R
Robert Nazarian
Guest
Now that the Galaxy S 5 and HTC One (M8) have officially launched globally, all eyes are focused on the upcoming OnePlus One, which will debut this week. Not to mention, things are starting to heat up regarding the LG G3. Will Google offer an extremely low-priced Nexus? Speaking of low-priced, we found out that Motorola has something else in the cooker. The Project Developer’s Conference was this week, and we got our best look at how these modular phones will work. It’s time to get caught up and get ready for what is sure to be another exciting week in the world of Android.
Guides
Best Android keyboard replacement apps [April 2014]
How to setup and use Sense TV on the HTC One (M8)
Reviews
HTC One (M8) Review: The Rolex of smartphones
Featured Android Game Review: Neon Commander [Arcade]
Apple vs Samsung
Google exec claims they didn’t copy iPhone software features
Apps – New
Google releases stock Camera app in the Play Store
Google’s new Camera app introduces Lens Blur via software optimization
Chrome Remote Desktop exits beta and can now be used by anyone
Apps – Updates
Samsung Group Play updated to version 3.0
Dailymotion’s Chromecast support exits beta and is open for all
Casting live streams to Chromecast added to YouTube app
Location suggestions and autocomplete now a thing in latest Google Calendar update
Flickr update introduces complete redesign
MLB.TV knocks it out of the park with Chromecast support
Facebook introduces new Nearby Friends feature for location sharing
Updated WatchOn app for Galaxy S 5 now available in Play Store
Sony adds Xperia keyboard to the Play Store for Xperia devices
Samsung’s Milk Music will soon implement ads, $3.99 monthly to remove them
Carriers
Aio Wireless to offer group discounts similar to Sprint’s Framily plans
Download Booster on Verizon and AT&T Galaxy S5 hidden but can be activated
AT&T starts rolling out Android 4.4 KitKat update for LG G Flex
Android 4.4 now available for AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active
AT&T alters GoPhone plans by providing more data and free tethering
MetroPCS has the Samsung Galaxy S 5 online and in-store starting today
Galaxy S 5 available for pre-order on Ting for less than $600
T-Mobile says no to overage charges, and John Legere starts petition for all U.S. carriers to do the same
Verizon extends latest More Everything discounts to those that bring their own
LG Lucid 3 now available from Verizon Wireless
Verizon Droid MAXX now available in high gloss red and black with chrome accents
Verizon rolls out an update for the HTC One M8
Verizon LG G2 can now be upgraded manually to KitKat
Chrome
Office Online makes its way to the Chrome Web Store
Chromebooks
‘Easy Unlock’ feature for Chrome OS leaks, could unlock a Chromebook with a nearby smartphone
Chromecast
Dailymotion’s Chromecast support exits beta and is open for all
Casting live streams to Chromecast added to YouTube app
MLB.TV knocks it out of the park with Chromecast support
Gaming
Humble Mobile Bundle 5 launched with 6 games
Gameloft’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 swings onto the Play Store
Google to update Android icons to more resemble web icons
Document reveals Android’s pre-touchscreen development
Google purchases drone company Titan Aerospace
Google wants more eye real estate with camera-embedded contact lenses
Google exec claims they didn’t copy iPhone software features
Google’s Gmail makes access to your smartphone’s photos much easier
Hoverboards, Teleportation and Space Elevators? Just some of the projects the Google X team discussed
Matias Duarte thinks ‘mobile as a concept is actually dead’
Google hosts early Mother’s Day sale
Google Camera APK teardown reveals hidden modes and features
Google talks design in “Google Design Minutes” video series
Google holding internet scavenger hunt for a chance to attend I/O in June
Google+
Images of rumored redesigned Google+ app leak
Google Glass
Glass user has Glass pulled off his face and smashed
Plastic surgeon aided by Google Glass while operating on patients
Google Glass update to come this week with Android 4.4 KitKat
Google Glass target of DeGeneres bit on sale day
Hardware
MediaTek shows off MT6595 chipset with LTE integration
LG finally ends rumors and confirms its own mobile processor is in the works
Phones – Amazon
The Amazon smartphone finally shows itself and more details emerge
Phones – HTC
HTC One M8 Mini May release rumored again
Verizon rolls out an update for the HTC One M8
HTC One (M7) will receive Sense 6.0 next month
Phones – Huawei
Pictures of Huawei Ascend P7 leaked
Phones – LG
Two LG Isai FL photos leak, could be indicative of the G3 or even the Nexus 5 successor
LG Isai FL in pink leaks alongside some specifications
LG G3 could be released in July
New LG devices, including possible LG G3, surface on AnTuTu
Mystery LG device hits AnTuTu Benchmark site
LG Lucid 3 now available from Verizon Wireless
New LG L65 appears to be joining the L Series III family
LG L65 joins the L Series III as another mid-range smartphone
Verizon LG G2 can now be upgraded manually to KitKat
AT&T starts rolling out Android 4.4 KitKat update for LG G Flex
Phones – Motorola
Motorola to introduce new ultra-thin smartphone very soon
Moto E is Motorola’s ultra-thin smartphone for Mexico
Motorola’s 2012 DROID devices still slated to get KitKat in a few more weeks
Verizon Droid MAXX now available in high gloss red and black with chrome accents
Phones – Nexus
Android 4.4.3 could be dropping today
A very low-priced Nexus phone might be in the works
Phones – OnePlus
OnePlus One gets a price tag for different markets
OnePlus introduces invite system for the OnePlus One
Image of OnePlus One internal components leak
Photo samples taken from OnePlus One’s camera surface online
OnePlus One team reveals a little of the CyanogenMod 11S interface
Images of the upcoming OnePlus One leak along with the StyleSwap covers
Phones – Oppo
Oppo Find 7 and Find 7a cameras get taken out for an Ultra HD showcase
Phones – Phillips
The Philips W6618 has a 5,300 mAh battery – the largest in a smartphone
Phones – Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rumored to feature a three sided Youm flexible display
Samsung to announce the Galaxy S 5 Zoom on April 29 with a new name
The Galaxy S 5 costs a little more to produce than the Galaxy S 4 and lot more than the iPhone 5S
Security team finds Samsung Galaxy S 5 fingerprint scanner susceptible to molds
Download Booster on Verizon and AT&T Galaxy S5 hidden but can be activated
Galaxy S 5 available for pre-order on Ting for less than $600
Samsung targeting 35 million Galaxy S 5 units sold for this quarter
Samsung releases new colorful ads for latest devices
Updated WatchOn app for Galaxy S 5 now available in Play Store
MetroPCS has the Samsung Galaxy S 5 online and in-store starting today
Android 4.4 now available for AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active
Phones – Sony
Sony Xperia Z2 deliveries to be impacted by parts shortages causing delays
Sony adds Xperia keyboard to the Play Store for Xperia devices
Sony Xperia Z2 gets minor OTA update
Phones – Vivo
Vivo Xshot will have a 24 megapixel camera with OIS and f/1.8 aperture
Phones – ZTE
ZTE teases upcoming ZTE Star 1 smartphone
Project Ara
Project Ara gets an inside look before prototype is finished
Google’s Project Ara phones will be available to purchase in January 2015
Toshiba plans on bringing Project Ara to wearables
Google to launch $100K developers’ challenge for Project Ara
Project Ara showcases its current look
Project Tango
Project Tango gets the teardown treatment
Google, NASA test Project Tango equipped SPHERES in Zero G
ROMs
CyanogenMod support released for Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7″ and 8.9″
Security
Security team finds Samsung Galaxy S 5 fingerprint scanner susceptible to molds
Set-top boxes
Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Showtime to be added to Amazon Fire TV voice search this summer
AllCast receiver released to Amazon Appstore for Fire TV
Smartwatches
An Android Wear smartwatch might be in Samsung’s future
Samsung releases new colorful ads for latest devices
Samsung clarifies 20 devices that are compatible with new Gear devices
Tablets
Android 4.4.2 KitKat rolling out for Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014)
Xiaomi teases their first tablet
Updates
Android 4.4.3 could be dropping today
Motorola’s 2012 DROID devices still slated to get KitKat in a few more weeks
HTC One (M7) will receive Sense 6.0 next month
Android 4.4 now available for AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active
AT&T starts rolling out Android 4.4 KitKat update for LG G Flex
Android 4.4.2 KitKat rolling out for Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014)
Verizon rolls out an update for the HTC One M8
Verizon LG G2 can now be upgraded manually to KitKat
Sony Xperia Z2 gets minor OTA update
Wearables
Samsung Gear Fit goes through a bunch of scenarios in latest commercial
Uncovered patent shows Samsung working on a Google Glass competitor
Miscellaneous
Samsung files trademarks on Galaxy V:, Galaxy Adore, and Galaxy S Fitness
Major smartphone OEMs and wireless carriers agree to support anti-theft measures
New website is ‘dedicated to the creative processes that go into design at Samsung’
HTC releases duo-camera SDK for developers
Samsung devices receiving custom Amazon Kindle store
Motorola celebrating fifty application updates with a Hangout full of questions
Over one-third of Galaxy S 5 upgrades were by iPhone users
HTC hires former marketing head at Samsung to be an adviser
Smartphone cameras to rival DSLRs in 12 to 18 months according to HTC
New wireless charging technology can charge up to 40 devices at once
Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for April 14 – April 20, 2014
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