship 12 million units this year, almost twice the number of tablets shipped in 2012.

Without getting too technical about LTPS panels, we'll tell you that the technology would allow device manufacturers to make higher-resolution displays that are also thinner (and therefore weigh less) and more durable.

A previous rumor did say that the new Nexus 7 would feature an LTPS panel with 1920 x 1200 resolution, but mention only JDI as a supplier. The current Nexus 7 generation features a 7-inch 1280 x 800 HD IPS display.

    


“In survival mode”: the real drama going on at HTC is not about executives

Posted: 24 May 2013 07:15 AM PDT

htc logo aa

A well-known insider of the Taiwanese tech industry talks about the quiet but dramatic talent hemorrhage that is going on at HTC.

This week brought some really bad news and some really good news about HTC. First, there were several reports about a string of high-profile executives leaving the embattled company. Some of the execs even went as far as to publicly urge remaining HTC employees to leave the company, saying that they'll be "happier" elsewhere. This is a worrying and unusual situation for a company of this caliber.

The good news was that HTC has apparently sold almost five million units of the flagship HTC One, as reported by WSJ. But if the One sells so well, why would executives defect?

Sascha Pallenberg, the influential German tech blogger residing in Taiwan who runs MobileGeeks.de, has taken to Google Plus to offer his insight into what is going on with HTC. The short version – the leaving execs are not a major loss for HTC, but the numerous engineers and designers leaving the company are much harder to replace.

Pallenberg calls the situation at HTC "dramatic" and considers that the recent Apple-HTC patent licensing deal and the Facebook Home/HTC First collaboration were "desperate moves to secure and bring in some cash." He goes on to say that he personally discussed with several former engineers that left HTC for Asus, Acer, or other companies, and that he heard third-party accounts about similar cases. Sadly for HTC, the loss of experienced staff can be more crippling than that of "suits".

Pallenberg concludes his posting by saying that "HTC is in survival mode".

We have no reason to doubt the accuracy of Sascha Pallenberg's assertions. Earlier this year, we’ve heard reports about HTC cutting R&D budget and forcing staff to work overtime to make it up. A disgruntled engineer sent an open letter to CEO Peter Chou to complain about it. So it’s reasonable to expect that some of the disgruntled employees have left for sunnier shores.

HTC is in a crisis, there's no denying it, and we just hope that brisk sales of the One will be enough to take the company out of the woods.

    


LG Electronics set to double its smartphone sales this year

Posted: 24 May 2013 06:45 AM PDT

LG logo aa 600px

Doubling up global smartphone sales in just 12 months is no mean feat, but that's exactly what LG has planned for 2013, thanks to a strong line-up of premium and budget products.

Investors and industry sources are estimating that LG is set to double the number of smartphones shipped out to market this year, reaching 50 million or more, compared to the 26.3 million units shipped in 2012. LG itself set a positive target of 40 million smartphones for the year, but clearly the wider industry believes that LG is set to break its own target.

The source of such optimism comes from a very bullish first quarter for LG Electronics. The company has already sold 10.3 million smartphones in 2013, and although that works out to a quarter of LG's own sales target, the first quarter of the year is generally the off-season for smartphone sales. Therefore, forecasters expect LG's products to leave the shelves even faster for the remainder of the year, easily surpassing LG's 40 million target.

There are plenty of good reasons for LG to be optimistic about this year’s performance, as it now has a line-up of quality products like the Optimus G series, which are able to go toe to toe with devices from competitors. The company managed to push its way into the third place in the global smartphone market for the first time in Q1 2013.

LG Optimus G Pro aa 4 1600

The Optimus G Pro is poised to drive LG’s sales to another record high.

On top of that, LG is expected to post another impressive set of figures for the second quarter of the year, due in no small part to the global launch of the Optimus G Pro, followed up by a strong range of more affordable products in its F and L series.

If there's one thing the smartphone market could use, it's some more competition. Can LG pose a serious threat to Samsung's dominance? Perhaps not in the immediate future, but if it continues to produce quality products and comes out with more consumer pleasing business decisions like the Nexus 4, then LG could see itself in great shape over the coming years.

    


HTC Canada Trade Up program: get up to $300 off the One, this weekend only

Posted: 24 May 2013 06:32 AM PDT

HTC Trade Up

The HTC Trade Up program can get you up to $300 CAD off a new HTC One, provided you live in Canada and act fast.

I’m saying you should act fast because, while easy to take advantage of, the offer (which is not a first,  HTC did a similar promo not long ago) is only available until May 27. Here’s how the program, called “One Phone, One Weekend, Premium Upgrade”, works.

First, go out and buy your new HTC One, then go to the program’s website (link below) and use the form to enter data about your old phone (you’ll see that it’s pretty simple). When asked to enter a promo code, input HTC100. You’ll get the trade up value for your old phone, and the next step will be to mail in your old device by June 27, along with the proof of purchase of the HTC One.

You’ll get a prepaid credit card with the value of your old phone (which can be between $100 and $300 CAD, but not less than $100).

Also, if you’re still not decided whether you want the HTC One or not, you can always take a look at our thorough review of the device, to get a pretty good idea about it.

Canadian readers, do you plan to take advantage of this offer?

    


Samsung gets in the Glass supply chain, will provide OLEDs for consumer version – report

Posted: 24 May 2013 04:15 AM PDT

Google Glass Vision

Google has placed orders for OLED displays from Samsung, to be used in the consumer version of Glass, says a Korean press report.

Google is gearing up to manufacture and sell the consumer version of the Glass wearable computer, which the company's chairman Eric Schmidt said might happen sometime next year. Samsung, one of Google's most important partners, will be part of the supply chain for Glass, according to a report from Korea Times. Samsung's display unit will manufacture the microdisplays required to create the virtual image that Glass projects on the user's retina.

The current versions of Glass, which Google has so far sold to developers and enthusiasts through the Explorer program, is said to feature a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) microdisplay, though official technical information isn't available.

If the report is accurate, Samsung will provide OLED on silicon displays to replace the LCOS technology. OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) require no backlighting, as liquid crystal displays do, which may let Google save space in the Glass by removing the lighting source. In addition, OLEDs have lower power requirements than LCDs, which is important in applications where the size of the battery is limited, such as Glass.

At the Society for Information Display convention in Vancouver, Samsung Display's CEO hinted at this collaboration: "OLED on silicon may be used for glasses-type, augmented-reality devices much like the Google Glass". The executive went on to say that Samsung's flexible OLED technology could be used in other wearable devices, such as smartwatches and health bands. Sources told Android Authority ahead of Google I/O that the Mountain View company is working on a smartwatch that has been demoed internally in several offices.

Last month, Google's CEO Larry Page visited Korea to meet, among others, with Samsung's VP and heir apparent, Lee Jay-yong, who later stated that Page was interested in Samsung's OLED business. LG was also said to have discussed with Google an alliance in "futuristic projects" such as Glass.