Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

President Obama says smartphones cannot be ‘black boxes’; taking ‘absolutist view’ will not work


obamamacbook


Speaking to Texas Tribune editor Evan Smith at SXSW, President Obama said that smartphones cannot be allowed to be “black boxes” that are not accessible by the government. He said that tech companies should work with the government to solve such issues, instead of leaving the matter for Congress to solve.

Obama further said that one cannot take an “absolutist view” on this issue, and that having strong encryption on your phone “no matter what” does not “strike the kind of balance we have lived with for 200,300 years.” After all, there are many places where American citizens have created a balance by trading their privacy for better security, like by allowing law agencies to use of warrants to search homes etc.
“The question we now have to ask is, if technologically it is possible to make an impenetrable device or system, where the encryption is so strong there’s no key, there’s no door at all, then how do we apprehend the child pornographer? How do we solve or disrupt a terrorist plot?” Obama said. “If in fact you can’t crack that at all, government can’t get in, then everybody’s walking around with a Swiss bank account in their pocket.”

President Obama also said that leaving this matter with Congress and other lawmakers will not be the right thing to do, as the end result would be “sloppy and rushed and it will go through Congress in ways that have not been thought through.”
The president further adds that a compromise between Apple and the government is definitely possible, and the two just need to figure out a way to make sure that the encryption and the key to unlock it remains as strong as possible, with access to the latter being given to a very few number of people.
Apple has received a lot of flak from government agencies for not following the court order and its fight against the FBI. The Department of Justice even accused Apple of being “false” and “corrosive” in its motion.
[Via Bloomberg]

Android L might feature customizable quick settings toggles



The new Quick Settings menu introduced in Android L (right)
With Android 4.2, Google introduced a Quick Settings panel in the notifications menu to enable quick toggling of various system settings, a feature OEM skins had been offering long before 4.2 came along. In fact, OEM skins have also been giving users the option to customize what toggles they see in the notifications menu, and with Android L, Google might finally be bringing that much-needed feature to stock Android. 
On one of the issue trackers for the Android L project, a user has asked why the quick toggles cannot be customized, rightly arguing that not everyone needs the same options in their settings menu (there’s not even a direct option for toggling mobile data, something that can come in quite handy.) Thankfully, someone from the Android L team decided to pass along the issue to the development team, instead of ignoring it like many other issues that users report on the issue trackers.
The new Quick Settings menu introduced in Android L (right)
Of course, this isn’t a confirmation that Android L really will offer customizable quick settings. Google hasn’t never been at the forefront of building in functionality that, despite being seemingly minor, go a long way in increasing day-to-day usability, but with all the changes that are coming to the OS with Android L, one can always hope Google will finally get around to adding some basic features users have been clamoring for (like a battery percentage in the status bar.)

Microsoft opens beta testing for their Android OneNote app


OneNote for Android
For Microsoft, individual applications that can grow their brand are important, especially for the ones that make their presence known on other mobile platforms, outside of their own Windows Phone ecosystem. One of their more popular apps is OneNote, a note taking application, and Microsoft is hoping that Android users out there will invest some time to check out beta versions of the app before their public launch.
Microsoft has confirmed that their focus on OneNote for Android is not completely lost, thanks to an announcement that upcoming beta releases for the app are on the way. For those who have used the app in the past, you’ll probably know that it’s been a few months since the company has updated the note app, but it looks like that could be changing soon.
For anyone that’s interested in checking out new features before they’re publicly available, Microsoft has opened a Google+ community, called the OneNote for Android Beta Program. You’ll need to find the “Become a tester’ link, fill out the form, and then once you do Microsoft says you’ll receive an update to the beta version of the app as soon as they release it. (And, one would imagine, any future updates to beta releases as well.)
Microsoft’s OneNote for Android is available now in the Google Play Store, for free.
Do you use Microsoft’s OneNote app, or do you prefer another note taking app?
[via Microsoft OneNote for Android Google+]

OnePlus explains how they plan on making money


OnePlus_One_Yellow-case
Even before the One was unveiled, OnePlus has been in constant news for all the right and wrong reasons. One of the reasons why so many people are interested in buying the handset, even though it is hard to get your hands on one, is because of its low price-point, which even gives Google’s Nexus line-up of devices a run for their money.

OnePlus has already explained that they don’t intend to make a profit for the first two years, which allows them to offer the One for so cheap. Along with this, the company has also managed to keep its costs down by dramatically cutting down on its marketing expenses and selling the OnePlus One directl. If they had taken the traditional course of selling their devices via retailers, the final price of the device would have been easily higher by around 20-40%.
But money is not unlimited, right? What if the company runs out of money before that? How do they exactly plan on making a profit? On this matter, Carl said that the company will not run out of money in the next couple of years and is still thinking of various ways to make money. This includes selling accessories for their devices, where they have kept a reasonable profit margin.
Other possible options that would be viable down the line are an increase in scale, which would dramatically drive down the component cost for OnePlus devices, allowing the company to make a small profit on every unit sold and providing software services to users.
In the end though, Carl states that making money is not the company’s prime motivator. Instead, they are sing the Silicon Valley startup approach here and are first creating a great product that will automatically attract customers and then find a way to earn money off them later on.
[Via OnePlus]

Google Glass update XE 19.1 released, gives voice actions a cleaner look and more


Google Glass XE 19.1 update
Google Glass received an update to Android’s KitKat version back in April of 2014, and most recently we heard about a brand new piece of hardware with 2GB of RAM right out of the box that would start shipping to new owners of the wearable. Today, though, Google has updated the software to bring a slight visual improvement to the table.
For those who own Google Glass, software updates are just about as common as they are on stock Android devices, and generally they can either offer quite a bit in new stuff, or just trim the very surface of new content. In this particular update, it’s a bit of both. Interestingly enough, it looks like Google has chosen to skip an update to bring Google Glass to XE 19, but instead decided to just leapfrog that to XE 19.1 with this newest update.
However, despite having a rather major upgrade number, there’s only a couple of major bullet points to look at. First, the new voice commands display. Google has said that with the new update, the voice actions menu is cleaner, sleeker. But, to actually make using voice connections worthwhile, being worried about connectivity with the wearable on your face shouldn’t be an issue.
Thankfully, that’s the second major part of the XE 19.1 update: better connectivity. Google’s not necessarily all that detailed when it comes to that particular detail, just offering “provides even more reliable connectivity,” but they do suggest that it should be better across the board, especially when providing those voice commands.
The update is rolling out now, so if you haven’t received it quite yet on your Glass unit, don’t fret — it’s coming.
[via Google Support]

Android 4.4.4 maintenance update headed to Nexus 5 in India, New Zealand and Australia


nexus5
While it’s not a massive new update, for owners of the Nexus 5 in New Zealand, Australia or India, a new maintenance upgrade is being sent out to your device right now.
Officially revealed by Google, and as first reported by Android Police, the newest update to be sent out to the Nexus 5 in those aforementioned countries is meant to tweak only a few things behind the scenes, as well as potentially address a network issue that some users may have noticed. Or, even if they didn’t, Google noticed, and an update is on its way to alleviate the situation.
In the update, a new radio image comes along for the ride, as well as plenty of bug squashing for good measure. The build number has been updated to KTU84Q, with the specific version listed as Android 4.4.4_r2, and the factory image details the release as “Android 4.4.4 Release 2 (for 2Degrees/NZ, Telsta/AUS and India ONLY)(KTU84Q).”
As usual, a lot of details on the technical side, but this is far from the major update that you’re really waiting for with Android L, still tentatively scheduled or a release this fall.
Are you using a Nexus 5 in New Zealand, India or Australia, and have you received this update?
[via Android Police]

Google launches ‘Developing Android Apps: Android Fundamentals’ to help developers


Android Developers Udacity
It’s not uncommon for Google to want to reach out to the developers that help make Android what it is. We’ve seen plenty of videos tuned for developers, like the company showing off the details for Android Wear before its official launch at Google I/O this year. Now the company is back with a new tool for developers, this one meant to act as a continuous resource for those who’d like to develop for the mobile platform.
Officially launched on July 15, Google has announced “Developing Android Apps: Android Fundamentals,” where you’ll “learn to think like an Android developer.” This is a new online training course that features Developer Advocates from Google, including Dan Galpin, Katherine Kuan, and Reto Meier.
The videos are meant to help developers, especially those new to the effort, learn how to make their apps a reality with step-by-step instructions on how to bring those to Android. This includes in-depth looks at the best practices for building apps for the platform, but as well as for the mobile experience as a whole. Each video is hosted through Udacity, and every single one of them is said to be free:
The full course materials — all the videos, quizzes, and forums — are available for free for all students by selecting “View Courseware”. Personalized ongoing feedback and guidance from Coaches is also available to anyone who chooses to enroll in Udacity’s guided program.
You can head through the source links below to learn more about the videos, and to get started building apps for Android. If you’ve ever thought about getting started, it looks like Google has made it easier than ever before to jump right in.
[via Android Developers; Udacity]

HTC One (M8) for Sprint updated to Android 4.4.3, now supports WiFi Calling


Bottom
Not too long ago, Sprint officially released a new software update for the LG G Flex, which brought the device up to the latest version of Android, but also brought WiFi Calling to the mix. Now it’s HTC’s 2014 flagship to get the same treatment.
Confirmed by Sprint on July 15, the wireless carrier’s branded version of the HTC One (M8) has been granted permission to receive a software update. The update will bring the Android version on the flagship handset up to Android 4.4.3, KitKat, but it doesn’t necessarily change anything when it comes to the visuals. But that doesn’t mean it’s a weightless update, either.
The biggest addition to the One (M8) for Sprint is the WiFi Calling feature. But, if you love to get new apps on your device, too, then the addition of an HD Voice icon in your applications tray may just make your day. There are also some squashed bugs behind the scenes, as well as some performance tweaks.
The update is available now for the One (M8), and Sprint has officially begun rolling it out, but these updates generally take time to reach every device activated on the network.
Did you pick up an HTC One (M8) for Sprint?
[via Sprint]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 for AT&T goes on sale for $269.99 with a new contract


AT&T Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 was announced earlier in 2014, and has taken its time arriving on wireless networks in the United States. Verizon was the first to release their version of the tablet, featuring their new XLTE connctivity, but T-Mobile was quick to follow up with their own announcement, even if it was just a pre-order (with a subsequent launch at the end of July). Now it’s AT&T’s turn to throw their hat into the ring.
Officially announced today by AT&T, the Samsung-branded Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 has gone on sale at the Big Blue network beginning today, July 15. But only if you order online. AT&T says if you do that, then you’ll get your device before July 25, when the tablet is scheduled to land in physical retail stores. You’ll be able to choose from a full retail price of $369.99; 20 monthly installment plans set at $18.50; or the $269.99 price tag set with a new, two-year contract.
As far as features go, here’s what you’re looking at:
  • 8-inch 1200×800 display
  • 3MP rear camera; 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
  • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
  • 1.5GB of RAM
  • 16GB of built-in storage; microSD card support
  • 4450mAh battery
  • Android 4.4.2 KitKat
  • 4G LTE connectivity
  • For anyone that happens to be in the market for a new tablet and a new smartphone, AT&T is offering up a limited time deal that will give you $50 off the price of the tablet if you opt to buy a Samsung Galaxy-branded smartphone at the same time.
    Does the Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 grab your interest?
    [via AT&T]

    HTC fires two of its top level executives “in a nice way”


    icon HTC
    HTC may have managed to earn a meagre profit in the previous quarter but the company is still far from being out of danger. To make conditions worse, the company’s top level executives have been periodically leaving the company making its administration unstable.
    Two of HTC’s senior level executives — Fred Liu and Ben Ho — have again left the company but this time it is HTC who has fired them “in a nice way”. 
    Fred has been HTC’s president of engineering and operations since June 2013, while Ben Ho has been looking at the company’s marketing and communications effort since the end of 2012.
    The initial report from Bloomberg suggested that these two top-level executives were leaving the company but sources familiar with HTC’s operation informed The Verge that they were being “fired in a nice way”.
    Fred Liu has already been been stripped of most of his duties while Ben Ho has, apparently, been missing since months. In fact, when HTC hired Paul Golden, who played a chief role in making the Galaxy brand, Ho was already stepping down from his duties. According to Engadget, the failure of HTC’s Here’s To Change campaign featuring Robert Downey Jr. played a major role in Ho being fired from the company.

    MediaTek launches the MT6795, a 64-bit ‘true’ octa-core processor with LTE, 2K display support


    MediaTek launches the MT6795, a 64-bit 'true' octa-core processor with 2K display support
    MediaTek has made quite a name for itself as a maker of mobile processors that power a plethora of budget and low mid-range smartphones, and today, the company is putting a big foot in the high-end segment of the mobile SoC market. MediaTek has announced the MT6795, a chipset that supports features like 64-bit processing and 4K video recording. 
    The MT6795 is a “true” octa-core chip, meaning all of its eight cores can be active at a given moment and can attain the same max clock speed of 2.2GHz. The chip comes with MediaTek’s “CorePilot” technology, which helps balance load across cores for the best performance while keeping power usage and heat output to a minimum. Thanks to 64-bit support, the chip should be a good match for the upcoming Android L, which will bring official 64-bit support to Google’s popular mobile OS.
    The MT6795 includes support for recording and playing Ultra HD (4K) videos, 480fps slow motion video at 1080p, and can natively drive 2K (2560×1600) displays, which should make it a good choice for OEMs wanting to employ such high-resolution screens while keeping a lid on the total cost of a device. On the connectivity front, there is support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, Category 4 LTE (150 mbps), standard 2G and 3G networks, and multimode wireless charging.
    MediaTek’s processors have heavily penetrated the white box device market, but with the MT6795, the Taiwanese chip maker looks well poised to challenge more established players like Qualcomm, especially in the high-end smartphone market. MediaTek hasn’t announced any official partners or devices that will be powered by the MT6795, but the first such devices are expected to show up by the end of this year.

    Xposed module brings a native clipboard to stock Android


    Xposed_framework
    Stock Android does not feature any kind of clipboard manager, as seen on devices from LG and Samsung. While there are apps that replicate this functionality, they don’t feel native and have certain restrictions, thanks to limitations of the Android OS. In comes Native Clip Board Xposed module from developer DHM47, which as its name suggests, brings a native clipboard manager to stock Android.

    Native_Clip_board
    The module is pretty barebones in nature and only keeps a pre-specified history of items in its memory. Every time the user highlights a text, the clipboard manager will automatically pop-up from the bottom of the screen, allowing users to select and paste any of their past items from the clip board to the text field.
    There are a few issues with the module though. It will not work on Sense-based devices from HTC and you will have to wait for a few minutes for the app to work after you restart your Android device.
    Download: Native Clip board

    Sony’s bootloader unlock service gets a much-needed facelift


    Sony's bootloader unlock service gets a much-needed facelift
    Sony was among the first Android manufacturers to introduce a dedicated service for allowing users to unlock the bootloader on their devices. Now, the Japanese manufacturer has taken a step toward making the entire process of bootloader unlocking more easy and user-friendly, with a redesigned website
    The actual process of unlocking the bootloader remains unchanged, and still includes selecting a device, requesting an unlock code, and entering some commands into a terminal. However, users now get more detailed step-by-step instructions that are easier to understand. Also, they get information related only to the particular device they’re trying to unlock, without unnecessary information for other devices getting in the way.
    The unlock page has also received a visual overhaul for a more modern look, and along with other additions such as a FAQ section for addressing common doubts, offers a considerable improvement over the convoluted setup from before. If you’ve got a Sony device lying around and have been putting off unlocking its bootloader, well, now might be the time to go for it.

    Paranoid Android brings Android L style Recents View to their ROM


    paranoid_android
    The Paranoid Android team today rolled out two new releases of their ROM: PA 4.43 “increase madness” and PA 4.5 Alpha 1. The former is based off their stable branch and mainly contains some bug-fixes and upstream changes.
    The highlight here, however, is present in the PA 4.5 Alpha 1 build that now contains a new Recents View UI, inspired from the card like interface of Android L.
    The basic functionality of the Recents View still remains the same though. Users can swipe an app to the right to remove it from memory. Below is a quick video of the feature in action:
    Being an alpha build, it is bound to be filled with bugs and have various stability issues. As such, if stability is of your prime importance, you should stick to the stable 4.43 release, whose full change-log is below:
    Common Releases Changelog
    - ParanoidOTA fixes and cleanup
    - Fix daydream duplicates
    - Theme Engine upstream patches
    - Quicksettings fixes
    - Pie will be activated in apps that use immersive mode if pie is enabled via on the spot.

    Themers Note
    - This patch has been mergedhttps://gerrit.paranoidandroid.co/#/c/4614/, but it uses a static color for now. It will change to a drawable in next build.
    You can download the latest build(s) from Paranoid Android’s official download center.

    Xiaomi unveils the Mi 3 for Rs. 13,999 in India

    Xiaomi Mi3
    Xiaomi, pronounced shaome and to be known only as Mi in India, today officially kick-started its Indian operations by launching its last year flagship — the Mi 3 — for only Rs. 13,999. Even though the handset is an year old, it sports some impressive specs and offers a stellar value for money.

    The handset sports a Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.26GHz, an Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM. Other specs include a 5-inch full HD (1080p) IPS LCD display, a 13MP F/2.2 camera aided by an dual LED flash, a 2MP front facing camera and 16GB of internal storage. The company does not plan on bringing the 64GB variant of Mi 3 to India for now.
    Xiaomi Mi3 launched in India
    There is also a 3050mAh non-removable battery, which should provide enough juice for the Mi 3 to last a day of heavy usage. The handset runs on Android 4.4 with MIUI v5 on top of it.
    The Mi 3 would be available exclusively on Flipkart with registrations to buy it opening from today with the actual device going on sale on July 22nd. However, you will only be able to buy the device if you register for it first.
    Xiaomi Mi 3 released in India
    Xiaomi is also setting up its service centers across India and has promised a turn around time of only 2 hours, in order to instill consumers with confidence in its brand.

    Verizon LG G3 will indeed feature removable battery, potential buyers can rest easy


    Verizon LG G3 with removable battery
    When Verizon posted their pre-order page for the LG G3, there was a small part of the listing that suggested the device would not feature a removable battery. (We didn’t list it because, well, it didn’t make any sense.) Obviously that didn’t jive well with every other iteration of the device, but obviously people think the worst, so potential buyers were saddled up with angst as they prepared for the worst possible scenario.
    Admittedly, seeing a product listing that suggests a popular device might be different than every other variant is alarming, especially when it comes to handsets released by the Big Red network. With all those brands on the handset, what else might they change? The alarm from potential customers was probably in the right, but thankfully it turns out there was nothing to get angry about.
    Albert Aydin, a spokesperson for Verizon, has chimed (or tweeted) into the situation, and confirmed (with a picture!) that the G3 will indeed feature a removable battery. Just like everyone else’s G3. It also looks like the listing on Verizon has been fixed, too, so that’s good news.
    Obviously, having a removable battery is a strength that many Android-based device manufacturers like to point out, and considering consumers still like the option for their handsets, it is understandable why some would get upset about the potential lack of the feature.
    Did you pick up an LG G3, or pre-order it?
    [via @VZWalbert]

    Future Galaxy Note devices could feature S Pen with ultrasound technology


    Galaxy Note S Pen ultrasound technology
    Samsung’s Galaxy Note phablet lineup is one of the most popular family of devices on the market, with a lot of expectations set in place for future devices. The Galaxy Note 4 is one of those handsets, with an expected launch date later this year, and plenty of folks waiting to see what Samsung has in store for their newest flagship handset. Thanks to a new patent application, what comes after the Galaxy Note 4 could be even more exciting.
    The Galaxy Note phablet lineup has always featured a big smartphone, with the device meant to bridge the gap between a smartphone and tablet to the best of its ability. That means, on that big display, you can use split-screen multitasking to do two things at once, and plenty of other features to really make use of the larger screen. Because of these enhancements, the Galaxy Note series has become one of the most popular series in the smartphone market.
    Now, a new patent application based in South Korea could show how Samsung is looking to improve the family in a big way: ultrasound. The application indicates that Samsung is working on, or has at least thought about, including ultrasound technology with their S Pen technology, which could very well mean thinner (and lighter) devices. With ultrasound, it would mean that up to four sensors could be used (likely at the corners of the device’s screen) to pick up the placement of the pen, and therefore a digitizer would no longer be needed on the display. Not only would that mean thinner devices, but it could potentially also mean lower costs.
    This type of technology isn’t new, but it’s also not quite commonplace, either. Qualcomm has already introduced a tablet that features this sort of technology, thanks to technology that’s built into the manufacturing company’s Snapdragon 805 chipset. There are indeed rumors that Samsung is including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 805 processor under the hood of the Galaxy Note 4, so some believe we could see the ultrasound improvement with the included S Pen. With a patent application like this, it’s more likely that we won’t see the introduction of ultrasound technology until the Galaxy Note 5 at least, but considering the Galaxy Note 4 is believed to be a major upgrade from the Note 3, ultrasound technology in the S Pen could certainly help make it stand out.
    Are you excited for the Galaxy Note 4?
    [via SamMobile]

    NVIDIA’s Shield follow-up said to feature Tegra K1, controller accessory and PC gaming on Android device

    image NVIDIA logo
    At the beginning of July, we got word that NVIDIA was hard at work on bringing the follow-up to their Shield mobile gaming unit to market, with an expected launch right around the corner. Moreover, while details were light, it was suggested that the new device would ditch the all-in-one concept and go for something a bit more “traditional” with its newest device.
    The original Shield portable gaming console saw some success, but probably not as much as NVIDIA would have liked, especially for the gaming market. As an all-in-one gaming console, it was certainly a unique device, but the smaller display may have made it a nonstarter for many gamers. NVIDIA has reportedly paid attention to that potential gripe, and changed things up for the successor to the Shield branding.
    We’ve heard about NVIDIA’s “notebook/tablet” device recently, with a few specifications to toss around, including a 7.9-inch display with a resolution of 2048×1536. That, along with 32GB of built-in storage, 2GB of RAM and it should be running Android 4.4.x KitKat right out of the box. A 7-megapixel camera is said to be equipped on the back, with a 4.8MP front-facing shooter for good measure.
    Essentially, all of this is up-in-the-air since nothing has been confirmed yet, but a new report from BBC News suggests that one rumored feature, the chipset under the hood, could indeed be the NVIDIA Tegra K1. That means the device will be able to run Android-based games without an issue, sure, but it also means that NVIDIA’s putting a strong focus on PC gaming on the mobile device.
    Specifically, the report says that the new gaming unit will be able to offload graphics processing to a desktop GPU, as long as the desktop setup includes a NVIDIA graphics card in the high-end gaming rig. If the minimum requirements are met, it means that anyone running the new portable gaming console from NVIDIA could play games like Battlefield 4 without (supposedly) any issue.
    In the original report about NVIDIA’s upcoming device, it was said that it would feature some kind of physical control scheme, with some believing that the next device would feature a built-in controller, despite the bigger display. It doesn’t look like that’s going to be the case, though, as BBC News suggests NVIDIa will sell a physical controller as a standalone accessory.
    The report suggests that this could be a console much like the OUYA, and perhaps not the portable gaming unit we’ve heard about in the past. Which would be an interesting move, to say the least, but it could also just go to show that NVIDIA sees strength in Android’s presence on devices like this. The real strength of the console, though, wouldn’t be the leaning on Android/mobile games, but instead on the fact it can play those aforementioned high-end PC titles, too.
    Android’s push for gaming has been a slow process, but an obvious one nonetheless. With other companies like NVIDIA trying to bridge the gap between PC gaming and Android-based devices, and with Google trying to bring games to Android TV in the living room, Android could very well have a big role in the gaming market at some point in the future.
    Does this new device, a rumored 7.9-inch tablet with a physical game controller accessory, sound intriguing to you?
    [via BBC News]

    LG G3 camera mod brings higher bitrate for 4K recording and 60FPS for HD videos


    T-Mobile LG G3 front
    Thanks to OIS+ and laser assisted Auto Focus system, the LG G3′s camera is right among the best of what Android devices can offer. The images and videos, however, are ruined to a certain extent because of some overzealous post-processing from LG. Thankfully, a developer over at XDA forums has released a mod for the LG G3′s camera that bumps up the bitrate while recording videos and reduces the image compression to preserve the details.

    The mod will increase the bitrate from 30Mbps to 40Mbps for 4K videos and also replace the default 1080p@30FPS recording mode with 1080p@60FPS, which the G3 lacks out of the box. The increase in FPS should give the HD videos from the G3 a noticeably smoother feel.
    Installing the mod is pretty simple and only requires users to replace some of the system files. Root access, however, is a must. Also, make sure to change the file permissions once you have copied them, otherwise the camera app will force close. The mod should work for all the different variants of the LG G3 without any issues.
    Did you notice anything different in the images and videos shot from the G3 after using the mod? Drop in a comment and let us know!
    Download: Camera mod for LG G3

    Samsung Galaxy Alpha with a metal body coming next month?


    Galaxy S5 Prime Front
    If the “industry insiders” of ETNews are to be believed, Samsung is all set to launch a high-end Galaxy device with a metal clad body — something that many Galaxy owners have been asking the company right since it unveiled the original Galaxy S.
    The handset, tentatively named the Galaxy Alpha, will be a direct competitor to the iPhone 6 and feature high-end specs, details of which are currently unknown.If this news does turn out to be true, this will be a significant departure from Samsung’s current strategy of releasing a high-end Galaxy S handset in the first half of the year followed by a flagship Note device in the second half.
    We have already seen leaked pictures of a Galaxy S5 like flagship from Samsung clad in a metal body with a faster internals. It is very well possible that Samsung unveils the same handset next month to prevent the iPhone from garnering all the media attention.
    However, it is not yet clear whether this device would be launched worldwide or will only be available in selected markets, like the recently unveiled Galaxy S5 with LTE-A.
    [Via SamMobile]