The MotoMaker Shows Up for a Brief Moment on Verizon’s Website

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The MotoMaker is supposed to be made available to all carriers tomorrow, but today, we got a little preview of it on the Verizon website. The MotoMaker’s placeholder was spotted on their site today, but if you go and check right now, it will not be there. I am guessing they were just preparing for tomorrow’s launch.

Leak king, Evleaks, dropped the information that the MotoMaker will hit Verizon and T-Mobile tomorrow, with Sprint being rumored to having the Maker as well. Hopefully having all carriers giving their customers access to design their own Moto X will cause sales to rise, given that sales of the Moto X are not as high as they were hoping for. Motorola has an event planned for Wednesday to unveil their Moto G, which is basically a more budget friendly Moto X.

Let us know if you plan on taking advantage of the MotoMaker if launched on your carrier.

Source: Android Police

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/10/motomaker-shows-brief-moment-verizons-website/

The ManDroid Show: Android 4.4.1 Already Ready. Iron Man’s Jarvis Comes to Google Now!

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Happy Friday Android friends, time to catch you up on the latest Android news. This episode is extra special because it is time for you to vote for the newest mega hot nerdy girl of the week. It is always fun editing these shows. Enjoy!

News Topics

Android 4.4.1 shows up in Chromium

T-Mobile Nexus 5 to hit stores November 20th

Iron Man’s Jarvis comes to Google Now…kind of

Motorola submits for patent on tattoo

MotoMaker for T-Mobile hits November 8th. November 11th for others

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/09/mandroid-show-android-4-4-1-already-ready-iron-mans-jarvis-comes-google-now/

Sony Confirms The “First Raft” Of Xperia Devices To Get Android 4.4 Kit Kat

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Sony was the very first of the phone manufacturers that confirmed that its Xperia devices would be getting Android 4.3, but interestingly, they have been silent since the announcement of the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 Kit Kat. This no doubt would have to do with the fact that Android 4.3 has still not arrived on the devices they specified earlier this year, though Sony has also addressed this and said that these devices will start to be updated “from next month”.

The Xperia devices lucky enough to be first in line for the Android 4.4 Kit Kat update will be the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1. It’s noteworthy that the only Xperia Z device left off this list is the Xperia ZR, a device that shares hardware with both the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL, however it’s possible that the device is less popular than its compatriots therefore lessening the need to update it A.S.A.P.

There has been no solid release date given for these updates, but it’s suffice to say that Sony owners shouldn’t be expecting Android 4.4 Kit Kat anytime this year. It also begs the question: did Sony stretch themselves too thin by promising Android 4.3 updates on so many of its devices, thus delaying Android 4.4 development? Let us know what you think.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Source: Sony Mobile via Android Central

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/07/sony-confirms-first-raft-xperia-devices-get-android-4-4-kit-kat/

Google Hangouts 2.0 Rolling Out through the Play Store. Slightly Different Version from the Nexus 5.

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Google Hangouts with SMS integration is finally hitting the Play Store, and it is a slightly higher version than that was pulled from the Nexus 5. If you have not gotten the new apk, you can probably just go into the Play Store and download it when made available for your device.

Not only was SMS integration been added to this version, but GIF animations, and location sharing was added as well. Makes the whole messaging experience just a little better for the user. Being that it is an increment up from the apk we had, it probably just has some performance enhancements and bug fixes. So head to the Play Store and get it on your device. Tell how you like it.

Play Store Link

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/07/google-hangouts-2-0-rolling-play-store-slightly-different-version-nexus-5/

Samsung Promises That Flexible, Foldable Screens Will Be Available In 2015

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Despite the fact flexible displays have now been incorporated into two curved smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Round and the LG G Flex, it’s suffice to say that they haven’t quite captured our imagination of what we’d all envisioned when we first heard about flexible displays. While they do offer intriguing innovations, like the kind-of flexible G Flex and its self-healing materials, I’m sure many of us actually imagined that the phones would be foldable, much like the concepts that Samsung showed off yesterday.

To further fan the fire of excitement and anticipation, Samsung has gone on record at their Analyst Day to promise that foldable screens, and presumably the foldable devices they would be used in, will be available sometime in 2015. It’s potential in the mobile sector is almost limitless, potentially being applied to smartphones, tablets and even smart watches, which hopefully will culminate in some of the amazing concepts we have seen showing what would be possible with more flexible displays.

It’s amazing to think that we only have a few weeks left in 2013 now and foldable screens and all they lead to is less than 2 years away. Who’s excited about foldable screens and devices? Share your excitement with us in the comments.

Source: Business Wire via engadget

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/06/samsung-promises-flexible-foldable-screens-will-available-2015/

MotoMaker Coming to T-Mobile on November 8th

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The Moto X brought on some pretty impressive features, and one of them being the ability to design your phone through the MotoMaker. Only downside about that was you had to be on AT&T to utilize the maker. Well it looks like the MotoMaker will finally be coming to T-Mobile on November 8th according to leak king evleaks. He tweeted out today that T-Mobile will see that MotoMaker this Friday, so if you are on T-Mobile, and have been waiting to get a Moto X phone because you did not want to settle for black or white, Friday is your day. There has also been a report that all US carriers should be able to utilize the MotoMaker come November 11th. T-Mobile users are looking to get a three day head start. Let us know if you plan on getting a Moto X.

Source: @evleaks

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/06/motomaker-coming-t-mobile-november-8th/

Nexus 5 Might Hit T-Mobile Shelves on November 20th

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Remember that rumor that the Nexus 5 was going to probably hit T-Mobile stores on launch day? Yeah, we do too, and were saddened when that was not the case. Above you can see what looks to be a screenshot from some sort of catalog. Apparently it is a shot from T-Mobile’s November Clearly campaign, and the Nexus 5 should be hitting store shelves on November 20th. This information has not been confirmed quite yet, and I guess this new Tmo campaign will also see the nexus 7 in their stores. No word yet on the pricing for the Nexus 5 on Tmo, but I am sure it will be reasonable. Let us know what you think about this.

Source: TmoNews

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/06/nexus-5-might-hit-t-mobile-shelves-november-20th/

CyanogenMod Begins Working on CM11 for Android 4.4 Builds

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The CyanogenMod boys have begun to port over their goodies over to Android 4.4 to get CM11 out to the public. They just announced that the project is underway, but remember that golden rule; no asking about ETAs. Now since Android 4.4 is just one increment up, it should not take the CM boys too long to get their first builds ready, but it is just a matter of which devices will see them first. Obviously the Nexus devices will get the CM treatment first, but many of the other current top devices will see it shortly after.

As soon as the first builds start rolling out, we will let you guys know so you can get a taste of some of the KitKat CM style. Let us know how excited you are.

Source: Phandroid

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/06/cyanogenmod-begins-working-cm11-android-4-4-builds/

Google has No Plans to Release the Google Experience Launcher to Other Devices

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Android 4.4 had an extra little goodie we were not expecting until a leaked rumor told us that the new launcher for the OS would be called the Google Experience Launcher. Since then, the apk leaked out for anyone to use, but then we wondered if Google would just release the launcher in the Play Store. Well according to a new report, no they will not be doing this anytime soon.

Google tells us that the new Launcher on the Nexus 5 is exclusive to the phone — though the company may change its mind and offer it for the Nexus 4 and perhaps even put it on the Play store someday. For now, Google wants to see how users take to the Launcher on Nexus 5 before it offers it on other devices.

Android Police dug deep into the launcher and found out that most of its functionality is based within the Search app. That would make it easy for Google to release the whole launcher for various devices, with a couple features not being able to get utilized , like the touchless voice controls. It really does not matter much since the apk has leaked out, and some have even said their device was able to use the touchless voice commands with the launcher. It would not surprise me if Google eventually released the launcher in the Play Store, since they have been steadily releasing their apps to the Play Store. Only a matter of time I guess. et us know what you think about this.

Source: Android Police

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/05/google-plans-release-google-experience-launcher-devices/

Android 4.4 KitKat on the HTC One First Look! [Video]

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Android 4.4 KitKat was finally officially announced last Thursday, and it definitely was a fun day in the Android world. Being that it was Halloween, we were all feeling like trick or treaters getting a bunch of Android 4.4 goodies pulled from the factory images. Developers quickly then went to work to try and get some of that KitKat on our devices, which of course hit some of the Nexus devices already. Last night, Birdman over on the RootzWiki forums, gave all of us with a GSM HTC One a nice little gift. He developed Android 4.4 ROMs for the T-Mobile, AT&T, and international versions, and it turned into a happy night

My first impressions of KitKat are that I am pretty impressed. It just feels nicely polished and a little more solid, which is what I was hoping for. When I first flashed the ROM I had to install the Google Experience Launcher because it did not have it built inside. Once I did that, it felt like I had a Nexus 5.

Now these builds are as KitKat as they can be, but it is also made complete with Android 4.3 binaries, so there might be some KitKat features that are missing. The Easter Egg for instance, just shows a “J” and nothing like the real KitKat Easter Egg shows. Voice commands work with Google Now flawlessly, which I was not expecting. I thought only the Nexus 5 had those capabilities, but I guess any device with 4.4 will be able to utilize those touchless controls. Overall I am pretty happy with this first build, and cannot wait to see what later builds have to offer. As of right now, I can honestly say I can use it as a daily driver, because it is that stable.

If you want to see it all in action, check out my run-through in the video below. All downloads are provided as well, so check it out and let us know how you like it.

RootzWiki Page Downloads

Google Experience Launcher

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/05/android-4-4-kitkat-htc-one-first-look-video/

Device Updates Oct 28 – Nov 4: Android 4.4 Already talked about for Certain Devices

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Device Updates is in full effect, and some of you are already tasting some of that Android 4.4 KitKat. Luckily some of the other OEMs have given us some information on when some of their deivces with get that chocolatey goodness, and if we hear anything more we will let you know.

Device Updates

Google, Motorola, and HTC talk about Android 4.4

HTC talks more about Android 4.4

Android 4.3 hits the Galaxy S III unlocked international version

Sprint Galaxy Nexus gets Android 4.3

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/05/device-updates-oct-28-nov-4-android-4-4-already-talked-certain-devices/

Motorola Sends Out Invites for Moto G Event

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We have not really been reporting on this matter, but Motorola has a new phone coming out called the Moto G. It is best described as a budget friendly Moto X, so if you are pinching those pennies, but want a Moto X-like phone, this phone might be the one for you. Last week, the Moto G was accidentally leaked out with all its specs, which as of now, look like this:

• 4.5-inch 720p edge-to-edge display with Corning Gorilla Glass


• 1.2GHz quad-core processor


• 8GB of internal storage


• 5MP rear camera with 1.3MP front camera


• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


• WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and more

Not too shabby for a budget friendly phone, and today Motorola sent out invites for November 13th to announce the phone. Kind of strange that there will be an event to announce a budget friendly phone, but I do not run the company. Let us know what you think about this new Moto phone. Will it be something you will get? Or maybe for a family member?

Source: Phandroid

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/11/04/motorola-sends-invites-moto-g-event/

The ManDroid Show: Nexus 5 Stocked and Ready! Google Gets Fancy with Google Plus!

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Happy Tuesday Android friends. Time for some ManDroid mayhem in your face. Lots of Nexus 5 news coming from Canada this week. I know you guys are probably as sick of all the leaks and rumors just like we are. Hopefully that dang phone will be unveiled this week. Enjoy the show!

News Topics

Google+ event gives us Hangouts info and much more

Download the Google+ app v4.2

Download the new version of Snapseed

New Nexus 5 render

White Nexus 5 render

Motorola announces Project Ara

Google Smartwatch in final stages

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/10/30/mandroid-show-nexus-5-stocked-ready-google-gets-fancy-google-plus/

New Video from Phonebloks Talks About Partnership with Motorola and Project Ara

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We are still in awe about the Motorola announcement last night concerning Project Ara. It was something none of us expected, and we all immediately remember the Phonebloks demo video that was released not too long ago. Modular phones seemed a little too radical, but Motorola felt differently.

The creators of Phonebloks just released a video today, talking about Project Ara and their partnership with Motorola. They mention how they were looking into a slew of companies to get their idea to fruition, and Motorola was the obvious choice. Not only do they have the open source Phonebloks was wanting, but they themselves were already working on the modular phone concept for a year. So they met with them and created a partnership, only Phonebloks will still act independent, and Motorola will leverage their following. So check out the video below, and let us know what you think about it.

Source: Android Police

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/10/29/new-video-phonebloks-talks-partnership-motorola-project-ara/

Device Updates Oct 21-28: Android 4.3 Starts Hitting Galaxy Devices. Galaxy Note II Gets a Leak.

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Monday is over for most of you, so happy Tuesday! Today’s updates include some great news for you Galaaxy owenrs. Especially you Galaxy S4 users on Verizon, who are already receiving that Android 4.3 update. You others will just have to wait a little bit longer.

Device Updates

Android 4.3 start hitting the S4. Others coming a little later

Galaxy Note II gets an Android 4.3 test build

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/10/29/device-updates-oct-21-28-android-4-3-starts-hitting-galaxy-devices-galaxy-note-ii-gets-leak/

Canadian carrier leaks Nexus 5 details in product Page

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Hey, did you know Google is going to release a Nexus 5 soon? Yes, we are joking with that one. The leaks leading up to when Google makes the announcement official, which we still don’t know specifically when that is, gives everyone who is eager to pony up the money a great look at the device and all the specs. Wind Mobile has made their support for the device known today with a pre-registration page that tosses out Nexus 5 details in the product description. The specs still line up with all the other leaks that have been floating around lately.

The list of features place the Nexus 5 with a 4.95-inch 1920 x 1080 display made with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. A 8MP rear shooter and 1.3MP front facer. Android 4.4 KitKat OS of course with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM. They will have the 16GB or 32Gb model variants. The pre registration page also makes mention of something that I haven’t seen or heard elsewhere, it will have ceramic power and volume buttons. Here, take a look -

All that is really left to do is wait for Google to launch the Nexus 5. Hopefully they do it soon. Previous dates leaked for the launched haven’t panned out yet. Maybe they pushed it back to get more units built so they didn’t run out as fast as they have in the past with launches.

Via The Verge

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/10/28/canadian-carrier-leaks-nexus-5-details-product-page/

T-Mobile prepaid sim kits on sale for $0.99, you should buy a Couple

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The prepaid aspect shouldn’t keep you from snagging a couple of SIM kits while they are on sale. There is no difference between a prepaid SIM card and a contracted SIM card. It is just a name attached. The only thing that makes a prepaid SIM a prepaid, is if you activate it on a prepaid plan.

You could use one on a prepaid plan to test the waters with T-Mobile’s service before you switch carriers. Of course you would need an unlocked phone to do that, or borrow a friends spare. I personally keep a few around in the event of a phone being lost and needing service on a backup device asap. For a buck and free shipping, it should be an automatic no-brainer. The price tag is good for regular sizes, Micro and Nano. Micro being for most all newer smartphones and the Nano being for the iPhones.

Head on over to T-Mobile to get a few ordered. You can only add two cards to your cart at a time, so you will have to check out multiple times if you want more than 2 cards.

via AndroidSPIN http://androidspin.com/2013/10/28/t-mobile-prepaid-sim-kits-sale-0-99-buy-couple/