Jelly Bean is on twice as many Android devices now than it was two months ago.
The Jelly Bean build of Google's Android platform is finally making its way to devices. According to Google's Android Developers Dashboard, versions 4.1 and 4.2 now account for 13% of Android-powered devices.
This figure is up from 6.7% in December of last year, a doubling of installs in the last 60-days. This sharp increase is attributable to several high profile devices receiving the Jelly Bean update over Christmas, including the Samsung Galaxy S3.
Jelly Bean graph
Slowly but surely
Google first announced Jelly Build back in June of 2012, alongside the Nexus 7 tablet. The upgrade included major performance enhancements and the new Google Now predictive search tool.
The largest fragment of the Android pie still belongs to Gingerbread, with 45% of devices still running version 2.3. This number is shrinking though, down 9% since November.
The rule of 3 - something about being cheap we think
The ZTE Blade 3 has been officially announced by the Chinese firm and promises big value and a big screen experience.
ZTE is best known as a budget smartphone manufacturer, and while it's trying to shift that reputation with flagship products such as the Grand S there's no question where the Blade 3 sits in the market.
The Blade 3 will only set you back £69.99 plus £10 PAYG top up, or if you prefer you can have it for free on contact starting from £13 per month (as long as you are a Virgin Media customer).
Bargain?
For your £80 outlay you'll get a 4-inch 800 x 480 TFT display, 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage (of which 2.5GB is available), 5MP rear camera, 1,600mAh battery a Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.
That's a decent set of specs for the money and puts the Blade 3 up against the more expensive Sony Xperia Miro and HTC Desire C which are both almost £100 dearer.
We were pretty impressed during our hands on ZTE Blade 3 review but we'll reserve proper judgement for our full in-depth review.
9to5Mac reported late on Monday that it had discovered some files deep within the bowels of an iOS 6.1-running iPad that hint at the existence of such a service.
The .png files are labeled "transport radio buy button" with several variations, and they reveal a pair of buttons, in grey and green, that resemble the radio icon used in older versions of iTunes.
The presence of the word "buy" in the icons' file names seems significant. Could Apple be planning to charge for its rumored streaming music service?
The streaming music blues
The buttons currently have no purpose in the OS, and they don't appear on iPhones, according to the site - just on iPads with the .1 update of iOS 6.
But it's unclear when Apple plans to launch its streaming radio service, if at all, and the relevant files could be added in a subsequent iOS update for iPhones if necessary.
Rumors of the planned Apple radio service appeared in September, when the Wall Street Journal reported that the Cupertino company was preparing to launch a bonafide Pandora rival.
Those preparations supposedly hit a snag in October, when Sony and Apple were said to be having disputes over the terms.
Then, in December, CNET reported that Warner and Universal, who together with Sony comprise three of the largest music labels in the industry, had joined in making Apple's life difficult.
What a coincidence
Rumors pegged the Apple music streaming service with a Q1 2013 launch, and the arrival of these mysterious "radio buy" files in iOS 6.1 could indicate that Apple is indeed preparing for the radio service launch.
This is it. The BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 are meant to be the symbolic last stand for the Waterloo-based smartphone company, but for whatever reason, they’re not timing a simultaneously worldwide launch. The Z10 started selling in the UK and some other parts of Europe late last week, Canadians are getting their hands on the new touchscreen BB10 device starting today, but what about our friends south of the border?
While we heard some non-specific rumblings about the BlackBerry Z10 making its way to the United States “in a couple months,” now we have some harder evidence saying it’ll debut with T-Mobile on March 27. That doesn’t necessarily mean that T-Mobile will be the first American carrier to offer the new BlackBerry, but that is the first “solid” date that we’ve heard. This comes by way of a leaked image from what appears to be some internal documentation, along with some information about a few upcoming Samsungs and an LTE mobile hotspot.
It’s quite possible that other American carriers, like Verizon or AT&T, will be launching the BlackBerry Z10 around the same time. It’s also quite possible that the QWERTY-packing BlackBerry Q10 will be ready by that time too, so perhaps that’s why they’re waiting out. As a quick refresher, the BlackBerry Z10 has a dual core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, microSD slot, 8MP main camera, and 2MP front camera. Given that Canadian providers are selling the BlackBerry Z10 for as low as $140 on a three-year, I imagine standard US pricing will be about $199 on a two-year contract.
Channel 4's 4oD catch-up app has finally been released for Android smartphones and tablets long after its launch on Apple's iOS platform.
The free, on-demand service brings access to the last 30 days of programming from Channel 4, More 4 and E4, which includes The Undateables, Peep Show, Utopia and Embarrassing Fat Bodies.
There's also an A-Z library featuring a host of classic Channel 4 archive content like Father Ted, The IT Crowd and The Inbetweeners for fans of the old school.
The app offers unlimited, free streaming over Wi-Fi, but doesn't accommodate playback over mobile networks at present.
No Live TV...yet
However, the app doesn't facilitate the Live TV functionality promised by Channel 4 late last year, but we suppose it's important for C4 to walk on Android before it starts to run.
"We're pleased to be able to extend our successful video-on-demand service to this range of modern Android devices with a dedicated 4oD app," said Sarah Milton, head of video on demand at Channel 4.
"Users will now be able to catch up on their favourite Channel 4 shows and enjoy many more classics from the Channel 4 archive via their smartphones and tablets," she added.
To use the app you'll need to be running Android 4.0 and above, while C4 claims it has been specially optimised for the Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus 4, the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Tab 10.1 and, curiously, the ancient HTC Desire S.
Ouya, the Android-based gaming console that raised over $8.5 million from more than 63,000 backers on Kickstarter, is now officially available for pre-order to anyone who missed out on the campaign and will be available at a wide range of retailers in June. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman offered details about the planned rollout, noting that Kickstarter backers will be the first to receive the console sometime in March, with orders from the Ouya site shipping in April, and retail availability in June.
Gamers can reserve their console for $99.99 via Target, Best Buy, Amazon and GameStop. That price includes a single controller and an extra pad will set you back $49.99. That’s a bit expensive as Uhrman herself admits but she also maintains that the inclusion of a touchpad makes up for the premium pricing.
The palm-sized console packs an ARM Cortex-A9 Quad-Core 1.7GHz processor, Nvidia Tegra 3 SoC, 1GB of RAM and 8GB internal flash memory. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and as such it’s able to support services like OnLive, as well as games sold through its own store. Uhrman was hesitant to disclose specific details regarding the number developers working on games for Ouya, but she noted an extensive lineup will be available, with games from every genre developed by publishers of all sizes.
Part of the appeal of Ouya is its open nature. The console can be rooted without voiding the warranty and is purposely made to be easily disassembled for hardware expansion and modifications.
What good is a tool like Android runtime if it's not even up to date?
Thankfully, BlackBerry announced on Tuesday at the BlackBerry Jam Europe event in Amsterdam that the Android runtime environment will eventually be updated to Android 4.1: Jelly Bean.
Android runtime allows developers to re-package Android apps for use on BlackBerry, but it's currently stuck at Android 2.3.3: Gingerbread.
The newly renamed company reportedly announced that Jelly Bean is in the works for Android runtime at the developer-oriented event, later confirming the news with Engadget, though it provided no time frame for when Jelly Bean might arrive.
Jelly Bean apps on the Z10
BlackBerry Z10 owners will certainly benefit from an update Android runtime environment, as it ushers more up-to-date Android apps through a shortcut onto the BlackBerry 10 platform.
Good on BlackBerry for bothering to upgrade Android runtime - no doubt the Canadian phone maker would rather see developers port their apps to run natively on BB10, but runtime provides an easy (if imperfect) alternative.
As it stands, Android runtime is like a version of Wine for Mac, which allows Windows apps to be packaged individually for use on Apple's OS without need for a Windows OS license, that's only compatible with Windows XP software.
It's true that some emulators, like those for retro video game systems, are meant to preserve old software, but when it comes to Android runtime we'd rather have it as current as possible.
Reports over at Android Central are suggesting that Google could be working on their very own integrated messaging application. The rumors stem from a screenshot taken of Chrome OS running a never seen before application.
From the screenshot the applications appears to be a notification bar allowing Google users to keep an eye on Google+ shares, messages, emails and other chat notifications. However, this could also be a whole lot more if synced to Android and could allow missed phone calls and SMS messages to be pushed to your PC.
If Google manages to produce an integrated messaging service it is likely to upset Apple who currently have iMessage. While this solution only works between your OSX and iOS devices, a Google solution would likely work across all platforms: Mac, PC, Chrome OS, Android and even other mobile operating systems.
What do you think, interested in such a unified messaging platform or not?
While it doesn’t sound like the supposed “Project X” phone from Motorola is going to be Google’s next Nexus device, Google and Motorola have been working together on this new smartphone and now some more details are being leaked. The expectation is that Google will be unveiling Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie to the world on May 15 and it could be making its debut with this so-called Motorola X Phone.
The name might change, of course, but it seems that an unnamed source has gotten his hands on an early prototype of the device.
Google and Motorola have been working closely to address two primary concerns: battery life and durability. That sounds right up the alley of the recent Motorola DROID RAZR HD and its DROID RAZR HD MAXX counterpart.
They’re handling battery life with a bigger battery, probably in the same range as the 3300mAh unit found in the MAXX, and they’re handling the durability thing with the Kevlar back we already see on the RAZR HD and MAXX. So, what’s so special here?
Even though the MAXX has a large battery, there are some software and hardware things that make the battery drain faster. They’ve apparently optimized this, as they were able to get through “several road trip hours on a [single] charge with the GPS software constantly on, which usually is an activity that kills your juicer in no time.”
It sounds like they’re sticking with a 4.8-inch screen, but they’re getting bumped to a quad core processor, up to 128GB of storage, microSD, and a much better Sony Exmor RS camera, the last of which will be a significant improvement for Motorola. And, of course, this phone will likely get Key Lime Pie and who knows what secret sauce Google has baking for that Android upgrade? It may not be a Nexus, but this version of KLP is likely to be vanilla or very close to vanilla too.
A lot can change in the next three months, but things are looking up for Project X. What do you think, interested in the Motorola X Phone or not?
HTC has been in the mobile market for a few years now. In fact, the High Tech Computer (HTC) Company world’s first touch and wireless handheld device in 1998. From then on, HTC got their big break with the introduction of Android and the HTC EVO 4G. At HTC’s peak, in 2011, they raked in a yearly total of $9.449 billion (revenue).
Now, it looks as if the first quarter results will miss the mark coming in between $1.69 and $2.03 billion. These numbers would be a significant drop against $2.03 billion last quarter and $2.22 billion one year ago. HTC’s CEO Peter Chou is helping to keep an optimistic vibe saying that the worst is already behind them.
HTC Chief Financial Officer Chang Chia-Lin stated in a conference call today that they are preparing to offer smartphones at less than 1,999 yuan ($320). In addition, this plan is reportedly going to give HTC leverage in the expanding Chinese mobile market. However, the market is not untapped. Tim Cook stated that China was Apple’s next big move when they pulled in $7.3 billion in the December quarter.
Analysts are already predicting that HTC could rebound in the next quarter by posting better numbers thanks to a surge in sales from low-cost phones. Will HTC be able to rebound from this bump in the road? Are low-cost smartphones the future of the mobile market? Let us know in the comments below.
Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson earned just over $100 million in incensing fees from the game in 2012 according to a report in the Swedish financial press. The outspoken creator is still all a bit taken back by the fame and fortune, as he recently discussed in a thread on Reddit.
As the video game programmer and designer describes it, he grew up in a relatively poor family. Once he got a decent job, he never really had to worry about money. His hobbies were playing video games and programming – neither of which are real cash-suckers. He said he still had to save up for trips and to be able to buy consoles or computers but all of that just felt normal.
Thanks to the way modern society works, he wrote, he now has more money than he knows what to do with. Notch said he still likes to play video games and program and after buying the latest computers and consoles, where isn’t much more to spend the money on besides traveling. He said he might even consider getting a driver’s license and buying a car.
As for what to do with is fortune, he said the right thing to do would be to set aside a good bit to make sure his family is comfortable. He would also like to live out some dreams and then simply use the rest to try to make society a better place overall. For him, that includes giving to charities that help children and supporting groups that promote freedom like the EFF.
Design wise, both handsets borrow heavily from the Samsung Galaxy S3, as do all the new Galaxy handsets - probably in an attempt to get away from any potential law suits with Apple.
The Galaxy Frame sports slightly better features than the Young with a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 display, 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB internal storage, 5MP camera, VGA front snapper, NFC, 1,300mAh battery and Android Jelly Bean (version 4.1).
Jelly Bean for all
Probably coming in slightly cheaper than the Frame, the Samsung Galaxy Young has a smaller 3.27-inch display, the same 1GHz processor and Jelly Bean OS - but surprisingly more RAM at 768MB.
NFC doesn't feature on the handset and you only get a 3MP camera round the back, while the Bluetooth technology is version 3.0 instead of the Galaxy Frame's 4.0 offering.
TechRadar spoke to Samsung regarding pricing and availability of the Galaxy Frame and Galaxy Young, with the manufacturer confirming that "availability for the UK will be week commencing March 25."
Both handsets will likely be knocking around MWC 2013 at the end of February, and we'll be there to get hands on with both of them, so stay tuned for our early findings.
So you bought an iPhone 5. That's a valuable piece of tech in your back pocket, especially if you plumped for maximum capacity.
Now imagine dropping it. Apple's new baby stands up to knocks fairly well, but even a scuff or a scratch on a half-grand device is going to grate. Isn't it time you put an iPhone case on it?
Here's our pick of the best iPhone 5 cases available now.
1. Griffin Protector - $14.99 (£9.50)
The Griffin Protector case acts as a middle ground for those wanting increased protection without the military-spec and bulk of the Griffin Survivor. The reinforced silicone iPhone 5 case boasts extra thickness at the edges, providing added assurance that your device is safe from mid-grade knocks, while the matte finish ensures a decent grip.
This more elegant iPhone 5 case marries a lush fascia with a clear polycarbonate, bevel-edged surround that offers decent covering for the edges of your phone. The QDOS case feels rigid enough to stand up to at least mild abuse, but steers well clear of the camera lens and doesn't impede access to buttons.
Griffin's über-protective technology is already renowned for its Defense Standard specification, and this iPhone 5 version doesn't buck the trend. Shatter-resistant polycarbonate as well as hinged button and dock plugs cloak the phone, while a built-in screen protector seals in your device, keeping it safe from dirt, sand, rain, shock – pretty much anything the world can throw at it. The equivalent of wrapping your phone in cotton wool.
Suave yet simple, the rawHIDE is cut from hard black polycarbonate and wrapped in a layer of genuine leather. The iPhone 5 case's shell is stiff enough, but those wanting added protection with a little give on the rim and corners may want to look elsewhere.
Soft and durable grippiness defines the PixelSkin HD. Its rubbery, flexible casing pops on and off with ease, but only when you need it to. The raised bevel of this case protects the front panel well, and shields the buttons from dings without impeding access.
If you've got it, flaunt it. Griffin Reveal stays true to the maxim with what at first appears to be a classic bumper. Closer inspection of this iPhone 5 case, though, reveals a transparent polycarbonate shell lined with a rubberised edge, providing fair-to-middling protection without veiling the machined beauty of your superior tech.
If toughness isn't your thing and you can live with faux-leather then this Proporta iPhone case is a decent enough take on the 'c-clip' style cover. It's lightweight, soft to the touch and covers the front and rear completely without interfering with button access or camera operability.
This snug-fitting hard iPhone 5 case from Proporta really looks the part without smothering the iPhone's sleek aesthetic. The logo of outdoor sports fashion brand Quiksilver sits front and centre in its blue check design, although the protection on offer can't be said to match such ideals. It'll keep knocks and scratches at bay no problem, just keep it far from the surf.
Scosche doubles down on protection with its latest sports cover, combining a textured polycarbonate outer case with a rubberized interior to absorb shock. The open design ensures connections and controls remain accessible, while an integrated kickstand only adds to the slick feel. The screen and chamfer do feel a little over-exposed for active lifestyles though.
If you're looking for a cute and crazy iPhone 5 case you could do a lot worse than this Griffin case. Thick silicone encases the handset, while a lovely round rim envelopes the display, which also serves to protect the screen from falls. The goofy design is perfect for kids – if you can trust them with a £500+ device…
If you're willing to spend a little more to protect your iPhone 5 then definitely check out this case from Piel Frama. The Spanish company's handmade cases only use the highest quality cow skin leather, and it really shows. The inner lining is as luxuriant as the outer cover, which folds over the screen and stays there, secured by hidden magnets. It even comes with a removable belt clip.
The close-fit and smooth bevelled edges of the UrbanShield emphasize the solid protection it gives your iPhone against keys and coins in your pocket. Meanwhile the rubber rim around the front panel of the case protects the glass from falls, and dips into a nice carbon weave detail on the aluminium rear. A screen protector seals the look.
The Otterbox weds industrial protection with style in its multi-layer defence against heavy knocks and falls. A candy-coloured polycarbonate skeleton houses a solid inner shell with built-in screen protector, and a large belt clip holsters the entire unit for a third layer of protection. Not too slim then, but a very secure iPhone case.
Rocking an oblong rear window and polka-dot fabric, X-Doria's Dash looks straight off the haute couture fashion line. It's not delicate either, thanks to its hard polycarbonate shell and rimmed edges, offering good resistance against everyday impacts.
The Snugg Squared is made of rubberized silicone that stands up well against drops and shocks and feels grippy in the hand. The rounded rim puts ample space between the display and the floor to protect the glass and limit impact shock. Mould size has been known to vary on this range, so try before you buy if possible.
We can't go a day, or even an hour, without some sort of HTC M7 related news at the moment, with the flagship smartphone now apparently showing up on retailer's databases.
According to Pocket-Lint, it has been handed an image showing the inventory for UK retailer Carphone Warehouse where the HTC M7 is listed in both black and silver along with a screen protector and hard case.
It's not just the British firm which has apparently let slip its inventory: German site HTC Inside also claims to have received a snap of Vodafone's system showing the HTC M7.
It's coming
There's no doubt that the HTC M7 will arrive soon with the Taiwanese firm's February 19 event the likely stage for the new flagship handset to be announced.
Although specifications and the final launch name are still unconfirmed, the M7 looks set to pack a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 4.7-inch full HD display, 13MP camera with ultrapixel smarts and Android Jelly Bean.
TechRadar will be at the HTC event to bring you the latest from the Taiwanese firm and a hands-on review of the M7, if it does indeed arrive then.
The much anticipated HTC M7 has been brought into sharper focus by a small hint on HTC's website, promising big image quality.
The Taiwanese firm has just launched an infographic on "The Brief History of Photography", and while that may sound pretty innocuous, things take a teasing turn towards the end.
The final section, which falls under the 2013 banner, reads: "HTC kicks off a new sound and camera experience in 2013."
Say cheese
A trusted TechRadar source has confirmed that this refers to the event on February 19, where we expect to see the HTC M7 launch.
Yesterday we heard reports that HTC was apparently looking to drop megapixels from the M7 handset in favour of ultrapixels to provide higher resolution images in a similar way to Nokia's PureView technology.
Coupled with today's news, it looks pretty likely that we will see the HTC M7 sporting fancy new camera tech later this month, with previous reports suggesting it will also feature a quad-core processor, full HD 4.7-inch display and Android Jelly Bean.
