Android World Update # Android Community

Android Community Tracking the Android Platform Revolution

Helpdesk Ticketing System Award-winning helpdesk system with an inbuilt KBase, forums, canned responses & more. Try super user friendly Freshdesk today. (In 2 minutes, You'll set it up!) From our sponsors

T-Mobile will soon begin sunsetting grandfathered plans Oct 15th 2013, 15:06, by Robert Nelson Those holding a grandfathered unlimited plan with T-Mobile will soon be in for a change. It looks like those plans will be going away beginning next month. T-Mobile has yet to confirm exactly when these switches would take place, or how long it would take them to transition all users, however a letter shared on Howard Forums points towards this happening in November. That being said, there does appear to be a silver lining here. To begin with, T-Mobile has said these changes will “for the vast majority” be able to “provide similar or better features at a comparable price.” Granted, we suspect more than a few will simply hear they are losing their unlimited plan and not want to consider anything further. For that, it looks like you will have an out. That T-Mobile letter also touches on canceling your service. Specifically, it was said that “if you choose to cancel your service, you can do so without penalty until 2/1/2014.” Simply put, it seems you can get out without worry of the dreaded and often expensive early termination fees. This all goes back to the UNcarrier approach where T-Mobile is trying to simplify things. In fact, in a statement provided to Engadget, the carrier said; “Maintaining thousands of rate plans is the norm in the industry, but we think it creates unnecessary complexity. Simple is better, which is why we’re reducing the number of older plans in our systems.” While this gives users with older plans something to consider moving forward, we recently saw T-Mobile make the latest move in an effort to shake up the mobile industry. This one arrived earlier in the week and saw the carrier announce free global data and texting for those using a Simple Choice plan. VIA: TmoNews Story Timeline T-Mobile phases out Classic Plans at third party retailers Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear arrive with T-Mobile T-Mobile is bringing Shakira to help shake things up at their October 9th event T-Mobile set to offer data roaming free of charge in 100 countries T-Mobile HTC One Android 4.3 update expected mid-week HTC One max fingerprint collection policy clarified Oct 15th 2013, 14:24, by Robert Nelson New technology seems to bring new questions. In this case we are looking towards fingerprint technology which has recently been showing up on some smartphones. Apple launched the iPhone 5s and more recently, HTC launched the One max. Similar to what we saw following the Apple launch, some began questioning what HTC was doing with the data. That being said, the short answer is that HTC (as well as third-parties) do not have access to the information. The details come by way of HTC who have provided a statement to phoneArena. HTC was asked how they store the fingerprint data and also whether they have access and whether third-parties have access. As we already touched on those final two bits, the first seems key here. HTC said the “fingerprint data is stored in local memory.” Further details here point towards it being “encrypted and stored in the system partition, which can’t be readily accessed or copied.” While that seems to make things pretty clear, HTC did go a bit further and mentioned the “data is not an actual image but fingerprint characteristics that have been identified by a proprietary algorithm.” While the fingerprint technology is a neat feature of the HTC One max, there is more to the handset. The One max is launching with Android 4.3 and Sense 5.5 as well as hardware to include a 5.9-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 600 processor, 2GB of RAM and an UltraPixel camera on the back. Our full HTC One max review was published yesterday and a video walkthrough is sitting below. Otherwise, touching back on the fingerprint sensor and it seems there may be more to think about than just the security of the data. HTC has said they are using this more for convenience as opposed to security, however those reading the review will note how we felt the process is not as seamless as one would hope and/or expect at the moment. Story Timeline HTC One Max official with 5.9-inch display, fingerprint scanner, more HTC One Max Power Flip Case adds additional 1150 mAh battery HTC One max Review: Is bigger automatically better? Xiaomi MI3 smartphone launch brings 90 second sellout Oct 15th 2013, 13:54, by Robert Nelson Xiaomi is a Chinese brand that up until recently may not have been on the radar of those outside the market. Things changed recently when Hugo Barra announced he was leaving Google and heading to China to take up residence as the global vice president. While we cannot credit Barra for these sales figures, it looks like Xiaomi is doing well with the recently launched MI3. The Xiaomi MI3 was originally revealed back in early-September. This announcement came along side the “MiTV” 3D Smart TV, and both devices seem to have sold out rather quickly. Coming by way of the official Xiaomi Twitter account, there was word of 100,000 smartphones and 3,000 televisions being sold. “100,000 Xiaomi MI3s are sold out in one minute and twenty-six seconds, and 3000 MITVs are sold out in one minute and fifty-eight seconds” Also, just to clarify, that number is for sales within China. At this point in time we have yet to see Xiaomi begin any sales elsewhere. The MI3 is available in a 16GB and 64GB model and they are selling for CNY1999 ($327) and CNY2499 ($410) respectively. Aside from the storage, the specs include a 5.0-inch Full HD display, 2 megapixel front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with f2.2 aperture, Philips dual LED flash and Sony Exmor RS 28mm lens. The handset is also available with different processor options depending on the carrier. China Mobile has an NVDIA Tegra 4 model and China Unicom and China Telecom have a model powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. That all being said, while we suspect many manufacturers would be happy with those sales numbers, there may be a bit more to the story. The Next Web is reporting that many of the MI3 smartphones have been picked up by scalpers looking to make a profit, as opposed to average end-users simply looking for a phone. Otherwise, Xiaomi has said they are looking to sell 20 million smartphones this year. They claim to have sold 7.03 during the first six-months of 2013 and 7.19 million for all of 2012. Story Timeline Android's Hugo Barra confirmed to join Xiaomi as global VP Xiaomi MiPhone 3 goes public, MiTV 3D Smart TV also revealed Hugo Barra talks Xiaomi, calls it a "dream job" Xiaomi Millet smartwatch rumors emerge Xiaomi wants to sell you rabbits while they shake up the mobile market

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Sony dishes availability, pricing for Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, SmartWatch 2

AndroidGuys Android news and opinion

Learn from successful entrepreneurs. Pick up tips and advice from the noteworthy when you subscribe to Startup Frontier! Read interviews on how they launched and built their businesses. From our sponsors

Sony dishes availability, pricing for Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, SmartWatch 2 Oct 15th 2013, 14:56, by Scott Webster Sony on Tuesday confirmed pricing and immediate availability details as it pertains to the U.S. launch of the Xperia Z1, the Xperia Z Ultra, and the SmartWatch 2. All three devices will be offered through Sony’s online store, in select retail stores, and some third-party electronics retail locations. T-Mobile customers may also be able to pick up the Xperia Z1 in the near future as it’s rumored for the carrier as well. Xperia Z1 costs $669.99 (HSPA+) and comes in black, white or purple colors. 5-inch 1080p TFT display with 441 pixels-per-inch 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor 2GB RAM 16GB of internal storage microSD card slot 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p video recording 2-megapixel front-facing camera with 1080p video recording Bluetooth 4.0 IP58 certified dust- and water-resistance 3,000mAh battery 144 x 74 x 8.5 mm 170 grams Xperia Z Ultra costs  $649.99 (HSPA+), $679.99 (LTE) in black, white or purple 6.4-inch 1080p display with 344 pixels-per-inch 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor 2GB RAM 16GB internal storage microSD card slot 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p video recording 2-megapixel front-facing camera with 1080p video recording Bluetooth 4.0 IP58 certified dust- and water-resistance 3,050mAh battery 179.4 x 92.2 x 6.5 mm 212 grams SmartWatch 2 sells for $195.99 Transflective display, readable in bright sunlight Long battery life, 3-4 days normal usage Water-resistant (IP57) Extended compatibility (works with most smartphones Android 4.0 and later) Easy setup with NFC pairing (for non-NFC smartphones, standard Bluetooth® pairing applies). Easy discovery of applications Standalone watch functionality, including alarm and timer Standard micro USB charging Intuitive User interface similar to Android Bigger display with higher resolution (1.6 inch, 220 x 176 pixels) High quality materials (aluminum body with black silicon wristband in kit) Additional wristbands available in various colors and materials The post Sony dishes availability, pricing for Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, SmartWatch 2 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Google is already working on a successor to Google Glass

AndroidGuys Android news and opinion

Get healthier and fit with celebrity yoga instructor, Sadie Nardini. The course will teach you a 14 day routine so you can maintain a body more free of toxins and extra weight. From our sponsors

Google is already working on a successor to Google Glass Oct 15th 2013, 15:13, by Jason Cipriani This revelation should come as no surprise to anyone: Google is already in the process of developing a Google Glass successor. What that is, is anyone’s guess. The reports come from a talk Mary Lou Jepsen gave at MIT's EmTech conference last week. Quartz originally reported Jepsen’s comments pointed towards work on a successor to Google Glass as the reason Jepsen and her team are only getting three hours of sleep a night. As this post on Technology Review points out several times, Jepsen declined to comment on what exactly it was her and her team are working on. Could it be a second, much improved version of the currently unreleased Glass? Or how about the mythical Google Now watch we have heard so much about recently? No one really knows at this point outside of Jepsen’s team. Google is hard at work on more than one wearable product, this much is clear from the comments Jepsen made. This shouldn’t be a shock, or big news, really. A company as large as Google can’t sit still, waiting for Glass to be released so it can monitor consumer reaction and then decide what to make next. Creating a product everyone will use and love takes time. The post Google is already working on a successor to Google Glass appeared first on AndroidGuys.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra and Smartwatch 2 arrive to the U.S.

Android Authority Android News, Reviews, How To

Learn Adobe Illustrator CS6 Master Techniques from an Adobe Guru! With over 25 years of experience teaching, Robert Farrell has been a trusted instructor for individuals and companies who want to improve their Adobe skills. From our sponsors

Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra and Smartwatch 2 arrive to the U.S. Oct 15th 2013, 14:23, by Andrew Grush Sony might not be upping its game in the United States anytime soon, but that's not stopping the Japanese giant from continuing with its regular strategy of releasing many of its mobile devices directly for sales in the states through its website and via select retail partners. With that in mind, today Sony announced that the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Sony SmartWatch 2 are now available in United States. Sony Xperia Z1 The Sony Xperia Z1 picks up where the original Xperia Z left off, delivering a beautiful smartphone experience that also happens to be water and dust resistant. This time around, Sony is also focusing quite a bit on the device’s image-taking capabilities, bringing a high-end 20.7MP camera to the party. Other specs include a 2.2Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, microSD, a 2MP front cam, NFC, and a 3000 mAh battery. There's also a 5-inch 1080p TFT display with 441ppi, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. The Xperia Z1 is a heck of a handset and can be yours for $699.99 – without LTE. If you are holding out for an LTE-compatible variant, odds are you'll want to turn your attention to the rumored T-Mobile version of the handset. Sony Xperia Z Ultra Arriving on the heels of the Galaxy Note 3, the Xperia Z Ultra arguably bests its large-screened rival in some ways by offering a massive 6.4-inch 1080p LCD display, a water/dust resistant design and the ability to use pencils and pens as an alternative to a typical stylus. The Z Ultra is powered by a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM, 8MP rear cam, 2MP front cam, 16GB storage, microSD, NFC, and a 3050 mAh battery. The handset runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The Sony Xperia Z Ultra will set you back $649.99 for the 3G variant, or $679.99 for the LTE model. Sony SmartWatch 2 The Gear competitor might not have all the shiny extras or as big of a display, but the SmartWatch 2 does feature a water resistant design, NFC technology, a much better battery life and is compatible with any Android 4.0+ device. The Sony SmartWatch 2 has a more modest 180MHz processor and low-rez 220 x 176 pixel 1.6-inch TFT LCD, but it really isn’t a bad device if you are looking for more of a typical watch that just happens to also receive all sorts of notifications from your mobile device. If Sony's smartwatch 2 sounds like something you'd be interested in, it can be yours for $199.99. Wrap Up Sony mobile devices might not be well-known in the United States, but for those that prefer buying their devices outright and unlocked – you can't go wrong with Sony. Not only is the build quality exceptional on Sony’s handsets, but you also have the advantage of rocking a handset that will stand out from a crowded sea of iPhones and Galaxy devices. What do you think, interested in picking up one of Sony's latest flagship handsets or even their new smartwatch? Conversely, does the fact Sony ignores most of the U.S. carriers hold you back from considering their handsets? Media files: sony xperia z1 review aa display viewing angles

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # The second coming of BBM for Android is “within days”

Android Authority Android News, Reviews, How To

Photoshop - Beauty Retouching Learn how to improve your photoshop retouching skill and knowledge in 21 easy techniques! Take this course for just $25. From our sponsors

The second coming of BBM for Android is "within days" Oct 15th 2013, 14:32, by Bogdan Petrovan BlackBerry will take another stab at rolling out the Android and iOS version of the BlackBerry Messenger chatting app in the following days. After it sent out an "open letter" assuring customers and partners it's "here to stay", troubled BlackBerry sought to change the focus of the discussion from financial problems and rumors of dissolution to its plans for the future. CMO Frank Boulben told Reuters that BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will roll out on Android and iOS "within days" and that the issues that caused the last minute cancellation of the September 22 release have been solved. BlackBerry initially promised that BBM would launch on the top two mobile platforms by the end of the summer. Then, the September 22 release was cancelled, supposedly due to issues caused by the early leak of the BBM for Android app. Now the Canadian company is confident that BBM for Android is finally ready for primetime. Six million Android and iPhone users have signed up for updates on the release of the service, according to BlackBerry. Here's to hoping that BlackBerry will be able to keep its promise this time and stage a flawless debut of its messaging service into the Android ecosystem. Are you still waiting for BBM or did you replace it with another app? Media files: blackberry z10 logo aa

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T goes on sale in the UK on October 21

Android Central - Android Forums - News - Reviews - Help and Android Wallpapers Android Central

Compare Hotels Find great prices for amazing hotels wherever your next destination may be. It's simple to search 100+ sites at once! From our sponsors

ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T goes on sale in the UK on October 21 Oct 15th 2013, 14:59, by Richard Devine ASUS' latest tablet/laptop hybrid comes packing the specs, yours for £429.99 Initially announced back at IFA 2013 in Berlin, UK availability has finally been confirmed for the latest in the ASUS Transformer Pad line of devices. The catchily named TF701T comes with the now traditional keyboard dock included, and will go on sale in the UK via Amazon and eBuyer on October 21 for £429.99.  While the name may not capture the imagination, this latest Transformer Pad comes packing in the specs department. Some recent tablet offerings from ASUS have been lacking a little in the display department, but all that goes away with the TF701T. It houses a 2560x1600 resolution 10.1-inch IPS display that looks pretty darn nice. Underneath, NVIDIA's latest Tegra 4 chip pushes everything along backed up by 2GB of RAM. On-board storage is a respectible 32GB and the package also has both micro and full size SD card slots. A USB 3.0 port, HDMI out capable of driving a 4K display and a 5MP/1.2MP rear and front camera combination completes most of the important specs.  Of course, as with previous Transformer devices from ASUS, the dock also houses extra battery power for the ensemble. A 31Wh battery in the tablet and a 16Wh in the dock combines for a claimed 13 hour and 4 hour split on battery life, so around 17 hours claimed when used together.  More: Hands on with the ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Is T-Mobile getting ready to force customers onto their new plans?

Phandroid Android Phone News, Rumors, Reviews, Apps, Forums & More!

Thousands of Free eBooks BookBub brings you free & bargain national bestselling eBooks in the genres of your choice! Sign up now & join 1.5 million happy readers. From our sponsors

Is T-Mobile getting ready to force customers onto their new plans? Oct 15th 2013, 14:09, by Quentyn Kennemer T-Mobile, the self-proclaimed “UNcarrier” that is shaking the wireless industry up with some big and bold moves to attract new customers, seems to be readying up another big move soon. According to several independent rumors from TmoNews and HowardForums, T-Mobile is apparently getting ready to migrate all of their customers to their new Simple Choice plans by the end of this year. The language in T-Mobile’s leaked letter suggests you only have two choices — accept the new plans, or get out of your contract without a fee. If true, this will be one of the fastest deaths of grandfathered plans or features we’ve ever seen. But who wouldn’t want to get on T-Mobile’s new awesome plans? According to the letter, T-Mobile will be giving users a 3-4 month grace period for deciding whether they want to go through with it, which should be ample time to consider all the positives and negatives. Ask yourself, though — if you’ve stuck with T-Mobile for this long, are you really willing to switch now? People I know with Simple Choice seem to love it, but we’d understand it if some of you aren’t comfortable with giving up a long-standing account that might have some invaluable features T-Mobile no longer offers to new customers. We’ll be looking to drag a response out of T-Mobile to see if there’s any truth to this rumor. In the meantime, let us know if you’d be down with switching to Simple Choice in the comments section below.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Sony SmartWatch 2, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra launch in the United States

Phandroid Android Phone News, Rumors, Reviews, Apps, Forums & More!

Free Bestselling eBooks Free national bestsellers for your eReader - Fiction, Nonfiction & more! Join 1.5 million book lovers now. Sign-up in under 10 seconds to get the free daily email. From our sponsors

Sony SmartWatch 2, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra launch in the United States Oct 15th 2013, 15:00, by Quentyn Kennemer Sony fans may be a bit miffed that the OEM doesn’t get as much carrier love in the United States as, say, HTC, Motorola, LG or Samsung, but if you’re on a GSM carrier and willing to drop the big bucks required to buy their devices unlocked, we have some good news for you. Sony has officially announced United States availability for the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z Ultra, two of the latest in their high-end line of phones. The Xperia Z1 is a 5-inch 1080p HD device with a 20 megapixel camera, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM and more. This bad boy is available in Sony stores, at Sony’s online storefront, and at other select online retailers for $670 unlocked (HSPA+ only). The Xperia Z Ultra is a much bigger device, with its 6.4-inch full HD display, Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM and 8 megapixel camera. This one can be had for $650 with HSPA+ radios, or $680 for the model with LTE and HSPA+. Both these devices are waterproof and dust resistant thanks to IP55/IP58 certification, and are both available in purple, black or white. Sony’s latest phones aren’t the only ones seeing United States availability today. The Sony SmartWatch 2 has also arrived to go head to head with Samsung’s Galaxy Gear. For $200, you’ll be treated to a device with a 1.6-inch 220 x 176 display, NFC, IP57 certification for waterproof qualities, and an aluminum build. Oh, and unlike the Samsung Galaxy Gear, you can actually use this watch with most Android phones running Android 4.0 or higher. This device can also be found at Sony’s online storefront, as well as select Sony stores across the nation. Let us know in the comments section if you’ll be picking any of these up.

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions

Android World Update # Sony announces U.S. availability of Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra

Android Central - Android Forums - News - Reviews - Help and Android Wallpapers Android Central

Fun with Brazilian Portuguese Learn the tips and tricks to speak colloquial Portuguese in a natural and confident manner. Enroll today for just $69! From our sponsors

Sony announces U.S. availability of Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra Oct 15th 2013, 13:38, by Richard Devine Smartwatch 2 also seeing a Stateside launch alongside Sony's latest high-end handsets Literally days after Sony CEO Kaz Hirai seemingly poured water on a Sony breakout in the U.S, today we're treated to the news of three new device launches. The Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and the Smartwatch 2 will all be available to purchase in the United States.  The Xperia Z Ultra is available from today at Sony's online store at $649.99 for the HSPA+ version and $679.99 for LTE. For that you're getting a monstrous 6.4-inch 1080p Triluminos display, a 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, an 8MP rear camera and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Internal storage is a slim 16GB, expandable via microSD card, and it will be available in black, white and purple.  The Xperia Z1 is available in HSPA+ form only at a price of $669.99. Arguably Sony's finest Android handset to date, one of the marquee features of the recently launched Z1 is that 20.7MP Sony G-Lens camera on the rear. Round the front you're looking at a 5-inch 1080p Triluminos display, with a 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 and 2GB of RAM underneath with 16GB of on-board, and expandable storage. It's also waterproof, if that's important to you. Both the Z1 and the Z Ultra are available now from Sony's U.S. online store, select Sony brick-and-mortar stores and selected online retailers.  The Sony Smartwatch 2 is the follow up to the original Smartwatch, and can be paired with Android devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and above. It promises 3-4 days battery life, easy setup via NFC and an 'Android like' user interface. Our early hands-ons with the Smartwatch 2 find it lacking a little when compared to something like the Samsung Galaxy Gear, but it also costs much less. The Smartwatch 2 can be had via the same channels as the two phones, and can be yours for $199.95.  You'll find links to the Sony Store at the source below, and be sure to check out our extensive review and hands on coverage with the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra.  More: Sony Xperia Z1 review | Sony Xperia Z Ultra hands-on   Source: Sony

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed, or manage all your subscriptions