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Ask Andru: Which devices are compatible with iOS 8?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 8 devices

Apple announced iOS 8 and gave us a look at a bunch of the major features during its WWDC 2014 keynote (you can watch the WWDC 2014 keynote here.) We got a question in from Nick F. asking:

"I'm curious if my iPhone 4S will be able to run iOS 8. How do I know if it is compatible?"

You may be wondering if your iOS device is compatible with Apple's latest and greatest, so here's a look at the full list of Apple products that will be able to be upgraded to iOS 8:

  • iPhone 4S
  • iPhone 5
  • iPhone 5c
  • iPhone 5s
  • iPad 2
  • iPad with Retina display (iPad 3 and iPad 4)
  • iPad Air
  • iPad mini
  • iPad mini with Retina display
  • iPod touch (5th generation)

As you can see, as it pertains to the iPhone line, the iPhone 4 (released in 2010) and older will not be compatible with iOS 8. With iPad, it'll be the original model that won't be able to use the new operating system. Meanwhile, the only iPod touch that can run iOS 8 is the 5th generation model. That's quite a generous line-up when compared to competing smartphone and tablet platforms!


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iOS 8 to debut third-party keyboards, here comes Swype

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 8 swype keyboard

During its WWDC 2014 keynote, Apple announced iOS 8 will support third-party keyboards as part of a new extensions capability. You'll be able to set the new keyboard to be used system-wise, and Apple shows an image of the popular Swype keyboard system as an example. The keyboard will be sandboxed so that they can only access text input, although the user will have the ability to also grant the keyboard network access if there are more features that may require Internet access that someone may want to use.

Third-party keyboards will be available in the App Store when iOS 8 is released.


Unboxing Live 142: LG G Flex

We bring you a look at the LG G Flex smartphone in this episode of Unboxing Live. The device sports the obvious gorgeous, curved OLED 720p display, which is actually flexible to 180 degrees and also features self-healing material on the rear casing. For real. Other specs include the inclusion of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel rear camera. We open it up, and show you what's included with the G Flex, and give you a full walkthrough of the device.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel, and don't forget--we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 142: LG G Flex


LG G3: LG’s new flagship shines with it’s 5.5-inch Quad HD display

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Displays, Handhelds,

LG G3 smartphone

LG has finally announced its G3 smartphone, it's new flagship device. As previously leaked, the LG G3 features a 5.5-inch Quad HD display with a fantastic 538 ppi count thanks to the 2560 x 1440 resolution--yes, that's the same as you'd find on a 27-inch iMac display. LG was also proud to show off the 13-megapixel rear camera with OIS+ (that would be Optical Image Stabilization Plus) with Laser Auto Focus that the company says allows the camera to focus faster than any other smartphone currently on the market.

Following the trend found on the iPhone 5s and HTC One (M8), the LG G3 has a metallic housing and polished skin on back. While the phone has a 5.5-inch display, LG worked hard on making it usable with one hand. That goal is the inspiration for the Floating Arc design. The volume keys are on back (similar to the LG G Flex, actually,) and the software interface have been redesigned with a flatter appearance.

Of course, the internals have also been upgraded. You'll find a quad-core 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor on the inside, paired up with 3GB of RAM, and your choice of either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. If that's not enough, you can expand the storage space with a microSD card up to 128GB in size. A removable 3,000mAh battery is definitely nice to see, as is 802.11ac Wi-Fi support. As for colors, you can pick up the LG G3 in red, gold, white, black, violet, and red, depending on carrier. The LG G3 goes on sale in Korea starting tomorrow.


Samsung Galaxy S5 comes to Sprint in Copper Gold on May 30

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Design, Handhelds,

Samsung Galaxy S5 copper gold

If you're a Sprint customer who is looking to get their hands on the Copper Gold Galaxy S 5, be ready, because May 30th is the day. In just one week's time, you'll be able to get the exclusive hue with its HD Voice and Sprint Spark features in select Sprint markets. Order online or over the phone, and you'll even get a matching Samsung HM1900 Bluetooth headset thrown in for free. Let's be honest though, if you really wanted a Galaxy S5, you probably weren't holding off on purchasing until the Copper Gold model came out, were you?


HTC One (M8) review: The best Android phone gets even better

HTC One M8 review

Last year, HTC impressed us with the release of the original HTC One, a phone that featured what we believed to be the best build quality of any Android smartphone. This year, the HTC One (M8) takes its place as the flagship handset from HTC.

On the surface, the HTC One (M8) improves upon the original in a multitude of ways. Faster internals. Dual-lens UltraPixel camera. Larger display. Improved industrial design. The question is, though, does the final product add up to being another that can stand above the crowded Android line-up? We've put the device through its paces, and we are here to answer all of those questions here in our full HTC One (M8) review.

Click to continue reading HTC One (M8) review: The best Android phone gets even better


Bleeding Edge TV 507: HTC One (M8) vs. HTC One (M7)

In this episode I give you a comparison review of the HTC One (M8) vs. the original HTC One. Last year, I named the HTC One as my favorite Android smartphone, and this year the HTC One M8 has a great chance at claiming the title again. We've received a bunch of questions from readers asking about the differences between the two devices, and if it is worth upgrading from the 2013 model to the new HTC One M8.

I go through each major change and upgrade (and, in one case, a downgrade) to give you a thorough look at what's new and what's changed!

Pick up your own HTC One M8:

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel--also, we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Bleeding Edge TV 507: HTC One (M8) vs. HTC One (M7)


Unboxing Live 139: HTC One (M8)

I give you a look at the new HTC One (M8) smartphone in this episode of Unboxing Live. The M8 is the follow-up to my favorite Android phone of last year, the HTC One (see our original HTC One video review.) I open it up and give you a tour of the smartphone, which boasts impressive specs and some of the nicest hardware out there on a smartphone.

Want your own? Get the HTC One M8 from these carriers:

Main Specs:

  • 5-inch 1080p display
  • Quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor
  • 16GB capacity
  • HTC UltraPixel camera
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • 5-megapixel wide angle front camera
  • Android Jelly Bean with HTC Sense
  • HTC BoomSound dual front stereo speakers
  • 2600mAh battery

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel, and don't forget--we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 139: HTC One (M8)


Unboxing Live 136: Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone

We open up the Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone in this episode. The Lumia 1520 sports a large 6-inch ClearBlack display and is an AT&T exclusive. Here are the specs:

  • 2.2 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor
  • 6-inch ClearBlack LCD display (1920 x 1080)
  • 20-megapixel PureView rear camera
  • Dual LED flash
  • Wireless charging

You can pick up the Nokia Lumia 1520 for $99 on AT&T now.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel, and don't forget--we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 136: Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone


Apple releases 8GB iPhone 5c in select markets

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds,

iPhone 5c 8GB

Apple has released an 8 GB version of the iPhone 5c. The new lower-capacity model will only be sold in select markets where LTE is just now coming to fruition as an entry-level device (since the iPhone 4s only supports 3G.)

"The mid-tier iPhone segment is growing year-over-year and the 8GB model provides a more affordable option for markets where LTE is becoming more established," an Apple representative told Re/code.

Apple's Online Stores in  the UK, France, Germany, China, and Australia are the only territories selling the 8 GB iPhone 5c. In Europe, the cost is £429 for an unlocked model, available in all the same colors as the larger-capacity models. To be honest, this one has us scratching our heads a bit--8GB of storage on a phone that takes 8-megapixel images and high definition video is absolutely nothing. If Apple has it planned for the entry-level buyers, then the price should be less than it is.

Be sure to check out our iPhone 5c review.


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