Saturday, February 2, 2013

The Company Formerly Known As RIM

STEP forward, CrackBerry Kevin. Many months ago Kevin Michaluk vowed not to cut his hair until BlackBerry 10, the smartphone's long-delayed new operating system, was launched.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/the-company-formerly-known-as-rim?fromrss=1

Apple has lost iPhone naming rights in Brazil

The loss of the name has bigger implications for Apple than simply the mobile phone as products such as "Find my iPhone" would have to be renamed as well.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/apple-has-lost-iphone-naming-rights-in-brazil?fromrss=1

Android this week: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 spec'd; HTC M7 yelled; Nexus 4 ships

The closer we get to Mobile World Congress, the more information leaks about new Android tablets and phones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-this-week-samsung-galaxy-tab-3-specd-htc-m7-yelled-nexus-4-ships?fromrss=1

Tesla Model S app hits Android in beta

[![Tesla Model S app hits Android in beta](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/tesla-modle-s-app.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/02/tesla-model-s-android-app-beta/)

Sending commands to a [Tesla Model S](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/28/tesla-model-s-fastest-production-ev/) via a native smartphone app is already old hat for iPhone users who have one of [Musk and Co.'s](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/elon-musk-tesla-will-be-cash-flow-positive-soon/) electric chariots, but Android users are just now getting their first crack at a dedicated app. Google Play has finally been graced with a beta version of the software, packing the look and features of its iOS counterpart. Armed with the application, Model S owners can remotely control [charging](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/tesla-supercharger/), keep tabs on the car's battery level, adjust the cabin's climate, find and track the auto on a map, trigger door locks and more. Regarding bugs in the beta, Tesla warns that some UI glitches are on its radar. Jab the bordering source link for the download.

[Thanks, Jarrod]

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/02/tesla-model-s-android-app-beta/#comments)**

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/02/tesla-model-s-android-app-beta/

HTC's M4 and G2 Android Smartphones Specs Leaked Online

The website claimed that both the new devices are Considering the M4 specs, it resembles a high-end premium handset, but the device is a notch below the upcoming HTC's flagship smartphone M7.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/htcs-m4-and-g2-android-smartphones-specs-leaked-online?fromrss=1

Diamond Mobile to Offer NQ Mobile(TM) Privacy, Security and Family...

NQ Mobile a leading global provider of mobile Internet services, today announced that Diamond Wireless, an authorized Verizon retailer, will offer NQ Mobile Security, NQ Mobile Vault for Android and NQ Family Guardian at more than 210 retail locations across the U.S. beginning March 2013.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/diamond-mobile-to-offer-nq-mobile-tm-privacy-security-and-family?fromrss=1

5 Things on Friday #5

Yes indeed, another Friday and that means 5 more things for another edition of 5 Things on Friday.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/5-things-on-friday-5?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-696b280b3629120a081c2b7dd15c7e2c

Friday, February 1, 2013

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) Launching Soon Android Operated Devices - LDK, MLNX, AUO

NOLIMITSTOCKS.com covers all the latest on up and coming stocks in the market. No limit Stocks team contain experts that study and analyzes the stock market and help individuals break through the limits and make them better & more successful investors.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/intel-corporation-nasdaq-intc-launching-soon-android-operated-devices-ldk-mlnx-auo?fromrss=1

Mobile Location Anonymity: Proxying Twitter, IM, and Email through Tor on Android

Each time your computer makes a connection to a server on the internet, you tell the remote server, as well as your ISP and every router in between, your IP address.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/mobile-location-anonymity-proxying-twitter-im-and-email-through-tor-on-android?fromrss=1

Back to BlackBerry: one editor's 30-day trial run

[![BlackBerry 10 for 30 days](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/rim-2013-01-24-600-12.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/blackberry-10-30-days/)

I confess, I'm intrigued by [BlackBerry 10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-os-10-review/). Surprised? So am I. It's been easy to pre-emptively count BlackBerry out of the smartphone wars based on its performance over the last two or three years, but there's an element of mystique and personality that have made me quite curious to give the new OS a shot. While [Wednesday's BB10 launch](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-10-liveblog/) answered a lot of questions, it also raised a lot of new ones. Most of the mysteries revolve around its ecosystem, hardware quality, competitive advantages / disadvantages and if the platform can persuade Android and iOS users to switch. As a former Pearl and Curve owner, I want -- nay, _need_ -- to determine for myself how well BlackBerry's latest effort holds up against its rivals. Thus, I have decided to use the [BlackBerry Z10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-z10-review/) as my sole device and daily driver for thirty days.

>From now until March 3rd, I'll experience nearly every aspect of BB10: the UI and its learning curve, its performance and battery life, BlackBerry World, the highly praised virtual keyboard and how well it can handle my work load. I'll even use the phone at MWC, a major international trade show in which I'll be even more dependent on my mobile than usual. Throughout this process I'll be documenting my thoughts, feelings and emotions and deliver them in a regular series of weekly posts. By the end, we'll see whether or not BB10 can win my heart; is it a suitable replacement for the average iOS or Android user, or does the company still have a difficult path ahead of it? Time will tell, and I'm eager to find out.

**Note:** If you want to keep updated on my posts, be sure to use the "[BradBerry](http://www.engadget.com/tag/bradberry)" tag!

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/blackberry-10-30-days/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/blackberry-10-30-days/

HTC's M4 and G2 Androids likely to launch after the M7

[![HTC's midrange M4 and lowend G2 likely to launch after the M7](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/htc-m4-g2-specs.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m4-g2-spec/)

Now that we know the [M7](http://www.engadget.com/tag/m7) is [alive and well](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m7-peter-chou/), we can look at the other goodies that HTC is going to bring us this year. According to the pretty reliable @evleaks, two more Android phones will be launched at some point after the [M7's pre-MWC debut](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/htc-m7-press-event/): a fairly powerful M4 and a low-end G2. The former's highlights are its 4.3-inch 720p display (same as the [8X's](http://engadget.com/tag/8x)), a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon chip, a whopping 13-megapixel F2.0 camera (apparently the same as the M7's) and optional LTE. On the other hand, the G2 will pack a more modest 3.5-inch 480 x 320 screen, a 1GHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera, so it's very much just a slight upgrade from the [Desire C](http://www.engadget.com/tag/desirec/) which [also runs Ice Cream Sandwich](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/htc-jelly-bean-512mb-ram-no-update-for-one-v-desire-c/) -- unlike the beefier M4 with Jelly Bean. The same leakster reckons we won't be seeing these two devices at MWC, but we'll keep an eye out just in case.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m4-g2-spec/#comments)**

**Source:** [Unwired View](http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/02/01/after-the-htc-m7-an-m4-and-a-g2/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m4-g2-spec/

Fujitsu announces bevy of FMV Windows 8 AIO PCs, laptops along with WiFi-only Arrows tablet

[![Fujitsu announces bevy of FMV Windows 8 AIO PCs, laptops along with WiFionly Arrows tablet](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/fujitsu-fmv-2-1-13-01.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/fujitsu-announces-bevy-of-fmv-windows-8-aio-pcs-laptops-tablet/)

Staggered product releases? Perish the thought with [Fujitsu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/fujitsu/), who just launched twelve (count 'em) products into the Japanese market -- including laptops, AIO PCs and a tablet, all sporting Windows 8. For portable computing, Fujitsu's brought the Lifebook AH Series of 15.6-inch PCs, with Core i7-3632QM processors, 8GB memory and Full HD IPS touchscreens on the high-end models, along with niceties like Pioneer speakers and Blu-ray drives. Lower-end models in that range will feature Core i5 or i3 processors and 1360 x 768 LED touch panels. The Lifebook SH Series are 13.3-inch Core i5 models with 1366 x 768 non-touch panels, while the UH Series feature 13.3-inch and 14-inch models with Core i3 and i5 processors, respectively, along with 1360 x 768 non-touch panels and weighing in at a low of around 3 pounds.

As for AIO models, Fujitsu's FH Series hits the high-end of its line with 2.40 GHz Intel Core i7 processors, 8GB memory and 1920 x 1080 touchscreen panels for the 23-inch models, and a non-touchscreen panel with the same resolution on the 21.5-inch offerings. The low-end EH-series will sport 20-inch, 1600 x 900 panels with AMD-E2-1800 CPUs and 4GB of RAM. All the laptop and desktop models will come along with Office Home and Business 2013, Fujitsu's [My Cloud](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/fujitsu-new-lifebooks-ivy-bridge-ultrabook/) hybrid cloud service, and options like gesture control. Finally, Fujitsu has also announced a WiFi-only version of its [10.1-inch Arrows QH55/J Windows 8 tablet](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/11/ntt-docomo-winter-lineup/), which packs <strike>Full HD</strike> 1,366 x 768 resolution, a <strike>quad-core 1.7GHz Tegra3 processor</strike> dual-core Atom Z2760, stout <strike>10,800 mAh</strike> 29 Wh battery and Office Home & Business 2010. The high-end laptops will arrive by the end of February, and the rest will arrive on February 7th, with no pricing shown yet. If that all sounds good, just remember -- you'll likely need to be in Japan to get any of it. Check the PR after the break for more info.

**Correction**: Fujitsu actually launched two Arrows tablets today, the aforementioned WiFi Arrow QH55/J which packs a more Windows-friendly dual core Intel Atom Z2760 processor, and an Arrows FAR70B Android 4.0 tab, with a quad-core Tegra3 processor, 1920 x 1200 resolution and 10,080 mAh battery. Thanks to everybody who pointed it out!

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/fujitsu-announces-bevy-of-fmv-windows-8-aio-pcs-laptops-tablet/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/fujitsu-announces-bevy-of-fmv-windows-8-aio-pcs-laptops-tablet/

Android with Intel Inside, coming out at MWC

One to watch out for at the forthcoming Mobile World Congress. It seems Intel will be showing off Android devices running on new dual core, dual graphics chips... According to the Intel media release , outlining the schedule for its MWC booth: Specifically, Intel will showcase its latest smartphone technologies and devices running the Android ... (more)

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-with-intel-inside-coming-out-at-mwc?fromrss=1

Sony Xperia Z release date 28 February confirmed as Three opens pre-orders

Three has opened up pre-orders for the Sony Xperia Z on Friday and in the process has confirmed the UK availability of Sony Mobile's latest and greatest handset.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/sony-xperia-z-release-date-28-february-confirmed-as-three-opens-pre-orders?fromrss=1

BT offers mobile cloud storage service to broadband customers in the UK

[![BT offers cloud storage service to broadband customers in the UK](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/btcloud-lead-2.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/bt-cloud-storage-service/)

Your BT broadband account now comes with one more [perk](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/bt-wifi-unites-openzone-fon/) to justify its existence: a locker service that takes a leaf out of [AT&T's book](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/01/atandt-locker-opens-its-cloud-to-ios-users-offers-5gb-of-storage/) in offering online storage accessible via iOS and Android apps. How much you get depends on the value of your current contract, with an apparent minimum of 2GB and upgrade options extending up to 500GB. If your [cloud needs](http://www.engadget.com/tag/cloudstorage/) aren't already being catered for, hunt down those BT login details and then use the links below to activate the service and pick up the app. Think of it as a 2GB gift horse.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/bt-cloud-storage-service/#comments)**

**Via:** [TheAppSide](http://www.theappside.com/2013/02/01/bt-launches-bt-cloud-app-for-ios-and-android/), [Musically](http://musically.com/2013/02/01/british-isp-bt-launches-bt-cloud-locker-service-music-included/)

**Source:** [BT Cloud](http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumerProducts/displayTopic.do?topicId=27272&s_cid=con_FURL_cloud), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fsecure.mobile.contentanywhere.bt), [iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bt-cloud/id595947986?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/bt-cloud-storage-service/

Strategy Analytics: Apple tops US phone market for Q4 2012, but Samsung takes the year

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/09/iphone-5-2012-09-14-600-8.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/strategy-analytics-apple-tops-us-phone-market-for-q4-2012/)

Strategy Analytics have shared the state of the global [smartphone OS market](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/strategy-analytics-android-70-percent-share/), but today it's focused specifically on the US, where the [iPhone ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/)5 helped Apple to [reclaim](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/08/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-dethrones-iphone-4s/) the last quarter from Samsung. iPhone claimed 34 percent of vendor shipments in the last quarter, while Samsung's smartphone range wasn't far behind with 32.3 percent. Apple's resurgence with its new smartphone couldn't catch up with Samsung's lead earlier in the year, however, with the Korean phone-maker commanding a 31.8 percent share of all smartphones shipped over the last 12 months. Apple was next with 26.2 percent, while LG came third with 12.3 percent of all phones sold.

The analytics firm reckons that 52 million devices were shipped in Q4, increasing just short of 2 million units since the same period last year. However, it also noted that annual sales in the US were actually _less_ than in 2012 than in the preceding year, dropping just under 20 million units in the interim. Strategy Analytics pointed the finger at economic uncertainty and tougher carrier upgrade policies for the drop in shipments.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/strategy-analytics-apple-tops-us-phone-market-for-q4-2012/#comments)**

**Via:** [TNW](http://thenextweb.com/apple/2013/02/01/apple-passes-samsung-to-become-top-us-smartphone-vendor-with-34-market-share-report/)

**Source:** [Strategy Analytics](http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/WDS/post/2013/02/01/Apple-Becomes-Largest-Mobile-Phone-Vendor-in-United-States-in-Q4-2012.aspx)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/strategy-analytics-apple-tops-us-phone-market-for-q4-2012/

Details of first Android-powered Vertu...

The first pictures and specification details have emerged of the Ti, the first handset built by luxury smartphone maker Vertu, since Nokia sold the company in October as part of its far-reaching cost exercise.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/details-of-first-android-powered-vertu?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-17b110fe757a3366f0d33f14f5f8b6b6

Verizon green-lights HTC Thunderbolt's Ice Cream Sandwich update

[![Verizon rubber stamps HTC Thunderbolt's Ice Cream Sandwich update](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/htc-thunderbolt-1359676910.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/verizon-htc-thunderbolt-ice-cream-sandwich-update/)

Sweet relief from Gingerbread is finally here for [HTC Thunderbolt owners](http://www.engadget.com/about/editors/michael-gorman/) who haven't jumped ship or [upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/22/htc-thunderbolt-droid-incredible-2-go-back-to-the-future-with-l/) without Verizon's blessing. Big Red's finally approved Android 4.0.4 laced with Sense 3.6 for the device and is serving it up for download. In addition to souping up the hardware with increased stability and the features you've come to expect with ICS, the upgrade removes the Verizon, BlockBuster, Rhapsody, and Mobile IM apps from the smartphone. Ready to welcome your [<strike>lightning rod for bad luck</strike>](http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/htc-thunderbolt-issues-abound-but-a-fix-is-on-the-way/) phone to 2011? Mosey over to your handset's system update section to check for the fresh build.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/verizon-htc-thunderbolt-ice-cream-sandwich-update/#comments)**

**Via:** [Droid-Life](http://www.droid-life.com/2013/01/31/verizon-finally-approves-ice-cream-sandwich-for-the-htc-thunderbolt/)

**Source:** [Verizon (1, PDF)](http://support.verizonwireless.com/pdf/system_update/thunderbolt.pdf), [(2, PDF)](http://support.verizonwireless.com/pdf/system_update/thunderbolt_instructions.pdf)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/verizon-htc-thunderbolt-ice-cream-sandwich-update/

BlackBerry 10 debut fizzles

The smartphone maker formerly known as Research In Motion stumbled in its introduction of the BlackBerry 10 lineup Wednesday, disappointing shareholders with the lack of a firm U.S. release date and setting a price that may be too high to win back customers from Apple and Google's Android.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/blackberry-10-debut-fizzles?fromrss=1

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Blockbuster On Demand gives streaming a second chance, with odd limitations

[![Blockbuster On Demand gives streaming a second chance with odd limitations](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/blockbuster-on-demand.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/blockbuster-on-demand-gives-streaming-a-second-chance/)

[Blockbuster](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Blockbuster/) hasn't had much success shifting from physical rentals to digital, even [under Dish's wing](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/05/dish-gives-up-effort-to-turn-blockbuster-into-a-netflix-competit/). Nonetheless, it's betting that the umpteenth time's the charm with a relaunch of its [Blockbuster On Demand](http://www.engadget.com/tag/blockbusterondemand/) streaming movie service. The revamp ticks many of the checkboxes for a modern by-the-title rental store with 1080p and 5.1-channel surround sound as well as apps for 2012 Samsung Smart TVs, Android and [Roku 2](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Roku2/) boxes. However, there's a number of curious choices, and we don't just mean the omission of a subscription model. It's missing an iOS app, emphasizes apps for desktop viewing and leaves no way to watch HD video on anything but a TV -- our mobile and PC screens have advanced in the past several years, Blockbuster. Idiosyncrasies notwithstanding, the rebirth presents more of a unified front than the one-time giant has offered in the past.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/blockbuster-on-demand-gives-streaming-a-second-chance/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Police](http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/01/31/from-the-ashes-blockbuster-on-demand-rises-in-a-new-play-store-competing-form-probably-isnt-a-phoenix/)

**Source:** [Blockbuster On Demand](https://www.blockbusternow.com/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/blockbuster-on-demand-gives-streaming-a-second-chance/

Responsive Web Design, Demystified / Max Starkov

The explosion of the mobile and social media channels and the emergence of the new tablet channel present a major challenge to hotel marketers: Creating and managing digital content across three distinct distribution and marketing channels , as well as publishing the hotel's latest special offers and promotions on the hotel's social media profiles.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/responsive-web-design-demystified-max-starkov?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-c8b78578178317289b5296d146378298

Apple's Tablet Rivals Gaining Share

Apple sold more tablets than any other company during the fourth quarter, but its competitors are starting to catch up.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/apples-tablet-rivals-gaining-share?fromrss=1

OpenKit aiming to fill OpenFeint-sized hole, launches in private beta tomorrow

[![OpenKit aiming to fill OpenFeintsized hole, launches in private beta today](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/openkit620x340pxhedimg1.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/openkit-private-beta/)

[OpenFeint](http://www.engadget.com/tag/openfeint) seed investor Peter Relan is _fed up_ with his former creation's lack of existence -- the open source software once powered the social integration behind many mobile games. After Japanese social gaming giant GREE bought OpenFeint in April 2011 -- primarily to stifle competition with its own, similar service -- the service continued until [it was closed this past December](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/openfeint-service-closing-down-december-14/). Relan responded in turn, announcing plans for a new, similar service, called "OpenKit," that same month. Tomorrow, that service goes into private beta, with a variety of mobile devs already signed on.

The service can be employed across Android and iOS, implementing cloud data storage, leaderboards, achievements, multiplayer functionality, push notifications, and in-app purchases -- essentially exactly what OpenFeint once aimed to provide. Given the _open_ nature of OpenKit, and Apple's already existing Game Center (which serves very similar purposes), we'd say this is gonna be a bigger hit with Android devices than iOS. Whether it gets adopted at all, however, remains to be seen. For now, it's in private beta, and "over 500 developers" have already signed on -- head to [the main site](http://openkit.io/) if you'd like to take part. And do it quick, as only another 20 developers can get into the beta starting tomorrow. If you do miss out, there'll be more openings in the future, though Relan wouldn't tell us exactly when just yet.

**Gallery: [OpenKit](http://www.engadget.com/photos/openkit/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/openkitscreeni_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/openkit/5610765)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/openkitscreenii_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/openkit/5610766)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/openkit-private-beta/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/openkit-private-beta/

Google tweaks Google+ and Play Music apps for Android

[![Google tweaks Google and Play Music for Android ](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/goog-plus-1-31-13-2.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-tweaks-google-and-play-music-apps-for-android/)

Nobody can accuse Google of being lax with its recently-booming [social network](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googleplus/) or [Play Music](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GooglePlayMusic/) Android player, as [updates](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/google-play-music-adds-gapless-playback-automatic-instant-mixes/) seem to be [arriving](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/google-music-gains-scan-and-match-feature-in-the-us/) at [healthy](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/google-plus-pages-gain-interaction-with-those-beyond-their-circles/) [intervals](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-update-offers-seasonal-cheer-through-18-new-features-android-hangouts-events/). Another one just dropped for each that fixes a Galaxy SIII freezing issue in Music, while adding instant mixes beyond 25 songs, the ability to shuffle by album, artist or playlist, new default album art and others for that app. Meanwhile, Google+ has added linking to new posts, a revised notification tray and more community moderation features. Those will make an automatic appearance on your device if your settings are in order -- if not, check the source for more info.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-tweaks-google-and-play-music-apps-for-android/#comments)**

**Via:** [Fone Arena](http://www.fonearena.com/blog/61722/google-for-android-v3-5-update-brings-option-to-add-links-to-posts-new-notifications-tray-and-more.html), [Phone Arena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Play-Music-is-updated-to-add-features-and-remove-bugs_id39319)

**Source:** [Google Play (1)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.plus), [(2)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.music&feature=search_result#)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-tweaks-google-and-play-music-apps-for-android/

TVCatchup reaches Windows Phone 8 in the UK

[![TVCatchup reaches Windows Phone 8 in the UK](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/tv-catchup-windows-phone-8.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/tvcatchup-reaches-windows-phone-8-in-the-uk/)

British Windows Phone owners won't have to let their TV viewing habits slip while they're on the move. [TVCatchup](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/04/tv-catchup-android/) has just posted the promised Windows Phone 8 version of its streaming app, giving locals access to live programming from the BBC, ITV and others. OS-specific optimizations aren't extensive, but they exist -- it's possible to pin a favorite network to the Start screen, and to use voice commands to jump directly to a channel or guide. Viewers just need to hit the Windows Phone Store to stay on top of the latest shows with their [Lumias](http://www.engadget.com/tag/lumia,review/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/tvcatchup-reaches-windows-phone-8-in-the-uk/#comments)**

**Source:** [Windows Phone Store](http://www.windowsphone.com/en-gb/store/app/tvcatchup/3a96f7c2-445d-43e5-b0f5-ee04c3253653)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/tvcatchup-reaches-windows-phone-8-in-the-uk/

Can Any Smartphone Platform Overcome the Android/iOS Duopoly?

Nerval's Lobster writes "The company formerly known as Research In Motion--which decided to cut right to the proverbial chase and rename itself 'BlackBerry'--launched its much-anticipated BlackBerry 10 operating system at a high-profile event in New York City Jan. 30. Meanwhile, Microsoft is still dumping tons of money and effort into Windows Phone. But can either smartphone OS -- or another player, for that matter -- successfully challenge Apple iOS and Google Android, which one research firm estimated as running on 92 percent of smartphones shipped in the fourth quarter of 2012? What would it take for any company to launch that sort of successful effort?"

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=Can+Any+Smartphone+Platform+Overcome+the+Android%2FiOS+Duopoly%3F%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FXaJqbN) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapple.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F31%2F1951232%2Fcan-any-smartphone-platform-overcome-the-androidios-duopoly%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/01/31/1951232/can-any-smartphone-platform-overcome-the-androidios-duopoly?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/01/31/1951232/can-any-smartphone-platform-overcome-the-androidios-duopoly?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/281b5b57/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885134037/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281b5b57/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885134037/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281b5b57/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151885134037/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281b5b57/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/8C_rOXF5bN4)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/8C_rOXF5bN4/story01.htm

Square Mobile Payments hit Verizon: iOS and Android card readers ahoy

This week the folks at Verizon have revealed their new collaborative efforts with Square and the Square Card Reader - mobile payments made utterly easy! This little device plugs in to the headphone jack on your iOS or Android device and allows you to take payments via credit card or Square Gift Card - easy as pie.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/square-mobile-payments-hit-verizon-ios-and-android-card-readers-ahoy?fromrss=1

Sony confirms its My Xperia smartphone recovery service, starts limited trials

[![Sony confirms its My Xperia smartphone recovery service, starts limited trials](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/sony-my-xperia.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/sony-confirms-its-my-xperia-smartphone-recovery-service/)

Sony piqued its fair share of interest when it trademarked the [My Xperia](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/myxperia-trademark-filing-suggests-sony-might-launch-its-own-c/) name for an online service -- what could it do in the cloud that it hadn't [already](http://www.engadget.com/tag/playmemories/) [done](http://www.engadget.com/tag/sonyentertainmentnetwork/)? Tracking lost devices, it seems. The now-official My Xperia service trial gives Sony phone owners the equivalent to a recovery tool like [Find My iPhone](http://www.engadget.com/tag/FindMyiPhone/) or the early form of [HTCSense.com](http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/htcsense-com-will-backup-and-remotely-locate-wipe-htc-devices/), letting them pinpoint a missing Xperia and ping it, lock it down or wipe at least some of its data. Be ready for a very gradual launch, however. The very first wave of tests involves just [Xperia acro S](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/sony-announces-xperia-go-and-xperia-acro-s-waterproof-and-dual/) users in Nordic countries, and the trial will expand only to 2012 smartphones in the region that are still running Android 4.0. Those of us further abroad will have to wait for the eventual worldwide expansion if we want to easily find that [Xperia S](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/sony-xperia-s-review/) buried between the couch seats.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/sony-confirms-its-my-xperia-smartphone-recovery-service/#comments)**

**Via:** [Sony](http://blogs.sonymobile.com/2013/01/31/my-xperia-pilot-launch-interview/), [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/sony-launches-my-xperia-phone-security-service?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=twitter)

**Source:** [My Xperia](https://myxperia.sonymobile.com/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/sony-confirms-its-my-xperia-smartphone-recovery-service/

Acer intros Liquid C1 smartphone packing Intel Lexington, low price to match

[![Acer intros Liquid C1 smartphone packing Intel Lexington, low price to match](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/acer-lexington-phone.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/acer-intros-liquid-c1-smartphone-packing-intel-lexington/)

Remember that [unnamed Acer phone](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/visualized-intel-lexington-based-smartphones-from-acer-and-xolo/) we caught skulking about [Intel's CES event](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/intel-liveblog-ces-2013/)? It's been given a proper launch: meet the Liquid C1. True to form, the fully revealed device centers around a [Lexington](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/intel-announces-lexington-platform/)-based, 1.2GHz Atom Z2420 processor. The chip gives the C1 enough grunt to power an 8-megapixel camera with burst shooting while keeping the price in check, at about 9,990 baht ($335) off-contract for the inaugural Thailand release in February. Locals will otherwise get a solid Android 4.0 smartphone with a 4.3-inch display, HSPA+ 3G and a battery that lasts for nine hours of 3G talk. Other countries in southeast Asia are next on the list to get Acer's turn at an Intel-powered handset, although we wouldn't expect to see it everywhere -- Intel's Uday Marty warns _ZDNet_ that the absence of LTE will keep phones like the C1 away from markets where the faster data is commonplace.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/acer-intros-liquid-c1-smartphone-packing-intel-lexington/#comments)**

**Source:** [ZDNet](http://www.zdnet.com/sea-to-see-intel-powered-smartphones-in-near-future-7000010537/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/acer-intros-liquid-c1-smartphone-packing-intel-lexington/

Is Google's new Chrome Android a tease for Android apps in the browser?

The new appearance of a chrome Android statue at Google's Mountain View campus has prompted speculation that the company is nearing release of Android app support in the Chrome browser, perhaps for launch at Google IO this May.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/is-googles-new-chrome-android-a-tease-for-android-apps-in-the-browser?fromrss=1

"Bill Shocker" Malware Controls 620,000 Android Phones In China

Orome1 writes "A new discovered malware is potentially one of the most costly viruses yet discovered.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/bill-shocker-malware-controls-620-000-android-phones-in-china?fromrss=1

Splashtop's Configurable Shortcuts & Gamepad feature lets tablet users create virtual controls and more

[![Configurable Shortcuts and Gamepad app lets Splashtop 2 users create virtual controls, more](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/pes2.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/splashtop-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/)

Whether it be its iOS, Android or Windows 8 users, [Splashtop](http://www.engadget.com/tag/splashtop/) does a pretty good job at keeping them happy by introducing new things [here](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/04/splashtop-remote-desktop-windows-8-app/) and [there](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/splashtops-win8-metro-testbed-on-android-tablets/), and the very latest may be no exception to that -- well, at least to some. Dubbed Configurable Shortcuts & Gamepad, the feature will allow Splashtop 2 subscribers -- that are using an iPad or Android slate -- to easily create anything from a virtual gamepad, mouse controls and even keyboard shortcuts on a tablet's screen, which, according to the company, should make for a "faster and more seamless remote access with their Macs and PCs" while gaming or, you know, _actually_ being productive. What's more, similar to what it did when [other new services](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/29/splashtop-2-update/) were brought to the mix, Splashtop's set to charge current subs a little extra in order to use the Configurable Shortcuts & Gamepad, with the add-on being priced at about $1 per month (on top of the Splashtop 2 monthly fee, of course.) The feature's available now for anyone looking to try it out -- and if you'd like to see it in action before you make that in-app purchase, a video demo can be found just past the break.

**Gallery: [Splashtop's Configurable Shortcuts & Gamepad](http://www.engadget.com/photos/splashtops-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/civilization_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/splashtops-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/5609248)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/diablo3_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/splashtops-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/5609249)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/rayman-thd_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/splashtops-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/5609250)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/splashtop-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/#comments)**

**Source:** [Splashtop](http://www.splashtop.com/splashtop2)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/splashtop-configurable-shortcuts-and-gamepad/

Skulls of the Shogun offers game syncing across Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox (video)

[![Skulls of the Shogun brings true game sync across Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox video](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/skulls-of-the-shogun-surface.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-offers-true-game-sync-across-windows-platforms/)

Cross-platform game compatibility and syncing [aren't anything new](http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/android-versus-iphone-live-multiplayer-gaming-made-possible-in-s/), but there have been few if any games that truly make us feel at home when we switch devices. Developer 17-Bit's just-launched _Skulls of the Shogun_ bucks that trend in style as the first game with a unified experience across every one of Microsoft's platforms. Start a game on a Windows 8 or RT PC, Windows Phone or Xbox 360, and cloud saves will carry over with nary a hitch in sight. Turn-based multiplayer works the same way: anyone involved in a match can play from whichever device is convenient, rather than give up a big screen or mobility. We just wish the undead strategy game's prices enjoyed the same level of consistency -- _Skulls_ costs $5 on Windows Phone, $10 on Windows PCs and 1,200 points on the Xbox. Still, we'll bite if it means squeezing in one more round on our [Surface](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/microsoft-surface-rt-review/).

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Gaming](http://www.engadget.com/category/gaming/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-offers-true-game-sync-across-windows-platforms/#comments)**

**Via:** [Windows Phone Blog](http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/01/30/skulls-of-the-shogun-arrives-the-first-game-for-windows-phone-pc-and-xbox.aspx)

**Source:** [Microsoft (1)](http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-US/app/skulls-of-the-shogun/c919c1a7-ad5d-4423-9a30-32cf731c04d7), [(2)](http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=2152e203-f639-4041-bf4e-f44c34d463fa), [(3)](http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Skulls-of-the-Shogun/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584111d8?downloadType=GameDemo&noSplash=1)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-offers-true-game-sync-across-windows-platforms/

"Bill Shocker" Malware Controls 620,000 Android Phones In China

Orome1 writes "A new discovered malware is potentially one of the most costly viruses yet discovered. Uncovered by NQ Mobile, the 'Bill Shocker' (a.expense.Extension.a) virus has already impacted 620,000 users in China and poses a threat to unprotected Android devices worldwide. Bill Shocker downloads in the background, without arousing the mobile device owner's suspicion. The infection can then take remote control of the device, including the contact list, Internet connections and dialing and texting functions. Once the malware has turned the phone into a "zombie," the infection uses the device to send text message to the profit of advertisers. In many cases, the threat will overrun the user's bundling quota, which subjects the user to additional charges."

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=%22Bill+Shocker%22+Malware+Controls+620%2C000+Android+Phones+In+China%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FU2apLY) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fit.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F31%2F1412202%2Fbill-shocker-malware-controls-620000-android-phones-in-china%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/01/31/1412202/bill-shocker-malware-controls-620000-android-phones-in-china?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/01/31/1412202/bill-shocker-malware-controls-620000-android-phones-in-china?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/281963a6/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885072272/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281963a6/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885072272/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281963a6/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151885072272/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/281963a6/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/PDzT5LZviMw)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/PDzT5LZviMw/story01.htm

Google tests new notification center in latest version of Chrome, bringing Google Now reminders... soon

![Google tests new notification center in latest version of Chrome, bringing Google Now reminders soon](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/googlenowchrome.jpg)

Google's web browser might be creeping [even closer](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-chrome-android-statue/) to its mobile OS, with [François Beaufort](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/08/google-now-coming-to-chrome-browser/) noting that the latest build of open-source [Chromium](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Chromium/) for Windows has folded in some new "rich notifications". These are easily enabled by dabbling with the _chrome://flags_ component, and you'll even get a look at the decidedly Chrome-ish pop-up box, seen above. The code elaborates on how devs can work their own notifications into the service, with the Clear All button presumably signposting that several notes can be stacked. We're still dealing with the test iteration at the moment, but after those [Google Now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googlenow/) cards made their [appearance](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/08/google-now-coming-to-chrome-browser/), it makes sense to see more functions permeate Chrome -- especially if you own one of their [Books](http://www.engadget.com/tag/chromebook/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-new-notification-center-chrome/#comments)**

**Via:** [TNW](http://thenextweb.com/2013/01/31/google-adds-a-notification-center-to-chrome-by-way-of-new-code-in-chromium/)

**Source:** [Francois Beaufort (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/100132233764003563318/posts/5JVV3HSmYzX)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-new-notification-center-chrome/

LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 4.5-inch display and ICS to the budget-minded crowd

[![LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 45inch display and ICS to the budgetminded crowd](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lgspirit4gleadjpg-1359614268.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/metropcs-lg-spirit-4g/)

We are definitely no strangers to seeing [MetroPCS](http://www.engadget.com/tag/metropcs/) bring well-priced, decently-specced Android handsets to market, and we have a feeling that's something potential and [current subscribers](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/metropcs-q3-2012/) certainly appreciate. Because, well, who doesn't like choice? With today's LG Spirit 4G launch, MetroPCS continues to expand its [LTE-at-a-bargain](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/metropcs-tweaks-lte-plans-40-gets-you-unlimited-talk-text-an/) ideals, announcing a smartphone that carries some pretty decent specs for being contract-free and costing a mere 269 bucks. Naturally, the 4.5-inch display is among the Spirit's main highlights, but there's also an unspecified 1.2GHz, dual-core CPU, a 5-megapixel rear shooter capable of 1080p video, and [Ice Cream Sandwich](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/), to boot. The carrier's quick to point out that its newly introduced slab is a follow-up to that [LG Motion 4G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/21/metropcs-outs-lg-motion-4g-in-tandem-with-unlimited-all-you-can/) we saw last year, and that it's compatible with [those LTE plans](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/metropcs-unveils-simpler-4g-plans-with-unlimited-data-for-60/) which were unveiled earlier this month. It's worth noting that while the LG Spirit 4G's official MSRP is $269, MetroPCS will have it up for grabs, starting today, at the cheaper price of $199 -- that, of course, after a _beloved_ mail-in rebate and for "a limited time" only. You'll find a couple more press shots after the break, and be sure to hit the source link if you're interested in grabbing one of these for yourself.

**Gallery: [LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS](http://www.engadget.com/photos/metropcs-outs-lg-spirit-4g/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lgspirit4gleft_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/metropcs-outs-lg-spirit-4g/5608977)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lgspirit4gright_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/metropcs-outs-lg-spirit-4g/5608978)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/metropcs-lg-spirit-4g/#comments)**

**Source:** [MetroPCS](http://www.metropcs.com/metro/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/metropcs-lg-spirit-4g/

Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason?

[![Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/chrome-android-lead2.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-chrome-android-statue/)

When Google staffer Paul Wilcox started throwing pebbles at his girlfriend's office window, he never expected to be confronted by an angry giant Android made out of chrome. But crazy things happen at Mountain View [all the time](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/26/googles-jelly-bean-cup-runeth-over-kills-grass-in-the-process/) and Wilcox was quick to recover his composure.

"What have you done with my girlfriend?" he cried. And then, "why, of all things, are you made out of chrome?!"

Eventually Wilcox realized it was just a statue, recently put up in the green robot's honor, and that his girlfriend was safe and well. (Honestly, we just invented the whole girlfriend thing for dramatic effect, and we don't know where she works.) Anyways, the question remains: why this particular metallic finish? Is it to mark the [constant](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/google-chrome-launches-new-beta-channel-for-android/) [updates](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/chrome-beta-for-android-makes-webgl-easy-to-toggle/) to the Chrome browser on Android devices? Possibly. Or could it be, as _MobileGeeks_ suggests, some oblique reference to Android apps running in a Chrome browser on some other OS? We don't know, but imagine this: an Android app running in a Chrome browser running as an Android app running in a Chrome browser... Freaky, right?

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-chrome-android-statue/#comments)**

**Via:** [MobileGeeks (German)](http://mobilegeeks.de/android-apps-bald-im-chrome-browser/)

**Source:** [Paul Wilcox (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/+PaulWilcox/posts/23QtTfiVrtk)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-chrome-android-statue/

LG Optimus L7 successor leaks in Russia with 4.3-inch display, dual-SIM ability

[![Successor to the budget LG Optimus L7 leaks in Russia with 43inch display, dualSIM ability ](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lg-optimus-leak2.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/lg-optimus-l7-II-dual-leak/)

As entry-level phones go, last year's [Optimus L7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/29/lg-optimus-l7-review/) had a few pluses on its score sheet -- but equally some serious drawbacks, including a reluctant touchscreen and a shoddy camera module. There's always hope for progress in this business, however, and given that LG already hinted at a new L-series phone in its [earnings report](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/lg-earnings-q4-2012/), we're inclined to believe a leak that's just come in from Russian site _Hi.tech.mail.ru_. The pictures show a much softer-edged design with a dedicated SIM-switch button down below, in both black and white. In terms of specs, we're looking at a 2,460mAh battery that is said to last for two days, an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of 720p video and a 1GHz dual-core chip powering Android 4.1 with LG's custom UI on top. The Russian price of 12,990 rubles equates to around $430, which is a lot more than the $300 SIM-free price of the first L7 (not to mention a [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)) -- but then these currency conversions are often wayward.

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/2013/01/31/lg-optimus-l7-II-dual-leak/#comments)**

**Source:** [Hi.tech.mail.ru](http://hi-tech.mail.ru/news/misc/lg_optimus_l7_ii_dual.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/lg-optimus-l7-II-dual-leak/

Schneider Launches White Paper App for Mobile Devices

Schneider Electric, a global operator in energy management, has announced the launch of its new white paper app for Apple iOS and Android-supported tablets and devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/schneider-launches-white-paper-app-for-mobile-devices?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-ed476afbc1d196d6843346a95505113a

Google Expands, Updates Google Earth Tour Guides

Google Earth now adds another 100,000 virtual tours of fascinating places around the world to its listings for would-be travelers.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/google-expands-updates-google-earth-tour-guides?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-a471e063314c8372934ae9257dd89003

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

ZTE to launch Firefox OS smartphone at MWC

Chinese phone maker ZTE is planning to launch a smartphone based on Mozilla's Firefox OS at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/zte-to-launch-firefox-os-smartphone-at-mwc?fromrss=1

DARPA Open Source Security Helped FreeBSD, Junos, Mac OS X, iOS

An anonymous reader writes "In a February 2013 ACM Queue / Communications of the ACM article, A decade of OS access-control extensibility, Robert Watson at the University of Cambridge credits 2000s-era DARPA security research, distributed via FreeBSD, for the success of sandboxing in desktop, mobile, and embedded systems such as Mac OS X, iOS, and Juniper's Junos router OS. His blog post about the article argues that OS security extensibility is just as important as more traditional file system (VFS) and device driver extensibility features in kernels -- especially in embedded environments where UNIX multi-user security makes little sense, and where tradeoffs between performance, power use, functionality, and security are very different. This seems to fly in the face of NSA's recent argument argument that one-size-fits-all SELinux-style Type Enforcement is the solution for Android security problems. He also suggests that military and academic security researchers overlooked the importance of app-store style security models, in which signed application identity is just as important as 'end users' in access control."

[![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png)](http://twitter.com/home?status=DARPA+Open+Source+Security+Helped+FreeBSD%2C+Junos%2C+Mac+OS+X%2C+iOS%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FWyzagX) [![](http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png)](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F01%2F30%2F225253%2Fdarpa-open-source-security-helped-freebsd-junos-mac-os-x-ios%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Google+](http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png)](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/30/225253/darpa-open-source-security-helped-freebsd-junos-mac-os-x-ios?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/01/30/225253/darpa-open-source-security-helped-freebsd-junos-mac-os-x-ios?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.

![](http://slashdot.feedsportal.com/c/35028/f/647410/s/2811bf8d/mf.gif)

[![](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885007746/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2811bf8d/a2.img)](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885007746/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2811bf8d/a2.htm)![](http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151885007746/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2811bf8d/a2t.img)![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~4/Cs7mHcM6_oM)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/Cs7mHcM6_oM/story01.htm

Android-powered Vertu Constellation Ti leaked all over, just needs a...

Shortly after the latest rumor that Vertu's prepping its first-ever Android -based device, eagle-eyed Blog of Mobile delivered further evidence to support the claim, and it even managed to dig out what it claims to be product shots of said phone.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/android-powered-vertu-constellation-ti-leaked-all-over-just-needs-a?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-a01cca6bd71d2d6e664a8c7cbda70bbc

Engadget Expand speakers, Round Three: Space elevators, 7 Minutes of Terror, and more!

![Engadget Expand speakers, Round Three Space elevators, 7 Minutes of Terror, and more!](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/expandyanceystrickler-619.jpg)
We've been [announcing our speakers](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/expand-speaker-announcement/) for [Expand in San Francisco](http://www.engadget.com/event/engadget-expand/) this March 16-17, doling out the [good news](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/these-speakers-will-be-at-expand-and-so-should-you/) a little bit at a time. Today we have a whole new batch of awesome to unveil:

* **Yancey Strickler**: Co-founder and Head of Community, [Kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/)
* **Steve Cousins**: CEO, [Willow Garage](http://www.willowgarage.com/)
* **Tom Rivellini**: Mars Science Laboratory Entry Descent and Landing Lead Mechanical Engineer at [NASA/JPL](http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/)
* **Michael Laine**: President, [LiftPort Group](http://liftport.com/)

In other words, come for the [space elevators](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/liftport-turns-to-kickstarter-for-space-elevator-experiment-vid/) and [crowdfunding](http://www.kickstarter.com/), and stay for the [7 Minutes of Terror](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/25/nasas-seven-minutes-of-terror-curiositys-precarious-mars-land/) and [sweet robots](http://www.engadget.com/video/5min/517558850/)! And don't forget we'll also have [drones](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/19/3d-robotics-chris-anderson-discusses-a-drone-filled-future/), [tricorders](http://www.scanadu.com/), [Android consoles](http://www.ouya.tv/), founders, CEOs, builders, futurists and cool cats of all stripes in technology, science and beyond. We're working on the holograms and aliens, too. Seriously, [you should come to Expand](http://www.engadget.com/event/engadget-expand/ticket-info/). It will be a good time!

**And don't forget...**

* If you're a company that would like to work with us on an exhibition or sponsorship level, please drop us a line at **sponsors *at* engadget *dot* com** (DIYers and small startups, please ask us about our new [Indie Corner option](http://expandsf2013.eventbrite.com/))
* You have until **February 8** to submit your project for a chance to win $20,000 in our [Insert Coin competition](http://www.engadget.com/event/engadget-expand/awards/)!
* If you're interested in speaking at the event, please contact **expand *at* engadget *dot* com** to inquire.
* If you're a member of the media interested in covering Expand, please contact **engadget *at* shiftcomm *dot* com** for more information.

Filed under: [Announcements](http://www.engadget.com/category/announcements/), [Meta](http://www.engadget.com/category/meta/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/engadget-expand-speakers-round-three/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/engadget-expand-speakers-round-three/

CE-Oh no he didn't!: Steve Ballmer calls Dropbox 'a fine little startup'

[![CEOh no he didn't! Steve Ballmer calls Dropbox 'a fine little startup'](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/ballmer.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/steve-ballmer-calls-dropbox-little-startup/)

Microsoft is [no stranger](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/windows-8-catastrophe/) to [industry flak](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/07/acer-tells-microsoft-to-think-twice-about-surface/), but it's always better to give than to receive, right? [Steve Ballmer](http://www.engadget.com/tag/steveballmer/) thinks so, and in a recent _Bloomberg_ interview, he took a second away from talking up the new [Office 2013](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/microsoft-office-2013-office-365-home-premium-available-now/) to smite [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/dropbox), saying that the 100 million users it boasts "sounds like a pretty small number to me." He recovered slightly by adding "I'm not beating on Dropbox," only to follow it with the finishing blow: "They're a fine little startup and that's great." We doubt anyone else would call Dropbox a startup at this point, but Microsoft's chief can't be seen complimenting a [SkyDrive](http://www.engadget.com/tag/skydrive/) rival now, can he? After having to defend the user stats for [Redmond's Yammer](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/19/microsoft-finalizes-yammer-buy-out-joins-the-office/), he was also quizzed on the [undying](http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/microsoft-considering-office-for-ipad/) native [Office for iPad](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/10/czech-microsoft-manager-claims-office-2013-will-reach-android-ios/) rumor, to which he had "nothing to say," apart from "we'll see what we see in the future." If these snippets aren't quite enough, then head to the source link for the full interview. Ballmer may be a little [less shouty](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/steve-ballmer-makes-his-triumphant-return-to-microsoft-ads/) these days, but it's good to know he's still capable of delivering the odd [high-caliber burn](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-steve-ballmer-lays-into-android/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/steve-ballmer-calls-dropbox-little-startup/#comments)**

**Via:** [The Verge](http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/30/3931846/steve-ballmer-on-small-dropbox-users-interview)

**Source:** [Bloomberg](http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-01-29/microsofts-steve-ballmer-does-not-fear-dropbox-or-an-office-less-ipad#p2)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/steve-ballmer-calls-dropbox-little-startup/

RIM changes name to BlackBerry, unveils 2 phones

After lengthy delays, Research In Motion Ltd. unveiled its first two phones with the new BlackBerry 10 system.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/01/rim-changes-name-to-blackberry-unveils-2-phones?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-81670cfc2b691da8b8ed0a40cf544c88

BlackBerry Q10 hands-on

[![BlackBerry Q10 handson](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/bbq10handson620x340.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-q10-hands-on/)

Forget the all-touch [Z10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-z10-review/) for a moment. This here is <strike>RIM's</strike> [BlackBerry's](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/rim-becomes-blackberry/) _other_ BB 10 device -- the BlackBerry Q10. As you can tell from its alphanumeric moniker, that single letter is a nod towards the handset's physical leanings. That's right, it's a hybrid touch / physical QWERTY model and one that diehard BlackBerry fans won't only be more familiar with, but potentially more willing to embrace with open palms. With a 720 x 720 Super AMOLED 3.1 inch display, the Q10's screen is slightly larger than its touch hybrid predecessor, the Bold 9930, and sports a much tighter pixel density of 328ppi (BlackBerry claims the display is 360ppi, which doesn't jibe with our math). The screen itself is plenty bright and contrasty with incredible viewing angles. We didn't notice any of the telltale blue-tinge typical of AMOLED implementations, but the overtly blue lighting around us might have helped mask those shortcomings.

The steel band around the middle and "glass weave" backplate actually gave the device a pleasantly premium feel in our hands. It was solid, well shaped and smooth to the touch without being plasticky. The 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and 2GB of RAM keep the device humming along quite smoothly. It reacted almost instantaneously to input with no hiccups. The smaller screen size did make touch input seem a little less natural, but the ability to just start typing and search or perform actions (such as sending an email) more than made up for the slightly cramped confines.

The 10.3mm thick body does feel slightly chunky when compared to it's all touch sibling the [Z10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-z10-review/), and downright brick-like next to a svelte beauty like the Galaxy S III, but its short stout shape will fit in your pocket and palm with equal ease. At 139g it does pack some heft, but we dont see that as a bad thing. The phone _feels_ like it means business -- something we can't say for some of its plasticky Android competitors. For more, check out the gallery below and the video after the break.

**Gallery: [BlackBerry Q10 (hands-on)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/)**

[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05879-1359564586_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/5607367)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05882-1359564587_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/5607368)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05884_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/5607369)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05887-1359564588_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/5607370)[![](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/dsc05889-1359564589_thumbnail.jpg)](http://www.engadget.com/photos/blackberry-q10-hands-on/5607371)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-q10-hands-on/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-q10-hands-on/

Google Earth's tour guide feature swells to the tune of 100K new attractions

[![Google Earth's tour guide feature expanded to the tune of 100K new attractions](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/google-earth-tour-guide-1-30-13-02.jpg) ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/google-earths-tour-guide-feature-by-100k-sites/)

Hate flying? Google Earth could keep you visiting attractions anyway for the next, oh, rest of your life or so, thanks to 100,000-plus new tours it just added across sites and cities in over 200 countries. That's on top of the 11,000 tours that came with its recent launches on [iOS](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/26/psa-google-3d-city-view/), [Android](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/google-earth-for-android-gets-new-3d-maps-for-some-cities/) and more recently, the [desktop app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/01/google-earth-7-desktop-3d-maps-tour-guide/). The option provides a virtual video flyby of the selected area, adds Wikipedia snippets and concludes with user-provided [Panoramio](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/02/how-to-geotagging-journal-trip-picasa-google-earth-maps/) photos of the area. You'll need not lift a finger to get it, as all the tours are automatically available -- provided you're running the current Google Earth 7.0 for desktop or mobile. Check the video after the break to see how to use it.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/google-earths-tour-guide-feature-by-100k-sites/#comments)**

**Via:** [TNW](http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/01/30/google-earth-on-desktop-android-and-ios-updated-with-100000-new-tours-of-popular-sites-cities-and-places/)

**Source:** [Google Earth Blog](https://plus.google.com/u/0/+GoogleEarth/posts/XoDEGqSwonm)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/google-earths-tour-guide-feature-by-100k-sites/