Mobile Miscellany: week of July 29th, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought overwhelming support for MoDaCo.Switch on the GS4, new markets for the budget-priced BlackBerry Q5 and a pint-sized Android handset from Acer. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of July 29th, 2013.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software, Mobile

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Tentative Samsung smartwatch design unearthed in Korean patents

While Samsung hasn't been shy about its desire to build a new smartwatch, we've had few clues as to what that wristwear could look like. However, Moveplayer has uncovered a trio of Korean design patents that, combined, could represent a design template. Registered between March and May, the patents show a watch with both Android-style controls in the middle and a prominent flexible display. The device looks plausible, but we wouldn't leap to conclusions -- companies frequently patent designs that won't necessarily ship. There's also no clear connections to a previously filed Gear trademark associated with wearable technology. If Samsung ever releases a watch in this mold, though, it will at least seem very familiar.

[Thanks, JunK]

Filed under: Wearables, Samsung

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Source: Moveplayer

Catch Notes to hang up its boots on August 30th

Catch Notes never quite caught on as much as Evernote did, but we'll bet its loyal users will still be upset to know it's shuttering on August 30th. An announcement posted on the company's website reveals that it's terminating its note-taking service, which includes its Android and iOS apps as well as its browser extensions. While the end of Catch Notes is nigh, it doesn't seem the company itself is closing up, as the same announcement talks about moving "in a different direction." Until we hear what the firm has in mind, those who've been using the service over the years can export their notes via Catch.com. You can then import the CVS or the ZIP file to other productivity tools like Evernote, OneNote, Simplenote or Springpad. There's less than 30 days to find a new service that tickles your fancy, but at least you won't have to start from scratch.

[Thanks, Michael]

Filed under: Misc

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Source: Catch (1), (2)

Google Play Edition smartphones start receiving Android 4.3

If you were wondering just how long it would take the Google Play Editions of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4 to get Android 4.3, we can now tell you: not long at all. Owners of both devices report that they're receiving over-the-air updates to the new OS. There isn't yet word of any GPE-specific additions, but we'll let you know if there are surprises in store.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Google

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Via: Brian Klug (Twitter), Ernesto Arias (Twitter)

Source: AnandTech

OUYA offers $13.37 store credit as mea culpa to Kickstarter supporters

If you were a die-hard Kickstarter supporter of OUYA, you might have had your feelings hurt to know the Android console was actually available for retail before you got yours in the mail. It looks like OUYA founder and CEO Julie Uhrman is certainly aware of that (along with a few other teething problems) as she has just sent out an email with the above image, offering all Kickstarter supporters a $13.37 credit to its Discover store. While that may not solve all of OUYA's issues, at least early adopters will feel better about it after a hearty round of You Don't Know Jack .

Filed under: Gaming

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Vine updates Android app with push notifications and more sharing options

It's the freakin' weekend, baby, and Vine has an app update for its most loyal Android users. (Actually, any Android user that has access to v4.0 or higher.) Semantics aside, the outfit's app has just been updated with push notifications and more sharing options... or so says its Twitter account. The Google Play link is still showing a prior description, but we're guessing the new build will percolate through momentarily.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google

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Source: Vine (Twitter), Google Play Store

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