Author: Jeff Causey

Some Android users have noticed an updated version of the Google Play Store has started to roll out today. The update takes the Play Store up to version 4.1.10. The previous version that was publicly rolled out, and which most people probably have installed, was 4.1.6. With such a small increment in the version number, this is likely just some bug fixes. Some early reports indicate it may address some location issues and some text layout problems.

If you want to give it a try, you can download the .apk using the link below and then manually install the new version. Otherwise, be patient and your device should update itself eventually.

Google Play Store 4.1.10 .apk Download

Come comment on this article: New Google Play Store 4.1.10 update starting to roll out

As if Huawei doesn’t have enough of a challenge breaking into Western markets with their smartphone devices, they have been dealing with an Internet rumor swirling around the price of their forthcoming Ascend P6 smartphone.  Although the Ascend P6 has not yet been released, reports surfaced indicating the device would be priced at about $330. Huawei CEO Richard Yu had some especially harsh words regarding the source of the rumors, which he posted to his Weibo account:

There were rumors stated that the Huawei Ascend P6 will be priced at RMB $1999 ($330). This is one of the tricks from western companies to strangle and damage the reputation of high quality devices from China. Please don’t get cheated by those rumors.

Yu points to claims that industry experts  have pegged the value of the Ascend P6 as being somewhere between $490 and $570, more consistent with the quality and innovation he thinks the smartphone represents. The Ascend P6 will lay claim to being the world’s thinnest smartphone upon release. However, with a 4.7-inch screen running at 720p it will not be a top-tier phone from a screen display standpoint. The expected 2GB of RAM and quad-core processor running Android’s Jelly Bean operating system should make it a solid performer overall, perhaps a notch down from top of the line devices from other manufacturers. It doesn’t appear to be a bargain basement device that Yu claims Western companies are trying to make it out to be by starting a rumor about the phone having a low price point.

source: GSM Insider

Come comment on this article: Huawei CEO denies lowball price rumors for Ascend P6, defends quality of Chinese devices

MediaTek has announced a new quad-core processor to be added to their portfolio that they hope will find its way into tablet devices. MediaTek is producing a new MT8125 chip to meet the needs of the fast-growing tablet market. The chip is based on a quad-core Cortex A7 cpu running at 1.5HGz and a PowerVR Series5XT gpu. MediaTek is incorporating MiraVision technology into the tablet’s SoC to be able to support high-end multimedia capabilities. The MT8125 will support full HD 1080p video playback and recording and will be able to drive screen resolutions up to 1920×1200. Along with the multimedia features, MediaTek says the chip can support 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and WiFi options, meaning tablet producers can more easily offer a variety of options for consumers. One of the first devices that appears headed to market with the new MT8125 is the Lenovo IdeaTab S6000.

You can read the full press release after the break.

MediaTek Introduces New Quad-Core Application Processor for Fast-Growing Tablet Market

The new Application Processor completes MediaTek’s multi-core processor product portfolio, delivering a significant difference in computing and multimedia performance

HSINCHU, Taiwan, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, today announced the availability of the new quad-core application processor — MT8125 designed for the fast growing global tablet markets. The new tablet platform is an extension of the company’s highly successful quad-core portfolio. It integrates a power-efficient quad-core Cortex™- A7 CPU subsystem with speed up to 1.5GHz, PowerVR™ Series5XT Graphics that delivers compelling multimedia features and sophisticated user experiences. To simplify product design and speed time-to-market, the MT8125 supports 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and Wi-Fi versions, all of which are pin-to-pin compatible, allowing device manufacturers to easily expand their portfolios with a full range of tablets by leveraging the existing or planned design requiring no additional rework.

Inheriting MediaTek’s technology breakthrough of quad-core SoC platform and high-end multimedia capabilities, the MT8125 incorporates premium multimedia features, supporting up to Full HD 1080p video playback and recording, 13MP camera with integrated ISP and Full HD (1920 x 1200) displays. The new tablet SoC also delivers ground breaking visual quality powered by the leading picture quality technology — MiraVision™, derived from MediaTek’s extensive experience in the Digital TV market.

The MT8125 includes full support for MediaTek’s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo that converges Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and FM, bringing highly integrated, best-in-class wireless technologies and expanded functionality to high-performance multimedia tablets. The MT8125 also provides support for Wi-Fi certified Miracast™ which makes multimedia content sharing between devices easier.

“During the last two years, application processors used in tablets have taken a fast evolution from single-core 1GHz to quad cores, clocking over 1.5GHz. Competition will force chipset vendors to maintain pace — by implementing more advanced features while reducing the system cost by increasing the level of integration*,” said Gartner Research Director Roger Sheng.

“MediaTek’s team has worked closely with Lenovo to integrate their solutions into our design process, helping us accelerate the development and introduction of new, innovative tablets. In turn, this allows us to fulfill our commitment to delivering the outstanding user experience our customers demand. The tablet market is moving fast, and Lenovo aims to be at the forefront of tablet innovation. MediaTek helps us do that,” commented Wayne Chen , vice president and head of mobile business unit for Lenovo.

“We’re confident that our comprehensive reference designs will be the industry benchmark, particularly benefiting the mid-to-high-end tablet market. It is an innovative, cost-effective and definitely faster time-to-market solution,” said Joe Chen , GM of Home Entertainment Business Unit, MediaTek. “By taking advantage of our strengths in the multimedia field, mobile communications and multi-screen technologies, we offer a complete multi-core processor family for smartphones and tablets, enabling a significant difference in performance and power efficiency – all while ensuring seamless streaming performance across the array of devices when users are consuming entertainment and information.”

The MediaTek quad core tablet SoC is now being widely adopted by MediaTek’s global customers including Lenovo IdeaTab S6000 series.

*Source: Gartner report “Competitive Landscape: Application Processor Providers for Tablets, Worldwide” Roger Sheng , Amy Teng , Mark Hung 19 April 2013

Come comment on this article: MediaTek back again with new, tablet-oriented quad-core chip

An image of a new circuit board for a smartphone Meizu is believed to be working on surfaced yesterday and some analysis seems to yield some clues as to the specifications for the new phone. We previously reported on a leaked render of a Meizu MX3, believed to be the successor to the MX2, which shows a phone with a thin bezel and reminiscent of the HTC One. Up until now, most speculation has been the device will come with a 5.1-inch full HD screen. The photo of the circuit board has led many to believe the device may actually come with a 5.5-inch or larger screen.

Analyzing the photo of the circuit board, some believe it measures 75mm in width. If that is accurate and reports that it will have a full HD screen running at a 16:9 ratio are accurate as well, the screen would have to be at least 5.5-inch or more in size. The MX3 is expected to be equipped with an Exynos 5 Octa processor and 2GB of RAM. Mated to the large screen, this should put Meizu in competition with some of the other large, top-tier smartphones on the market.

Readers of the forum where the image was originally posted also analyzed the image for other clues about the device. They believe the MX3 will support NFC, it is a toss-up as to whether the battery will be removeable, it is likely to support a microSD card, the battery should be in the 2200 – 2400 mAh range, and LTE support is not likely.

Although it is doubtful the MX3 would hit the U.S. market, we will continue to watch for more news about the device.

source: MyDrivers.com
via: Unwired View

Come comment on this article: Meizu MX3 circuit board image hints at 5.5-inch or larger device

If you headed out for the Memorial Day weekend early on Friday and spent time away from the ‘net, you may have missed a new video posted to YouTube by HTC. The video picks up the HTC story in 1997 and shows the evolution of their handheld device technology from personal digital assistants to today’s latest and greatest smartphone from HTC, the HTC One. The devices are a mix of both their own branded devices and those carrying the name of other tech industry players. HTC also plays up some of the innovations they brought to the market like sliding keyboards for smartphones, the first Google Android smartphone, their HTC Sense skin for Android devices, and the first 4G Android phone. You can check out the almost 3 minute long video after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: HTC video showcases their history of handhelds to smartphones

Popular forum app Tapatalk has a new version out today that users may want to check out. The public beta of Tapatalk 4 was released overnight. The new version introduces a new UI that heavily incorporates the Android HOLO guidelines. These include features like the sliding menu tray from the left edge of the screen and a Google Now card-like layout.

Some of the new features include a Timeline view that will display threads in order of the most recent posts, replacing the “All” option in the old version. Once you drill down into a thread, you will find that you can now swipe left or right to navigate between the different pages for long threads. There is a quick reply option at the bottom of the screen or you can open a page for a longer reply. A menu button in the upper right corner provides page specific options, like adding pictures, links, or emoticons for posts.

Speaking of images, the app now includes several options for pictures thanks to an in-app photo editor. These include several Instagram type functions as well as basic editing like crop, brightness, and color controls. Users can also add text or draw on images before posting.

From the “home” screen of the app, listing forums or sites you have saved, you can long press on an entry to then rearrange the listing, delete sites, or set notification options at the site level.

Developer Quoord Systems Limited indicates Tapatalk 4 will eventually be merged with Tapatalk HD, but will retain the Tapatalk 4 name. Tapatalk 4 does require Android 4.0 or higher and for now, is free. Check it out using one of the download links below the gallery of images.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: Public beta of Tapatalk 4 released through Google Play

With the frenzy of new devices released this spring, smartphone buyers are looking forward now to the fall season to see what manufacturers will be bringing to market. One new bit of hardware garnering lots of attention is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor which is expected to become the new top end. A new benchmark was spotted that seems to show a Qualcomm 800 running on Android 4.2.2.

Japanese site Ringer’s Blue Men has published what purports to be an AnTuTu benchmark for the unannounced Pantech IM-A880 smartphone. The results show a device running at 1958 – 2150 MHz, which seems to be consistent with Snapdragon 800 speeds. The top score of 30133 surpasses both the Exynos Octa 5 and the Snapdragon 600. It is not much of an improvement, about a 10% gain compared to the Exynos chip, but that should still be noticeable for users.

source: Ringer’s Blue Men
via: Android Authority

Come comment on this article: New benchmark for Snapdragon 800 discovered for Pantech device

As Samsung continues its march to produce a Galaxy S 4 model targeted at virtually every type of consumer, we continue to try to identify specifics for all of the models slated to hit the market. Our latest bit of information comes from a leaked UAProf file that was discovered on the Samsung domain. The file indicates it is for an SM-C101, which we have confirmed is the Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom. We see in the UAProf that the device will have an ARM11 processor and it also confirms the device will have a screen resolution of 960×540 as we reported earlier.

The Galaxy S 4 Zoom appears to distinguish itself from other models by packing in a 16MP camera capable of 10X digital zoom. Some have described the device as more of a camera phone than a smart phone.

source: Techtastic
via: phoneArena

Come comment on this article: More details for Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom discovered

Frequent smartphone tipster @evleaks posted a tip earlier today indicating Verizon will be getting the Kyocera Hydro Elite added to their portfolio in June. Along with posting an image of the mysterious device, @evleaks indicates the device will be available for only $50. At that price point, the hardware is probably not anything particularly cutting edge. Just based on the name though, the Hydro Elite will likely be a waterproof device similar to the Kyocera Hydro announced earlier this year. If that is accurate, the new offering from Verizon will join the Kyocera Hydro Rise recently announced for Sprint in competing for customers looking for a more rugged smartphone.

source: @evleaks

Come comment on this article: Kyocera Hydro Elite on its way to Verizon

Along with updates on the Google Chrome Beta channel for desktop systems that were made available yesterday, Google also announced the availability of an update to the Chrome Beta for Android app. The new update for Chrome 28 takes it up to version 28.0.1500.21. Headlining the improvements is better integration of the Google Translate service which will automatically detect whether a web page is in a different language from what your Android device is set to and will make the translate bar easily available similar to the desktop version of Chrome. Scrolling on a page will now cause the toolbar to disappear, providing a fullscreen browsing experience. Google also added in a new graph to show estimated bandwidth savings due to the experimental data compression feature and improved, mobile-friendly error pages. If you want to grab the Chrome Beta for Android app, just hit one of the download links below.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: Chrome Beta for Android updated, adds better translation and full screen options

With the popularity of Android on smartphones and tablets, Google has a big platform to help push their other products and services. One of those is the Chrome browser for Android. As users surf the net with Chrome, they are able to enjoy the benefits of having their sessions sync with installations of Chrome, say on their desktop and laptop computers. To help capitalize on this and make the use of Chrome and Google services even more attractive, Google announced today the introduction of richer notifications for the Beta channel version of the Chrome browser.

The user interface for notifications and the underlying framework have both been reworked and expanded to be available for developers of Chrome apps and extensions to capitalize on. From an interface perspective, the new notifications adopt a Google Now card-like look. Mimicking capabilities of the notifications available on Jelly Bean Android devices, the new notifications can include the ability to interact directly within the pop-up.

The notification center will display several notifications at once if a user is away from their computer for a while. Along with the usability improvements, notifications can now include formatted text and assets like images. Google provides a panel for users to select which notifications which display.

Google has new versions available for both Windows and ChromeOS. They indicate an OSX version for Macs is on the way. If you want to try out the Chrome Beta, hit the source link for more information.

source: Google Chrome Blog

Come comment on this article: Google adding richer notifications to Chrome on ChromeOS, Windows

Amazon announced today that they are making their Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HD 8.9 devices available in more than 170 countries and territories around the world starting June 13th. Customers who are interested in one of the devices can go ahead and place a pre-order now by visiting Amazon.com. Along with access to the hardware, buyers in the new countries will get access to the Amazon App store and all of the content contained therein, including more than 300,000 books that are exclusive to the Kindle Store.

Dave Limp, vice president of Amazon Kindle notes the Kindle Fire HD “is the #1 best-selling item in the world for Amazon since its launch.” The 8.9-inch version of the device is available for $284 while the 7-inch version is available for $214. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 can be preordered by visiting www.amazon.com/global-kindle-fire-hd-8.9 and the Kindle Fire HD is available at www.amazon.com/global-kindle-fire-hd. Interested buyers can also visit retailers who sell Kindle devices.

source: Amazon

Come comment on this article: Amazon adds more than 170 countries as markets for Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HD 8.9

You may be aware that Samsung has been spending more on marketing lately than they have on research and development. Their latest video released to YouTube is another example of how that strategy is playing out. The 5-minute video titled “Hi Hey Hello” is based on a song by the same name from The Chicharones and follows the budding romance of a young couple. Director Joseph Kahn clearly had a directive from Samsung in producing the video – highlight the Samsung Galaxy S 4. He does this by putting the device in the hands of male lead who uses many of Samsung’s latest features like Dual Shot, Smart Pause, Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, Air Gesture, and Group Play/Share Music to attract his female lead’s attention. You can check out the video, which includes astronauts, after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come comment on this article: Hi Hey Hello musical short film from Samsung released

Ingress, a sci-fi augmented reality game that incorporates some of the real world into its gameplay, received an update today from developer NianticLabs@Google. The update includes a couple features that users will probably find especially useful. The first of these improvements is a change to the Inventory carousel to display information like portal health and faction control. The second usability improvement is the addition of notifications for “Portal under attack,” “Portal neutralized,” and “@<codename>” messages.

Other changes in the latest update include support for Jarvis Virus and ADA Refactor objects and Recharge visual animation to go along with several bug fixes. If you are interested in trying out Ingress, you can grab the app using one of the download links below. Then you will need to receive an invite as the app is still in a closed beta stage.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: Ingress game gets update with new features

It has been a few days since we had any new rumors about the Motorola X Phone, but the latest bit of news comes to us from the FCC. A filing for a Motorola XT1056 has been approved by the FCC with the capability of running on LTE Band 25. This appears to support a device headed to the Sprint network. The device will also support HSPA+ on 2100, 1900 and 850 MHz bands. The other information is similar to the XT1058 that surfaced recently with support for AT&T’s network, including NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 LE+EDR, and 802.11ac WiFi capabilities.

source: FCC
via: Engadget

Come comment on this article: FCC certification for Motorola XT1056 surfaces, appears headed to Sprint

A new AnTuTu benchmark score has surfaced for a Samsung GT-N7200, believed to be the model number for the Galaxy Note III device. The test results, if accurate, show the device running Android 4.3 generated a score of almost 28,000. The device is thought to come with an Exynos 5 Octa chip, which tested considerably faster in a Samsung Galaxy S 4. It may be the device which tested at only 1.6 GHz has not yet been optimized as the Galaxy Note III is not expected to be released until later this year.

source: GSM Insider

Come comment on this article: AnTuTu Benchmark score for Samsung Galaxy Note III surfaces

LG will be holding an ImaGination Begins event next week in Macau, where it has been confirmed the company will announce the LG Optimus G Pro for some new Asian markets. The device is currently available in the U.S. through AT&T and has been released in the Korean and Japanese markets. There was some thought that LG might release the Optimus GK, a smaller version of the Optimus G Pro, at the event.

source: Android Central

Come comment on this article: LG Optimus Pro G confirmed for May 30th ImaGination event in Macau

Although Samsung has not announced official pricing for the upcoming line of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 devices, one retailer has already listed the 7-inch version on their web site for $199.99. Adorama added an 8GB version of the Galaxy Tab 3 in white to their shopping cart system, indicating buyers won’t be charged until the item is shipped. However, they do not give any indication as to an expected shipping date. Considering the low price point, this is most likely the WiFi only version which Samsung indicated would be available starting in May. A 3G capable version is expected in June.

Some people are expecting Samsung to set price points for the Galaxy Tab 3 devices at increments of $100 as you move up in size from 7-inch to 8-inch to 10-inch. If true, that would put the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 at $399 for a base model.

source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Retailer Adorama lists Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 for $199

With rumors surfacing yesterday about a possible HTC One running a stock Android install, another rumor surfaced that may be more interesting for current owners of the device or those not willing to wait for confirmation of the “Google experience” HTC One. Over on Twitter, developer @LlabTooFer responded to an inquiry about Android 4.2′s availability on the HTC One with “2-3 weeks I think.” @LlabTooFer has been a reliable source of information about HTC software updates in the past.

Along with the rumor about Android 4.2 coming to the HTC One, @LlabTooFer also posted recently about an update that was in the works for last year’s HTC One X which would bring it up to Android 4.2 and Sense 5.0. If all the rumors are true, it looks like HTC is working to bring the Android 4.2 goodies to a large swath of their customers. If they succeed and establish a reputation of quick work to keep devices up to date with Android versions, that could be a positive step in helping them regain some lustre and marketshare.

source: @LlabTooFar

Come comment on this article: Android 4.2 for HTC One only 2-3 weeks away?

A recent analysis claims only 10% of Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S 4, is shipping with Samsung’s own Exynos 5 Octa chip. Considering the device is on pace to become the company’s fastest selling smartphone in history, one might think Samsung would want to put more of their own hardware in the hands of consumers. However, Samsung seems to think it is more important to put devices in the hands of consumers regardless of the component sources. So in the case of the Galaxy S 4, the majority of the phones are shipping with Qualcomm chips.

Samsung still supplies around 80% of the components that go into its mobile devices, which is high compared to major rivals like Apple. However, a high demand product can quickly soak up any capacity a company has, even one as large as Samsung. According to Samsung’s vice president of the mobile business, Kim Hyunjoon, Samsung will “continue to resort to multi vendors to ensure smooth supply.” Some of the other vendors include companies like the aforementioned Qualcomm, memory chip maker Toshiba, image sensor supplier Sony, and Gorilla Glass producer Corning, along with others. These suppliers also happen to be major suppliers to Apple for components used in their popular iOS line of devices.

With all of this overlap in hardware between the two major players in the smartphone market, some analysts like Peter Yu with BNP Paribas are “worried Samsung is losing its hardware differentiator.” This seems to point the way toward market success being influenced more by software and what apps can do for users as opposed to the hardware. As an example, just think back to the items that Samsung stressed during their release production for the Galaxy S 4, which not only highlights the importance of apps and their capabilities, but also the impact of marketing.

Do you think that high-end smartphone hardware has become so advanced that the differences between brands are no longer a selling point?

source: Android Authority

Come comment on this article: Is success of Samsung Galaxy S 4 pushing company to look outside for components?