Sony Mobile Communications introduced its new flagship Android smartphone, Xperia Z. With a 5" Full HD 1080p Reality Display, Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, 13 megapixel fast-capture camera, Xperia Z has all the specifications expected from a premium smartphone.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/sony-mobile-communications-introduces-its-new-flagship-android-smartphone-xperia-z?fromrss=1
Your place for the latest android news and reviews
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Noit Joystick makes an appearance at CES, promises more face time at CTIA
We get pitched plenty at our [CES stage](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/engadget-ces-stage-schedule/), but not everyone is as capable of stopping us in our tracks as Noit founder Lael Alexander, who busted out a dummy version of the Joystick (or Joistick, depending on which part of the company's catalog you read). It's a phone / controller, with calling capabilities, Bluetooth, WiFi and NFC jammed into a uniquely holdable design. Flip it open to reveal the screen and a QWERTY keyboard, a la messaging phones of the past.
There are mouse buttons and a gyroscope built in, so you can also use the Android device as a controller, if you're so inclined. It's also got NFC, an HDMI port, Bluetooth, 64GB of storage and "the best sound design," according to Alexander, who promised his company would have something more concrete to show at CTIA.
**Gallery: [Noit Joystick makes an appearance at CES, promises more face time at CTIA](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564454)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564455)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564456)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564457)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564458)
[Continue reading _Noit Joystick makes an appearance at CES, promises more face time at CTIA_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/)
Filed under: [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/
We get pitched plenty at our [CES stage](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/engadget-ces-stage-schedule/), but not everyone is as capable of stopping us in our tracks as Noit founder Lael Alexander, who busted out a dummy version of the Joystick (or Joistick, depending on which part of the company's catalog you read). It's a phone / controller, with calling capabilities, Bluetooth, WiFi and NFC jammed into a uniquely holdable design. Flip it open to reveal the screen and a QWERTY keyboard, a la messaging phones of the past.
There are mouse buttons and a gyroscope built in, so you can also use the Android device as a controller, if you're so inclined. It's also got NFC, an HDMI port, Bluetooth, 64GB of storage and "the best sound design," according to Alexander, who promised his company would have something more concrete to show at CTIA.
**Gallery: [Noit Joystick makes an appearance at CES, promises more face time at CTIA](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564454)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564455)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564456)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564457)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564458)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564455)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564456)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564457)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564458](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/joistick2011-10-1703-29-10800_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564454)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564455)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564456)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564457)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/noit-joystick-makes-an-appearance-at-ces-promises-more-face-time-at-ctia/5564458){kind=link}
[Continue reading _Noit Joystick makes an appearance at CES, promises more face time at CTIA_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/)
Filed under: [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/noit-joystick/
Lenovo's Ultra Portable IdeaTab A2107 Added to AT&T's Tablet Lineup, Without Two-Year Commitment
Today AT&T announced the availability of the Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 for $199.99 without a two-year commitment.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/lenovos-ultra-portable-ideatab-a2107-added-to-at-ts-tablet-lineup-without-two-year-commitment?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-a543d77a7dbde7ecc4b6f6e82efb11ae
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/lenovos-ultra-portable-ideatab-a2107-added-to-at-ts-tablet-lineup-without-two-year-commitment?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-a543d77a7dbde7ecc4b6f6e82efb11ae
The RK3066 Android 4.1 mini PC is the MK802's younger, smarter, cheaper brother, we go hands on
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/the-rk3066-android-4-1-mini-pc-hands-on/)
When the [MK802 Android mini PC](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/mk802-android-4-0-mini-pc-hands-on-impressions/) landed in our laps, it caused more than a ripple of interest. Since then, a swathe of "[pendroids](http://www.engadget.com/tag/pendroid/)" have found their way to market, and the initial waves have died down. While we were at CES, however, we bumped into the man behind the MK802, and he happened to have a new, updated iteration of the Android mini PC. Best of all, he was kind enough to give us one to spend some time with. The specifications speak for themselves, and this time around we're looking at a dual-core 1.6GHz Cortex A9, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in flash (and a microSD slot), WiFi in b/g/n flavors, DLNA support and Bluetooth, all running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There's also a micro-USB, full-size USB, female HDMI port and 3.5mm audio out. For anyone who has used one of these types of devices, the two standout features mentioned above should be the audio jack, and the addition of Bluetooth. Why? Because this expands the potential functionality of the device manyfold. Beforehand, the lack of Bluetooth made adding peripherals -- such as a mouse of keyboard -- either difficult, or impractical. However, _with _Bluetooth, setting up this device to be somewhat useful just got a lot easier. Likewise, with the dedicated audio out, now you can work with sound when the display you are connecting it to (a monitor for example) doesn't have speakers.
The device itself, is more of the same when it comes to design. That's to say that it's largely a small black box with the above mentioned ports. It's slightly shorter this time, with a glossy finish, but overall its a discreet little unit that would slip into a pocket comfortably. We took the RK3066 for a spin, and quickly connected a Bluetooth remote / keyboard. In moments we were navigating Android on a large TV like it wasn't even a thing. Performance seemed pretty good, but it's harder to tell when you're not working with a touch interface such as a phone or tablet. It's fair to say that navigating Android with a pointer or mouse is a whole different ball game. Nonetheless, apps loaded quickly enough for us not to notice, and simple browsing and casual gaming seemed perfectly acceptable. When the MK802 was launched, it has a decent asking price of $75, the RK3066, however, lands at an even more reasonable $55 (plus $5 shipping). That said, when we claimed it was cheaper, we're only referring to launch price, as the MK802 can now be snapped up for $45. If you fancy giving your old mini PC an upgrade, keep your internet-eyes peeled for stockists over the coming weeks.
Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Peripherals](http://www.engadget.com/category/peripherals/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/the-rk3066-android-4-1-mini-pc-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/the-rk3066-android-4-1-mini-pc-hands-on/
When the [MK802 Android mini PC](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/mk802-android-4-0-mini-pc-hands-on-impressions/) landed in our laps, it caused more than a ripple of interest. Since then, a swathe of "[pendroids](http://www.engadget.com/tag/pendroid/)" have found their way to market, and the initial waves have died down. While we were at CES, however, we bumped into the man behind the MK802, and he happened to have a new, updated iteration of the Android mini PC. Best of all, he was kind enough to give us one to spend some time with. The specifications speak for themselves, and this time around we're looking at a dual-core 1.6GHz Cortex A9, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in flash (and a microSD slot), WiFi in b/g/n flavors, DLNA support and Bluetooth, all running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There's also a micro-USB, full-size USB, female HDMI port and 3.5mm audio out. For anyone who has used one of these types of devices, the two standout features mentioned above should be the audio jack, and the addition of Bluetooth. Why? Because this expands the potential functionality of the device manyfold. Beforehand, the lack of Bluetooth made adding peripherals -- such as a mouse of keyboard -- either difficult, or impractical. However, _with _Bluetooth, setting up this device to be somewhat useful just got a lot easier. Likewise, with the dedicated audio out, now you can work with sound when the display you are connecting it to (a monitor for example) doesn't have speakers.
The device itself, is more of the same when it comes to design. That's to say that it's largely a small black box with the above mentioned ports. It's slightly shorter this time, with a glossy finish, but overall its a discreet little unit that would slip into a pocket comfortably. We took the RK3066 for a spin, and quickly connected a Bluetooth remote / keyboard. In moments we were navigating Android on a large TV like it wasn't even a thing. Performance seemed pretty good, but it's harder to tell when you're not working with a touch interface such as a phone or tablet. It's fair to say that navigating Android with a pointer or mouse is a whole different ball game. Nonetheless, apps loaded quickly enough for us not to notice, and simple browsing and casual gaming seemed perfectly acceptable. When the MK802 was launched, it has a decent asking price of $75, the RK3066, however, lands at an even more reasonable $55 (plus $5 shipping). That said, when we claimed it was cheaper, we're only referring to launch price, as the MK802 can now be snapped up for $45. If you fancy giving your old mini PC an upgrade, keep your internet-eyes peeled for stockists over the coming weeks.
Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Peripherals](http://www.engadget.com/category/peripherals/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/the-rk3066-android-4-1-mini-pc-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/the-rk3066-android-4-1-mini-pc-hands-on/
Wrap-up: Engadget editors sound off on CES 2013
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/)
This was our biggest [CES](http://www.engadget.com/event/ces2013) group of all time, by a long shot. As we pack our bags and return to our home cities around the country and beyond, our team of ace editors took some time to share their final impressions of the show. Scroll down below to hear from Tim Stevens and Darren Murph, who helped to provide invaluable direction and motivation here in Vegas, then click past the break for some brief reports from the rest of the team.
**[Tim Stevens](http://twitter.com/tim_stevens), Editor-in-chief**
For me, the story of CES 2013 was the massive shift of focus from mega-announcements by mega-corporations to the micro-innovations pitched by the crowd-funded. This, to me, is far more exciting than the usual iterative advancements we fixate upon in Las Vegas every year. I don't know what that means for the future of CES as a mega-show, but I can't wait for 2014's iteration.
**[Darren Murph](http://twitter.com/darrenmurph), Managing Editor**
Here's the problem with CES 2013: nothing is shipping soon, and nothing is affordable. But that's also what made CES awesome. I'll one day be able to afford a 4K HDTV, and the new Tegra 4 / Snapdragon gear will one day be in an Android phone I'll crave. Now that the dust has settled, I'm actually pretty amazed that envelopes are still being pushed in a world where people are increasingly content with existing technologies. Onward and upward.
[Continue reading _Wrap-up: Engadget editors sound off on CES 2013_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/)
Filed under: [Announcements](http://www.engadget.com/category/announcements/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/
This was our biggest [CES](http://www.engadget.com/event/ces2013) group of all time, by a long shot. As we pack our bags and return to our home cities around the country and beyond, our team of ace editors took some time to share their final impressions of the show. Scroll down below to hear from Tim Stevens and Darren Murph, who helped to provide invaluable direction and motivation here in Vegas, then click past the break for some brief reports from the rest of the team.
**[Tim Stevens](http://twitter.com/tim_stevens), Editor-in-chief**
For me, the story of CES 2013 was the massive shift of focus from mega-announcements by mega-corporations to the micro-innovations pitched by the crowd-funded. This, to me, is far more exciting than the usual iterative advancements we fixate upon in Las Vegas every year. I don't know what that means for the future of CES as a mega-show, but I can't wait for 2014's iteration.
**[Darren Murph](http://twitter.com/darrenmurph), Managing Editor**
Here's the problem with CES 2013: nothing is shipping soon, and nothing is affordable. But that's also what made CES awesome. I'll one day be able to afford a 4K HDTV, and the new Tegra 4 / Snapdragon gear will one day be in an Android phone I'll crave. Now that the dust has settled, I'm actually pretty amazed that envelopes are still being pushed in a world where people are increasingly content with existing technologies. Onward and upward.
[Continue reading _Wrap-up: Engadget editors sound off on CES 2013_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/)
Filed under: [Announcements](http://www.engadget.com/category/announcements/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/ces-2013-sound-off/
Olive One $400 high-fidelity streaming music player, hands-on
Many's the streamer that can assault your ears with audio of all sorts, but how many can do it simply, with irreproachable fidelity, and at a reasonable price? Few that we can think of, so that's exactly the tact being taken by Olive with its Olive One, a $400 dollar streaming player and amp currently on Indiegogo .
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/olive-one-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-8cdcaea3d59cc2b30b91b8de186a5e13
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/olive-one-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-8cdcaea3d59cc2b30b91b8de186a5e13
Olive One $400 high-fidelity streaming music player, hands-on
Many's the streamer that can assault your ears with audio of all sorts, but how many can do it simply, with irreproachable fidelity, and at a reasonable price? Few that we can think of, so that's exactly the tact being taken by [Olive](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/olives-2tb-o6hd-music-server-makes-audiophiles-and-designers/) with its Olive One, a $400 dollar streaming player and amp currently on [Indiegogo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/indiegogo/). It's a disk-shaped audio player with a built-in HD amplifier, single volume dial and 7-inch touchscreen to choose your music. It includes an iOS, Android and Windows 8 app so that your handset can work as a remote control, while letting you stream music from your slate or phone, too. So how did our (admittedly non-audiophile) ears take to the device when we saw it at CES? Read on past the break to find out.
[Continue reading _Olive One $400 high-fidelity streaming music player, hands-on_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/)
Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/#comments)**
**Source:** [Olive (Indiegogo)](http://www.indiegogo.com/OliveONE)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/
Many's the streamer that can assault your ears with audio of all sorts, but how many can do it simply, with irreproachable fidelity, and at a reasonable price? Few that we can think of, so that's exactly the tact being taken by [Olive](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/17/olives-2tb-o6hd-music-server-makes-audiophiles-and-designers/) with its Olive One, a $400 dollar streaming player and amp currently on [Indiegogo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/indiegogo/). It's a disk-shaped audio player with a built-in HD amplifier, single volume dial and 7-inch touchscreen to choose your music. It includes an iOS, Android and Windows 8 app so that your handset can work as a remote control, while letting you stream music from your slate or phone, too. So how did our (admittedly non-audiophile) ears take to the device when we saw it at CES? Read on past the break to find out.
[Continue reading _Olive One $400 high-fidelity streaming music player, hands-on_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/)
Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Internet](http://www.engadget.com/category/internet/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/#comments)**
**Source:** [Olive (Indiegogo)](http://www.indiegogo.com/OliveONE)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/olive-ones-400-high-fidelity-streaming-music-player-hands-on/
The Android Lag Fix That Really Wasn't
jfruh writes "When Android was first introduced, it got much of its buzz in the open source community, and despite it being a mobile juggernaut backed by huge companies, it remains an open source project that anyone can submit code to. Thus, when a community patch that claimed to reduce the lag that still plagues the platform was created, it rocketed around various community code sites and was widely praised. The only problem: it didn't actually speed Android up."
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=The+Android+Lag+Fix+That+Really+Wasn't%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F10p7Eag) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F12%2F1332204%2Fthe-android-lag-fix-that-really-wasnt%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/1332204/the-android-lag-fix-that-really-wasnt?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
[Read more of this story](http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/1332204/the-android-lag-fix-that-really-wasnt?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884336592/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2774abec/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/Pe8bYlqoXlk/story01.htm
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[Read more of this story](http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/1332204/the-android-lag-fix-that-really-wasnt?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884336592/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2774abec/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/Pe8bYlqoXlk/story01.htm
Madware nuisance ads escalate, plague Android users
Remember when pop-up advertisements inundated your PC browser? It's beginning to happen again, this time on smartphones and touch tablets.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/madware-nuisance-ads-escalate-plague-android-users?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-45c4ae3d2eb63814f02fe5c9741f3d6b
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/madware-nuisance-ads-escalate-plague-android-users?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-45c4ae3d2eb63814f02fe5c9741f3d6b
Should Microsoft Switch To WebKit?
DeviceGuru writes "Although IE remains the one of the top browsers on desktops, it's being trounced on tablets and smartphones by browsers based on WebKit, including Safari, the Android Browser, and Google Chrome. Faced with this uphill battle on handheld mobile devices, Microsoft MVP Bill Reiss has suggested that it might be time for Microsoft to throw in the towel on Trident and switch to WebKit (though Reiss later decided he was wrong). But although there are lots of points in favor of doing so, there are also some good reasons not to, including security and a need for healthy competition to avoid having mobile developers begin to target WebKit rather than standards."
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Should+Microsoft+Switch+To+WebKit%3F%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FV2VaQs) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F12%2F0347256%2Fshould-microsoft-switch-to-webkit%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/0347256/should-microsoft-switch-to-webkit?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/0347256/should-microsoft-switch-to-webkit?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884419357/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2773d6ee/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/n2bw0aCX18M/story01.htm
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[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/12/0347256/should-microsoft-switch-to-webkit?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884419357/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2773d6ee/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/n2bw0aCX18M/story01.htm
Apple Has Found Its Next Huge Market
Apple expects China to overtake the United States as its biggest market, CEO Tim Cook told a Chinese government news agency.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/apple-has-found-its-next-huge-market?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-3382a9dc5b548234e2ed78f6ec44d311
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/apple-has-found-its-next-huge-market?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-3382a9dc5b548234e2ed78f6ec44d311
TourWrist puts a twist on the photo sphere (hands-on video)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/)
You've heard of [Instagram](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Instagram/), right? Are you familiar with Microsoft's [Photosynth](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Photosynth/) and Google's [Photo Sphere](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/android-photo-sphere-panorama-google/) on Nexus phones and tablets? How about Apple's brilliant continuous-scan [panorama mode](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/iphone-5-camera-compared-iphone-4s-low-light-video/) on iOS devices? Well mash all this up and you get TourWrist, an app / social network for sharing photo spheres. The app started life as a social network for virtual tourism and gained one million users since launching in 2010. Here in [Las Vegas](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CES2013/), the company just launched the latest version of TourWrist with a focus on capturing photos spheres. Unlike Microsoft's and Google's approach, which stitches 360-degree images from discrete pictures, the app uses continuous-scan like Apple's panorama mode. The resulting photo spheres are truly impressive and look significantly better than the competition, especially when captured in tricky lighting conditions. All 360-degree images can be shared with other TourWrist users, Instagram-style, and with other social networks by linking to an HTML5-compatible viewer. Take a look at our gallery below and peek after the break for our hands-on video and sample photo sphere captured on site.
**Gallery: [TourWrist hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562867)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562868)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562866)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562865)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5563119)
[Continue reading _TourWrist puts a twist on the photo sphere (hands-on video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [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/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/
You've heard of [Instagram](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Instagram/), right? Are you familiar with Microsoft's [Photosynth](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Photosynth/) and Google's [Photo Sphere](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/android-photo-sphere-panorama-google/) on Nexus phones and tablets? How about Apple's brilliant continuous-scan [panorama mode](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/iphone-5-camera-compared-iphone-4s-low-light-video/) on iOS devices? Well mash all this up and you get TourWrist, an app / social network for sharing photo spheres. The app started life as a social network for virtual tourism and gained one million users since launching in 2010. Here in [Las Vegas](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CES2013/), the company just launched the latest version of TourWrist with a focus on capturing photos spheres. Unlike Microsoft's and Google's approach, which stitches 360-degree images from discrete pictures, the app uses continuous-scan like Apple's panorama mode. The resulting photo spheres are truly impressive and look significantly better than the competition, especially when captured in tricky lighting conditions. All 360-degree images can be shared with other TourWrist users, Instagram-style, and with other social networks by linking to an HTML5-compatible viewer. Take a look at our gallery below and peek after the break for our hands-on video and sample photo sphere captured on site.
**Gallery: [TourWrist hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562867)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562868)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562866)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562865)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5563119)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562868)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562866)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562865)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5563119](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/tourwristhandson03_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562867)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562868)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562866)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5562865)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/tourwrist-hands-on/5563119){kind=link}
[Continue reading _TourWrist puts a twist on the photo sphere (hands-on video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [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/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/tourwrist-puts-a-twist-on-the-photo-sphere-hands-on-video/
Google's Core Business Is In The Middle Of A Fundamental Shift
Stay ahead of key mobile trends with BI Intelligence , Business Insider's new research and analysis service focused on the mobile industry.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/googles-core-business-is-in-the-middle-of-a-fundamental-shift?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/googles-core-business-is-in-the-middle-of-a-fundamental-shift?fromrss=1
Dropbox update for Android brings fast, public photo album sharing
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/dropbox-update-for-android-brings-fast-public-photo-album-sharing/)
[Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Dropbox/) is rapidly bulking up its Android app's photo sharing strength after lavishing some early [attention on iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dropbox-2-0-launches-for-ios-with-new-photos-tab-and-new-ui/). A newly posted refresh for the Google-friendly version lets photographers mass-select whole albums' worth of images quickly to share with anyone, whether they're Dropbox users or not. Android users who've been eager for parity just need to swing by the Google Play source link to get their fill.
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/dropbox-update-for-android-brings-fast-public-photo-album-sharing/#comments)**
**Via:** [Dropbox](https://blog.dropbox.com/2013/01/dropbox-for-android-share-photos-in-a-snap/)
**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dropbox.android)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/dropbox-update-for-android-brings-fast-public-photo-album-sharing/
[Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Dropbox/) is rapidly bulking up its Android app's photo sharing strength after lavishing some early [attention on iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dropbox-2-0-launches-for-ios-with-new-photos-tab-and-new-ui/). A newly posted refresh for the Google-friendly version lets photographers mass-select whole albums' worth of images quickly to share with anyone, whether they're Dropbox users or not. Android users who've been eager for parity just need to swing by the Google Play source link to get their fill.
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/dropbox-update-for-android-brings-fast-public-photo-album-sharing/#comments)**
**Via:** [Dropbox](https://blog.dropbox.com/2013/01/dropbox-for-android-share-photos-in-a-snap/)
**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dropbox.android)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/12/dropbox-update-for-android-brings-fast-public-photo-album-sharing/
Friday, January 11, 2013
Got a New iPhone or Android? Mobile Apps Make Life Easier
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/2013/01/got-a-new-iphone-or-android-mobile-apps-make-life-easier-2?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/got-a-new-iphone-or-android-mobile-apps-make-life-easier-2?fromrss=1
The state of the second screen: Will TV companion apps proliferate or dwindle?
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/)
If you let the rows of 3D and [4k displays](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/panasonic-4k-oled-tv-eyes-on-video/) lining the halls of CES paint a picture of the future of television, you'd be missing a vital component. Tucked away inside a pair of ballrooms on Sin City's famous Strip, representatives from television networks, software companies, cable providers and advertising firms held a powwow dubbed the Second Screen Summit to talk shop and discuss the fate of such experiences after a very busy 2012.
Over the past year, companies ranging from [AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/atandt-u-verse-ipad-app-combines-dvr-control-and-companion-feature/) to [Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/catching-up-on-nintendo-tvii-an-interview-with-i-tv-co-founder/) created a wave of experiences to complement TV content. Even the 2012 Summer Olympics received the second screen treatment with its very own Android and iOS apps, which let users catch live streams of events, access stats and more from the comfort of their couches. With so many solutions on the market, it's not entirely clear who will come out on top, or if there's room on the second screen for these myriad apps to coexist.
[Continue reading _The state of the second screen: Will TV companion apps proliferate or dwindle?_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/)
Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/
If you let the rows of 3D and [4k displays](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/panasonic-4k-oled-tv-eyes-on-video/) lining the halls of CES paint a picture of the future of television, you'd be missing a vital component. Tucked away inside a pair of ballrooms on Sin City's famous Strip, representatives from television networks, software companies, cable providers and advertising firms held a powwow dubbed the Second Screen Summit to talk shop and discuss the fate of such experiences after a very busy 2012.
Over the past year, companies ranging from [AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/atandt-u-verse-ipad-app-combines-dvr-control-and-companion-feature/) to [Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/catching-up-on-nintendo-tvii-an-interview-with-i-tv-co-founder/) created a wave of experiences to complement TV content. Even the 2012 Summer Olympics received the second screen treatment with its very own Android and iOS apps, which let users catch live streams of events, access stats and more from the comfort of their couches. With so many solutions on the market, it's not entirely clear who will come out on top, or if there's room on the second screen for these myriad apps to coexist.
[Continue reading _The state of the second screen: Will TV companion apps proliferate or dwindle?_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/)
Filed under: [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/
A look around Haier's CES 2013 booth: HaiPads, plenty of panels and a wireless blender
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/)
[Haier](http://www.engadget.com/tag/haier) had a pretty formidable booth here at [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013), so naturally, we had to swing by and cast our eyeballs over anything and everything there. A wall of TVs greeted us, which turned out to be the company's [2013 Roku-ready HDTVs and Android-packing smart models](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/haier-hdtv-roku-hxt-qualcomm-snapdragon-s4/). Screens were everywhere, but there was also a table with some finger-friendly equipment like 9.7-, 7- and 5.3-inch [HaiPads](http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/haiers-haipad-ships-in-august-to-become-the-preferred-tablet-o/), as well as a Windows 8 laptop, touchscreen all-in-one and tab / laptop slider. The slider looked pretty nice, but all the aforementioned hardware was set up in Chinese, so we lost interest pretty quickly. A central hall booth wouldn't be the same without a [4K TV](http://www.engadget.com/tag/4k/), but not to worry, Haier had a couple on display -- unfortunately, glare from all the other screens dotted around kind of dampened their impact.
What we were most interested in was all the prototype technologies on show, but all the Haier reps were from the US sales department, so not a soul could talk about the demonstrations. The eye-controlled TV [we saw at IFA last year](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/haier-eye-control-tv-eyes-on/) was getting quite a lot of attention, while the mind-controlled set we've also seen before was almost certainly playing a looping video to give the illusion something was happening. There were also several gesture-controlled models, but one wasn't working and the other was hosting a very basic [Kinect](http://www.engadget.com/tag/kinect)-type game. A ping-pong game played with a "Sensory Remote" was also up on one TV, but looked unresponsive and therefore, unfun. A [multi-view](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/samsung-oled-hdtv-kn55f9500-/) demo using dual 3D specs did what it was supposed to, and a glasses-free 3D TV prototype showed nice depth as long as you were 12+ ft away (the camera can't really replicate the effect, but there's a quick video of it below anyway).
The booth also had a household section which we thought was safe to ignore, until a "wireless blender" caught the eye. "It's just a blender with a battery in it, surely?" this editor asked. "No, there's an [inductive coil](http://www.engadget.com/tag/induction) built into to the underside of the counter," was the reply. Thus was our Haier experience at CES, and to revisit it through our <strike>eyes</strike> lens, check out the gallery below.
_Kevin Wong contributed to this report._
**Gallery: [Haier's booth at CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563267)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563269)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563270)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563271)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563272)
[Continue reading _A look around Haier's CES 2013 booth: HaiPads, plenty of panels and a wireless blender_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Displays](http://www.engadget.com/category/displays/), [Household](http://www.engadget.com/category/household/), [Laptops](http://www.engadget.com/category/laptops/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/
[Haier](http://www.engadget.com/tag/haier) had a pretty formidable booth here at [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013), so naturally, we had to swing by and cast our eyeballs over anything and everything there. A wall of TVs greeted us, which turned out to be the company's [2013 Roku-ready HDTVs and Android-packing smart models](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/haier-hdtv-roku-hxt-qualcomm-snapdragon-s4/). Screens were everywhere, but there was also a table with some finger-friendly equipment like 9.7-, 7- and 5.3-inch [HaiPads](http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/haiers-haipad-ships-in-august-to-become-the-preferred-tablet-o/), as well as a Windows 8 laptop, touchscreen all-in-one and tab / laptop slider. The slider looked pretty nice, but all the aforementioned hardware was set up in Chinese, so we lost interest pretty quickly. A central hall booth wouldn't be the same without a [4K TV](http://www.engadget.com/tag/4k/), but not to worry, Haier had a couple on display -- unfortunately, glare from all the other screens dotted around kind of dampened their impact.
What we were most interested in was all the prototype technologies on show, but all the Haier reps were from the US sales department, so not a soul could talk about the demonstrations. The eye-controlled TV [we saw at IFA last year](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/haier-eye-control-tv-eyes-on/) was getting quite a lot of attention, while the mind-controlled set we've also seen before was almost certainly playing a looping video to give the illusion something was happening. There were also several gesture-controlled models, but one wasn't working and the other was hosting a very basic [Kinect](http://www.engadget.com/tag/kinect)-type game. A ping-pong game played with a "Sensory Remote" was also up on one TV, but looked unresponsive and therefore, unfun. A [multi-view](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/samsung-oled-hdtv-kn55f9500-/) demo using dual 3D specs did what it was supposed to, and a glasses-free 3D TV prototype showed nice depth as long as you were 12+ ft away (the camera can't really replicate the effect, but there's a quick video of it below anyway).
The booth also had a household section which we thought was safe to ignore, until a "wireless blender" caught the eye. "It's just a blender with a battery in it, surely?" this editor asked. "No, there's an [inductive coil](http://www.engadget.com/tag/induction) built into to the underside of the counter," was the reply. Thus was our Haier experience at CES, and to revisit it through our <strike>eyes</strike> lens, check out the gallery below.
_Kevin Wong contributed to this report._
**Gallery: [Haier's booth at CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563267)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563269)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563270)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563271)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563272)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563269)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563270)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563271)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563272](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/1-1357943500_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563267)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563269)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563270)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563271)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haiers-booth-at-ces-2013/5563272){kind=link}
[Continue reading _A look around Haier's CES 2013 booth: HaiPads, plenty of panels and a wireless blender_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Displays](http://www.engadget.com/category/displays/), [Household](http://www.engadget.com/category/household/), [Laptops](http://www.engadget.com/category/laptops/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/haier-ces-2013/
Fleksy Eyes-Free Mobile Keyboard Comes To Android At CES 2013 [Video]
Fleksy, the new mobile keyboard that debuted on iOS back in August, was showing its stuff at CES this year.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/fleksy-eyes-free-mobile-keyboard-comes-to-android-at-ces-2013-video?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/fleksy-eyes-free-mobile-keyboard-comes-to-android-at-ces-2013-video?fromrss=1
Martian Passport Watch mixes Bluetooth and class, ships by March for $299 (hands-on)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-hands-on-ces-2013/)
The world of [Bluetooth watches](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bluetooth,watch/) is getting immensely crowded. After [years of trying](http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/28/fossil-drops-three-more-bluetooth-watches/), it seems as if Bluetooth watch makers finally have a captive audience. The [Pebble](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/pebble-smartwatch-hands-on-video/) smartwatch seems to be leading the charge in the here and now, but for those looking for something a bit less _Jetsons_ and a bit more _Dick Tracy_, there's the Martian Passport. At a glance, the unit itself looks very much like a classic wristwatch, replete with analog hand dials, a knob to change the time, and a metallic casing. Look a little closer, however, and you'll spot a 96 x 16 pixel OLED display, capable of displaying contact names for incoming calls and scrolling new text messages. It's a bit thick (0.52 inches), but it houses a battery that can survive a full two hours of yapping, or seven days in standby. Those needing to juice it back up can do so in a couple of hours via the side-mounted micro-USB port.
Internally, there's a Bluetooth 4.0 chip (which supports classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy), a vibrating motor for notifications, a three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, noise-cancellation microphone, and a couple of menu / select buttons on the left. The whole thing is shockingly well built, oozing quality from every possible pore. It'll play nice with iOS and Android devices, and there's an incoming iOS app that'll add even more functionality in the near future. In our testing here at CES 2013, we found the watch to pick up calls and notifications from an iPhone 4S immediately, and the OLED panel was remarkably easy to see even from a few feet away. Chatting into the watch was predictably awkward, but undercover agents should feel right at home. In all seriousness, audio quality was crisp, and folks on the other end had no issues hearing us.
Is it worth the $299 asking price? That's hard to say. The famed Pebble will begin shipping in just over a week for a measly $149, so you'd have to _really_ prefer the look of this guy to pay double. If that's you, you can get your order in through the source link below.
**Gallery: [Martian Passport Bluetooth watch unboxing and hands-on at CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559408)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559409)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559410)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559411)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559412)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wearables](http://www.engadget.com/category/wearables/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-hands-on-ces-2013/#comments)**
**Source:** [Martian Watches](http://martianwatches.com/products/passport-watch/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-hands-on-ces-2013/
The world of [Bluetooth watches](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bluetooth,watch/) is getting immensely crowded. After [years of trying](http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/28/fossil-drops-three-more-bluetooth-watches/), it seems as if Bluetooth watch makers finally have a captive audience. The [Pebble](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/pebble-smartwatch-hands-on-video/) smartwatch seems to be leading the charge in the here and now, but for those looking for something a bit less _Jetsons_ and a bit more _Dick Tracy_, there's the Martian Passport. At a glance, the unit itself looks very much like a classic wristwatch, replete with analog hand dials, a knob to change the time, and a metallic casing. Look a little closer, however, and you'll spot a 96 x 16 pixel OLED display, capable of displaying contact names for incoming calls and scrolling new text messages. It's a bit thick (0.52 inches), but it houses a battery that can survive a full two hours of yapping, or seven days in standby. Those needing to juice it back up can do so in a couple of hours via the side-mounted micro-USB port.
Internally, there's a Bluetooth 4.0 chip (which supports classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy), a vibrating motor for notifications, a three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, noise-cancellation microphone, and a couple of menu / select buttons on the left. The whole thing is shockingly well built, oozing quality from every possible pore. It'll play nice with iOS and Android devices, and there's an incoming iOS app that'll add even more functionality in the near future. In our testing here at CES 2013, we found the watch to pick up calls and notifications from an iPhone 4S immediately, and the OLED panel was remarkably easy to see even from a few feet away. Chatting into the watch was predictably awkward, but undercover agents should feel right at home. In all seriousness, audio quality was crisp, and folks on the other end had no issues hearing us.
Is it worth the $299 asking price? That's hard to say. The famed Pebble will begin shipping in just over a week for a measly $149, so you'd have to _really_ prefer the look of this guy to pay double. If that's you, you can get your order in through the source link below.
**Gallery: [Martian Passport Bluetooth watch unboxing and hands-on at CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559408)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559409)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559410)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559411)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559412)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559409)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559410)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559411)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559412](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/d3s8276_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559408)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559409)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559410)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559411)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-unboxing-and-hands-on-at-ces-2013/5559412){kind=link}
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wearables](http://www.engadget.com/category/wearables/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-hands-on-ces-2013/#comments)**
**Source:** [Martian Watches](http://martianwatches.com/products/passport-watch/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/martian-passport-bluetooth-watch-hands-on-ces-2013/
Konka Expose 970 hands-on
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/konka-expose-970-hands-on/)
[Konka](http://www.engadget.com/tag/konka) phones rarely (if ever) grace our desks at home, but the company certainly makes a solid effort to show them off to the masses at trade shows like CES. The latest device featured at Konka's booth is the Expose 970, which offers a 4.5-inch qHD IPS screen, dual-core 1GHz unspecified CPU, Android 4.0, 8MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing cam. We took a few minutes out of the last day of the show to stop by and peek at the 970, and our experiences are just about the same as what we anticipated: the qHD display was clear and bright, the screen was actually quite responsive and the processor seemed to perform pretty well for a lower-end dual-core. The Kanzi UI is pretty easy to figure out -- the icons are very reminiscent of what you'd find on Meizu's [Flyme OS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/meizu-mx-4-core-review/). The phone is a little thicker than we'd like to see, and the back cover is definitely on the glossy end of the fingerprint magnet spectrum. If curiosity gets the best of you, head below to scope out a few images of the latest Konka.
**Gallery: [Konka Expose 970 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562947)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562948)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562949)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562950)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562953)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/konka-expose-970-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/konka-expose-970-hands-on/
[Konka](http://www.engadget.com/tag/konka) phones rarely (if ever) grace our desks at home, but the company certainly makes a solid effort to show them off to the masses at trade shows like CES. The latest device featured at Konka's booth is the Expose 970, which offers a 4.5-inch qHD IPS screen, dual-core 1GHz unspecified CPU, Android 4.0, 8MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing cam. We took a few minutes out of the last day of the show to stop by and peek at the 970, and our experiences are just about the same as what we anticipated: the qHD display was clear and bright, the screen was actually quite responsive and the processor seemed to perform pretty well for a lower-end dual-core. The Kanzi UI is pretty easy to figure out -- the icons are very reminiscent of what you'd find on Meizu's [Flyme OS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/meizu-mx-4-core-review/). The phone is a little thicker than we'd like to see, and the back cover is definitely on the glossy end of the fingerprint magnet spectrum. If curiosity gets the best of you, head below to scope out a few images of the latest Konka.
**Gallery: [Konka Expose 970 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562947)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562948)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562949)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562950)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562953)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562948)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562949)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562950)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562953](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc06013-1357939487_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562947)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562948)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562949)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562950)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/konka-escort-970-hands-on/5562953){kind=link}
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/konka-expose-970-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/konka-expose-970-hands-on/
2013: The year that Valve attacks
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/)
I lost a bet with myself at CES 2013. In [the gaming preview](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-gaming/) we published ahead of this week's big show, I wrote, "As per usual, the games industry and CES are acquaintances at best -- at least from what we've heard thus far. Perhaps this will be the year that bucks the years-long trend, but we're not betting on it." Wrong. _Wrong_. But hey, this is one of those, "glad to be wrong" situations. NVIDIA shocked everyone with its first Tegra 4 device, [Project Shield](http://www.engadget.com/tag/projectshield), which is essentially NVIDIA's first in-house dedicated gaming handheld. Not only does it play Android games, but more importantly, it streams full retail games from your NVIDIA GPU-based PC, all on its high-res 5-inch screen. Heck, it even has [Steam's Big Picture Mode](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bigpicturemode) built right in, allowing you to explore Steam and purchase games, as well as push them directly to your television (employing Shield as your controller).
And then [Valve's internal hardware prototypes](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/eyes-on-with-valves-steambox-prototypes/) popped up, confirming what we've heard murmurs of for months: the company's head down on creating a PC for your living room. Not exactly _shocking_, but certainly _exciting_; the plans are still nebulous, but Valve's [confirmed we'll see hardware in 2013](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/steambox-interview-jeff-keyzer/). We even saw some third-parties stepping up with their own versions of Valve's initiative. [Xi3's Piston](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/hands-on-with-xi3s-piston-modular-pc-at-ces/) is the first such creation revealed, though the company's staying tight-lipped about specs -- we do know that Xi3's working directly with Valve on its tiny, modular PC. It's barely 2013, and already Valve's Steambox initiative is dominating gaming news. Let's call it right here -- this is the year that Valve attacks.
**Gallery: [Eyes-on with Valve's Steam Box prototypes](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554323)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554324)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554326)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554328)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554329)
[Continue reading _2013: The year that Valve attacks_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/)
Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Gaming](http://www.engadget.com/category/gaming/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Sony](http://www.engadget.com/category/sony/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/category/nintendo/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/
I lost a bet with myself at CES 2013. In [the gaming preview](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/engadgets-ces-2013-preview-gaming/) we published ahead of this week's big show, I wrote, "As per usual, the games industry and CES are acquaintances at best -- at least from what we've heard thus far. Perhaps this will be the year that bucks the years-long trend, but we're not betting on it." Wrong. _Wrong_. But hey, this is one of those, "glad to be wrong" situations. NVIDIA shocked everyone with its first Tegra 4 device, [Project Shield](http://www.engadget.com/tag/projectshield), which is essentially NVIDIA's first in-house dedicated gaming handheld. Not only does it play Android games, but more importantly, it streams full retail games from your NVIDIA GPU-based PC, all on its high-res 5-inch screen. Heck, it even has [Steam's Big Picture Mode](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bigpicturemode) built right in, allowing you to explore Steam and purchase games, as well as push them directly to your television (employing Shield as your controller).
And then [Valve's internal hardware prototypes](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/eyes-on-with-valves-steambox-prototypes/) popped up, confirming what we've heard murmurs of for months: the company's head down on creating a PC for your living room. Not exactly _shocking_, but certainly _exciting_; the plans are still nebulous, but Valve's [confirmed we'll see hardware in 2013](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/steambox-interview-jeff-keyzer/). We even saw some third-parties stepping up with their own versions of Valve's initiative. [Xi3's Piston](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/hands-on-with-xi3s-piston-modular-pc-at-ces/) is the first such creation revealed, though the company's staying tight-lipped about specs -- we do know that Xi3's working directly with Valve on its tiny, modular PC. It's barely 2013, and already Valve's Steambox initiative is dominating gaming news. Let's call it right here -- this is the year that Valve attacks.
**Gallery: [Eyes-on with Valve's Steam Box prototypes](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554323)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554324)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554326)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554328)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554329)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554324)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554326)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554328)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554329](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/tmo0001dsc07142gallery_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554323)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554324)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554326)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554328)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/eyes-on-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/5554329){kind=link}
[Continue reading _2013: The year that Valve attacks_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/)
Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Gaming](http://www.engadget.com/category/gaming/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/), [Sony](http://www.engadget.com/category/sony/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/category/nintendo/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/valve-steambox-2013-editorial/
Huawei Ascend G350 hands-on (video)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/)
[Huawei](http://www.engadget.com/tag/huawei) made waves with three major [phone announcements](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/huawei-press-event-liveblog-ces-2013/) at this year's [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013), but the Chinese phone maker brought along another unannounced device to show off in its booth. Called the Ascend G350, this lower-specced handset's main feature is its IP68 certification, which means the device is dustproof and waterproof (Huawei reps specified waterproof, not water-resistant). Aside from that, the dual-core 1GHz processor, Android 4.1, AT&T-compatible HSPA (7.2Mbps) and UMTS, 5MP rear-facing camera and VGA front-facing cam are the headlining features.
Because of the phone's durability, the G350 is on the pudgy side at 12mm thick. However, the 4-inch WVGA display makes it a little easier to maintain a good grip, so it's not overwhelmingly large by any means. If anything, the biggest issue we had with the phone was the dim display; cranked up at full brightness on the show floor, we still had an incredibly difficult time seeing anything with clarity. No pricing or availability has been announced yet, but we suspect that this device will be a lower-end phone geared toward anyone working in extreme weather or other harsh conditions. Check out our photo gallery and video overview below.
**Gallery: [Huawei G350 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562903)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562904)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562908)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562911)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562912)
[Continue reading _Huawei Ascend G350 hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/
[Huawei](http://www.engadget.com/tag/huawei) made waves with three major [phone announcements](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/huawei-press-event-liveblog-ces-2013/) at this year's [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013), but the Chinese phone maker brought along another unannounced device to show off in its booth. Called the Ascend G350, this lower-specced handset's main feature is its IP68 certification, which means the device is dustproof and waterproof (Huawei reps specified waterproof, not water-resistant). Aside from that, the dual-core 1GHz processor, Android 4.1, AT&T-compatible HSPA (7.2Mbps) and UMTS, 5MP rear-facing camera and VGA front-facing cam are the headlining features.
Because of the phone's durability, the G350 is on the pudgy side at 12mm thick. However, the 4-inch WVGA display makes it a little easier to maintain a good grip, so it's not overwhelmingly large by any means. If anything, the biggest issue we had with the phone was the dim display; cranked up at full brightness on the show floor, we still had an incredibly difficult time seeing anything with clarity. No pricing or availability has been announced yet, but we suspect that this device will be a lower-end phone geared toward anyone working in extreme weather or other harsh conditions. Check out our photo gallery and video overview below.
**Gallery: [Huawei G350 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562903)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562904)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562908)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562911)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562912)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562904)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562908)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562911)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562912](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05954_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562903)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562904)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562908)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562911)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/huawei-g350-hands-on/5562912){kind=link}
[Continue reading _Huawei Ascend G350 hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Wireless](http://www.engadget.com/category/wireless/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/huawei-ascend-g350-hands-on-video/
Preview Coming for Chrome for Android With New Beta Channel
Google is now offering a beta channel release for its Chrome for Android web browser. If you want to test new features, or just like getting those features before everyone else, you can grab a copy of the Chrome beta from the Google Play Store today.
URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/1R8wbaw5hXE/
URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/1R8wbaw5hXE/
Android 4.2.2 supposedly shipping with new Nexus 4 units
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/android-4-2-2-supposedly-shipping-with-new-nexus-4-units/)
Google has a tendency to post minor Android updates on devices and timetables we [wouldn't entirely expect](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/motorola-xoom-wifi-android-4-0-4/). We might just be witnessing a repeat: both Brazil's _Adrenaline_ and Malaysia's _Lowyat.net_ claim to have seen newly shipping [Nexus 4s](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/) with an as yet unannounced Android 4.2.2. What's new in the extra 0.0.1's worth of code isn't immediately evident, although the update (if real) isn't known to be rolling out as a separate upgrade for existing devices. We've reached out to Google for comment; [let us know](http://www.engadget.com/about/tips/) if you see any 4.2.2-based surprises in the interim.
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/), [LG](http://www.engadget.com/category/lg/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/android-4-2-2-supposedly-shipping-with-new-nexus-4-units/#comments)**
**Source:** [Adrenaline (translated)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=pt&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fadrenaline.uol.com.br%2Fmobile%2Fnoticias%2F15156%2Ffotos-exclusivas-do-smartphone-nexus-4-que-comeca-a-ser-fabricado-dia-11-no-brasil.html), [Lowyat.net](http://www.lowyat.net/2013/01/11/3624/breaking-android-4-2-2-discovered-in-nexus-4/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/android-4-2-2-supposedly-shipping-with-new-nexus-4-units/
Google has a tendency to post minor Android updates on devices and timetables we [wouldn't entirely expect](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/motorola-xoom-wifi-android-4-0-4/). We might just be witnessing a repeat: both Brazil's _Adrenaline_ and Malaysia's _Lowyat.net_ claim to have seen newly shipping [Nexus 4s](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/) with an as yet unannounced Android 4.2.2. What's new in the extra 0.0.1's worth of code isn't immediately evident, although the update (if real) isn't known to be rolling out as a separate upgrade for existing devices. We've reached out to Google for comment; [let us know](http://www.engadget.com/about/tips/) if you see any 4.2.2-based surprises in the interim.
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/), [LG](http://www.engadget.com/category/lg/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/android-4-2-2-supposedly-shipping-with-new-nexus-4-units/#comments)**
**Source:** [Adrenaline (translated)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=pt&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fadrenaline.uol.com.br%2Fmobile%2Fnoticias%2F15156%2Ffotos-exclusivas-do-smartphone-nexus-4-que-comeca-a-ser-fabricado-dia-11-no-brasil.html), [Lowyat.net](http://www.lowyat.net/2013/01/11/3624/breaking-android-4-2-2-discovered-in-nexus-4/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/android-4-2-2-supposedly-shipping-with-new-nexus-4-units/
Amid Customer Loss, Japan's DoCoMo Carrier Opens Door to iPhone
Japan's largest mobile carrier, NTT DoCoMo, is open to a deal to carry Apple's iPhone, the company's president said in a Japanese newspaper report , translated and disseminated by BrightWire Friday.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/amid-customer-loss-japans-docomo-carrier-opens-door-to-iphone?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/amid-customer-loss-japans-docomo-carrier-opens-door-to-iphone?fromrss=1
Fibaro home automation system comes to the US, company releases smart power strip (video)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/)
If you've heard of Fibaro already, you'll just have to forgive us this post: although the home automation system is already available in 43 countries, it's just arriving in the US, with the main box about to go on sale for $699. In a nutshell, the system works not over WiFi, but using the [Z-wave](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Zwave/) protocol. The base station itself can connect to as many as 240 lights and switches, with support for all sorts of devices: heat and cooling systems, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, doorbells, dehumidifiers and motion sensors. For each of these, you can program any number of macros -- e.g., "close the shades when the temperature reaches 68 degrees". Like [Nest](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/nest-learning-thermostat-gets-refreshed-with-a-slimmer-design-i/) (a US-only product) it eventually learns your usage habits, and offers up tips on how to conserve energy.
In particular, though, the system uses geolocation to track members of the household, so you an also do things like set the heat to come on when you're a mile away from home. Separately, the company is also releasing a smart power strip, which logs your energy use for various gadgets, and then sends that data to an iOS app. (An Android version is in development.) No word on how much it'll cost in the US, though in Europe it'll cost 64 euro, tax included.
**Gallery: [Fibaro hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560438)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560439)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560440)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560441)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560442)
[Continue reading _Fibaro home automation system comes to the US, company releases smart power strip (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/)
Filed under: [Household](http://www.engadget.com/category/household/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/
If you've heard of Fibaro already, you'll just have to forgive us this post: although the home automation system is already available in 43 countries, it's just arriving in the US, with the main box about to go on sale for $699. In a nutshell, the system works not over WiFi, but using the [Z-wave](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Zwave/) protocol. The base station itself can connect to as many as 240 lights and switches, with support for all sorts of devices: heat and cooling systems, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, doorbells, dehumidifiers and motion sensors. For each of these, you can program any number of macros -- e.g., "close the shades when the temperature reaches 68 degrees". Like [Nest](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/nest-learning-thermostat-gets-refreshed-with-a-slimmer-design-i/) (a US-only product) it eventually learns your usage habits, and offers up tips on how to conserve energy.
In particular, though, the system uses geolocation to track members of the household, so you an also do things like set the heat to come on when you're a mile away from home. Separately, the company is also releasing a smart power strip, which logs your energy use for various gadgets, and then sends that data to an iOS app. (An Android version is in development.) No word on how much it'll cost in the US, though in Europe it'll cost 64 euro, tax included.
**Gallery: [Fibaro hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560438)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560439)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560440)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560441)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560442)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560439)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560440)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560441)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560442](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc04739-1357870968_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560438)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560439)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560440)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560441)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/fibaro-hands-on/5560442){kind=link}
[Continue reading _Fibaro home automation system comes to the US, company releases smart power strip (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/)
Filed under: [Household](http://www.engadget.com/category/household/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/fibaro-home-automation-hands-on/
Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 arrives on AT&T for $200 without contract
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/)
The [Lenovo IdeaTab A2107](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/lenovo-ideatab-a2107-gets-formal-unveiling-at-ifa-2012-a-rugged/), which was announced at IFA this past fall, has now officially been adopted by AT&T as its newest member of the carrier's tablet lineup. You can grab the 7-inch slate for $200 without worrying about a two-year commitment (if you're okay with a contract, you can grab it for $100). The tablet houses a MTK dual-core Cortex A9 processor, runs Android 4.0 and utilizes a 1,024 x 600 display. Additional specs include WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and FM radio. For more info, head to the press release below.
[Continue reading _Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 arrives on AT&T for $200 without contract_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/)
Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/category/atandt/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/#comments)**
**Source:** [AT&T](http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=23663&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=35928&mapcode=mk-att-emerging-devices%7Cwireless)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/
The [Lenovo IdeaTab A2107](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/lenovo-ideatab-a2107-gets-formal-unveiling-at-ifa-2012-a-rugged/), which was announced at IFA this past fall, has now officially been adopted by AT&T as its newest member of the carrier's tablet lineup. You can grab the 7-inch slate for $200 without worrying about a two-year commitment (if you're okay with a contract, you can grab it for $100). The tablet houses a MTK dual-core Cortex A9 processor, runs Android 4.0 and utilizes a 1,024 x 600 display. Additional specs include WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and FM radio. For more info, head to the press release below.
[Continue reading _Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 arrives on AT&T for $200 without contract_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/)
Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [AT&T](http://www.engadget.com/category/atandt/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/#comments)**
**Source:** [AT&T](http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=23663&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=35928&mapcode=mk-att-emerging-devices%7Cwireless)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/lenovo-ideatab-a2107/
Groupon Expands Square-Like Mobile Payments Service to Android
Groupon said this morning that its mobile payments service is now available to Android users, after launching first on the iPhone in September.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/groupon-expands-square-like-mobile-payments-service-to-android?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-464e182d0bd93e79bc4e687a74d1104a
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/groupon-expands-square-like-mobile-payments-service-to-android?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-464e182d0bd93e79bc4e687a74d1104a
State Police Launch New App to Help Fight Terrorism
A new smartphone application has been developed to help the Pennsylvania State Police receive reports regarding suspicious activity that may be linked to terrorism.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/state-police-launch-new-app-to-help-fight-terrorism?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-6b50f214698714ac6336e652029c6971
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/state-police-launch-new-app-to-help-fight-terrorism?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-6b50f214698714ac6336e652029c6971
Chrome 24 Released, Chrome Beta Channel For Android Added
An anonymous reader writes "Google has released Chrome version 24 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can update to the latest release now using the browser's built-in silent updater, or download it directly from google.com/chrome. The biggest improvement on the user side of things is the speed increase. Google's own Octane JavaScript test shows that this is the fastest Chrome release yet. When the beta came out in November, the company was touting that Chrome had become 26 percent faster on Octane than it was last year. Now it's even faster. Google also announced it is introducing a new Chrome beta channel for phones and tablets running Android 4.0 or higher. You can download version 25.0.1364.8 right now directly from Google Play (since this is a beta, it's not available via search; you'll need to use the link). The release of version 25 is significant because it means Google is attempting to bring Chrome for Android in line with the desktop version. The current release of Chrome for Android is version 18, last updated in November."
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Chrome+24+Released%2C+Chrome+Beta+Channel+For+Android+Added%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FSoLwt6) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F11%2F1639202%2Fchrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/11/1639202/chrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/11/1639202/chrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884397118/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/276e3ef1/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/vF4cslUtrW8/story01.htm
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Chrome+24+Released%2C+Chrome+Beta+Channel+For+Android+Added%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FSoLwt6) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F11%2F1639202%2Fchrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/11/1639202/chrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
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[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/11/1639202/chrome-24-released-chrome-beta-channel-for-android-added?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884397118/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/276e3ef1/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/vF4cslUtrW8/story01.htm
Firefox 19 betas: built-in PDF viewing, broader Android reach
Adobe Systems' Flash Player plug-in has been under attack in Web development circles for years, but now Adobe's Reader software is becoming more of a target in the war against plug-ins. Mozilla released the with its own built-in PDF reader, called PDF.js , which uses the browser's own JavaScript engine to decode the Adobe-created but ... (more)
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/firefox-19-betas-built-in-pdf-viewing-broader-android-reach?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/firefox-19-betas-built-in-pdf-viewing-broader-android-reach?fromrss=1
See any Tattoo on yourself with TattooFX on iOS and Android
Cathead Studios, an innovative mobile application developer, is excited today to announce their most epic app so far, TattooFX for iPhone and iPod touch.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/see-any-tattoo-on-yourself-with-tattoofx-on-ios-and-android?fromrss=1
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/see-any-tattoo-on-yourself-with-tattoofx-on-ios-and-android?fromrss=1
Samsung Tizen: Announcing The Death Of Mobile For Microsoft And RIM?
I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it .
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/samsung-tizen-announcing-the-death-of-mobile-for-microsoft-and-rim?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-de23ff46451a66318af652d0c247f2f0
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/samsung-tizen-announcing-the-death-of-mobile-for-microsoft-and-rim?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-de23ff46451a66318af652d0c247f2f0
A fourth of Android apps are high risk security threats, says Trustgo
MOBILE SECURITY OUTFIT Trustgo has found that over 25 percent of Android apps worldwide feature code that can leverage application permissions and create security vulnerablities.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/a-fourth-of-android-apps-are-high-risk-security-threats-says-trustgo?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-da538ffdaa1d1f2b5aeee2addeae5e15
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/a-fourth-of-android-apps-are-high-risk-security-threats-says-trustgo?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-da538ffdaa1d1f2b5aeee2addeae5e15
Google starts giving more developers the ability to reply to Google Play comments
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/google-starts-giving-more-developers-the-ability-to-reply-to-goo/)
Google first gave some leading developers the ability to reply to user comments on [Google Play](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googleplay/) last year, but it looks like it's now letting considerably more devs in on the act. While it's not yet clear when (or if) all developers will be able to do so, a spokesperson has confirmed to _The Next Web_ that the feature is now "gradually expanding" to additional Android app developers. On its developer site, Google further clarifies that developers will only be able to reply to any comment once, and it outlines a few fairly straightforward posting guidelines -- namely, that developers should "make it clear and relevant," "be nice," "don't solicit or promote" and "keep it clean." Users will also receive an email notifying them of the developer's reply, and be given the ability to update their original comment and rating (presumably with the goal of avoiding one star reviews for issues beyond their control). Google also adds that the ability to comment is "a privilege, not a right," and that apps and accounts can be suspended if developers violate the guidelines.
Filed under: [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/google-starts-giving-more-developers-the-ability-to-reply-to-goo/#comments)**
**Via:** [Phone Arena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-begins-allowing-all-developers-to-respond-to-user-comments-and-reviews-on-Google-Play_id38577?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20phonearena%2FySoL%20%28Phone%20Arena%20-%20Latest%20News%29)
**Source:** [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/01/10/all-developers-can-now-respond-to-user-comments-and-reviews-on-google-play/), [Google Play for Developers](http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138230)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/google-starts-giving-more-developers-the-ability-to-reply-to-goo/
Google first gave some leading developers the ability to reply to user comments on [Google Play](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googleplay/) last year, but it looks like it's now letting considerably more devs in on the act. While it's not yet clear when (or if) all developers will be able to do so, a spokesperson has confirmed to _The Next Web_ that the feature is now "gradually expanding" to additional Android app developers. On its developer site, Google further clarifies that developers will only be able to reply to any comment once, and it outlines a few fairly straightforward posting guidelines -- namely, that developers should "make it clear and relevant," "be nice," "don't solicit or promote" and "keep it clean." Users will also receive an email notifying them of the developer's reply, and be given the ability to update their original comment and rating (presumably with the goal of avoiding one star reviews for issues beyond their control). Google also adds that the ability to comment is "a privilege, not a right," and that apps and accounts can be suspended if developers violate the guidelines.
Filed under: [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/google-starts-giving-more-developers-the-ability-to-reply-to-goo/#comments)**
**Via:** [Phone Arena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-begins-allowing-all-developers-to-respond-to-user-comments-and-reviews-on-Google-Play_id38577?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20phonearena%2FySoL%20%28Phone%20Arena%20-%20Latest%20News%29)
**Source:** [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/01/10/all-developers-can-now-respond-to-user-comments-and-reviews-on-google-play/), [Google Play for Developers](http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138230)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/google-starts-giving-more-developers-the-ability-to-reply-to-goo/
CES 2013 day 4: Samsung's bendy phone screen, Android oven, and more
Our rapid roundup of the other things happening on the showfloor as reported elsewhere, as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas begins to wind down Day 4 of CES always sees the journalists and exhibitors all getting a bit battle-weary. The big keynotes are done, the big themes will have been dealt with, and Apple will have done something ... (more)
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/ces-2013-day-4-samsungs-bendy-phone-screen-android-oven-and-more?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-258e746176b443166dd7671558393389
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/ces-2013-day-4-samsungs-bendy-phone-screen-android-oven-and-more?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-258e746176b443166dd7671558393389
Two-Tuner Tablet TV
At first look, RCA's Mobile TV Tablet is just another one of the many Android tablets on the market.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/two-tuner-tablet-tv?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-7149b44615c95d0664f428ffbbf24ae5
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/two-tuner-tablet-tv?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-7149b44615c95d0664f428ffbbf24ae5
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Rapoo TV claims to make 'any HDTV smart, ' is compatible with iOS and Android
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/rapoo-tv-ios-android/)
Less than 24 hours after announcing the [H9080](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/rapoo-h9080-wireless-headphones-promise-mellow-bass-10-hour-bat/) wireless headphones, Rapoo's let it be known that its [CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/event/ces2013/articles/) repertoire also includes a little something for the living room (or bedroom, depending on where you prefer to enjoy your downtime). With its Rapoo TV, the company's touting the ability to turn any HDTV into one with intelligent features -- essentially, though, it is a wireless receiver that allows iOS and Android devices to connect to it, allowing them to mirror mostly any content on the bigger screen. Of course, there might be some better options for [iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-tv-2012-hands-on/) users (and [Android soon](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Miracast/), we imagine) in the market already, but the company's still hoping some folks may have room for yet another set-top-like unit in their home. The company says the Rapoo TV will be available sometime in Q1 of this year, however there's no word on pricing just yet.
Filed under: [Misc](http://www.engadget.com/category/misc/), [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/rapoo-tv-ios-android/#comments)**
**Source:** [Rapoo](http://www.rapoo.com)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/rapoo-tv-ios-android/
Less than 24 hours after announcing the [H9080](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/rapoo-h9080-wireless-headphones-promise-mellow-bass-10-hour-bat/) wireless headphones, Rapoo's let it be known that its [CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/event/ces2013/articles/) repertoire also includes a little something for the living room (or bedroom, depending on where you prefer to enjoy your downtime). With its Rapoo TV, the company's touting the ability to turn any HDTV into one with intelligent features -- essentially, though, it is a wireless receiver that allows iOS and Android devices to connect to it, allowing them to mirror mostly any content on the bigger screen. Of course, there might be some better options for [iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-tv-2012-hands-on/) users (and [Android soon](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Miracast/), we imagine) in the market already, but the company's still hoping some folks may have room for yet another set-top-like unit in their home. The company says the Rapoo TV will be available sometime in Q1 of this year, however there's no word on pricing just yet.
Filed under: [Misc](http://www.engadget.com/category/misc/), [Home Entertainment](http://www.engadget.com/category/home-entertainment/), [HD](http://www.engadget.com/category/hd/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/rapoo-tv-ios-android/#comments)**
**Source:** [Rapoo](http://www.rapoo.com)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/rapoo-tv-ios-android/
Mobile Apps
KARE11.com, the Twin Cities community leader for news, weather, sports, and traffic can be found anywhere you are.
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/mobile-apps?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-12ed3522be25310f2d80aa03d53a9523
URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/mobile-apps?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-12ed3522be25310f2d80aa03d53a9523
Symbian Sells Millions, Despite Nokia Pushing Windows Phone
Nerval's Lobster writes "During the fourth quarter of 2012, Nokia sold 4.4 million Lumia smartphones--a significant rise from the previous quarter, which featured sales of 2.9 million Lumia devices. The Lumia line runs Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system, which largely replaced Symbian as Nokia's smartphone software of choice. Despite that shift and Nokia's emphasis on Windows Phone, however, the company still sold 2.2 million Symbian smartphones during the quarter. The question remains whether Nokia should have gone with Windows Phone in the first place, or embraced an alternate platform such as Android; an anti-Elop camp has emerged in recent months, arguing that Symbian was still a viable platform before Elop consigned it to the dustbin of tech history. For now at least, both sides seem to be right: Symbian still sells despite Nokia's attempts to take it increasingly offline, and Lumia phones are selling well. It'll take more time--perhaps a lot more time--before the ramifications of Elop's bet become clear."
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Symbian+Sells+Millions%2C+Despite+Nokia+Pushing+Windows+Phone%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FRIPBXD) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F10%2F2326220%2Fsymbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/10/2326220/symbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/10/2326220/symbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884294603/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2767451c/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/e6T1BFFabdc/story01.htm
[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Symbian+Sells+Millions%2C+Despite+Nokia+Pushing+Windows+Phone%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FRIPBXD) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F10%2F2326220%2Fsymbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/10/2326220/symbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)
](http://twitter.com/home?status=Symbian+Sells+Millions%2C+Despite+Nokia+Pushing+Windows+Phone%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FRIPBXD){kind=link}
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[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/10/2326220/symbian-sells-millions-despite-nokia-pushing-windows-phone?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.
[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884294603/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2767451c/a2.htm)
URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/e6T1BFFabdc/story01.htm
Huawei's Richard Yu confirms 8-core chip for 2H 2013, teases super slim P series phone for MWC
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/huawei-8-core-chip-mwc-p-series/)
We never thought our day could get any better after [Huawei's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/huawei/) Consumer Business Group CEO [Richard Yu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/richardyu/) became available again for our CES stage interview (there was originally a "last minute urgent conflict"), but our man was also kind enough to share a couple more scoops with us. First of all, Huawei will be [joining Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/samsung-announces-exynos-5-octa-chip-at-ces/) at the octa-core Cortex-A15 party in the second half of this year, and given what Yu's told us [earlier this week](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/huawei-hisilicon-k3v3/), our guess is that this will either be the HiSilicon K3V3 or a sister chipset, again manufactured by [TSMC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/tsmc/).
The second scoop of the day was delivered fresh off the stage after the interview. Yu told us exclusively that at MWC next month, Huawei will be unveiling a super slim follow-up to the current P series Android phones. We asked if it'll be even thinner than 6.45mm (the thickness of the [Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/alcatel-one-touch-idol-ultra/) announced at CES), and Yu said yes. The exec added that the new phone will have a beautiful metallic body as well. Exciting times, right?
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/huawei-8-core-chip-mwc-p-series/#comments)**
**Via:** [Engadget Chinese](http://chinese.engadget.com/2013/01/10/richard-yu-8-core-second-half-2013/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/huawei-8-core-chip-mwc-p-series/
We never thought our day could get any better after [Huawei's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/huawei/) Consumer Business Group CEO [Richard Yu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/richardyu/) became available again for our CES stage interview (there was originally a "last minute urgent conflict"), but our man was also kind enough to share a couple more scoops with us. First of all, Huawei will be [joining Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/samsung-announces-exynos-5-octa-chip-at-ces/) at the octa-core Cortex-A15 party in the second half of this year, and given what Yu's told us [earlier this week](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/huawei-hisilicon-k3v3/), our guess is that this will either be the HiSilicon K3V3 or a sister chipset, again manufactured by [TSMC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/tsmc/).
The second scoop of the day was delivered fresh off the stage after the interview. Yu told us exclusively that at MWC next month, Huawei will be unveiling a super slim follow-up to the current P series Android phones. We asked if it'll be even thinner than 6.45mm (the thickness of the [Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/alcatel-one-touch-idol-ultra/) announced at CES), and Yu said yes. The exec added that the new phone will have a beautiful metallic body as well. Exciting times, right?
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/huawei-8-core-chip-mwc-p-series/#comments)**
**Via:** [Engadget Chinese](http://chinese.engadget.com/2013/01/10/richard-yu-8-core-second-half-2013/)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/huawei-8-core-chip-mwc-p-series/
Gadmei 3D HD Pad hands-on (video)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/)
While some have declared 3D dead, Chinese electronics firm [Gadmei](http://www.engadget.com/tag/gadmei/) doesn't appear to have received the memo. Cruising the outskirts of the Las Vegas Convention Center, we came across the company's forthcoming glasses-free 3D HD Pad. The device packs an 8.1-inch 1,280 x 800 display, a 1.5GHz Cortex-A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a 5,000 mAh battery and Android 4.2. Sure, these specs aren't much to gawk at, but the real draw here is the tablet's display-altering software that allows users to toggle between 2D and 3D viewing on select applications.
Entering this demonstration with skepticism, we must say that we were pleasantly surprised with the 3D HD Pad's visual effects. Somewhat reminiscent of using a [Nintendo 3DS](http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/nintendo-3ds-review/), viewing angles were limited, but once we found a sweet spot we were good to go. The tablet's 3D capabilities would likely be most effective resting against some type of stand. Visual gimmicks aside, the device has a solid build quality and Jelly Bean ran fairly smooth on its modest hardware.
[Continue reading _Gadmei 3D HD Pad hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/)
Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/
While some have declared 3D dead, Chinese electronics firm [Gadmei](http://www.engadget.com/tag/gadmei/) doesn't appear to have received the memo. Cruising the outskirts of the Las Vegas Convention Center, we came across the company's forthcoming glasses-free 3D HD Pad. The device packs an 8.1-inch 1,280 x 800 display, a 1.5GHz Cortex-A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a 5,000 mAh battery and Android 4.2. Sure, these specs aren't much to gawk at, but the real draw here is the tablet's display-altering software that allows users to toggle between 2D and 3D viewing on select applications.
Entering this demonstration with skepticism, we must say that we were pleasantly surprised with the 3D HD Pad's visual effects. Somewhat reminiscent of using a [Nintendo 3DS](http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/nintendo-3ds-review/), viewing angles were limited, but once we found a sweet spot we were good to go. The tablet's 3D capabilities would likely be most effective resting against some type of stand. Visual gimmicks aside, the device has a solid build quality and Jelly Bean ran fairly smooth on its modest hardware.
[Continue reading _Gadmei 3D HD Pad hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/)
Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/gadmei-3d-hd-pad-hands-on-ces-2013/
Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go hands-on (video)
[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/)
Remember [Romo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Romo/), the adorable iPhone-faced track-equipped robot? We met up with Romotive in Vegas at [CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CES2013/) to play with the 3rd generation model that was [recently launched](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/16/romos-return-the-cute-little-smartphone-robot/) on [Kickstarter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Kickstarter/). The company also gave us an exclusive first look at a 3rd generation prototype with [Lightning](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Lightning/) connector. We sat down with CEO Keller Rinaudo to discuss the new robot and catch up on what the team's achieved over the past year.
As a refresher, we [first encountered](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/09/insert-coin-romo-the-smartphone-robot-video/) Romo when we covered it for our [Insert Coin](http://www.engadget.com/tag/InsertCoin/) feature in October 2011. Back then, the robot used rudimentary analog electronics and plugged into the iPhone's headphone jack. After a successful initial Kickstarter campaign, Romotive moved from Seattle to Las Vegas where we caught up the team [on our stage](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-romotive/) during CES 2012. The 2nd generation model was available both pre-assembled and it kit form with support for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. It was upgraded to digital electronics but still used the audio interface to control its tracks and featured hacker-friendly auxiliary ports. Hit the break for more.
**Gallery: [Romo gen 3 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536691)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536690)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536693)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536692)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536674)
[Continue reading _Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Robots](http://www.engadget.com/category/robots/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Apple](http://www.engadget.com/category/apple/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/
Remember [Romo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Romo/), the adorable iPhone-faced track-equipped robot? We met up with Romotive in Vegas at [CES 2013](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CES2013/) to play with the 3rd generation model that was [recently launched](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/16/romos-return-the-cute-little-smartphone-robot/) on [Kickstarter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Kickstarter/). The company also gave us an exclusive first look at a 3rd generation prototype with [Lightning](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Lightning/) connector. We sat down with CEO Keller Rinaudo to discuss the new robot and catch up on what the team's achieved over the past year.
As a refresher, we [first encountered](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/09/insert-coin-romo-the-smartphone-robot-video/) Romo when we covered it for our [Insert Coin](http://www.engadget.com/tag/InsertCoin/) feature in October 2011. Back then, the robot used rudimentary analog electronics and plugged into the iPhone's headphone jack. After a successful initial Kickstarter campaign, Romotive moved from Seattle to Las Vegas where we caught up the team [on our stage](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-romotive/) during CES 2012. The 2nd generation model was available both pre-assembled and it kit form with support for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. It was upgraded to digital electronics but still used the audio interface to control its tracks and featured hacker-friendly auxiliary ports. Hit the break for more.
**Gallery: [Romo gen 3 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/)**
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536691)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536690)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536693)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536692)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536674)
[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536690)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536693)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536692)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536674](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/romogen3handson18_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536691)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536690)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536693)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536692)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/romo-gen-3-hands-on/5536674){kind=link}
[Continue reading _Romo gen 3 gains Lightning connector, we go hands-on (video)_](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/)
Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Robots](http://www.engadget.com/category/robots/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Apple](http://www.engadget.com/category/apple/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/#comments)**
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/romo-gen-3-gains-lightning-connector-we-go-hands-on-video/
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