Author: Macky Evangelista

It was only time before the specs for Samsung’s impending two devices in the Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy S4 Active were to become available. Here’s what you can expect with the S4 Zoom:

• 4.3” 540x960px Super AMOLED display
• 1.6 GHz dual-core CPU, no LTE support
• Android Jelly Bean OS
• 8 GB of built-in memory, micro-SD support
• 1.9mpx fron facing camera
• 16 megapixel main camera, with 10x Optical Zoom
• Bluetooth 4.0LE, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, A-GPS
• 1900 mAh battery

As for the waterproof Galaxy S4 Active:

• 5” Super AMOLED Full HD display
• Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU
• Adreno 320 GPU
• 2GB of RAM
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS
• LTE support
• 16GB of built-in memory, microSD support
• Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, NFC, IR blaster
• 2600 mAh battery

While the Zoom looks more like a watered down S4 with a better camera, the Active is more or less the same as the S4 but will have a more “rugged” outer shell and will be waterproof. No news yet on which US carriers will sell these devices, but I’m sure we’ll know more sometime next month.

source: Hi-Tech

Come comment on this article: Specs for Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom and waterproof Galaxy S4 Active leaked

With the current announcement of the two “Nexus Experience” devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, many have wondered what that will do to Google’s Nexus device line. Rest assured as Google’s own Sundar Pichai assures us all that the Nexus line will be alive and well. We can most definitely expect Google to continue, after all the sales of these Nexus devices has never been Google’s number one priority, having a pure Google device out there for developers and enthusiasts is why Google releases these phones/tablets in the first place. I truly feel that the Nexus line is essential and vitally important to Android’s ecosystem.

During the All Things Digital conference Pichai was also candid about Samsung’s huge success in the mobile industry due to Android. While some speculate whether Google should be worried about Samsung overshadowing them, Google and Pichai certainly aren’t and is happy with the success the South Korean company is enjoying. While the same can’t be said about the company that Google actually owns in Motorola, I’m sure Google’s plans for the company has still yet to be seen and with the recent announcement of the Moto X, maybe things may change in the near future.

What do you guys think about Google keeping the Nexus line alive and is happy with what it provides to the Android community as a whole?

source: Phandroid

Come comment on this article: Android chief Sundar Pichai reassures us that the Nexus program will stay alive

Google Play Music has been updated and given some features that I had no idea it didn’t even have. The official version is 5.0.1041J and includes:

v5.0.1041J
* Added option to delete tracks
* Can share song and add to playlist from Now Playing screen
* Remove from My Library now supported

For some reason I always thought the ability to delete tracks has always been there. Either way, good to see it being added. Links to the Play Store will be right below!

 
Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Google Play Music app updated to version 5.0.1041J

This recent video uploaded by Nvidia shows off the Shield project in its final form (firmware wise). Also in the video is Sonic 4 Episode II and Expendable Rearmed being showcased and will be part of pre-loaded games that will be on the device. The device has been up for pre-orders since May 17th and will currently run you $350. Check out the video right after the break!

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: NVIDIA

Come comment on this article: Nvidia releases video showing off final firmware of Shield with some pre-loaded games

The HTC One has been a great success thus far for the struggling company with more than 5 million units sold to date. While it’s a great number, HTC claims it could have sold even more if it wasn’t for supply shortages. It’s not new news that the HTC One did suffer some serious supply shortages upon its release earlier this quarter. What’s interesting about this comment by HTC is that they’re not blaming the lack of supplies via production, but yet they’re blaming other companies like Samsung claiming they use it as a “strategy” to essentially bottleneck other companies such as HTC in selling more of their devices.

HTC’s own Jack Tong used the HTC Desire as a prime example of this. 2 years ago when the Desire was selling quite well for the company, they had to halt the production and ultimately affected some of its sales because Samsung stopped supplying the company with the AMOLED screens that were being used on the device. HTC was forced to slightly redesign the phone and supply it with an LCD screen instead. It was then that Tong mentioned,“We found that key component supply can be used as a competitive weapon.”

source: Focus Taiwan

Come comment on this article: HTC accusing Samsung for ‘using component shortages’ as a competitive weapon

Well folks, some actual “real” facts have finally surfaced concerning the infamous Motorola X phone. Coming from Motorola’s own Dennis Woodside himself, the device will come out this October and most of it will be built in Fort Worth, Texas. Woodside even gave a slight tease mentioning the device is already in his pocket.

You can expect the device to feature a galore of sensors. One being a sensor that can detect when the device has been taken out of the pocket, and even a sensor that will detect how fast you’re currently traveling if you were to be in a car that way the phone will act differently for safety measures.

Sadly that’s all we know about the device, screen size, processor and everything else is still up in the air. I’m sure more about the device will surface sometime this summer as it will eventually have to pass through the FCC. Stay tuned!

source: All Things D

Come comment on this article: Infamous Motorola X phone will come out by October and is packed with several different sensors

Qualcomm’s BatteryGuru app is now out of beta with it’s latest update in the Play Store. This was released back in February and I’ve been using the beta on my Nexus 4 ever since. While I haven’t noticed too much of a difference, any difference is nice. It kind of works like the Juice Defender app that’s already in the Play Store, but in a much smaller scale. Give it a shot if you have a device that uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon CPU! Video and link below after the break.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Qualcomm’s BatteryGuru app now out of beta

Whether you love or hate rumors, there’s plenty of them going around about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 3 that is slated for release later this Fall. The latest bit of rumors about the device is that it is expected to have Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 800 CPU and will also feature a 13-megapixel camera, much like its Galaxy S4 brethren. I’m not sure if this rumor is pertaining to the US versions of the device, because as we all know Samsung likes to use their Exynos processors on the non US versions of their S4′s and used it on their current Note 2.

There are also rumors of the Note 3 being housed in aluminum or some type of metal, but none of that has been confirmed. The only thing I hope Samsung does with the Note 3 is that they keep the 5.5″ display size. Any larger is just too ridiculous in my opinion. Either way, more rumors about this device should be expected within the next couple of months leading to its announcement later during the end of Q3 or starts or Q4.

source: zdnet

Thanks Steve!

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 rumored to have Snapdragon 800 CPU alongside a 13-megapixel camera

Today Nokia has decided to file yet another patent suit against HTC claiming infringement with the HTC One its main target. According to Nokia, HTC hasn’t taken any action to prevent infringement and said the company “tried to shift responsibility to its suppliers.”

Nokia’s obvious main goal here is to somehow stop HTC’s sales of the One. This is still a developing story, as soon as we know more we’ll be sure to let you all know.

source: zdnet

Come comment on this article: Nokia brings up new patent suit against HTC in hopes to ban HTC One sales

Thanks to XDA user chaleen, new screenshots of a Nexus 4 in Thailand’s Mobile Expo 2013  running Android 4.3 have surfaced. So far nothing too interesting in the screenshots as it just shows the build and kernel info, but one of them was fairly interesting as it shows a slightly re-designed UI for Google’s stock camera UI.  You can check out that screenshot right below.

Not much else is known about Android 4.3, but we expect it to be just a minor update much like how 4.2 was from 4.1. From previous reports, we should expect 4.3 to be pushed into Nexus devices sometime next month.

source: XDA

Come comment on this article: New screenshots of Android 4.3 surface; shows slightly different camera software UI

Once again thanks to evleaks’ Twitter account, Huawei’s Ascend P6 has been leaked through various screen shots. With the thickness of just 6.2 mm’s, this should be the worlds thinnest smartphone upon release. The device will have a 4.7 inch 720p display. Not much else is known about the device, but it should be announced sometime next month during an event in London.

source: evleaks

Come comment on this article: Huawei Ascend P6 leaked

Looks like there’s news that Verizon and AT&T will both receive a developer edition of Samsung’s Galaxy S4. Both of these versions of the S4 have a locked down bootloader, so it makes sense for a developer edition to come out on both of these companies. While developers over at XDA have already dismantled and un-locked the bootloader in both of these respective devices, it is still nice to see Verizon and AT&T releasing an unlocked version for those who wish to purchase one.

Lets not get confused with the Google Edition of the S4 that’s due out to be released next month, these two developer phones are still running TouchWiz and not stock Android. The only difference is that the bootloader is unlocked compared to the regular versions of it that Verizon and AT&T currently sell.

Anyone on AT&T or Verizon nabbing this?

source: Samsung

Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S4 Developer Edition slated for AT&T and Verizon

Remember during Google IO when an HTC employee hinted at a “stock Google experience” HTC One in response to Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Google Edition? Well, that seems to be inching closer and closer towards the truth as even more “tipsters” have confirmed such a device is indeed coming. Now before you write this out as just another rumor, keep in mind where this rumor comes from. Russel Holly from Geek.com first outed the Google Edition of the S4 the night before it was announced, and now he claims the same sources that gave him that information are now providing the same in regards to a “Sense-less” HTC One.

No actual date has been given, but he did say that one of the sources said the device should be announced in the next two weeks or so with a summer release. Of course, this is still a non-factual rumor so take it for what it is. The Sense software helps make the HTC One as great as it is in my opinion, thus I’m not sure if having a stock Android HTC One device would make it any better. Either way, having it out there as a choice is certainly a great thing and something plenty of people will be excited for.

What do you guys think of a Google Edition HTC One?

source: Geek

Come comment on this article: After much speculation, HTC may in fact release a “Sense-less” stock Android version of their HTC One

LoJack, if you’re familiar with their software for computers and laptops, have made the jump into mobile device territory with the Samsung Galaxy S4 as their first supported device. With this software you’ll be able to trace, lock, and of course, remotely wipe your device if you choose to do so. Unlike other soft wares, LoJack stays in your phone no matter what you do to it, such as factory resetting the device. More importantly you’ll get LoJack’s experience with their years of success in the laptop and computer industry, so you know their representatives are highly trained to retrieve your device.

So far no date of the release has been set, but we expect it to be around this summer. Prices have yet to be confirmed but it should range depending on the longevity of your desired subscription. Hit up the break for the full press release!

Absolute Software Launches an Industry First with a Consumer Theft Recovery Solution for Android Smartphones

Available Soon for the Samsung GALAXY S4

Vancouver, Canada: May 21, 2013 – Absolute® Software Corporation (TSX: ABT), the industry standard for persistent endpoint security and management solutions for computers, laptops and ultra-portable devices today announced it is first to market with a consumer theft recovery solution for Android smartphones.

This solution is the result of the Absolute Software and Samsung global partnership announced in early April 2013. Samsung has embedded patented Absolute persistence technology into select Samsung GALAXY devices starting with the Samsung GALAXY S4.

Leveraging the same Absolute persistence technology used in LoJack for Laptops, once installed and activated it cannot be removed even if the device is restored to factory settings. When a protected Samsung GALAXY S4 is stolen, the Absolute Investigations and Recovery Services team will work with law enforcement globally to get the device back. Users can also remotely lock, locate their device or delete sensitive files to prevent identity theft.

Smartphone theft is on the rise, more than 40 percent of all robberies in New York City involve smartphones and other cell phones. Other major US cities have similar statistics, with robberies involving cell phones comprising 30-40 percent of all robberies.*

“Absolute’s unique approach to investigations and theft recovery is exactly what is needed to solve this serious epidemic of smartphone and mobile device theft that is sweeping across our nation,” stated Sheriff Leon Lott, Sheriff, Richland County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Department.

“With the rapid growth of smartphone use, mobile theft has increased extensively putting consumers at personal risk. I am thrilled we can provide consumers with a solution to address this serious issue,” said Mark Grace, Vice President, Consumer at Absolute Software. “With our consumer theft recovery solution installed and activated on Samsung GALAXY S4s, users can rest assured that their device can be recovered in the event it is stolen with the help of the Absolute Investigations and Recovery Services team, which has assisted in more than 29,000 successful recoveries in 98 countries.”

*FCC, Announcement of New Initiatives to Combat Smartphone and Data Theft, April 10, 2012

Availability
The consumer theft recovery solution for Android smartphones will be available early this summer starting at $29.99 with several subscription options ranging from one year up to four years. For more information: www.LoJackforLaptops.com/android

About Absolute Software
Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the industry standard in persistent endpoint security and management for computers, laptops, ultra-portable devices and smartphones. The Company, a leader in device security and management tracking for more than 20 years, has over 30,000 commercial customers worldwide. Positioned as a Visionary vendor in Gartner, Inc.’s Magic Quadrant for Client Management Tools, Absolute’s solutions – Computrace®, Absolute Manage®, Absolute Service, Absolute Secure Drive, and Computrace LoJack for Laptops – provide organizations with actionable intelligence to prove compliance, securely manage BYOD, and deliver comprehensive visibility and control over all of their devices and data. Absolute persistence technology is embedded in the firmware of computers, netbooks, tablets and smartphones by global leaders, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic, Samsung, and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software, visit www.absolute.com.

Come comment on this article: LoJack launches phone recovery service with the Samsung Galaxy S4 as its first supported device

Today LG announced their high-end waterproof handset called the Optimus GJ. The device is just slightly larger than the original Optimus G at 131.9 x 68.9 x 8.5 mm vs. 136.9 x 68.9 x 9.9 mm. It can stay underwater up to 1 meter for as long as 3 minutes. It also features a 4.7 inch IPS HD display, Bluetooth 4.0, 13MP rear camera, quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory, MicroSD card slot, and a 2,280 mAh battery.

The GJ should be available around June for about $600.

source: ePrice

Come comment on this article: Waterproof LG Optimus GJ E975W officially announced, will be priced at $600

Ummm, what? You read it right folks, Jennifer Lopez has launched her premium wireless retail center dubbed “Viva Movil” which directly aims the Latino community. Viva Movil is teaming up with Verizon to provide the phones, tablets, and of course the cell phone service for their customers. Viva Movil is no different than going to any other Verizon store or retailer and acquiring their service. Viva Movil will have the same prices, and their devices will be exactly the same as Verizon’s, even branding and all.

So one may ask, what’s the difference? Well, J-Lo wants Viva Movil to make cell phone service purchasing a less painful task for the Latino community by having (I’m assuming) bi-lingual representatives and even having a play area for kids when they shop with their families.

You can expect this to launch in large metro areas such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami. For now no exact launch dates have been announced, but we expect that to come soon enough.

I honestly have no idea why there was a need for this. I obviously have my own opinions on this, but I’ll hold off and ask you guys what you think about this. Good idea, bad idea or are you just as confused as I am?

source: Viva Movil

Come comment on this article: Viva Movil, a mobile service focused on Latino consumers by Jennifer Lopez

Google Chrome for Android has been updated today and brings forth full screen browsing for your viewing pleasures. The version is 27 and here’s what else you can expect within the update per Google:

The Chrome team is excited to announce the promotion of Chrome 27 to the Stable channel. Chrome for Android 27.0.1453.90 contains a number of improvments including:

• Fullscreen on phones – Scroll down the page and the toolbar will disappear.
• Simpler searching – Searching from the omnibox will keep your search query visible in the omnibox, making it easier to edit, and show more on your search result page.
• Client-side certificate support – You can now access sites that require you to use a certificate and Chrome will allow you to select an installed certificate
• Tab history on tablets – Long press the browser back button to view your tab histor
• And a ton of stability and performance fixes

Download link after the break! Anyone excited about this new feature?

 
Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Full screen browsing comes to mobile Chrome with new update

Google Drive for mobile devices has been updated and brings forth a new UI as well as some useful tools. Here’s what you can expect with the update:

– New grid view makes it easier to find your files
– New quick preview lets you view photos and other files from within the app
– Scan documents, receipts and letters for safe keeping in Drive; then search by contents once uploaded
– Download a copy of files to your local device (Honeycomb+)
– Spreadsheet editor now supports changing fonts, colors and cell alignment
– View properties of files from within the editors
– Bug fixes and visual improvements

Out of curiosity, do you guys use Drive often? Or do you prefer a differ cloud based service? Links after the break!

Play Store Download Link

Come comment on this article: Google Drive mobile app updated; Brings forth card UI

Early last month Facebook rolled out free VOIP calls for iOS and Android users via their Messaging app. Sadly, the feature was only available in Canada. While done quietly, Facebook has rolled out a new update to the app that expands the availability of this feature to the US and to the rest of the world.

To access this, make sure you have the app installed or have it updated. In a chat window, simply tap the “i” button and the option should be readily available for you. Links for download will be available after the break!

Facebook Messenger

Come comment on this article: Free VOIP calls between Facebook users now made available around the world through its Messenger app

In a recent interview, Google’s very own Larry Page has finally confirmed that Google Glass does indeed run the Android operating system. While it was widely assumed so, no official confirmation has ever been made until now. While it is a modified version of Android, it is nice to see the flexibility of Google’s operating system and it’s diversity in cross-platform.

What does this mean for Glass’ future? Well, integration  with Glass and your Android powered smartphone or any other device would be easy and probably recommended.

Does this confirmation make you guys any more excited for Google’s Glass’ impending release?

source: Techcrunch

Come comment on this article: Larry Page confirms that Android does indeed run Google Glass