Android Authority

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• Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business
• Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean
• HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China
• Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor
• Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor
• Facebook Home ‘HTC first’ phone render hits the web; real or fake?
• Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition
• LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract
• Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end
• Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace?

Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business Posted: 03 Apr 2013 02:34 AM PDT As you may recall, Quickoffice was originally an independent app before it was bought by Google almost a year ago. Google then released Quickoffice to businesses that were using Google Apps, but  only users with an iPad could edit Microsoft Office documents using Quickoffice. Now, Android phones and iPhones will have the same functionality. If your business uses Google Apps, you will now be able to use Quickoffice right alongside your Google Drive to make more powerful edits. You simply select a document from your drive, edit it in Quickoffice, and then save it back to your drive. In addition, Google also made some subtle enhancements to how you can view files from your Google Drive. Now, under your drive files in Quickoffice, you will be able to select any subfolders that you currently have in your Google Drive, making fire organization easier. While this release only affects business users, it is a still a welcomed addition, that removes the previous odd limitation to iPad users. The post Quickoffice for Android and iPhone released for Google Apps for Business appeared first on Android Authority.

Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:57 AM PDT Samsung took us a little by surprise the other day, when it started rolling out the Jelly Bean update for the Gingerbread-running Galaxy Ace 2. But now it appears Sammy has some other plans for the entry-level family, specifically the launching of a third-generation Ace. If we are to trust Sam Mobile's always informed sources, the GT-S7272 (aka Galaxy Ace 3) is to hit the market in week 22-23 of 2013. That's sometime between May 27 and June 9, which definitely fits the bill given the second-gen Ace was first out in May 2012. Apparently, Sammy is prepping several significant upgrades for the Galaxy Ace 3, starting with the display size's bump from 3.8 to 4 inches. The resolution is unknown at this time, while the rear-facing camera will likely be the same old 5 MP unit. Another important enhancement could come in the processor department. The Ace 2 packs a dual-core NovaThor U8500 clocked at 800 MHz, whereas the Ace 3 is said to come with a mystery 1.2 GHz CPU rocking two cores. Unfortunately, the measly 1,500 mAh battery will remain the same and there will only be 4 GB of storage inside the Ace 3, meaning the 4-incher will still be stuck in the low-end niche. Hopefully, the 768 MB of RAM will be upgraded to one full gig, while the on-board software will definitely be Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There's no way to know exactly how will the Galaxy Ace 3 look, but chances are Samsung won't drift away from the first and second-gen's designs too much. Another assumption we can make is a big chunk of the marketing campaign will be focusing on design, as the Ace 3 is expected to be available from day one in four color options – Metallic Black, Metallic Blue, Pure White and Wine Red. As for pricing, Sam Mobile expects the dual-SIM variant of the phone to go for around €300 on the old continent. A US release is unlikely to ever happen, but never say never, right? All things considered, does the Ace 3 sound like enough of an upgrade over the second-gen Ace? Would you get it for €300 or are you hoping it’s going to be cheaper after all? The post Rumor: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 coming in late May with 4-inch screen and Jelly Bean appeared first on Android Authority.

HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:19 AM PDT The Chinese versions of the HTC One will differ from the models sold in the West, a leaked picture reveals. There's no disputing that the aluminum unibody of the HTC One lend it excellent resistance to mechanical shocks (as illustrated in our recent HTC One drop test), but also a special look and feel that can't be emulated through other designs. But the unibody approach has its own set of drawbacks, mainly the sealed battery, which cannot be replaced by the user, and the absence of a microSD card slot or of a secondary SIM slot. At least two of these inconveniences will apparently be absent from the Chinese versions of the HTC One. The device selling on China Unicom (one of the big three carriers in the country) will feature a removable back cover that exposes a microSD card and two SIM slots. One of the slots can accommodate the WCDMA SIM used by the Chinese carrier. As you can see from the featured image, the battery of the device, codenamed 802w, is still non-removable. Seeing that China got a slightly improved version of the HTC One (well, at least from some perspectives) begs the question – why hasn't HTC offered the same features in North America, Europe, and other markets? It's a matter of balancing the perceived priorities of the consumers in each market. HTC, as every other phone maker, tries to meet the lowest common denominator, the design that will appeal to the largest number of potential customers. In China, the dual-SIM and the SD slot are a priority for a larger number of users, while the more premium feel conferred by a unibody design is secondary. In the Western markets, HTC probably considers that people don't care as much for these features, and put a greater value on the solid, luxurious feel of a solid metal chassis. A wise decision? We'll see when the HTC One goes on sale. The post HTC One comes with removable cover, dual-SIM, and SD card slot… in China appeared first on Android Authority.

Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor Posted: 03 Apr 2013 01:11 AM PDT Google isn’t exactly the biggest name in search in all corners of the world. In China, Google is practically a minority, especially given the government’s ban on some services, thanks to the so-called “Great Firewall of China.” Baidu takes the top spot in search in China, with more than 70% user base. Google has a mere 3% or so. Baidu even has a latent mobile OS project based on Android, which is Baidu Yi. While we have not seen significant traction in this area, Baidu seems to be taking cues from Google when it comes to mobile development. Case in point: Baidu also wants to develop its own Google Glass counterpart. Photo credit: Sina Tech Baidu’s device will be called “Baidu Eye,” and industry insiders report that the prototype device is as functional and extensible as Google Glass, reports Sina Tech. The prototype has an LCD display (likely to be projected through a prism), voice-controlled image recognition, and even a bone-conduction earpiece technology similar to Google Glass’ own. Baidu Eye will support gesture controls, voice commands for doing basic web searches and placing calls. Baidu is also reportedly working with Qualcomm to produce chips that will power the device. The company is said to be aiming to extend Baidu Eye’s battery life to 12 hours. By contrast, while Google wants Glass to last a full day, real-world testing of early prototypes get users about six hours of use. TechinAsia has some interesting perspectives on Baidu Eye, though. Given the Chinese government’s propensity for censorship and secrecy, Baidu Eye might make an even bigger issue in terms of privacy and media controls — even bigger than it is in America for Google Glass. Right now, advocacy groups are looking to have Google Glass banned because of potential threats to privacy. Would the Chinese government have the same reaction against the potential implications of having everyone record — and the broadcast — just about any event in the public (and private) eye with their Glass-like devices? What’s clear at this point is that wearable devices are in fashion today, with Google building enough interest in Glass, Apple rumored to have an “iWatch” coming soon, and other companies like Baidu launching their own efforts. After smartphones and tablets, are connected watches, glasses and other accessories coming to the limelight soon? The post Baidu Eye: Chinese search giant plans Google Glass competitor appeared first on Android Authority.

Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor Posted: 03 Apr 2013 12:30 AM PDT Google will refresh the Nexus 7 this summer and in doing so it will switch from using NVIDA’s Tegra 3 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor. According to two different sources, who have spoken to Reuters, Google wants to sell 8 million of the revamped Nexus 7 during the second half of this year. Since updates from Amazon and Apple are also extremely likely this summer, Google is clearly intent on increasing its tablet market share. The projected sales figure of 8 million tablets is the first time that details have been released (leaked) about how Google expects the Nexus 7 to perform. The new Nexus 7 will feature a Qualcomm  Snapdragon processor, possibly the S4 Pro as that is already being used in the Nexus 4, but the Snapdragon 600 isn’t out of the question; a higher screen resolution display (possibly 1920 x 1080); and a thinner bezel. The move to Qualcomm for the new Nexus 7 is being seen as a blow to NVIDIA who is competing fiercely with Qualcomm and Samsung for the number one spot at the top end of the mobile processor market. Of course pricing is key in the 7 to 8 inch tablet market. The cheapest Apple tablet, the iPad mini, costs $329 and is quite low on specs (it only has a dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM and a 1024 x 768 resolution display). Amazon have the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD which cost $159 and $199 respectively.  It is likely that Amazon will revamp its Kindle Fire line as well this year (but probably later than the July date given for the new Nexus 7). HP is planning to release the Slate this summer for $169, a very competitive price but it only has a dual-core CPU and a 1024 x 600 resolution display. The Kindle Fire is $10 cheaper and comes with a better display. There are several options for Google in terms of pricing. It could just simply replace the current Nexus 7 and keep the entry price the same ($199). Or it could do what Amazon did with the Kindle Fire and keep selling the current Nexus 7 (but with only 8GB of flash) for a dramatically lower price ($159 or even lower) and sell the new model at $199. Reuters tried contacting Google, Qualcomm and NVIDIA but, as to be expected, none of the companies had any comments to make. The post Google to revamp Nexus 7 in July with Snapdragon processor appeared first on Android Authority.

Facebook Home ‘HTC first’ phone render hits the web; real or fake? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:36 PM PDT With a couple of days to go until Facebook officially unveils its "new home for Android," we continue to see a variety of reports detailing the social network's new mobile initiative, with the latest one including what looks like the first render of HTC's upcoming Facebook phone. Dubbed as the "HTC first," the device above may be showing us the real deal, but it may just as well be a fake meant to attract some attention before the big day. However, it's worth pointing out that the image comes that the often-reliable @evleaks Twitter account that provided countless pictures of upcoming mobile devices in the past, ahead of their actual announcement. The HTC first is known by another name from previous rumors, HTC Myst, and it's reportedly going to be a 4.3-inch device that will feature a 720p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE (support for AT&T bands,) 5-megapixel camera, 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and Sense UI 4.5 on top which will include the new Facebook Home. Earlier today we showed you a report that detailed how the Facebook Home environment would look and feel like on top of Android, although a full demo of Facebook Home is not available at this time. We'll have to wait for the special event on Thursday for Zuckerberg and Co. to fully showcase the Facebook-based user interface that could transform your phone's Android experience in the future. As for the image above, it's too early to tell you if it's real or not. The HTC first does look like an iPhone, just like previous reports said it would, complete with what seems to be a circular button flanked by two other capacitive buttons. It also has the on/off button on the top right side, while the volume controls are placed on the left side. Like always with such renders, hang on to that grain of salt as we wait for official press images of the device. Would you be interested in such an Android smartphone? The post Facebook Home 'HTC first' phone render hits the web; real or fake? appeared first on Android Authority.

Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:55 PM PDT Almost a week after launching a bundle exclusive to Android, Humble Bundle has added three more games to its Android offering today. Last week, Humble Bundle launched an Android bundle with six games, two of which you would only get if you payed above the average price. Today, the guys at Humble Bundle have added three more games to that list: Another World, Funky Smugglers and Raiden Legacy. If you’ve already purchased the bundle, the games should be available via the Humble Bundle download page. If you haven’t gotten the bundle yet, there’s one week left to the sale, which should give you just enough time to make a decision! Humble Bundle originally launched the first Android exclusive mobile bundle last week. It offered six games: Anomaly Korea, Bladeslinger, Plants vs. Zombies and Contre Jour, Metal Slug 3 and The Room. The latter two games can be still be obtained by paying above the average.   The post Humble Bundle adds Raiden Legacy and two other titles to Android edition appeared first on Android Authority.

LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:47 PM PDT Verizon fans looking for a decent mid-ranger without paying a cent might want to check out the LG Lucid 2. As previously rumored, the phone has now been confirmed for arrival to Verizon’s network on April 4th. The specs certainly won’t blow anyone away, but they aren’t half-bad considering the phone is free. The handset has a 4.3-inch IPS display with a qHD resolution and is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB of RAM. Other specs include 8GB storage, microSD, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a 5MP rear cam and optional wireless charging capabilities. For those that think this phone looks pretty familiar, that’s because it basically a rebranded Optimus F5. The biggest difference here though is the battery. The phone will pack a 2,460 mAh battery, which is pretty damn good when you consider the modes specs on the handset. In contrast, the F5 came standard with a 2,150 mAh battery. To get a better look at what you can expect with the LG Lucid 2, check out the hands-on video for its close cousin, the F5. Bottom-line, at $0 with a two-year contract and a reasonably large battery, this phone could be perfect for those that are looking for an entry or mid-range device without having to give up any cash up-front. The LG Lucid 2 probably isn’t going to impress your friends, but if you uses are modest, it should still provide a reasonably enjoyable Android experience. Show full PR text ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics USA today launched the Lucid™2 by LG smartphone, available exclusively from Verizon Wireless. Starting today, Lucid2 by LG will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for free with a new two-year service agreement. Designed for both the first-time smartphone user and the mass 4G LTE market, Lucid2 by LG helps smartphone users effortlessly and intuitively manage the fun and busyness of everyday life. Featuring a Starter Mode with helpful widgets, a smooth, simplified user interface and a long-lasting battery, as well as a Standard Mode with five customizable home screens, Lucid2 offers a more personalized experience that can be easily tailored to any user’s preferences. “In today’s highly connected world, mobile devices have become an essential tool for helping people balance their lives,” saidGeorg Rasinski , director, mobile brand management, LG Electronics USA. “Whether it’s a morning meeting, a family get-together or weekend shopping, Lucid2 by LG is designed to provide first-time smartphone users with an intuitive yet robust smartphone to stay connected and help accomplish their daily tasks.” Lucid2 by LG also comes with all of the apps first-time smartphone users need to personalize and explore the smartphone world. With QuickMemo™, users can customize their photos and screenshots with creative commentary by using a single finger to write or draw on any image, then share them via their social media profiles or email. Users can also take snapshots of their favorite moments using Lucid2 by LG’s 5-megapixel camera and fun, creative camera features like Time Catch Shot or Cheese Shot, ensuring important memories are captured for future sharing. With Time Catch Shot, users can snap several pictures before pressing the shutter button, ensuring the best photos are never missed. Additionally, users can use Live Shot to take pictures while recording video or Cheese Shutter to take voice-activated photos by simply saying “cheese.” Lucid2′s rear-facing 1080p HD camera allows users to record and then edit video using Video Wiz, adding in their own transitions and subtitles. In addition to capitalizing on Verizon Wireless’s powerful 4G LTE network, Lucid2 by LG sports a full suite of wireless connectivity features, including Bluetooth® Version 4.0 and LG Smart Share, which lets users easily send videos, pictures and music wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices like your flat screen TV. Lucid2 by LG also comes with an efficient, long-lasting 2,460 mAh battery and convenient wireless-charging capabilities*, perfect for the all-day demands and joys of work and personal life. Using the all-new LG WCP-300 Wireless Charging Pad, featuring a sleek, low-profile compact and portable design, users can charge Lucid2 by LG wirelessly when paired with a Wireless Charging Standard Battery Cover. Lucid2 by LG features a compact, stylish design that makes it easy to grip and is equipped with a big, bright 4.3-inch qHD Advanced High Performance (AH) In-Plane-Switching (IPS) display that enhances the viewing experience for watching videos, reading eBooks and browsing the web in stunning clarity and natural color. Combined with 4G LTE speeds and a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait dual-core processor, first-time smartphone users can stream video, update their social media profiles, read reviews and more in seconds. Key Features Include: Large 4.3-inch qHD Advanced High Performance (AH) In-Plane-Switching (IPS) display Long-lasting 2,460 mAh Battery Android™ 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait 1.2 GHz dual-core processor Memory: 1GB RAM and 8GB on-board storage microSD™ Memory Card Support: up to 64GB Wireless charging capabilities  (Wireless Charging Battery Cover sold separately) Customizable lock screens Advanced Camera Capabilities including Live Shot, Time Catch Shot, Panorama Shot and Cheese Shutter Mobile Hotspot to share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices QuickMemo allows users to capture screenshots and add their own personalized commentary or drawings with a finger Bluetooth® Version 4.0 Pricing and Availability: Lucid2 by LG is available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting April 4 for free with a new two-year service agreement. Lucid2 by LG will be available in stores in the coming weeks. The post LG Lucid 2 heading to Verizon on April 4th, free with contract appeared first on Android Authority.

Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:10 PM PDT Google sent out thousands of invitations to #ifihadglass winners and today the official Project Glass Google+ page announced the Explorer Program has come to a close. All invitations have been sent and if you didn’t receive one, well, better luck next time. If you want to stay in the loop, you can visit the Glass website and sign up via email. With the program coming to an end, we’re closer to getting our hands on the real thing. Google has been very careful with who they allow to use Glass, requiring developers at a recent hackathon to sign very restrictive NDAs. However, Google is investing big on this supposedly revolutionary product and has taken an almost Apple approach when it comes to secrecy. Sergey Brin believes that Google Glass will help free us up from distractions and focus on the interactions that truly matter. For #ifihadglass winners who received an invitation to get their hands on Glass, they’ll have to shell out $1,500 and travel to New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to pick up in person. The post Google Glass Explorer Program comes to an end appeared first on Android Authority.

Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:06 PM PDT As the nation goes crazy for faster and faster mobile data, carriers are running out of capacity. Now goes the hunt to find more wireless spectrum to push those Instagram photos, WhatsApp chats and Skype video-conferences on. There is a “looming spectrum crisis,” as FCC chairman Julius Genachowski has been claiming since he took office in 2009. With mobile users becoming more data-hungry than ever, carriers are scrambling to secure so-called airspace. The target: TV stations and networks. With increased demand, however, spectrum allocation is becoming more and more expensive, and government is trying to encourage media networks into auctioning off their allocation, with some of the proceeds then being used to establish a public safety broadcast network. The move does have its detractors, though. While the FCC, CTIA and Cisco Systems believe that broadcast companies should give way to more data-oriented usage of the UHF spectrum, some lobby groups — which include the National Association of Broadcasters — believe this move will hamper the media industry’s own efforts to develop its own mobile technologies, such as streaming. Even as broadcasters are finding their assets and licenses suddenly skyrocketing in value, the so-called “spectrum grab” might not exactly offer a balanced view of the industry, in which broadcast companies are seen as the old guard, while telecoms companies with their 4G networks are going to usher in new frontiers in communication. It’s not all about network capacity, too. Even re-allocating UHF channels 32 to 51, for instance, would entail major costs on TV stations operating on these frequencies. Shifting bands (say from UHF to VHF) will require physically changing antenna infrastructure and even relocating transmission stations, due to the different nuances between these bands. Some groups, mostly in the academe, are on a wait-and-see philosophy, and are actually conducting studies to look into how to better use what existing capacity networks have, without the need to acquire additional spectrum. As mobile users, do we have to fear that day in which our data access will slow down to a halt because network capacity can no longer support services? It’s an ongoing debate, and a feature on Variety tries to shed some light on the matter. One thing we can learn from this debate is that our increasing demand for mobile access is already taking a toll on a resource previously thought to be abundant. It’s thin air, after all — or actually just an invisible portion of the light spectrum. The post Spectrum sales now big business, but are we running out of airspace? appeared first on Android Authority.

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Android and Me

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• HTC First is the upcoming “Facebook Phone”
• Top Android devices go head to head in new 3DMark
• Sprint HTC One to launch April 19 for $199, pre-orders kick off April 5
• HTC One AT&T price and pre-order dates, free car kit from T-Mobile, analyst sales predictions and much more

HTC First is the upcoming “Facebook Phone” Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:08 PM PDT This week we are headed to Facebook to check out their “new home on Android,” and rumors suggested that a new HTC phone would make an appearance. A device with the codename Myst has been floating around for several months, but it appears the product will launch as the HTC First,... Visit our site to read the full article.

Top Android devices go head to head in new 3DMark Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:25 PM PDT The world’s most popular performance benchmark has finally come to Android. Today Futuremark released 3DMark to the Google Play store, and the latest test allows you to compare results across different operating systems. The new 3DMark is currently available for Windows 7, Windows 8, and... Visit our site to read the full article.

Sprint HTC One to launch April 19 for $199, pre-orders kick off April 5 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 09:27 AM PDT Following AT&T’s HTC One launch announcement, Sprint has joined in to reveal that it will start selling the HTC One for $199.99 on April 19, as well. The last piece of the HTC One’s US launch is T-Mobile’s launch date, which we suspect will also fall on April 19. When the HTC... Visit our site to read the full article.

HTC One AT&T price and pre-order dates, free car kit from T-Mobile, analyst sales predictions and much more Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:51 AM PDT As we start inching our way into the month of April, new details regarding the HTC One‘s US launch are finally starting to come into focus. AT&T just announced their One would launch on April 19th, but we are still waiting on details from Sprint and T-Mobile, so there’s just enough... Visit our site to read the full article.

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Android Phone Fans

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• Is this really Facebook’s new phone? Say hello to the HTC First
• LG Lucid2 available today at Verizon Wireless, offers ample 2,460mAh battery for free with a 2-year agreement
• 3DMark is now available for Android devices, another benchmark to validate your smartphone/tablet purchase
• Understanding software patents
• Review: Copy now available for Android, 10GB+ of free cloud storage when you sign up a friend
• Digitimes: Google building Android-powered notebook for late 2013 launch
• Could AT&T and Verizon team up to buy Vodafone?
• Eastern Europe could see first Galaxy S4 shipments in two weeks
• Sprint announces HTC One for April 19th launch, pre-orders for April 5th
• HTC One coming to AT&T on April 19th for $199, pre-orders begin April 4th
• Extension: One more day to Game for Fame and win a Transformer Pad [CONTEST]
• Amazon taps formers Windows Phone exec for Kindle smartphone
• Rumor: Samsung to introduce Galaxy Mega line with 5.8 and 6.2-inch handsets
• AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S4 passes through the FCC as SGH-i337
• Android Overload: Google granted software patent to help conserve battery life, Samsung Galaxy S4 successfully rooted, and more

Is this really Facebook’s new phone? Say hello to the HTC First Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:02 PM PDT Evleaks often times nails it when it comes to the leakage of upcoming Android handsets. Today they posted on their Twitter account an image we feel could be the upcoming Facebook phone dubbed… the HTC First. Once codenamed the HTC Myst, I don’t even want to get into the name change, I’m just trying to [...]

LG Lucid2 available today at Verizon Wireless, offers ample 2,460mAh battery for free with a 2-year agreement Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:48 PM PDT Verizon Wireless has just officially announced the availability of the LG Lucid2, the Verizon branded version of the LG Optimus F5 we showed you back at MWC 2013. While marketed towards first time smartphone buyers and carrying a $0 price tag (with a 2-year agreement of course), the Lucid 2 doesn’t skimp on the specs. [...]

3DMark is now available for Android devices, another benchmark to validate your smartphone/tablet purchase Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:05 PM PDT Benchmarks are a funny thing. I think we’ve mentioned it close to a hundred times how, in real world usage, they don’t really amount up to diddly squat. Well, let me clarify that — they can give you a general idea of a mobile device’s performance, but they’re not always the bible truth in gauging [...]

Understanding software patents Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:46 AM PDT NFC and Google Wallet. Most people have heard of one, or the other. Some even tried it before. And there are the very few that actually use it in their daily lives. When a person uses Google Wallet to pay for purchases at a McDonald’s or a 7-Eleven, the tapping motion and the payment are [...]

Review: Copy now available for Android, 10GB+ of free cloud storage when you sign up a friend Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:41 AM PDT There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to cloud storage. I think just about everyone knows about Dropbox, Google Drive and Amazon Cloud Drive. Well, now it looks like we have a new challenger. They’re called Copy and they’ve recently introduced an Android application into the Play Store. After checking it out, [...]

Digitimes: Google building Android-powered notebook for late 2013 launch Posted: 02 Apr 2013 10:47 AM PDT The often hit-or-miss Digitimes is reporting that Google could be building a new laptop, but don’t expect it to be part of the Chrome lineup. The new notebook PC could have developed under direct influence of Sundar Pichai, the man who recently took over for Andy Rubin as Google’s Android chief. So what type of PC can [...]

Could AT&T and Verizon team up to buy Vodafone? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 09:59 AM PDT This latest acquisition rumor concerning the fate of Vodafone and Verizon is a doozy. While it was initially believed that Vodafone would sell back its 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless to the carrier’s parent company, the deal could go the other way with the help of a surprising partner. According to a report from [...]

Eastern Europe could see first Galaxy S4 shipments in two weeks Posted: 02 Apr 2013 09:00 AM PDT A new report says the Samsung Galaxy S4 could begin shipping to countries in Eastern Europe in as little as two weeks, with Russia and the Ukraine among the first to see the new flagship handset. The Exynos 5 Octa version of the phone will drop down first in 16GB form. The 64GB isn’t scheduled [...]

Sprint announces HTC One for April 19th launch, pre-orders for April 5th Posted: 02 Apr 2013 08:21 AM PDT Not to be outdone by AT&T, Sprint has also announced the availability of the HTC One on their network. The phone will launch the same day as Ma Bell’s version, April 19th. Pre-orders for Sprint begin April 5th. Sprint will carry a 32GB version of HTC’s flagship handset for $199 on a new two-year contract. [...]

HTC One coming to AT&T on April 19th for $199, pre-orders begin April 4th Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:52 AM PDT AT&T has officially announced the availability of the HTC One on their network. The phone will launch on April 19th with pre-orders for the handset beginning April 4th. The carrier will offer the latest HTC flagship with two storage capacity options, 32GB and an exclusive 64GB model. The former will get standard $199 pricing on [...]

Extension: One more day to Game for Fame and win a Transformer Pad [CONTEST] Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:28 AM PDT Alright, folks. The holiday weekend was a busy time for many so we’ll cut you some slack if you didn’t get a chance to challenge our high score in Beach Buggy Blitz as part of our Game for Fame contest, but only for the rest of the day. That’s right, we’re extending this week’s Game [...]

Amazon taps formers Windows Phone exec for Kindle smartphone Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:13 AM PDT Will it be the Kindle smartphone or the Kindel smartphone? That’s the question we are asking after former app platform and developer experience manager for Windows Phone Charlie Kindel has been called upon by Amazon to work on an undisclosed project. His past experience gives us an obvious hint at what he could be up [...]

Rumor: Samsung to introduce Galaxy Mega line with 5.8 and 6.2-inch handsets Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:37 AM PDT Samsung is rumored to be on the verge of launching a new phablet lineup to compliment their Galaxy S and Galaxy Note offerings (pictured above). Said to be dubbed Galaxy Mega, two device could drop later this year with model number GT-I9152 and GT-I9200. The former would feature a 5.8-inch display. The latter, a 6.3-inch [...]

AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S4 passes through the FCC as SGH-i337 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:10 AM PDT With preorders set to begin in a matter of weeks, we’re entering the final pre-launch stages for AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S4. That includes a quick jaunt at the FCC, where the phone has appeared under model number SGH-i337. The proper LTE band 17 support is in place and, as you can see by the handy [...]

Android Overload: Google granted software patent to help conserve battery life, Samsung Galaxy S4 successfully rooted, and more Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:15 AM PDT The Android Overload is where we stash all of the stories/articles/news bits that didn't make it onto our front page (some for more obvious reasons than others). In any case, just because they weren't featured doesn't mean they aren't worth taking a look at. In fact, there's almost always a few good articles here for [...]

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Android Central

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• Android platform numbers for March are in, come from a new collection method
• Use Google Apps for Business? Grab a free copy of Quickoffice from Google Play
• HTC infographic details one day with the HTC One
• AntTek Quick Settings: Jelly Bean customization for all
• Kobo Arc now available to purchase directly from Kobo in Canada and U.S.
• Humble Mobile Bundle adds 3 bonus games to the original 6
• ASUS offers settlement for Transformer Prime wireless issues
• Line2 update adds tablet support, MMS, and a redesigned UI
• 'HTC First' could be the rumored 'Facebook phone'
• Verizon goes middle of the road with the free LG Lucid 2
• Sony Xperia ZL launches in Canada
• HTC One tip: Keep your Events organized
• EE launches the '4G Taxi' in London and Birmingham
• Ematic announces 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet for $79.99
• Dinamotxt: SMS syncing with your tablet
• HTC One also coming to Sprint from April 19
• AT&T's HTC One comes with a free Media Link HD for streaming (for a limited time)
• AT&T HTC One coming April 19, starting at $199
• Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3
• Nexus 7 32GB WiFi and 3G variants also launched in India
• Could the Nexus 4 finally be heading to Canada's TELUS?
• Here's a pre-rooted ROM for that Galaxy S4 you don't have
• Samsung 'Galaxy Mega' supersized smartphones rumored
• Someone won a Moga Pro Android gaming controller! Was it you?
• Another HTC Thunderbolt update on the horizon

Android platform numbers for March are in, come from a new collection method Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:23 PM PDT The collection method has changed, but the results surprise nobody -- new versions climb while legacy versions fall Every month Google releases a handy chart telling us what version of the operating system folks are using out there. This month, they did things a little differently and now collect data only from devices that have visited the Google Play store in the past month, versus all phones that checked into Google's servers as done in he past. It didn't make much of a difference. Jelly Bean continues to climb and is now at 25-percent, Gingerbread is down 5-percent, and lower version are clinging to life support. The one change we didn't expect is Ice Cream Sandwich to actually climb while devices were getting update to Jelly Bean. We'll write that off to the new collection method. If you're a developer, this will help you decide which devices to target. If you're just an interested fan, the data sure is fun to talk about.  Source: Android developer site. More: +Android Developers

Use Google Apps for Business? Grab a free copy of Quickoffice from Google Play Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:07 PM PDT Google is now providing a way to edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents for Google Apps for Business users Google Drive is pretty slick. It allows you to collaborate, edit on the fly, and create documents and easily share them. The problem is, most of the time somebody in your organization will end up using a Microsoft Office product and throw a wrench in it all. You see, Google Drive's editing abilities don't mix well with Microsoft Office files.  Since Microsoft Office is the de facto standard for business documents, Google is trying to alleviate any problems a bit by offering up a free copy of Quickoffice -- which is very compatible with the various MS Office format. If you're a Google Apps user, grab it free from the Google Play link above.

HTC infographic details one day with the HTC One Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:53 PM PDT The folks who can get one are loving their HTC One, and everyone loves infographics - this had to happen While you're waiting to have a look at the new HTC One, you're probably thinking of how you might use the phones features. We're covering them to give you the in-depth story on what they can do and how to use them, and HTC is now showing you why you may want to. Blinkfeed and Zoes and the rest of the new Sense 5 can be a bit confusing. We get it. HTC gets it. This is the sort of material HTC needs to produce to cut some of that confusion away, and show folks that they can be productive and have fun with their smartphone. Be sure to click the source link for the mega-huge not safe for mobile version. Source: HTC

AntTek Quick Settings: Jelly Bean customization for all Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:31 PM PDT Get total toggle control with a custom version of Jelly Bean's Quick Settings on Android 2.1 and up. One of the most anticipated features Jelly Bean brought to Android was Quick Settings. These handy little toggles live in the notification area, and make turning things like WiFi and Bluetooth on and off just a swipe away. While they're a welcomed addition to Android, they are limited to eight static titles and have no option for customization. That's where AntTek Quick Settings comes in. Compatible with Android 2.1 Eclair and above, this app not only replicates Quick Settings functionality on non-Jelly Bean phones, but gives Jelly Bean users a much needed level of customization. Check out the full run through of what this app can do after the break. read more

Kobo Arc now available to purchase directly from Kobo in Canada and U.S. Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:42 PM PDT 7-inch Android tablet finally available directly from Kobo in North America alongside range of e-Ink devices The Kobo Arc is a fine tablet in its own right, despite not quite matching the Nexus 7 in the grand scheme of things. There are several reasons that one might choose the Arc over the Google offering -- the screen, speakers and 64GB version but a few. But, a couple of issues plagued the Arc from launch -- the software, and availability issues. The software was rectified back in March, and now it seems, in North America at least, that the availability has been solved too.  Part of the problem was the lack of any way to buy one direct from Kobo. While available through retail partners worldwide, they weren't exactly plentiful, and the 64GB version proved somewhat elusive too. Kobo however, has today announced that their full range of eReaders -- including the e-Ink devices -- are available to buy from Kobo.com in Canada and the U.S. Good news for anyone tempted that struggled to get hold of one. The full press release can be found after the break.  read more

Humble Mobile Bundle adds 3 bonus games to the original 6 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:38 PM PDT An above average donation now gets you nine games in total; previous donors will receive the bonus games automatically The first mobile-only Humble Bundle has added three more games to the roster for those who choose to donate more than the average. On top of the original six games on the list -- Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, Bladeslinger, The Rooma and Metal Slug 3 -- donations above $5.53 (at the time of writing) will also receive Funky Smugglers, Raiden Legacy and Another World. Anyone who previously purchased the bundle at that price will receive the games for free, which is great little gesture for the early donors. You can donate whatever you'd like to receive the first 6, but at just a few extra dollars to get 9 games in total there's no reason not to give it a thought. Head to the source link below to donate and get your own Humble Mobile Bundle like nearly 100,000 people already have. Source: Humble Bundle

ASUS offers settlement for Transformer Prime wireless issues Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:18 PM PDT ASUS settles class action suit, settlement class members get a GPS dongle and $17 for their troubles The ASUS Transformer Prime looks beautiful with it's thick spun aluminum back. It also has an issue with weak Wifi and GPS signals because of it. In April of last year, they offered a dongle to improve the GPS signal to anyone who wanted one, but apparently that wasn't enough to satisfy everyone as a class action suit was brought against ASUS. Today, ASUS has settled it. If you're in the US, and can prove that you bought a Transformer Prime between December 1, 2011 and February 19, 2013, and didn't return it for a refund, you can join the settlement class and get a GPS dongle and $17 US. ASUS is quick to remind everyone that they agree there were GPS issues, disagree with any Wifi issues, and that this is in no way an admission that they are liable for anything, they just settled rather than continue: The lawsuit claimed that the Asus Eee Pad TF201 Transformer Prime tablet GPS and WiFi signal quality is diminished based on the design of the tablet. Asus denies all allegations regarding WiFi but Asus acknowledges that GPS performance did not meet the expectations of all customers, which Asus addressed by offering the Dongle to Asus Eee Pad TF201 Transformer Prime tablet owners. Asus is entering into this proposed settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The proposed settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing. If you fit the criteria, follow the links below to find out more information. Source: Fraser vs ASUS; via Facebook

Line2 update adds tablet support, MMS, and a redesigned UI Posted: 02 Apr 2013 02:36 PM PDT The app that brings a premium VoIP solution to Android gets clearer audio and new features. First released for Android way back in early 2011, Line2 lets its users make phone calls and send texts using only a data connection -- no carrier minutes or texts required. True to its name, it gives subscribers a second phone number that the app uses for sending and receiving calls and texts. The latest update enables picture messaging (MMS), and adds support for Android tablets. Even over a slow DSL connection, call quality was surprisingly good on my Nexus 7. The revamped UI is a welcomed addition as well; it matches Android's Holo design quite nicely. Free accounts can only make calls and send texts to other Line2 users (incoming voicemails and texts can still come from anywhere). For a fully functional experience, a subscription fee of $9.95 a month is required. This buys you unlimited calls and texts to the U.S. and Canada, along with a host of other goodies like call forwarding and visual voicemail. Hit the Play Store link at the top to check it out Line2's latest version.

'HTC First' could be the rumored 'Facebook phone' Posted: 02 Apr 2013 01:42 PM PDT It has a screen and buttons This Thursday we'll be live from Facebook HQ to meet the social network's "new home on Android," but today we're seeing what might be the "first" hardware to run the rumored Facebook-centric home screen. The often-accurate @evleaks Twitter account has just published the image above, identifying it as the "HTC First." The timing of the leak and the (Facebook blue) typeface used strongly suggest that this could be the device codenamed "HTC Myst," reported in recent weeks to be the new HTC-built Facebook phone. (Update: @evleaks tells Android Central that this is indeed the rumored Facebook phone.) There's not much else to say about the image in question -- we can see a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, a volume rocker and a power button, and that's about it. Its most interesting features are its capacitive buttons -- presumably back, home and menu -- though anything's possible in these heady days of Facebook-powered home screens. If you've got any wild theories of your own, shout out in the comments! Source: @evleaks

Verizon goes middle of the road with the free LG Lucid 2 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:51 PM PDT 4.3-inch, Android 4.1.2 smartphone will be available online April 4, in stores later LG today announced the Lucid 2, a mid-range Android smartphone available online this week and in stores in the coming weeks for the low, low price of free on contract. You get what you pay for, generally, in the smartphone world, but considering this phone won't cost you a dime, the specs manage to be middle of the road -- for 2012. Here's the rundown: 4.3-inch IPS display at qHD resolution Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor at 1.2 GHz. 1GB RAM 8GB storage (actual available storage will be less) microSD card slot 2,460 mAh battery 5MP rear camera The Lucid 2 also can take advantage of the official LG wireless charger, which we took a look at back at Mobile World Congress. More: Verizon

Sony Xperia ZL launches in Canada Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:37 PM PDT C$675 SIM-free, also available through Rogers, Bell and Videotron Sony's new North American flagship, the Xperia ZL, is now on sale in Canada. If you're looking to pick one up off-contract, Sony's Canadian store is selling the 5-inch ZL for C$674.99 a pop. That gets you a 1080p screened smartphone powered by a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel Sony Exmor RS rear camera, running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. It's not water or dust-resistant like its international cousin, the Xperia Z (check out our review), but it does boast a more ergonomic, hand-friendly back panel and a smaller footprint. If you'd prefer to go the subsidized route, Bell, Rogers and Videotron are selling the device for C$99, C$124.99 and C$199.99 respectively on 36-month contracts. (Yes, that's three whole Earth years -- you'll be approaching the middle of 2016 before your next upgrade.) Pay your money, take your choice. Stateside, the Sony U.S. Store is still taking pre-orders for the Xperia ZL at $759.99, and expects to begin shipping from Apr. 8. We'll have a review of the Sony Xperia ZL in the weeks ahead. In the meantime you can read all about what we thought of its big brother, the Xperia Z. Source: Rogers, Bell, Videotron via XperiaBlog; Sony Store Canada

HTC One tip: Keep your Events organized Posted: 02 Apr 2013 12:33 PM PDT Renaming your events on the HTC One keeps your gallery in good order No one in their right mind would argue that photos are the premiere feature of the http://androidcentral.com/htc-oneHTC One. Taking them, showing them, sharing them -- the UltraPixel system, along with Zoes and Highlights -- are where its at.  Unfortunately, things get a little muddy when it comes to picture organization on the HTC One. It's not overly difficult, but the HTC One and Sense 5 do things a little differently.  See also: Explaining HTC One Zoes and Video Highlights Images are grouped into "events" based on date and location. Other phones do that, too -- this isn't unique to the HTC One -- but it's much more prominent here. But if I'm going to show someone a Highlight Video the HTC One created, I don't want to have to sort through 13 "Pensacola, Florida" events to find the one I'm looking for.  So you're going to want to make your own event titles. That's as simple as long-pressing on the event, and choosing rename. You'll also find other options for the events, such as splitting up all the images,  There's also a side-effect. When a video highlight is created, it takes the event name and uses it at the end. So, again, a date or location doesn't give you the best result. We explain in a little more detail after the break. More: HTC One forums read more

EE launches the '4G Taxi' in London and Birmingham Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:15 AM PDT 40 Hackney Carriages in London and 10 in Birmingham to offer free LTE for passengers Not content with being the UK's only 4G LTE carrier thus far, EE is taking it's high speed data on the road by way of taxi. The carrier has made over 40 cabs in London and a further 10 in Birmingham to not only act as mobile advertisements for their LTE service, but will also offer free 4G data to passengers.  Each taxi is adorned with an EE 4G Mifi which will provide its passengers with an LTE mobile hotspot to connect to while taking in their journey around the city. Useful? Perhaps. It's obviously all a big marketing exercise on EE's part, but in the centre of London, free LTE even for a short amount of time is worth making use of when 3G is traditionally sketchy in the busiest parts of London. So, if you're hailing a cab and one of these approaches, jump in and give it a whirl.  Source: EE

Ematic announces 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet for $79.99 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 10:59 AM PDT A new contender has entered the ring in the fight for your budget dollars. Weighing in at only $79.99, the 7-inch Genesis Prime is the company's first certified Google tablet. Apps like Chrome, GMail, Maps, and YouTube will come preinstalled thanks to the tablet getting Google's approval. The specs you get are definitely in line with the price: 1.1 GHz processor, 4GB storage memory, VGA front facing camera, and a battery life of 4.5 hours. The scale reflects this tablet's featherweight status, with an official listing of just 0.59 lbs -- more than 2 oz less than the Nexus 7. The device comes with an HD video player, however the actual resolution of the screen itself is not listed. On-board storage gets supplemented with an included 5GB of cloud storage. It doesn't get much cheaper than this for a certified Android 4.1 tablet. You can pick one up at Amazon, although there is quite a wait for shipping at this time. Hit the break for the full press release. Source: Ematic read more

Dinamotxt: SMS syncing with your tablet Posted: 02 Apr 2013 09:51 AM PDT You'll be able to text from your tablet with your carrier number, but there are some UI struggles along the way As Android tablets become more and more popular -- especially the smaller 7-inch form factor -- they seem more natural to want to manage text messages from. Dinamotxt does just that by linking up your phone and tablet to give you full SMS syncing between the two. The back-end service works great and is a seamless experience when switching devices, but there are some unfortunate and confusing issues with the UI. Hang with us after the break to check out Dinamotxt, a new app that lets your tablet cover your texting needs. read more

HTC One also coming to Sprint from April 19 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 08:17 AM PDT $199.99 with 32GB of storage, pre-orders start April 5 Following on from AT&T's announcement earlier today, rival network Sprint has announced that it too will start selling the HTC One from Apr. 19. Pre-orders on Sprint begin a day later than AT&T this Friday, April 5. Sprint will sell the phone with 32GB of storage for $199.99 on a two-year plan. Doesn't look like Sprint's offering any free accessories with preorders, unofortunately. Like AT&T, Sprint will carry the phone in silver and black color options.

AT&T's HTC One comes with a free Media Link HD for streaming (for a limited time) Posted: 02 Apr 2013 07:08 AM PDT This underrated high-def streamer comes free with AT&T HTC One preorders through April 18 AT&T this morning announced that its HTC One, which will be available April 19, will come with a free Media Link HD. That begs the question: What the heck is the HTC Media Link HD? It's not a new product. In fact, the Media Link HD is HTC's second foray into wireless streaming. As the name implies, it takes content from your phone and pushes it to your television in living color. And in high definition. HTC made it dirt-simple, too. Plug everything in -- you use microUSB for power and HDMI to your TV -- and swipe up on your HTC One (or any of HTC's 2012 phones, too) to connect. It takes a few seconds the first time and is nearly instantaneous after that.  The really neat thing about the Media Link is that HTC's continued to improved it over the past 8 months or so via software updates. The caveat: To get the free Media LInk HD, you need to preorder the HTC One from AT&T, and do so by April 18. Check out our full HTC Media Link HD from June 2012. More: HTC One forums read more

AT&T HTC One coming April 19, starting at $199 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:54 AM PDT 32GB for $199.99, 64GB for $299.99, pre-orders start April 4 AT&T has announced that its HTC One will go on sale from April 19. The device will be sold on two-year plans with 32GB of storage for $199.99, in addition to the AT&T-exclusive 64GB model that'll set you back $299.99. AT&T's also offering a free HTC Media Link HD streaming box with on-contract pre-orders. The release timing gives the HTC One a crucial couple of weeks on store shelves in the U.S. ahead of the launch of its main competitor, Samsung's Galaxy S4. The AT&T HTC One will be available for pre-order starting this Thursday, Apr. 4, at 1 p.m. CDT, so if you're looking to guarantee yourself a handset, that's when you'll want to place your order. More: HTC One review

Deal of the Day: LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Galaxy S3 Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:19 AM PDT The April 2 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy S3. These thin covers are custom designed to protect your Galaxy S3's screen while giving you an ultra-clear, high definition look and feel. Durable and scratch resistant, the TruTouch sensitivity gives these protectors a more natural feel on your touchscreen. Includes 3 per pack. The LLOYD HD Clear Screen Protectors are available for just $5.00, 75% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts

Nexus 7 32GB WiFi and 3G variants also launched in India Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:36 AM PDT Neither version expected to available via Google Play Store says ASUS India Following close behind the official launch of the Google Nexus 7 in India, the larger 32GB version is also set for launch in both WiFi and cellular hats. However, while the 16GB Nexus 7 is available from the Google Play store in the country, it appears that the two more expensive versions won't be.  This comes according to the good folks over at AndroidOS.in, who say that ASUS India has indeed confirmed to them that the 32GB WiFi and 3G Nexus 7 will only be available through their retail partners when they go on sale sometime next week. The 32GB WiFi only will cost Rs. 18,999 while the 32GB 3G Nexus 7 will set you back Rs. 21,999.  It may seem old news to those of us in Europe or North America, but official availability of the Nexus 7 -- and now, the full range -- is big news. India is a rapidly growing mobile market, and it's great to see the big hitters entering the frame over there.  Source: AndroidOS.in

Could the Nexus 4 finally be heading to Canada's TELUS? Posted: 02 Apr 2013 04:05 AM PDT Price cards, dummy​ units signal arrival of Nexus 4 on Canadian carrier Many Canadian mobile operators have been offering the LG-made Nexus 4 for the past several months, but TELUS has been a notable hold-out. Today we're starting to see signs that the carrier might be preparing to offer the Nexus for sale in-store. MobileSyrup has been tipped off with shots of pricing cards and dummy units for the Nexus 4 on TELUS, and it's also reporting that device should be going on sale from the second week of April -- that's right, next week. Take this with a pinch of salt in the absence of any official announcement, but it certainly looks like TELUS should be getting the Nexus 4 sooner rather than later. Source: MobileSyrup (2)

Here's a pre-rooted ROM for that Galaxy S4 you don't have Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:31 AM PDT ODIN-flashable package for Exynos 5 Octa version of upcoming handset Very few people -- mostly folks on the payroll of Samsung or one of the major mobile operators -- can claim to be in possession of a Galaxy S4. Even fewer will have the rare Exynos 5 Octa version, as it seems most of Europe and North America will be getting a quad-core Snapdragon 600-powered GS4 instead. Nevertheless, if you're among the lucky few currently rocking an octa-core GT-i9500-model Samsung Galaxy S4, you might be interested to see that a pre-rooted (and also pre-release) firmware is now available for download over at the XDA forums. As ever, the package can be flashed through the ODIN desktop utility, and you'll do so at your own risk. But pull it off and you'll have full, unrestricted access to that shiny new unreleased handset of yours. More details and download instructions can be found over at the source link. It should go without saying that you shouldn't attempt to flash this onto the other Galaxy S4, the more common, Snapdragon 600-fuelled GT-i9505. Source: XDA

Samsung 'Galaxy Mega' supersized smartphones rumored Posted: 02 Apr 2013 03:08 AM PDT Rumored 'Galaxy Fonblet' gets a name change, reportedly coming in 5.8 and 6.3-inch varieties Samsung clearly sees the future in big-screen smartphones. In addition to recently announcing the 5-inch Galaxy S4, it's got the similarly-sized Galaxy Grand on the way, not to mention the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2. So what's next? According to the latest round of reports, a new line of 5.8 and 6.3-inchers. ​Today's report comes from SamMobile, which has a pretty solid track record when it comes to unannounced Samsung devices. Reportedly the Galaxy Mega 5.8 (GT-i9152) will pack a 5.8-inch screen and appear from the week commencing May 27. Similarly, the Galaxy Mega 6.3 (GT-i9200) should pack a 6.3-inch screen and emerge around the week starting Jun. 17. The new "Mega" branding is apparently a replacement for the (somewhat cringeworthy) "Galaxy Fonblet" name that was being bandied about prior to MWC. No details on internal specs are offered, but the product codes suggest neither "Galaxy Mega" device will be a particularly high-end handset. What's more, the Galaxy Mega 5.8's code suggests it may be offered in a dual-SIM "Duos" variant, like the Galaxy Grand. And the Mega 6.3's size would tie in nicely with the limits of Samsung's recently-announced game pad accessory. So would you be tempted by a possible mid-range handset with this screen size? Let us know down in the comments! Source: SamMobile

Someone won a Moga Pro Android gaming controller! Was it you? Posted: 01 Apr 2013 11:40 PM PDT Ok, actually, it's two someones, but who's counting right? Simon took a gander at these hot little Moga Pro Android gaming controllers at PAX East 2013 and we got a couple to pass on to our fantastic readers. The winners are as posted after the break, and if you were chosen watch your email as we'll be following up during the week to get your shipping info. read more

Another HTC Thunderbolt update on the horizon Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:51 PM PDT The Thunderbolt's latest update brings minor software improvements. Those still wielding an HTC Thunderbolt can expect a new update soon from Verizon. Labeled version 7.02.605.10, this update weighs in at a scant 19.3MB. Although not as groundbreaking as the recent Ice Cream Sandwich update, new software improvements are always a plus. Among the improved features are the microphone, text messaging app, email, HTC Watch, and newly visible amber alerts. Reports of users receiving this update have yet to come out. If you're one of the first, let us know in the forums. Source: Verizon

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