Do you use only Samsung devices?

There are a lot of Android devices out there. I know that probably sounds like a negative thing, and there are a lot of people out there who probably mean that as a negative thing, but I don't. Not right now. I think it's great that Android has become the "standard operating system," in so much that it's the go-to platform for most everyone. So, yes, there are a lot of Android handsets out there, and that's a good thing!

It honestly is kind of comical that the majority of them do come from one company, though.

At first, when Samsung just flooded the whole market with new devices, everyone pointed it out as a bad thing. Kind of like "Android is everywhere" was a bad thing. While other manufacturers were busy launching a ton of smartphones, like HTC back in the day, Samsung was busy launching a ton of devices over a wide range of markets. This is a company that releases refrigerators, after all, so there's a real possibility that a house out there, somewhere, is all Samsung.

Of course, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I want to focus more on the mobile side of things. To be honest, I think this is where it gets really interesting. Sure, you could have a Samsung-branded refrigerator, maybe even a phone or tablet, too, but I don't really count that as having a "Samsung home." Close, but no cigar. I thought about including TVs in there, too, but until Samsung announces some Android TV support, I don't think we can count that.

So, let's keep it mobile. I've asked about investing in an ecosystem in the past, and there's probably no doubt that if you do find yourself buying the majority of Samsung-branded products, it's because you're a fan of Android, but let's just look at the hardware options. (But if you've attached yourself to Samsung due to their Windows/Windows Phone options, feel free to include those, too!) Keep in mind that doing this, even just focusing on hardware and just focusing on mobile, it still gives us plenty of devices to look at for outfitting our selection.

I'm actually curious about this because of Samsung's efforts to release a ton of devices every single year. They've obviously made this their status quo. They want to make it so that there are a ton of options for you to choose from, from phones to tablets, all in varying sizes and feature lists, so you can find the right device. But, at the same time, they want to make it so that if you want a small tablet for reading in bed, a bigger tablet for your couch or traveling, and a smartphone to fill the ranks, you don't have to look anywhere else but Samsung.

This strategy is working for them, clearly. Samsung has been the  leader of Android for quite some time now, and dethroning them from that position seems pretty impossible at this point. So it's working globally, but instead of looking at the macro, let's look at the micro. At individual households. Is Samsung's effort to fill the market with their devices, from wearables to tablets, actually working to make them the single manufacturer in someone's home? And if it isn't for you, do you know someone who's adopted Samsung as their one-and-only manufacturer? Let me know!

Anna’s Guide to dealing with lost or broken smartphones

 

We’ve all been in that position where you’re hovering nervously over your smartphone, which is now facing flat on some hard surface after a lengthy drop from your hands to the ground. Should you just turn it over and find out what happened, or should we perform a quick ritual to the smartphone gods to magically fix any issues that might have occurred? Or maybe you were unfortunate enough to have your phone magically fall in the toilet, sink, bathtub, or other body of water - which happens to be one of electricity’s worst enemies. Either way, accidents happen to our phones all the time, and although your first reaction is probably to think that life ends here, rest assured things can only get better from here.

 

If you’re fortunate enough to be reading this while your phone is still perfectly in tact and in your possession, the first thing to ensure the easiest recovery from such a mishap is to sign up for phone insurance. While many people consider this a waste of money (and sometimes it does end up being that way) you’ll be thankful if there ever comes a time when you really need it. Instead of having to shell out several hundreds of dollars to replace your beloved (and probably expensive) smartphone, you can generally have yours replaced with just one or two hundred dollars - similar to if you were buying a new smartphone with a yearly upgrade price. This also gives you peace of mind, which is always nice to have.

 

Also, if this hasn’t happened to you yet, I also suggest keeping a “spare” smartphone (perhaps an old phone of yours) around at all times just in case - this will get you by if you ever find yourself in these situations while you search for a real replacement phone.

 

On the other hand, you might be reading this when it’s already too late. Your phone has been lost, stolen, or broken, and you didn’t sign up for insurance. Unfortunately, you can’t sign up for insurance after something bad has already happened; however, the good news is is that there are alternatives for getting a decent smartphone replacement without breaking the bank. While you may not be able to get the exact model of phone you were using for cheap, we fortunately live in a time where there are decent smartphone alternatives for cheap.

 

You may or may not have heard of the Moto G at this point. If you’re out a smartphone and looking for a cheap replacement, now might be the time to get familiar with the Moto G. The Moto G is a lower end Android smartphone that costs less than $200 off-contract, and available through various providers. While the Moto G might not be the most high-end phone on the market, you know what you’re getting into. When discussing how to deal with a lost or broken phone a year or two ago, my first suggestion would be to browse Craigslist or eBay to find a gently used phone - but that also came with risks. With the Moto G, you’re able to get a brand new device without any worries of bad ESNs or experiencing surprise technical difficulties that the previous owner may have neglected to mention.

 

You could also check out some of the cheaper Nokia Lumia devices, such as the 520 or the 521. These devices can be purchased for less than $100 at various retailers. These particular models are also considered lower end when it comes to specs, but one of the better aspects of the Windows Phone platform is that the platform can perform relatively well even after the fact that they’re using less than stellar specs.

 

If settling for a low-end smartphone isn’t your first choice, you could also try talking to your carrier about moving your upgrade date up. This is a risky move and doesn’t always work, but the worst that can happen is they end up telling you that they can’t do it. However, being somebody that used to work in that part of the industry I can say that I’ve seen some miracles come through - only sometimes though.

 

You could also check reputable websites like Swappa to find gently used smartphones. You can bargain prices or even try trading for phones on this website. I’ve used it twice and have had good luck here so far, so I find it to be a good resource whether you’re buying or selling.

 

As previously mentioned, you could also check craigslist or eBay for replacements, but as always it’s best to remain cautious with these methods as they don’t always pan out in everyone’s favor.

 

Losing or breaking a smartphone is never a fun ordeal to go through, but unfortunately it’s one of those things that sometimes just happens. Fortunately there are several ways to help mend the situation if you ever find yourself there.

 

Readers, when is the last time you lost or broke a phone? How did you go about getting a new one? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Images via Computer Repair Doctor, iDigital Times

Top 5 reasons to jump on the Project Ara bandwagon

 

It’s been a while since I mentioned Project Ara, but with the recent release of this prototype video from the Project Ara team I felt that it was as good of a time as any to talk about this fascinating new development in the mobile world again. You may have read some of my previous articles that praised Project Ara, and this one is no different. It’s not exactly a secret that I’m quite in favor of making this strange modular phone happen.

 

The replies I’ve seen in response to Project Ara are pretty iffy, with people on both sides of the fence. People are skeptical, as they probably ought to be with any new development this early on. It’s also important to remember that just because an idea is new and fresh (dare I say innovative?) doesn’t always mean that it works. Just look at the Sony Xperia Play, or the Kyocera Echo, or BlackBerry 10. Good ideas in theory, not so great once played out. Project Ara is no different, and doesn’t come without its risks. In fact, even with the release of the new prototype video you only see the device partially work, but fails to completely boot up. Perhaps not promising at this point in time, but I still find it kind of fascinating to see the development of this strange new project.

 

That being said, I thought it would be a good time to bring up my top 5 reasons why I feel like people should jump on board with Project Ara, even if you’re feeling skeptical. So without further ado, let’s get started!

 

 

I don’t know about you guys, but in the mobile corner of the tech industry it seriously feels like we’re not getting any real fresh ideas. Screens get bigger, resolutions get better, processors get faster, and you get a couple of gimmicks thrown in there with just about every release. That’s cool and all, but it’s not really that exciting anymore. The fact that Project Ara is still in development and we’re still learning how this whole “modular” thing will actually works is one of the ideas that I’ve been keeping my eye on the most. The project is still about a year away from when it is estimated to be completed, but it’s still a refreshing topic to keep tabs on when you’re bored with screen sizes and resolutions.

 

 

At this point in my life, springing for a new phone every two years isn’t that big of a deal. I’m financially sound and I have the means to do it, but at the same time I do realize that it’s still a luxury. There was a point in time not that long ago where I couldn’t really afford to pick up a new phone every couple of years, even when I needed one. However, usually when I “needed” a new phone it was only because of one or two ailments with my current phone. Maybe the charging port was broken, or the screen was cracked. Either way, I had to get an entirely new phone to replace it. With Ara, you only have to worry about replacing whatever is broken. Supposedly, this will not only be easy, but also cheap.

 

 

Once upon a time, when smartphones were just starting to get popular, there was a good chance that you could make a pretty solid living just by becoming an app developer. Before Apple and Android had ocean-sized app selections, there was a really good opportunity in there to make it big. Is that opportunity still there? Sure, but you’re going to have to get pretty creative (or maybe just make a really hard and simple game, like Flappy Bird). Point being, it’s not as easy to get noticed in today’s huge app selection. With Project Ara, however, there’s another window of opportunity that comes in the form of developing actual modules or accessories for the product. You can learn more about becoming a module developer for Project Ara here.

 

 

I only know one person in my life who goes out of their way to “Go Green” as they say, and that’s my own mother. Pretty much everybody else is pretty carefree about whether something gets recycled or trashed, and doing it only when the opportunity is right in front of them. Phones are no exception. I know a lot of people that simply trash their broken phones because there’s no real dedicated area to toss them. Glass, paper, and metal are easy, but where do phones go? When entire phones are tossed out, things start to add up. The same goes for old computers, televisions, and any other electronics you can think of. They don’t always get refurbished or reused; a lot of the time they just get dumped. Modular phones can’t completely solve this issue, but with more compact modules that need to be replaced every so often we can lessen the amount of electronic waste generated by broken electronics.

 

 

I think since the unveiling of the Moto Maker, we in the mobile industry have been on a customization kick. We like being able to make phones look more unique and stand out from a sea of other phone look-a-likes. Still, Moto Maker can only customize so far, and you can only do it once. Ara lets you customize over and over again in a ton of different ways, so that’s a pretty cool thing to look forward to if you like customizing your phone.

 

So there you have it, my top 5 on why I think you should hop on the Project Ara bandwagon. It might be a total flop - I’m not saying that it’s not possible. However, I do think that with time this project will start to show more promise, just as it already has. If nothing else, it’s an interesting development to watch.

 

Readers, how are you feeling about Project Ara these days? Do you think that a modular phone will be a success, or do you think it will be a total flop? Let us know in the comments below!

LG G Watch tipped to be headed to Verizon and AT&T

Shortly after the LG G Watch's specs and pricing were revealed earlier this week, AT&T announced that it would be selling the Android Wear device "in the coming weeks." Now a new leak claims that AT&T will be joined by another operator in selling the G Watch.

According to @evleaks, both Verizon and AT&T plan to sell the LG G Watch. No launch details for either carrier were given, but if AT&T plans to begin sales in the coming weeks, I wouldn't be surprised if Verizon's rollout was scheduled around the same time.

While the LG G Watch is currently available for pre-order from the Google Play Store, both the G Watch and Android Wear will get more attention from consumers if they're in carrier stores. There's no word yet on whether the Samsung Gear Live or Motorola Moto 360 will be available from any U.S. operators, so it's good to hear that the LG G Watch could finda home on the shelves of a couple of carriers.

Will you check out the G Watch when it hits carrier stores?

Via @evleaks

Leaked HTC document details its Android 4.4.4, Android L update plans

Ever since Google began pushing Android 4.4.4 to its Nexus devices. many Android users have been wondering when their device will get the update. Sony was first out of the gate, bumping several Xperia models to 4.4.4 late last week. Now a new leak has revealed that HTC may not be far behind.

According to a document shared by well-know HTC leaker @llabtoofer, HTC is targeting the July-August timeframe for its rollout of Android 4.4.4 to the HTC One (M7) and One (M8). Meanwhile, the dual-SIM One (M8), One Mini 2 and One (E8) are all slated to receive the update in August or September.

What about Android L, you ask? Well HTC has already confirmed its plans to roll the update out to the One (M7) and One (M8) within 90 days of the code’s release. On this leaked doc, both of those devices as well as the rest of HTC’s recent One, Desire and Butterfly releases are listed as “Evaluation, October - December.” The full update doc can be found in the gallery below.

Since HTC has already confirmed its plans to update the One (M7) and One (M8) to Android L, there’s not a ton of exciting new details to be found in this document. The big takeaway is that, if this leak is legit, owners of HTC’s One flagships will get Android 4.4.4 to help keep them occupied until Android L graduates from a developer preview to a public-ready release.

Do you have any of the HTC devices included in this update document?

Via @llabtoofer

LG officially joins Open Automotive Alliance, says it will 'play a key role' in Android Auto

When Google first announced the Open Automotive Alliance in January, there were a number of major players already on board, including GM, Honda and Nvidia. Today the effort has gained another big partner thanks to the Life’s Good crew.

LG just announced that it is the newest member of the Open Automotive Alliance. The company also teased its audio, visual and navigation (AVN) system for connected vehicles, saying that it will allow consumers to use a cable to connect their Android device to their car and then utilize Google’s in-car software to access their phone’s features. LG’s AVN system is expected to launch by 2015.

As I mentioned earlier, the Open Automotive Alliance already has a number of major players backing it, but LG is one of the first big mobile names to make the Android Auto jump. And while we’re still a ways off from seeing LG’s AVN system in consumer vehicles, it’s good to see another major name backing the OAA and Android Auto.

Are you excited for Android Auto or are you not big into in-car entertainment systems?

Via LG

BlackBerry Z10 the 5th best smartphone? LG G3 coming soon..

Vote for your favorite: http://phonedog.com/rankings

Cam rounds up last week's OSR charts. Biggest talking point this week is the BlackBerry Z10, which has incredibly managed to make its way up to 5th place in the charts, overtaking the iPhone 5s, Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2. 

HTC One M8 remains top for the bazillionth week in a row, while the Sony Xperia Z2 finally creeps back in to the Experts' Choice top 5. But will it remain there? We're expecting the LG G3 to be added to our lists in the next couple of weeks. What will that do to the charts? Will the M8 finally give up its top spot?

Blackphone and its security-centric Android OS shipping to early buyers, next units available July 14

Following its debut at CES earlier this year, the security-focused Blackphone is now shipping to its first pre-order customers.

The Blackphone runs a version of Android 4.4 KitKat known as “PrivatOS” that offers beefed up security. The additional security features of the Blackphone include:

The Blackphone’s hardware spec list includes a 4.7-inch HD IPS display, 2GHz quad-core Tegra 4i processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a microSD card slot and both HSPA+ and LTE connectivity. The device also includes an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter and is powered by a 2000mAh battery.

While the initial batch of Blackphone units are already sold out, SGP Technologies says that it will begin accepting new orders from the Blackphone store on July 14. Pricing for the Blackphone is set at $629.

Are any of you interested in the Blackphone?

Via Blackphone (PRNewswire)

Android 4.4.4 updates rolling out to Sony Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra

Over the past six to eight months, whenever we’d see a new version of Android released, Motorola would be close behind with updates for the Moto X, Moto G and Moto E. Things are a little different with Android 4.4.4, though, as it looks like Sony has beaten Motorola to the update punch.

Sony is now rolling Android 4.4.4 updates out to a trio of its Xperia smartphones. The Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra are now receiving updates that include a bump up to Android 4.4.4 along with a few other goodies. The changelog for the updates is as follows:

Right now it looks like these updates are only rolling out in Europe. It’s still awesome to see Sony pushing Android 4.4.4 out to some of its devices a little over a week after it began hitting Nexus devices, especially considering that the hardware that Sony is updating isn’t the freshest on the block. Here’s to hoping that Sony can continue with these prompt updates and bring Android 4.4.4, and eventually Android L, to its Xperia products in a prompt manner.

Via Android Police, Sony: Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z Ultra

Windows Phone 8.1 Update to bring native folder support, says Microsoft website

When Nokia began rolling out its Lumia Black update last year, it included support for a new App Folder feature that allowed users to group apps and settings into a single tile on their Start screen. Now a Microsoft support page has shown that native support for that feature is coming to Windows Phone soon.

A page that was recently spotted on Microsoft’s Windows Phone website included instructions on how users can create a folder on their Start screen to group apps together. To create a folder, users must tap and hold a tile, drag it on top of another app that they want in the same folder and then name it. The process is similar to the folder creation process found on other mobile platforms.

According to the page, which has since been removed, this native folder support will be coming with Windows Phone 8.1 Update. The update is expected to begin rolling out to the public in July or August.

While native folder support may not sound like the most exciting feature ever, it’s actually a pretty big deal. Microsoft’s decision to bake folder support into Windows Phone will allow users to have quick access to apps while keeping their Start screen better organized than if they didn’t have folders.

Do you use folders to organize the apps on your phone or tablet’s home screen?

Via The Verge, Microsoft (Google cache)

BlackBerry Passport shown off in new photos and video, including iPhone 5s comparison

There’s been a ton of new details that’s come out on the BlackBerry Passport in the past week or two, including the device’s official name, its release window and several images. Today that stream of information continues with some additional images and even a brief video of the Passport in action.

Twitter user @halobandit has shared a number of photos that show the BlackBerry Passport in the wild. Just as in the previous shots, the Passport features a large, square display and a set of wide physical keys.

According to @halobandit, the Passport features 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot and a beefy 3450mAh battery. It’s also said that the Passport’s 1440x1440 screen is of the LCD variety.

In addition to these photos, a brief video of the Passport has made its way online. The 9-second clip shows off the Passport’s browser and its performance while zooming and scrolling.

The BlackBerry Passport is shaping up to be a pretty impressive handset for folks that still want a physical keyboard. Its size and shape might make handling it a bit awkward for some, but in this age of huge phablet smartphones with 6-inch and larger displays, the Passport’s size shouldn’t be that big of a deal.

What do you think of the BlackBerry Passport so far? Are any of you thinking about checking it out when it hits stores in September?

Via CrackBerry, @halobandit

Samsung Galaxy F shows off its 'Glowing Gold' garb once again

Earlier this month, the string of Samsung Galaxy F / S5 Prime leaks continued with a render of the device in “Glowing Gold” garb. Today that model is back once again to give us another look at its white and gold facade.

@evleaks has shared a new image that claims to show the Samsung Galaxy F / S5 Prime in a “Glowing Gold” color. The device looks fairly similar to the previous golden Galaxy F leak, complete with a dotted pattern on its face, a physical Home button and capacitive Recent Apps and Back buttons. We can also see some golden accents around its edges, around the Home button and on the earpiece.

Golden smartphones seem to be pretty popular lately, at least with the companies that make the devices. We’ve seen gold phones from Apple, HTC, LG, Samsung and more, and judging by the arrival of golden handsets like the G3 and this Galaxy F, it doesn’t look like the gold rush is going to end any time soon.

Are you holding off on your next smartphone purchase until this Galaxy F launches?

Via @evleaks

Could Microsoft’s new Android-to-Windows stepping stone, the Nokia X2, actually work?

 

It’s an Android! It’s a Windows Phone! Or maybe it’s both - again - with the recent announcement of a second generation of the infamous Nokia X line, the Nokia X2 (running on Android - not to be confused with the Nokia X2-0x, which ran on Nokia S40). The first generation Nokia X phone was nothing short of a flop (at least here in the states), but apparently was popular enough in other parts of the world to warrant a second attempt with this next generation model. Could this second attempt at creating an Android/Windows Phone hybrid be the thing that ultimately brings more users to Windows Phone?

 

I’ll admit, I was less than thrilled with the original Nokia X. Although a lower-end device, when it came to Nokia and Windows Phone I had high expectations for decent performance even in the lower end devices. It’s kind of what made Windows Phone so awesome - you didn’t need high-end specs to make the device perform smoothly. On the other hand, with Nokia X being based on Android, it’s important to take into consideration that compared to Windows Phone, low-end Androids generally don’t perform as well with the same spec listing. Looking at just about any review video made of the device, it’s easy to see that the device is painfully laggy even while performing some of the most simple of tasks.

 

It’s also important to note that the Nokia X ran on what’s called a “forked” version of Android, meaning that while its base is technically Android, the phone came without Google services or even a Google Play Store. You only have access to Nokia’s app store, which is pretty bare compared to the Google Play Store. Still, at least you can take solace in knowing that you have access to some major applications such as Facebook, Netflix, Skype, and Microsoft services. That doesn’t really make it very Android-y though, does it?

 

So, back to the Nokia X2. What’s different about this phone? Not a whole lot. With a 4.3-inch 800x480 display, a Snapdragon 200 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory (with SD card slot), and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera this phone is still sitting on the low-end of the spectrum. The same rules apply to the X2 as it did the X: running on a forked version of Android, but without anything Google-related on there. In its place, Nokia and Microsoft-run applications. On the plus side, at least you have Nokia’s signature tanky build and bright colors, so there’s that.

 

The X2 likely won’t make any appearances in the states, but I feel like an Android/Windows Phone hybrid phone could actually do rather well here if done right. I like the services of Android and I like the simplicity of Windows Phone. I feel like the two could mesh well, but it’s going to take a little more Android flavor (and a boost in specs, if we’re going that route) to really win people over on such a device. Otherwise, it’s not a convincing switch. Personally, I think that Microsoft and Nokia would be better off without the current Nokia X line. They should keep focusing on showing people how low-end Windows Phones can out-perform low-end Android devices (well, for the most part).

 

A Nokia phone running on Android has been a dream for many for a long time, but if this is Microsoft’s best attempt at trying to make it happen, I think it’s safe to say that the dream can be securely locked away in the “Not Happening” box in the back of our minds.

Verizon XLTE activated in several new markets, now covers more than 300 locales

A little over a month after Verizon officially launched its XLTE service, the big red carrier has flipped its XLTE switch in a ton of new markets.

Verizon has announced that its XLTE service is now live in a number of new cities across the country, including Bend, Ore.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Iowa City, Iowa; and Washington D.C. The full list of newly-activated XLTE markets is:

Verizon’s XLTE service is an enhanced version of its regular LTE network that utilizes AWS spectrum to offer faster peak data speeds. Ol’ Red’s LTE network has been around since late 2010, and so it was starting to get a bit congested with all of the users hopping onto it. This XLTE service aims to address that by offering faster network speeds to users with XLTE-capable devices.

Is your town covered with Verizon XLTE service? You can find the full list of XLTE markets right here (PDF link)!

Via Phandroid, Verizon Wireless

Arrival of Android Silver doesn't mean end of Nexus, says Googler

The rumor mill has been churning out reports about a new program called “Android Silver” that’ll see Google team up with manufacturers to create high-end Android phones with limited non-Google apps and prompt updates. It’s been suggested that these Android Silver devices will replace the Nexus program, but now a Google employee has suggested that that may not be the case.

Speaking to ReadWrite, Google’s Dave Burke has said that his company is “still invested in Nexus.” Burke, who works as head of Android engineering and the Nexus program, explained that the arrival of one thing meaning that Nexus has to end “is the totally wrong conclusion to make. Unfortunately, Burke wouldn’t comment on Android Silver.

Many Android fans like the Nexus program because the devices offer a pure Google experience, receive prompt updates and, as of late, have done so at an affordable price. While Android Silver is rumored to include high-end devices with speedy updates, a lot of folks would likely still prefer the reference devices that the Nexus line offers. Here’s to hoping that what Burke says is true and that the Nexus program is here to stay.

Via ReadWrite

I am so excited that Google's Nexus isn't dead

It's been a rough few months for fans of the Nexus program. Ever since the Rumor Mill tossed out Android Silver, the story has been focused on the future of Nexus, and its inevitable demise. The rumors suggested that Google was tired of launching awesome devices that weren't getting a lot of attention from the mainstream consumer, so they wanted to launch high-end (see: better than awesome) devices right in carrier stores, and put a lot of marketing behind them. Essentially, save for the inclusion of stock Android on those handsets, they were the complete opposite of the Nexus program.

But it made sense, if you didn't put too much thought into it. And by that, I don't mean that Android Silver doesn't work, or it won't work, or Google would never do something like Silver, because reasons. I just mean, the more you think about it, the more you realize that just because Android Silver may exist, that doesn't necessarily have to mean that the Nexus program has to die.

When I've written about Android Silver in the past, I've generally included the caveat that "if" it exists, but that's been kind of a stretch. I've been working on the premise that Android Silver must mean the death of the Nexus program, simply because that's what has been swirling around. I've never wanted that to be the case, though. Not even a little bit. And truthfully, it just never made sense.

The Nexus program isn't meant for the general consumer. Not really. Sure, Google puts the device on sale in their highly-trafficked (I'm assuming) digital storefront, and it has a ridiculously attractive price tag, but it's supposed to be meant for developers as a reference device. Just because the Nexus handsets have evolved to fit some assumed price tag, to boast high-end specifications at a minimal, no-contract price, doesn't mean they ever stopped being reference devices.

They didn't.

They are also a great option for consumers who want a cheap(er), high-end device, and that's an awesome bonus. But it's still just a bonus. (Like the color yellow.) The Nexus-branded devices, even the tablets, are still meant as reference devices, which is why it never made any sense why they'd stop being brought to market. Even if Android Silver is real, I'm not sure why Google would stop releasing reference devices for Android.

Ultimately, what it really boils down to is the fact that I'm just happy that someone at Google has confirmed Nexus isn't dead. That was the best news, as far as I'm concerned. And now that we know Nexus isn't dead, I can't wait to see what the next Nexus handset looks like. Maybe Sony can finally take a crack at it.

Which company do you want to build the next Nexus?

Anna’s Guide to dealing with lost or broken smartphones

 

We’ve all been in that position where you’re hovering nervously over your smartphone, which is now facing flat on some hard surface after a lengthy drop from your hands to the ground. Should you just turn it over and find out what happened, or should we perform a quick ritual to the smartphone gods to magically fix any issues that might have occurred? Or maybe you were unfortunate enough to have your phone magically fall in the toilet, sink, bathtub, or other body of water - which happens to be one of electricity’s worst enemies. Either way, accidents happen to our phones all the time, and although your first reaction is probably to think that life ends here, rest assured things can only get better from here.

 

If you’re fortunate enough to be reading this while your phone is still perfectly in tact and in your possession, the first thing to ensure the easiest recovery from such a mishap is to sign up for phone insurance. While many people consider this a waste of money (and sometimes it does end up being that way) you’ll be thankful if there ever comes a time when you really need it. Instead of having to shell out several hundreds of dollars to replace your beloved (and probably expensive) smartphone, you can generally have yours replaced with just one or two hundred dollars - similar to if you were buying a new smartphone with a yearly upgrade price. This also gives you peace of mind, which is always nice to have.

 

Also, if this hasn’t happened to you yet, I also suggest keeping a “spare” smartphone (perhaps an old phone of yours) around at all times just in case - this will get you by if you ever find yourself in these situations while you search for a real replacement phone.

 

On the other hand, you might be reading this when it’s already too late. Your phone has been lost, stolen, or broken, and you didn’t sign up for insurance. Unfortunately, you can’t sign up for insurance after something bad has already happened; however, the good news is is that there are alternatives for getting a decent smartphone replacement without breaking the bank. While you may not be able to get the exact model of phone you were using for cheap, we fortunately live in a time where there are decent smartphone alternatives for cheap.

 

You may or may not have heard of the Moto G at this point. If you’re out a smartphone and looking for a cheap replacement, now might be the time to get familiar with the Moto G. The Moto G is a lower end Android smartphone that costs less than $200 off-contract, and available through various providers. While the Moto G might not be the most high-end phone on the market, you know what you’re getting into. When discussing how to deal with a lost or broken phone a year or two ago, my first suggestion would be to browse Craigslist or eBay to find a gently used phone - but that also came with risks. With the Moto G, you’re able to get a brand new device without any worries of bad ESNs or experiencing surprise technical difficulties that the previous owner may have neglected to mention.

 

You could also check out some of the cheaper Nokia Lumia devices, such as the 520 or the 521. These devices can be purchased for less than $100 at various retailers. These particular models are also considered lower end when it comes to specs, but one of the better aspects of the Windows Phone platform is that the platform can perform relatively well even after the fact that they’re using less than stellar specs.

 

If settling for a low-end smartphone isn’t your first choice, you could also try talking to your carrier about moving your upgrade date up. This is a risky move and doesn’t always work, but the worst that can happen is they end up telling you that they can’t do it. However, being somebody that used to work in that part of the industry I can say that I’ve seen some miracles come through - only sometimes though.

 

You could also check reputable websites like Swappa to find gently used smartphones. You can bargain prices or even try trading for phones on this website. I’ve used it twice and have had good luck here so far, so I find it to be a good resource whether you’re buying or selling.

 

As previously mentioned, you could also check craigslist or eBay for replacements, but as always it’s best to remain cautious with these methods as they don’t always pan out in everyone’s favor.

 

Losing or breaking a smartphone is never a fun ordeal to go through, but unfortunately it’s one of those things that sometimes just happens. Fortunately there are several ways to help mend the situation if you ever find yourself there.

 

Readers, when is the last time you lost or broke a phone? How did you go about getting a new one? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Images via Computer Repair Doctor, iDigital Times

Top 5 reasons to jump on the Project Ara bandwagon

 

It’s been a while since I mentioned Project Ara, but with the recent release of this prototype video from the Project Ara team I felt that it was as good of a time as any to talk about this fascinating new development in the mobile world again. You may have read some of my previous articles that praised Project Ara, and this one is no different. It’s not exactly a secret that I’m quite in favor of making this strange modular phone happen.

 

The replies I’ve seen in response to Project Ara are pretty iffy, with people on both sides of the fence. People are skeptical, as they probably ought to be with any new development this early on. It’s also important to remember that just because an idea is new and fresh (dare I say innovative?) doesn’t always mean that it works. Just look at the Sony Xperia Play, or the Kyocera Echo, or BlackBerry 10. Good ideas in theory, not so great once played out. Project Ara is no different, and doesn’t come without its risks. In fact, even with the release of the new prototype video you only see the device partially work, but fails to completely boot up. Perhaps not promising at this point in time, but I still find it kind of fascinating to see the development of this strange new project.

 

That being said, I thought it would be a good time to bring up my top 5 reasons why I feel like people should jump on board with Project Ara, even if you’re feeling skeptical. So without further ado, let’s get started!

 

 

I don’t know about you guys, but in the mobile corner of the tech industry it seriously feels like we’re not getting any real fresh ideas. Screens get bigger, resolutions get better, processors get faster, and you get a couple of gimmicks thrown in there with just about every release. That’s cool and all, but it’s not really that exciting anymore. The fact that Project Ara is still in development and we’re still learning how this whole “modular” thing will actually works is one of the ideas that I’ve been keeping my eye on the most. The project is still about a year away from when it is estimated to be completed, but it’s still a refreshing topic to keep tabs on when you’re bored with screen sizes and resolutions.

 

 

At this point in my life, springing for a new phone every two years isn’t that big of a deal. I’m financially sound and I have the means to do it, but at the same time I do realize that it’s still a luxury. There was a point in time not that long ago where I couldn’t really afford to pick up a new phone every couple of years, even when I needed one. However, usually when I “needed” a new phone it was only because of one or two ailments with my current phone. Maybe the charging port was broken, or the screen was cracked. Either way, I had to get an entirely new phone to replace it. With Ara, you only have to worry about replacing whatever is broken. Supposedly, this will not only be easy, but also cheap.

 

 

Once upon a time, when smartphones were just starting to get popular, there was a good chance that you could make a pretty solid living just by becoming an app developer. Before Apple and Android had ocean-sized app selections, there was a really good opportunity in there to make it big. Is that opportunity still there? Sure, but you’re going to have to get pretty creative (or maybe just make a really hard and simple game, like Flappy Bird). Point being, it’s not as easy to get noticed in today’s huge app selection. With Project Ara, however, there’s another window of opportunity that comes in the form of developing actual modules or accessories for the product. You can learn more about becoming a module developer for Project Ara here.

 

 

I only know one person in my life who goes out of their way to “Go Green” as they say, and that’s my own mother. Pretty much everybody else is pretty carefree about whether something gets recycled or trashed, and doing it only when the opportunity is right in front of them. Phones are no exception. I know a lot of people that simply trash their broken phones because there’s no real dedicated area to toss them. Glass, paper, and metal are easy, but where do phones go? When entire phones are tossed out, things start to add up. The same goes for old computers, televisions, and any other electronics you can think of. They don’t always get refurbished or reused; a lot of the time they just get dumped. Modular phones can’t completely solve this issue, but with more compact modules that need to be replaced every so often we can lessen the amount of electronic waste generated by broken electronics.

 

 

I think since the unveiling of the Moto Maker, we in the mobile industry have been on a customization kick. We like being able to make phones look more unique and stand out from a sea of other phone look-a-likes. Still, Moto Maker can only customize so far, and you can only do it once. Ara lets you customize over and over again in a ton of different ways, so that’s a pretty cool thing to look forward to if you like customizing your phone.

 

So there you have it, my top 5 on why I think you should hop on the Project Ara bandwagon. It might be a total flop - I’m not saying that it’s not possible. However, I do think that with time this project will start to show more promise, just as it already has. If nothing else, it’s an interesting development to watch.

 

Readers, how are you feeling about Project Ara these days? Do you think that a modular phone will be a success, or do you think it will be a total flop? Let us know in the comments below!

What are consumers expecting from the iWatch?

Do you ever just think, or hope even, that maybe a company is just trolling . . . everyone? We are inundated with leaks and rumors and speculation every single day, about devices that are no more real than a unicorn at the time, and we've all just accepted it as the way it is. And so have the companies. These sorts of leaks are going to happen, even if companies double-down on security. It's the nature of the beast, right?

But what about the information that just comes from unnamed sources, no pictures or anything like that, just a bunch of words linked together to paint a pretty picture. In those particular cases, of which there are many, we're left to take them for their word, and keep our fingers crossed they pan out for the devices we really want to be real.

For many, fingers have been crossed for a very long time for Apple's heavily rumored iWatch. The company's first wearable has been the focus of so many different rumors and speculation for so long that now, with so many new hires to fit the bill of building a wearable to go along with them, that it's practically already a done deal. No matter what happens this year, the one thing you can absolutely expect, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is Apple's debut of the iWatch.

Or it might not come at all, and all of those rumors and speculation will just switch gears, and instead of seeing 2014 all over the place, you'll see "coming in 2015!" with all sorts of conviction. Like it was happening the whole time, and we all just didn't really understand!

If the end of this year rolls around and we don't get an iWatch, I'm going to laugh. A lot. Will I be sad? Probably. But, more than that, I'm going to laugh, because that would have to be by design. If that were to happen, I'd seriously consider the possibility that Apple delayed it just to troll the whole world. Just to get a reaction out of all of us.

Because, surely then, just like so many times before, Apple would be doomed!

In all seriousness though, I can't figure out what people want, or expect, from the iWatch. It's all over the place. Then again, the news reports and speculation hasn't helped that situation, I guess. We've been hearing about the iWatch's rumored design for so long now that it encompasses pretty much every design category you can think of. Rectangular. A square. A circle. Something that's more akin to a FuelBand, with a little Gear Fit tossed in there for good measure. It's all over the place! Just look at the concept images I've included in this article, and you get the idea.

And features? There are apparently going to be a metric ton of sensors included with the iWatch, which are going to be used to track things like your heart rate, down to your sweat. Some people have speculated that it's going to be a watch, with some notifications thrown in; while others think it's going to be a full-on fitness wearable, with a feature that tells time. So . . . more of what we've already seen.

What are people realistically expecting from the iWatch? What do consumers want from this wearable? What exactly are they hoping to see in this device that will push them over the the top of the fence to finally buy one? Is it just the Apple logo? iOS-connectivity? The concept of premium materials, or what will probably be a high price tag? Some specific feature?

No matter what, the one thing that Apple absolutely has to pay attention to if they are indeed launching a wearable is Google's new Android Wear. It's obvious that Google's making a real push for the wearable market, so Apple is going to have to make sure that their device stands out. 

So, tell me: what is it that you're looking for in the iWatch? Or, more than that: any smartwatch. If you haven't bought one yet, or you have and ended up getting rid of it/not using it anymore, what is it you're waiting for? Let me know!

Facebook Home's creators no longer working on app, but Facebook says it's still being supported

Facebook Home debuted alongside the HTC First a little over a year ago, promising to give users a much more immersive mobile Facebook experience than the regular Facebook app could offer. Ever since then, though, we haven’t heard much about the Facebook Home app, and today we may know why that is.

Sources speaking to The New York Times recently claimed that the original team behind Facebook Home has been disbanded and that they’ve since been put on other projects inside of Facebook. For example, Facebook Home’s lead designer helped to design and launch Slingshot, Facebook’s new Snapchat competitor.

Facebook told Engadget that there is still a team working on Facebook Home. However, it didn’t have anything else to say regarding today’s report.

Considering the rough ratings that Facebook Home has gotten, along with the fact that it hasn’t been updated since January 13, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Facebook had given up on the app. That’s apparently not the case, but now that Facebook has integrated some of Home’s more interesting features into its other apps, it seems like Home is only worth a download for the most hardcore of Facebook users.

So will Facebook kill off Home? The app will apparently continue to live on for now, but if it continues the track that it’s on, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Facebook put Home out to pasture and focus on its other offerings, like Slingshot and the regular Facebook app.

Have you ever used Facebook Home? If so, what do you think of it?

Via Engadget, The New York Times

Top 5 FPS games on mobile

Today Elly breaks down the top 5 first person shooter games for mobile devices. These titles are judged on the graphics, gameplay, multiplayer capabilities and quality of touchscreen controls (and a little bit of personal opinion). The games are available across a range of mobile devices and are available for either iOS, Android and or Windows phone.

APP LINKS BELOW

Dead Trigger 2 ANDROID  

Dead Trigger 2 iOS 

Blitz Brigade iOS

Blitz Brigade ANDROID

Call of Duty Strike Team ANDROID 

Call of Duty Strike Team iOS 

Nova 3 iOS

Nova 3 ANDROID

Nova 3 WINDOWS PHONE

Modern Combat 4 zero hour ANDROID

Modern Combat 4 Zero Hour WINDOWS PHONE

Modern Combat 4 zero hour iOS 

BlackBerry Passport shown off in new photos and video, including iPhone 5s comparison

There’s been a ton of new details that’s come out on the BlackBerry Passport in the past week or two, including the device’s official name, its release window and several images. Today that stream of information continues with some additional images and even a brief video of the Passport in action.

Twitter user @halobandit has shared a number of photos that show the BlackBerry Passport in the wild. Just as in the previous shots, the Passport features a large, square display and a set of wide physical keys.

According to @halobandit, the Passport features 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot and a beefy 3450mAh battery. It’s also said that the Passport’s 1440x1440 screen is of the LCD variety.

In addition to these photos, a brief video of the Passport has made its way online. The 9-second clip shows off the Passport’s browser and its performance while zooming and scrolling.

The BlackBerry Passport is shaping up to be a pretty impressive handset for folks that still want a physical keyboard. Its size and shape might make handling it a bit awkward for some, but in this age of huge phablet smartphones with 6-inch and larger displays, the Passport’s size shouldn’t be that big of a deal.

What do you think of the BlackBerry Passport so far? Are any of you thinking about checking it out when it hits stores in September?

Via CrackBerry, @halobandit

I am so excited that Google's Nexus isn't dead

It's been a rough few months for fans of the Nexus program. Ever since the Rumor Mill tossed out Android Silver, the story has been focused on the future of Nexus, and its inevitable demise. The rumors suggested that Google was tired of launching awesome devices that weren't getting a lot of attention from the mainstream consumer, so they wanted to launch high-end (see: better than awesome) devices right in carrier stores, and put a lot of marketing behind them. Essentially, save for the inclusion of stock Android on those handsets, they were the complete opposite of the Nexus program.

But it made sense, if you didn't put too much thought into it. And by that, I don't mean that Android Silver doesn't work, or it won't work, or Google would never do something like Silver, because reasons. I just mean, the more you think about it, the more you realize that just because Android Silver may exist, that doesn't necessarily have to mean that the Nexus program has to die.

When I've written about Android Silver in the past, I've generally included the caveat that "if" it exists, but that's been kind of a stretch. I've been working on the premise that Android Silver must mean the death of the Nexus program, simply because that's what has been swirling around. I've never wanted that to be the case, though. Not even a little bit. And truthfully, it just never made sense.

The Nexus program isn't meant for the general consumer. Not really. Sure, Google puts the device on sale in their highly-trafficked (I'm assuming) digital storefront, and it has a ridiculously attractive price tag, but it's supposed to be meant for developers as a reference device. Just because the Nexus handsets have evolved to fit some assumed price tag, to boast high-end specifications at a minimal, no-contract price, doesn't mean they ever stopped being reference devices.

They didn't.

They are also a great option for consumers who want a cheap(er), high-end device, and that's an awesome bonus. But it's still just a bonus. (Like the color yellow.) The Nexus-branded devices, even the tablets, are still meant as reference devices, which is why it never made any sense why they'd stop being brought to market. Even if Android Silver is real, I'm not sure why Google would stop releasing reference devices for Android.

Ultimately, what it really boils down to is the fact that I'm just happy that someone at Google has confirmed Nexus isn't dead. That was the best news, as far as I'm concerned. And now that we know Nexus isn't dead, I can't wait to see what the next Nexus handset looks like. Maybe Sony can finally take a crack at it.

Which company do you want to build the next Nexus?

Let me customize my Android Silver, or Nexus, device

Android L is official, and Google spent a huge chunk of time on June 25 to talk about what their mobile platform, which isn't so much just a mobile platform anymore, is going to bring to the table by the time the fall of 2014 sweeps in. The software is one thing, though, and it will be interesting to see what Google does on the hardware front later this year.

After all, we've still go to see what happens to the Nexus family of devices. That's honestly one of the biggest question marks right now for Android. There have been so many rumors about this Android Silver initiative, which could replace Nexus moving forward, and it has quite a few people worried about what could happen.

For many people I know, the only Android devices they buy are Nexus-branded handsets. Customization is easy, especially if you like tinkering a bit further than just downloading apps to switch things around, and the prices through the Google Play Store sans any long-term contracts (or agreements) are certainly worthwhile. The Nexus family may not have picked up with the general consumer, but it certainly has made a name for itself over the years.

The argument that Google's tired of the Nexus name just being a quiet hero in the background, and wants to make a real run at consumer's eyeballs is a valid one. Why shouldn't they, right? Android's come a long way, so show it off in its stock form in a big way, with a lot of marketing and premium devices. Win-win.

Whether the Nexus is going the way of the Dodo or not, whatever is coming down the pipe from Google and their partners, I want to be able to customize it. And not just the software (even though that's great). Motorola has spoiled us with their Moto Maker, and I want other companies to start doing the same thing. Let me customize those Android Silver high-end devices with my own color schemes (more than just adding a yellow option, thanks). I want to be able to pick the colors for my back case, front side, camera accent and the buttons on the sides.

Will it happen? Probably not. And maybe it shouldn't, because it's one of the biggest strengths that Motorola has, and it's certainly a selling point for their Moto X. It'll just have to remain a pipe dream for me, I guess.

Asus Android Wear smartwatch will reportedly feature AMOLED screen, affordable price tag

So far this week the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live have been put up for pre-order and the Moto 360 was demoed in real life. Those are the first three Android Wear devices that’ve been announced, but when Google first introduced us to Android Wear, it named several other partners that’d committed to the platform. What about them? Well today we may have gotten some details on the plans of one of them.

According to a source speaking to TechCrunch, Asus is planning to release an Android Wear-powered smartwatch in September. Details on the device are still light, but it’s said that it’ll include an AMOLED display. Asus is reportedly hoping to price its Android Wear device somewhere around $99 and $149.

Asus has been a pretty big part of the Google and Android ecosystems to date, launching Android phones and tablets as well as a Google TV box. That’s why it’s no surprise that the company is cooking up an Android Wear device in its kitchen as well. And while we don’t know much about the smartwatch quite yet, its potential price tag of $99-$149 would place it well below the Gear Live and G Watch, so this is definitely a wearable that we’re going to be keeping an eye out for.

Via TechCrunch

Samsung Galaxy F shows off its 'Glowing Gold' garb once again

Earlier this month, the string of Samsung Galaxy F / S5 Prime leaks continued with a render of the device in “Glowing Gold” garb. Today that model is back once again to give us another look at its white and gold facade.

@evleaks has shared a new image that claims to show the Samsung Galaxy F / S5 Prime in a “Glowing Gold” color. The device looks fairly similar to the previous golden Galaxy F leak, complete with a dotted pattern on its face, a physical Home button and capacitive Recent Apps and Back buttons. We can also see some golden accents around its edges, around the Home button and on the earpiece.

Golden smartphones seem to be pretty popular lately, at least with the companies that make the devices. We’ve seen gold phones from Apple, HTC, LG, Samsung and more, and judging by the arrival of golden handsets like the G3 and this Galaxy F, it doesn’t look like the gold rush is going to end any time soon.

Are you holding off on your next smartphone purchase until this Galaxy F launches?

Via @evleaks

Verizon XLTE activated in several new markets, now covers more than 300 locales

A little over a month after Verizon officially launched its XLTE service, the big red carrier has flipped its XLTE switch in a ton of new markets.

Verizon has announced that its XLTE service is now live in a number of new cities across the country, including Bend, Ore.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Iowa City, Iowa; and Washington D.C. The full list of newly-activated XLTE markets is:

Verizon’s XLTE service is an enhanced version of its regular LTE network that utilizes AWS spectrum to offer faster peak data speeds. Ol’ Red’s LTE network has been around since late 2010, and so it was starting to get a bit congested with all of the users hopping onto it. This XLTE service aims to address that by offering faster network speeds to users with XLTE-capable devices.

Is your town covered with Verizon XLTE service? You can find the full list of XLTE markets right here (PDF link)!

Via Phandroid, Verizon Wireless

Verizon billing system outage preventing many customers from paying bills, buying phones

Verizon recently shared the good news that its XLTE network has been activated in a number of new markets across the country. It looks like the universe has decided to balance that good news out with some not-so-awesome news, though, as some Verizon customers are having issues with Verizon’s billing system.

Verizon customers are reporting that they’re unable to access their account information, pay a bill, see their usage or activate new phones. The My Verizon portal is said to be inaccessible both online and in an app, meaning that folks that want to pay their Verizon bill or upgrade their phone are out of luck. This outage is also affecting physical Verizon stores in several states.

A Verizon spokesperson has confirmed the issue to Mashable, saying that the carrier is “experiencing issues with [its] billing system.” The problem is mainly affecting customers in the Northeast, Midwest and the South. Verizon says that it’s working on a fix but didn’t offer a timetable for when the issue will be resolved.

While this outage isn’t affecting Verizon’s actual voice or data services, it’s still a pretty big deal for Verizon and its customers. After all, the people that are affected by this problem are unable to pay their bills, which is something that you kind of want to be able to do every month. What’s worse is that some folks say that this outage has been affecting them for more than 24 hours.

Here’s to hoping that Verizon can get this situation ironed out shortly. When I hear more, I’ll be sure to give you a shout.

Have any of you been affected by this Verizon billing system outage?

Via Mashable

Arrival of Android Silver doesn't mean end of Nexus, says Googler

The rumor mill has been churning out reports about a new program called “Android Silver” that’ll see Google team up with manufacturers to create high-end Android phones with limited non-Google apps and prompt updates. It’s been suggested that these Android Silver devices will replace the Nexus program, but now a Google employee has suggested that that may not be the case.

Speaking to ReadWrite, Google’s Dave Burke has said that his company is “still invested in Nexus.” Burke, who works as head of Android engineering and the Nexus program, explained that the arrival of one thing meaning that Nexus has to end “is the totally wrong conclusion to make. Unfortunately, Burke wouldn’t comment on Android Silver.

Many Android fans like the Nexus program because the devices offer a pure Google experience, receive prompt updates and, as of late, have done so at an affordable price. While Android Silver is rumored to include high-end devices with speedy updates, a lot of folks would likely still prefer the reference devices that the Nexus line offers. Here’s to hoping that what Burke says is true and that the Nexus program is here to stay.

Via ReadWrite

Samsung kicks off device trial program that includes Galaxy S5, Note 3, Gear 2 and more

“Try before you buy” programs seem to be gaining quite a bit of steam in the mobile arena. First Motorola ran a brief promotion that allowed consumers to pay just one penny to try out a Moto X for two weeks, and then T-Mobile announced that it’d begin allowing people to test drive its network with a free iPhone 5s for a week. Now Samsung is getting in on the action, announcing  a trial program at some of its U.S. stores.

Samsung announced today that it’s kicking off a new trial program that allows consumers to test out several of its Galaxy devices for a full 21 days. The program includes devices like the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Gear 2 and Gear Fit. The smartphones come with carrier service, a screen protector, USB cord and earbuds, while the smartwatches are bundled with a charging cradle and cord.

The trial program is currently underway at five Samsung Galaxy Studio store locations across the U.S. Those stores are:

Could Microsoft’s new Android-to-Windows stepping stone, the Nokia X2, actually work?

 

It’s an Android! It’s a Windows Phone! Or maybe it’s both - again - with the recent announcement of a second generation of the infamous Nokia X line, the Nokia X2 (running on Android - not to be confused with the Nokia X2-0x, which ran on Nokia S40). The first generation Nokia X phone was nothing short of a flop (at least here in the states), but apparently was popular enough in other parts of the world to warrant a second attempt with this next generation model. Could this second attempt at creating an Android/Windows Phone hybrid be the thing that ultimately brings more users to Windows Phone?

 

I’ll admit, I was less than thrilled with the original Nokia X. Although a lower-end device, when it came to Nokia and Windows Phone I had high expectations for decent performance even in the lower end devices. It’s kind of what made Windows Phone so awesome - you didn’t need high-end specs to make the device perform smoothly. On the other hand, with Nokia X being based on Android, it’s important to take into consideration that compared to Windows Phone, low-end Androids generally don’t perform as well with the same spec listing. Looking at just about any review video made of the device, it’s easy to see that the device is painfully laggy even while performing some of the most simple of tasks.

 

It’s also important to note that the Nokia X ran on what’s called a “forked” version of Android, meaning that while its base is technically Android, the phone came without Google services or even a Google Play Store. You only have access to Nokia’s app store, which is pretty bare compared to the Google Play Store. Still, at least you can take solace in knowing that you have access to some major applications such as Facebook, Netflix, Skype, and Microsoft services. That doesn’t really make it very Android-y though, does it?

 

So, back to the Nokia X2. What’s different about this phone? Not a whole lot. With a 4.3-inch 800x480 display, a Snapdragon 200 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory (with SD card slot), and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera this phone is still sitting on the low-end of the spectrum. The same rules apply to the X2 as it did the X: running on a forked version of Android, but without anything Google-related on there. In its place, Nokia and Microsoft-run applications. On the plus side, at least you have Nokia’s signature tanky build and bright colors, so there’s that.

 

The X2 likely won’t make any appearances in the states, but I feel like an Android/Windows Phone hybrid phone could actually do rather well here if done right. I like the services of Android and I like the simplicity of Windows Phone. I feel like the two could mesh well, but it’s going to take a little more Android flavor (and a boost in specs, if we’re going that route) to really win people over on such a device. Otherwise, it’s not a convincing switch. Personally, I think that Microsoft and Nokia would be better off without the current Nokia X line. They should keep focusing on showing people how low-end Windows Phones can out-perform low-end Android devices (well, for the most part).

 

A Nokia phone running on Android has been a dream for many for a long time, but if this is Microsoft’s best attempt at trying to make it happen, I think it’s safe to say that the dream can be securely locked away in the “Not Happening” box in the back of our minds.

Amazon Appstore offering a multitude of free Android apps this weekend

Looking for a few new apps to keep you entertained this weekend? Amazon is happy to oblige.

Amazon is offering more than 30 apps for free through its Amazon Appstore for Android. The free apps will be available today, June 27, and tomorrow, June 28. 

The batch of freebies includes a pretty good mix of apps, including games like Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and utilities like AccuWeather Platinum, so most everyone should be able to find at least one or two apps to try. The full list of apps for the U.K. and U.S., courtesy of Android Central, is as follows:

It’s worth noting that, in order to actually install these apps, you’ll need to load the Amazon Appstore onto your Android device. You can grab it right here. 

Some folks might see this deal as a bit of a bummer since you’ve got to install the apps through the Amazon Appstore rather than just using Google Play, but hey, free apps are free apps. There are some quality ones included in this bundle, too, like Plex and Sonic 2. So if you’re itching to fill your phone’s memory with some new apps, hit up the Amazon Appstore link below and get to downloading!

Via Android Central, Amazon Appstore: U.S., U.K.

Black HTC One (M8) purportedly shown in leaked image

So far we’ve seen the HTC One (M8) in Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver, Amber Gold, Glamour Red, Aqua Blue and a black/gold color combo. Apparently HTC isn’t stopping there, though, as another new One (M8) hue has leaked today.

An image shared by @evleaks claims to show a black version of the HTC One (M8). Unfortunately, we can only see the backside of the device, which looks somewhat similar to the black and gold Harman Kardon version of the One (M8) that’s exclusive to Sprint in the U.S.

As I mentioned earlier, the HTC One (M8) is already available in a number of hues. However, the only darker color is the Gunmetal Gray version. HTC may have decided to prep a black version of the One (M8) to appeal to those folks that like darker phones and as a follow-up to the black One (M7). 

Would you buy a black version of the HTC One (M8)?

Via @evleaks

Looking Back - 2007 - Original iPhone

It's hard to believe, but the iPhone turns 7 years old this Saturday. So it seemed only right to pay tribute to the device that changed the direction of the smartphone industry. It was expensive, lacked some key features, but overcame those hurdles thanks to a minimal hardware and software design. 

It's hard to imagine the market without an iPhone these days. Since 2007, the brand has gone on to have incredible success, selling millions of devices every month. Its nearest competitor is the Galaxy S series, which still doesn't quite match up to the iPhone's volume of sales. 

Let me customize my Android Silver, or Nexus, device

Android L is official, and Google spent a huge chunk of time on June 25 to talk about what their mobile platform, which isn't so much just a mobile platform anymore, is going to bring to the table by the time the fall of 2014 sweeps in. The software is one thing, though, and it will be interesting to see what Google does on the hardware front later this year.

After all, we've still go to see what happens to the Nexus family of devices. That's honestly one of the biggest question marks right now for Android. There have been so many rumors about this Android Silver initiative, which could replace Nexus moving forward, and it has quite a few people worried about what could happen.

For many people I know, the only Android devices they buy are Nexus-branded handsets. Customization is easy, especially if you like tinkering a bit further than just downloading apps to switch things around, and the prices through the Google Play Store sans any long-term contracts (or agreements) are certainly worthwhile. The Nexus family may not have picked up with the general consumer, but it certainly has made a name for itself over the years.

The argument that Google's tired of the Nexus name just being a quiet hero in the background, and wants to make a real run at consumer's eyeballs is a valid one. Why shouldn't they, right? Android's come a long way, so show it off in its stock form in a big way, with a lot of marketing and premium devices. Win-win.

Whether the Nexus is going the way of the Dodo or not, whatever is coming down the pipe from Google and their partners, I want to be able to customize it. And not just the software (even though that's great). Motorola has spoiled us with their Moto Maker, and I want other companies to start doing the same thing. Let me customize those Android Silver high-end devices with my own color schemes (more than just adding a yellow option, thanks). I want to be able to pick the colors for my back case, front side, camera accent and the buttons on the sides.

Will it happen? Probably not. And maybe it shouldn't, because it's one of the biggest strengths that Motorola has, and it's certainly a selling point for their Moto X. It'll just have to remain a pipe dream for me, I guess.

Winner of a new Motorola DROID MAXX

Congratulations to J. Angue of CA on winning the Motorola DROID MAXX for Verizon Wireless on Thursday June 26, 2014.  "Today is the beginning of my work week and I'm very happy to start it off on such a positive note winning this phone. Like the winners before me, I've been playing the One-Paw Bandit game for quite some time. I'm very happy to win as I have been very interested in this phone and do have Verizon as my carrier. When it comes to contests or just about anything in life, you can never hope to win if you don't try. So for all you out there, keep on trying and be persistent on the things you want to win or achieve. Thank you all so very much."

Android L Developer Preview factory images posted for Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013)

Itching to try out all of those new Android L goodies that Google announced yesterday? If you’ve got either a Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 (2013), you can now do just that.

Google just posted the factory images and SDK for the Android L Developer Preview, giving Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) owners the chance to try out Android L ahead of its public release in the fall. Some of the highlights of Android L include:

The Android L release looks to be one of the biggest updates to Google’s mobile operating system yet. It includes a pretty significant user interface refresh known as “Material Design,” new Heads-Up Notifications, ART as the default runtime, more than 5000 new APIs and much more.

Android L is expected to be released to the public in the fall. It’s nice to see Google give developers — and any regular folk that love shiny, new things — the ability to preview Android L ahead of its public launch. Not only does it give developers plenty of time to get their apps ready for Android L’s public release, but it gives brave Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 the opportunity to be on the latest version of Android before most everyone else.

If you install the Android L Developer Preview, be sure to share your first impressions with us in the comments section below!

Via Android Developers

New version of webOS to power all of LG's smart TVs in 2015

Last year, LG purchased webOS from HP and announced that it’d use the mobile platform to power some of its smart TVs. Apparently LG was pleased with its initial batch of webOS-powered TVs, because now the company says that the software will power even more of its television sets.

An LG executive has told the Wall Street Journal that webOS will soon power all of the company’s high-end smart TVs in 2015. Lee In-kyu, SVP at LG and head of its TV division, said that a new version of webOS be used on the firm’s TVs next year.

The webOS-ification of LG’s products won’t stop at its TV sets. “We will also continue to research how the platform can be applied in relation to other consumer electronic devices used in the home," Lee teased, hinting that webOS may soon power some of LG’s other home appliances.

Despite receiving some critical praise, webOS never managed to gain much traction in the U.S. smartphone market. Apparently things are different when it comes to TVs, though, as Lee says that LG has shipped more than 1.1 million webOS-powered TVs. To compare, HP is said to have shipped around 20,000 webOS mobile devices during its time as owner of the platform.

While it’s kind of a bummer that LG still hasn’t shared any plans to create new webOS smartphones, it’s also kind of understandable. Android and iOS continue to dominate the mobile landscape, and we’ve already got BlackBerry and Windows Phone competing for the third-place spot, so webOS would likely have a tough time to come to market and attempt to convince consumers to join its camp instead of going with the other platforms that most folks are probably better aware of.

The good news is that at least webOS is still alive in some form. Here’s to hoping that, now that LG is planning to load webOS onto all of its high-end TVs next year, we’ll see a wider distribution of the hardware.

In other LG webOS news, the Life’s Good crew recently announced a new software development kit (SDK) to help developers create apps for webOS TVs.

Do LG’s webOS-powered TVs pique your interest?

Via Wall Street Journal, LG

AT&T lights up new 4G LTE markets, pushes Android 4.4.2 to Samsung Galaxy Note II

Google isn’t the only one with big announcements to make today, as AT&T has revealed that it’s activated new 4G LTE networks and that is also pushing an Android 4.4.2 update. 

First up, AT&T has lit up several U.S. markets with its LTE service. Those include Anniston, Gadsden and Oxford, Ala.; Olean, N.Y.; Greenville and Mansfield, Ohio; and Fredericksburg, Texas.

AT&T also announced that it’s now pushing an Android 4.4.2 update to its version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The update brings the Note II up to software version I317UCUCNE5. AT&T’s changelog for the update is:

While Samsung’s changelog looks like this:

You AT&T Galaxy Note II owners can snag this update by heading into Settings > More > About Device > Software update > Check for updates. Be sure to give us a shout once your Note II gets its taste of KitKat!

Via Android Central, Droid-Life, AT&T (1), (2), (3), Samsung

I'm still most excited about Android Wear

Yesterday, Google essentially declared the invasion of Android. The platform may have its roots in mobile, especially for the consumer, but it's certainly branching out now. Between Auto and TV alone, if we keep on this heading, Google's going to have their hand in everything. Which, honestly, everyone saw coming eventually, but maybe not so early as 2014.

Of course, it helps that the majority of new features that Google showcased at their Google I/O Keynote are things people are going to want to use, especially in their mobile devices. Android's Project L is a big step for Google, not just because of the changes it makes to the smartphones and tablets we use every single day, but because of the scope the platform now encompasses. That's a lot of work for Google, but it's a company that has never looked more ready to take that pressure in stride.

Admittedly, the keynote was pretty long, but when you look at how much stuff Google felt the need to announce, there's no way it could have been shorter. Depending on what you wanted to see at the event, you probably had a favorite section, or new features/products that look more appealing to you than anything else the Mountain View-based company showcased. That's normal -- I'm the same way. I watched the entire event, but at the end of the day it was still Android Wear that had me the most excited for what Google's bringing to market.

And yet, I'm still waiting.

Google announced that both the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live would be made available for purchase (with a later ship date) by the end of the day yesterday, and sure enough both watches are up for grabs even a day later. (Which is shocking, since devices on the Google Play Store tend to sell out quickly these days. Especially the high profile items.) But I'm waiting. That isn't to say that the G Watch or Gear Live are bad devices, because they aren't. It's a good start for Android Wear, and it can only go up from here, right?

That's what I'm banking on, and that's why I'm waiting for Motorola's Moto 360. A lot of people thought we'd get to see more of the device at the keynote yesterday, including me, so I was sort of disappointed to only get a mention of a release date later this year. It hasn't even been that long since the device was unveiled, but I'm really chomping at the bit to get this watch around my wrist.

Google has high aspirations for where Android is going, and considering the effort they're putting into it, it may very well work out for them. Android is already everywhere thanks to smartphones, but now it looks like we're going to be seeing even more of it down the road. As long as that means Android Wear continues to get better, and the hardware that runs it continues to impress, I'll continue to be excited for it.

Oh, but one thing: Android Wear absolutely needs Project Volta attention. The Gear Live says it has a battery life of one day. That's not good enough, and it's still ridiculous to think that we should charge our watch every single day. Battery life is one of the first priorities when it comes to a smartwatch, as far as I'm concerned.

Did you already buy an Android Wear-based wearable, or do you plan to soon? Are you waiting for the Moto 360? Let me know!

Google Search app for Android update enables 'Ok Google' voice command from any screen

Just in case you haven’t had your fill of Google news for the day, we’ve got one more tidbit that you may want to be aware of.

An update to the Google Search app for Android is now rolling out that brings the app up to version 3.5.14. The big new feature in this update is the ability to use the “Ok Google” phrase to initiate a voice search from anywhere on the device. Previously you had to be on your home screen, but now you can launch a search from any app and even from the lock screen.

To enable this new “Ok Google”-anywhere feature, you can launch Google Now and head into Menu > Settings > Voice > “Ok Google” Detection. You can choose if you’d like “Ok Google” to work from the Google Search app, from any screen and from the secure lock screen.

Today’s Google Search update also introduces Audio History. This feature allows the app to analyze your past voice searches to make your future searches more accurate.

Overall this looks like a pretty spiffy little update for Google Search. The ability to use “Ok Google” from anywhere on your device obviously makes using that hotword much easier since you no longer need to be on the home screen to activate it. Meanwhile, the Audio History can make your future voice searches more accurate, which is always a good thing.

The Google Search app for Android can be snagged from Play Store right here.

Via Droid-Life, Play Store: Google Search

iPhone 5s, 5c to receive permanent price cuts at Walmart tomorrow

We’re now very nearly into July, and with the iPhone 6 expected to hit the market around September, that means that it’s time for the nearly year-old iPhone 5s and 5c to begin to see some nice discounts.

A Walmart spokesperson has revealed that starting tomorrow, June 27, the retailer will begin selling the 16GB iPhone 5c for $29 with a 2-year contract, while the 16GB iPhone 5s will be knocked down to $99 with a 2-year commitment. Those two phones regularly cost $49 and $99, respectively. The reduced prices are permanent and will be good in stores beginning at 9:00 a.m local time.

The Walmart spokesperson told Engadget that the 32GB models of the iPhone 5c and 5s will be reduced as well. However, no prices for those two variants were given.

While the iPhone 5c and 5s are getting close to their first birthday, they’re still respectable smartphone options. At just $29, the iPhone 5c is a nice choice for someone that wants a super-cheap handset that’s got halfway decent specs, while the 5s is an flagship phone that’ll go pretty easy on your wallet as well.

Via Engadget

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Unboxing

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 offer the best of Samsung in the tablet department. Mixing past experiences of making smartphones with Super AMOLED technology and tablets with eight-cores of processing into one product line. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S. These tablets come in radically thin at 6.6mm and have ultra-high resolution displays with Samsung's Octa-Core Configuration of two Quad-Core Chips, 3GB of RAM, and a new single design language that mimics the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Moto 360 video demo posted by Motorola

Yesterday the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live were officially put up for pre-order in the Google Play Store, with orders expected to ship in early July. Unfortunately for folks that prefer the Moto 360, there’s still no word on when the round-faced Android Wear device will be made available. Motorola has made up for the lack of information today, though, posting a demo video that shows the Moto 360 in action.

The 2-minute video gives a basic walkthrough of both the Moto 360’s hardware and software. In the clip, Motorola highlights the leather band and stainless steel face of the Moto 360 and also shows us its basic navigation. We’re shown how to change watch faces, scroll through notifications, dismiss notifications and use the “Ok Google” voice command to initiate a search.

While the video doesn’t reveal any major new information about the Moto 360, it’s nice of Motorola to give a brief demo of its watch for those of us that can’t be on the ground at Google I/O. So far, Motorola has only said that the Moto 360 will launch “later this summer,” so right now it’s unknown how long we’ll have to wait to get the thing on our wrist and how much we’ll have to pay to do so. At least we’ve got that Android L preview to keep us busy in the mean time?

Via Motorola

Project Volta is one of Android L's best features

 

With Google I/O wrapping up, there’s a lot of new information to take in from the yearly developer conference. We can now officially expect to see Android “L” unveiled at some point this year, although we still don’t know the official name of the new version (“Lollipop” still seems to be the unofficial winner). We were even able to get a sneak preview of some of the design changes of Android L, which includes a “Material Design” overhaul and heavily revolves around cards. Like many mobile software updates, it would seem that Google is sticking with the flat and minimalistic theme.

 

But more importantly than design, I believe that the real charm of Android L comes in the form of Project Volta - a battery saving feature that is said to be able to give users 90 extra minutes of battery life. Perhaps it doesn’t sound like much from the get-go, but desperate times call for desperate measures - such is the case when your battery is quickly draining and you’re nowhere near a charger.

 

Battery life has long been an issue with smartphones. Most smartphones today can at least get people through a typical 12-hour day, but it’s still a far cry from the days of flip phones where the battery could last you anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on usage. While we don’t have the technology to create the super batteries we want just yet, we do have the technology to alter the battery-draining software in times of need. Such has already been exampled in the case of Extreme Power Saving Mode in the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the HTC One M8. Sure, your phone gets severely limited when it turns on and might not look as flashy, but at least you can still use it. That’s the important part, right?

 

If you read up on my fellow editor Evan’s article earlier today documenting his experience with the Galaxy S5’s Ultra Power Saving Mode, you probably already know that the phone is able to last quite some time even on a small charge. Project Volta won’t be able to give you 3.5 days worth of usage at just 28%, no; but it’s still a good option to have when you suddenly realize that you need your phone and you’re running out of time. 90 minutes is still plenty of time, and can make a big difference.

 

Battery life is one of the biggest “issues” that our smartphones face today, in my opinion. I’ve always been pretty vocal about sacrificing some of the more gimmicky features in order for bigger battery life, and anytime I come across polls that ask users what they would like changed most in their phones, battery life is usually the number one option. Although we have plenty of promises of quick-charging batteries and long-lasting batteries made out of wonder materials on the horizon, the truth is that we’re still not entirely sure just how long we’ll have to wait before we’re actually able to see these amazing changes in our phones. Until then, we must rely on software to help improve battery life - and an emergency battery saving button is certainly a good start.

 

Readers, what are your thoughts on Project Volta? Do you wish that Google had made the feature last longer, or do you think 90 minutes is sufficient enough? What were some of your favorite announcements during Google I/O? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

Images via Gizmodo, Tech Radar