Saturday, December 29, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of December 24th, 2012

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobile-miscellany-week-of-december-24th-2012?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-b4883033feed949c68c82d27a51c7fe8

Mobile Miscellany: week of December 24th, 2012

[![Mobile Miscellany week of December 24th, 2012](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/mobile-misc-1356825798.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/mobile-miscellany-week-of-december-24th-2012/)

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week, we stumbled upon a sneak peek of Sony's promised Jelly Bean update and _XDA University_ opened its doors to educate others about the curious world of Android customization. Not to stop there, Nokia unleashed a new entry-level handset for those in mainland China. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "[best of the rest](http://www.engadget.com/tag/mm/)" for this week of December 24th, 2012.

[Continue reading _Mobile Miscellany: week of December 24th, 2012_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/mobile-miscellany-week-of-december-24th-2012/)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/mobile-miscellany-week-of-december-24th-2012/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/mobile-miscellany-week-of-december-24th-2012/

TecTiles

Source: www.engadget.com --- Saturday, December 29, 2012If you just received a Galaxy S III or a Note II this holiday season, you could do yourself a favor and register it on Samsung's Facebook page to get even more goodies from Santa Sammy.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/tectiles?fromrss=1

Winter Weather Slideshow

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of WKRC-TV :: Cincinnati Weather and Forecasts, Cincinnati News, Breaking News, and Sports for the Cincinnati area, Ohio, northern Kentucky, Indiana, and the tristate area Get the LOCAL 12 app on your iPhone or your Android mobile phone.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/winter-weather-slideshow?fromrss=1

5 Callouts Making Google's Mobile Search Patent Important

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Google a patent Dec. 25, for a method for combining generic and specific search results.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/5-callouts-making-googles-mobile-search-patent-important?fromrss=1

Samsung offers free flip covers and TecTiles for GS III and Note II device registrations

[![DNP Samsung doles out free flip covers and Tectiles if you register your device, only S III and Note II owners may apply](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/samsungflipcoverandtectiles.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/samsung-free-flip-cover-tectiles/)

If you just received a [Galaxy S III](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review/) or a [Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/) this holiday season, you could do yourself a favor and register it on Samsung's Facebook page to get even more goodies from Santa Sammy. What do you get in exchange for handing over some personal details and giving the Korean company access to your timeline? Why, a free flip cover and six [TecTiles](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/13/tectiles-programmable-nfc-stickers-for-select-members-of-samsun/), which usually go for about $15 for a pack of five. We haven't heard much about wide adoption of these programmable NFC tags, but maybe it'll gain some traction after a recent [3.0 app update](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/24/samsung-tectiles-3/) and this promotional giveaway. We're not sure why the offer doesn't extend to other Samsung phones, but maybe they just don't have enough of those pastel covers to go around.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/samsung-free-flip-cover-tectiles/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/get-free-flip-cover-and-tectiles-samsung-registering-your-device)

**Source:** [Facebook (Samsung)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151153285121786&set=a.59297021785.81337.7224956785&type=1&theater)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/29/samsung-free-flip-cover-tectiles/

Mobile Apps Help Providers Tackle Health Consumerism

Smartphones and tablets have fundamentally changed how we communicate, get information and conduct commerce.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobile-apps-help-providers-tackle-health-consumerism?fromrss=1

T-Mobile UK Drops Energy Smartphone's Price to 20

Smartphones have changed the way we communicate on the go. Offering access to email, video calling, social networks, and apps like Whats App, we're no longer restricted to simple phone calls or SMS message when out and about.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/t-mobile-uk-drops-energy-smartphones-price-to-20?fromrss=1

Friday, December 28, 2012

Bii Mobile Insights: How Mobile Owned Christmas This Year

Christmas 2012 Shatters Device Activations And App Download Records On Christmas Day, an unprecedented number of Android and iOS devices were activated.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/bii-mobile-insights-how-mobile-owned-christmas-this-year?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-f1ba41997b1579e844fb6dd29d7004a9

Want to reach a bigger audience? Consider Brainshark's new mobile video player

The SlideShark presentation viewer is one of the top productivity applications for small businesses on Apple iOS.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/want-to-reach-a-bigger-audience-consider-brainsharks-new-mobile-video-player?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-0451b695223f7d3ae81a7852186b83e2

MTA app for iPhone offers New Yorkers real-time subway arrivals, a small dose of relief

[![MTA app for iPhone offers New Yorkers realtime subway arrivals, a small dose of relief](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/mta-subway-time-iphone-1356720652.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/mta-app-for-iphone-offers-new-yorkers-real-time-subway-arrivals/)

Despite New York City virtually revolving around its [mass transit system](http://www.engadget.com/tag/newyorkcity,masstransit/), local subway riders haven't had a way to check the next arrival in real-time, even though some smaller cities already take live transit details for granted. At least some harried commuters can assuage their minds now that the [MTA](http://www.engadget.com/tag/MTA/) has posted its Subway Time app for iOS users. The title does exactly what it says on the tin, taking advantage of MTA's signalling installations on the 1 through 6 lines (and the 42nd Street Shuttle) to determine train arrival times down to the minute. Subway Time won't satisfy certain travelers as-is: it doesn't provide directions, and the earliest expansion to additional routes won't happen until the L line's information is linked up in six to 12 months. Passengers running Android and Windows Phone will likewise have to wait for outside developers to finish their own projects. For those of us living in the right areas, however, Subway Time might take away some uncertainty -- even if it's just to confirm that we'll be late.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/mta-app-for-iphone-offers-new-yorkers-real-time-subway-arrivals/#comments)**

**Via:** [Wall Street Journal](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323984704578205870642642436.html?mod=rss_newyork_news)

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/mta-subway-time/id561507659?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/mta-app-for-iphone-offers-new-yorkers-real-time-subway-arrivals/

Christmas Day 2012 Saw record Android and iOS Activations

It will come as no surprise that a lot of new gadgets are activated on Christmas Day.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/christmas-day-2012-saw-record-android-and-ios-activations?fromrss=1

Samsung Galaxy Note II reportedly coming in black, triggers monolithic memories

[![Samsung Galaxy Note II reportedly coming in black, still won't be stealthy](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-black-leak.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-reportedly-coming-in-black/)

Samsung gave Galaxy S III buyers a [small rainbow](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/samsung-expands-galaxy-s-iii-colors-yes-you-can-get-brown/) of color choices in the summer, and there's signs that the [Galaxy Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/) might receive a similarly resplendent treatment. A supposed press image obtained by _AndroidSlash_ shows the giant smartphone draped in a previously unavailable black that's potentially very striking -- and more than a little reminiscent of _2001_'s species-changing monoliths. There's no official word from Samsung on its authenticity, although we wouldn't be surprised knowing the company's history and the Note II's strong track record. When a theoretically niche device is [selling like gangbusters](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/25/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-5-million-sold/), some added diversity could be in order. Just don't expect any Starchildren as a result.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-reportedly-coming-in-black/#comments)**

**Via:** [SamMobile](http://www.sammobile.com/2012/12/28/samsung-to-bring-a-black-version-of-the-galaxy-note-ii/#.UN2qQXPcvL0.twitter)

**Source:** [AndroidSlash (translated)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidslash.ch%2Fsamsung%2Fsamsung-galaxy-note-ii-in-schwarz-gesichtet%2F)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-reportedly-coming-in-black/

Dreamin' of a mobile Christmas: Record number of devices activated

Mobile devices rules the day Christmas morning, as this year's holiday saw a record number of activations for new devices running Google Inc.'s Android and Apple Inc.'s iOS operating systems.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/dreamin-of-a-mobile-christmas-record-number-of-devices-activated?fromrss=1

Who should I follow on Twitter? Android edition

[![DNP Who should I follow on Twitter All things Android](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/twitterandroid-1356630597.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/who-should-i-follow-on-twitter-android/)

Welcome to another edition of [WSIFOT](http://www.engadget.com/tag/WhoShouldIFollow/) and this time we're broaching Android -- and some related [Google](http://www.engadget.com/tag/google/) services. After the break, we've collected some official Twitter channels, alongside writers, personalities, thinkers and tinkerers who follow Google's tablet and smartphone OS _pretty_ closely. Our list is a work in progress, so if you think we've missed out any important Android-centric 140-character authors, let us know through Twitter or in the comments below.

[Continue reading _Who should I follow on Twitter? Android edition_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/who-should-i-follow-on-twitter-android/)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/who-should-i-follow-on-twitter-android/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/who-should-i-follow-on-twitter-android/

Ouya Dev Consoles Ship, SDK Released

An anonymous reader writes "Earlier this year, the Android-based Ouya game console project raised over nine times as much funding as they initially asked for in their Kickstarter campaign. Now, Ouya developer consoles are starting to ship, and folks on the Ouya team released a video showing what the developers should expect. As explained in the video, the console currently being shipped is by no means the final hardware, but promises to give developers everything they need to start developing apps and games for Ouya. The only surprise is that they decided to add a micro-USB port to the hardware, making it easy to hook up to a PC. The Ouya team has also released an SDK for the device (which they call the ODK -- Ouya Development Kit), and have provided most of the source under the Apache 2.0 license. They wrote, 'We think we've got a great team of developers here at OUYA, but there's strength in numbers and a wealth of passionate, talented people out there. We want you, the developers of the world, to work alongside us to continually improve our platform. It's our hope that releasing a more open ODK will help foster such innovation.'"

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=Ouya+Dev+Consoles+Ship%2C+SDK+Released%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FUxTpeL) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgames.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F12%2F12%2F28%2F1415242%2Fouya-dev-consoles-ship-sdk-released%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://games.slashdot.org/story/12/12/28/1415242/ouya-dev-consoles-ship-sdk-released?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://games.slashdot.org/story/12/12/28/1415242/ouya-dev-consoles-ship-sdk-released?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/27035be1/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883934928/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/27035be1/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883934928/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/27035be1/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883934928/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/27035be1/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/PJNFQENwCMU)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/PJNFQENwCMU/story01.htm

BlueStacks runs Android apps on your Mac

BlueStacks promises to run 750,000 apps available for Android on your Windows and now Mac computer.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/bluestacks-runs-android-apps-on-your-mac?fromrss=1

OWC boosts memory options for older Macs

Other World Computing announced new memory upgrades for older Mac 2010 systems. If you have a Mac mini, 13-inch MacBook or 13-inch MacBook Pro, OWC is offering memory upgrades of up to 16 GB.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/owc-boosts-memory-options-for-older-macs?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-06e56506535625cbbe65f6163cff3df1

HTC HD2 runs Windows RT, postpones trip to afterlife yet again

[![Image](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/ajrg5vcuaengfu.jpglarge.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/htc-hd2-windows-rt/)

[HTC's HD2](http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/htc-hd2-review/) may have begun life as just another [Windows Mobile 6.5](http://www.engadget.com/tag/WindowsMobile65/) handset, but its [surprisingly ](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/htc-hd2-keeps-spry-with-mango-rtm-and-custom-rom-looks-to-clear/)[hardy](http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/hd2-keeps-active-with-nodo-rom-shows-no-sign-of-slowing-down-v/) [internals](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/htc-hd2-can-now-dual-boot-windows-phone-7-and-android-promises/) [enable](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/htc-hd2-gets-a-shot-at-meego-still-suffering-from-abandonment-i/) [it to run](http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/03/htc-hd2-android-and-ubunbu-builds-now-available-for-mass-consump/) [almost any](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/htc-hd2-runs-windows-phone-7-makes-us-yearn-for-more-video/) [mobile OS](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/18/htc-hd2-and-nexus-one-get-some-gingerbread-crumbs/) going. The latest software to appear on the three-year-old device is Windows RT, which was jammed onto the system by a developer called Cotulla -- who previously put Windows Phone 7 on the [same unit](http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/htc-hd2-spotted-running-windows-phone-7-for-real-this-time/). While we imagine it's not that comfortable to use on the HD2's 4.3-inch screen, we can imagine some superheroes are now scouring eBay for a [similarly immortal](http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/superman-the-motion-picture-anthology-blu-ray-set-arrives-june/) smartphone.

[Image Credit: Cotulla]

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [HTC](http://www.engadget.com/category/htc/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/htc-hd2-windows-rt/#comments)**

**Via:** [GSM Arena](http://blog.gsmarena.com/htc-hd2-spotted-running-windows-rt/)

**Source:** [Cotulla (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/CotullaCode/status/284378905383686146), [(2)](https://twitter.com/CotullaCode/status/284383557185589248), [(3)](https://twitter.com/CotullaCode/status/284378978955972608)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/htc-hd2-windows-rt/

Got a New iPhone or Android? Mobile Apps Make Life Easier in Fenton, High Ridge

A smartphone makes a great gift for yourself or for someone else. But receiving a smartphone is a bit like buying a pet: the fun parts also come with some work and some adjustments.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/got-a-new-iphone-or-android-mobile-apps-make-life-easier-in-fenton-high-ridge?fromrss=1

Scott Tilley: What was hot, what was not in 2012

At the start of 2012, I predicted that, "the very nature of what we call 'computing' will continue to change.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/scott-tilley-what-was-hot-what-was-not-in-2012?fromrss=1

LG wants the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 terminated, says it breaches viewing angle patents

![LG wants the Samsung Galaxy Note 101 terminated, says it breaches viewing angle patents](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/galaxy-note-10.1-lead.jpg)

When Samsung came swinging with allegations of [OLED patent infringements](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/samsung-asks-for-south-korean-injunction-against-lg/) and corporate theft, LG promptly [counter-sued](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/27/lg-countersues-samsung-oled/). Samsung then escalated by broadening its list of patent complaints, forcing LG to do what any dignified electronics brawler would have to do: file for a retaliatory injunction against the "sale, manufacture and importation" of one of Sammy's products. The device at stake today is the unsuspecting [Galaxy Note 10.1](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/15/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review/), which has [no direct rival](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/19/lg-backing-off-tablets-focus-on-cellphones/) among LG's current [product range](http://www.engadget.com/tag/lg) but which is claimed to have breached three LG display patents concerning the improvement of viewing angles. For its part, Samsung is dismissing the attack as "unjustified" and doesn't seem overly concerned by LG's demand for damages -- nothing less than a billion dollars for _each day_ the Note 10.1 continues to be made and sold.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/lg-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-injunction/#comments)**

**Via:** [FOSS Patents](http://www.fosspatents.com/2012/12/android-android-war-raging-in-korea-as.html)

**Source:** [Dow Jones](http://english.capital.gr/News.asp?id=1696901)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/lg-samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-injunction/

The tech I used most in 2012

The year has almost passed and that makes it a great time for reflection. Of course, I have thought most about my family -- what we did in 2012 and our plans for 2013.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/the-tech-i-used-most-in-2012?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-0b069bd193fd375481b34980618e0fce

Thursday, December 27, 2012

BLU Products' unlocked Vivo 4.65 HD available in January for $300

[![DNP BLU Products unlocked Vivo 465 HD available in January for $300](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/blu.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/blu-products-unlocked-vivo-4-65-hd/)

Arguably the straight to DVD release of the smartphone world, BLU Product's [Vivo 4.3](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/03/blu-products-vivo-4-3-smartphone/) is getting a second act in the form of the Vivo 4.65 HD. Aside from the 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display it's named after, this up-and-comer ships with Android 4.0, a 1.2GHz A9 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. If you can get past less than stellar specs -- and resist waiting for the [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/) to be back in stock -- BLU's future flagship can be yours outright for $300 sometime in January.

[Continue reading _BLU Products' unlocked Vivo 4.65 HD available in January for $300_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/blu-products-unlocked-vivo-4-65-hd/)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/blu-products-unlocked-vivo-4-65-hd/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/blu-products-unlocked-vivo-4-65-hd/

South Korea frowns on steep phone subsidies, bans new carrier customers for most of January

[![South Korea slaps down phone subsidies, bans carriers from signing new contracts through most of January](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/android-and-iphone-in-south-korea.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/south-korea-frowns-on-steep-phone-subsidies/)

South Korea is an ocean apart from North America in more ways than one. Where US and Canadian carriers virtually center their businesses around heavily subsidized phones, the [Korea Communications Commission](http://www.engadget.com/tag/KoreaCommunicationsCommission/) is discouraging the idea. The agency isn't just fining KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom for offering device discounts beyond 270,000 won ($252), it's banning those networks from taking new subscribers for as many as 24 days in January -- they'll have no choice but to serve their existing bases for most of the month. The providers are unsurprisingly miffed, although the punishment may be a win for customers who won't necessarily be as indebted to their carriers when they spring for a [Galaxy Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/) or [Optimus G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/south-korea-frowns-on-steep-phone-subsidies/#comments)**

**Via:** [Unwired View](http://www.unwiredview.com/2012/12/27/south-korean-carriers-banned-from-gaining-new-customers-in-january-the-reason-device-subsidies/)

**Source:** [Telecompaper](http://www.telecompaper.com/news/korean-mobile-firms-fined-to-face-sales-ban--915968?ystfuv)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/south-korea-frowns-on-steep-phone-subsidies/

Enterprise Caching in a Mobile Environment

This IBMA RedbooksA Solution Guide shows how to take advantage of enterprise caching for a mobile environment using an integration solution that includes IBM Worklight and IBM WebSphereA eXtreme Scale or the DataPowerA XC10.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/enterprise-caching-in-a-mobile-environment?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-bfc1684db1d3cfa8d4787ca996b88ed8

Huawei Ascend D2 reportedly spied while switched on, teases an upscale look

[![Huawei Ascend D2 reportedly spied while switched on](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/huawei-ascend-d2-leak-1356640705.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/huawei-ascend-d2-reportedly-spied-while-switched-on/)

Huawei has already confirmed that we're going to see its extra-large [Ascend D2](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/huawei-ascend-w1-d2-ces/) at CES, but that doesn't mean a sneak peek is unwelcome. _ITHome_ is more than willing to sate our curiosity with a set of photos that purportedly show a fully functional version of the 5-inch smartphone. In a sense, we know what to expect from the software: the D2 appears to be using the same customized Android layer as the even larger [Ascend Mate](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/23/huawei-ascend-mate-tease/), just without that fifth column of icons. The shots do, however, suggest that Huawei is going for a design as premium-looking on the outside as it is high-powered on the inside. Not much else is known, but we'll likely understand Huawei's fuller ambitions in Las Vegas next month.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/huawei-ascend-d2-reportedly-spied-while-switched-on/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/huawei-ascend-d2-makes-brief-pre-ces-appearance)

**Source:** [ITHome (translated)](http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ithome.com%2Fhtml%2Fdigi%2F33699.htm)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/huawei-ascend-d2-reportedly-spied-while-switched-on/

Bluestacks for Mac hits beta, injects a little Google in your Apple

[![Bluestacks for Mac hits beta, injects a little Google in your Apple](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/12-27-2012bluestacksmac.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/bluestacks-for-mac-hits-beta/)

If you're one of those folks that like to bridge the divide -- rocking an Android handset, but rely on a Mac for heavy lifting -- we've got some good news. [Bluestacks](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bluestacks), the emulator that lets you run Android apps on your desktop has hit beta on OS X. The tool launched in [beta form](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/bluestacks-app-player-hits-beta-supports-arm-written-android-ap/) on Windows in March and an [alpha version](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/bluestacks-brings-android-to-mac/) for Mac landed in June. Now there should be a little more parity between the major desktop ecosystems when it comes to getting your [Flipboard](http://www.engadget.com/tag/flipboard) and [Bad Piggies](http://www.engadget.com/tag/badpiggies) on. To download it for yourself hit up the source link.

Filed under: [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Apple](http://www.engadget.com/category/apple/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/bluestacks-for-mac-hits-beta/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/bluestacks-mac-now-beta)

**Source:** [Bluestacks](http://bluestacks.com/index.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/bluestacks-for-mac-hits-beta/

New Android Malware Uses Google Play Icon To Trick Users

An anonymous reader writes "A new trojan for Android has been discovered that can help carry out Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The malware is also capable of receiving commands from criminals as well as sending text messages for spamming purposes. The threat, detected as "Android.DDoS.1.origin" by Russian security firm Doctor Web, likely spreads via social engineering tricks. The malware disguises itself as a legitimate app from Google, according to the firm."

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=New+Android+Malware+Uses+Google+Play+Icon+To+Trick+Users%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FVibGJw) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F12%2F12%2F27%2F237235%2Fnew-android-malware-uses-google-play-icon-to-trick-users%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/12/12/27/237235/new-android-malware-uses-google-play-icon-to-trick-users?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/12/12/27/237235/new-android-malware-uses-google-play-icon-to-trick-users?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/26fdb27d/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883826863/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fdb27d/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883826863/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fdb27d/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883826863/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fdb27d/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/Oi-hbEI9SPg)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/Oi-hbEI9SPg/story01.htm

Even With 75,000 New Apps, Windows Phones Still Have A Problem

It's a big one: The company announced it published a whopping 75,000 new apps for its mobile operating system.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/even-with-75-000-new-apps-windows-phones-still-have-a-problem?fromrss=1

PSA: Ouya developer consoles now shipping to qualified backers

[![DNP PSA Ouya developer consoles now shipping to qualified backers](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/ouyaprototypedevkit620pxhedimg.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/psa-ouya-developer-consoles-now-shipping/)

Did you pony up $699 or more to the [Kickstarter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/kickstarter/)-famed [Ouya](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ouya/) in hopes of an early hands-on with the unreleased gaming platform? If so, you may want to keep an eye on your email's inbox, because orders for the developer version of the Android-powered console are starting to ship out. As for the package itself, early adopters can expect a dev unit console, two controllers and a copy of the system's "ODK" software development kit. If you went all-in on Ouya and have received your order or notification email, we'd love to hear about it via the comments below.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/psa-ouya-developer-consoles-now-shipping/#comments)**

**Via:** [SlashGear](http://www.slashgear.com/ouya-begins-shipping-developer-consoles-27262286/)

**Source:** [OuyaForum](http://ouyaforum.com/showthread.php?799-The-Official-I-got-my-OUYA-Game-Console-Thread)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/psa-ouya-developer-consoles-now-shipping/

Bii Mobile Insights: Mobile Drives Double-Digit Growth In Social Media Engagement

Mobile Web And Apps Driving Social Media Growth Consumers continue to spend an insane amount of time on social networks.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/bii-mobile-insights-mobile-drives-double-digit-growth-in-social-media-engagement?fromrss=1

PTB's Top 5 Smartphones for 2012

Every year, we take a look at the top 5 smartphones that made a huge impact in the market.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/ptbs-top-5-smartphones-for-2012?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-cceed1459f31826b68da39b7aeb1b8b5

Sony ODIN tipped to hit market as Xperia X, savior of the OEM

It's time to get back in business with the device code-named Sony C650X ODIN, aka the Norse god-of-gods, father of Thor and Loki, and one heck of a smartphone.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/sony-odin-tipped-to-hit-market-as-xperia-x-savior-of-the-oem?fromrss=1

New ChargePoint Mobile App Shows Every U.S. Charging Station

Android and iPhone users can now find any electric vehicle charging station in the country, thanks to a new app from ChargePoint.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/new-chargepoint-mobile-app-shows-every-u-s-charging-station?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-8b0a05bccfb561effb3ca9a6f06cbc5c

Sonos Playbar appears at the FCC (update: WiFi explained)

[![Sonos Playbar appears at the FCC with WiFi, finally](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/sonos-playbar-fcc.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/sonos-playbar-appears-at-the-fcc-with-wifi/)

[Sonos](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Sonos/) is the de facto choice for multi-room audio, but even some of its biggest proponents will grumble about the lack of built-in WiFi -- going wireless in any way has meant tacking a Bridge on to the cost of an already expensive system. An FCC filing for an upcoming device, the Playbar, hints that common sense might have the upper hand. While there's few details of the audio system itself, there's explicit mentions of dual-band 802.11n WiFi inside. Just what that WiFi does is another matter. Sonos prefers using its proprietary network to cut back on lag and interference, so the Playbar's additional wireless may extend functionality rather than simplify our lives. With approval out of the way, there's a better chance we'll know the full story in the near future.

**Update:** We've done some digging, and the WiFi may be more innocuous: Sonos' proprietary network is actually WiFi that's just invisible most of the time. Android users have access to settings that expose Sonos' WiFi network and make it usable. As such, the Playbar may be more conventional than first thought, although its exact role in the home is still a mystery.

Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/sonos-playbar-appears-at-the-fcc-with-wifi/#comments)**

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=679440&fcc_id=%27SBVRM006%27)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/sonos-playbar-appears-at-the-fcc-with-wifi/

Mobile app for churches now accepts donations

For the past two years, Roar has offered a customizable mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that churches can use to disseminate information on locations, events and more.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/mobile-app-for-churches-now-accepts-donations?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-a659ec66ad639bd477243e3f808a7aaa

Raspberry Pi vs. Cheap Android Dongle: Embarrassment of (Cheap) Riches

New submitter Copper Nikus writes "The price of Android Mini PCs have recently dropped to the point they are starting to make the Raspberry Pi look overpriced. This article compares the Raspberry Pi model B against the similarly priced MK802 II single core Android mini PC. IMO it can be argued that the mini PC wins that fight. It's worth noting that several new quad-core Chinese ARM SoCs have been recently released to the world, and it can be expected to see Android mini PCs start using them in the very near future. This should translate into even lower prices for the now 'obsolete' generations of single and dual core Andoid mini PCs out there." The target markets and base OS vary, but there's enough overlap for this comparison to make some sense -- both have ARM chips, both can (to varying degrees) run either Android or a more conventional Linux distro, and both can fit in a small pocket.

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=Raspberry+Pi+vs.+Cheap+Android+Dongle%3A+Embarrassment+of+(Cheap)+Riches%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FVk1UcV) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhardware.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F12%2F12%2F27%2F1521219%2Fraspberry-pi-vs-cheap-android-dongle-embarrassment-of-cheap-riches%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/12/12/27/1521219/raspberry-pi-vs-cheap-android-dongle-embarrassment-of-cheap-riches?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/12/12/27/1521219/raspberry-pi-vs-cheap-android-dongle-embarrassment-of-cheap-riches?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/26fb6fa3/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883899348/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fb6fa3/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883899348/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fb6fa3/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883899348/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/26fb6fa3/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/3KTx3KIscLI)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/3KTx3KIscLI/story01.htm

Samsung doubles down on its web-based messaging app with ChatON 2.0

[![Samsung doubles down its webbased messaging app with ChatON 20](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/samsung-chat-on-20-12-27-12-05.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/samsung-releases-chaton-20/)

If you like to let your fingers do the talking but basic text and smileys alone don't cut it, Samsung has just released version 2.0 of its [ChatON](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/samsungs-chaton-messaging-service-brings-free-texting-to-androi/) internet-based messaging app. It works on Android, iOS, Blackberry, Bada and even [web browsers](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-chaton-desktop/) to let you send missives to your besties -- alone or in groups -- with video, audio or images. The updated app / website works in over 200 countries and 60 languages, and now includes a multiscreen feature to let you chat with over five separate accounts at once along with the ability to conscript new chat-ees via Facebook or Twitter. You'll still be able to post messages to the "trunk" for friends to see before they hit social networks or create a personal profile with status updates -- so, hit the source for more info, social butterflies.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/samsung-releases-chaton-20/#comments)**

**Source:** [Samsung Tomorrow](http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=20977)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/samsung-releases-chaton-20/

Jelly Bean Update For T-Mobile's HTC One S In Beta Phase

Yesterday we reported that the global version of the HTC One S had begun to receive the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update, and we're sure that many of you guys stateside are wondering when will the update be arriving for the T-Mobile version of the device.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/jelly-bean-update-for-t-mobiles-htc-one-s-in-beta-phase?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-86e67a373b4fc60cde0d71ff07585459

Mysterious ASUS P1801-T visits the FCC, might be the finished Transformer AiO

[![Mysterious ASUS P1801-T visits the FCC, might be the finished Transformer AiO](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/asusfcc.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/asus-p1801-t-fcc/)

The [FCC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/FCC) sometimes gets a peek at hardware and reveals nothing but a model number to hint at what's passed through its labyrinth. The latest filing leaving us scratching our heads is for the ASUS P1801-T, a "tablet" which could be the final version of the [Transformer AiO prototype](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/asus-transformer-aio/) we saw back at [Computex](http://www.engadget.com/tag/computex2012). How did we arrive at the AiO? Well, the model number is a possible clue -- [ASUS' Eee Slate B121](http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/asus-eee-slate-b121-slabs-it-up-for-the-enterprise-market/) has a 12.1-inch panel, so P1801-T may point to this device having 18 inches of screen. As ASUS' dual-OS prototype all-in-one is the only (_sort of_) tablet we've seen with roughly that many inches, we assume the company is getting paperwork done before a proper launch at [CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013). A "P1801" running Android 4.1.1 has also popped up at _GLBenchmark_, with Tegra 3 graphics and thus a Cortex-A9 CPU inside by default. If ASUS is keeping two OS's as per the AiO prototype, that processor caters for only one Microsoft product -- [Windows RT](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/microsoft-surface-rt-review/). We'll just be kept wondering until we hear something official, but at least for us, an 18-inch Android / RT super-tablet and part-time desktop sounds like it could be a hard sell.

Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [ASUS](http://www.engadget.com/category/asus/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/asus-p1801-t-fcc/#comments)**

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=911367&fcc_id=%27MSQP1801AH691%27), [GLBenchmark](https://glbenchmark.com/phonedetails.jsp?benchmark=glpro25&D=Asus+P1801&testgroup=system)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/asus-p1801-t-fcc/

Samsung confirms multi-window feature and Jelly Bean update for original Galaxy Note

![Samsung confirms multiwindow feature and Jelly Bean update for original Galaxy Note ](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/galaxynote.jpg)

That [previously-spotted](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/06/android-4-1-update-original-galaxy-note/) Premium Suite upgrade for the [Galaxy Note](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/samsung-galaxy-note-review/) is on its way, with Samsung revealing all the details on its site. With a refreshed UI appears very similar to its [successor](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/), the respectable Android slab will also lay claim to Air View, Multi-window apps and the addictive easy clip function that allows you to crop and share images and text with the stylus. Thanks to that Jelly Bean update, owners of Samsung's original phablet can also start dabbling with [Google Now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleNow/), which will continue to pluck information from your search history, location and timezone. There's no word yet on when the refreshed Premium suite will find its way onto devices _anywhere_, but with Samsung already singing the update's praises, it shouldn't be far away.

[Thanks Kenneth]

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/samsung-galaxy-note-confirms-multi-window-jelly-bean-update/#comments)**

**Source:** [Samsung](http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note/benefit.html?type=find)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/27/samsung-galaxy-note-confirms-multi-window-jelly-bean-update/

Apple and Google still in the hunt for control of mobile market

Google has claimed victory over Apple in the platform wars - but the latter's profits makes it world's most valuable company.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/apple-and-google-still-in-the-hunt-for-control-of-mobile-market?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-5bd991dd010e62b8a9e2f5b09bcad3b9

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Public Libraries Generate Record eBook Traffic on Christmas

Public libraries utilizing OverDrive's Next Generation digital lending platform served a record number of eBook, audiobook, music and video titles to patrons on Christmas Day.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/public-libraries-generate-record-ebook-traffic-on-christmas?fromrss=1

Debugging ADF Mobile Apps on Android

Not that you'll ever need this, after all your code is perfect. But I did run into a situation where I wanted to figure out what exactly is wrong with my ADF Mobile code.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/debugging-adf-mobile-apps-on-android?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-9dd9de26fdd5eaf8d205558ea89c02fd

Google Music matching explicit songs with clean ones, but contains a stopgap fix

[![Google Music graffiti Android](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/11/googlemusic-04-1321480625.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/google-music-matching-explicit-songs-with-clean-ones/)

Early [iTunes Match](http://www.engadget.com/tag/iTunesMatch/) adopters will remember the unintentional bowdlerization of their music libraries: they'd listen to their scanned music collection on a second device and lose all the colorful language. As we're quickly learning, [Google Music's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleMusic/) newly added [scan and match feature](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/google-music-gains-scan-and-match-feature-in-the-us/) isn't exempt from that problem, either. Those streaming matched copies of explicit songs through the newer service are getting clean versions, with no obvious way to preserve the filth. Google declines to comment on whether or not there's a long-term fix in the works, although we do know that there's a temporary solution -- choose the "fix incorrect match" option and Google Music will typically upload the raw tracks. We just hope Google starts matching the correct tracks by the next time we want an unfiltered experience for our ears.

Filed under: [Portable Audio/Video](http://www.engadget.com/category/portable-audio-video/), [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/2012/12/26/google-music-matching-explicit-songs-with-clean-ones/#comments)**

**Via:** [The Verge](http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/24/3801282/google-matching-reportedly-replacing-explicit-songs-with-clean-versions)

**Source:** [Droid-Life](http://www.droid-life.com/2012/12/24/googles-scan-and-match-feature-isnt-a-fan-of-explicit-music/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/google-music-matching-explicit-songs-with-clean-ones/

Panasonic P-02E 1080p Android smartphone hits FCC

The folks at Panasonic have been tipped to be smartphone-bound for years; today they've basically confirmed the idea that they're making a big effort in 2013 with the P-02E. The FCC listing appearing today has everything the Panasonic ELUGA had and a whole lot more, upping the ante from what was tipped this Autumn without a full confirmation from ... (more)

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/panasonic-p-02e-1080p-android-smartphone-hits-fcc?fromrss=1

Engadget's CES 2013 Preview: Household

_With CES looming like an electrically charged storm of news and announcements, it's time for us to give you our best bets on what you'll see come January. During the month of December, we'll bring you a series of CES preview posts, forecasting what you can expect when the news deluge begins. For more of what's to come, [check out our hub](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/07/engadgets-ces-2013-preview/)._

[![Engadget's CES 2013 preview Household](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/engadget-ces-2013-household.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-household/)

Last year, we saw the likes of Motorola, LG and Samsung continue to demonstrate their technical skills on washing machines, fridges, home automation and even cars. While some Engadget editors struggled to see even half the appeal of those [WiFi-connected washing machines](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/samsung-smarthome-wifi-washer-and-dryer-hands-on-video/) at CES 2012, Motorola's [Connected Home](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/motorolas-connected-home-gateway-makes-your-house-smarter-turn/) gateway showed a realistic vision of how a wireless home should work, with its gateway router tying your Android devices to your thermostat, security system and lighting. However, we haven't heard much since January from Motorola when it comes to its household system, so it wouldn't surprise us if the Google-owned manufacturer has a refreshed, possibly deeper system to show us this time. But what else will the middle of Nevada have to offer the forward-looking homemaker in the next year? We have more ideas after the break.

[Continue reading _Engadget's CES 2013 Preview: Household_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-household/)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-household/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-household/

BBB Warns: Top Five Cyber Threats for 2013

The year ahead will feature new and increasingly sophisticated means to capture and exploit your personal information to steal your identity.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/bbb-warns-top-five-cyber-threats-for-2013?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-b0222034824790651e9f30221e5ad6e7

How Do YOU Establish a Secure Computing Environment?

sneakyimp writes "We've seen increasingly creative ways for bad guys to compromise your system like infected pen drives, computers preloaded with malware, mobile phone apps with malware, and a $300 app that can sniff out your encryption keys. On top of these obvious risks, there are lingering questions about the integrity of common operating systems and cloud computing services. Do Windows, OSX, and Linux have security holes? Does Windows supply a backdoor for the U.S. or other governments? Should you really trust your Linux multiverse repository? Do Google and Apple data mine your private mobile phone data for private information? Does Ubuntu's sharing of my data with Amazon compromise my privacy? Can the U.S. Government seize your cloud data without a warrant? Can McAfee or Kaspersky really be trusted? Naturally, the question arises of how to establish and maintain an ironclad workstation or laptop for the purpose of handling sensitive information or doing security research. DARPA has approached the problem by awarding a $21.4M contract to Invincea to create a secure version of Android. What should we do if we don't have $21.4M USD? Is it safe to buy a PC from any manufacturer? Is it even safe to buy individual computer components and assemble one's own machine? Or might the motherboard firmware be compromised? What steps can one take to ensure a truly secure computing environment? Is this even possible? Can anyone recommend a through checklist or suggest best practices?"

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=How+Do+YOU+Establish+a+Secure+Computing+Environment%3F%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FTjwxPe) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fit.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F12%2F12%2F26%2F1619216%2Fhow-do-you-establish-a-secure-computing-environment%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://it.slashdot.org/story/12/12/26/1619216/how-do-you-establish-a-secure-computing-environment?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://it.slashdot.org/story/12/12/26/1619216/how-do-you-establish-a-secure-computing-environment?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

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URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/9N2XVFpYtys/story01.htm

Panasonic P-02E smartphone appears in the FCC flesh, looks Japan-bound

[![Panasonic P02E smartphone appears in FCC flesh, looks to be Japanbound](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/panasonic-p02e-12-26-12-01.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/panasonic-p-02e-smartphone-appears-in-the-fcc-flesh-japan-only/)

Earlier this month, a supposed Panasonic P02-E smartphone popped up on an NTT DoCoMo Japanese server log, but such scant evidence required more than a few grains of salt to swallow it. Now, the ever-reliable FCC has revealed the device to be an actual _thing_, and putting the two sources together would make it a 5-inch, 1,920 x 1080, Android 4.1.2 smartphone with a quad-core, 1.5GHz APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, along with LTE and NFC capability. Don't get too excited if those specs float your boat, however -- judging by the retractable TV antenna, [NTT DoCoMo](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/11/ntt-docomo-winter-lineup/) origins and general Panasonic [elusiveness](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/26/murmurs-have-panasonic-quitting-european-cellphones/) in the west, it looks to be aimed squarely at the Japanese market only.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/panasonic-p-02e-smartphone-appears-in-the-fcc-flesh-japan-only/#comments)**

**Via:** [Phone Arena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Panasonic-P-02E-Android-smartphone-is-real-clears-the-FCC-on-its-way-to-Japan_id38060)

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=653888&fcc_id=%27UCE312057A%27)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/panasonic-p-02e-smartphone-appears-in-the-fcc-flesh-japan-only/

Nubia Z5 unveiled in China with quad-core chip, 5-inch 1080p display and 7.6mm thickness

[![Nubia Z5 unveiled as the world's thinnest 5inch 1080p phone, available in January](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/nubia-z5-launch/)

Much like many Chinese smartphone brands these days, [ZTE](http://engadget.com/tag/ZTE) sub-brand [Nubia](http://engadget.com/tag/nubia) had prematurely given away the main selling points of its [Z5](http://engadget.com/tag/nubiaz5) ahead of its Beijing launch today, but there were still some surprises. As you probably already know, here's yet another five-inch 1080p Android phone featuring Qualcomm's 1.5GHz quad-core [APQ8064](http://engadget.com/tag/apq8064), 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, along with a 13-megapixel F2.2 main camera (with five-element optics by Konica Minolta, plus separate touch focus and touch exposure in the app) and a two-megapixel front-facing camera. For multimedia consumption, the Z5 supports WiFi Display and MHL output should you wish to beam content to a larger screen; whereas on the audio side you are spoiled with either Yamaha or Dolby Digital Plus. But wait, there's more!

**Gallery: [Nubia Z5 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-hands-on2012-12-26-0_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/5519529)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-hands-on2012-12-26-1_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/5519530)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-hands-on2012-12-26-2_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/5519531)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-hands-on2012-12-26-3_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/5519532)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-hands-on2012-12-26-4_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-hands-on/5519533)

**Gallery: [Nubia Z5 press event](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch-2012-12-26-0_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/5519622)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch-2012-12-26-1_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/5519623)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch-2012-12-26-2_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/5519624)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch-2012-12-26-3_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/5519627)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/nubia-z5-launch-2012-12-26-4_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/nubia-z5-press-event/5519629)

[Continue reading _Nubia Z5 unveiled in China with quad-core chip, 5-inch 1080p display and 7.6mm thickness_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/nubia-z5-launch/)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/nubia-z5-launch/#comments)**

**Source:** [Nubia](http://www.nubia.cn/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/nubia-z5-launch/

Chargepoint's new smartphone app can see "all" EV charging stations in US

ChargePoint, a leading supplier of US charging station networks, has introduced its New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Mobile Application for iPhone and Android smart phones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/chargepoints-new-smartphone-app-can-see-all-ev-charging-stations-in-us?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-484eff3e336c081d2c7df868b8731169

Got a New iPhone or Android? Mobile Apps Make Life Easier

A smart phone makes a great gift for yourself or for someone else. But receiving a smart phone is a bit like buying a pet: the fun parts also come with some work and some adjustments.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/got-a-new-iphone-or-android-mobile-apps-make-life-easier?fromrss=1

Galaxy S4 due for MWC 2013?

There have been quite a few bits of information floating about online recently about the new flagship phone from Samsung being the S4 and some even expected an announcement at CES in just a few weeks which have since been confirmed as false.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/galaxy-s4-due-for-mwc-2013?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-1325f11f60d41bee43ebee03cc3e5464

HTC One S global models finally gorging on Jelly Bean 4.1.1

[![HTC One S global models finally gorging on Jelly Bean 411](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/htc-one-s-jellybean-12-26-12-01.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/htc-one-s-global-models-finally-gorging-on-jelly-bean-4-1-1/)

[HTC One S](http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/htc-one-s-review/) owners are seeing the light at the end of the Jelly Bean tunnel, as Android 4.1.1 is now being pushed out to the global models. The company originally promised it way back in [July](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/20/htc-confirms-jelly-bean-for-one-x-one-xl-and-one-s/), with rumblings about an [October arrival](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/htc-jelly-bean-one-series/) as well, but up until now there's been no joy. HTC One X global owners started to see that Jelly Bean release [last month](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/27/htc-one-x-s-jelly-bean-taiwan-asia/), and we can confirm that it's now come to our very own HTC One S handset too, as the image above proves. _XDA Developers _also caught wind of a direct HTC link, which will finally bring the extra fluidity of Google's butter to the mid-range handset. There's no word yet about US carrier-flavored versions, but it wouldn't hurt to check your own handset, or XDA's CID list at the MC link below.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/htc-one-s-global-models-finally-gorging-on-jelly-bean-4-1-1/#comments)**

**Via:** [PocketNow](http://pocketnow.com/2012/12/26/jelly-bean-htc-one-s)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/htc-one-s-global-models-finally-gorging-on-jelly-bean-4-1-1/

Flipboard broadens mobile strategy via Android tablet app

News application Flipboard is expanding the number of platforms that consumers can read news content on with a mobile application that is optimized specifically for Android tablets.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/flipboard-broadens-mobile-strategy-via-android-tablet-app?fromrss=1

LG's 2013 AV lineup puts NFC into Blu-ray player, 9.1-channel home theater

[![LG's 2013 home theater line includes NFCequipped 91channel surround system, Bluray player](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/lg-bh9430pw-home-theater.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/lg-2013-home-theater-lineup-includes-nfc/)

LG is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of its [2013 CES introductions](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/23/lg-2013-google-tv-sets-to-come-in-more-sizes-fresher-designs/), and the next stop is its AV catalog. The running theme this year is NFC: both the BH9430PW 9.1-channel home theater and the BP730 Blu-ray player include the short-range wireless format to simplify mirroring content from your [Optimus G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/) (and, most likely, other NFC phones). The surround system also packs an iPod dock and a Private Audio Mode that funnels sound to a nearby smartphone when a quiet house is paramount. Beyond these two devices, LG promises the Bluetooth-equipped, 310W NB4530A sound bar, a ND8630 speaker dock with both Android and iOS support (including AirPlay and Bluetooth) and an NP6630 portable speaker that stuffs AirPlay, Bluetooth and NFC into its frame. We'll know more at CES next month, but those who want LG's overview can see it for themselves after the break.

[Continue reading _LG's 2013 AV lineup puts NFC into Blu-ray player, 9.1-channel home theater_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/lg-2013-home-theater-lineup-includes-nfc/)

Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Portable Audio/Video](http://www.engadget.com/category/portable-audio-video/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [LG](http://www.engadget.com/category/lg/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/lg-2013-home-theater-lineup-includes-nfc/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/26/lg-2013-home-theater-lineup-includes-nfc/

Two Chinese Search Engines with Siri Envy Launch Their Own Voice Assistants

When you have a mobile voice assistant - like Apple's Siri or Google Now - you don't need to do anything so laborious as visit a search engine homepage and tap in some words.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/two-chinese-search-engines-with-siri-envy-launch-their-own-voice-assistants?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-e0bd0b32d24e6bcd7e7fc6c6d33d3287

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Understanding DeNA and Mobage: A Graphical Overview

As the Tokyo editor for TechInAsia , one of the biggest tech players I've had to watch over the past year has been DeNA , as the company has had a pretty successful year both at home and abroad.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/understanding-dena-and-mobage-a-graphical-overview?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-beae606d0147b20d9743ad60a08950ab

Releases up the ante across mobile, online experience

First up, a new app set up to extend phone-based apps to tablet-sized screens. Called ScreenShare, the app from SpringDesign allows for dual screen interactions across Android devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2012/12/releases-up-the-ante-across-mobile-online-experience?fromrss=1

Plex desktop app becomes Plex Home Theater, adds AirPlay and HD audio

[![Plex desktop app becomes Plex Home Theater, adds AirPlay and HD audio](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/12/plex-home-theater.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/24/plex-desktop-app-now-plex-home-theater-adds-airplay-and-hd-audio/)

[Plex](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Plex/) wants us to settle in for some holiday viewing in front of our home theater PCs, and to that effect it's delivering a major beta update to its desktop app -- including a new name. The more clearly defined Plex Home Theater syncs up with the [XBMC 12](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/02/xbmc-12-beta-2-rolls-out-brings-first-android-beta-apk/) beta and simplifies Plex's own update process. For those in the living room, shifting to the newer base brings [AirPlay](http://www.engadget.com/tag/AirPlay/) streaming from nearby Apple-friendly gear as well as 10-bit H.264 video and HD audio. Behind-the-scenes updates bring more efficient video rendering and fix some older bugs, such as audio sync with SD footage. The catch to enjoying all this? As the upgrade is pre-release code, Plex is limiting early access to [PlexPass](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/plex-launches-new-web-client-and-plexpass-subscription/) subscribers. Media mavens still willing to pay the premium can check out the source link for an upgrade to their end-of-year movie marathons.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/25/plex-desktop-app-now-plex-home-theater-adds-airplay-and-hd-audio/#comments)**

**Via:** [GigaOM](http://gigaom.com/video/plex-home-theater/)

**Source:** [Plex](http://elan.plexapp.com/2012/12/23/mele-kalikimaka/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/25/plex-desktop-app-now-plex-home-theater-adds-airplay-and-hd-audio/