Cherry Mobile Thunder Review

Cherry Mobile' s latest affordable smartphone packs quite a punch. It features a 4.5-inch screen, a dual-core processor and dual-SIM capabilities.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/cherry-mobile-thunder-review?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-65b929040bc131f3e31af9b7ea9467a3

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 preview: an 8-inch S Pen tablet that's also a phone

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8-preview/)

An [updated, larger Galaxy Note](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/galaxy-note-8-0-mwc-booth/) from [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/tag/samsung/) was inevitable. Given the undeniable popularity of mid-size tablets (see: [Apple iPad mini](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/apple-ipad-mini-review/)), it's no surprise the Korean electronics giant would want to strengthen its foothold in a category it helped create. It was just three short years ago that Samsung introduced the [Galaxy Tab](http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/samsung-galaxy-tab-review/) and now, three [Notes](http://www.engadget.com/tag/galaxy+note/) later, it's ready to perfect the one-handed experience. With this new Note, the company's culled the best of what's around its Galaxy into an 8-inch form factor, housing a 1,280 x 800 TFT display, Exynos 4 Quad with 2GB RAM (clocked at 1.6GHz), TouchWiz-skinned Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 OS, S Pen (and suite of associated apps), as well as radios for HSPA+ and WiFi into that familiar, lightweight plastic body.

But that extra inch alone isn't the [Galaxy Note 8.0's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/galaxyNote8.0/) main attraction. Samsung's wisely made use of the additional screen real estate to bundle two extra features. Building upon market research that indicates over 80-percent of tablet use takes place within the living room, the company's partnered with Peel for its Smart Remote app, a visual programming guide with remote control functions baked-in that comes pre-loaded on the tab. And, in keeping with its portrait oriented design, the Note 8.0 also incorporates what the company calls "reading mode," effectively optimizing the slate's display for comfortable e-book use.

**Gallery: [Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 hands-on](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661040)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661038)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661039)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661046)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-hands-on/5661047)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8-preview/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8-preview/

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 official: 1.6GHz Exynos 4 Quad, 1280 x 800 display, HSPA+ 21, Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8/)

We knew another [Note](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/galaxy-note-8-0-mwc-booth/) was coming. After all, [Samsung Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/tag/samsung/) head [JK Shin confirmed the news](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/21/samsung-galaxy-note-8-at-mwc/) back in January. But here at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the tablet's finally been made official. If you haven't already inferred from its name, Samsung's latest S Pen entry boasts an 8-inch 1,280 x 800 TFT display. That puts it on par with the [Note 10.1's](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/15/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review/) resolution, although here users will obviously benefit from a more eye-pleasing pixel density (189ppi) and smaller 210.8mm x 135.9mm x 7.95mm (8.3 x 5.4 x 0.31 inches) footprint. Beneath that _love it or hate it_ sealed plastic chassis, lies the company's [Exynos 4 Quad](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/samsung-demos-new-32nm-quad-core-exynos-ahead-of-mwc/) processor clocked at 1.6GHz and paired with 2GB RAM, radios for WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, GLONASS and HSPA+ 21 (850/900/1900/2100MHz), up to 32GB of internal storage (microSD expansion available), in addition to a 4,600mAh battery. And, as with most Android products rolling out as of late, the Note 8.0 will ship with version 4.1.2 of Jelly Bean onboard -- skinned with the requisite TouchWiz UX.

**Gallery: [Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-0/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-0/5661132)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-0/5661133)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-0/5661130)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/samsung-galaxy-note-8/

FTC to HTC: Patch Vulnerabilities On Smartphones and Tablets

New submitter haberb writes "I always thought my HTC phones were of average or above average quality, and certainly no less secure than an vanilla Android install, but it turns out someone was still not impressed. 'Mobile device manufacturer HTC America has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company failed to take reasonable steps to secure the software it developed for its smartphones and tablet computers, introducing security flaws that placed sensitive information about millions of consumers at risk.' Perhaps this will push HTC to release some of the ICS upgrades they promised a few months ago but never delivered, or perhaps the reason they fell through in the first place?"

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=FTC+to+HTC%3A+Patch+Vulnerabilities+On+Smartphones+and+Tablets%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FWaZxfC) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyro.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F24%2F004228%2Fftc-to-htc-patch-vulnerabilities-on-smartphones-and-tablets%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/24/004228/ftc-to-htc-patch-vulnerabilities-on-smartphones-and-tablets?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/24/004228/ftc-to-htc-patch-vulnerabilities-on-smartphones-and-tablets?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158873249492/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28e34924/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/zKr__wn9vk0/story01.htm

Baig review: You might want to pledge allegiance to this Republic

Have a look at your smartphone bill. You're paying what, 75, 80 bucks a month? You haven't even maxed out on your voice or data plan options.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/baig-review-you-might-want-to-pledge-allegiance-to-this-republic?fromrss=1

Ask Slashdot: How to Pimp My Android Tablet?

New submitter capsfan100 writes "At Christmas I got an $89 Android tablet by MID. The 7" tablet has sufficient RAM, etc. The battery, however, was rather pathetic out of the box. It's already fading, so we know where this is headed -- decent tablet, but it constantly needs the plug. How would you take this 'old' tablet and turn it into a rockin' stereo component? Is there a ROM build out there titled Pimp My Tablet Into An MP3 Player? The current music app can look up lyrics on-line. I'd like to keep that feature. Any ideas on a good app for syncing music videos with my *ahem* random music collection? Any fun, off-beat party apps this middle-aged suburban dad hasn't heard of? Since the Android security nightmare is so well documented, I'd rather not use services that require passwords. I also need top-notch security and monitoring software so I can see what my kids and their friends are doing with it next year when I'm not home while keeping them anonymous and safe on-line. As for my living room stereo system, how best to mount a sleek MP3 tablet? I was thinking velcro, but it would ruin the feel. Maybe a wall-mount arm like my HDTV has? We want to be able to unplug it and move around the room, so I'll need to upgrade the speakers to wireless. Any thoughts there? I'm not afraid of the command line -- indeed, I insist on one -- but no Gentoo-type projects, thank you. Just a good sleek and secure ROM for optimal tunage with all the top apps the kids are using today."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Ask+Slashdot%3A+How+to+Pimp+My+Android+Tablet%3F%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FX3i5vo) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fask.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F23%2F1942247%2Fask-slashdot-how-to-pimp-my-android-tablet%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://ask.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/1942247/ask-slashdot-how-to-pimp-my-android-tablet?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://ask.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/1942247/ask-slashdot-how-to-pimp-my-android-tablet?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158873307251/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28e24e24/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/WjB0ienxNWo/story01.htm

SES London: To Better Engage, Brands Must Understand Mobile Customers

Mobile devices are extremely powerful. They can transform the retail experience, connect brands to social, and facilitate sharing.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/ses-london-to-better-engage-brands-must-understand-mobile-customers?fromrss=1

Nikon Buckles To Microsoft, Will Pay "Android Tax" For Smart Cameras

walterbyrd writes with news that Nikon is the latest company to agree to pay Microsoft for the privilege of using Android on its devices -- as you might expect from Nikon, the devices in this case are cameras. (Microsoft's press release.)

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Nikon+Buckles+To+Microsoft%2C+Will+Pay+%22Android+Tax%22+For+Smart+Cameras%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FYOpixe) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyro.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F23%2F1811215%2Fnikon-buckles-to-microsoft-will-pay-android-tax-for-smart-cameras%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/1811215/nikon-buckles-to-microsoft-will-pay-android-tax-for-smart-cameras?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/1811215/nikon-buckles-to-microsoft-will-pay-android-tax-for-smart-cameras?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158873187204/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28e1fc4a/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/vddUhXG899k/story01.htm

Watch for mobile malware and targeted attacks, McAfee warns

Mobile malware and narrowly-targeted attacks are steadily rising, according to a McAfee report released earlier this month.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/watch-for-mobile-malware-and-targeted-attacks-mcafee-warns?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-c37736fc94f6bd8d7602e8a64457da1a

Chromebook Pixel allows for custom bootloaders, is Linux-friendly

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/chromebook-pixel-linux-unverified-bios-slot-custom-bootloader/)

WiFi-only flavors of the [Chromebook Pixel](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/chromebook-pixel-hands-on/) have only just started shipping, but if you're already itching to install Linux on one of them, you're in luck. Not only have [kernel patches](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/linux-kernel-chromebook-pixel/) been submitted for the hardware, but Google's Bill Richardson has now laid out exactly how to load up the devices with [Linux Mint](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/21/linux-mint-turns-14-settles-into-young-adulthood-with-nadia/). Richardson says that part of the Chrome OS BIOS is read-only, so changes to it are generally exclusive to new hardware. Pixel, for example, has been tuned to support user-provided custom bootloaders thanks to an unverified BIOS slot. Unfortunately, Mint doesn't support the laptop's touchscreen and trackpad because it leverages the stock kernel. Adventurous types looking to boot a Tux-powered OS on a Pixel can hit the neighboring source link for step-by-step instructions.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/chromebook-pixel-linux-unverified-bios-slot-custom-bootloader/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/chromebook-pixel-might-be-new-linux-ultrabook-you-re-waiting)

**Source:** [Bill Richardson (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/100479847213284361344/posts/QhmBpn5GNE9)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/23/chromebook-pixel-linux-unverified-bios-slot-custom-bootloader/

Pwnie Express Releases Android-Based Network Hacking Kit

At last year's RSA security conference, we ran into the Pwnie Plug. The company has just come out with a new take on the same basic idea of pen-testing devices based on commodity hardware. Reader puddingebola writes with an excerpt from Wired: "The folks at security tools company Pwnie Express have built a tablet that can bash the heck out of corporate networks. Called the Pwn Pad, it's a full-fledged hacking toolkit built atop Google's Android operating system. Some important hacking tools have already been ported to Android, but Pwnie Express says that they've added some new ones. Most importantly, this is the first time that they've been able to get popular wireless hacking tools like Aircrack-ng and Kismet to work on an Android device." Pwnie Express will be back at RSA and so will Slashdot, so there's a good chance we'll get a close-up look at the new device, which runs about $800.

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Pwnie+Express+Releases+Android-Based+Network+Hacking+Kit%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FXvZ5Ui) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fit.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F23%2F0210220%2Fpwnie-express-releases-android-based-network-hacking-kit%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/0210220/pwnie-express-releases-android-based-network-hacking-kit?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/23/0210220/pwnie-express-releases-android-based-network-hacking-kit?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158873298452/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28df806d/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/H7AeaqkNtsY/story01.htm

Cult Of Android Will Be At MWC Next Week - Here's What You Can Expect

Cult of Android will soon be on its way to Barcelona for this year's Mobile World Congress - which kicks off Sunday, February 24 - where we're expecting a whole host of announcements regarding new smartphones, tablets, apps, and accessories.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/cult-of-android-will-be-at-mwc-next-week-heres-what-you-can-expect?fromrss=1

HTC America Settles FTC Charges It Failed to Secure Millions of Mobile Devices Shipped to Consumers

Mobile device manufacturer HTC America has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company failed to take reasonable steps to secure the software it developed for its smartphones and tablet computers, introducing security flaws that placed sensitive information about millions of consumers at risk.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/htc-america-settles-ftc-charges-it-failed-to-secure-millions-of-mobile-devices-shipped-to-consumers?fromrss=1

Pwnie Express launches the Pwn Pad, takes hackproofing on the road

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/pwnie-express-launches-the-pwn-pad/)

Pwnie Express-made security tools like the [Power Pwn](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/22/darpa-backed-power-pwn-is-superhero-hack-machine/) have mostly been stationary creatures that aren't much help when checking for network vulnerabilities on the move. There's now a more mobile version, though, in the Pwn Pad. The kit combines a [Nexus 7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/) with USB-based Bluetooth, Ethernet and WiFi to gauge the security of a network beyond what Google's tablet can manage on its own. [Ubuntu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Ubuntu/) Linux is available in the Pwn Pad's software loadout, but part of the appeal comes from running a suite of tools in Android that aren't always available on the platform, such as Kismet. The $795 price will seem steep to those who bought the plain Nexus 7 at a quarter of the price, although it might end up being a discount for security gurus who want to leave bulkier tools -- even their laptops -- at home.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/pwnie-express-launches-the-pwn-pad/#comments)**

**Via:** [Wired](http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/02/pwnpad/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Top+Stories%29)

**Source:** [Pwnie Express](http://pwnieexpress.com/products/pwnpad)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/pwnie-express-launches-the-pwn-pad/

HTC brings Dashwire back, focuses on setting up new Android smartphones


When HTC [dissolved Dashwire's original service](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/04/dashwire-closes-up-shop/) just months after acquisition, many wrote off the smaller company; it all but disappeared from the limelight, even with its early cloud sync service still in action. Rather than relegate Dashwire to the [oblivion](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/posterous-closing-on-april-30th-to-focus-on-twitter/) traditionally associated with takeovers, though, HTC is staging a comeback. It's relaunching Dashwire to help carriers get customers up and running on a new smartphone, including contacts and a customized look. Details are short, but the revived service won't be HTC-exclusive: Dashwire will support "leading" Android device makers. While the company's return to form will depend on successful sales pitches at [Mobile World Congress](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/mwc-2013-preview/), it at least stands a chance of being more than just a footnote.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/htc-brings-dashwire-back/#comments)**

**Source:** [Dashwire](http://dashwire.com/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/htc-brings-dashwire-back/

iOS News Reader - Friday, February 22, 2013

The plaintiffs contend that that the iPad 4 is not a great enough technological evolution vs.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/ios-news-reader-friday-february-22-2013?fromrss=1

Google's future 42-acre 'Bayview' home gets its own Vanity Fair profile


Usually when we get a peek at Google's Mountain View home it's to gawk at the [latest Android-related statue](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/google-chrome-android-statue/) but a _Vanity Fair_ article posted today showed the company's future HQ plans. After initiating plans for a new structure next to the existing Googleplex and then abandoning them last year, it's opting for a new facility designed by Seattle firm NBBJ (which also created offices for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) in another area of the city. Planned to open as soon as 2015 -- potentially ahead of [Apple's halo-shaped new digs](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/22/cupertino-posts-tweaked-apple-spaceship-campus-plans/) -- it's called Bay View and consists of nine buildings connected by bridges over 42 acres.

According to Google it's designed for many workers to operate just on natural light, and avail themselves of the many cafes and green roofs. Quoted in the article is civil engineer David Radcliffe, who claims that employees will never be more than a two and a half minute walk away from each other, which, along with the bent floorplan of each building, is intended to create opportunities for innovation through "casual collisions". These are just some of the tidbits included in the article waiting beyond the source link, but we're still trying to figure out where they hid parking spots for all the self-driving cars.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/googles-future-42-acre-bayview-home-gets-its-own-vanity-fair/#comments)**

**Source:** [Vanity Fair](http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/02/exclusive-preview-googleplex), [LA Times](http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-googleplex-is-set-to-become-a-megaplex-new-google-campus-planned-20130222,0,499015.story)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/googles-future-42-acre-bayview-home-gets-its-own-vanity-fair/

Facebook's main app for iOS adds free voice calls inside North America

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/facebook-app-for-ios-adds-free-voice-calls-for-north-america/)

Facebook has been spreading [voice messaging](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/28/facebook-ios-update/) throughout its mobile apps for awhile, but it's clear the Palo Alto crew is no longer happy leaving interaction to canned speeches. Following a quiet rollout of live voice calls [to Facebook Messenger](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/16/facebook-starts-turning-on-free-voice-calls/) earlier in the year, a version 5.5 update to Facebook's core iOS app is giving social networkers a similar chance to talk to each other for free. The only stipulations are that users have the bandwidth to burn and live in either the US or Canada. Otherwise, the interface and functionality are dead ringers for the Messenger equivalents we tried in January. There's still no word on when full voice calls will reach Android or other platforms, although they typically get feature parity before too long.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/facebook-app-for-ios-adds-free-voice-calls-for-north-america/#comments)**

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/facebook-app-for-ios-adds-free-voice-calls-for-north-america/

Will the Windows Ecosystem be Relevant at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona?

It's still an iPhone and Android world, but at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next Monday, expect Microsoft's Windows and Windows Phone platforms to show some intriguing signs of life.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/will-the-windows-ecosystem-be-relevant-at-mobile-world-congress-in-barcelona?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-0c2d2e4470d8dc6c041f58a4d7104e18

20 Excellent Android Lock Screen Widgets

Android 4.2 lets you put widgets on your lock screen -- so which apps make the most of the feature? Here are 20 of the best.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/20-excellent-android-lock-screen-widgets?fromrss=1

HTC Relaunches Dashwire to Help Mobile Operators Simplify the Smartphone Experience

SEATTLE, Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Dashwire, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HTC Corporation, announced today that it has been re-launched to offer mobile operators software solutions that simplify the smartphone user experience.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/htc-relaunches-dashwire-to-help-mobile-operators-simplify-the-smartphone-experience?fromrss=1

Insert Coin semifinalist: Moedls brings 3D scanning to your phone


[3D scanners](http://www.engadget.com/tag/3dscanner) are kinda old hat at this point. But, while we've seen more than our fair share of Kinect hacks, we haven't come across too many phone-based systems. Moedls actually puts the power to create models like the one above in the palm of your hand... sort of. The heart of the system is either an iOS or Android app (sorry [MeeGo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/meego) fans), but there are actual lasers with a custom enclosure as part of the platform. Clearly, that does somewhat restrict portability, but it should all fit into a 10-inch x 10-inch x 4-inch box for storage or transportation.

Creator John Fehr started the project as a way to save some of his daughter's sculptures in digital form. After trying many different component options, Fehr settled on a combination of parts that totaled around $300. That included a custom enclosure and variable speed rotating platform have been sourced. Right now the iOS app is awaiting approval from Apple and the Google-fied equivalent is currently in development. Combine this with a 3D printer (we hear you've got [quite a few choices](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/3d-printer-guide/) at this point) and the world becomes your playground. You can see an example of what Moedls is capable of, even at this early stage, at the source.

_Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists [here](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/insert-coin-voting/) -- and don't forget to [pick a winner](http://www.engadget.com/finalist-voting/)!_

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/insert-coin-semifinalist-moedls/#comments)**

**Source:** [Moedls](http://www.moedls.com/viewer.php?modelID=voirbp)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/insert-coin-semifinalist-moedls/

MLB At Bat 2013 app warms up for spring training, starts pitching in BB10's bullpen

[
 ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/mlb-at-bat-2013-app-warms-up-for-spring-training/)

For some, the change of the season is marked not by calendars or climate changes, but by the beat of sports fandom. Rest easy, [baseball fans](http://www.engadget.com/tag/baseball/): spring is finally here. Naturally, Major League Baseball is heralding in the weather by updating its [MLB At Bat app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/mlb-at-bat-2012-app-out-for-idevices-and-android-brings-in-app/) for 2013 spring training, touting new features for Android and iOS users alike. The apps updated team pages, retooled navigation and classic games library are universally available to both Android and iOS users, but the iPhone will score an enhanced and searchable video library and an exclusive home screen customization feature. MLB promises to pipe in more functionality before the season opens, however -- including mobile access for BlackBerry 10 users. What hasn't changed? The price, of course: Android subscribers will need to pony up $20 for the year, while iOS retains its $3 monthly subscription plan. Slide past the break for the official press release.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/mlb-at-bat-2013-app-warms-up-for-spring-training/#comments)**

**Source:** [MLB](http://mlb.mlb.com/mobile/atbat/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/mlb-at-bat-2013-app-warms-up-for-spring-training/

Google's Android Reborn as Network-Hacking Kit

The folks at security tools company Pwnie Express have built a tablet that can bash the heck out of corporate networks. Called the Pwn Pad, it's a full-fledged hacking toolkit built atop Google's Android operating system.

URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/wO5_zWDG0RY/

Article: Android, Symbian Dominate India's Smartphone Market

India will top one billion mobile connections for the first time this year, eMarketer estimates, and many of those users will be eager to convert from feature phones to smartphones.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/article-android-symbian-dominate-indias-smartphone-market?fromrss=1

Magellan Debuts SmartGPS Apps for Apple and Android Mobile Devices to Help Users Discover Their World

Following the recent announcement of Magellan's award-winning SmartGPS device, the free Magellan SmartGPS Apps for iOS and Android devices are the next key elements in Magellan's Smart Ecosystem, a cloud platform that integrates social media and navigation content directly onto a navigation map.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/magellan-debuts-smartgps-apps-for-apple-and-android-mobile-devices-to-help-users-discover-their-world?fromrss=1

PayPal Here coming to the UK with a chip reader to match (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/paypal-here-coming-to-the-uk-with-a-chip-reader-to-match/)

US-born mobile payment methods like [PayPal Here](http://www.engadget.com/tag/PayPalHere/) and [Square](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Square/) haven't had much traction in Europe, due in no small part to the continent's frequent reliance on chip-and-PIN credit cards over North America's (slowly outgoing) magnetic stripes. PayPal is getting around that technical barrier through the most direct method possible -- replacing the reader altogether. PayPal Here's UK deployment swaps out the triangular US reader for a considerably bulkier Bluetooth peripheral that takes the newer payment method. Other elements will be familiar to anyone who's used Here on an Android or iOS device in another country, minus the obligatory changes in currency. PayPal is partnering with a handful of UK businesses before launching Here on a wider scale in the summer -- not soon enough for some, but it might save a few Brits from scrounging through their wallets just to buy some ice cream.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/paypal-here-coming-to-the-uk-with-a-chip-reader-to-match/#comments)**

**Via:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/21/paypal-here-is-coming-to-the-uk-its-first-market-in-europe-armed-with-a-new-way-to-read-your-card/)

**Source:** [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/paypal-here-coming-to-the-uk-with-a-chip-reader-to-match/

LG Optimus G shipping to Europe this month with Jelly Bean (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/lg-optimus-g-shipping-to-europe-this-month-with-jelly-bean/)

LG is about to kick its currently slow, worldwide [Optimus G](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/lg-optimus-g-review-a-quad-core-powerhouse-with-nexus-aspiratio/) deployment into high gear. Right in time for [Mobile World Congress](http://www.engadget.com/tag/mwc2013/), the company has confirmed that its late 2012 flagship is about to reach Europe. Sweden gets first crack at the Optimus G before February is over, while at least France, Germany and Italy are next in line. Every European version will ship with the [Jelly Bean update](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/13/refresh-roundup/) LG promised for new launches back in late January. It adds more than just obvious Android 4.1 features like [Google Now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleNow/) and rich notifications: there's a wider variety of [QSlide](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/20/lg-tells-the-story-behind-qslide-multitasking-wont-be-mad-if-y/)-friendly apps, better status bar controls and small perks like Privacy Keeper for calls and Safety Care live support. We're still waiting for Jelly Bean to hit the US, but Europeans (and envious Americans) can see what they'll get by watching the video after the break.

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/2013/02/21/lg-optimus-g-shipping-to-europe-this-month-with-jelly-bean/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/lg-optimus-g-shipping-to-europe-this-month-with-jelly-bean/

Nikon to pay Microsoft for Android-related patent license

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nikon-signs-deal-with-microsoft-to-license-android-related-patents/)

Microsoft believes every [Android device maker](http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/microsoft-says-android-infringes-on-its-patents-licenses-htc/) owes money for (reportedly) using its patents, and it's been striking a lot of matching [royalty deals](http://www.engadget.com/tag/microsoft,license,android/) that mostly focus on phone designers. While there wasn't necessarily much doubt, we can confirm today that dedicated camera makers aren't exempt: Nikon just signed a similar deal. Although the terms are once again secret, the agreement will see Nikon pay Microsoft a royalty for "certain" cameras running Android, which likely involves the [Coolpix S800c](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/22/nikon-coolpix-s800c-android-camera-hands-on/) as well as any future shooters. In case you're wondering, Samsung's broader patent [license deal](http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/microsoft-and-samsung-sitting-in-a-tree-patent-s-h-a-r-i-n-g/) already covers the [Galaxy Camera](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/samsung-galaxy-camera/). This new pact mostly gives Nikon equal treatment -- and shows that Microsoft casts a wide net.

Filed under: [Cameras](http://www.engadget.com/category/cameras/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [Nikon](http://www.engadget.com/category/nikon/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nikon-signs-deal-with-microsoft-to-license-android-related-patents/#comments)**

**Source:** [Microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2013/Feb13/02-21NikonPR.aspx)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nikon-signs-deal-with-microsoft-to-license-android-related-patents/

Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview now available for supported Nexus devices

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/ubuntu-touch-preview-now-available/)

Canonical's [preview](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/ubuntu-dev-preview-hands-on/) of a [smartphone-](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/touch-based-ubuntu-preview-coming-february-21st/) and [tablet-friendly](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/19/ubuntu-for-tablets-revealed/) flavor of [Ubuntu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Ubuntu/) has finally arrived for folks willing to flash a [Galaxy Nexus](http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/galaxy-nexus-hspa-review/), [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/) or a [Nexus](http://www.engadget.com/gallery/nexus-7-review/) [tablet](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-10-review/). [Shuttleworth](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/canonical-interview/) and friends stress that the release is intended for developers and enthusiasts -- not those eyeing it as a daily driver, mind you -- and that it's not yet kitted out with its complete functionality. As of now, the Ubuntu touch dev preview contains the shell, core applications, WiFi networking, support for front- and rear-facing cameras and Android Developer Bridge tool connectivity. In addition, the operating system allows Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 handsets to connect to a GSM network, make phone calls and send texts. Along with the sneak peak, the Ubuntu SDK has been badged with the alpha moniker since it's flaunting a host of new features, including the ability to deploy and execute apps straight from the IDE. Ready to download the OS image and development kit? Hit the neighboring source link to get cracking.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/ubuntu-touch-preview-now-available/#comments)**

**Source:** [Ubuntu](http://developer.ubuntu.com/2013/02/releasing-the-ubuntu-touch-developer-preview-and-sdk-alpha/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/ubuntu-touch-preview-now-available/

Sprint Force LTE Leaks As Entry-Level Android Phone From ZTE

Sprint may soon be announcing an entry-level Android smartphone called the Sprint Force LTE.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/sprint-force-lte-leaks-as-entry-level-android-phone-from-zte?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-d0837a2a93ff7427efc933afe8da5079

Orange announces three own-brand Android smartphones

UK MOBILE OPERATOR Orange announced three own-brand smartphones on Friday, ahead of next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/orange-announces-three-own-brand-android-smartphones?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-45e0b1ba8584378707aff0d804e8a221

AllThingsD: No native BlackBerry 10 Instagram app in sight

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/no-native-blackberry-10-instagram/)

The mobile OS that needs more big name apps to tether their wagons to insure a boost in [user adoption](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/blackberry-10-30-days/) is less one key photography app. According to _AllThingsD_, there is no native [Instagram](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Instagram/) app in development for [BB10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-os-10-review/) handsets -- at least for the foreseeable future. Quoting sources close to the popular social / photo filtering app, the report goes on to say that future development is also uncertain. Of course, the outfit is working on an Android port that will be usable on BlackBerry's latest, but with significant compromises to user experience to come as the cost of admission. The new operating system did secure native support from Facebook, Foursquare, LinkedIn and Twitter at launch.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/no-native-blackberry-10-instagram/#comments)**

**Source:** [AllThingsD](http://allthingsd.com/20130221/native-instagram-app-is-not-coming-to-blackberry-10/?mod=tw_mob)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/no-native-blackberry-10-instagram/

Microsoft, BSA and Others Push For Appeal On Oracle v. Google Ruling

sl4shd0rk writes "In 2012, Oracle took Google to court over the use of Java in Android. Judge William Alsup brought the ruling that the structure of APIs could not be copyrighted at all. Emerging from the proceedings, it was learned that Alsup himself had some programming background and wasn't bedazzled by Oracle's thin arguments on the range-checking function. The ruling came, programmers rejoiced and Oracle vowed Appeal. It seems that time is coming now, nearly a year later, as Microsoft, BSA, EMC, Netapp, et al. get behind Oracle to overturn Alsup's ruling citing 'destabilization' of the 'entire software industry.'"

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Microsoft%2C+BSA+and+Others+Push+For+Appeal+On+Oracle+v.+Google+Ruling%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F138miTs) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdevelopers.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F21%2F2144255%2Fmicrosoft-bsa-and-others-push-for-appeal-on-oracle-v-google-ruling%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://developers.slashdot.org/story/13/02/21/2144255/microsoft-bsa-and-others-push-for-appeal-on-oracle-v-google-ruling?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://developers.slashdot.org/story/13/02/21/2144255/microsoft-bsa-and-others-push-for-appeal-on-oracle-v-google-ruling?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158873454898/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/28d2f3d8/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/nI8iq56Emuw/story01.htm

Mobile Gamers Spend More On iOS, Android Than On Dedicated Handhelds

The smartphone is going to be the death of the dedicated handheld. That's the line being fed to us by pretty much every analyst these days.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/mobile-gamers-spend-more-on-ios-android-than-on-dedicated-handhelds?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-496823449ee2ed0a2541256efdc5da26

Jumio Unveils Netverify Mobile to Combat Growing Fraud on...

PALO ALTO, Calif. - - Jumio, Inc., the online verification and mobile payments platform company, today announced the release of Netverify Mobile, the only technology available that allows businesses to authenticate their customers' identities - via passport, driver license or ID card - using iOS and Android smartphone cameras.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/jumio-unveils-netverify-mobile-to-combat-growing-fraud-on?fromrss=1

LG flaunts Panorama VR feature on Optimus G Pro (video)


Since creating regular panorama shots is [so last year](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/iphone-5-camera-compared-iphone-4s-low-light-video/), LG's come up with a new option for its [Optimus G Pro](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/21/lg-optimus-g-pro-official-ntt-docomo/). We first heard about the feature during the [launch](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/android-photo-sphere-panorama-google/) of the 5.5-inch handset, and now the Korean company's just outed a YouTube video showing how it works. It looks very similar, but not identical to Google's latest Photo Sphere update, letting you pan in different directions while photos of the scene are captured and stitched automatically. The software compiles it into a large panorama file that lets you pan and zoom into the scene, exactly like the recent [Android 4.2 option.](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/android-photo-sphere-panorama-google/) We've reached out to LG to see if there's any relation between the two apps, but more choice is always better anyway, no?

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/lg-flaunts-panorama-vr-feature-on-optimus-g-pro-video/#comments)**

**Source:** [LG (YouTube)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Rh-2_Nt8Wac#!)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/lg-flaunts-panorama-vr-feature-on-optimus-g-pro-video/

CloudOn releases version 4.0, brings its productivity features to a number of Android handsets

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/cloudon-version-4-0/)

A mere couple of months have passed since [CloudOn](http://www.engadget.com/tag/CloudOn/) outed its third major revision on Android and iOS, and today the productivity-focused application is making yet another numerical jump. With today's announcement of version 4.0, the app's set to expand on [the previous iteration](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/cloudon-3-0/) by bringing its [Office functionality](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/cloudon-microsoft-office-functionality-to-ipad/) outside of Apple's famed smartphone and onto _some_ that are powered by Google's mobile OS. This means Android users with a compatible smartphone can now view, edit, create, and share documents with CloudOn, which should be a rather familiar experience for those who've been utilizing the tablet app since its [humble beginnings](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/cloudon-for-android-tablets-google-drive-support/) on Google Play. CloudOn 4.0 is now [available worldwide](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/cloudon-version-2-5-available-worldwide/), but you'll have to check out the presser past the jump in order to find out if _your _beloved handset is included in the list of fitting devices.

**Gallery: [CloudOn 4.0](http://www.engadget.com/photos/cloudon-4-0/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/cloudon-4-0/5657596)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/cloudon-4-0/5651265)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/cloudon-4-0/5651263)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/cloudon-4-0/5651264)

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/2013/02/21/cloudon-version-4-0/#comments)**

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/cloudon-version-4-0/

TouchPal Keyboard for Windows 8 brings Swype-like typing to your slate (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/touchpal-keyboard-for-windows-8/)

Android fans wanting to try a Windows 8 tablet haven't really had the choice of a glide-based keyboard in the vein of [SwiftKey Flow](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/swiftkey-flow-available-now-hands-on/) or [Swype](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Swype/), in part because the OS isn't designed for an easy replacement. After months of teasing, though, CooTek claims to have the remedy with the launch of TouchPal Keyboard for Windows 8. The software naturally centers on the sliding, predictive input method for those who've grown used to typing with one finger versus many. Thankfully, it's not a one-trick pony: the Windows 8 adaptation also includes the components from TouchPal's mobile editions, including an optional split keyboard and plugins. We most like that it's free, which should make it that much easier to skip the Type Cover for many of those considering a [Surface Pro](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/05/microsoft-surface-pro-review/).

Filed under: [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/2013/02/21/touchpal-keyboard-for-windows-8/#comments)**

**Source:** [CooTek](http://www.touchpal.com/en/downloadswin8.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/touchpal-keyboard-for-windows-8/

Samsung's WiFi-only Galaxy Camera passes governmental inspection, bids farewell to SIM cards


Two days is a long time in tech. One day, a company's announcing a new iteration of its [hybrid Android camera](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/19/samsung-galaxy-camera-wifi/), next thing you know, it's already passing the FCC's tests. You probably know the drill [by now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/FCC/) and with even less radios than the original [Galaxy Camera](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/), there's [less paperwork](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/27/samsung-galaxy-camera-swings-past-the-fcc-with-att-capable-3g/) to browse this round. But if exposure reports are your sort of thing, then you should probably visit the source -- there's reading to be done. Two things not mentioned, however, is that darn release date and price tag.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/samsungs-wifi-only-galaxy-camera-passes-governmental-inspection/#comments)**

**Source:** [FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=606733&fcc_id=A3LEKGC110)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/samsungs-wifi-only-galaxy-camera-passes-governmental-inspection/

Silence for Android lets you change sound and system settings on schedule

If you take your smartphone with you wherever you go, you probably encounter several situations in a week where it may be appropriate to change some of the phone's settings.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/silence-for-android-lets-you-change-sound-and-system-settings-on-schedule?fromrss=1

Sony PS4 to sync with iOS, Android for dual screen gaming

Sony's new console, like Nintendo's Wii U launched last year, will support "second screens" for extra maps and game data Sony said the new console will embrace "second screens" in gaming, where the main action takes place on a large TV or monitor, but a sub-screen shows maps and other supplementary information.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/sony-ps4-to-sync-with-ios-android-for-dual-screen-gaming?fromrss=1

NXP's silicon fingerprinting promises to annoy the heck out of ID hackers

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nxp-chip-fingerprinting/)

It's 2013 and white hat hackers like [Adam Laurie](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/05/square-found-to-be-ripe-for-fraud-turned-into-card-skimmer/) are still breaking into ID chips that are supposed to be secure. How come? Partly it's the way of the world, because no man-made [NFC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/nfc) or [RFID](http://www.engadget.com/tag/RFID) security barrier can ever be truly impervious. But in practical terms, a chip's vulnerability often stems from the fact that it can be taken apart and probed at a hacker's leisure. The secure element doesn't necessarily need to have power running through it or to be in the midst of near-field communication in order to yield up its cryptographic key to a clever intruder who has sufficient time and sufficient desire to breach the security of a [smartphone](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/26/google-wallet-one-year-later/), [bank card](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/bank-of-america-gets-into-card-swiping-with-mobile-pay-on-demand/) or [national border](http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/video-hacker-war-drives-san-francisco-cloning-rfid-passports/).

Which brings us to the latest device in [NXP](http://www.engadget.com/tag/nxp/)'s SmartMX2 range -- a piece of technology that is claimed to work very differently and that is expected to hit the market next year. Instead of a traditional key stored in the secure element's memory, every single copy of this chip carries a unique fingerprint within the physical structure of its transistors. This fingerprint (aka Physically Unclonable Function, or PUF) is a byproduct of tiny errors in the fabrication process -- something chip makers usually try to minimize. But NXP has found a way to amplify these flaws in a controlled way and use them for identification, and it'd take a mightily well-equipped criminal (or [fare dodger](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/23/android-hack-subways/), or [Scrabble cheater](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/scrabble-board-rfid/)) to reverse engineer _that_.

Filed under: [Misc](http://www.engadget.com/category/misc/), [Science](http://www.engadget.com/category/science/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nxp-chip-fingerprinting/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/nxp-chip-fingerprinting/

TestFlight reaches Android in beta, gives app developers a safety net

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/testflight-reaches-android-in-beta/)

You may not know about TestFlight if you're used to running apps rather than building them, but odds are that you know its effects when over 300,000 iOS apps have reached testers that hopefully caught bugs in advance. That makes the launch of a private Android beta something of an event, as it gives developers the same simple feedback and provisioning for pre-release apps. Coders who split their time between both Android and iOS also get a truly cross-platform management console as part of the expansion. There's no set date for when the beta expires, but TestFlight eventually plans to offer its utility directly through the Google Play Store -- and might just keep the [Android app train](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/google-play-store-racks-up-700k-apps-says-bloomberg/) rolling smoothly.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/testflight-reaches-android-in-beta/#comments)**

**Via:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/20/testfllight-android-launch/)

**Source:** [TestFlight (1)](https://testflightapp.com/android/), [(2)](http://blog.testflightapp.com/post/43571760685/now-boarding-android-apps)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/testflight-reaches-android-in-beta/

Google Drive gets file previews, Android app now outfitted with video streaming

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-drive-previews-video-streaming/)

Mountain View has just made it easier to peek the contents of [Google Drive](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleDrive/) files on the web with a brand-new preview feature. Now, users will be able to quickly view up to 30 file types (photos, videos, PDFs and more) in a lightbox overlay, and thumb through by clicking right and left arrows within the window. When it comes to documents, folks can zoom in and out, scroll through pages, and even select and copy text. If the update hasn't made it to your account already, [Page and Co.](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/17/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-googles-larry-page-says-facebook-does-bad-job/) say you can expect it to roll out over the next few days. As for the Drive's [Android app](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/10/google-drive-mobile-app-updated-brings-editing-to-ios/), it's been updated to let devices wielding Honeycomb or higher stream video saved on the service. According to the changelogs, the application has also been upgraded with performance enhancements, pinch-to-zoom in the presentation viewer and a grab bag of bug fixes and assorted tweaks.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-drive-previews-video-streaming/#comments)**

**Via:** [Phone Arena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Drive-updated-with-streaming-video-support_id40011)

**Source:** [Google Drive (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/100861274195482497115/+GoogleDrive/posts/GaHaBnH8RUX), [Google Drive Blog](http://googledrive.blogspot.com/2013/02/preview-files-in-google-drive.html), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-drive-previews-video-streaming/

Chrome gets app launcher on Windows dev preview, OS X and Linux to nab it soon

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-chrome-app-launcher-windows-linux-mac/)

[Chromebooks](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Chromebooks/) have had the luxury of an app launcher for quite a while, but now Windows users can get in on the action too, provided they download the latest version of [Chrome](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/chrome-24-fixes-two-dozen-bugs-promises-to-speed-things-up/) from the browser's [dev channel](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/chrome-for-android-may-soon-have-a-dev-channel/). In order for the launcher to appear in the taskbar, however, those running the fresh release will need to install a Chrome packaged app -- an application written in HTML, CSS and JavaScript that opens outside the browser and works offline by default. Packaged programs aren't searchable on the [Chrome Web Store](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/google-drive-apps-reach-the-chrome-web-store-and-chrome-os/) just yet, but folks can code their own or head to the _Chromium Blog_ for a pair of software suggestions. Linux and Mac OS X are penciled in to receive the launcher soon via the dev channel, but there's no word on when it might find its way into a mainstream release of Chrome. Ready to take the feature for a spin? Hit the source link to let Mountain View point you in the right direction.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-chrome-app-launcher-windows-linux-mac/#comments)**

**Source:** [Chromium Blog](http://blog.chromium.org/2013/02/chrome-app-launcher-developer-preview.html)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/google-chrome-app-launcher-windows-linux-mac/

BlackBerry Z10 vs. HTC One: The BB10 Prodigy Against the 'Re-inventor' of Android

One has just been launched, and is now looking at a March release date, so it's only fitting to see how it stacks up against the supposed contender for third place in the smartphone industry, the What most people have already been is the similarity of the both the Z10 and the HTC One to the slab-like shape of the Galaxy S 3, both the HTC One and ... (more)

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/blackberry-z10-vs-htc-one-the-bb10-prodigy-against-the-re-inventor-of-android?fromrss=1

Sprint Force LTE handset leaks, due March 1st from ZTE


Sometimes tips come out of the blue: while one of our editors was out and about earlier today, someone sent him the Sprint product page above. Turns out it's for a 4-inch Sprint-branded Android phone, the Force, which looks like an OEM rebrand of ZTE's rumored Force that will conveniently work with the carrier's [sparkling new](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/17/psa-sprint-lte-is-now-live-in-san-francisco/) [LTE installations](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/18/sprint-lte-also-live-in-parts-of-florida-nyc-and-washington-dc/). Specs are middling, with Android 4.0, an unnamed 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 4-inch Gorilla Glass adorned display, 5-megapixel rear camera, 1-megapixel front camera, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of ROM and a 1,730mAh battery. Still, that'll give you quick connection speeds for $50 when it launches March 1st -- presumably on a 2-year contract -- joining its more upmarket ZTE stablemate, the [4.5-inch Flash](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/sprint-quietly-launches-zte-flash/), at Sprint.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/sprint-force-lte-handset-leaks-due-march-1st-from-zte/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/21/sprint-force-lte-handset-leaks-due-march-1st-from-zte/

HBO Go for Android adds HDMI video output, at last

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/hbo-go-for-android-adds-hdmi-video-output-at-last/)

HBO brought some of the content walls down when it opened up [AirPlay support](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/hbo-airplay-support-hbo-go-max-go-airplay-apple-ipad/) in the HBO Go app for iOS users, proving that it wasn't going to protect TV viewing at all cost. It just removed some more barriers: the premium channel has quietly rolled out an update to its Android app that enables HDMI video output. Provided a phone or tablet supports the connection (sorry, [Nexus 7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/) owners), it too can pipe video to the big screen. The solution still doesn't let us watch HBO without a pricey TV subscription, but it will give us fewer qualms about catching up on _Girls_ when we're at a friend's place.

[Thanks, Carl]

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/hbo-go-for-android-adds-hdmi-video-output-at-last/#comments)**

**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.HBO&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/hbo-go-for-android-adds-hdmi-video-output-at-last/