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HTC One Google Edition coming soon?

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:17:40 +0000

At the time Google unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition, HTC rep tweeted from her personal account that we should “wait,” prompting the blogosphere to conclude that the Taiwanese company is preparing Google Edition version of the HTC One.

The company’s Senior Global Online Communications Manager Jeff Gordon quickly silenced these rumors saying that “HTC is not currently planning a ‘Nexus Edition’ of the HTC One.”

Now we have another source claiming that what Gordon has said may not be completely true. The information comes from Geek.com‘s Russel Holly, who was the first person to leak the Samsung Galaxy S4 Edition. So when he says something, we tend to listen.

He says that HTC is considering a vanilla Android HTC One “Senseless” edition. According to his sources, such a device may launch within two weeks and released in the summer. Once again, US will be the first market to get such a device with other countries following later on (or not).

HTC is already providing solid support for the modding community through its HTCDev program so we’re not sure what the “Google Edition” HTC One could bring to table. Then again, even if it’s a marketing scheme, it could help the Taiwanese company get back on its feet, pushing more HTC One units along the way…

[Via: phandroid]

AT&T scores Samsung Galaxy S4 in Aurora Red; Pre-orders start today

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:16:11 +0000

AT&T announced that it managed to score an exclusive version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 which comes in Aurora Red. The device will be available for pre-order later today through the carrier’s website and from AT&T company-owned retail stores. The price is set at $199.99 with a two-year contract, with first units shipping on June 14th.

Aside from a different paint job, there are no any other changes under the hood. In that sense, expect the same quad-core processor, 13-megapixel camera on the back, LTE connectivity support, 16GB of internal memory (models with more built-in storage are still not available), and so on and on. Plus, let’s not forget Sammy’s own tweaks that add things like Smart Stay, Smart Pause, eye scrolling, etc.

The question now is – do you like the red Galaxy S4 more than other color versions?

HTC sells around 5 million HTC One units

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:14:54 +0000

HTC has apparently sold around 5 million HTC one units, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, quoting an unnamed HTC executive. The same source says that orders are “pretty good” so far and are “still more than what we can supply,” due to “shortage of components.” He went on to add: “When the issue is resolved next month, we will have a better idea if it’s doing really well or not.”

If true, HTC is pretty much back in the game. Sure enough, Samsung is still the king of the day having moved 10 million Galaxy S4 units thus far, but seeing HTC fighting back gives us hope that the Android smartphone market won’t turn into a single party show. Hopefully, HTC will soon release some official numbers when we’ll get back to you with additional information. Stay tuned in the meantime, k?

[Via: AndroidCentral]

Verizon and AT&T to offer Samsung Galaxy S4 Developer Edition

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:12:52 +0000

Verizon Wireless and AT&T will soon start selling the Samsung Galaxy S4 Developer Edition. Both versions of the device have been caught at Sammy’s website (links: here and here) and now it seems all about proper timing.

As far as we’ve understood, this isn’t the same phone as the Galaxy S4 Google Edition and it will still come with Sammy’s own software running on top of Android core. Sure enough, you’ll get unlocked bootloader with the ability to tweak everything the way you please.

The downside(s)? 1) You’ll only be able to get the 16GB model in Black Mist only; 2) you’ll have to pay a premium, since these kinds of phones are usually sold without carrier subsidies.

All said, we don’t see a point of buying the Galaxy S4 Developer Edition. If you want the stock Android experience, go for the one sold by Google; or if you crave for all Galaxy S4 software tricks, grab the “regular” version.

[Via: phandroid]

White Huawei P6 caught in the wild

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:11:04 +0000

We’ve already told you that Huawei is working on a super-thin smartphone marked as P6-U06 (or that’s Ascend P6?). The all-aluminum device will most likely be unveiled at the company’s “Beauty” event on June 18th and in the meantime, we have another set of photos to show you, depicting the upcoming device in white. Yeah, it looks sexy and yeah – we wanna try it out the second it’s launched.

Again, the Huawei P6-U06 will have a 6.18mm thick body, packing a 4.7-inch 720p HD screen, 1.5GHz quad-core processor (most likely made by Huawei), 2GB of RAM, 5-megapixel rear camera and a ton of built-in storage (32GB?). Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean will run the show right from the get-go with Huawei’s own Emotion UI 1.6 singing on top. More details as we get ‘em…

[Via: NowhereElse]

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition won’t be available outside of the US, for now

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:09:04 +0000

Let’s say you don’t live in the U.S. and want the Samsung Galaxy S4 running stock Android – you can’t have it. At least not through any official channel. Rather, a friend from the U.S. will have to bring it to you, or you’ll buy it on your next trip to the States. Not sure why that’s the case, but alas – “it is what it is.”

As I’m writing this, Google and Samsung have no intention to sell the Galaxy S4 Google Edition in other parts of the world. That, of course, could easily change in the next few weeks or months, but for the time being, if you want the same thing – you’ll have to delete Samsung’s software from the “regular” Galaxy S4.

Personally, I don’t find it necessary to have the stock/vanilla Android experience on my smartphone since Samsung did put some useful enhancements into its latest flagship product. Once you get used to Smart Stay, you don’t wanna go back. I’m not sure about other features, though.

Anyhow, I don’t like being a bearer of bad news, but we aim to bring you the whole picture…

[Via: Crave]

Sony Xperia ZR will be available in Northern Europe in July for 479 EUR

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:07:57 +0000

When Sony announced the new Sony Xperia ZR, it said that users will be able to get this water-proof smartphone in June. That date apparently doesn’t “work” for all countries, with some markets getting it few months afterwards. In fact, customers in the UK, Germany and France won’t be able to buy the ZR directly. At least not in June.

In Northern Europe, we’re hearing that Sony’s baby will launch in July with a price tag of 479 EUR. According to Xperia Blog, this is the offer for folks living in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Nordic countries, though we’re sure the price will go down shortly after launch.

Meanwhile, the Japanese company is organizing Facebook sweepstakes, allowing its fan base to participate and win the Xperia ZR. In order to enter, you just have to answer how would the ZR “play a role at your perfect pool party.” No, we don’t wanna know, but you are free to share your fantasies at Sony Mobile’s Facebook page.

[Via: Unwired View]

Unlocked Sony Xperia ZL getting a small update

Dusan Belic — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:06:07 +0000

Sony has started rolling out a small update for its Xperia ZL smartphone. Currently, it only affects unlocked units with carrier branded versions (sold in parts of Europe and Asia), most likely getting it shortly.

There are no major changes included in the firmware version 10.1.1.A.1.253, though it brings improved battery life, user experience and software performance. In other words, it’s just Sony tweaking its own software to make it work better. Perhaps some bugs are fixed along the way, as well.

Anyhow, if you do own the Xperia ZL, push the button the second it informs you about the new software waiting to be downloaded. It takes some 9 minutes to apply all the changes included in the 66.1MB-heavy file… so make sure your battery has enough juice to get you through the end of process…

[Via: AndroidCentral]

HTC First UK Release Delayed Indefinitely

Wade Keye — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:51 +0000

The HTC First really isn’t a bad phone. It’s a totally decent, affordable handset with some nice features. But it’s sold well below expectations, even with the price slashed to $0.99 (with contract). The downfall of the First is Facebook Home, Zuckerberg and Co’s Facebook centric launcher, which comes pre-installed on the device.

The rumors of AT&T’s cancellation of the First haven’t proved to be true (yet). But now it looks like the HTC First is hitting another wall, as its UK release has been pushed back with no new date announced. While it continues to sell in the U.S., the Facebook phone’s U.K. release has been put off indefinitely.

Facebook issued a statement saying it’s now focusing on new features and customization, to be added to home in the coming months. The statement also said Facebook have “recommended holding off” on the UK HTC First launch. The statement added that Facebook is committed to bringing the latest mobile experiences to its customers.

So those of you in the UK shouldn’t expect the HTC First to be coming to your shores anytime soon. But if you have a compatible device and want to try out Facebook Home for yourself, you can download it in the Google Play store now.

[Via: Ubergizmo]

HTC One is the First HTC Pro Certified Device in U.S.

Wade Keye — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:52:49 +0000

HTC has announced that the HTC One is the first Smartphone to be HTC Pro certified in the United States. Titled “The Award Winning HTC One Is Enterprise Ready,” HTC’s press release listed the features included in the One. The certification means the device meets security and encryption standards that make it a good enterprise solution for companies with security concerns. The HTC One meets the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and offers 256-bit encryption as well as a host of other security features. These features were touted in the press release:

“Today, HTC announces another achievement for the critically acclaimed new HTC One®: It is the first HTCpro™ Certified device in the United States. It delivers level-one government grade security, flexible Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, and an array of HTC Sense-enabled productivity features, making it an obvious choice to exceed business customers’ expectations.

The HTC One delivers one of the highest levels of security available today with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 certification and advanced 256-bit encryption. Built-in VPN functionality offers data protection and security, and in the future, HTCpro-certified devices will offer multiheaded Internet Protocol Security (IPSEC) VPN support from Mocana.”

Samsung Galaxy Admire 2 and Galaxy Discover joining Galaxy S4 at Cricket

Dusan Belic — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:36:46 +0000

Cricket is not only adding the Samsung Galaxy S4 to its portfolio, but also two other Android smartphones made by the Korean company – Galaxy Admire 2 and Galaxy Discover.

The former is already available through US Cellular which is selling it under the name of Galaxy Axiom. It’s an Android 4.1 device with a 4-inch WVGA screen, dual-core processor, LTE connectivity and 5-megapixel camera on the back.

As for the Galaxy Discover, we’re talking about an entry-level smartphone that sports a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 3-megapixel camera, while Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is running the show.

Both devices will be released “this summer” and no, we’ve no idea how much Cricket will ask for them…

[Via: UnwiredView, PhoneScoop]