Puzzle & Dragons now available on Android

You guys are never going to guess what Puzzle & Dragons is about. Not in a million years .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/puzzle-dragons-now-available-on-android?fromrss=1

Mozilla looks back at 2012, finds many of us choosing Do Not Track

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/15/mozilla-looks-back-at-2012-finds-many-of-us-choosing-do-not-track/)

It's been a time of reflection for [search](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/facebook-builds-your-own-2012-year-in-review/) [engine](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/google-zeitgeist-2012-whitney-one-direction/) teams, so why not for web browsers? Mozilla has taken its own trip back through 2012 and found that a surprising number of us have embraced [Do Not Track](http://www.engadget.com/tag/DoNotTrack/). About 8 percent of desktop users, and 19 percent of Android users, have adopted the feature as of the end of year -- that's a clear sign of interest in keeping web habits private, Mozilla claims. While we don't have similar statistics for other browsers to add context, the company still sees a lot of sunshine with the rapid development of [Firefox OS](http://www.engadget.com/tag/FirefoxOS/) and recent additions like its [Social API](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/03/facebook-messenger-for-firefox-arrives-in-finished-form/). If Mozilla's introspection proves intriguing, many more details await at the source.

Filed under: [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/15/mozilla-looks-back-at-2012-finds-many-of-us-choosing-do-not-track/#comments)**

**Source:** [Mozilla](https://blog.mozilla.org/blog/2012/12/14/mozilla-in-2012/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/15/mozilla-looks-back-at-2012-finds-many-of-us-choosing-do-not-track/

MobileRouteManager 3.2.5 for Android

MobileRouteManager 3.2.5 for Android 1. Fixes a problem where Mobile Paid On Account entries would not show on the check-in report.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobileroutemanager-3-2-5-for-android?fromrss=1

YotaPhone - Two screens this phone is having

>From Russian company Yota Devices , the YotaPhone is a dual-screen Android phone.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/yotaphone-two-screens-this-phone-is-having?fromrss=1

Kingston Ships 128GB Wi-Fi Drive for Android, iOS Devices

Kingston Digital said on Thursday that it has shipped a 128 GB version of its Wi-Drive pocket-sized portable storage device .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/kingston-ships-128gb-wi-fi-drive-for-android-ios-devices?fromrss=1

Anvil protects mobile phone calls from hacking and interception with Secure Mobile

Following recent mobile phone hacking scandals, Anvil's Secure Mobile service, powered by SiRRAN Communications, ensures complete call privacy and security across any mobile or wireless network.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/anvil-protects-mobile-phone-calls-from-hacking-and-interception-with-secure-mobile?fromrss=1

Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X nip at the heels of Android stars

The Lumia 920 and HTC Windows Phone 8X, two of the first Windows Phone 8 models, turned in some of best performances of phones in our newest Ratings - just a few points behind top-scoring Android phones from LG, Samsung, and Apple.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/nokia-lumia-920-htc-windows-phone-8x-nip-at-the-heels-of-android-stars?fromrss=1

Secuity firm warns of malware stealing bank data sent by SMS

Several malicious Android apps designed to steal mobile transaction authentication numbers sent by banks to their customers over SMS were found on Google Play by researchers from antivirus vendor Kaspersky Lab.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/secuity-firm-warns-of-malware-stealing-bank-data-sent-by-sms?fromrss=1

Galaxy Note II KIRF edition makes a quick appearance, shows no remorse

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-kirf/)

It was only a matter of time before we'd see this one, right? As has been the case with [many](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/kirf-galaxy-s-iii-designed-for-cheapskates-inspired-by-samsung/), [many](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/kirf-macbook-air-is-the-prettiest-netbook-weve-seen-today/) other gadgets, Samsung's [Galaxy Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/) is the latest one to join the "Keepin' it Real Fake" revolution. Formally dubbed Star S7180, this phablet clone, as you can imagine, doesn't come even close to matching the genuine Note II's mighty spec sheet, with this 5.5-inch [KIRF](http://www.engadget.com/tag/kirf/) device said to be only boasting a dual-core MT6577 CPU with 1GB RAM, 4GB of internal storage and an 8-megapixel cam on the back -- but, hey, at least there's some [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/) to go with that. According to _GizChina_, you'll have to shell out about $150 for the Star S7180, which, all in all, isn't too bad a deal -- that's if you don't mind taking the faux route, of course. At any rate, you'll find additional eye candy after the break, and, judging by the looks, it may just be [Mr. Blurrycam's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/mr+blurrycam/) best work yet.

[Continue reading _Galaxy Note II KIRF edition makes a quick appearance, shows no remorse_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-kirf/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-kirf/#comments)**

**Via:** [MobileGeeks](http://mobilegeeks.com/star-s7180-samsung-galaxy-note-2-clone-150/)

**Source:** [GizChina](http://www.gizchina.com/2012/12/13/star-s7180-samsung-galaxy-note-2-clone-with-jelly-bean-just-150/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-kirf/

Dropbox 2.0 launches for iOS with new Photos tab and a streamlined UI

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dropbox-2-0-launches-for-ios-with-new-photos-tab-and-new-ui/)

Most of us would call the [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Dropbox/) mobile app very utilitarian, built for browsing files and not much else. It's becoming more of a media viewer in its own right with its just-arrived Dropbox 2.0 for iOS users. The cloud storage service gains a dedicated Photos tab that takes advantage of all those [automatic uploads](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/15/dropbox-updates-ios-app-to-1-5-says-goodbye-to-size-limitations/) from the past few months: the panel organizes photos by the time taken and offers an unintrusive full-screen mode for reliving memories. Hitting the major milestone has also given Dropbox an incentive to rework the interface as a whole, simplifying uploads to specific folders alongside removing the visual clutter. The developer hasn't yet given Android the same treatment, although the company's tendency to keep its major apps on an equal footing suggests it won't be too long before everyone gets a clearer view of their images in the cloud.

Filed under: [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dropbox-2-0-launches-for-ios-with-new-photos-tab-and-new-ui/#comments)**

**Via:** [Dropbox](https://blog.dropbox.com/2012/12/super-new-dropbox-for-ios/)

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/dropbox/id327630330?)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dropbox-2-0-launches-for-ios-with-new-photos-tab-and-new-ui/

Mozilla's Future In Mobile: 19% Adopt Do Not Track On Android, Desktop Only 8.6%

Ingrid is a reporter for TechCrunch, joining February 2012, based out of London.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mozillas-future-in-mobile-19-adopt-do-not-track-on-android-desktop-only-8-6?fromrss=1

Editorial: Does Windows Phone even have a chance without Google?

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/editorial-windows-phone-future-without-google/)

Go ahead -- lambaste me for even mentioning it. I'll wait. Now, how's about we look beyond the surface -- the [beautified tile regime](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/windows-phone-8-review/) and the whimsical animations -- and focus on what actually matters when looking at a smartphone platform. You don't have to look far to get a solid grasp on which platforms are soaring, which are hanging tough and which have one foot in the proverbial grave. Gartner's latest worldwide mobile report [shows](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/gartner-phone-sales-q3-2012/) Android and iOS at the top, with rarely discussed terms like "Symbian" and "Bada" above some company called "Microsoft." Which brings me to a question that has been haunting me for months: "_Why_?"

Microsoft unveiled [Windows Phone 7 <strike>Series</strike>](http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/windows-phone-7-series-is-official-and-microsoft-is-playing-to/) nearly three full years ago, bringing with it an extraordinarily fresh take on a smartphone world that has grown soggy with pages of grid-mapped programs. But, as things have turned out, beauty that's only skin deep doesn't do much for market share -- even when you're [pouring](http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/nokia-prepping-120-million-ad-campaign-ahead-of-windows-phone-l/) millions upon millions of dollars into marketing, coaxing one of the most notable names in mobile to [run your OS exclusively](http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-and-microsoft-enter-strategic-alliance-on-windows-phone-b/) and cutting deals with [carriers](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/microsoft-over-1-5-million-windows-phone-7-devices-sold-to-carr/) like it's just some trivial affair.

I've [waxed lyrical](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/editorial-windows-phone-8-ecosystem-reality-check-ios-android/) about the danger of Windows Phone losing out simply because it offers (comparably) little in terms of ecosystem glitz, but these days, I'm growing closer to putting the platform's fate on a single name: **Google**.

[Continue reading _Editorial: Does Windows Phone even have a chance without Google?_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/editorial-windows-phone-future-without-google/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Apple](http://www.engadget.com/category/apple/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/editorial-windows-phone-future-without-google/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/editorial-windows-phone-future-without-google/

Mobile Developers Focus on iOS, Android for Push to Mobile Commerce

Mobile developers keep their focus on iOS and Android as the industry moves to mobile commerce, according to a joint survey from Appcelerator and IDC.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobile-developers-focus-on-ios-android-for-push-to-mobile-commerce?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-6148624b71a2c764dab1416925fff951

Lava Xolo A800 reaches India, delivers big screen and dual SIMs on a budget

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/lava-xolo-a800-reaches-india-delivers-big-screen-and-dual-sims/)

Most of us who know Lava's Xolo badge will associate it with one of the first Atom-based smartphones, the [Xolo X900](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/intels-xolo-x900-by-lava-hands-on/), but it's branching out to models that don't require an Intel Inside label. Its just-launched, India-oriented Xolo A800 is all about keeping the cost of a big-screened phone down through a low-cost ARM processor: the Android 4.0 smartphone combines a 1GHz, dual-core [MediaTek MT6577](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/mediatek-mt6577-pushes-dual-core-android-4-smartphones-under-200/) chip with a 4.5-inch, 960 x 540 IPS display that you won't often find in this device class. There's a few other surprises in store. While the dual 2G and 3G SIM slots aren't unusual given local market tastes, the A800 also stuffs in a very modern backside-illuminated 8-megapixel rear camera, a front VGA camera and a total of 12GB of storage out of the box. The grand total for Indians buying today is just 11,999 rupees ($220) off-contract -- a good deal that makes us hope Lava takes the A800 abroad.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/lava-xolo-a800-reaches-india-delivers-big-screen-and-dual-sims/#comments)**

**Source:** [Infibeam](http://www.infibeam.com/Mobiles/i-XOLO-A800-Android-Smartphone/P-E-M-XOLO-A800.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/lava-xolo-a800-reaches-india-delivers-big-screen-and-dual-sims/

AT&T rolls out Android 4.1 update for Motorola Atrix HD

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/att-motorola-atrix-hd-jelly-bean/)

Roughly five months after its release, the [Motorola Atrix HD](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/16/motorola-atrix-hd-review/) has been given the green light by AT&T to receive Project Butter, aka [Android 4.1 Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/). The refresh will be available for download over WiFi and will offer the usual suite of new features that come as part of the Jelly Bean package, but it'll also add Quick Settings and a few other enhancements to the mix. The rollout is expected to begin today, though it hasn't shown up on our unit just yet. To keep a close eye on your device, head to the About Phone section of your settings menu; let us know if you get it and what you think.


[Continue reading _AT&T rolls out Android 4.1 update for Motorola Atrix HD_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/att-motorola-atrix-hd-jelly-bean/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/category/atandt/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/att-motorola-atrix-hd-jelly-bean/#comments)**

**Source:** [AT&T](http://blogs.att.net/consumerblog/story/a7786139)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/att-motorola-atrix-hd-jelly-bean/

Google+ update offers seasonal cheer through 18 new features: improves Android app, hangouts and events

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-update-offers-seasonal-cheer-through-18-new-features-android-hangouts-events/)

If [Google+ communities](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/google-communities/) didn't fix your those [social network blues](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/09/instagram-kills-twitter-photo-integration/) you've been feeling recently, perhaps a bumper edition of new features will. When the mobile app update goes live later today, you'll be able to edit your profile through it as well being updated on what's happening through new content notifiers. Subscription options will also expand to include [Google+](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googleplus/) Communities. Google will now give full-sized image back-ups when uploaded (up to 5GB are yours for free), while any Android Jelly Bean users will be able to share their photospheres directly from the phone app. Support for gifs is also included, as well as birthday reminders in Google Now and a new lock screen widget.

[Hangouts](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/13/google-plus-studio-mode-hangouts/) has been put on a data diet, and Google+ Vice President of Engineering, Dave Besbris reckons it should now offer a smoother experience even on low bandwidth connections -- you'll now need only 150KB to connect to Hangouts on this new setting. Only hanging out with yourself? Well the new interface won't show that depressing strip of black and will instead fill the screen with your own video.

In [Events](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-plus-events/), you'll be able to send messages to individual guests, <strike>harass them</strike> check that they've read the invite and even invite more party-goers by inserting the event URL into emails or instant messages. It's also now easier to replicate your previous events and have Google fill in the rest of the details. You can expect the Android app update to hit your device later today, but until then, visit the source for Google's full explanation.

Filed under: [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-update-offers-seasonal-cheer-through-18-new-features-android-hangouts-events/#comments)**

**Source:** [Google+](http://gplusproject.appspot.com/tis-the-season-for-shipping), [(Google Play)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.plus&hl=en)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-update-offers-seasonal-cheer-through-18-new-features-android-hangouts-events/

UpToDate® Releases MobileComplete™ for Android

Wolters Kluwer Health , a leading global provider of information for healthcare professionals and students, announced today that UpToDate, part of Wolters Kluwer Health, released MobileComplete for Android users.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/uptodate-reg-releases-mobilecomplete-trade-for-android?fromrss=1

Google adds confirmation click to mobile ads to combat accidental activation

[
 ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-adds-confirmation-click-to-mobile-ads-to-combat-accidenta/)

Smartphone owners have learned to cope with the [extra power drain](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/free-apps-power-drain/) in-app advertising can cause, but accidentally launching a web browser? That's a frustration that lasts forever. Google's hoping to mitigate the pitfalls of clumsy thumbs, however, by introducing two-step click-through for [mobile ads](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/android-study-privacy-security-risks-in-app-ads/). Text banners served through [AdMob](http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/google-completes-admob-acquisition/) will now display a humble blue arrow on their starboard side -- clicking here takes the reader directly to the advertiser's preferred destination; touching anywhere else expands widens the blue square to coax users into giving the ad a confirmation click, just in case they fumbled the advertisement by mistake. The team's preliminary tests show that confirmed ad clicks sport a notably higher conversion rate, indicating that folks who clicked through the ad actually _meant_ to. Google says solving what it calls the "fat finger problem" will be beneficial to the ecosystem as a whole. We prefer to think of our fingers as _grand_.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-adds-confirmation-click-to-mobile-ads-to-combat-accidenta/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Police](http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/12/13/google-adds-two-step-verification-to-admob-ads-to-prevent-accidental-taps/)

**Source:** [Google Mobile Ads Blog](http://googlemobileads.blogspot.com/2012/12/combating-accidental-clicks-in-mobile.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-adds-confirmation-click-to-mobile-ads-to-combat-accidenta/

EE introduces the UK's first 4G Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE available starting today

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/ee-uk-first-4g-tablet-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1/)

Adding to its catalogue of [flagship 4G slabs](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/ee-confirms-nokia-lumia-920-820-and-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-among/), EE's launched its first tablet for its relatively young network. You can read up our thoughts on how the stylus-friendly tablet handled [in our review](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/15/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review/), but the addition of some [high-speed data](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/09/a-week-with-the-iphone-5-on-ee-the-uks-first-4g-network/) should add another temptation -- if you're willing to pay for it. Prices for the Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE start at £99 upfront with 8GB of monthly data at £36 monthly, or you can pick up the 5GB plan (after an initial payment of £200) at £30.99 per month. Choosing the smaller 3GB option will set you back £250 to start with, followed by 24 rounds of £26.

EE's also has the [Nexus 7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/) for sale, pairing the WiFi-only device with its own MiFi dongle. One-off payments are £30 for both the 8GB and 5GB services, or £50 for the 3GB option. Monthly costs match the Samsung tablet above, and you'll be able pick up either device (alongside that two-year contract) starting today.

[Continue reading _EE introduces the UK's first 4G Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE available starting today_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/ee-uk-first-4g-tablet-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1/)

Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/category/samsung/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/ee-uk-first-4g-tablet-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/ee-uk-first-4g-tablet-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1/

Facebook app update on iPhone gets reconstructed timelines, promises faster reminiscing

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/facebook-app-update-on-iphone-gets-reconstructed-timelines-prom/)

Right on the heels of an Android update, [Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/tag/facebook/)'s also gave its iOS iteration a similar refresh. According to the short iTunes listing, version 5.3 gives a speed boost to your news feed, with the primary social news page now loading updates quicker. We just updated the app on the iPhone 5 and there's certainly an improvement on news refresh speeds and when scrolling down to grab older updates. The new app also lets you designate which album photos are uploaded to -- a convenient addition if you haven't already automated that whole [upload-to-Facebook thing](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/facebook-photo-auto-upload-feature-on-ios/).

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/category/facebook/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/facebook-app-update-on-iphone-gets-reconstructed-timelines-prom/#comments)**

**Via:** [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2012/12/14/facebook-updates-its-iphone-app-too-and-its-wicked-fast/)

**Source:** [Facebook (iTunes)](https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/facebook-app-update-on-iphone-gets-reconstructed-timelines-prom/

Dual-screen Android phone unveiled

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yota Devices has unveiled a dual-screen Android phone with an e-ink display on the rear, Digital Spy reported.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/dual-screen-android-phone-unveiled?fromrss=1

Insert Coin: MeterPlug estimates electricity costs per device, aims to save you some cash

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/insert-coin-meterplug-electricity-meter/)

Decking out homes with [smartphone-controlled](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/lg-thinq-linqs-your-smart-appliances-with-wifi-and-smartphone-ap/) [appliances](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/21/panasonic-expands-smart-home-appliance-line-adds-android-smart/) and using gadgets to keep tabs on [electricity usage](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/sassor-power-meter/) isn't exactly new, but the MeterPlug thinks it can do a better job of tracking exactly how much dough your devices are burning in electricity. The plastic dongle plugs in-between an outlet and a device, and leverages a database of electricity prices based on location and time of day to calculate how much an appliance drains from your wallet per hour, day, week, month and year. With the help of Bluetooth, MeterPlug slings data to an Android or iOS app, and shoots updated meter information -- stored inside built-in memory -- as you come into range. Sure, Bluetooth connectivity only allows for connected devices within 100 feet to be manually switched on and off through the app, but it also gives users the option of proximity control. MeterPlug can cut power to whatever is jacked in as users wander away, and restore juice when they walk back into range.

[Continue reading _Insert Coin: MeterPlug estimates electricity costs per device, aims to save you some cash_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/insert-coin-meterplug-electricity-meter/)

Filed under: [Misc](http://www.engadget.com/category/misc/), [Household](http://www.engadget.com/category/household/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/insert-coin-meterplug-electricity-meter/#comments)**

**Source:** [MeterPlug (Indiegogo)](http://www.indiegogo.com/meterplug)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/insert-coin-meterplug-electricity-meter/

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Update For Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 Starts Rolling Out Friday

After teasing its customers with support docs of the Jelly bean update for its Samsung Galaxy S3 variant for a couple of days, Verizon announced Thursday that it would start rolling out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung flagship smartphone from Friday.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/android-4-1-jelly-bean-update-for-verizon-samsung-galaxy-s3-starts-rolling-out-friday?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-c72664c05cd61e72ef54d07db2f7dbde

Organize Your Life with Cool Apps on Iphone and Android

Algorithms determine the importance of each email, move unimportant messages out of the Inbox into a separate folder, and summarize them for you.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/organize-your-life-with-cool-apps-on-iphone-and-android?fromrss=1

Google Maps vs. Google Maps: The iOS and Android Smackdown

Google Maps for iOS finally launched Wednesday night, and it should come as no surprise that it's vastly superior than the error-riddled attempt at mapping that Apple launched with iOS 6. Perhaps less obvious though is that Google?s version of Maps for iOS is actually quite different from its Android counterpart.

URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/TbDUHW-Bkdw/

Dell Software Aims to Automate Mobile Device Management

Network World - To handle the explosion of mobile devices in the enterprise, Dell this week unveiled plans for a server designed to automate a wide range of mobile management jobs for mid-range business customers.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/dell-software-aims-to-automate-mobile-device-management?fromrss=1

Facebook takes SDK 3.0 for Android out of beta, brings native login and better API support

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-android-sdk-30/)

Android developers seeking to piggyback on Facebook's social network hooks should find that job easier now that its SDK 3.0 is out of beta. Facebook announced that the beta was downloaded over 80,000 times already in six weeks, and brings a slew of new features to the platform, just as it launches an [improved version of its official app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/). Just like its [counterpart on iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/07/facebook-sdk-3-0-for-ios-arrives-in-finished-form/), 3.0 lets users easily log into and authorize ties with their Facebook account without leaving the app they're in, select and find friends who are also using said app, and select profile pics from their albums. Another feature that will be key for its relationships with developers is the ability to measure clicks and installs for [mobile app install ads](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/facebook-opens-mobile-ads-for-apps-to-all-developers/). If you've deactivated your account and / or are wary of the network's growing influence across different outlets they may seem like more reasons to stay away, but interested developers have about a [billion](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/zuckerberg-more-than-one-billion-people-using-facebook-actively/) reasons to give it a shot.

Filed under: [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/category/facebook/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-android-sdk-30/#comments)**

**Source:** [Facebook Developer blog](https://developers.facebook.com/blog/post/2012/12/13/facebook-sdk-3-0-for-android-and-native-login/), [SDK](https://developers.facebook.com/android/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-android-sdk-30/

BBC promises iPlayer and Media Player for Android will get better... soon

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/bbc-promises-iplayer-and-media-player-for-android-upgrades/)

The BBC's Android efforts have, for several reasons, trailed its iOS offerings. Most notably [iPlayer](http://www.engadget.com/tag/iplayer) and [Media Player](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/19/bbc-media-player-to-give-android-users-their-iplayer-fix/) have been stuck with low-quality, non-adaptive streams and a stripped down feature set. The national broadcaster is promising to fix that in the near future, however. The changes wont be happening all at once, but iPlayer head David Price promises that big improvements are coming to its Android offerings. One major upgrade will be to the playback experience by offering not just higher-resolution streams, but various levels of video clarity based on device capabilities, screen size and data speeds.

The new video backend should be launching before Christmas, while an update launched today that adds support for Jelly Bean 4.2, provides a UI facelift improves video over WiFi and brings BBC Alba. The more ambitious goal of reaching [feature parity with iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/03/bbc-iplayer-iphone-ipad-downloads/) will have to wait till some time next year. Price says he has beefed up his staff to make offline playback a reality on Android devices as soon as possible, but no timeline is being given. Lastly, the apps will finally be getting properly tweaked tablet versions -- hopefully sooner rather than later. For more check out the source link.

Filed under: [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/bbc-promises-iplayer-and-media-player-for-android-upgrades/#comments)**

**Source:** [BBC](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2012/12/android_update.html), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bbc.iplayer.android&hl=en), [@BBCiPlayer (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/bbciplayer/status/279365335793139712)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/bbc-promises-iplayer-and-media-player-for-android-upgrades/

Google Maps returns to iPhone; iPad app coming soon

Google Maps is back on the iPhone after a nearly three-month hiatus. The map app became available in the Apple App Store late Wednesday night.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/google-maps-returns-to-iphone-ipad-app-coming-soon?fromrss=1

Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Jelly Bean update now available to download

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte-jelly-bean/)

After months of waiting and watching [other devices get promoted to Jelly Bean status](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/25/jelly-bean-sprint-galaxy-s3/), the [HTC EVO 4G LTE](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/htc-evo-4g-lte-for-sprint-review/) is finally getting its day in the sun. Starting today, owners of Sprint's marquee handset can manually make the jump to Android 4.1.1 by tapping through Settings > System updates > HTC software update > Check Now. If that's too much finger work for your liking, the firmware's network push is slated to begin on January 3rd. Aside from a layer of HTC's Sense 4+, this new software adds Jelly Bean's improved browser performance and gives users the option to add custom ringtones that actually work. For a detailed list of what this update brings to the table, check out its changelog after the break.

[Continue reading _Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Jelly Bean update now available to download_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte-jelly-bean/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Sprint](http://www.engadget.com/category/sprint/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte-jelly-bean/#comments)**

**Source:** [Sprint](http://community.sprint.com/baw/community/buzzaboutwireless/phones-and-devices/htc_phones/htc_evo_4g_lte/blog/2012/12/13/htc-4g-lte-software-updates)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/sprint-htc-evo-4g-lte-jelly-bean/

Apple Continues to Lead Mobile Ad Impressions in USA but Android Closes In

Apple continues to lead the North American mobile ad impression market, with iOS taking 46% market share and increasing in size by 4.1% from the previous quarter, according to analysis by the mobile ad agency, InMobi.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/apple-continues-to-lead-mobile-ad-impressions-in-usa-but-android-closes-in?fromrss=1

Facebook for Android hits 2.0, gets speed boost

Announced today, Facebook for Android version 2.0 is officially out and apparently, it blows previous versions out of the water, speed-wise. According to Facebook's blog post, the app is twice as fast at displaying photos and Timeline items.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/facebook-for-android-hits-2-0-gets-speed-boost?fromrss=1

Kingston ships 128GB Wi-Drive for storage-hungry Android, iOS users

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/kingston-ships-128gb-wi-drive/)

One of the quirks we encountered with [Kingston's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Kingston/) original [Wi-Drive](http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/kingston-wi-drive-wireless-storage-for-ios-review/) was its capacity. For a device that's all about expanding storage for Android and iOS devices, it didn't have much more to offer beyond what we already had. We can at least put that issue to bed now that there's a 128GB version. The extra space doesn't change the WiFi drive's four-hour battery life or design, but it will give more breathing room than virtually any current microSD card. Although there's no immediate mention of a price, we're seeing the 128GB capacity on sale for $181, or about twice as much as a 32GB edition -- a small enough gap to suggest that going bigger is better.

[Continue reading _Kingston ships 128GB Wi-Drive for storage-hungry Android, iOS users_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/kingston-ships-128gb-wi-drive/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/kingston-ships-128gb-wi-drive/#comments)**

**Source:** [Kingston](http://www.kingston.com/us/usb/wireless#wid)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/kingston-ships-128gb-wi-drive/

Free Mobile Games Earn Most of the $10 Billion Spent on Apps in 2012

Mobile apps are on target to earn $10 billion this year, with games making up 80 percent of the pie.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/free-mobile-games-earn-most-of-the-10-billion-spent-on-apps-in-2012?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-5b477f8e68a6651d62c76c05b7c03307

Verizon pushing Android 4.1 to Samsung Galaxy S III tomorrow

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-samsung-galaxy-s3-jelly-bean/)

Verizon seems to be late to the update party, but [Android 4.1 Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/) will be pushed out to its version of the [Samsung Galaxy S III](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review-verizon-wireless/) "in phases" as an OTA update beginning December 14th. We knew it was coming in the very near future, but it's nice to have a specific date to look forward to. Don't be alarmed if the update doesn't show up right away; as we've seen with plenty of other OTA rollouts, it may take a while for it to reach every GS3 user on the network. Along with Jelly Bean, you can also expect to see support for global data roaming, mobile payments through Isis, some extra preloaded applications and miscellaneous enhancements across the board. Here's the interesting tidbit: Verizon's support page claims that the new upgrade is only 62MB in total size. This seems to be quite hard to believe, given the fact that Jelly Bean on other Galaxy S III variants has ranged in size from 275MB ([Sprint](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/25/jelly-bean-sprint-galaxy-s3/)) to 740MB ([AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/03/jelly-bean-now-available-for-att-samsung-galaxy-s-iii/)), but perhaps Big Red cooked up a little extra magic to make the long wait even more worthwhile.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/category/samsung/), [Verizon](http://www.engadget.com/category/verizon/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-samsung-galaxy-s3-jelly-bean/#comments)**

**Source:** [Verizon](http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/12/samsung-galaxy-s-III-android-jelly-bean.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-samsung-galaxy-s3-jelly-bean/

Facebook for Android 2.0 arrives with much faster load times, in-feed photo browsing

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/)

Facebook users running Android have been [clamoring for speed updates](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/native-facebook-for-android/), and it looks like they'll at least get some of what they desire today. A version 2.0 revamp moves partly to native code and is purportedly twice as fast at loading the [Timeline](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Timeline/) and photos, on top of simply being faster to start. The upgrade also lets us quickly flip through photos without having to shift attention away from the news feed. Google Play isn't yet carrying Facebook 2.0 as of this writing, but it's promised within hours -- check the source link at the right time and you may get a speed kick that many have been craving for months.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/category/facebook/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/#comments)**

**Via:** [Facebook (1)](http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10151189598933920), [(2)](http://newsroom.fb.com/News/554/Facebook-for-Android-is-Faster-than-Ever)

**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.katana&hl=en)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/

New York Times redesigns Android app for optimal reading experience

The New York Times has relaunched its mobile application that is designed and formatted for tablets and smartphones running on Android.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/new-york-times-redesigns-android-app-for-optimal-reading-experience?fromrss=1

Verizon adds NFL Network and NFL RedZone to FiOS TV Online

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-nfl-network-redzone-fios-tv-online/)

Those fortunate enough to be in a FiOS region have [enjoyed](http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/fios-customers-to-get-nfl-redzone-channel-for-free-this-sunday/) the NFL's RedZone channel for years now, and those with iPads have been able to stream some of that content to their tablet [since 2010](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/verizons-redzone-channel-streaming-fios-football-app-for-ipad-s/). Viewing the [NFL](http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/super-bowl-xlv-media-day-packers-split-on-ios-android-cowboy/) _online_, however, right in a desktop browser, has proven to be nearly impossible. Blame it on popularity, licensing, piracy concerns -- whatever -- but it seems that football fanatics now have one more reason to relocate to one of Verizon's [13 FiOS-ified states](http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/verizon-shelves-plans-for-future-fios-rollouts-relocations-to-m/). The addition of "Watch NFL Network" to FiOS TV Online gives FiOS customers who receive NFL Network and NFL RedZone as part of their TV package the ability to view programming online from the two channels from anywhere in the US, with a broadband connection.

That also includes streaming access to full Thursday Night Football games, NFL Total Access, NFL GameDay, NFL AM and more. Live streaming of NFL RedZone will be made available each Sunday during the regular season, and while we wouldn't get our hopes up _too_ high just yet, we can't help but be encouraged. Hans Schroeder, senior vice president of media strategy and development for the NFL, said: "This authentication agreement with Verizon is part of a larger NFL Media initiative to deliver NFL content to fans and consumers in as many ways possible." Perhaps you're talking about "more pay-TV providers," Mr. Schroeder?

[Continue reading _Verizon adds NFL Network and NFL RedZone to FiOS TV Online_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-nfl-network-redzone-fios-tv-online/)

Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Verizon](http://www.engadget.com/category/verizon/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-nfl-network-redzone-fios-tv-online/#comments)**

**Source:** [NFL](http://nflnonline.nfl.com/nflno/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/verizon-nfl-network-redzone-fios-tv-online/

Connectify Dispatch now available, melds all our internet access into one speedy link (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/connectify-dispatch-now-available/)

Clearly, there's a lot of us out there who like the idea of blending multiple connection types: in the wake of a better than expected Kickstarter run, [Connectify's Dispatch](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/23/insert-coin-connectify-dispatch/) is ready to download. As promised, the app unifies as many cellular, Ethernet and WiFi connections as a computer can muster, whether it's for a simple speed increase or a quick handover if one or more links goes down. It's also smart about bandwidth use, tracking usage and prioritizing connections to avoid using that [heavily capped](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/18/atandt-and-verizon-shared-data-plans-compared/) mobile data plan until it's absolutely necessary. Only Windows users get to boost their internet for now, although Connectify is hoping for Android, Linux and Mac ports in 2013.

[Continue reading _Connectify Dispatch now available, melds all our internet access into one speedy link (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/connectify-dispatch-now-available/)

Filed under: [Networking](http://www.engadget.com/category/networking/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/connectify-dispatch-now-available/#comments)**

**Source:** [Connectify](http://www.connectify.me/dispatch/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/connectify-dispatch-now-available/

Audiogalaxy acquired by Dropbox, announces end of streaming service

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/audiogalaxy-acquired-by-dropbox/)

One of Engadget's [must-have Android apps of 2010](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/27/just-got-an-android-phone-the-best-apps-accessories-and-tips/) is about to make its exit -- soon Audiogalaxy will be no more. The music streaming app's team announced that it has been acquired by [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Dropbox/) and will be sunsetting the service during the transition. Rather than streaming music from an anonymous server in the cloud, Audiogalaxy piped music (including playlists and album art) to your smartphone from your own home PC -- all this after returning from the ashes of its previous iteration as the _best music file sharing service ever_. Sound nifty? It is, but don't rush off to [Google Play](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GooglePlay/) -- Audiogalaxy is no longer accepting new users. The details of the hire / acquisition haven't been laid bare, but the Audiogalaxy blog promises that service will continue for at least a few more weeks, with mixes getting the axe at the end of the year and personal streaming surviving for an undetermined period. Dropbox hasn't announced anything either, but if it finds its way into the cloud-based music space, we won't be too surprised.

Filed under: [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/audiogalaxy-acquired-by-dropbox/#comments)**

**Via:** [Gigaom](http://gigaom.com/2012/12/12/dropbox-audiogalaxy-acquisition/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=gigaom)

**Source:** [Audiogalaxy](http://www.audiogalaxy.com/blog/2012/12/hello-dropbox/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/audiogalaxy-acquired-by-dropbox/

YotaPhone Android prototype with dual LCD and E Ink displays hands-on (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/yotaphone-dualscreen-android-hands-on/)

Yesterday we brought you the [announcement](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/yota-devices-dual-screen-smartphone/), and today we bring you the hands-on reality -- although bear in mind that this dual-screen YotaPhone is still very much a prototype. It certainly _works_ -- pretty well, in fact -- but it's understandably rough around the edges and Yota Devices have plenty of work to do before the handset launches towards the end of next year. By way of a quick refresher: from the front this is a regular Android Jelly Bean phone with decent specs, including a 720 x 1,280 LCD display, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 12-megapixel main camera. Turn it around, however, and you reveal its double identity: a 200 dpi E Ink display which can hold a range of information -- calendar appointments, ebooks, tweets and whatever else you'd like -- without draining the battery. The good new is that the YotaPhone actually makes an even better first impression than we'd hoped, while the bad news is merely what's to be expected given the early stage of development. Click past the break for our hands-on video and all will become clear.

[Continue reading _YotaPhone Android prototype with dual LCD and E Ink displays hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/yotaphone-dualscreen-android-hands-on/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/yotaphone-dualscreen-android-hands-on/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/yotaphone-dualscreen-android-hands-on/

Android is Beating Apple in Mobile War, Says Google's Eric Schmidt

In an interview with Bloomberg , Schmidt said Google's mobile platform is widening its lead over Apple in the mobile-software market.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/android-is-beating-apple-in-mobile-war-says-googles-eric-schmidt?fromrss=1

Google Play Magazines arrives in UK for light reading 'on the couch or on the go'

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-magazines-arrives-in-uk/)

If you're across the pond and have been warming up a spot on your [Android tablet](http://www.engadget.com/tag/android,tablet/) or smartphone for [Google Play Magazines](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-play-starts-selling-movies-tv-shows-magazines/), there's good news -- it's now in the UK Play Store. You'll be able to buy new or back issues from over a hundred UK publications like Hello!, Glamour and Total Film, either individually or by subscription. Categories include cooking, travel, sports and photography, and you can also grab free 14 or 30 day trials to peruse as well. If that sounds like your cup of Earl Grey, hit the source to grab it.

[Thanks, @Rage06]

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-magazines-arrives-in-uk/#comments)**

**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.magazines&hl=en)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-magazines-arrives-in-uk/

Google has no plans to develop Windows 8 or WP apps, cites lack of users

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-no-plans-to-develop-windows-8-windows-phone-apps/)

If you're eager to load up a Windows Phone or Windows 8 PC with dedicated Gmail or [Google Drive](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/10/google-drive-mobile-app-updated-brings-editing-to-ios/) apps, it's time you ease up on the anticipation, as Mountain View isn't bent on bringing apps to the platforms thanks to a lack of interest. "We have no plans to build out Windows apps," Google Apps product management director Clay Bavor told _V3_. "We are very careful about where we invest and will go where the users are but they are not on Windows Phone or Windows 8." That might sound grim, but Bavor added that a [change in user base](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/microsoft-selling-four-times-as-many-windows-phones-as-last-year/) would warrant applications brewed up by Page and Co. As it stands, however, Google's focused on polishing its [iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/04/gmail-ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-update/) and [Android](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/03/gmail-4-2-1-android/) efforts, so Redmond devotees should get mighty comfortable with the search giant's web-based offerings.

Filed under: [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-no-plans-to-develop-windows-8-windows-phone-apps/#comments)**

**Via:** [Microsoft News](http://microsoft-news.com/google-not-willing-to-support-windows-8-or-wp8-with-apps-yet/)

**Source:** [V3](http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2231503/google-shuns-windows-8-for-app-development)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/google-no-plans-to-develop-windows-8-windows-phone-apps/

Google Google TV

Redbox Instant is almost here, and when it arrives sometime in early 2013, it'll cost around $8. Redbox announced pricing for its disc + streaming package this morning, pinning an $8 monthly charge to unlimited streaming, as well as access to four free one-night disc rentals at any Redbox kiosk ($9 a month turns those four discs into Blu-ray ...

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/google-google-tv?fromrss=1

Amazon releases Kindle apps and e-books into China

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/amazon-releases-kindle-apps-and-e-books-into-china/)

Amazon has started its Chinese [Kindle](http://www.engadget.com/tag/kindle/) incursion by launching the reader app for Android and iOS in that market, along with a large selection of e-books. There's no mention of any Kindle devices like the [Fire HD](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/19/amazon-kindle-fire-hd-8.9-review/) in the nation yet, but Amazon just did a [similar launch](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/amazon-and-google-selling-ebooks-in-brazil/) in Brazil and said the hardware would be along there in a few weeks. Four Kindle devices recently showed up China's FCC-like Radio Management Agency as well, according to _TNW_, another good omen for those anxious to get the devices in that country. And the number who want one could be considerable -- China's been carrying on an illicit love affair with the Kindle for [quite awhile](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/3g-kindle-a-hit-on-the-chinese-gray-market-for-its-ability-to-by/), after all.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/), [Amazon](http://www.engadget.com/category/amazon/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/amazon-releases-kindle-apps-and-e-books-into-china/#comments)**

**Via:** [TNW](http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/12/13/amazon-launches-kindle-apps-and-e-bookstore-in-china-but-devices-yet-to-be-seen/)

**Source:** [Amazon China](https://www.amazon.cn/gp/feature.html?docId=98958)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/amazon-releases-kindle-apps-and-e-books-into-china/

Twonky Beam update for Android, iOS streams to Roku, Xbox 360

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/twonky-beam-update-for-android-ios-streams-to-roku-and-xbox-360/)

As good as a catch-all that [Twonky Beam](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/twonky-beam-browser-hands-on/) can be for pushing mobile and web video to TVs, there's been a glaring hole as long as some of the most popular media hubs weren't streaming targets. An update rolling out to the Android and iOS apps is patching things right up by adding support for [Roku](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Roku/) and [Xbox 360](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Xbox360/) hardware as destinations. There's not much to know beyond that, although it's a giant help for compatibility -- along with support for DLNA, some TVs and [U-verse](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Uverse/) boxes, the refresh should have Packet Video's app reaching about 90 percent of the networked devices you'd find in front of the couch. That still makes it a handy compliment to (or even a replacement for) living room apps like [SmartGlass](http://www.engadget.com/tag/smartglass/).

[Continue reading _Twonky Beam update for Android, iOS streams to Roku, Xbox 360_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/twonky-beam-update-for-android-ios-streams-to-roku-and-xbox-360/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/twonky-beam-update-for-android-ios-streams-to-roku-and-xbox-360/#comments)**

**Via:** [SlashGear](http://www.slashgear.com/twonky-beam-now-supports-xbox-360-and-roku-12260584/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+slashgear+%28SlashGear%29)

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/twonky-beam/id445754456?mt=8), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pv.twonkybeam&hl=en)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/twonky-beam-update-for-android-ios-streams-to-roku-and-xbox-360/

Rebtel Launches Voice Platform for iOS and Android Developers

Rebtel announces the private beta launch of its new SDK for iOS and Android. The Rebtel Voice Platform introduces a powerful yet simple tool that will now allow developers to integrate voice capabilities into any app in 15 minutes.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/rebtel-launches-voice-platform-for-ios-and-android-developers?fromrss=1

Favi's Android-packing SmartStick finally shipping to give any HDMI-equipped TV a brain

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/favis-android-packing-smartstick-finally-shipping/)

If you've been hearing "SmartTV" [this](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/24/samsung-2012-smart-tvs-get-amazon-instant-video-streaming-app/) and "SmartTV" [that](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/06/lg-smart-tv-platform-disney-3d-movie-rentals/) while your old HD panel just sits there like a big dummy, [Favi's SmartStick](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/favi-streaming-stick-adds-android-to-any-hdtv/) is ready (at last) to bring it into the 12's. Like Roku's [Streaming Stick](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/roku-unveils-streaming-stick-squeezes-box-into-mhl-dongle/), it's a media player that's been squeezed into a dongle-sized form-factor, running Android 4.1 and packing apps like Netflix along with the [Plex](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/plex-media-server-plexpass-web-ui-update/) media server, a full web browser and DNLA. It'll stream all that media through the HDMI port on your TV and connect to your other devices wirelessly, all for the sum of $50. You can even add a $40 wireless keyboard to avoid the usual finger calisthenics -- check the PR after the break to grab it.

[Continue reading _Favi's Android-packing SmartStick finally shipping to give any HDMI-equipped TV a brain_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/favis-android-packing-smartstick-finally-shipping/)

Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/favis-android-packing-smartstick-finally-shipping/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/favis-android-packing-smartstick-finally-shipping/

Android Users, Beware: 2013 Dubbed 'Year of Mobile Malware'

The old phrase often credited to the late P.T. Barnum, "there's a sucker born every minute," can definitely be used to describe some aspects of the mobile industry.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/android-users-beware-2013-dubbed-year-of-mobile-malware?fromrss=1

JR Raphael: Top 3 Android phones on T-Mobile

Plug in, turn on. Veteran Android journalist JR Raphael goes beyond the headlines to serve up a fresh mix of Android news, views, and how-to's. Try it with margarine for a low-cal treat! 'Tis the season for smartphones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/jr-raphael-top-3-android-phones-on-t-mobile?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-5bda4327742901f9c251a579d99445c2

Netbiscuits Reports Smartphones, Android Dominate Mobile Web Traffic

According to a new report from web development platform provider Netbiscuits , smartphones are clearly the most popular means of mobile web access across the globe.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/netbiscuits-reports-smartphones-android-dominate-mobile-web-traffic?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-fb7db85127798d9149747bc2373e7086

JVC launches five Everio camcorders in Japan, two with Android remote control

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/jvc-launches-five-everio-camcorders-in-japan-two-with-android-control/)

[JVC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/JVC/) occasionally drops hints as to what we'll see at [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CES2013/) through launches in Japan late in the year; if that's true with its new [Everio](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Everio/) camcorder launch, we'll face a small avalanche in Las Vegas. Five models are shipping in late December that include two with remote control: WiFi on the 16GB GZ-EX350 and 32GB GZ-EX370 lets a nearby Android phone or tablet steer the camera from a distance, and the camera itself can wirelessly back up its footage as well as share media through [WiFi Direct](http://www.engadget.com/tag/WiFiDirect/). Springing for one of these or the strictly-offline GZ-E325 (8GB) and GZ-E345 (16GB) cameras will still net you a just-the-highlights playback mode that looks for smiles and tagged scenes. While the entry-level GZ-E320 misses out on the highlight mode, all five models share a 40X optical zoom, 1080p shooting from a BSI CMOS sensor, an SDXC card slot and a 3-inch touchscreen for previewing any would-be masterpieces. Although JVC hasn't mentioned any US plans, we wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of the new Everios cross the Pacific.

Filed under: [Cameras](http://www.engadget.com/category/cameras/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/jvc-launches-five-everio-camcorders-in-japan-two-with-android-control/#comments)**

**Via:** [Akihabara News](http://en.akihabaranews.com/121483/camcorder/jvc-outs-new-full-hd-everio-camcorders-with-smartphone-control?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jvc-outs-new-full-hd-everio-camcorders-with-smartphone-control)

**Source:** [JVC (1)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3.jvckenwood.com%2Fpress%2F2012%2Fgz-ex370.html), [(2)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3.jvckenwood.com%2Fpress%2F2012%2Fgz-e345.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/jvc-launches-five-everio-camcorders-in-japan-two-with-android-control/

Mobile Gift Card App Gyft Arrives On Android

Sarah currently works as a writer for TechCrunch, after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobile-gift-card-app-gyft-arrives-on-android?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-b969680bd2e72cf7f133b501cc3ac4cb

Google's Eric Schmidt focused on growing Android's share, admits it won't be 'perfectly controlled'

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/google-eric-schmidt-android-growth/)

During a wide-ranging _Bloomberg_ interview with Google Chairman [Eric Schmidt](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ericschmidt/), the executive focused for a bit on the current status of Android, while also making a few interesting comments about its future. "This is a huge platform change; this is of the scale of 20 years ago -- Microsoft versus Apple," he said. Following that, he stated that Google was "winning that war pretty clearly now," referencing the [72 percent market share figure](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/gartner-phone-sales-q3-2012/) that was tallied up by Gartner at the end of Q3 2012. And with some 1.3 million Android devices being activated each day, it's hard to argue with the sheer momentum of the thing. Beyond all that -- phrases that [have been said before](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/eric-schmidt-android-will-be-bigger-than-ios/) by bigwigs at the company in [roundabout ways](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/eric-schmidt-lays-out-three-priorities-for-google-lte-mobile-m/) -- things got particularly interesting when he pivoted to talking about his plans for the operating system's future: "The core strategy is to make a bigger pie. We will end up with a not perfectly controlled and not perfectly managed bigger pie by virtue of open systems."

In many ways, this touches directly on the [fragmentation issue](http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/editorial-androids-problem-isnt-fragmentation-its-contamina/) that's becoming more and more [prevalent](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/visualized-the-real-android-fragmentation/) with each passing Android release. The longer the platform lives, the more people are being left behind on older builds. Without trying to read too closely betwixt the lines, it sure sounds as if Google's top priority is to get Android to as many people as possible, while letting the details -- things like [percentage](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/ics-jellybean-on-a-quarter-of-all-android-devices/) of Android users able to update to its latest version -- fall as they may. It's obviously a [very different tactic](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/21/ios-6-becomes-15-percent-of-apple-mobile-device-traffic-in-24h/) from that taken in Cupertino, but then again, thinking differently sure hasn't hurt either of the two.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/google-eric-schmidt-android-growth/#comments)**

**Source:** [Bloomberg](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-12/google-chairman-says-android-winning-mobile-war-with-apple-tech.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/google-eric-schmidt-android-growth/