Android 4.3 Jelly Bean officially announced with new features

Google has officially announced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, complete with all new features.

It's not quite the complete overhaul expected to be included with the next Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, but Android 4.3 Jelly Bean introduces new features for users.

As unveiled during Google’s event this evening by Hugo Barra, the Vice President of Android Product Management, Android 4.3 will build on the multi-user capabilities introduced by Android 4.2.

Google has added Restricted Profiles to the multi-user feature, which allows users to control access to content and apps at a user level.

Barra highlights how useful this is for families as Android 4.3 allows apps to behave different when it is operating within a restricted profile.

Within Android 4.3, the app will hide all the purchasing functionality and access to the Google Play store in-app purchases. Instead it will only show what has already been purchased, limiting any mistaken purchases made within apps by children.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will add support for Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth LE connectivity. This allows users to connect to low power Bluetooth devices like heart rate monitors.

OpenGL ES 3.0 support has also been added. In fact, the Android 4.3 operating system is the first to support this latest graphics technology, which uses 32bits of data per colour. As seen in the event presentation, Barra explains the OpenGL ES 3.0 adds a “new level of photorealism”.

Google has also introduced new DRM APIs to allow Full 1080p HD streaming.

Barra announced that Google has been working on a new Android 4.3 Netflix app that allows Full 1080p HD streaming on the new Nexus 7. The all new tablet will be the first to get support for the new Netflix app, which is available now in the Google Play store.

Other Android 4.3 Jelly Bean features will be included such as easier text input and faster profile switching, but Barra fails to expand on these.

The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update starts today for the Nexus 4 , Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 10 and original Nexus 7. Android 4.3 will also be available soon for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition and the vanilla Android HTC One.



Next, read our review of the original Nexus 7.

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MadCatz to make Ouya rival

MadCatz has announced it will be releasing its own Ouya rival by Christmas, named the Mojo.

Alex Verrey, Global PR Manager for Mad Catz, has confirmed that the company will be launching the Mojo before the end of the year, bundled with its own CTRL R game controller.

Unlike the Ouya, which sells games via its own store, the Mojo runs stock Android and will offer gamers access to Google Play, Nvidia TegraZone and Amazon stores.

“Because Mojo runs stock Android, you have day-one access to literally thousands of games and applications,” said Verrey. “We’re going down a very different road to the competition and believe in being open, honest and fair with the consumer.”

Although Verrey admits that currently “not all touchscreen games will work”, MadCatz is working on a solution to fix the issues.

“Our commitment to the gamer is simple: we’re going to deliver the most powerful Android based Micro Console on the market when we launch later this year.”

Gamers will be able to immediate download all of their previously purchased Android apps just by signing into their Google Play account, making all of their games available to play on the Mojo.

“We are totally open. No walled garden, no small selection of games, no subscription fees. We bring the hardware, gamers bring the games. Buy games from where you want, when you want and how you want.”

The Mojo controller is called the CTRL R and looks very similar to the Xbox 360 and Xbox One gamepads. It has Bluetooth Smart technology in-built alongside traditional Bluetooth connectivity to improve lag times.

“Bluetooth Smart drastically reduces the lag, polling at around 7ms. That means you’ll feel much more like you’re using an Xbox 360 controller when you play Mojo.”

With an HDMI, micro USB and two USB ports, Mojo gamers can also plug in their own peripherals if they don’t fancy the CTRL R.

"Don't like our controller? Use someone else's. Plug in mice, keyboards, headsets and more. Want to use our controller on a phone, tablet, PC or more? No problem there either."

MadCatz isn’t quite ready to offer details on the Mojo specs apart from that it will have “no less than 16GB of internal storage”, bolstered by a microSD card slot.

The Mojo will be released “this holiday” with pricing still to be announced.

Next, read all about the Ouya hacks and mods – best projects explored .



Via: CVG

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White Xbox One pictures show off newly coloured console

Pictures of a white Xbox One have appeared online, suggesting a lighter hued rendition of the eagerly awaited next-generation console could be announced for retail.

With most flagship smartphones now coming in separate black and white colour schemes, Microsoft looks set to follow suit with its upcoming PS4 rival, as images of a currently unconfirmed white console leak to join the standard black offering set to hit retailers this November.

Surfacing via Reddit, the white Xbox One unit is said to be a dev kit model with no confirmation as to whether a white hued edition will ever make it to market. With the Xbox 360 originally entering the market in white before leading on to black models, a selection of Xbox One colours is not out of the realms of reality.

One of the most hotly anticipated gadgets of the year, the Xbox One was formally announced in the run up to E3 2013, with the 360 follow-on to bring a raft of entertainment features to the gaming device. Set to come bundled with a revised Kinect controller, an Xbox One release date has been set at £429.

Although £80 more expensive than the rival PS4, those eyeing up Xbox One pre-orders can get a marginally improved deal, with at least one retailer offering the console £10 cheaper than its RRP.

While November is as far as the Xbox One release date has been narrowed down to date, it is expected that the finalised arrival time will be formally confirmed during Gamescom next month.

Read More: Xbox One vs PS4

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Apple CEO Tim Cook promises new products this autumn

Apple CEO Tim Cook has promised a new range of products for consumers this autumn.

Speaking as part of the Apple earnings call, Cook says the iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks launch will be coupled with a whole new range of Apple products.

We could be seeing the iPad 5, iPad mini 2, iPhone 5S or iPhone 6, or even the budget iPhone mini within the next few months, as Cook promises a host of new products before the end of the year.

“We are really excited about the upcoming releases of iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks," said Cook. "We are laser focused and working hard on some amazing new products that we will introduce in the fall and across 2014."

The new products due early 2014 may well include something like the heavily rumoured Apple iWatch or the Apple iTV.

The Apple earnings for Q2 2013 revealed that iPad and Mac sales were down, but the company still made $6.9 billion (£4.5 billion) in profit, but reduced $35.3 billion (£23 billion) revenue down from $43.6 billion (£28.4 billion) the previous year.

Apple shares rose nearly 5 per cent in the after-hours trading, due to its better than expected profit margins. This was mainly due to strong iPhone sales, with the Cupertino company shifting 31.2 million smartphones in Q2 2013, breaking all previous records.

“I think we have lots of growth opportunities,” he added. “We’re working on some stuff that we are really proud of and we will see how it does.”

Cook said the upcoming new software and hardware launches would help to support Apple’s long-term growth.

He also indicated that the iOS dashboard for cars wold be something that Apple would dominate in the future.

“Having something in the automobile is very, very important. It is something that people love,” he said.

Next, read our iPhone 5 tips and tricks.

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Xbox One Pre-orders: Where you can buy it

Xbox One pre-orders are in full swing, with retailers letting avid gamers secure their PS4 rival with just a £20 deposit.

Formally unveiled during Microsoft’s long awaited XboxReveal launch event back in May, the Xbox One is the company’s Xbox 360 follow-on. Lining up alongside a revised Kinect offering and a raft of innovative new features, the Xbox One price has now been set at £429, some £80 more than the PS4. Despite this confirmed RRP, some retailers are looking to undercut the competition and there are already savings to be made.

With an Xbox One release date set for November there is still some time before the next-gen console hits store shelves. However, with launch stock always limited, those intent on snapping up the console at the earliest available opportunity, the Xbox One pre-order options below might pose a better buying option.

Able to be turned on simply by saying “Xbox On”, the new Xbox One boasts an eight-core processor, 8GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD. An integrated Blu-ray player also features within Microsoft's third-generation console.

Where can you pre-order the Xbox One? Read on to find out.

Toys R Us
Saving you money, Toys R Us has already reduced the Xbox One price and is offering pre-oders of the next-gen console for just £419.99, £10 cheaper than many rival retailers.

For those not content with a £10 saving, the toy store giant has been found to have a loophole in a recent voucher deal which can save you almost £45.

Purchase of a £1 Xia Xia shell through Toys R Us yields a 10 per cent off your next purchase voucher which can be used on the Xbox One if so desired. If looking to snap up a next-gen console this equates to roughly £45 off the Xbox One price, making the Microsoft gamer available for just £383.

Xbox One pre-orders: Toys R Us

Amazon

Having previously listed the Xbox One price at a lofty £599.99, Amazon has now brought its Xbox One pre-orders in line with the console's official price tag.

Offering no discernible promotions or freebies, the Amazon Xbox One pre-orders, unlike many of their competitors require eager gamers to fork out the full £429 fee now.

Suggesting that the company could introduce improved pricing or bundle deals ahead of launch, Amazon has paired its Xbox One pre-orders with the company’s pre-order price guarantee.

The company states: “Order now and if the Amazon.co.uk price decreases between the time you place your order and the release date, you'll be charged the lowest price.”

Xbox One pre-orders: Amazon

Blockbuster

The first to have offered Xbox One pre-orders in the UK, ailing retailer Blockbuster is allowing gamers to secure their new Xbox console by placing a £20 deposit either online or in store.

“Following the exciting news from Microsoft, get ahead of the game and pre-order the new console at www.blockbuster.co.uk/xboxreveal or visit your local store,” an official spokesperson from the retailer stated at the time. The £20 deposit will be knocked from the console's full price when wannabe owners pay the final total.

With the finial Xbox One price having now been confirmed, Blockbuster has added a second Xbox One pre-order option, with gamers able to fork out the full fee up front in order to secure a console.

Less than a week after being unveiled, the Xbox One broke Blockbuster's pre-order records. James Morton, Head of Games at Blockbuster stated: “We are delighted by the huge number of pre-orders that we have received so far for the new Microsoft console."

Xbox One pre-orders: Blockbuster



Game

Another retailer to have jumped on the Xbox One pre-order bandwagon early, Game is also offering the console for just a £20 up-front fee.

Again allowing gamers to secure their Xbox One console in-store or online, Game has remained cautious about when the next-gen gamer will actually touch down.

The retailer stated: “We have the Xbox One console onsite and ready to preorder! Just place your £20:00 deposit and guarantee yours on release day (whenever that is!)”

Xbox One pre-orders: Game

Zavvi

Having taken a bold approach to its Xbox One pre-orders, former high street giant turn online retailer Zavvi originally speculated that the final Xbox One price would be £399 and charged early pre-orders at that price.

Not allowing for any nominal fee deposits to be made like many of its rivals, Zavvi has now ammended its pricing, with the concole again costing you an up-front full payment fee of £429.

Unlike many others, Zavvi's Xbox One pre-orders also come with a strong indication of an eventual launch, with an Xbox One release date pegged for November 30.

Xbox One pre-orders: Zavvi

Asda

Supermarket giant Asda is another leading retailer to offer Xbox One pre-orders with just a £20 upfront fee.

Limiting customers to one Xbox One console apiece, Asda has inadvertently suggested that Xbox One stock might be in short supply at launch. If true, what better reason to pre-order the console ahead of time?

Listing the Xbox One release date as “Christmas 2013”, those pre-ordering the next-gen gamer from Asda will receive a £20 discount code in return. This will then be deducted from the console’s price when full payment is made.

Xbox One pre-orders: Asda

Further reading: Xbox One vs PS4

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HTC One Max and budget version to launch in September?

HTC is tipped to launch its first phablet device, the HTC One Max, later this year, potentially alongside a budget plastic case version.

The latest rumour suggests that the HTC One Max will be unveiled in September, perhaps at the Berlin-based IFA conference.

Packing the same metal body as the HTC One and newly launched HTC One Mini, the HTC One Max is said to have a 5.9-inch Full HD display, powered by a 3200mAh battery.

Running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, due to be unveiled later today, the HTC One Max will supposedly have a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM.

It is tipped to launch in 16GB and 32GB internal storage varieties and will feature all the new functions introduced in the latest HTC Sense UI.

If it does launch at IFA this September it will be a direct rival to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 also tipped to make an appearance at the conference.

However, this latest rumour from the China Times also mentions that the HTC Zara, a previously unheard model, will also be unveiled later this year.

Potentially an affordable version of the HTC One and HTC One mini, the HTC Zara is said to replace the aluminium body with a plastic construction.

Similar to the heavily rumoured budget iPhone, the HTC Zara’s plastic casing would mean the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer could sell it at a very attractive price point.

Unfortunately, there have been no further details on the HTC Zara, including any information of screen size or processor.

Look out for the potential Android 4.3 Jelly Bean launch later today at a special Google event. It starts at 5pm UK time today, July 24.

Next, read our HTC One tips and tricks.

Via: Unwired View

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Best Mobile Phones 2013

Smartphones, mobile phones, phones. Whatever you call them they all share the same thing. They’re the hottest kind of tech. They sell millions, and make billions.

They’re also the gadgets many of us are willing to spend the most cash on. Did you know that a high-end phone on contract can end up costing you over a thousand pounds?

It’s best to make sure you’re making the right choice before committing to a phone. We’re here to help you.

The first thing is to decide the platform you want to side with. There’s the iPhone and its iOS software, there’s the Android phones by Google, Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 and – new kid on the block – BlackBerry 10.

iOS offers the best apps and games, Android the most fiddling potential. Windows Phone 8 is the slickest and BlackBerry 10 is on hand for those who want something a bit different.

Which would you pick? Rifling through the phone reviews that get theTrustedReviews seal of approval, check out our best mobile phones of 2013.

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