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Motorola now has the LTE version of the super-affordable Moto E (2nd Gen) up for grabs on their website. The device will run you $149.99, which is a bit more than previous rumors, yet is still a healthy discount for a decent LTE device. There is also a 3G version for only $119.99.

Here are the different options you have for the device regarding which carrier (the GSM/GPRS/EDGE bands are identical on each handset):

4G LTE – US GSM (XT1527):
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 1700 (AWS), 1900 MHz)
4G LTE (2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17)

3G US GSM (XT1511):
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 1700 (AWS), 1900 MHz)

3G Global GSM (XT1505):
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)

Here's a recap of the main specs for this budget-friendly smartphone:

• Dual-core SoC to a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
• 8GB Storage
• 4.5-inches 960 x 540 (qHD) Display

The device comes in black or white. Here's the link to check out this offer: Moto E 2nd Gen. - Motorola

Here's our dedicated Moto E section in the forums: Motorola Moto E Android Forum at DroidForums.net

While static benchmarks obviously don't necessarily translate into a better experience, and most smartphones have excellent performance nowadays, it can still be useful to check out benchmarks to see how far the tech has evolved. A more recent Geekbench benchmark shows that the new Exynos 7420 from Samsung absolutely dominates its competitors in most of the multi-core benchmarks.

As you can see from the screen-cap above, the chipset found in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge scored over 500 points more than the newest competitor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 810. In fact, the chip is 50% faster than the Apple A8 chip found in the iPhone 6/6 Plus. Of course, multi-core doesn't tell the whole story, and if you check out the other benchmarks, and change them to single-core, you find the Apple A8 is a bit faster than the Exynos chip.

Also in the single-core benchmark, the NVIDIA Tegra K1(not the newer X1), scores higher than both. Either way, it just goes to show that Samsung is continually pushing the envelope. We would have been surprised if the Galaxy S6 wasn't a great performer considering it uses Sammy's new 14nm process for the chip along with 3GB of the faster LPDDR4 RAM.

Here is our dedicated Samsung Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge Section for further discussion: Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge General Discussions Android Forum at DroidForums.net

Source:...

Last night our "always on the ball" Staff Writer/Admin @pc747 posted the hot news regarding the NVIDIA Shield Android 4K TV Gaming Console. In the same thread, our other "digital sniper," @DroidModderX followed up by sharing that NVIDA was also going to be launching their GRID streaming gaming service at the same time in May. We thought this was big enough news to warrant its own follow up story. Here are the details on GRID:

• NVIDIA calls it the “Netflix of games” and the platform will launch with more than 50 games in its catalogue.
• A decent internet connection will be required so NVIDIA is targeting 150ms pings between users and servers.
• Already has some huge existing/upcoming A-List titles attached including: Batman: Arkham Knight, The Witcher 3, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Resident Evil: Revelations 2.
• GRID will have two different subscription options, a basic package and a “premium” tier.

Pricing has not been shared yet for either tier of subscription service. There are a ton more games than just the ones listed above, so to check those out, head over to the GRID website here: GRID Games SHIELD

We have one more night of Mobile World Congress and so far we have seen some impressive devices whether they be phones, tablets, watches, or even a gaming system. The other impressive thing is that this year some of the lower named companies such as ZTE and Huawei have stepped up with some nice looking devices.

Which device impressed you the most from MWC and if we had to give a prize to the manufacturer who stole the show who would you choose?

According to the latest mobile scuttlebutt, Huawei will be the next Google Nexus smartphone maker this year. Two pieces of intel lead to this rumor. One comes from an interview with Richard Yu, the CEO of Huawei’s consumer division at Mobile World Congress this year. In that interview, he made it clear that when Huawei enters the US market this year with Android smartphones they will be relying on Google by offering a stock version of Android on their phones.

This is obviously just a hint, and it would be a great example of "conclusion jumping" to assume that is why Huawei is the next Nexus maker. The second bit of evidence flat out claims to confirm that this is the case. Kevin Yang, the Director of China Research at iSuppli, confirmed on Weibo today that Google has definitely chosen Huawei as the next Nexus maker.

Supposedly, the reason why Google chose Huawei for their Nexus program was because it is the biggest competitor to Xiaomi at the moment in China.

What do you guys think? Is this intel a bit too thin, or right on the money? What do you think of a Nexus device from Huawei?

Source: GizmoChina & The Verge

In all the exciting talk about android gaming systems, new phones, smart watches and pocket watches, I have to be a buzz kill and bring down the mood a little. There was a flaw back in the 90s that currently affect Mac, Android, and iOS (I would guess Linux machines since both iOS and Android were not built in the 90s) that forces websites to use a lower grade encryption for HTTPS connections. This exploit could allow hackers to steal personal information and data. Among some of the sites listed are American Express, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Marriott, and Groupon. Apple said they should have a fix out some time this week. Unfortunately Google can not push the fix to all Android devices as they have to deal with manufacturers and carriers.

Source: Security flaw places Android iOS Mac users at risk from hacking on some major websites 9to5Google

Nvidia is holding their presser at MWC where they announced their new Nvidia Shield that is the world's first 4K Android TV console. The announced price is $199 and availability to be announced soon.

When you think pocket watch you think antique, classy, but with smart watches on the scene why not try and put a new spin on the pocket watch. Though the watch is running Firefox OS, I think it looks intriguing. Be interesting to see if a company decide to make an android version of the pocket watch.

If you enjoy flat icons, and you just can't seem to find something different Phix may be for you. Phis is a flat style icon pack however it is not like any icon pack that I have seen. Every icon of the 1450+ hand themed icons is totally unique with its own custom color scheme and its own custom design. There are also more than 20 wallpapers included. There is an icon request tool so if somehow you find an app icon that has not been themed already just ask the theme developer and he may theme it for you. There are a few other features included such as various icons for folder, dock, dynamic calendar, muzei support, and 2 custom zooper skins. Head to the Play Link below to grab this super unique icon pack.

via Play Store

If you're Verizon HTC One M8 is rooted and you are still completely stock otherwise ie no system files are changed, you should be able to accept the OTA however you will lose root. If you are already rooted then you are more than likely also S-Off and Bootloader Unlocked. If so you will still be able to flash a custom recovery later and gain root by flashing the SuperSU.zip in recovery.

If you are currently running a custom rom you will need to flash the S-Off only 4.4.4 RUU. This is a simple process there is an exe file that you will launch. The exe will then walk you through the process. This will not lock your bootloader. From there you can simply accept the 5.0 update, flash a custom recovery and then flash the supersu.zip in recovery. Head to the link below to grab the RUU file that you need to get yourself back to stock.

via XDA