Saturday, December 28, 2013

Android, Tizen news Dec 28, 2013

Android

TechRadar.com

In Depth: Flashback: the past, present and future of the camera phone
ones: the history13 years ago, phones with cameras inside seemed pointless, heavy bricks that gave you grainy approximations of images. Fast forward to today, and we now have a phone with a 41MP camera sensor, one with 10x optical zoom and phone that's adept at nabbing low light shots sitting sleekly in ou... -techradar



Tizen

Nokia pulls Here Maps from App Store, claims iOS 7 changes makes it buggy

Nokia pulls Here Maps from App Store, claims iOS 7 changes makes it buggy
removed its Here Maps app from Apple's App Store, claiming changes made within iOS 7 have harmed the user experience.The free, cross-platform navigation tool has struggled to gain traction against Apple's own Maps app and Google Maps, but the Finns insist undefined changes to iOS 7 are to blame for the removal.A ... -techradar



Friday, December 27, 2013

Android news Dec 27, 2013

TechRadar.com

Google takes Rockstar Consortium patent battle across state lines
asked a court in California to rule on a patent issue that was first raised by Rockstar Consortium in Texas in October.Rockstar, a patent firm backed by Microsoft, Apple, BlackBerry, Ericsson and Sony, outbid Google to acquire a pack of patents for $4.5 billion in 2011.Then in October t... -techradar



HTC launches site showing devices' Android KitKat update status

HTC launches site showing devices' Android KitKat update status
agmentation is one of the operating system's main problems, but HTC has launched a new page that aims to explain the process of getting a new update out to handsets.The site demystifies the Android update process by outlining the steps an OS update has to go through before it reaches various devices.It also show... -techradar



In Depth: The apps that should be pre-installed on every smartphone

In Depth: The apps that should be pre-installed on every smartphone
al Android pre-installSmartphones are amazing tools that have revolutionised our ability to communicate, work and play on the move, but out of the box they can be somewhat lacking. Essential apps that most people use will often be absent and in their place there will be bloatware that ... -techradar



Thursday, December 26, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 26, 2013

Android

In Depth: Why the smartphone is about to beat the PS4 at its own game

In Depth: Why the smartphone is about to beat the PS4 at its own game
le vs the handsetIn the US alone, smartphone gaming has around 126 million players, making it one of the most popular segments. By 2016 that's expected to rise to 144 million, according to a report by MediaBrix, which would equate to more than 8 in 10 smartphone users.The pop... -techradar



Best Messaging Apps for iPhone

Best Messaging Apps for iPhone
u've just purchased yourself a brand spanking new iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C, or whether you're tied into a lengthy contract on the ageing iPhone 4S, chances are you are going to want to use your iPhone for more than just web browsing or taking pictures.With Apple's App store currently populated with over one million apps, there ... -techradar



Best Messaging Apps for Windows Phone

Best Messaging Apps for Windows Phone
ttp://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-phone-8-1086692/review">Windows Phone 8 is slowly gaining ground on the far more established Android and iOS ecosystems. The latest news puts it at 9.2% of the top five European markets, and at 12% in Great Britain.The influx of high end devices such as the 41MP... -techradar



Best Messaging Apps for Android

Best Messaging Apps for Android
ones are amongst the hottest on the market, currently accounting for around 70% of the European mobile market. Headlined by flagship handsets such as the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG G2, and supported with the strong range of cheaper devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and uber cheap LG Optimus L5 2, there is more de... -techradar



Is HP about to do a Beyoncé by launching two new phones by 2014?

Is HP about to do a Beyoncé by launching two new phones by 2014?
rumour circulating that HP will bust out two large-phone/small-tablets (OK, OK, "phablets") before 2013 is out. That gives the company just eight days to pull the new handsets out of the bag - and one of those days is Christmas Day. One handset is set to be a 6-inch phone while the other is a 7-incher, but... -techradar



Oppo officially unveils the mid-range, mid-price R1

Oppo officially unveils the mid-range, mid-price R1
one maker Oppo Electronics is at it again, unveiling its second new smartphone to be announced this month.The Oppo R1 was made official with a listing on the company's Chinese-language site, and though it's less impressive than the phone Oppo teased earlier in December it still has plenty to like.That earlier phone was the Oppo Fin... -techradar



BLIP: Android Jelly Bean catches some Z's as 4.3 comes to Sony Xperia devices

BLIP: Android Jelly Bean catches some Z's as 4.3 comes to Sony Xperia devices
e's little sign of any action on the Android KitKat front, some Sony Xperia handset owners can at least comfort themselves with a little 4.3 Jelly Bean over the festive season.On Monday, the Japanese giant rolled out the second newest version of Android for the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZR, X... -techradar



AllCast for Android leaves beta, streams to Apple TV, Roku and Xbox

AllCast for Android leaves beta, streams to Apple TV, Roku and Xbox
app which allows Android device owners to stream photos and videos to a host of connected devices is now available on the Google Play store.A full version of the AllCast app has landed within Google's download portal, following a brief period in beta, bringing streaming power to compatible devices like the Apple... -techradar



10 essential entertainment apps for Windows Phone

10 essential entertainment apps for Windows Phone
one is still lagging behind iOS and Android in terms of app numbers, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out as there are still thousands of great ones. We've sifted through them and come up with ten essential entertainment apps that no-one should go without.1. Netflix (£5.99 per month)Netflix is an app which sho... -techradar



Windows Phone

Mythical Nokia Normandy Android phone spied again, status still unknown

Mythical Nokia Normandy Android phone spied again, status still unknown
as on, then it was off, now we just don't know. The rumoured Nokia smartphone running Android has reportedly appeared online again, with its launch status still anyone's guess.The handset - codenamed Normandy - was may have become the first Nokia handset to adopt Google's operating system, word would... -techradar



Monday, December 23, 2013

Android news Dec 23, 2013

In Depth: 10 ways to make Siri brilliant

In Depth: 10 ways to make Siri brilliant
e best known digital personal assistant on the market, making its name with human-esque speech capabilities. Its biggest competitor, Google Now, may be lagging behind in the popularity stakes, but it's rapidly gaining ground and Apple needs to keep ahead.Google's release of the Experience launcher on the Nexus 5 has meant that Google Now featur... -techradar



Sunday, December 22, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 22, 2013

Android

Best mobile stocking fillers

Best mobile stocking fillers
tmas here and a shiny new mobile under the tree, we're here to help avoid the yearly stress associated with buying Christmas gifts. We've prepared a handy guide to the best stocking fillers to accompany your lovely new smartphone.Wether you've broken the bank, or spent wisely on the mobile in question, there's something for everyo... -techradar



Windows Phone

BLIP: Selfie In The Sky With Live Tiles: Windows Phone users get SkyDrive boost

BLIP: Selfie In The Sky With Live Tiles: Windows Phone users get SkyDrive boost
has offered a little festive treat for Windows Phone users by offering 20GB of bonus SkyDrive storage for an entire year. The offer, which runs until the end of January, was publicised to Windows Phone owners via email this weekend. Users can follow t... -techradar



Friday, December 20, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 20, 2013

Android

In Depth: Tablet or Phone: Which should you choose?

In Depth: Tablet or Phone: Which should you choose?
cideThere will be a lot of you out there who are already rocking a smartphone and/or a tablet, but for those of your about to dip your toe into the technologic water you may be wondering if you need both or just one.Luckily TechRadar is on hand to help you make that decision, whether it's picking up your first mobile d... -techradar



Week in Tech: Glass half full of Christmas cheer

Week in Tech: Glass half full of Christmas cheer
ell was wrong. The future isn't a boot stamping on a human face forever; it's the human race so engrossed in Facebook that it walks off the end of a pier. Such - ahem - pier pressure will only get worse as computing becomes more pervasive and stuck-to-our-facey, and there's no tech more pervasive and stuck-to-y... -techradar



In Depth: How the smartphone is becoming the brain of your entire house

In Depth: How the smartphone is becoming the brain of your entire house
s are nice and feature-stocked these days, but we know what the phone buying hoardes are like: everyone wishes they did more. Sure, you can tweet from them, but we want them to be able to cook us dinner and take the robot vacuum for a walk. The good news is that's a future which may... -techradar



BBM for Android and iPhone to get free voice calls in 2014

BBM for Android and iPhone to get free voice calls in 2014
knew that free voice calls on BBM for Android and iPhone was coming when BlackBerry's VP Andrew Bocking confirmed it in October, but it looks like we won't be seeing it until early 2014.Along with BBM Voice calls, BBM Channels will also be migrating to iPhone and Android, as well as adding more emoticons and what t... -techradar



A Jolla Christmas? Sailfish smartphone goes on sale in the UK and Europe

A Jolla Christmas? Sailfish smartphone goes on sale in the UK and Europe
cy a break from the iOS and Android duopoly, and Windows Phone and BlackBerry just aren't doing it for you, you may like to take a look at the upstart Jolla Sailfish smartphone. The handset, running the Sailfish OS which began its journey within Nokia as the never-truly-realised MeeGo software, is now availa... -techradar



In Depth: Best camera apps for Windows Phone

In Depth: Best camera apps for Windows Phone
hink back 13 years ago to the first cameraphone, the things we carry in our pockets now must seem like witchcraft.Today's camera phones are modern wonders, with the likes of the Nokia Lumia 1020 coming packed with a 41MP sensor, or the high-end, low-light capturing camera found behind the Nokia Lumia 925.Admittedly other Win... -techradar



Android botnet sending millions of copied texts to Korea and China

Android botnet sending millions of copied texts to Korea and China
s botnet has been uncovered by security researchers. The software sends copies of users' SMS' to email addresses believed to be registered in Korea and China.Named MicroSMS, it infects Android devices by pretending to be a settings app called 'Google Vx'. Once in place... -techradar



Windows Phone

Nokia is draping the Lumia 1020 in Black update for RAW shooting, other fixes

Nokia is draping the Lumia 1020 in Black update for RAW shooting, other fixes
gallivanting about the Nokia Camera app update, Nokia has finally dropped the Lumia Black booster for the Lumia 1020.The Black update is available for download right now directly from the Nokia Lumia 1020 support page, and it comes charging with improvements. First and foremost Black upgrade... -techradar



Thursday, December 19, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 19, 2013

Android

In Depth: Best camera apps for Android

In Depth: Best camera apps for Android
eople purchasing a smartphone, having a decent camera is still one of the biggest draws. It seems forever ago that cameras were first introduced on mobile phones, with 13 years being about 6 life times in the tech world.Today's camera phones are modern wonders, just look at the massive sensors that adorn phones such as th... -techradar



New leak further points to Android KitKat and Sense 6 for HTC One Two

New leak further points to Android KitKat and Sense 6 for HTC One Two
out the HTC One Two have been flying thick and fast, but two of those rumours have recently been given a little more credence.We've heard before that the HTC One Two will likely come with Android 4.4 KitKat alongside version 6 of the Sense UI, but now the insider @LlabTooFeR has tweeted something approaching a confirma... -techradar



In Depth: Why aren't all our smartphones waterproof right now?

In Depth: Why aren't all our smartphones waterproof right now?
f phones - the options and the scienceThe mobile phone has gone from a novelty device to untether us from the wall to the one thing we take everywhere and expect to keep up with the demands of our unpredictable lives.As the cost has escalated, so has our desire to keep them safe, leading to... -techradar



Windows Phone

Xbox Video and Music apps finally arrive on Windows Phone 8

Xbox Video and Music apps finally arrive on Windows Phone 8
ttp://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-phone-8-1086692/review">Windows Phone 8 has been out on the market for roughly over a year, but now Microsoft is infusing some fresh blood in the form of official Xbox Video and Music apps.The new Xbox Video app, which is already available ... -techradar



Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Android news Dec 18, 2013

Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra now getting Android 4.3, Xperia Z close behind

Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra now getting Android 4.3, Xperia Z close behind
little behind their current rivals, Sony's Xperia flagships could start getting a pre-Christmas treat in the form of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.The support pages for the Sony Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra both show the latest software as 14.2.A.0.290, with a release date of 16... -techradar



Now what might Amazon need with a bunch of smartphone camera parts?

Now what might Amazon need with a bunch of smartphone camera parts?
uch to go on, but a report has surfaced that Amazon has ordered batches of camera modules for use in smartphones, breathing fresh life into the Amazon smartphone speculation.DigiTimes reported that Taiwanese company Primax Electronics received multiple orders from Amazon for compact camera modules to be used in s... -techradar



Holy pixels! Oppo confirms Find 7 smartphone will tout a 2K display

Holy pixels! Oppo confirms Find 7 smartphone will tout a 2K display
sung and Google may draw envious eyes with their high-res screen tech, but even the big boys may turn green with jealousy over a new Chinese smartphone with a whopping 2K display.Oppo has fired the latest salvo in the battle for high-pixel displays as it's thumbed its nose at 1080p and teased a 2K-s... -techradar



Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 17, 2013

Android

Windows Phone unlikely to close app gap before 2015

Windows Phone unlikely to close app gap before 2015
is remaining bullish about the Windows Phone store, and has confirmed that it now boasts over 200,000 applications.That may sound like an impressive figure, but take a quick glance at the competition and you'll see both Android and iOS are hovering around the one million apps mark.Of course both Google's and Apple... -techradar



The Android phone Nokia may or may not have been making may or may not have been shelved

The Android phone Nokia may or may not have been making may or may not have been shelved
word broke that Nokia was working on an Android phone code-named Normandy - but now the rumour mill says the Nokia prototypes have been shelved. Chinese site CTech now says the cheap Android devices that Nokia has been experimenting with over the past couple of years will not see the light of day ... -techradar



Samsung GamePad finally launches with broad Android appeal

Samsung GamePad finally launches with broad Android appeal
a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-working-on-a-gamepad-for-galaxy-phones-and-tablets-1137753">caught sight of Samsung's GamePad back around the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 only for it to go AWOL, but now, finally, it's heading to stores and should be available in... -techradar



Galaxy S4, HTC One Google Play Editions updated to Android 4.4.2

Galaxy S4, HTC One Google Play Editions updated to Android 4.4.2
Play versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are again demonstrating that stock Android phones have certain perks as they have just been upgraded to Android 4.4.2. Granted, this is a minor update to Google's mobile operating system with the release notes indicating it's a security patch full of bug fixes, as was the ca... -techradar



Galaxy S5 may feature QHD display, iris scanner when it launches at MWC 2014

Galaxy S5 may feature QHD display, iris scanner when it launches at MWC 2014
ef="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/alleged-galaxy-s5-benchmarked-again-comes-in-third-1206373">been a week since we heard any murmurings about the Samsung Galaxy S5, but right on cue a report it out that we're in for the first higher-than-1080p resolution p... -techradar



Three Sony Xperia Z1 variants' benchmarks come in rip-roaringly fast

Three Sony Xperia Z1 variants' benchmarks come in rip-roaringly fast
chmark scores are again outing a trio of forthcoming handsets from Sony, suggesting the Japanese manufacturer may be about to take a good thing and multiply.PhoneArena reported this weekend that Sony has not one, not two but a full three variants of its popular Xperia Z1 on the way, ... -techradar



Will the Sony Xperia E find LTE, keep budget price with new flavor next year?

Will the Sony Xperia E find LTE, keep budget price with new flavor next year?
release a successor to the Xperia E appropriately dubbed the Xperia E2 in 2014, according to the latest whispers.Japanese site EMSOne has it that the Xperia E2 will feature LTE compatibility, unlike its predecessor, which launched in March 2013 with 3G only.Other than that we know nothing abo... -techradar



Windows Phone 8.1 said to add notification center, Siri-like rival

Windows Phone 8.1 said to add notification center, Siri-like rival
oming Windows Phone 8.1 update may prove that 8.1 is Microsoft's lucky number, as it's reportedly adding a notification center and Siri-like personal assistant to its mobile devices.The Windows Phone 8.1 notification center will be revealed through a swipe-from-the-top gesture, according to unnamed Microsof... -techradar



Windows Phone

Nokia Camera app snaps up support for all Lumia Windows 8 handsets

Nokia Camera app snaps up support for all Lumia Windows 8 handsets
been slowly building up its reputation as a photography-centric smartphone maker, and now it's extending perks it developed for some handsets to all. The Nokia Camera app had only been available on high-end models like the Lumia 920, Lumia 925, Lumia 928 and Lumia 1020. Now the Finnish phone maker... -techradar



Monday, December 16, 2013

Android news Dec 16, 2013

Samsung Galaxy Core Advance brings a big screen at a low cost

Samsung Galaxy Core Advance brings a big screen at a low cost
g Galaxy Core Advance has been officially announced, bringing a big screen to the budget end of the mobile market.While the "Advance" extension to the handset's name may intrigue you, there's been little added to the original Galaxy Core which arrived in May 2013.The main differenc... -techradar



Updated: Best business smartphones: 10 top handsets for work

Updated: Best business smartphones: 10 top handsets for work
tphones for business: part 1Once upon a time there was only one firm on the lips of any business' IT team when it came to company phones – BlackBerry (formerly known as Research In Motion or RIM).BlackBerry is still a big player in the enterprise market but the rest of the pack is hot on its heels, with th... -techradar



Microsoft courts Samsung with massive Windows Phone payout

Microsoft courts Samsung with massive Windows Phone payout
Windows Phone go hand in hand and the Finnish firm is pretty much the only manufacturer now associated with the platform - but Microsoft is looking to change that.In fact, according to well-connected Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin, Microsoft has wafted $1 billion under the nose of Samsung if the Korean f... -techradar



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Android, Windows Phone news Dec 15, 2013

Android

TechRadar.com

In Depth: Canonical's long road to the Ubuntu Phone
04, Linux was a considerably more technical world than it is today. Even the more novice desktop flavours involved installation procedures, choosing tools, limited documentation and, at times, complex configuration. Though many of us dreamed of the power of Linux simplified for all, it was, by definition, a... -techradar



BLIP: Netflix finally adds multi-profile support for Android devices

BLIP: Netflix finally adds multi-profile support for Android devices
ers who shareaccounts with friends or family have become accustomed to accessing their personal profiles on multiple devices, but until now that privilege has eluded Android owners. Not anymore though, as multi-profile support has finally landed on Google-powered smartphones and tablets thanks to an update dropping this week... -techradar



Windows Phone 8.1 to ape Android with new on-screen function buttons

Windows Phone 8.1 to ape Android with new on-screen function buttons
is set to borrow a page from Android's playbook, by moving its capacitive physical buttons within the touchscreen display on the forthcoming Windows Phone 8.1 update. A leaked screenshot published on Twitter by @evleaks (who else?) revealed the Back, Windows and Search buttons within the display, rather t... -techradar



More Chromecast devices on the way as Google ramps up streaming plans

More Chromecast devices on the way as Google ramps up streaming plans
in talks with third party manufacturers over the launch of more Chromecast-like devices, as the company looks to make the Google Cast streaming tech an industry standard available on Android and iOS.Speaking to Gigaom, Google VP of Product Management Mario Queiroz, said the web giant has ... -techradar



The HTC One 2 may have just gotten certified with super-fast Wi-Fi

The HTC One 2 may have just gotten certified with super-fast Wi-Fi
f="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-m8-1202748">HTC M8, a.k.a the HTC One 2, has surfaced yet again, this time appearing with its Wi-Fi certification.According to the Wi-Fi certification, the HTC One 2 will indeed come with a Wi-Fi antenna capable of switching between ... -techradar



Windows Phone

With latest shuffle, Samsung bets on cameras setting its phones apart

With latest shuffle, Samsung bets on cameras setting its phones apart
ting smartphone-camera hybrid oddities such as the Samsung Galaxy NX and Galaxy S4 Zoom, it seems the Korean electronics maker is doubling down on cameras setting its cell phones apart.Samsung has done a little deck shuffling, placing its camera division under the guiding wing of its mob... -techradar



SlingPlayer app delivers early Christmas joy to Windows 8.1 users

SlingPlayer app delivers early Christmas joy to Windows 8.1 users
s may not be due to slide down the chimney for another 12 days, but the elves at Slingbox are bringing a little holiday cheer to PC and tablet users on the Windows platform.Sling Media has announced the release of SlingPlayer for Windows 8, a native media player app first announced last month and now avai... -techradar