The Android 4.4 kernel source code for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has been released by the Korean OEM. This will allow for the creation of custom ROMs for the device by developers. If you're a code jockey, or just curious, you can find the code by clicking on the sourcelink below. The release of the source code could be an indication that the Android 4.4 update will soon be making its way to Samsung Galaxy Note 3 units around the globe.
Last week, Polish owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 started receiving Android 4.4.2, also known as firmware version N9005XXUENA6. As we explained before, Samsung has a large R&D center in Poland, which probably explains why that region received the update before, say, the U.S. Consider it to be similar to Motorola's soak test where a smaller number of units are tested with a software update just to make sure that any problems with the update are limited to the small number of units being tested.
Last month, French carrier SFR revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (along with the Samsung Galaxy S4) would be receiving Android 4.4 in late January, which dovetails perfectly with the source code release.
source: Samsung via SamMobile, GSMArena
LG will be announcing a new QuickWindow cover that is designed exclusively for its G Pro phablet. The leaked image of the accessory also suggests that the upcoming add-on will have a similar functionality to that of theG2 quick cover.
Apart from introducing a new accessory to glorify the looks of the G Pro, the South Korean manufacturer is expected to bring a couple of cool features to its phablet.
If the rumors are to be trusted, LG G Pro will get the popular KnockOn feature that allows you to lock and unlock your device by double tapping on the screen. In addition, the device will also get the complete QuickWindow functionality, along with the dedicated user interface to help you operate your smartphone without having to open the cover every time.
LG is expected to officially announce the availability of the QuickWindow cover for its G Pro in Korea. The upcoming software update for the device will roll out in Korean in the upcoming days, before heading on to other regions.
Via:Gsmarena.com
Phone Designer is a graphic artist who often produces mock ups of concept Nokia models. Based on pictures of a prototype Nokia smartwatch, the designer put together a concept of a Nokia intelligent timepiece. The watch comes with a glance screen style UI, which is supposed to save battery life. Nokia's deal with Microsoft means that the Finnish based OEM gets to keep the wearables business.
Last month, we passed along a rumor that Nokia would be coming to market in the second half of this year with a smartwatch that would be based on the Finnish company's Morph technology, based on nanoscale technology. The watch is also supposedly based on Nokia's kinetic technology that allows users to bend and squeeze a device.
Meanwhile, we still have this sleek looking concept to look at. Like most concepts, it probably will bare no resemblance to the actual version of the released device, assuming that Nokia does have a smartwatch coming later this year.
Here's a warning for those with an Apple iPhone, Apple iPad or any other Apple branded product. A phishing scheme is making its way around the internet aimed at Apple users. As with all phishing attacks, the email looks as though it came directly from Cupertino and starts by telling you that your Apple ID has been disabled. The scam tries to get you worried because it states that someone from a different IP address is trying to use your account.
The email provides a link where you are asked to provide your Apple ID and password. Run away. "X" out the email immediately, if not sooner. Keep in mind that Apple does not check your IP address, or else you might be unable to log into your Apple account from an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, if you stop and actually read the note, it says to Penligst to verify your identity. A quick Google check found no such word in the English language, and we're pretty sure that Apple wouldn't make up a word when communicating to customers.
Just remember that Apple will not embed a link to verify information. Also, if you run your cursor over the link, you will find it goes to a non Apple website with a .tk Country code domain. That stands for Tokelau, a country in the South Pacific that was responsible for 21.5% of all phishing attempts in 2010. So do your friends and family a favor. Spread the word before any of them makes a mistake that could cost them some money.
An image of the actual email can be found below.
Watch out for this phishing attempt aimed at Apple users
A published report out of China indicates that a "mini" version of the Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet is on the way. The device will reportedly be named the Nokia Lumia 1520 V and will feature a 4.3 inch screen, down sharply from the 6 inch glass found on the full-sized version of the phone. However, the screen on the "V" will keep the same 1080 x 1920 resolution employed on the larger model. That could result in one of the highest pixel density figures on a smartphone.
The rest of the specs include 2GB of RAM and 32GB of native storage. A 14MP PureView camera is on back and a 3000mAh battery powers the whole shebang. The phone is expected to be unveiled after Windows Phone 8.1 is released in April. There is also some thought that this is an international version of the unannounced Nokia Lumia 929 aka the Nokia Icon. However, that phone is expected to launch at Verizon with a 5 inch display.
Take this report with the proverbial grain of salt until we get some official word from Nokia. Check out the slideshow for a couple of glimpses of what is allegedly the Nokia Lumia 1520V.
Back when the Motorola Moto G was announced, company officials went on record saying that there’s a dual-SIM version coming down the road, but provided no details on either pricing or availability. Well, now we have at least one piece of the puzzle as the dual-SIM Moto G has landed Australia.
The information comes courtesy of Motorola’s official webpage for the land Down Under, so it should be a pretty certain deal. The new Moto G version has seemingly debuted very recently, as we were unable to locate any online stores in Oz that actually have dual-SIM units in stock. That’s why we are also unable to comment on the price difference between them and the regular Moto G.
Here’s hoping that Motorola expands the availability of the dual-SIM Moto G to more markets shortly. With the first version doing quite well on its own, another one which allows you to optimize your spending on phone bills could help the company grab significant share in certain markets.
We’ll keep you posted as more info comes up!
Thanks, jtrvk, for the tip!
The market for PCs may be stabilizing, but that hasn't stopped Intel from cutting a few thousand jobs. Earlier this week the chipmaker revealed its earnings for 2013, which included "signs of stabilization" for the traditional PC market. However, despite this the company is being forced to reduce its workforce by five percent this year, which amounts to more than 5,000 jobs. The cuts are expected to include retirements and other voluntary options. "This is part of aligning our human resources to meet business needs," spokesman Chris Kraeuter told Reuters.
The announcement comes after an earnings report that seemed like good news for the company, including a two percent quarterly increase in PC revenue and what was described as "strong" growth in the tablet sector. Of course, Intel isn't the only company hit by the declining market for traditional PCs. Last month HP announced that it would be eliminating 5,000 jobs in 2014, bringing its multi-year restructuring plan up to a total of 34,000 layoffs.
At least according to L'Oreal. The hair care giant (and purveyor of giant hair) just announced Matrix Class for Glass, which gives clients and beauty school students a stylists-eye view of your head. The three-part program includes a video series of in-depth beauty tutorials shot with Google's wearable; Matrix Eye for Style, an "exclusive" salon experience provided by George Papanikolas, who will record sessions with the headset; and a series of lessons for beauty professionals given by be-Glassed hair care superstars.
This isn't the first or last time L'Oreal has taken advantage of the wearable; it used Glass to document Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid late last year and has plans to release a Glass app sometime in 2014. It might seem like an odd coupling considering most glass holes are more Super Cuts than Vidal Sassoon, but L'Oreal says there's an intersection between the early adopters of fashion and tech. According to a study done by its partner at Fashion Week, Nurun, "The futuristic nature of Google Glass appealed to the fashion-forward, tech-savvy audience..." When we start seeing years-old issues of Wired replacing copies of Southern Hair at Truvy's, we'll believe it.
Source:engadget.com
At CES, Sony announced a special version of the international Xperia Z1, called the Xperia Z1S for T-Mobile in US. While on surface, the two phones seem nearly identical, except for minor differences such as 32GB of storage space instead of 16GB, turns out there is one more important change under the hood that you won't see on a spec sheet.
According to various sources, the Xperia Z1S comes with a locked bootloader. While that itself is not a big deal, the bootloader on the Z1S cannot be unlocked. The international Z1, on the other hand, lets you unlock the bootloader in a few simple steps. The request to make the bootloader unlockable was apparently at T-Mobile's request.
This is rather unfortunate as it will make flashing custom ROMs rather difficult. If that's something you want, you should consider getting your hands on the international model.
So you dropped your Apple iPhone 5c on the sidewalk and cracked the glass. What can you do? After you let out all of your tears, kicked an old lady in the shins and whined to a bartender how unfair life is for a good 45 minutes, you can actually go somewhere to get your broken screen repaired or replaced. Starting next week, the Apple Store will repair or replace broken screens on the Apple iPhone 5c.
The game plan is for the Apple Store to start offering this service on January 20th. A broken display can be repaired/replaced in an hour without having to replace the handset. This is a big deal to those who hate having to reinstall apps on a brand new phone. Apple has been testing out the service at select stores and is ready to expand this to all brick and mortar Apple Stores except for those in Canada and Hong Kong. It's expected that an uninsured screen repair/replacement for the Apple iPhone 5c will cost $149. Still, that is less than the price of a new unsubsidized phone. Those with Apple Care will have to pay only $49 to repair or replace the screen.
And if you own the full-featured Apple iPhone 5s, better hold on tightly to your phone. While Apple is planing to eventually rollout screen repair/replacement for the iPhone 5s, right now that service is available in a limited number of Apple Stores. There is no date scheduled for the full rollout of screen repairs or replacements for the current flagship iPhone.
source: 9to5Mac via TechRadar
Last Monday, we told you that by the end of this week, the Android 4.2.2 update for the AT&T HTC One X+ would start its rollout no later than Friday with Sense 5.0 along for the ride. The good news is that the update has begun, right on time. And this means that the BlinkFeed streaming news and social media feed is now available for your phone along with the new photo gallery, Music Channel and Miracast.
Since the update is rolling out in waves, don't jump if it hasn't hit your phone yet. You can also try to pull it out of your phone by going to Settings > Software Update > Check for Updates. Some of the new features include the Daydream screen saver, the Battery Percentage Notification that allows you to have a more precise idea about the battery life left on your phone, the new lock screen that removes the ring, a new notifications bar and quick settings, the updated app tray, Auto Exposure and Auto Focus lock on the camera, an updated camera interface and a new recent apps list.
We also have some good news for those with the HTC One X. HTC says that shortly after the update starts rolling out for the HTC One X+, it will start to be pushed out for the AT&T version of the HTC One X. HTC states the update will take 20 minutes to complete. We would suggest that you be connected to a Wi-Fi network when updating your phone. And your battery must be at least 35% charged for the update to complete. If this is the end of the road for the HTC One X+, the phone is going out with a bang.
AT&T HTC One X+ gets Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5.0Fullscreen
