CyanogenMod adds HTC One Max, Find 7 to roster

CyanogenMod has once again expanded its list of supported device with two new additions. Joining the ranks is last year's HTC giant, the One Max, as well as this year's first QHD star, the OPPO Find 7.

It seems a bit late for the HTC One Max to join the party, but better late than never, as the cliche goes. Perhaps even stranger is the fact that the device isn't getting a unified build that CyanogenMod has started pushing for since February. As such, there are various builds available, such as t6 for T-Mobile, AT&T, and unlocked variants and t6vzw for Verizon.

The OPPO Find 7 might also seem like a latecomer, but in this case it is understandable. This high-end device only started retail availability last month. The slightly lower spec Find 7a, on the other hand, has been out since April and, as of June, has been inducted into CyanogenMod's membership. Both the Find 7a and the Find 7 (or Find 7s in some places) are supported by the same find7 build.

The builds for t6 and find7 families will kick off July 1. For now, only nightly builds are available, which do not necessarily mean there will be M, much less stable, releases for these devices. It all depends on the maintainers for those particular smartphone. But for those ready to make the jump, the builds are now up on CyanogenMod's download page.

SOURCE: +CyanogenMod (1), (2)

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet confirmed by certification

It seems that not only is the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet a real thing, it could very well be coming soon. A certification registered at the Global Certification Forum or GCF reveals this device with 3G and 4G LTE support, hinting at the possibility that NVIDIA could announce the device soon.

The NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet is an interesting device, or rumor actually, because of the possibilities the name represents. On the one hand, it is clearly a tablet, a 7.9-inch one at that according to leaks. NVIDIA does already have a tablet, the Tegra Note, though the absence of the word "Note" suggests that this one will be different. In fact, the presence of the word "SHIELD" could imply that it might actually follow in the footsteps of the popular NVIDIA SHIELD handheld gaming console. That could also mean some GameStream fun!

The GCF certification doesn't clue us in on any other technical information about this tablet aside from network support, but we have had a few leaks and rumors about it that gives us a better picture of the device. It will run on the Tegra K1, which sounds reasonable as it is NVIDIA's current poster boy for mobile devices. The resolution won't exactly be QHD but comes close at 2048x1536 pixels. There is also 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage.

Beyond the specs, however, it is the final form factor that is a bit more interesting. The SHIELD brand suggests a gaming device, but tablets are rarely considered to be such. There are, however, rumors that the next SHIELD gaming device will come in a combination of gamepad and tablet, with the tablet part separate from the controller, which is still something a bit difficult, if not uncomfortable, to imagine. How that will play out in practice, we'll just have to wait. According to rumors again, we might not have to wait that long, with a launch slated for 22 July.

SOURCE: GCF

VIA: Notebook Italia

BenQ is back in the game with F5 and T3 4G smartphones

Aside from a brief appearance late last year with mid-range F3 and A3 smartphones, BenQ has been relatively silent. Now the manufacturer is trying to revive its position and name by outing two new LTE-enabled smartphones for Taiwan's population.

The distinction between the BenQ F5 and BenQ T3 is a rather fuzzy one, with the former poised as a more "serious" high-end offering while the latter is a bit more "playful" entry-level device. The fact that the T3 comes with a yellow color option reinforces that image. The T3 also comes with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of storage. The 4.5-inch screen doesn't even reach HD levels, capped at 960x540 pixels. There is an 8 megapixel camera at the back but only 0.3 megapixels at the front. It does run on Android 4.4.2, though, which is always a plus, but it overlaid by BenQ's custom Q Home interface.

The BenQ F5 shares the same CPU and RAM as the T3, as well as the same Android KitKat version and Q Home UI. In almost all other aspects, the F5 is the clear hardware winner. The 5-inch screen boasts of 1280x720 pixel resolution. The 13 megapixel rear camera carries the Sony Exmor name, while the front of the device has a semi-decent 2 megapixel shooter. There are 8 and 16 GB configurations for internal storage, expandable of course with a microSD card. There are only white and black models available for this smartphone, however.

Both the BenQ F5 and T3 come with support for Taiwan's LTE networks, but which network bands and which carriers are supported depends on the model. The BenQ T3 naturally has a lower price tag of 6,990 TWD or around $235, while the BenQ F5 isn't exactly far off with a 7,990 TWD tag, roughly $270. No word yet on availability outside Taiwan, but BenQ will be facing stiff competition if it decides to venture out.

VIA: ePrice

Story Timeline

• BenQ R100 Android tablet due Q1 2011


• BenQ Announces Android-based R100 Tablet


• BenQ unveils the mid-level F3 and A3 smartphones

Moto Maker now available in Germany

As promised before, Motorola somewhat quietly launched the Moto Maker site in Germany. This is the first time that the Moto X customization service has been made available outside of the US, potentially sending mixed signals about the future of the current flagship as well as the upcoming smartphone currently dubbed the Moto X+1.

When Google shut down its Texas Moto X production site, it was theorized that Moto Maker is on the last leg of its existence since it was there that the US-made devices were born. Motorola, of course, assured the public that Moto Maker would continue and would in fact expand to Mexico and Western Europe. But there wasn't any solid proof of that promise until now. Motorola, and Lenovo, is expanding Moto Maker globally starting with Germany. Residents of that region can now buy their dream Moto X configuration from carrier Phone House, with all the bells and whistles that their US counterparts had access to, including wood back covers.

Of course the question now would be "why only now?" The Moto X has had almost a full year of existence unchallenged by anything from Motorola's ranks and is long overdue a successor. The usual business practice would be to dial down production a bit for an outgoing standard bearer, not to ramp up international availability, especially of this sort. Perhaps Motorola only got the chance to spread abroad now that Lenovo is in charge. Or perhaps the Moto X is due for a longer term than we expected.

There is also another possibility. Motorola and Lenovo might be testing the waters and flexing their muscles in making the Moto Maker service available outside the US in lieu of future devices. There has been speculation that the Moto X+1 will also have Moto Maker options, and the manufacturer might very well be eying an international availability from the get go. There is also that rumor that the Moto 360 smartwatch will also customizable via the web service, which could also benefit with a global launch from day one.

SOURCE: Motorola Germany

Story Timeline

• Motorola announces Moto Maker will be coming to Mexico, Western Europe


• Moto X Moto Maker swaps out Walnut for Rosewood


• Moto 360 to be released with X+1 and through Moto Maker

Samsung Gear Live goes live in three more countries

With a week left before the smartwatch actually ships to store shelves and would-be owners, Google has updated the list of chosen ones that will carry the Samsung Gear Live at launch. With Australia, Japan, and South Korea added to the mix, that roster now comes to a total of 11 markets for one of Google's first Android Wear devices.

The initial list was comprised of eight countries: Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Almost a bit surprising that Samsung's own South Korean market wasn't initially included, but then again it is Google that decides on such things when it comes to Nexus-like references devices such as this. Google is now accepting pre-orders for the Gear Live on Google Play Store and has marked July 8 as the date of shipping.

What exactly will you be getting when you put up an order for this smartwatch. Basically a Gear 2 Neo (because it has no camera) with Android Wear inside instead of Tizen. That means a 1.63-inch 320x320 screen, a 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of memory, and, the one thing that its contemporaries don't have, a heart rate monitor. Of course, the star of the show really will be Android Wear, which remains, for now, a novelty to end users. All of these for the rather low price of $199.

If you're one of those pining for the Gear Live or any of the Android Wear smartwatches, there is one crucial check you need to make before hitting that pre-order button. Google has provided a way for prospective buyers to see if their current Android device will be compatible with Android Wear. Simply visit g.co/WearCheck on your mobile device and see if you're good to go.

SOURCE: Google

Story Timeline

• Samsung Gear Live hands-on: new wine in old wineskin [UPDATE]


• Android Wear launch wrap-up and why you might want to wait


• Device compatible with Android Wear? Check it first!

Disney brings on the cuteness in the Tsum Tsum game

Because we all need a little cuteness in our lives, Disney has brought the Tsum Tsum craze, which has already won Japan’s heart, to the United States. Line has introduced the Disney Tsum Tsum gaming app for those who want to enjoy their favourite characters in a digital but fluffy manner.

But first things first: What in the world is a Tsum Tsum? As far as we can see and understand, they are soft, fluffy toys based on several beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, the Chipmunks, Pluto and many others. They became hugely popular in Japan, where cute (kawaii) things come alive, and now, Disney is bringing them to the West through more plush toys and a digital game created by messaging app Line.

The Disney Tsum Tsum game is a simple puzzle game where you need to connect three or more Tsums in order to pop them up. You get points for all the cuties you collect and connecting a lot of them will get you into Fever Mode wherein you earn a lot of points. Aside from coming in different characters, each Tsum has a distinct skill set that you can use to further your levels and your playing style.

Aside from the Line game, the Tsum Tsums also come in these cute plushy toys that you can carry around or display on your work desk. You can event post them around different settings and situations, just like the one shown on the Disney blog. But still, at the end of the day, you probably want to virtually spend your time with these adorable little versions of your favourite Disney characters, so the Line app it is.

Download the Tsum Tsum app from the Google Play Store.

SOURCE: Disney

Moto X burned and lives to tell the tale

We've different experiments and antics that try to test the resilience of mobile devices, but sometimes the true tests lie not in controlled settings but in real-world accidents. And as a certain Digital Dragon from Google+ discovered, the Moto X seems pretty capable of performing with grace under fire. Literally.

The exact sequence of events that lead to this otherwise horrifying incident wasn't fully recounted. Only a mention of a campfire, which should be more than enough to spark the imagination, pun unintended. According to Digital Dragon, the Moto X was pulled out of the flames still on fire. But lo and behold, the smartphone still booted up and worked as normal. Of course, presumably after the fire was put out.

The owner was definitely lucky. The rear cover, of course made of wood, bears the traumatic scars of the scorching brush with death. That would have been the least of his worries however. Fires and batteries make for an even more lethal combination. Not just for the phone but for anyone unfortunate enough to be holding it at the moment of combustion. There is sage wisdom in most stress tests staying away from playing with fire.

That said, it is indeed impressive testament to the Moto X's build, but one that should not be attempted again. Hopefully the Moto X+1 will likewise be tough, but hopefully no one will have to go through that same incident just to find out.