With cable-cutting on the rise, so is mobile streaming live TV

New mobile TV streaming technology was on display at CES this year, from apps to tablets that can pick up a signal.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/with-cable-cutting-on-the-rise-so-is-mobile-streaming-live-tv-2?fromrss=1

Mobile Miscellany: week of January 14th, 2013

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/mobile-miscellany/)

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought smartphone leaks from Samsung and Kyocera, along with news that Rogers will take on additional colors of the Lumia 920. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "[best of the rest](http://www.engadget.com/tag/mm/)" for this week of January 14th, 2013.

### Rugged Samsung Galaxy XCover 2 leaks


Samsung's rugged successor to the original [Galaxy XCover](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/samsung-galaxy-xcover-gets-uncovered-in-germany-dares-us-to-dro/) has emerged with a 4-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, a 5 megapixel rear camera and Jelly Bean. The phone will also sport 4GB of internal storage, a microSD slot and a 1,700mAh battery. Specifications of its CPU are currently unknown, but we may learn more about the Galaxy XCover 2 during Mobile World Congress. [[SamMobile](http://www.sammobile.com/2013/01/18/exclusive-next-generation-of-the-galaxy-x-cover-is-here/)]

### Kyocera Torque tipped for Sprint debut


The crew at _Unwired View_ have provided our first look at the Kyocera Torque, which is a rugged Android smartphone that's said to be in the pipeline for Sprint. Unfortunately, other relevant specs remain absent from the scene. [[Unwired View](http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/01/14/sprints-kyocera-torque-e6710-rugged-android-phone-with-lte-hits-the-fcc/)]

### Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus emerges for Latin America


According to _SamMobile_, Samsung has a pint-sized smartphone known as the Galaxy Pocket Plus that's headed to Latin America. The device contains a 2.8-inch QVGA (320 x 240) display, an 850MHz CPU from Broadcom, a 2 megapixel camera and Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone will also include 4GB of built-in storage and a 1,200mAh battery. [[SamMobile](http://www.sammobile.com/2013/01/15/samsung-to-bring-the-galaxy-pocket-plus-soon/)]

### Other random tidbits

* Sprint has begun work to deploy its LTE network to 28 additional cities in the coming months. None are significant population centers. [[Sprint](http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=2495)]
* Rogers has announced that it'll bring the Lumia 920 in red, white and yellow to its lineup in the coming weeks. [[Rogers](http://redboard.rogers.com/2013/you-spoke-we-listened-rogers-is-bringing-you-red-white-and-yellow-nokia-lumia-920s/)]
* Verizon has extended its LTE network to Coos Bay and Pendleton, Ore. and Yakima, Wash. [[Droid Life](http://www.droid-life.com/2013/01/16/verizon-announces-a-few-new-4g-lte-markets-to-be-lit-up-tomorrow/)]

[Mobile Miscellany photo credit: [Thristian](http://www.flickr.com/photos/thristian/) / [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/thristian/4591410590/sizes/z/in/photostream/)]

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/2013/01/19/mobile-miscellany/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/mobile-miscellany/

Responsive Design: What to Know

As more devices are built at consumer-friendly price points, more of your site visitors will come from what we currently consider "mobile devices" From iPads to Android tablets, the Kindle Fire to smartphones of every size and shape, hand-held devices are accounting for a larger share of website visits each month.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/responsive-design-what-to-know?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-254570555ed6f2f1a38678b38b2f8050

Android Botnet Infects 1 Million Plus Phones

Trailrunner7 writes "Up to a million Android users in China could be part of a large mobile botnet, according to research unveiled by Kingsoft Security, a Hong Kong-based security company, this week. The botnet has spread across phones running the Android operating system via Android.Troj.mdk, a Trojan that researchers said exists in upwards of 7,000 applications available from non-Google app marketplaces, including the popular Temple Run and Fishing Joy games." Update: 01/19 12:54 GMT by S : Changed summary to reflect that these apps didn't come from Google Play.

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Android+Botnet+Infects+1+Million+Plus+Phones%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F19%2F0735259%2F%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dtwitter) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F19%2F0735259%2Fandroid-botnet-infects-1-million-plus-phones%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/01/19/0735259/android-botnet-infects-1-million-plus-phones?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/01/19/0735259/android-botnet-infects-1-million-plus-phones?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151884602511/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/27b22d9d/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/QL1JqKgnwOU/story01.htm

Hurry to reserve your seat on MWC 13 flight

Hardened Mobile World Congress attendees are well aware that procrastination is not the name of the game when it comes to visiting Barcelona in late February 2013 for the cellular industry's biggest conference and show.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/hurry-to-reserve-your-seat-on-mwc-13-flight?fromrss=1

Pantech Discover review: a budget phone has never looked so premium

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/pantech-discover-review/)

Watch out, folks: [Pantech](http://www.engadget.com/tag/pantech) is moving up the AT&T food chain. Once known in the US as little more than a budget brand, the Korean company is learning that it's possible to push out a device with premium components without increasing the going price (while choosing an outside-the-box design at the same time). The latest piece of evidence supporting this is the [Discover](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/pantech-discover-att/), a $50 smartphone with enough trimmings to turn some heads. But will the phone set a new precedent for its pricing tier, or is it just blindly checking off items on a spec sheet to-do list? Follow us after the break and find out.

### Hardware

On our stage at CES, Pantech's Manager of US Marketing Chandra Thompson [told us](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/pantech-interview/) that nearly 60 percent of the company's employees are dedicated to R&D, a claim that certainly can't be made by very many companies. We were quite surprised to hear that from a company like Pantech -- it caters almost exclusively to the penny-pinching demographic in the US, so it's easy to dismiss its hardware as cheap and unexciting.

Au contraire, naysayers: the Discover, Pantech's latest budget-friendly offering on AT&T, actually bucks the trend of the stereotypical slab, making it a visually arresting device to behold. The curvaceous back is chock-full of contours, but each one is done up in a way that enhances how the phone feels when you hold it in your hands. (We can't help but be reminded of the [Sony Xperia arc](http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-review/) when looking at it.) In fact, we'll go ahead and say that the Discover is one of the most comfortable phones we've used in recent history; its chassis hits the ruler at 134.2 x 68.6 x 9.1mm (5.3 x 2.7 x 0.36 inches) and gives us a solid grip that made us confident it wouldn't slip out of our grasp. It's also relatively light, weighing in at 4.76 ounces (135g).


Much of that has to do with the textured plastic material on the removable back panel, which adds just the right amount of traction without drawing too much attention to itself. The Discover is not only attractive; it also exudes durability. If you've only handled it for a few minutes it might be hard to tell that the device is as inexpensive as it is. We were happy to discover (pun not intended) that the back doesn't flex or creak when you add pressure, lending even more credibility to the phone relative to its pricing tier.

The front of the device shows off the 4.8-inch 720p TFT screen, with a 2MP front-facing camera and the typical array of sensors above. You won't find any capacitive nav buttons on the bottom, as the Discover uses virtual keys instead. To take the place of the missing keys, you'll expectedly find a Pantech logo.

The sides are where the Discover starts to get really interesting. The phone bulges near the top to make room for a pair of 3D surround sound speakers, and the back cover tapers inward to meet up with the chrome edge. The speaker grilles are dotted with a snowflake-like pattern -- the only hole in this analogy is that they're all exactly alike. On the left side, adjacent to the grille, you'll find a volume rocker that blends in perfectly with the rest of the chrome trim; the top end houses the power button and 3.5mm headphone jack, while the bottom end is where you plug in your micro-USB charger.


Completing our tour, we take you to the back of the Discover, which is where the 12.6MP rear-end camera module is located, with the LED flash directly beneath. You'll also see a pair of logos for AT&T and Pantech, but neither is so ridiculously large so as to distract from the overall elegance of the device. Rip open that removable cover and you'll find slots for the micro-SIM and microSD cards, as well as the replaceable 2,100mAh battery and NFC contacts.

Antenna-wise, the Discover is packed with plenty of radios: GSM / EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900; HSPA+ / UMTS 850/1900/2100; and LTE 700/850/1900/AWS. While most observers may be puzzled by the inclusion of four LTE bands when AT&T's network is only currently utilizing two (700 / AWS), it actually means that your device will continue working properly if the operator decides to begin refarming 850 / 1900 HSPA+ spectrum for the use of LTE. Many of AT&T's latest phones offer the same new LTE setup, but it's typically not advertised -- in the past we've had to dig into each handset's FCC filings to figure it out.


Rounding out the specs, the Discover also offers aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n, 16GB of internal storage and supports DLNA. That microSD slot is capable of holding cards up to 32GB in size. There is, however, one glaring omission: there's no LED notification light.

### Display


Now, let's dive deeper into the display itself. Typically, the only time we see a $50 phone sporting a panel with a 720p (1,280 x 720) resolution is either when it's on sale or is near the end of its retail shelf life (such is the case with the [HTC One X](http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/htc-one-x-review/)). Thus, the fact that Pantech is pushing out a device with a higher-end screen at such a low price point should be enough to get any budget-conscious consumer excited. But how is it in real life? How does the display hold up against similar offerings?

While the HTC One X still holds the crown for best 720p display, the Discover doesn't disappoint. It's not quite as bright as the One X, but it certainly bests the [Galaxy S III](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review/) in this area. We also like the decent viewing angles and natural-looking colors -- it's definitely less saturated than the GS III, but then again, most phones are. It doesn't use a PenTile matrix, so the fonts were crisp and easy to read without any jagged edges getting in our way.

### Software


Pantech is just as creative in its firmware design as it is in hardware. The Discover runs Android 4.0.4 ([Ice Cream Sandwich](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/)), though company reps have told us that [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/) is in the works -- unfortunately, they wouldn't tell us which version, but this is at least a step in the right direction. Despite the fact it's running now-antiquated firmware, it at least throws in quite a few differentiators that make its custom skin one of the most unique we've encountered on this side of the Pacific.

For starters, the app dock on the front screen allows 14 total icons, instead of the standard four. How so? If you look carefully, you'll see arrows on either side of the dock indicating that you can swipe left or right for more shortcuts, folders or apps. We imagine this will only come in handy if you prefer using most of your front screen space for widgets, but it's a nice touch regardless.

Additionally, while the virtual nav buttons at the bottom of the display feature the usual suite of back, home and recent apps, Pantech throws in a tiny menu button on the right-hand side that's visible only on the front screen. (It doesn't replace or duplicate the settings buttons you'll find in most apps.) Pressing it brings up a menu that overlays the app dock and offers widgets, wallpaper, themes, settings and tips. Sounds great in theory, but it's absolutely pointless since long-pressing the home screen achieves exactly the same result.


Moving on to the app menu, you'll first notice that widgets are nowhere to be found -- you'll need to access them using the settings bar. Pantech has chosen to use the tab space on top to enhance the group-viewing experience. Essentially, you can choose to put any of your apps into customizable groups -- just as if they're a separate folder -- and each group you create gets its own tab up on top. You can also assign each tab its own specific color and change the name to whatever you want; even better, you can also long-press the tab to install the entire group as a folder on your home screen, making it less work for you to set up groups in multiple places.

The navigation menu also has a few tweaks of its own: the top of the menu features a quick settings bar (nothing new there) and a second bar for settings shortcuts. This bar, which can be collapsed if you deem it unnecessary, includes icons for sound, WiFi, display, Bluetooth and more -- the idea is to get you one step closer to these individual settings, thus reducing the amount of time you spend trying to reach them. We don't foresee this saving more than a fraction of a second, but it's there for you as an option if you want.


Pantech is also taking a page out of Samsung's book by introducing its own set of motion / gesture controls. The concept is roughly the same: by waving your hand left and right over the front-facing camera, you can answer calls and navigate through pics and music without touching the screen. It worked much better than we expected; the camera recognized our hands from as far away as two feet.

Speaking of looking to Samsung for inspiration, the Discover also features a pop-up video option. When you begin watching a video, tap the proper button near the top of the screen and it hovers above whatever app you want to use simultaneously. You can also do something similar in the music app: the press of a button will float a "now playing" widget (which can be switched to playlist view as well) above your other programs.


Easy Experience Mode is offered with the Pantech Discover. We went into more detail on this particular feature in our review of the [Flex](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/26/pantech-flex-review/), but in a nutshell: Easy Experience is essentially a special introductory launcher that helps first-time smartphone users settle into the whirlwind world of Android without experiencing as drastic a learning curve. There's less stuff to customize, the font and icons are a little larger and the app menu is much more streamlined. Not much is different on the Discover, with the exception of a new toggle switch on the main UI, which makes it pretty easy to go back and forth between the two modes.

As you might expect, you'll still have the normal onslaught of preloaded apps (though fortunately Pantech lets you hide unwanted apps or tuck them away in groups), but AT&T is pushing one new program in particular: DriveMode. The app is intended to prevent drivers from reading texts or taking calls when on the road. When your driving speed is above 25MPH, the service (which can be disabled if you prefer) sends an automatic SMS response to anyone who calls you or sends a text, letting them know you'll get in touch with them as soon as you've finished your journey. It definitely does the job as intended -- when we first began this review, our unit had the service enabled by default, and it showed up as soon as we hit the right speed. (Disclaimer: the reviewer was in the passenger seat when making this discovery.)



Lastly, the Discover uses the same stock Skyfire browser as the [HTC One VX](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/htc-one-vx-review/) and [LG Optimus G ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/)(among others). This means it comes with the love-or-hate browser bar at the bottom of the screen that offers several shortcuts and other settings. It appears that this particular browser is here to stay, and we shouldn't be surprised to see it continue to surface on future AT&T models.

One major quirk with the UI is that Pantech doesn't really take full advantage of the vertical space afforded to it. In addition to the virtual keys taking up room at the bottom of the screen, most of the phone's UI elements are much larger than your typical device. The app dock on the front screen, the extra settings in the navigation menu and even the tabs on top of the app menu are easy to press, but you only get this benefit by sacrificing precious screen real estate.

### Camera


The weakest link in every Pantech phone we've ever reviewed is the camera. The 8MP sensor used in the Flex was certainly an improvement over the 5MP models used [previously](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/pantech-burst-review/), but it still couldn't hold a candle to Samsung's and HTC's 8-megapixel units. So what did we get out of the Discover's 12.6-megapixel rear-facing cam? Pixel count isn't everything, after all.

First, let's go over the user interface on the camera. The shutter button sidebar consists of a few toggle switches: front / rear, camcorder and HDR. The other sidebar is where you'll find your various settings, as well as shortcuts that can be customized to specific things you tweak the most (this bar is free of shortcuts by default -- you have to add them in at your leisure). Among the listed settings are exposure, flash, resolution, white balance, color effects and focus mode (in which you can choose between touch focus and tracking focus). Long-pressing the viewfinder in touch mode will lock your focus, and then you can touch the screen another time to lock exposure.

Speaking of which, the Discover is missing the ability to lock focus on objects in low-light or near-dark conditions; the phone doesn't give us the option to use LED flash as a focus mechanism prior to taking the shot, so you may need to take several images in low light before it truly comes out the way it should. The LED flash itself is sufficiently bright, so that particular part of the camera isn't an issue.

In fact, low-light images in general didn't turn out very well. Perhaps a big part of the problem is the fact that Pantech didn't throw in any special modes like the ones you'll find on the One X, Galaxy S III and other flagships. No low-light, night or candlelight modes are offered; the phone doesn't even have macro mode. Unfortunately, it's just not as decked out as we'd like it to be. Frankly, this is to be expected on a phone that is geared toward the budget user, but we have a hard time understanding exactly why Pantech would go through the effort of boosting the megapixel count without enhancing the actual image-taking experience.

While we have a difficult time recommending the Discover's camera over the proven modules found on the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III, the images on the Discover were still at least par with what we originally expected (which unfortunately isn't saying much). We had quite a few issues with washed-out colors, middling dynamic range and soft focus. The upside is that white balance seemed to be pretty good. Regardless, it's not the point-and-shoot replacement you'd like it to be.

We actually didn't have so much to complain about with the video capture performance (MPEG-4, 18 Mbps bit rate, 30fps frame rate). It was very smooth when catching motion or panning, and the mics picked up our voice loud and clear. Its only drawback was that it couldn't properly handle sunlight without ultimately washing out the colors in the process.

### Performance and battery life


On the performance side, the Discover doesn't bring anything new to the table. It sports the same 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus processor that we enjoyed on the [Burst](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/pantech-burst-review/) and Flex, along with 1GB RAM and an Adreno 225 GPU. Thus, it shouldn't come as any surprise that its actual output is nearly the same. Responsiveness is great and lag is near non-existent when performing most processor-heavy tasks. All told, we didn't feel like we were using a subpar handset. Gaming was also as smooth as we've come to expect on an S4 Plus device. Here's how the Discover benchmarks against some similarly priced phones on AT&T's network:

Pantech Discover HTC One VX LG Escape

**Quadrant v2**
5,782
5,242
5,026

**Vellamo 2.0**
1,928
1,268
1,461

**AnTuTu 3.0**
9,652
10,552
N/A

**SunSpider 0.9.1 (ms)**
1,614
1,504
1,598

**GLBenchmark 2.5 Egypt 1080p Offscreen (fps)**
14
12
11

**CF-Bench**
9,824
7,423
8,112

SunSpider: lower scores are better.

In terms of battery life, our standard endurance test -- looping a video with a series of notifications rolling in the background -- went on for six hours and 45 minutes. That's hardly spectacular, but it's still better than what we saw on the HTC One VX. What this means is that moderate users can make it through an entire day before having to charge up the phone, but anyone who uses the device extensively will get a solid nine or 10 hours out of it. However, unless you're barely using it, you shouldn't expect it to last overnight and into the next day.

On AT&T's LTE network in Salt Lake City, the Discover zoomed through speed tests at an average of 18 Mbps down and 12 Mbps up. Keep in mind that this number may vary depending on the strength of your local network. We had mixed results with the phone's WiFi performance; on multiple occasions it randomly disconnected from our preferred network and would refuse to reconnect again (it often would get stuck in an endless loop, going back and forth between "connecting" and "saved"). Quickly shutting WiFi off and then turning it on again typically resolved the problem, but that's of course an annoyance.

When it came to actually making phone calls, our callers could hear us perfectly loud and clear. Noise cancelling was in full force, as callers had no idea that we were in a noisy room. On our end, other voices came through crystal clear, although the volume was a little softer than we would have preferred.


So what about the dual 3D surround sound speakers on the Discover? In a couple words: not bad. Thing is, it's louder than your typical budget phone, so in that sense you're getting your money's worth; however, we could barely tell any difference between it and the audio output on flagship phones like the [iPhone 5](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/) and Samsung Galaxy S III. In fact, when doing direct comparisons between the three devices, the Discover's sound was on the tinny side and not as full or rich as the others. Again, it's pretty good for its intended price range, but not the best out there. One other thing: while the surround sound concept works okay when the phone's in portrait mode, it's a completely different story when you're watching movies in landscape, since both speakers are on the same side. It's pretty difficult to mimic stereo sound very well with this kind of setup.

### Pricing and comparison

Going by the spec sheet alone, the Pantech Discover blows away any other brand-new device in its price range -- you may see some better-specced phones on sale around the $50 margin, but this surpasses any other budget or midrange phone that has begun at this particular cost. On AT&T's network, the next in line would be the HTC One VX, a phone that for the same amount of money snags you a qHD display, 5MP rear camera, 8GB internal storage and a few other mid-range specs to go along with it. While we were fond of the VX, the Discover ultimately offers more bang for your buck.

### Wrap-up


With each of its recent phones, Pantech has shown that it's possible to make an inexpensive handset without sacrificing premium components. It specializes in the lower-end (in the US, at least), and it does its job very well. With a going price of $50 (after a two-year commitment), it's sure to turn quite a few heads. It's far from perfect, of course, but right now, at least, we have a hard time seeing how anyone could make a better budget device.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/pantech-discover-review/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/pantech-discover-review/

Why Java Is Still Relevant in the Mobile Age

It was an unintended affair. At the time, I was following a trend with the limited language of C++, which didn't even have operator overloading or templates, but boasted simplicity and the ability to write the code once and run it anywhere .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/why-java-is-still-relevant-in-the-mobile-age?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-2469f19c7a3a37679ae4f30d848fa338

Sky Go Extra will let users download shows to their mobile devices for £5 a month

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/sky-go-extra/)

Being able to watch Sky TV on the go using, erm, [Sky Go](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/sky-go-update-adds-support-for-14-more-android-devices-jelly-be/), is great, but streaming video away from your home router can often be costly, especially if you're on [EE's basic LTE plan](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/22/ee-details-uk-4g-pricing/). Thankfully, the broadcaster is looking to launch Sky Go Extra, which, if _The Telegraph_ is to believed, will allow up to four users to download anything from the Murdoch library straight to their mobile device. Adding such functionality to your family's viewing habits will set you back £5 a month (after a two month free trial) but that also includes unlimited access to the company's [first-window](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/19/sky-warner-bros-deal/) [movie catalog](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/07/james-bond-channel-sky/), a jewel it's [paid heavily](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/06/sky-nbc-universal-deal-extended/) to keep out of the hands of rivals such as <strike>Netflix</strike> [Lovefilm](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/netflix-uk-bests-lovefilm-instant-on-tv-shows-but-lacks-amazon/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/sky-go-extra/#comments)**

**Source:** [The Telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9811713/Sky-Go-Extra-download-service-to-launch-this-week.html), [(2)](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9811307/Sky-Go-Extra-The-whole-TV-experience-is-changing.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/19/sky-go-extra/

Top Android smartphones between Rs 20k-30k

With newer smartphones hitting the market every other day, older models' prices are dropping every passing day.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/top-android-smartphones-between-rs-20k-30k?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-3a7b9f2bb654337d19dd472ccacd5afd

Live2Support Introduces Live Chat App for Android Mobile and Tablets

Live2Support Inc., a leader in Live Chat solutions, announced an interactive Live Chat application for Android mobile and tablets, further expanding its portfolio of Live Chat solutions.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/live2support-introduces-live-chat-app-for-android-mobile-and-tablets?fromrss=1

Onebip launches subscription payments for Android

Onebip, the global mobile payments service from Neomobile, today announced the launch of its subscription payment service for Android devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/onebip-launches-subscription-payments-for-android?fromrss=1

Opera Takes On Mobile Web Browsing With Ice For Android And iOS

In an internal video released today by web browser company, Opera, the initial programmer of the new concept showed off a beta of the new Opera browser scheduled to go live for iOS and Android in February of this year.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/opera-takes-on-mobile-web-browsing-with-ice-for-android-and-ios?fromrss=1

Facebook for Android update touts speedier photo viewing, ability to send voice messages

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/facebook-android-update/)

While the recently announced [Graph Search](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/15/facebook-graph-search-hands-on/) has taken most Facebook-related headlines of late, let's not forget [Zuckerberg himself](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-says-mobile-apps-top-focus/) said that mobile applications are undoubtedly one of the company's main focus areas. And although today's Android update isn't nearly as major as the one [from last month](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/), something tells us "likers" and "pokers" alike will still appreciate the new tidbits -- which include an option to share stories to Groups, Pages and [Timeline](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/facebook-rolls-out-timeline-feature-worldwide-time-to-untag-som/), faster viewing / opening of photos, as well as a feature ([relatively known](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/facebook-adds-voice-recording-to-messenger-testing-voip-service/), mind you) that allows for the sending of voice messages to friends straight from the app. Those _eager_ to grab the update now should hit the Google Play link below, where the latest Android treats from the social network giant are only a mere click away.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/facebook-android-update/#comments)**

**Via:** [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2013/01/18/facebook-for-android-updated-with-faster-photo-viewing-broader-story-sharing-and-voice-messages/)

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/facebook-android-update/

Got a New iPhone or Android? Mobile Apps Make Life Easier in the Bloomingdale-Riverview Area

Receiving a smartphone is a bit like adopting 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-in-the-bloomingdale-riverview-area?fromrss=1

Opera's WebKit-based Ice web browser coming to Android and iOS in February

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/opera-ice-webkit-browser-android-ios/)

Opera has been in the mobile web browser game for [some time now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/operamini/), but it looks like it's set to soon shake things up considerably. As detailed in an internal video obtained by _Pocket-lint_, the company has been working on an all-new mobile browser dubbed "Ice," which ditches the company's own Presto engine in favor of [WebKit](http://www.engadget.com/tag/webkit/) (bringing it in line with the likes of Safari and Chrome). What's more, Ice looks to fully embrace a touch interface optimized for smartphones and tablets, with gestures replacing buttons and icons on a central home screen replacing tabs. You can apparently look for it to land on both Android and iOS sometime in February, with a new desktop version of Opera set to follow in March (details on it are comparatively light). Head on past the break for some highlights from the video.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/opera-ice-webkit-browser-android-ios/#comments)**

**Via:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/18/operas-new-ice-mobile-browser-launching-in-february-for-android-and-ios-drops-presto-for-webkit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29)

**Source:** [Pocket-lint](http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/49375/opera-ice-new-webkit-browser)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/opera-ice-webkit-browser-android-ios/

Google Handwrite gets better at interpreting your multi-lingual finger scribbles

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-handwrite-update/)

When [Google's Handwrite feature launched](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/google-handwrite-lets-us-scribble-our-way-through-mobile-searches/) this past summer, we welcomed the ability to compose our queries instead of pecking keys. Problem is, Handwrite had a bad habit of confusing our 1's and l's -- and despite the growing size of smartphone screens, it's still difficult to fit written words on them. Well, Big G has solved those problems with the latest Handwrite upgrades. The system now provides alternative interpretations of ambiguous characters so you can choose what's propper, and it lets you write letters on top of one another instead of spelling them out across the width of the screen. Not only that, folks who search using Chinese characters are no longer limited to single-character input. Want to know if it can interpret _your_ chicken scratch? Head on over to Google.com and enable Handwrite under settings on the iOS or Android device of your choosing.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-handwrite-update/#comments)**

**Source:** [Inside Search: The official Google Search Blog](http://insidesearch.blogspot.com/2013/01/google-handwrite-gets-easier-and-faster.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-handwrite-update/

Sprint's first Windows Phone 8 device hits the FCC in HTC garb

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/sprint-windows-phone-fcc/)

The only news coming out of Sprint's camp at [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces2013) was its partnership with HTC and Samsung to launch [Windows Phone 8](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sprint-announces-summer-timeframe-for-windows-phone-launch-part/) devices by this summer. Given this deadline, we were a bit surprised to see the first WP8 phone -- the HTC PL80110 -- already passing through the [FCC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/fcc) approval process. The telltale sign that this particular device is heading to Sprint is its use of band 25 LTE, a frequency that's used specifically by the Now Network. Other details are rather thin, aside from the inclusion of NFC, EVDO and 1xRTT, but what's important here is that Sprint may actually be ahead of schedule with its Windows Phone plans. Now, if only the carrier had the same attitude towards its LTE deployment.

**Update:** There is one element to this FCC doc that's adding a bit of confusion. The docs (as seen below) clearly mention that this is a Windows Phone, though HTC's typical naming scheme dictates that this should be the One SV, an Android device. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.


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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/sprint-windows-phone-fcc/#comments)**

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=536762&typ=id8374&fcc_id='NM8PL80110')

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/sprint-windows-phone-fcc/

Engadget Mobile Podcast 166 - 1.16.2013

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/engadget-mobile-podcast-166-1-16-2013/)

Yeah, we had a two podcasts during CES, but that doesn't mean we're done with it just yet. Still sleep-deprived and filled with excitement from the show floor, it's time to catch up on the tech we didn't get a chance to discuss -- and the stuff we couldn't get enough of. Is octa-core really CPU related or a villain from the world of Batman? Is Samsung's Youm a new dessert or some exciting flexible display technology? Is T-Mobile poised to conquer the mobile realm this year? Most importantly, is everything that happened prior to CES officially a blur for Myriam and Brad? You'll just have to tune in after the break to find out!

**Hosts:** Myriam Joire ([tnkgrl](http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/)), Brad Molen

**Producer:** Joe Pollicino

**Music: **[Tycho](http://ghostly.com/artists/tycho) - [Coastal Brake](http://ghostly.com/releases/coastal-brake) ([Ghostly International](http://ghostly.com/))

**Hear the podcast**

00:08:43 - [Intel Lexington-based phones](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/visualized-intel-lexington-based-smartphones-from-acer-and-xolo/)
00:16:51 - [Samsung Youm flexible display tech](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/samsung-names-flexible-oled-display-series-youm-shows-prototype/)
00:20:17 - [Tactus morphing touchscreen keyboard](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/samsung-galaxy-grand-dual-core-wvga-5inch/)
00:23:29 - [Wysips solar-cell display hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/wysips-solar-cell-display-reaches-milestone/)
00:27:02 - [Samsung ATIV Odyssey for Verizon](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/samsung-ativ-odyssey-for-verizon-hands-on/)
00:29:11 - [Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 for Verizon](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-for-verizon-hands-on/)
00:29:28 - [Engadget CES interview with Verizon's Praveen Atreya](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/verizon-interview/)
00:42:24 - [T-Mobile's Las Vegas LTE launch](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/t-mobile-lte-launching-in-las-vegas-within-weeks/)
00:42:24 - [HTC One SV for Cricket hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/htc-one-sv-hands-on/)
00:46:05 - [HTC design: Hits & misses](http://www.engadget.com/tag/htc,review/)
00:52:29 - [iPhone on T-Mobile, maybe, soon? ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/t-mobile-chief-says-iphone-may-becoming-soon/)
00:52:51 - [T-mobile HD Voice launch](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/t-mobile-tap-tag-and-hd-voice-hands-on/)
00:53:13 - [T-mobile contract-free unlimited data plans](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/t-mobile-contract-free-unlimited-data/)
00:54:53 - [T-Mobile Tap Tag NFC app for Android hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/t-mobile-tap-tag-and-hd-voice-hands-on/)
00:56:30 - [A4WP wireless charging](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/hands-on-a4wp-prototypes/)
01:01:55 - [CES 2013 smartphone roundup](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/14/ces-2013-roundup-smartphones/)
01:08:15 - [Pebble smartwatch hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/pebble-smartwatch-hands-on-video/)
01:26:37 - [Twitter question: Motorola Droid M vs. Verizon Nexus?](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/motorola-droid-razr-m-review-a-very-good-ics-handset-in-a-small/)
01:30:18 - Extended thoughts on octa-core


****Subscribe to the podcast**
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****Download the podcast**
**[LISTEN (MP3)](http://www.engadget.com/podcasts/EngadgetMobile_Podcast_166.mp3)
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****Contact the podcast**
podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.**

****Follow us on Twitter**
[@tnkgrl](http://twitter.com/tnkgrl) [@phonewisdom](http://twitter.com/phonewisdom) [@engadgetmobile](http://twitter.com/engadgetmobile)**

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/engadget-mobile-podcast-166-1-16-2013/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/engadget-mobile-podcast-166-1-16-2013/
Enclosure: http://www.engadget.com/podcasts/EngadgetMobile_Podcast_166.mp3

Enclosure: http://www.engadget.com/podcasts/EngadgetMobile_Podcast_166.m4a

Enclosure: http://www.engadget.com/podcasts/EngadgetMobile_Podcast_166.mp3

Another Giant Android Phone Is Coming...

At the Consumer Electronics Show, the company teased that it'd be announcing a new device next month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/another-giant-android-phone-is-coming?fromrss=1

Archos 101 Titanium pops up in FCC docs, confirms what we already know

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/archos-101-titanium-fcc/)

You'd think bigger (screen size) would mean better (resolution). But not for [Archos'](http://www.engadget.com/tag/archos/) recently announced [10.1-inch Titanium tablet](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/archos-titanium-line/). No, this particular tab, which just surfaced at the FCC, actually sports a comparatively middling 1,280 x 800 IPS display -- when contrasted with the Retina-like screen on the 9.7-inch model, anyway. We've already gotten [hands-on with the Android 4.1 slate](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/archos-titanium-hands-on/) back at [CES](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ces+2013/) last week, so there's no real surprise where specs are concerned: dual-core 1.6GHz Rockchip CPU, quad-core GPU, WiFi b/g/n and a 3.7V Li-ion battery. The main takeaway here? Well, you could be seeing it hit US shores sometime soon, just don't expect any carrier affiliation.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/archos-101-titanium-fcc/#comments)**

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=177366&fcc_id=SOVAN10G4)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/archos-101-titanium-fcc/

Google experiments with hardware-based authentication, envisions passwordless future

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-experiments-with-hardware-based-authentication/)

2012 was not a great year for security. From the "[epic hack](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/07/amazon-apple-stop-taking-key-account-changes-over-the-phone/)" of _Wired's_ Mat Honan to the breach of [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/dropbox-confirms-security-breach-new-measures/) and the breakdown of barriers at [Blizzard](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/09/blizzard--security-breach-2012/) ([not](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/) [to](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/06/linkedin-security-breach/) [mention](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/android-smishing-vulnerability-google-fix-patch-coming/) [countless](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/24/hacker-finds-flaw-in-hotel-locks/) [smaller](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/18/apple-responds-to-iphone-text-message-spoofing/) [incidents](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/12/yahoo-security-breach/)), last year held [frequent](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/o2-data-breach/) [reminders](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/chinese-hackers-target-u-s-chamber-of-commerce-sensitive-data/) that what you put online is never truly [safe](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/source-code-theft-prompts-symantec-to-issue-warning-to-customers/). Google has, in the wake of such public failings, began pushing its [two-factor authentication](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/27/dropbox-two-step-login-verification-available-in-experimental-bu/) with a pretty heavy hand. But even that system has its short comings, and Mountain View is looking for ways to shore up users' accounts. In particular the web giant is exploring hardware authentication options and experimenting with a device called YubiKey -- a USB-based token system. The research will be unveiled in a paper being published later this month in _IEEE Security & Privacy Magazine_, and includes preliminary work on a protocol for using a hardware device to unlock an online account. If carrying around and jacking in a USB key sounds too cumbersome, fear not. Goog

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-experiments-with-hardware-based-authentication/#comments)**

**Source:** [Wired](http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/01/google-password/all/), [IEEE Security & Privacy Magazine](http://www.computer.org/portal/web/computingnow/securityandprivacyhttp://)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/google-experiments-with-hardware-based-authentication/

New Android Mobile Video Support through GCS Cloud-Based Service

Global Conferencing Solutions now supports Android devices with its cloud-based video conferencing service.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/new-android-mobile-video-support-through-gcs-cloud-based-service?fromrss=1

Samsung posts Jelly Bean update for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 in the US

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/samsung-posts-us-jelly-bean-update-for-galaxy-note-10-1-and-tab-2/)

Americans who picked up a Samsung tablet in 2012 may have a surprise this weekend: the company has confirmed that it's rolling out its promised Android 4.1 [Jelly Bean update](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/samsung-teases-jelly-bean-premium-suite-for-galaxy-note-10-1/) to US, Wi-Fi only versions of the [Galaxy Note 10.1](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/15/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review/) and both [Galaxy Tab 2](http://www.engadget.com/tag/galaxytab2,review/) sizes. As we know by now, Note 10.1 owners squeeze the most out of the software revamp with S Pen features borrowed from the [Galaxy Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/), such as Air View's hover-to-peek functionality, Quick Command shortcuts and the ability to clip content. There's also a tablet-specific Cascade View to see more than two apps at once. Galaxy Tab 2 users don't get much as much in the bargain, although we wouldn't knock the promised speed improvements inherent to Google's OS refresh. Either upgrade should be available both through Kies and over the air, with more details at the source link. We haven't yet heard when cellular tablets get a matching upgrade, although those who spring for the [Galaxy Note 10.1 on Verizon](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-for-verizon-hands-on/) will already have Jelly Bean from the outset.

Show full PR text

_**Samsung Releases Android Jelly Bean Upgrades for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2**_

_Premium Suite Upgrade for Galaxy Note 10.1 Delivers Improved Performance, Enhanced S Pen Functionality and Fully Resizable Apps_

_RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., January 16, 2013- Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the availability of updates to Android 4.1[TM], Jelly Bean for both its award-winning Galaxy Note[TM] 10.1 and its popular Galaxy Tab 2 devices for the Wi-Fi versions._

_Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 upgrade includes all the performance benefits of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as well as Premium Suite, a collection of new features that further upgrades multi-tasking and productivity, while enhancing personalization and offering new levels of creativity. Users will enjoy improved S Pen support and the ability to easily open and resize multiple apps, then view them across the screen layered on top of each other._

_"Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 created a new category by delivering content creation capabilities in addition to content consumption," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of consumer IT product marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "However, we always strive to deliver unexpected value to our customers. By providing not just Jelly Bean, but dramatic improvements to the multitasking and S Pen features on the devices, we're ensuring that the Galaxy Note 10.1 remains at the forefront of innovation."_

_A range of features have been introduced which aim to further boost the capabilities of Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 including:_

_Multi-tasking & Productivity:_

_Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 pioneered the innovative Multi Window feature which lets consumers experience a dual view, running two apps side-by-side on the screen. The new, updated Galaxy Note 10.1 enhances the experience further in a variety of ways:_

_Cascade View: The feature allows users to freely resize, move and pin selected applications in multiple views, running them simultaneously or while operating the home-screen. This PC-like feature will help users to be more productive, and actually do multiple tasks at one time._

_Air View: Allows users to use S Pen to conveniently and quickly preview content without having to open it. This feature allows user to preview video while scrubbing, preview email attachments without opening, preview photos without opening the album, and more._

_Quick Command: With Quick Command, the S Pen quickly activates applications and services that are used most often by allowing you to write command shortcuts using customized and preset S Pen strokes._

_Enhanced Personalization:_

_Enhanced handwriting: Users can quickly and easily send personalized handwritten notes and memos to friends and family via email, as well as hand-write directly into their S Planner
Enhanced S Note: S Note now features additional ready-to-use templates; allows users to add effects to their digital content with Idea Sketch; and enables the insertion of video directly into not only Note templates but also other templates. Users can also launch S Note directly from their home-screen for added convenience._

_Easy Clip: Allows users to select and clip content to save, paste or share in seconds._

_Photo Note: Add personalized handwritten notes on the back of your photos to help capture the moment._

_Creativity:_

_Paper Artist: Besides enabling users to enliven sketches or content with different color or pencil styles, Paper Artist enables over 30 artistic effects that can be applied to images or media. Users can also draw or write onto the content and share it with others.

A smarter S Pen: The S Pen now allows users to select writing or color modes at the touch of a button, or unlock the home-screen simply by removing the S Pen._

_Both the Wi-Fi versions of Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1 and 7.0) will benefit from the core improvements of Android 4.1 which features a more intuitive user interface, faster performance and response times across applications, and an overall smoother user experience. This is also complemented by an enhanced user interface optimized for the 10.1-inch screen._

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/samsung-posts-us-jelly-bean-update-for-galaxy-note-10-1-and-tab-2/#comments)**

**Source:** [Samsung](http://www.samsung.com/us/article/galaxy-note-10-1-update)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/samsung-posts-us-jelly-bean-update-for-galaxy-note-10-1-and-tab-2/

VueScan Mobile App Now Available for Android Devices

Hamrick Software announced today it has released the VueScan Mobile Free App for Android devices, including Android phones, tablets and Kindle Fire.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/vuescan-mobile-app-now-available-for-android-devices?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-fa01a09b2a44f53a5ca5ae812887aaab

Hearst starts publishing iPad magazines days before print editions

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/hearst-starts-publishing-ipad-magazines-days-before-print/)

Magazine publishers have more [directly](http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/next-issue-media-launches-android-honeycomb-newstand-app/) [embraced](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/rolling-stone-newsstand/) tablets over more than a year as it became clearer that they were boosting the [bottom line](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/apples-newsstand-application-aiding-digital-magazine-sales-say/). We may be witnessing a watershed moment today, however. [Hearst](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Hearst/) has started publishing issues for 22 of its magazines in the iOS [Newsstand](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Newsstand/) days before their print equivalents hit the racks -- that we can tell, the first time a major magazine producer has given tablets an early lead. While the full terms aren't public, Apple has confirmed to _AllThingsD_ that other publishers are welcome to take the same route, and it mentions in the App Store that other online stores don't have the same privilege. The early access has clear competitive benefits for both Apple and Hearst, which get customers to flock away from competing e-bookstores and publications, but it's also a sign of Hearst's confidence in the tablet as a medium: much like [movie studios](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/04/disney-wreck-it-ralph-early-digital-release/), it's betting that digital is strong enough to stand on its own.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/hearst-starts-publishing-ipad-magazines-days-before-print/#comments)**

**Via:** [AllThingsD](http://allthingsd.com/20130117/hearst-tries-a-new-ipad-pitch-read-them-here-first/?mod=atdtweet), [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/17/apples-ios-newsstand-hearst-magazines-before-print/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29)

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?cc=us&fcId=594029795&id=29726&mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/hearst-starts-publishing-ipad-magazines-days-before-print/

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100XXDLL7 Software Update Based On Android...

Samsung recently released the software update N7100XXDLL7 for the Galaxy Note 2, bringing fixes for some notorious bugs along with the latest Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean official firmware.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/samsung-galaxy-note-2-n7100xxdll7-software-update-based-on-android?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-c19baba3c5a5819c85cf6c3ff5f0ed9c

Line VoIP and instant messaging app reaches 100 million global users in 19 months

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/line-voip-and-instant-messaging-app-reaches-100-million/)

The likes of [WhatsApp](http://www.engadget.com/tag/whatsapp/) and [Skype](http://www.engadget.com/tag/skype/) might still dominate the west, but [Line](http://www.engadget.com/tag/line/) continues to soak up new users in Asia and across the world. Since October 2012, the [ever-expanding](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/03/line-timeline-and-home-features/) messaging app has managed to add just shy of 30 million new users -- the biggest jump in new users yet. The total includes iPhone, Android, Blackberry, [Windows Phone](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/12/line-arrives-for-windows-phone/) and feature phone iterations, with Line now claiming the app top spot in 41 app stores worldwide. And to celebrate the milestone? It's made a charming video (embedded after the break) with a handful of its adorable characters.

Show full PR text

**NHN 'line', the number of subscribers exceeded 100 million people**

NHN subsidiary of NHN Japan's global mobile messenger line (LINE) '18, the service launched about 19 ​​months embroidery 1 billion people around the world join surpassed. communications lines through a PC or mobile device, voice calls and instant messaging features are available to subscribers with free service was launched last June 2011. Overseas users soared in regions such as East Asia, Middle East, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, in October 2011 after massive chugeo, free voice calls and features such as stickers, Russia and neighboring countries in 2012, in Spain, Chile and Mexico available in the region, including Spanish-speaking increasing the current week about 300 new subscribers manmyeongssik is increasing. As a result, 19 months after launch services today (18 days), the world join embroidery 100 million mark was Twitter about 49 months * 1, the period spent 1 billion subscribers in achieving Twitter or Facebook and Facebook about 54 months * 2, line comparison of a rapidly growing and you can see that in 2012, 'Hello, Friends in Tokyo' conference held in Tokyo, Japan, in July a new platform service line channels (LINE Channel) 'was released. A solid user base line and 80.3 percent from the line channels' highest monthly active users (MAU, Monthly Active User) ratio, based on a variety of interlocking App service was introduced, and so far 24 species of interlocking App (wepaep except) surpassed 1 billion cumulative release, download , especially last year, 'line games' began in earnest in November, has surpassed 10 million downloads in the 12 days of service launches Pop 'line', as well as 12 games while providing. Line game is the current cumulative total of 70 million cases surpassed the other hand, the line number of subscribers exceeded 100 million people, which commemorates today (18th) from 7 days to users of daily one line of popular paid sticker free progress that event

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/line-voip-and-instant-messaging-app-reaches-100-million/#comments)**

**Source:** [Line Blog](http://en.lineblog.naver.jp/archives/22690001.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/line-voip-and-instant-messaging-app-reaches-100-million/

LG's Optimus G Pro revealed in leaked image with 5-inch 1080p display, 3, 000mAh battery and LTE

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/lg-optimus-g-pro-spec-leak/)

[LG's Optimus G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/) won the hearts of our reviewers, while finding the [barely-different](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/14/rough-hack-converts-an-optimus-g-to-a-nexus-4/) [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/) is a feat worthy of a [mythological hero](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/french-lg-exec-says-nexus-4-shortages-due-to-google/). A tipster has sent us the above leaked slide, revealing that there's a new(er) kid on LG's block in the form of the Optimus G Pro. The 5-inch handset comes with an upgraded 1,920 x 1,080 display and is packing a 1.7Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064, 2GB RAM, 32GB Memory, LTE and a 3,000mAh battery -- tallying with a separate leak we've spied on _Blog of Mobile_. Reportedly weighing in at 160 grams and measuring 139 x 70 x 10.1mm, there's talk of [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/), a 13-megapixel rear camera and 2.4-megapixel forward-facer for even better self portraiture. Naturally, as a Japanese phone, you'll also find One-Seg and [NOTTV](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/its-not-tv-its-nottv-japans-new-smartphone-only-tv-station/) functionality baked inside -- which only adds to our complex that those in the Far East get all the [best toys](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/02/ntt-docomo-translation-app-real-time/).

[Thanks, Anonymous]

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/lg-optimus-g-pro-spec-leak/#comments)**

**Source:** [Blog of Mobile](http://ameblo.jp/povtc/entry-11451399542.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/lg-optimus-g-pro-spec-leak/

Revolutionary New 12-Lead ECG/EKG Device Works Wirelessly With Any Android Cell Phone or Tablet

Mobile is the first ECG machine with the ability to run a 12-lead wireless ECG test directly on Android tablets and assists with wireless record management, reducing errors and allowing immediate remote reviews.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/revolutionary-new-12-lead-ecg-ekg-device-works-wirelessly-with-any-android-cell-phone-or-tablet?fromrss=1

'User friendly' XBMC for Android build rolls out for set-top boxes and mobile devices

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/xbmc-for-android/)

If you've been waiting to try out [XBMC on your Android](http://www.engadget.com/tag/xbmc,android/), it appears now is the time. While beta and nightly builds were already available, the team behind it has finally readied a release it says is "end user friendly," ready to run on most any device. It achieves that feat by offloading video player duties to another app, in this case MX Player, in order to get around [XBMC's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/xbmc) lack of hardware support for many devices. After sideloading the two necessary APKs we were able to get it up and running without any trouble, tossing in add-ins and playing back locally stored media without a problem. There's a video to go along with the release (embedded after the break) but installing it yourself is probably the best way to get a feel for its video, picture and audio playback abilities.

**Gallery: [XBMC for Android](http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbmc-for-android/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbmc-for-android/5581539)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbmc-for-android/5581540)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbmc-for-android/5581541)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbmc-for-android/5581542)




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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/xbmc-for-android/#comments)**

**Source:** [XBMC for Android](http://www.xbmcandroid.com/2013/01/17/introducing-the-first-end-user-friendly-release-of-xbmc-for-android-must-have/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/18/xbmc-for-android/

Meet Ophelia, Dell's $50 plug-in, cloud-based PC challenger

Amid the glitzy tablets , glamorous smartphones , and ridiculous electronic forks at this year's CES, it was easy to overlook Dell's announcement of an innocuous-looking little device resembling a slightly oversized USB thumb drive.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/meet-ophelia-dells-50-plug-in-cloud-based-pc-challenger?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-f847feebed7ecfb93eef82f257160b87

Ceton Companion becomes My Media Center and is available for Windows 8

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/ceton-companion-now-my-media-center-windows-8/)

[Windows Media Center's best companion app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/05/ceton-companion-app-available-ios-android-wp7/) for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Nook and Kindle has never required a [Ceton](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Ceton/) branded [tuner](http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/) or [extender](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/ceton-echo-windows-media-center-extender-review/), but now there's a new name to avoid any confusion. My Media Center is hitting your favorite app store via a free update today, which also includes a few bug fixes and wake on lan. More interestingly, Ceton has released a version of My Media Center for [Windows 8](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Windows8/), which takes advantage of the new Windows user interface elements and is available in the Windows Store, as of now. There's also an update for the services that needs to be installed on your Windows Media Center PC, so be sure to download it while you're at it. Hit the source link for more screen shots and additional details, or watch the video after the break for a quick demo.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/ceton-companion-now-my-media-center-windows-8/#comments)**

**Source:** [Ceton Blog](http://cetoncorp.com/blog/welcome-to-my-media-center/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/ceton-companion-now-my-media-center-windows-8/

French LG exec says Nexus 4 shortages due to Google's poor estimates

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/french-lg-exec-says-nexus-4-shortages-due-to-google/)

The [Nexus 4 drought](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/shocker-google-lg-seeing-more-nexus-4-demand-than-expected/) continues and it seems that both [Google](http://www.engadget.com/tag/google) and [LG](http://www.engadget.com/tag/lg) are spreading the blame around... in the friendliest way possible. The back and forth started in December with Dan Cobley, managing director for the internet giant in the UK and Ireland, saying that, "supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed." While the phrasing is pretty diplomatic, the bulk of the problem was squarely laid at LG's feet. Now LG Mobile's France director Cathy Robin is offering some clarification, saying that Mountain View's low estimates are partially to blame. Sales forecasts were based on the performance of the Galaxy Nexus, which resulted in the company building too few handsets and shipping them to the wrong regions. Despite these kinks, Robin told the French site _Challenges.fr _that the relationship between Google and LG was quite healthy. For more of the interview with Cathy Robin check out the source.

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/2013/01/17/french-lg-exec-says-nexus-4-shortages-due-to-google/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/lg-mobile-france-director-talks-nexus-4-supplies-optimus-g-euro-launch?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=twitter)

**Source:** [Challenges.fr 1](http://www.challenges.fr/high-tech/20130116.CHA5141/deboires-du-smartphone-de-google-nexus-4-lg-explique-pourquoi-il-semble-introuvable.html), [2 (translated)](http://pastehtml.com/view/cpd0wpt8l.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/french-lg-exec-says-nexus-4-shortages-due-to-google/