Q4 2012 Mobile-Phone Report: Android Captures 34%, Apple 11%

Independent IT analyst firm Canalys has published its Q4 mobile-phone shipment estimates, and the numbers are favorable to Google 's At 438.1 million units shipped, there was no growth in the total phone market year over year.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/q4-2012-mobile-phone-report-android-captures-34-apple-11?fromrss=1

NBA offers its first free event app to track the All-Star Game through Android, iOS

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/09/nba-offers-its-first-free-event-app-to-track-all-star-game/)

The [NBA](http://www.engadget.com/tag/NBA/) isn't known for offering much in the way of free apps, or tailoring its efforts around a special event. For the All-Star Game and surrounding events, however, the league is trying both in one shot. Its All-Star 2013 app for Android, iPads and iPhones lets anyone follow along with related scores, news, video highlights and voting for certain MVP awards. Fans fortunate enough to be in Houston for the event also get ticket details and maps. You'll notice that there's no mention of live audio or video -- the NBA isn't that kind, unfortunately. Even so, the All-Star app could be helpful for keeping tabs on the Slam Dunk competition without paying for the privilege.

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/2013/02/09/nba-offers-its-first-free-event-app-to-track-all-star-game/#comments)**

**Source:** [App Store (iPad)](https://itunes.apple.com/app/nba-all-star-2013-for-ipad/id596582392?mt=8), [(iPhone)](https://itunes.apple.com/app/nba-all-star-2013/id595102994?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nba.allstar.android)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/09/nba-offers-its-first-free-event-app-to-track-all-star-game/

UF announces new mobile app

The University of Findlay has announced a new mobile app that gives students access to much of their class information, including assignments, chats and grades, from mobile devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/uf-announces-new-mobile-app?fromrss=1

Surface Pro Demand: Don't Believe The Hype

More workers want a Windows tablet than want an iPad, Forrester Research says. This doesn't mean Surface Pro will realign the industry.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/surface-pro-demand-dont-believe-the-hype?fromrss=1

Woz Says iPhone Features Are 'Behind'

redletterdave writes "The iPhone may be one of the bestselling smartphones on the planet, but Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak believes Apple's flagship smartphone has fallen behind its competitors, namely those built by Samsung, when it comes to smartphone features. Speaking at Businessweek's Best Brand Awards on Thursday evening, Wozniak said he was proud of how loyal Apple fans were to the iPhone, but also said 'this loyalty is not given,' shortly before denouncing his own company's smartphone. 'Currently we are, in my opinion, somewhat behind with features in the smartphone business,' Wozniak said. 'Others have caught up. Samsung is a big competitor. But precisely because they are currently making great products.'" I prefer Android, but it seems hard to find iPhone users who aren't enthusiastic about it. Whatever kind of phone you prefer, are there features you envy the users of some other variety?

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Woz+Says+iPhone+Features+Are+'Behind'%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FVMDvQ0) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapple.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F09%2F1527238%2Fwoz-says-iphone-features-are-behind%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/02/09/1527238/woz-says-iphone-features-are-behind?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/02/09/1527238/woz-says-iphone-features-are-behind?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885450963/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28668314/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/l1UUSzEULsE/story01.htm

Bii Mobile Insights: Users Are Ditching PCs For Tablets And Smartphones

As consumers adopt more and more mobile devices, certain activities on the PC end up transitioning over.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/bii-mobile-insights-users-are-ditching-pcs-for-tablets-and-smartphones?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-838f04d01f25665848f86ea2313765de

Top 5 Security Predictions for 2013

Apparently the Mayans were wrong, and after surviving those fatal predictions, here are some predictions for the security industry for 2013, according to UK security firm Bullguard .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/top-5-security-predictions-for-2013?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-bcbc7faa5164d8eab3b17500ca75a6c9

Rapid Android Development

Create mobile apps for Android phones and tablets faster and more easily than you ever imagined.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/rapid-android-development?fromrss=1

O hai, Twitter now has LOLcat language opshun, kthxbai

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/twitter-lolcat-lulz/)

It's been a busy week at [Twitter](http://engadget.com/tag/twitter), what with new rollouts like an [upgraded search engine](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/twitter-search/) that'll pull in older tweets and a [simplified search](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/twitter-search-updated-android-ios-web/) tool for mobile app users. So it's now time to have some fun. As a little easter egg, the social media giant has secretly added a LOLcat language option to add a bit of internet meme flavor to the normal Twitter web interface. The changes are what you might expect: Twitter is now TWTTR, "Compose new tweet" is COMPOZE NEW TWEET, "conversation" is CONVERSASHUN, "Who to follow" is HOO 2 FOLLOW and so forth. No, your timeline won't automatically transform into a stream of grammatical and spelling errors and your own tweets won't be magically LOLcat-ified either (for that, we suggest hitting the Speak LOLcat translator link below). Still, it's a fun little weekend distraction if you're not quite tired of the I Can Has Cheezburger meme just yet. You'll find "LOLCATZ" under the language drop down section in Settings, or you can just click on the source to check out your Twitter page in all its LOLcat glory.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/twitter-lolcat-lulz/#comments)**

**Via:** [The Next Web](http://thenextweb.com/twitter/2013/02/08/twitter-quietly-releases-lolcat-language-option-for-all-kthxbai/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Spreadus&utm_campaign=social%20media&awesm=tnw.to_h0baJ)

**Source:** [Twitter (LOLCat language)](https://twitter.com/?lang=lolc)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/twitter-lolcat-lulz/

Android Paternity Test App Developed by UC Irvine Computer Scientists

University of California, Irvine, computer scientists have developed an Android smartphone app that stores a small amount of genomic data to conduct paternity tests and test cryptographic techniques.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-paternity-test-app-developed-by-uc-irvine-computer-scientists?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-48412e94602092b065826f2e70fa2e18

MyFord Mobile app adds support for hybrid vehicles

Ford is finally bringing some app love to its new plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Dearborn-based automaker this week updated its MyFord Mobile app with support for its C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid cars.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/myford-mobile-app-adds-support-for-hybrid-vehicles?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-1eebd761490b4a6180bba59ed75a91f8

Wikipad Emerges With $249, 7-Inch Android Slate

Wikipad is back. After showing off a 10-inch Android tablet at CES 2012, and skipping CES 2013 altogether, Wikipad is set to launch a 7-inch Android tablet later this spring.

URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/8KgGJMtvaiE/

OUYA promises quick game approval process, reviews start by the end of February

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-store-approval-process/)

OUYA CEO Julie Uhrman's promising a quick, simple approval process for games on her company's upcoming Android-powered game console, [the OUYA](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ouya). She told us in an interview this week:

> "It's similar to mobile: they'll submit their games, and we'll review for intellectual property infringement, and malware, and excessive pornography. But ultimately it's a quick review and you're in the storefront in one capacity or another."

That's not the only mobile model OUYA's following; Urhman already said the OUYA hardware will [iterate on an annual basis](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/ouya-annual/), similar to the mobile market.

Despite the console's impending March launch to Kickstarter supporters, OUYA's yet to begin reviewing games for its storefront. "We literally just opened the ability for developers to upload their games into the store," Uhrman explained. The review process isn't too far off, however -- she's predicting a "middle-to-end of this month" timeframe. "We're building that right now," she said, when asked who's staffing that approvals process. "We are a start-up like any other start-up, it's just-in-time business."

The first consumer-ready OUYA consoles are planned for a March launch, with availability at retail [to follow in June](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/ouya-retail-best-buy-amazon-gamestop-june-99/). The $99 console made a big splash on Kickstarter, eventually [raising over $8.5 million](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/09/ouyas-kickstarter-funding-is-complete-over-8-5-million-raised/) when the original goal was a meager $950K.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-store-approval-process/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/ouya-game-store-approval-process/

Toshiba Releases Android App for VIPedge

Call Manager Mobile for Android lets users take office calls, and send and receive instant messages, on their Android smartphones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/toshiba-releases-android-app-for-vipedge?fromrss=1

Samsung: The only Android smartphone maker that matters

The latest smartphone figures from analyst firm comScore show that Samsung is pretty much the only Android phone maker that matters.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/samsung-the-only-android-smartphone-maker-that-matters?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-5860802b295cc20dba2c3a377a8a560a

RetroSound's Bluetooth-enabled in-dash radio for classic cars now up for grabs

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/retrosound-bluetooth-classic-car-radio/)

Sure, slamming an [8-track](http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/ipod-nano-modded-to-play-inside-8-track-player-blow-minds-with/) into your vintage car may give it the look and feel of yesteryear, but it'd also bring the frustration inherent in outdated media. Cue RetroSound's freshly-available Model Two: an [in-dash radio](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/pandora-connects-to-sonys-in-dash-receivers-adds-ios-android/) that pairs classic looks with modern features. According to Retro Sound, the Model Two is the only radio made specifically for vintage autos that carries the [Made-for-iPod](http://www.engadget.com/tag/MadeForIpod/) designation, and the only one in its class packing hands-free call features as well. Using Bluetooth, the hardware can connect to iOS and Android devices and pipes audio from any app through a car's sound system. If you prefer auxiliary input or USB connections, the kit has those covered too.

As for hooking up to sound systems, the rig packs front and rear RCA pre-outs, separate subwoofer outputs and a baked-in 25-watt x 4 channel RMS power amplifier, to boot. Retro Sound promises the rig mounts into "virtually any classic vehicle," and even carries a bevy of bezels, faceplates and knobs to make sure it the piece of tech mimics an original factory radio. The kit's 32,000-color LCD back-lit display might give passengers a hint it's from this century, but with a $400 price tag, such bells and whistles are welcome. For a look at the faceplate and knob combos, jab the bordering source link.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/retrosound-bluetooth-classic-car-radio/#comments)**

**Source:** [RetroSound](http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/14)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/retrosound-bluetooth-classic-car-radio/

Sony: PS4's main selling point will be 'new playing options, not improved hardware specs'

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/sony-ps4-main-selling-point-new-playing-options/)

As Sony Computer Entertainment warms up its blue lighting and double-checks its playlist for [February 20th](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/sony-nyc-february-20-playstation/), one unnamed SCE official says that the PlayStation 4 will act as more of a home entertainment hub than what we've seen in the past. They added, according to the _Nikkei_, that the main selling point won't be the [rumored eight-core AMD64 CPU](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/report-orbis-dev-kit-specs/) or other hardware specs, but how it opens up new styles of play -- something Nintendo is also [focusing on](http://www.engadget.com/wii-u-review/nintendo-wii-u-review/). Sony is going to push the new console as a home entertainment "nerve center," with a focus on the hardware's ability to connect and share to mobile devices -- the rival that's [pulling gamers away](http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/timber-ios-and-android-take-60-percent-cut-of-mobile-gaming-dol/) from traditional consoles. No discussion on any [Gaikai-powered](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/02/sony-buys-gaikai/) cloud gaming just yet, but following its unveiling later this month, the report states that the new PlayStation should launch before the end of the year. A bit of a shame, then, that it's still only February.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/sony-ps4-main-selling-point-new-playing-options/#comments)**

**Source:** [Nikkei (requires subscription)](http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20130208D08HH361.htm)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/sony-ps4-main-selling-point-new-playing-options/

Sony Xperia Z v Apple iPhone 5 - Which is the greatest phone on the planet?

The Xperia Z is Sony's best smartphone yet and in a hard fought battle we concluded that it's also the best Android phone, even beating out the 5 star rated Samsung Galaxy S3 .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/sony-xperia-z-v-apple-iphone-5-which-is-the-greatest-phone-on-the-planet?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-dad5ae8682719b875006a576d723dad5

LibreOffice kicks it up to version 4.0, promises leaner performance and greater interoperability

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/libreoffice-4.0/)

It's been a little over a week since [Microsoft unveiled its big Office 2013](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/microsoft-office-2013-office-365-home-premium-available-now/) suite (along with that [Office 365](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/microsoft-office-365-home-premium-review/) subscription option) to the world, and right on cue the Document Foundation has released version 4.0 of open source alternative [LibreOffice](http://engadget.com/tag/LibreOffice). The latest update promises to be cleaner and leaner according to devs, but more importantly to you and me is that it brings greater interoperability between different file formats such as DocX and RTF documents. It also integrates better with content and document systems like Alfresco, IBM FileNet P8, OpenText and Microsoft Sharepoint 2010. Other notable improvements include an Android app for controlling presentations, several new features to the Calc spreadsheet app (like chart exports and ODF OpenFormula functions), UI upgrades and a performance boost across the board. For a full run-down on what the new LibreOffice can do, have a gander at the source or download it yourself at the rightmost link.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/libreoffice-4.0/#comments)**

**Source:** [The Document Foundation Blog](http://blog.documentfoundation.org/2013/02/07/the-document-foundation-announces-libreoffice-4-0/), [LibreOffice 4.0](http://www.libreoffice.org/download)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/libreoffice-4.0/

Metal Slug 2 Released for iOS and Android

SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION today announced that METAL SLUG 2 , the 2nd installment in the legendary NEOGEO 2D run-and-gun game series, is available now for iOS and Android devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/metal-slug-2-released-for-ios-and-android?fromrss=1

Fragmentation Leads To Android Insecurities

Rick Zeman writes "The Washington Post writes about how vendor fragmentation leads to security vulnerabilities and other exploits. This situation is '...making the world's most popular mobile operating system more vulnerable than its rivals to hackers, scam artists and a growing universe of malicious software' unlike Apple's iOS which they note has widely available updates several times a year. In light of many companies' Bring Your Own Device initiatives 'You have potentially millions of Androids making their way into the work space, accessing confidential documents,' said Christopher Soghoian, a former Federal Trade Commission technology expert who now works for the American Civil Liberties Union. 'It's like a really dry forest, and it's just waiting for a match.'"

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Fragmentation+Leads+To+Android+Insecurities%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FXqibvS) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fit.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F08%2F0251258%2Ffragmentation-leads-to-android-insecurities%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/08/0251258/fragmentation-leads-to-android-insecurities?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/08/0251258/fragmentation-leads-to-android-insecurities?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885604398/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/285ac36d/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/GCtFFek2mLs/story01.htm

Canalys: Android was a third of all cellphone shipments in Q4

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/canalys-android-was-a-third-of-all-cellphone-shipments-in-q4/)

Despite regularly hearing how [mobile platforms fare](http://www.engadget.com/tag/marketshare,smartphone) within the smartphone space, we rarely get a sense of their place in the wider cellphone universe. [Canalys](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Canalys/) is stepping in with some context. It estimates that smartphones represented just under half of the total pie in the fourth quarter, giving bigger companies like Apple and Google some serious clout. Android accounted for 34 percent of all cellphones shipped, driven by Samsung as well as fast-growing Chinese backers like Huawei, Lenovo and ZTE -- all of whom were big reasons why smartphones made up 73 percent of Chinese phone sales in the same period. Apple took a smaller share of the worldwide arena at 11 percent, although it too was [riding the Chinese wave](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/16/apple-iphone-5-china-opening-weekend/) to success.

Limiting the scope to smartphones tells a mostly [familiar tale](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/strategy-analytics-android-70-percent-share/). Android staked out 69 percent of the market, taking a 5-point hit as iOS jumped to 22 percent through the [iPhone 5](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/) launch. Samsung reigned supreme among individual smartphone makers, followed by Apple and Nokia. The rest are once again Chinese, as Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo scooped up the next three spots. Whether or not regular cellphones are included, the message is the same -- if you haven't been building a popular flagship device or catering to buyers in Beijing, you've likely been left out in the cold.

[Image credit: Jon Fingas, [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/jfingas/6804556902/)]

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/), [Nokia](http://www.engadget.com/category/nokia/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/), [Lenovo](http://www.engadget.com/category/lenovo/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/canalys-android-was-a-third-of-all-cellphone-shipments-in-q4/#comments)**

**Source:** [Canalys](http://www.canalys.com/newsroom/android-powered-third-all-mobile-phones-shipped-q4-2012)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/canalys-android-was-a-third-of-all-cellphone-shipments-in-q4/

New app lets Fifth Third Bank customers deposit checks via their smartphones

Fifth Third Bank, West Michigan's largest retail bank, has joined a growing trend by offering a mobile deposit "app" that customers can use to deposit checks with their smartphones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/new-app-lets-fifth-third-bank-customers-deposit-checks-via-their-smartphones?fromrss=1

Twitter search upgraded to pull in results older than last week

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/twitter-search/)

The ease of dumping our historic/inane messages into [Twitter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/twitter) has fueled the service's growth so far, but the ability to retrieve relevant ones later has, until now, lagged behind. CEO Dick Costolo [promised last year](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/twitters-cooking-up-a-way-for-you-to-archive-your-old-tweets-r/) that the company was working on "architecting search" to allow access to the archives, and today the company announced its search feature is finally able to include tweets that are more than a week old. That follows the release of [archive dumps](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/twitter-archive-available/) that allow users to mass download and search through their own tweets. Expanding the search function's memory from goldfish to elephant size is going to roll out across the web and mobile apps -- already sporting a [freshly redesigned search](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/twitter-search-updated-android-ios-web/) -- over the next few days. For now, Engineer Paul Berstein explains in a blog post that results will slowly continue to grow to include a greater percentage of tweets ever sent, with search results weighted by elements like number of favorites, retweets and clicks.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/twitter-search/#comments)**

**Source:** [Twitter Blog](http://blog.twitter.com/2013/02/now-showing-older-tweets-in-search.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/twitter-search/

Android dominated in Q4, found on more than half of all smartphones

Android had another explosive quarter in December. The latest numbers from research firm Canalys revealed that Google's operating system powered a third of all mobile phones shipped in the fourth quarter of 2012.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-dominated-in-q4-found-on-more-than-half-of-all-smartphones?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-e411983fe8fd6eada1922cc8aee3ee97

Skype's BlackBerry 10 app still on its way, will be an Android port

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/skype-blackberry-android/)

We've been told that nearly 40 percent of all [BlackBerry 10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-os-10-review/) apps in BB World are Android ports, but what about some of the big-name apps boasted on stage at the [launch event](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-10-liveblog/) last week? In its latest blog post, [Skype](http://www.engadget.com/tag/skype) revealed its dirty secret: the service is "working closely with BlackBerry to ensure the Skype for Android app runs great in the BlackBerry 10 environment." Indeed, one of the most anticipated programs [announced](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/skype-coming-to-blackberry-10-devices/) on January 30th -- which we're told should be available soon -- is a repackaged Android port; this leaves us a little skeptical of its performance, though we'll save final judgment for when it's finally ready to download. Let's just say we're hoping that Runtime adds [Jelly Bean support](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/jelly-bean-update-blackberry-10-android-runtime/) sooner rather than later.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/skype-blackberry-android/#comments)**

**Via:** [The Verge](http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/7/3964772/skype-blackberry-10-android)

**Source:** [Skype](https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA10251/is-skype-available-for-blackberry-devices?frompage=search&q=blackberry&fromSearchFirstPage=false)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/skype-blackberry-android/

Galaxy S III Helps Android Tops iOS in Mobile Ad Impressions

The holiday season helped boost mobile ad impressions and revenue during the fourth quarter, with Android devices leading the charge, according to Opera's latest State of Mobile Advertising report.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/galaxy-s-iii-helps-android-tops-ios-in-mobile-ad-impressions?fromrss=1

Mobile app security: Always keep the back door locked

In the 1990s, client-server was king. The processing power of PCs and the increasing speed of networks led to more and more desktop applications, often plugging into backend middleware and corporate data sources.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/mobile-app-security-always-keep-the-back-door-locked?fromrss=1

Insert Coin: Epiphany One Puck uses heat transfer to charge your phone

_In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please [send us a tip](http://www.engadget.com/about/tips/) with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. _

[](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/insert-coin-epiphany-one-puck/)

It's the modern bar-goers worst nightmare. No, it's not that the pub is out of your favorite ale, nor is it that you're 0-for-6 with lame pickup lines. You've been texting, tweeting and checking in all night, and you're paying for it with that red sliver in the corner of the screen. So what do you do? Give up your primo spot at the bar and find an outlet somewhere in the corner? Not a chance -- it's time to pull out your coaster-sized Epiphany One Puck, set a cold brew upon it, and connect your phone for some juice. Who knows, the Puck might also help you break the ice.

The idea to use heat disparities for power is over two centuries old, and [we've seen larger concepts](http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/insert-coin-the-powerpot/) make use of thermo-electrics. The One Puck brings mobility into play, providing up to one amp of current to any device that charges through a USB cable, including Android devices and iPhones. Just place a hot object (a mug of cocoa) on the red side or a cold object (iced coffee) on the blue, then plug in your phone.

The team at Epiphany Labs has loftier goals than simply charging cell phones, but all good ideas have to begin somewhere. The first prototype is ready and Epiphany is looking to [Kickstarter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Kickstarter/) to bring the project to fruition. An early pledge of $99 includes a One Puck expected to retail for $150, while a pledge of $135 adds some custom engraving, just in case you want to count out the possibility of a resale before you even take delivery. You can head past the break to watch the prototype in action, and check out the source link to peruse the project's funding page.

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/insert-coin-epiphany-one-puck/#comments)**

**Source:** [Kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/epiphanylabs/epiphany-one-puck)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/insert-coin-epiphany-one-puck/

GetGlue update brings personalized guides, feeds and new ads to iPhone

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/getglue-iphone-v4/)

Conspicuously timed just after a [Super Bowl](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/super-bowl-xlvii-live-stream-records/) dubbed by some (mostly marketing types) as the "most social ever", [GetGlue](http://www.engadget.com/tag/getglue/) has pushed a new version of its app for iPhones. Version 4.0 for Apple's smaller iOS devices brings many of the social features recently [added to the iPad app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/17/getglue-app-for-ipad-version-3-0/), as the guides gain personalized recommendations of shows you might enjoy. The main feed brings in even more information about shows being watched by your friends plus a way to easily chat with them within the app. Also improved is the amount of background info available for each show, and reminders for major events, premieres and finales -- similar upgrades are listed as coming soon for Android and its mobile website.

Like Foursquare and other location services have shifted focus towards discovery, GetGlue (among others) is doing the same for TV while also improving its profile for [businesses](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/foursquare-for-business-ios-app/). In a move it unveiled with Pepsi during the big game last Sunday, it offers advertisers the opportunity for promoted tied to a particular brand or show, that may pop into your feed if your friends like them. With Twitter itself making a [major move into TV experiences](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/twitter-acquires-bluefin-labs-social-tv/) it will be interesting how the recently [downsized](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/02/dijit-miso/) pool of [social TV competitors](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/the-state-of-the-second-screen/) reacts, and who comes out on top. According to GetGlue, 15 percent of all tweets about Pepsi during the Super Bowl came from its app. You can find out if these additions are good ones -- your friends wouldn't share any particularly annoying ads, would they? -- by snagging the new update from iTunes.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/getglue-iphone-v4/#comments)**

**Source:** [iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/getglue/id377615302?mt=8and), [GetGlue](http://blog.getglue.com/?p=11908)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/getglue-iphone-v4/

RunKeeper 3.0 for Android gets a Holo-native UI, puts us front and center

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/runkeeper-3-0-for-android-takes-on-a-holo-native-look/)

It must be the season for [Android-native makeovers](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/stitcher-overhauls-its-android-app/) within our apps. [RunKeeper](http://www.engadget.com/tag/RunKeeper/) has just pushed out a 3.0 update to its exercise tracker that brings the interface in line with Google's [Holo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Holo/) concepts from Android 4.0 and beyond. There's more to see once acclimated to the look and feel, however. The 3.0 revamp now has a dedicated tab to show all of an athlete's progress in one area, such as goals and recent history. It also displays both intervals and pacing in mid-activity while making easy to set a reminder for the next run while cooling down. Runners wanting to modernize just need to hit Google Play to give RunKeeper a makeover that could very well improve their health in the process.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/runkeeper-3-0-for-android-takes-on-a-holo-native-look/#comments)**

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/runkeeper-3-0-for-android-takes-on-a-holo-native-look/

4oD App finally turns up on Android

Yeah, we know, it's been available on the iPhone since 2011. But now, at last, Android users get a 4oD app too.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/4od-app-finally-turns-up-on-android?fromrss=1

ComScore: iPhone up to 36 percent of US phone share in December, Android stayed put

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/comscore-iphone-up-to-36-percent-of-us-phone-share-in-december/)

There's been indications that Apple staged something of [a comeback](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/kantar-iphone-5-boosts-apples-us-smartphone-share-to-53-3-perc/) in the US during the fourth quarter, owing partly to an [iPhone 5](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/)-related spike. [ComScore's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ComScore/) smartphone share data for December appears to bear that out. It estimates that the Apple claimed a 36.3 percent slice of the American market in the last month of 2012: that's a noticeable boost from 35 percent [in November](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/comscore-iphone-up-to-35-percent-of-us-share-in-november/), and two points up since the iPhone 5's September arrival. Android remained on top at 53.4 percent, but it was once again unusually static, edging down from highs earlier in the year. Other platforms took their usual blows, although there's no doubt some [hopes](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-10-wont-launch-in-the-us-until-mid-march/) for [revival](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/microsoft-selling-four-times-as-many-windows-phones-as-last-year/).

Just don't anticipate looking for overall cellphone market share. ComScore has switched to focusing on smartphones, and it's telling a different story than we've seen in the past. When only smartphones count, Samsung's December share left it in second place, at 21 percent -- still an increase over prior months, but not as large as Apple's 36.3 percent. The biggest surprise is LG's rise to 7.1 percent and fifth place, quite possibly due to the [Optimus G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/) and [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/). Enough shifted that the market may be even less recognizable in 2013, for better or worse.

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/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [HTC](http://www.engadget.com/category/htc/), [Nokia](http://www.engadget.com/category/nokia/), [LG](http://www.engadget.com/category/lg/), [Blackberry](http://www.engadget.com/category/blackberry/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/comscore-iphone-up-to-36-percent-of-us-phone-share-in-december/#comments)**

**Source:** [ComScore](http://www.comscore.com/Insights/Press_Releases/2013/2/comScore_Reports_December_2012_U.S._Smartphone_Subscriber_Market_Share)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/comscore-iphone-up-to-36-percent-of-us-phone-share-in-december/

Wunderlist 2 task app hits Android tablets, comes to iPad soon

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/wunderlist-2-task-app-hits-android-tablets-comes-to-ipad-soon/)

How quickly they grow up: 6Wunderkinder's near-ubiquitous Wunderlist 2 only just reached [native app status](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/wunderlist-2-debuts/) as 2012 wound to a close, and it's already being optimized for Android tablets. The task management app should now offer its to-do lists and reminders on Google-powered slates of any size, with new layouts and artwork just for the bigger screen. Every Android user gets a handful of meaningful upgrades in the process, including list sharing between apps, the ability to save links and test as well as automatic syncing. Android fans wanting to get things done can hit the Google Play link to get the new version today, but they won't be the only ones getting the larger experience -- the developer is teasing an iPad equivalent in the near future.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/wunderlist-2-task-app-hits-android-tablets-comes-to-ipad-soon/#comments)**

**Via:** [6Wunderkinder](http://www.6wunderkinder.com/blog/wunderlist-2-android-tablet)

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/wunderlist-2-task-app-hits-android-tablets-comes-to-ipad-soon/

Twitter updates puts content front and center

Twitter is revamping its iOS and Android apps as well as the mobile version of its site to condense its many pieces of information into more steamlined sections.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/twitter-updates-puts-content-front-and-center?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-6417382cf473e974ff590e4632017141

Microsoft rumored to be taking a 'meaningful look' at Office for Linux

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/microsoft-office-for-linux-rumor/)

Writing on his blog _Phoronix_, open source obsessive Michael Larabel says he has it on good authority that Microsoft is considering a native version of Office for Linux. Specifically, the company is taking a "meaningful look" at the idea, now that Linux is showing signs of becoming more of a player in the OS stakes. The information came to Larabel from an unnamed source during this year's Free Open-Source Developers' European Meeting (FOSDEM) in Brussels, and this voice in the shadows apparently also revealed the port could be ready in 2014.

Larabel is [often right](http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/steam-for-linux/) about things like this. But regardless of whether Office for Linux comes to fruition, the idea of Microsoft even _thinking about_ it -- and potentially giving such oxygen to a (free-of-charge) Windows rival -- may come as a surprise. When someone alluded to this on Twitter, Larabel replied that he wouldn't be surprised if there are "many doubters" but challenged them to "wait and see." He points out that Microsoft has offered "unlikely sponsorship" to Linux projects in the past, albeit on a relatively small scale, and that the rumored [Office for Android](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/07/office-for-android-ios-purportedly-caught-in-screenshots/) may also function as a stepping stone. Still, there'll need to be a few more meetings in car parks before we're totally convinced.

Filed under: [Desktops](http://www.engadget.com/category/desktops/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/microsoft-office-for-linux-rumor/#comments)**

**Source:** [Phoronix](http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTI5MzU), [Michael Larabel (Twitter)](https://mobile.twitter.com/michaellarabel/status/298830932943724545)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/microsoft-office-for-linux-rumor/

TrustPort issues a new antivirus solution for the Android platform

Thanks to this fact, the company has decided to offer their security products also for users, who own smartphones and tablets running on mobile platforms.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/trustport-issues-a-new-antivirus-solution-for-the-android-platform?fromrss=1

MyFord Mobile adds PlugShare's location data, C-Max and Fusion Energi compatibility

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/myford-plugshare-app-update/)

Driving the kids to soccer practice in one of Ford's hybrid minivans might lead you to wonder why the [Focus Electric](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-unveils-focus-electric-and-myford-mobile-smartphone-integra/) gets all of the company's smartphone app love. Fortunately, Dearborn is teaming up with [PlugShare](http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/plugshare-app-lets-you-share-your-plugs-with-other-ev-drivers/) to bring the latter's EV charging maps to a version of the [MyFord Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ford-tells-us-all-about-myford-mobile-for-smartphones/) app that's designed for the C-Max and Fusion Energi. The new app blends location and point-of-interest data, so if the little ones crave milkshakes after the game, the software can pinpoint the nearest power station that's beside a [burger joint](http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/burger-king-selling-a-windows-7-whopper-in-japan/). The update is available for iOS and Android devices, and will also tell you how fuel-efficient your driving is -- without resorting to making things [competitive](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/nissan-leaf-rates-you-against-other-drivers-creates-a-high-scor/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/myford-plugshare-app-update/#comments)**

**Source:** [MyFord Mobile](http://www.myfordmobile.com/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/myford-plugshare-app-update/

Android takes the lead from iOS in mobile data traffic

Cisco study finds global mobile traffic has hit 885 petabytes per month, predicts mobile devices will outnumber world population by 2017 Android devices worldwide collectively consumed around 2,500MB of mobile data per month by the end of 2012, 38 percent more than the 1,900MB consumed by iOS-based devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-takes-the-lead-from-ios-in-mobile-data-traffic?fromrss=1

Chrome for Android may soon have a Dev channel for avant-garde web viewers

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/chrome-for-android-may-soon-have-a-dev-channel/)

Desktop [Chrome](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Chrome/) users have access to stable, beta and developer versions for some time, but Google has only opened up Android to the [first two](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/google-chrome-launches-new-beta-channel-for-android/) so far. It might willing to go one step further, if François Beaufort's discovery is any indication. The developer has spotted a Dev channel build of the mobile browser lurking in a tracker alongside the beta and stable code. While the release isn't accessible, it's clearly a step ahead of the latest public software. We've reached out to Google to learn whether or not this is a sign of downloadable Dev versions to come, or just a peek behind the curtain; we'll let you know if there's a chance to experiment even further with Chrome than what's possible today.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [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/2013/02/06/chrome-for-android-may-soon-have-a-dev-channel/#comments)**

**Via:** [Liliputing](http://liliputing.com/2013/02/dev-channel-coming-to-the-chrome-browser-for-android.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

**Source:** [François Beaufort (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/100132233764003563318/posts/9LjfNPxAZSx)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/chrome-for-android-may-soon-have-a-dev-channel/

Autodesk Honors Promising Filmmakers with 5th Annual Visual Effects Society Student Award

For the fifth consecutive year, Autodesk, Inc . extended its support for tomorrow's artists, animators, designers and filmmakers by sponsoring the Visual Effects Society's award for "Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project" at the 11th annual VES Awards held on February 5, 2013, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/autodesk-honors-promising-filmmakers-with-5th-annual-visual-effects-society-student-award?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-210439ff0e4968e326b8d0d678c4ad2a

HTC's 603e shows up in Chinese database, ready to step in for One SU

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/htc-603e-china/)

Another day, another new phone pops up in China's telecom equipment certification database. This time it's an [HTC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/htc) Android 4.1 phone dubbed the 603e, and judging by the specs, it seems to be a follow-up to the [One SU](http://cn.engadget.com/tag/onesu/) with WCDMA radio in China: 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display, 1.15GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 5-megapixel main camera (capable of 720p video capture) and microSD expansion. On top of this near-identical set of features (but very different appearance), the 603e benefits from an additional 2-megapixel front-facing camera; and overall, this would conveniently place said phone somewhere in between the rumored [M4 and G2](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m4-g2-spec/). The body comes in at 9.8mm thick and 130g heavy, and it'll apparently be available in black, white, green and yellow. What we don't know is whether this modest-looking device will also have a second SIM card slot, but chances are we'll find out very soon.

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/2013/02/06/htc-603e-china/#comments)**

**Via:** [Blog of Mobile](http://ameblo.jp/povtc/entry-11464727864.html)

**Source:** [TENAA](http://shouji.tenaa.com.cn/Mobile/MobileDetail.aspx?code=zzE4JgeFios4OYHriSVvdrauoSU9cQYH)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/htc-603e-china/

OUYA working with Monkey Island and Words with Friends creators, The Cave also enroute

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/ouya-tim-schafer-paul-bettner/)

[OUYA](http://www.engadget.com/tag/OUYA/) CEO Julie Uhrman took to the stage at DICE 2013 today to reveal two new partnerships, one with _Monkey Island_ creator Tim Schafer's studio Double Fine Productions, and the other with _Words with Friends_ creator Paul Bettner. So far, that means both Double Fine's _Reds_ and _The Cave_ are headed to OUYA, while Bettner's Verse studio only announced it was working on two unannounced titles. "I believe we're about to see another disruption even bigger than this last," Bettner said, referring to his previous work in the mobile game space. "Gamers want the App Store in their living room. OUYA will be the first to deliver it," he said.

The OUYA arrives in March for [Kickstarter backers](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/09/ouyas-kickstarter-funding-is-complete-over-8-5-million-raised/), and in April for the rest of the world (even later [for retail](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/ouya-retail-best-buy-amazon-gamestop-june-99/)). It's unclear exactly when Schafer and Bettner's games will arrive on the Android-powered console, but we'd expect _The Cave_ to be there sooner than later (it's already available on other platforms).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/ouya-tim-schafer-paul-bettner/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/ouya-tim-schafer-paul-bettner/

BlackBerry 10 Review: Good, But Too Late?

An anonymous reader writes "Ars has an extensive review of the newly-released BlackBerry 10 operating system. Since it's such a late entry into the market, the tech community has been eyeballing the new operating system with trepidation -- would all that time go to waste with a poor offering, or would BlackBerry 10 be a reasonable alternative to iOS and Android? Well, it seems BlackBerry (the company formerly known as RIM) actually put the time to good use. The review finds most of the UI innovations to actually be.. innovative. "BlackBerry took a lot of time to see what the competition is doing, and then it worked to refine its operating system. It essentially had an excellent cheat sheet, filled with everything that has worked wonderfully and all the things that have bombed. That said, BlackBerry still has to mold its product for its two huge core audiences: the business-oriented multi-tasker and the developing smartphone markets. To that end, it has included all of the essential features and apps to appeal to both of those parties. The corporate user has his or her share of content to watch on the train ride to work, games and apps to help keep busy when not entrenched in a meeting, and the perfect Hub for messaging (not to mention the literal split between work and personal environments)." However, the review also notes that the system is not really designed to make people drop their Android or iOS devices, so uptake is going to be slow at best. The question for the platform's success (and the company's) is no longer 'Is it any good? but 'Is it too late?'" There's also a review of the z10 smartphone itself.

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=BlackBerry+10+Review%3A+Good%2C+But+Too+Late%3F%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FXWdt7e) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F06%2F2159247%2Fblackberry-10-review-good-but-too-late%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/02/06/2159247/blackberry-10-review-good-but-too-late?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/02/06/2159247/blackberry-10-review-good-but-too-late?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885551707/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/284ed525/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/0UO_goiOSv4/story01.htm

Twitter simplifies search for Android, iOS and mobile web users

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/twitter-search-updated-android-ios-web/)

Today, [Twitter](http://www.engadget.com/tag/twitter/) announced an update for its search features for Android, iOS and mobile web. Furthering the company's efforts for a more uniform user experience, the new updated adds a search button to the iPhone app, bringing it up to speed with its Android and iPad counterparts. Across the board users will be treated to improved search results for photos, tweets and accounts, along with a preview section for the Discover tab that takes a peek at the latest trends and activity. Wondering how all this magic works? Twitter's Engineering blog describes the process by which pieces of content are ranked and scored based on factors like "burstiness" to account for recent interest spikes.

As for the Connect tab, it now defaults to Interactions, which displays new followers, mentions and retweets. However, if you're not looking to keep track of who quoted your recent [product placement rant](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/editorial-house-of-cards-product-placement/), you can change your settings to Mentions only. Finally, and perhaps our most favorite new addition is a change to how Twitter's mobile implementations handle links. You can now click a URL directly from your timeline without having to open the related tweet. The mobile site is already sporting the latest updates, but you'll need to update your iOS and Android (it's a manual update, thanks to a change in permissions) apps at their respective stores.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/twitter-search-updated-android-ios-web/#comments)**

**Via:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/06/twitter-redesigns-its-search-product-for-ios-android-and-mobile-web-to-help-you-find-relevant-tweets-and-people/)

**Source:** [Twitter](http://blog.twitter.com/2013/02/search-and-discover-improvements-get.html), [Twitter Engineering blog](http://engineering.twitter.com/2013/02/new-twitter-search-results.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/twitter-search-updated-android-ios-web/

Startup Uses Radiation Fear To Map Cellphone Coverage

judgecorp writes "Fears that mobile phones cause cancer have never had strong backing from scientific research, but Israeli startup Tawkon is using those fears for an interesting business model. Its free app (banned from Apple's App Store, but on Android, BlackBerry and unlocked iPhones) tracks how much radiation your phone is emitting. This lets concerned users hold their phones away form their heads or whatever -- but it also gives Tawkon a useful map of cellphone coverage around the world, which is the real asset it is monetizing -- for the benefit of everyone, it says."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Startup+Uses+Radiation+Fear+To+Map+Cellphone+Coverage%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FVECioz) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F06%2F2123256%2Fstartup-uses-radiation-fear-to-map-cellphone-coverage%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/02/06/2123256/startup-uses-radiation-fear-to-map-cellphone-coverage?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/02/06/2123256/startup-uses-radiation-fear-to-map-cellphone-coverage?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151885305457/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/284eb6fe/a2.htm)

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

Mobile Devices Will Outnumber People by the End of the Year

According to Cisco's Visual Networking Index Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update , consumers' mobile appetite has grown a lot in the past year, and it shows no signs of slowing.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/mobile-devices-will-outnumber-people-by-the-end-of-the-year?fromrss=1

Google expands its reach on the slopes, adds ski resort routes to Maps

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/google-maps-ski-resorts/)

If you've ever been skiing or snowboarding, you likely know all too well the annoyance of carrying around a huge map of the resort -- especially when you're trying to refold the darn thing as you quickly approach the top of the lift. Fortunately, Google -- which has been [no stranger](http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/googles-street-view-hits-the-slopes-again-stops-for-hot-cocoa/) to the slopes the [last two years](http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/googles-street-view-snowmobile-takes-your-voyeurism-to-the-olym/) -- has a digital answer to this minor snow-centric dilemma, adding routes from 38 of the most popular resorts (a number that will continue to grow, as it should be noted) to its Maps. This means that Android and iOS-toting winter recreation enthusiasts can save a few trees and ditch the folding whilst enjoying the grand outdoors, provided you're willing to take your glove off to move to a different part of the map. Head to the link below for a full listing of resorts that are currently supported.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/google-maps-ski-resorts/#comments)**

**Source:** [Google Lat Long](http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2013/02/ski-resorts-now-on-google-maps.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/google-maps-ski-resorts/

ZTE Blade III reaches the UK through Virgin Media

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/zte-blade-iii-reaches-the-uk-through-virgin-media/)

The [ZTE Blade III](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/20/zte-confirms-blade-iii/) has been slowly spreading its cost-conscious influence across Europe since the fall, yet it curiously danced around the UK. That elusiveness is over now that Virgin Media has picked up the entry-level Android 4.0 phone for itself. It's a match for mainland Europe's version with a 4-inch WVGA screen, a 1GHz Snapdragon, a 5-megapixel camera, 3G data and 4GB of built-in storage with a microSD slot for more. Virgin is mostly counting on pricing to make the difference: the Blade III costs just £80 to buy outright for pay-as-you-go service, and it's free for customers who pay as little as £18 per month (£13 for Virgin loyalists) on a contract. If you don't mind the irony of a Blade phone that isn't especially cutting-edge, it's a tempting deal.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/zte-blade-iii-reaches-the-uk-through-virgin-media/#comments)**

**Source:** [Virgin Media](http://www.virginmobile.com/vm/viewProduct.do?productId=24354296)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/zte-blade-iii-reaches-the-uk-through-virgin-media/

Dropbox announces Sync API for Android and iOS

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/dropbox-announces-sync-api-for-android-and-ios/)

The lives of devs eager to take advantage of storage in the cloud are about to get a whole lot easier thanks to [Dropbox's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/dropbox) new Sync API. The tool streamlines the process of integrating the with the service, offloading most of the heavy lifting onto Dropbox itself. Now, that's not entirely new, since Dropbox has been open to other app makers for sometime. The big sell here are the actual syncing capabilities. Until now, apps have been able to tap into your online well of files, but syncing has always been a dev-implemented process built on top of the existing APIs. The downloading, storing, change tracking and uploading were all the responsibility of the developer. The Sync API does away with the much of the set up work and allows the creation of apps that simply sync across platforms without any hacking or jury-rigging. Apps can simply ask if you want to sync with Dropbox now and the act of creating and maintaining a folder won't necessitate any further user input (though, it still can if the dev so chooses). The API is available today, and the first program to take advantage of the private in-app Dropbox client, Squarespace Note is awaiting approval before landing in the App Store. For more, check out the blog post at the source.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/dropbox-announces-sync-api-for-android-and-ios/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/dropbox-announces-sync-api-for-android-and-ios/

Plex unveils 'massive' Plex/Web update, Windows 8 app tweaks and more

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/plex-unveils-redesigned-plex-web-windows-8-app-tweaks-and-more/)

Plex's [busy bees](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/25/plex-desktop-app-now-plex-home-theater-adds-airplay-and-hd-audio/) have sweetened the media server / client honeypot [again](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/03/plex-updates-arrive-for-windows-8-app-web-client-and-media-serv/) with new updates, including a "giant, thundering" update of the [Plex/Web](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/plex-media-server-plexpass-web-ui-update/) UI featuring a redesigned home screen and easier navigation. It also has a new version of its next-gen transcoder for the Windows 8 and [PlexSync](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/plex-cloudsync/) apps -- with iOS, Android and Plex/Web versions promised soon -- which brings better performance and improved support for subtitle burn-in, according to the outfit. Other features include a new iPad mini sync profile, better keyboard navigation, a media info popup and numerous bug fixes. You can grab it by checking your app for updates or hit the source for the full list.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/plex-unveils-massive-plex-web-update-windows-8-app-tweaks-and/#comments)**

**Source:** [Plex (1)](http://elan.plexapp.com/2013/02/05/release-updates-plex-media-server-plex-for-win8-and-plexweb/), [(2)](http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/46075-welcome-and-some-known-issues-and-release-notes/page__view__findpost__p__350494)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/plex-unveils-massive-plex-web-update-windows-8-app-tweaks-and/

Sony K-12 initiative puts the Xperia Tablet S into schools

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/sony-k-12-initiative-puts-the-xperia-tablet-s-into-schools/)

The selection of [tablets in education](http://www.engadget.com/tag/tablet,education/) has been narrow, especially for teachers that want support after the hardware is on their doorstep. Sony figures that it can widen the field through its K-12 Education Initiative. The effort gives schools a discount on the [Xperia Tablet S](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/sony-xperia-tablet-s-review/), but that's just the start: they have access to Education Ambassador, an online resource for incorporating Android tablets into the classroom, as well as 50GB of free [Box](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Box/) storage and a year's worth of [Kaspersky](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Kaspersky/) security services. Sony is already taking orders for schools waiting to hop onboard; if they're willing to try a company that's relatively untested in education, they may get a better deal than they expect.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/sony-k-12-initiative-puts-the-xperia-tablet-s-into-schools/#comments)**

**Via:** [ZDNet](http://www.zdnet.com/sony-announces-education-initiative-around-xperia-tablet-s-7000010916/)

**Source:** [Education Ambassador](http://educationambassador.com/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/sony-k-12-initiative-puts-the-xperia-tablet-s-into-schools/