LG Optimus G Pro intros in Japan, Optimus G to 50 markets
LG’s smartphone sales appear to be picking up steam thanks to the LG Optimus G. The hits could continue as the new Optimus G Pro model surfaced in Japan today. Read more »
How to deliver the next-generation web experience
Delivering and managing the web experience isn’t just about mobile. Companies are also faced with new challenges in the desktop environment, including browser fragmentation, network evolution, and client-side technologies. They must invest in both the desktop environment as well as to create an optimized experience for mobile. Read more »
LG boosting Nexus 4 production in light of high demand
Tired of seeing that “sold out” note on the Google Nexus 4 purchase page? You may not see it for much longer according to LG, which is ramping up production of the Android smartphone. Read more »
Report: Samsung official confirms Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet
First we had benchmarks for the elusive Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet and now there’s a report that a key Samsung exec has confirmed the slate’s debut at Mobile World Congress. Read more »
Sony outs 10-inch Xperia Tablet Z: full HD and thinner than iPad
Sony decided it will focus only on high-end smartphones going forward and it may be doing the same in tablets if the new Xperia Tablet Z is any indication. Read more »
Do you always need real devices to test Android apps in the cloud? TestObject thinks not
The German outfit, which has raised $1.47 million in funding, offers Android testing on virtualized devices. In some ways it’s a stopgap measure, but TestObject intends to keep it up as a low-cost testing option. Read more »
Android this week: Galaxy Note 8.0 tipped; Note 10.1, Tab 2 updated; Optimus G Pro leaked
Few major Android devices debuted at this month’s CES, but next month’s Mobile World Congress is looking up when it comes to hardware. And some old devices got new software this week. Read more »
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Tab 2 get Android 4.1 update
Got a Galaxy Note 10.1 or Galaxy Tab 2? Samsung has a software update for both Wi-Fi models that will bring Android 4.1 to the slates. The larger tablet also gains the useful Premium Suite. Read more »
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8.0 may have a secret weapon against iPad mini
Is the power of the digital pen mightier than the sword? We may find out next month, when Samsung is reportedly launching the Galaxy Note 8.0, an Android 4.2 tablet similar in size to Apple’s iPad mini. Read more »
The fourth quarter of 2012 in mobile
The mobile platform wars heated up in a big way as 2012 came to a close. Among other trends, Microsoft launched Windows Phone 8, Android’s dominant market share grew, and mobile commerce reached record highs during the holidays. Read more »
Why I’m thinking of ditching my precious iPhone for an Android
After several years as a devoted Apple iPhone user, I have been tempted by the dark side — I am considering giving up my beloved iPhone for an Android device, and the main attraction is the openness of the ecosystem that Android takes advantage of. Read more »
Android this week: Huawei goes big; Vizio’s got phones; Dropbox shares photos
Android was everywhere at the 2013 International CES, but the bigger names didn’t offer much this time. Instead, companies like Huawei, ZTE and Vizio showed off new phones. Meanwhile, Dropbox gets a nice upgrade on Android and I share my favorite new Android device from CES. Read more »
The internet of things is going to need its own Android-like project
photo: Ivee
The internet of things will be big… eventually. But first companies will have to navigate rapidly changing technology ecosystems and perhaps fight for access to the data to make their devices worth with others. What we need are open ecosystems akin to Android. Read more »
The 2013 task management tools market
The task-management market is growing, in part because users need to coordinate with teams via mobile. In this case, heavier-weight solutions like Yammer, IBM Connections, and Podio don’t always suffice. But the demand for digital to-do lists that can be shared across project teams is increasing. Read more »
At 6.1-inches, Huawei’s Ascend Mate smartphone swings at Samsung
Designing a new class of device, the really big smartphone, Samsung has owned this growing market. Huawei wants in though and it pulled out all the stops: The company’s new Ascend Mate smartphone has a whopping 6.1-inch display that works even if you’re wearing gloves. Read more »
Lenovo adds BlueStacks Android player to Windows 8 PCs
BlueStacks gained a big new partner at CES: Lenovo will be installing the BlueStacks software on Idea-branded PCs. The app player runs Android software within Windows 8, but it’s not just about apps: BlueStacks can sync SMS messages from phone to computer. Read more »
AT&T’s Pantech Discover smartphone: Hot hardware for a cool $49
Can $50 and a contract get you a decent smartphone these days? AT&T thinks so. At CES, the company announced It’s selling the Pantech Discover with Android 4.0, a fast processor, 4G LTE radio, 12.6 megapixel camera and high definition touchscreen for $49. Read more »
Nvidia’s got game with Shield, a Tegra 4 Android gaming console
Nvidia’s TegraZone for games gains a new platform: Shield, the Android-based gaming console Nvidia debuted at CES. A powerful Tegra 4 sits at the heart of Shield, combined with gaming controls, fast Wi-Fi and support for a wide number of gaming titles; even from a PC. Read more »
Android this week: More Jelly Beans; free magazines; Galaxy S4 pops up
For the first time since passing the 50 percent market, less than half of all Android devices are running version 2.3. Instead, nearly 40 percent use Android 4.x. It’s easier to get digital magazines in Google Play and a pic of the Galaxy S4 popped up. Read more »
Here’s the secret success sauce in Ubuntu’s phone platform
One of the most popular Linux distributions will arrive on smartphones this year: Canonical is bringing Ubuntu to the small screen. But this isn’t a special version of Ubuntu; it’s the actual desktop software platform with touch-friendly mobile interface that could be a disruptor. Read more »
AirDroid: The free app every Android owner should install in 2013
My pick for Android app of the year? AirDroid, which provides wireless management of your Android phone or tablet from any browser on the same Wi-Fi network. You can manage files, videos, music, ringtones and more on any computer, making for a great free companion application. Read more »
MobileTechRoundup podcast 286: CES previewed
2012 wraps with a year-end mobile tech podcast that looks both forward and back. With hardware cycles advancing rapidly, neither host is expecting blockbuster news out of the Consumer Electronics Show. Matt is looking deeper into uses for NFC, while Kevin is addicted to TuneIn Radio. Read more »
Kickstarter phenom Ouya starts shipping game consoles for devs
photo: Ouya
Ouya, an open $99 gaming console built off of Android, raised $8.6 million on Kickstarter. And now it’s shipping 1,200 consoles to developers, who can begin to create games for the system using Ouya’s SDK. Read more »
Video of Huawei’s 6.1-inch smartphone: Small pockets needn’t apply
One expected debut for next month’s Consumer Electronics Show happened a little early as a Huawei exect showed off the company’s newest smartphone. The device has a whopping 6.1-inch display which is great for most mobile activities, but won’t likely fit in a front pants pocket. Read more »
Android this week: Google X phone; Flipboard goes big; Galaxy gets Grand
Perhaps in fear of Samsung forking Android for its own use, Google is reportedly working with its Motorola resources on an “X Phone” with unique features. Flipboard finally debuts on Android tablets while Samsung continues to leverage large phone screens with its Galaxy Grand. Read more »
Grading 2012 mobile predictions: mostly hits but a few misses
As the year comes to a close, its time to look back at predictions for 2012. I made 16 of them last December and while I got a fair number right, there were a few clunkers. It’s time to dust off the crystal ball for 2013. Read more »
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What to watch in mobile in 2013
The year 2013 may bring real disruption to the mobile industry. Upstart carriers are embracing noncellular technologies to provide cut-rate services, third-party developers are gaining traction with cheap (or free) alternatives to SMS, and a major U.S. operator is preparing to drop handset subsidies. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
Flipboard goes big, lands on Android tablets
Android users of Flipboard have a tablet-optimized version of the popular newsreader now. Instead of a scaled-up version of the popular news reader, Android tablet owners get a magazine-like experience similar to that of Flipboard’s 2010 debut on the Apple iPad. Read more »
Samsung admits smartphone chip vulnerability, working to fix
A flaw in certain Samsung Exynos chips has been verified by Samsung, which is taking corrective action to fix the problem. It’s not likely that many devices have been affected, but the company is taking no chances and plans to close the security hole quickly. Read more »
Samsung Galaxy Grand: A big phone going after big markets
Samsung’s Galaxy Grand looks like a large Galaxy S III, but the 5-inch display uses a low 800 x 480 resolution. Still, the Grand may be a smart strategy thanks to other decent specs and dual-SIM support which should generate interest in China, India and Africa. Read more »
Why many are unlikely to switch to Windows Phone or BlackBerry 10
Current Windows Phone 8 and upcoming BlackBerry 10 handsets look great, but will people switch? Not likely, and even first-time smartphone owners may balk. It’s a perfect example of old phrase, “timing is everything” as most smartphone innovation has already taken place. Read more »
T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 2 next to get multiwindow feature
It looks like AT&T’s Galaxy Note 2 will be the last to get the unique multi-window feature in the U.S. Sprint and Verizon devices already have it and T-Mobile announced that its version will see it become available starting this week, if all goes to plan. Read more »
Software turns Amazon Kindle Fire into a Nexus 7 lookalike
Amazon’s Kindle Fire makes for a great tablet, so long as you don’t mind the custom user interface and lack of supported Google services. A new custom software installation turns the Kindle Fire into a fully functional Android 4.2.1 tablet and it looks great. Read more »
HTC drops plans for a large Windows Phone (but shouldn’t)
HTC is scrapping plans for a Windows Phone with large display due to the limited platform resolution. That could be a mistake as it’s difficult for Windows Phone handset makers to stand out from the crowd and a large screen paired with Beats Audio could appeal. Read more »
This small plug and your smartphone could save you electricity
Looking to cut down or measure the energy usage of an appliance? MeterPlug is one option. This small pass-through device watches electricity consumption in real-time to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. It also cuts power when an appliance isn’t in use, helping to save electricity. Read more »
Verizon preps Android 4.1, Isis support for Galaxy S III
Verizon’s flagship Android phone, the Galaxy S III, will be getting a software upgrade starting later this week. It’s Android 4.1, not 4.2, but will add a number of key features to the handset including Google Now, ISIS mobile payment support and improved notifications. Read more »
How the cloud helped social gaming firm Wooga prepare for its Android invasion
Berlin’s highly successful games studio is moving into Android, starting off with a new version of the hit Diamond Dash. It seemed like a good time to get a snapshot developer perspective on coding for the big two mobile platforms. Read more »
Why laptop makers should be focusing on tablets now
First smartphones overtook traditional computer sales and now tablets are on track to outsell laptops, according to IDC, which predicts more tablets will be sold than laptops by 2015. Computer makers should be looking to where the growth is as tablets replace laptops for many. Read more »
Android this week: Snapseed arrives; Galaxy S III update coming; PC-less MP3 is here
Snapseed, the hottest photo editing iOS app, arrived on Android this week; the free download is a must-try. Galaxy S III owners are about to get the ability to run two apps on one screen while the Samsung Muse MP3 player has a unique feature. Read more »
Samsung Muse, the MP3 player that syncs with your phone
Most MP3 players share a common denominator: Unless they have a Wi-Fi radio, you have to connect them to a computer to get your music on them. Not so with the Samsung Muse a $50 pebble-shaped device that syncs music from a smartphone. Read more »
