Pages

Subscribe:

Ads 468x60px

  • Blockquote

    Sed dignissim mauris nec velit ultrices id euismod orci iaculis. Aliquam ut justo id massa consectetur pellentesque pharetra ullamcorper nisl...

  • Duis non justo nec auge

    Sed dignissim mauris nec velit ultrices id euismod orci iaculis. Aliquam ut justo id massa consectetur pellentesque pharetra ullamcorper nisl...

  • Vicaris Vacanti Vestibulum

    Sed dignissim mauris nec velit ultrices id euismod orci iaculis. Aliquam ut justo id massa consectetur pellentesque pharetra ullamcorper nisl...

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Samsung Galaxy Alpha benchmarked, reveals additional specs, now pegged for Aug 13th unveiling [RUMOR]




Phandroid





Samsung Galaxy Alpha benchmarked, reveals additional specs, now pegged for Aug 13th unveiling [RUMOR]



Samsung_Galaxy_Alpha_SM-G850F


The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is a device we’re sure you’ve seen a lot from these past few weeks. Once thought to be Samsung’s super premium, aluminum clad Galaxy line, the phone has since been revealed to be something much different. Aluminum? Sure, but not much of it. High-end? For a smaller device, maybe. For whatever reason, Samsung saw fit to place the Galaxy Alpha somewhere in between their flagship Samsung Galaxy S5 and the low-end Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini.


Today, the German Samsung centric blog AllAboutSamsung claims to have some new information on the upcoming Galaxy Alpha. According to them, the phone wont be unveiled on August 4th as previously reported. Instead, August 13th is the new date they’re supplying (3 weeks before IFA 2014 kicks off). To help add some credibility to their claims, they even uploaded a few images of the Galaxy Alpha they already have in their hands, supplying some new info about its specs (along with a benchmark).


Samsung_Galaxy_Alpha_SM-G850F benchmarks


Going by the model number SM-G850F, the Galaxy Alpha will feature an Exynos 5433 octa-core processor with Mali-T628 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and come equipped with a 12MP camera and 32GB of internal storage (no micro SD expansion). All this running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat. You’ll notice an AnTuTu benchmark of 38658, a high number that has a lot to do with the phone having less pixels to push. We’ll have to see how the resolution helps out in the battery life department.


With rumors that Samsung will unveil the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 at this year’s IFA, they may certainly have a busy couple of weeks ahead of them. The combination of the Galaxy Alpha and Note 4 could be Samsung’s newest entries to go head-to-head against the upcoming Apple iPhone 6, rumored to come in both 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch varieties.


[via PhoneArena]








This OnePlus OneWatch leak has us approaching with extreme caution




Phandroid





This OnePlus OneWatch leak has us approaching with extreme caution



oneplus-onewatch-bgr-india-2


There’s no question 2014 is gearing up to be the year of the smartwatch. Just about every OEM under the sun is getting ready to take a stab at the latest trend in wearables. But a new “leak” from the boys at BGR India, have us exercising extreme caution.


An anonymous tipster has seemingly supplied the outlet with an image of OnePlus’ upcoming smartwatch, taken from an image straight from their site. Here’s what worries us: it wasn’t too long ago @evleaks was hoaxed with a similar OnePlus “leak,” using a supposed OnePlus Tab in place of this smartwatch. That being said, with the recent string of hoaxes going around these days, we wouldn’t be surprised to find this leak being nothing more than that. But then again, BGR has had some luck in past, scoring some composite sketches of the OnePlus One smartphone before it was officially unveiled.


oneplus-onewatch-bgr-india


So exactly what is being alleged in this latest leak? Well, OnePlus could be working on a circular smartwatch called the OneWatch. The watch is said to use premium materials, featuring an OLED display with Sapphire glass, premium titanium border and a leather strap. On the bottom, a curved battery can be found with compatibility with the Qi wireless standard, making the watch play nice with current wireless charging accessories you may have laying around.


Still no word on whether the OneWatch could run Android Wear or feature an entirely different in-house OS (CyanogenMod?). Given the fiasco that was the OnePlus One launch, we’re less than optimistic about the company successfully launching a brand new product. While the watch certainly looks nice, if it has a snowball’s chance in hell of being successful, OnePlus is going to have to hit that same rock-bottom low pricing to increase demand. Just no invites this time, ya hear?











French carrier Iliad has made a $15 billion dollar bid to buy T-Mobile [UPDATE]



Xavier_Niel,_Iliad


We’ve long known Sprint’s intentions on scooping up T-Mobile, but it was only recently these talks became much more serious thanks in part to parent company SoftBank heading negotiations. Where the likelihood of a Sprint/T-Mobile merger faces a few regulatory hurdles, a new offer from a carrier not already invested in the US could have a little more luck.


The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that French telecom Iliad has made a bid for T-Mobile to the tune of $15 billion. This would give the French company a 56.6% majority stake in T-Mobile who carries a market value of $24.8 billion. Iliad seems confident their offer wont face the same antitrust issues as SoftBank/Sprint, given there wouldn’t be a removal of the 4th largest carrier in the US.


Iliad’s founder and self-made billionaire, Xavier Niel, has reportedly had his eye on the US market for awhile now. He’s been credited with sparking a pricing war in France, with Iliad undercutting much of the competition. Sounds like a perfect fit for T-Mobile.


UPDATE: Sources from the New York Times are now saying the bid may have already been rejected according to “a person briefed on the matter.”








French carrier Iliad has made a $15 billion dollar bid to buy T-Mobile




Phandroid





French carrier Iliad has made a $15 billion dollar bid to buy T-Mobile



Xavier_Niel,_Iliad


We’ve long known Sprint’s intentions on scooping up T-Mobile, but it was only recently these talks became much more serious thanks in part to parent company SoftBank heading negotiations. Where the likelihood of a Sprint/T-Mobile merger faces a few regulatory hurdles, a new offer from a carrier not already invested in the US could have a little more luck.


The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that French telecom Iliad has made a bid for T-Mobile to the tune of $15 billion. This would give the French company a 56.6% majority stake in T-Mobile who carries a market value of $24.8 billion. Iliad seems confident their offer wont face the same antitrust issues as SoftBank/Sprint, given there wouldn’t be a removal of the 4th largest carrier in the US.


Iliad’s founder and self-made billionaire, Xavier Niel, has reportedly had his eye on the US market for awhile now. He’s been credited with sparking a pricing war in France, with Iliad undercutting much of the competition. Sounds like a perfect fit for T-Mobile.








Alleged Sony Xperia Z3 Compact leaks again, could come with a 4.6-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801, and 3GB RAM




Phandroid





Alleged Sony Xperia Z3 Compact leaks again, could come with a 4.6-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801, and 3GB RAM



Sony-Xperia-Z3-Compact_1


We’ve been foaming at the mouth for any info on the rumored Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. Last month, we got a look at an alleged front panel of the device as it was compared against its bigger sibling, the full sized Xperia Z3. Shortly after, an alleged screenshot was posted, listing off what could have been a few of the device’s specs. Needless to say, we were an intrigued at the prospect of a fully capable, high-end Android device that could be easily wielded with a single hand.


Fast forward to today where a brand new batch of images have been leaked onto the web. Discovered by XperiaBlog, the images show a Sony device that appears to be — what else — but a smaller version of the recently leaked Sony Xperia Z3. The phone is pictured with both a matte screen protector and clear plastic case. Some eagle eyed readers are sure to point out a few small difference between this and the front panels that leaked out a few weeks back, namely the placement of the front facing camera. We don’t think that discredits this leak in any way, as design revisions are expected as a device moves from prototype to a consumer release.


Sony Xperia Z3 Compact leaks


When it comes to specs, the leaker had a few new details to share as well. Apparently, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact may come with a 4.6-inch 1080p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM, 20.7MP Exmor RS camera and stereo front-facing speakers. Excuse me while I change my underpants.


If this leak holds up, we could be looking at the single most powerful Android device with a sub 5-inch display since, well, ever. Of course, exactly where the device could be headed is anyone’s guess. Sony doesn’t put much focus on the US market, but if they chose someone like T-Mobile to launch the device, they wouldn’t have to supply as much volume. We’ll keep dreaming. In the meantime, IFA 2014 is just around the corner and it’s there Sony — as well as other manufacturers — are planning to show their latest wares. Let’s hope Sony has a strong showing with their new Z3 lineup for 2014.








Report: Samsung to unveil Galaxy Note 4 at IFA Berlin September 3rd




Phandroid





Report: Samsung to unveil Galaxy Note 4 at IFA Berlin September 3rd



samsung-logo


Samsung has traditionally launched each iteration of their Note series at or around IFA Berlin in September, and if the latest report from the Korea Times is to be believed this year will be no different. The company reports that Samsung is looking to introduce the Samsung Galaxy Note on September 3rd. IFA’s official start date is September 5th.


There’s no telling what to expect from the device this early, and if all the missed guesses of the Samsung Galaxy S5′s specs and features were anything to go by we won’t put a ton of stock into whatever rumors may arise. The timing of this report is interesting, though, as the Wall Street Journal reports a Samsung phone with a “new material” is in the works. There’s a possibility they could be referring to the metal-clad Samsung Galaxy Alpha said to be announced next week, but you never know.


One thing we do expect Samsung to do is introduce the 2560 x 1440 AMOLED panels they’ve been working on. We thought we’d get that with the Samsung Galaxy S5, but the displays apparently weren’t ready for prime time (not that the phone needs that much pixel density at 5.1 inches anyway). Recent Samsung teasers also tip us off to the use of infrared-based iris scanners, though there’s no telling if they were hinting at a consumer ready product for a flagship phone.


No matter what may or may not be true, though, history tells us Samsung is going to pull out every last stop that they can (and it’s going to have to be big if they want to avoid another down quarter like they did these past few months). Let us know if you’ll be holding out until September to see what Samsung has to offer.








Oculus Rift teardown reveals a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display stuffed inside




Phandroid





Oculus Rift teardown reveals a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display stuffed inside



oculus rift teardown 2


Well, isn’t that interesting. The last thing we expected to see as we made our way through iFixIt’s Oculus Rift teardown was a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display panels stuffed inside. Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset that allows folks to experience video games and other applications in a different dimension. It can make you feel as if you’re in the game yourself. Just check out this hilarious video below of a guy on a virtual rollercoaster being taken aback by the realism.


oculus rift teardown


We knew the Oculus Rift would be using a 1080p panel, but to see that it’s the exact panel used in one of Samsung’s flagship smartphones is quite interesting. Let’s not even mention the fact that the device even uses the very same front panel, holes for cameras, sensors and the home button, and all. It’s unorthodox for sure, but considering how beautiful the Galaxy Note 3′s display is (as we attested to in our review) we’re not sure we’d prefer any other option. The full teardown is right here if you want to check it out yourself.









Samsung’s mobile division came out flat in Q2 2014, hopes to rebound in second half of the year




Phandroid





Samsung’s mobile division came out flat in Q2 2014, hopes to rebound in second half of the year



Samsung Galaxy S5 back DSC05789


Samsung posted their financial results for the second quarter of 2014 today. The entirety of the company brought in 52.35 trillion Korean won, which is a 2% drop from the same quarter a year ago. Profit was 7.19 trillion won, which was a much more alarming drop — down 15% compared to the same quarter a year ago.


Samsung, as you know, is a pretty huge company with their feet dipped into many different areas of technology. Drilling down to the mobile side, we see that the mobile division really didn’t do itself any favors this quarter, an interesting result considering the Samsung Galaxy S5 has been fully seeded into nearly every market you can think of by now.


To be specific, Samsung raked in 27.51 trillion Korean won which is a 12% decrease quarter-over-quarter, and down from 34.96 trillion Korean won the same quarter a year ago. They stayed in the black with a profit of 4.42 trillion Korean won, but that’s 31% less than last quarter.


Samsung’s excuse? Seasonality, mostly. They claim smartphone demand remained flat for the quarter, and that forthcoming 4G LTE deployments in China caused them to miss par on sales of 3G handsets as consumers anticipate the new technology.


The tablet sector was blamed for a good deal of it with Samsung saying there’s weak demand for tablets overall, as well as a lack of interest for consumers to upgrade beyond their first tablet. Being someone who upgrades their smartphone every year I can tell you from experience that I certainly don’t feel compelled to do the same for tablets.


Looking ahead to the second half of the year, Samsung expects smartphone demand to grow thanks to strong seasonality (read: Christmas) and due to the emergence of 4G LTE in China. That said, they aren’t resting on their laurels as they’ve acknowledged that competition in developing markets has stiffened a great deal within the past year. With companies like Motorola releasing capable smartphones like the Moto E and Moto G for under $200 it certainly will take more than the Galaxy brand name to compete. You can check out the full breakdown from Samsung’s report right here.








Deal: up to 50% off Transcend memory from Amazon.com today only




Phandroid





Deal: up to 50% off Transcend memory from Amazon.com today only



transcend logo


Quick heads-up on a deal for those of you in the market for cheap memory. Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the Day is putting Transcend’s silicon on sale at up to 50% off for the entire day, but you’ll only have today to take advantage. Highlights include a 32GB Class 10 UHS-1 microSD card for $13.99, down from its usual $37.40. The 64GB version of that same card is $28.99, down from its usual cost of $49.99.


There are an assortment of other storage options available at discounted prices, including 64GB and 128GB full-sized SD cards that write at 60 megabytes per second costing $37.99 and $79.99, respectively.


Transcend’s brand doesn’t carry quite the same weight as Sandisk, Samsung or Sony, but they still offer a solid product that not many have complained about. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on them if you feel these prices are too good to pass up. The full suite of goods can be browsed at Amaozn’s site right here if you’re interested.








T-Mobile posts another strong quarter with 1.5 million customers; announces Nationwide VoLTE




Phandroid





T-Mobile posts another strong quarter with 1.5 million customers; announces Nationwide VoLTE



John Legere


We’d heard T-Mobile wouldn’t be able to match the 2.1 million customer additions they pulled off in the first quarter of this year, but that the company still performed at a pretty high level in the quarter to follow. The news was made official today, with T-Mobile reporting an impressive net addition of 1.5 million customers in Q2 2014.


This is T-Mobile’s 5th consecutive quarter adding more than 1 million customers which is a testament to their Uncarrier strategy that has made leaving your carrier for Magenta awfully tempting. With that obviously comes with some nice increase in revenue — 8% growth for total revenue and 7.1% growth for service revenue year-over-year.


T-Mobile also took this time to remind folks that they cover more than 233 million people in 325 markets and that — as of tomorrow — are the first carrier to provide nationwide VoLTE for clearer and more reliable calls. They’re also ramping up efforts to roll out service on the 700MHz A-Block spectrum that should bring improved performance for anyone lucky enough to be in one of those markets with a compatible smartphone.


As happy as we imagine T-Mobile is about this performance, Sprint could be just as happy. If rumors are to be believed, they’re getting ready to engulf T-Mobile should a $32 billion bid for the company passes the anti-trust regulators.


This “golden age,” of sorts, for T-Mobile is quite the perfect timing for Sprint, though if previous attempts for one of the top four companies to acquire T-Mobile are anything to go by we won’t be holding our breath. Should it not go through? Hey, at least T-Mobile is growing again, and if the others aren’t careful they could eventually catch enough momentum to make a significant rise in the ranks.


[via T-Mobile]











Best new Android apps from July 2014



best apps july


See all the apps from previous months


Where has the summer gone? It feels like just yesterday we were posting the best apps of May, and now we are already closing out on July. As we approach the “dog days” of summer a bunch of great new Android apps were released. If you were busy spending time at the beach you may have missed a few of them. Don’t spill your lemonade! We’ve got you covered. Here are the best Android apps from July. Enjoy!


Amazon Wallet


am wallet


Amazon decided to get into the wallet game this month. The Amazon Wallet app offers a one-stop shop for all of your credit, gift, and loyalty cards. And that is pretty much all it does. In order to enter a card you can simply scan the barcode. If you find a store that doesn’t freak out about the idea of paying with your phone, you can use this app. Is it better than other wallet apps? Not really, but Amazon loves to say “me too.”


Android Wear


wear


The biggest story of July was obviously Android Wear. Google launched this new platform back at I/O, and following that came the release of the official companion app. This app is required for anyone who wants to use an Android Wear device, such as the G Watch or Gear Live. With the app you can choose services to work with voice actions, blacklist certain app notifications, and other handy features to make the most of your smartwatch.


Bamboo Paper


bamboo


Bamboo Paper turns your Android tablet into a paper notebook. This is the perfect app for scribbling down notes, drawings, and anything else you can do with a regular pen and paper. It comes with a wide variety of pen tools, colors, and paper. Since it’s from Bamboo you can expect precise lines and tracking for as close to real life as you can get. For a limited time this app is free.


Better Open With


better open


One of the best things about Android is the ability to choose default apps. Unfortunately the options and settings for default apps leaves much to be desired. “Better Open With” replaces the default “open with” menu with a more vibrant one. For example, you can set a countdown time for when to be asked which app to use again, and see all of your defaults in one place. It truly is a better “Open With” menu.


Bolt


bolt


Bolt is a new app from Instagram that aims to make photo messaging easy. Many people are describing it as a Snapchat competitor, but it’s much more like a lesser-known app called Taptalk. Bolt turns your contacts into shutter buttons. Simply tap on a person and as soon as you let go a photo is taken and sent to them. It’s a cool concept, but right now it’s only available in a few countries.


ChoreMonster


chores


Getting kids to do household chores is a pain. ChoreMonster aims to make chores fun by being engaging and rewarding. Kids can earn points like they would in a video game, and then use those points to redeem prizes set up by the parents. It’s a fun way to make chores not feel so much like, well, chores. Humans love to game-ify boring tasks, and kids are no different.


Clarisketch


sketch


Explaining something that exists in your brain can be difficult. You can see it perfectly, but getting that image into the real world is the hard part. Drawing it out can help a lot, but sometimes it’s the talking  while drawing that really helps. Clarisketch is an app that records your voice while you draw. This makes it super easy to share your thought process with someone else.


Climatology


climatology


What is the average temperature in Italy during September? How much rainfall does Australia get in November? How humid is it in Africa during July? All of these ultra-specific questions can be answered with a new app by Microsoft called “Climatology.” Obviously this is not your standard weather app. If you’re ever in a debate with someone about climates this is the app to use.


Commandr


commandr


Google Now is an awesome app. The voice commands make it a killer app. What would make Google Now even better? The ability to create your own voice commands! That is precisely what Commandr can do. Using this app along with Tasker allows you to do pretty much anything with simple voice commands. A few examples include turning on WiFi, pausing music, adjusting volume, and even reading unread emails.


Digify


digify


What if Google Drive and Snapchat combined to make an app? Digify would be the result. This app allows you to send self-destructing files. Just like Snapchats only last for a few moments and then disappear forever, Digify files only last as long as you wish. You can also see who has viewed your files and for how long. Never let a file float away into the internet to be gone forever.


Display Brightness for Wear


brightness


One of the downsides to the first couple Android Wear devices is the lack of ambient light sensors. This means the devices can’t automatically adjust the display brightness to match the environment around you. This is a big oversight for devices that rely on small batteries. Display Brightness for Wear uses location and Google Play Services activity to automatically adjust the brightness on your watch. Simple as that.


flavourit


flavourit


Do you like cooking and enjoy delicious food? Of course you do (to the latter at least). Do you wish you had a little helper to remind you of your favorite recipes? flavourit can be that helper. With this app you can create your personal cookbook according to your taste and share your favorite recipes with friends. It’s about time to be proud of what you’re making each day!


Jink


jink


We all carry around devices that can pinpoint our location, but still we make those “where you at?” phone calls. There has to be a better way. Jink is a new app that aims to make location sharing as easy as a couple taps. You can track people in real-time on a map, send you location as a message, and more. Once you and your friends have met up the location sharing automatically ends.


Tesla Command


tesla


I don’t have a Tesla. You don’t have a Tesla. We all want a Tesla. The demographic of people who simultaneously own a Tesla and Android Wear device may be tiny, but that hasn’t stopped this app from being created. Tesla Command allows you to unlock doors, open sunroof, honk your horn, and more from your wrist. How cool is that?


Wear Audio Recorder


recorder


Sometimes voice-to-text just doesn’t want to work. You’re trying to leave yourself a note, but Google keeps auto-correcting all your words. When it comes to smartwatches you don’t want to spend precious time on any one task. Wear Audio Recorder is a simple app that lets you record your voice. Now you don’t have to try to dictate a note through voice commands. Just record yourself and play it back later.


Wear Faces



The one screen you seethe most on a smartwatch is the watch face. For that reason many smartwatch users are obsessed with customizing their watch face. WearFaces is an Android Wear app that lets you do just that. Simply upload a few files and you’re good to go. Easy as that. Right now this is the best way to get your own design on your wrist. If you’re not feeling up to design your own faces you can browse and download more from the WearFaces website.


See all the apps from previous months


That’s our list! Which apps from July are you favorite? Did we miss any other great apps from July? Let us know!








Mid-range LG G Vista and rugged Kyocera Brigadier (with sapphire display) launch on Verizon




Phandroid





Mid-range LG G Vista and rugged Kyocera Brigadier (with sapphire display) launch on Verizon



lg g vista verizon


Two new Android options are available at Verizon Wireless this morning if you’re in the market for these particular types of smartphones. The first is the LG G Vista, a 5.7-inch phablet that’ll go easy on light pockets. It costs $100 on a two-year contract or $20 per month on Verizon Edge, and for that you’re getting pretty respectable specs. Here’s how it lays out on paper:



  • 5.7-inch 960 x 540 display

  • 1.2GHz quad-core processor

  • 1.5GB of RAM

  • 8GB of internal storage w/ microSD

  • 8 megapixel rear camera w/ 1.3 megapixel front camera

  • NFC, WiFi N, Bluetooth 4.0

  • 3,200mAh battery

  • Android 4.4.2 KitKat

  • 5.93 oz, 5.99(H) x 3.12(W) x 0.36(D) inches


QSlide 2.0, KnockCode, Dual Window, Quick Memo, Mini View and more are all present as part of LG’s standard user experience (which is the best kit of software they’ve put together to date).


Shifting over to Kyocera’s camp, the newly-revealed Brigadier $100 two-year contract or $20 per month on Edge pricing structure, but this smartphone is intended for a much different crowd of folks. The Kyocera Brigadier is a rugged phone that can hold its own up against pretty much anything you can throw its way. Kyocera’s expertise in creating rugged phones shines through the most on this device with the inclusion of their Sapphire Shield display, a material that’s supposed to be pretty much impossible to break.


kyocera sapphire shield


The chassis of the phone is bulky, but what other way to protect it from any drop, splash and smash you can think of? Its Mil-Spec 810G rating (protection against dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and water immersion) and IP68 certification means you won’t find many devices that can take as similar of a beating at this same price point.


kyocera brigadier verizon


It should also prove to be pretty solid in the performance department with the following internals:



  • 4.5-inch HD display

  • 1.4GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400

  • 2GB of RAM

  • 16GB of internal storage w/ microSD card slot

  • 8 megapixel rear camera w/ 2.0 megapixel front camera

  • 3,100mAh battery (non removable)

  • Dual-band WiFi ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC

  • Android 4.4 KitKat

  • 6.6 oz,

  • 5.37 (H) x 2.69 (W) x 0.52 (D) inches


Nothing special going on with the software here aside from some light customization and themeing on Kyocera’s part (which shouldn’t be too much trouble to workaround if you don’t fancy their changes).


And there you have it — two solid smartphones that won’t change the landscape of the smartphone market, but should prove to be the right fit for many-a people out there. You can order the LG G Vista right here, and the Kyocera Brigadier right here if you’re interested.








Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Sony Xperia Z3 will launch on T-Mobile shortly after its unveiling [RUMOR]




Phandroid





Sony Xperia Z3 will launch on T-Mobile shortly after its unveiling [RUMOR]



Sony Xperia-Z3-picture-leak_1


We’ve been hearing a lot about the upcoming Sony Xperia Z3 ever since “leaked” images of the device began sprouting up around the net. Said to become official during next month’s IFA 2014 in Berlin, we were left scratching our heads as to the phone’s sudden release. Given we have yet to see or hear any official word on a Sony Xperia Z2 coming to the states (rumors point to a Verizon exclusive release arriving soon), we’re sure many of you aren’t getting your hopes we’ll ever see the upcoming model arriving in the states anytime soon. But not so fast…


Apparently, the folks over at TechnoBuffalo heard from their own reliable source that the phone has already been picked up by T-Mobile and will launch shortly after its September unveiling. So, why on earth would Sony be gearing up to launch a redesigned followup only 6 months after the previous model? Well, that part is still a little foggy. It’s possible the Z2 was already promised to Verizon and in order for Sony to bring their smartphone lineup to the US they needed an entirely new model. This could also explain why the phone is rumored to have largely the same exact specs as the Sony Xperia Z2, only featuring a more smooth, all metal frame. New name. Mostly the same internals.


Of course, nothing has been confirmed at this time although TechnoBuffalo assures us their sources have proven reliable in the past. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the phone (whether officially or through leaks) as IFA 2014 approaches. Until then, I’ll be enjoying my newly purchased Sony Xperia Z2 (yes, I’m pretty much in love with it).








Sprint brings 4G LTE to 17 new markets across the US, did your city make the cut?




Phandroid





Sprint brings 4G LTE to 17 new markets across the US, did your city make the cut?



sprint-nextel-logo


After introducing their customers to 4G LTE back in 2012, Sprint is finally making some headway across the US. Back in June, we told you guys about 28 new markets receiving high-speed 4G LTE and today, Sprint’s ongoing 4G LTE list has been updated with an additional 17 brand new cities. Here are the new markets for the month of July:



  • Auburn, N.Y.

  • Bethesda, Md.

  • Bloomsburg/Berwick, Pa.

  • Buffalo, N.Y.

  • Danville, Ill.

  • Dubuque, Iowa

  • Eau Claire, Wis.

  • EurekaArcata/Fortuna, Calif.

  • Hattiesburg, Miss.

  • Hopkinsville, Ky.

  • Indiana, Pa.

  • Marion/Herrin,  Ill.

  • Mt. Vernon, Ill.

  • Pittsburgh

  • Redding, Calif.

  • Rochester, Minn.

  • Utica, N.Y.


Keep in mind this has nothing to do with Sprint Spark (currently deployed in 24 cities across the US), the carrier’s high-speed tri-band network comprised of their 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz spectrum and capable of 100Mbps download speeds (although currently hitting around 60Mbps).


For a full list of the 491 cities Sprint has launched their 4G LTE network, check out their newly updated page here.








Motorola files trademark for ‘MOTO MAXX’, leaves us hoping for another Moto variant




Phandroid





Motorola files trademark for ‘MOTO MAXX’, leaves us hoping for another Moto variant



Motorola Moto Maxx trademark


We know Chicago-based Motorola is gearing up to give their flagship “Moto” line another run this year. While we’re still in search of leaks or any information on exactly what we can expect from the Motorola Moto X+1 (we certainly have our guesses), it’s Motorola’s famous Droid line that still has everyone guessing.


Is it possible we will see followups to the Droid RAZR, Droid RAZR MAXX, and Droid Mini this year? Maybe not in name (LucasFilms’ “Droid” trademark was used for Motorola’s Verizon exclusive devices), but a recent trademark filing is hinting towards a rebranding, at least for the Maxx variant. A “Moto Maxx” trademark, filed by Motorola on July 22nd, was recently uncovered at the US Trademark and Patent Office. While the trademark doesn’t tell us much about Motorola’s plans, we can always speculate.


It’s possible that Motorola’s new focus on global brand recognition (Moto E, Moto G, Moto X), they could see the manufacture scrapping the US-only Droid line altogether. Should that be the case, finding a customizable Moto Maxx variant on Motomaker is sure to leave battery hungry Android enthusiasts salivating. What say ye? If Motorola offers a bigger batteried Moto X+1 (for a premium, of course), would any of you bite?


[USPTO]











Samsung Galaxy Alpha will reportedly be unveiled this Monday, August 4th



samsung-galaxy-alpha-7


There’s been much ado made over the oft leaked Samsung Galaxy Alpha, an upcoming smartphone that could finally see Samsung’s departure from polycarbonate, in favor of cold hard aluminum. Well, that’s the idea anyway. It seems we learn more about the phone with each passing week, and today is no different. Once again the folks at SamMobile are claiming the scoop, receiving word of the device’s expected announcement when all the rumors will finally be laid to rest: Monday, August 4th.


Only a few weeks ahead of the rumored Galaxy Note 4 unveiling in September, that’s the date Samsung will reportedly make the Galaxy Alpha official, revealing everything we likely already know about the upcoming smartphone. What can we expect? In Samsung’s ongoing effort to blanket the market with as many possible options and hardware configurations (you know, see what sticks), the Galaxy Alpha will feature a blend of mid-range and high-end specs — lower than a Galaxy S5, but higher than the Galaxy S5 Mini.


With that comes a 4.7-inch 720p display, 32GB of internal storage (no micro SD expansion) and a fingerprint scanner. Wrap the device in aluminum and you have the premium Galaxy handset you’ve always wanted, right? Okay, so the device’s lust-worthiness remains to be seen. Something tells us Samsung wont lose any sleep over the success of this phone, they’ll simply release a refreshed model in a couple of months anyway.








Samsung Gear Alpha will reportedly be unveiled this Monday, August 4th




Phandroid





Samsung Gear Alpha will reportedly be unveiled this Monday, August 4th



samsung-galaxy-alpha-7


There’s been much ado made over the oft leaked Samsung Galaxy Alpha, an upcoming smartphone that could finally see Samsung’s departure from polycarbonate, in favor of cold hard aluminum. Well, that’s the idea anyway. It seems we learn more about the phone with each passing week, and today is no different. Once again the folks at SamMobile are claiming the scoop, receiving word of the device’s expected announcement when all the rumors will finally be laid to rest: Monday, August 4th.


Only a few weeks ahead of the rumored Galaxy Note 4 unveiling in September, that’s the date Samsung will reportedly make the Galaxy Alpha official, revealing everything we likely already know about the upcoming smartphone. What can we expect? In Samsung’s ongoing effort to blanket the market with as many possible options and hardware configurations (you know, see what sticks), the Galaxy Alpha will feature a blend of mid-range and high-end specs — lower than a Galaxy S5, but higher than the Galaxy S5 Mini.


With that comes a 4.7-inch 720p display, 32GB of internal storage (no micro SD expansion) and a fingerprint scanner. Wrap the device in aluminum and you have the premium Galaxy handset you’ve always wanted, right? Okay, so the device’s lust-worthiness remains to be seen. Something tells us Samsung wont lose any sleep over the success of this phone, they’ll simply release a refreshed model in a couple of months anyway.








Best Android apps from July 2014




Phandroid





Best Android apps from July 2014



best apps july


See all the apps from previous months


Where has the summer gone? It feels like just yesterday we were posting the best apps of May, and now we are already closing out on July. As we approach the “dog days” of summer a bunch of great new Android apps were released. If you were busy spending time at the beach you may have missed a few of them. Don’t spill your lemonade! We’ve got you covered. Here are the best Android apps from July. Enjoy!


Amazon Wallet


am wallet


Amazon decided to get into the wallet game this month. The Amazon Wallet app offers a one-stop shop for all of your credit, gift, and loyalty cards. And that is pretty much all it does. In order to enter a card you can simply scan the barcode. If you find a store that doesn’t freak out about the idea of paying with your phone, you can use this app. Is it better than other wallet apps? Not really, but Amazon loves to say “me too.”


Android Wear


wear


The biggest story of July was obviously Android Wear. Google launched this new platform back at I/O, and following that came the release of the official companion app. This app is required for anyone who wants to use an Android Wear device, such as the G Watch or Gear Live. With the app you can choose services to work with voice actions, blacklist certain app notifications, and other handy features to make the most of your smartwatch.


Bamboo Paper


bamboo


Bamboo Paper turns your Android tablet into a paper notebook. This is the perfect app for scribbling down notes, drawings, and anything else you can do with a regular pen and paper. It comes with a wide variety of pen tools, colors, and paper. Since it’s from Bamboo you can expect precise lines and tracking for as close to real life as you can get. For a limited time this app is free.


Better Open With


better open


One of the best things about Android is the ability to choose default apps. Unfortunately the options and settings for default apps leaves much to be desired. “Better Open With” replaces the default “open with” menu with a more vibrant one. For example, you can set a countdown time for when to be asked which app to use again, and see all of your defaults in one place. It truly is a better “Open With” menu.


Bolt


bolt


Bolt is a new app from Instagram that aims to make photo messaging easy. Many people are describing it as a Snapchat competitor, but it’s much more like a lesser-known app called Taptalk. Bolt turns your contacts into shutter buttons. Simply tap on a person and as soon as you let go a photo is taken and sent to them. It’s a cool concept, but right now it’s only available in a few countries.


ChoreMonster


chores


Getting kids to do household chores is a pain. ChoreMonster aims to make chores fun by being engaging and rewarding. Kids can earn points like they would in a video game, and then use those points to redeem prizes set up by the parents. It’s a fun way to make chores not feel so much like, well, chores. Humans love to game-ify boring tasks, and kids are no different.


Clarisketch


sketch


Explaining something that exists in your brain can be difficult. You can see it perfectly, but getting that image into the real world is the hard part. Drawing it out can help a lot, but sometimes it’s the talking  while drawing that really helps. Clarisketch is an app that records your voice while you draw. This makes it super easy to share your thought process with someone else.


Climatology


climatology


What is the average temperature in Italy during September? How much rainfall does Australia get in November? How humid is it in Africa during July? All of these ultra-specific questions can be answered with a new app by Microsoft called “Climatology.” Obviously this is not your standard weather app. If you’re ever in a debate with someone about climates this is the app to use.


Commandr


commandr


Google Now is an awesome app. The voice commands make it a killer app. What would make Google Now even better? The ability to create your own voice commands! That is precisely what Commandr can do. Using this app along with Tasker allows you to do pretty much anything with simple voice commands. A few examples include turning on WiFi, pausing music, adjusting volume, and even reading unread emails.


Digify


digify


What if Google Drive and Snapchat combined to make an app? Digify would be the result. This app allows you to send self-destructing files. Just like Snapchats only last for a few moments and then disappear forever, Digify files only last as long as you wish. You can also see who has viewed your files and for how long. Never let a file float away into the internet to be gone forever.


Display Brightness for Wear


brightness


One of the downsides to the first couple Android Wear devices is the lack of ambient light sensors. This means the devices can’t automatically adjust the display brightness to match the environment around you. This is a big oversight for devices that rely on small batteries. Display Brightness for Wear uses location and Google Play Services activity to automatically adjust the brightness on your watch. Simple as that.


flavourit


flavourit


Do you like cooking and enjoy delicious food? Of course you do (to the latter at least). Do you wish you had a little helper to remind you of your favorite recipes? flavourit can be that helper. With this app you can create your personal cookbook according to your taste and share your favorite recipes with friends. It’s about time to be proud of what you’re making each day!


Jink


jink


We all carry around devices that can pinpoint our location, but still we make those “where you at?” phone calls. There has to be a better way. Jink is a new app that aims to make location sharing as easy as a couple taps. You can track people in real-time on a map, send you location as a message, and more. Once you and your friends have met up the location sharing automatically ends.


Tesla Command


tesla


I don’t have a Tesla. You don’t have a Tesla. We all want a Tesla. The demographic of people who simultaneously own a Tesla and Android Wear device may be tiny, but that hasn’t stopped this app from being created. Tesla Command allows you to unlock doors, open sunroof, honk your horn, and more from your wrist. How cool is that?


Wear Audio Recorder


recorder


Sometimes voice-to-text just doesn’t want to work. You’re trying to leave yourself a note, but Google keeps auto-correcting all your words. When it comes to smartwatches you don’t want to spend precious time on any one task. Wear Audio Recorder is a simple app that lets you record your voice. Now you don’t have to try to dictate a note through voice commands. Just record yourself and play it back later.


Wear Faces



The one screen you seethe most on a smartwatch is the watch face. For that reason many smartwatch users are obsessed with customizing their watch face. WearFaces is an Android Wear app that lets you do just that. Simply upload a few files and you’re good to go. Easy as that. Right now this is the best way to get your own design on your wrist. If you’re into that sort of thing this is the app to download.


See all the apps from previous months


That’s our list! Which apps from July are you favorite? Did we miss any other great apps from July? Let us know!