While the latest version of Android – version 4.3 – has made its way to Galaxy Nexus devices and Google Play editions of the HTC One and Galaxy S4, most of us have to wait a while more before we see it on other devices.
The creators of the popular CyanogenMod custom ROM for Android are busy incorporating many of the updates from Android 4.3 into the latest nightly builds for their most recent 10.2 release.
Intel is making big promises with its next-generation Atom chips from the Bay Trail platform like $200 Windows 8 tablets. So, the “Samsung with Bay Trail SoC” that appeared in some shipping manifests is a cause for some excitement.
Bay Trail chips will be built on a 22nm process, hit 2.1GHz and along with the CPU core redesign, the chips will use Intel’s own GPU architecture from Ivy Bridge.
You may remember Microsoft recently updated the YouTube app for Windows Phone 8 and made it into a proper app and not just a bookmark for launching the mobile version before. Then Google got upset because the app didn’t include ads and asked Microsoft to remove the app, which the latter complied with.
Well luckily, the app is now back on the Windows Phone Store. It seems Microsoft and Google have resolved their issues over the matter and the updated version of the app (it had previously rolled back to the bookmark version) is now available for download.
The LG Optimus GJ is a rare midrange smartphone offering that also features IP-certified water resistance. It’s based on LG’s famous Optimus G flagship with a new watertight chassis and a beefier battery.
The Optimus GJ lacks some of the connectivity antennas found on the G, like NFC and LTE, and with the larger battery should have the edge over its flagship predecessor.
We all know that Nokia Lumia 925 packs a pretty decent 8.7 megapixel camera that comes with optical image stabilization and f/2.0 aperture. The latest Lumia 925 ad, which is quite hilarious and engaging, promotes the low light performance that those last two bits bring.
The promo video that runs for just over half a minute, tells the story of four friends trying to capture a shot at night using a phone.
Canonical’s Ubuntu Edge smartphone project is losing steam and at the time of writing have raised close to $10 million. Sadly, with the pace the campaign goes, it’s impossible to reach the 32 million target by August 22, when it ends.
Good thing then that a prototype of the Ubuntu Edge smartphone has been showcased at the XDA DevCon 2013 in Miami. As a result, you can now see the phone in the flesh. This might as well be the only time you’ll be able to do so.
Google has issued a new update for its Glass smart eye-wear, which adds new Google Now cards as well as bringing updates for already existing ones. Furthermore, there are a bunch of new voice commands as well as the ability to fast forward/rewind videos you’re watching in order to get to a certain part that you’re interested in.
The new Google Now cards now include ones for restaurants, hotels and events that allow you to book and get reminded of already existing reservations. Another new card is in charge of movies and brings information for upcoming titles and their screening times in nearby theaters. The last newly added Google Now card to Glass is for emergency alerts – it’ll only show up when there’s a severe thunderstorm or flash flood warning in your area.
The Nokia Lumia 1020 will be featured in a lot of head to head battles and today it’s time to tackle the Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom. The Lumia 1020 has its large, high resolution sensor (1/1.5″ 41MP) to rely on, while the S4 zoom boasts 10x zoom that’s something you just don’t see on a device with full phone capabilities.
Those lead to different strengths, like much better bokeh effect from the Lumia 1020, while the S4 zoom is true to its name and wins hands down when it comes to zoom.
According to sources close to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 update will be released to end users by mid-October.
The RTM version will start seeding in the beginning of August and after manufacturers have fiddled and optimized it for their varying hardware it’s expected to be available to the general public by mid-October.
In the long list of policy changes made to the Xbox One since its announcement comes another one. Microsoft has now confirmed that the Kinect sense, which was previously mandatory and always needed to be connected to the console, will no longer be required unless a game needs it specifically.
To be clear, Microsoft will still ship the Xbox One with the Kinect sensor, so don’t expect a Kinect-less version for a lower price, although the rate at which Microsoft is going, that option might be coming shortly.
After recently having being diagnosed with GPS connectivity issues, owners of the new Nexus 7 tablet are now complaining about the erratic performance of multi-touch functionality on the display.
According to reports, the display often registers phantom touches on the screen when you try to use more than one finger. This is most easily observed while typing as the device presses wrong keys on the keyboard.
Sony’s soon to be revealed attachable smartphone lens-cameras have appeared in high-resolution images. Dubbed DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100, the gadgets pack a lens, sensor, card slot and image processor.
The lens-cameras will attach to a smartphone, therefore transforming it into a high-end point and shoot snapper via a wireless connection. The handset’s display will work as a viewfinder (a dedicated app will more than likely be involved in the process).
Carrying premium design features is always welcome for any dual-SIM smartphone out there, but the HTC Desire 600 dual sim isn’t just for show. Its main purpose is to be available when needed especially considering its call for double duty.
At first glance the dual-SIM droid from HTC doesn’t seem likely to impress here, as it packs a relatively modest 1860mAh battery. Hopefully, HTC has done the necessary Android and Sense 5 UI optimizations to make the most out of the available juice.
Apple is tipped to unveil its next-generation iPhone and the much anticipated low-budget iPhone, on September 10. The two smartphones are reportedly going to be called iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, respectively, and have already stared in numerous leaks. The latest rumors, includes a few photos of the spare parts that are allegedly destined for the iPhone 5S and confirm the presence of a dual LED flash.
The leaked images show us the elongated hole for the flash that are widely used to house dual LED flash. The port is very small for the usual Xenon flash, so if the leaked images are to be trusted, the iPhone 5S will indeed come out with a dual LED flash.
Your Nokia Lumia 1020 has a 41MP image sensor? That’s cute – so does the Hyetis Crossbow smartwatch. Also, the specs sheet is so long it will make your head spin (and in the dizziness you’ll wonder if this is just vaporware).
The watch has a Swiss-made movement and that’s the only thing that will remain constant – Hyetis is promising to update the rest as time goes on.
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