Well, would you look at that, just moments after reports of a deal being near comes the news that a deal has actually been reached. The CTIA has posted a PDF document that reveals some of the agreed upon terms of the negotiations. The bottom line is no matter what, this is a major win for consumers and the overall industry even if the carriers are probably steaming over the deal.
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Google adds shake feature to Google+ for Android, adds snow to your photos
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWRa6Cz6m_M]
Google’s Vic Gundotra just announced a bunch of updates for Google+ for Android, including shaking your Android device to add some snow to your photos. Similar to last weeks addition of the snowy autoawesome feature, all you have to do is open your photo, shake your device and snow will start falling. It’s a gimmicky but nifty feature and one we’ve come to expect from Google in years past.
Gmail drops “display images below” message, previews all pictures automatically
Perhaps one of the most annoying though security-laden features inside of Gmail is the ever-familiar “dis play images below” link. Gmail has always provided this message in order to protect its users against compromising the security of the device or computer. Well, no more as Google has announced some changes across the board for its Gmail app.
Google adding ‘Control Room’ to Hangouts on Air
As Hangouts on Air grows in popularity, Google is working to standardize it as a professional tool. With that in mind, the company is introducing “Control Room,” providing Hangout users the opportunity to “adjust the audio and video levels of your participants so viewers can simply enjoy the show.”
Developer introduces a whole new generation to the Amiga computer thanks to Google Chrome
If these words resonate with you: the Amiga 500 computer can live again in your Chrome browser then this story courtesy of CNET is for you. Google developer Christian Stefansen is introducing a whole new world to the Amiga 500 thanks to Portable Native Client software and Google Chrome.
Moto G shipments plagued by bad weather, delayed until December 17th
The winter weather has already wreaked some havoc across the US and unfortunately those folks waiting for Moto G shipments, the wait might take a bit longer than anticipated. According to separate emails obtained by Engadget and Android Central, Motorola is explaining that bad weather has impacted operations at their fulfillment center in Forth Worth, Texas.
Google adds vacation responders, new attachment types to Gmail on Android
Just in time for the holidays and peak travel season, Google is adding some awesome features to Gmail on Android. Just announced via Google+, Gmail on Android now includes a vacation responder, attachment support for any file type and print capability for hard copies of emails for users on Android 4.4 KitKat.
Google releases ‘a new breed of Chrome apps,’ now available to all Mac users
Looking back at late September, Google released Chrome Apps which should not be confused with Chrome OS or Chrome’s browser apps. These ‘Chrome Apps’ are full-fledged applications complete with offline support and include apps like Any.do, Pocket, and many more available in the “For your desktop” collection in the Chrome Web Store.
Google releases Android Device Manager into Play Store
Google’s Android Device Manager first came our attention in August as a web-only tool to help locate your lost Android device. Now, with the release of the Device Manager app into the Play Store all Android users cane have a dedicated app to help you:
YouTube Rewind 2013: The top videos of 2013 in one giant mashup
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7jtC8vjXw8]
YouTube’s Reward 2013 is a mashup year in review of all the hottest videos that took the world by storm. So, YouTube did the only thing that made sense and invited a whole bunch of YouTube stars to appear in one giant mashup of the most popular moments since January 1st.
AT&T CEO admits subsidy model is at an end, proves T-Mobile’s Uncarrier is the right move
AT&T’s CEO has finally, finally, finally come to his senses and admitted that the “era of big subsidies for devices is coming to an end.” Continuing the smartphone upgrade cycle has always worn on the carriers margins and is something I know I have personally wished would go away a long time ago.
Spotify introduces new service tier with free streaming on Android, iOS tablets
Spotify fans the world over take note, the company is moving into the ad-supported model with a new app for both iOS and Android tablets. The company is introducing a whole new tier of service on mobile, providing users an opportunity to listen and search for songs on the go for free on tablets.
Samsung’s “Galaxy Family – Santa’s Secret” YouTube shows the ‘next big thing’ is at the North Pole
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYIiPq8tG0&w=560&h=420]
Samsung is back on YouTube with Santa, the Galaxy Gear, Mrs Claus and a whole lot of screaming elves. So what’s the “next big thing?” Why the Galaxy gear of course.
ASUS CEO says PadFone coming to “Big US Operator” in 2014
The ASUS PadFone may be a relatively unknown name in the US outside of the tech-savvy circles but the company hopes to change that next year. With big ambitions for its phone-to-tablet convertible device, the company looks set to finally enter the ever-important US market next year.
New Google Play Books update includes uploading your own EPUB or PDF files
A quick but notable update to Google’s Play Books app as it includes some performance enhancements and a new option to upload files. The newest update, available now via the Play Store includes the ability to “upload EPUB or PDF files to your library from your phone or tablet. From email or Downloads, touch the file to open it and choose Upload to Play Books.”
Google Drive updated for iOS, adds sorting feature for files
Chalk up another Google Drive update for iOS as Google just announced a new sorting feature for files. Google’s iOS version of Google Drive has received quite a few updates in recent months to bring it in line with its Android counterpart. The new sorting feature should prove useful to just about every Google Drive user as it’s a much-needed and important feature.
Google’s Play Store adds Google+ integration to show app recommendations
The world called for another aspect of our Google lives to be invaded by Google+ and voila…Google+ inside Google Play. Google just announced via…where else…Google+ that a new version of the Play Store is rolling out to “make it easier for you to find and share recommendations with your friends and family.”
Google’s ‘barge’ project runs aground amid agency scrutiny
Google’s Barge projects have apparently been put on hold according a new CNET report this morning. The report indicates that Google is definitely planning on completing the project, but at this point it looks to be well into 2014 before it sees the light of day.
Could an LG G2 mini with 4.7″ display be on the horizon?
The LG G2 is arguably one of the most underrated but best performing flagship smartphones on the market. Unfortunately, a recent report indicates sales of the device are performing below the expectations of its Korean manufacturer. However, that doesn’t seem to be stopping the company from pursuing a “mini” version of the device with a 4.7″ display.
Google Play Store to add new game categories in February 2014
Play Store gamers take note as Google plans to introduce a whole slew of new game categories to the Play Store in February of next year. The new categories began appearing for developers yesterday, however changes will not take place until the new categories go live for the public next year.
The ‘Phablet’ will never die as Samsung ships 10 million Galaxy Note 3 units
Samsung is keeping the Phablet life going single-handedly as they confirm shipment of 10 million Galaxy Note 3 units around the world. While those numbers don’t make the Galaxy Note 3 the fastest selling Galaxy device ever, it’s the fastest selling Galaxy Note.
Android 4.4.2 begins rollout even as Android 4.4.1 continues delivering
Hold the phone! As Android 4.4.1 approaches a week in age, Google has already started a rollout of Android 4.4.2 for Nexus devices. As of now, the update is already confirmed to be appearing on Nexus 5, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices. According to a change-log provided by Sprint of all places, the update includes fixes for:
LG G2 not selling as well as anticipated with 2.3 million units sold
A story out of Korean publication Asia Today is indicating some bad news for fans of LG’s G2 flagship smartphone. According to the publication, sales of the device are falling well below expectations with just 2.3 million units sold in the four months post launch. LG had projected 3 million units for the third quarter alone and have only hit 600,000 units in their home country of Korea.
Amazon boosts Kindle Fire with new education features for Kindle FreeTime
Kindle’s Fire tablet lineup is already among the best tablet options geared toward kids and Amazon is boosting that message with some new offerings. The newest update adds more educational and goal-oriented options to make sure kids are getting their work complete before moving to play time.