The reason behind Google’s purchase of Motorola is finally coming to fruition

by Robert Nazarian on
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Last week I wrote a story about my thoughts on where I think the Nexus line is headed. Google was never a hardware company, but when Android was at its infancy, Google got into it for investing in cutting edge hardware along with their partners to guide the ecosystem. Fast forward to now and things have changed a lot. Google no longer needs to guide the ecosystem. Companies like Samsung, HTC, LG, and Sony are doing just fine in investing in the latest and greatest. It is this reason that I believe Google will not release a Nexus phone moving forward, and instead, let OEM’s release Nexus Editions for their current hardware. The reason for all of this is quite simple, Google isn’t a hardware company, they are an advertising and service company.

A recent article at DigiTimes suggests that my conclusions were right. They are reporting that Google will cut a lot of the resources and money they have spent on handset development and shift it to improving its software and core business. Just take a look at this year’s Google I/O for further evidence. Hardware was never mentioned other than the Galaxy S 4 Nexus Edition. Yes, the reason was because they wanted to “concentrate on developers” since it is a developer conference, but it’s obvious that hardware isn’t going to be the focal point anymore, at least for handsets. They will still invest resources in other newer and developing technologies like Google Glass, set top TV boxes, and smartwatches.

» Read the rest

Photos of the HTC One Mini make their way to the internet, sporting a 720p display and UltraPixel camera

by James Gray on
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More photos of the alleged HTC One Mini (originally codenamed the M4) have found their way to the internet showing off the phone’s gorgeous design. As you can see it is extremely similar to the HTC One including HTC’s signature front-facing speakers and a 4.3-inch display (with a reported resolution of 720 by 1280). Also evident in the photo is HTC’s inclusion of Sense 5 on top of Android Jellybean 4.2.2.

Packed into the device is 2 GB of RAM, some sort of dual-core processor and 16 GB of internal storage. The camera is the same 4-megapixel camera as seen on the HTC One, with UltraPixel technology included. What the device’s body is made from is still a mystery, although it looks like it may be the same seamless metal design as the One. Hit the break for more photos of this exciting new device. » Read the rest

Sprint’s next flagship, the 5-inch ZTE Vital, leaks out

by Harrison Kaminsky on
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ZTE seems to be looking to make a pretty big splash very soon in the U.S. phone market, as information and pictures of the ZTE Vital have leaked. The device will have a 5-inch HD display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a 13MP camera, and will ship with Android 4.1. Other features include 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage (expandable via microSD), NFC capabilities, and a strong 2,500mAh battery. The phone is going to have to compete with the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4, but if Sprint can offer this one at the right price, they may have a hot one on their hands. Check out the video after the break. » Read the rest

Samsung announces the Galaxy S 4 Active smartphone

by Roy Alugbue on
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Well that certainly didn’t take long. After tons of speculation, a leak here and another one there, Samsung has finally come out of the dark and introduced the Galaxy S 4 Active smartphone to the general public. Identified as a more rugged version of the existing Galaxy S 4,the Galaxy S 4 Active features full IP67 certification— so the device is fully water and dust-proof, allowing users to do things like take some sweet photos underwater thanks to the device’s Aqua Mode feature or use the device during those difficult hikes. Complimenting the rugged exterior is a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, a 5-inch Full HD TFT LCD screen, 8MP camera + 2MP FFC and of course— Android 4.2.2 (accompanied by Sammy’s suite of software). So all in all— we’re looking at a rougher, tougher and stronger version of the Galaxy S 4, which is certainly welcome out here in the Android world.

The device will initially launch in 3 colors (Urban Grey, Dive Blue and Orange Flare) this summer in the U.S. and Sweden, followed by a more formal global rollout. You can find more details once you hit the flip and check out the full presser.

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Verizon expands partnership with NFL to stream all games to mobile phones

by Jeff Causey on
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Starting in 2014, Verizon will be streaming all NFL games to mobile phone users via their NFL Mobile app in a deal worth $1 Billion. The app, available for Apple iOS, Google Android and Microsoft Windows Phone devices, can already be used to stream NBC’s Sunday Night Football games, ESPN’s Monday Night Football matches, the NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football contests and content from the NFL RedZone network. Verizon first stepped into the role of being the NFL’s exclusive content provider in 2010, succeeding Sprint. » Read the rest

Samsung wins U.S. sales ban of several older Apple devices

by Jeff Causey on
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Samsung vs Apple Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung scored a point today in their ongoing legal volleys with Apple as the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled Apple violated a Samsung patent. In prevailing, the ITC awarded Samsung an import and sales ban on AT&T models of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G. You may recall a while back when ads were running showing Apple device owners using their iOS powered devices performing several functions at one time, like talking on the phone will placing an online order via the web browser. It was this ability to stream multiple data streams that triggered Samsung’s action. » Read the rest

TalkAndroid Daily Dose for June 4, 2013

by Robert Nazarian on
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With hectic schedules, it can be hard to keep track of everything in your news feed. That’s why we created the TalkAndroid Daily Dose. This is where we recap the day’s hottest stories so you can get yourself up to speed in quick fashion. Happy reading!!

Guides

Best Android apps for transferring files over WiFi [June 2013]

Reviews

Space Eon 3D [Arcade & Action]

Buzz Launcher [Personalization]

Accessories

Patriot unveils the Fuel+ line of mobile recheargable batteries for power on the go

» Read the rest

Google Says No to Glass Porn

by Jack Holt on
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Ever since the moment Project Glass debuted rumors were a buzz regarding how it would forever revolutionize the Porn industry. Visual perspective ideas were brought up, debated and it would be only a matter of time before we saw our first XXX app grace the new tech. While it’s a novel idea, it’s one that will not see the light of day. A company by the name of MiKandi who developed an app called Tit’s and Glass (seriously) took to their corporate blog today to inform the internet world that their app would not be seen on Google Glass. This comes after Google changed their policies last Friday regarding pornographic and adult content. According to them:

“We don’t allow Glassware content that contains nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material. Google has a zero-tolerance policy against child pornography. If we become aware of content with child pornography, we will report it to the appropriate authorities and delete the Google Accounts of those involved with the distribution.”

It would appear that Google is taking the “do no evil” mantra to heart. While MiKandi stated on their blog that they developed the app to Google Policy terms prior to this change it doesn’t change the fact that they have to change their app. Of course they’ve stated that the app is still live but content will be changing dramatically over the night time hours. This, along side Google’s no on facial recognition suggest that the Mountain View company means business when it comes to this project. While this ban won’t affect most people, we’re sure it’ll anger a few people.

source: MiKandi
via: Android Authority

Redbox Instant by Verizon arrives on Google TV

by Aditya Thawardas on
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redbox_instant_verizonIn March of this year, streaming service Redbox Instant was launched in a partnership with Verizon to rival Netflix. Starting today, Redbox Instant is supported for Google TV. The app offers a full Redbox Instant experience, including movie streaming and the ability to rent and purchase movies through Google TV. You can even reserve movies at your local Redbox kiosk through the app.

However, at this point, there’s only support for second generation Google TV devices. If you have a compatible device, go try out RedBox Instant by downloading through the Google Play Store. There’s a one month free trial if you sign up now.

source: Google TV Blog

NVIDIA DirectStylus for Tegra 4 allows increased capabilities without a digitizer

by Aditya Thawardas on
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nvidia_directstylusAs smartphones have evolved, stylus-powered devices have become more and more obsolete. NVIDIA is trying to revive the popularity of styluses with their DirectStylus for Tegra 4 tablets. The DirectStylus is different because it uses a fine-tip point and allows users to draw lines of varying widths on the screen. It works along with the Direct Touch 2.0 technology that comes with the tablets that supports up to 300 scans a second to display detailed movement of the stylus. » Read the rest