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Moto X phone will always be listening for voice commands

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Rumors, Videos,

Moto X Always Listening

Looks like Google's goals for the Majel project is coming to full fruition with a Star Trek-like Always Listening mode on the upcoming Moto X smartphone. In a leaked video from Canadian wireless carrier, Rogers, we see that the passive voice command feature added allows Google Now use without the user having to press a button in order to prompt a request--all you have to do is say "Ok Google Now," to get the phone to listen up and do your bidding. Yep, just like Google Glass. In the video, the Moto X has an additional buttonless feature that allows a user to open the phone's camera with two flicks of the wrist. Additionally, we see that you can tap anywhere on the screen to snap a photo instead of just a specific UI button. The Moto X is expected to go on sale this summer. Check out the video after the break.

Click to continue reading Moto X phone will always be listening for voice commands

Read More | Ausoroid

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Unboxing Live 117: Pebble Smart Watch

We give you a look at the Pebble smart watch - it shows you your notifications from your smartphone, right on your wrist right on its e-ink display, and is compatible with both iOS and Android. Here are some specs:

  • Load apps using Bluetooth
  • 144 x 168 pixel display black and white e-paper
  • Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR and 4.0 (Low Energy)
  • 4 buttons
  • Vibrating motor
  • 3 axis accelerometer with gesture detection

You can also control apps and music as well, again, all over Bluetooth. I waited a long time for this to arrive, mostly because I had to wait for the orange version to get manufactured and show up. If you wanna get your hands on one, you can get the Pebble watch from Best Buy.

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BlackBerry A10 with 5-inch display leaked

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

BlackBerry A10

Looks like Blackberry is hard at work on its next flagship smartphone, the BlackBerry A10 (codename Aristo.) An image of the device, leaked to BGR, portrays the A10 as a 5-inch upgrade from the current Z10, featuring sleeker curves and running upgraded software, BlackBerry 7.2. We're looking at a 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED display, and sports an unspecified dual-core processor. While that's just about the extent of what we know about the device, we're sure that we'll be hearing more about it in short order.

What do you think? Will the BlackBerry A10 help bring BlackBerry back to relevance? Is it a device you are looking forward to hearing more about? Or is it too little, too late?

Read More | BGR

Nokia Lumia 1020 launches on July 26th on AT&T for $299

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

Nokia Lumia 1020

Nokia, Microsoft, and AT&T have finally officially lifted the veil off of the Nokia Lumia 1020 Windows Phone. The standout feature of this smartphone is its 41 megapixel PureView camera, which is being called "the largest back side illuminated sensor available on a smartphone." Of course, a fantastic camera a great smartphone does not make, and the Lumia 1020 does sports a few other impressive touches. The display is a 4.5-inch 1280 x 768 AMOLED PureMotion HD+ panel covered by Gorilla Glass 3, and it sports "super sensitive touch" which allows you to use the phone even while wearing gloves.

The Lumia 1020 includes a wrist strap that you can optionally attach to it, and Nokia will also be selling a Camera Grip that makes the device easier to use as a camera. You can get one exclusively from AT&T on July 26th for $299 with two-year contract. If you wanna be sure you'll have one on day one, be sure to get your pre-order in on July 16th. We'll be getting our hands on the Nokia Lumia 1020 shortly, and we'll give you the full rundown on what's likely to be an amazing camera, along with our full review.


Apple releases iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e, full changelog

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

iOS 7 beta 3 download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 3, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 7 beta on their devices. We've already found a few tweaked settings and UI improvements, including a larger lock screen status bar, Weather app font improvements, and more transparent home screen folders. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013. We've got the full  beta 3 changelog for you after the break.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 7 beta 3 build 11A4414e, full changelog


Rumored plastic budget iPhone put together on video

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Rumors, Videos,

Budget plastic iPhone

There has been numerous reports that Apple has a budget-friendly version of the iPhone in the works. It would come in an array of different color pallets with a high-grade polycarbonate rear shell, similar to the housing found on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Techdy was able to get one of the purported rear shells that are being manufactured, and they put a video together to give us an idea of how this new iPhone might look.

It will have a 4” screen, like the iPhone 5, and interestingly, the budget iPhone actually has a shape that’s similar to Apple’s original iPod. When we hold the budget iPhone in our hands, the plastic chassis does not feel cheap at all. Unlike the plastic build quality of the Samsung Galaxy phones, the plastic material used on the budget iPhone feels more sturdy.

And guess what, we were able to fit the display assembly into the new budget iPhone’s rear shell. The display assembly just seemed to fit perfectly inside of the rear shell.

Check out the video after the jump.

Click to continue reading Rumored plastic budget iPhone put together on video

Read More | Techdy

Unboxing Live 115: LG Optimus G Pro

We open up the LG Optimus G Pro in this episode of Unboxing Live - this is LG's super-fast, 5.5-inch Android smartphone beast! A 13-megapixel camera is featured here, alongside a 3140 mAh battery that should keep you powered up for the full day. A Qualcomm SnapDragon 1.7GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 1080p display round things out on this one. We give you a look at the whole package.

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Multi-colored rear shell of upcoming budget plastic iPhone leaked?

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

Budget iPhone rear shells

More photos of the rear shell of the rumored entry-level budget iPhone have reportedly leaked. Of course, there's no way to verify the authenticity of these, but French rumor site Nowhereelse has leaked the real deal before. As you can see from the image, there's red, yellow, white, blue, and green shells--this matches up nicely with the current multi-colored iPod touch lineup. Apple has been expected to release an iPhone for emerging markets that is less expensive than its flagship models, and it's possible that we will finally see the introduction of this device this fall, alongside the announcement of the iPhone 5S.

Read More | Nowhereelse

Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150

Pebble smart watch best buy

The Pebble Smart Watch was a Kickstarter sensation that is still struggling to fulfill the orders of its initial backers, but that's not stopping the device from launching in Best Buy in just a few days. Initially you'll be able to get the e-ink display-powered Pebble in Jet Black at Best Buy while the company works to get the other colors into the hands of those who pre-ordered the device. Once those are fulfilled, you can expect to see other colors hit Best Buy as well. In fact, the Cherry Red model will hit store shelves in August.

Now is the time for the Pebble Smart Watch to try and get some attention on a larger stage, and Best Buy may be the place to do that. If you're unfamiliar, the Pebble connects to your iPhone or Android device and allows you to interact with it from your wrist. I have one, and it's convenient to see my messages, texts, and notifications pop-up on the Pebble without having to check my phone. I can also control apps like Music and Runkeeper right from my wrist as well. With Apple and Google expected to announce smart watches of their own sometime soon, some might argue that time is running out for Pebble to make an impact and fain traction. The Best Buy deal should help. You'll be able to order the Pebble from Best Buy for $149.95.

Click to continue reading Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150

Read More | Pebble Best Buy Page

Apple releases iOS 7 beta 2 with iPad support

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

iOS 7 beta 2 download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 2, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 2 build 11A4400f brings with it support for the iPad, which was left out of the initial beta released at WWDC 2013 two weeks ago. Additionally, the Voice Memos app has returned to the iPhone and iPod touch in this build. Additionally, the new Siri voices are now present in this build, giving Apple's digital assistant a less robotic tone. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com.


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