Android Phone Fans |
- Hangouts on iOS updated with free voice calling, no SIM card required
- LG G2 review
- Mobile Roar Podcast: Nexus 5 leaks galore, Windows Phone Update 3, iPad event scheduled for October 22nd
- T-Mobile’s Android 4.3 update for HTC One slightly delayed
- Nexus 5 retail packaging leaks, hints at white variant
- Google stock breaks the $1000 mark for the first time
- HTC’s head of global PR leaving company after only four months
- Sony’s new wireless charging technology could give your phone a full battery in less than an hour
| Hangouts on iOS updated with free voice calling, no SIM card required Posted: 18 Oct 2013 06:29 PM PDT
Phandroids. Don’t freak out now, but Hangouts for iOS just got a major update in the App Store. Before you get all up in arms, just rest easy in knowing that it will soon come to Android. Feeling better? Okay, good. Let’s get into what’s new. Hangouts for iOS now gives users the ability to make free phone calls (US and Canada only) using their Google Voice numbers — NO SIM REQUIRED. That’s right, calls will be made using WiFi or cellular data, freeing up your voice minutes and leaving you free to try and figure out what the hell you’re doing with your current voice plan. Normally, using Google Voice to make calls would still use your voice minutes, as the service would act as a middleman calling both parties. But this. This changes everything. Pretty darn epic. Us Android users need not feel left out, Google’s Vic Gundotra promises we’ll soon be “happy” too. The only thing missing now is using Hangouts for Google Voice SMS messaging, which we’re sure will arrive in the very near future. Oh, yeah, there was something about GIFs, and Hangouts gradually turning down music volume when you receive a call….. FREE PHONE CALLS! |
| Posted: 18 Oct 2013 05:45 PM PDT
Let’s face it, smartphones have become too powerful for us to even worry about about raw specs. If you are getting a high-end device, they will all be nearly identical in terms of performance, with only milliseconds in loading to put them apart. A smartphone needs to set itself apart from the competition by being unique and having great features/software. Can the LG G2 stand against competitors like the almighty Samsung Galaxy S4, the amazingly-built HTC One and other high-end powerhouses like the Galaxy Note 3? It certainly is different, with a form factor that is unlike any other smartphone and features that will not disappoint. I will tell you now it is my favorite smartphone to date. Why? Let’s jump into the review to show what this beast of a smartphone is all about.  LG G2 specifications
LG G2 build qualityIdeally, such amazing specs should be housed in an equally-stunning body. LG’s reputation doesn’t help, but the manufacturer has been building some rather stunning devices sine the LG Optimus G (read our LG Optimus G review for more details). That phone was built amazingly, with a uni-body that had no flaws and a glass back and front (mimicking the iPhone 4′s style). Is the successor in the same level? The LG G2 is a very well-built device. It does sport a plastic back that resembles Samsung’s, but it feels much sturdier and solid. There are no “air pockets” or flimsy spots. The buttons in the back are not flimsy and offer very nice feedback. Save for the power button, which is a tiny bit softer, but that is something you won’t ever really worry about (more on this in the software section).
Overall, the LG G2 is plasticky, but not in a bad sense. It is solid and well-built. The experience is improved by a very minimalistic look created by the combination of button placement and on-screen buttons. The device is very sleek and good-looking. And you are in for a prize if you are a Verizon customer. This version actually has metal buttons in the back, instead of the international plastic ones. I actually prefer the plastic ones, as it is easy to confuse which button is which with the Verizon version. Then again, that is my opinion. Build quality does happen to be slightly better thanks to this design change. LG G2 designThe LG G2 is a one-of-a-kind when it comes to form-factor. It is the very first Android smartphone to take the physical buttons off the side and place them on the back of the smartphone. If you have heard anything about the LG G2, it is the fact it has the buttons on the back. The point of this? Part hype, part functionality.
The power and volume buttons are placed right below the back-facing camera, where most people’s index fingers rest when they are holding a smartphone. Yes, it is a very weird placement and something we are not used to. I found most times I was looking for the buttons on the side, but once you change your mindset you realize it really does make sense. It was a breeze to reach those buttons for changing the volume. As for the power button, I literally only used it a few times. LG G2 software and performanceBest feature EVER!There is one software feature I absolutely adore from this phone. LG calls it ‘Knock On’, and it allows you to turn the device on by tapping the screen twice. It is such a simple addition, but it makes a whole other difference!
Another cool feature is Answer Me, which makes it easier to answer calls by simply putting the phone to your face. You also get all the cool features that came with the LG Optimus G, including QSlide. You also get some extras like Quick Remote and Guest Mode. Android Jelly Bean and LG’s UIAndroid 4.2.2 Jelly Bean runs great on the LG G2. But of course, it is powered by the very best processor in the mobile industry – Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800. Normally, a device would be dragged down by custom manufacturer UIs, but this bad boy shows no signs of weakness. No doubt many of you will not be great fans of LG’s interface, like with many other smartphones and manufacturers. Is LG’s software that bad, though? I certainly prefer it over Samsung’s TouchWiz, and people seem to love that phone. In fact, the LG G2′s UI is nearly-identical to that of the LG Optimus G. You are offered a nice lock screen with neat shortcuts in the bottom. The notification center doesn’t offer the cool two finger swipe-down access to toggles, but those are placed right on top of the notification center.
The app drawer is divided by apps and widget toggles, and the Settings features a very convenient layout. You can choose to have your good ol’ vertical list of options, but I happen to love LG’s tabbed Settings menu. It separates your settings by network, sound, display and general. This makes it very easy to find the settings you need at the moment. Just tap on the tab of choice and you are in. PerformanceThe LG G2 is fast… stunningly fast! There is almost no lag when opening apps, games run smooth as butter and boot time is insane. It literally takes about 6-8 seconds for this phone to boot. The LG G2′s boot time is hands down the best I have ever seen. You can’t really expect less from a well-optimized software, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM and Jelly Bean. Control the LG G2 from your computerOne feature I really love from LG devices seems to have gone under the radar for most reviewers out there. I love the fact some LG devices feature what the manufacturer calls OSP (or On-Screen Phone). This allows you to control your smartphone from your computer using a WiFi connection. Lag is almost inexistent and it is a dream come true for those who work from a computer and don’t want to pull their phones out for every meaningless notification. Display and sound
The LG G2′s 5.2-inch display is as great as you can expect it to be. The 1080p Full HD resolution makes text, videos and images look amazing, of course. What I love about this display is that it features an IPS panel. IPS displays offer the most “true to life” colors. The LG G2′s display is not over-saturated like AMOLED smartphones and there is no need to worry about AMOLED’s infamous pentile matrix. Of course, this is a matter of preference, but there is nothing like good colors for a good movie or photo. As for sound, it is good, but not amazing. The LG G2 is the first smartphone to feature 24bit, 192kHz Hi-Fi sound. This means the sound quality and precision is higher. The volume is not very high, though, and there is a slight design problem with the device’s speaker. The speaker is located on the bottom edge of the device, along with the microphone. This is a bad design element, as one tends to cover the bottom edge of the phone when holding it landscape. Your hand rests right on top of the speaker, muffling the otherwise awesome sound.
Camera
With the buttons in the back, you find yourself often touching the camera by accident. This would normally mean blurry shots, but LG kept this in mind and discarded the issue. The lens is protected by a sapphire crystal treated for fingerprint protection. It is also 3 times stronger than sapphire crystal, so it will be pretty hard to damage it. What I loved most about this camera was the software, though. It really puts the LG G2 next to the other big guys in terms of camera features. You get your regular shots, HDR, panorama, VR panorama (LG’s version of Photosphere), burst shot, time catch and more. My favorite was Dual Camera mode, though, which uses both back and front-facing cameras to take a shot (like Samsung’s). Here are some images samples so you can take a look at the image quality. I have photos in dim-lit, dark and well-lit environments.          Battery LifeThis is the factor that will make or break any smartphone. I don’t care if your device opens apps and loads games at the speed of light, anything without at least a full “work day” of battery life will not make it in the market. Fortunately, the LG G2 meets our expectations and goes all in with a royal flush. This phone completely impressed me, and I come from using a Galaxy Note 2 as a daily driver. The LG G2 handles that 3,000 mAh battery like a BOSS. I would get a minimum of about 24-25 hours on a heavy day and about 40 hours with average/light usage. I was able to take it on a 3-day weekend once, and I plugged it in for about 3 hours total during that whole time. Came back home with about 20% left (this was light to average usage). In fact, our very own Chris Chavez had the chance to test it and was able to pull over 3 hours of continuous screen-on time!
ConclusionSo, should you buy the LG G2? I say heck yes! And not often do I get so excited about any smartphone. Especially lately. And no, I am not being paid anything to say this! The LG G2 happens to be my very favorite smartphone right now, and I am highly considering buying it for myself. It’s specs are state of the art, design is very sleek and good-looking, it has killer features and battery life is unmatched.
The only downside I can see is software and the plasticky build quality. Camera is also not great, but it will still create some awesome shots for social networking (You must also consider I like photography and use a DSLR. I am spoiled!). Those are very subjective topics, though. Sadly, I am afraid all this amazing work by LG will be trumped by the lack of popularity LG holds in the smartphone market. As it is, I say the LG G2 is the phone to get right now and I would be disappointed to see it fail. The LG G2 is currently available from all major carriers in the US, and many other internationally. In the US, you can get it from AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon. Prices range up to $200, but I can honestly say those will be the best $200 I will ever spend on a smartphone. |
| Posted: 18 Oct 2013 02:02 PM PDT This week on the Mobile Roar Podcast we try our luck at deciphering the Kit Kat’s clues — what does it all mean? We also talk about the new iPads to be announced at the end of the month, Microsoft's Nexus-like Windows Phone update delivery system, and of course all things Nexus 5. There’s always the usual dose of crazy off-topic chatter! Tune in and watch or listen, it’s up to you. Top News for the Week
Wins and Fails of the Week
Thanks for listening. Follow us on Twitter and send us your comments or questions to podcast[at]mobileroar[dot]com. Joe Fedewa (@jayzeroeee) - WinSource.com _______________________________________________________________________________ Download MP3 This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| T-Mobile’s Android 4.3 update for HTC One slightly delayed Posted: 18 Oct 2013 11:30 AM PDT
For those following the Android 4.3 update saga for the HTC One, we know that both AT&T and Sprint have pushed out updates to their customers, with T-Mobile and Verizon still waiting in the wings. When we last left you, HTC’s US President Jason Mackenzie updated us on the T-Mobile situation, telling us to expect in 4.3 to hit devices over next few days. Well, a few days has passed, and after inquiries as to what happened, Mackenzie let one Twitter user know the update has been delayed. It’s now looking like it Android 4.3 will begin pushing out on Monday, October 21st. A few days late, but worth the wait. The update will bring a handful of enhancements to the HTC One like a new Quick Settings toggles, and other Sense 5 tweaks. Those of you checking your refreshing your device’s Software Updates setting can now give it a rest over the weekend. We’ll update you again on Monday. Thanks, Ryan! |
| Nexus 5 retail packaging leaks, hints at white variant Posted: 18 Oct 2013 08:21 AM PDT
A new leak has popped up showing what is claimed to be the retail packaging of the Nexus 5. Anyone surprised? The packaging itself is rather ho-hum, showing off a render of the device that matches what surfaced on Google Play yesterday. What really catches our attention, though, is what appears to be a render of the device in white. More specifically, the box seems to show off a two-tone version with a white back and black front. While black and white variants are nothing new, this is the first we have seen of the Nexus 5 in an alternate color scheme. Previous leaks have showcased the device in black alone. With retail packaging already seemingly assembled, the Nexus 5 might launch with multiple color options, which would be a nice touch. What do you guys think? Liking the idea of a white Nexus 5?
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| Google stock breaks the $1000 mark for the first time Posted: 18 Oct 2013 08:01 AM PDT
Google’s strong third quarter has investors showing their confidence in the tech giant. Following yesterday’s remarks, which highlighted financial figures that beat analyst expectations, Google’s stock value has increased nearly 33 percent, rising to over $1000 for the first time in the company’s history. Google announced $14.89 billion in revenues for Q3 amidst plans for Google Experience kiosks at Best Buy stores, the potential for a Google-powered smartwatch, and the upcoming launch of Android KitKat and the Nexus 5. This is on top of a search business that continues to see growth and an advertising arm that will account for 33 percent of all online ad business by the end of the year. It’s a great time to be Google. It’s a better time to be one of the lucky ones who invested early in what has grown to be one of the biggest forces in not only technology, but the world. In case you were wondering, when Google first went public shares were priced at $85 a pop. [via Bloomberg] |
| HTC’s head of global PR leaving company after only four months Posted: 18 Oct 2013 07:24 AM PDT
Lorain Wong was hired as HTC’s head of global PR in June of this year. Four months later she is making her exit. The departure is only the latest in a string of company executives taking their leave from a company that has seen better days. Wong is the the third high-ranking PR team member to resign from HTC in the past two years. Though Wong’s run as part of HTC’s executive team has ended, she will remain a consultant for the Taiwanese smartphone maker for at least the next few months. The circumstances surrounding her departure were described as personal. HTC has been working to rebound from a trend of that has seen the company take financial losses quarter after quarter, but the worst might be yet to come. The company is in the midst of an expensive, global marketing push that looks to reshape the image of Android device manufacturer. So far the results have been less than positive. [via Bloomberg] |
| Sony’s new wireless charging technology could give your phone a full battery in less than an hour Posted: 18 Oct 2013 06:32 AM PDT
Wireless charging has yet to reach its prime. This is partly because the technology isn’t widespread enough, but it also has something to do with the slow charging times often associated with the standard. Sony is hoping to change that with a new take on the idea that could mean a full charge for your smartphone in less than an hour. The company has based their latest advancement on the most recent Qi protocols, so it theoretically should operate using the same (or similar) equipment to what is already available. While it won’t be a completely new method or standard, it will transfer power at a rate of 10 to 15 watts, which is quite the boost from what is currently available. Unfortunately the new method is still in the development phases. We won’t be seeing it in a smartphone until at least the second half of 2014. Still, it’s one more reason we hope Sony eventually makes a bigger push in markets outside of Japan and Europe. [via Engadget] |
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