Monday, September 2, 2013

Android World Update # Facebook Updates: New animated Stickers and more

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Facebook Updates: New animated Stickers and more
Sep 2nd 2013, 18:00, by Loie Favre

Facebook has just been updated to version 3.6 and Facebook Messenger to version 2.7.1! And let me tell you, this is big news: stickers! The most popular and most used stickers found in the the social network, like Pusheen the cat, the dog Beast or the Eskimo Anooki, will now be animated.

Facebook sticker
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Android World Update # Android and Me

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Meizu MX3 announced with Exynos 5 Octa, HD display, and up to 128GB of storage
Sep 2nd 2013, 17:36, by Dima Aryeh

Meizu has always made fairly high end phones with interesting features for the Chinese market. Sporting Samsung Exynos processors and an Android skin called Flyme OS, they offer a lot of power for the money. Sadly, we never see them here in the US. However, we can continue drooling over them in photos and articles, because the newly announced Meizu MX3 looks pretty dang sweet.

This new device has a 5.1-inch display with an odd resolution of 1800×1080, opting to use a 15:9 aspect ratio instead of the normally used 16:9. This would make the device slightly wider than others, but luckily it won’t be a massive difference. It’ll be akin to a Nexus 4 instead of an LG Optimus Vu.

The device is powered by an Exynos 5 Octa processor, 2GB of RAM, has an 8MP camera, a 2,400 mAh battery, and offers anywhere from 16 to 128GB of memory. All of this fits into a 9.1mm thick frame. It’s pretty impressive what they did with memory, because most phones don’t offer more than 32GB. With a 128GB device, I definitely wouldn’t mind not having a microSD slot. Top that off with a high end Wolfson audio chip and you have a very high end phone.

The Flyme OS 3.0 skin is a very heavily customized skin on an unknown version of Android. It combines a physical home button with a set of contextual virtual keys that change depending on the app. It’s a pretty cool method, but maybe purely on screen keys would be better.

The device will launch for a low price of $410 with 16GB of memory. Going for the 128GB model will set you back $650, which is what you would often pay for many of our normal smartphones. While we’ll never get to buy it without importing it, it just goes to show what a high end smartphone is worth.

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Android World Update # Verizon confirms $130 billion deal to buy Vodafone’s stake of the company

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Verizon confirms $130 billion deal to buy Vodafone's stake of the company
Sep 2nd 2013, 17:38, by Andrew Grush

Verizon logo 2013

Back in April we reported that Verizon was seriously interested in buying back Vodafone's 45 percent share of the company. Since then, there has been continued speculation and rumors about such a deal. Finally, Verizon has confirmed that an agreement has been reached between the two mobile giants.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Verizon will buy Vodafone's share of Verizon Wireless for a staggering sum of $130 billion, which will be comprised of $58.9 billion in cash, $60.2 billion in Verizon stock and an additional 11.1 billion from "smaller transactions".

Verizon Wireless is the greatest wireless company in the world, and a big part of this success was due to the hard work of both partners, Vodafone and Verizon. The timing was right to execute a transaction that benefits both companies and their shareholders. Today's announcement is a major milestone for Verizon, and we look forward to having full ownership of the industry leader in network performance, profitability and cash flow.
Lowell McAdam
Verizon chairman and CEO

While the agreement was unanimously approved by the board of directors from both companies, the deal isn’t 100 complete just yet. Verizon says the purchase should close by the end of Q1 2014, providing everything goes through without a hitch when it comes to regulatory approvals.

What the deal means for Vodafone

While Vodafone will obviously receive a pretty sizable war chest as a result of this deal, it also marks a change of an era for the company as they exit the U.S. market.

As a company, Vodafone has certainly fallen down in stock value in recent times, with nearly half the stock price than its high during the early 2000s. With $130 billion coming in, Vodafone can not only reward its shareholders but could also turn towards other acquisitions that help the company's core European operations, or even could use some of the money to expand further into emerging markets.

Either way, this deal has a lot of potential to shake things up for Vodafone (and its competition) going forward.

What the deal means for Verizon

Basically, the immediate result is that Verizon will have full control the company. Verizon will no longer need to share a big chunk of its profits with Vodafone, something the company has been striving to achieve for quite a while. Of course the deal also means that Verizon is taking on a substantial debt in exchange for complete control of their destiny.

Will Verizon grabbing full control mean much for John-Q-Subscriber over at Verizon? With the company taking on more debt, it certainly could affect consumers at some point, if Verizon feels a need to recoup its money through raising prices (let's hope not!). Additionally, with Verizon having full control over the company's future, it could also translate to changes in the company's direction, long-term. Honestly it’s real hard to say for sure.

This is certainly a huge deal for Verizon and Vodafone, and we are very interested to see how it plays out. What do you think of the buyout? Glad to see Verizon regain full control or not?

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Android World Update #

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(Untitled)
Sep 2nd 2013, 17:27, by Nate Swanner

Sony Z1 Honami

Long rumored, but never really in question, the Sony Z1 (or Honami, if you're a traditionalist) official press images have reportedly been leaked. Popular dedicated Sony site, Xperia Blog, has received the images via an Asian retailer.

While images of this nature are often highly doubtful, these appear to be the real deal. They match up with the specs we've heard about, as well as previously leaked images. These pics happen to show a bit more detail, and are a touch more glamorous than those we've seen before.

If these are images of the final production Z1, we're smitten. The nearly seamless construction and overall finish are gorgeous, and Sony has hinted the device would be water resistant. Sony always builds high quality devices, and the Z1 — or whatever it's going to be called — doesn't seem to be any different.

Check out the pics and let us know what you think of it. Does this device finally have you interested in Sony devices? I'm a pretty dyed-in-the-wool Nexus guy, but this one is making me rethink that — unless I get my wish, and this really is the new Nexus. We’ll find out September 4th at Sony’s IFA announcement!

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Android World Update # Android Community

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Omate TrueSmart smartwatch specs boosted, adds Sapphire Glass and 1GB memory
Sep 2nd 2013, 16:22, by Brittany Hillen

The Omate TrueSmart smartwatch has had quite a run on Kickstarter, having launched on August 21 and shortly after (to the tune of about a day) reached its $100,000 funding goal. It has been about two weeks since launch now, and the smartwatch has received a specifications boost, including an optional 1GB memory increase over the initial 512MB offering and full Google Play access.

Given the nature of a watch, experiencing a scratched display is a reasonable concern, something Omate seeks to mitigate with the use of a sapphire crystal scratch-proof glass. The TrueSmart is the first smartwatch to offer such a feature, which is being hailed alongside a stainless steel alloy casing, IP67 water resistance, and a standard watch size.

Beyond that, as was confirmed not too long ago, the Omate TrueSmart will be the first of its kind to offer users complete access to the Google Play Store, something it says will help spur developers to create new apps targeted towards the smartwatch. Thus far, the company has in excess of 1000 pledges from developers who plan to make applications for the TrueSmart.

And finally, as we already mentioned, Omate has decided to add a 1GB memory option in addition to the standard 512MB offering, something it says it decided after requests from users for a higher option.

Said Omate’s CEO Laurent Le Pen: “What we are creating with the Omate TrueSmart is first and foremost a watch, a watch you can wear and feel comfortable with, wearing it wherever you go and whatever you do – jogging, swimming, surfing,hiking, Omate is your Outdoor mate in these situations. Then using our telecom technology expertise to make it smart, very smart – TrueSmart. Through the TrueSmart we have been able to implement technology in the background and your life in the foreground to let the total experience enhance your connected life all in the size, look and feel of a watch.”

SOURCE: Omate

Meizu MX3 unveiled with Exynos 5 Octa and 128GB storage
Sep 2nd 2013, 15:46, by Brittany Hillen

On August 30, we saw a press image of the Meizu MX3 leak, with it coming further claims of storage options up to 128GB and such. The handset has been officially unveiled, and with it comes confirmation of that high storage number, as well as other specs that all point towards a high-end, powerful handset.

The Meizu MX3 features an Exynos 5 Octa processor and three graphics processing cores via the PowerVR SGX544 MP3. There’s 2GB of RAM, a 5.3-inch display with 2048 brightness rating and technology to reduce power drain. Around back is a Sony 8-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor and improved imaging software.

As far as design goes, the Meizu MX3 has a dual-thermal setup with a magnesium alloy and stainless steel frame for “the perfect balance of performance and heat dissipation.” The metal frame is said to result from 36 hours of work involving 28 tool sets, 110 precision machining processes and 28 rivets. There’s also a double-sided heat sink for the board.

The handset features a 2400mAh battery that is said to be a 37-percent improvement over the previous generation, while the Smart Wake feature makes for more efficient usage and results in a 12-percent improvement. The antenna has been enhanced by a factor of 58-percent, reducing radiation impact on users by 51-percent over previous generations.

Connectivity includes dual WiFi with support for 802.11AC, and the media aspect of the handset has Meizu bragging of “1400kbps lossless CD” music quality. Such is achieved with a Wolfson WM5102 audio chipset, allowing for THD audio with a distoration rate of 0.002-percent. Finally, audio is delivered from a new speaker Smart PA speaker system.

SOURCE: Meizu
mx3

Acer Liquid S2 introduced as first 4k recording smartphone
Sep 2nd 2013, 15:22, by Brittany Hillen

Following closely on the heels of the Liquid S1, a roadmap leaked on August 12 showing a roadmap for the next iteration, the Acer Liquid S2. In it we saw an August 2013 launch date, something that turned out to be off only by a couple days. Acer has officially introduced the smartphone, calling it the first 4k video-recording handset.

The Liquid S2 will be debuted at IFA 2013, a handset that has specs akin to what we saw in a leak last week. Among this is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.2GHz processor and a Full HD 6-inch IPS display. The biggest bragging point is the ability to record video in 4K via the 13-megapixel rear camera (there is also a 2-megapixel front-facing camera).

The cameras use BSI sensors, and there’s a ring LED flash round back. In addition to recording 4K video, the handset can also record full 1080p HD at 60 frames-per-second and in 4x slow-mo mode. There is also a panorama feature for taking images up to 27-megapixels, quick first shot to take an image from the lock screen, and smart best shot for multiple images.

There’s a tag widget for photo browsing, a Favorite Mode for saving up to five custom profiles, Freehand Capture for cropping, Live Screen, and Exposure Control. The camera aside, the Liquid S2 has 4G support, as well as WiFi 802.11 ac, an Easy Hotspot model with support for up to 6 devices, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. Software is Android 4.2.2.

Rounding it out is the remaining hardware details, which includes 16GB of internal storage space, 2GB of RAM, and a 3300mAh capacity battery. The handset is also loaded with Acer’s Float user interface, and has Acer Docs/Remote Files/HD Channel, Float Caller, Print, and Data Traffic Manager.

Available in October, pricing not yet announced.

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Android World Update # Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD announced, features Chromecast style dongle add on

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Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD announced, features Chromecast style dongle add on
Sep 2nd 2013, 16:53, by Joe Hindy

Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD

Alcatel has quietly announced a new tablet today called the Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD. With a crowded Android tablet market and a focus on creating cheaper options for consumers, the One Touch EVO 8 HD has found a different way to add features without adding price. That way is accessorizing.

Before we jump ahead of ourselves, here is the official list of specs for the Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD (try saying that 3 times fast):

  • 8-inch, 1024×768 IPS display
  • Android 4.2
  • Rockchip RK3066 ARM Cortex A9, dual-core chip running 1.6GHz
  • 1GB RAM
  • 4GB storage with MicroSD card slot (up to 64GB)
  • 3MP rear facing camera, 2MP front facing camera
  • WiFI 801.11 b/g/n support with 3G, HSPA+, and LTE support through removable modules
  • 4160mAh battery

With those specs, that makes the Alcatel One Touch EVO 8 HD a pretty mid-range tablet in the grand scope of things. It can’t compete with the latest Nexus 7 and it isn’t a flagship. However, like we said, Alcatel found other ways to make the tablet stand out.

They offer a number of accessories, including cases and stands but one accessory really stood out to us. They call it the One Touch Home V100 and what it does is stream content from the tablet to your HDTV. Yes, it’s essentially a Chromecast. The major different being that it can mirror just about anything –including local content and games– instead of just Chrome tabs and YouTube videos. This, paired with a 64GB MicroSD card, could be an interesting and cheap home theater add under some circumstances. Especially if it can support 3rd party game controllers.

If you have a moment, we’d love to hear what you think about it in the comments. Could this tablet put Alcatel on the map? Or have tablets and devices like the Nexus 7 and Chromecast already rendered this mid-range tablet obsolete? To learn more, check out Alcatel’s official website.

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Android World Update # Verizon buys out Vodafone's 45 percent interest in the company for $130 billion

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Verizon buys out Vodafone's 45 percent interest in the company for $130 billion
Sep 2nd 2013, 16:49, by Jerry Hildenbrand

UK company Vodafone has owned a big chunk (45 percent) of Verizon Wireless since 1999, but that is about to change

VerizonVerizon has confirmed the rumor that they will be buying all of Vodafone's stake in the wireless division of their company in a $130 billion cash and stock deal that should close by Q1 2014. The deal was unanimously approved by the board of both companies, but still has to be approved by the government and company shareholders.

The executives at both companies are pretty bullish on the deal, and Verizon's Lowell McAdam says:

This transaction will enhance value across platforms and allow Verizon to operate more efficiently, so we can continue to focus on producing more seamless and integrated products and solutions for our customers. We believe full ownership will provide increased opportunities in the enterprise and consumer wireline markets.

In addition to today's news of the Vodafone buyout, Verizon has also announced an increase in the quarterly dividend of 1.5-cents to 53-cents per share. 

With $130 billion about to flow into Vodafone, and Verizon still recording a profit after announcing such an expenditure, it's obvious that the mobile industry is not about to slow down any time soon. 


    






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