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If you haven’t yet head of “phablets,” you might want get familiar with them because ABI Research expects 208 million of them to sell in 2015. Thanks to more media consumption and web browsing consumers may shift from one- to two-handed use for these larger devices. Read More »

My do-it-yourself smarthome system may be getting an upgrade with an Internet connected front door lock. Lockitron just caught my eye for a few reasons, but the two main ones are support for near-field communications or NFC and no wiring needed for installation. Read More »

 
 

After waiting months and finally gaining approval from China on the deal, Google’s $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola closed on Tuesday. While the deal is still about patents to protect Android partners, Google finally has a vehicle to gain control of Android over the long term. Read More »

Folks that like valet parking may like it even more thanks to Flash Valet, a mobile app and platform that speeds both a car’s return as well as the valet payment. The app lets customers request their car or pay their fee and tip by phone. Read More »

Apple may be planning to add 3G data support for FaceTime on iOS devices, based on some recently published screenshots. Many have wanted FaceTime on a mobile broadband instead of Wi-Fi networks. But I’m not sold that it’s a good idea. Here’s why. Read More »

Motorola explained why certain smartphones and tablets it makes won’t be getting the Google Android 4.0 software update. Not all Motorola device owners are happy though; especially those that bought a Droid 3 in the past 10 months. These folks are stuck on Android 2.3. Read More »

A new intelligent home screen app for Android tablets appears on Kickstarter and for $5, it looks well worth it. Google is finally taking more control by planning several Nexus device partners and more direct sales, plus Samsung’s Galaxy S III is already in great demand. Read More »

A security hole was found in the ZTE Score, a handset model sold on both by Metro PCS and Cricket in the U.S. The breach appears to be a “backdoor” put in by ZTE, which is already under U.S. scrutiny as a China-based company. Read More »

After waiting for Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S III handset, it’s possible you could be waiting some more: Samsung has 9 million pre-orders for the new smartphone; 3x more than last year’s model. And it says it can only build 5 million each month. Read More »

T-Mobile is the per GB charges for its no-contract data plans.The overall price of the low-capacity one week plan is now rising to $15, but customers it provides 3x the amount of broadband. There is also a new middle-tier plan, making for three monthly plan options. Read More »

Planning a trip to Wales anytime soon? If so, put the town of Monmouth on your itinerary and be sure to bring your phone. On May 19, Monmouth officially becomes the world’s first Wikipedia Town and you’ll need your handset with you for the full tour. Read More »

With a reported 11 teens killed while texting and driving per day, parents are turning towards apps to limit their kids phone use behind the wheel. SecruaFone offers one for iPhone and Android handsets that diables some features when in motion, but it doesn’t stop there. Read More »

More Must Reads

Over the past year as more consumers have adopted smartphones the number of installed applications is up from 32 to 41. Yet the amount of time spent using those applications hasn’t changed much, indicating that developers might be challenged when it comes to increasing application engagement. Read More »

Apple’s next iPhone model will have at least a 4-inch display according to sources “familiar with the matter” says the Wall Street Journal. A larger iPhone simply makes sense at this point in time due to increased consumption of the mobile web, video and apps. Read More »

Mozilla has a new beta version of its mobile Firefox browser for Android. The software is still a work in progress, but shows promise with a redesigned user interface, faster startup and support for Flash. In a JavaScript test, it’s as fast as Chrome for Android! Read More »

This probably won’t shock you, but tablets connected to 3G and 4G networks consume a lot more data than their smartphone equivalents. However, on Tuesday video optimization vendor Bytemobile reported exactly how much: iPads eat up three times more data than iPhones over the cellular network. Read More »

As the only major U.S. carrier backing Google Wallet, Sprint is trying to help its cause, releasing the LG Optimus Elite for Virgin Mobile on Tuesday. The $149 Android 2.3 smartphone costs $149.99, putting an NFC-based smartphone in the hands of a wider potential audience. Read More »

As the pace of advances in mobile technology accelerates, waves of new smartphones are appearing every few months. That can mean some savings in the form of a price drop on recently launched phones by the carriers. But how long should you wait? Read More »

Looking for a basic Android battery optimizer, trash cleaner and a very informative security function that monitors third-party application permissions? Check out Cosmos, a free app that officially launches next week but is available now in a stable beta for Android 2.2 and up. Read More »

There’s quite a ruckus going on over ARM-powered Windows 8 tablets: Mozilla and Google are crying foul over third-party browser restrictions Microsoft has put in place in Windows 8. Here’s why this isn’t really a new problem and why it’s likely to get worse over time. Read More »

Yesterday’s news about Flipboard on Android devices got me thinking. Not only is most of my content now viewed on a mobile but I’m now consuming far more content than I ever did prior because smartphones and tablets “free” that content to use anywhere, anytime. Read More »

Wallee already sells a nice iPad case, but the Australian-based company is looking to expand its product line with a magnetic mount and case accessory for Apple’s iPhone 4/4S and Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smartphones. The system is modular and offers a car mount and pivot stand. Read More »

Sprint will launch the HTC EVO 4G LTE handset on May 18, adding another 4G smartphone that will only run on Sprint’s 3G network until the carrier launches LTE in the next few months. Similar to other HTC One handsets, the EVO 4G LTE should impress. Read More »

Google’s open approach to Android has certainly helped build the platform’s user base: Android powers more than half of the world’s smartphones. But how much further can this strategy take Google when the “Wild West show” continues and carriers exacerbate the problem? It’s time for change. Read More »

Wireless charging sounds great: Drop your gadget on a little mat, which itself is plugged into an outlet, and your phone or MP3 player sits there and charges away. But the industry can’t agree on standards, and on Monday a new wireless charging group was formed. Read More »

AT&T introduced its third Microsoft Windows Phone handset with LTE: The Samsung Focus 2 launches on May 20 for $49 with new two-year contract, which is priced lower than the $99 Lumia 900 and $199 HTC Titan II. At this price, the specifications aren’t shabby. Read More »

On this week’s audio podcast, Matt and Kevin share hands on experiences with the HTC One X, which may be the best Android device for AT&T right now. Plus discussion and thoughts about the Galaxy S III, BB 10, and your listener questions answered. Read More »

If you’re an Android user looking for new hardware, this was a good week for you. Both HTC’s One X for AT&T and Samsung’s Galaxy S III arrived. Interestingly, one of the two phones has generated much positive feedback while the other seems to impress fewer. Read More »

Samsung introduced the world to the new Galaxy S III on Thursday, showing off what some may find to be incremental hardware upgrades over the prior Galaxy model. But Samsung spent even more time highlighting the phone’s new software features. Here’s a peek at some. Read More »

What features might your next smartphone have? When you consider new mobile chips, graphics processors, 4G networks, sensors and more, the sky’s the limit. Here’s an overview what you can expect to see in the smartphones of tomorrow, which will top 1 billion sales by 2015. Read More »

Samsung launched the Galaxy S III, its latest Google Android smartphone, at a UK press event on Thursday. The handset offers some expected incremental hardware feature upgrades over its predecessor but the main improvements are seen through software and user interaction, including S-Voice, a Siri-like feature. Read More »

Later today, Samsung is holding a press event in the UK to introduce “The Next Galaxy.” It’s a safe bet that this will be the official introduction to Samsung’s Galaxy S III; here’s what to expect from Samsung and its new Galaxy S addition. Read More »

Research In Motion continued to outline its BlackBerry 10 strategy at its annual developer event, saying customers will need to buy new phones for the BB 10 experience as the company confirmed it won’t be upgrading any BlackBerry 7 phones to the new operating system. Read More »

Nokia filed claims against HTC, Research In Motion and Viewsonic in both the U.S. and Germany, saying that 45 Nokia patents were infringed. Why are the mobile patent wars raging? Major innovation is slowing down in this market; now the battles are in the courts. Read More »

AT&T’s newest LTE phone, the HTC One X, is due to hit stores May 6 for $199. The phone is similar to T-Mobile’s One S, but has a larger screen Super LCD screen. Here are my first impressions after a day with the new handset. Read More »

Own a Galaxy Nexus, iPhone or other GSM handset? If so and you’re tired of the cost and long-term contract, Straight Talk’s SIM card may be an option. The no-contract deal is $45 for unlimited voice minutes, messages and HSPA+ data on either AT&T or T-Mobile. Read More »

Research In Motion is showing off its BlackBerry 10 platform; perhaps the company’s last chance for success in the mobile market. The interface looks impressive, but there are still many hurdles to be cleared as pointed out on Twitter by those watching the demos. Read More »

LG is reportedly focused on Google Android smartphones and not new Microsoft Windows Phone handsets. LG only built two Windows Phones in 2010 and none in 2011 even though it has kind words for the platform. Unfortunately for Microsoft, actions speak louder than words. Read More »

Microsoft’s Research division is testing home automation market software it developed that makes it easy for devices to speak to each other. This HomeOS platform can help demystify smart home systems with numerous protocols. Plus it works nicely on smartphones for remote control and monitoring. Read More »

Matt and Kevin share hands on thoughts this week of the Toshiba excite10 LE tablet, HTC Titan II smartphone and Kindle Touch case with integrated light. Plus some discussion on the new $399 Galaxy Nexus that Google is selling directly to consumers. Read More »

If a smartphone or tablet with glass that’s glare-free, repels liquids and is self-cleaning sounds appealing, you might want to start following MIT’s research. By adding layers on glass that are then selectively removed, microscopic cones are created and provide these desirable characteristics. Read More »

Samsung introduced its next generation mobile chip, the Exynos 4 Quad, on Thursday, with claims of twice the processing power with a 20 percent reduction in power use. The company will use the new processor in its next Galaxy phone, debuting in a few weeks. Read More »

“The x86 power myth is finally busted. While the X900 doesn’t lead in battery life, it’s competitive with the Galaxy S 2 and Galaxy Nexus… …If you’ve been expecting the first x86 smartphone to end up at the bottom of every battery life chart, you’ll be … Read More »

Taiwan-based handset maker HTC suggests that its highly profitable days in the U.S. smartphone market are in the past, mainly due to Apple’s iPhone. The HTC One series may help sales in the U.S. but like Apple, HTC is turning to China for future growth. Read More »

Facebook may not have a phone of its own (yet), but it continues to improve its mobile clients: On Tuesday, the company outlined updates coming soon for the Windows Phone version of Facebook. The refreshed software will add threaded messaging, tagging and other features. Read More »

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