Google Time Machine: new Google search Easter egg brings us back to 1998

Google has always been famous for their hidden Easter eggs in not only a lot of their products, but in their search engine as well. I’ve always loved the “do a barrel roll” Easter egg, which is an obvious reference to the classic game, Star Fox 64— try it out for yourself.
In September 1998, the Internet changed forever, as Google search went live to the public. Now, a new Easter egg from Google will give you a great sense of nostalgia— search “Google in 1998,” and you’ll get a fully functional Google search engine from 1998.
Check it out now and see what we mean! It’s pretty awesome.

CM Installer Beta Testers sign-up list open

When CyanogenMod reorganized itself as a new company (Cyanogen Inc.), one of their main goals was to make sure their product was extremely easy to install so that it doesn’t have to be limited only to those that have experience with  flashing. That’s why Cyanogen is trying to release a Cyanogen Installer which will let you quickly get the software on your device in no time at all.
To get this project off the ground, Cyanogen has started a beta-testing program for testers willing to try it out. However, this isn’t your basic sign-up list— you have to meet the following criteria to be selected.

• A camera to record yourself doing the installation
  
• Have a supported device (maguro, crespo, toro, toroplus, grouper, flo, mako, manta, skyrocket, hercules, i9100, i9300, d2att, d2spr, d2tmo, jfltexx, quincyatt, quincytmo, t0ltetmo, m7ul)
• Submit bug reports and feedback

If you meet all of this criteria, go to Koushik Dutta’s Google+ post (source link) to let him know you’re interested.
Source: +Koushik Dutta

CyanogenMod’s cLock widget makes its way to the Play Store as “Chronus”

If you’re a CyanogenMod user, you’re probably familiar with their cLock widget. The widget that allows you to display the time, basic weather information, and upcoming calendar appointments on your lock screen has made its way to the Play Store under the name “Chronus.” It’s a pretty sleekly designed widget that is a free download.
You can download the widget through the link after the break.

Play Store Download Link

Google Search 2.8.7 update changes hotword to “OK Google,” now enabled through search results

Google Search’s update to 2.8.7 includes a few more things than the change log originally said. The hotword has been changed to “OK Google,” and it’s now possible to use that hotword from search results, not just the standard search screen. To enable the new hotword features once you have version 2.8.7 of Google Search, head to Settings -> Voice -> Language -> Offline Speech Recognition, then download the language pack update. You might need to force close and reopen Search for it to start working.
This is brand new, and it’s still being determined whether it will work for all phones. For Android Police, it worked on their Nexus 7, Nexus 4, and Galaxy Nexus, but didn’t work on their Note 2. US English is the only language supported for “OK Google” at this point.
Source: Android Police

HTC Butterfly 2 will be waterproof with Snapdragon 800, coming in January 2014

While the HTC One Max will likely pack a fingerprint scanner on its massive body, that may not be the device to look out for. According to ePrice‘s sources, the next HTC Butterfly will be the Taiwanese manufacturer’s “true ace.” The specifications for the rumored device seem to be showing that this is very much a high-end device. Much like the LG G2, the Butterly 2 is believed to have a 5.2-inch Full HD screen. To protect all of those inches will be a waterproof design. And to really make it a beast, HTC is most likely going to use the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor that is also found in current and upcoming flagships like the G2 and Galaxy Note 3.
The first generation HTC Butterfly was available in Japan and other Asian markets, as well as in the United States as the Droid DNA on Verizon. The refresh of the original device was the Butterfly S, but that never made it beyond Asian markets. While HTC could release this new device in the United States, it is highly unlikely due to the HTC One brand being marketed heavily in North America.
Source: ePrice (Korean)
Via: VR-Zone

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ‘regional SIM lock’ situation not so bad after all

Yesterday we learned that Samsung would be implementing region specific SIM locks on future devices. Today, UK Mobile Review uncovered a way to avoid SIM locking with the Galaxy Note 3. The most important thing you need to do is activate the device with a SIM from the same region in which you bought the handset. After your Galaxy Note 3 is activated using the proper regional SIM, the ‘regional SIM lock’ will be removed, and it will be free to use on other carriers in other regions. If you activate your Galaxy Note 3 with a SIM not in the same region you bought your device, it will be locked down to that region and will not work elsewhere. For example, if you purchase the Galaxy Note 3 in the United States, you’ll have to activate it using a SIM card from a U.S. carrier in order to ensure your device remains unlocked and useable in other regions.
So what are your options if you have a foreign SIM? Well, you will have two options. The first is purchasing an unlock code for your specific country. After inputting the code for your country, the choice is yours as to which carrier you want to use. If you don’t want to do that, you can go to a Samsung service center and see if they will unlock it. Hit the break for the full statement from Samsung.

UK Mobile Review was able to reach out to Samsung and received the following statement:

“In order to provide customers with the optimal mobile experience in each region including customer care services, Samsung has incorporated the ‘regional SIM lock’ feature into Galaxy Note 3 devices. The product is only compatible with a SIM-card issued from a mobile operator within the region identified on the sticker of the product package. When the device is activated with a SIM card issued from the other region, the device may be automatically locked until it is released at the dedicated service centre.
Once a device is activated normally, the regional SIM lock is automatically released. Users can enjoy the roaming service as usual and can use other region’s SIM card when travelling. The regional SIM lock has been applied to the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S4 devices through a software update in selective markets. The regional SIM lock does NOT affect the device’s features and performance. Users can continue to enjoy all the advanced features of our products.”

Sources: UK Mobile Review (1), (2)
Via: SamMobile

Apple leads the pack as 2013′s “Most Innovative Company” for 9th consecutive year on BCG’s list

Today we have a list from Boston Consulting Group: “2013′s Most Innovative Companies.”
It isn’t a surprise who’s first. Apple stands tall as it’s their ninth consecutive year at the top of the list, ahead of Samsung (2nd) and Google (3rd).
Samsung has surpassed Google this year, which was ranked 2nd every year since 2006. Samsung’s rise has been meteoric, just like its smartphone sales, as it was ranked 26th on the same list in 2008. Microsoft and IBM were also on the list, which have been top 10 every year since 2005.
The way that the list is compiled is a bit questionable, as is the case whenever you’re creating a list to rank things based on superlatives— “innovative” being the key word here.
A survey of 1,500 international senior executives ranks the companies every year, combined with financial results for the last three years including shareholder returns, revenue growth and margin gains also contribute to the list.
I’m not sure how any of these financial statistics and rankings (from iPhone-wielding executives, most likely) shows “innovation” whatsoever, but it’s really not up to me to decide.
You can interpret it any way you want, but this is just the way that it is.
Source: Korea Times

Samsung reminds us that the Galaxy S 4 Gold Editions launched before the iPhone 5S announcement

A few days ago, we wrote about the Galaxy S 4 Gold Editions. At that time it appeared they were just announced and myself and other bloggers, called Samsung a copycat because Apple unveiled the iPhone 5S in Gold only a couple of weeks ago. Samsung didn’t like that too much, so they quietly posted how the GS4 Gold Editions were actually launched on August 27th in United Arab Emirates and subsequently offered in stores on September 8th. Apple’s event was on September 10th. They went on to show past phones that were all done up in gold, including this year’s Galaxy Golden flip phone.
The bottomline is that it’s all just for fun to me. I don’t know for sure whether Samsung copied Apple on this one or not. One would have to assume that Samsung knew Apple was going to offer a gold version of the iPhone for several months. It was leaked quite extensively on various blogs. Look, all the manufacturers copy off one another. Samsung copies Apple, Apple copies Samsung, and Apple copies Android. Did Apple copy Nokia or Motorola (or both) with their new color options? It’s the world of mobile, and everyone is copying each other, and us bloggers just like to have a little fun once in awhile.
source: Samsung

Google bringing Glass to several locations across the US

Interested in trying out Google Glass before making a purchase? Google is taking Glass across the US to set up a few locations where potential customers can go hands on with the facial device, although you still won’t be able to buy them. They’ve announced Durham, North Caroline will be the first location on October 5th, and they’ll let out details of future trips on the official Google Glass Google+ page afterwards. If you’re interested, you can subscribe to the page below and keep an eye on it.

source: Google+

Galaxy Gear already performs basic functions with Galaxy S 4

While we know it will be supported in October, we now know that the Samsung Galaxy S 4 is already performing basic functions with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Planete Galaxy uploaded a video that shows off what the two devices are able to do together. Changing themes and music, transferring photos, and creating alerts are all possible as of now.
If you’re interested in picking up a Galaxy Gear in the United States, it becomes available alongside the Galaxy Note 3 in early October. Hit the break for the video.

Google Glass XE10 update to bring third party app installs

Last week Google Glass got a pretty significant update with XE9, but the upcoming XE10 might be the biggest update yet. It will give users the ability to install third party apps. This update will also give developers access to motion tracking and the ability to create their own voice commands. We have already seen  some great use cases for Glass, but with third party apps enabled, we will finally see some of the true potential that Glass offers.
Glass Explorers can expect to see XE10 sometime in early October.
source: Geek

Sony Smartwatch 2 Launched in Europe and Comes With Dedicated App

The Smartwatch craze continues to push forward, and with it Sony is releasing its second generation of wearable tech with the Smartwatch 2. For £149.99 you can purchase the watch with a rubber wristband where as £169.99 will get you one with a metal wristband from the Sony Mobile Store UK. In Germany the watch with a rubber wristband goes for €179. Other regions including France, Italy and Spain will see it available for €189. The metal wristband goes for €199 in all regions.
The Play Store has also seen the release of a dedicated app for your smartphone. With it, you’ll be able to see what extensions are available for your device. We have a small trailer for you after the break.

ASUS tablet shows up at FCC

A new tablet device from ASUS has shown up in an FCC filing with model number TF502T. That model number seems to hint at the device being a member of the ASUS Transformer family of devices. Whatever it is, the tablet will have WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities and a 6760 mAh battery. Earlier this month ASUS announced several new devices during IFA 2013 that it was getting ready to release, including some MeMO Pad devices and new additions to the Transformer line. However, the announced battery size for the 10-inch MeMO Pad was only 5070 mAh, so the device at the FCC does not seem to be consistent with that. The new high-end Transformer Pad was listed as model number TF701 when announced by ASUS. That seems to leave only the Transformer Book Trio device as a possible option for the ASUS device that was submitted to the FCC.
source: FCC
via: phoneArena

Samsung Galaxy Trend 3 officially released with dual SIM support

Samsung officially announced the release of the Samsung Galaxy Trend 3, a follow-up to the Galaxy Trend II that was released in April. The new smartphone gets some upgrades, going from a 4-inch display to a 4.3-inch display running at 800×480 resolution and Android has been bumped from version 4.1 to 4.2. In addition to the support for dual SIM cards, the device comes with a 1.2 GHz processor, an 1800 mAh battery, and microSD card support. It is only available in white.
At present, the device is only available in China for three different carriers as well as an unlocked version. However, it would not be a surprise to see it available in other locations like India.

source: Unwired View

HTC One Developer Edition in U.S. expected to get Android 4.3 this week

Owners of the HTC One Developer Edition in the U.S. will be happy to know that Android 4.3 is finally here! You’ll get all of the obvious 4.3 additions, including Bluetooth LE, OpenGL ES 3.0, updated photo DayDream and some other great features.
HTC hasn’t added too much to the device on their end, other than some bug fixes, faster system performance and a new battery charging animation while the phone is powered off.
It isn’t an enormous update but the changes that are being made are certainly welcome.
Remember, this is just for the U.S. edition, so if you’re international, you’ll have to wait a bit more. Those in Canada are expected to get it some time next month, along with those in Europe.

Motorola could tap soon to be former BlackBerry employees with new Waterloo, Ontario office

Recently BlackBerry announced they would shed thousands of employees due to continued dismal results, but many of these employees may find work pretty quickly thanks to Motorola. Motorola plans on setting up a new office right in BlackBerry’s backyard, in Waterloo, Ontario. The new office, called Motorola Kitchener-Waterloo is a ten minute drive from BlackBerry’s headquarters, and also happens to be walking distance from Google’s current office.
“We’ve got big plans and we’re very optimistic.” said Derek Phillips, a former Google employee who is now engineering director for Motorola Canada. “We’re always looking for places where there’s lots of opportunity for growth and it’s not always easy to find places that have significant tech talent in a variety of areas, but especially mobile.”
Of course there is no guarantee that former BlackBerry employees will get a job with Motorola, but I would say they have a darn good chance because of their expertise.
source: Financial Post

Google Search for Android update includes improved Google Now cards

It’s nice to see Google Now getting frequent updates. The latest one, rolling out today, includes a handful of new features. Among those, the app now shows you recommended websites based on your location, and has real time updates for sports and flight cards instead of making you wait 15 minutes. The full list of new features:

- Related website for current location

- Real-time sports and flight updates, no 15 min delay

- Set reminders from Google searches for album & book releases, tv shows

- Car rental reservations from Gmail

- Event tickets for select websites

- Improved public transit card

- Additional Smart-TV cards for news & music currently on TV

- Ability to tell family & friends when you’ve left work (rolling out gradually)

- Choose calendars and edit reminders

You can download the update through the link after the break.

Play Store Download Link

New Moto X “Lazy Phone” commercial showcases Touchless Control

Motorola is going hard with their new new Moto X “Lazy Phone” campaign. There’s a new, fifth ad available that shows how a competing phone could leave you stranded up a creek. The commercial showcases Moto X’s Touchless Control features. That’s all we’re going to say about the commercial, but it’s absolutely worth a watch. Check it out, embedded after the break.

YouTube Android app gets an update, adds video notifications and new ad spaces

Google has updated the YouTube application in the Play Store, although unfortunately we didn’t get a complete changelog. However, just looking at the app reveals a few new features, including space for ads in the first list of videos you see when opening the app. There’s also a new option in the general settings of the app to receive notifications for new videos that match your interests. Google data mining suggestions at its finest.

You can hit the link after the break to get your hands on the update, or go to the Play Store directly on your phone. Test out the update and let us know if you find anything else interesting.

Play Store Download Link

Google updating Gmail for Android with new look, small tweaks

Google announced today that Gmail for Android will be getting updated over the course of the next few days to introduce a new design for the conversation view. Some additional “design tweaks” will make it easier to multi-select messages for action. Google has also added an indicator to let users know whether account sync is on or off. Overall, the design appears to draw on the Google Now and Google+ “card” appearance.
Check out some screen shots in the gallery below.
source: +Gmail

AT&T will be the exclusive carrier of the Pebble smartwatch

The success of the Pebble smartwatch continues as they just landed AT&T as an exclusive carrier partner. You will find the Pebble online and at select AT&T retail stores starting September 27 for $150. More stores will be added in October.
One of the best things about the Pebble is that it works with not only Android phones, but iOS as well. AT&T will also carry the Samsung Galaxy Gear, but it’s limited to working only with the Galaxy Note 3. Full presser after the break.

It’s Time to Rethink What a Watch Can Do with the Pebble Smartwatch Available at AT&T

AT&T is the Exclusive Carrier for Customizable Watch that Fits Your Lifestyle
Dallas, Texas, September 25, 2013 - It’s time to rethink what a watch can be. As the most successful KickStarter campaign to date, the Pebble smartwatch extends control of your iOS or Android smartphone while giving you options to customize with apps for an active lifestyle.  Beginning September 27, AT&T customers can purchase the Pebble for $150 at att.com and in select retail stores with broader availability expected in October.
The Pebble smartwatch is a customizable, Bluetooth enabled smartwatch that wirelessly connects to your smartphone. Call alerts, emails, and text notifications all appear on the Pebble as they arrive to your phone. No need to pull out your smartphone to see who is trying to get your attention. Perfect for runners, cyclists, golfers or anyone with a busy or active lifestyle, the e-paper display makes the watch incredibly easy to read whether indoors or outside and it’s water resistant to boot. Users can also download applications onto their Pebble from a host of third party developers.
“As the exclusive carrier for the hot new Pebble smartwatch, this innovative device adds to AT&T’s extensive lineup of industry leading accessories for today’s connected world,” said Michael Cowan, Director, Accessory Portfolio, AT&T Mobility. “This smartwatch is fun, practical, and easy to use. It is simple to see why people have been clamoring to get their hands on it.”
The Pebble stands out from other smartwatches because of its customization options and its open development platform that allows developers to build new apps.  Key features include:

• Press a button to change the watchface to fit your personal style. Download new watchfaces and applications, or design your own through existing third party sites.
• Great line-up of pre-loaded and downloadable apps perfect for runners, cyclists, golfers or those who are just busy.
• Music is only a click away. Play, pause, or skip tracks on your phone with simple controls on Pebble. Glance down at your watch to see the artist and the track name that is playing without missing a beat.
• Custom notifications keep you informed without being a distraction. Incoming caller ID, calendar alerts, social media messages, weather alerts and more.
• Rechargeable battery can last up to seven days.
• Water resistant rated 5ATM.

For the complete array of AT&T accessory offerings, visit www.att.com/wirelessaccessories.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Graphics benchmark scores reveal Nexus 5 graphics might

New benchmark scores have surfaced on the GFXBench site showing the Nexus 5 is ready to jump into the fray against the top performing smartphones in terms of graphics capability. Currently only two scores have been posted, one for the T-Rex HD offscreen test and one for the Egypt HD offscreen test. These tests are designed to to determine how the device will perform under a heavy load, with the T-Rex test being the more intensive of the two. The score for the Nexus 5 on the T-Rex test was 23.1 frames per second. On the less intensive Egypt HD  test, the unit scored 59.2 frames per second.
The scores put the Nexus 5 on par with the PowerVR chipped iPhone 5S and either on par with or slightly edging out leading Android units. The Nexus 5 is shown as being equipped with the Adreno 330 gpu for the tests. Hopefully it will not be long before we can get some results for the onscreen tests.
source: GFXBench
via: phoneArena

Don’t expect fingerprint scanners on Samsung devices until the 2nd half of next year

Now that Apple has implemented a fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5S, and presumably in the next editions of the iPad, one would assume Samsung is going to offer something similar. They probably will, but it might not come as fast as some would want. According to the Korean Herald, Samsung thinks the technology is still in its infancy and won’t adopt it until the second half of the year. One Samsung official who went unnamed said, “We never officially admitted that Samsung was weighing the fingerprint system and Knox for Galaxy Note 3 for security functions. We are not yet developing the technology.”
Right now the only company in Korea developing fingerprint technology is Crucialtec, which is being used on the Pantech Vega LTE-A. Seoul-based Woori Investment & Securities analyst Kim Hye-yong added, “Samsung has to rely on the company for fingerprint functions, but its technology level is still behind Authentec in terms of patents and solutions. It will take a year more for the company to supply stable technology.” Apple bought Authentec back in 2012, which gave them the technology that is being used on the iPhone 5S.

“Samsung will certainly adopt the fingerprint technologies down the road. Fingerprint scanners are a trend rather than a necessity. There seems to be few things that can be added to handsets. Smartphone makers now face an innovation hurdle,” Hyundai Securities’ researcher Yoon Jung-sun said.
source: Korea Herald
via: SamMobile

KitKat contest gives away new Nexus 7s as part of Android 4.4 promotion

KitKat recently released a video showing a contest they held which involved winners sitting on a KitKat-branded bench at a certain time in order to win a Nexus 7. Great idea by the company, as they continue to do their part to market the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat OS. It’s a pretty simple concept, although the video may have overdone it a bit. Check it out for yourself below.

Google Play screenshot reveals possible changes to Android 4.4 status bar

With Google’s newest version of Android tipped off for an October release, there’s bound to be details trickling out up to the final announcement. There is now new information regarding one of the possible cosmetic changes to Android. Yesterday, Google Korean IME (the Korean keyboard) was updated and provided a screenshot that revealed a change in color to the icons in the status bar. Thankfully someone saved the screenshot before it was removed from the Play Store listing. Currently the status bar is blue; however, the screenshot (above) has a gray color. This would be the first major change to the status bar since the change from Gingerbread’s green to the blue in Ice Cream Sandwich.
What is noteworthy, if this change is really going to be made, is that this would move the status bar toward the feel of the status bars on both iOS and Windows Phone. iOS features whites and so does Windows Phone; however, Google may simply allow multiple color options.

If you take a look at the screenshot below closely, you may notice something odd. The debug icon is clearly a slice of Key Lime Pie and not a piece of a Kit Kat. This is probably because Key Lime Pie is still the internal name at Google for Android 4.4 or Google didn’t update the graphics yet.

Source: Google Play Store
Via: Android Police

Cyanogen possibly partnering with Oppo for first device

Fresh off of becoming an incorporated company, Cyanogen may have a hardware partner ready to carry their software. Earlier this afternoon CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik appeared in a teaser for an Oppo event scheduled for September 23. Kondik explained that he will be attending Oppo’s event in Beijing next week and added at the end that “we have exciting news to add” before cutting away to “Oppo N1″ which will be the device announced at the event.
Of course the first thing that comes to mind is a partnership between Cyanogen and Oppo. Why else would Kondik be in Beijing for the event to add something of his own? Hit the break to catch the clip.

Source: +OPPO

Leaked build of Android 4.3 from test Moto X device available

If you have a Motorola Moto X and just cannot wait for Android 4.3 to be released for your device, you can try flashing a new build that has been put together from resources dumped off a test device. XDA member jimmydafish posted a zip file that includes everything needed to load this particular Android 4.3 build onto your Moto X. You do need to have an unlocked bootloader. Whether you would really want to do this may be questionable though as even jimmydafish indicates in his testing that it seems to run slower than the current build of Android 4.2.2 on the Moto X. He does indicate the camera app seems to be an improvement.
To fastboot flash the system onto your Moto X, just follow the source link to find the zip file containing the necessary bits along with instructions. Just remember you are taking things into your own hands as far as the continued operation of your device, so be sure you are willing to live with the results whatever they may be. If you do undertake this install, be sure to post here and let us know your impressions.
source: XDA Developers

Sony Xperia Z Ultra now available for pre-order in the U.S.

While some regions received the Sony Xperia Z Ultra back in July, folks in the US have been waiting. The Xperia Z Ultra is finally available for pre-order in the United States. Newegg.com is offering the 6.44 inch device at $699.99 for the HSPA+ version, and $729.99 for the LTE version. The phone is available in black, purple, and white, and delivery is expected by October 14.
If you’re interested, head to the source link and pre-order.
Source: Newegg.com
Via: XperiaBlog

Google files patent for online interactive book club

Google has recently filed a patent for a type of online, interactive book club. It sounds weird, but the way Google is apparently thinking about implementing it sounds really interesting. When a user buys a new book, they’ll automatically be prompted to join a “club” for that book with other readers. It will supposedly limit those clubs to people who buy the book around the same time so they won’t be several hundred pages apart. These clubs are assigned based on your age, location, interests, etc. All that neat information Google has on you will help to pair you up with others who you’d enjoy reading a book with.

It’ll all be managed through a social network, probably Google+. Duh. Book clubs can have scheduled activities, which is probably just going to be group Hangouts to discuss books. There’s also the possibility of financial rewards for participation.

This is just a patent, so it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll turn into anything. But hey, if you’re a fan of book clubs and Google products, you’ve got something to look forward to.

source: USPTO

via: Engadget

Focal removed from CyanogenMod after lead developer leaves

After recently forming a new company, CyanogenMod is already facing some fallout. The very popular Android ROM will be losing its camera app Focal due to the departure of its developer, Guillaume Lesniak (Xplodwild). Focal, which fell just two weeks shy of being available for two months, was CyanogenMod’s own take on the camera app. The reason for Focal and Lesniak’s departure is believed to be caused by friction between newly incorporated CyanogenMod Inc. and himself.
Lesniak has indeed confirmed that he has left CyanogenMod and founder Steve Kondik has made comments of his own. In the comments for the code changes he explained that “there’s now this perception that CM is trying to steal his hard work and run with it.” Kondik goes on to explain that he would rather see Focal succeed elsewhere than have any issues arise.

It is currently unknown as to what CyanogenMod plans to do for a camera app.  They can either start a new project to create one or they can revert back to AOSP camera. Lesniak’s plans for Focal are unknown as well.
Via: Android Police

HTC One Max camera features leaked, fingerprint scanner ‘recognition rate is very high’

We have already seen a few decent shots of the HTC One Max, and now it’s time to get an idea of the camera software and find out a little more about the fingerprint scanner. It appears to offer beauty shot (similar to Samsung’s Galaxy series) with three levels of blemish removal. It also supports panoramic mode as well as HDR video.
The tester confirmed that the square we have been seeing below the camera lens is indeed a fingerprint scanner and appears to work well. He said, “Spent a few days with HTC one Max fingerprint recognition rate is very high, there was no awkward situation.”
On top of all this, he has rooted the device. Who is looking forward to the One Max?

source: Weibo
via: PhoneArena

Sony Mobile seeks to end leaks

As we’ve seen time and time again, upcoming devices’ designs and specs are leaked much earlier than their intended reveal. While many companies like Samsung are good at keeping things a secret, others are not as fortunate. Sony is among the many that has not been so lucky as their newest flagship, the Sony Xperia Z1, surfaced across the web before its IFA 2013 event in Berlin. So today someone snapped a photo at a Sony Mobile office in Asia that exposed some of their rules. With these rules now being posted for employees to see, Sony hopes to at least slow down the amount of leaks for their devices.

Among the list of rules are:

• Do not use phones without protective cover
• Do not show phones to individuals outside of Sony Mobile (Unless NDA is signed)
• Do not upload any pictures to social networks, public webpages etc.
• Do not use 3rd party benchmarking applications

Source: Digi-Wo
Via: Xperia Blog

Google Makes Quickoffice Free for Everyone

If you’ve been one of those folks that have been ready to use Quickoffice post Google acquisition, but were saddened by how it was only available for Google Apps for Business, you’re in luck. Google has made the popular mobile office app free for everyone. That’s right. Everyone. While Google is always pushing its own suite of office apps they’re using Quickoffice as a way to cater to those who hasn’t made the leap yet. 

The app is available in both the Play Store and the iOS App Store. With either app, installable on any of your devices, you will see the ability to create .ZIP folders, view charts in both PowerPoint and Excel. Those who are wanting to edit their Drive documents in Quickoffice will have to wait as they’re only viewable as PDFs right now. If you have an old version of Quickoffice or have the Business version, you’ll have to upgrade to the new version.

Another tidbit of information for those who are unsure of making the switch or downloading another mobile office suite; Google is offering 10GB of extra Drive storage for free (for two years). Of course this is a limited time offer and you’ll have to sign up by September 26th in order to get in on this deal. Although, it’s not an instant upgrade. Google though, promises that we’ll see the extra storage in the “next few weeks.”
If you’re in the market for a mobile office solution that’s easy on the wallet then you should check out Quickoffice. With other suites costing $15 your wallet will thank you.

Play Store Link

Nestle outs October for Android 4.4 Kit Kat release

We fully expect the Nexus 5 along with Android 4.4 Kit Kat to be released next month, and if you need further confirmation, then take a look at the German Facebook page for Kit Kat. They posted the above image and the 11th comment (from Kit Kat) says, “Hi Tim, Android 4.4 KIT KAT ist ab Oktober verfügbar.” If you don’t know German, no problem, a quick Google translation yields, “Hi Tim, Android 4.4 KIT KAT is available from October.”
Of course I don’t know if I would really classify this as an “out” since Google doesn’t usually put statues on their lawn for a new version of Android unless they plan to release it soon. The statue went up on September 3 and they announced the Nexus 4 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean last October. Thank you for the confirmation Nestle, but we didn’t need it.
source: Facebook

Republic Wireless to offer Moto X for $299

Republic Wireless is a newer MNVO operating on Sprint’s network that offers some really cool pricing plans thanks to it’s unique WiFi calling/texting features. They offer plans as low as $5 with exclusively WiFi calling and data usage, but up to $40 a month for unlimited WiFi/3G/4G usage. Up until now, the only device they offered on their network was the fairly outdated Motorola Defy, but today they’re updating their lineup by offering the Moto X for an impressive $299.

Republic Wireless hasn’t given a date for the release of their Moto X outside of a vague “November” date and there’s no word on whether or not you’ll be able to get Moto Maker customization, but if you’ve been itching for a new carrier to try out, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find better value than this.

source: Republic Wireless

via: Engadget

T-Mobile customers can now pre-order the Galaxy Note 3

Those of you on T-Mobile that desire the Galaxy Note 3 can now pre-order it. It will run you $199 upfront followed by 24 monthly payments of $21 or you can opt for $704 now with no commitments. Shipping will begin on October 1st. Hit the source link to get your order in and check out our hands on if you haven’t already.
source: T-Mobile

Asus to make the new Nexus 10 tablet, according to rumor

According to a tweet from @Rage06, which was then retweeted by famed leaker @evleaks with a comment saying “seems legit,” the new Nexus 10 will be made by Asus. @Rage06, or Ray, works at  Curry’s PC world in the UK and found a line in the system that suggests that the Nexus 10 will indeed be made by Asus instead of Samsung, the current manufacturer.
This tweet does go against Sunday Pichai’s statement earlier this year that said that Samsung would be the manufacturer. Regardless, hopefully we’ll hear the official details soon enough. With rumors going either way, it sure will be interesting to see the real manufacturer.
Sources: @Rage06, @evleaks
Via:AusDroid

Verizon Chimes in on the Nexus 7 LTE Certification Hoopla

What would the internet be without an uproar over something that’s not fully understood? Yesterday the internet went up in arms over an issue with not being able to run the new Nexus 7 on their LTE network. While Big Red got ahead of themselves yesterday with a certain tweet, it appears that they’re in full damage control mode. Debi Lewis, director on the Verizon Wireless Corporate Communications, posted this today on Verizon’s news blog:

“Verizon Wireless’ certification process, which generally takes between four and six weeks, is one of the most rigorous testing protocols of any carrier, and is focused on guarding the safety and security of our network. Certification is done by third party labs approved by Verizon, and selected by the device manufacturer. “

According to the post, the new Nexus 7 went into the certification process in August. As you just read, the process generally takes four to six weeks to finish. That means that if everything goes well, we should see Verizon’s LTE grace the new Nexus here in just a few short weeks. Of course, that’s if everything goes well.
Regardless, everyone can calm down because it appears that Verizon will be allowing those with the new Nexus 7 to use its LTE network. While the fact that this wasn’t already in the process when Google announced the tablet is anyone’s guess, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a little while longer. Everyone please… Put down those torches and pitch forks and go about your daily internet business.
source: Verizon Wireless