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HTC patents a dual-screen slider phone that you likely won't see
While HTC is certainly willing to accommodate multiple screen sizes and form factors with its phones, we suspect that some of its explorations won't go beyond the lab. If you'd like an example, see the company's newly obtained patent for a dual-screen slider design. Oh, it's clever: the mechanism gracefully moves a hidden second screen into place, tilting the unfolded arrangement to form one united display area. Like with other dual-screen patents, we're skeptical simply because of market realities. HTC's rocky financial position doesn't give it much room to take risks, and dual-screen phones need special software support that often makes them non-starters -- just ask any Kyocera Echo owner how that developer program is panning out. As a result, it may be more accurate to call the patent a vision of what might have been than any kind of roadmap.
Andy Rubin says Android was first built for cameras, we're glad he reconsidered
Most of us who've followed the history of Android tend to presume that it was a single-minded effort to open up the smartphone world. Not so, ex-Android chief Andy Rubin says. The OS co-creator just mentioned at a Tokyo summit that Android was first pitched in April 2004 as the foundation for connected cameras that would store photos online. When it became clear that the digital photography market was relatively small, the fledgling team shifted its attention to cellphones within the space of five months. We know how history played out after that fateful decision, and arguably smartphones are richer for it -- that said, it's amusing to discover that smart shooters like the Galaxy Camera just represent Android's original strategy come full circle.
BLU Products to use stock Android from now on, gives Vivo 4.3 new colors and Jelly Bean
BLU Products most often draws attention by launching a smorgasbord of new phones. Today, the company is more interested in rethinking the devices it already has. Starting with a just-launched Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Vivo 4.3, the company is moving to stock Android for every new device and firmware upgrade in the hopes of improving battery life and streamlining the interface -- a distinct break from the growing trend toward hyper-customized experiences. Whether or not vanilla Android is your bag, the Vivo 4.3 is also receiving a minor hardware update through new colors. Pink, yellow and white variants of the dual SIM phone are now shipping from Amazon and other retailers for $229 each. Although we'd most like to see a full-fledged sequel to the older phone, we can't object too much to a spring tune-up.
T-Mobile leak hints at an HTC One launch on April 24th
We've known for a while that April 19th is the big day for AT&T and Sprint versions of the HTC One, yet news of the T-Mobile version's release has been thin. If TmoNews' copy of a staff memo is on target, though, the UnCarrier's subscribers will only have to wait until April 24th to get their turn. The note tells workers that "select stores" will have the One that day -- it doesn't mention which stores those might be, but it's safe to say this could mean a launch later than the one Best Buy claimed days ago. When we already know the $99 regular price, about all that's seemingly left is for T-Mobile to give the final word.
Xiaomi president Lin Bin aims to ship 15 million superphones in 2013, expand sales beyond Asia
Lin Bin, co-founder and president of Xiaomi Corporation, has only been in the business of selling high-spec Android phones for three years. But yet, here he is, talking on stage at D:Dive Into Mobile about just how successful his outfit has become. "No sales, no marketing, no retail -- we price our phones at the bill-of-materials," said Lin. That probably sounds like a recipe for disaster in the United States, but it's working exceptionally well in Asia. Lin stated that Xiaomi has reached a clip of around $2 billion in revenue on 1.7 million phones, and in 2013 it's hoping to ship 15 million handsets. For those who've been paying attention, you'd know that Xiaomi is hawking unsubsidized superphones -- packing the latest and greatest components -- for well under $400. And they're selling out within minutes. "Last year, when we announced the Mi2, for 3-4 months we'd have hundreds of thousands of units available, and they'd be gone within two or three minutes after we posted availability online. We're working hard on distribution -- China is big, and we're aiming to get phones into hands in just three days after purchase." %Gallery-185703%
Motorola Droid Bionic starts receiving Jelly Bean update, the love it needs
There's no question that the Droid Bionic has had a rough life between long delays, a more popular cousin and slow updates. Both Motorola and Verizon may be making up for lost time, however -- starting today, they're pushing an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the erstwhile flagship. The core updates will be familiar to anyone with a late 2012 Motorola phone, including Google Now and rich notifications. There are a few Droid Bionic-specific tweaks, including better data connectivity as well as removals of the preloaded Sling and (no longer relevant) MOG apps. A software update can't erase any bitter memories, but it does show that the short-lived leader is getting long-term affection. [Thanks, Jared]
Verizon confirms 12-month Device Payment Plan for phones is launching April 21st
Look: we know many on Verizon aren't happy that the carrier has revealed plans to lengthen its upgrade intervals right as smartphone update season is hitting full stride. However, there may be a consolation prize. As of April 21st, "some devices" in its smartphone range, not just the existing tablets, will qualify for a Device Payment Plan that spreads out the full costs over the course of a year, letting those who crave the latest mobile hardware (presumably, you) upgrade without either having to sign a contract or pay everything up front. Sounds like a very UnCarrier thing to do, doesn't it? Not quite, unfortunately. The carrier tells us that these payments sit on top of existing service plans, not inside them -- the base service rate won't go down in year two. T-Mobile will remain the better bargain for anyone constantly replacing handsets, then, but those on Verizon will at least have a degree of freedom.
ZTE Director arrives at US Cellular, takes charge of entry-level Android
US Cellular has had precious few truly low-cost smartphones running an Android build that wasn't baked in 2010. For those who'd like something a little fresher, the ZTE Director is here. While it's only slightly ahead of the trailing edge with stock Ice Cream Sandwich, that's an improvement on a category where Gingerbread still rules. Likewise, no one will be floored by the 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 3.5-inch 480 x 320 screen, 4GB of storage (plus microSD slot) and 3-megapixel rear camera, although the 1,500mAh battery is ample for the size. We imagine that customers will mostly be enamored by the price -- when the Director costs a penny on contract and $200 contract-free, it may bring in those who'd have held on to that basic flip phone for a little while longer.
MMObility: Dragon Eternity shines on the iPad
Dragon Eternity has always been a pretty neat browser-based game that drew me in more with its mechanics and UI design than with its actual gameplay. Frankly, the game is a grind. You'll be sent on quest after quest that is basically kill-ten-whatever, with the occasional gather quest thrown in for good measure. I wasn't terribly thrilled with it before, but I did find myself occasionally enjoying it. The artwork in the game is beautiful. That alone is a reason to poke my head into the title once in a while. Now that a new iPad version has been released, I just had to give it another go to see if it felt the same as before. I have to say, how you interface with a game can really make a difference. Sure, the grind is still there, and the quests are generally the same at higher levels as they are at level one, but the iPad works awesome. That's not all, however. I also participated in PvP combat for the first time and found out exactly where the game shines.
Verizon upgrade eligibility extends to a full two years, New Every Two credits expire April 15th
Verizon subscribers, we hope your device habits don't revolve too closely around that 20-month upgrade cycle: it's about to get longer. Big Red has confirmed that upgrade eligibility will now start only after the two-year contract is up. Those who have an existing contract that expires in January 2014 or later will have to wait four more months before they can get hardware at a discounted rate. Ostensibly, the shift is to let customers count on a lone upgrade date for all of their connected devices, but let's not beat around the bush: the longer intervals are bad for any subscriber whose desire for a new phone or tablet doesn't perfectly dovetail with their contract length. There are a few other changes afoot. Those on multi-line accounts can still share their upgrades as long as it's within the same device category, but they won't have the option to transfer a hotspot or tablet upgrade. It won't be as easy to upgrade to that Galaxy Note 10.1, unfortunately. Likewise, anyone who's been hoarding New Every Two upgrades since the program ended in 2011 may want to use them this weekend -- the credits expire on April 15th. While these last two changes won't affect as many of us, they reinforce the notion that Verizon would really prefer that we hold on to the gear we've got.
LG Optimus F7 leaked as potential suitor for Boost Mobile
Travel back to the time of Mobile World Congress and you'll surely recall the LG Optimus F7, a well-specced mid-tier smartphone that left us quite impressed. Now, @evleaks has shared a peek of the device that's adorned with the Now Network's branding, and if all goes according to plans, the serial leaker suggests the phone will soon hit Sprint-owned Boost Mobile. A few notable features of the Optimus F7 include a 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, an 8-megapixel primary camera, 2GB RAM and Android 4.1.2, which would pose a heavy challenge to Boost's current premiere smartphone, the HTC One SV. Naturally, we'd certainly welcome the Optimus F7 on Sprint (and even Virgin Mobile), and given the Sprint Zone branding, we'll remain cautiously hopeful that Dan Hesse is thinking the same.
Foursquare 6.0 for iOS shifts the focus to exploration with a new home screen
Those who've had the redesigned Foursquare for Android are familiar with the app's greater priority on exploring local haunts; it's the iOS users' turn now that Foursquare 6.0 is here. The update puts the Explore search box and map right on the main page, helping socialites quickly find out what's going on nearby. The remake also splits up activity, emphasizing closer check-ins and what's hot in one space while keeping recommendations and more distant goings-on in another section. Foursquare's refresh isn't a complete revolution, but it puts the app's two main platforms on the same page -- and shows how check-ins have become just one part of a larger whole.
Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame
Sony took a rather unusual path with its flagship smartphone for 2013: it designed the hardware twice. The Xperia Z is ostensibly the star of the show with its glass body and waterproofing, but it's launching alongside the Xperia ZL, an equally brawny, yet plainer sibling. On a spec sheet, there's no apparent reason for the ZL to exist when its features almost perfectly match those of the slimmer and more stylish Z. Still, it's precisely that emphasis on function over form that might just win the day. Sony bills the ZL as the most compact 5-inch smartphone on the market, which could win over folks who see large-screened phones as unwieldy. But is it enough to challenge conventional thinking on big phones, especially in light of fiercer competition? And is there anything special lurking underneath the ZL's reworked hood? Read on and we'll let you know whether the second device in Sony's dual-phone strategy is strong enough to outshine the Z -- and, more importantly, its rivals. %Gallery-185056%
Sony Xperia ZL gets its first US carrier, arrives at Cincinnati Bell on May 1st
In the battle of 5-inch, 1080p smartphones, it seems that the Sony Xperia ZL might've gotten lost in the shuffle amongst US carriers. Despite its availability as an unlocked device (and through Canadian carriers), any potential stateside buyers looking to snag the Xperia ZL with a carrier subsidy are currently out of luck. Fortunately for some, all that is set to change on May 1st, as Cincinnati Bell has announced that it'll sell the Xperia ZL for $250 after rebate on a two-year contract. Naturally, Cincinnati Bell isn't the largest of carriers, and its relatively steep pricing leaves a bit to be desired, but it's certainly nice to see Sony gain some traction in the states. Perhaps it's a sign of things to come?
Best Buy shipping HTC One for T-Mobile starting April 19th, priced at $250
We knew good and well that HTC's One would be arriving on T-Mobile USA at some point, and for those uninterested in tying themselves to Sprint or AT&T, here's some news that matters: Best Buy has just confirmed to us that it'll begin shipping T-Mobile's flavor of the aforementioned phone on April 19th. The "Glacier Silver" kit will be on sale for as little at $249.99 on a two-year deal, whereas you'll be forced to pay $699.99 for the blessing of having no strings attached. Granted, T-Mob's Simple Choice suggests that no contracts will be involved, but if you take the bait on the subsidized price, you'll either be hanging with the carrier long enough to pay it off, or you'll be forking out the difference on the way to some other operator. Brad Molen contributed to this report.
Samsung SPH-L500 saunters by the FCC with Sprint-friendly LTE, hefty dimensions
Uncle Sam just played host to Samsung's SPH-L500 smartphone at the FCC, and it looks like the handset's next stop will be Sprint. With a 850 / 1900 CDMA radio and support for Band 25 LTE / SVLTE (simultaneous voice and data), the South Korean-designed smartphone carries the requisite kit to operate on the Now Network, and also packs WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth and NFC. Though other details are scant, digging into the government paperwork reveals one major clue: size. Measuring up at roughly 5.2 inches tall and 2.6 inches wide, it's clear that we're in store for a hefty device, as it's ever so slightly smaller than the Galaxy S 4. Big Yellow and Samsung haven't made the hardware official just yet, but that's likely to change soon as it's cleared one of the final hurdles left between it and US availability.
Nokia Lumia 928 spied for Verizon Wireless
How does a US carrier get around AT&T's exclusivity of the Lumia 920? Why, it releases an exclusive of its own, of course. News of the Lumia 928 is probably familiar to many of you, which has been rumored (and spotted in inventory systems) as an upscale Windows Phone for Verizon. Now, things just got real, as @evleaks has just released the first glimpse of the Lumia 928, and adorned in black, we're quite sure that Batman would approve. Naturally, Big Red's branding adorns both the front and back of the device, but at least there's a modicum of restraint. This being Nokia's second Windows Phone outing on Verizon, we're crossing our fingers that the phone was spared a beating with the ugly stick. We'll reserve judgment until we can get our grubby mitts on one.
MMObility: How the mobile market is trying to change MMOs
My brother called me the other day to tell me that he had just beaten me in Real Racing 3, an EA title that has drawn some criticism for its use of microtransactions. I enjoyed the heck out of the game, and it seems that EA is not worried about the criticism thanks to the overall positive response to the title. I asked my brother about the in-game purchases and he didn't really know what I was talking about. It was only more evidence that the rest of the market -- especially the huge mobile market -- doesn't really appear to care about persistent worlds or immersive lore. The fact is that pseudo-MMOs or games that are barely on the edge of MMO are MMO enough for many people, even people like my brother, who is no stranger to MMO gaming and has spent years in and out of World of Warcraft raiding and leveling. I was going to write about a game called Raft Pirates for this column, but when I started to look at it, I realized that it didn't quite seem like a "real" MMO, and so I asked the developer to define the game for me. The response I got back only added to my confusion about where the mobile market is going. So in today's MMObility, I want to continue the discussion I started last week, but this time I'll like to look at how the mobile market is keeping things muddy.
Nokia Lumia 720 starts shipping, costs £300 prepaid at O2 UK
Nokia courted fashionistas back at Mobile World Congress with the Lumia 720, and it's ready to embrace them more fully now that the slim Windows Phone is rolling out to its first countries. We've already seen it launch in Australia and the UK, where it's available for free when subscribing to relatively frugal postpaid plans of either $29 AUD (on Virgin Mobile Australia) or £22 (on O2 UK); Brits can also spend £300 at O2 to use the phone on a pay-as-you-go basis. Other countries will get their units in short order, including Italy next week (for €349 off-contract) and Russia. As a reminder, it's not coming to the US in an official capacity: while the mid-tier device made a visit to the FCC, the absence of LTE largely precludes American carrier deals. Some of us will have to gaze on the Lumia 720 from afar as a result, but many of those craving the most stylish of Nokia smartphones can get some satisfaction very shortly.
Facebook Home reaching tablets in coming months
Facebook wants to put Facebook Home on as many devices as possible, and that includes tablets -- eventually. It just promised that tablets would get support, but only at some point in the months ahead. For now, it's phones only. The social network hasn't said which tablets might be at the forefront, although its plan to steadily widen hardware compatibility suggests that any support will evolve quickly.
