Mobile skill-based gaming: Another way for devs to monetize

May 1st, 2013, 01:50 Posted By: wraggster

A new company called Skillz is introducing real-money gaming to mobile Android titles in the US
Mobile gaming continues to be an expanding market, but successfully monetizing mobile titles can be a major challenge for developers. Ads can sometimes be ineffectual and the free-to-play microtransactions model can rub some people the wrong way. There is another option, however, driven by players' desire to compete: real-money, skills-based gaming. A new company called Skillz has launched a mobile SDK just for that purpose.
The open beta, available initially for the Android platform, enables game developers of skill-based titles to host cash competitions in 36 US states, while free and virtual currency tournaments can be created worldwide. Players can enter cash tournaments with as little as 25 cents.
"While mobile gaming continues to boom, game developers need innovative, yet complementary ways to monetize their content. 80 percent of mobile games revenue went to the top twenty development studios last year," said Andrew Paradise, CEO and founder of Skillz. "Tournaments take mobile gaming to the next level by enhancing gameplay, making it more social and fun as players compete against each other. For developers, competitions translate into longer sessions, better user retention and increased revenue."
"We've have tried monetizing our various games on both Android and iOS with banner ads, in-app purchases, and conversion methods from lite to paid app. After learning about Skillz and how it monetizes through tournaments, it just made perfect sense to partner with them. We were able to quickly add the tournament functionality into our game, and immediately started seeing our players get into the action at an increased rate in terms of playing time and retention - and ultimately helped us start monetizing our games more effectively," Tyler Thomas, co-creator of Mini Golf Stars, told GamesIndustry International.
The company is launching with support from ten game studios, each releasing one Android title initially. The titles span a range of genres including sports, puzzle, arcade and more.
Skillz raised $1.3 million in seed capital from Atlas Venture, Nextview Ventures, and angel investors last November, and just recently the company hired Anthony Jacobson, former Atari business development executive, as its head of business development and publisher relations.



http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...vs-to-monetize

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Sony Xperia Z for T-Mobile approved by the FCC with compatible LTE

May 1st, 2013, 10:46 Posted By: wraggster

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Microsoft's Switch to Windows Phone app for Android

May 1st, 2013, 10:48 Posted By: wraggster

Ever since its launch, Windows Phone has faced criticism for lacking a broad app selection compared with its main mobile OS competitors. Microsoft is out to convince users otherwise, and in a rather cheeky move, has launched the Switch to Windows Phone app for Android. Available now on the Google Play store, the app takes note of all the software currently on your Android handset and sends those details to SkyDrive. Add that SkyDrive account on a WP8 device, and you'll be offered official WP8 apps which correspond to the ones found on your Android phone, or apps that match up best if official versions aren't available. Microsoft has also taken this opportunity to launch a new ad campaign (embedded after the break) pumping itself up as a sensible alternative to the Android / iOS battles, timed perfectly to arrive with this app. Assuming you have the requisite devices handy, hit the source links to install the software and let us know how good it is at finding a match.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/30/s...e-android-app/

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Microsoft's next revision of Facebook for Windows Phone 8 hits beta

May 1st, 2013, 10:49 Posted By: wraggster

Last year's revision to Facebook for Windows Phone may have gotten fans closer to the Facebook grail, but it was still lagging behind its iOS and Android siblings. Microsoft is finally catching up though, with the latest beta of the app. This build supports the new Facebook Timeline, higher-quality photos and post sharing. It's currently listed as being compatible with Windows Phone 8 -- which might leave some 7.5 and 7.8 users feeling a bit salty. You'll have to download it straight from the link below if you're up for giving it a whirl, since it can't be directly from your device.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/30/f...revision-beta/

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Airtight Games announce Ouya-exclusive disco Norse hybrid Soul Fjord

May 1st, 2013, 14:19 Posted By: wraggster

Quantum Conundrum developer Airtight Games has announced its latest project, Soul Fjord, an Ouya-exclusive game that mixes 70's soul music with Norse mythology, because why not?As detailed on Ouya's official site by Developers Best Friend and thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago, Soul Fjord is a randomly-generated dungeon crawler with rhythm-based combat. It follows the exploits of a funky afro-sporting warrior named Magnus Jones who upon being slain discovers that he wasn't invited to Ragnrok, the party to end all parties, literally. It's an actual end-of-the-world-party, and not one of those cheap knock-offs college kids throw in dorms. In order to gain clearance to club Valhalla, Magnus will have to prove that he's one bad mother (shut your mouth).

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...rid-soul-fjord

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Samsung Galaxy S4 becomes April's most popular smartphone in four days

May 2nd, 2013, 00:06 Posted By: wraggster

New device already biting at Apple’s heels.
Despite only being on sale for the last four days of April, the Samsung Galaxy S 4 is already challenging Apple for top spot on the uSwitch Mobile Tracker, having proved to be the third most popular smartphone of the month, Mobile News has reported.
Based on live searches, pre-orders and sales, the uSwitch.com Mobile Tracker ranked the Apple iPhone 5 16GB as the most popular smartphone of the month, with the iPhone 4S taking second place.
Remarkably, in spite of April 26th release, the new Samsung flagship entered in third spot, while the HTC One moved up to fourth, followed by the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 4 8GB took fifth and sixth respectively.
uSwitch.com telecoms expert Ernest Doku, commented: “It comes as little surprise that Samsung’s Galaxy S4 has entered the chart in such a strong position. A carefully orchestrated sequence of reveals and events since its initial March unveiling has seen the S4 remain on the lips of critics and eager consumers alike. The hype train had barely left the station and popularity in terms of searches and pre-orders were through the roof, resulting in performance usually the preserve of an Apple device.
“The fact that Apple and Samsung occupy eight of the top ten spots is a clear indication of their dominance in the smartphone space, with the impressive HTC One valiantly holding its own.
Doku also added that with early positive demand for the BlackBerry Q10, as well as the impending launch of a new Nokia Lumia smartphone on May 14th, there could be plenty of traction in the uSwitch.com Mobile Tracker over the next few months.
“The slight slip of the XPERIA Z does highlight an interesting trend – the front-loaded nature of handset launches, where device manufacturers attempt to garner attention in a crowded market quickly, followed by demand falling away. Price reductions, free gifts and benefits are frequently bestowed on those customers willing to commit early and pre-order the latest smartphone, as they know a heavy hitter from their competition is just around the corner.
“With BlackBerry’s keyboard-toting Q10 having its own high-profile unveiling at Selfridges and Nokia poised to reveal a new Lumia device in mid-May, expect to see more big bets on flagship phones, which will undoubtedly result in some winners and losers this summer.”

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ur-days/021245

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Apple iPhone patent to track you and manage your communications

May 2nd, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster

Apple has secured a new patent, according to Apple Insider, which the filing describes as a "method and system for facilitating contacting people using electronic devices."
In English, the service will use GPS and track the whereabouts of device users, thus automatically detecting the most convenient form of communication.
For example, if an iPhone user is called while in the same location as the caller, the call may be cancelled in exchange for an automatic text advising them to approach each other. Alternatively, if a user is travelling at speed on a train, the call would be permitted.
In addition to GPS, users of the service would be able to set times of availability in the device, assisting with the accuracy of the platform.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...cations/021239

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Original iPhone to be 'obsolete' in June

May 2nd, 2013, 00:14 Posted By: wraggster

No further technical support from Apple for its pioneering smartphone

Apple’s original iPhone is to become obsolete in June, according to internal documentation.
The documentation, picked up by 9to5mac.com, shows the headset manufacturer will classify the original iPhone as ‘obsolete’ everywhere, expect the US, from June 11th, meaning an Apple product that was discontinued more than seven years ago.

In the US, the device will be classified as ‘vintage’, meaning that parts will still be available to repair the iPhone, if it was purchased in the state of California.
The original iPhone was launched in the US in June 2007 and followed later that year in other territories. This was prior to Apple’s now-trendsetting App Store launching.
Apple has already ceased most of its software support for the original iPhone, with iOS 3.0 being the last firmware update to the hardware.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...solete-in-June

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Firefox OS Phone on Display at LinuxFest NorthWest

May 2nd, 2013, 00:21 Posted By: wraggster

Jakob Perry organized the first LinuxFest Northwest when he was still a student. He got off to a good start: now LFNW has been running for 14 years, and has retained its flavor as a low-key, friendly conference. Exhibitors from Linux distributions from tiny (CrunchBang) to huge (Red Hat) were on hand for 2013, and enough speakers and topics to fill about 80 different sessions over the two days of the conference. Not all of it's about Linux per se, either: the EFF and FSF were represented, along with a BSD table, and a local astronomy group with a great name. At this year's event I ran into the first Firefox OSphone that I've had a chance to play with in person. Firefox OS integrates Linux by way of the Android kernel, but is otherwise its own beast. Ubuntu and Mozilla contributor Benjamin Kerensa was on hand to talk about what makes it tick, and to give a demo of the all-HTML5 interface.

http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/05...orthwest-video

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An Exploration of BlackBerry 10's Programming API

May 2nd, 2013, 00:22 Posted By: wraggster

BlackBerry 10 is completely different from previous BlackBerry operating systems — with good reason. Its core assets come from a company named QNX, which Research In Motion acquired in 2010. Blackberry 10 features include 'live tiles' that dynamically refresh with new information, as well as a revamped keyboard and security upgrades. But what really makes or breaks a phone is the quality (and quantity) of its third-party apps. Jeff Cogswell pokes through the BlackBerry 10 programming API in a quest to see what app developers can do with the platform, and how it compares on that front to Apple iOS and Google Android. His conclusion? Although some of the underlying components are showing their age, BlackBerry has 'spent a lot of time building up a foundation for a good development community.' He also goes over BlackBerry 10's viability for porting apps and building games. But will developers actually work with a platform with such low market-share?"

http://developers.slashdot.org/story...rogramming-api

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iOS to dominate mobile gaming through 2018 - Report

May 2nd, 2013, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

DFC Intelligence expects iTunes to more than triple Google Play game revenues even as Android outnumbers iPhones 3:1
Apple's iOS may be losing market share to devices running Google's Android, but the iPhone maker should continue bringing in more money from games on its platforms for years to come. That's according to a new report from DFC Intelligence covering the global games and apps market for smartphones and tablets.
By 2018, DFC expects annual revenues from iOS games to hit $9.7 billion, compared to $2.7 billion for games from the Google Play store. For reference, the report lists the current record for single-year mobile game revenue on a platform as $6.6 billion, a mark reached by the Nintendo DS in 2008.
Even as Apple continues to lead the way in mobile game sales, DFC anticipates the company's iPhone and iPad lines to be outsold by a proliferation of Android devices. The report predicts a worldwide total of 829 million active Android phones in 2018, compared to 265 million active iPhones. A similar disparity is projected to surface in the tablet market. As for how Apple can grow revenues while losing market share, DFC cited the user-friendliness of the iOS ecosystem, and the way it allows purchases to be accessed through multiple devices.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...g-through-2018

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Android topped tablet share in Q1 at 57 percent, Apple led manufacturers

May 2nd, 2013, 00:37 Posted By: wraggster

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more dramatic' changes to email and calendar amid iOS 7 overhaul

May 2nd, 2013, 00:41 Posted By: wraggster

It's hardly been a secret that Apple's Jony Ive is exploring some more radical changes to iOS since taking the design reins for software in addition to hardware, butBloomberg is now reporting some new details that paint a better picture of just what's going on in the lead-up to iOS 7. As previously reported, that includes what's sure to be iOS' biggest visual overhaul to date, with a decidedly more flat and minimalist design replacing Apple's current skeuomorphic tendencies. What's more, Bloomberg is also reporting that Ive is exploring "more dramatic changes" to the e-mail and calendar apps, and that he's "methodically" reviewing all the new designs himself to avoid a repeat of the Maps fiasco.
Also as previously rumoured, Bloomberg reports that Apple is pulling people from the Mac team to work on iOS in order to get it done in time, and that Ive has been encouraging collaboration between the software and hardware teams -- which, asBloomberg notes, have previously been operating in separate silos. That all comes as Apple is apparently pushing things closer to the deadline than usual; while Bloombergreports that iOS 7 is still on track for a release "as soon as September," internal testing dates are reportedly being set later than they have in the past, and the sweeping changes Ive has embarked on are said to have put Apple "at risk of falling behind." Of course, Apple does have one upcoming date that's now set in stone: WWDC on June 10th, when it has already promised to show off new versions of both iOS and OS X.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/01/a...y-ive-details/

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Ace Patrol brings WWI strategy to iOS

May 2nd, 2013, 00:44 Posted By: wraggster

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol is a new game for the iOS platform from the man who's name you'll be most accustomed to seeing in the titles of his popular Civilization series.

2K and Fireaxis Games revealed the title today, confirming an iOS release date of May 9. It'll be free to download.Ace Patrol is a turn-based strategy game based on World War I dogfighting. You take control of WWI fighter planes - with 30 models to choose from - in more than 120 missions in a single-player mode, or against other players with asynchronous online multiplayer via Game Center.As you battle your way through the campaign you can build up your perfect team of aircraft and upgrade them with new abilities.There's no word on which iOS devices it will support, and no specifics on the nature of any in-app purchases.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...rategy-to-ios/

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Curiosity's end may coincide with new Xbox reveal

May 2nd, 2013, 01:18 Posted By: wraggster

Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube is now officially down to its last 50 layers. Even Peter Molyneux is impatient for 22Cans' bizarre iOS experiment to end, telling Polygon: "Enough's enough, for crying out loud."

The game, which is about tapping to remove dots from a cube to reveal the "life-changing" secret within, features a countdown timer running toward the projected end of the experiment, when one person will clear the final layer.

"I thought six months was about the length of time that Curiosity should go on before it closed, and this is almost exactly the six month anniversary of the end of Curiosity," Molyneux told GameSpot. "Bizarrely, as part of that controversy, is that the end of the cube – the last layer of the cube – might well be, I mean probably if you look at our analysis of probability, the same day that the next Xbox is announced. Which would be a bizarre twist of fate." The next Xbox is due to be revealed May 21.

Or a bizarre twist of Pete? Regarding the coincidence, he told GameSpot, "There's an interesting opportunity, possibly, for me to ... well, I can't say any more than that. There may be some words from me around that time. I'm not saying any more." Confirmed: The next Xbox will come in a box made of billions of tiny cubes.

Along with today's news, 22Cans released the above video, which features visual proof that people like Curiosity at least enough to scrawl dirty words into the cube.

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/cu...w-xbox-reveal/

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Kurio assures parents over in-app payments

May 3rd, 2013, 00:59 Posted By: wraggster

The OFT has announced it is to investigate free smartphone and online games that offer in-app purchases.
Cavendish Elithorn, senior director for goods and consumer for the OFT, commented: “We are concerned that children and their parents could be subject to unfair pressure to purchase when they are playing games they thought were free, but which can actually run up substantial costs.”
It’s become an issue at the forefront of parents’ minds when they’re tablet shopping.
InspirationWorks, the developer of Kurio, the popular Android tablet for families, is already working to ensure that apps within the Kurio App Store do not feature in-app purchases at all, or that the buying of these elements is fully controlled.
When games offer in-app purchasing, parents can utilise the KurioGenius Parental Controls in order to allow or block IAPs within apps. This can be set per profile, dependent on preference and the age of the user.
Plus the Kurio App Store will allow children to have their own accounts, which are separate to their parents’, to enable them to buy and download apps and purchase items through IAPs using their own ‘piggy bank’ which parents can add funds to – or not, if they prefer.
Craig Asling, software and gaming manager at InspirationWorks UK, explained: “We’ve covered every angle in keeping IAPs at a safe level for children using Kurio. Parents are in full control of all spending, to avoid any nasty surprise bills.
“The controls also mean that children are protected from marketing and pressure while playing, ensuring they are in a safe, child-friendly environment at all times.”
Tracey Devine, UK marketing director, for InspirationWorks UK, said: “More and more parents are aware of the dangers of children using the internet with no protection, but the app market is more of an unknown area for them and increasing numbers are getting a nasty surprise when their bills come through. Parents can rest assured that by giving their children a Kurio, this won’t happen.”

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...ayments/030872

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Internet users spend at least a week searching the web each year

May 3rd, 2013, 01:03 Posted By: wraggster

Brands missing out on sales as bulk of users can't retrieve previously viewed pages.
archify has introduced a free Android app, which is designed to make searching the web easier and more personalised. The platform and records pages visited via browsers and social media portals, while also collecting data from texts and calls.
The startup surveyed 2,000 internet users and has released some alarming figures to complement the launch of the app, discovering that most users spend at least 6.5 days (156 hours) a year completing searches online.
Despite browsing with such zeal, 75 per cent of web users can't find previously viewed pages, and 41 per cent say the loss has prevented the purchase of products online, which in turns leaves a hole in the pockets of businesses.
81 per cent of users aged 16-34 use more than one device to search the net, dipping to 44 per cent for over 45s. PCs are still the dominant form of web browsing, but 20 per cent of 16-24 year olds say they use their mobile more.
38 per cent of respondents make at least ten unique searches a day, while ten per cent conduct more than 25. Meanwhile, men are more likely to track content via bookmarks than women, at 62 per cent and 57 per cent respectively.
Max Kossatz, co-founder and CEO, archify, said: "People are spending more and more time searching for web pages they have previously visited, often without success. Add to this trying to track pages viewed via social media sites, or through different devices such as mobile phones and tablets, and it is getting incredibly hard to keep track of where you have been online.
"Many users find themselves using the same search term on their web browser, Google, Facebook, Twitter and Gmail. The new archify app will help users organise their online experience by providing more personalised searches and access to the sites they have visited across multiple devices."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ch-year/021253

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Minecraft Pocket hits 10m downloads

May 3rd, 2013, 01:04 Posted By: wraggster

Mojang teases Minecraft Realms with update due by the end off May

The mobile and tablet edition of Minecraft has reached 10 million downloads worldwide.
“We are very happy to announce that Minecraft – Pocket Edition has sold more than 10 million copies as of yesterday,” said Mojang's Daniel Kaplan.

“We are very thankful to all the support that we have gotten and people playing and talking about our game.”
Minecraft: Pocket Edition is a separate version to the PC edition, but Mojang have steady been working to bring the two editions closer together.
“We have been working hard on restructuring the backend of a lot of things for Minecraft – Pocket Edition to make future updates smoother,” said Kaplan, who and that the studio is working on Minecraft Realms, a cloud service that will let players play together in more unified manner.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-10m-downloads

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Facebook hits 750 million monthly users on mobile

May 3rd, 2013, 01:06 Posted By: wraggster

Social network claims 1.1 billion MAUs in total

There are more than 751 million monthly average users accessing Facebook on mobile devices, it has been announced.
Speaking at the Facebook Mobile DevCon in London, the company's head of developer advocacy James Pearce said that as of last night, the social network had peaked at 1.1 billion monthly users in total, one seventh of the world's population.

Pearce also stated that just over 20 per cent of the average person's time on mobile today is spent on Facebook, ahead of other apps and services such as Instagram, Youtube, gmail and Twitter.
He added that the social network also averaged 263 million monthy referals from the website to apps and games on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
It was also claimed that 81 per cent of the top 100 iOS apps and 70 per cent of the top 100 Google Play apps were integrated with Facebook.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...sers-on-mobile

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Barnes & Noble adds Google Play to Nook HD and HD+

May 3rd, 2013, 16:47 Posted By: wraggster

Barnes & Noble has announced today that Nook HD tablet owners will get access to the 700,000-plus apps on Google Play.
The update will give Nook HD and HD+ owners direct access to their Google accounts with built-in Gmail, YouTube, Chrome and Google Maps apps. They will also have access to the Google Play music, book and video library.
“By adding Google Play to Nook HD and Nook HD+, we are offering our customers even more great entertainment on our award-winning tablets,” company CEO William Lynch said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Nook cut the price of its standard eReader drastically in a bid to push into the UK marketplace.
For a limited time only, as part of Nook's involvement in the ‘Get London Reading’ literacy initiative, the Nook HD is available starting at £129 (down from £159), with the Nook HD+ starting at £179 (down from £229). Nook products are available at a number of key retailers including John Lewis, Argos, Asda, Dixons, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Blackwell's and Foyles, as well as throughwww.nook.co.uk.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-and-hd/030879

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Angry Birds Friends lands on iOS and Android

May 3rd, 2013, 16:51 Posted By: wraggster

New Rovio title allows friends to compete on mobile or Facebook.
Fans of Rovio’s Angry Birds franchise will now be able to compete against friends in weekly tournaments on mobile or Facebook, following the release of Angry Birds Friends.
Available for free on iOS and Android devices, Angry Birds Friends allows players to pit their bird-slinging tekkers against one anther in weekly tournaments, which begin on Monday, May 6th.
A new tournament will begin every Monday, featuring an array of all-new challenges for players to get their teeth into. Those who succeed will then be able to share their delight and gloat to their friends on Facebook.
Although tournaments do not begin until Monday, May 6th, Angry Birds Friends is available to download now, so be sure to get your practice in over the bank holiday weekend!

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...android/021264

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Apple App Store approaches 50 billion app downloads

May 3rd, 2013, 16:51 Posted By: wraggster

Releases all-time app charts and offers $10,000 gift card to mark the milestone.
Say what you like about Apple, but the company becomes rather generous when it approaches big milestones, and the imminent 50 billionth app download from the App Store will be given the traditional fanfare.
The iPhone maker says the downloader that takes it to the big 50 will receive a $10,000 App Store gift card, while anyone to download one of the first 50 apps after that will pocket a $500 App Store gift card.
Additionally, with Apple feeling so nostalgic, the company has released the UK's Top All-Time most popular free and paid apps:
Top All-Time Paid Apps - iPhone:
1. WhatsApp Messenger
2. Angry Birds
3. Doodle Jump
4. Fruit Ninja
5. Cut The Rope
6. Angry Birds Seasons
7. TuneIn Radio Pro
8. MONOPOLY
9. Draw Something
10. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
Top All-Time Free Apps - iPhone:
1. Facebook
2. Skype
3. eBay
4. YouTube
5. Twitter
6. Instagram
7. Temple Run
8. Draw Something Free
9. Google Search
10. Google Earth
Top All-Time Paid Apps - iPad:
1. Pages
2. Angry Birds HD
3. SCRABBLE for iPad
4. GarageBand
5. MONOPOLY for iPad
6. FIFA 13 by EA Sports
7. Numbers
8. Fruit Ninja HD
9. Angry Birds Star Wars HD
10. Keynote
Top All-Time Free Apps - iPad:
1. BBC iPlayer
2. Skype for iPad
3. ITV Player
4. eBay for iPad
5. 4oD
6. Calculator for iPad Free
7. Angry Birds HD Free
8. Sky Go
9. Kindle
10. Facebook

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...wnloads/021263

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Office workers are most likely to break their mobile phones

May 3rd, 2013, 16:53 Posted By: wraggster

Reading horoscopes and exercise could also put your handset at risk.
Fitness freaks, the tattooed, and those dumb enough to read horoscopes in this day and age are all among the most likely members of society to break their mobile phones, according to research from MobileInsurance.co.uk.
The study saw 2,983 UK adults asked if they had ever accidentally damaged their mobile phones, to which 68 per cent replied ‘yes’.
Respondents were then asked a number of questions about their habits and daily traits in order to determine what kind of behavior and characteristics might lead to an increased chance of damaging one’s phone.
The survey subsequently found that people who drank alcohol at the weekend were 36 per cent more likely to damage their phone than those who didn’t, while those who exercised every week were 45 per cent more likely to break their phone.
Meanwhile, those who eat takeaways on a weekly basis were 24 per cent more likely to accidentally damage their device.
Other findings from the research are as follows:

1. Those working in a desk-based job – 57 per cent more likely (to break their handset than those who hadn’t broken one)
2. Those with one or more tattoo – 49 per cent more likely
3. Those taking part in a weekly pub quiz – 12 per cent more likely
4. Those with one or more child – 32 per cent more likely
5. Those who sing in the shower – 5 per cent more likely
6. Those in relationships – 61 per cent more likely
7. Those with a driver’s license – 18 per cent more likely
8. Those with brown hair – 44 per cent more likely
9. Those that read their horoscope regularly – 28 per cent more likely
10. Those with a pet dog – 15 per cent more likely
Jason Brockman, director of MobileInsurance.co.uk, said: “Whilst we can’t explain why certain traits and behaviours make you more likely to experience accidental mobile phone damage, it seems that certain things just increase the likelihood of handset breaks!
“It baffles me that those in desk based jobs are more likely to break their handsets, because you’d always expect it to be the construction workers or delivery drivers that are always on the go. Clearly, if you want to reduce the risk of breaking your phone, you should avoid tattoos, horoscopes, having kids and relationships, it seems!”


http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...-phones/021259

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Most Companies Will Require You To Bring Your Own Mobile Device By 2017

May 3rd, 2013, 17:03 Posted By: wraggster

Half of all employers will require workers to supply their own mobile devices for work purposes by 2017, according to a new Gartner study. Enterprises that offer only corporately-owned smartphones or stipends to buy your own will soon become the exception to the rule in the next few years. As enterprise BYOD programs proliferate, 38% of companies expect to stop providing devices to workers by 2016 and let them use their own, according to a global survey of CIOs by Gartner. At the same time, security remains the top BYOD concern. 'What happens if you buy a device for an employee and they leave the job a month later? How are you going to settle up? Better to keep it simple. The employee owns the device, and the company helps to cover usage costs,' said David Willis, a distinguished analyst at Gartner

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...device-by-2017

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Move Over Apple - Samsung Files For a Patent On Page Turn

May 3rd, 2013, 17:04 Posted By: wraggster

Remember last year when Apple received a patent on the faux page curl in iBooks? Lots of people laughed at the idea that Apple could patent the page turn, but not Samsung. The gadget maker has just filed for their own page turn patent. The paperwork explains in great detail what the page turn looks like, how the software would work, and what on screen gestures could be used to turn the page.

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...t-on-page-turn

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$10,000 App Store gift card up for grabs as Apple approaches 50bn app downloads

May 3rd, 2013, 21:18 Posted By: wraggster

Apple’s App Store is on the verge of delivering its fifty billionth download.
The moment itself will be revealed thanks to Apple’s countdown timer. The customer who downloads to the fifty billionth app will receive a decent reward, too – a $10,000 App Store gift card.
The next 50 users who download an app will each receive a $500 App Store gift card.
Apple has also revealed the UK’s all-time most downloaded free and paid apps:
Top All-Time Paid Apps - iPhone:
1.) WhatsApp Messenger
2.) Angry Birds
3.) Doodle Jump
4.) Fruit Ninja
5.) Cut The Rope
6.) Angry Birds Seasons
7.) TuneIn Radio Pro
8.) Monopoly
9.) Draw Something
10.) Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
Top All-Time Free Apps - iPhone:
1.) Facebook
2.) Skype
3.) eBay
4.) YouTube
5.) Twitter
6.) Instagram
7.) Temple Run
8.) Draw Something Free
9.) Google Search
10.) Google Earth
Top All-Time Paid Apps - iPad:
1.) Pages
2.) Angry Birds HD
3.) Scrablle for iPad
4.) GarageBand
5.) Monopoly for iPad
6.) FIFA 13 by EA Sports
7.) Numbers
8.) Fruit Ninja HD
9.) Angry Birds Star Wars HD
10.) Keynote
Top All-Time Free Apps - iPad:
1.) BBC iPlayer
2.) Skype for iPad
3.) ITV Player
4.) eBay for iPad
5.) 4oD
6.) Calculator for iPad Free
7.) Angry Birds HD Free
8.) Sky Go
9.) Kindle
10.) Facebook

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/10-00...nloads/0115085

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Ive's iOS7 redesign could delay planned summer rollout

May 3rd, 2013, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster

A complete overhaul of Apple’s iOS operating system could delay its rollout until later in the year.
Bloomberg reports that the decision to instigate such a radical redesign – the first in the history of iOS – comes from Apple’s former hardware design chief and current software guru Jonathan Ive.
Engineers are said to be “racing” to get the design finished for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June in time for a planned release in September.
A number of internal deadlines have already been moved back, it is claimed, and members of Apple’s Mac team have also been drafted into the project.
It is understood that the skeuomorphic design favoured by former software boss Scott Forstall (which, amongst other things, lead to the faux-wooden design of Newstand and the pad-like Notes app) is being shunned in favour of a flatter, Windows 8-esque look.
The email and calendar apps are also said to be undergoing a complete overhaul.
Further attention is being placed on scrutinising in-house apps following the disaster that was the introduction of Apple’s own maps app last year.
Opus Research analyst says that Ive’s leading of the project means that “Apple is really under tremendous pressure to come out with something different and something new”, such is the impact the Brit had had on the aesthetic of consumer electronics.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ive-s...ollout/0115018

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Pentagon Approval of iOS and Samsung KNOX Is Bad News for BlackBerry

May 4th, 2013, 14:01 Posted By: wraggster

The Pentagon is quickly moving to approve the latest devices and platforms from BlackBerry, Samsung, and Apple. That's good news for two of those companies. It's not-so-good news for BlackBerry. 'The Pentagon currently has about 600,000 smartphone users – almost all using BlackBerrys – but ultimately aims to have as many as 8m smartphones and tablets, under the terms of a scheme made public last November.' 'In its effort to expand into the high security government niche, one that BlackBerry has enjoyed near singular control of for years, Samsung recently created a government advisory board made up of Samsung executives and security experts from various U.S. and foreign government security agencies. ... In the end, the program will likely elevate that status of both Apple and Samsung within military and civilian government agencies in the U.S. and other western countries.

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...for-blackberry

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Insert Coin: $250 Casetop turns your smartphone into a laptop

May 4th, 2013, 14:07 Posted By: wraggster

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
We keep hearing about how handheld devices are replacing laptops, so how about doing it literally? Casetop just launched a laptop-style dock on Kickstarter that you can plug your smartphone into, turning it into the processor, graphics engine and trackpad of a "laptop." In return, the dock will give you an 11.1-inch 720p display, full-sized keyboard, stereo speakers, HDMI input, MHL video input, dual-mode MicroUSB, audio output and "always-powered" USB for charging other devices. Unlike similar offerings such as the still-unshipped Clambook (or Motorola's ill-fated Lapdock) the Casebook uses the handset as a trackpad, and the creators say that it won't be device-specific, working instead with a large number of smartphones from Apple, Blackberry, Samsung and others. Of course, it needs to meet the lofty $300,000 funding goal for all that to happen, but if you're optimistic, hit the source to plop down your $250 minimum pledge.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/03/i...e-laptop-dock/

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Samsung Galaxy S 4 now on sale at Canadian carriers

May 4th, 2013, 14:10 Posted By: wraggster

Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S 4 hasn't been as coordinated as the company would like, but it's making some amends with today's launch of its flagship phone in Canada. In one fell swoop, most of the larger Canadian carriers are now offering the 16GB model for a typical $200 on a 3-year contract. Bell, Rogers and Telus (as well as their sub-brands) are covering much of the country, while more region-specific carriers like Eastlink and Videotron are also joining in. Carriers like Mobilicity and Wind Mobile aren't yet included, however, and supplies are known to be tight -- we'd ask about stock before making a trip to the local store.

Bell, Rogers, Telus

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Angry Birds for Windows Phone gains 100 levels, respect for 256MB handsets

May 4th, 2013, 14:13 Posted By: wraggster

Rovio has given Windows Phone users a fresh reason to fire up Angry Birds -- something to the tune of 100 vexing new levels. Also unique this time around, the game introduces support for Xbox Live achievements and leaderboards on Windows Phone 8. Rather than an update, however, this is a re-release of Angry Birds; you'll need to download the new version separately, which is free until May 15th. In other good news, if you own an entry-level Windows Phone such as the Lumia 610, you'll be glad to know that you can finally join in on the fun, since Angry Birds now supports devices with just 256MB of RAM. All in all, there's plenty to like about this one. Most of all, the price.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/03/a...00-new-levels/

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Sky opts for Hannibal on-demand and Go debut ahead of May 7th TV premiere

May 4th, 2013, 14:15 Posted By: wraggster

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AT&T's Galaxy Note getting Jelly Bean via Kies on May 3rd

May 4th, 2013, 14:16 Posted By: wraggster

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Apple iMac now shipping with 256GB and 512GB flash storage upgrades

May 4th, 2013, 14:19 Posted By: wraggster

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India's $20 Android Tablet First Project Completed

May 4th, 2013, 23:05 Posted By: wraggster

Though there were some troubles and worries along the way, Datawind has delivered to India's government the full allocation of100,000 (1 lakh) 'Aakash 2' Android tablets from their first order. Priced at about $40, these tablets aren't the sort Americans would rave about: 330 MHz, 256MB RAM and so on. But for the last 2,000 units for the same price Datawind supplied Aakash 3 1GHz, 1GB RAM, 4GB Android tablets with SDHC and 3G mobile — for the same price. Such is the progress in mobile today. There was some doubt whether Datawind could deliver, so kudos to them."

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...ject-completed

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Sony Xperia L swings by the FCC

May 4th, 2013, 23:06 Posted By: wraggster

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Shinobi, Vectorman join mobile House of the Dead: Overkill cast

May 4th, 2013, 23:22 Posted By: wraggster

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Minecraft: Pocket Edition hits 10m sales

May 5th, 2013, 21:37 Posted By: wraggster

The iOS/Android version of Minecraft has reached a major milestone, selling 10m units since launching in August 2011.
Mojang shared the significant sales figure for Minecraft: Pocket Edition in an official company post –adding that several feature additions are in the works for the mobile version.
Some of the new content will be made exclusive to players using high-end mobile devices at first. Once these yet to be announced features are sufficiently tested, they will be rolled out for all players in subsequent updates.
Mojang hopes to launch the next big update for the title by the end of the month.
The developer is working on cloud-based multiplayer application, Minecraft Relams, as well. The subscription-based, kid-friendly service will be unlockable in Minecraft: Pocket Edition as an in-app purchase.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/minec...-sales/0115138

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CyanogenMod 10.1 arrives for T-Mobile's Galaxy S 4

May 5th, 2013, 21:45 Posted By: wraggster

Just over a month ago, CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik left Samsung, with a parting elucidation about the Galaxy S 4. The very same phone was expected to not be supported by the CM crew, leaving prospective buyers and fans of the firmware to consider their loyalties. Hope was restored when Kondik teased an image via Google+ showing the about screen for CM10.1 on T-Mobile's version of the handset (SGH-M919). Now, he's confirmed it's here (and quickly done, too), with word that other variants (I9505 etc) will follow as and when hardware is sourced. Kondik claims that, while not quite perfect, that the port is complete enough to provide all core features, including, at some point, support for Android's hover events. The nighties are available now, so if you've got the right mix of Magenta and Cyan, keep an eye on the usual sources for the goods.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/05/c...nmod-10-1-gs4/

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XBMC for Android's End User Friendly build

May 5th, 2013, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster

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Qt installers for S60 5th edition

May 6th, 2013, 01:28 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.summeli.fi/?p=4417

I found out that the ftp.nokia.com do not host the Qt installer sis files anymore, so I decided to try to find them and host them in here.
Here are the installers Qt 4.6.3 (gpsp needs these):

• Nokia S60 5th edition devices: Qt 4.6.3 for S60 5th edition (341)
• Sony Ericsson Satio devices: Qt 4.6.3 for SE devices (26)
• Samsung i8910, try the same package as for Satio. If you have a better one, plase share it with me, so I can put it into here.

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Intel Silvermont: next-gen mobile CPU's three times as fast and more energy efficient

May 6th, 2013, 23:52 Posted By: wraggster

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32GB Samsung Galaxy S 4 coming to AT&T May 10th for $250

May 6th, 2013, 23:55 Posted By: wraggster

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Hulu Plus comes to Windows Phone today

May 6th, 2013, 23:57 Posted By: wraggster

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Xperia Z goes on sale at the US Sony Store for $630, Xperia ZL gets a price cut

May 7th, 2013, 00:00 Posted By: wraggster

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iPhone 5S could launch early as manufacturers reportedly receive parts

May 7th, 2013, 23:19 Posted By: wraggster

Apple's latest iPhone handset could receive an earlier release as Chinese manufacturers report parts for the device have begun to arrive.
First reported by rumour blog Patently Apple, word from manufacturers based in China is that parts set to feature within the new iPhone have already been shipped, with the report even naming the rumoured device as the iPhone 5S.
The report continues to speculate that following the receipt by manufacturers of new iPhone parts, a potential release of the device could come sooner rather than later.
Historically, Apple has maintained a two-month gap between the receipt of parts and the start of production of its new devices, which would indicate that work on the iPhone 5S is to begin in July.
Whether that will have an effect on the device's availability remains to be seen, as Apple traditionally opts for a September release for its new products.
Given the recent release of rival Samsung's flagship Galaxy S 4 smartphone, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see Apple working to have its own new flagship handset on the market.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...f-parts/030884

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Angry Birds dev introduces Rovio Account so gamers can save and play across any devic

May 7th, 2013, 23:24 Posted By: wraggster

Rovio has introduced a new account service which enables gamers to save their progress and resume playing across any device.
“Our fans have been asking for a way to play their game on different phones or tablets without losing their progress when changing the device. This is exactly what Rovio Account lets you do,” reads an official announcement from Rovio.
Rovio Account is currently available through The Croodsworldwide and the original Angry Birds on iOS in Finland and Poland.
The feature will be gradually introduced to all Rovio titles worldwide ‘in the future’.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-device/030881

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Nokia Lumia 928 revealed

May 7th, 2013, 23:28 Posted By: wraggster

Vanity Fair ad and new micro site exposes new smartphone.
The lid appears to have been lifted on the new Nokia Lumia 928 smartphone, after a new micro site for the device was launched following a print ad in Vanity Fair.
While the micro site offers very little in the way of details regarding the Lumia 928, the Vanity Fair ad revealed that the device will feature PureView, a Carl Zeiss lens and optical image stabilisation.
There are no details as to when the Nokia Lumia 928 will arrive in the UK, although it is expected to launch first on US network Verizon.
Stay tuned for further updates regarding the Nokia Lumia 928.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...evealed/021270

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Disney and EA partner for cross-platform Star Wars games deal

May 7th, 2013, 23:30 Posted By: wraggster

Will span across mobile, tablet, social and more.
Disney recently acquired the rights to revive the Star Wars film franchise, and the entertainment company has now selected EA to develop and publish game adaptations based on the space series' characters and storylines.
The 'multi-year licensing agreement' will span consoles, PCs, tablets, mobile, social and online, though Disney claims it will retain certain rights to develop additional titles within the digital world.
John Pleasants, co-president of Disney Interactive, said: "This agreement demonstrates our commitment to creating quality game experiences that drive the popularity of the Star Wars franchise for years to come. Collaborating with one of the world’s premier game developers will allow us to bring an amazing portfolio of new Star Wars titles to our fans around the world."
Frank Gibeau, labels president, EA, added: "Every developer dreams of creating games for the Star Wars universe. Three of our top studios will fulfill that dream, crafting epic adventures for Star Wars fans. DICE and Visceral will produce new games, joining the BioWare team which continues to develop for the Star Wars franchise. The new experiences we create may borrow from films, but the games will be entirely original with all new stories and gameplay."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...es-deal/021267

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Nokia Asha 210 range arrives in Nigeria

May 7th, 2013, 23:31 Posted By: wraggster

Latest device based primarily on social media.
Described as the ‘most social Asha yet’, Nokia’s new Asha 210 has today (May 7th) been unveiled in Nigeria, All Africahas reported.
Boasting a QWERTY keyboard and the world’s first ever dedicated WhatsApp button, the Nokia Asha 210 holds a central focus on social media and is aimed at at keeping users in close contact with their friends and family at all times.
“The Nokia Asha 210 really stands out giving super-social consumers new ways to express their personalities through design, colour and innovations like the world's first WhatsApp button," explained Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "It has been designed to allow people to easily update their social networks, stay in touch with friends and share user created content."
"We are focused on delivering the best WhatsApp experience to as many people as possible," said Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp Inc. "We are very excited about our partnership with Nokia Asha complementing our strategy of giving people around the world an easy experience when keeping in touch with their friends."
The new handset also takes advantage of the Nokia Xpress Browser, which utilises Nokia's cloud technology to reduce data consumption by up to 90 per cent.
Furthermore, the device comes in Single-SIM and Dual-SIM models, featuring the firm’s exclusive EasySwap technology, which allows consumers to change SIM cards without having to turn off the device.
Available in yellow, cyan, black, magenta and white, the estimated retail price of the Nokia Asha 210 is around 72 USD and it is expected to start shipping in the second quarter of 2013.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...nigeria/021266

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Samsung embarks upon biggest ever marketing drive for Galaxy S4

May 7th, 2013, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster

Multi-platform campaign describes new smartphone as a ‘Life Companion’.
Samsung has this week launched its biggest ever marketing campaign for its Galaxy S4 flagship smartphone in a bid to emulate the success of its predecessor, the Galaxy S3.
The cross-platform campaign, which takes in TV, print, PR, retail, social media, out-of-home, digital and experiential, is operating under the strapline ‘Life Companion’.
A seven-week TV campaign began in the UK this week, with ads being shown during ITV1’s Champions League coverage and Britain's Got Talent.
Promotion for the new device is also primed to hit cinemas, with ads set to be featured at screenings of Star Trek: Into Darkness, The Great Gatsby and Man of Steel.
Meanwhile, static ads will dominate out-of-home across 21 of the most iconic banner sites in the UK, including Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, the BFI London IMAX, Cromwell Road, Westfield and Heathrow Terminal 5.
Commenting on the launch campaign, Simon Stanford, vice president of IM Division, UK & Ireland, said: “The Galaxy S III was the UK’s number one handset for 10 consecutive months and became Samsung’s fastest and biggest selling smartphone to date. Therefore there has been a huge amount of buzz around its successor, the Galaxy S4, so we wanted to create a campaign that reflected this. With features such as Sound and Shot and Group Play enabling meaningful moments and a feeling of togetherness amongst people, we believe we have created a campaign that embodies the human nature of the Galaxy S4.
“We are confident that this campaign will pick up where the Galaxy S3 activity left off, in improving our corporate brand scores and creating a fantastic experience for our customers.’’

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...laxy-s4/021265

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Popular Android Anti-Virus Software Fooled By Trivial Techniques

May 7th, 2013, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster

A group of researchers from Northwestern University and North Carolina State University tested ten of the most popular AV products on Android, and discovered that they were easily fooled by common obfuscation techniques. In a paper (PDF), the researchers said they tested AV software from several well-know security vendors. In order to evaluate the mobile security software, the researchers developed a tool called DroidChameleon, which applies transformation techniques to Android applications. Known malware samples were transformed to generate new variants that contain the exact malicious functions as before. These new variants were then passed to the AV products, and much to the surprise of the paper's authors, they were rarely flagged — if at all. According to the research, 43% of the signatures used by the AV products are based on file names, checksums or information obtained by the PackageManager API. This means that, as mentioned, common transformations will render their protection useless for the most part. For example, the researchers transformed the Android rootkit Droid Dream for their test. DroidDream is a widely-known and highly dangerous application. Yet, when it was transformed, every AV program failed to catch at least two variants

http://it.slashdot.org/story/13/05/0...ial-techniques

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Bill Gates: iPad Users Are Frustrated They Can't Type Or Create Documents

May 7th, 2013, 23:50 Posted By: wraggster

While Apple views the tablet and PC markets as two separate entities, Microsoft takes the opposing view. During a CNBC interview this morning, Gates continued to toe the party line insofar as he praised the benefits of Microsoft's tablets and Windows 8 while explaining that iPad users are frustrated because they have trouble typing and creating documents. 'With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad-type device. But a lot of those users are frustrated, they can't type, they can't create documents. They don't have Office there. So we're providing them something with the benefits they've seen that have made that a big category, but without giving up what they expect in a PC.'"

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...eate-documents

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Viber announces new desktop app, revamps Android and iOS versions

May 8th, 2013, 00:26 Posted By: wraggster


Along with claiming more than 200 million users worldwide, Viber's also taking this day to announce what it is referring to as the biggest update to the service yet. For starters, the Viber for Android and iOS applications have both been on the receiving end of a pretty meaningful refresh, following the recent introduction of VoIP calling on older versions of BlackBerry OS. An all-new desktop app will, as of today, also be available to Viber users on a Mac or PC (Linux coming soon, we're told), packing in most of the features the service is well-known for but in a less-mobile form.
Folks using Viber's iOS and Android apps will see many changes to the overall user experience in version 3.0, including added support for video messages, a novel voice engine to help improve call quality, the ability to check contacts' online status and a completely redesigned interface. Meanwhile, the newly minted Viber Desktop features video calling and seamlessly integrates / syncs with the mobile offerings -- which makes things like being able to transfer ongoing voice calls between devices possible. While chatting with the company's CEO, Talmon Marco, he told us development forBlackBerry 10 is in its "advanced stages," adding that the latest Viber apps were built from the ground up and are all part of the goal to be better than other competing platforms.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/07/v...droid-updates/

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Kids' unauthorised IAPs add £30m to UK parents' bills

May 8th, 2013, 23:18 Posted By: wraggster

Over a third of UK parents are hiding their mobile devices from their kids as unauthorised IAPs have added £30 million to smartphone and tablet bills.
According to research conducted by Windows Phone, one in ten parents whose children have purchased apps and IAPs without authorisation were concerned that they couldn’t afford to pay their increased bill.
The findings reveal for those parents who have suffered from unauthorised app or IAPs, eight year olds are running up the largest app costs, having added on average an extra £59.59 to their parents’ smartphone or tablet bill.
Unauthorised app purchases have added £30 million in total to parents’ smartphone and tablet bills across the nation.
Brett Siddons, Head of Consumer Marketing for Windows Phone UK, said: “Our research reveals parents are worried about the impact of app and in-app purchases on their bills and we understand the stress this can cause. With technology becoming more and more intuitive, it’s important that parents can trust in the technology they use and feel as safe as possible when handing over their smartphone and tablet devices to their children."
The latest Windows Phone handsets, which run Windows Phone 8, have an exclusive Kid’s Corner feature.
This gives parents the ability to set-up what their children can and can’t access. In-app purchases are automatically prohibited in Kid’s Corner – Windows Phones are the first smartphone to have this feature.
“We know from our customers that they want a simple and hassle-free way to share their smartphones with family members. The Kid’s Corner feature on the latest Windows Phones, as well as the ability to create separate accounts and use the Family Safety Tool for Windows 8 PC and tablet users, provide parents with an easy-to-use solution for this.”
Earlier this year, PCR reported that a five-year old boy spent £1,700 on iTunes. A short while laterthe OFT announced that it is to investigate free smartphones and online games that offer IAPs. In a similar way to Windows Phones separate accounts, Kurio tablet developer InspirationWorks has created parental controls to allow or block IAPs within apps as well as giving parents the option to set up ‘piggy bank’ accounts for their children so they can control their IAP spending.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...s-bills/030897

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Mobile content revenues to pass $40bn in 2013 and hit $65bn by 2016

May 8th, 2013, 23:26 Posted By: wraggster

Driven by operator billing and tablet owners' hunger to purchase games, videos and eBooks.
Mobile content revenues are set to cross $40 billion this year and rise to $65 billion by 2016, according to new data from Juniper Research.
The analyst says the surge will be driven by tablet owners purchasing an increasing number of games, videos and eBooks for their devices, and a rising demand for direct operator billing initiatives on smartphones.
eBooks account for the largest revenue stream on tablets, with Amazon, Nook and Kobo book store apps performing as well as versions on standalone eReaders.
That said, there is a rise in the adoption of paid and free video apps, with music and video now accounting for almost half of all revenues, while gaming is set to migrate to tablets and away from traditional handheld games devices like the Nintendo 3DS and the Sony PS Vita.
Dr Windsor Holden, report author, Juniper Research, said: "While the availability of direct carrier billing is patchy, the various benefits which the mechanism offers - higher conversion rates, opportunities to monetise unbanked customers - suggest that deployments will rise significantly in the medium term."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...by-2016/021282

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German Court Rejects Apple's Privacy Policy

May 8th, 2013, 23:30 Posted By: wraggster

A German court rejected eight out of 15 provisions in Apple's general privacy policy and terms of data use on Tuesday, claiming that the practices of the Cupertino, Calif. company deviate too much from German laws (Google translation of German original). According to German law, recognized consumer groups can sue companies over illegal terms and conditions. Apple asks for 'global consent' to use customer data on its website, but German law insists that clients know specific details about what their data will be used for and why.

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...privacy-policy

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Lumia 900 gets a second life through Windows 7.8 update

May 8th, 2013, 23:53 Posted By: wraggster


Plans to update the Nokia Lumia 900 with Windows Phone 7.8 have been slow-going, to say the least. Today, however, marks the beginning of a new life for the aging handset, as it welcomes a much-anticipated 7.8 refresh. Naturally, this means the former flagship is getting an injection of new features and improvements -- namely, that revamped Start screen with flexible tiles. Users will also enjoy various enhancements to the lock screen, including the option to use Bing's image of the day as a wallpaper. Rounding out the list are various other under-the-hood tweaks to make the experience smoother and help close the gap with current smartphone powerhouses. The good news is that it's here now, and can be all yours by following the step-by-steps at the More Coverage link below.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/08/a...-phone-update/

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OUYA console gets torn down, found to be highly repairable

May 8th, 2013, 23:54 Posted By: wraggster

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Sharp rumored to start producing next-generation iPhone LCDs

May 8th, 2013, 23:59 Posted By: wraggster

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iPhone UI is badly in need of a refresh

May 11th, 2013, 12:52 Posted By: wraggster

Canalys’ latest worldwide estimates of mobile device shipments reveal that Samsung dominated the market once again, growing its volume by 64.3 per cent since last year.
In contrast, Apple saw a modest annual growth of 6.7 per cent in its smartphone shipments, the lowest level since the launch of the original iPhone back in 2007.
"Despite its slowing growth, Apple still shipped over 37 million iPhones," said Pete Cunningham, Canalys’ principal analyst. "But HTC and Samsung have raised the bar with their latest handsets and Apple needs to respond with its next iPhone.
“The iPhone user interface is now six years old and badly in need of a refresh. Hardware-wise, the biggest dilemma that Apple faces is what it does with the size of the display on the next iPhone. It cannot afford to ignore the trend for larger displays in premium smartphones. We expect an increase on the iPhone 5's 4-inch display but are not anticipating a phablet-style iPhone."
Canalys’ latest estimates reveal Android accounted for 75.6 per cent of all smartphones shipped during Q1 2013.
Smartphone shipments came in at just over 216.3 million for the quarter, with total mobile devices (notebooks, tablets and smartphones) hitting 308.7 million units.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...refresh/030922

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30 per cent of flyers 'accidentally' use their electronic devices during take off

May 11th, 2013, 12:53 Posted By: wraggster

A study has found that whilst 99 per cent of flyers travel with a personal electronic device, 30 per cent opt to leave their devices switched on throughout the flight.
The Consumer Electronics Association polled US travellers in conjunction with the Airline Passenger Experience Association on their in-flight habits and found that nearly all carried at least one personal electronic device (PED) onboard with them.
Meanwhile, 69 per cent of these participants admitted to using such devices during the flight, all be it at permitted times.
However, the study also revealed that 30 per cent of those questioned confessed to leaving their devices powered on throughout the flight, including both takeoff and landing.
Whilst these individuals characterised the use as 'accidental', it's more likely that they simply opted to continue to use their device despite warnings from flight officials.
This study showed us that most travellers are using their PEDs as often as possible while traveling, and many would like even more opportunities to use their devices” said Russell A. Lemieux, APEX executive director.
Of those who chose to travel with PEDs, 59 per cent said they turned the devices off once on the plane, whilst 21 per cent opted to switch to airplane mode and just 5 per cent turned off the devices all together.
As for the devices themselves, most popular proved to be the smartphone, making up 28 per cent of all devices commonly used mid-flight. Meanwhile, laptops and tablets came in second and third, closely followed by audio players and e-readers.
“Airline passengers have come to rely on their smartphones, tablets and e-Readers as essential travel companions,” said Doug Johnson, vice president of technology policy at CEA.
“Understanding the attitudes and behaviours of passengers that are using electronic devices while traveling will help the FAA make informed decisions.”

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...ake-off/030920

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Apple patents invisible button

May 11th, 2013, 12:53 Posted By: wraggster

Apple has been granted patents for invisible buttons and slider controls that its been working on since 2006.
While the patent was granted on May 7th, it was actually filed nearly five years earlier - on Oct 24th 2008.
The patent details that the buttons would be made of the same material as the device’s housing, and set flush to the surface, indicating the buttons would appear as part of the iPhone or iPad bezel.
“An input device includes a deflection based capacitive sensing input. Deflection of a metal fame of the input device causes a change in capacitance that is used to control a function of an electrical device. The input appears selectively visible because it is made of the same material as the housing it is contained in and because it is selectively backlit through tiny holes.”
It seems a backlight will illuminate the invisible button or slider's location when it is needed, with a sensor used to track the user's motion.
It is possibly too late for this tech to be included in the next iPhone, but we could be seeing it in the iPhone 6/6S/7/whatever.
Check out Apple’s ‘disappearing button and slider’ patent here.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-button/030917

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'A great tablet is better than a cheap PC,' says Nvidia CEO

May 11th, 2013, 12:54 Posted By: wraggster

Nvidia expects tablet devices to replace cheap entry-level PCs as consumers increasingly use such devices for everyday computing.
That's the belief of Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang, who discussed the topic during a conference call on the company's first quarter fiscal results.
"A great tablet is clearly better than a cheap PC," said Huang.
"New computing devices are becoming increasingly like your personal computer, [so] performance matters and this is where we can add a lot of value… disrupting the entry-level PC," he said.
The CEO also went on to highlight the Android operating system as a key component of this disruption, as the OS' user base opt to use Android-based computers in order to benefit from familiarity.
"Android is really quite disruptive. People who enjoy Android phones are going to enjoy Android tablets and Android this and that," he said.
Of course, Nvidia sees the trend as an opportunity for itself and the success of its Tegra 4 processor, which features predominantly in the latest Android-powered tablet devices.
Additionally, Huang revealed that the Tegra 4i, an updated version of the Tegra 4 chip, would begin to feature in devices by the beginning of 2014. Despite a focus on offering high-performance, the CEO emphasised that the chip would be targeted at phones over tablets and other devices.
Nvidia continues to celebrate strong financial results, with net income for the quarter rising to $77.9 million, a sizeable jump from the $60.4 million achieved during the same period last year. Meanwhile, the company's revenue also saw a 3.2 increase to $954.7 million.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...dia-ceo/030915

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Mozilla offering free Keon smartphones to Firefox OS app devs

May 11th, 2013, 12:55 Posted By: wraggster

Mozilla is calling for HTML5 app developers to get in touch to receive a Geeksphone Keon smartphone for free.
In order to qualify for a device, developers need to submit a proposal to Mozilla outlining the app they wish to build or port to Firefox OS.
If the pitch impresses Mozilla, the dev will receive a free Keon, which has a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 1GHz Snapdragon S1 processor, 512MB or RAM and a 3MP rear-facing camera.
“When Firefox OS phones become available to consumers in select locales this summer, you’ll have an opportunity that only comes around once—a first-mover advantage in Firefox Marketplace,” reads the Mozilla blog.
“End users in Latin America, Eastern Europe and other launch locations will be on the lookout for playful and practical apps to install: games, tools, and utilities as well as locally relevant news, sports, travel, entertainment, review apps, and social sharing experiences. And you can build and submit them now!”

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...pp-devs/030914

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Vodafone stock inventory teases iPhone 6

May 11th, 2013, 12:56 Posted By: wraggster

A leaked image of Vodafone's till system has indicated that Apple will skip the widely expected iPhone 5S and instead release the iPhone 6.
Tech site Stuff initially published the image, which appeared to show the till system at a Vodafone UK store including a reference to the iPhone 6 within the firm's inventory.
However, both the image and the reference to Vodafone have now been removed from the original story, which would indicate there's more to the report than simple hearsay.
The listing of the iPhone 6 with the store's inventory would certainly indicate that the firm is expecting to receive stock of the item.
Whilst it's no secret that Apple will release a new iPhone this year, Apple's decision to opt for the iPhone 6 rather than a 5S handset suggests that the device is set for a major design overhaul instead of the minor upgrades seen with Apple's S branded handsets.
Whether the input of iPhone 6 is the biggest spoiler of the next iPhone to date, or the human error of a Vodafone employee simply referring to the new iPhone, whatever it may be called, expect a new device in the coming months.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...phone-6/030910

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Huawei Ascend P2 coming to UK in June

May 11th, 2013, 12:58 Posted By: wraggster

New device promises to be the manufacturer’s most powerful smartphone yet.
Huawei has today (May 10th) announced that its self-proclaimed most powerful smartphone yet – the Ascend P2 – will be arriving in the UK next month.
The new device follows last year’s Ascend P1 and P1 LTE smartphones and will feature an 8.4mm frame and a large 4.7-inch LCD ‘infinity’ screen protected by second-generation Corning Gorilla Glass.
Huawei Device UK and Ireland Executive vice president Mark Mitchinson, commented: “The Ascend P2 offers exceptional design, power and functionality at the higher end of the market. With it, UK customers can enjoy the maximum network speeds available from their network operators, right now and in the future. The Ascend P2 is built to enable next-generation 4G speeds so users can keep pace with the very latest technologies from their network providers and access and upload mobile content as fast as possible.”
The Huawei Ascend P2 is the first smartphone to launch in the UK that is compatible with ‘Category 4 LTE’ networks, which are designed to offer a faster 4G mobile Internet experience and will be introduced variously in the UK by network operators.
Powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, the Ascend P2 comes with and a 2420mAh battery, which is augmented by Huawei’s own power-saving technologies. These include Huawei’s Quick Power Control (QPC) and Automated Discontinuous Reception (ADRX) that are designed to reduce power consumption and charging time, combining to provide power efficiencies of up to 30 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Ascend P2 boasts a 13-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera with HDR, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera to support self-portrait and video shooting.
The Ascend P2 also incorporates of a number Huawei’s innovations, including its ‘magic touch’ feature, which provides enhanced screen responsiveness, as well as instant keyword translation and Wikipedia searches that now be done on a single window via ‘smart reading’.
Furthermore, the manufacturer’s proprietary ‘swift sharing’ is aimed at supporting uploads and downloads two to three times faster than other smartphones in a Wi-Fi environment.
The Huawei Ascend P2 will be available from UK retailers on various network operators in black and white in June. As of yet, there are no confirmed details regarding availability and pricing.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...in-june/021308

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Nokia Lumia 925 set for May 14th launch

May 11th, 2013, 13:00 Posted By: wraggster

New handset to take over from Lumia 920 as manufacturer’s flagship smartphone.
Next week, Tuesday, May 14th, to be precise, Nokia will be hosting a special launch event in London, where it is expected that the Finnish firm will unveil its new Lumia 925 flagship handset.
While it is yet to be officially confirmed that the event will indeed mark the launch of the Nokia Lumia 925, the manufacturer has this weeks issued invitations to the event marked somewhat cryptically ‘See what’s next’ and ‘The Nokia Lumia story continues’.
As of yet, there are no confirmed details regarding any of the Nokia Lumia 925’s features, although it is rumored to come with 4G capability, an eight-megapixel camera and a 4.5-inch screen.
Stay tuned for more information…
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...-launch/021301

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UK smartphone users pay for just one in ten apps

May 11th, 2013, 13:01 Posted By: wraggster

Premium downloads? Ain't nobody got time for that.
With freemium apps – free to download, featuring in-app purchases and/or ads – becoming the norm, price comparison service uSwitch finds that British smartphone users will only pay for one in ten app downloads.
Brits have around 29 apps on their device, and the low paid-for adoption rate shows the competition is fierce, with users easily able to opt for rival services that don't cost them anything. The data says the average smartphone user spends just £8.94 on apps, while just 14 per cent have spent more than £20.
Seemingly users would end up out of pocket if they did pay for apps, as just 41 per cent use their collection regularly, with 61 per cent using less than half of the apps they download.
Londoners spend the most on apps and download more than anywhere else in the UK, while those in the South West spend the least.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, says: "Our smartphones are fast becoming app graveyards, littered with unused downloads. While some are downloaded out of curiosity, people often get ‘free’ apps only to find they are riddled with pop-up ads or that they must then pay to unlock more than the basic functions.
"While many apps cost less than £1 to download, these purchases can really mount up so be careful about what you buy. Apple is currently offering compensation to US parents whose kids have made such purchases without their permission, some racking up mammoth bills. It’s easily done and something I would urge British parents to avoid as it can be a costly lesson to learn."
Speaking of unauthorised purchases, Windows Phone finds that children have added an extra £30 million to parents' smartphone and tablet bills without permission.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...en-apps/021293

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Samsung signs exclusive deal with ITV for ITV Player app

May 11th, 2013, 13:01 Posted By: wraggster

Android app available exclusively to Samsung customers until August 31st.
Samsung has today (May 9th) entered into an exclusive, fixed-term partnership with ITV, which will see the ITV Player app made available exclusively to Samsung customers until August 31st 2013.
The Android ITV Player app will offer users access to the past 30 days of ITV’s catch-up content across its ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV channels.
Featuring a new interface that dynamically scales to a variety of screen sizes, the ITV Player app is designed to provide an enhanced playback experience with simplified video profiles.
Supported over 3G/4G, as well as Gingerbread (2.3+), Honeycomb, Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems, the app allows users to browse recommended programmes and search for their favourite shows by channel or alphabetically.
Available via Samsung Apps and Google Play, the ITV Player app can now be downloaded for free across a range of Samsung Android tablet and smartphone devices, including the new Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Galaxy Mega, whilst it has also been optimised for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy SII, Galaxy Note II, Note and Galaxy Note 10.1.
It is also available to view over 3G, 4G and WiFi networks.
James Micklethwait, Online Product director, ITV, commented: “We are very excited to have launched the new ITV Player app on Samsung devices. The fragmentation of the Android ecosystem is well known therefore, as a commercial broadcaster, it makes sense for us to partner with the leading manufacturer of Android devices to further increase our technical knowledge of the operating system. We plan to launch the app onto other Android devices in the future.”
Simon Stanford, vice president of IM Division, Samsung UK and Ireland, added: “At Samsung, we are committed to providing our customers with the latest range of content and apps. People are increasingly watching programmes on their way to work, between meetings or on holiday, and this partnership means they can now catch up on their favourite ITV programmes on our devices wherever and whenever they choose.”

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...yer-app/021290

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Ouya launch delayed by three weeks

May 11th, 2013, 14:28 Posted By: wraggster

Tiny Android console slips past June 4th release date

Android console Ouya has had its launch delayed by three weeks.
The company behind the crowdfunded platform said the setback was due to demand beyond its expectations from consumers and retailers, forcing it to move the launch date to June 25th.

Ouya stressed however that it the change in date would not affect Kickstarter backer shipment, which should reach all those who donated to the console by the end of May.
The console had originally been slated to hit UK retail on June 4th, as well as also being available in the US and Canada, selling at £99.99 ($99.99).
Ouya can be pre-ordered from its official website for $99.99. For that price, users get the console, one wireless Bluetooth controller, a power adopter (region specific), two AA batteries and a HDMI cable. Additional controllers can be purchased for $49.99.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...by-three-weeks

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Ouya raises $15m in latest funding round

May 11th, 2013, 14:28 Posted By: wraggster

Nvidia amongst wave of new backers for Android console

Ouya has raised $15 million in funding from new investors, the company's CEO has announced.
Julie Uhrman said that new funding was important for keeping the tiny Android in console in business for the long haul, and also meant it could increase production to meet demand.

New investors for Ouya include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mayfield Fund, Nvidia, Shasta Ventures and Occam Partners.
Launched on Kickstarter in July last year, Ouya quickly broke records to become the highest crowdfunded project on the site’s history, raising $8.5 million in just 30 days.
At the time, when Develop asked Uhrman whether there were other avenues of investment open to Ouya, she revealed that the company was in fact looking for additional funds, and would have taken the console to Kickstarter regardless of how successful raising private investment would have been.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-funding-round

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The Room sells two million copies

May 11th, 2013, 14:29 Posted By: wraggster

Fireproof Studios’ puzzle game The Room has surpassed two million in sales.
As reported by Joystiq, the latest milestone comes after the developer announced in January that the title had surpassed one million sales on iOS and Android.

The Room has proven to be a hit since its release last year, and UK developer Fireproof was recently nominated for five Develop Awards, more than any other studio.
The developer and The Room were nominated for New IP, Visual Arts, Audio Accomplishment, Use of Narrative and Micro Studio.
The title has also previously been recognised by Apple as game of the year on the App Store for 2012.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...million-copies

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The Days of Cheap, Subsidized Phones May Be Numbered

May 11th, 2013, 14:30 Posted By: wraggster

In the U.S., subsidized phones are the norm: for post-paid, long-term contract use, getting a low up-front price on a phone is one of the few upsides. New submitter Apptopia writes"After T Mobile mostly did away with subsidized phone plans, the other major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint) are paying attention. Carriers lose money with phone subsidies for high-end smartphones (particularly Apple's iPhone). If they do away with the subsidy, you will have to pay full retail price for phones, but your monthly bill will be lower."If people had a better idea what they were paying for, though, manufacturers might fight harder on price. There are lots of well-reviewed, multi-band, unlocked phones on Amazon and DealExtreme from lesser-known companies, and Nokia's new Asha 501 (though limited in many ways, including availability, having just launched in India) shows that the "smartphone" label can apply even to a sub- $100 phone

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...ay-be-numbered

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Microsoft YouTube App Strips Ads; Adds Download

May 11th, 2013, 14:31 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft appears to be sticking a finger in Google's eye with the launch of its new YouTube app for Windows Phone. The app, ReadWrite has confirmed, strips out YouTube ads when it plays back videos and allows users to easily download video by way of a prominent 'download' button."

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...-adds-download

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Cyanogenmod 10.1 RC1 Starts To Roll Out To Devices Near You

May 11th, 2013, 14:31 Posted By: wraggster

Good news for Cyanogenmod users, according to their blog it looks like 10.1 is nearing its stable release. 'We haven't used the "Release Candidate" nomenclature since the ICS days, but we feel the 10.1 branch is quickly approaching the point where a "final" build is due. To prepare for that eventuality, RC1 builds for CyanogenMod 10.1.0 are now landing on our servers! This will be one of (if not the last) milestone releases before a 10.1.0 is pushed out. These builds will appear as they complete the build process and, as always, you can download the builds via get.cm!' Android Police speculates that this is due in part to the rumored release announcement of Android 4.3 given at Google I/O 2013 which is taking place in (now) less than one week. Looks like the Android community will have a lot to talk about in coming days!"

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...vices-near-you

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Reps Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Legalize Mobile Device Unlocking

May 11th, 2013, 14:32 Posted By: wraggster

It seems some people in the House of Reps have their heads screwed on straight. A bill would 'make it permanently legal for consumers to unlock their mobile devices, and consumers would not be required to obtain permission from their carrier before switching to a new carrier.' 'This bill reflects the way we use this technology in our everyday lives,' Rep. Lofgren said. 'Americans should not be subject to fines and criminal liability for merely unlocking devices and media they legally purchased. If consumers are not violating copyright or some other law, there's little reason to hold back the benefits of unlocking so people can continue using their devices.' Now, what chance does this have of actually passing?

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...vice-unlocking

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Tool Reveals iPad and iPhone User Locations

May 11th, 2013, 14:34 Posted By: wraggster

A researcher has found that Apple user locations can be potentially determined by tapping into Apple Maps and he has created a Python tool to make the process easier. iSniff GPS accesses Apple's database of wireless access points, which is collected by iPhones and iPads that have GPS and Wi-Fi location services enabled. Apple uses this crowd-sourced data to run its location services; however, the location database is not meant to be public. You can download the tool via Giuthub."

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...user-locations

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Smartphones Driving Violent Crime Across US

May 12th, 2013, 00:28 Posted By: wraggster

Incidents of cellphone theft have been rising for several years and are fast becoming an epidemic. IDG News Service collected data on serious crimes in San Francisco from November to April and recorded 579 thefts of cellphones or tablets, accounting for 41 percent of all serious crime. In just over half the incidents, victims were punched, kicked or otherwise physically intimidated for their phones, and in a quarter of robberies, users were threatened with guns or knives. This isn't just happening in tech-loving San Francisco, either. The picture is similar across the United States. A big reason for such thefts, until recently, is that there had been little to stop someone using a stolen cellphone. Reacting to pressure from law enforcement and regulators, the U.S.'s largest cellphone carriers agreed early last year to establish a database of stolen cellphones."

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/05/...rime-across-us

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Bluestacks announces Android-powered Gamepop console

May 12th, 2013, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

An Ouya rival appears, with a Netflix-like games service
Mobile company Bluestacks has decided to expand its operations beyond letting mobile apps run on PC and Mac platforms. The company has announced Gamepop, a gaming console and subscription service. For $6.99 per month, users get access to the console, a controller, and an all-you-play gaming service. The console remains free until the end of May, after which Bluestacks will be charging for it in addition to the service.
Bluestacks has already signed Glu Mobile, Halfbrick, and OutFit7 to provide games to its new unlimited gaming platform.
"Mobile gaming has been taking off the past few years. BlueStacks' vision is to bring that same experience to bigger screens," said BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma. "The all-you-can-eat pricing model for GamePop lets users enjoy a much broader range of games, just as you can watch more movies with Netflix versus the pay-as-you-go model Blockbuster employed."
"BlueStacks has credibility in the microconsole space that others just don't have," said Halfbrick CEO Shainiel Deo. "We've been a featured partner in App Player since early on and they've delivered on every promise in terms of distribution. GamePop is a great incremental channel for us."
Developers keep all in-app purchases and 50 percent of GamePop subscription revenue will be shared with developers based on usage. Subscriptions will be managed through GamePop.tv and consoles
Bluestacks recently crossed 10 million users on its App Player.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...amepop-console

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Samsung SM-T310 pops up at the FCC, may be a Galaxy Tab 3 8.0

May 12th, 2013, 00:39 Posted By: wraggster

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LG Optimus G Pro now available at AT&T

May 12th, 2013, 00:43 Posted By: wraggster

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Carmageddon comes to Android

May 12th, 2013, 00:45 Posted By: wraggster

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Samsung Galaxy S 4's storage to be investigated by BBC Watchdog

May 12th, 2013, 00:46 Posted By: wraggster

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Mozilla offering free phones in hopes of bolstering Firefox OS app dev

May 12th, 2013, 00:52 Posted By: wraggster

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Netflix for iOS gets new post-play features for uninterrupted series-watching

May 12th, 2013, 00:58 Posted By: wraggster

It's just been a few weeks since Netflix for iOS was suited with a novel audio menu and episode selector, but the app has now already reached version 4.1. While this particular release isn't as major as, say, v2.0, some of the post-play features that have rolled outon TV connected devices and PCs are trickling down to the mobile platforms. Namely, once an episode is over, the next one starts playing automatically without any intervention required (it requires a prompt to proceed after every other episode). In the case of movies, you can expect to see a new recommended selection once the credits roll, and Netflix also promises some other more minor improvements elsewhere in the app, including under the hood tweaks to its second screen experience. Finally, Netflix also announced today that it's signed a multi-year deal for five Disney Junior and Disney XD shows: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Tron: Uprising, Handy Manny,Special Agent Oso, and JoJo's Circus.

https://itunes.apple.com/CA/app/id36...ign-mpt=uo%3D4

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Huawei's 'most powerful smartphone yet' coming to UK in June

May 13th, 2013, 19:49 Posted By: wraggster

Huawei has announced that its new smartphone, the Ascend P2, will be arriving in the UK next month.
Following in the footsteps of the Ascend P1 and P1 LTE, Hauwei states the new device is its most powerful smartphone yet.
The handset features an 8.4mm frame and a 4.7-inch LCD ‘infinity’ screen protected with 2nd-gen Corning Gorilla Glass. It is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and comes with a 2420mAh battery, which is augmented by Huawei’s own power-saving technologies.
Also included is a 13MP BSI rear-facing camera with HDR, as well as a 1.3MP front-facing one.
The Ascend P2 is one of the first smartphones to launch in the UK that is compatible with Category 4 LTE networks, which are designed to offer a faster 4G mobile internet experience.
Huawei Device UK and Ireland executive vice president Mark Mitchinson, commented: “The Ascend P2 offers exceptional design, power and functionality at the higher end of the market. With it, UK customers can enjoy the maximum network speeds available from their network operators, right now and in the future. The Ascend P2 is built to enable next-generation 4G speeds so users can keep pace with the very latest technologies from their network providers and access and upload mobile content as fast as possible.”
The Huawei Ascend P2 will be available from UK retailers on various network operators in black and white in June. As of yet, there are no confirmed details regarding availability and pricing.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...in-june/030923

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Details of 'Google Play Games' service leak

May 13th, 2013, 19:52 Posted By: wraggster

Cloud-based saving and lots of Google+ integration.
Rumours of a Google-based rival to Apple's Game Centre surfaced around a year ago, but no such product has materialised just yet. However, Android Police reports the Google Play Games service is very real and lists its features ahead of the official unveiling Google is expected to make at its I/O conference this week.
Users will reportedly have the power to manage game notifications, who can send them and games that have been muted, with management controlled via Google+.
Syncing and saving will be a big feature, as users can connect with Gmail, Calendar and so on, with the power to save gameplay in the cloud. There is also the ability to invite other players to join you, selecting on an automatic basis or manually, though there is limited availability per game.
Chat rooms, achievements, scoring and leaderboard features are also available on the service, with Google+ integration featured strongly throughout.
The launch of Google Play Services would follow Google's recent revamp of the Google Play storeand a ban against developers automatically updating their apps.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ce-leak/021328

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14-17 and 18-24 year-olds at greatest risk of phone theft

May 13th, 2013, 19:52 Posted By: wraggster

The crime survey for England and Wales (CSEW) has revealed that mobile phone theft is on the rise, with the number of mobile robbery victims up from 759,000 in 2009/2010 to 826,000 in 2011/2012, Mobile News has reported.
Teens aged between 14-17 and adults aged 18-24 were found to be most at risk from mobile phone thieves, as the survey found that those within these age ranges were twice as likely to have their mobile stolen than others.
Women in the 18-24 age grouping were revealed to be the most likely to be targeted, with one in 20 reporting a stolen phone.
However, the crime survey also showed a drop in mobile phone theft from those aged 10-13, which was down from 2.6 per cent in 2009/2010 to 1.7 per cent in 2011/2012.
There was also a year-on-year dip in the number of mobile phone thefts against 14-17 year-olds, which fell from 5.2 per cent to 4.0 per cent, although the rate of thefts against those aged 75 and over were up from 0.2 per cent to 0.7 per cent.
Overall, the percentage of thefts and robberies involving a mobile phone jumped to 46 per cent in 2011/2012 from 31 per cent in 2010/2011.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...e-theft/021324

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4.5-inches is the most preferred smartphone screen size

May 13th, 2013, 19:53 Posted By: wraggster

In the second half of 2012, smartphone owners were most likely to be interested in devices with a screen size measuring between 4.2-inches and 4.7-inches, according to Strategy Analytics.
4.5-inches came out as the most popular screen size, which is an increase from 4.3-inches in 2011. Comparatively, prospective smartphone buyers were more interested in smaller screens than existing users, while males prefer size ahead of females.
Brand also plays a factor in the decision of screen size preferences, but most respondents showed a desire for their next handset to sport a larger screen than their existing one.
Samsung is renowned for introducing large-screened phablet devices and recently unveiled the Galaxy Mega, while phabet shipments are set to spike 136 per cent year-on-year.
Paul Brown, director in the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice (UEP), said: "As consumer acceptance of smartphone sizes increases, many smartphone manufacturers are making larger and larger products. The intention of many manufacturers to drive screen size up has been very clear over recent months, and there is the potential for 'phablets' at the lower end of the size scale to become more mainstream - especially as manufacturers work to maximize the ratio of screen to overall size, therefore providing a larger screen on a smaller form factor."
Kevin Nolan, VP for the User Experience Practice at Strategy Analytics, added: "As screen size increases, the way in which consumers interact with the device also needs to be considered. Larger devices are harder to interact with one-handed, and so it is important for user-interfaces, and especially on-screen key placements, to be designed to allow for easy interaction."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...en-size/021322

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Puzzle & Dragons developer valued at $15 billion

May 13th, 2013, 19:56 Posted By: wraggster

Smash hit mobile game generating nearly $4 million a day

Puzzle & Dragons developer GungHo Entertainment has taken to new heights after being valued at more than $15 billion.
Only a couple weeks ago did the company’s stocktake a huge rise to $9 billion on the back of new game announcements related to its hugely popular free-to-play puzzle and RPG hybrid title.

But, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, the firm’s value has risen a further $6 billion since the end of last month, with its share price jump almost 29 per cent to value the company at $15 billion.
Serkantoto also reports that after generating $113 million in April alone through iOS and Android, GungHo is raking in $3.76 million a day.
The increase puts GungHo slightyl ahead of console giant Nintendo in value on the Japanese market, which is worth around $15 billion, and most of that is on the back of a single game. The company is also worth more than mobile gaming rival DeNA, which has a market cap of $4.3 billion, and other mobile and social gaming outfits such as Gree and Zynga.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-at-15-billion

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Bill Gates Opens Up About Steve Jobs

May 13th, 2013, 19:59 Posted By: wraggster

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates displayed a bit of emotion when talking to CBS's 60 Minutes about Steve Jobs. The interview didn't focus entirely on the relationship between the two men, with most of its running time devoted instead to Gates's charitable efforts. But when the conversation shifted to their last meeting before Jobs's death from cancer in 2011, Gates—normally so cerebral—seemed a bit sad. 'When he was sick I got to go down and spend time with him,' Gates said, describing their meeting as 'forward looking.' Jobs spent a portion of their time together showing off designs for his yacht, which he would never see completed—something that Gates defended when the interviewer seemed a little bit incredulous. 'Thinking about your potential mortality isn't very constructive,' he said. Gates also praised Steve Jobs's marketing and design skills: 'He understood, he had an intuitive sense for marketing that was amazing.' In contrast to his subtle—and not so subtle—digs at the iPad over the years, Gates conceded that Apple had 'put the pieces together in a way that succeeded' with regard to tablets. Gates's magnanimity toward his former rival and Apple is a reflection, perhaps, of his current position in life: it's been nearly five years since his last full-time day at Microsoft, and all of his efforts seem focused on his philanthropic endeavors. He simply has no reason to rip a rival limb from limb in the same way he did as Microsoft CEO.

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...out-steve-jobs

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UK's 4G Network Selling Subscriber Tracking Data To Police, Private Parties

May 13th, 2013, 20:00 Posted By: wraggster

The Sunday Times has revealed that analytics firm Ipsos MORI and 4G network EE attempted to sell detailed information on 27m subscribers' activities to various parties including the UK's police forces. The data encompasses the gender, postcode and age of subscribers, the sites they visit and times they are visited, and the places and times of calls and text messages. Ipsos MORI were reportedly 'bragging that the data can be used to track people and their location in real time to within 100 meters' in negotiations. Ipsos MORI has rushed to contradict this in an effort to save face, stating that the users are anonymized and data is aggregated into groups of 50 or more, while location is only precise to 700m. Despite their prior enthusiasm, the police have indicated that they will no longer go ahead with the deal. It is not clear whether the other sales will go ahead.

http://news.slashdot.org/story/13/05...rivate-parties

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Ubuntu Touch: The Other Linux OS For Your Phone

May 13th, 2013, 20:00 Posted By: wraggster

Ars takes a look at what Ubuntu Touch has to offer so far. From the article: 'It can't be stressed enough that even in this updated form, Ubuntu Touch is nowhere near usable as a mainstream mobile operating system. Canonical makes no claim that it is. For now, the software is about half development environment and half proof-of-concept tech demo. As such, we aren't going to be evaluating Ubuntu Touch using quite the same criteria we'd use for a shipping product—we're going to be focusing more on how the OS looks and works and less on how it performs. As we get closer to Ubuntu 14.04 and presumably Ubuntu Touch's retail availability, we'll certainly be revisiting it with a more critical eye.

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...for-your-phone

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Samsung Testing 5G Phones With 1gbps Download Speed

May 13th, 2013, 20:01 Posted By: wraggster

While many smartphone users are still on 3G and are waiting for 4G to be available, Samsung is now testing 5G networks, capable of getting speeds up to 1gbps. Obviously, we're years away from seeing these in the wild (the company is shooting for 2020) but it's still an amazing improvement over what many people are experiencing now."

http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/13/...download-speed

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Google Play Games Leaks Ahead of I/O

May 13th, 2013, 20:03 Posted By: wraggster

Android Police reports on an information leak out of Google in the lead-up to their I/O conference, which starts on May 15th. A new version of Google Play Services contains information about "Google Play Games," the company's long anticipated unified gaming service. The leak shows support for saved game syncing, matchmaking, notifications, game invites, achievements, leaderboards, and integration with other Google services."Who can send you notifications is, of course, managed by Google+. Pressing that button will bring up the usual circle dialog. All Play Games identity work will be done by Google+. Try and look surprised. ... Play Games can somehow "auto pick" players, which means you can manually pick them too. Presumably this would go down in a match-making lobby of some kind. There are limited slots to a game, we just don't know how many. ... Leaderboards by time - choose this week, all time, or today. You can also show "player-centered" scores so you can find where you are on the boards. Leaderboards plug into G+ and can be non-public. You can also filter the leaderboard by people in your circles. It will also show you what percentile you're in.

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/05...ks-ahead-of-io

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Apple Deluged By Police Demands To Decrypt iPhones

May 13th, 2013, 20:07 Posted By: wraggster

New submitter ukemike points out an article at CNET reporting on a how there's a "waiting list" for Apple to decypt iPhones seized by various law enforcement agencies. This suggests two important issues: first, that Apple is apparently both capable of and willing to help with these requests, and second, that there are too many of them for the company to process as they come in. From the article:"Court documents show that federal agents were so stymied by the encrypted iPhone 4S of a Kentucky man accused of distributing crack cocaine that they turned to Apple for decryption help last year. An agent at the ATF, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 'contacted Apple to obtain assistance in unlocking the device,' U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell wrote in a recent opinion. But, she wrote, the ATF was 'placed on a waiting list by the company.' A search warrant affidavit prepared by ATF agent Rob Maynard says that, for nearly three months last summer, he "attempted to locate a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency with the forensic capabilities to unlock' an iPhone 4S. But after each police agency responded by saying they 'did not have the forensic capability,' Maynard resorted to asking Cupertino. Because the waiting list had grown so long, there would be at least a 7-week delay, Maynard says he was told by Joann Chang, a legal specialist in Apple's litigation group. It's unclear how long the process took, but it appears to have been at least four months."
http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...ecrypt-iphones

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External pinball controls for an Android tablet

May 13th, 2013, 20:55 Posted By: wraggster


This hack, which adds external flipper controls to Android pinball, is a great way to cut your teeth at Android hardware hacking.
[Ruben] decided to go with the TI Launchpad for this project. The MSP430 dev board offers serial communications via a USB connection, but it’s not quite as easy as just finding the right cable. His tablet does support USB On the Go (OTG), but the board identifies itself asan ACM device which needs to be handled differently. In order to get the tablet talking to the Launchpad he compiled a CDC_ACM module for the Linux underpinnings that make up every Android OS. In this case the module is tailored for the Allwinner A10 chip inside his model of tablet, but it shouldn’t be too hard to adapt his guide for other processors.
Of course you could go a different route and use Bluetooth for connectivity. We’ve seen several gaming peripherals that use this technique with Android devices.

http://hackaday.com/2013/05/12/exter...ndroid-tablet/

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Verizon bumps up Samsung Galaxy S 4 launch to May 23rd

May 13th, 2013, 21:03 Posted By: wraggster

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All Google Play developers can now respond to user reviews

May 13th, 2013, 21:07 Posted By: wraggster

It looks like you'll soon be seeing more comments from app makers on Google Play. According to a post on the Android Developers Blog today, all developers can now reply to user reviews via the Google Play Developer Console, with responses showing up publicly below the user's original comment. The feature had previously been in trial mode, and devs have reportedly enjoyed a stronger relationship with their users -- not to mention a surefire system for discovering bugs and other app glitches. Hit up the source link for more info.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/13/a...-user-reviews/

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Samsung's rumored dust and waterproof Galaxy S 4 Active

May 13th, 2013, 21:15 Posted By: wraggster

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Sony Xperia ZR announced

May 13th, 2013, 21:22 Posted By: wraggster


Sony's ratcheted up its water-resistant device tech a notch with the launch of the Xperia ZR, a new 4.6-inch, 720p Android smartphone that's waterproof to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Sony boasts that its new device will let you film your snorkeling adventures in full HD quality, with HDR in both video or 13-megapixel stills thanks to the Exmor RS image sensor -- there's also a dedicated camera button like the one on the Xperia ZL. The handset packs a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core 1.5GH CPU, 2GB RAM, LTE, NFC, Sony's Walkman album and movie apps and a notable OptiContrast OLED screen with Bravia tech to reduce glare "even in bright sunlight." There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but as soon as we hear more, we'll try to prep you ahead of that next beach-bound holiday. Meanwhile, you can check the galleries, PR and video after the break for more.
Update: As Xperia Blog found out, the Xperia ZR is actually the international version of Japan's upcoming Xperia A SO-04E -- the one we saw popping up in the FCC database.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/13/s...ed-waterproof/

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Galaxy S 4 mini surfaces again, strikes a few poses

May 13th, 2013, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster

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iPhone 5 sees faster data speeds on T-Mobile after hacked carrier update

May 13th, 2013, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster

Are you using an iPhone 5 on T-Mobile? Are you in an area with re-farmed 1900MHz HSPA+ spectrum? Well rejoice! Some enterprising folks over at TmoNews have hackedApple's carrier update for T-Mobile to boost data speeds on the 1900MHz (PCS) HSPA+ band. Better yet, this tweak applies to both T-Mobile's iPhone 5 and the AT&T / unlocked versions -- no jailbreak required. While the official carrier update enabled LTE for the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile, it also decreased data speeds on re-farmed PCS HSPA+ spectrum for many users. The hacked file makes a number of adjustments: it enables Release 9 for dual-carrier HSPA+ and sets the band preference to "auto" from AWS. Follow the source link below for more details and step-by-step instructions.

http://www.tmonews.com/2013/05/hacke...efarmed-users/

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T-Mobile raises iPhone 5 down payment by $50, device now costs $150

May 13th, 2013, 23:17 Posted By: wraggster

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Hands-on with the iConsole.tv, an Android-powered game system

May 13th, 2013, 23:18 Posted By: wraggster

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FPse for android 0.11.95

May 14th, 2013, 01:25 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Sony Playstation emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Fixed .Z and .ZNX support;
- Fixed FPS counter.
News source: https://play.google.com

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nds4droid 32

May 14th, 2013, 01:27 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Nintendo DS emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Fixed a crash in release 31 on certain non-English language devices.
News source: https://play.google.com

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Vgb 3.7.12

May 14th, 2013, 01:28 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Nintendo GameBoy/GameBoy Color emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Fixed "JR offset" and "JR Z,offset" instruction timings.
- Added option to hide virtual gamepad when using the real one (enabled by default).
- Optimized "Soften Video" algorithm in assembler and gained +15fps.
- Added Android menu and action items to the Gallery.
News source: https://play.google.com

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MasterGear 2.7.18

May 14th, 2013, 01:29 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

Sega Master System/Game Gear emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Added option to hide virtual gamepad when using the real one (enabled by default).
- Optimized "Soften Video" algorithm in assembler and gained +15fps.
- Added Android menu and action items to the Gallery.
- Added sort-by-date mode to the File Selector.
News source: https://play.google.com

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SuperGNES/SuperGNES Lite 1.3.11

May 14th, 2013, 01:47 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/

Super Nintendo emulator for Android has been updated. Changes:
- Fixed Moga/Pro button mappings.
- Better Dropbox service control and error reporting.
News source: https://play.google.com

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VGB-Android 3.7.12 Released with Z80 Fixes

May 14th, 2013, 01:51 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de

Marat Fayzullin hat seinen GameBoy Emulator VGB-Android wieder aktualisiert.

Quote:

I have just published VGB-Android 3.7.12, a new version of my GameBoy Classic and GameBoy Color emulator for Android, which will also do Super GameBoy emulation:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...id=com.fms.vgb

The new version fixes timings on a few common Z80 instructions, which should hopefully stop random slowdowns during emulation. Also, if you are using a Bluetooth joystick or keyboard, the new VGB will automatically hide the on-screen controls. Touch the screen to make them reappear, or you can disable this feature completely in the Settings. Finally, I have introduced some assembler optimizations to the "Soften Video" mode, previously added to my other emulators.


Fixed "JR offset" and "JR Z,offset" instruction timings.
Added option to hide virtual gamepad when using the real one (enabled by default).
Optimized "Soften Video" algorithm in assembler and gained +15fps.
Added Android menu and action items to the Gallery.

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O2 to offer exclusive white Nokia Lumia 925

May 14th, 2013, 23:27 Posted By: wraggster

O2 has announced that it will have exclusivity over the white version of the Nokia Lumia 925, revealing it will be available on Thursday, June 13th.
The announcement follows this morning’s (May 14th) launch of the new Nokia Lumia 925 smartphone.
The Windows Phone 8 handset will be available on the operator’s new O2 Refresh tariff, which allows customer to change their handset as and when they wish.
“Nokia has been going from strength to strength with Lumia and the 925 is the best Nokia Windows Phone 8 device yet,” said David Johnson, O2’s general manager, Devices. “We’ve been big supporters of Windows Phone and it’s great to generate even more excitement around it with the new flagship Nokia Lumia 925.”
The 925 is also Nokia’s first phone to be included in O2’s ‘Charger out of the Box’ environmental initiative and will be sold with a micro-USB to USB charging cable but without a plug.

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/#brand=Nokia&page=1

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Archos introduces the ChefPad

May 14th, 2013, 23:33 Posted By: wraggster

For all those times you’ve wondered what to buy for your technology-and-food-obsessed nearest and dearest, the solution is finally here.
Consumer electronics manufacturer Archos has unveiled the ChefPad, the answer to all those kitchen-tablet dilemmas.
The 9.7-inch device comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, dual-core 1.6GHz processor, quad-core graphics processor, front and back cameras (for taking pictures during and after cooking, of course), 1080p video playback, and access to apps through Google Play. It will be available from June.
So what makes this tablet particularly ‘Cheffy’? It comes with an exclusive Chef Apps Selection, which includes recipes, cooking tips, video and even cooking assistant apps. According to the Archos team, "This exclusive app program curates the best of all apps from Google Play in any specified category making it easier for the end user to find the right content".
"The ChefPad is the first Archos tablet to use this filtering technology," says Loïc Poirier, CEO ofArchos. "This is just the beginning for Archos tablets using this technology; we will continue to launch new and exciting themed tablets that curate apps in such categories as kids apps, games, educational apps, business/productivity apps and more."
It also has a silicone case designed to keep it safe from water or food splashes, with an adjustable stand so that it’s easy to change the viewing angle.
No word yet on whether the pinkness or the cooking theme means it’s targeted towards women specifically, but it wouldn't be a surprise.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...chefpad/030937

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Nokia slims down Lumia range and ditches built-in support for wireless charging

May 14th, 2013, 23:34 Posted By: wraggster

Nokia has announced the Lumia 925, a revamped version of its flagship model.
The new smartphone is slimmer than its predecessor, the Lumia 920, but its new figure comes at a price. The firm has decided to ditch built-in support for wireless charging so customers will have to get a ‘Cover’ (sold separately) to continue to take advantage of Nokia’s extensive wireless charging accessories.
The Lumia 925 is lighter than the 920, weighing 139g (0.31lb), it is also 2.2mm thinner as well. But along with losing built-in wireless charging support, the new phone has only half the amount of internal storage as the previous model.
The screen remains unchanged at 4.5-inches, however the new AMOLED display is higher in resolution than the 920’s.
The Lumia 925’s rear camera offers the same 8.7MPs as before, but with the addition of a six-element lens designed to further help correct image distortion. Nokia says this is the firm’s most advanced lens technology. So no massive 41MP camera then...
The Nokia Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode, which will come as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones.
Nokia Smart Camera offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and Motion Focus for creating some interesting images.
The firm also announced that Hipstamatic's new app, Oggl, will arrive on Nokia Lumia smartphones, allowing people to take and share high quality pictures with people from around the world. In addition to sharing photos on Oggl, users can simultaneously share photos on social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr, Flickr and Instagram.
Other specs include 2000 mAh battery, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon, 1.2MP front-facing wide-angle camera, 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, 7GB free SkyDrive cloud storage.
Sales are expected to start in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and China in June, followed by the US and a number of other markets.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...harging/030935

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BlackBerry introduces 'youthful and fun' Q5 smartphone

May 14th, 2013, 23:37 Posted By: wraggster

You know, because promoting the Q10 as 'old and boring' didn't work so well.
BlackBerry has already revealed its BBM service is becoming available to Android and iOS for the first time, and complements the news with the unveiling of the BlackBerry 10-powered Q5 smartphone, which it bills as 'youthful and fun'.
The new device sports a QWERTY keypad featuring shortcuts, a 3.1-inch touchscreen, Time Shift photo editing, Story Maker media editing, BBM Video, BlackBerry Hub and more.
The phone will be available in black, white and red, launching in selected markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America in July.
Thorsten Heins, president and CEO of BlackBerry, said: "BlackBerry is excited to bring a new BlackBerry QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, to our customers in selected markets around world.
"The BlackBerry Q5 gives you the best of everything with its cutting-edge BlackBerry 10 functionality and a physical QWERTY keyboard. It is for youthful fans that are passionate, confident and bold, and it makes it easy for them to have fun, create, share and stay connected."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...rtphone/021351

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BlackBerry declares war on WhatsApp with BBM for Android and iOS

May 14th, 2013, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster

BlackBerry has announced its once hallowed BlackBerry Messenger service will launch for Android and iOS this summer, which comes in an attempt to pull back interest as the market becomes flooded with copycat solutions.
Describing the over-the-top (OTT) messaging app as a 'mobile social network,' BlackBerry promises to 'set the standard for mobile instant messaging with a fast, reliable, engaging experience'. Android and iOS users will have full access to solo and multi-person BBM chats, photo sharing, and voice notes.
The debut on the Google and Apple operating systems comes as rival service WhatsApp offers mobile users messages access across different platforms, while often finding itself the subject $1 billion takeover rumours.
BBM boasts more than 60m monthly active users, while over 51m use the service for an average of 90 minutes a day. Furthermore, users send and receive over 10 billion messages a day, which BlackBerry claims is almost twice as much as many other messaging apps.
To put the figures into context, WhatsApp processed 18 billion messages on New Year's Eve, a rise on ten billion messages a day back in August 2012.
Andrew Bocking, EVP, software product management and ecosystem, at BlackBerry, said: "For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service.
"BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community."

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...and-ios/021349

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Phones 4u gets exclusivity over white Huawei Ascend P2

May 14th, 2013, 23:42 Posted By: wraggster

Phones 4u has today (May 14th) confirmed that it will be the exclusive retailer of the Huawei Ascend P2 when it launches next month.
The retailer also announced that it will be stocking the newNokia Lumia 925, which was officially unveiled earlier today.
Scott Hooton, Phones 4u’s chief commercial officer, commented: “Phones 4u has a strong heritage in offering a wide range of the latest smartphones and in securing handset colour exclusives for our customers. We’re pleased to be carrying on this tradition by adding the new Nokia Lumia 925 to our range and by being selected as the exclusive retailer of the white Huawei P2.
“We also have a track record of bringing Nokia Lumia handsets to the market before anyone else, and in 2012 we were the first retailer to launch the Nokia Lumia 900 outside of the US. We’re anticipating a good reception to the Nokia Lumia 925, as we know from YouGov research[1] that customers with Nokia devices currently rate handset satisfaction and quality at eight out of ten.”
It was also announced today that O2 would be given exclusivity over the white model of the new Nokia Lumia 925.

http://www.phones4u.co.uk/

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Nvidia Shield launching in June

May 14th, 2013, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster

Tegra 4-powered system to retail for $350 in the US

Portable Android console Nvidia Shield will launch in the US next month, the graphics chipmaker has revealed.
Able to display a 720p HD retinal display and powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 4 chip, the console will be priced at $349.

Pre-orders for the hardware will go live from May 20th on the Nvidia website, although those who have already signed up to updates will receive the opportunity to pre-order form today.
The Tegra 4 chip, which powers the console, contains 72 GPU cores, four CPU cores and 2GB of RAM, while the system also includes a multi-touch display, 16GB of memory, GPS, a micro-USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
Nvidia is also launching a GeForce streaming beta feature to allow users to access a GTX GPU-powered computer through the console. The company is also working on ways to stream PC games, such as those from Steam.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...nching-in-June

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2m downloads in 3 months for Pixel People

May 15th, 2013, 00:17 Posted By: wraggster

iOS game brings in $700,000 for creators Lambdamu
Developer Lambdamu has cited its partnership with publisher Chillingo as key to the success of its iOS title Pixel People. The game has achieved 2 million downloads and $700,000 in revenue in the 3 months since launch.
Speaking to TechCrunch CEO Ivan Loo said the decision to work with Chillingo was driven by the need for "a huge PR splash."
The decision was a good one, the game secured 1 million downloads two weeks after launch. Interestingly chief creative officer Abhishek Radhakrishnan added that success may mean the next Lambdamu game may not need a publisher at all.
"Even if people don't know Lambdamu, we can say 'from the makers of Pixel People' on the next game's splash screen."
LambdaMu Games is based in Singapore and is currently focused on iOS titles. Its other games include Infinight, Dice Soccer and Crazy Critters.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...r-pixel-people

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TWC TV Android update with live TV streaming

May 15th, 2013, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

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Square Stand turns your iPad into a cash register, on pre-order for $299

May 15th, 2013, 00:48 Posted By: wraggster

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BlackBerry Q10 coming to Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile

May 15th, 2013, 00:52 Posted By: wraggster

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Nokia marketing head: Customers' 'biggest complaint' is missing apps

May 15th, 2013, 00:59 Posted By: wraggster

We managed to grab a quick chat with Nokia's Global Head of Smartphone Marketing, Vesa Jutila, following the global launch of the Lumia 925. When asked about the still-notable absence of some mainstream apps within Windows Phone 8, Jutila was surprisingly frank. With reference to the company's Lumia series, he said that "the biggest complaint is that customers are missing the apps they want."
Nokia has been on a recent charm offensive towards Instagram, not least with a mini Twitter campaign, but it announced earlier today that a new Hipstamatic Oggl app will be headed to Microsoft's mobile OS, capable of sharing through Twitter, Facebook and, yes, Instagram. However, for users coming from other platforms, they may find some first-party favorites missing -- with things like Google+ and Amazon Cloud Playerbeing just a couple of examples. Jutila acknowledged that there were "some gaps" but said Nokia is "addressing this very strongly" with the help of Microsoft. He added:

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Vodafone UK scores 32GB Lumia 925, O2 gets dibs on white model for June 13

May 15th, 2013, 01:00 Posted By: wraggster

Now that Nokia's launched it's metal-accented Lumia 925, you may want to know where to grab one. Well, in the UK, Vodafone will start carrying a 32GB version of the handset exclusively next month, while O2 said it'd be the only UK carrier with a white model -- which you'll be able to grab on June 13th. As for the others, Three confirmed via a tweet that it'd carry the new handset and that it would be compatible with its Ultrafast services, while EE and Orange have yet to announce anything. Meanwhile, we heard from T-Mobile that it will be the exclusive home of the 925 in the US, at least at launch. We've touched base with all the carriers for more info, so check back to see if you'll be able to grab one from your provider of choice.

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/index.htm

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Nokia Lumia 925 coming to T-Mobile in the US

May 15th, 2013, 01:02 Posted By: wraggster

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KMS: 'Most people should be involved with tablets'

May 16th, 2013, 01:00 Posted By: wraggster

As KMS Components celebrates a record start to 2013,PCR talks with sales director Steve Bland to discuss the firm’s success and the driving force behind it...
How has 2013 been for KMS so far?
Amazing. We have just been running through the numbers and it has been a record quarter for us as we run up to our 20th year.
If we continue in the vein that we’ve started in this year, we’ll have another increase of between 20 and 25 per cent on the previous year.
It seems that a lot of firms in consumer electronics are benefiting from healthy demand at the moment?
Yes – we’ve obviously seen some new players in the consumer electronics space and I think it’s certainly giving some of us some great products.
I think it’s a breath of fresh air for everyone really, not just distribution, but for retailers and for everyone else.
We’ve been so focused on selling peripherals and accessories surrounding PCs for so long now and to be honest, the majority of the distribution channel hasn’t been able to enjoy the laptop revolution that has happened within the market over the last few years.
So tablets and other new tech is giving us all a chance to move into new sectors.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...tablets/030946

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BBC iPlayer makes its way to Windows Phone 8

May 16th, 2013, 01:02 Posted By: wraggster

New app available now from Windows Phone Store.
Windows Phone 8 users will now be able to catch up on BBC shows from the past seven days, as the BBC iPlayer app is now freely available on the Microsoft platform.
The BBC iPlayer app lets users watch BBC content from the past week on their Windows Phone 8 device via Wi-Fi or a 3G connection.
As well as being able browse the latest available content through a variety of filters, users can also flag the shows they watch the most and add them to their Favourites tab.
“The application will enable you to catch up on your favourite BBC shows on the go,” said Dave Price, Head of BBC iPlayer. “We know this is something that is becoming more and more popular as in March this year 30 per cent of overall requests came from mobiles or tablets, with 81 million requests in total.”
BBC radio content will also be available through the app, providing users with the option of listening to the audio whilst using other apps simultaneously.
However, the BBC iPlayer app will not be available to Windows Phone 7.5 users on account of “platform limitations.”

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...phone-8/021363

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iTunes: Still Slowing Down Windows PCs After All These Years

May 16th, 2013, 01:09 Posted By: wraggster

I run a very nifty desktop utility called Rainmeter on my PC that I heartily recommend to anyone who wants to keep an eye on their system. One of its main features is it has skins that can monitor your system activity. Thanks to my numerous meters, I see all CPU, disk, memory and network activity in real time. the C: drive meter. It is a circle split down the middle, with the right half lighting up to indicate a read and the left half lighting up for write activity. The C: drive was flashing a fair amount of activity considering I had nothing loaded save Outlook and Word, plus a few background apps. At the time, I didn't have a Rainmeter skin that lists the top processes by CPU and memory. So instead, I went into the Task Manager, and under Performance selected the Resource Monitor. Under the Processes tab, the culprit showed its face immediately: AppleMobileDeviceService.exe. It was consuming a ridiculous amount of threads and CPU cycles. The only way to turn it off is to go into Windows Services and turn off the service. There's just one problem. I use an iPhone. I can't disable it. But doing so for a little while dropped the CPU meters to nothing. So I now have more motivation to migrate to a new phone beyond just having one with a larger screen. This problem has been known for years. AppleMobileDeviceService.exe has been in iTunes since version 7.3. People complained on the Apple boards more than two years ago that it was consuming up to 50% of CPU cycles, and thus far it's as bad as it always has been. Mind you, Mac users aren't complaining. Just Windows users.

http://apple.slashdot.org/story/13/0...ll-these-years

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Apple marks 50 billion downloads from the App Store

May 16th, 2013, 01:26 Posted By: wraggster

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Google asks Microsoft to remove YouTube app for WP8, takes issue with lack of ads

May 16th, 2013, 01:27 Posted By: wraggster


YouTube only recently came to Windows Phone 8 as a full-fledged app, but its availability may be short-lived. According to documents obtained by The Verge, Google has requested that Microsoft remove the app from it Windows Phone Store -- and disable installations on devices -- immediately. The reason? Apparently the app didn't get Goog's stamp of approval before going live, and it blocks the ads that typically run on YouTube. Naturally, ads are an important source of revenue for both Google and no shortage of third parties, so Mountain View may not be out of line for crying foul. And that's not the only strike against Redmond: according to the cease and desist letter, YouTube on WP8 lets users download videos, in addition to streaming content that's been restricted on certain devices. Oh, and all the above-mentioned issues violate YouTube's Terms of Service. Google is giving MS until May 22nd to remove the app -- we're sure this isn't the last you'll hear on this subject.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/15/g...p-youtube-app/

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Google Play gets dedicated chart for Android tablet apps, web redesign

May 16th, 2013, 01:29 Posted By: wraggster