Monday 5 May 2014

Android Phone Fans

Android Phone Fans


Ballers: you can now buy a 24ct gold HTC One M8 for $2,561

Posted: 05 May 2014 06:14 PM PDT

htc_one_m8_gold_1

After seeing what the folks at Goldgenie did with the original HTC One M7, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that they’d return for the recently released HTC One M8. Aimed at those with exceptionally deep wallets, these luxury edition HTC One M8s come either 24ct gold, rose gold, or platinum. The phones are SIM unlocked, perfect for traveling the globe in your private jet.

htc_one_m8_platinum_2

After you’ve plunked down your hard earned money, the HTC One M8 will arrive in a cherry oak finished box, and the clear coat finish is guaranteed for the life of the phone. Those curious about pricing — you know, should you ever win the lottery — details can be found below.

Gold HTC One M8 $2,560.95
Platinum HTC One M8 $2,830.95
Rose gold HTC One M8 $2,695.95

In the event that you’ve already purchased a “regular” HTC One M8, there’s always the option of sending it in to Goldgenie to have it custom gold plated. Have to admit, that platinum version is looking mighty schaweet. Now if my budding rap career could finally take off, I’d take all 3.

[Goldgenie]

Google Glass will soon let you send money by voice [RUMOR]

Posted: 05 May 2014 04:56 PM PDT

Google Glass vs HTC One camera DSC00163

Sending money is just one of those modern conveniences that seems to be getting easier and easier as technology progresses. If you thought hopping into your Gmail account to send money was easy enough, how about being able to send it purely by voice? Well, that’s what Google could be cooking up for Glass users once Google Wallet arrives on the wearable.

According to sources out of TechCrunch, the upcoming feature — which is currently undergoing internal testing — will allow users to simply speak the phrase, “send money” to send funds. While being able to pay someone back for a good or service nearly hands-free is a convenient one, just keep in mind Google gets a small percentage of those transactions lest you add your bank account to Google Wallet.

Google Now will remind you when a product you’ve searched is at a nearby store

Posted: 05 May 2014 03:34 PM PDT

Google Now products card

The more “cards” Google keeps packing into their Google Now deck, the better. The latest comes by way of new “Product Cards” that alert a user when a product they’ve searched on Google is nearby.

Remember that Jawbone Jambox Mini you were researching the other day? Well, Google certainly does. And the next time you’re cruising past Target, Google will send you a friendly reminder with a picture of the product, along with its price at your nearest brick and mortar store. Of course, there’s no way for Google to know if the product is actually in stock. It’s up to you to make some kind of physical effort to either call in, or walk into the store for inquiry.

Last week Google Now introduced a handy new card that helps you remember exactly where you parked your car. Anything you’d like to see added in a future update?

Update on Google Play: Google Search

[via Google+]

Samsung Galaxy Tab S to feature first-of-its-kind 2560×1600 AMOLED display, fingerprint scanner [RUMOR]

Posted: 05 May 2014 02:44 PM PDT

samsung galaxy tab pro 12

Fingerprint scanners are all the rage these days. As our mobile devices hold more and more personal data, it’s important to offer convenient, low-level security features to help keep them locked tight. According to the folks at SamMobile, Samsung is prepping a new tablet line dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Tab S launching later this year in both 8.4-inch and 10.5-inch varieties.

We know, it was only a few weeks ago Samsung announced the wallet-friendly Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 in 7, 8, an 10-inch flavors. But Samsung is planning something special for this rumored Galaxy Tab S, said to feature a stunning 2560×1600 resolution AMOLED display as its pièce de résistance — a first of its kind.

To help keep the tablet safe from unwanted guests, Samsung will once again turn to a fingerprint scanner — as found on the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S5 — integrated inside the tablet’s home button. While some may have seen Samsung’s attempt at a fingerprint scanner in the Galaxy S5 as a “me too” iPhone feature, they just might be able to beat Apple to the punch by being first to throw it inside a tablet. Other Galaxy Tab S specs include:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S specs

  • Octa-core Exynos 5 (5420) featuring four 1.9GHz Cortex-A15 cores, and four 1.3GHz Cortex-A7 cores – 6-core ARM Mali-T628 GPU clocked at 533MHz
  • 3GB of 32-bit dual-channel 933 MHz LPDDR3e RAM
  • 8MP (3264×2448) camera with 1080p Full HD video recording / 2.1-Megapixel (1920×1080) front facing camera
  • IR blaster
  • Perforated “leather” design a la Samsung Galaxy S5

Expect WiFi and LTE variants for both the 8.4-ich and 10.5-inch models. No word on expected launch date or pricing, but we suspect Samsung’s Unpacked episode 2 event could be a likely place to unveil a new tablet lineup. We’ll keep you posted.

Hangouts for Android already has phone calling half-baked in [HOW TO]

Posted: 05 May 2014 01:32 PM PDT

Google Hangouts banner

The ability to make phone calls using your Google Voice number in Hangouts is a feature that has eluded Android users for quite some time. The worst part is even though we know it’s in the works, it’s a feature iOS users have been smugly enjoying for a few months now.

Although it may not be the most ideal solution, a quick and dirty “hack” is showing us that it’s actually possible to hold a phone call using Hangouts for Android right now (although, it’s a little finicky at the moment).

The discovery was made by a user on Reddit who, upon placing a voice call on his computer via Hangouts, was then able to join said call using his Android device. Nothing too groundbreaking, but after leaving the conversation on his desktop, the connection remained via the Android app where he was able to leave his WiFi network, traveling around the city while maintaining an active connection over LTE. Pretty sweet.

Hangouts Android Google Voice call steps 1 and 2

1. Initiate the call on Hangouts for Chrome
2. Join the call on Hangouts for Android
3. Leave the call on Hangouts for Chrome

Hangouts Android Google Voice call steps 3 and 4

The caveat, of course, is you’ll be initiating all the calls from a desktop computer and can’t actually receive any calls. Not only that, it can be a bit glitchy but it’s the best we’re going to get until we see Google officially integrate Google Voice calling into Hangouts in the near future.

We’re still trying to find a scenario where something like this would be useful, but if nothing else, it lets us know that Google Voice calling is nearly upon us and already (sorta) baked into Hangouts for Android. All Google has to do now is flip the switch.

[via Reddit]

T-Mobile LG G Flex KitKat update going out today

Posted: 05 May 2014 12:22 PM PDT

lg-g-flex-1

T-Mobile has posted details regarding the KitKat upgrade to LG G Flex. The device is ready and rolling out to users starting today, and you won’t need to wait for the OTA to be pushed to you — simply grab your phone and head to System Settings > General > About Phone > System Update > Check Now.

You’ll be downloading a hefty 150MB file, so WiFi and a battery charged to 50% is definitely recommended. For more information on what KitKat will bring you needn’t look much further than right here. Let us know how it’s treating you if you happen to have a G Flex craving for chocolate.

[via T-Mobile]

Verizon Wireless Samsung Galaxy S5 Developer Edition now available for purchase

Posted: 05 May 2014 12:12 PM PDT

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 Developer Edition

Verizon Wireless subscribers who tend to tinker around with their Android handsets have a new option to consider: the Samsung Galaxy S5 Developer Edition. We’ve known about Samsung’s plans to release the dev version of the phone — complete with unlockable bootloader — since the phone popped up on Samsung’s site earlier this month. Today, it’s now officially available from Samsung and retailing for $600 (same as the full priced “regular” model).

The GS5 Developer Edition comes with everything on display on Verizon Wireless store shelves (read: bloatware), only you wont have to jump through any hoops when it comes to rooting the phone for the easy installation of custom recoveries and/or ROMs. Keep in mind that the Developer Edition is only available in black, and is the 16GB version of the device. Those interested can buy direct from Samsung via the link below.

Buy: Samsung Galaxy S5 Developer Edition $599.99

PNY’s microSD cards and flash drives are Amazon’s gold box deal of the day

Posted: 05 May 2014 09:51 AM PDT

pny flash drive cropped

Quick gold box sale for those of you looking for cheap memory: Amazon has PNY’s collection on sale as today’s gold box deal of the day. You can get 64GB of storage in microSDXC form for just $34.99. They also have 32GB for $16.99 and 16GB for $9.99. Regular sized SD cards range from 16GB for $8.99 to 64GB for $29.99.

Perhaps most interesting are the flash drive options for you all USB OTG fans: there’s a 128GB monstrosity of a thumbstick for just $38.99. PNY doesn’t give us the same confidence as Samsung, SanDisk or Kingston, but for these prices it might be worth taking the risk. Check them all out right here.

Sprint announces the waterproof Kyocera Hydro Vibe just in time for summer swimming

Posted: 05 May 2014 09:35 AM PDT

kyocera hydro vibe

Sprint has announced a new Android smartphone for those who find themselves around water more often than not. It’s the Kyocera Hydro Vibe, and it’ll be headed to store shelves in four short days as it’s slated for a May 9th release. This 4G LTE smartphone (Spark capable) doesn’t dole out the most powerful specs we’v ever seen:

  • Android 4.3, Jelly Bean
  • 4.5-inch qHD capacitive, impact-resistant touchscreen display
  • 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and video camera; 2-megapixel front camera
  • Near Field Communication (NFC)-capable for easy file sharing with other NFC-enabled devices
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor with 1.2GHz quad-core CPU (Snapdragon 400?)
  • Wireless charging (PMA)
  • 2,000mAh battery for longer use on a single charge, plus Kyocera's proprietary Eco-Mode and MaxiMZR power-management apps
  • 8GB of on-board memory, expandable to 32GB with microSD™

That said, it should be a pretty capable smartphone for the price ($10 per month for 24 months), and it should execute its primary responsibility of withstanding reasonable amounts of water just fine. Need something with a lot more oomph (and with a lot more dollar signs)? That’s what the waterproof Galay S5 is for.

Those on Virgin Mobile will be happy to know that Sprint will be sending hand-me-downs to the no-contract prepaid carrier starting May 27th for just $150.

[via Sprint]

HTC One Mini 2 press shot leaks, looks like a mini HTC One M8

Posted: 05 May 2014 07:33 AM PDT

htc one mini 2

After word that the HTC One M8 Mini would actually come to retail as the HTC One Mini 2, we’ve finally gotten our first look at the thing. Surprise, surprise: it looks like a miniature HTC One M8. There are a few differences to note.

For starters, there doesn’t appear to be a secondary depth information camera sensor on the back, so those UFocus features from the original HTC M8 probably won’t be in play here. There’s also a single LED flash instead of the dual amber setup on the original. And while these photos don’t show it well, we’re willing to bet it’ll be missing an infrared blaster.

The front of the device is more business as usual, with those stereo BoomSound speakers ready to deliver your tunes loud and clear. The device houses the same black logo strip that everyone hates on the M8, as well.

The device is obviously due out this year, though an exact date has yet to be pinpointed. We imagine it won’t take much more than a couple of months for HTC to bring it out, but for now your guess is as good as anyone else’s.

[via @evleaks]

Google Shopping Express adds same-day shipping in Manhattan and West LA

Posted: 05 May 2014 06:52 AM PDT

google shopping express

Same-day shipping from the likes of Amazon and Google might be limited to a few select cities right now, but we never fail to get excited when more are added to the list. Google is adding two more cities to their own Shopping Express service today, with folks in Manhattan and West LA being treated to fast deliveries.

Those cities join Google’s home turf of San Francisco that has been enjoying the service for quite some time now. You’ll be able to order goods from stores Costco, Guitar Center, L'Occitane, Smart & Final, Staples, Target, Toys"R"Us/Babies"R"Us, and Walgreens, and have it delivered within hours (so long as it isn’t too late in the day, of course).

Google says they’ll be expanding the service to surrounding areas in the months to come, with other parts of Los Angeles, Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and West Hollywood all getting in on the fun in the west coast. On the east? Brooklyn and Queens have both been tapped to receive the service at some point.

You’ll be getting $10 to start if you want to give it a go, so be sure to order something just for the thrill of being able to get it on the same day without having to head over to the store yourself. Check it out right here, and don’t forget to download the Android app in case you need to do it on the go.

[via Google]

Official LG G3 press renders leak

Posted: 05 May 2014 05:39 AM PDT

lg g3 press render leak 3

Blurry cam photos and in-the-wild shots of the LG G3 be damned — official press renders are about to take over. The LG G3 has been leaked in full glory ahead of its May 27th unveiling, giving us a look at this device in its best light and angle.

The leaks confirm mostly everything we know about the design to this point — the rear placement of volume and power buttons return, albeit in more round form. The international version is also poised to feature an extendable antenna for use in certain markets (but folks in the US need not apply if the LG G2 is anything to go by).

One thing we still can’t figure out is an extra sensor on the rear of the device. We’re not sure if it’s some sort of infrared blaster or event a fingerprint scanner, but it shouldn’t be long before those details are made available to us by the South Korean company.

lg g3 press render leak 2 lg g3 press render leak 1 lg g3 press render leak 4

Other details, such as specs, have been talked about for a while now. Long story short: if the rumors are accurate then the LG G3 should be able to match, and maybe even exceed, the capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8. It’ll do so with a supposed 2560 x 1440 display and either a Snapdragon 800 or Snapdragon 801 processor (we’re hoping it’s the latter, of course). We’ll know a lot more by the end of the month.

[via MobileGeeks]

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