Android Phone Fans |
- The not-so-mini LG G2 Mini announced
- Samsung provides KitKat source for Sprint Galaxy Note 3, update just around the corner
- Samsung teases new Exynos Infinity processor for MWC debut – Could it be 64-bit?
- Android 4.3 for the HTC EVO 4G LTE now available for manual installation [DOWNLOAD]
- Facebook is buying WhatsApp for around $16 billion
- Google I/O 2014 taking place June 24th – 26th (126 days and counting)
- Google to explore nine new metropolitan areas for Google Fiber expansion
- Samsung Galaxy S5 test photo leaked, 16MP camera and software features detailed
- Samsung goes back to bashing Apple in latest ad campaign [VIDEO]
- “The All New HTC One” (M8) leaks in unofficially official press image
- Zample is like Shazam for advertising and second screen experiences
- BBM for Android now available for Gingerbread users
- Microsoft rebrands SkyDrive to OneDrive, brings automatic photo backup to Android
| The not-so-mini LG G2 Mini announced Posted: 19 Feb 2014 07:00 PM PST
There’s something to be said about the definition of the word “mini” when 4.7-inch devices fit under that category in this day and age. That’s exactly what the LG G2 Mini is, though, with LG announcing its existence ahead of Mobile World Congress. The device obviously takes some cues from the big brother it’s named after, including that ever-so-important set of buttons on the rear. Under the hood, though, this couldn’t be any further from what the LG G2 brought us (as is usually the case with these little guys). The specs aren’t terribly exciting, though we’re still grateful as they could have been much worse. Here’s the scoop on the specs:
We’re a tad concerned that a 4.7-inch display doesn’t have at least 720p resolution, though we can’t quite complain about everything else (especially if LG is looking to price it attractively). The LG G2 Mini will be offered up in “Titan Black,” “Lunar White,” red, and gold, though we’re reminded that availability for each color depends on your market and carrier. As for availability? It’ll start rolling out next month, and should be headed for the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Europe — sorry, folks, North America isn’t invited. We’re sure LG will be toting these bad boys to Mobile World Congress next week, so we’ll be seeking them out to bring you hands-on impressions. Keep it tuned to Phandroid for those goods once that time comes. |
| Samsung provides KitKat source for Sprint Galaxy Note 3, update just around the corner Posted: 19 Feb 2014 06:18 PM PST
Last week, Sprint was once again first out the gate with a KitKat update, this time for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Call it birthing pangs or whatever you want, but right before the S4 received the update, Samsung was nice enough to upload the KitKat source code to their site. Today, Samsung is now providing the KitKat source for the SM-N900P, better known as Sprint’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Unless you’re device is rooted and you’re active in the Android ROM/hacking/development scene, this likely wont mean much to you. Of course, if you’re one of those that sees signs, you might take this as a hint that the Note 3′s KitKat update will soon begin rolling out on Sprint, in which case — you might want to keep an eye out. [Samsung] |
| Samsung teases new Exynos Infinity processor for MWC debut – Could it be 64-bit? Posted: 19 Feb 2014 05:43 PM PST
It looks like Samsung could be planning for one helluva showing during next week’s Mobile World Congress. We already expecting everything from the Samsung Galaxy S5 to the multiple Galaxy Gear wearables. Today, Samsung’s official “SamsungExynos” Twitter account made a single post teasing the next version of their in-house system-on-chip dubbed Exynos Infinity. They didn’t provide any details, only mentioning that they’d be showing it off in Barcelona (MWC 2014). Some are speculating that this could be Samsung’s oft rumored 64-bit quad-core mobile processor — the very same one that seems to have made an appearance in a Linux kernel patch. Dubbed the “Samsung GH7,” the SoC is reportedly based on ARMv8-A 64-bit architecture. Coincidence? Maybe. But we can’t let Apple have all the fun, now can we? Stay tuned… |
| Android 4.3 for the HTC EVO 4G LTE now available for manual installation [DOWNLOAD] Posted: 19 Feb 2014 04:27 PM PST
HTC EVO 4G LTE owners: you guys ready to roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty with some ROM flashing? True to their word, HTC VP Martin Fichter posted a link on his Twitter account today that allows any-and-all HTC EVO 4G LTE owners on Sprint to manually download and flash the Android 4.3 with Sense 5 RUU for their device. So why not over-the-air like traditional updates? According to HTC, they had been investigating ways of getting the over-the-air route but in the end, the EVO LTE’s memory constraints made that method impossible. No matter, for those that really want Android 4.3 and Sense 5 on their device (or even know the difference between that, and 4.1 Jelly Bean) you can now do things the XDA way: manually. Simply download the 826MB zip file here and using a Windows PC, connect your device via USB and open the enclosed EXE file. Follow the onscreen steps and you’ll be on your way to the latest Jelly Bean experience. Keep in mind that the RUU will delete everything on your device — even the internal storage. So make a backup before starting. Godspeed. |
| Facebook is buying WhatsApp for around $16 billion Posted: 19 Feb 2014 02:24 PM PST
Tipping the scales at nearly 1 billion users strong, WhatsApp is one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps. Apparently that also means it’s worth an exorbitant sum of money to someone like Facebook who has just agreed to buy WhatsApp for the whopping sum of $16 billion ($4 billion cash and around $12 billion in Facebook shares). That’s a little more than the $3 billion in cash they reportedly offered to buy Snapchat. As was the case with Instagram, Facebook promises the 2 companies will continue to operate separately, with WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum finding himself in a new position on Facebook’s board of directors. This move helps the social networking giant extend its reach beyond that of a simple social network, with Facebook hoping to “accelerate growth and user engagement across both companies.” It’s too early to say what changes will be made if any, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed “sponsored text messages” will be left out of the equation. |
| Google I/O 2014 taking place June 24th – 26th (126 days and counting) Posted: 19 Feb 2014 01:38 PM PST
And so the countdown to Google I/O 2014 officially begins. Android lead Sundar Pichai has revealed the official dates the developer conference will begin via this Google+ page. Mark you calendars, everyone: June 25th – 26th in San Francisco, CA at the Moscone Center. Pichai mentions that, like previous years, they’ll be live streaming many of the even (as well as the sessions) via the I/O Extended community around the world. We know, it’s hard to get worked up over the event when the vast majority of you aren’t developers and don’t have a shot at attending but wait… Pichai also mentioned that they’ll be handling registration a bit different this year, opening up the conference to anyone who wants to attend. Google didn’t mention what you will need to qualify, but did says they’d be choosing “randomly selected applicants.” Say what? [Google+] |
| Google to explore nine new metropolitan areas for Google Fiber expansion Posted: 19 Feb 2014 01:28 PM PST Provo, Utah, Austin, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri aren’t the only two places in America Google’s interested in launching Fiber. The company has revealed plans to explore bringing the high-speed broadband and TV service to nine new metropolitan areas, for a total of 34 new cities in all. The list is as follows:
Google has the full list of cities right here in case you’re wondering if you’re in one of the surrounding areas being thrown into the hat. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can expect to wake up tomorrow and sign up for someone to come to your home and juice you up with all those fiber optics.
Google reminds us that planning and negotiations with the cities take quite a while, as does the actual installation of service. A lot goes into making sure proper infrastructure is built in a way that won’t interrupt the day-to-day lives of those in the area. Furthermore, we’re also warned that cities on this list doesn’t guarantee a rollout. A lot has to happen between now and the end of the year, when Google expects to know more about which exact cities will be getting the green light. Still, Google says even if a city doesn’t ultimately make it, everyone will have been better off going through the motions. More than anything, they will have at least been satisfied with the opportunity to get these people to start thinking about how they can upgrade their infrastructure and deliver the type of network that today’s information-driven world demands. You can read about all of the specifics over at the source link. [via Google] |
| Samsung Galaxy S5 test photo leaked, 16MP camera and software features detailed Posted: 19 Feb 2014 01:00 PM PST We’ve had a good feeling Samsung would put an emphasis on improving the camera tech in their Galaxy flagship. In fact, it was only yesterday Samsung teased us with some information regarding a key component of the Galaxy S5′s camera: its enhanced LED flash module. Camera hardware Today, the boys at SamMobile (the same guys who detailed the S5′s fingerprint scanning home button) are spilling the beans on a few of the Samsung Galaxy S5′s camera and software features. Where previous rumors and leaks couldn’t quite decide if the device would come equipped with a 20MP or 16MP, it’s now being reported that 16 will be Samsung’s magic number for the S5.
But just in case you needed further proof, @evleaks posted a sample photo taken by the AT&T version of the Galaxy S5. Although the photo was out of focus and didn’t reveal much in terms of quality, the resolution was revealed at 5312 x 2988 (15.9MP), once again confirming reports of a 16MP shooter. The 16MP camera (and processor) will be capable of capturing 4K at 30fps video, or 1080p at 60fps. You may remember Samsung talking about their new ISOCELL technology which provides for photos with enhanced dynamic range but unfortunately, it’s still uncertain if the S5 will come equipped with this new tech. Dedicated shutter button If being able to take your phone out your pocket and snap pictures in an instant is important to you, Samsung will be including a dedicated camera button on the device, but it’s not the hardware button you’ve seen on other devices. Instead, Samsung will be using a sort of capacitive button along the side of the device (where a hardware shutter button is normally located) dubbed “Side Touch.” The button will only be active when the phone is in landscape mode, and will be disabled while holding the phone in portrait mode, while recording video, etc.. Could be nice but we’ll never understand why OEMs are so against including traditional hardware buttons for smartphone cameras? Software features With that out of the way, we can get into some of the software features and in typical Samsung fashion, there are a boatload of them. The S5 camera app will be given a UI overhaul to match the new TouchWiz and similar to Samsung’s mirrorless cameras, will allow more experienced users to adjust settings like the ISO, and choose between modes like HDR, Panorama, and all new for the Galaxy S5: 3D Tour Shot. Tour Shot is essentially Android’s PhotoSphere feature, but it’s unclear if Samsung will be adding anything special to the mix. Also mentioned was Mosaic Shot, Smile Shot, Frame Shot, Vintage, Cartoon, Add Me, Action Shot, Stop Motion, Cartoon and Pet modes, although no description was given (so, you’ll just have to use your imagination for now). Expect all the other shooting modes from the Galaxy S4 to make a reappearance in the S5. If custom effects/filters are what you’re after, Samsung will reportedly include a bevy (around 30 in all) with additional effects being made available for download as well. And that just about does it for the Galaxy S5′s camera. Of course, we could talk about specs and features til will blue in the face, but the real moment of truth comes when we have actual test shots to mull over (you know, ones that are actually in focus). Samsung’s optics have rarely disappointed so we’re excited to see how they’ve improved in the Galaxy S5. Samsung is planning to unveil the Galaxy S5 during their Unpacked 5 event in Barcelona, Spain on Monday the 24th. Of course, Phandroid will be in attendance for the event, bringing you our own hands-on and early impressions of the Galaxy S5 and more in our Mobile World Congress 2014 coverage kicking off next week. Only a few more days, guys! |
| Samsung goes back to bashing Apple in latest ad campaign [VIDEO] Posted: 19 Feb 2014 11:55 AM PST We thought Samsung had gotten over their constant need to bait Apple in their advertising, but it looks like the South Korean company has suffered a bit of a relapse. Samsung’s latest advertising campaign takes things back to the basics — show how much better your product is than the competition, and do so in a rather humorous and demeaning way. One ad shows how awesome the Samsung Galaxy Note 3′s 5.7-inch 1080p display is up against the puny 4-inch non-HD display on the iPhone 5S. Another spot shows how the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro is even thinner than an iPad Air, and shows that Samsung would choose a pencil over an iPad air any day. That last one is a shot at Apple’s ad of similar ilk, showing how the iPad Air is amazing because it’s thinner than a trusty old number 2. Let’s be real here, folks: Samsung has already transcended to a space in the mobile race where they no longer need to bash Apple and their products. Samsung’s products stand alone well enough on their own, and it’s increasingly more apparent with each passing year that Apple no longer has a “magical” product. Unfortunately for those of us with our finger on the mobile pulse, though, a significant portion of smartphone consumers still don’t realize that, and Samsung has to do whatever they can to make it more obvious than it already appears (especially if Apple bumps the screen sizes on their core iPhone products like they’re expected to do some point later this year). Whether you agree with Samsung’s tactics or not, you have to admit they’re doing something right. After all, they do sell over 60% of all Android phones around the globe. Check the new ads out in the videos above and below, and expect Samsung to be dishing out more in the near future (especially since the Galaxy S5 is set to be announced next week). [via iSource] |
| “The All New HTC One” (M8) leaks in unofficially official press image Posted: 19 Feb 2014 10:51 AM PST
And here it is, folks. Our first officially unofficial look at The All New HTC One. The image was posted earlier today by @evleaks, giving us little reason to doubt its authenticity (he’s always spot on when it comes to leaked press images). Lining up with earlier reports, it appears HTC will launch the device in gold although the rumored grey and silver models weren’t pictured (yet). You’ll notice HTC doing away with the sometimes flawed “gapless” design of the original HTC One, choosing instead a more unibody look that wraps all the way around the sides, and provides a lip around the front of the device. As some of you are sure to point out, it looks like the HTC bezel is all but official now, but we’d recommend holding off superficial judgements on the phone until we see what it can actually do. We wont have to wait too much longer. HTC’s worst kept secret is scheduled to be unveiled during HTC’s March 25th event in New York and London. Let’s hope they still have some surprises left in store. |
| Zample is like Shazam for advertising and second screen experiences Posted: 19 Feb 2014 10:14 AM PST We’re sure you’ve used apps like Shazam and SoundHound to identify unknown music that might be playing in a club or on the radio. What if we told you that a hot new advertising startup was looking to use those same concepts to shake up the world of mobile marketing and app development? Sunnyvale-based Zample wants to do just that with a unique new platform that will help developers and users alike. To put it simply, an app that uses Zample would literally listen to what’s going on around — be it a movie or TV show you’re watching — to help identify your interests. The technology itself isn’t user-facing, but rather a tool for developers who could use the more useful analytics it provides to help serve up better ads and in-app experiences. Need a visual? Imagine a developer uses Zample and the analytics show 80% of their userbase happens to watch Oprah. The developer could use that information to serve up ads that encourage people to subscribe to Oprah’s book club on Amazon or to download the official Oprah app.
Beyond advertising, Zample could also soon enable rich “second screen” experiences, giving users a breadth of information on their tablet and smartphone about whatever they’re watching. The second screen concept is not unlike what Yahoo was doing with IntoNow before they decided to shut it down. As exciting as all that sounds, though, it’s worth noting that Zample is only looking to launch the analytics component of their SDK at thi tmie. So what’s Zample’s secret recipe for something like this? Let’s break it down for you. How Zample worksZample is a cloud-powered platform that has information on many different consumer products, brands, television shows and movies. The SDK allows developers’ apps to periodically “listen to” the user’s surroundings, and will use what it hears to deliver more information about their users’ interests. It does this by using a system similar to Shazam’s, which can identify songs, shows and movies based on audio alone, and gives the user more information about whatever they’re listening to or watching. “The intended benefit for developers is to not have to think about what contextual offers or other relevant content will show up and what to do with it, just let Zample manage that,” said a Zample spokesperson. For instance, the app might recognize that the user is currently watching an episode of Dexter, and will let the developer know that someone in their userbase enjoys Dexter. The developer can then use whatever data they gathered to deliver ads and other meaningful content, or they can let Zample do that heavy lifting for them.
Going back to the Dexter example, if a developer notices that a large amount of their users enjoy watching Dexter they could deliver ads that will urge you to buy a set of DVDs from Showtime, or check out more clips online. They could also show you more information about the episode you’re watching, characters from the show and other tidbits that may interest you. Zample is hooked up with live broadcasting information from over 100 different networks, spanning hundreds of thousands of hours of movies, TV shows and even all the ads shown in between. This wide range of sources ensures developers will have no shortage of relevant content, ads and information to deliver to the end user. Quelling common concernsOne of our first questions upon hearing about Zample was how the company would look to protect user privacy. After all, it isn’t wholly comforting to know that an app could randomly enable your microphone at any given point for the sake of analytics and monetization. We have concerns in a couple of different areas:
Thankfully, Zample had no problem addressing either one. In the realm of privacy, we’re told that information is never personally identifiable, so you can probably rest easy knowing your information isn’t being sold off to marketing sharks. And then there’s the issue of battery life, though Zample says we should have nothing to worry about. Their SDK doesn’t draw on battery any more than any other analytics or advertising solution. The microphone in the device is only “listening” for a short amount of time whenever Zample does its periodic check, so any impact on battery life is negligible and incidental. While we don’t have a clear picture of Zample’s SDK or a full set of policies just yet, Zample assures us that their offering shouldn’t scare potential privacy zealots away. The future of ZampleWe’re quickly reminded that this is only the beginning for Zample. Alongside listening for movies, TV shows and advertisements, Zample is also exploring a couple of other options for expanding their SDK. Namely, they’ll want to add music to their repertoire, and might also experiment with bringing live radio broadcasts into the mix. Zample also has plans to introduce an image component to their SDK, allowing developers to gather information on their users’ interests based on the images they come across within their app. The rollout will be quite ambitious for this new startup, but they’ll be tackling it with a three-pronged launch rollout that’ll allow them to get their ducks in a row and ultimately deliver the best product possible:
This will all be fueled by the $2 million private injection Zample got to help with this ambitious launch, but it won’t take money alone for this to work. They’ll need actual developers getting their hands dirty and helping them perfect the platform to make sure it’s polished as well as can be ahead of the full-scale rollout. One such developer is Tok.TV, whose baseball app enables friends to talk and chat with each other while the ball game is going on. It sounds like the perfect marriage for an app like this, as Tok Baseball could recognize which exact baseball game each friend is currently watching and automatically setup a chat between them (while also delivering real-time and relevant stats, player information and more like it already does). The potential for Zample is huge, and we can’t wait to see the unique offerings that’ll eventually spawn as a result of its existence. Interested in finding out more? They’re currently accepting inquiries over at their website, so get over there and take a look if this is something you think would be perfect for your own app. |
| BBM for Android now available for Gingerbread users Posted: 19 Feb 2014 06:33 AM PST
BBM for Android’s big 2.0 upgrade brought tons of new features, but unfortunately for those not on Android 4.0 or higher it isn’t available for download. Thankfully another group of the Android-owning herd is now able to get in on what’s quickly shaping up to be a serious messaging platform on Android. BBM is now available for those on Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It’s not surprising to know Blackberry wants to invite Gingerbread users into the experience considering it still holds a major piece of the Android platform market share. As of February, Gingerbread users still accounted for exactly 20% of Android’s market share, which is a pretty big chunk considering there are hundreds of millions of users with Android devices out there. It’s unfortunate that so many folks are still confined to what’s now considered a legacy platform, but we’re glad developers aren’t willing to totally shun them out of the latest and greatest that the Google Play Store has to offer. If, for whatever reason, you’re still on Gingerbread, and also happen to be interested in using BBM for Android, you can find the download in the Google Play Store right here. [via Blackberry] |
| Microsoft rebrands SkyDrive to OneDrive, brings automatic photo backup to Android Posted: 19 Feb 2014 05:40 AM PST In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft recently announced plans to give SkyDrive a name change to OneDrive. Microsoft would have you believe it was because of a desire to pursue a new marketing angle that allows them to advertise “one” place for all your stuff, but those of us geeky enough to have deeper knowledge know it’s because Microsoft was pressured by British Sky Broadcasting on grounds of branding confusion.
None of that matters, though — it’s OneDrive now, and it’s the same service it’s been since Microsoft introduced it. That said, today’s announcement doesn’t simply bring a sweeping branding change for those of us on Android. An upgrade to the OneDrive app also brings us a new feature that will automatically backup photos that have been taken with your phone’s camera, just in case you need peace of mind knowing your photos are safe should anything ever happen to your phone. Beyond that, Microsoft is also giving users extra space on top of the 7GB that comes standard. You can get up to 5GB of free storage, though you’ll need to have some friends sign-up with ugly referral codes in order to hit that. You’ll get 500MB for each friend, so even if you only get a few you’ll have a bit more space to work with. There’s also 3GB of extra storage waiting for you just for using Microsoft’s photo backup option, so be sure to set that up if you need the extra room. While those of us in Android land would naturally gravitate toward Google Drive, Microsoft doesn’t have a bad alternative on their hands. I personally use OneDrive for storing and managing my Xbox One GameDVR clips, and I can’t say it’s been bad — it’s been quite the enjoyable experience, actually. If, for whatever reason, Google Drive isn’t doing it for you and you’re looking for a suitable replacement not named DropBox, this is not a bad place to start. Give it a shot by finding it in the Google Play Store. [via Microsoft] |
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