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AU Edition Latest Posts - Page 13


Motorola X phone pops up at the FCC

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Motorola's X phone is shrouded in so much secrecy that most thought it was going to be the new high-end handset that everyone wants, but it looks like it won't be according to other sources. Now the secret phone has appeared at the FCC under the model number "XT1058".

 

motorola_x_phone_pops_up_at_the_fcc

 

The details associated with the phone list it as "designed & assembled in the USA" and features NFC, LTE 4G and works with AT&T's network. Rumors have pegged the phone to feature a 4.7-inch screen, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, and more. I hope we see the phone unveiled and it becomes to Google what the iPhone is to Apple.

 

Once this happens, then it truly is game on in the smartphone world.



Google won't be showing off Nexus Q at Google I/O

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Something Google won't be showing off at Google I/O this week is their Nexus Q device. The Mountain View-based giant unveiled the streaming device last year, but it was bagged for its $299 price and limited capabilities.

 

google_won_t_be_showing_off_nexus_q_at_google_i_o

 

Google ended up delaying the Nexus Q so that they could have more time to "work on making it even better". One would think a year going past is enough time, but it looks like Google might need a little more time in the oven for their Nexus Q.



Charity auction for coffee with Tim Cook currently at $605,000

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Current Affairs | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Who would have thought a charity auction for coffee with Apple CEO Tim Cook would be worth so much. After all, the purchaser is only guaranteed 30 minutes, though it could end up being as long as 60. In fact, coffee with Tim Cook appears set to pass the previous charity auction record set by the auctioning off of a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador.

 

charity_auction_for_coffee_with_tim_cook_currently_at_605_000

 

CharityBuzz CEO Coppy Holzman:

Charitybuzz is blown away by the incredible support we've seen for the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights through our coffee with Tim Cook online auction. With 140 experiences on the auction block closing this Tuesday to benefit the RFK Center, including exclusive access to Robert DeNiro, Alec Baldwin, Peyton Manning and more, we expect to raise well over one million dollars for human rights.

 

Doing some quick math, that works out to over $10,000 per minute, if Tim Cook is able to stay for the full 60 minutes. You would have to have some deep pockets in order to afford this and it's not exactly clear what you would do with the time. Look for a job? Pick his brain? If you have the money, you'll need to bid at least $610,000 by 4:08p.m. tomorrow.



TweakTown Web Poll Results - Your next smartphone

By: Cameron Wilmot | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Our latest poll had almost 7,000 people who answered, "What's your next smartphone?"

 

tweaktown_web_poll_results_your_next_smartphone

 

From the outset we knew this poll could have gone any way, or maybe that should read that we didn't really know who would come out winner at the end of the day. Taking the most votes was Samsung with its Galaxy S4 smartphone, with a total of 36% of the votes. In second place was a bit of surprise with HTC's One and third place went to Apple with its forthcoming iPhone 5S, if it indeed ends up getting that name at launch.

 

BlackBerry struggled taking just 5% of the votes for its Z10 and Q10 smartphones. Finally 26% said they are interested in other devices, such as some from Sony.

 

For the actual numbers, go here. In our latest poll, we want to know... "What new stuff are you most excited to see at Computex Taipei 2013?" Let us know! Go here to vote!



Microsoft updates SkyDrive with photo timeline and upload performance increases

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Cloud Computing | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Microsoft has updated its cloud storage offering with new features. SkyDrive now has a photo timeline that functions much like Faceboook's Timeline function in that pictures are organized by time. This makes it much easier to find that picture you know you took last month.

 

microsoft_updates_skydrive_with_photo_timeline_and_upload_performance_increases

 

SkyDrive now allows quick locating of pictures. Users can quickly navigate to a specific month and see all the pictures that were taken during that time period. SkyDrive will also allow users to view all photos in a filmstrip presentation. The filmstrip can also be turned into a slideshow for public display.

 

Microsoft also notes that performance feedback was taken into consideration. Over the past few months, Microsoft has reworked the server code and SkyDrive desktop app. The result, according to Microsoft, is pictures that upload 2-3x faster than before. Not bad!



RumorTT: More possible specifications leak out for the Galaxy S4 Mini

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

We've been hearing that Samsung plans to release several variants of the popular Galaxy S4. One of the main variants that keeps popping up is the Galaxy S4 Mini, a smaller version of the S4 that is easier on the pockets and wallet. According to documents from Samsung and Korea Investment & Securities, the S4 Mini will be released in the next few weeks.

 

rumortt_more_possible_specifications_leak_out_for_the_galaxy_s4_mini

 

According to the documents, the S4 Mini will feature a 1.6GHz dual-core Exynos 5210 coupled with 1GB of RAM for 3G devices and 2GB of RAM for LTE devices. It will feature 32GB of internal storage, Android 4.0, and a 4.3-inch qHD(540x960) Super AMOLED screen. The camera is said to be an 8MP sensor and battery capacity is pegged at 2,100mAh.

 

For now, this remains a rumor as nothing official has been confirmed. As with all rumors, take this with a grain of salt. However, the details look to be about right for the S4 Mini.



Facebook updates iOS app with new sharing and saving options

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Apps | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Facebook has updated its iOS app with new sharing and saving options in the photo viewer. Most likely looking to drive more sharing of photos, and thus engagement, the new version of the app makes it much easier to share pictures on a user's Timeline, save the picture to a user's Camera Roll, or set the picture as a profile picture.

 

facebook_updates_ios_app_with_new_sharing_and_saving_options

 

  • Photo viewer button lets you save, share or make profile picture
  • Improved places editing when checking in on iPhone
  • Events load faster on iPhone

 

The previous iOS app only allowed users to like, comment, or tag a picture. Facebook's continued push for a mobile-first approach has been resulting in increasingly better apps that have most of the features present on the desktop. This means users should soon no longer need to use the website.



Amazon debuts Cloud Player desktop app, Mac version in the works

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Software | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Amazon has debuted a new piece of desktop software dedicated to music. The new Cloud Player is part of Amazon's mission to bring its music service "everywhere" and is extremely focused on the music. Cloud Player already existed as a web app, but lacked some of the features that come with a dedicated desktop app.

 

amazon_debuts_cloud_player_desktop_app_mac_version_in_the_works

 

For instance, the desktop software is capable of storing music offline, something the web app simply couldn't do. The Cloud Player app is also capable of scanning for stored music that hasn't been added to a user's locker. A Mac version is currently in the works and Amazon advises that Mac users "stay tuned."

 

The software can be downloaded from Amazon's website.



ReportTT: AT&T to discontinue selling HTC First

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

It would appear that sales of the HTC First have been so bad that AT&T has decided to discontinue selling the device. According to BGR's "trusted source," AT&T has sold fewer than 15,000 devices up to the time the price was cut to $0.99. That is an abysmal sales figure for a smartphone.

 

reporttt_at_t_to_discontinue_selling_htc_first

 

According to their source, the HTC First will stop being sold and unsold units will be returned to HTC. HTC declined to comment while AT&T said, "As mentioned previously, we do pricing promotions all the time and have made no decisions on future plans." Whether or not that means the First is canceled isn't clear.

 

It's not clear when the device will be pulled. HTC has a set amount of display time contracted with AT&T, so it will likely be pulled shortly after that time is up. We'll be sure to let you know if or when it is pulled.



Verizon pushes up Samsung Galaxy S4 launch to May 23

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Customers rocking Big Red for their wireless needs will be excited to hear that they have pushed up the Samsung Galaxy S4 launch. Verizon has announced that they will be making the Galaxy S4 available on May 23, a week earlier than the previously announced date.

 

verizon_pushes_up_samsung_galaxy_s4_launch_to_may_23

 

Still, Verizon is one of the latest to the party. Other carriers have already launched the Galaxy S4. That being said, Verizon customers waiting to get their hands on the new S4 will definitely be happy to get it one week earlier than planned.

 

The Galaxy S4 is quite the beast, featuring a 5-inch Super AMOLED HD display, quad-core processor, 13MP camera, and Android Jelly Bean.



Amazon giving $5 in Amazon Coins to each Kindle Fire owner

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Business, Financial & Legal | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Good news for all the Kindle Fire owners out there. Amazon has deposited $5 in Amazon Coins in your account. All registered owners have received 500 free coins, each valued at $0.01. These Amazon Coins are a new virtual currency started by Amazon, which was first seen in February.

 

amazon_giving_5_in_amazon_coins_to_each_kindle_fire_owner

 

The money is used much like Microsoft Points or Facebook currency and can be spent on games, apps, and in-app purchases. Amazon is offering bulk-purchase discounts, which will help tempt some people into buying more than they would otherwise. Once you've converted your cash into coins, you're stuck with them.

 

"We will continue to add more ways to earn and spend Coins on a wider range of content and activities-today is Day One for Coins," Mike George, VP of games and apps at Amazon.

 

It's worth noting that other virtual currencies haven't been too successful. Facebook is working on ending Credits and many people dislike Microsoft's use of Points. We'll have to wait and see if Amazon's Coins stay around for the long haul.



LeakedTT: Say hello to the Nokia Lumia 925 ahead of its debut tomorrow

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Images of the Nokia Lumia 925 have leaked out online thanks to our favorite Twitter leaker, @evleaks. The image, while slightly blurry, depicts the upcoming Nokia Lumia 925 that is set to debut tomorrow in London. The image appears to be a stock product shot and gives us some idea of what to expect from the device.

 

leakedtt_say_hello_to_the_nokia_lumia_925_ahead_of_its_debut_tomorrow

 

A headphone jack is visible on the top of the device, with volume buttons and either a camera or power button present on the right side. Nokia has already teased that this device should have an excellent camera, but the exact details remain unknown as the backside of the device is not included in the marketing shot.

 

Rumored specs include a 4.5-inch OLED display, dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of memory, and an 8.7MP camera. Of course, these are just rumored, so take them with a grain of salt. We'll be sure to get you all the relevant details as soon as the device launches tomorrow.



Google unifies storage across Gmail, Google+, Drive, users now have 15GB shared across all services

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Internet & Websites | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Google has decided to lump all of your free storage into one plan. Instead of having a separate 10GB of data for Gmail and Google+ and 5GB for Drive, users will be presented with 15GB that can be used in any combination. Don't have a lot of e-mail saved? You now have more room for your cloud storage needs.

 

google_unifies_storage_across_gmail_google_drive_users_now_have_15gb_shared_across_all_services

 

Conversely, if you don't use Gmail at all, you have just been given an extra 10GB of storage space to use for Google Drive. Google's Drive page now features a visualization of how much space you are using next to available upgrade plans. The changes will roll out to users and Google Apps users over the next few weeks, so don't worry if you don't have the change quite yet.

 

We want to hear your thoughts on this change. Let us know what you think in the comments!



Google Play developers have been given the ability to respond to user reviews

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Apps | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Developers for Google's Android operating system have been given a new feature to connect with users. Google has added the ability for developers to respond directly to users' reviews on the Google Play Store. This has come as a result of Google Play Store reviews being tied to the Google+ social network.

 

google_play_developers_have_been_given_the_ability_to_respond_to_user_reviews

 

It allows users and developers to become more connected. It also allows developers to ask for more information, respond to negative reviews, or help troubleshoot an issue. When a developer posts a response, an e-mail is dispatched to the reviewer letting them know that the developer has responded to his or her review.

 

We believe that this new system will lead to better user engagement and better apps on the Google Play Store.



T-Mobile has raised the price of the iPhone by $50, down payment is now $150

By: Trace Hagan | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

If you haven't bought your T-Mobile branded iPhone yet, the price has just gone up by $50. T-Mobile has increased the price of the iPhone by $50, causing the new down payment to be $150 rather than the $100 it was at launch. T-Mobile is still requiring customers to make 24 monthly payments of $20.

 

t_mobile_has_raised_the_price_of_the_iphone_by_50_down_payment_is_now_150

 

This effectively raises the price to $630, up from $580. Interestingly enough, the new price offered through T-Mobile is still lower than that of an unlocked iPhone 5 directly from Apple, though not by as much as it used to be. Furthermore, T-Mobile is offering a payment plan, something not offered by Apple.



New head of Android says Google I/O will be about services this year, not devices or operating systems

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Trade Shows | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Sundar Pichai, the new head of Android, has said that Google will focus on "all of the kinds of things we're doing for developers" at Google I/O this year. During an interview with Wired, the head of Android, who is also at the wheel of Chrome, has said that now isn't the time that Google has "much in the way of launches of new products or a new operating system".

 

new_head_of_android_says_google_i_o_will_be_about_services_this_year_not_devices_or_operating_systems

 

Pichai talked about a bunch of subjects, touching on Android updates, Google's relationship with Samsung, Facebook Home and the challenges of managing two operating systems:

 

  • On the relationship between Chrome and Android: "Android and Chrome are both large, open platforms, growing very fast. I think that they will play a strong role, not merely exist. I see this as part of friendly innovation and choice for both users and developers."
  • On Facebook Home: "It's exciting that Facebook thought of Android first in this case. Android was intended to be very customizable. And we welcome innovations. As for the specific product, my personal take on it is that time will tell."


Continue reading 'New head of Android says Google I/O will be about services this year, not devices or operating systems' (full post)



Samsung Galaxy S4 seen in Japan in 'Blue Arctic' color

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Up until now, the Galaxy S4 from Samsung has only been available in "white frost" and "black mist", but it looks like there could be a new option on the horizon. Japanese blog Rbmen have seen the new "blue arctic" option which they spotted in a promotional leaflet from Japanese carrier DoCoMo.

 

samsung_galaxy_s4_seen_in_japan_in_blue_arctic_color

 

There's no news on whether this arctic blue color will arrive outside of Japan, but we should expect Samsung to soon expand the available colors on the S4. DoCoMo has a presentation reportedly scheduled for May 15, where we should hear more.



Nexus 4 appears in white, still no news of a release

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

The Nexus 4 has been out long enough that we should have new colors by now, and finally, there's a white-colored Nexus 4 spotted in the wild. Google+ user Ervin Sue posted some photos of the white-backed Nexus 4 which he says he purchased from "a local buy and sell site".

 

nexus_4_appears_in_white_still_no_news_of_a_release

 

The back features a beautiful white Crystal Reflective Process back and white sides, with a nice black trim around the display. There's no news on whether this will reach retail or the Google Play Store, but let's hope we hear more during the week at Google I/O.



Check out the trailer to Arrested Development's fourth season

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: HT & Movies | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

As a very long time fan of Arrested Development, the fourth season is nearly here thanks to our friends over at Netflix. The trailer hit the Internet earlier today, and has been enjoying its fair share of bandwidth being pushed over to it.

 

 

What do you think? I can't wait to see the gang back together, it makes me want to go back and watch all of the previous seasons. Let us know what you're looking forward to in the fourth season of Arrested Development, will you be tuning in?


Continue reading 'Check out the trailer to Arrested Development's fourth season' (full post)



Sony Xperia ZR to feature 4.6-inch display, quad-core processor

By: Anthony Garreffa | More News: Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago

Sony are going to expand their Xperia line in the near future with the Xperia ZR, which is set to step in the footsteps of the Xperia Z. While the Xperia Z has a 5-inch screen, the Xperia ZR will arrive slightly shrunken down at 4.6 inches.

 

sony_xperia_zr_to_feature_4_6_inch_display_quad_core_processor

 

We should see the same water-resistant goodness backed up with dust resistance, as well as the same quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor from Qualcomm. Sony have said that the Xperia ZR can be left underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 4 feet. This is where the dedicated camera button comes in handy, where an owner of the Xperia ZR can press the button while their phone is underwater - if this is something they choose to do.

 

The Sony Xperia ZR will arrive in four colors: black, white, pink and mint. It'll be available later this quarter, with pricing to be announced soon.




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