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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom finally joins Android 4.4 family

Samsung might have been busy giving devices both old and new a new KitKat coating, but one member of its 2013 flagship quartet was noticeably left out of the fun. That is, until now. At long last, the camera-centric Galaxy S4 Zoom is reunited with its siblings and is starting to get an Android 4.4 update, rolling out first in Russia.



It might be easy to forget the Galaxy S4 Zoom. After all, it looked more like a slim compact smart camera that has phone functions on the side, a design that Samsung has somewhat rectified in the Galaxy K Zoom. Nonetheless, it is only fair and just for those who invested in buying one to get the Android 4.4 update that they too deserve.


Android 4.4 brings the promise of faster performance, redesigned status and navigation bars, That said, given Samsung's heavily modified TouchWiz skin, it might be hard to see those visual changes. There is also the addition of a camera icon on the lockscreen which, considering that this is a camera smartphone already, might seem a bit redundant. There is also hope that some of the camera app features in the Galaxy K Zoom would descend on this previous gen device, though we won't know for sure until the update has hit a wider number of units.


The Android 4.4. update for the Galaxy S4 Zoom has started rolling out in Russia and is expected to also make its way to other regions where it shares the same SM-C101 model name. The build has the number C101XXUBNF4. and only contains Android 4.4.2, which is quite alright considering no or very few Samsung devices have been updated to Android 4.4.3 already, much less Android 4.4.4.


VIA: SamMobile





Verizon offers ALLSET PLANS for 4G LTE smartphone owners

So you finally have the 4G LTE device that you’ve been dreaming of. But then your connectivity leaves a lot to be desired so the LTE part of your smartphone is practically useless. Verizon is offering device owners a great deal to make the most out of their phones’ 4G LTE connection with their ALLSET PLANS, offering unlimited talk, text and at least 500 MB of data per month.



Starting at $45/month, the plan offers all these plus fast connectivity that they promise will make owning a 4G LTE smartphone doubly worth it. If you think however that 500MB of data per month is too low for your Internet needs, you add $5 for additional 500MB of data. If that’s still not enough, they’re offering BRIDGE DATA where you can add usage allowance when you think you’ll exceed your current one. Some of the options available are additional 1GB for $10 and 3GB for $20, both expiring in 90 days.


Another offering from Verizon would be useful for those traveling to the US’ North American neighbours. If you're going there anytime soon, you can let family or friends living in the area know that you'll be there. The ALLSET PLANS’ unlimited texting lets you send test messages to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico without incurring additional charges.


Those already with 4G LTE devices can avail of the ALLSET PLAN and would just need to activate their contract. Those who want to avail of the plan plus a handset can choose from several handsets including the HTC One, Moto X, Samsung Galaxy S 4 and Samsung Galaxy S5. They are also offering for a limited time the LG Lucid 3 ($149.99) and LG G2 ($299.99) together with the plan, both in the online and retail stores.


SOURCE: Verizon


Bungie app links you to your Destiny wherever you are

Game console makers and game developers are starting to look to our smartphone and tablets as second screens and as an alternative form of engagement. In that sense, Bungie looks no different from any other, but the amount of features that it has packed into its Destiny companion app definitely shows how much thought the game maker has put into making the game a truly immersive and encompassing experience.



Bungie's high-profile "mythic science fiction" MMORPG is set to go on public beta today. And to augment beta testers' gaming experience, they updated their old Bungie Mobile App and renamed it to the Destiny Companion App. As the name points out, the app lets you connect to the game to some extent using your mobile device. But this app works even when you're not actually playing, and actually lets you even interact with the game world wherever and whenever you want to.


The basic capabilities of checking your Guardian, that is, your player, character, and his or her stats is a given. The app will let you also inspect and compare your Grimoire, your collection of in-game lores, with your in-game friends. But what is quite unique about this Destiny Companion is that it actually lets you change your Guardian's gear right within the app. And yes, you view your character, or characters, in a complete 360-degree 3D turntable style. Those more enterprising players will also be able to view what wares vendors are currently selling, though it doesn't mean you can put it your bid for the item until you actually go online.


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As with any game companion app that connects to the Internet, you can keep in touch with in-game friends, either through Bungie's forums, private messaging, or through either PlayStation Network or Xbox LIVE. The Destiny Companion app is available for free on Google Play Store, but of course it will only really be useful if you own the Destiny game, available soon on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.


Download: Destiny Companion on Google Play Store


Amazon accidentally leaks unlimited ebook subscription

Amazon might once again be preparing to upset the fragile balance in the ebook publishing and distribution realm. An Amazon Kindle Unlimited web page was mistakenly published and promptly taken down, but not before it was saved for posterity by Google's almighty cache, giving us a sneak peek at what could be the retailer's "read all you can" service, for only $9.99 a month.



Amazon is hardly the only one in this type of market. Entitle has the same $9.99 price tag but limits access to only two books a month, with one important caveat: those books remain in your catalog even if you stop paying your dues. Oyster, which landed on Android just last month offers unlimited access for $9.95, but it can only boast of around 200,000 or more titles on its virtual shelves. Neither has the industry clout of Amazon, whose leaked page boasted more than 600,000 in its inventory.


The retailer isn't a stranger to such a business model either, having tested the waters with its Kindle Owners Lending Library in 2011. That said, the question now is how Amazon will conduct this new business venture. The absence of the "Prime" brand hints that this could be a service open to a wider audience beyond Amazon's exclusive club, but it could still apply the same rules it does with Amazon Prime Videos. Cease paying for the subscription and you lose access to all books you've previous downloaded, even when you're in the middle of that chilling suspense novel. Practically, you will be renting books and not buying them, a distinction that might be lost on those used to getting their ebook fix from Amazon.



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That potential confusion, and all other reservations about the whole ebook trade, might be a reason for traditional publisher to once again stay clear of the Amazon machine. Publishers have alway been wary of jumping into this digital trend, a problem that even Entitle and Oyster encounter in their own markets. 600,000 is hardly even a fraction of Amazon's entire selection and it will be interesting to see who will get on board once this Kindle Unlimited service takes off. Now to wait and see when, and how, it will actually take off.


VIA: SlashGear





Google Wallet gives frequent buyers a reason to use it

Google's electronic wallet system has been around since like forever, but it hasn't exactly caught on. This latest major push from Google, however, might just do the trick now that Google Wallet can be used to manage your gift cards, easily ask for money and just as easily send money, all from the convenience of your smartphone.



Google Wallet is already capable of handling your loyalty cards, but now it can also store your gift cards as well, relieving you of the stress of looking for the right card at the right time. Gift cards can be entered via a camera snapshot or by manually typing in the card info. It's even easier if you receive such gift cards electronically, since you can simply just save it in the app. Google Wallet is also smart enough to notify you if you're near an establishment that has a gift card in your inventory. For now, this feature is limited to a few stores like Best Buy, Nike, TGI Fridays, and more.


Google already allows you to pay for products using Wallet, but now it is making it even easier to pay friends and get paid in return. If a friend owes you a certain dinner share, you can conveniently send them a reminder via the app or even through Gmail, and they can just as conveniently pay you back right then and there. This feature is availably only in the US, for users ages 18 and above. Turning the tables around, should you owe any of your friends some money, you can also send them money using a linked debit card. Google waives the usual percentage-based transaction fee to make it even more hassle free.



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These new features will be rolling out to the Google Wallet app, at least in the US, over the coming days. As a bonus, if you are using your smartphone, whether an Android or iOS device, in Spanish, Google Wallet will adjust its interface to that as well.


Download: Google Wallet on Google Play Store

SOURCE: Google





New Android Wear watch faces go sci-fi

It was just a few decades ago when the idea of wearable devices, speaking into your watch, swiping onto screens were still considered science fiction. But now that the day has finally arrived when all those are readily available and commonplace, some think it would be fun to integrate a bit of pop culture sci-fi into your wearables. Two such sci-fi watch faces are now available for the Android Wear platform.



The Starwatch bills itself as an app “to boldly go where no watch has gone before”, obviously in reference to the Star Trek franchise. And yes, the main purpose of the app is to simply make your watch look like LCARS, which is what almost all computer interfaces in the Star Trek universe look like. It features both the time and date, as well as an option to feature the UNIX Epoch time format. To have it on your wearable, you need to pair your Android device with your watch, install the app, and then on your Android Wear, choose the Starwatch watch face.


If you’re more into the action-filled world of The Matrix, then Matrix face for Android Wear is the app for you. It will make your wearable look like you’re in the Matrix universe with the falling and disappearing characters in green around the actual time. The developer gives users permission to tinker with the app, since it’s free software. They’re offering the source code at Github.


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So if you have a Samsung Gear Live or an LG G Watch (and soon, the Moto 360) and you feel like geekifying your wearable to any of these two apps, you can get both the Starwatch and the Matrix face for Anrdoid Wear for free at the Google Play Store.


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LG G3 Beat isn’t a mini but a mid-tier budget G3

LG has finally announced the LG G3 Beat and in doing so has finally resolved the mystery of its size. The reason why the G3 Beat and the equivalent but rebranded G3 S are that big is because they aren't really meant to be the mini flagship's we've come to expect but are, instead, budget-friendly versions of LG's premium G3 smartphone.



It's a subtle distinction, but one that truly frames the device into the proper perspective. When seen in this light, the 5.0-inch 720p HD IPS screen doesn't look so absurd anymore. It also explains why the G3 Beat's specs are so darn low. It has the power of a 1.4 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, paired with just 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. Power comes via a 2540 mAh battery that is thankfully replaceable. There is also support for 4G LTE networks, though there is word that certain models headed for Europe might not carry that capability.




  • 5.0-inch 1280x720 IPS LCD

  • 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcom Snapdragon 400

  • 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal storage, micro SD slot

  • 2540 mAh battery

  • 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.3 megapixel front camera

  • Android 4.4.2



That said, the selling point of the G3 Beat won't be the less than stellar hardware, but the mix of features, both software and hardware, that can be found on the more premium and more expensive LG G3. On the hardware side, you get the rear button controls, the brushed metal finish, "Floating Arc" design, and the new laser autofocus system for less shaky shots. As for the software, the focus will be on Gesture, or rather clenching, Shot, QuickMemo+, Smart Keyboard, and most likely, Knock Code.


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Granted, these features do make the G3 Beat sound like a mini flagship, except bigger. But that's not going to stop LG from billing this as a mid-tier variant with a large screen rather than a mini G3. The LG G3 Beat will launch in Korea on July 18 before heading to Europe. In Europe and CIS countries, it will be known as the LG G3 S instead. Pricing details are still unknown and LG will leave it up to local markets to make that announcement.


SOURCE: LG





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