Microsoft says 23% of switchers come from Android

During the first day of Microsoft's Build developer conference today, the company laid out some interesting statistics about what users are moving over to Windows Phone. While the platform is growing at a respectable clip, it hasn't reached a level where Microsoft can boast about user numbers that much, but it can definitely mention when users are switching from Android.

According to Principal Group Program Manager Sam George, the largest segment (42%) of new Windows Phone users are those coming from feature phones, which makes quite a bit of sense to us. Once you choose a smartphone platform, and start spending money in whatever app store is available, you're much less likely to abandon that platform. This is also good news for Microsoft, because there are still 4 billion feature phone users in the world. 

Another big chunk of new Windows Phone users (23%) are those who are switching from Android, although Microsoft took a bit of a jab by using the term "upgrading" when talking about those coming from Android. Last year, we put together a 4-part guide for those thinking about switching from Android to Windows Phone, and we're hoping to update that soon, if you're a dissatisfied Android user looking for a change. And, of course Microsoft has made an app to help you find the apps you want on WP. 

source: WPCentral

Augmented Reality app lets you see Israel as Jesus did

How would you like to see what Jesus saw with his eyes? A new Augmented Reality app called Architip brings the sites of ancient Israel right to your smartphone screen. With the app installed, hold your phone up to the Dome of the Rock and on your screen you will see the Second Temple, an ancient historical landmark destroyed hundreds of years ago. Old paintings become the freshly completed works of art that they once were.

"At the end of the day, we want to take this global. For this generation growing up with mass media, everything is visual, and with sight being our most important sense, this technology is in the right time."-Yaron Benvenisti, co-creator Architip

While Architip currently works only in Israel, app co-creator Yaron Benvenisti says that he would like to take it global. Currently, Architip is in private beta testing, which means that it cannot be found in any app store at the moment. But when people worry about where technology is going, this is one use of it that can provide a better understanding of the locations where historical events took place. It is also a way for modern man to connect with the past. 


www.pointmaza.blogspot.com
source: FOXNews 

Nokia complaint against HTC could lead to a exclusion order in the U.S. against the HTC One

Nokia has filed a complaint against rival HTC with the ITC which could result in asales ban against two popular models produced by the Taiwan based manufacturer. The Verizon exclusive HTC DROID DNA and the HTC One could both face ITC exclusion orders in the country if the commission finds that Nokia patents have been infringed on. The filing was submitted last month.

Besides the HTC One and the HTC DROID DNA, other models mentioned in the complaint include the 2012 series of HTC One phones like the HTC One X and the HTC One X+. The Nokia patents cover technology for video processing, internal smartphone design and radio transceiver technology. Over the last year, Nokia has accused HTC of infringing on over 50 of its patents in suits that have been filed with German and U.S. courts. 

Last month, Nokia filed a suit against HTC in a San Diego court alleging that HTC infringed on three separate Nokia patents for a "terminal, method and computer program product for interacting with a signalling tag." Nokia alleges that HTC uses this patent in ten smartphones including the Facebook Home powered HTC First and the HTC One.

Thanks Anonymous Tipster!

source: TechHive

Sony C3 leaks out: could this be Sony's first MediaTek-based phone?

We’ve been hearing about big companies like Sony and HTC looking to make a dent in the huge Chinese market and now details about a device that might be the first step for Sony leaked out. The handset in question is the Sony C3 and it is said to be based on a MediaTek chip, a cost-efficient solution.

White-box manufacturers in China are flooding the market with MediaTek-based phones, but they often lack quality finish, and that’s an added value Sony could bring.

It’s all up in the air at this point, but Sony is said to be looking into launching the mysterious Sony C3 with either the quad-core MT6589 processor or the updated 1.5Ghz MT6589T chip.

source: MTKSJ 

Apple to release a Retina iPad mini in Q3 2013, and an upgraded one in Q1 2014

The Apple iPad mini has been a success, there's no doubt about that. And as every successful device, it's bound to have a successor at some point. We're pretty sure that Apple is going to introduce a new iPad mini this year, one that will fix the tablet's biggest drawback - the low resolution.

Things, however, are starting to get much more interesting now that NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has said that he expects Apple to follow this new iPad mini with yet another one in early 2014, possible even in Q1 2014. According to Shim, Apple's going to pull a "New iPad" kind of a move - with a resolution upgrade in the second half of this year and a quick under-the-hood refresh early next one. The 2014 iPad mini is said to come with a faster processor in order to keep the device as competitive as possible.

The sources claim that it's not clear yet what kind of screen technology the new iPad mini is going to use. The main concern in this regard is that such advanced displays as the ones Apple is using in its latest devices are still slow to produce, which means that the tablet's release may happen later in the year than what was initially expected.

Microsoft adds more payout markets for developers and streamlines app submissions

Microsoft has announced that since the launch of Windows Phone 8 last year, the number of app downloads from the Windows Phone Store has increased by 100%. Paid app revenue has soared 140% over the same time period and Microsoft is trying to help developers fatten their wallets by adding 6 more payout markets, Afghanistan, Iraq, Montenegro, Serbia, Timor-Leste and Ukraine. That brings the total number of payout markets to 122. If you're a developer in any of those markets, you can submit free and paid apps to the Windows Phone Store.

In addition, 15 new carriers have been added to Microsoft's list of billing partners. That number now is at 25 billing partners in 19 markets. Consumers who have accounts with these 25 partners can pay for apps through credit cards or they can elect to have the charges put on the monthly invoice from their carrier and pay it at that time. Microsoft says that it plans on expanding this option with more partners. According to Microsoft, developers earn 3 times the amount from a paid app if the app buyer is paying for it with his carrier's monthly invoice instead of using a credit card.

Microsoft also is trying to streamline the app submission process and has recently added the ability for developers to cancel submissions, rotate screenshots and benefit from automatic resizing. In the works is a way for developers to review an app submission before the "submit" button is pressed. More about this improvement is expected to be announced shortly.

source: Microsoft

No SMS/MMS support for Google Babel/Hangouts?

On Saturday, we passed along some information from a source who had proven reliable in the past, about Google's rumored unified messaging system. The source, who posted the information on The Verge, passed along word that the service would be called Hangout and would feature an icon similar to Google Messenger except that it would be green. He added that the whole messaging system would be dressed up in the Holo UI. 

On Sunday, the tipster updated his post, adding a revision of the name of the service to Hangouts (plural). In addition, he let it be known that there will not be any SMS/MMS sync, at least not if the variant of the app that is being "dogfooded" is the final version. And with the launch about 10 days away, according to the source, it doesn't look good for the inclusion of the messaging platforms.

There is also some other information that he passed along yesterday, including the word that Google Now will start getting "location-based reminders" such as "Remind me to call Ropierre when I get home." He added that Gmail will have a revamping of its UI, which will end up "holofied" so that a swipe from the left brings you access to inbox, drafts, and labels. As for Android 4.3, he said that it has already been seen in server logs.

If he is right about the launch date of what will be called Hangouts, it won't be too long until we hear from Google about this.

source: TheVerge

Road map of expected Windows Phone releases discovered

A road map of Windows Phone models expected to get launched over June, July and August was posted on Reddit by an unknown source which means, take this information with a grain of salt. The list includes phones manufactured by HTC, Nokia, Samsung and Huawei and even includes one 5 inch model with a 13MP snapper on back. Taiwan based HTC will be releasing the HTC Tiara. This is a model that we wrote about back in February and is expected to be the first post-Portico update Windows Phone model released.  There will be two variants of this model, one with 4G LTE connectivity. This model is allegedly heading to Sprint, although it is not known if it will be an exclusive for the carrier.

Nokia, of course, will be releasing one to as many as three handsets on May 14th during their press event in London. The Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon is pretty much a gimme. The question is whether the Nokia Lumia 925, as rumored, will also be unwrapped during the event. And there is also the hope that the Nokia Lumia EOS and its 808 PureView-like 41MP camera sensor will also be introduced at the same time. The Reddit post also mentioned the Samsung Chronus, which was mistakenly labeled in the post as a Windows 8 notebook when it is supposedly a aluminum clad Windows Phone 8 handset.

We mentioned at the beginning of this article that one of the models listed on the road map was a 5 inch, FHD device. This is coming from Chinese manufacturer Huawei which purportedly will offer a Windows Phone 8 flavored version of its Android powered Huawei Ascend D2. This is expected to be called theHuawei Ascend WQ 5 and will be equipped with the same 13MP snapper on back that is seen on the Ascend D2.

Will we see all of these models in the June through August time frame as the Reddit poster claims? First up is the Nokia event in London which will be here before you know it.

source: WPSuperfanboy

Two more Samsung Galaxy S4 ads each show off a feature of the phone

The other day, we showed you Samsung's new full length ad for the Samsung Galaxy S4 that included the usual shots at the Apple iPhone. Judging from the feedback we received, it seems that the favorite line from the ad belonged to the Galaxy S4 user who had just sent a photo to another Samsung Galaxy S4 user via S Beam. A woman with the Apple iPhone 5 in her hand held her phone out, expecting to receive the tap that would transfer the picture to her phone. "No, yours doesn't do that," said one of the Samsung owners, leaving Ms. iPhone 5 holding her phone out in the air awkwardly. That line isn't quite the put-down line that "Dude, you're a barista," turned out to be. You might remember that Samsung even made up t-shirts with that saying on it to be used as a contest prize.

Samsung has now added two shorter spots for the new flagship Android device. The first is a quick 15 second ad that shows a son asking his dad if he is going to switch. While it isn't said, it is implied that he is talking about swapping out an Apple iPhone for the Samsung Galaxy S4. The son must have realize that what it comes to tech, his dad is not, shall we say, hip. So junior points out "Easy mode" which limits the home screen to three panels, populated with larger than normal icons for weather, calendar, phone and messaging. It gives those not able to set up an Android phone, the ability to jump right into using the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The three home page panels for Easy Mode

The second ad, a 30 second spot, shows a proud mother taking a picture of her son receiving his high school diploma when all of a sudden a half-dressed punk runs on stage and gets in the middle of the picture. A sentimental moment lost forever? Nope. Using "Eraser Shot mode" the offending idiot is easily removed from the photo, leaving a photograph that will be looked at with warm feelings for years afterward.

source: SamsungUSA (1), (2)

Samsung's market share rising among muggers

According to a captain of the San Francisco Police Department that covers the rough, crime strewn Tenderloin district, smartphone theft accounts for 50% of all robberies in the area. Captain Joe Garrity broke down those stats even further by saying that in half of the smartphone related robberies committed this year, the target was an Apple iPhone. But the officer says that there is a new trend with muggers now looking for something other than an iPhone to jack, with Samsung Galaxy models moving up rapidly behind Apple's smartphone on the bad guy's wish list.

Muggers are now targeting Samsung models like the pictured Samsung Galaxy S III

A hot new device will usually command more attention from fencing operations which might explain why the Samsung Galaxy S4 would be in demand by muggers. We don't believe that the thought process is the same for your average smartphone buyer who might decide in favor of a Samsung device because of a perceived lack of innovation from Apple. 

Recently, Captain Garrity has noticed a more dangerous trend. Instead of employing a subtle, sneaky method to steal a smartphone, muggers are now resorting to violence right off the bat by tossing a few haymakers, stunning the victim, and grabbing his or her handset.

While Samsung executives can't be happy that customers are increasingly getting their Samsung branded phone stolen, inside they understand that the increased demand for stolen Samsung Galaxy S models is due to the rising popularity of the device. As Captain Garrity puts it, "It's whatever is popular. The opportunists are grabbing what they can."

source: SFChronicle

University of California wants to give 1 million people a physical by smartphone

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Not that long ago, we showed you a crowdfunded thermometer that connects to the earphone jack on the Apple iPhone. The Kinsa Smart Thermometer works together with an app to predict and track health issues. This appears to be just the start of how the smartphone is changing health care around the world. Data like blood pressure, and heart rate can be monitored using the iPhone. And a leak shows that Android 4.3 will offer developers the opportunity to use Bluetooth Low Energy which will pave the way for 'always on' accessories that will work on Android phones to monitor heart rate, pulse and other health metrics. 

Both platforms are being used to take a number of different meters and tools and replace them with attachments for one device. For example, diabetics need to carry around a glucometer that measures their blood sugar. An untreated reading that is too high can lead to a diabetic coma, while a reading too low means that too much insulin was injected and can also lead to coma or death. A small accessory called theiBGStar can be plugged into the bottom of an Apple iPhone 5 to check for blood sugar readings. AgaMatrix CEO Joseph Flaherty said that his comapny's goal is to make sure people have all the necessary tools to monitor their health, right in their pockets. Kaiser Permanente plans on putting the iBGStar up for sale in Georgia next to other glucometers as a test. Using the accessory will allow diabetics to carry around one less device with them.

Smartphones are becoming an important tool in fighting illness and disease

The ultimate goal for health care professionals is for a smartphone user to be able to have his or her smartphone help conduct a physical. Accessories could be utilized to look into a patient's ears, eyes and mouth and the phone could send pictures and information back to a doctor who could make a timely diagnosis upon receipt of the information. The University of California, San Francisco, is looking to sign up 1 million people in a study called Health eHeart Study. The goal is to see if mobile tracking of patients' heart rate and blood pressure can lower cardiovascular disease.

For many people with a fear of going to the doctor, using a smartphone might allow them to have their health checked for the first time in years. These people are so nervous about going to see a doctor, that their blood pressure actually rises sharply as soon as they step into the office. "White coat disease," as the condition is called, affects many people throughout the world. Even if a small percentage of those afflicted agree to a remote exam, a large number of lives might be prolonged or saved.

source: WirelessWeek 

FM receiver to be activated on the Nokia Lumia 520

Back in March, we told you all about the GDR2 update for Windows Phone that will enable FM Radio on certain Nokia Lumia models. A Nokia insider previously mentioned that the feature would appear following the update, on the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 820. But an online chat with a representative on Nokia Care Chat confirmed that the low-end Nokia Lumia 520 will have support for the FM Radio after the new software version is installed.

While the online rep didn't mention any other model but the Nokia Lumia 520, it would seem strange to have such a feature not be made available in higher priced handsets, especially in light of the March report. Qualcomm chips used on the phones all have FM Radio functionality, but must be hooked up to an antenna. Considering that Nokia has apparently done this with at least one of its cheaper models, there is no reason to believe that they would not have done this with its more expensive units.

Over 2100 of our loyal readers recently responded to a poll on whether or not they use their smartphone to listen to FM Radio. Over 51% responded that they do not use their handset as an FM receiver. While 47.93% do listen to FM on their phone, 23.59% responded that they do not use their smartphone to listen to FM. Another 28.48% don't listen to FM over the phone, but would like to keep the feature on the phone just in case they want to use it in the future.

source: MyNewMachine 

FM Radio is coming to the Nokia Lumia 520

Nokia says it will make an important announcement in Canada on May 15th

On May 14th, Nokia will be hosting an event in London to introduce the Nokia Lumia 928 and quite possibly the Nokia Lumia 925. The latter is believed to be the international version of the oft-rumored Nokia Lumia Catwalk. It is also hoped that the Nokia Lumia EOS is introduced. This is the Windows Phone version of the Symbian flavored Nokia 808 PureView with a 41MP rear-facing camera. 

Is Nokia Music being introduced in Canada on May 15th?

While the 14th of this month is important for Nokia, the fun continues the next day. Nokia Canada has sent out invitations to an "exclusive musical experience" for May 15th, with Canadian musical icon Alan Cross. Considering that the rest of the invitation deals with music, "Join us as we explore the 'next chapter of music discovery in Canada' with an important announcement," it reads, this could be the introduction of Nokia Music in the country.

Nokia is taking advantage of the temporary lull between the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the unveiling of whatever Apple has up its sleeve, to get the full attention of the smartphone buying public. Whatever Nokia unwraps on May 14th and 15th is sure to get widespread media attention.

Thanks, Anonymous Tipster!

source: MobileSyrup

Barnes and Noble slashes prices on the Nook HD and Nook HD+ for one week

Barnes and Noble is slashing Nook HD and HD+ prices for Momma

Just the other day, we were happy to pass along the news that both the Barnes and Noble Nook HD and theBarnes and Noble Nook HD+ received access to the Google Play Store. And with that access, users of the two models now have the ability to load up many popular apps like YouTube and Google Maps, not to mention the popular games now available for the two devices. In honor of Mother's Day, for the next week Barnes and Noble has greatly slashed prices on both tablets.

From today through May 12th (which happens to be Mother's Day), you can pick up the 8GB Barnes and Noble Nook HD for just $149. That is a $50 cut from the usual price of the slate. This model carries a 7 inch screen with resolution of 1440 x 900 and is powered by a dual-core 1.3GHz TI OMAP 4470 processor, with 1GB of RAM on board.

The price of the 16GB Barnes and Noble HD+ has been sliced to $179 from $269 for a $90 reduction. This unit has a 9 inch screen with resolution of 1920 x 1280 while a dual-core 1.5GHz TI OMAP 4470 processor is running the show. 1GB of RAM is inside the slab.

Both tablets have Android 4.0 installed and are available with free shipping from the sourcelink, or you can buy both tablets on the spot at Barnes and Noble stores.

source: Nook.com 

Nokia Lumia 521 sells out at Walmart, priced at $129.88

In less than 60 minutes, Walmart sold out the Nokia Lumia 521. That might come as no surprise considering that the phone was priced to sell at $129.88 sans contract. The low-end handset came over to the deep discounter after a successful run on the Home Shopping Network where the device also sold out. HSN offered the model for $149.95 which included a car charger and a screen protector.

The T-Mobile branded version of the Nokia Lumia 520 is not going to knock anyone out with its specs. The device carries a 4 inch screen with a 235ppi pixel density and is powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon clocked at 1GHz. Only 512MB of RAM come with the handset, along with 8GB of native storage. A 5MP AF camera is on back, but does not offer flash, and a 1430mAh cell powers the model. The Nokia Lumia 521 is a 4G model thanks to HSPA+ connectivity.

Still, for under $130, you own the phone lock, stock and barrel. And it comes with some great Nokia apps like Nokia Music, Cinemagraph, Smart Shoot, HERE Drive, Nokia Maps and Nokia Transit. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of the deal as there is no word when Walmart will have the phone back in stock.

source: Walmart

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Walmart has already sold out the Nokia Lumia 521

SNL takes on Google Glass

Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update last night featured a segment on technology hosted by correspondent Randall Weeks (played by Fred Armisen) which was supposed to show how, unlike a smartphone, using Google Glass isdiscrete. Instead, with loud volume allowing everyone around to know that Weeks was watching porn on the device, and with exaggerated head rolls to scroll the screen and to go back a page, the Weeks character proved otherwise.

A couple of notes. The audience reaction revealed that it is just not tech savvy nerds who have an interest in Google Glass. The audience was on top of the skit from the moment that that the news parody's tech expert was seen on screen wearing the recently shipped product. And we have to give kudos to NBC for building a more than passable replica of Google Glass. How passable was it? Well, we wouldn't go buying a used unit from someone from the peacock network. Hey, did we just say peacock? You need to watch the video to understand that comment.

Go ahead, check out the video below. We promise it won't bite.

source: SaturdayNightLive 

Samsung Galaxy S4 already gets CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies

For a time, it was unclear that CyanogenMod would even support the new Samsung Galaxy S4, but that's when Steve Kondik stepped in. Kondik founded CyanogenMod, and worked at Samsung for a while, leaving the company about one month ago. Kondik went back to CyanogenMod after leaving Samsung, and he has already finished the first nightly builds for some Galaxy S4 models.

Right now, the only variants of the S4 that is getting the nightlies of CyanogenMod 10.1 are the T-Mobile model (SGH-M919) and a Canadian variant (SGH-I337M), but Kondik says that as soon as the source code drops for other models, it should be pretty quick to put together nightlies for those as well. These first builds aren't perfect, but Kondik says it should be good enough to be your daily driver. And, the team is already getting to work on supporting hover gestures for the S4. 

The first nightlies have been posted, although they would be a bit tough to find if you didn't know where to look, because they aren't listed as "Samsung Galaxy S4" or even by the model number. The T-Mobile variant is listed as "jfltetmo" and the Canadian model as "jfltecan". 

source: +Steve Kondik 

Federal Appeals Court rules that Apple has the right to appeal dismissal

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that Apple has the right to begin its appeal of a ruling made in Wisconsin district court by US District Court Judge Barbara Crabb. The judge had dismissed Apple's claims against Motorola which accused the Google subsidiary of not following FRAND negotiating guidelines for standards-essential patents. These are the patents that are deemed necessary to the building of certain devices and negotiations for licensing them are supposed to be handled in a Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory fashion. Motorola's claim, also dismissed by the judge, involved Apple's use of its standards-essential patents without a license.  

Motorola wanted Apple's appeal to be halted or have the proceedings moved to the court of Judge Richard Posner who had previously presided over other Apple-Motorola suits. The appeals court had no choice but to turn down the appeal from Motorola since allowing it would have led to the company seeking a sales banon Apple products which would have violated a consent degree that Google signed with the FTC to settle anti-trust charges. Motorola had failed to mention the consent decree in its filing, something that the court picked up on. Even asking for an injunction on sales of Apple products violates the decree, although there has been no apparent movement to punish Google. Even though Motorola's requests were basically shot down, the request to move the case to Judge Posner's court is still a possibility as the appeals court asked both sides to file briefs on the issue of jurisdiction with Apple's opening brief due in three weeks.

Apple says that a sales ban should not be allowed until all efforts at licensing FRAND-related patents are made. The problem is that Motorola has not tried hard to negotiate a license with Apple for these patents, and when it did come up with a royalty figure that it wanted Apple to pay (2.25% of retail), it was well abovethe industry norm. Recently, a Washington court told Microsoft to pay Motorola $1.8 million a year for a couple of patents related to wireless standards and video standards. Motorola was seeking $4 billion a year for the rights to use those two patents.  

source: FOSSPatents