Bitcasa Brings infinite cloud storage to Android, Windows 8, and Windows Phone

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, PC / Laptop, Software, Storage,

Bitcasa brings its unlimited cloud storage from the desktop to the mobile-verse today, with Android and Windows Phone 8 users getting first dibs. An iOS and Mac version are promised in early January, however, so you won't feel left out in the cold for too long.

The apps for Android and Windows 8 stream media through its native player with two-way file access so you can access your files from your Surface. Android users can also link their camera app to Bitcasa, so each photo they take is automatically saved to the cloud.

Click to continue reading Bitcasa Brings infinite cloud storage to Android, Windows 8, and Windows Phone

Read More | Google Play Store

Samsung drops European injunctions against Apple

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News,

Samsung announced its intentions to drop its injunction requests against Apple. The injunction was for "standards-essential patent infringement" in Europe.

Here's what Samsung had to say:

"Samsung remains committed to licensing our technologies on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, and we strongly believe it is better when companies compete fairly in the marketplace, rather than in court. In this spirit, Samsung has decided to withdraw our injunction requests against Apple on the basis of our standard essential patents pending in European courts, in the interest of protecting consumer choice."

Click to continue reading Samsung drops European injunctions against Apple

Read More | The Verge

Microsoft releases 2012 highlight reel video

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Software, Video Games, Videos,

Microsoft is not shy about patting itself on the back. Here's the 2012 highlight reel that it put together, showcasing company milestones like Halo 4, Kinect, and their re-imagining Surface tablet.

There’s no question that it’s been a momentous year at Microsoft. The company introduced the world to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, announced its family of Surface PCs, showcased a new version of Microsoft Office and released “Halo 4,” keeping up a steady rhythm of advancements across its most popular products for individuals and businesses throughout the year. - Microsoft

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Read More | Microsoft

Foxconn rumored to be manufacturing an Amazon smartphone

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,

According to Taiwan Economic News, Foxconn International Holdings Ltd. has already begun manufacturing a new smartphone exclusively for Amazon.

The Amazon smartphone is rumored to launch sometime in the second or third quarter of 2013, at a price of $100-200 USD. Five million units are expected to ship in the next year.

Amazon is expected to gain ground quickly in the smartphone business, due mostly to its low cost strategy and loyal consumer base. Stay posted for more updates on Amazon's foray into the smartphone buisness. 

Read More | Taiwan Economic News

Facebook 4.1 for Windows Phone 8 brings speed improvements

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft, Software,

A new update for Windows Phone 8's Facebook app doesn't bring new features, but does make the app a lot faster and more responsive. Similar to the recent Facebook app updates on Android and iOS, this one focuses on the general performance of the app, and eliminates the lag from the older version.

Windows Phone 7 devices, however, aren't capable of running the new update. UK users will assuredly find the Facebook version 4.1 update in the UK Windows Phone Marketplace, but its not quite available in all markets yet.

Read More | Windows Phone

US Cellular readies Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S III

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,

US Cellular is about to begin distributing Android 4.1 to it's variation of Samsung Galaxy S III devices starting this Friday, December 21.

Android 4.1, or Jelly Bean, contains the features Galaxy S III owners on other carriers are used to by now, such as Project Butter, Google Now, camera improvements, notifications, widgets and an improved interface.

US Cellular hasn't released an exact time of day that users can expect the update, as they have to be pretty anxious by now, but what we do know is that the update can be done over the air, or over USB.

Read More | US Cellular

New BlackBerry 10 Screenshots show voice recognition, updated UI

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Software,

BlackBerry 10 is nearing its debut, and more screenshots have come out showing what's new in the BB10 operating system.

From the newest screenshots posted on Tihnte, it appears the BB10 is taking a book out of Apple's playbook and incorporating a smart voice assistant. Voice commands were announced earlier, and the screenshots show you will definitely be able to make dictations, but other functionality, if any at all, is unknown.

The screenshots also showcase BB10's Twitter client, which doesn't stray to far from the iOS and Android comfort zones. There's also some looks at the BlackBerry Hub and new visual stylings of the BB10.

Read More | Tinhte

Samsung Galaxy S III, other Android devices susceptible to malware through Google Play

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Google, Software,

A "severe vulnerability" has been identified within the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note II, and possibly other Android devices.

The vulnerability leaves these devices open to malware downloaded in remote apps, which can then read user data and even brick your phone completely. "The good news is we can easily obtain root on these devices and the bad is there is no control over it," said xda-developers user Alephzain. Usually, vulnerabilities like this require physical access to the phone, while this vulnerability allows it to be attacked from apps downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Samsung is apparently aware of the problem, but has not publicly acknowledged the problem. Millions of devices are reportedly at risk right now as public knowledge of the issue spreads.

Read More | The Verge

T-Mobile inks deal to sell Apple iPhone in 2013

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News,

It appears that T-Mobile US parent company, Deutsche Telekom, brokered a deal with Apple that will see T-Mobile carry and sell Apple products in 2013. The writing was on the wall, as this was the last of the four major US carriers to carry the iconic iPhone and iPad. The news is still developing and Apple has yet made any public announcements.

"In addition, T-Mobile USA has entered into an agreement with Apple to bring products to market together in 2013." - T-Mobile

Of course, the only Apple "products" that T-Mobile would sell would be the iPhone and iPad.

Read More | T-Mobile

AnoStyle lets you add unique style to your iPhone and iPad mini

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, Handhelds,

Want to trick out your iPhone or iPad mini? The folks at AnoStyle are ready to hook you up, allowing you to do away with the black & slate or white & silver backing on these devices. The process of anodizing is similar to how Apple adds those colors to the iPhone 5 and the entire Mac lineup. Yet, with AnoStyle, they offer a much wider pallet of colors to choose from. The process takes about a week and costs $249 for the iPhone and $299 for the iPad mini. For those that are wondering, it does void your warranty on the device. Andru Edwards color scheming his iDevices to Gear Live orange is now a go!

Read More | AnoStyle