Despite the fact that Google Now in other forms has been out longer than Siri, it looks like Apple has added the service to its long list of lawsuits against Samsung, referring specifically to the Google Now functionality on the Galaxy S4. Here's a quote with some additional detail,

Apple has updated an earlier lawsuit filed against Samsung with claims that the Galaxy S4 and its Google Now feature violate two Apple patents covering functions of its own virtual personal assistant, Siri. Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents relayed news of the updated complaint on Wednesday, and he noted that two of the patents — U.S. Patent 8,086,604, and U.S. Patent 6,846,959 — cover technologies related to Siri. Both filings describe a “universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system.” Apple also added three more patents to its earlier complaint that are not related to Siri, according to the report.

As you can see, Apple is up to its old tricks again. It's interesting that they are targeting Google Now on the SGS4, but not going after Google in the courts directly. Perhaps it's just a publicity stunt to convince people Apple had voice search and assistance first, even though it had been on Android for quite a bit longer. At this point it almost looks like Apple's lawyers are simply throwing stuff at the wall to see what they can get to stick.

Source: BGR

Several reports have come in today indicating the HTC executive leadership team is in anarchy. The once-great mobile hardware maker may have a new hit on their hands with the HTC One, but that won't matter if the internal damage within the company brings it down from the inside. A large list of executives left the company recently, including a couple of them today. One of them, ex-strategy head Eric Lin, even tweeted the above message after leaving, suggesting that all his friends quit and "leave now." Another high-profile executive to leave today was the HTC Asia CEO Lennard Hoornik. Here's a breakdown of all the execs who recently left the company including their former titles,

• Eric Lin - Strategy Head (left today)
• Kouji Kodera - Chief Product Officer
• Jason Gordon - vice president of global communications (left on Friday)
• Rebecca Rowland - global retail marketing manager
• John Starkweather - director of digital marketing
• Lennard Hoornik - HTC Asia CEO (left today)

According to unnamed sources, the morale is so low at the company it is described as being in "utter free fall." Also, this same source said that even though the HTC One has been a solid success, the HTC First was a disaster.

Ouch! A mass mutiny at the command level on an already floundering ship is a bad sign. What do you guys think? Could we be seeing the beginning of the end for HTC?

Source: BGR

Just yesterday we shared a rumor about a phone which could be the Verizon and/or Sprint version of the Motorola X Phone. Some .inf USB drivers showed a device called the XT1060 with CDMA capabilities, that was loosely identified as the elusive X Phone. Today, some new intel suggests a different device is headed for Sprint which is speculated to be their X Phone.

This one has the model name XT1056 and it just passed through the FCC with Sprint radios. If this info and our previous story are accurate it would mean the following model numbers correspond to the listed carriers:

• AT&T X Phone = XT1058
• Verizon X Phone = XT1060
• Sprint X Phone = XT1056

All of the pieces seem to be falling into place for the X Phone, and not all of them are terribly exciting. We have seen pics and specs which seem to confirm Google execs' previous statements that the current pipeline of Motorola products will be lackluster. It looks like the device will come with a Snapdragon S4 Pro. This is a capable and powerful quad-core chip to be sure, but it is still technology from last year. Of course, it's still possible we will see some other innovations which will generate excitement fo the new X Phone, but we will have to wait and see when it actually is officially announced.

Source: Phandroid

Previously, we covered Verizon's announcements of new "services/products" in which they will be selling user collected location data to other companies. This product is obviously not designed for the end user, but is for Verizon to make additional profits selling valuable marketing information to other corporate entities. You can see our previous stories regarding the subject, here and here.

Today we have a little more info to share,

Whenever a Verizon Wireless customer visits a website on his or her smartphone, data such as the name of the site visited, demographic info about the user and his/her location, is being sent out to Precision Market Insights where it is collected and analyzed. This is a product that Verizon launched last October which is offered to certain subscribers like malls, billboard owners, stadiums, etc. These subscribers see the age and location of cellphone users in a certain area, and learn which websites these people are viewing. ~ PhoneArena

Supposedly, Verizon claims they are not selling individual data to other companies, but are instead simply sharing data about groups. This doesn't necessarily allay fears, especially from privacy advocates like Chris Soghoian of the ACLU.

To be fair, Verizon does offer an opt-out program, and you can hit up the link below to do so. In the meantime, sound off in the thread and let us know what you think of Verizon selling your location data to other companies.

Here are instructions on how to opt-out:

1. Log into your Verizon Wireless account and navigate to their privacy page.
2. You will see three sections: Customer Proprietary Network Settings, Business and Marketing Reports, and "Relevant Mobile Advertising."
3. Go to the first section, opt out, and click Save.
4. You will then need to

... [Read More]

Here's something funny that came out of Google I/O 2013 this year. During the conference Google "Trolled" their own attendees by showing off tidbits of Key Like Pie easter eggs sprinkled throughout the events. Here's a quote with more of the details,

During Reto Meier’s “Android Protips 3: Making Apps Work Like Magic” session at Google at IO13, Google did what they do best, tease their fans with upcoming Android release juicy nuggets. His session teaches developers how to use advanced Android techniques to build good apps. Apps so good, users will think they’re magical. Besides learning the tricks of the trade, at about 25 minutes in, there’s an Android wearing an magicians cap, eating a piece of Key Lime Pie. Oh, Google. We love it when you tease us like this.

The trolling didn’t stop there either. Later on during the session, Google showcased a crude game (Is that some sort of Cthulhu?). The boss attributes include Chrome, Jelly Bean, and Key Lime Pie.

You can't help but appreciate those crazy Googlers even when their sense of humor boarders on the sadistic.

Source: AndroidAuthority

The new flagship Android tablet from Sony just went global a couple of days ago. Sony announced the world-wide availability of their new Xperia Z tablet. You can get it in the United States starting at $499.99 at Amazon. That price might seem a bit steep for an Android tablet, but this the main advantage of this tab is you can use it in nearly any conditions, rain, snow or sunshine. It is also the thinnest and lightest tablet on the market. Here's a spec-list and Sony press release,

• 10-inch 1080p
• Quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB of internal storage (and other larger options available)
• A microSD slot for additional expansion
• 8MP Sony Exmor R camera
• Optional 4G LTE connectivity (for a price jump)

LONDON, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

World's slimmest*, lightest** tablet hits shelves across the globe

Ultimate entertainment tablet comes in 4G or WiFi and a choice of black or white

Red Dot Design Award 2013 joins growing list of accolades

Sony Mobile today announced that Xperia Tablet Z - the world's slimmest, lightest premium Android tablet - is now available to buy across the globe through Sony's retail and operator partners as well as online channels. The multi-award winning product - which recently picked up a Red Dot Design Award 2013 - has received the largest number of pre-orders of any Sony tablet to date.

Xperia Tablet Z captures the very best of Sony's technology, design, connectivity and entertainment in a premium high-performance water-resistant tablet. It's incredibly slim and lightweight and includes Sony's stunning and now familiar OmniBalance design that perfectly complements its smartphone sibling - the smash hit Xperia Z. Xperia Tablet Z is available in black or white finishes and in 4G or WiFi versions.

"Xperia Tablet Z has received an incredibly positive response since it was announced and this is demonstrated by the strong pre-orders the product has received," said Tomokazu Tajima , Senior Vice President, Head of UX Creative Design and Planning, at Sony Mobile Communications. "We believe we have created the ultimate tablet experience and one that is uniquely Sony. Who else would design a tablet that can be used as a

... [Read More]

Apparently, not all is unicorns and rainbows in Xbox One land. For the most part the response to the next-gen Xbox One from Microsoft has been a positive one; however, we would be remiss if we didn't share there is also an extremely vocal growing minority of Xbox fans who are unhappy with the new console. Here's a quick breakdown of the primary complaints that are starting to spread throughout the web:

• The console is kinda ugly because it looks like a 1980's VCR - (obviously this is subjective, but it's not hard to see this perspective)
• The Kinect motion controller and camera is always on along with an always on internet connection - very creepy
• The controller looks kinda like a Fisher Price product - (this one is obviously subjective too)
• Possible indirect blocking of used games because they must be installed and tied to your account - this one is still in flux, so it might turn out different
• TV integration is an interesting new feature but is useless to the rest of the world beyond the US
• No backwards compatibility - this one isn't that big of a deal for most, but there are still many who were upset by it
• The internal HDD is not replaceable - this may not be an issue now, but some gamers will likely fill that HDD fast

For many, these issues don't necessarily detract from the overall appeal of the device. Some of these complaints exist because of some of the best features of the device. It's the nature of technology that new stuff sometimes causes a rough transition as we replace the old stuff. Still, it's important to discuss these issues so Microsoft can work things out. Who knows, if there is enough of a backlash, perhaps they still have time to make some changes before the product goes into mass production.

With that said, we wanted to do a poll to get your perspective on the new Xbox One. Share your opinions in the thread and also vote in the poll: Will it be a huge hit, or is it a minor misstep from Microsoft?

Source: XboxOneForums.net

If you have been around Google Plus for awhile most of you should know who Trey Ratcliff is. If you don’t, here is a brief description. He is a super talented photographer that specializes in HDR Photography and has some of the most spectacular shots anyone has ever seen. Trey has been a very public figure on Google Plus and has been a staunch supporter of social networking and photography in combination. He often shares his work free of charge and genuinely enjoys that people love his work. Trey also has a website called Stuck In Customs, where he offers lessons, tutorials, his portfolio and many other goodies and ideas. If you are a photographer, or lover of photography, I highly recommend his website. Now, on to Trey’s new app, called Stuck On Earth.

(Continue Reading @ Android Dissected)

It’s that time of the week. A new week, a new set of UCCW skins to check out and download. I can look at various UCCW skins and theme’s all the time even if I didn’t bring this post to you all every week. This episode features Cars By Nikk, PopUp UI By Lesa0208, Eau De Toilette By John Nada, Music App UI By Soloveyptaha, and SS Instinct Holo By Manuel Lab.

(Continue Reading @ Android Dissected)

Over time your Android device may become sluggish if you don’t treat it like it deserves. A filthy, slow, slimy, slug. Unfortunately, Android requires maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. Greenify is an awesome little application that stops the sluggishness dead in its tracks.
In short, Greenify stops, or hibernates, unwanted apps from running in the background that hog your precious battery and memory.
This app may sound intimidating at first, however this is simply untrue. The clean design of Greenify makes it so easy to use. The most basic users will be able to work this app with no problems at all.

(Continue Reading @ Android Dissected)

With the passing of I/O and the release of several new smartphones, we have come to a point of amazing technology. These expensive devices play a major role in our everyday lives. We use screen protectors, put cases on our phone, and even buy insurance for them. One of the many areas that we tend to overlook is our daily driving.
Distraction free driving is important, and with more technology than ever entering our vehicles we need to maintain safety. Luckily Kenu has come to our rescue with the release of the Airframe, the world’s most portable smartphone car mount. With the mount just under an ounce, it’s not only portable, but perfect for any situation.

(Continue Reading @ Android Dissected)

Not all devices can support multiwindow like the Note 2! Sony has recently added their version of multi window to their Xperia devices. Their version is coined "mini apps". These mini apps can be used at the same time to give you that multiwindow feel. Developer SeraJr has developed a mini app that will give you full control over your device. It incorporates 23 toggles into a power toggle format. It includes some quick info from your device as well such as Battery info, and it gives you some reboot options as well. Overall this mini app adds plenty of useful functionality to your device! If you own a Sony Xperia Z you should head to the source link below!

Via XDA

Some of you are giddy right now because when you arrived at home today there was a fedex package sitting at your doorstep that contained a fresh new Galaxy S4. Im right there with you. Mine arrives tomorrow. There are also some of you that are sitting on pins and needles awaiting Verizon's big announcement that is scheduled for tomorrow. Many believe that this announcement is a big HTC announcement. There is much speculation that we could see a VZW version of the HTC One. There is also some speculation that we will see an updated version of the Droid DNA (mostly a One with heavy branding, a locked down bootloader, and lots of bloatware).

Today a rumor has been circulating the internet. An XDA member who claims to work for Sprint says that today an HTC Rep walked into his store to ask some questions about a device. When asked about a 4.2.2 update for the Sprint version of the HTC one the rep pulled out a Verizon variant that was running 4.2.2 already.

This should be taken lightly. This has really got my mind spinning though. Is the HTC One really coming to Verizon? How many of you will return that Shiny new S4 if this is the case?

Via Droid-Life

Recently Facebook announced some new digs. Out of everything that was announced the whole internet got giddy over the Chatheads feature which essentially gave you a floating notification for the facebook chat service so you never miss a conversation. This feature was quickly integrated into Paranoid Android with HALO. Halo is great, but not everyone wants to hack their phone and add a rom. No worries. Developer "crazyfool_1" has got you covered with his new app.

His floating notifications app brings the chatheads style notification center to every android device. It also works with all applications that use notifications. The install is pretty simple. You can watch the video above or head to the source link below!

Via XDA

Previously, we shared a story regarding leaked pics of the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Active. Today we have a full blown video of the device as you can see above.

Via: Samsung Galaxy S 4 Active outed yet again? this time shows its stuff on video | TalkAndroid.com

Follow the story at: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/and...e-hit-web.html