| Samsung found to have higher device subsidies than Apple, HTC Posted: 29 Jun 2013 12:12 PM PDT 
When most people buy a new smartphone, part of the equation that helps make it affordable to put a small computer in their pocket is the subsidy provided by the carrier. A new analysis of device subsidies by ABI Research shows that Samsung was the highest in terms of percentage when compared to HTC and Apple. Clocking in at 84%, Samsung topped HTC’s implied rate of 80% and Apple’s 74%. This may be surprising to some who have heard carriers are not especially enamored with Apple’s devices due to the squeeze Apple puts on their profits. While Samsung and HTC are worse for carriers from a percentage standpoint, Apple still leads the way with a higher $110 average subsidy cost in actual value. Subsidies are used by manufacturers and carriers to ensure devices are competitive from a price point perspective. By spreading the “profit” out over the life of a two-year contract, carriers are able to entice more buyers by offering relatively low-cost devices. This new information provides an additional data point as to why Samsung is continuing a slow march to domination in the mobile handset market. By achieving these better subsidy ratios, Samsung is able to ensure its devices are extremely competitive on price, even offering a better value in some cases. Samsung also has a broad portfolio of devices to meet the demands of several market segments. ABI Research notes this ability to compete on price will be important going forward as the smartphone market moves away from innovation as it matures. Samsung appears to be leading the way in assembling the pieces that will be needed for smartphone markets of the future. source: ABI Research
via: BGR
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| Editing Microsoft Office documents in Chrome OS in the works Posted: 29 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT 
Developers on the Chrome OS developer track have a new option that they can begin testing that could be a major new feature for the operating system. After buying QuickOffice last year, it turns out one of the benefits Google is working on is injecting the code for reading and editing Microsoft Word and Excel documents into the Chrome OS. The ability to edit commonly used file formats will help move Chrome OS powered devices into the mainstream and be able to better compete with Windows and Mac OS powered devices by removing a potential barrier. If you are on the developer track for Chrome OS, point your browser to chrome://flags and look for the option to “Enable document editing.” After enabling that option, restart your Chromebook. Obviously this is still in a testing phase, so bugs are expected. There is no word on how long before this may make its way into the general release of Chrome OS. With rumors of Google wanting to merge the Android OS and Chrome OS, this capability could end up on your Android device one day. source: Chromium Code Reviews
image via: +François Beaufort
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| Samsung SM-T315 tablet tip-toes past FCC doors, shows us another LTE variant of the Galaxy Note 8.0 that won’t be headed to the States Posted: 29 Jun 2013 09:45 AM PDT |
| PSA: 4th of July is the weekend phones are most likely to be damaged Posted: 29 Jun 2013 08:31 AM PDT 
If you’re preparing to live it up on the 4th of July weekend, you may want to take extra care and caution to protect your smartphone. A recent report from insurance firm Asurion highlights that while the summer months correlate with folks losing or damaging their smartphones, July 4th is actually the most dangerous month for smartphone users. The reasoning is pretty simple really too: basically people love taking photos of all the fun moments, but happen to be near a place that can potentially be hazardous, such as near say, a grill or a pool. As a result, the insurance firms tends to see the most insurance claims filed following the fun-filled weekend with claims of broken screens, water-damaged devices or lost smartphones completely. So yeah, the holiday weekend can be a potentially treacherous one for your smartphone, but fortunately there are some options you can look at to protect your phone. For starters, Asurion recommends that users invest in a screen protector and waterproof case. And naturally of course, you can always invest in a more rugged device such as the Sony Xperia Z or Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active smartphones. If you choose not to do either option though, just be extremely sure to put your phone in a safe place that will be free from harm or just consider leaving it home all together. source: Techno Buffalo
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| Galaxy Note 3 rumored to have 5.99-inch Super AMOLED flexible display Posted: 29 Jun 2013 07:07 AM PDT 
After some rumors about the new Galaxy Note 3 featuring an unbreakable, Super AMOLED flexible display, we’re getting some more news from a South Korean report, indicating that this may actually become a reality. Supposedly, production would begin in August, with an official launch coming at some point in September. The report lists a few reasons why Samsung would want to go this revolutionary route with their next big device— first, they need to make a big splash in the market after poorer than expected Galaxy S 4 sales, and second, LG serves as a major threat, as the company has their own smartphone with a flexible display in the works as well. Not only that, but Sony and HTC have devices that match up pretty well with the Galaxy Note 3 coming out later this year, in the Xperia Z Ultra and the HTC One Max (T6). The drive for innovation serves as a pretty legitimate reason as well. A device with such features could be the next big thing, and would be the first device on the market with a flexible display, assuming it reaches stores before LG’s device does. Remember that all of the information above is all rumors, but if it turns out to be true this could be some pretty big news. Check back for future updates as more information comes in. Source: MT Media
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| DirecTV Android App updated to version 2.5, enables voice search Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:30 PM PDT 
DirecTV’s latest update enables voice search. The voice commands are pretty cool in theory, as you can talk to your phone like its a person, Google Now-style, to search and play what you want either on your phone or directly on your TV. We’re still waiting for the DirecTV GenieGo update for Android that iOS received earlier this week, which allows users to stream and download live or recorded TV straight to your smartphone. Download the free DirecTV update from the Play Store link after the break. Play Store Download Link
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| Android-powered Sound Bar 2.1 speaker system by Sceptre released Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:05 PM PDT 
Ever wanted to bring Android to your big screen, and improve the sound at the same time? Sceptre’s new SB301524W Sound Bar 2.1 makes it possible, and very easily too. The device packs in dual front-facing speakers, a 35W subwoofer, 2.4GHz WiFi 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and of course Android 4.0 to make any television a smart television. Users will be able to download apps from the Play Store for the basics. And the best part is that the SB301524W is just $299.99 and available at Walmart, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Sears, K-Mart and NewEgg. Check out the full press release from Sceptre after the break for more information.
Sceptre Turns your Big Screen HDTV into a Smart TV with a Sound Bar 2.1 with Android™ Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer and Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 enables users to connect to the internet and download apps from Google Play Store City of Industry, CA – June 27, 2013 – Sceptre, superior manufacturers of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC displays, unveils the SB301524W Speaker Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer, Android platform and Wi-Fi connection to turn your ordinary HDTV into a smart TV through plug and play technology, enabling users to access movies, music, apps and games. Sceptre’s newest Sound Bar 2.1 includes Android’s interactive media operating system to create the perfect entertainment atmosphere with the support of Wi-Fi and Android Platform. With the Android OS, users can access the Google Play™ Store to download thousands of songs, games, movies and apps to enhance their TV experience. The SB301524W Sound Bar 2.1 incorporates a variety of technologies and components to produce room filling surround sound, including a 35W subwoofer with passive radiator, SRS WOW HD™ audio technology and dual front facing speakers. SRS WOW HD, developed by DTS technologies, improves the audio by widening the sound field, raising the vertical sound image and retrieving lost audio information during the mixing process to create a more natural surround sound experience. Elegantly designed to complement HDTVs 42-inches and above, the SB301524W sound bar features a trendy touch sensor control panel to easily adjust volume, preset modes or sound sources, an auto-dimming LED screen that displays current settings and a remote control compatible with multiple Sceptre HDTVs. It is also the ideal replacement for expensive and bulky surround sound systems, eliminating unsightly wires, expensive adaptors and the need to have a separate subwoofer. “The Sound Bar 2.1 with built-in subwoofer and Android Platform turns your traditional HDTV into a Smart TV at a fraction of the cost,” said Cathy Chou, Sceptre’s vice president of operations. “Our newest addition to the family of sound bars not only enhances your HDTV experience, but also brings people closer by giving you access to the same applications as a computer, including Skype, Facebook, Instant Messenger and more.” To enhance the overall experience, Sceptre offers an optional smart remote control that replicates the functionality of a traditional mouse and keyboard. The SB301524W sound bar can be easily wall-mounted using only two screws and is currently available for $299.99 at Walmart, Amazon, Tiger Direct, Sears, K-Mart and NewEgg.
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| Google trying to get a bigger slice in app revenue from its Play Store Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:15 PM PDT 
In recent news, it looks like Google is eyeing to receive a bigger chunk of revenue that comes from their Play Store. As it stands, revenue from each app is distributed into 3 different parts: %70 goes to the developer, %25 goes to the carrier, and a measly %5 goes to Google. Google hopes to increase their percentage of that, but only taking from the share that goes to the carriers. Google wishes to increase their current %5 share up to %15, which in sense, creates an even split with the carrier. I’m all for developers getting as much as they can for their product, thus I’m glad Google is only eyeing to take shares away from the carriers. Although I am quite surprised the huge disparity that Google gets compared to the carriers. If anything, I thought it would be the other way around. source: Business Insider
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| Verizon Galaxy S 4 32GB version to be available starting tomorrow Posted: 28 Jun 2013 08:02 PM PDT 
If you’ve been waiting for the higher capacity Galaxy S 4 from Verizon, the wait is over as the 32GB variant is slotted to be available starting tomorrow (Saturday). The price is a $100 jump from the 16GB version bringing it up to $299 with a 2-year agreement. Sadly there’s no confirmation on which colors the 32GB variant will be available in, but we should expect the white and black to be offered. Will you be getting one? source: Verizon
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| Vector Unit shows off upcoming game; Ripide GP2 Posted: 28 Jun 2013 06:50 PM PDT 
With the first Riptide being such a hit, it’s no surprise that Vector Unit gave a thumbs up on a sequel. Today they showed off Riptide GP2 on a video and showcased some of the new “Hydro Jets” that you’ll be able to use in the game. The game offers some of the stunning graphics I’ve ever seen on a mobile platform game, especially if used on a Tegra based device. In addition to the video, the company is also holding a contest. The games fastest Hydro Jet is currently dubbed as the “Spinner”, but Vector Unit wants you guys to come up with a more fitting name. The winner, other than having the jet named by him/her, will also win a Nyko PlayPad Pro controller and will have his/her name in the credits of the game. All one has to do is submit their suggestions through the Rafflecopter widget over on Vector Unit’s Facebook page. Link to that will be below after the break and video!
Click here to view the embedded video. source: VU’s Facebook Page
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