| Galaxy Note 3 Experience app gives an interactive tour of Samsung's phablet Nov 8th 2013, 07:30, by Juan Carlos Torres If you have ever wished you could somehow try out a phone’s fancy new features first before purchasing one without even walking to a store, then Samsung‘s new Galaxy Note 3 Experience app might just be your thing. That is, of course, if you’re curious about Samsung’s latest Note phablet, or as Samsung would like everyone to call it, “fonblet”. 
The Galaxy Note 3 does have things to be interested in, such as the high-end hardware, which includes a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor or an octa-core Exynos in some regions, 3 GB of RAM, a 3200 mAh battery, and, of course, the star of the show, the S Pen. But aside from that, it also packs software features, mostly revolving around the stylus, that, in some ways, could make you forgive or forget about Samsung’s bloatware and customizations on the device. You might even fancy, or abhor, the faux leather back cover that minimally addresses criticisms about the manufacturer’s plastic fetish. But knowing specs is one thing, seeing features in action is a whole different ballpark. But in the absence of an actual device to play with, Samsung’s app might be the next best thing. The Galaxy Note 3 Experience provides an interactive introduction to the best features of the device, letting users see and, to some extent, feel what the features do. It also has some videos to give users a better idea of what they’re in for if the make a purchase. And when they do, they can also use the app to see what accessories are available for the device. The Galaxy Note 3 Experience app is available for free on Google Play Store and can be installed on any device running Android 4.1 or later. It does, however, recommend at least a 1.4 GHz processor and a screen resolution of 1920×1080. Of course, you can always check out our extensive review if you’re interested to know what we think of the smartphone as well. Download: Galaxy Note 3 Experience on Google Play Store
VIA: Android Authority |  | Gramohorn II for the HTC One amplifies your audio steampunk-style Nov 8th 2013, 06:39, by Juan Carlos Torres While the company might be denying it, almost everyone thinks that HTC is in hot water and is in dire need of a good comeback. It seems, however, that its dire need might have loosened a few screws here and there as its UK branch unveils this 3D-printed Gramohorn II for the HTC One that looks straight out of a dystopian steampunk or science fiction TV prop. 
This luxury accessory, and you’ll see later why it is such, comes out of HTC UK’s “Here’s To Creativity” campaign that seeks to support the country’s young artists by showcasing their works commissioned by the company. As the name implies, the Gramohorn II is just the second incarnation created by designer Justin Wolter, whose first Gramohorn was mono horn dock for the iPhone. Aside from an odd curiousity to look at, the Gramohorn II actually serves a practical purpose. It acts as a dock for the HTC One and, by aligning the smartphone’s two BoomSound front speakers to the openings of the horns, is able to amplify sound coming out of the device by as much as 50 percent. Of course, do not expect the best acoustics as this contraption is designed not to function well but to look well, and it is questionable if it has achieved even that. This is definitely an eyecather whose sole purpose is to, well, catch your attention and nothing more, which is probably the only thing HTC is interested in anyway. That said, those who have been taken by the two horns can order a plaster resin build for $1,160. For some tingly metallic visual and sound quality, one can opt instead for the limited stainless steel edition which will only set you back by $8,030. VIA: Engadget | | Motorola Moto X Developer Edition also gets a price cut Nov 8th 2013, 06:05, by Juan Carlos Torres The past few days have truly been good to fans, owners, and would-be owners of Motorola‘s Moto X flagship. The device has just seen a price cut that has now extended even to the unlockable Developer Edition being sold directly from Motorola’s website. 
Late last month, Motorola slashed the prices of the Moto X by half, reducing the amount from $199 to $99, but still with a two-year contract from some carriers. Then just yesterday, Verizon, who was still carrying the original price tag, finally implemented the cut and also offered the Moto X for a full retail price of $499.99. If the luck of Verizon’s customers hold, they will also soon be seeing the MotoMaker customization tool on the carrier by Monday. Now the Moto X Developer Edition is following suit, though it is still a bit pricier than carrier options. The unlockable version of the smartphone is now priced at $549.99, whereas it previously sold for $649.99. This applies to both the GSM-LTE model that is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks as well as to the Verizon variant. As before, the Developer Editions are only available in black or white color options, though the 32 GB storage capacity unavailable on carrier models might make up for the lack of customization options. The Moto X, both developer and carrier editions, are also scheduled to receive Android 4.4 updates, though that schedule is still unknown. Hopefully considering Motorola’s ties to Google, it wouldn’t take too long. SOURCE: Motorola Moto X Developer Edition (GSM), (Verizon)
VIA: Android Police | |
