Free VOIP calls between Facebook users now made available around the world through its Messenger app

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Early last month Facebook rolled out free VOIP calls for iOS and Android users via their Messaging app. Sadly, the feature was only available in Canada. While done quietly, Facebook has rolled out a new update to the app that expands the availability of this feature to the US and to the rest of the world.

To access this, make sure you have the app installed or have it updated. In a chat window, simply tap the “i” button and the option should be readily available for you. Links for download will be available after the break!

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Larry Page confirms that Android does indeed run Google Glass

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In a recent interview, Google’s very own Larry Page has finally confirmed that Google Glass does indeed run the Android operating system. While it was widely assumed so, no official confirmation has ever been made until now. While it is a modified version of Android, it is nice to see the flexibility of Google’s operating system and it’s diversity in cross-platform.

What does this mean for Glass’ future? Well, integration  with Glass and your Android powered smartphone or any other device would be easy and probably recommended.

Does this confirmation make you guys any more excited for Google’s Glass’ impending release?

source: Techcrunch

AT&T nabs US exclusivity on the 64GB variant of the HTC One

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Thanks to a recent video of the HTC One by AT&T, we have  now learned that the wireless company has been awarded US exclusivity of the 64GB variant of the upcoming HTC One. While it’s great for AT&T users, this is terrible news for everyone else.

My question  is, if HTC is trying their best to crawl themselves out of the hole they’re currently in, why in the world would they grant any carrier exclusivity on the 64GB variant of their flag ship device? Let’s just hope this exclusivity won’t last too long.

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Well, this certainly is a new record; Verizon has apparently discontinued the DROID DNA after only 4 months

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The title certainly isn’t a mistake folks, Verizon has apparently “retired” the HTC DROID DNA after only 4 months of being on the market. I’m sure we’re all wondering why this move was made, could it have been due to lackluster sales? Or perhaps Verizon is planning on making room for the upcoming HTC One device? Either way, 4 months is just not acceptable and embarrassing for Verizon to do this to their customers.

This was first brought up when users started to notice that the DNA wasn’t available on Verizon’s website anymore. After several XDA users contacting Verizon to ask about it, several have confirmed that the device has been discontinued by Verizon. Below is a conversation from XDA user robertmoore208 with a Verizon representative that seemed to have confirmed the retirement of the DNA.

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Sony Xperia Z to be demoed to the public at a UK retailer ahead of release

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Sony’s anticipated flagship in the Xperia Z will be publicly demoed ahead of it’s initial release at a UK retailer. While the device was unveiled during this years CES, many have been eager to see it in action. Starting tomorrow on Feb 15th, Phones4U will be displaying demo units of the Xperia Z at more than 300 of their retail locations.

Anyone willing to give Sony another shot in purchasing this Android device?

Hit the break for the full press release!

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Archos officially announces Platinum line of tablets that will go on sale this February

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We first saw this line of tablets back in CES. Now Archos has officially announced that the line should be available this February to consumers. There will be 3 different tablets, the 80, 97 and 116 all ranging from 8 to 11.6 inches in screen size. While different in screen size, the specs should be relatively the same with all powered by a quad-core 1.2Ghz processor with an 8-core GPU and 2GB’s of total RAM. The screens will also be powered by IPS type technology that Archos claims will have a resolution that rivals Apple’s recent iPad.

The most intriguing of the 3 is most likely the 9.7 inch Platinum tablet. The screen size is in that “sweet spot” and offers a 2048×1536 resolution display. While it’s still less than the Nexus 10, it’s still a very high resolution. Seems like Archos is certainly stepping things up int heir tablet department. Will you be interested in giving them a shot?

Hit the break for the full press release!

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Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 1.0 will be available on more than 70 devices

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Today, the popular mobile processor company Qualcomm, talked about their Quick Charge 1.0 project. It’s part of a Snapdragon-powered phone’s power management and in theory should allow your device to charge up to 40 percent faster than before.

The best part is that you don’t have to purchase any new accessories to take advantage of this new technology, your old existing USB charger and cables will suffice. Here’s the list of devices that will support this great new feature!

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How To Install the CyanogenMod 10.1 MMS application on any Android 4.1 ROM, includes Emoji and Quick Reply functionality

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By far my favorite feature of CyanogenMod is their customized native MMS application. It offers so much more functionality than the stock Android MMS app. While it looks almost exactly alike, CM and his group have added useful features such as the much popular emoji emoticons that were made popular by iPhone users. Other notable add-on’s is the quick reply function, pop-up feature, gestures for SMS templates, stripping unicode support, and much more.

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dbrand inc review: The one stop shop for customized 3M vinyl skins for your device

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Personalizing your Android device is something a lot of us do. After all, you’ve spend hundreds upon hundreds on these handsets, so why not give it some flare to your own liking that separates it from others? That’s where dbrand inc. comes in and provides your device with some awesome top-of-the line 3M textured vinyl’s. For review purposes I’ll be using the Nexus 4 as that’s the device I have the product installed on, although the company provides these vinyl skins on a slew of devices on their website.

First off, the quality of these vinyl’s are top-notch. According to dbrand, the vinyl’s that they use are generally reserved for architectural re-upholstering and auto body trim. Even better is the flat price of $9 per skin and you can actually request a customized skin for your liking. Just e-mail them what you have in mind and send them the images you want and they’ll be happy to work with you on what you want. Of course, customized skins often uses twice the material plus the added labor, so expect the price of that to double to about $18. With that being said, the two vinyl’s that I have from them feel and look great. As you can see with the pictures below, the cutouts are dead on with the camera and speakers. What’s even more surprising is how well the “nexus” letters were cut in precision to perfectly match it on my Nexus.

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Texture wise, these aren’t just cheap “stickers” that have been slapped together. While the titanium seen above isn’t real titanium, it looks just as real and has great texture. Same goes with the black carbon fiber skin that is seen below, the texture is great and you can actually feel each line. I can’t say enough how great these look on your device. If you prefer a “cleaner” look and not have the “nexus” cut-out, then you can easily request that by e-mailing them.

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I’ve also found that these skins are very easy to apply. With mildly steady hands I was able to apply these in no longer than 30 seconds. The best part is that you can re-apply these numerous times, this is especially great if you bought a couple colors and decide to swap the them out as you please.

Last but not least, what makes an already great company into an awesome one? Customer service of course! After various e-mail exchanges and reading customers feedback from various threads on XDA and Reddit, dbrand provides great and speedy customer service. By far one of the best I’ve seen. What’s great is that you can shoot them an e-mail if you have any questions, whether it’s a personal request on a customized skin that you have envisioned or a general question about their products. Regardless of the inquiry they are quick to respond. You can purchase these skins on the first link below, and you can also check out their Facebook page for more HD pictures of their products on numerous devices!

Needless to say, if you’re looking to customize your device then I would highly recommend dbrand inc!

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Ice Cream Sandwich finally finds its way to HTC’s Thunderbolt

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Yes folks, this post isn’t a flashback to a year ago. The HTC Thunderbolt is actually receiving the much elusive ICS update for the device. This update upgrades the Thunderbolt to Android 4.0.4 with Sense 3.6. Head to Settings > About phone > Software update to see if your update is ready.

Considering ICS came out almost a year and a half ago, I’d like to say it’s better late than never… But this is as late as you can get. Anyone still using this as their primary device?

Thanks, Josh!