Android Phone Fans |
- Google makes small changes to the Play Store, no longer linking to Nexus 10 16GB from device page
- Google Glass invites flood eBay, BINs as low as $400
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini for AT&T pictured with naked home button
- Nexus 5 pre-registration page goes live on WIND, seemingly confirms a few specs in the process
- Check out LG Canada’s huge Nexus 5 stock pile
- Google VP announces Google+ event for tomorrow morning, will live stream to the world
- Download: the iFruit for Android GTA 5 app is finally here
- Is Kit Kat planning something for their KitKat.com/Android? Domain now asking for login credentials
- Google announces upcoming Glass hardware revision, allows all Explorers to invite 3 of their friends
- LG trademarks the ‘G Health’ smart watch – will they get it right?
- Is Google building a Google Glass retail store that floats in the San Francisco Bay?
- First Nexus 5 camera samples spotted on Google+ [UPDATE]
- Nexus 5 makes appearance in Carphone Warehouse inventory, just like Nexus 4 did almost a year ago
- Soak Test invites being sent out for Verizon’s Motorola DROID phones
- Moto X now $100 cheaper off-contract through MotoMaker
| Google makes small changes to the Play Store, no longer linking to Nexus 10 16GB from device page Posted: 28 Oct 2013 05:35 PM PDT
We’ve been keeping a close, watchful eye on the Google Play Store. A few days ago, the Nexus 10 16GB listing was officially updated with “no longer available for sale” in the Google Play Store. Then, it was still up in the air on whether or not the device would return, or simply find itself replaced by the ASUS-made 2013 model.
If you needed further confirmation that the 16GB has gone the way of the dinosaur, the Play Store is now no longer linking to the 16GB version from the device homepage. Clicking on the “Nexus 10″ from the device page now takes you directly to the 32GB version, where it previously took you to the 16GB version. A small change, for sure. Just one we noticed as Google tidies up their online store in preparation for the launch of their updated models. |
| Google Glass invites flood eBay, BINs as low as $400 Posted: 28 Oct 2013 05:05 PM PDT Google Glass is an exclusive piece of tech that’s hard to get. The “select few” could soon triple as Google just announced current Glass owners will be able to invite 3 friends to buy their own Glass. Only a couple hours later, dozens of enterprising individuals took to the web, putting their Google Glass invites up for auction on eBay.
Don’t forget that in addition to winning the bid, you would still have to purchase the actual hardware, which costs about $1500. The invite codes have auctions starting at $.99 cents, some BINs around $400, and others listing them for $2000+. As of this writing, I spotted 26 Google Glass invites for sale. There’s a good chance that eBay will ban these listings since they’re not selling actual goods. Furthermore, it runs counter to the spirit in which Google offers these codes, and Google themselves could complain to eBay, prompting a takedown. While we can’t blame people for trying to make a quick buck, we can also understand why both eBay and Google would want to stop these sales dead in their tracks. There’s a good possibility that Phandroid and Android Forums will be getting in on the action, but in a much more wholesome way. Our team has 3 Google Glass Explorers: Between the 3 of us we’ve got 9 Google Glass invites: help us decide what to do with them! If you want a chance to win a Glass Invite, definitely circle the 3 of us (above) along with Phandroid, as we’ll be providing details soon. We’re aiming to do something really fun and don’t want you to miss out! |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini for AT&T pictured with naked home button Posted: 28 Oct 2013 04:46 PM PDT The Samsung Galaxy S4 might not be your thing. Maybe it’s a bit too big. Maybe you’re holding out for the smaller but still powerful Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini which is launching on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular next month. If you’re holding out for the AT&T version… we’re now showing it to you for the first time, courtesy of @evleaks.
For those considering the S4 Mini, here are some quick specs:
Has anyone been holding out on upgrading until the Galaxy S4 Mini arrives state side? Don’t forget to check out our Galaxy S4 Mini Forums! |
| Nexus 5 pre-registration page goes live on WIND, seemingly confirms a few specs in the process Posted: 28 Oct 2013 03:45 PM PDT
Canadian Carrier WIND Mobile has just posted a per-registration page for the Nexus 5 on Facebook. Specs for the device have been semi-confirmed along with the tag-line, “Google Nexus 5. The smart, new phone made to capture the moments that matter.” Here are the quick specs listed:
Still no word of an official release date, but my fingers are exhausted. I’m ready Google, take me as I am. [WIND Mobile Facebook Page | via MobileSyrup] |
| Check out LG Canada’s huge Nexus 5 stock pile Posted: 28 Oct 2013 03:26 PM PDT
When it rains, it pours. As pictured by a member over on NeoGAF forums, here is where LG Canada keeps their Nexus 5 stash. Glorious, isn’t it? According to the leaker, Canada will have upwards of 30,000 Nexus 5s available at launch. With Google paying that much attention to only Canada, we’re hopeful they’ll have a lot more for more densely populated regions. When will that be? Well, that’s still very much the million dollar question, folks. [Reddit] |
| Google VP announces Google+ event for tomorrow morning, will live stream to the world Posted: 28 Oct 2013 02:57 PM PDT
It’s not directly Android related, but that doesn’t mean you wont find something of value during tomorrow’s live streaming Google+ event. Google VP Vic Gundotra announced the G+ event scheduled for 9:30am tomorrow morning where it’s being called “A Morning, with Google+”. Looks like this may have been what both Vic and Sundar were losing sleep over the other night. We’re not sure exactly what Vic has in store for tomorrow’s event, but we’re really hoping Hangouts with SMS integration is at least one of the announcements to be revealed in the AM. Who’s joining the event? I’m bringing donuts! [via ChromeSpot] |
| Download: the iFruit for Android GTA 5 app is finally here Posted: 28 Oct 2013 02:37 PM PDT
Rockstar launched Grand Theft Auto 5 with the promise that folks would be able to customize their cars and take care of in-game pet Chop with a mobile app, but we were saddened to learn that the app was only available for iOS folks to start. Well, it’s been close to a month and a half since the game’s launch and us Android folks can finally get in on the fun. The iFruit app for Android is now available for download in the Google Play Store. Alongside the aforementioned functionality, iFruit will allow you to check up on Rockstar Games Social Club, check out LifeInvader (Rockstar’s Facebook parody), and will feature links to helpful destinations like the GTA 5 site, Rockstar’s online store, and download links for Vice City and GTA 3. Some might be screaming “too little, too late” though. Any huge Grand Theft Auto fan has likely already played this game into the ground, and the app doesn’t add so much to the gameplay experience that people are going to be rushing to the Play Store in droves to download it. In fact, my time with the app on iOS revealed an experience that fell well short of the expectations I had. It didn’t help that the servers were so bogged down that the app wasn’t even working properly that first couple of weeks after launch. Long story short — the app is here, and it’s waiting for you in the Play Store if you want it. You probably don’t need it, but in case you were wondering whether you were missing out on anything, you can now find out for yourself. Grab the download here. |
| Is Kit Kat planning something for their KitKat.com/Android? Domain now asking for login credentials Posted: 28 Oct 2013 02:27 PM PDT
Somethings a brewin’ over on Kit Kat’s Android page. You might be thinking to yourself, “I didn’t know KitKat ever had an Android landing page?” Well, that’s probably because they didn’t. What KitKat did have was their fun little 404 message when visiting KitKat.com/Android (screen shotted below as it appeared on Oct 18th). That page has recently been replaced by a new destination, one you’ll now need credentials to log into.
We’re not sure what all this means but it appears as if something is definitely going on behind the scenes, but what? Given that KitKat.com is dedicate entirely to their promotion with Android 4.4, we’d say it most certainly has something to do with Android. Other than that, your guess is as good as ours. |
| Google announces upcoming Glass hardware revision, allows all Explorers to invite 3 of their friends Posted: 28 Oct 2013 01:44 PM PDT
The Google Glass team has announced via their Google+ profile that — exactly as we’d heard previously — a new version of Google Glass will be made available for Glass Explorers shortly. The new and improved Google Glass will only be made available to those that have purchased Glass before October 28th, 2013, where Glass Explorers will have the 1-timem option to replace their current glass for the future revised version. According to Google, this Glass 2.0 will work with a future line of shades and prescription lenses for Glass users, as well as come with a mono earbud to help improve hearing in noisy environments (one of Glass’ Achilles heels). No word on if Google was able to increase the mAhs in Glass for increased battery life, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Now here comes the best part. While we still don’t know when Glass will become officially available to the public, Google is opening the Glass program to more participants. Glass Explorers now have 14 days from when sent an invite email to invite 3 friends into the program, without Google’s hand in the matter. Here are the requirements for potential Glass Explorers:
Glass is still very much in its infancy, and with even more users comes increased feedback and an even better end product. We couldn’t be more excited. [Glass Support | via Google+] |
| LG trademarks the ‘G Health’ smart watch – will they get it right? Posted: 28 Oct 2013 12:58 PM PDT
Our ninjas have come back home with a very interesting bit of news all smart watch fans will love to hear. After searching through the USPTO, we found a very interesting trademark filed by LG. The Korean manufacturer has registered the name “LG G Health” and everything points towards it being the next important smart watch in the market. Not much is detailed in the trademark filing, but we have heard rumors of such device coming from LG. Past rumors indicate that the device should be unveiled in 2014 and it will come with a flexible display (like the LG G Flex’s).
Aside from those couple details, we are left blank on information. The trademark suggests the device will be focused on health, though. This probably means it will somehow monitor your workouts and physical activity. We hope LG executes this the right way. Smart watched often fail, whether they are built around functionality or exercise. Can LG get the right mix of both worlds? I am not sure, but I have been very pleased with LG’s work in the smartphone world lately. I have big hopes for the LG G Health. |
| Is Google building a Google Glass retail store that floats in the San Francisco Bay? Posted: 28 Oct 2013 12:46 PM PDT Well, isn’t this quite the interesting story to come off of afternoon lunch to? According to several reports, Google could be the culprit behind a secret project being worked on sitting on a barge inside the San Francisco Bay. Specifically, it’s docked inside Clipper’s Cove, a pocket of sea sitting right inside former US Navy Base Treasure Island.
According to CNN, a four-story structure made of shipping containers is acting as a hangar for Google to work on some sort of project, but what could this project be? One theory is that it’s another addition to the many data centers Google already controls. Data centers on top of water are a thing, apparently, thanks to the natural cooling properties of water, and the ability to use water to facilitate renewable energy. Google even has a patent for something like that. That’s a decent guess, but some people are saying that’s bologna. Google’s being more secretive than usual about this one, leading some to believe the company is doing the unthinkable — they’re possibly building a Google Glass retail store. That much was reported by CNN affiliate KPIX, with the station saying Google wants to eventually move the barge to the shores of San Francisco and open the store up to the general public. As awesome as all of that sounds, there’s only one problem with that — Google supposedly stopped work on the barge three weeks ago. This could mean a couple of different things:
Sources say it’s the former, though, and that the reason Google has yet to commence plans with docking at the San Francisco Bay is because they don’t yet have a permit to do such a thing. It’s a pretty outrageous prediction, but Google is known to shake things up every once in a while.
Building such a crazy retail store to sell Google Glass units would be the ultimate move to generate consumer interest — who wouldn ‘t want to go into a store built on water just because it’s built on water? I know I would. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this story as the weeks progress, though if this mystery barge really is a Google Glass retail store it might be a while before any leg is shaken (as the glasses aren’t expected to launch until sometime early next year). |
| First Nexus 5 camera samples spotted on Google+ [UPDATE] Posted: 28 Oct 2013 12:12 PM PDT
We know the Nexus 5 is coming. There have been so many leaks, it’s become more like a steady flow of information out of Google and her employees. Take these camera samples posted over the weekend from Googlers on G+. At first glance, they appear to be nothing more than average everyday pictures of vegetables and family. However, diving into the EXIF data we find the device used to take the picture is listed as the Nexus 5. A few more images was discovered showing a strapping young Googler during what appears to be a family Halloween event at the Googleplex. How fun. Yes, folks. These are our first camera samples of the Nexus 5. Full resolution images posted below. Feel free to dissect.
Update: A few images have been removed at the request of owner’s privacy. Josh Armour Google+, Pavni Diwanji Google+ | via Nitroz on Google+ |
| Nexus 5 makes appearance in Carphone Warehouse inventory, just like Nexus 4 did almost a year ago Posted: 28 Oct 2013 11:29 AM PDT
The Nexus 4′s appearance in a Carphone Warehouse inventory screen last year It was almost a year ago we were tipped off to the Nexus 4′s impending release after the device made a quick appearance in Carphone Warehouse’s inventory. Offering a little more than confirmation of the device’s retail name (at that point we still didn’t know what the phone would be officially called), the Nexus 4 wasn’t made official until October 29th.
Today we are now seeing the Nexus 5 pop up in a Carphone Warehouse’s inventory screen, this time with the quantity of units the retailer currently has on hand. If the units being carried are any indication, Google could be planning a big release for the device… you know, once they can finally make it official. The inventory screen shows 1,500 units in stock of the white version, with another 1,500 allegedly being housed in black (not shown). Perhaps Google is simply wanting to make sure stores are fully stocked before making the phone official. Anything to avoid last year’s Nexus 4 supply shortages. As a refresher, Google first sent out invites for the Nexus 4′s “Android event” on October 17th, before the October 29th event was eventually cancelled due to a hurricane. Seems Google could be a bit behind schedule. Don’t forget @evleaks first leaked official renders of the Nexus 4 on October 24th (Nexus 5′s leaked on the 26th). The Nexus 4 and 10 were both officially available from the Google Play on November 13th.
via AndroidPolice |
| Soak Test invites being sent out for Verizon’s Motorola DROID phones Posted: 28 Oct 2013 10:20 AM PDT Word around the block is that Motorola and Verizon are getting ready to issue some upgrades to their latest handsets soon. Members of Motorola’s feedback community are receiving invitations to partake in a soak test for the Motorola DROID Ultra, DROID MAXX, and DROID Mini soon, which means we are right around the corner from an official upgrade going out over-the-air to owners of the handsets.
It’s not yet clear what we should be expecting, though we imagine many of the same fixes and changes Verizon Moto X owners got in a recent upgrade could apply. We can’t assume too much, of course, so we’ll just have to wait for an official changelog before we know what, exactly, is in store. We can tell you one thing, though — it likely won’t be Android 4.3, and it definitely won’t be Android 4.4. Don’t expect much more than a simple bug fixing affair, otherwise your hopes are sure to be crushed by the time this upgrade is made available for the rest of Big Red’s DROID faithful. Be sure to check your inbox for an invitation if you’re part of the feedback group, and don’t be shy to let us know what’s different once you receive the upgrade at some point within the next few days.
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| Moto X now $100 cheaper off-contract through MotoMaker Posted: 28 Oct 2013 09:55 AM PDT
If you’ve been looking for a good reason to snap up a Moto X without having to sign a two-year contract for AT&T, a $100 price drop might be a good reason. After seeing the phone come down in price to $99 and $149 on the two-year agreement deal, Motorola has now also applied that same price drop to their off-contract pricing. That means you’ll be able to get a Moto X for as little as $480 without having to sign a two-year contract (add $50 for the 32GB version). Unfortunately, things still aren’t all peachy with the MotoMaker. AT&T is still the only carrier supported, though Motorola did promise that exclusively wouldn’t last forever. They still don’t have the wooden backs that some folks are holding out for. They haven’t even reintroduced custom engravings, with Motorola said to be having trouble ensuring the highest etching quality. With all of those negatives it’s tough for many people to get excited about getting a MotoMaker edition of those phone, but if you’re one of the few who don’t mind the current stipulations and circumstances you can head to Motorola’s site to order yours today. |
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