Author: Jeff Causey

While many people are waiting and watching for news about flagship devices from the major manufacturers, work continues on devices for other strata in the market. Today Vietnamese retailer Mai Nguyen posted information about a new device from Samsung, the Galaxy Win (I8552), expected to launch in May 2013. The Galaxy Win will be powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor driving a 480×800 4.7-inch screen. The device will run Android 4.1.2, has a 5MP camera, supports up to a 32GB microSD card for additional memory, and is dual-SIM capable. The device does not have 4G capability. No information on pricing, carriers or markets was provided. Hit the break for a couple more images of this new Samsung smartphone.

source: SamMobile
via: Mai Nguyen

Come comment on this article: Mid-range Samsung Galaxy Win leaked courtesy of Vietnamese retailer

No matter what the platform may be, hardcore gamers are always seeking ways to tweak and improve the performance of their systems. To define that performance, a benchmarking tool is needed and one of the most popular over the years has been 3DMark. Android device owners can now access this popular application with today’s release of 3DMark for Android.

Developer Futuremark Oy indicates 3DMark will run on over 1,000 different Android devices, from smartphones to tablets. With the addition of an Android version, users can now compare benchmark scores with other Android device and Windows tablet users and eventually with owners of iOS and Windows RT devices. For Android devices, Futuremark Oy is making two versions of their Ice Storm test available to check both CPU and GPU performance.  The GPU’s capabilities are tested via OpenGL ES 2.0.

3DMark is 283MB in size, so you will probably want to grab this one while on WiFi. The app is free and will run on Android versions 3.1 or higher. If you want to give it a try, use one of the download links below after a short video and some screenshots of 3DMark in action.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: 3DMark comes to Android platform, now available in Google Play Store

After a slight dip in popularity, WWE star Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, seems bent on making a comeback in the cultural psyche. Starring in the new G.I. Joe: Retaliation movie and the upcoming reality/contest TV series The Hero on TNT will help, but there was still one thing needed to make the effort complete – a video game. That last box can now be checked with the release of WWE Presents: Rockpocalypse in the Google Play Store. 

The new title takes place on a Hollywood soundstage when the folks on the lot start changing into violent, angry beasts due to some unknown pathogen. At least, that is how the setting is described. Screenshots make the enemies The Rock battles appear as regular goons. The goal of all the action is to guide The Rock through the movie lot, punching, kicking and slamming along the way, to find the source of the infection. The game includes hidden clues, upgrades to health, stamina, attack and slam capabilities, and five different combat skills.

Rockpocalypse requires Android 4.0 or higher, clocks in at 226MB and it is free. If you feel like taking a turn as the People’s Champion and want to lay the smack down on some bad guys, use one of the download links below to grab a copy for your Android device.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: WWE Presents: Rockpocalypse now available in Google Play Store

Just a short while ago we reported on AT&T’s announcement that they will start selling the HTC One on April 19th. Sprint is hot their heels as they too have announced the availability of the HTC One on the 19th for the same $199.99 price for a 32GB version with a two-year contract. Sprint also indicated they will start accepting pre-orders online this Friday, April 5th, at www.sprint.com/htcone. Hit the break to read the full press release.

Sprint to Launch the New HTC One on April 19; Pre-Order Begins April 5

New HTC One boasts a slim aluminum unibody design, amplified minimal distortion sound, HTC UltraPixel camera

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 2, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced Friday, April 19, as the availability date for the highly anticipated new HTC One®, the latest international smartphone with Truly Unlimited™ data while on the Sprint Network. HTC One reinvents the mobile experience by providing users a live stream that feeds personally relevant updates, a breakthrough camera that brings the photo gallery to life and the first dual front-facing stereo speakers on a phone with amplified audio.

HTC One will be available with 32GB of internal memory in Silver or Black in Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Web Sales, for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement (excludes taxes and surcharges). New and existing customers can pre-order HTC One beginning Friday, April 5, at www.sprint.com/htcone.

HTC One is equipped with eco-friendly attributes, including Underwriters Laboratory Environment (ULE) Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by ULE and Sprint, and packaging that is 98 percent recyclable.

HTC One brings users an unprecedented smartphone experience with unique features including:

• HTC BlinkFeed™ – a bold new experience that transforms the home screen into a single live stream of personally relevant information, such as social updates, entertainment and lifestyle updates, and news and photos with immersive images so the user no longer needs separate applications to find out what’s happening. HTC BlinkFeed aggregates the newest content from relevant and interesting sources, giving it to users at a glance, all in one place, without the need to jump between multiple applications and websites.
• HTC UltraPixel Camera with HTC Zoe™ mode – a new feature bringing photos to life showing more personality and emotion than a still photo ever could. HTC Zoe mode gives users the ability to shoot high-resolution HTC Zoe highlights that come to life in three-second snippets. HTC Zoe highlights are then displayed in a unique way in the new gallery, transforming the traditional photo gallery of still images into a motion gallery of memories.
• HTC BoomSound™ – front-facing stereo speakers with a dedicated amplifier and an amazing full high-definition display that brings users closer to their music, videos, games and YouTube™. Beats Audio™ integration is enabled across the entire experience for rich, authentic sound. HDR recording uses advanced dual microphones and audio processing to capture clean, rich sound that is worthy of HD video footage.
• Additionally, HTC One boasts a 4.7-inch, full-HD 1080p display, 1.7GHz quad-core processor, international roaming capabilities and Near Field Communications (NFC).

HTC One customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $20 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web.

Come comment on this article: Add Sprint to list of carriers offering HTC One on April 19th

As the curtain starts to drop on April Fool’s Day 2013, we have witnessed all sorts of pranks from Google Blue to treasure maps to the shutting down of YouTube. However, most of these are far too easy to immediately identify as an April Fool’s joke. Fortunately, online camera rental site BorrowLenses.com has come to the rescue with an item on their site that makes you pause and consider whether it is real or not. BorrowLenses has a listing for the rental of Google Glass devices which they indicate are expected to be available on April 30th.

It would make sense for BorrowLenses to make Google Glass devices available for videographers. Their catalog includes other point-of-view and wearable devices, so why not Google Glass. However, the listing includes several hardware details that have not been previously disclosed. If BorrowLenses actually got their hands on some of the devices, releasing this information seems like it might get them in some hot water with Google.

What do you think – April Fool’s joke or real item listing? If you don’t think it is real, do you wish it were true?

source: BorrowLenses
via: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: Rent Google Glass starting April 30th?

Reports surfaced over the weekend that Chinese phone maker Ding Xuan may be preparing a smartphone that will boast one of the largest batteries available in the market. Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the device is expected to have a 4.5-inch display and run Android. Such a large battery may help the phone get through a whole day of use even with the screen brightness set to the highest level. It does not appear the monster battery is going to add much to the size of the device either. Images show what appears to be a slim body for the smartphone which is described as a “classy ‘business phone’ design.”

source: Gizchina.com

Come comment on this article: 5000mAh battery could be coming to Chinese smartphone

Apple may wish this was an April Fool’s joke, but new data released today from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech shows Android has taken a lead in the U.S. market for smartphone sales for the quarter ended February 2013. The U.S. market has been a stronghold for Apple, which managed to maintain control of the market despite the growth of Android throughout other parts of the world. However, Kantar’s latest consumer panel, which focuses on sales, shows Android had 51.2% of smartphone sales for the period compared with 45.4% for the same period a year ago.

According to Kantar’s data, Apple’s iOS landed in second place with 43.5% of sales for the quarter, a decline of 3.5% from the 47% share Apple enjoyed for the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, even lowly Windows managed to improve to 4.1% of sales. In case you were wondering, Blackberry has sunk all the way to only 0.7% of sales for the February 2013 quarter.

Kantar’s analysis shows Samsung leading the way in sales, thanks in large part to price reductions, so much so that Sprint is starting to see its numbers impacted by the success of Samsung’s leading devices. Verizon is still the top carrier for all smartphones with AT&T in second place. Kantar’s research showed Samsung managed to entice buyers away from other brands, with 38% of buyers switching away from LG, HTC and Blackberry devices. Despite Samsung’s success in this area, brands like Motorola and Nokia saw small increases in their sales. Among Samsung buyers, Kantar found “handset cost” and “carrier brand” to be the leading factors in the decision-making process.

Kantar believes the sales share figures are a leading indicator for market share trends, which means Android may be seeing more good news in the future.

source: Kantar Worldpanel
via: BGR

Come comment on this article: Android takes early lead in 2013 for U.S. smartphone sales

A new Google patent application demonstrates a method for connecting weather information with a device’s camera application. Besides the camera app and a connected weather app, the method makes use of GPS coordinates. Grabbing location data using the GPS of a device, coordinates are transmitted to a server to retrieve local weather information. When the weather data is returned to the device, ambient light info is fed into the camera to adjust the settings to optimize the picture. Some of the settings that may be adjusted include white balance, hue, saturation, sharpness, or contrast.

It is not clear how this may be better than the sensors already present in a camera, though many photographers find those to be inadequate and resort to manual settings or process their photos through software to make corrections. We also don’t know whether this concept will ever find its way into an actual product. If it does, Android users may enjoy an edge in the photography department compared to other platforms.

source: USPTO
via: Engadget

Come comment on this article: New Google patent application could produce better photos using weather info

As expected, after AT&T announced this week they will be opening pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 in April, other carriers are following suit. U.S. Cellular has announced they will start taking pre-orders for the device on April 16th, the same day as AT&T. No pricing information was provided by U.S. Cellular. Hit the source link if you want to sign up for reminders from U.S. Cellular.

source: U.S. Cellular

Come comment on this article: US Cellular to take Samsung Galaxy S 4 pre-orders starting April 16th

Early backers of the OUYA game console got a nice surprise this week when Julie Uhrman, the project’s founder, announced consoles had shipped already. If you were one of those supporters, your unit should be arriving any day now. When the units arrive, new owners will find:

• 104 titles will be immediately available with many more on the way
• OUYA will require an update on first launch but it will be ultra quick
• You’ll need a credit/debit card to download games… even free ones
• OUYA supports up to 4 controllers and although you can buy more, it’ll work with Xbox/PS3 controllers among others

The folks at OUYA indicate they will be launching at retail locations starting June 4th. In an interesting little twist,they also announced plans are available for anyone who wants to 3D print an OUYA for themselves.

source: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: OUYA shipping to early backers, retail launch on June 4th

Samsung, which is making a strong case for having the top phone for 2013 with the Samsung Galaxy S 4 even though the year is still young, is preparing to ramp up the sales channel just a bit more with the help of Best Buy. According to reports, several Best Buy locations throughout the country have been instructed to make some modifications to their sales floor so they can fit in a new Samsung “store” within a store. Coincidentally or not, this is a similar concept to what Apple and Best Buy already do for the Apple sales channel.

If you have been to a Best Buy with an Apple “store” you should be familiar with the concept. For the Apple stores, Best Buy carves out an area that is unique for Apple products only. The shelving, signage and other accoutrements are different from the rest of the Best Buy store and closely mimic what you would find in a standalone Apple store. There is more space for potential buyers to look at product and the sales associates have some special training to help recreate a dedicated Apple store experience.

Samsung is employing a similar strategy for the mobile device area with a section that is visually separated from the rest of the Best Buy store and provides demonstration space just for Samsung products. Samsung is also working on a specific training course for Best Buy sales associates assigned to the Samsung “store” so they can better show off some of Samsung’s unique features and capabilities.

The new Samsung Stores are scheduled to start opening next month, just in time for the shelves to be packed full of Galaxy S 4 devices and accessories. If the early interest in the Galaxy S 4 is any indication, this should be a boon to Best buy as well. Although struggling in the retail market, mobile phone and tablet sales have been a bright spot and Best Buy continues to be more aggressive in the mobile device market.

source: Geek.com

Come comment on this article: Samsung Stores find their way into Best Buy, just in time for Samsung Galaxy S 4 launch

With T-Mobile officially launching their 4G LTE network in seven cities throughout the U.S., their customers may be wondering exactly how to access the new bandwidth. Owners of Samsung Galaxy Note II devices can do so thanks to an update that T-Mobile just pushed out to the devices. Another group that may be able to do so are owners of the LG Nexus 4 if they have done some work. Achieving this feat with a T-Mobile Nexus 4 requires rooting and installing a custom ROM, then flashing the radio back to the previous .33 version.

According to users over on the XDA Developers forums, those who have installed the CM or AOKP ROMs seem to be having the most success, though other ROM should work. Users also have to revert their radio to the older .33 version that was present on the devices before the Android 4.2.2 update was pushed out. The 4.2.2 version of Jelly Bean included an update to the radio to .48, which removed the ability to connect to the LTE network. In addition to the custom ROM and flashed radio, users also have to update their APN settings.

If you are a T-Mobile Nexus 4 owner running a custom ROM in one of the new markets, you may want to hit the source link to start reading through the posts on how to make this happen.

source: XDA Developers
via: Droid Life

Come comment on this article: T-Mobile’s 4G LTE can be accessed with Nexus 4 under right circumstances

At the Game Developers Conference 2013 today, SEGA dropped some news for fans of the old school fun known as Sonic the Hedgehog. The original version of the game has been remastered to run natively on Android devices and is expected to be available in April for $2.99. Hopefully the combination of sensors in modern smartphones and tablets, combined with some touchscreen controls, will prove to be a powerful combination with a game that did such a good job of portraying a sense of speed. Some gameplay video is expected to be released so that may give us a better idea of what to expect. SEGA also indicated they are working on Sonic 2 and progress is on schedule.

source: Android Police

Come comment on this article: The original Sonic the Hedgehog coming to Android in April according to SEGA

Samsung certainly seems to have sprung a leak with the new Galaxy S 4 device as we have seen the device’s wallpapers, ringtones and S Voice app all find their way out into the wild. The latest batch of goodies from the Galaxy S 4 are four videos that will come preloaded on the devices to help new owners get acquainted with some new features. Hit the break to see the videos.

The Camera

One of the “standard” apps that Samsung spent some time adding new functions to for their new device is the camera. Samsung added the ability to do a picture-in-picture type function that utilizes both the front- and rear-facing cameras at the same. This lets users embed images from both lenses into a single picture or use both cameras during video conferencing sessions. The camera is also able to embed audio data in a picture file.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Group Play

Extending the S Beam concept, for the Galaxy S 4 Samsung has added a function called Group Play. This lets users share multimedia files in real time rather than transferring them between devices and each person watching or listening on their own.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Motion Detection

One of the features that owners of Samsung Galaxy Note II devices get to enjoy is the ability to hover the S Pen over the screen to trigger pop-ups of information, previews of data, or to perform some actions. For the Galaxy S 4, Samsung is taking this to a new level. First, they have enabled this functionality just using a finger – no S Pen required. The ability to use the “Air” functions has expanded to some other apps like the phone, where gestures can be used to answer the phone.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video Help Demo

The final video is supposed to be from a Video Help Demo. It is not entirely clear what Samsung may eventually show with this particular video as it appears only a short portion is available. The portion that is available does continue the “Life Companion” message and branding that Samsung is implementing with this device.

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: SamMobile

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S 4 videos show Group Play, camera, motion functions, and video help

Earlier today we reported on some rumors concerning the Motorola X Phone. Since the news broke, folks have been working to try to verify as much of the information as they could and we now know some of that information was not entirely accurate. The possible release date was the subject of much of the research, with sources indicating the device is on track to be announced at Google I/O. The X Phone should be available for consumers by July. If accurate, this would seem to rule out the presence of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor. Earlier reports also appear to have overstated the battery size, with more recent data pointing toward a 3,300 mAh size battery.

We’ll continue to watch to see how many of these rumored specs turn out to be accurate, especially with the rumor mill getting into full gear regarding this forthcoming Motorola smartphone.

source: PhoneArena

Come comment on this article: Motorola X Phone rumor updated

In case you missed it among the seemingly constant back and forth between Samsung and Apple in the world’s courtrooms, there is a patent case about to get underway between HTC and Nokia regarding some alleged patent infringements. The bad news for Android fans is that Judge Thomas Pender has issued a ruling that could negatively impact any Android devices that make a tethering feature available. Nokia has asserted that HTC is infringing on U.S. Patent No 5,884,190 describing a “method for making a data transmission connection from a computer to a mobile communication network for transmission of analog and/or digital signals.” The court case between Nokia and HTC is scheduled to start in a couple months, but this ruling regarding the interpretation of the 190 patent makes it difficult for HTC to deny infringement.

The case between the two companies involves about 40 patents that Nokia has asserted HTC infringes. Google is involved in the case as a third-party intervenor supporting HTC. Both HTC and Google had hoped to narrow the scope of the 190 patent, but failed to do so. The two companies will now have to somehow prove the patent is invalid, such as due to prior art. Proving the existence of prior art could be a challenge since Nokia obtained the patent in 1995, a time when the web was still in its infancy and mobile devices were closer to bricks than what we have today. If HTC fails to make their case during the trial, they may also try to sway the ITC commission to overrule the judge.

If Nokia succeeds during the trial in showing HTC has infringed on the 190 patent, one of the likely results will be an import ban on all HTC devices into the U.S. Nokia will also be in a strong position to pursue other Android device manufacturers, much like they have already done against Apple and Blackberry. In the end, most companies will probably opt to pay a royalty to Nokia in order to keep the feature available.

source: FOSS Patents
via: PhoneArena

Come comment on this article: Android tethering could be threatened by judge’s patent ruling in favor of Nokia

CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik started out a Google+ post this morning with this, “I got to spend some quality time with the S4 (final hardware) before I left Samsung.” (emphasis added) The post contained his thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy S 4 smartphone and what he sees as some strengths and weaknesses. Needless to say, the subtle announcement that he had left his position with Samsung has generated as much interest, if not more, than his thoughts on the Galaxy S 4. In a follow-up comment to the original post, Kondik indicates he thought Samsung was a “great” place to work, but he just decided he was interested in trying something new.

With regard to the Galaxy S 4, Kondik’s opinion seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. He praises the hardware of the Galaxy S 4, indicating “this device blows the competition out of the water.” A couple unique features he specifically mentions are the “hover”-aware touchscreen and the IR blaster. Kondik also mentions the GPS circuitry seems to be much better than in past devices. On the downside, he thinks Samsung’s TouchWiz UI is a bit of step back despite Samsung’s attempt to clean it up a bit and give it a lighter look. This perception may be attributed to a return to a fully tabbed UI and extensive use of popup windows.

Kondik indicates the Samsung Hubs are featured more prominently, possibly as part of an effort to distinguish Samsung from the rest of the Android ecosystem. Kondik thinks anyone upgrading from a Galaxy S II will be more than pleased. While Galaxy S III owners will probably like the device as well, though the justification for an immediate upgrade is not as compelling.

source: +Steve Kondik

Come comment on this article: Steve Kondik leaves Samsung, shares thoughts on Samsung Galaxy S 4

You may recall that on the night of Samsung’s Unpacked event when they revealed their new Galaxy S 4 smartphone, HTC decided to try some new, more aggressive tactics in their battle for market share. It appears the fun did not stop there as some new tweets have surfaced and then disappeared, but not before folks could grab some screenshots.

The latest skirmish started on March 20th when Samsung’s UK office responded to a Twitter user with, “Four is always better than one.” In the response, they made sure to tag their HTC UK counterparts. Of course, HTC’s office responded with a tweet that read, “Plastic is not fantastic, my friend!” Both tweets were full of happy emoticons, but they couldn’t mask the underlying friction between the companies.

Since the tweets started to gain some notoriety, they have been deleted and the initial tweet from the unrelated user has been marked as private.

source: GSMArena

Come comment on this article: More HTC v Samsung Twitter shenanigans surface

Huawei and MetroPCS announced today the addition of the Huawei Premia 4G to MetroPCS’s portfolio of 4G LTE devices. The Premia 4G is a 4-inch device equipped with a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 5 MP camera. The device will run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. MetroPCS will include their joyn by MetroPCS app on the devices to give customers the ability to make video calls or take advantage of WiFi calling.

MetroPCS is making the Premia 4G available for $149 with no contract. Check out more images and the full press release after the break.

MetroPCS Continues to Deliver Value and Versatility with the Huawei Premia™ 4G

MetroPCS’ second Huawei 4G LTE smartphone packs high performance and design into affordable package

DALLAS (March 21, 2013) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, are giving consumers another great option to keep up with friends and family with a new powerful, yet affordable, 4GLTE smartphone – the Huawei Premia™ 4G – available for only $149.

This latest addition to MetroPCS’ extensive lineup of 4GLTE smartphones includes all the features for an exceptional mobile experience, including:

• 4.0-inch Corning Gorilla Glass™ screen displays a crystal-clear picture
• 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1GB RAM for effortless multitasking
• 5.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with rear-facing LED flash for improved pictures
• Video recording and playback to capture life’s special moments
• Android 4.0 operating system (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• joyn™ by MetroPCS capability delivers a unified and intuitive way to communicate and share with friends and family with enriched services like video calling and Wi-Fi calling, integrated instant messaging or chat, image, video and file sharing. The official joyn app can be downloaded via Google Play and the @metro App Store™ and is included with any 4G LTE rate plan.

MetroPCS offers consumers unmatched value when pairing the Premia 4G with any of the simplified 4GLTE rate plans, which begin at $40 per month and offer unlimited talk, text and data – all applicable taxes and regulatory-fees included. Great services like MetroPCS 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot and Rhapsody unlimited on-demand music are available for low additional monthly charges, with Rhapsody offered at the best deal in town for just $5 per month.

The Huawei Premia 4G is available in stores and online beginning today.

Come comment on this article: MetroPCS adds Huawei Premia 4G to stable of LTE devices

Verizon released an update to their Verizon Messages app today to help make messaging easier for their customers. The new update introduces an integrated messaging service that lets users send and receive messages from their phone, tablet or the web using their wireless phone number. The new update also adds an auto reply function and Verizon will save messages in the cloud for up to 90 days.

Verizon Messages includes many features that might be expected from a messaging client like group messaging abilities, customization of conversation views, spam reporting, and a widget with badge counter. The Verizon Messages app makes it easy to share your location via a message and organizes all attachments so they can be searched using a content filter. If you are a Verizon customer, you can check out the app using one of the download links below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Google Play Download Link

Come comment on this article: Verizon Messages update enables all devices for messages