Last week word broke that Nokia was working on an Android phone code-named Normandy - but now the rumour mill says the Nokia prototypes have been shelved.

Chinese site CTech now says the cheap Android devices that Nokia has been experimenting with over the past couple of years will not see the light of day - supposedly this has nothing to do with Nokia's devices sale to Microsoft but we can't imagine that will have helped.

Big on the graphene scene

Instead, the R&D department that was working on the Android project will be working on wireless power, low power energy generation, flexible displays, graphene sensors and augmented reality tech.

Because the office in question is not being sold to Microsoft, it seems as though Nokia may launch some wearable tech using these exciting new components independently of the Redmond-based company in the coming years.

That could mean smart glasses like Google Glass, but probably not a smartwatch that's already in development because that's gone as part of the Microsoft deal.

So still no Nokia-made Android phones or tablets - but don't worry, we're sure the rumours will be back for another go on the Nokia/Android roundabout in 2014.

• Would a Nokia Android phone make it into the 20 best mobile phones in the world today? We wouldn't bet on it

We first caught sight of Samsung's GamePad back around the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 only for it to go AWOL, but now, finally, it's heading to stores and should be available in the UK within weeks.

The Samsung Smartphone GamePad has changed a little in the months since we last saw it. It's now black rather than white and the button layout and design has been changed slightly, but its purpose (allowing users to play mobile games with console like controls) remains the same.

The GamePad is optimised for Samsung devices running Android 4.3 or above, but it works with any phone or tablet running Android 4.1 or higher and it connects through Bluetooth pairing. It can even be clipped on to any handset that's between 4 and 6.3 inches.

Go large

Plus with the addition an HDMI cable or AllShare Screen Mirroring you can connect your phone to a TV screen and get something approaching a true console experience.

At launch 35 games are optimised for use with the Smartphone GamePad, including Asphalt 8 and Virtua Tennis Challenge, but many more are promised for 2014.

Mobile gaming has grown substantially over the years and with a big name like Samsung supporting it there's every chance that it will become even more popular.

Having said that, if you're looking into buying a smartphone game pad Samsung's offering isn't the only one out there. MOGA for example have been on the scene for quite a while and have several such devices to their name.

Only time will tell whether Samsung's brand power will make it the leader of the pack, and without a price to go on thus far we're left wondering just how many GamePads will sell.

• Looking for something similar for an iPhone? MOGA has you covered.

The Google Play versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are again demonstrating that stock Android phones have all the perks, as they have been upgraded to Android 4.2.2 today.

Granted, this is a minor update to Google's mobile operating system with the release notes indicating it's a security patch full of bug fixes, noted Android Community, as was the case with 4.4.1 a few days before it.

Android 4.4.1 had also fixed the Nexus 5 camera on December 5, adding auto focus, white balance and HDR+ to the previously mediocre camera software.

But that really doesn't matter to Galaxy S4 and HTC One owners, so today's Android 4.2.2 updated is all about fixing more glitches for them.

Ap Ops was an app oops

Android 4.4.2 features one less menu with the controversial removal of Android 4.4 KitKat "App ops" interface in settings.

Introduced in Android 4.3, it allowed users to restrict apps from accessing their location, reading their contacts and modification their contacts.

Users were able to configure these settings on an app-by-app basis, but Google said "App ops" was "released by accident," according to the disappointed privacy hawks at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Still, it's a good feeling to get an over-the-air Android update on time as opposed to phones bought through a carrier. They typically have to wait a couple of months before updates roll out.

Read: Samsung may reveal its first 2K ultra HD phone at MWC in February

There have been rumors about a wood chassis for Motorola's Moto X for months, and the company is finally acknowledging them officially - albeit cryptically.

In a Google+ post Motorola published an image of the Moto X's silhouette dotted-lined onto a slab of wood, with the caption "Put this DIY project on hold. Trust us."

The intent behind the message is clear, though details are still scarce. But we'll be keeping an eye out for the wood option to hit Motorola's Moto Maker customization platform soon.

Of course the real question now is, if a Moto X is called in the woods with no one around to hear it, does it still ring?

More blips

Why do TechRadar's blips float in the water? Because they're made of wood!

• Beyoncé's secret album puts other iTunes sales records to shame
• Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul heading to Netflix
• That's it, we're out of gold puns: 24 carat Xbox One hits Harrods

It's been a week since we heard any murmurings about the Samsung Galaxy S5 and right on cue, the South Korean media says we'll see the first over 1080p resolution phone at Mobile World Congress.

The Galaxy smartphone maker is rumored to unveil its first QHD device with a 2560×1440 resolution at Mobile World Congress 2014, according to ZDNet Korea. The reports don't specifically label this QHD device as the Galaxy S5, but it's unlikely this screen will make its way into something other than Samsung's flagship phone.

According to the Korean media's sources, Samsung's ultra HD screened phone will also feature an iris verification system that scans user's eyes as a security measure. The pairing of this retinal scanner and the ultra HD strongly suggests the phone in question is the long rumored Galaxy S5.

In another connected report from ET News, another Korean new affiliate, suggested the world would see a Galaxy S5 launch by March or April. Connecting all the dots it would make sense, especially given the Galaxy S4 rolled onto shelves a month after it's original unveiling.

Are the rumors true?

After months of rumors and speculation, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting handset's we've seen in a very long time. If the rumors are true.

Besides it's ultra HD screen the Samsung Galaxy S5 is speculated to come packing a 2.5GHz processor that's also the first 64-bit part ever for an Android smartphone. In another first, the 5.5-inch device has 4GB of RAM, the most ever seen on a mobile device.

Again, there are still too many rumors flying around to not take many of these reports with a grain of salt. Much like a unicorn, we'll believe it when we see it – and luckily we won't have to wait very long with MWC 2014 just around the year's corner starting from February 24 to the 27.

• Sony's Xperia Z1 variants are putting up a decent fight in the speed race