Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Android World Update # Android Community

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Mophie Juice Pack gives your Samsung Galaxy S 4 an extra life
Aug 27th 2013, 07:51, by Juan Carlos Torres

With a branding such as “Life Companion”, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 is expected to be where you are, always ready to record life’s unexpected and serendipitous moments. You don’t want to be tethered to a wall or switching batteries just when you need it the most. That is where Mophie’s latest Juice Pack for the Galaxy S 4 comes in.

mophie-juice-pack-white1

Samsung‘s current flagship is definitely something special, which we ourselves have experienced in our review. Samsung expects people to really use the device whenever and wherever, and it expects them to eat through the battery like no other. That’s why they included a 2600 mAh battery to supply that need. Sure, the battery is replaceable, but that involves an amount of downtime that could let precious moments pass you by. Mophie Juice Pack offers a practical and useful alternative.

To those not familiar with Mophie’s products, the Juice Pack is basically a smartphone case with a built-in 2300 mAh battery. With just a flick of a switch, the Juice Pack charges up the Galaxy S 4 when and where you need it. Aside from a battery pack, the Juice Pack also provides ample protection without adding considerable bulk, removing the need to constantly put on and take off the case just to put on some other protective cover. An included micro-USB cable allows users to charge both the Galaxy S 4 and the Juice Pack at the same time, or connect the device to computer.

There is one caveat though. The thickness of the case blocks out NFC signals, making that feature unusable, which may dismay some but not others. The Mophie Juice Pack for the Galaxy S 4 is now available on Mophie’s online store for just $99.99.

SOURCE: Mophie
VIA: Engadget

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Samsung Galaxy Note III tipped to be capable of shooting 4K videos
Aug 27th 2013, 07:02, by Juan Carlos Torres

Here’s another one for the list of features to look for next week on the anticipated announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Note III. A source has revealed that the new phablet will be able to shoot videos in 4K, something which may placate would-be buyers who were greeted by a disappointing news yesterday.

samsung-galaxy-note-iii

The Galaxy Note III is expected to house top of the line hardware: 5.7-inch Super AMOLED 1080p Full HD display, 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 3 GB of RAM, 3450 mAh battery, and, of course, the Wacom-certified S Pen that gives Samsung‘s Note line its distinct flavor. Unfortunately, it has been said that Samsung will be skipping out on providing Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to go with its 13 megapixel rear camera. Although it is not yet confirmed, it could deal a blow to the expectations of many, especially those who love using smartphones as life companions.

That discouraging rumor might just be offset by this new one. Samsung’s next phablet will be capable of shooting video in 4K UHD, that is, with a resolution of 3840×2160. That’s quite an impressive claim for a smartphone camera and we’ll have to wait just a few more days to see if it matches reality. We’ll also have to wait and see if the rumored absence of an OIS will handicap the feature.

Still in the realm of multimedia, the Galaxy Note III is also said to be capable of 24 bit/192 kHz Hi-Fi audio playback, surpassing the quality of CDs. No OIS, 4K video, above CD-quality audio, pink color option. The Samsung Galaxy Note III is starting to sound too good to be true. Let’s just hope that least majority of these rumored features will indeed pan out when September 4 comes around.

VIA: TechKiddy

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Android World Update # Sony shows pretty much all of the Xperia Z1 in new teaser video

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Sony shows pretty much all of the Xperia Z1 in new teaser video
Aug 27th 2013, 08:42, by Alex Dobie

It's not like we haven't already had a pretty good look at the Xperia Z1 (or "Honami") thanks to a spate of pre-release leaks, but this morning Sony's taken things a step further with a preview of — well, essentially the entire device.

A new teaser video shows a device similar in design to the original Xperia Z, with a Sony "G"-branded rear camera, a physical camera button and waterproof credentials, before stating "The best of Sony is about to get even better."

In a tweet linking to the video, the official Sony Xperia Twitter account said, "3...2....what comes next?," which suggests that the rumored Z1 name could be right on the money. Purported specs include a Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 20-megapixel rear camera with Sony G Lens and a five-plus-inch screen.

We're almost certain to see the the Xperia Z1 unveiled on Sept. 4 at Sony's pre-IFA press conference, but between this trailer and the various pre-release leaks, there probably won't be too much left to unveil.

Source: @SonyXperia


    






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Android World Update # Sony Honami rumor roundup – everything we think we know

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Sony Honami rumor roundup – everything we think we know
Aug 27th 2013, 08:10, by Ankit Banerjee

Sony Honami

The Sony Honami, or Xperia Z1, is expected to be announced at Sony’s pre-IFA event on September 4, with the company hoping to steal the limelight from another eagerly awaited device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which will also be launched that day. Details about the highly-anticipated smartphone from Sony has been making the rounds of the rumor mill for a while now, and with less than ten days to go, we thought it best to put it all together in one place! Here’s everything we (think) we know about the Sony Honami/i1/Xperia Z1.

The Camera

Sony Honami G Lens

The “G” lens is shown on an upcoming Sony device, believed to be the Honami

This year has been the year of the smartphone camera, with all OEMs, including HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia doing something different, and that is definitely the case with Sony as well, with the Honami’s biggest selling point expected to be its camera. Everything we know about the Sony Honami camera is based on leaks and speculation, and all we have so far is a teaser image from Sony featuring the camera lens and flash, with the G-lens branding next to it.

As far as the specs are concerned, an alleged camera sample that is assumed to have been taken by the Honami, and device specifications leaked by ePrice, confirms a 20.7 MP shooter (5248 x 3936 resolution) with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and f/2.0 aperture, with Sony G Lens and BIONZ Image processing engine, and a dedicated camera shutter button. Another leak suggests that the Honami camera will be capable of 4k video recording, which is something we expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to feature as well. We can also expect the camera software to be packed with features (ala Samsung Galaxy S4) to make the most out of the impressive hardware.

Hardware Specs

Sony Honami Press Image leak

While some OEMs have been known to pair a great camera on an otherwise mid-range device, that is definitely not the way Sony is going with this particular device. The specifications of the Sony Honami were leaked a while ago, and unless we’re way off base, this is what you can expect from the upcoming Sony flagship -

  • 5-inch Triluminos display with X-Reality engine and 1080p (Full HD) resolution
  • 2.2 Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
  • 1/2.3-inch 20.7 MP Exmor RS display with Sony Lens G, BIONZ for mobile image processor and dedicated camera shutter button
  • 2MP Exmor R front camera
  • 3,000 mAh battery
  • IPX5/IPX7 certification (waterproof)
  • NFC, MHL, WiFi, LTE

Software

Honami SS

A while ago, a system dump of the Honami’s software was leaked, allowing us to get a look at the brand new user interface, which include an updated launcher, a new app drawer, and some new apps, such as a new Walkman app which features Music Unlimited integration.

Honami SS3

There's also a new version of Small Apps, which allows users to run multiple apps on the screen at the same time, along with a new virtual keyboard, which I’m sure will introduce some new features. You can take a look at the UI screenshots and software changes here.

Design

Sony Honami

If the leaked press images are accurate, Sony is planning to stick with a clean, flat, and elegant design for the Sony Honami, which will be quite similar to its other major 2013 releases, such as the Xperia Z and the Xperia Z Ultra. If the teaser image of the camera lens (above) is any indication, we’re looking at a glass back, with slightly more curved corners compared Sony’s other high-end smartphones.

We can also expect the Sony Honami to be waterproof, unless the “about to make a splash” teaser isn’t as literal as we think. In this teaser, we also get a good look at the top and right side of the device, with the headphone jack on the top side, and the port flaps, power button, volume rocker, and what is probably a dedicated camera button on the right side of the handset.

Another press image leak suggests that the Sony Honami will be available in multiple color options, including black, white, and purple.

Wrap Up

sony i1 honami teaser

As you can see, there’s quite a lot we know about the Sony Honami and with a little more than a week to go before its official release, the rumors and leaks are definitely going to increase, and we’ll definitely keep this post updated.

September 4 cannot get here fast enough!

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Android World Update # Android Community

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T-Mobile Moto X coming in September, available as JUMP upgrade
Aug 27th 2013, 06:18, by Juan Carlos Torres

This is straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. T-Mobile CEO John Legere stated on Twitter, rather indirectly, that the Motorola Moto X will be coming to the carrier around September. And he couldn’t resist the chance to take a jab at rival AT&T.

motorola-moto-x-front

When the Motorola Moto X was launched early this month, all major US carriers committed to the availability of the device in the near future. However, AT&T seems to have gained some unique advantage, being the first to have made the smartphone available to customers and a sweet spot on the Moto Maker customization tool. In contrast, T-Mobile customers were left a bit hanging with no other resort than to buy the Moto X, which is compatible with T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, directly from Motorola.

Now it seems that T-Mobile users will just have to wait a bit longer for a sweeter deal. Legere took aim at how AT&T doesn’t offer upgrades and asked which T-Mobile customers will be jumping to a Moto X in September. This is in reference to T-Mobile’s JUMP program that it launched last July which allows customers to upgrade to a new smartphone twice a year. So now the T-Mobile audience can breathe a little easier knowing that this hottest new smartphone is included in the JUMP options.

tmobile-moto-x-support-page

T-Mobile has also set up a section for the Motorola Moto X in its support site, which already contains links to guides. There are still no details on the exact date of availability or if there will be differences in pricing. Also unknown at this point is how and when T-Mobile will go about making Moto Maker also available to buyers.

VIA: phoneArena

Oppo N1 rear touch panel confirmed, cool name wanted
Aug 27th 2013, 05:27, by Juan Carlos Torres

Popular Chinese electronics manufacturer Oppo has confirmed anew that its next device, the N1 camera smartphone, will indeed have backside touch controls. This time, it is putting a twist to its announcement, asking its Twitter followers what to call this panel.

oppo-n1-rear-touch-panel

The Oppo N1′s journey towards unveiling is almost at an end, but it seems that its manufacturer hasn’t completely settled down on its marketing spin. Last week, Oppo teased the public with some amusing ads hinting to rear controls on the device. They aren’t exactly the first one to pull of such a stunt. As mentioned in our hands-on, the LG G2 sports backside touch-sensitive volume controls and an actual power button. On the other hand, Oppo seems to be pointing out that the N1 will have a full rear touch panel. And now it’s asking the public what cool name to give this feature.

The Oppo N1 won’t exactly be offering anything else that’s new. It is expected to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 running at 2.3 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, and a 5.0-inch 1080p display. As a camera-oriented smartphone, it is said to have either a 12 or a 16 megapixel camera, Xenon flash, and Oppo’s “Owl” technology for better photography in low light situations.

A full touch rear panel and a catchy name might just be what Oppo needs to draw the crowd’s attention. And do that, it must, as it will be standing head to head with other giants vying for people’s attention when the Oppo N1 is unveiled next week.

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Android World Update # Android Community

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids leaked, weans children into a digital lifestyle
Aug 27th 2013, 04:12, by Juan Carlos Torres

We’ve seen smartphones and tablets designed and built to cater to different ages and lifestyles, from savvy seniors to athletic adventurers to texting teens. It was only a matter of time before manufacturers started targeting the lowest rung of the ladder: toddlers and kids. Samsung seems to have heard the call and is answering with its Galaxy Tab 3 Kids, a tablet that screams colors and fun.

samsung-galaxy-tab-3-kids1

Tablets have become so much a part of life that we even start to see kids everywhere doing amazing, and sometimes heart-stopping, things on or to tablets. This is definitely not the first time a child-friendly tablet has been put out, with Archos unveiling it’s ARNOVA Child Pad last year. But now Samsung wants in on that market and has put out what is basically a re-branded and skinned Galaxy Tab 3.

The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids has the same 7-inch display with a 1024×600 resolution. It runs on a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, probably the same Exynos 4 chip, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, with a microSD slot that supports up to 32 GB. It seems to come in yellow, with what looks like an orange rubber casing. It will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is most probably preloaded with educational apps and games.

samsung-galaxy-tab-3-kids3

There are still no details on pricing and availability. There also isn’t much information regarding additional features that will make the tablet both child-friendly and child-proof. One would expect some sort of parental control software, or at least some way to prevent kids from maxing out their parents’ credit cards with in-game purchases of candies and extra lives.

VIA: moveplayer

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Google Play Store now open in Iran for free apps only
Aug 27th 2013, 03:32, by Juan Carlos Torres

Google isn’t always met with open arms in some territories, forcing it, at times, to withdraw or hold back. One such case is Iran, where Google does not offer certain services or has been blocked a number of times. That situation could be changing as Google announces the availability of Google Play Store for free apps in Iran.

google-play-store-logo-5401

Google and Iran have not been the best of friends. Google services such as Search and Gmail have been blocked in the past, which was met with outcry even from Iran’s own legislators. Users have found ways to circumvent such censorship but it doesn’t change the general behavior of the government towards the company. Google, on its part, has not made available certain sites like YouTube and, until now, has not opened up its Android market to the region.

Google says that Android app developers will now be able to publish and make their free apps available to Iran directly via the Google Play Store. This opens up a whole new market for developers though it remains to be seen whether it will be received with as much popularity as other Google services. It is also unknown how long this favorable situation will last, given the rocky situation between Google and the country.

Unfortunately, this good news only applies to free apps. Apps that need to be bought or have in-app billing features are still blocked in Iran. Google has not made any indication when it will follow suit or if it plans to make these apps available at all.

VIA: TechCrunch

Sony Xperia S, SL, and acro S firmware updated with improved camera, longer battery life
Aug 27th 2013, 03:00, by Juan Carlos Torres

Sony has just announced a new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for a trio of its Xperia smartphones. Rolling out to owners of the Xperia S, Xperia SL, and the Xperia acro S is a new firmware update that brings in fixes and improvements in many parts of the system.

sony-xperia-s

Sony unveiled the Xperia S early last year, which was its newest flagship back then and was followed by two variants. As a recap of features, the Xperia S has a 4.3-inch HD display and runs on a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260 CPU with 1 GB of RAM and a 12.1 megapixel camera. A few months later, Sony outed the Xperia acro S, which is basically the Xperia S but with dust and water-proof features. And finally, the Xperia SL was announced around August last year with basically the same hardware as the Xperia S except for a boosted processor which runs at 1.7 GHz instead.

This new firmware update follows one that Sony released a few days ago and addresses issues that were reported then. The update fixes an abnormality in the white balance of the camera and fixed 1080p video recording. It improved power consumption and heat dissipation in order to prolong battery life. It also added some new features, including the ability to launch Google Now with a long press of the home key.

The new update will be rolled out over the air with no options for a manual download. Sony reminds that, though the update has been released, it might take some time to reach owners depending on market and carrier availability.

SOURCE: Sony

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