Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Android Central

Android Central

OpenTable update brings Foodspotting photos to restaurant listings

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 03:36 PM PDT

OpenTable

Restaurant reservation booking service OpenTable has just update its Android app to include images on restaurant listings from popular service Foodspotting. If you'll recall back to January, OpenTable purchased Foodspotting (which has its own app) in a natural combination of two dining-based services. Well it didn't take long to integrate the services, as now restaurant listings will show foodspotting images from other diners.

For now, if you want to participate in Foodspotting by adding your own images, you'll still need to download the Foodspotting app. We could imagine at some point in the future both apps (and services) will completely combine, but for now they're at least integrating at one point. Grab a download of the updated OpenTable app from the Play Store link above.

PAC-MAN + Tournaments arrives for free on Google Play

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 03:22 PM PDT

PAC-MAN + Tournaments

For the first time ever, Namco Bandai has released a completely free version of PAC-MAN, and it's exclusively available on Google Play. PAC-MAN + Tournaments offers a full-featured free-to-play version of the original game, along with a new "tournaments" feature, which lets you play online against others on new stages each week. The game also has new never before seen mazes available for purchase, along with online leaderboards and achievements.

Namco Bandai also says that it plans on releasing Google Play-exclusive downloadable content in the future as well. The game is of course free to download in the Play Store, so if you're looking to take a trip down memory lane head to the link at the top of this post.

LTE model Chromebook Pixel to ship in early April

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 03:02 PM PDT

Pixel

Google has updated the Play Store device page for the LTE-enabled Chromebook Pixel, and it tells us that orders should ship out by April 8. The upgraded model offers 64GB of internal storage, as well as 100MB of free Verizon LTE service per month, Users can contact Verizon for additional use, and if things haven't changed from previous Chromebooks, you can get a monthly no contract plan or a standard LTE device data plan.

The Pixel isn't cheap. Wifi only models are $1299, and the LTE version checks in at $1449. They also aren't for everyone, as Chrome OS is an entirely different animal from the Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system you're probably used to. To learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of Chrome OS, and more about the Pixel itself, be sure to check out our review. 

Source: Google Play. Thanks, everyone who sent this in!

How to set up your HTC One

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 01:13 PM PDT

HTC Get Started

You've got a number of options to transfer data from your old phone to your new HTC One

So you've unwrapped your shiny new HTC One and you're ready to get up and running. In this article we'll help guide you through the process of getting your accounts and preferences in order, in addition to showing you around the new home screen dynamic.

From the BlinkFeed home screen reader to new app drawer setup, there's a lot to get to grips with before you even look at the more advanced stuff. And even more important is the addition of a number of ways to move your data from your old phone to your new HTC One. You can even parse an old iTunes backup to get your stuff off the iPhone and onto your new Android phone.

Check past the break for our walkthrough of your first hour or so with HTC Sense 5 on the new HTC One.

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Evernote 5 available in the Play Store with updated UI, camera, and shortcuts

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:57 PM PDT

Android Central

Evernote users will be happy to see that their favorite note taking app has received a large update today, bumping it up to version 5.0. Along with a minor face lift to the user interface, shortcuts are now available that let you quickly access notes, notebooks, and tags. For those that like taking pictures of their notes, the redesigned camera now automatically adjusts photo contrast and shadows for maximum legibility in Page Camera mode. Batch shooting has also been added to the new camera, letting users add multiple pictures to a single note. The new version also brings integration of the Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine. Premium users get Document Search, which adds all attached office docs, spreadsheets, and presentations to the universal search.

Grab the update using the Play Store link above. The official developer's change log, along with pictures and videos of Evernote 5's new features, can be found at the source link below.

Source: Evernote

Nexus 7 now available in India directly from the Play Store

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:44 PM PDT

Nexus 7 India

The Nexus 7 has just appeared for sale on the Google Play store in India, with a shipping date of April 5. There hasn't been any official announcement to our knowledge, but a couple of quick people on Twitter found it as soon as it went live in the store -- and it doesn't get much more official than that. If you're in India, you can add it to your cart for Rs. 15,999 (about $295) and have it shipped "by April 5, 2013".

Even though the Nexus 7 may seem like old news to those of us who have had easy access to them for several months, it's a huge deal to see Google finally selling Nexus devices directly to India. Google has been making huge efforts to expand Android's presence in the country, which has been growing its mobile and smartphone usage dramatically over the last year.

Thanks, @sandeepnargund and @atulalvenkar!

Google+ app gets redesigned feed, new sharing options

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 11:28 AM PDT

Google+

Snapseed photo filters, other editing tools included in the iOS update

Google today announced an update to its Android and iOS Google+ applications, with a number of new features.

First off, you'll notice that your feed looks a bit different. You get more text before you have to tap through -- definitely a good change. And tapping a photo or video or link now takes you straight to the page to watch the video, view the pic in a lightbox, or to the linked site. Google also says that image previews are now shown full frame. Also, the +1 and share buttons have been moved. Comments scroll through the bottom as well. Good changes, all.

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The Conduit HD hauls first-person shooting from the Wii to Project SHIELD

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 09:11 AM PDT

Android Central

NVIDIA had a huge presence at PAX East 2013, and one of the big titles they were showing off on Project SHIELD was Conduit. This was a game that was originally launched on Wii a few years ago, and they've since managed to port the sci-fi first-person shooter over to Android.

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We're live from GDC in San Francisco!

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 08:38 AM PDT

GDC

The show season's just heating up, and we're live this week from sunny (or is it soggy? Or foggy? Whatever -- just wait 10 minutes) San Francisco for the Game Developers Conference, otherwise known as GDC. Full Mobile Nations coverage is in effect here, with Simon Sage rocking things for Android Central, Rene Ritchie hitting things up for iMore, and Paul Acevedo for WPCentral. 

The coverage starts now, Now, NOW! Get ready for more gaming gamage than should legally be allowed by law!

Breach and Clear to bring tactical SWAT-style action to Android

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:31 AM PDT

Breach and Clear was a hidden gem at PAX East 2013. This upcoming indie tactical combat game for Android and iOS promises deep strategic gameplay and high customizability in a free to play format. Players guide an elite police force through tense scenarios where even the slightest wrong move can have deadly consequences. The early build we played at PAX ran really well, considering how early in development it is. Some of the guys working at Gun Media on this title have done some fine AAA games, including Call of Duty, which bodes well for the final product. 

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Debug 11: Don Melton and WebKit

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:30 AM PDT

Debug 11: Don Melton and WebKit

 

Don Melton, former Engineering Director of Internet Technologies at Apple, talks to Guy and Rene about open-sourcing Mozilla, building Nautilus, creating WebKit -- the rendering engine now used by the Android browser, Chrome browser, and ChromeOS -- teaching bears to dance, and cleaning cusses from code bases.

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Lightning Launcher: More customizations than you can shake a stick at

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 07:00 AM PDT

Lightning Launcher

One of the great features of Android is the ability to change launchers, and within that category the ability to go completely off the rails with customization -- Lightning Launcher is one of those options. It's going to take some work, but the incredible set of controls and changes you can make with this launcher may be worth it if you're motivated. Best of all, it's free as well.

Stick around with us after the break and see how far the customization can go with Lightning Launcher -- users looking for a basic launcher with a few extra perks need not apply.

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Deal of the Day: Incipio Feather SHINE Hard Case for Galaxy Note 2

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 06:42 AM PDT

Deal of the Day The March 25 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Incipio Feather SHINE Hard Case for Galaxy Note 2. This durable hard case is made with an ultra-light, high density plextonium frame measuring only 1mm in thickness. The case features a brushed aluminum finish that gives your Galaxy Note 2 its own unique shine. Comes in silver, black and white.

The Incipio Feather SHINE Hard Case is available for just $17.00, 43% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping!

Deal also available in the Canada store

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

 

Monday Brief: An interview with Thorsten Heins, HTC One review, and more!

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 05:31 AM PDT

Mobile Nations

 

HTC to retire 'quietly brilliant' tagline as marketing strategy becomes bolder

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 05:24 AM PDT

HTC One

With HTC's recent trolling of the Galaxy S4 launch event -- not to mention new features with brash names like "BoomSound" and "UltraPixel" -- it's seemed that the company's been moving away from the "quietly brilliant" tagline it adopted back in 2009.

Now newly-appointed HTC CMO Benjamin Ho has confirmed that the manufacturer will be dropping the "quietly brilliant" slogan as it looks to adopt a bolder marketing strategy. Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Ho said “we have a lot of innovations but we haven’t been loud enough.” He added that HTC would increase its digital marketing budget by 250 percent this year, and boost its "traditional media" marketing spending by 100 percent.

Ho also confirmed that camera component shortages had been behind the delayed HTC One launch, though this, he claimed, was due to its custom design rather than HTC no longer being seen as a tier-one OEM.

2013 will be a make or break year for HTC, as it attempts to reverse a downward trend in its financial performance brought on by increased competition from Samsung and Apple. The company's hopes rest on the new HTC One handset, and CEO Peter Chou is even reported to have said he'll step down if the phone isn't a success. Early indications, including our own first-hand experience with the device, suggest the new One is indeed an impressive smartphone, but HTC will have to back this up with smart marketing if it's to stage a turnaround.

The HTC One will become available this week in the UK, Germany and Taiwan ahead of a broader international launch in April. For more on the phone, check out our full review.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Start your week with the Greatest Android Podcast in the World!

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 05:15 AM PDT

Android Central Podcast

Now we're not usually ones to toot our own horns -- oh, but what the hell, Thursday night's episode of the Android Central Podcast was pretty damn good. Fireworks, explosions, heated discussions about, well, everything. More HTC One. More Galaxy S4. Google kills some beloved products while announcing others. Plus, we (finally) got caught up on your e-mails and voicemails.

The Android Central Podcast is your weekly peek into the world of Android, where we break down the news that really matters, and explain what's just a bunch of hype. Plus, we answer your e-mails and voicemails. You don't want to miss it. Check out the Android Central Podcast.

Sony Xperia ZL officially priced in the U.S.

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 04:51 AM PDT

Xperia ZL

The Sony Xperia ZL has been listed for pre-order at Sony's U.S. store for some time, but today brings the first official word on pricing for the North American Sony flagship. According to Sony's store listing page, two models will be offered. The first, C6502, will come with pentaband HSPA+ connectivity, whereas the more expensive C6506 will pack those same radios in addition to LTE on Bands 2, 4, 5 and 17. That should get you up and running on AT&T's LTE, as well as T-Mobile's when it launches -- along with a bunch of Canadian carriers.

Unfortunately neither model will be cheap -- the HSPA+ version will sell for $720, while its LTE-capable sibling will cost a whopping $760. Nevertheless, with no carrier deals in sight, it appears this is the only way you'll be able to get your hands on an Xperia ZL in the U.S.

On the hardware side, the Xperia ZL mirrors its international cousin the Xperia Z. Inside there's a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 1080p display, as well as Sony's new 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera. However the ZL trades water resistance and an all-glass design for a smaller footprint, a more ergonomic fit and a physical camera button. For more on the Euro-centric Xperia Z, be sure to check out our full review.

Source: Sony Store

Steve 'Cyanogen' Kondik leaves Samsung

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 04:20 AM PDT

Steve Kondik

Image: SF Android User Group

CM​ founder 'decided to do something new,' offers thoughts on Galaxy S4

In a Google+ post this morning, CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik offered some of his thoughts on Samsung's new Galaxy S4, before revealing that he's recently left the software engineering job he took at the company just over 18 months ago. In a further G+ comment, Kondik said his exit wasn't "because of anything in particular," adding "Samsung was great. Just decided to do something new."

On the S4 itself, he had praise for the new phone's hardware, saying " the device actually feels quite a bit more solid than the S3" and claiming "specwise, this device blows the competition out of the water." But on the software side, Kondik was critical of Samsung's latest TouchWiz UI. While "more consistent" than earlier iterations, he says, the new TouchWiz's fully tabbed UI "feels like it has been sent a few years back in time to the Froyo days."

The CM founder also had mixed opinions on some of the S4's new features. He praised the touchless "hover" preview capabilities and multi-window support, but said that the eye-tracking "smart scroll" feature "mostly serves to anger me into disabling it." In summary, Kondik called the Galaxy S4 a "solid device" and a "clear choice" for those upgrading from a Galaxy S2. S3 owners, he said, should feel "right at home."

There weren't any real clues as to where Steve Kondik might end up next, but we're sure we're not alone in hoping there's more Android in his future. Best of luck to Steve in his future endeavors!

You can read Steve Kondik's post in full over at the source link.

Source: +Steve Kondik

Thumbs-on with Moga Pro Android gaming controller

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:17 AM PDT

PowerA was showing off their new Moga Pro controller at PAX East 2013 and we played a few rounds of Dead Trigger with it. The controller was first announced at CES as a bigger, console-grade accessory for Android gamers. Like usual, the device pairs up over Bluetooth and uses the Pivot application to showcase Moba-optimized apps.

There's also the extendable bracing arm for your device, but tucked underneath is a new switch for enabling HID mode. That makes the Moga Pro a fine choice for games that make use of the standard format. The internal battery should offer upwards of 15 hours of gameplay. 

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Sony Xperia ZL Finally Priced For The U.S., Be Prepared To Pay A Premium

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 03:40 PM PDT

Sony Xperia ZL

The Sony Xperia ZL has been available for pre-order on Sony’s US web store for several weeks now, and finally received a price. At $720 for the HSPA+ version and $760 for the LTE version, it’s definitely at the higher end for an unlocked smartphone. As shown in our hands on, the Xperia ZL is no slouch. You can expect a 5-inch 1080p HD display, 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and 13 megapixel camera. Maybe Sony thinks the high price is warranted thanks to its water resistance and all glass design. However, with the upcoming unlocked Galaxy S 4 costing less, the Sony Xperia ZL could be a tough sell.

Source: Sony Store


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Pac-Man + Tournaments hits the Play Store for free

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 02:23 PM PDT

Pac-Man_Tournaments

 

The original Pac-Man quite simply revolutionized video gaming as we knew it with its insane graphics and incredibly addictive gameplay. So it’s fitting that as part of a special commemoration of the famed game, Namco has placed a special edition of the game called Pac-Man + Tournaments available for free exclusively in the Play Store— not on Apple’s platform as of this time. Here’s Namco’s reasoning for why Android fans get first dibs on this new take on the classic game:

 

“Android is the biggest OS in terms of installed base today. While PAC-MAN is already very present on iOS, it can benefit from a lot more visibility with Android users. Additionally, Google's recent initiatives on games have really won us over, and it was a logical step for us to launch this new title first on Google Play.”

 

The game will come jam-packed with custom goodies as well. In addition to the standard mazes the game will come with, gamers will have the option of obtaining weekly updates containing additional mazes and levels to play. Of course individual gamers will try and beat out the scores of other folks all across the world, allowing for hours and hours of gaming fun. So what are you waiting for…? If you’re a Froyo+ user, hit the break and grab the game today using the Play Store or QR code link.

 

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Pac-Man_Tournaments_Play_Store

Play Store download link


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Samsung Galaxy Note III Rumored To Have Unbreakable Display

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 12:40 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Note III

The Samsung Galaxy Note III will be out later this year and may feature an unbreakable display. According to South Korean news site Asiae, the display will be unbreakable thanks to flexible AMOLED technology, measuring in at 5.9-inches and in full 1080p HD. As far as specs are concerned, we’re still hearing a Exynos 5 Octa processor, 2GB RAM, 8 megapixel camera, bigger battery, and Android 4.2.2 onboard. However, with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie being announced at Google I/O, the Galaxy Note III could ship with that. Either way, even if the Note III doesn’t feature an unbreakable display, we’ll be sure to see a better HD display, performance, and many new features that debuted in the Galaxy S 4.

Via: Unwired View
Source: Asiae


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Rumor: Motorola X phone to be launched in November with a 4.8-inch display, Sapphire glass, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 800

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 11:27 AM PDT

motorola-x-Logo

Another day, another Motorola X rumor. Unlike previous rumors claiming the Motorola X will be a series of phones rather than a singular phone, the latest rumor shows specs for a single Motorola X phone. PhoneArena received a tip from an anonymous source stating that the Motorola X phone will have a 4.8-inch display made out of sapphire, which is said to be three times tougher to break than Gorilla Glass. Other specs mentioned are a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU clocking in at 2 GHz and a 4,000 mAh battery. The device is said to also be water resistant with a design that includes a carbon fiber back and rubber bumpers on the corners. Whether or not there is any legitimacy to this rumor remains to be seen, but if they are indeed true, this is sure to be a very impressive smartphone.

Source: PhoneArena


Come comment on this article: Rumor: Motorola X phone to be launched in November with a 4.8-inch display, Sapphire glass, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 800

HTC’s marketing chief talks about brand making a bolder approach

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 11:01 AM PDT

htc_marketing

 

HTC certainly has one heck of a smartphone that the world is anticipating, but it’s up to the marketing chief to ensure that the masses recognize not just what the HTC One is, but how HTC as a whole can get its groove back. That’s why its marketing chief Benjamin Ho took some time to answer some of the ever-growing concerns that we here in the Android world are thinking and pondering about. In regards to why the One smartphone is delayed, Ho stresses that “there is some shortage, because the phone's camera was designed specifically for us, and production cannot be ramped up so quickly”, which confirms what we have heard before.

As far as it goes with its marketing strategy, HTC appears to be pulling no stops either. Ho highlights that HTC has “a lot of innovations but we haven't been loud enough". What this will mean is the fact that HTC will be much more bold with its promotions and marketing of its devices and the features of its devices. It certainly didn’t take long for the brand to be bold too, considering it launched a full-fledged attack against Samsung during its flagship announcement which also included a pretty clever “#theNextBigFlop” Twitter campaign.

Looks like HTC is finally moving from being “quietly brilliant” to being boldly brilliant— which may be a good thing of course.

source: Wall Street Journal


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Evernote Launches Version 5 For Android: New Camera, Document Search And More

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 10:15 AM PDT

Evernote for Android

Evernote is a very popular notetaking service and with Google Keep on its heels, has released a major update. Version 5 brings several new features, one of the first being a new camera. Users can now take multiple photos and save them into a single note. With Page Camera, Evernote essentially turns into a scanner by scanning the page for text, removing shadows and improving contrast so an easy to read copy is saved. For Mac users, shortcuts have been added which allow you to quickly jump to frequently accessed notes, notebooks, and tags. You can easily create a new shortcut by swiping from the right edge of the screen and shortcuts will sync across all platforms.

For Evernote Premium users, advanced Document Search has been introduced. Now when you search your account, any documents or files containing your search terms, will be displayed for easy access. There is also advanced PDF search which makes your scanned PDFs now searchable. Evernote Business users can now utilize Business tags that can be filtered under tag view as well as edited within Business Notebooks. Evernote 5 for Android also brings redesigned note lists, icons, tweaks, and performance improvements.

QR Code generator
Play Store Download Link


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Android tethering could be threatened by judge’s patent ruling in favor of Nokia

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 10:10 AM PDT

nokia_tethering_drawing

In case you missed it among the seemingly constant back and forth between Samsung and Apple in the world’s courtrooms, there is a patent case about to get underway between HTC and Nokia regarding some alleged patent infringements. The bad news for Android fans is that Judge Thomas Pender has issued a ruling that could negatively impact any Android devices that make a tethering feature available. Nokia has asserted that HTC is infringing on U.S. Patent No 5,884,190 describing a “method for making a data transmission connection from a computer to a mobile communication network for transmission of analog and/or digital signals.” The court case between Nokia and HTC is scheduled to start in a couple months, but this ruling regarding the interpretation of the 190 patent makes it difficult for HTC to deny infringement.

The case between the two companies involves about 40 patents that Nokia has asserted HTC infringes. Google is involved in the case as a third-party intervenor supporting HTC. Both HTC and Google had hoped to narrow the scope of the 190 patent, but failed to do so. The two companies will now have to somehow prove the patent is invalid, such as due to prior art. Proving the existence of prior art could be a challenge since Nokia obtained the patent in 1995, a time when the web was still in its infancy and mobile devices were closer to bricks than what we have today. If HTC fails to make their case during the trial, they may also try to sway the ITC commission to overrule the judge.

If Nokia succeeds during the trial in showing HTC has infringed on the 190 patent, one of the likely results will be an import ban on all HTC devices into the U.S. Nokia will also be in a strong position to pursue other Android device manufacturers, much like they have already done against Apple and Blackberry. In the end, most companies will probably opt to pay a royalty to Nokia in order to keep the feature available.

source: FOSS Patents
via: PhoneArena


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Steve Kondik leaves Samsung, shares thoughts on Samsung Galaxy S 4

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 09:39 AM PDT

steve_kondik

CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik started out a Google+ post this morning with this, “I got to spend some quality time with the S4 (final hardware) before I left Samsung.” (emphasis added) The post contained his thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy S 4 smartphone and what he sees as some strengths and weaknesses. Needless to say, the subtle announcement that he had left his position with Samsung has generated as much interest, if not more, than his thoughts on the Galaxy S 4. In a follow-up comment to the original post, Kondik indicates he thought Samsung was a “great” place to work, but he just decided he was interested in trying something new.

With regard to the Galaxy S 4, Kondik’s opinion seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. He praises the hardware of the Galaxy S 4, indicating “this device blows the competition out of the water.” A couple unique features he specifically mentions are the “hover”-aware touchscreen and the IR blaster. Kondik also mentions the GPS circuitry seems to be much better than in past devices. On the downside, he thinks Samsung’s TouchWiz UI is a bit of step back despite Samsung’s attempt to clean it up a bit and give it a lighter look. This perception may be attributed to a return to a fully tabbed UI and extensive use of popup windows.

Kondik indicates the Samsung Hubs are featured more prominently, possibly as part of an effort to distinguish Samsung from the rest of the Android ecosystem. Kondik thinks anyone upgrading from a Galaxy S II will be more than pleased. While Galaxy S III owners will probably like the device as well, though the justification for an immediate upgrade is not as compelling.

source: +Steve Kondik


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Rumor: Huawei currently working on a Galaxy S 4 competitor featuring a 4.9-inch 1080p screen and quad-core processor

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 09:08 AM PDT

Huawei_rumor_quad-core_processor_Mali_4.9-inch

Samsung’s Galaxy S 4 may be getting all the headlines, but more than a few competitors are out to show that there are more attractive options out there. Despite the recent introduction of the Ascend D2, there is rampant speculation that Huawei is currently working behind the scenes to develop what is going to be one heck of a beastly smartphone. The device is rumored to certainly be no slouch in comparison to other flagships like the Galaxy S 4 by featuring a next-generation 1.8 GHz K3V3 quad-core chip with a Mali T604 GPU, 2GB of RAM, a 4.9-inch 1080p display, 13 Megapixel camera, 2,600 mAh battery. In keeping up with the Galaxy S 4 slim figure, Huawei’s upcoming superphone will be only be 6.3mm in total thickness.

The device is rumored to be available for a 10-20% discount from the Galaxy S 4 in Chinese markets if or when it is officially announced. Of course a sexy, smooth and fast smartphone that’s priced just right would sound appealing to customers— especially those out there in China. We’ll wait and see however, if this latest rumor holds up any weight.

 

source: 163
via: Unwired View


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Report says 70% of first 10 million Galaxy S 4s to have Snapdragon 600 processors

Posted: 25 Mar 2013 09:00 AM PDT

Samsung_Galaxy_S_IV_TA_Hands_On-630x354

A Korean news report suggests that 70% of the initial 10 million units of Samsung's Galaxy S 4 smartphone will have Qualcomm's Snapdragon 600 processors rather than Samsung's Exynos 5 Octa processors. According to the report, Samsung's LSI team, who is responsible for the next generation of Exynos processors, were unable to correct all the performance and production issues in time for the Galaxy S 4 launch in late April. Samsung confirmed production issues when they announced a couple of weeks ago that the Exynos 5 applications processor would not be mass produced until the second quarter of 2013, well after its initial launch.

Samsung faced a similar problem last year when production problems regarding the case delayed initial sales of their Galaxy S III devices. Rather than risk early losses, Samsung is now looking to Qualcomm to supply them with their Snapdragon 600 processors which have been reported to be exclusive to U.S. variants of the Galaxy S 4. Qualcomm has done well partnering with Samsung in the past and it is sure to come to Samsung's rescue until production issues can be sorted out with their Exynos 5 Octa processors.

Source: UnwiredView


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