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We go hands on with HTC's newly renovated One X+, a great new phone coming to AT&T this fall.

The HTC One X wasn’t able to match the staying power and popularity of the Samsung Galaxy S3 earlier this year, but HTC wants a rematch. For the last few months, it’s been working out and training hard and sometime this fall, the One X+ will enter AT&T’s squared circle to duke it out once again. Will it be up to the task? I’m not sure, but I do know that HTC has a good looking, powerful phone on its hands. This week, I got to hold it in my own hands and the One X continues to impress. This time, as the revamped “One X+.”

If you’d like to know everything there is to know about the One X and its capabilities, check out our full One X review. The differences between that device and the one I fiddled around with are minimal and mostly internal. When it comes down to it, if you didn’t like the One X, you’re not going to like the One X+, but if you did like the One X, and for some insane reason already need a new phone after only six months, then the X+ may be for you. Instead of white, it now comes in black; instead of Android 4.0, it now runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), which is much smoother and has some nice upgrades; and instead of an 1,800mAh battery, it now has a 2,100mAh in it, which HTC reps told me boosts battery life by 50 percent. If true, then the One X+ will be a definite contender in the war for a phone that can last an entire day. It will also be one of the first phones to come with Android 4.1 out of the box.

The One X+ has a few geekier (yes, it gets geekier) upgrades. It’s capable of high-speed 4G LTE connectivity like its predecessor, but thanks to Nvidia getting its act together, now the U.S. LTE version of the One X+ has a 1.7GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 processor in it as well, which also helps battery life thanks to Nvidia’s optimized miniature 5th processing core that handles easy tasks when you aren’t using your phone much. Internal file storage memory has doubled from 32GB to 64GB, making this one of the best phones for storage to ever come out. Unfortunately, there is still no microSD option or battery access due to the unibody design. The weight and dimensions of the phone are virtually unchanged aside from a slightly refined coating on the polycarbonate (a really good kind of plastic) shell, that has a better rubbery grippy feeling to it — and yes, “rubbery grippy” is a technical term now.

The One X+ has the same rear camera as before, but the front camera and the camera app have received some tiny upgrades. You can now switch from rear to front cameras without digging into the camera app settings and the front camera is 1.6 megapixels instead of 1.3. Will it make a big difference? Not really, but if you love to take pictures of yourself, it will add some pixels to your face. It is fun that you can now set a timer for the front camera.  Again, a small feature, much like the minuscule increase in the size of the onscreen shutter button. Compared to other manufacturers (outside of Apple), HTC’s camera app is currently just about the best. And because it has taken photography so seriously and even included an ‘ImageSense’ chip inside the phone, the One X+ will be one of the best camera phones on the market, no doubt. 

I received a lot of flack a few months back when I said that I prefer the Galaxy S3′s Super AMOLED screen to the One X’s Super LCD 2 display. In retrospect, I may have underestimated the One X. The One X+ has that same, gorgeous 1280 x 720 pixel display and it looked just as good last night as it ever has. If you’re a screen buff, you’ll want to check out HTC’s flagship.

Overall, it’s sad that the One X+ is only coming to AT&T. That puts a cap on its potential. If the final product turns out this well, though it’s going to be one of the best phones on AT&T this holiday season, right alongside the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5. Kudos to HTC for sticking with the One X. It may not have made its mark, but the second time may be a charm.

Hands-on video

If the rumors are true, Android 4.2 will bring many welcome changes to the platform like improved battery life and optional UI skins.

According to Android and Me, taking information from a trusted source (the same individual that shared info on the LG Nexus), Android 4.2 is going to include a large number of changes. The most exciting rumored improvements are a new Customization Center, revamped Nexus program, and battery-saving Project Roadrunner. We already know what to expect from the next Nexus device, but until now Android 4.2 rumors have been a scarce commodity. 

Customization Center

The alleged new Customization Center provides a central place where users can change languages, backgrounds, launchers, ringtones, etc. The options can be expanded via Google Play as well, but this announcement alone is nothing more than a convenience for users who frequently play with these settings. However, there are two unique features rumored to be included: filters that modify the entire look of the UI and templates that change the appearance of all icons.

But the truly drool-worthy feature is the ability to switch from custom skins like TouchWiz and Sense into stock Android through the Customization Center. If the manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of its modified UI then the device defaults to stock Android. To make it crystal clear, we will no longer have to wait on manufacturers to upgrade to the latest version of Android.

Nexus Program

The new Nexus program has Google dictating certain hardware requirements for devices wishing to be Nexus-certified. The devices won’t need to carry the Nexus title in their name, rather it will be a stamp of approval from Google. The rumored requirements will force new smartphones to ship with stock Android and pack sufficient power to run mobile games made specifically for the Nexus brand. In addition, each Google-approved device will need to support Google Wallet through built-in NFC.

The new program will certainly offer incentive for Android-focused companies like HTC and Samsung. Besides the prestige that comes along with the Nexus brand, the devices will feature a new media streaming service offered via Google Play and access to games that will only function on Nexus products. There are no details on the streaming service yet.

Project Roadrunner and Minor Improvements

The successor to Project Butter, Roadrunner will focus on improving battery life but not much else is known about it. Updates to Google Play are being teased with new features like integration with the notification center, extra billing options, easier in-app purchases, and personalization. Google Now is rumored to bring basic OS function control and the stock video player will supposedly see a major redesign and allow 3rd party services to tie into it.

The sheer number of improvements and changes seems to be a lot for an incremental update (from 4.1 to 4.2) so we wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being version 5.0, but we’re not ruling anything out. The Nexus program is particularly exciting as Android has always been most compelling in its classic trappings. 

What do you think of the rumored upgrades? Would you add anything else to Google’s mobile baby?

If there's a hole in the mobile market, odds are good that a Kickstarter project will fill it sooner rather than later. Here's a collection of some of the best crowdsourced mobile products.

Kickstarter is full of great, innovative ideas in a wide array of categories. One of the most populous areas is the mobile sector, where new apps, games, and accessories are popping up every day. It’s as engaging as it is overwhelming — with so many different worthwhile causes, where do you throw your support? We took a quick look at some of the most noteworthy projects that are currently seeking support to go from idea to reality. Some of these are mobile games and applications, while others are phone accessories, but they all look pretty neat.

Sword of Fargoal 2 (iOS)

Sword of Fargoal is almost as retro as they come. It first appeared as a 1980′s cult-classic dungeon crawler for the Commodore 64, but with the smartphone revolution, creator Jeff McCord saw the perfect opportunity for a reintroduction. Fargoal Legends brought back the classic title with a modern twist on iOS and Mac in 2010. Now McCord is taking his looking to add another chapter to his lifelong love through Kickstarter with Sword of Fargoal 2. The campaign promises new features, a new look, and near infinite character customization. You can get the mobile version of the game with an $8 pledge and help a rougelike game get on the radar.

This project ends Saturday October 13, 2012 at 6:01 p.m. EST.

Football Heroes (iOS and Android)

Sports games tend to be hit or miss with gamers, but one Kickstarter campaign is promising to grab hold of players in a place that will get their attention: their nostalgia. Football Heroes harkens back to the days of NFL Blitz and Tecmo Bowl, where sports titles didn’t have to be perfect simulations of the game. Part football game, part beat ‘em up, and part RPG, Football Legends will allow players to create a character, smash through opponents, and have fun doing it. A $5 pledge gets you a copy of the game and chips away at the $12,000 goal.

This project ends Thursday October 11, 2012 at 2:59 p.m. EST.

Devil’s Core (iOS and Android)

By the time graphics started to get really impressive on PCs in the late 90s, point-and-click adventure games had run their course. But like all things, that trend is cyclical. Devil’s Cove aims to prove that with a point-and-click game that tells a thrilling mystery in a forsaken town. It’s creator, Anarchy Enterprises, has been making games since 2000 and believes he’s on to a worthy new adventure in a timeworn genre. For $15, you’ll land a standard edition of the game upon its release and early access as a beta tester. It’s project worth pointing your attention toward.

This project ends Wednesday October 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

GeoGebra (iPad)

Math is hard. Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s a subject that isn’t for everyone. First, there are all of the numbers and then they throw in letters too. GeoGebra is an iPad application that will act as a tool to teach mathematics in a better way. An easy to use interface and easy to understand teaching methods will hopefully make the cloud of confusion around equations melt away. The developers are looking to get $10,000, which will require the addition of a lot of small donations to achieve. Help them make their sum by by pledging to improve the educative process.

This project ends Friday October 19, 2012 at 4:13 p.m. EST.

TaskBox (iOS)

If you do the majority of your work via email, your inbox can quickly become a list of tasks that you have to accomplish. Of course, those tasks are scattered between things like “50 percent off on fish” and other junk messages you’ll never need. Taskbox aims to take your inbox back to a level of functionality and practicality. Important emails move to the front of the line, swipe gestures make organization easier, and quick responses save time. All these features and more are promised if the project reaches funding of $30,000. Pledge $5 and get the app for yourself.

This project ends Sunday October 28, 2012 at 11:10 p.m. EST.

Impossible Instant Lab (iPhone)

Like vinyls for music, Polaroid pictures seemed to have been out of style. But vinyls have made their way back, and instant photography appears to be doing the same. Impossible Instant Lab looks to push that movement forward by turning iPhone photos into instantly printable pictures. It aims to take the technological advances of the digital revolution and matches it with one of the most popular features the of analog era to make a perfect pairing for photography fans. This project has already received funding, but a $230 pledge will get you your own Impossible Instant Lab before it hits store shelves — assuming it ever hits store shelves.

This project ends Monday October 8, 2012 at 9:55 p.m. EST.

Spixi (iPhone 5, iOS, Android, WP, BB)

Apple claimed one of the ‘innovations’ of the iPhone 5 was a new kind of connector to sync and charge the device. One thing that the cord won’t change: The pains of wire management. That’s where Spixi comes in. The project will give those who own an iPhone 5, or other mobile device, a retractable cable for smartphones. It will keep your cords from getting lost, twisted, and tangled and will save you time trying to find and untie your USB cables. A $25 pledge will get you a unit for your device of choice, but if you get in on the action soon you can get one for a discounted $17.

This project ends Thursday November 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Complete Dock (iOS and some Android devices)

One of the problems of the mobile market’s fragmentation is the absurd amount of unique accessories that are needed. One of the most common products that users want for their devices is a dock, but how do you keep up when the devices are always changing? Complete Dock aims to give you a lifetime of the same dock, no matter what device you want to use it for. It is guaranteed to work with any model of iPad, iPhone (including the iPhone 5), and most smartphones and tablets that use a Micro USB connection. $60 is the starting pledge price to get yourself a CompleteDock.

This project ends Friday November 30, 2012 at 5:14 p.m. EST.

Helios (iPhone)

Helios is the first ever affordable telepresence robot. That phrase alone should sound cool enough to get you interested. It will turn your iPhone 4, 4S, 5, and iPod Touch into a new, movable form of communication. With the ability to move up, down, left, and right, Helios will give you a remote controlled presence that will allow you a full range of vision wherever the robot is. It adds a whole new layer to virtual communications. A $100 pledge will get you your very open robot. That’s a pretty solid sales pitch.

This project ends Sunday October 28, 2012 at 9:20 a.m. EST.

Jorno (iOS and Android)

How many times do you make at least a little spelling error typing on the virtual keyboard of your mobile device? Did you answer, “every time?” Then you’re like most people. Jorno sets out to cure the disease of spelling and grammar errors by giving you a full sized keyboard that connects via Bluetooth to your device. When you’re not using it, though, it folds up into an easy to carry, 3.5inch self-contained case. $79 will get you your own Jorno keyboard before it’s released, a significant discount from its planned $119 retail cost.

This project ends Wednesday October 17, 2012 at 3:17AM EST.

Executive producer Kiki Wolfkill sheds light on Halo 4’s upcoming Spartan Ops cooperative mode, the Forward Unto Dawn live-action series that will precede the game, and how the team advanced the story forward while respecting the game’s legacy.

Don’t call Halo 4 the beginning of a new trilogy, at least if executive producer Kiki Wolfkill is nearby. Microsoft and 343 Industries have spent the past three years mapping out a true transmedia universe for the future of the Halo. And it’s not a minor undertaking, but rather a 10-year plan that goes well beyond three new games and DLC.

With Halo 4 almost complete, Wolfkill took a break to give a small group of journalists a tour of where the magic happens. In addition to being home to 343 Industries, the former home to Bungie also houses the brain trust for Halo books, comics, live action series and other transmedia ventures. With everything under one roof, the game makers are able to help craft a more robust universe. Wolfkill talks about everything Halo 4 in this exclusive interview.

What were your goals heading into this project?

We definitely wanted to be ambitious with what we were doing with Halo, but we also wanted to make sure that we were being really true to the Halo legacy. It was a really complex balance of how much do we change, how much we add, and how much do we really just polish?

What do you think it is about the Halo franchise that has made it so popular worldwide over the years?

There are a couple of things. I think it’s the universe. We’re really fortunate that we have this really rich universe with characters like the Master Chief and Cortana that they can really connect to. There are some really human themes in the sci-fi stories that we tell, and then there’s a really unique and addictive gameplay loop — the sandbox allows you to experience the game differently through every time you have a different encounter. And I think that’s really unique to Halo.

Halo has been a huge mainstream hit. What are the challenges of designing a game that appeals to the mainstream, but also the core gamers out there?

Halo has a really strong core gamer following, which is amazing. Our story helps pull people in. With multiplayer we’ve always done a good job of having some modes that are really focused on a more hardcore experience. With the way our difficulty levels scales, it helps people come in that maybe aren’t as familiar with first-person shooters. Spartan Ops definitely takes that to another level. Playing with your friends cooperatively is always less intimidating than playing competitively. If you’re a fan of campaign and story and playing at your own pace, Spartan Ops really helps people come into multiplayer from campaign.

Halo has been at the forefront of transmedia, or bringing the story across other mediums. What role has that played when you were designing this new Halo saga?

When we started 343 and really looked at designing Halo 4, we also looked at the state of the whole IP and the franchise. One of the things we decided with this universe was that we wanted to make sure that every piece of it connected and is meaningful or relative to each other. Not that you have to experience the whole thing or read all the books or do all of that, but every piece should have a meaningful part of this larger universe. Transmedia has always been really core to what we’ve done. When we started designing the game, we also started seeding other fiction in novels, graphic novels, in anime, so that people who do like to explore all of it get an extra layer of story and information.

What role will Forward Unto Dawn play in this universe?

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a live action series that we are actually going to launch October 5. It will be a weekly series leading up to November 6, when Halo 4 launches. It tells the story of the first Covenant encounter with humans and takes place in the UNSC Corbulo Academy of Military Science. We’re going to be talking a little bit more about it, but the idea was to get to more of a mainstream audience. Live action is more accessible. How do we get more people introduced to some of the Halo storylines and Master Chief, who will have a role in it as well? It starts to involve some of the characters that you’ll actually meet, much, much later, chronologically, in the Infinity War Games multiplayer.

How has the evolution of technology helped you in creating this world?

Game industry technology is changing so quickly. Obviously, we’ve done a ton of work on the engine. Hopefully, it shows in the visuals of the game. As a platform, and being part of Microsoft first-party, all the work we’re doing to really connect all of our different devices. It’s amazing when you have an IP in a universe like Halo, because we have all of these stories to tell. If people can access them online on their phone, on their iPad, or on their PC, that is an amazing win for us. We want people to be able to engage with the universe and engage in some way with the game.

What are your thoughts about the multiscreen phenomenon that we are seeing going on right now, which also opens up SmartGlass?

I definitely think we’ve seen a trend in the last three to five years where people like some kind of bite-sized entertainment, whether they’re sitting on the bus or at school, being able to ingest content when you want and the convenience of being able to do it on any device. It’s just really a natural transition of media. We’re lucky. We have this IP that makes it easy to create experiences that are unique to all of those different devices.

How are you developing Halo 4 to take advantage of eSports?

With our multiplayer we have some really great peer competitive modes and we will definitely continue in that tradition. It’s a huge part of our community and our fan base, so we’ll always make sure that we have a competitive experience.

What are you most excited about fans being able to finally play on November 6?

I’m definitely personally excited about Spartan Ops. I feel like it’s a really different way of experiencing multiplayer. As an industry we’ve played with episodic content, and I think there have been a lot of different formulas. Spartan Ops feels really good. This combination of fiction and gameplay, and this whole shared experience, feels exciting. It feels like we could be onto something.