R
Robert Nazarian
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One of the bigger news stories from this week had nothing to do with a device. The departure of Vic Gundotra from Google was a shock and leaves us wondering what the future of Google+ is. The OnePlus One is getting as much buzz as other flagships, but will you be able to get your hands on one (no pun intended)? The LG G3 seems primed and ready to steal the spotlight this summer, but don’t count out the Moto X+1. 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
10 hidden features of the Galaxy S 5 that you need to know
How to setup and use the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S 5
How to setup and use the Galaxy S 5 fingerprint scanner to make Paypal payments
How to use S Health on the Galaxy S 5
Samsung Galaxy S 5 camera software walkthrough
How to use ‘Shot & More’ for Drama Shots, Eraser, and more on the Galaxy S 5
How to use ‘Selective Focus’ and ‘Out of Focus’ on the Galaxy S 5
Accessories
HTC Dot View Case hack will allow more notifications to work with the flip cover
Here’s a good look at the OnePlus One StyleSwap replaceable back covers
Apple vs Samsung
Expert witness claims Apple’s damage calculations are wrong
Google will pay some of Samsung’s costs from Apple lawsuit in addition to joining defense
Apps – New
New Sony background defocus app released to the Play Store
IFTTT finally makes an Android version available
Apps – Updated
Domino’s Pizza now allows you to pay with Google Wallet
Google updates Hangouts app to version 2.1
Google leaks new Dialer screenshot via Twitter
Beats Music subscriber count is real low, not everyone is feeling the beat
HD Widgets 4 beta available now, to be rolled out May 1st
New image surfaces of revamped Dialer for Android
Hulu Plus adds remote control feature for gaming consoles
New YouTube update released bringing improved automatic playlist for music videos
Mailbox update delivers actionable notifications and some fixes
Cameras
Oppo to get into the attachable smartphone camera market to compete with Sony
Carriers
AT&T offering off-contract, certified like new Galaxy S 4 for $179
50GB Google Drive offer on AT&T HTC One M8 down because of glitch
LG Optimus L70 and L90 being added to Metro PCS and T-Mobile
Motorola Moto X price drops for Republic Wireless, Amazon does the same for the GSM model
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 to get update to fix camera and alarm bugs
Android 4.4.2 KitKat update rolling out to Verizon, US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S 4 owners
Verizon Galaxy S 5 owners experiencing ‘Camera Failed’ issue
Samsung suggesting hardware replacements for Galaxy S 5 camera failure
Android 4.4 update for Verizon’s DROID DNA starts rolling out right on time
Picture of red Verizon HTC One M8 leaked
HTC One (M8) mini said to be landing on Verizon
The Kyocera Brigadier coming to Verizon sometime soon
Chromebooks
Samsung Chromebook 2 gets delayed with no explanation
Chromecast
[New Chromecast App] – Cloudcaster allows you to cast files from the cloud
PlayOn to bring over 100 channels to Chromecast
Cloud Storage
LyveHome personal cloud device for media open for pre-orders
Gaming
Google hosting Spring Google Play sale on several premium games
NVIDIA Shield successor shows up in benchmarks with Tegra K1 CPU and 4 GB of RAM
Humble Mobile Bundle 5 adds three more titles to the package
Apple and Google provide promotional offers to developers to get exclusive games first
Google issues Play Store credit for those who bought the fake “Virus Shield” app
Google is working on a stronger encryption level in Gmail
Google leaks new Dialer screenshot via Twitter
You can now buy the Nest Learning Thermostat from Google Play
Google will pay some of Samsung’s costs from Apple lawsuit in addition to joining defense
Google hosting Spring Google Play sale on several premium games
Google ‘Stars’ being tested with Chrome, allows favoriting URLs and more
Google Maps now lets you look at old Street View collections
Android mobile ad traffic trumps iOS for the first time, still lags in ad revenue though
[Breaking] Vic Gundotra is leaving Google
Google testing a mobile UI redesign called LEGO
‘Ok Google’ to get major expansion and new navigations coming to Android
Google could soon be offering WiFi service to all cities with Google Fiber
Google+
Google+ might be killed off after Vic Gundotra’s departure
Google Glass
Google Glass update brings SMS for iPhone and Calendar Glassware
Google opens Glass orders to the public, price remains at $1500
Google says Glass store opening is only temporary
United Airlines to passenger: Take off Google Glass
Home Automation
You can now buy the Nest Learning Thermostat from Google Play
Phones – Amazon
New details about Amazon’s smartphone customizations revealed
Amazon Prime Data could be major selling point for new smartphone
Phones – HTC
HTC One (M8) mini said to be landing on Verizon
Picture of red Verizon HTC One M8 leaked
50GB Google Drive offer on AT&T HTC One M8 down because of glitch
New report shows HTC One (M8) attracting Apple, Samsung owners
Android 4.4 update for Verizon’s DROID DNA starts rolling out right on time
Phones – Huawei
Huawei Ascend P7 specs leak, confirming quad-core CPU, 13 megapixel camera and extremely thin design
Phones – Kyocera
The Kyocera Brigadier coming to Verizon sometime soon
Phones – LG
LG G3 picture leaked, shows back mounted keys
Screenshots of LG G3 interface leak showing flatter, rounder design
LG G3 specs tweaked in updated Sprint UA profile
LG G3 Mini appears in leaked document and UA profile revealing a few specs
LG Optimus L70 and L90 being added to Metro PCS and T-Mobile
Phones – Meizu
Two variants of Meizu MX4 rumored to be released in August
Phones – Motorola
Next generation Motorola smartphone (XT912A) shows up in benchmark
Moto G LTE and Moto G Ferrari could be released soon
First joint Motorola / Lenovo phone could be released in October / November
Motorola Moto X price drops for Republic Wireless, Amazon does the same for the GSM model
Phones – Nexus
Low-cost Google Nexus phone may use 64-bit MediaTek chip
Phones – OnePlus
Ladies and Gentlemen, the OnePlus One has arrived — And boy does it look gorgeous
Are you willing to smash your current phone for a chance to buy a OnePlus One?
OnePlus officially starts ‘Smash the Past’ campaign, signups now live
Here’s a good look at the OnePlus One StyleSwap replaceable back covers
OnePlus One camera samples compared to Nikon 3100 DSLR, 4K sample video too
Phones – Samsung
New Galaxy phone with 2560 x 1440 display is codenamed Project KQ
Samsung SM-G906K appears in Indian shipping database, presumably belongs to Project KQ
Galaxy Note 4 display could be revealed in patent application
Samsung Galaxy K (formerly Galaxy S 5 Zoom) shows up in more photos
Samsung Galaxy S 5 Mini expected to be water and dust resistant, arrive next month
Galaxy Beam 2 listed on Samsung’s Chinese web site
Samsung Galaxy Core 2 pictures and specs leaked
Galaxy S 5 outsells iPhone 5S during respective launch weekends [Infographic]
Forget metal, Galaxy S 5 crystal edition to be launched next month
Verizon Galaxy S 5 owners experiencing ‘Camera Failed’ issue
Samsung suggesting hardware replacements for Galaxy S 5 camera failure
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 to get update to fix camera and alarm bugs
Samsung showcases Galaxy S 5 water and dust resistant features in new commercial
New Galaxy S 5 commercial shows how its filled with innovations that make everyday moments better
Android 4.4.2 KitKat update rolling out to Verizon, US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S 4 owners
Samsung starting to issue Android 4.4 update for the international Galaxy Note II
AT&T offering off-contract, certified like new Galaxy S 4 for $179
Korean Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo gets Android 4.4 KitKat
Phones – Sony
Sony Xperia Z2 is scheduled to be released in the United States this summer
Set-top boxes
Amazon, HBO reach content sharing agreement, bringing HBO GO to Fire TV
Smartwatches
Upcoming LG G Watch will offer Champagne Gold and Stealth Black color options
LG ‘W Watch’ name surfaces before the G Watch is even released
Samsung launches “Gear App Challenge” for Gear 2 apps
Sony rolls out updates to SmartWatch 2 platform
Tablets
4K tablets on the horizon
Next generation of LG tablets surface at FCC
HTC reportedly tapped for 8-inch Google Nexus tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 will be available in the U.S. starting May 1
Samsung SM-T2558 gets certified in China, sports a 7-inch display on a smartphone’s body
Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet goes up for pre-order starting at $499 for 16GB
Updates
Korean Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo gets Android 4.4 KitKat
Sony rolls out updates to SmartWatch 2 platform
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 to get update to fix camera and alarm bugs
Android 4.4 update with Sense 5.5 approved for Droid DNA, rollout to begin on April 24th
Android 4.4 update for Verizon’s DROID DNA starts rolling out right on time
Samsung starting to issue Android 4.4 update for the international Galaxy Note II
Wearables
Samsung cleared initial stock of 250,000 Gear Fit devices in 10 days
Samsung releases ad for Gear Fit showing off fitness and social features
Sony updates Lifelog app and opens it up to non-Sony smartphones
Miscellaneous
Samsung opens new Innovation Museum
Motorola Solutions signs licensing agreement with Microsoft
Netflix set to raise prices for new members by a dollar or two in some countries
Beats Music subscriber count is real low, not everyone is feeling the beat
According to study, Samsung’s apps are mostly unloved
Motorola shipped 6.5 million devices globally in Q1
Punit Soni’s Motorola Hangout now available for playback
Xiaomi plans to enter 10 new countries in the coming year
Samsung ramping up flexible display production capability
Big Android BBQ 2014 taking place October 16-18
HTC design team receives a major blow
Apple patent lawsuit against Google revived by U.S. appeals court
Come comment on this article: TalkAndroid Weekly Recap for April 21 – April 27, 2014
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