Author: Jared Peters

Google’s recently stepped up their advertising game to try to draw some attention to their Nexus lineup, and the latest really hits home. The small story focuses on a couple trying to decide how to handle having their first child, and it goes through the beginning expecting stages all the way through the couple trying to decide on a name. The video of course showcases the cool things the Nexus 10 can do in a relateable way, like multi-user support for both parents’ schedule, and Google Now for making that tough naming decision.

It’s definitely a memorable commercial that’s bound to drum up a bit of interest for the 10-inch tab. Hopefully we’ll see a few more showcasing the other features Google stuffed into their devices. Hit the break below to check out the commercial for yourself.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Google’s latest Nexus 10 commercial tugs at your heartstrings

Ah, the HTC One. That amazing new device that’s going to spearhead HTC’s 2013 assault on Samsung. The device that supposedly will be getting nearly every major carrier on board with its launch to guarantee success. Well, every carrier except the biggest carrier in the US.

We’d heard some iffy rumors about Verizon receiving the HTC One a month after its launch on other US carriers, but according to a tweet directly from HTC’s twitter page, you should be looking at the Droid DNA instead. While the DNA is a fantastic phone, (and possibly even better than the One if you absolutely want a bigger screen) it’s a bit disappointing to see HTC fail to get Verizon on board with this. And while we know for certain there’s some kind of Droid DNA+ waiting to be unleashed on the world, you can’t help but think that having your flagship device unavailable on a carrier like Verizon is going to hurt HTC in the long run against phones like the S 4 or iPhone, which have identical phones available on all US carriers.

Maybe in the next few months we’ll see Verizon change their mind and offer the One. Better late than never, right? Any Verizon customers disappointed about this news, or are you happy with the 5-inch Droid DNA?

source: Twitter

Come comment on this article: HTC One is definitely not coming to Verizon

After the theatrics of last night’s Galaxy S 4 announcement, it’s back to business for Samsung. First “business” move? Appoint two more CEOs. Samsung presidents Yoon Boo-keun and J.K. Shin are the newest co-CEOs, joining CEO Kwon Oh-hyun. It sounds a bit odd, but it puts a CEO at the top of each of Samsung’s major divisions; Yoon was in charge of consumer electronics, such as Samsung’s television line, and Shin was the head of the mobile division, concerning Samsung’s Galaxy devices. Kwon is currently the head of the component division, which includes Samsung’s popular memory products (RAM, SSDs, etc.) and the Exynos processors.

Samsung stated the move ”recognizes the strong performance of President Yoon and President Shin,” and ”the new leadership structure will serve to clarify and enhance independent management” over each division. While this news definitely isn’t as exciting as a new device announcement, it’s a sure sign that Samsung is doing everything in their power to stay competitive in every market they enter.

source: The Verge

Come comment on this article: Samsung appoints two new co-CEOs after GS 4 announcement

Now that the S 4 is official, I’m sure everyone is wondering when their carrier is going to offer the device. We don’t have any official word on that yet, but like what we saw last night with a few Canadian carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile have launched pages letting you sign up to be the first to know when your new gadget becomes available, and how much cash it’s going to set you back. Hopefully we’ll get some preorder information out of the page in the near future as well. Hit the links below to check out the pages for each carrier.

source: AT&T

T-Mobile

Come comment on this article: AT&T and T-Mobile post sign up page for Galaxy S 4

The Conduit, a well-received first person shooter on the Nintendo Wii, has been remade for Android devices and is now on the Play Store, fully optimized for Tegra devices.

The game features an epic campaign centered around aliens occupying Washington DC. You play as a Secret Service agent named Michael Ford who gets caught up with a mysterious organization to stop the alien invasion and unravel a massive conspiracy theory that dates back a few hundred years. It’s a fast paced shooter with a pile of unique weapons to use and several different kinds of alien enemies to fight over the game’s campaign mode. And if you’re running the game on a Tegra device, you’ll get optimized graphics, including higher resolution and enhanced lighting effects. Possibly the best feature of the entire app is the fact that you can completely customize your touch screen controls to suit your device and playing habits, and it supports bluetooth controllers.

Sound interesting? Hit the source below to download the app and try out the first two levels of the campaign for free.

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: The Conduit HD hits the Play Store with Tegra optimization

We always love updates for our apps, especially when they bring drastic changes for the better. Facebook’s newest update is definitely a big change, but it’s also pretty weird. Instead of getting the prompt to update your app from the Play Store, users are beginning to see a notification from within the Facebook app itself letting you know there’s an update available. The app then updates from within itself, no Play Store required. It’s a weird approach to take, especially for a major application like Facebook. Although, with Google’s foray into the world of social networking and web integration with Google Plus, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised to see Facebook attempt to distance themselves from their competitor’s market.

As far as the update goes, it’s actually pretty minor. It includes the ability to change profile photos from within the app, and you can now hide and mark postss as spam. It also comes with a new permission to allow the app to auto-update itself. According to Facebook’s support center, that’ll only happen over WiFi, but I’m not sure this is a direction everyone is going to be comfortable with. Anyway, we’d give you a Play Store link in the source and tell you to go download the app, but, uh… I guess that doesn’t work anymore. So let us know in the comments if your Facebook app has become self aware updates itself.

source: Facebook

Come comment on this article: Facebook updates their Android app… without using the Play Store

If you’ve been itching to have a few more customization options on your phone lately, we’ve got some really cool apps you’ll be interested in. Developer astoncheah on the XDA forums has released a trio of apps into the Play Store aimed at giving you a ton of customization options, ranging from a highly tweaked lock screen to a customizable widget, and even an app that lets you shake your phone to launch apps or toggle settings on your device.

C Lock Screen is a lock screen replacement that lets you set up a ton of shortcuts, add music controls, add a new clock, change the font, etc. Pretty much anything you can think of that you’d want on your lock screen, this app has it. It’s pretty much a mash-up of Jelly Bean’s lock screen widgets and Cyanogenmod options, but without the hassle of rooting your phone. Not bad for a free app. C Widget is similar in functionality, but for your home screens instead of your lock screen. It can customized to show the weather, the date, system information, etc.

C Shaker is the most unique app here. Instead of giving you a visual widget or customization, it gives you the ability to shake your phone to, say, turn WiFi on or off, or to play/pause music. It’ll even launch a custom app if that’s more your speed. And there are fortunately options for tweaking the strength needed activate the shaking action so you don’t accidentally start playing music in the office when your phone is in your pocket.

Sound interested in these? Hit the source below to check out the forum post with links to all of the apps.

source: XDA Forums

Come comment on this article: C Lock Screen, C Widget, and C Shaker offer extra customization on your Android device

So you’ve seen how awesome the Galaxy S IV is, but in the back of your mind you’re still wondering if your carrier will officially carry the device. If you’re a Rogers, Bell, or TELUS customer in Canada, put those fears to rest, as all three of the big cell carriers have taken to their Twitter accounts to confirm that they will be carrying your new favorite “Life Companion.”

There’s nothing official about date and pricing, but these things are going to fly off the shelves. You can likely expect the devices to be made available as soon as possible for each carrier, but keep your ears out for details as we get closer to April.

source: Rogers|Bell|Telus

Come comment on this article: Rogers, Bell, and TELUS all confirm they will carry the Galaxy S IV

We’re just one day away from being shown the most anticipated device of the year, but that’s definitely not going to slow the rumors down. Today, we’re getting an early look at some cases that may fit the S IV’s design shape. These cases look like they’d fit the latest leak we saw just yesterday, so this very well could be the final shape of Samsung’s newest superphone. The biggest difference from the S III is the LED flash placement and speaker placement; the LED flash has moved below the camera, and the speaker has moved to the bottom of the phone, similar to the Note II. Aside from that, USB and headphone jack placement are identical. (That’s great news if you’ve invested in a dock of any kind. The S IV should be compatible with at least some of them.)

With the popularity that is almost guaranteed to follow this phone, we should expect to see some great accessory support. These cases come in nearly every color you could want, and should hopefully be available around the phone’s actual release date. Are you excited yet?

source: MobileFun

via: Unwired View

Come comment on this article: More Galaxy S IV case designs leak

This shouldn’t surprise anyone. Last year, Google I/O tickets didn’t last very long, and this year they went just as fast. If you didn’t manage to snatch your $900 ticket up in under an hour, you were just out of luck. While it didn’t break the record for 23 minutes last year, it’s still pretty impressive. Did any of you manage to get a ticket? Let us know in the comments.

Come comment on this article: Google I/O tickets sold out in under an hour

We’ve been keeping up with two budget-level Xperia devices lately; the dual-core, 4.6 inch Xperia SP and the 4.3 inch, 8 megapixel-toting Xperia L. Supposedly, the launch dates for both devices were scheduled for March, but we’re halfway through the month with no word from Sony about either device.

Well, it turns out Sony Mobile Russia is holding a press event on March 18th. There’s no official word about what’s being announced at the event, but we can put two and two together, especially with the rumor mill churning around both of those devices lately. Keep an eye out for any details on the 18th, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated when anything gets announced.

Source: Xperia Blog

Come comment on this article: Sony may unveil two new Xperia devices in Russia on March 18th

If you own an Xperia TL on AT&T, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for updates on your device in the next few days. AT&T has announced they’ll begin rolling out the Android 4.1 update to the TL, which includes all of our favorite Jelly Bean features like expanded notifications and Google Now. You’ll also get some new camera features, including a better auto mode and HDR, as well as AT&T’s DriveMode app, which auto replies to texts if the phone detects you’re driving over 25 mph.

Keep checking for the upgrade, and let us know in the comments if you’ve received the update.

source: AT&T

Come comment on this article: AT&T to begin rolling out Jelly Bean OTA update for Xperia TL

Mobile security is being an increasingly big deal, and after that tricky little lock screen hack was discovered last week on a few Samsung model phones, it’s easy to see why. Fortunately, expert security application Lookout has released an update on the Play Store that temporarily patches this issue until Samsung can get a bugfix out to all of the afflicted devices.

Essentially, the hack involved trying to place an emergency call and accessing emergency contacts, then backing out to the home screen from the contact list. This would give the user full access to an unlocked home screen. Lookout has fixed that glitch by preemptively bringing the emergency dialer to the foreground when it’s running, which breaks the home button trick. This hotfix works on the Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III Mini, and the Galaxy Note II. Not a perfect solution, but hopefully this will hold people over until Samsung can personally fix the problem.

source: Lookout Blog

Come comment on this article: Lookout Security app updated to provide hotfix for Galaxy S III lock screen hack

Many of you probably know about NASA’s latest venture onto Mars with the little spacecraft that could, Curiosity. Have you ever gotten a bit curious about exactly what that little gadget actually looked like? If you have, you’re in luck, as NASA has released an augmented reality app that will let you view a full 3D rendering of Curiosity or a few other models of spacecraft, with more models said to be added in the future.

The app is as simple as printing out a few markers, then aiming your device camera at those markers to see the 3D model. Best of all, it’s a free application. Hit the download links below to test out the app for yourself.

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: NASA releases augmented reality app for viewing 3D spacecraft models

Unless you’ve been avoiding the internet lately, you’ve no doubt heard a few details about that new law that makes unlocking your cell phone illegal. AT&T, in what was probably an attempt to avoid any negative PR, has attempted to clear up their device unlocking policy. In theory, it’s a good move, as it lets consumers know where their cell provider stands on device unlocking. Unfortunately, AT&T left a few details more than a little hazy.

AT&T’s VP of Federal Regulatory Joan Marsh released a statement about the company’s unlocking policy, stating “if we have the unlock code or can reasonably get it from the manufacturer, AT&T currently will unlock a device for any customer whose account has been active for at least sixty days; whose account is in good standing and has no unpaid balance; and who has fulfilled his or her service agreement commitment. If the conditions are met we will unlock up to five devices per account per year.”

So, cool, right? As long as I pay my bill, AT&T will unlock my device! Theoretically, yes, but there are a few ifs in that statement. If AT&T has the unlock code for your specific device, you’ll be fine. Otherwise… good luck. “Being in good standing” is also decided at AT&T’s discretion. You’ll at least have to have no unpaid balance on your bill and will have to have completed your two year service agreement, but there’s no clear definition if there’s anything else to that. Hopefully we’ll see AT&T clear some of this up in the future.

source: AT&T

via: Engadget

Come comment on this article: AT&T (vaguely) elaborates on their device unlocking policy

Just a few weeks ago we saw a wireless Qi charging pad pass through the FCC for Samsung devices, and according to some sources, we may see that Qi charging adopted in the Galaxy S IV. It won’t be embedded into the device, but Samsung may offer an extra back plate to support the inductive charging technology.

Samsung hasn’t been a pioneer in wireless charging the way they’ve tried to innovate other hardware aspects of their mobile devices, but they are a part of the Alliance for Wireless Power, so they’re certainly committed to keeping the latest, greatest tech in their devices. Although the A4WP doesn’t promote Qi charging, I can definitely see why Samsung wants to keep their options open. With how popular the S IV will undoubtedly be, if Samsung does choose to support Qi charging, it’s definitely more likely to get mainstream attention than some other inductive charging methods.

source: Digitimes

Come comment on this article: Samsung may offer wireless charging for the Galaxy S IV

Not too long ago we heard rumors that Samsung would implement touchless gestures for screen navigation on the Galaxy S IV. Well, the latest rumors from SamMobile say that we’re definitely going to see that floating technology on March 14th. This won’t be a first for Samsung, as we’ve seen Sony dabble with floating screen tech, and Samsung even uses it for Air View with the S-Pen in the Galaxy Note 2, but rest assured, it’s going to be an awesome feature.

In addition to the floating technology, we also have some information on the screen technology that Samsung’s going with for the S IV. According to SamMobile’s insider, we’ll be seeing “green PHOLED” screens, a new type of AMOLED screen, make its debut. It uses a green-yellow matrix that’s supposedly 25% more efficient than what’s currently being used, so we can expect some battery life improvements. It will also be a full-HD 1080p display, of course.

We’ve heard about the touchless tech, the fantastic screen, the new Smart features, and hardware specs to stay relevant for several years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many rumors pop up about a phone before its release, but if even half of these turn out to be true, Samsung might spend another year at the top of the OEM dog pile.

source: Sammobile

Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Galaxy S IV to feature floating touch technology and green PHOLED material AMOLED display

We’re pretty familiar with Samsung’s constant legal battle with Apple all over the world, and especially in the US. Samsung, having quite a bit of extra cash to play with, upped their legal spending on US lobbyists last year to $900,000, up from just $150,000 in 2011. That’s a pretty significant jump. The extra spending is an attempt to sway the federal government on many legal issues, including IP copyright and telecommunication infrastructure. Samsung also hired former Sony veteran Joel Wigington to run a Washington office.

The mobile market is expected to be worth $847 billion in 2016, so this is obviously a really sweet pie that everyone wants a piece of, Samsung included. The lawsuits aren’t likely to let up, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see other companies beef up their legal presence to defend against (or initiate more of) those lawsuits.

source: Bloomberg

Come comment on this article: Samsung piles on US lobbying spending after lengthy court battles with Apple

If you backed OUYA on Kickstarter, you still have a few weeks to wait before you receive your OUYA console. The good news, though, is that there should be plenty of games on the market for you when you do get your new gadget, as OUYA has opened their game download shop for developers to begin uploading their projects. This is going to guarantee there’s a big enough selection to keep the excitement going for the console on launch day.

OUYA is also running a contest in their shop to spur development. The top three developers based on the first six weeks of availability will be featured in a series of short documentaries. Hopefully we’ll see some positive results out of this. Who’s excited to get their hands on a OUYA console?

source: Gamefans

via: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: OUYA game shop is now live for developers to begin uploading games

If you’re the owner of a Sprint Optimus G, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the 4.1.2 update that Sprint has announced it will be pushing to your device. You’ll get Google Now, expandable notifications, and all the other awesome features in Jelly Bean. Now we just have to wait and see if AT&T’s Optimus G gets the same treatment anytime soon. Hit the source below to get a full list of new features in the update.

source: Sprint

Come comment on this article: LG Optimus G on Sprint to receive Jelly Bean 4.1.2 update