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White House wants its top agencies to have digital task forces
The US's web-based health care portal didn't launch as planned, to put it mildly, but the digital task force created to salvage that mess (and prevent others) showed that it's possible to have modern, responsive government services on the internet. Accordingly, the White House wants more -- as part of its proposed fiscal 2016 budget, the Obama administration is asking for $105 million to give each of its top 25 agencies a digital team of its own. The hope is that these new divisions, along with a bolstered central task force, will both improve your experience dealing with government bureaus online and help fend off malicious hackers.
Make sense of expenses and spending habits with MonSense
If you want a money management app that's a step above basic, but not overly complicated, Monsense is a great choice. Available on all iOS devices, Monsense gives you a lot of room for customization, but also lays the groundwork for tracking expenses. You have the option to create multiple accounts, though you probably won't need that many. The term "accounts" can be a bit misleading, because Monsense does not connect directly with your bank account. Instead, these accounts refer to how you categorize your funds. You can have accounts for work, home, travel or anything else you'd like. Within each account, there are preexisting categories such as beverage, bills, food, fuel, groceries, home, etc... Click on a category and then add the corresponding transaction. This keeps things organized and helps you to track where you spend your money. To add an expense, tap the plus sign at the top of the home screen. Choose your account, your category, enter a name for your expense, the amount and you're done. Y For recurring expenses, select the weekly, monthly or yearly option and then key in the due date. Future expenses show up in the red pending bar at the top of the screen. Click on the bar to view all of your pending expenses. Swipe left to edit, delete or mark the expense as paid. To make sure that you don't forget to pay a bill, Monsense syncs with your calendar and notifies you when an item is due. The only comment I have regarding recurring expenses is that it would be nice if there was a daily option – especially for those of us with a predictable coffee habit. The best part about Monsense is how it tracks your spending habits. Click on "patterns" in the menu bar and you'll see a weekly, monthly or yearly pie chart showing you where you spend your money. View all of your transactions in one chart, or scroll through each category to see its specific percentage. Here's where things don't make a lot of sense: Monsense lets you export beautifully detailed charts and graphs to a pdf file (there is an Excel option, as well). However, you need to flip over to the export screen to view them. Only the pie chart is available in the patterns section. Really, all of the charts and graphs should be available in one place from which you can easily export the information. Another thing, unless you are using an iPad, you can't read anything but the pie chart. All of the other graphs are too small to decipher. There really should be a way to view these in-app without having to export them. Monsense is more of an expense app than a budget app, but you can enter your income, the same way that you would an expense, and then easily determine how much money you have left to spend. I like Monsense, but it does need a few improvements. Still, for US$0.99, it's simple approach to money management might be just what you need.
TUG cuts its staff in half to keep moving forward
There are certain announcements that never inspire confidence, like saying that you've had to remove half of the team working on a project. That's the announcement that TUG's developers recently dropped on the community. An investor that the team had been counting on provided terms that would have meant losing control of the project, so Nerd Kingdom chose to decline the funding. This might have been a great choice from a moral stance perspective, but it also meant that the team had to be pruned to keep the project financially viable. For fans, the immediate downside is that the game will be running a bit later with its Kickstarter rollouts than previously scheduled. The game is still humming along in development, though, and this reduction should be enough to keep the lights on. You can read the full update on the Kickstarter page, which also details a few potential unnamed spots of hope on the horizon.
Microsoft's first post-Nokia phone is the budget Lumia 530
With Nokia's range of Android-powered smartphones all but dead, Microsoft is pushing its newly-acquired Lumia line harder than ever. Today, it's introduced the lowest-priced Windows Phone to date, the Lumia 530, delivering middle-of-the-road specs for €85 ($114). For that, you'll get a 4-inch FWVGA (854 x 480) display, quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal memory (with support for 128GB microSD storage). There's also a 5-megapixel camera on the rear (no selfie camera here folks), which is controlled by Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 8.1 software. That, of course, offers access to Cortana (if you're in the US), the new WordFlow swipe keyboard and a multitude of other custom Microsoft- and Nokia-crafted apps. Like its older siblings, the Lumia 530 will also come in both single and dual SIM (3G) variants and offer interchangeable back covers, which will be available in the traditional orange, green, white and dark grey colors. Microsoft's latest Lumia will go on a global tour in the near future, starting with an initial rollout in "select markets" from next month.
Bungie: Destiny alpha's voice acting not final, budget 'nowhere near' $500 million
A lucky batch of Destiny fans explored part of the game's galaxy in a recent alpha, but that sampling left a considerable count of heroes with the same thought: is Peter Dinklage tired or something? The Game of Thrones actor voices Ghost, a floating device that accompanies players through firefights for justice, but some found his delivery to be weak and lifeless, even for a non-living piece of technology. Fans don't need to worry about it breaking immersion at Destiny's launch though, as a recent update from Bungie states that Ghost's lines have "already been updated for Beta," and that they'll also be "updated again for launch." The update also dismisses the idea of a $500 million budget orbiting around Destiny, which Activision CEO Bobby Kotick described as a "$500 million bet" last month. While Bungie's update concedes that we would have to "ask Activision people" about the marketing budget's size, it concludes that Destiny's budget, "including associated marketing costs and pizza Wednesdays, is nowhere near 500 million dollars." Lastly, anyone that's eager to know more about the achievements they'll chase in Destiny's planetary cluster can find a full list in Bungie's update. [Image: Bungie]
Google's Android One program will set minimum standards for bargain-basement smartphones
For every HTC and Samsung, there are tens of Android hardware makers who have to redesign their smartphones to hit a certain low price. This is especially true in the developing world, where keeping the cost down means a lot of effort is spent tweaking devices -- something that Google feels is a waste of time. That's why it's launching Android One, a program where Mountain View's engineers will design cost-conscious hardware, and other companies will simply manufacture it. There are plenty of fringe benefits, but the biggest one is that Google will be able to dictate a minimum set of standards for forthcoming Android handsets.
All of the US government's spending will soon be available on one website
US government spending data can be a pain to track down; while much of it is publicly accessible, it's scattered across many agencies that have their own ways of presenting information. Soon, though, you won't have hunt for it at all. The recently signed DATA (Digital Accountability and Transparency) Act will publish all of that financial material on USASpending.gov in an easily readable, software-independent format. The law also calls for both more detailed budget data and a simplified set of reporting requirements.
Motorola's first post-Google phone looks to be another low-end wonder
Motorola was planning a big shindig for May 13th, where it'll launch its first phone after being sold to Lenovo by Google. Unfortunately, any big surprises that were being kept for the day look to have been spoiled thanks to trigger-happy Brazilian retailer FastShop. The site has posted a full listing for the handset, and if it's genuine, then the Moto E will sit beneath the Moto G as the company's new ultra-budget device. Specs-wise, there's a 4.3-inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon paired with 1GB RAM, 4GB storage, a 1,980mAh battery and dual-SIM slots. On the expansion front, the microSD slot will only take cards up to 32GB, and there's a 5-megapixel camera poking out of the back. There's no word on price, but given that the Moto G retails for just under $200, we'd expect this to cost no more than a Benjamin-and-a-half. Update: Page has been pulled, but not before Google's web cache could preserve the evidence.
HP quietly launches an 8-inch Android tablet for $170
Hewlett Packard is trying to pull off a flanking maneuver on the Android market, through low-profile launches of low-cost devices. We recently came across the company's VoiceTab phablets during a side-show at Mobile World Congress, and now we're looking at a more traditional 7.85-inch tablet called the HP 8. In return for $170, you'll get a plain-looking device that, aesthetically, has more in common with last year's Slate 7 than with the faux-metal VoiceTabs. However, since we're making comparisons, we should also point out that the HP 8 has a worse display than both the Slate 7 and Dell's rival Venue 8, with fewer pixels (1,024 x 768) spread out over a larger area. The software and internals seem functional enough, though: Android 4.2.2 running on a quad-core ARM chip made by the Chinese company Allwinner, with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, stereo speakers, and a just-about-okay 3,800mAh battery that promises up to seven hours of use.
Sony's Xperia M2 offers respectable specs at a mid-range price
Sony's come to Mobile World Congress with three brand-new devices. Its new flagships, the Z2 smartphone and Z2 Tablet, may attract all of the attention, but there's a budget-friendly handset it also wants you to get to know: the Xperia M2. Acting quickly to replace the still youthful Xperia M, which only launched in June of last year, Sony has injected new life into its mid-ranger by including a larger 4.8-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8-megapixel camera, 2,300mAh battery and LTE support to take care of your increasing thirst for data.
Nokia reveals the Nokia 220 and Asha 230 budget handsets
Here in Barcelona, Nokia's press shindig is all about showing off the handsets that are destined for emerging markets and the oft-cited "next billion" phone users. The first piece of hardware on show is Nokia's Asha 230, designed for those who want to move from a feature phone to something a little bit smarter. The quad-band GSM handset is available in single or dual-SIM variants and has Nokia's Xpress browser to help sip scarce mobile data. Hardware-wise, there's a 2.8-inch QVGA display, will accept 32GB microSD cards and is priced at just 45 euros. It'll roll out today across all the regions that Nokia currently does business in. At the same time, the company is also unveiling the Nokia 220, an "aspirational" feature phone that comes with a 2.4-inch display. Available in single or dual-SIM versions, it'll connect to 2G internet, enabling users to take advantage of the pre-loaded Twitter and Facebook apps, as well as the aforementioned Xpress browser. It'll retail for 29 euros and is launching from today in Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
LG's L Series III budget smartphones (hands-on)
We just caught our first glimpse of LG's L Series III mid- to low-range smartphones, and though they weren't the stars of LG's MWC 2014 event (that would be LG's G Pro 2), at least it's trying to do something different with them. First off, all three devices (the 3.5-inch L40, 4.5-inch L70 and 4.7-inch L90) will share the high-end model's new KnockOn software, which brings tap-to-unlock from a locked screen. Secondly, all three phones pack Android 4.4.2 KitKat, a welcome addition considering how much that version helps lower-end devices run more smoothly. You can even get the L70 and L90 with smart covers that can show the time and other notifications without cracking them open. As for fit and finish, while the handsets are clearly budget models in terms of materials, there are some nice touches like textured back covers on the L70 and L90. KitKat keeps things running pretty smoothly, despite the tame 1.2GHz dual-core chips installed in all three devices. Unfortunately, the low-res displays (960 x 540 for the L90, 800 x 400 for the L70 and 480 x 320 on the L40) were not very contrasty and had poor viewing angles, but that's part for the course on devices in that category. There's no pricing or availability yet, but we imagine LG will have to keep them low to compete, despite having some nice software options.
Former HTC execs equip latest Kazam budget phone with LTE
Say hi to the Kazam Thunder² 4.5L Android smartphone. It's an LTE-enabled follow-up to the original low-cost Thunder (without the "squared" sign) that launched in Europe last year. The brainchild of two HTC execs who decided to go it alone, the 4.5L offers a low-res 854 x 480 4.5-inch display, a Snapdragon 400 processor, 8GB of expandable storage, 1GB of RAM and a widely copied screen replacement promise. We're missing the most important spec -- namely, the price -- but Kazam says the device should start arriving in select countries over the next few months. Meanwhile, the company has also added irksome mathematical symbols to its Thunder² 5.0 and Trooper² range, which have received minor spec bumps, but are still 3G-only. Honestly, we'd normally be helpful and lay out all the details, but there are only so many times we can press ALT-zero-one-seven-eight.
Acer's Liquid E3 smartphone will go up against the bargain Moto G
While Acer has made some hay in Europe with low-spec smartphones, its latest budget models are launching into a whole 'nother market. For instance, the €199 ($275) Liquid E3 now has to contend with the likes of the Moto G at €160, while the €99 Liquid Z4 ($135 or so) has an endless conga line of budget devices to compete with. That said, the Liquid E3 (above) at least punches in its weight class with the 4.7-inch, 720p IPS screen, quad-core 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM and 13-megapixel rear/2-megapixel front cameras -- but it's in tough with only 4GB of storage versus 8GB for the Moto G. Meanwhile, the cheaper Liquid Z4's main claim to fame is its 5-megapixel f/2.4 camera, as the rest of the specs (dual-core 1.3GHz processor, 4GB storage) are decidedly downmarket. Both devices will arrive in Europe in April with lowly Android 4.2.2 and no mention of LTE support. As is usual with Acer, don't count on it coming to the US. Update: At least we now know why there was no mention of LTE support -- they don't have it.
A look at game budgets (and MMO budgets)
Let's not delude ourselves: Companies are making games to make money. That's the whole point. But it's not about how much a game sells; it's about how much it sells compared to how much it costs to make. And that's a bit harder to be sure about, since most companies aren't in the habit of disclosing exactly how much this game or that costs to make in the first place. Kotaku contributing columnist "Superannuation" looks at the rising budgets of games over the years, including some MMOs in the mix. Some of the figures are certain, some of them are more ambiguous, and all of them provide an interesting look at the price tag. EverQuest's initial budget, for instance, is pegged at $3 million, while World of Warcraft apparently cost $200 million for upkeep and development over the first four years of operation. Take a look at the full listing for a look at some known points and plenty of speculation fodder.
Samsung's low-cost Galaxy Tab 3 Lite confirmed by official user manual
Samsung has just verified that another Galaxy Tab is imminent after it published the user manual for a new Android tablet on its own site. The company's Polish support page reveals documentation for the SM-T110, which is rumored to be a Wi-Fi variant of Samsung's low-cost Galaxy Tab 3 Lite. According to a local stockist, the Jelly Bean tablet will feature a 7-inch 1024 x 600 display, dual-core 1.2GHz Marvell processor, 1GB of RAM, 2-megapixel camera, 8GB of internal storage (including microSD support) and a 3,600 mAh battery. The same retailer has opened pre-orders for both the Wi-Fi and 3G variants, pricing them at $165 and $263 respectively, all but confirming their place near the bottom of Samsung's tablet pecking order. Expect the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite to make its official debut in the coming weeks, before Samsung heads to Mobile World Congress late next month.
Physical buttons make a comeback in Samsung's low-end Galaxy Core Advance
The rugged Galaxy S 4 Active had them, and so did the lesser-known Xcover2. But all-physical navigation buttons are becoming rarer on Samsung phones nowadays, and that's why our eyes were drawn to the manufacturer's latest low-end offering, the Galaxy Core Advance. In addition to the obvious trio on the front, the handset also finds room for dedicated camera and voice recorder buttons on the side. Specs-wise, however, we're still in deeply unexciting Galaxy Core territory, with Android 4.2 and TouchWiz running on a 480 x 800 display (now slightly bigger at 4.7 inches), a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of onboard storage (expandable via MicroSD) and Europe-friendly 3G data bands. The phone will be out early next year, although we're not sure exactly where it'll be sold or for how much. What we can say, though, is that Samsung will have to drastically undercut the superior Moto G (which has a 720p display and Android 4.3) if it plans to go up against Motorola in the same markets.
More details leak on Verizon's Ellipsis 7: a 'value' tablet for $250
A Verizon-branded tablet may not be top of mind for most consumers (or anyone, really), but that's not stopping the wireless operator from pursuing the 'value category' spurred by Google's Nexus 7. Leaked documents obtained by PhoneArena today paint a fuller picture of the Verizon Ellipsis tablet we first saw surface yesterday. According to the alleged documents, this budget tablet is to be the first in a new brand series and will feature an HD IPS display -- though actual resolution is unknown -- an unspecified 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8GB of expandable memory and a considerable 4,000mAh battery. Naturally, it also incorporates 4G LTE, as well as WiFi and there's even mention of Verizon's Redbox Instant streaming app, so we assume it'll come pre-loaded. Beyond those few specs, there's not much else known about this Android Jelly Bean tablet save for a $250 price and mention of an on-contract promo. If there's truth to this leak, and indeed it does appear likely, all that's left is for Verizon to take this public and give it a ship date. Although, if and when that happens we're still not sure anyone will care.
Carphone Warehouse discounts budget tablet to £49, which is probably all it's worth
Brits in the market for a cheap 7-inch tablet have been spoiled of late, what with the launch of Tesco's £119 Hudl and Argos' £100 MyTablet. "But, hang on," Carphone Warehouse's thought, "we sell a budget tablet, too." And so, seeking some attention itself, the UK retailer has discounted its Avoca tablet from £99 to £49 (around $80) -- until November 4th when the offer expires, anyway. That investment will get you a 7-inch display at 800 x 480 resolution, a 1GHz Rockchip CPU, half a gig of RAM, 8GB internal storage (a microSD slot for up to 32GB cards is present), a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera, a WiFi radio, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and, of course, a healthy dose of bezel. Carphone Warehouse may have succeeded in undercutting its UK competition, if only temporarily, but we can't help but think you'll probably get what you pay for in this instance.
Archos unveils budget-friendly dual-SIM Titanium smartphones
Archos has revealed not one but four budget smartphones with humble specs to join its tablets in the Titanium line, making us want to break into song. The new Android Jelly Bean devices are named after their screen sizes -- models 40, 45, 50 and 53 have displays that measure 4 (800 x 480 resolution), 4.5 (854 x 480), 5 (960 x 540) and 5.3 (854 x 480) inches, respectively. They have dual SIM slots that allow them to support 850/900/1800/1900MHz GSM, as well as 900/2100 WCDMA bands, and they connect to the internet via HSDPA+/HSUPA. On the inside, you'll the find the phones running on 1.3GHz dual-core MTK6572w processors with 512MB of RAM and, sadly, only 4GB of storage that makes their microSD card slots more valuable than ever. While the devices don't boast any fancy add-ons, they at least come with 5-megapixel rear and 0.3-megapixel front cameras. Availability seems up in the air at this point, but the phones' prices will range from €100 ($137) to €160 ($219) when they come out. Those who'd like to know more about the company's new set of quadruplets can head past the break for more info.
