Nexus 7 2013 reportedly on its way to Verizon’s network

When the LTE variant of the Nexus 7 (2013) was first introduced, it was revealed that the tablet would be compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon’s network.

Unfortunately, things got a bit more complicated when it came time to activate that shiny new Nexus on Big Red’s network. Although activating the tablet was possible, Verizon sure didn’t make it easy and was more than willing to throw together excuses as to why. Months later, it looks like Verizon is getting ready to sell the Nexus 7 2013 directly.

Just last month @evleaks tweeted the news of the Nexus 7′s arrival to the Verizon network, and thankfully reported it would not feature carrier branding. Now we have even more evidence to suggest the Nexus 7 2013 is almost here.

First, a tipster recently sent us an image of Verizon-branded screen protectors for the Nexus 7 2013 (seen above), and now Droid-Life is reporting that an unnamed source has confirmed the tablet will show up on Big Red’s network soon, with February 13th named as the target date.

Keep in mind that neither Verizon or Google have confirmed this rumor just yet, so speculation is still advised. If Verizon does carry the tablet directly and manages to leave it untouched – bloatware and logo wise – anyone planning on picking this one up?

Read More

LG G Flex self-healing power demoed in promo video

In addition to having a flexible display and a somewhat flexible chassis, the LG G Flex also has one feature many smartphone users would love to have on their devices: a back case with self-healing powers.

The company has posted the video above on its Korean YouTube channel, in which it shows the phone’s self-healing power in action. As you can see, after being continuously scratched, the back plate heals himself in just a few minutes, even after being repeatedly scratched in the same place.

LG is yet to explain how the technology works, but in the description of the YouTube video it did say that only light scratches that occur normally during every day use can be fixed, while recovery from deeper scratches or drops may not be possible.

There are various technologies out there that could be used to offer a self-healing material for use in smartphone and tablets, and we can only assume that more device makers will adopt some of them in the near future – LG is certainly on the right track.

We’ll tell you more about exactly the LG G Flex fixes itself once we find out more details about it ourselves.

Read More

Nexus 5 16GB black out of stock, all other models still available for order

Compared to the fiasco that was the Nexus 4 launch, the Nexus 5’s debut has been considerably smoother. While we have seen small stock shortages and a continued push back on shipping dates, most Nexus 5 buyers have found that the Play Store ordering process was pretty painless.

As strong demand continues to exist for the Nexus 5, how’s the stock holding up? For the 16GB black model, it’s now completely out of inventory — at least in the United States. We can’t say how long the model will be unavailable, though we wouldn’t be surprised if it returns to being listed for sale in relatively short order, albeit with a shipping wait of a month or more.

Google is a genius company in a lot of ways, but their product launches are generally one area where things never quite go right. It’s nice to see that with the Nexus 5, they are finally getting things figured out.

Right now all other models of the Nexus 5 are still available, but the shipping times vary depending on the model.

For the 16GB white model you are looking at a wait of 4-5 weeks before it ships, for the 32GB black it’s 2 – 3 weeks, and the 32GB white model ships by November 26th.

Google is a genius company in a lot of ways, but their product launches are generally one area where things never quite go right. It’s nice to see that with the Nexus 5, they are finally getting things figured out. Still, even the best product launches are bound to have some stock shortage issues. Let’s just hope that some folks aren’t still waiting until late spring or early summer to get their hands on the latest Nexus (we’re looking at you Nexus 4).

Still haven’t decided whether or not to pick up the Nexus 5? Check out our video review below for a better idea of what to expect from the handset:

For those that have already ordered (or attempted to order) the Nexus 5, how did the experience go? Any mishaps or was it smooth sailing throughout the entire ordering and shipping process?

Read More

Android bug that affects 99% of devices detailed

With the help of a number of software researchers, the details of the Android exploit Bluebox reported earlier this week have been uncovered.

The specifics of the widespread Android bug we previously reported on have, since security firm Bluebox revealed its existence to the developer community earlier this week, remained mired in mystery. It was understood that a malicious application could abuse Android’s signing mechanism – the operating system’s safeguard against infectious apps purporting to be legitimate – to pass as an APK update from Google, Samsung, or any number of companies, but the methodology required to do so was unclear.

With the help of a number of software researchers, the details of the exploit have been uncovered. Apparently, the most widely distributed versions of Android rely on a flawed archive (ZIP, JAR, and APK, as the term relates to Android) verification mechanism that allows potentially harmful code to avoid detection. When examining an application signature, Android checks files in a particular order. It’s possible, then, to trick the operating system by including a modified file before the original. When Android goes to verify the archive, it sees the original, unmodified file with the valid signature, and so allows malicious files to install and execute.

Which devices are not affected? What can you do?

A few distributions of Android are not vulnerable to this type of attack. The Galaxy S4 received a fix, and Cyanogenmod project lead Steve Kondik recently committed a patch to all distributions of the third-party firmware. In addition, Google is reportedly working on an update for Nexus devices, though the company has declined to comment officially.

What should owners of smartphones with older versions of Android do to avoid viruses and adware? Not much, really. Presumably, Google’s ensured the Play Store’s automated malicious code scannerhas been updated to check for the exploit; the company’s been aware of this bug since February, and so has had plenty of time to take preventative measures. In truth, the security hole represents the biggest threat to users of third-party app stores and pirated applications – usually, these are not so thoroughly vetted for malicious code. However, people who wish to protect themselves have a few options. Those with phones no longer supported by the manufacturer can install the latest Cyanogenmod nightly build for their respective device. Owners of the latest Android smartphones should see firmware with a security fix soon, though how soon is another matter. Finally, Nexus folks should see something from Google at some point in the future.

Is this bug cause for anyone to panic? No, not really.  As long as you’re conscientious about the source and appearance of your applications and updates, you’ll be perfectly safe

Read More

Developer releases flashable camera app for Nexus 5, aims to improve device’s photo-taking abilities

With a low-price tag, a powerful Snapdragon 800 CPU, and a Full HD 4.96-inch display — there’s a lot to love about the Nexus 5. Of course, there are also going to be a few sacrifices when buying a handset that’s about half the price of a typical flagship.

According to most early reports, the Nexus 5 suffers from some of the same issues as the Nexus 4: namely weaker battery life and a camera that isn’t as good as other high-end Android devices. The good news is that some of the Nexus 5’s camera issues might have to do more with the stock camera app, and are not just shortcomings with the 8MP shooter.

Hoping to take the Nexus 5 camera experience to the next level, developer Jishnu Sur has now released a flashable .zip that replaces the stock camera with an app that has quite a few special features including faster focusing, the ability to record 720p @ 20Mb/S on the front cam, an adjusted focus range, and enhanced smooth zoom.

In order to get the new 3rd-party camera app up and running, you’ll need to have an unlocked bootloader with root access. You will also need to flash the file via some form of custom recovery. In other words, this mod isn’t for those who are unfamiliar with the Android modding scene. Then again, if you own a Nexus device, this probably isn’t a problem for you.

So how much better do things look with the new camera app? Most posters over at the XDA forum say that the camera is noticeably sharper in most types of shots, though the difference isn’t exactly night and day.

While we haven’t had the opportunity to test it out for ourselves, we have posted one side-by-side photo, originally from XDA forum member krazyAttack. The image on the left was taken with the stock camera app.

For those wishing to try out Sur’s camera app for themselves, you can learn more about the project by heading over to the XDA Developers forum.

Has anyone flashed this yet — if so, what do you think? Is there a noticeable difference based on your experience with it?

Read More

CyanogenMod 10.2 vs Paranoid Android vs AOKP: features shown in handy infographics

An Android fan took to reddit and imgur to post three handy infographics detailing the most important features of three prominent custom Android ROMs, including CyanogenMod, Paranoid Android and AOKP.

Whether you like a stock Android experience, a default user interface from an Android device manufacturer or a custom ROM, you certainly should check out these three ROMs to see what they have to offer.

We have extensively covered custom ROMs, keeping you updated with everything that happens in the Android modding ecosystem, and showed you comparisons of our own between some of these custom ROMs.

That said, in the following images (credit: reddit user wamen_noodles) , you’ll be able to see the different and similar features between CyanogenMod 10.2, Paranoid Android and AOKP. The set of images will be especially useful if you don’t know which one to pick.

CyanogenMod 10.2 features

Paranoid Android features

AOKP features

Naturally, we’re not advising you to pick either one of the custom ROMs shown below, and we’ll remind you that it’s up to you to decide whether you want to install any of them on your devices – that means you’re the only one responsible for whatever happens to your smartphones and/or tablets during such procedures.

Read More

Two new Nexus 7 ads hit the web, they are great, as usual

When it comes to advertising, Google’s been doing a great job, better than most Android manufacturers we’d say. Relatable, sweet, feature-focused, and snappy, clips like the Camping TV ad for the original Nexus 7 or the Fear Less spot for the second generation have contributed to the growth of the Nexus range from a niche device to a formidable crowd-pleaser.

Here are two more great Nexus 7 TV ads that you might begin to see over the following weeks. Google highlights the simplicity and convenience of consuming media and apps on a tablet, be it a Shakespeare play or a frantic shoot-em up game.

Speaking of ads, Black Friday, the crazy start of the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Expect a big marketing push from small and big players alike. Looking forward to anything in particular?

Read More