LG and Google tweak Nexus 5 production to fix speaker and loose buttons

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/13/google-nexus-5-improved-speaker-and-buttons/

Owners of brand new Nexus 5 handsets are starting to notice a few subtle differences compared to the version that sold at launch. The mono speaker grille holes are slightly larger, for a start, which could potentially offer a decibel or so of extra volume and prevent buyers from having to go all crazy with a hot needle. The volume and power buttons seem to have been made stiffer too, suggesting that complaints about excessive rattling noises reached receptive ears at LG and Google. None of this will help those of us who bought launch day models, of course, unless there's the option of seeking a replacement, but we reckon the Nexus 5 remains the best $350 option on the market even with all its original foibles.

[Photo credit: shinral]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LG

Comments

Via: TalkAndroid, PocketDroid

Source: XDA

Read More...

Summary only...

Amazon tipped to launch online wholesale store called Pantry in 2014

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/13/amazon-pantry-wholesale/

While Amazon has no shortage of rivals, it's now reportedly gearing up to take on big players in the warehouse store business, like Costco. According to USA Today's anonymous sources, Amazon is prepping the launch of an online service called Pantry that'll initially carry around 2,000 common grocery items to be sold at low cost. As long as you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll be able to fill a box up with Pantry goods that the retailer will ship for a nominal fee, assuming you're within the weight limit. Amazon hasn't commented on the report, so while there's no firm word on when you can start shopping in your bathrobe for month-long supplies of canned goods, sources say it'll be sometime in 2014.

[Image credit: Mike Seyfang/Flickr]

Filed under: Misc, Amazon

Comments

Source: USA Today

Read More...

Summary only...

ARM buys graphics company Geomerics to improve gaming on its mobile chips

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/13/arm-acquires-geomerics-gaming-graphics/

ARM has just purchased a gaming graphics technology outfit called Geomerics -- a name which may not ring a bell unless you're a particularly inquisitive gamer. Geomerics' so-called global illumination engine, Enlighten, has been used to create real-time, photo-realistic lighting for triple-A games like Battlefield 4 and Need for Speed: The Run. ARM hasn't specified exactly how the tech will be used, but did say that "it'll help bring the next generation of graphics experiences to mobile platforms." That could mean the acquisition will eventually improve gaming realism on its in-house Mali GPUs, or even help fine-tune the chips themselves for better gaming performance. Regardless, ARM has also said that it'll let Geomerics run independently and continue to service existing customers like EA, which gave the deal a hearty seal of approval.

Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

Samsung promises 'differentiated' smartphones based on its camera expertise

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/13/samsung-moves-digital-imaging-into-mobile-division/

Samsung has instigated a small corporate reshuffle that could potentially have big implications for its future smartphones. The company has shunted its digital imaging unit sideways so that it sits under the giant umbrella of the mobile division, in the hope of combining "technical know-how" in these two areas and ultimately "differentiating" its smartphones with better camera technology. At the same time, Samsung expects expertise to flow in the opposite direction, allowing its engineers to create cameras with better wireless connectivity. It's a move that makes plenty of sense given the recent spate of Galaxy-branded hybridized products, such as the slightly awkward Galaxy S 4 Zoom and hugely over-priced Galaxy NX mirrorless shooter. It also suggests that Samsung has paid attention to what Nokia has achieved by re-thinking mobile camera technology for its PureView phones, instead of using standard off-the-shelf parts.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Via: GforGames, The Verge

Source: Yonhap News, ET News

Read More...

Summary only...

Mirror app for Android can record your screen or stream it to Apple TV (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/12/mirror-android-beta-airplay-mirroring/

CyanogenMod developer Koushik Dutta has followed up his CM 11 Screencast display recording app with one for a wider range of Android users with an extra feature. Mirror for Android can not only record whatever's happening on your tablet or phone's screen, but it can also display it wirelessly, AirPlay- or Miracast-style, on an Apple TV. Currently it requires Android 4.4.2 and root access, but Dutta says there is a non-root solution on the way. If you'd like to try it out and have the appropriate hardware, just click here to join the Google+ community, click here to join the beta and then download the app from Google Play. That may not be possible for individuals without a Nexus device and / or CyanogenMod 11 nightly build, so if you just want to see what it's like, check out a quick video demo embedded after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Apple, Google

Comments

Source: Koushik Dutta (Google+), Google Play

Read More...

Summary only...