Google Android: The Best and Worst of

Mobile operating systems is probably one of the most sensitive topics in the industry.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/google-android-the-best-and-worst-of?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-b45b03524bf9f1f5d52c794bac299624

Samsung Galaxy S4 Leaked Spec Sheet Confirms CPU, March Arrival [Rumor]

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is expected to be released this spring, although there have been many reports as to what the company will be squeezing into their next Android smartphone.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/samsung-galaxy-s4-leaked-spec-sheet-confirms-cpu-march-arrival-rumor?fromrss=1

UK and US Get Skype Video Messaging

Skype this week launched a new feature that allows users to leave short video messages for their contacts.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/uk-and-us-get-skype-video-messaging?fromrss=1

Will Apple envy wreck Samsung?

Samsung is tired of watching Apple run away with most of the money in mobile. Now, the Korean giant is making a big play to become like Apple -- a company that makes not only the hardware, but also the software and the store where you buy stuff.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/will-apple-envy-wreck-samsung?fromrss=1

Fleksy predictive keyboard is free for iOS now and forever

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/16/fleksy-free/)

We've long been fans of [Syntellia's Fleksy](http://engadget.com/tag/fleksy) for its astonishingly accurate predictive touch keyboard, and were excited to see an [Android version](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/09/fleksy-for-android-beta-hands-on/) finally come out to play at [CES 2013](http://engadget.com/tag/ces2013). Well now there's news that'll please fans on the iOS side: the company has announced the full version of the app, formerly $4.99, is now available for the unbeatable price of free. This isn't just a special weekend offer either; CEO Kostas Eleftheriou told us in an email that it'll be free _forever_. Eleftheriou said that this is in the interest of a "more open keyboard space, so that more innovations can happen in the area," but also as a service to the blind community, which was Fleksy's original target audience.

Interestingly, the updated app even includes a direct button to email Apple's CEO Tim Cook so that users can advocate for a more native OS-level integration of Fleksy. It's an audacious goal, but as Eleftheriou stated in the blog post, it's also one that many users have demanded. While we're not sure if such a grass roots campaign will work with Cook and co., you can certainly download the new fully gratis version of Fleksy at the App Store source to give it a go yourself.

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/2013/02/16/fleksy-free/#comments)**

**Source:** [Fleksy Blog](http://blog.fleksy.com/post/43160706356/state-of-touch-typing-fleksy-goes-free), [Fleksy (App Store)](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fleksy-happy-typing/id520337246?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/16/fleksy-free/

Apple Is Almost Certainly Undervalued At Current Levels

More than 40% off of its high, what once seemed like the investment of the century has transpired to some as being an old cigarette butt with one or two puffs left in it.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/apple-is-almost-certainly-undervalued-at-current-levels?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-db76ff0bf90b8702b1293c4e4fe61ce6

Belkin releases WeMo beta app for Galaxy S III, devices with ICS or higher

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/16/belkin-wemo-android-beta-app-galaxy-s-iii/)

Word of an [Android app](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/06/belkin-wemo-light-switch/) for Belkin's line of [WeMo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/WeMo/) home automation hardware came amid a flurry of CES news, and now the application has rolled onto Google Play in beta form just over a month later. The app is specifically tested for the [Galaxy S III](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review/), but handsets toting Ice Cream Sandwich or higher will be able to take it for a spin. By wielding the application, users can control WeMo devices over WiFi and cellular networks, configure custom icons, tweak names, take care of local firmware updates and hook things up with IFTTT. Remote firmware updates, support content and WeMo rules have yet to be baked into the software, however. Belkin is hoping guinea pigs will report bugs, but can't guarantee they'll be fixed in the short term. Currently, the outfit says issues regarding poor signal strength and app crashes are on its radar. Looking forward to the polished, growing pain-free product? The final app is expected to arrive around the summertime.

[Thanks, Matt]

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/16/belkin-wemo-android-beta-app-galaxy-s-iii/#comments)**

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/16/belkin-wemo-android-beta-app-galaxy-s-iii/

Rapid Tracker Mobile Apps Now Offer Powerful Family Collaboration Tools

The application suite available on iPhone, Android, Blackberry and basic feature phones now not only provides family tracking tools but also adds advanced family collaboration tools.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/rapid-tracker-mobile-apps-now-offer-powerful-family-collaboration-tools?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-34b90709a4dc2ab61030a9921395fbc7

Dropbox for iOS update adds a PDF viewer and file share notifications

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/dropbox-ios-update-pdf-viewer/)

Earlier today, [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/dropbox/) rolled out version 2.1 of its [iOS](http://www.engadget.com/tag/ios/) app with a trio of enhancements in tow. The update, which requires iOS 5.0 or higher introduces a built-in PDF viewer, file sorting by date modified, and push notifications for when someone shares a folder with you (which were also recently added to the Android client). Whether you're a Dropbox power user or the casual type, this new software bump should definitely come in handy. If you're a stickler for keeping your apps current and you've got 13.8MB to spare, the update's waiting for you at the source link below.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/dropbox-ios-update-pdf-viewer/#comments)**

**Via:** [Phone Scoop](http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=11931)

**Source:** [iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/dropbox-ios-update-pdf-viewer/

SugarSync 2.0 completed, offers drag-and-drop sharing and a new Android app

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/sugarsync-2-0-now-official-with-drag-and-drop-sharing/)

[SugarSync 2.0](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/sugarsync-version-2-0-beta/) has been in the oven for awhile, having gone into beta last year, but it's now fully baked. The finished version offers the promised extra-simple sharing and syncing, with drag-and-drop transfers to the cloud, contacts and [Dropbox](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Dropbox/)-style public links. A virtual drive and cloud search simply things, too. Both desktop and web apps get more of a consistent look, and the Android app has been given its promised overhaul both for the new features as well as to offer uploads and syncing from an SD card. Android, Mac and Windows users can update at their leisure; iOS users will have to wait a few weeks, although both new and old versions can coexist until everyone is on the same page.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Storage](http://www.engadget.com/category/storage/), [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/2013/02/15/sugarsync-2-0-now-official-with-drag-and-drop-sharing/#comments)**

**Via:** [SugarSync Blog](http://www.sugarsync.com/blog/2013/02/14/sugarsync-2-0-now-ready-for-prime-time/)

**Source:** [SugarSync](https://www.sugarsync.com/offers/SugarSync2/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sharpcast.sugarsync)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/sugarsync-2-0-now-official-with-drag-and-drop-sharing/

Bump Mobile App Adds Phone-to-computer File...

Bump , whose mobile apps lets users share data by tapping their phones together, announced on Thursday a new version of its Web client that lets users move files from phones to computers, and vice versa.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/bump-mobile-app-adds-phone-to-computer-file?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-caafcd8eacac50fd2cfaa12fac398cd7

Vizio Co-Star update brings new Google TV UI, native Amazon and Vudu

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/vizio-co-star-update-brings-new-google-tv-ui/)

Vizio's [Co-Star hub](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/19/vizio-co-star-review/) is still one of the cheapest points of entry into the Google TV world, so it's comforting to see the set-top box getting an update -- albeit somewhat behind Google's own pace. The previously promised release mostly focuses on giving it the [third-generation Google TV](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/google-tv-voice-search-primetime-quick-guide/) interface, including the mini-guide, YouTube pairing and (through a future Android app update) voice-guided search. Viewers on the prowl for more content get a few additional perks through new apps for M-Go and [Vudu](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Vudu/) video streaming, as well as a truly native Amazon [Instant Video](http://www.engadget.com/tag/InstantVideo/) app. Should Vizio's tiny media center inhabit your living room, you can expect the upgrade to arrive over the air within the next few weeks.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/vizio-co-star-update-brings-new-google-tv-ui/#comments)**

**Source:** [Vizio](http://blog.vizio.com/post/43009475471/new-vizio-co-star-update-in-an-effort-to)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/vizio-co-star-update-brings-new-google-tv-ui/

Tim Cook Never Wanted To Sue Samsung

colinneagle writes "While Steve Jobs' ire in regards to Android is well known, a recent report from Reuters relays that current Apple CEO Tim Cook never wanted to sue Samsung in the first place. 'Tim Cook, Jobs' successor as Apple chief executive, was opposed to suing Samsung in the first place, according to people with knowledge of the matter, largely because of that company's critical role as a supplier of components for the iPhone and the iPad. Apple bought some $8 billion worth of parts from Samsung last year, analysts estimate.' In various earnings conference calls, Tim Cook has repeated that he hates litigation, but has still toed the party line by exclaiming that Apple welcomes innovators but doesn't like when other companies rip off their intellectual property."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Tim+Cook+Never+Wanted+To+Sue+Samsung%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FYkOtIU) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapple.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F15%2F2019228%2Ftim-cook-never-wanted-to-sue-samsung%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/02/15/2019228/tim-cook-never-wanted-to-sue-samsung?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/02/15/2019228/tim-cook-never-wanted-to-sue-samsung?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158400915519/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/289d49da/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/00opxmkZF4E/story01.htm

iOS News Reader - Friday, February 15, 2013

Elmer DeWitt notes that Holt reports that three to four times as many Mac users install paid versions of Office on their machines as Windows PC users do, a metric with some ambiguity attached depending upon whether discounted versions of Office Home edition that come bundled with new PCs are being factored-in. Whatever, if Microsoft could sell ... (more)

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/ios-news-reader-friday-february-15-2013?fromrss=1

Rethinking the flagship: The case for Nokia's Lumia 620

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/rethinking-the-flagship-nokia-lumia-620/)

It's easy to dismiss the [Lumia 620](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/nokia-lumia-620-review/) as yet another cheaply-priced smartphone, but that isn't the case. In fact, Nokia's latest release made me completely rethink Windows Phone. Sure, the mobile OS lacks the app selection of its rivals, but maybe I didn't need them to begin with. Maybe I didn't need the same processor found in rival Android devices to run an OS that's generally much lighter and more direct. Perhaps Nokia thought the same thing, because in reading over the Lumia 620's spec sheet, there's a lot of decidedly low-to-middleweight hardware. But it's _hundreds_ of dollars less than the [Lumia 920](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nokia-lumia-920-review/) and once I got my hands on it, I realized this was the Windows Phone I had been waiting for.

> Nokia needs a success. So does Microsoft -- it's been three years to the day since Windows Phone 7 was first announced

Nokia needs a success. So does Microsoft -- it's been [three years to the day](http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/windows-phone-7-series-is-official-and-microsoft-is-playing-to/) since Windows Phone 7 was first announced. Since then, we've seen Nokia transplant its ill-fated [N9](http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/nokia-n9-review/) into the stylish Lumia 800; then the bigger (and not as slick) Lumia 900 tried to crack America. On the sidelines, second-string Lumias like the 710 or the 610 arrived to antipathy. They lacked the design punch, build quality (and colors!) of the high-end iterations. Then late in 2012, Windows Phone 8 arrived and the pocket-straining Lumia 920 was unfortunately pitted against the Galaxy S III and the iPhone 5. An operating system that still had to prove itself was now going up against Android's and iOS' strongest players and on a two-year contract, to boot! That's a deep bet to make on a fledgling, niche OS. The Lumia 920 attempted to play on its strengths (like admittedly superb low-light photos and an enhanced touchscreen) to warrant the premium, but it doesn't quite hit home for me. Dropping any price-tag pretension, it's the Lumia 620 that is Nokia's most compelling Windows Phone to date.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/rethinking-the-flagship-nokia-lumia-620/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/rethinking-the-flagship-nokia-lumia-620/

Hewlett-Packard's looking to enter the Android scene

HP may have failed in their first attempt at the tablet industry, but it seems that we haven't seen the last of them as suggested by the speculation about their plans of releasing a new breed of slates.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/hewlett-packards-looking-to-enter-the-android-scene?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-0ae01c19d5417c1c345144abc8b9c326

The DeanBeat: The state of free-to-play mobile gaming, by the numbers

The statistics around mobile gaming are becoming staggering. At the Casual Connect Europe in Hamburg, Germany, the move toward mobile games was evident among the 1,600 attendees.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/the-deanbeat-the-state-of-free-to-play-mobile-gaming-by-the-numbers?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-fe1c80e8713c531c7a3bb334b31b6397

Skype starts testing video voicemail feature on OS X, Android and iOS, we go hands-on (video)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/skype-starts-testing-video-voicemail-feature/)

[Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/facebook-poke-app-now-available-iphone-ipod-ipad/) and [Vine](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/twitter-vine-embedded-video-tweeti/) were just the beginning -- you should have known that. Especially once the biggest social network in the world started [dipping](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/28/facebook-ios-update/) its toes in the [VoIP pool](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/16/facebook-starts-turning-on-free-voice-calls/). Skype isn't about to let others encroach on its hard won territory without a fight. The Microsoft-owned messaging platform has started testing what amounts to a [video voicemail](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/skype-video-messaging-feature-leak/) feature on OS X, Android and iOS, something that had already been hinted at in its updated TOS. Why those operating systems at first, without any word about Windows or Windows Phone, we're unsure. But it's a safe bet Redmond's own platforms will get the feature sooner rather than later. Currently users in the US and UK should be seeing the option, just dig a bit as it might be hidden behind a more actions or overflow icon, as it is on Android. Customers are getting 20 free video messages to start, though we weren't able to wrangle any further details out of the company regarding pricing. (**Update**: While we still have some unanswered questions regarding pricing, Skype did say that unlimited voice messaging will be included as part of a premium subscription.)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/skype-starts-testing-video-voicemail-feature/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/skype-starts-testing-video-voicemail-feature/

Sega themed notebooks beckon Japanese Mega-Drive and Dreamcast lovers

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/sega-themed-netbooks-beckon-japanese-mega-drive-and-dreamcast/)

"I don't care about the specs, I want one." That _Neogaf_ user's comment likely sums up how other retro-gaming aficionados will feel about a new notebook PC from Japanese PC retailer [Enterbrain](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Enterbrain/), built in conjunction with [Sega](http://www.engadget.com/tag/sega/). The model sports covers themed in three of the classic consoles, namely [Mega Drive](http://www.engadget.com/tag/megadrive/), [Saturn](http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/wooden-sega-saturn-laptop-sits-nicely-on-your-antique-dresser/) and [Dreamcast](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/android-dreamcast-emulator-nulldce-gets-early-video-preview-sti/), along with a generic Sega-branded model. We do care a _little _about the specs ourselves, so you'll get a 64-bit version of Windows 8, 15.6-inch 1,920 x 1,080 screen, Intel Pentium 2020M processor, 4GB of RAM and 500GB of HDD storage, as a minimum configuration. That'll start at a whopping ¥99,750 ($1,100) when it arrives in June, provided you live in Japan -- but if so, all you'd need to go with it for a full '90s game blast would be a cartridge adapter like [this one](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/retrode-2-retro-gaming-adapter-snes-genesis-pre-order/).

**Gallery: [Sega Enterbrain themed netbooks](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/5644016)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/5644017)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/5644018)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/5644019)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/sega-enterbrain-themed-netbooks/5644020)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/sega-themed-netbooks-beckon-japanese-mega-drive-and-dreamcast/#comments)**

**Via:** [Eurogamer](http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-15-sega-mega-drive-saturn-dreamcast-themed-netbooks)

**Source:** [Ebten (translated)](http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Febten.jp%2Fp%2F4974365702618%2F%23)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/sega-themed-netbooks-beckon-japanese-mega-drive-and-dreamcast/

LG's Optimus L Series sales top 15 million units

LG's Optimus L Series, which made its debut at Mobile World Congress last year, is selling at a rate of one per second, the handset maker mistakenly revealed today.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/lgs-optimus-l-series-sales-top-15-million-units?fromrss=1

Bump app now allows transfers of any file between phone and computer

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/bump-app-transfer-any-file/)

We've seen the [Bump](http://engadget.com/tag/bump) app evolve from just a way to transfer contacts to a version that allows for [mobile payments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/bump-pay-mobile-payments/) and one that lets you [share photos](http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/bump-app-for-android-and-ios-adds-desktop-photo-sharing/) between your phone and your computer. Now the company has expanded its feature set to transferring files of _all kinds_, be they photos, videos or Word documents. Simply enable the location feature in your browser, tap the files you want to move over, slap that spacebar button with your phone and the files will be on their way. They'll actually head over to Bump's servers and not your desktop, but you can still easily download them if you so choose. The updated app is available on iOS and Android today, so you can start bumping your files over right now.

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/2013/02/15/bump-app-transfer-any-file/#comments)**

**Via:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/with-its-latest-update-bumps-mobile-app-replaces-usb-flash-drives/)

**Source:** [Bump](http://bu.mp)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/bump-app-transfer-any-file/

Haze for iOS launches, clears the visual clutter of weather apps (hands-on)

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/haze-for-ios/)

RoboCat and Taptanium aren't fans of the typical [weather app](http://www.engadget.com/tag/weather,app/), which tends to bombard the user with numbers when they just need a heads-up as to whether it's warm or likely to rain. Its newly launched Haze, then, is the potential antidote. The iOS app initially shows just the core temperature, humidity and hours of sunlight in different sections, with its namesake haze effect giving a clue as to whether conditions are trending up or down. If you need to know more, a tap expands the details, and a swipe down shows a 5-day forecast. There's also a handful of elements that we seldom see in these apps, such as a direction-relative wind indicator, optional motion-driven navigation and visual themes. RoboCat hints to us that an iPad version might be on the way, although ports to Android and other platforms are more likely to depend on the early response.

We had the chance to give Haze a spin ahead of launch. It's at least a refreshing take: there's an appeal to exposing only the weather we want to see, and in a colorful way that never needs more than one hand to navigate. Compared to Apple's default app, though, it's at once providing more information and less. Haze is much better at supplying the current day's conditions, but its forecasts don't always reveal what's happening -- you'll know the humidity is shifting on Tuesday, but not the likelihood of snow. Consider the app more of a single-day weather specialist in its current form and the 99-cent price ($3 after a promo period ends) is easy to justify.

**Gallery: [Haze for iOS](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/5643047)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/5643044)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/5643045)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/5643046)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/haze-for-ios/5643048)

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/haze-for-ios/#comments)**

**Source:** [Haze](http://www.gethaze.com)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/haze-for-ios/

WhatsApp for Android gets Holo-themed makeover in latest beta

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/whatsapp-android-holo-beta/)

Despite being one of the most successful software entities on Android, [WhatsApp's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/whatsapp/) been a little late to adopt [certain design guidelines](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/google-design-standards-android-4-ice-cream-sandwich/) preferred by Google's mobile platform. Thankfully, the renowned messaging application appears to be ready to take on a [more elegant UI](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/google-makes-holo-theme-mandatory/), with the most recent beta bundling in Mountain View's praised [Holo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Holo/) theme _and_, as noticed by some _Android Police_ readers, expandable notifications for all. However, folks attracted by the idea of going Holo in WhatsApp will have to snag the goods straight from the source, as the changes have yet to make their way onto Google Play.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/whatsapp-android-holo-beta/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Police](http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/02/13/whatsapp-messenger-beta-apk-released-with-snazzy-holo-interface/)

**Source:** [WhatsApp](http://www.whatsapp.com/android/), [Jose Luis de la Torre (Google+)](https://plus.google.com/117878458361532746598/posts/csWN6XCVeiQ)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/whatsapp-android-holo-beta/

Android, iOS Combine for 91 Percent of World Smartphone Market

Android and iOS, the No. 1 and No. 1 smartphone operating systems worldwide, combined for 91.1% of all smartphone shipments during the fourth quarter of 2012 .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-ios-combine-for-91-percent-of-world-smartphone-market?fromrss=1

NVIDIA Nsight Tegra 1.1 Visual Studio Edition gives developers a path to Android

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/nvidia-nsight-tegra-1-1-visual-studio-edition/)

One of the biggest roadblocks to Android app development is just coming to grips with the tool set: asking developers weaned on [Visual Studio](http://www.engadget.com/tag/VisualStudio/) to drop it for the likes of Eclipse is tossing them in the deep end of the pool. NVIDIA is offering a slightly gentler swimming lesson through the launch of Nsight Tegra 1.1 Visual Studio Edition. The kit brings the needed framework for native Android apps into Visual Studio 2010 so that programmers can work with the debugging and other features they've come to know. Although Nsight Tegra isn't the same as building in Google's preferred environment, it's also free for registered Tegra developers -- no doubt in the hopes that there will be more apps built around [NVIDIA's chips](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/06/nvidia-tegra-4-official/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/nvidia-nsight-tegra-1-1-visual-studio-edition/#comments)**

**Via:** [NVIDIA](http://blogs.nvidia.com/2013/02/nvidia-introduces-nsight-tegra-to-assist-android-developers/)

**Source:** [NVIDIA Developer Zone](https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-nsight-tegra)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/nvidia-nsight-tegra-1-1-visual-studio-edition/

Voice Scrambler App Provides Privacy for Android Mobile Devices

PhantomLink.com is pleased to announce the release of Phantom I/O 1.0, a real-time voice scrambler and descrambler app designed for Android smartphones and tablets.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/voice-scrambler-app-provides-privacy-for-android-mobile-devices?fromrss=1

Moo's NFC tagging app hits Google Play, NFC business card not required

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/moo--nfc-management-app-google-play/)

Remember those [NFC-equipped business cards](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/27/moo-com-nfc-business-cards/) [Moo](http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/moo-business-cards-from-your-facebook-timeline/) promised? Yeah, well, they're still not ready for mass consumption. But, that's not stopping the company from making its own NFC tagging app available today on Google Play. Obviously, the intended draw here is to pair the companion app with Moo's fancy programmable cards. In lieu of that, however, you can always use the company's software with other NFC tags in your possession to transfer social networking data, phone numbers, contact info and even redirect to specified URLs. The only barrier to entry? You'll need a handset running Android ICS and up (and, ideally, an _actual_ NFC business card). Head to the source below to demo the free application now.

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/2013/02/14/moo--nfc-management-app-google-play/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/moo-rolls-its-own-tagging-app-nfc-businses-cards-still-mia?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=twitter)

**Source:** [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moo.nfcbymoo&referrer=utm_source%3Dandroidcentral%26utm_medium%3Dblog%26utm_campaign%3Dbloglink)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/moo--nfc-management-app-google-play/

Hidden Tricks for the HTC Droid DNA

HTC's Droid DNA now comes in the familiar red colour of its U.S. carrier - red. However, any plans to acquire this powerful handset in the screaming tone could prove circuitous for the average consumers.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/hidden-tricks-for-the-htc-droid-dna?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-37a0ccc56e07a59d6156adee978eadef

Game Closure "DevKit" For Mobile HTML5 Games Is Open Source

First time accepted submitter Chris Taylor writes "Silicon Valley startup Game Closure has open-sourced their HTML5 game development toolkit. The trailer video showcases some interesting new technology. It allows game developers to write code in JavaScript on Windows, Mac and Linux desktops to rapidly create and then deploy new games on the Internet, Android, and on iOS cellphones. The source code for the entire stack is available on GitHub, including the changes to Google V8 and Mozilla SpiderMonkey."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Game+Closure+%22DevKit%22+For+Mobile+HTML5+Games+Is+Open+Source%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FXQdICQ) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgames.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F14%2F2223210%2Fgame-closure-devkit-for-mobile-html5-games-is-open-source%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://games.slashdot.org/story/13/02/14/2223210/game-closure-devkit-for-mobile-html5-games-is-open-source?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://games.slashdot.org/story/13/02/14/2223210/game-closure-devkit-for-mobile-html5-games-is-open-source?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158402085761/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/289499c3/a2.htm)

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

Tamagotchi Is Reborn as an Android App

If you were alive in the mid-'90s, you likely know what a Tamagotchi is ? even if you didn?t actually own one. The small, egg-shaped virtual pet, that doubled as a keychain, could be found in the pockets of kids across the U.S. and Japan. It was Furby, Beanie Baby, Tickle-Me Elmo big. Well, now the Tamagotchi is back, and this time it?s an app.

URL: http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~3/3NvTwTz7Jxs/

Tamagotchi celebrates its super sweet 16 with an Android app, Ferrari cake nowhere in sight

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/tamagotchi-sweet-16-android-app/)

In celebration of 16 years of [Tamagotchi](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Tamagotchi/), Namco Bandai has cooked up a new mobile app based on the brand's original virtual pet. Free to download from [Google Play](http://www.engadget.com/tag/googleplay/), this piece of '90s nostalgia has been re-imagined with new features like color, improved image resolution and Facebook sharing. Fancy new bells and whistles aside, you'll still need to feed and discipline your digital pet in order for it to thrive. So, if your device is running Android 2.3 or higher and you're ready to clean up some pixelated poop, head on over to the Play Store to download your household's newest edition.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/tamagotchi-sweet-16-android-app/#comments)**

**Via:** [Droid-Life](http://www.droid-life.com/2013/02/14/tamagotchi-digital-pet-gets-resurrected-for-android-to-celebrate-sweet-16/)

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/tamagotchi-sweet-16-android-app/

Web Host ServInt Launches Mobile App for Android and iOS Devices

ServInt says its free mobile app allows its customers to open, view and manage support tickets, and access information about their servers Managed cloud hosting provider ServInt announced on Thursday that it has launched a mobile app, ServInt Portal, for customers with Apple or Android devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/web-host-servint-launches-mobile-app-for-android-and-ios-devices?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-3144a0380e132fecb4c2fc18e865697b

Autodesk partners with Lego to create 3D interactive Mindstorm EV3 instructions

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/autodesk-partners-with-lego-to-create-interactive-plans/)

If you think it's hard putting the "Lego Discovery Fire Station" together, how about building and wiring a fully-functioning [Mindstorm EV3](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lego-mindstorms-ev3-arrives-tailored-for-mobile-apps/) robot? To give you a leg up, the Danish toy outfit's joining forces with [Autodesk](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/lego-mindstorms-ev3-hands-on/) to put together 3D interactive building instructions for the latest generation of Mindstorm mechs. The effects and 3D software firm will use its [Inventor](http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/self-balancing-wheelchair-wins-autodesk-inventor-student-design/) Publisher software to create interactive plans that run on iPads, Android devices and web browsers for five different 'bots. That way, you'll be able to actually put on your builder's hat and not just [giggle enthusiastically](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lego-mindstorms-ev3-arrives-tailored-for-mobile-apps/) at the final result.

Filed under: [Robots](http://www.engadget.com/category/robots/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Alt](http://www.engadget.com/category/alt/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/autodesk-partners-with-lego-to-create-interactive-plans/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/autodesk-partners-with-lego-to-create-interactive-plans/

Informal OUYA game count: 481 and growing

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/informal-ouya-game-count-481-and-growing/)

You can sometimes gauge a game console's short-term success based on its launch lineup; many of us know the pain of having to choose the least terrible game of a small bunch while we're waiting for a better selection. While we can't vouch for how the [OUYA](http://www.engadget.com/tag/OUYA/) will fare for quality, Eddie at _OUYA Forum_ has done the legwork to prove that there won't be any problems with the Android console's quantity. He's checked with both OUYA and developers to confirm that there are at least 481 games headed to the fledgling system, as of this writing. The clear majority of these are smaller indie titles that won't dampen [Sony's enthusiasm](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/sony-nyc-february-20-playstation/) for next week, but that's not necessarily a problem -- the abundance mostly hints that there could be a [few gems](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/31/ouya-partners-with-square-enix-names-final-fantasy-iii-as-launc/) for early adopters, even if there's a lot of fluff.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/informal-ouya-game-count-481-and-growing/#comments)**

**Source:** [OUYA Forum](http://ouyaforum.com/showthread.php?18-List-of-Games-Coming-to-the-OUYA)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/informal-ouya-game-count-481-and-growing/

IDC: Android surged to 69 percent smartphone share in 2012, dipped in Q4

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/idc-android-surged-to-69-percent-smartphone-share-in-2012/)

Few would doubt that 2012 was Android's year given how rapidly it grew, but it's good to have some context. [IDC](http://www.engadget.com/tag/IDC/) is more than willing to oblige. It estimates that Google's OS climbed from 49.2 percent of the smartphone space in 2011 to 68.8 percent in 2012. As we've seen in the past, though, most of that came from customers leaving embattled platforms, including a pre-[BB10](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/blackberry-os-10-review/) BlackBerry and Symbian. Apple reportedly held its ground at 18.8 percent, while Microsoft appears to have turned a corner with Windows Phone by climbing back up to 2.5 percent.

The fourth quarter results paint a slightly different picture. Android still had a comfortable 70.1 percent of share in IDC's reckoning, but it took a hit from 75 percent in [the third quarter](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/01/android-75-percent-marketshare-136-million-shipped/) -- similar to what we've [seen](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/comscore-iphone-up-to-36-percent-of-us-phone-share-in-december/) [elsewhere](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/21/kantar-iphone-5-boosts-apples-us-smartphone-share-to-53-3-perc/), the [iPhone 5](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/apple-iphone-5-review/) launch helped iOS claw back enough share to hit 21 percent. BlackBerry and Windows Phone weren't quite so rosy, although they also didn't have full quarters with new devices to offer. We'll have to wait for the first quarter of 2013 to finish before we learn of any true shakeups in the status quo.

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Apple](http://www.engadget.com/category/apple/), [Microsoft](http://www.engadget.com/category/microsoft/), [Nokia](http://www.engadget.com/category/nokia/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/), [Blackberry](http://www.engadget.com/category/blackberry/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/idc-android-surged-to-69-percent-smartphone-share-in-2012/#comments)**

**Source:** [IDC](http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS23946013#.UR0SHVpMStU)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/idc-android-surged-to-69-percent-smartphone-share-in-2012/

Archos 116 Platinum tablet joins CES lineup with 11.6-inch IPS screen for $349

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-116-platinum-tablet/)

How do you build a powerful, attractive 11.6-inch tablet that retails for $349? Well, you cut some corners when it comes to build quality, as we discovered when handling [Archos'](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Archos/) 8 and 9.7-inch Platinum models [last month at CES](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/hands-on-archos-platinum-97-80/). The company's latest slab features an identical quad-core 1.2GHz processor, eight-core GPU, 2 gigs of RAM, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), front and rear cameras, along with microSD and HDMI connectivity. The 116 Platinum, however, packs a larger 11.6-inch, 1920x1080-pixel widescreen IPS display, boosting the price tag to $349, compared to $299 for the 9.7-inch model and $199 for the 8 incher. Archos has promised some hands-on time at CeBIT next month in Germany, but you can get a fairly solid idea of how it'll look and feel by checking out the smaller Platinums in our CES vid after the break.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-116-platinum-tablet/#comments)**

**Source:** [Archos (PDF)](http://www.archos.com/corporate/press/press_releases/PR_Platinum-Range_14-02-2013_US.pdf)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-116-platinum-tablet/

Android 4.2.2 factory image now available for download

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/android-4-2-2-factory-image-download/)

Google's been rolling out [Android 4.2.2](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/android-4-2-2-update-reveals-small-assortment-of-minor-tweaks/) to [all manner of Nexi](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/android-4-2-2-update-reportedly-arriving-on-galaxy-nexus-phones/) recently, including the [Nexus 4](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/android-4-2-2-spreads-to-nexus-4-with-new-battery-sounds/). However, should you be among those yet to receive the latest and greatest Jelly Bean build, you can go grab the software yourself and do your updating the old fashioned (as opposed to the OTA) way. The code is currently available for the Nexus 4, 7, 10 and GSM GNex models, so impatient owners should head on over to Google Developers and get their download on.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/android-4-2-2-factory-image-download/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/android-422-factory-images-now-available-nexus-devices)

**Source:** [Google Developers](https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/android-4-2-2-factory-image-download/

Rumor: HP Turning to Android for Next Tablet

The latest HP rumor has the struggling company choosing Android as the OS of choice for its second-generation mobile venture .

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/rumor-hp-turning-to-android-for-next-tablet?fromrss=1

Wunderlist 2 task manager app hits the iPad

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/wunderlist-2-task-manager-app-hits-the-ipad/)

6Wunderkinder's [Wunderlist 2](http://www.engadget.com/tag/wunderlist2/) has been developing something of a following among the highly organized, although there's been a conspicuous gap when iPad owners couldn't keep up with the to-dos and reminders they'd created on their phones. The hole is closing quickly: Wunderlist 2's iOS version is now a universal app that supports all flavors of iPads. There won't be any surprises in features if you had a peek at the app on [an Android tablet](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/07/wunderlist-2-task-app-hits-android-tablets-comes-to-ipad-soon/) last week, but consistency is more of a virtue than a vice when juggling tasks. Hit the source link for the big-screen update.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/wunderlist-2-task-manager-app-hits-the-ipad/#comments)**

**Source:** [App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/wunderlist/id406644151?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/wunderlist-2-task-manager-app-hits-the-ipad/

Ceridian Canada LifeWorks Mobile now Available for Android and BlackBerry

Android and BlackBerry users whose employers are Ceridian LifeWorks customers can download the app for free.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/ceridian-canada-lifeworks-mobile-now-available-for-android-and-blackberry?fromrss=1

iOS and Android are the Only Two Mobile Operating Systems That Matter

Research firm IDC released the results of its study on the global smartphone market Thursday.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/ios-and-android-are-the-only-two-mobile-operating-systems-that-matter?fromrss=1

Engadget Mobile Podcast 170 - 02.14.13

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/engadget-mobile-podcast-170-02-14-13/)

<strike>M7! M7! M7!</strike>, HTC One! HTC One! Whichever [we're chanting this week](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/01/htc-m7-peter-chou/), the mobile team are getting pretty hyped about the next Android darling from Peter Chou's brigade. In Valentine's news, Brad's still in a relationship with his Z10, and Myriam's love of LG branding is severely put to the test.

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

**Producer:** [James Trew](http://twitter.com/itstrew)

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

**Hear the podcast**

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/engadget-mobile-podcast-170-02-14-13/#comments)**

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/engadget-mobile-podcast-170-02-14-13/
Enclosure: http://www.engadget.com/podcasts/EngadgetMobile_Podcast_170.mp3

Google Now shows Google Doodles for art-loving Android users

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/google-now-shows-google-doodles-for-some-android-users/)

[Google Now](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleNow/) holds a place for artwork, but it hasn't had much visual variety outside of major cities -- there's only so many times you can see a generic mountain landscape before boredom sets in. To our (admittedly mild) relief, Google has quietly spiced up the area for certain users. At least some of us running [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/tag/JellyBean,review/) now see an optimized version of the latest [Google Doodle](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GoogleDoodle/) while we're busy dictating a search. Not everyone who's technically capable is seeing the Doodle at this stage, so don't be disheartened if there's still a generic backdrop. If the daily image becomes more ubiquitous, though, we'll have an extra reason to come back to Google Now for more than just weather or sports scores.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/google-now-shows-google-doodles-for-some-android-users/#comments)**

**Source:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/google-now-now-incorporates-google-doodles)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/google-now-shows-google-doodles-for-some-android-users/

Unscrambling an Android Telephone With FROST

Noryungi writes "Researchers at the University of Erlangen demonstrate how to recover an Android phone confidential content, with the help of a freezer and FROST, a specially-crafted Android ROM. Quite an interesting set of pictures, starting with wrapping your Android phone in a freezer bag."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Unscrambling+an+Android+Telephone+With+FROST%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F12kkpmj) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fit.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F14%2F1415250%2Funscrambling-an-android-telephone-with-frost%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/14/1415250/unscrambling-an-android-telephone-with-frost?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

[Read more of this story](http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/02/14/1415250/unscrambling-an-android-telephone-with-frost?utm_source=rss1.0moreanon&utm_medium=feed) at Slashdot.


[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158401326087/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/2890e22a/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/RFQuYaJ5DZU/story01.htm

Around the Web: Rooomr.com booking site also helps homeless youths

WHAT: With Rooomr.com , you can help a child at the same time you book a hotel stay -- without an added price hike.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/around-the-web-rooomr-com-booking-site-also-helps-homeless-youths?fromrss=1

Archos releases free version of Android Video Player, placates penny-pinching cinephiles

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-video-player-android-free/)

While there's no dearth of video playing apps available on [Android](http://www.engadget.com/tag/android/), French outfit [Archos](http://www.engadget.com/tag/archos/)' $5 offering stands out as an especially feature-rich option. For those that shied away from the [Archos Video Player](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/archos-video-player-app-comes-to-all-recent-android-devices/) just because of the outlay involved however, there's now a free version up for grabs. Supported by ads, it provides all the functionality of its premium cousin, including hardware-accelerated encoding, ability to play network content and online retrieval of movie information like posters and subtitles. Entertainment aficionados can snag the goods at the source link for the unarguable cost of zero, and likely spend the saved scratch on some high-definition [bird-slinging action](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/08/angry-birds-star-wars-hands-on/) instead.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-video-player-android-free/#comments)**

**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/archos-releases-free-ad-supported-version-video-player-app)

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-video-player-android-free/

Brazilians Can Now Buy an "iPhone" Loaded With Android

Andy Prough writes "If you happen to be in Brazil and have 599 reals jingling in your pocket ($304 US dollars or £196), you can buy an iPhone -- that runs Android. Gradiente Electronica, which registered the 'iPhone' name in Brazil in 2000, has won the right to sell its iPhone Neo One, an Android phone running version 2.3, Gingerbread. Gradiente won the ruling from the Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), despite Apple's argument that Gradiente should lose the right to 'iPhone' because it had not used the name between 2008-2012. Apple retains the right to appeal the case, and Gradiente now has the right to sue Apple for exclusivity in Brazil. If Gradiente wins, the only iPhones sold in Brazil would have a picture of a cute green robot on the box cover."

[](http://twitter.com/home?status=Brazilians+Can+Now+Buy+an+%22iPhone%22+Loaded+With+Android%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FWKtPEi) [](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapple.slashdot.org%2Fstory%2F13%2F02%2F14%2F0415234%2Fbrazilians-can-now-buy-an-iphone-loaded-with-android%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfacebook) [](http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/02/14/0415234/brazilians-can-now-buy-an-iphone-loaded-with-android?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

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[](http://da.feedsportal.com/r/158400856511/u/49/f/647410/c/35028/s/288ebee2/a2.htm)

URL: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/T_zx6j0gfdg/story01.htm

Mobile Asset Tracking with Android and iOS DevicesThursday, February 14, 2013

Applications include the tracking of fixed assets, such as medical instruments, servers, computers, phones and machinery, or virtually any asset in transit.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/mobile-asset-tracking-with-android-and-ios-devicesthursday-february-14-2013?fromrss=1

Beercade replaces arcade coin slots with beer taps, rewards winners with brew

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/beercade-the-last-barfighter/)

Forget prize tickets or high scores. The minds at McKinney creative agency may have come up with the greatest reward for [arcade](http://www.engadget.com/tag/arcade/) victors -- an ice cold pour of [beer](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/18/arduino-kegerator-hack-checks-in-your-homebrews-on-untappd/). Created as a marketing tool for Big Boss Brewing Company, the aptly named _Beercade_ features _The Last Barfighter_, a _Street Fighter_-like [arcade](http://www.engadget.com/tag/arcade/)[ game](http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/atari-greatest-hits-app-lands-in-android-market-star-raiders-aw/) set inside a biker bar. To begin, two players place their cups in the tray below their respective tap, which replaces the machine's coin slots. Beer-thirsty combatants can do battle with a selection of five characters, all named after Big Boss brews. After three rounds of intense fisticuffs, fire throwing and unicorn horn impaling, the winner's cup is filled with a sample of beer from a keg placed within the machine. Don't believe us? You can click past the break for a video of the machine in action.

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/beercade-the-last-barfighter/#comments)**

**Source:** [McKinney](http://mckinney.com/news/mckinney-introduces-the-world-s-first-beer-dispensing-arcade-game)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/beercade-the-last-barfighter/

Jack of all trades: Tempo Smart Calendar does a little bit of everything


Sure, your phone's [built in calendar](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/google-calendar-for-android-becomes-stand-alone-app/) does a fine job of keeping track of meetings and chiming in with the occasional alarm, but can it tell you how to actually _get_ to those meetings, or tell your colleagues that you're running late? That's the promise behind the Tempo Smart Calendar, a machine learning iOS planner that leverages the same SRI patents that fathered [Siri](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Siri/). Tempo pulls information from the user's contacts, email and apps to present a more complete calendar experience -- associating scheduled events with specific people, or sussing out a meeting's specific location based on limited information (such as "the Starbucks at mission"). The app even promises to ease your social obligations by wishing your [Facebook](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Facebook/) friends "happy birthday," when [appropriate](http://www.engadget.com/tag/birthday/). As time goes on, the smart calendar app acclimates to the user's patterns, streamlining how it associates information with appointments based on previous use. Check out the calendar's full assortment of tricks in the press release after the break.

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/jack-of-all-trades-tempo-smart-calendar-does-a-little-bit-of-ev/#comments)**

**Source:** [iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tempo-smart-calendar/id593819390?mt=8)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/jack-of-all-trades-tempo-smart-calendar-does-a-little-bit-of-ev/

Google faces new privacy concerns over Android app market

Third-party developers on Google Play, the app market for Android devices, receive the personal details of anyone who buys their apps, potentially violating the terms of a 2011 privacy settlement.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/google-faces-new-privacy-concerns-over-android-app-market?fromrss=1

AutoTether for Android produces an instant in-car hotspot

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/autotether-for-android-produces-an-instant-in-car-hotspot/)

If you're anything like us, you get slightly twitchy when you can't use any of your WiFi-only devices when parked (or a passenger) in a car. You now won't even have to think about whether or not you're online, if you're an Android user. Inrete's new AutoTether app automatically invokes an Android phone's WiFi hotspot as soon as the handset pairs up with a given Bluetooth device: step into a ride with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo and you'll have an internet connection for every device inside, as long as you're present. Inrete sees its app as a syncing tool for its [Automatica](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/17/automatica-usb-dongle-car-audio/) car audio companion, but it clearly has uses for the kids' [Nexus 7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/) in the back seat or a significant other's [MacBook Air](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/macbook-air-review/) in the front. Check the Google Play link for what could be the next-best thing to a hotspot built [into the car itself](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/06/chrysler-taps-sprint-for-new-version-of-uconnect-in-car-data/).

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/autotether-for-android-produces-an-instant-in-car-hotspot/#comments)**

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

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/autotether-for-android-produces-an-instant-in-car-hotspot/

Android 4.2.2 kills the Nexus 4's unofficial LTE support

Nexus 4 users are finally beginning to receive their Android 4.2.2 update , about 48 hours after it was first spotted on Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices.

URL: http://www.topix.com/com/android/2013/02/android-4-2-2-kills-the-nexus-4s-unofficial-lte-support?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-faa914971c256d256f113b506b08f468

Google countersues BT over alleged IP networking patent violations

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/google-countersues-bt-over-alleged-ip-networking-patent-violations/)

Google isn't letting [BT's Android patent lawsuit](http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/british-telecom-is-the-latest-to-sue-google-over-android-other/) go unanswered, even if it's taking its sweet time. Over a year after BT struck first, Google has filed a countersuit against [BT](http://www.engadget.com/tag/BT/) that claims the provider is infringing four patents relating to IP-based conferencing and quality of service delivery. The search firm makes clear that its lawsuit is leverage for a possible truce: it's using the action as a "last resort" to fend off both BT and the patent holding companies that BT uses as proxies, according to a Google spokesperson. BT hasn't had a chance to respond -- or to be formally served, as of this writing -- but we can't imagine that a company which once sued over hyperlinks will simply agree to a stalemate.

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

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/google-countersues-bt-over-alleged-ip-networking-patent-violations/#comments)**

**Via:** [Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/us-google-bt-lawsuit-idUSBRE91C1J920130213)

**Source:** [TechCrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/13/google-countersues-uk-telco-bt-over-patent-infringement-in-its-conferencing-and-ip-quality-of-service-products/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/google-countersues-bt-over-alleged-ip-networking-patent-violations/