Android Phone Fans |
- Nintendo to launch mini games and additional content on mobile devices later this year [RUMOR]
- Samsung confirms KitKat update for Galaxy Note 3 broke some 3rd party accessories, says new update incoming
- Watch now: Oogle Goggles are The Simpsons’ take on Google Glass [FULL EPISODE]
- LG G Flex release date pegged for February 5th, comes with six months of Netflix
- Red Nexus 5 allegedly appears again, this time in and outside its packaging
- 1 hour only: Moto X only $300 (16GB) or $350 (32GB) starting right now [DEALS]
- Another tip that the HTC M8 (One 2) will come with display buttons instead of capacitive ones [RUMOR]
- Rumor: Google to kill off Nexus program in favor of Google Play Edition in 2015
- Samsung launching “Samsung Galaxy Glass” at IFA Berlin?
- Google reportedly buying artificial intelligence firm for $400 million
- LG ships 13.2 million smartphones in Q4 2013
- Samsung strikes key licensing deals with Google, Ericsson
- LG G Pro 2 to be officially unveiled in February
| Nintendo to launch mini games and additional content on mobile devices later this year [RUMOR] Posted: 27 Jan 2014 07:12 PM PST A report from Nikkei in Japan suggests that Nintendo could finally cave and begin offering some form of digital content on mobile devices later this year. According to sources, content would come in the form of free mini-games, videos, and other content (like back stories) featuring Nintendo’s iconic franchises and upcoming releases. As Nintendo fans well know, the Japanese game maker has typically shunned new tech like smartphones and tablets, seeing them as competition to their gaming handheld business, rather than an asset or tool. In an interview, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata realizes his folly, mentioning that the company is currently exploring different ways in which Nintendo can leverage smart devices to their advantage. As far as timing on when we can expect Nintendo content to land in the Play Store, Nikkei — who has a great track record with this kinda stuff — says it’s scheduled arrive as early as this year. We’ll be watching out. via Kotaku | Image credit |
| Posted: 27 Jan 2014 05:46 PM PST It all started back in October with a rumor suggesting that Samsung could soon limit 3rd party accessory support with their line of Galaxy devices. Fast forward to last week when, after the KitKat update began hitting some Samsung Galaxy Note 3s, users began experiencing issues with 3rd party S-View style cases for their phablet. This, of course, this didn’t sit well with anyone, sparking an outcry amongst Note 3 users who assumed foul play. Today, Samsung is formally addressing “software compatibility issues” caused with KitKat and 3rd party accessories. Samsung told Ars Technica today in a statement that the problem has been successfully been “identified” and they’re working on a new update to patch everything right up. Samsung reminds customers that they’re committed to squashing any issues that might come from using either OEM or 3rd party accessories with their devices. Alls well that ends well? Let’s wait for the update first. |
| Watch now: Oogle Goggles are The Simpsons’ take on Google Glass [FULL EPISODE] Posted: 27 Jan 2014 03:28 PM PST On Saturday, FOX began advertising a new Simpsons episode titled “Specs and the City.” The episode — which openly pokes fun at Google’s latest wearable tech — begins after Mr. Burns decides to outfit his entire team with “Oogle Goggles,” not out of benevolence mind you, but to better keep tabs on his employees (wonder what they could be implying?). It doesn’t take long for Homer to become what can only be described as a Glasshole. After going too far by taking Glass into the bedroom (sound familiar?), he’s forced to give up his Google Glass in a game of spin the Goggles. Marge — who was initially apprehensive about Oogle Goggles from the start — becomes the new recipient and soon realizes the finds the augment becoming helpful in her day-to-day life. Not only is this episode an interesting take on how Hollywood views the new tech (it’s nerd-chic), but we can see how exposure like this has already begun shaping the views and opinions of the mainstream over the new technology. The episode ends with Marge finally taking Oogle Goggles into the bedroom and giving Mr. Burns an eyeful of a bottomless Homer. Ha. If you guys wanna check it out for yourself, the the episode in all its entirety can be viewed on Hulu via the link below (Hulu Plus required for now).
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| LG G Flex release date pegged for February 5th, comes with six months of Netflix Posted: 27 Jan 2014 01:08 PM PST T-Mobile originally let LG G Flex pre-sales begin without a release date in sight, but you’ll be glad to learn that it won’t be long before you’re able to come in contact with a device that heals itself from the nicks and bruises provided by the world. T-Mobile has announced a February 5th release date for the LG G Flex, a 6-inch 720p smartphone with a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 13 megapixel camera and more. Folks looking to purchase it will be happy to know that they can get it for just $0 down, though that’ll obviously come at a long-term commitment of $28 per month for 24 months. T-Mobile is also throwing in six months of Netflix streaming for free, so you can enjoy all your favorite movies and TV shows on that nice big screen. T-Mobile also took this time to introduce the LG Optimus F3Q, one of the few QWERTY-equipped smartphones you’ll see launch this year. It sports a 4-inch display, a 5 megapixel camera, and more for just 24 equal payments of $13 per month ($0 down, natch) and will be available on the same that that the LG G Flex will. Anyone opting for either of these devices?     |
| Red Nexus 5 allegedly appears again, this time in and outside its packaging Posted: 27 Jan 2014 01:05 PM PST While the Nexus 5 probably isn’t going to be offered in 6 new colors anytime soon, it does appear as if LG could soon start offering the device in a new red color. According to these pics taken from inside an LG warehouse in the UK (we saw the Nexus 5 break its cover in a similar leak back before it was made official), the red Nexus 5 could be real, and shipping out to wherever fine Nexuses are sold. This actually marks the second time we’ve seen the alleged red Nexus leak online, the first being a few days ago (where a yellow model is also said to be in the works). In the pictures we can see the red version packaged up along with hundreds of others, then even removed from its box to give us a closer look. Similar to the white version, it appears that LG could be going with a red earpiece to match the back. This should help the device match nicely with the bright red TPU case already offered on Google Play. Because Twitter compresses their images so dang much, it’s tough to make out the legitimacy of these images with all the artifacting. Anyone suddenly considering a Nexus 5 in race red? [Twitter] |
| 1 hour only: Moto X only $300 (16GB) or $350 (32GB) starting right now [DEALS] Posted: 27 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST Starting right now — and for the next hour — you can pick up a Motorola Moto X for $100-off the full, off-contract price. That brings the handset down to $300 for the 16GB model, and $350 for the 32GB — no contracts, hassles, or commitments. The offer is valid for all models (unlocked GSM, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless), even the Developer Edition. Better hurry, it’s “while supplies last” and you’ll need a fill out a quick web form to get your discount code. After that, you can take your sweet time customizing your own via Motomaker, switching up the colors, or even adding one of those fancy new natural wood backs (extra $25). Let’s hope Motorola is better prepared to handle the traffic this time around. |
| Posted: 27 Jan 2014 10:49 AM PST A concept HTC M8 doing away with the black bezels of the original. Pretty, isn’t it? February is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. If HTC sticks to their original announcement timing for last year’s flagship, that means an HTC One sequel could be revealed in just a few short weeks. As we near a hotly anticipated device’s release, it’s typical that leaks and rumors begin seeping out of the woodwork, with the upcoming HTC M8 (One 2) being no different. Remember when we told you guys about Mike1986′s discovery (he’s a XDA developer who regularly obtains leaked software builds) that the HTC M8 could come with software keys? Well, this big-little detail is now being corroborated by none other than @evleaks. In a tweet, @evleaks makes the claim that the “M8 will be the first HTC device with on-screen buttons.” Boom. We have no other to believe otherwise. With the M8′s design mirroring closely that of last year’s HTC One, we expect a good portion of the bezels to be utilized for the front facing speakers. If HTC can do away with those capacitive buttons found on the HTC One (a major issue for some), they could easily increase screen size while minimizing bezels, killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Let’s just hope these reported on-screen buttons will have more than a back and home button this time around. Photo credit: Nikolai Prettner |
| Rumor: Google to kill off Nexus program in favor of Google Play Edition in 2015 Posted: 27 Jan 2014 10:33 AM PST An interesting (and, depending on who you are, disturbing) rumor seems to have crossed the wire this morning. Leakster extraordinaire Eldar Murtazin supposedly has it on good authority that Google is looking to kill off the Nexus program at some point next year. The downfall of Nexus would make way for Google Play Edition devices, which are stock Android versions of existing consumer devices which get software upgrades directly from Google. We’re obviously going to be taking this rumor with a large grain of salt, but it’d be interesting to see if Google really does plan on going this route. Nexus devices have become more symbolic than anything else, giving Android enthusiasts and developers an inexpensive, yet highly capable option for use and development. There are three things the Nexus program is still known for:
All of that hasn’t exactly translated well to Google Play Edition devices. More often than not, these devices get upgrades to Android later than their Nexus counterparts, and cost just as much as if you were to buy the handset off-contract straight from carriers and retailers. They still do offer stock firmware with no bloatware, though, so there’s that. It’s said Google would favor this route as they don’t want to eventually run into a situation where they’re chastised for favoring one group of devices over another. Giving everyone a chance to make Google Play Edition devices would definitely solve that issue, though consumers probably won’t be too happy with what would effectively be see as the death of Android’s most iconic series of devices. We’re not throwing all our eggs into Murtazin’s basket, though, so don’t get too worked up about this rumor just yet. If anything, just remember that we still have at least a great couple of years to go before we’d see anything like this go down. |
| Samsung launching “Samsung Galaxy Glass” at IFA Berlin? Posted: 27 Jan 2014 09:30 AM PST Samsung seemingly wants to be in every consumer electronics category they can be in, so to learn that they might be launching their own pair of smart glasses isn’t quite that surprising. The news was reported by Korea Times who suggests Samsung will make the announcement at IFA Berlin (which takes place around September each year). The timing is interesting considering Samsung’s new 10-year cross-licensing deal with Google, a deal that will give both sides access to each other’s full range of technology patents spanning multiple areas of technology. Considering Google has key patents for devices like Google Glass, we’d say they’re already off to a good start in taking advantage of them. An official at Samsung Electronics reportedly commented on the market potential of smart glasses:
Samsung is certainly aiming to be everywhere there is huge potential for growth, such as the company’s bid for smart watch dominance with the Galaxy Gear. They’re said to be introducing the next generation of that device at an upcoming event, giving them a solid sequel to one of the biggest and fastest growing sub-sectors in wearable technology to date. Samsung will have to take care and make sure they don’t rush whatever product they may be cooking up. It’s a tactic that hurt the aforementioned Galaxy Gear, which Samsung all but admitted was rushed to market before it was truly ready. Many believe Samsung was looking to beat Apple as the Cupertino company was also rumored to be introducing a smart watch, but that never came to pass. Considering Samsung doesn’t have any other major competitors in the smart glass arena outside of Google, we’d imagine the pressure to make it to market won’t be nearly as big. Let’s hope they take their time and make a product worth paying attention at some point later this year.
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| Google reportedly buying artificial intelligence firm for $400 million Posted: 27 Jan 2014 07:38 AM PST Skynet? Robots? Supercharged Google Search results? We’re not sure what Google might want with London-based artificial intelligence firm DeepMind, but the company is reportedly putting in a bid to buy them for about $400 million. DeepMind is heralded in the artificial intelligence field as one of the largest and most capable teams dedicated to moving forward with computer smarts. Here’s how their simple website describes the company:
The reported acquisition is part of a string of moves by Google to improve their positioning in the AI space, with the company making a recent push in hiring experts in the field. DeepMind’s staff of about 50 people are said to be comprised of some of the most talented individuals in the AI community, with the likes of Google and Facebook vying for their services before they decided to join up with the relatively new company. Artificial intelligence might sound scary to the common individual, but you’d be surprised how much of it is used in everyday tech. Stuff like Google Now is driven by primitive forms of artificial intelligence, as is NPC control in video games. AI is also a major part of aviation, healthcare, finance and many other industries. With Google’s desire to be at the forefront of primitive technology such as robotics and home automation, this latest move comes at absolutely no surprise. We’ll be keeping an eye out to see if either side of this deal has anything official to announce in the weeks or months to come. [via re/code] |
| LG ships 13.2 million smartphones in Q4 2013 Posted: 27 Jan 2014 05:50 AM PST LG has announced performance results for the final quarter in 2013. Good news was abundant for the South Korean technology giant, with the company announcing overall revenues of $14.03 billion in Q4 2013. That added onto their end-year total to bring in $53.10 billion for the entirety of 2013. As good as those numbers look, LG’s profit margins on the year only increased to $1.17 billion, up slightly from the $1.08 million made in 2012. So what helped LG to reach those numbers this past quarter? Well, their booming smartphone business isn’t a bad place to start. The company reportedly shipped 13.2 million smartphones in the fourth quarter, helping them to bring in $3.38 billion in revenue (which was 18% higher than Q3). That brought year-on-year revenue numbers for their mobile business to a significant 29% increase to the tune of $11.85 billion, meaning it made up for about a fifth of overall revenue. LG’s mobile business was beat by home entertainment (television and blu-ray), though that particular division saw overall profits decline by about 5%. They were able t beat out appliances and home energy solutions, though, making mobile one of LG’s most important sectors going forward. For 2014, LG’s looking to increase revenues to about $57 billion, and we don’t see them having a problem meeting that goal if their mobile business is just as good as it was in 2013. [via LG] |
| Samsung strikes key licensing deals with Google, Ericsson Posted: 27 Jan 2014 05:15 AM PST Samsung’s looking to secure the future of their mobile and electronics business with cross-licensing patent deals with two major industry players. It has been announced that the company has come to a 10-year agreement with Google for the two companies to use each other’s patents. Samsung also settled a long-standing battle with Ericsson with a similar cross-licensing deal, Samsung and Google says their deal is as functionally necessary as it is symbolic. The two want to show the rest of the industry that patents don’t have to be used as arms in drawn out, expensive and unnecessary wars. While it’s easiest to point out the never-ending spats between Samsung and Apple as the biggest example of this, it’s necessary to point out that many more major players on all sides of the court are guilty of it. We likely have a very long way to go before patent trolling dies down. In fact, it’s hard to imagine it’ll ever die down without significant patent reform. It’s why companies like Samsung and Google have had to invest billions of dollars in securing patents for the future, using them as protection against companies taking aim at them around every turn. Google’s most notable move was securing Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. That particular deal has been working out great for the company’s handset business, because the new Google-fied Motorola is flat-out awesome. That said, it wouldn’t be wrong to suggest most of that valuation was due to Motorola’s extensive catalog of significant cellular patents (many of which Samsung will certainly look to take advantage of throughout this 10-year period). Let’s hope these agreements allow for more innovation by all parties, and let’s hope more companies take notice and follow suit in due time. [via Samsung Tomorrow, Bloomberg] |
| LG G Pro 2 to be officially unveiled in February Posted: 27 Jan 2014 04:52 AM PST If you’ve had your heart set on an official followup to LG’s Optimus G Pro (pictured above), you’re about to get some good news. The South Korean company has announced that they will be fully unveiling the LG G Pro 2 at some point in February. We imagine they’ll look to take the larger stage at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as an opportunity to launch the device. While LG didn’t have anything to share about the device itself just yet, our natural first guess is that they’ll be looking to build on the original Optimus G Pro in every way. That particular device boasted the following specs:
The device was right at the top of the food pyramid when it launched in early 2013, matching the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One in nearly every area. We’d expect their early 2014 flagship to be even better, with a beefier processor, a slightly bigger display, more RAM and more possibly being on tap. While we can’t yet say for sure what to expect, we can certainly say it’s likely LG won’t disappoint. We’ll have to wait until it’s all been officially laid out on the table, though, so for now just keep counting down the days (February 24th is a good date to start with). [via LG] |
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