R
Robert Nazarian
Guest
For some strange reason the World didn’t end during Google’s major outage a couple of days ago, so here’s a recap of all the top stories from the week. Sony’s Xperia Z Ultra is so big, they decided to re-introduce it as a WiFi-only tablet. Motorola is offering another crazy one day event tomorrow where you can purchase the best phone of the year for only $299 off contact. Throw in an extra $25, and you can have your choice of 4 wooden backs. Will there really be a Nexus 8, and where the hell is the new Nexus 10? Fingerprint scanners will be the rage this year, but will Android manufacturers implement them correctly? It’s time to get caught up and get ready for another exciting week.
Guides
How to sync your iTunes library to your Android device
Accessories
[Deal] 25% off Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 cases via Google Play
Dead Zebra announces Year of the Horse Android mini figurine
Apps – New
Beats Music officially kicks off today in the U.S., AT&T customers get an extended free trial and Family Plan
Beats Music service shuts down user registration after influx of demand
Sony’s Timeshift Burst released to the Play Store
Motorola updates gallery application on newest line of devices
Automate device settings with TF Profile app
Apps – Updates
Motorola Migrate adds iCloud support
LogMeIn launches new Android app, cuts free service
Todoist announces Todoist Next for all platforms including Android
Dropbox gets update to fix issue with Android 4.4.2, better control over gallery uploads
VNC Viewer from RealVNC now free (from $9.99) in the Play Store
Updated Photoshop Express now available in Google Play
Spotify app updated once again, now includes artist touring details
Carriers
AT&T’s LG G Flex goes up for pre-order on January 24, will cost $299
AT&T adds new markets for 4G LTE coverage
Sprint launches ZTE Optik 2 tablet at just $29.99 with contract
T-Mobile paying $25 for each friend you refer to the Uncarrier
Being the Un-carrier isn’t enough for T-Mobile, looking to become the Un-bank with ‘Mobile Money’
Want to share 250MB? Now you can with Verizon’s Share Everything plan’s latest addition for just $20 per month
Verizon Wireless to get the Rose Gold Galaxy Note 3 exclusively
Verizon LG G Pad 8.3 with LTE appears on FCC
Chromecast
Chromecast prepares to take on the rest of the world
Chromecast’s best competitor is finally here— but will it survive?
Gaming
MOJO Android-powered gaming system rooted, given Google Play access
Google acts to remove adware laced Chrome extensions from web store
Nest CEO Tony Fadell speaks out on privacy concerns after Google acquisition, promises transparency
Google found to infringe push notification services patent
Chrome exploit allows malicious websites to listen in on you
President Obama to star in first-ever Presidential Google+ Hangout Road Trip
Google working on security bug in private event Calendar invites
Google updates news alerts with new features, formatting
Google confirmed to not charge OEM licensing fees for Google Mobile Services
Man receiving thousands of emails courtesy of Google glitch
Google apologizes for service outage earlier today
Google Glass
Man in Ohio approached by FBI for wearing Google Glass in movie theater
Firefighter develops response and rescue software for Google Glass
Sacramento Kings become first team to incorporate Google Glass during NBA game
Google Glass gets five new Mini-Games to help inspire developers
Home Automation
Nest CEO Tony Fadell speaks out on privacy concerns after Google acquisition, promises transparency
Phones – HTC
HTC M8 user agent profile surfaces
Another HTC M8 case leaks revealing same cutouts
New HTC “M8x” name surfaces in government database
KatKat update for HTC One to be certified on all major US carriers by next week
LlabTooFer leaks upcoming release schedule for HTC software updates, confirms Sense 6.0
Phones – LG
LG could offer a fingerprint sensor on both the G2 Pro and G3
LG G Pro 2 (or G2 Pro) could be unveiled at MWC with a 6-inch display
LG’s G Flex will launch in over 20 European countries
AT&T’s LG G Flex goes up for pre-order on January 24, will cost $299
Phones – Meizu
Meizu’s flagship and its younger brother announced— MX4G and MX4G Mini
Phones – Motorola
New Moto X wood finishes now available on Moto Maker
Friends with Moto rewards program gives discounts on Moto X and Moto G
[Deal] Moto X $100 off Monday afternoon, $70 off until Valentine’s Day
Motorola to release details of India Moto G launch on February 5
Motorola aiming to make a smartphone that costs $50
Phones – Nexus
Unofficial method to connect Galaxy Gear to Nexus 5 worked out
Video shows 8 different color options for Nexus 5
Video of color options for Nexus 5 is fake
Nexus 5 in red photographed, likely just a victim of Photoshop
Phones – Nokia
Nokia Normandy could end up being the Nokia X
Phones – OnePlus One
OnePlus One 2014 phone to feature flagship specs and design, plus CyanogenMod
Phones – Oppo
Oppo Find 7 could be revealed at MWC next month, cost $594
Photos of Midnight Black Oppo N1 leak
Phones – Samsung
Galaxy S 5 to offer new multi-hovering capability
Samsung Galaxy S5 to use fingerprint, not iris, authentication
Samsung Galaxy S 5 said to be announced February 23, just before Mobile World Congress, with an April launch
The Galaxy S 5 probably won’t sport magnetic resonance wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S5 to have new music player and better one-hand functionality
Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 3 ‘Olympic Edition’
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with KitKat not working with third-party accessories, root fix now available
Samsung issues statement regarding incompatibility with third-party accessories
Android 4.4.2 Update for the Exynos Powered Galaxy Note 3 Now Seeding
Verizon Wireless to get the Rose Gold Galaxy Note 3 exclusively
Samsung SM-S780L appears ready for launch
Samsung unveils Galaxy S4 “La Fleur” edition
Press images of the Galaxy Note 3 Neo leak, unfortunately it won’t be coming to the U.S. or UK
Dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy S III Neo+ is now official in China
Unannounced Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo certified in China
Samsung Galaxy S III and Note II rumored to receive Android 4.4.2 KitKat by the end of March
Study Shows That the Galaxy S 3 is Samsung’s Most Popular Phone in North America
Phones – Sharp
Japanese carrier KDDI adds a slew of Android devices to its lineup
Phones – Sony
Upcoming Xperia Z2 (D6503) specs leak again along with screenshots
Sony’s KitKat UI for upcoming Xperia Z2 (D6503) smartphone leaks
Sony Xperia Z1 gets photographed next to its successor, Xperia Z2 (D6503)
Another Sony device (D6603) leaks via AnTuTu revealing specs
Xperia Z1s owners can now claim their free one-year subscription of PlayStation Plus
New Sony Xperia Z Ultra promo video shows off screen size
Phones – XOLO
XOLO launches the Q700S, a mid-range phone with 4.5-inch display
Phones – ZTE
ZTE G601U enters the rugged smartphone market
ROMs
Paranoid Android 4′s Beta 3 is released, brings series of new features to Nexus devices
Cyanogen steals founder of Android Open Kang Project
Security
Google acts to remove adware laced Chrome extensions from web store
Researchers claim discovery of new Android VPN vulnerability
Cisco security report finds 99% of mobile malware targeted at Android devices
New Windows malware can enter your Android device, affecting Korea for now
Smartwatches
Unofficial method to connect Galaxy Gear to Nexus 5 worked out
Tablets
Verizon LG G Pad 8.3 with LTE appears on FCC
New Nexus 8 Information Surfaces: To Debut Mid-2014 and Will Be Made by Asus
Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 with Verizon LTE passes through FCC
Samsung will create high-end big-screened tablets for business purposes
Leaked Samsung memo has product slated for Valentine’s Day, Galaxy Pro tablet launch?
Wi-Fi-only Sony Xperia Z Ultra tablet officially announced for Japan
Sprint launches ZTE Optik 2 tablet at just $29.99 with contract
Updates
Android 4.4.2 Update for the Exynos Powered Galaxy Note 3 Now Seeding
Android 4.5 to possibly break compatibility with current root apps
Samsung Galaxy S III and Note II rumored to receive Android 4.4.2 KitKat by the end of March
KatKat update for HTC One to be certified on all major US carriers by next week
LlabTooFer leaks upcoming release schedule for HTC software updates, confirms Sense 6.0
Wearables
Acer planning to jump on wearable tech bandwagon, adding 4G capability to portfolio
Miscellaneous
Sony blocks AnTuTu benchmarking app from being installed on prototype devices
Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft score higher than Apple in customer experience survey
Phablets are staying after all, having shipped 20 million units in 2013
Samsung granted patent for design of smartphone with no buttons
HBO doesn’t mind you sharing your HBO Go password
New ruling says Samsung infringed on Apple autocomplete patent
Huawei settles with Rockstar Consortium, pays to avoid any legal battle
Samsung will offer more big-screen smartphones this year
Samsung will lower their mobile marketing budget this year
South Korean Ministry of Science rules against bloatware of devices
Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for January 20 – January 26, 2014
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