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Review: Sprint’s ZTE LivePro Portable Projector/Hotspot/Battery is a breakthrough idea with mediocre execution

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liveproI’ve been using the Sprint LivePro Android Projector/Hotspot since its release in July and have been a huge fan of the feature set, particularly the DLP Projector. The LivePro is a simple idea: Take an Android 4.2 phone and with the click of a button, mirror a powerful DLP LED beam projector out of it.

That idea may sound familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Beam (or Beam 2) being the most popular of a small subset of phones that included a projector over the past few years.  The problem with the Beam and other similar phones is that 15 lumen lo-fi projectors only work well in the dark and even then, the battery only lasts about 20-30 mins while projecting. That’s after outfitting it with a super-sized battery which made the phone comically thick.

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ZTE said to hell with the phone idea and added an even more massive 5000mAh battery and made the projector 100 lumens strong which gives it the ability to become a whole new type of product while keeping its Android 4.2.2 OS. The new form factor is a 4.7-inch square with a form factor similar to a current Apple TV but about 40% bigger in every direction…
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More Moto X specs leak, include 4.5-inch display, dual-core processor

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Rumors surrounding the Moto X Phone have been coming in at a crazy rate over the past few months, with information regarding design, customization, and more leaking. We’ve known for a while that the device is not meant to be high-end in terms of specs, and new information obtained by The Verge confirms that.

According to a “tipster who has used a CDMA variant of the phone,” it will feature a 1.7GHz Snapdragon MSM8960T processor, which is basically the same as a Snapdragon 600, but dual-core instead of quad-core. The device will also feature 2GB of RAM and a screen “in the vicinity” of 4.5-inches. Things get a tad questionable when it comes to the battery life, however, with The Verge’s source originally claiming that it had a measly 1500mAh battery, but later saying that figure might not be accurate, as it was reported by a software tool.
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HTC One S users petition HTC to continue updating the phone

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Earlier this week HTC announced that it would not be updating the One S to Android 4.2.2, despite promising the update to users earlier this year. As you can imagine, this news did not go over well with One S owners. We all know that the Android community is a vocal one and won’t take this kind of stuff lightly, and that’s exactly why there is now a petition to get HTC to update the One S to Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5.

The petition, hosted on Change.org, pleads with HTC to rethink its decision to shun the One S from any future updates. More than anything, it seems like the users want an answer. They note that the device is just as powerful as the Galaxy S3, which is getting an Android 4.2.2 update, and that the One S was a great phone and a “highlight of 2012.”

Once again, I strongly urge you to have a rethink about the HTC One S. It is definitely a great phone; a highlight of 2012. It even managed higher benchmarks than your HTC One X and Samsung’s Galaxy S III. Now that’s impressive. It truly is a remarkable device, but your lack of software updates are seriously hampering that.

HTC confirms the One S will not be updated to Android 4.2.2, further damages its reputation

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HTC has announced some very bad new for both both its customers and its reputation. The One S will not see an update to Android 4.2.2. Even though the device was a flagship just a year ago, it will remain on Android 4.1 and Sense 4. In a statement, HTC had the following to say (via: The Unwired)

“We can confirm that the HTC One S will not receive further Android OS updates and will remain on the current version of Android and HTC Sense. We realize this news will be met with disappointment by some, but our customers should feel confident that we have designed the HTC One S to be optimized with our amazing camera and audio experiences.”


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Google Play Edition ROM ported to Verizon Galaxy S4

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Last week we told you about the HTC One variants receiving stock Android ROMs based off of the Google Play Edition model, and now it’s the Galaxy S4’s turn. A developer over at XDA has successfully ported the ROM found on the Google Edition Galaxy S4 to the Galaxy S4 on Verizon. It’s a tad unclear as to whether it is based off of the Android 4.3 build that leaked last week or the Android 4.2.2 build that it shipped with, but we’re inclined to go with the latter.

The developer has a variety of ROMs available, some with themes and rooted, and some totally bare like you’d get on a Nexus device.

Keep in mind that this is a port and there may be some bugs here and there. Whether or not it’s stable enough to run as a daily driver is purely up to you. 
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HP unveils the Slate 21 AIO, a 21.5-inch Android tablet for $400

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At an event in Beijing, HP on Monday announced its latest foray into the tablet market in the Slate 21 AIO. The device packs a 21.5-inch display with a full HD resolution, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and a Tegra 4 processor. Yes, you read that correctly, a 21.5-inch display. The tablet looks to be meant for desktop use (obviously), as the press images show it with a keyboard and mouse. The display also has a built-in kickstand that allows it to be lowered to what appears to be a 30 degree angle or kept at an upright angle.

HP touts that it will make the process of accessing content through the cloud easier and will also feature the ability to live stream TV thanks to access to Google services, such as the Play Store.

“Customers are looking for technology that simplifies their lives while keeping them connected to the entertainment they enjoy and the content they need,” said Jun Kim, vice president and general manager, PC Displays and Accessories, HP. “The HP Slate21 allows families to easily access content through the cloud and enjoy it together on a large, interactive screen.”

The Slate 21 AIO features an HP TrueVision HD webcam and Wireless Direct capabilities, which allow users to share content between devices. It also has built DTS Sound technology, which will supposedly supply “concert-like” sound quality.

HP says the device will be available this September in the United States for $399.


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Samsung announces Galaxy NX Android camera with LTE, 20.3mp sensor, and 13 lenses

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Samsung just announced live on stage during its Premiere 2013 event in London the much rumored Galaxy NX Android camera. We already heard reports about the device leading up to the event, but the company has finally made things official on stage today. Samsung says its the “World’s first interchangeable lens Android camera with 4G LTE.”

Some specs it shared for the device: Android 4.2.2, a 4.8″ HD TFT LCD display, a 1.6GHz quad core processor with separate image signalling processor, hybrid autofocus, and a 20.3mp sensor. There will also be 13 interchangeable lenses initially (those from the NX series), including a brand new 10mm fish eye lens. Samsung showed off its UX running on top of Android on the device, which includes 30 smart modes similar to those included in Galaxy Camera and its other NX cameras.

The device will also include an interchangeable 4000mAh battery, microSD, HDMI out, MicroUSB, and HDMI out, an external microphone port.

The company didn’t share any information on pricing or availability for the device, but below is one of the first hands-on reviews popping up:
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Huawei announces 6.18mm thin Ascend P6

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After teasing the device for several weeks, Huawei finally unveiled its first true flagship in the Ascend P6 this morning in London. Just like the company teased, the device is ultra thin, coming in at just 6.18mm thin. Its size doesn’t compromise its specs, however, as the Ascend P6 is packing a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.5GHz and 2GB of RAM. It features a 4.7-inch display with a 720p resolution. The screen has “MagicTouch” technology, which essentially just means you can have on gloves and still use the display.

As far as the camera goes, the device is packing an 8MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and 4cm macro mode. Huawei is also touting its “IMAGEsmart” technology, which will find the best shooting mode automatically based on your surroundings. The front-facing camera is a whopping 5MP and has a setting that will automatically smooth out skin texture, adjust the clarity of your eyes, and as the company’s CEO says, essentially makes you look younger. 
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Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE on T-Mobile launching June 5, Android 4.2.2 update coming soon

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Samsung is still in the midst of a recording breaking launch with its Galaxy S4 smartphone, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t life left in its predecessor.

Samsung plans to bring many of the features of the Galaxy S4 to the Galaxy S3, according to a leaked version of Android 4.2.2 obtained by SamMobile, like new voice controls with S Voice, an enhanced lock screen experience, and additional screen modes.

Some features understandably can’t be ported to the older hardware, but its good to see Samsung delivering on its promise to update its second best selling smartphone. Android 4.2.2 is expected next month.

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Software isn’t the only update coming to the Galaxy S3, which first debuted in May 2012. TmoNews reports that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will ship with LTE support on T-Mobile starting June 5. Pricing isn’t available for the updated hardware, but the Galaxy S3 LTE goes for $99 on-contract with AT&T or free on-contract with Sprint.

Finally, after months of waiting and a teaser last week that it was on the way, we’ve nailed down a release date on the Galaxy S III LTE. Assuming everything goes well and there’s no hiccups or delays , the Galaxy S III LTE should make its way on to T-Mobile shelves on June 5th. The new model will allow T-Mobile to remove supply of the current S III and replace it with the LTE variant.