Information about Moto G, free on contract, leaked

According to our favorite leaker, @evleaks, the Moto G is going to be quite a bargain. The device supposedly will come with a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor clocked at 1.5GHz, an 8MP back-facing camera, a 4.7″ HD display, come in either 8GB or 16GB storage options, and feature an LG-made 1950mAh battery, all free on contract. That’s almost the same specs as the high end Moto X – for free.
@evleaks also posted the above picture, which is the first real look we have at the device. With all of these leaks and Motorola’s screw up earlier this week, we’re probably getting really close to an official announcement.
Source: @evleaks

Galaxy Nexus will not receive Android 4.4, Google will follow 18-month support window

The Galaxy Nexus, the device that started the “Ice Cream Sandwich-age” of Android, will unfortunately not be receiving the Android 4.4 update. This actually comes as a bit of a surprise, as Google has stated (and will continue to state) that one of Android 4.4′s main goals is to put an end to Android fragmentation, bringing support to lower end devices.
Yes, Android has had an 18 month rule— if a device is over 18 months old, it will stop receiving support.
However, the Galaxy Nexus definitely has the RAM necessary to run the new OS version. (Google has stated that 4.4 will run smoothly on devices with 500mb of RAM, which is half the amount the Galaxy Nexus offers.)

But it seems as though the Android team is going to stick to the 18-month rule— perhaps they believe that it’s a slippery slope if they start making exceptions to the rule…
Either way, it should be noted that Apple has supported some iPhones three years past their release date bringing iOS 7 to a multitude of old iPhones.
Source: Engadget

Nexus 5 now available in the Google Play Store, starts at $349 for 16GB

Here it is. The Nexus 5 is available in the Google Play Store. Available with your choice of a black or white backing, the Nexus 5 costs $349 and $399 for 16GB and 32GB, respectively. On the surface is a gorgeous 4.95-inch True HD IPS Plus screen with a pixel density of 445 with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 covering it. Powering the newest Nexus creation is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.3GHz. The 8 MP camera has the same optical image stabilization technology found on the G2 (LG makes both of them). The Nexus 5 relies on a 2300 mAh battery for power and supports wirless charging. Hit the break for a commercial and the full rundown of the specifications.

SPECIFICATIONS:
4.95-inch (1920 x 1080) Type True HD IPS Plus (445 ppi)
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 CPU
Adreno 330 GPU
2GB RAM
16GB or 32GB storage options
8 MP rear camera, 3264 x 2448 pixels, autofocus, optical image stabilization, LED flash, Video: 1080p@30fps
1.3MP front camera
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100 4G Network LTE
GPRS Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 – 48 kbps
EDGE Class 12
Speed DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE, Cat3, 50 Mbps UL, 100 Mbps DL
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP
Dimensions 137.9 x 69.2 x 8.6 mm (5.43 x 2.72 x 0.34 in) / Weight 130 g (4.59 oz)
NFC
microUSB 2.0
2300 mAh battery non removable
Wireless charging
Colors – Black or White
Source: Google Play Store (Black), Google Play Store (White), Google Official Blog

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in pink coming to the UK via Phones 4u

Phones 4u, the UK retailer, hopes to capitalize on potential Samsung Galaxy Note 3 buyers who want something a little unique by being the exclusive source for a pink version of the large, stylus-equipped smartphone. The Galaxy Note 3 is also available in black and white. Phones 4u has already started selling the Galaxy Note 3 online, including the pink version, and the device will be available in retail locations starting on Friday. In addition to the exclusive color option, Phones 4u is throwing in some freebies for buyers including a £120 ($193 USD) wireless speaker, three months of 4u Wi-Fi and either Sky Sports Mobile or Spotify Premium if the buyer opts for a Vodafone 4G plan.
source: Phones 4u

HTC’s next flagship is codenamed M8 and will sport Sense 6.0

Last year’s flagship, the HTC One, was codenamed M7, and it looks like the next iteration is codenamed M8. Unfortunately we don’t have anymore info other than, unsurprisingly, it will sport Sense 6.0. Based on HTC’s track record, you can expect to see this device announced in February or March of next year. The One was announced in February 2013 just before Mobile World Congress.
The big question is what will they call this phone? Could it be the HTC Two or some sort of play on “HTC One”. This is only the beginning of what will be several months of leak after leak so stay tuned.
source: @evleaks

Photos of new Android tablet, Verizon Ellipsis 7, leaked

Leaker @evleaks is at it again, showing us images of the Verizon Ellipsis 7, a brand new own-branded Android tablet. According to the leaked image, the Ellipsis 7 has a 7 inch screen, LTE connectivity, two front speakers, a front facing camera, and runs stock Jelly Bean. The image shows a date of November 25 – could that be a release date? A price point is obviously still in the air, but assuming it is manufactured by a Chinese company, it shouldn’t cost too much.
Stay tuned to Talk Android as we hear more about the device.
Source: @evleaks

ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T now available via Amazon

During IFA 2013, ASUS announced a bunch of new upcoming devices. One of those was a new version of their convertible tablet, which we see in fruition today. The ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T is now available on Amazon, with all the top-of-the-line specs a high-end Android tablet should have. You’ll get an improved screen, processor and battery for $450 with Prime 2-day shipping. You can read the entire specs after the break and purchase your own TF701T via the source link below.
Source: Amazon

• 10.1-inch 2560 x 1600 WQXGA IPS display
• NVIDIA Tegra 4 quad-core processor
• 2GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM
• 32GB internal storage
• 5MP/1.2MP cameras
• Micro SD slot
• Micro HDMI port
• Miracast Wireless Display support
• Optional keyboard dock w/battery and full-sized USB 3.0 port

You know you wanted to see a Nexus 5 GIF, here it is

You thought you had seen every kind of leak imaginable. Nope!! Feast your eyes on this Nexus 5 animated GIF, which was created from the images that were grabbed from Sprint’s website last night. Will this phone be released tomorrow?
source: Android Headlines

Girl Receives Ticket For Driving While Wearing Google Glass

And so it begins. We can’t help but feel this is merely the beginning of what will be a long string of Google Glass hating but we’ll try to remain hopeful. Even before its initial launch, we’ve seen the innovative device pass through  much dissection and scrutiny as bar owner Dave Meinert banned the device from his establishment stating “People want to go there and be not known … and definitely don’t want to be secretly filmed or videotaped and immediately put on the Internet“.
Well, now it appears the law is looking to put a pinch on the technology as well, alluding to the fact it’s a hindrance and a distraction to the driver. While I’m inclined to agree to an extent, one has to wonder how far will this go and what can be considered a distraction? The point of Glass was to allow the user to operate the device and get the info he or she needs hands-free which most users do with their cell phones anyway. However, even on a mobile device one has to pick it up, press a button, speak and then glance at the device to ensure speach to text was accurate.
As for the back story, Cecilia Abadie, a California resident received a ticket from a police officer for “driving with monitor visible to driver”. Cecilia certainly wasn’t ecstatic about the charge and wound up venting about it over on her G+ page, causing quite a buzz (see what I did there?). And while we’re sure she attempts to fight the fine we’re pretty certain the outcome won’t come out in her favor. This begs the question however, if this gets big enough will Google feel obligated to step in and offer its two-cents? Only time will tell. Our advice for now is to keep glass off the menu while driving from A to B. The fine is simply not worth it. Feel free to offer your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Google+

Samsung Galaxy S5 may not have OIS camera due to supply constraints

We’ve heard off-and-on rumors about when Samsung will put OIS (optical image stabilization) cameras in their smartphones, since some OEMs like LG do use OIS chips but Samsung doesn’t. We’ve also heard that Samsung may be using an OIS-enabled camera on their next flagship Galaxy S phone, but the latest rumor says that may not be the case. In fact, it may not even be up to Samsung.

According to ETNews, Samsung wants to put OIS cameras in their smartphones, but there are no supply partners that would be able to manufacturer enough components to meet Samsung’s ridiculous demand. The Note 3 has already shipped 5 million units, and that’s not counting what the Galaxy S 4 is still doing now that the holiday season is rolling in. That’s just another day for Samsung, but for many component manufacturers, that’s simply too many devices to handle. For Samsung, it’s obviously a good problem to have when supply exceeds demand, but it’s a tricky situation considering many flagship phones next year likely will sport OIS cameras.

Samsung has begun looking into making their own OIS cameras in-house to avoid manufacturing delays from partners, but there’s no word on if that will pan out in time for the Galaxy S5 launch next year. We’ve still got plenty of time for the rumor mill to keep us updated, though.

source: ETNews

via: G For Games

Strange barge located in Maine could belong to Google

Remember Google’s mysterious barge in San Francisco? It may not be the only one that is linked to Google. A barge docked in Portland, Maine has been there since October 11 and is receiving work Cianbro, a local fabrication company. Unable to name their client, it has been reported that electrical and interior work is currently being done on the barge. The local Portland Press Herald believes that this is part of something greater because when the other barge (in San Francisco) was revealed, sources said that both coast’s were building one. At this time, nothing is confirmed and it could all be completely wrong because Cianbro does not have a long history in large-scale projects.
Source: Portland Press Herald
Via: The Verge

Sign up for a chance to test Google Products

How would you like to test a prototype of a new Google product? Well Google is looking for trusted souls to sign up for a user experience research study that could let you do just that. All you have to do is hit the link below and fill out a survey that will probably take about 5 or 10 minutes. Other than answering about your technology uses, you will need to answer if you are willing to go to a Google office, do it remotely, or have a Google rep visit you. You can actually choose all three. To sign up, just hit the source link below and be sure to share with us whatever cool devices you are testing.
source: Google
via: Android And Me

Google Glass 2.0 with earbud attachment revealed

Google recently announced that original Glass Explorers would get a free, one-time upgrade to the next edition of Google Glass – version 2.0. From Google Glass’s official Google+ profile, we get a look at what 2.0 will look like, which you can see above. There’s an earbud attachment, and Google already mentioned that  this new version will support both shades and prescription lenses, but besides that there’s not much else different in the revision. The earbud is an optional attachment, so you can choose whether or not you want to use it.
So, what do you think of the new hardware? Does it make Glass more appealing to you?
Source: +GoogleGlass

Google+ gets 18 new features include Auto Awesome Movies, Auto Action, Auto Eraser, and SMS messaging in Hangouts

Vic Gundotra hosted a Google+ event this morning announcing 18 new features. Before we get into all the changes, Vic announced that Google+ now has over 540 million active users and 300 million in the stream at anytime. He also mentioned that over 1.5 billion photos are uploaded each week and growing rapidly. Now let’s get into the changes….

Hangouts

• Added Single tap location sharing
• Added the use of Animated GIFs
• SMS integration so all your messaging can be in one place
• Auto Awesome features such as boosting the light of people that are in the Hangout. This includes a focus effect or a spotlight feature
• Hangouts On Air – Better planning including a dedicated event page plus special editing features like turning up the volume for only one person

Photos
Vic mentioned that “treasures are stranded in devices” and organizing is difficult especially between family members. Even if you can finally organize things, editing is another daunting task. How do we tell the stories of our photos?
Backup – Backing up photos on Google+ has always been full size by default, but iOS users will get auto backup as well with their next update.
Highlight – Google+ has been picking out our best photos since Google I/O, but they have improved the algorithm.
Search – We already could search our photos, but 1,000 additional words have been added so that you can search your images even if they aren’t tagged.
Editing – Auto Enhance has been around since Google I/O for those that have no time, but Snapseed is also available for those that are more experienced and the Google Nik Collection for the seasoned pros.

You can now adjust the Auto Enhance setting to Low or High and you can also control it by album. Snapseed adds HDR Scape, which takes any photo and converts them to HDR with one touch. It works better with landscape and structure images. Last but not least, Analog EFEX Pro is a new addition to the Google Nik Collection
Auto Awesome gets two new features - Auto Awesome Action (similar to Samsung Drama Shot) and Auto Awesome Eraser (eliminates moving people)
Auto Awesome Movies
This is brand new and appears to be pretty amazing. Google will take your photos and videos from an event and put them all together in one “movie” set to music. This can be done automatically or manually. It includes stabilization, music, automatic cuts, and effects. Users will have full control for further editing including trimming and how long the video is to be. As to music, you will be able to choose from a predefined set of licenced tunes.
Not a bad set of enhancements for Google+. What do you guys think? Will this help bring Google+ closer to Facebook’s popularity? What are your favorite additions?

Google’s Smartwatch in ‘Late-Stage Development” (Video)

I don’t know about you, but the staff here at TA believe that these are some exciting times to be alive in the technology industry. And this year is certainly the year where it appears the “wearable devices” market is breaking out in similar fashion to that of the tablet boom we’ve seen a a few years back. Google Glass is also moving seamlessly through developers’ hands and gaining new ground daily. Next on the menu? Smartwatches!.
Following the heels of the success of the Pebble Watch, a kickstarter project that went well back in early 2012 and is still thriving in the market and Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch (hands-on) which was just announced as a companion to the Note 3 and now other smartphones as well, Google will soon be introducing its own smartwatch to the masses as it’s currently in “late-stage development” per sources for The Wall Street Journal. The device will obviously run Android and make use of many of the Google Now features currently present on devices. Check out the video below of The Wall Street Journal’s Yun-Hee Kim who briefly interviewed Eva Dou about what we can expect with the highly anticipated device. 
In addition to the expected Google Now functionality, the search giant is working on reducing power consumption so as to eliminate the necessity to constantly charge the device. And while most people are hoping for a stand-alone device, that will be highly unlikely and this will probably, like other devices, be a companion to your smartwatch. Speculation for when the device might be released is being touted as “within months”. The device will assist with every day tasks such as what Google Now currently performs like scheduling appointments, booking flights, checking train schedules, reading/retrieving emails etc. While we hope the device reaches the market quickly, we’d rather see Google get this right. And here’s to hoping for competitive pricing as well. I think the Galaxy Gear is highly over priced and it’s been difficult for many to justify the cost of it with its current limited functionality and short battery life. Check out the video below and feel free to let us know what you think about the newly emerging market in the comments below.

Google's Watch
source: WSJ

Modular smartphones could be a reality with Motorola’s Project Ara

Back in May when the Moto X was still in the leaks and rumors stage, it was hinted that it would be more customizable than it ended up being. It was believed that we would not only be able to choose the color of the device, but also choose the memory, CPU, etc. Today we have an idea where those rumors originated from: Project Ara from Motorola.
Project Ara takes it a step further by creating a completely modular phone. It means that you would start with an endoskeleton, which is the frame of the phone. You would then be able to purchase modules that can be inserted into the frame. These modules would consist of the processor, the display, a battery, a keyboard, etc. This means that not only will you be able to decide what specs you want, you can also upgrade any of the specs at anytime.

Motorola has been working on Project Ara for over a year with the overall goal being to do for hardware what Android has done for software. That is “create a vibrant third-party developer ecosystem, lower the barriers to entry, increase the pace of innovation, and substantially compress development timelines.”
Motorola is also working with Phonebloks, which shares the same vision. In fact, Dave Hakkens, the creator of Phonebloks, released a video on YouTube a month ago demonstrating the concept. Motorola plans to invite developers in the coming months and expects and alpha release of the Module Developers Kit (MDK) this winter. Check out the video from Dave Hakkens and Phonebloks to get an idea of where this is headed.

 

Helpouts from Google could be announced tomorrow as part of Google+ event

Earlier today Google+ announced they were going to hold an event on Tuesday to announce some updates to the social network. Some sources think the big news to be announced will be the official launch of Helpouts, a new way to connect people who need help with someone who can provide that help. Work on this new product from Google was first discovered back in August when a landing page surfaced.
Since then, Google has been receiving applications from potential Helpouts providers and vetting them for inclusion in their listings. One person going through the process, Christine DeGraff, reports the Google representative she was working with told her launch was going to be “very very soon.”
source: The Social Strategist

Nexus 5 pre-registration page goes live for WIND mobile; full specs also finally confirmed

With still no word from Google, seems like other companies are taking the next step in regards to preparation of the upcoming Nexus 5 announcement. WIND mobile threw up their pre-registration page for the Nexus 5 and also revealed the full (official?) specs of the device. While it seems like WIND has taken the page down, we do have a screenshot of the page which I’m sure they’ll throw back up once it’s been officially announced by Google. Until then, here’s the full spec list rundown.

• Screen: 4.95-inch 1920×1080 display (445 ppi) Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Cameras: 1.3MP front facing 8MP rear facing OIS
• Weight: 130 grams
• Dimensions: 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm
• Operating System: OS Android 4.4, KitKat
• Chip Set: 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
• Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) 802.11 a/b/g/n/ncNFC (Android Beam) / Bluetooth 4.0
• Storage / Memory / Ram: 16GB or 32GB internal storage 2GB RAM
• Ports & Connectors: microUSB, SlimPort enabled, 3.5mm stereo audio jack, Dual microphones, Ceramic power and volume buttons

source: Facebook
via: Mobile Syrup

Leaked images show thousands of Nexus 5 retail boxes stocked and ready to go at an LG distro center in Canada

Need some further convincing the Nexus 5 is raring to go? We think we’ve got it. According to a source over at the Neogaf forum, an LG distro center in Canada is currently housing 30,000 of Google’s new Nexus 5 handsets manufactured by LG. The source supplied a couple of images that appear to be legit and states that the distro center is just awaiting Google’s go-ahead. If you’ll look closely, one image confirms that stacks of LG branded boxes are on standby just waiting to be shipped and even adds a close up shot of the Nexus 5 retail box looking pretty darn similar  to one we’ve previously posted of the leaked handset in white. And while there is no real way to confirm the claim, it certainly appears to be pretty convincing. We’re not sure what the ultimate hold up is at this time but here’s to hoping Google and LG get the ball rolling soon to beat the holiday rush. Are you currently holding out for the device? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.  

source: Reddit/Neogaf

Google looking to expand Glass Explorer program, current users will be given three invites to give out, asking price still $1500

Google is looking to expand its Glass Explorer program, which provides thousands of developers with the option to own their very own pair of Google Glass.
Although Glass isn’t expected to be available on the consumer market until 2014, Google is ramping up production on the devices anyway, with a possible upcoming dispatch of more Glass units into its Explorer program in the coming months.
How will Google make these extra Glass units available, you ask? According to the Financial Times, existing Glass owners “will be able to invite a limited number of friends to buy the device.”

Although Google already launched a similar invite system three months ago, they recently confirmed that the Financial Times’ report is true. They also confirmed that current users will be given three invites, and those looking to get the device through an invite will still have to pay the current $1,500 asking price.
So if you’re lucky to know someone currently sporting a pair of Glass, you may want to cozy up to them in the coming weeks if you really want to get your hands on the device.
Although somewhat unrelated to the expansion of the Glass Explorer program, rumors have started coming out saying that what appears to be a secret floating data center in the San Francisco Bay could actually be some sort of a public showcase or display center for Google Glass when it is released. That’s unconfirmed, of course, but it is a pretty neat thought.
Via: The Verge
Source: FT.com

Google announces a Google+ event for tomorrow, still no Nexus 5 news

At this point, I’m pretty sure Google enjoys trolling the internet. They recently held a Google Play event where seemingly nothing noteworthy happened, and today, Google has announced an event for tomorrow… just for Google+ updates. No hardware, no software, just news about a “few updates” to their social network. I’m sure it’ll still be an interesting event, and there’s probably some cool stuff planned.

That Nexus 5 has to be announced sometime, right?

source: Google+

Asus PadFone Mini benchmarks show quad-core processor and Android 4.3

Looks like Asus is planning a Mini version of their PadFone device to compete with the flood of other mini devices on the market lately. Some early benchmarks show a device with a model PadFone T00C, similar to the model of their hybrid PadFone devices that can seamlessly turn into larger tablets with some accessories and attachments.

This PadFone Mini looks like to be a 4-inch device with a 275 PPI screen, which is slightly better than what Samsung’s GS 4 Mini offers. It’s also powered by a quad-core processor that appears to be a Snapdragon 400, so while it’s nothing extremely high end, it looks like it should be a very capable device. It’s also running Android 4.3, so the software side of things is top notch.

Hopefully Asus will make something else official about this PadFone Mini soon, considering they just announced the PadFone Infinity last month.

source: GFXBench

via: The Droid Guy

Samsung wants developers to build apps exclusive to Galaxy devices

Samsung is hosting their first Developers Conference this week and the theme just might be for developers to build apps that are exclusive to their devices. Samsung already knows the key to success: Build user friendly devices and an ecosystem. In order to build an ecosystem, you need exclusive content and that is exactly what Samsung wants from developers. It won’t be easy because if developers take the time to build an Android app, why make it only available to Samsung? Actually there is simple solution and that’s money. Samsung has lots of cash to throw at developers that want to be part of the program.
Samsung has already shown a little success with achieving this based on the Twitter app. Twitter made a version of their app exclusive to the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition. It’s the only tablet that is works on and the app also takes advantage of the built-in S Pen features. Will more developers be excited this week to do the same? I’m pretty sure if Samsung throws them some money, they will be just giddy.
source: WSJ

What is Vic Gundotra excited about?

Is seems as though Vic Gundotra is a little excited for something today. I wonder what that could be? Late last night, he posted on Google+…

Can’t sleep. Always happens to me on Sunday nights. Yes working at Google is that exciting.

Of course when you work as hard as Vic does, this could happen any night right? Sure it could, but why would you need to post about it on the eve of the rumored unveiling of the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 Kit Kat? More importantly, he went on to post….

Hey +Sundar Pichai you struggling to fall asleep too?

We all know that Sundar Pichai is in charge of Android and Chrome, and if anyone is going to have trouble sleeping before a big hardware announcement, it’s likely to be Sundar. Looks like today could be the big day folks!! Stay tuned.
sources: +Vic Gundotra (1) / +Vic Gundotra (2)

Photos of colorful OneTouch Pop 7-inch tablets from Alcatel leaked

Alcatel looks to be preparing some colorful new devices. The best leaker in the business, @evleaks, has provided us with the above photo showing these new colorful 7-inch tablets from Alcatel, allegedly part of the OneTouch Pop family. OneTouch Pop, if you remember,  is the same family that has the colorful budget phones in other parts of the world.
Along with the colors above, black will also be an option. The backplates will be removable and switchable to change hues as often as you want. Also, it looks like there will be a translucent flip-cover for safety. There’s not much additional information on these, but we’ll be sure to let you know as we hear more.
Source: @evleaks

LG G Flex announced by LG to join the ranks of devices with curved displays

LG has officially announced the LG G Flex, their version of a smartphone with a curved display. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Round that bends around the vertical axis of the device, the LG G Flex curves around the horizontal axis. It should be noted that this means the curvature will be similar to an IMAX screen when the device is held in the horizontal orientation when viewing video. LG also announced the back cover of the G Flex will be made of a material that can self-repair hairline scratches “within minutes” to help keep that new device look.
The hardware for the device is consistent with previous leaked information, including a 720p 6-inch screen, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP camera, and high-fidelity audio. LG indicates there will be special animations depending on how you unlock the phone which will include a tap-to-wake function.
The G Flex is scheduled to hit Korea’s major carriers next month. No pricing information was provided nor was any update on other countries and markets that may eventually see the device. We expect this will be limited and pricey, appealing mainly to buyers looking for something really unique or the opportunity to claim they had one of the first examples of something new.
Below is a Google translated copy of the LG press release from Korea.

Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) Android 4.3 firmware leaks from Samsung

If you own an unlocked Galaxy Note II, you’re in luck. SamMobile has gotten their hands on some pre-release firmware of Android 4.3 for Samsung’s phablet for you to play with. It’s definitely not a daily driver, but hey, at least we know Samsung is going to make good on their promise to update these devices.
The update brings the Note II up to speed with the S 4 and Note 3, especially in the UI department. It has the tabbed settings interface, as well as a few more subtle changes throughout the OS. Samsung Wallet is present, as well as Samsung Knox. There may be more features added before development is halted, but that’s what we’re looking at currently.
If you’re interested, you can download the firmware at the link below. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing or you don’t have the GT-N7100 model of Note II (which means no US carrier variants) leave this one alone for a bit.
source: SamMobile

First Samsung Galaxy Round commercial released

The first television commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Round has officially been released. The Galaxy Round, if you remember, is the world’s first curved smartphone that will only be available in South Korea, at least at first. It’s basically a curved Galaxy Note 3 but with a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED that curves at the sides. The commercial plays on the rounded nature of the phone, showing a hand holding multiple rounded objects before showing the same hand using the Galaxy Round.
Check out the TV spot after the break.
Source: SamMobile

White Nexus 5 is real, launch date could be November 1

Yesterday @evleaks tipped us with a press render of the Nexus 5, and today they have done it again, but this time our favorite new phone is dressed in white. This confirms the leak we saw last week. However, there is one difference, only the back of the phone is in white while the front remains black. Looks pretty cool doesn’t it?
There is also one more juicy bit of information and that is a date of November 1 was revealed. We can only assume this is the date that the Nexus 5 will become available, but it could be just the announcement date. It could also mean the announcement and the launch because Google could make it available in the Play Store immediately after the announcement. As always, stay tuned.
source: @evleaks

Background audio for YouTube app coming?

As the YouTube app has kept improving, we’ve always desperately wanted one feature – the ability to listen to audio in the background. That would make it possible to listen to music via YouTube while still multitasking on your device. It seems like our wish is going to be granted, as Android Police has found a hidden setting in the latest YouTube APK that allows background audio. The feature will actually appearingly allow you to not just listen in the background, but even keep music playing with the screen off.
By setting a playlist of music to play through, this feature could actually be a viable rival to music streaming services like Spotify. There’s no word on when this feature will actually launch, but we’re excited, and hope it’s soon.
Source: Android Police
Via: PocketNow

Sales figures on Galaxy S4 disappointing? ‘Not so,’ says Samsung

In the months following the release of the Galaxy S4 up until now, reports have been coming out saying that the sales figures of the S4 have been pretty disappointing, and didn’t live up to what Samsung originally expected for the device.
There were even rumors that stated the company would be preparing the Galaxy S5 for an early launch to make up for their poor sales.
However, it seems that there was a big misconception between what the Samsung officials were saying and what the press was saying.
Apparently, Samsung had “out-of-this-world” expectations for the sales of the S4. As it turns out, the numbers weren’t “out-of-this-w0rld,” but pretty darn close— still not enough for Samsung executives to be happy, though…

Updated sales figures show that there are currently more than 40 million Galaxy S4 units out an about, all over the world. That’s pretty much the definition of impressive if you ask me. 10 million units were sold in the first month after launch, and 30 million were sold in the following four months.
These Samsung execs are certainly over-achievers— if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be in their position— but expecting numbers better than those, I can’t imagine what they’re thinking over there.
Source: iNews 24

Japan Display takes screen resolution to new level with 12.1-inch 4K display

A cooperative effort between Japanese companies Sony Mobile Display, Toshiba Mobile Display, and Hitachi Displays, collectively known as Japan Display Inc., has announced their success in producing a 4K resolution screen (3840×2160) in a 12.1-inch form factor. The screen uses TFT LCD technology to produce a 365 pixels per inch picture. According to JDI, they have also managed to control heat and power usage for the display and kept it thin enough so that it could actually be deployed as part of a consumer device such as a notebook computer or a tablet device. The product is being shown at the FPD International 2013 event in Japan this week.
Many people have expressed skepticism at the need for 4K resolutions on anything smaller than a large television, but it seems manufacturers are continuing to work on producing screens capable of this resolution in a mobile device. Do you think the market will reach the point where 4K capable devices are the standard?
source: Japan Display Inc.
via: Engadget

Sony Mobile to host November 12 event, possibly the Xperia Z1S global launch

Over the weekend, we learned that the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini could possibly being heading over to the U.S. as the Xperia Z1S. Now new information has revealed that Sony Mobile could be hosting an event on November 12 to launch the smaller handset globally. Another possibility for the event could be a budget phablet released in emerging markets.
While the screen of the Z1S is smaller than the flagship Xperia Z1, the internal specs are set to be toe-to-toe with the full size handset. Stay tuned for more info as an invite would have to be sent out relatively soon.
Source: Digi-Wo (translated)
Via: Phone Arena

LG G Flex shows off back panel controls and makes first video appearance

The LG G Flex may not be the first smartphone with a curved display, but it will be the first curved smartphone with rear power and volume controls. That and 50-cents might get you a cup of coffee, but LG needs some recognition now that Samsung took the crown for the first curved smartphone, the Galaxy Round.
The G Flex should be unveiled next month and will probably be as limited as the Galaxy Round. Neither device is going to be popular since they are still evolving. One day we will have smartphones that we can actually bend, but for now it’s going to be flexible displays that are inflexible. Hit the break for a couple of more images and get an even better look with the G Flex’s first video appearance.

 

Motorola “Moto G” Trademark Revealed. It’s Anyone’s Guess As To What It Could Be

Recent discoveries of what appears to be a trademark filed by Motorola for the name “Moto G” have provoked bloggers to be up in a roar as to what the perplexing device could be. The name Moto G should come as no surprise to us as it’s been floating around the blogosphere for quite some time. And though the description of the device is, as expected, extremely broad, the device could easily be a smartphone, smart watch or some other high-end accessory. The speculation can honestly go on and on. And though we know something from Motorola is definitely in the works, we’ll just have to be patient like we always are in this industry to see what’s produced.
If you think you may know what the device is, feel free to offer up your suggestions below in the comments. And as always, as new news trickles down the pipeline you’ll be the first to know about it.
source: Phandroid