CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies reach Xperia Z and ZL, other recent Sony models

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="CyanogenMod 101 nighlies reach Xperia Z and ZL, other recent Sony models" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/sony-xperia-zl-top-1366117059.jpg" /></div>Sony has been friendlier than many of its mobile rivals toward outside code, backing AOSP efforts even when it has had to shoulder most of the responsibilities. It's only fitting, then, that five of its more recent smartphones just received their first nightly CyanogenMod 10.1 builds, all in one fell swoop. Support for the Xperia Z and ZL is no doubt the highlight, although experimenters who stand just short of the cutting edge can get CyanogenMod releases for the Xperia T, TX and V. As always, nightlies of custom OS code redefine risky -- but those who can't wait for Sony to push a safe Android 4.2 release can now do more than just twiddle their thumbs.<br /> </div></div>

CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies reach Xperia Z and ZL, other recent Sony models

Sony has been friendlier than many of its mobile rivals toward outside code, backing AOSP efforts even when it has had to shoulder most of...

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Motorola Droid Bionic starts receiving Jelly Bean update, the love it needs

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Motorola Droid Bionic starts receiving its Jelly Bean update, the love it needs" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/motorola-droid-bionic-619.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> There's no question that the Droid Bionic has had a rough life between long delays, a more popular cousin and slow updates. Both Motorola and Verizon may be making up for lost time, however -- starting today, they're pushing an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the erstwhile flagship. The core updates will be familiar to anyone with a late 2012 Motorola phone, including Google Now and rich notifications. There are a few Droid Bionic-specific tweaks, including better data connectivity as well as removals of the preloaded Sling and (no longer relevant) MOG apps. A software update can't erase any bitter memories, but it does show that the short-lived leader is getting long-term affection.</div></div>

Motorola Droid Bionic starts receiving Jelly Bean update, the love it needs

There's no question that the Droid Bionic has had a rough life between long delays, a more popular cousin and slow updates. Both Motor...

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Facebook Home now (unofficially) available for almost any Android device

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Facebook Home now available for almost any Android device" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/homelead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Despite an early leak on Monday, once again the internet lit-up with chatter about the release of Facebook Home in the Google Play store. All good and well if you find yourself in the right place with the right phone, but what about everyone else? Unsurprisingly, the digital door staff (read, Facebook's hardware restrictions) have already been dispatched, meaning almost any Android device can download and install the social software. We can thank Paul O'Brien at <em>MoDaCo</em> for doing the honors, and for those interested, the process is pretty simple. If your issue is location (rather than device) you'll need the latest version of Facebook's regular and Messenger apps first. Once you do, just download the APK, activate it, and you're good. If hardware is the barrier, then you'll need to get the patched versions of Facebook, Messenger and Home (via the source). Early reports suggest that most features operate just fine, but that sending SMS from Messenger can sometimes stop working. If that's a deal-breaker, you'll have to keep an eye out for updates. If it's not, then tap the source up for the full lowdown. If you do, head back here and let us know how you got on.</div></div>

Facebook Home now (unofficially) available for almost any Android device

Despite an early leak on Monday, once again the internet lit-up with chatter about the release of Facebook Home in the Google Play store. ...

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ZTE Director arrives at US Cellular, takes charge of entry-level Android

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="ZTE Director arrives at US Cellular, takes charge of entrylevel Android" data-src-height="400" data-src-width="444" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/zte-director-us-cellular-1365785567.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> US Cellular has had precious few truly low-cost smartphones running an Android build that wasn't baked in 2010. For those who'd like something a little fresher, the ZTE Director is here. While it's only slightly ahead of the trailing edge with stock Ice Cream Sandwich, that's an improvement on a category where Gingerbread still rules. Likewise, no one will be floored by the 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 3.5-inch 480 x 320 screen, 4GB of storage (plus microSD slot) and 3-megapixel rear camera, although the 1,500mAh battery is ample for the size. We imagine that customers will mostly be enamored by the price -- when the Director costs a penny on contract and $200 contract-free, it may bring in those who'd have held on to that basic flip phone for a little while longer.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>U.S. Cellular Introduces the Budget-Friendly ZTE Director™ Smartphone</strong></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> RICHARDSON, T.X., April 12, 2013 – U.S. Cellular and ZTE have announced the arrival of the user-friendly, and affordable ZTE Director™ smartphone. The small, yet powerful ZTE Director™ runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It provides consumers looking to make the leap from a feature phone to a smartphone with a solid operating system, while giving them style and simplicity at a great value.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> The new smartphone meets the needs of today's on-the-go consumers who want to utilize their smartphones for organizing business schedules and social events, but also require access to a highly organized hub of social networks and popular games. The ZTE Director™ bridges the gap between feature phone and a full functionality smartphone.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> "We understand that bringing a stylish, all-purpose smartphone to market at an affordable price point is critical," said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTEUSA, and president, North American Region, ZTE. "The new ZTE Director™ smartphone offers access to popular smartphone features, including fast access to websites, popular games and applications, while keeping price-conscious shoppers in mind. It is an ideal choice for those looking to purchase their first smartphone."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Technical specifications include:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> · Android Ice Cream Sandwich with 3.5 inch screen<br /> · 1 GHz processor<br /> · 4GB built-in storage with expandable\ memory card slot<br /> · 3 megapixel camera with Video Camcorder<br /> · Battery: 1500mAh</div></div>

ZTE Director arrives at US Cellular, takes charge of entry-level Android

US Cellular has had precious few truly low-cost smartphones running an Android build that wasn't baked in 2010. For those who'd l...

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ASUS FonePad ships April 26th in the UK, up for pre-order now

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="ASUS FonePad ships April 26th in the UK, up for preorder now" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/asusfonepad412.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Back when ASUS first introduced that unorthodox FonePad to the masses at MWC, the Taiwanese company said the 7-inch device would be arriving in the European market at some point in March. Fast forward to today -- a couple of weeks late, no less -- and ASUS has announced that those in the United Kingdom can now start making pre-orders, with the Jelly Bean-loaded phone / tablet hybrid expected to ship on April 26th. Just as we'd heard in Barcelona, the FonePad's set to come with a <span>£179.99 price tag, which, in return, gives folks a decent 1,280 x 800 IPS screen, an Atom Z2420 1.2GHz chip with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and a 4,270mAh battery -- plus, of course, the HSPA+ radio to boot. Online stores like Carphone Warehouse and Amazon are all set to take your money, just make sure you also buy some jeans with big pockets, because you'll certainly need a pair if you plan to use the <strike>PadFone</strike> FonePad to </span><span>make calls in grandiose fashion.</span></div></div>

ASUS FonePad ships April 26th in the UK, up for pre-order now

Back when ASUS first introduced that unorthodox FonePad to the masses at MWC, the Taiwanese company said the 7-inch device would be arri...

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Facebook Home hits Google Play today, available for select Android devices

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Facebook Home hits Google Play today, available for select Android devices" data-src-height="450" data-src-width="509" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/home2-1365783278.jpg" /></div>Chat heads, a virtual carousel of full screen (Instagram) images and enough status updates to let you keep close stalkerly tabs on your nearest and dearest -- that's what Facebook's got in Home. And as of today, it's breaking free from AT&T's exclusive HTC First and heading to a choice few Android flagships in the US. Now owners of the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II as well as the HTC One X+ can rush on over to Google Play or Facebook's site to download the free screen-stealing app / launcher. And when HTC's One and Samsung's GS 4 make their eventual way to the US market, Facebook heads will also have the <em>privilege</em> of setting up Home on those two flagships, just as Zuck promised. Home: it's where privacy and your free time go to die.<br /> </div></div>

Facebook Home hits Google Play today, available for select Android devices

Chat heads, a virtual carousel of full screen (Instagram) images and enough status updates to let you keep close stalkerly tabs on your ...

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NYPD now has Android smartphone arsenal to pull up records, identify perps

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="NYPD now has Android smartphone arsenal to pull up records, identify perps" data-src-height="450" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/nypd-android-04-12-13-01.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Thanks to an NYPD pilot program, over 400 officers have special Android smartphones that allow them to pull up suspect data on the spot, according to the <em>New York Times</em>. Patrol car-mounted laptops can be slow and cumbersome, while the call-disabled handsets (which look like Samsung's Rugby Smart in the image above) let patrolmen see a suspect's criminal record on the spot and even know if a felon hides drugs "in his left sock," according to one cop. The custom app can also dig up info like open warrants, arrest and incident records, orders of protection and photos of everyone who's been arrested in a particular building, for instance. They can even drum up the location of every video camera pointed at a particular spot -- so, watch where you spit that gum, scofflaw.</div></div>

NYPD now has Android smartphone arsenal to pull up records, identify perps

Thanks to an NYPD pilot program, over 400 officers have special Android smartphones that allow them to pull up suspect data on the spot,...

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Huawei G510 heads to Vodafone UK, puts Jelly Bean on a budget

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Huawei G510 heads to Vodafone UK, puts Jelly Bean on a budget" data-src-height="450" data-src-width="471" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/g510-01.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Huawei's G510 isn't what you'd call a screamer. In fact, the handset's more of what the Chinese market refers to as a "1,000 yuan" phone, or as we so benignly call it: a budget device. Formerly available in Asia-only, the G510's now making the trek to the UK on Vodafone for £130 outright or £13 monthly. Despite its lower-end leanings, the Android Jelly Bean device packs a reasonably large 4.5-inch WVGA display, dual-core Cortex-A9 clocked at 1.2GHz, 5-megapixel rear camera, NFC and a 1,750mAh battery. It's also the first of Huawei's UK releases to ship with its custom skin, the Emotion UI. It's a questionable bragging right, we admit. But we'll let it slide for now.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text"> <strong>Big-screen mobile entertainment for everyone – Huawei's feature-packed Ascend G510 smartphone debuts</strong><br /> <br /> · Ascend G510 launches with Vodafone in the UK<br /> · Huawei's first UK smartphone to feature the all-new Emotion UI<br /> London, UK, April 11, 2013: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today announces its big-screened entry-level Ascend G510 smartphone will be on sale with Vodafone UK from April 12. The launch of the Ascend G510 will be attended by a significant ATL marketing campaign, which brings to life the handset's 'Outstanding Features' and will run across print, digital and outdoor media.<br /> Available from Vodafone UK from £13 per month on pay-monthly and £130 on pay as you go, the Ascend G510 combines unmatched functionality, form-factor and firepower in its class to deliver big-screen mobile entertainment for a new generation moving to smartphones and upgrading old technology.<br /> It follows a series of Huawei smartphones combining great features and value in the low-to-mid tier, including the highly-successful and award-winning Ascend G300, a direct predecessor of the Ascend G510 with Vodafone UK.<br /> Uncompromising<br /> The Ascend G510's large 4.5-inch screen, combined with DTS surround sound, enables superior mobile video, gaming and web-browsing for a whole new audience. Its fast 1.2GHz dual-core processor and big 1750mAh battery provide power and longevity to support data-hungry applications and content, such as catch-up TV and gaming.<br /> Huawei Device UK director of product management James Powell remarked: "Huawei is bringing new hardware and software innovation to this market; and not just to the high-end. For years, 'entry-level' smartphones have meant compromise – phones not powerful enough, with screens not big enough, to be able to truly deliver on the promise of the mobile internet.<br /> "The Ascend G510 is the latest in a line of Huawei smartphones to challenge that, and our most powerful yet in the low-to-mid tier. It brings the very latest smartphone technology to the heart of the broad consumer mass market, delivering big-screen mobile entertainment without compromise."<br /> Personalisation<br /> Notably, the Ascend G510 is the first Huawei device to launch in the UK with Huawei's own intuitive and customisable Emotion UI, running over the Android 4.1 Jellybean operating system. The Emotion UI allows users to put all that their most important applications and content in one place on the home screen, and offers a wide choice of themes to personalise their Ascend G510 further.<br /> Design of the Emotion UI is based on understanding of how consumers interact with their smartphones and what they expect from these interactions. It addresses a user's basic needs and tastes in ways that are smart and simple.<br /> The Ascend G510 comes with a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash for capturing special and impromptu moments on the go. It also boasts a front-facing camera so you can unlock the handset at a glance with face-recognition. And you can share your experiences – your content and contacts – directly with friends via NFC, with compatible phones.<br /> </div></div></div>

Huawei G510 heads to Vodafone UK, puts Jelly Bean on a budget

Huawei's G510 isn't what you'd call a screamer. In fact, the handset's more of what the Chinese market refers to as a &quo...

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Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/skyrocketjellybean-1365697790.jpg" /></div>We've witnessed AT&T deliver a very fresh Android experience to a number of Samsung's galactic handsets in the past few months, but we definitely won't complain when others get the same treatment -- even if <em>it is</em> slightly overdue. Available now via Kies, this Jelly Bean upgrade will give Galaxy S II Skyrocket owners what will likely be a much welcomed boost, including new features such as Smart Stay, Direct Call and Pop Up Play. Of course, the aforementioned tidbits are only part of the bigger Mountain View picture, since the new version means automatic access to Google Now and overall under-the-hood enhancements thanks to things like Project Butter. It's here, it's real, and it's ready to rejuvenate your device -- all <em>you</em> have to do is pay our source link a visit, where you'll find specific instructions on how to get the goods.<br /> </div></div>

Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available

We've witnessed AT&T deliver a very fresh Android experience to a number of Samsung's galactic handsets in the past few mont...

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Samsung Galaxy Mega is official and comes in 6.3- and 5.8-inch sizes

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Samsung Galaxy Mega is official and comes in 63 and 58inch sizes" data-src-height="335" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/mega-1365673617.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We knew Samsung was planning more devices, but we didn't expect the arrival of two Galaxy Mega smartphones at the same time. Both are apparently headed to Europe some time next month, continuing to prove that Samsung are willing to test out any screen-size. The 6.3-inch model has an 'HD display' (we're chasing the precise resolution, though it's likely 720p) alongside a dual-core 1.7GHz processor, Android 4.2 and an 8-megapixel camera. Software features like Air View, Multi Windows, Pop-up Play will make sure you have plenty to do on that giant screen. The Galaxy Mega arrives somewhere between Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note II, although we're hoping it'll be priced slightly more humbly than either neighbor. The Galaxy Mega 6.3 houses LTE and HSPA radios, while you'll get GPS and GLONASS to aid any location-based antics. There's a 3,200mAh battery and internal storage that can be expanded by microSD up to 64GB, with 8 or 16 gigs (there's two models) built-in to begin with.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span>The HSPA-only Galaxy Mega 5.8 reduces the size -- and pretty much all the other specs. The resolution drops down to qHD (960 x 540), while it packs a lesser 1.4GHz dual-core processor. It has the same 8-megapixel camera, while the smaller, er, Mega, only comes as an 8GB model. No word on pricing for either yet, but the <em>Ubergizmo</em> team has already got the chance to handle the Korean manufacturer's 6.3-inch goliath. Take a look at their first impressions at the More Coverage link. </span></div></div>

Samsung Galaxy Mega is official and comes in 6.3- and 5.8-inch sizes

We knew Samsung was planning more devices, but we didn't expect the arrival of two Galaxy Mega smartphones at the same time. Both ar...

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Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/sony-xperia-zl-review-1365529409.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Sony took a rather unusual path with its flagship smartphone for 2013: it designed the hardware twice. The Xperia Z is ostensibly the star of the show with its glass body and waterproofing, but it's launching alongside the Xperia ZL, an equally brawny, yet plainer sibling. On a spec sheet, there's no apparent reason for the ZL to exist when its features almost perfectly match those of the slimmer and more stylish Z.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Still, it's precisely that emphasis on function over form that might just win the day. Sony bills the ZL as the most compact 5-inch smartphone on the market, which could win over folks who see large-screened phones as unwieldy. But is it enough to challenge conventional thinking on big phones, especially in light of fiercer competition? And is there anything special lurking underneath the ZL's reworked hood? Read on and we'll let you know whether the second device in Sony's dual-phone strategy is strong enough to outshine the Z -- and, more importantly, its rivals. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XMLgd7-cg_E?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe></div>

Sony Xperia ZL review: a giant phone in a surprisingly compact frame

Sony took a rather unusual path with its flagship smartphone for 2013: it designed the hardware twice. The Xperia Z is ostensibly the star o...

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Microsoft roadmap leak shows Office for iOS and Android to be released in fall of 2014

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Microsoft roadmap leak shows Office for iOS and Android to be released in fall of 2014" data-src-height="441" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/officeandroid.jpg" /></div>Despite a recent preoccupation with the web-based Office 365 service, the folks in Redmond haven't stopped working to bring regular MS Office to mobile users. <em>ZDNet</em> reports that a leaked Microsoft Office roadmap shows that the ubiquitous productivity suite is due to land on Android and iOS in October of 2014. This seems to confirm earlier rumors of an iPad-friendly version of Office, but at a much later date than previously expected.<br /> <span>Android and iOS users aren't the only Office aficionados receiving good news, as the leak also indicates that touch-friendly Blue updates for Word, Excel PowerPoint and OneNote are due to appear for Windows 8 by October of this year. Furthermore, April of 2014 is set to deliver a new version of Office for Mac and Windows phone, and it looks like Microsoft Outlook will finally land on Windows RT by the fall of 2014, too. Naturally, we don't know what features these updates will bring, but it's nice to know they're coming, right?</span><br /> </div></div>

Microsoft roadmap leak shows Office for iOS and Android to be released in fall of 2014

Despite a recent preoccupation with the web-based Office 365 service, the folks in Redmond haven't stopped working to bring regular MS...

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ZTE Geek unveiled with 2GHz Intel Clover Trail+ and a terrible name

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ZTE Geek makes a quiet " data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/zte-geek-idf.jpg" style="margin: 4px;" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Oh ZTE you cheeky monkey. Towards the end of day one at IDF in Beijing, we stumbled upon this awkwardly titled Android Jelly Bean phone that is the Geek at ZTE's booth. Needless to say, this is yet another phone powered by an Intel processor -- a 2GHz Clover Trail+ Atom to be exact, which is what Lenovo's K900 also has. The rest of the device isn't too shabby, either: you get a nice 5-inch 720p display with Gorilla Glass, along with an 8-megapixel main camera, a 1-megapixel front-facing camera, 8GB of storage space, 1GB of RAM, 2,300mAh battery and wireless charging. Radio-wise we see UMTS 900/2100 courtesy of Intel's XMM 6260 chip, and there's also the usual lot of 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and GPS.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Design-wise the Geek takes a huge step away from the Grand X IN and shares a similarly clean look with the Grand S, but without the black eye around the main camera. This particular unit had a glossy white finish as well, but we'd prefer a matte finish for a more premium feel. Since ZTE admitted that it had to rush this prototype for exhibition at IDF, we'll come back to the build quality once we see a final retail unit. Until then, check out our hands-on video and the press release after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-c241ae8c" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/c241ae8c/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=26533709&disablebranding=0&view_secret=26533709" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

ZTE Geek unveiled with 2GHz Intel Clover Trail+ and a terrible name

Oh ZTE you cheeky monkey. Towards the end of day one at IDF in Beijing, we stumbled upon this awkwardly titled Android Jelly Bean phone tha...

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ASUS' 7-inch MeMo Pad now on sale for $150

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP ASUS' $150 MeMo Pad now on sale" data-src-height="397" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/asusmemopad33.jpg" /></div>Cheap tablets are currently on the rise, but not just low-end hardware from manufacturers that you've probably never heard of -- true consumer electronics heavyweights are getting in on the action. Today, ASUS unleashed its $150 MeMo Pad to the frugal masses. This 7-inch slab packs a <span>1GHz single-core VIA WM8950 processor,</span><span> 1GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 1-megapixel front-facing shooter and Android 4.1. </span><span>While its specs aren't anything to sound-off about, this distant cousin to the highly acclaimed </span>Nexus 7<span>, might be worth considering if your budget happens to fall $50 shy of Google's entry-level slate.</span><br /> </div></div>

ASUS' 7-inch MeMo Pad now on sale for $150

Cheap tablets are currently on the rise, but not just low-end hardware from manufacturers that you've probably never heard of -- true...

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Early-backer GameStick consoles delayed to June, dev units now shipping

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Early-backer GameStick consoles delayed to June, dev units now shipping" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/gamestick-final-1-29-13-01.jpg" /></div>Fancied PlayJams' GameStick Android gaming console enough to back it on Kickstarter earlier this year? The good news is that Dev units have been shipping to the roughly 600 who signed up, with the remaining ones set to head out within a week. The bad news? The early-backer versions are now set to arrive at doorsteps in late June instead of April because of high-demand, according to PlayJam. As its latest Kickstarter update details, the units will need stronger tooling than the silicon-based molds of the dev units to ensure that "tens of thousands" of them can be successfully made. Additionally, this will apparently force the company to ship these larger factory yields via sea transport rather than air, which also slows things down.<br /> A case of success causing slowdowns it seems. Hopefully not much longer than these new estimates, too -- while this breakout underdog is set to hit retailers like GameStop, that other Android-based console, OUYA, is already shipping out to backers -- and its retail units are planned in June. You'll find the full update from PlayJam at the source link.<br /> </div></div>

Early-backer GameStick consoles delayed to June, dev units now shipping

Fancied PlayJams' GameStick Android gaming console enough to back it on Kickstarter earlier this year? The good news is that Dev unit...

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OUYA promises improved responsiveness, simplified game installs for June retail launch

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="OUYA promises external game storage, simplified game installs for June retail launch" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/ouyacont619pxhedimg.jpg" /></div>The OUYA's off to a rough start, with reviewers -- us included -- encountering button sticking and faceplate issues with the controller, and a variety of complaints about the $99 game console's OS software. A variety of backers also received their console in the mail with the controller's removable faceplates already removed, having slipped off during shipment. OUYA's addressing at least some of these concerns by the console's June 4th launch, company CEO Julie Uhrman promises in a letter to backers on OUYA's official site.<br /> "Our software is constantly evolving," Uhrman says. As such, OUYA has "a host of features" that it's working on adding to the console ahead of its impending retail launch: "external storage for games, simpler game install process, more metrics for developers, controller support for video players, and more payment options." But first, Uhrman says her team is "focused on optimizing the performance of our software (this mean responsiveness)," directly addressing criticisms of the console's seeming lag between input and on-screen response. <span>As for the controller, OUYA is "considering adding additional magnets" to help with the faceplate issue -- the controller's faceplates are attached via six magnets apiece, currently. It's unclear if the controller will change in any other significant ways ahead of the console's retail availability, but we're hopeful that the button sticking issue is also addressed.</span><br /> </div></div>

OUYA promises improved responsiveness, simplified game installs for June retail launch

The OUYA's off to a rough start, with reviewers -- us included -- encountering button sticking and faceplate issues with the control...

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Facebook Home official, replaces your app icons with social info

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/facebook-home-notifications-event.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today Facebook finally took the wraps off Home, a suite of apps and a home screen replacement for Android phones. It's not just a new UI for launching apps however; it replaces the lockscreen with Cover Feed and prioritizes updates from people instead of apps. There is a standard paginated launcher, that is always just a swipe away. But the focus is on the full-screen images that are your new welcome screen. These are status updates from friends that you can easily flip through and double tap to like when someone posts something exciting. Plain text status updates are placed over a user's cover photo, to keep the appearance consistent with photo-centric posts.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Notifications are presented as small cards, which Facebook applies an algorithm to, in order determine the updates that are most important to you. Just like with the standard Android UI you simply swipe notifications off screen to dismiss them. But, if you want to remove all of them in one shot, you long press a single notification and the rest will be drawn to it and you'll be able to dismiss the entire stack.</div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HKyO0hJEp-g?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe> One of the most interesting new features, however, is Chat Heads. Facebook's messaging app is tightly integrated across the platform, allowing you to quickly and easily communicate with your friends without leaving whatever app you currently have open. Chat Heads appear as circular icons on the right hand side, though you can drag them anywhere you like on the screen. Tapping them opens a pop-over chat dialog that combines IMs and text messages into a universal interface. Differentiating between chats and texts is down only to the color of chat bubbles, while messages from Groups are presented as group chats with divided icons. Your primary method for navigating around (outside of the standard Android buttons) is a home button that sits towards the bottom of the display. The icon itself uses your profile photo and tapping it takes you back to your Home, populated with social updates. However, long pressing it presents you with a trio of options. Swipe left for messenger, swipe up for apps and swipe right to open up your latest app. It's very much like the elegant three-way unlock screen Google blessed Jelly Bean 4.1 with (before screwing everything up with lockscreen widgets). At first Facebook Home will only be available from the Play store on a few select phones, the Galaxy S III, S 4, the HTC One, One X+ and the Note II. But more devices are in the works -- including Android tablets. If you're looking to get your own hands-on with the new Android replacement UI it'll be available on those phones April 12th in the US, with other countries to follow. Update: We've added a whole host of videos, both above and below so you can get a peek at Facebook Home yourself. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9p_y9dAK94Q?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tWKE0HTl0ig?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Lep_DSmSRwE?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div></div>

Facebook Home official, replaces your app icons with social info

Today Facebook finally took the wraps off Home, a suite of apps and a home screen replacement for Android phones. It's not just a new ...

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PSA: HTC One pre-orders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="PSA HTC One preorders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow" data-src-height="420" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/htc-one-review-619.jpg" /></div>You've been eying the HTC One's zero-gap body for well over a month, and now it's your chance to do something about it. AT&T is launching its promised pre-order campaign for the One today: soon, if not as you read this, upgraders and new subscribers can plunk down as little as $200 for a 32GB model or $300 for the network-exclusive 64GB edition. While these buyers likely won't get their phones until closer to the April 19th store date, that free Media Link HD offer remains on the table to encourage an early commitment. And those who prefer service from the House of Hesse don't have long to wait, either -- Sprint's pre-orders for the One begin tomorrow, with a similar $200 outlay involved for the 32GB variant. All that's left is for T-Mobile's edition to follow suit.<br /> </div></div>

PSA: HTC One pre-orders start at AT&T today, Sprint tomorrow

You've been eying the HTC One's zero-gap body for well over a month, and now it's your chance to do something about it. AT&...

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Sony Xperia ZL reaches Canada through Bell, Rogers and Videotron

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sony Xperia ZL" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/xperiazl.jpg" /></a></div>While we're still waiting on an American carrier to officially release Sony's <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Xperia ZL</a>, it turns out that Canadians don't have to be quite so patient. That promised April launch in the northern country has come right at the start of the month, and locals can order the compact 5-inch flagship from Bell, Rogers or <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Videotron </a>as of today. Pricing varies sharply between networks, however. Bell is offering the most aggressive discount, at $100 on a lengthy three-year contract, while Rogers and <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Videotron</a> raise the prices to a respective $125 and $200 on similar terms. You can also buy the smartphone off-contract from the carriers for $600 (Bell and <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Videotron)</a> or $625 (Rogers), in addition to the $675 unlocked model from Sony itself. We'd think carefully about a purchase when the <a href="http://greenzoneregypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Xperia ZL</a> is about to get some stiff competition in the next few weeks; those who want a better sense of (Omni)balance in their lives can hit the carrier links at the source.<br /> </div></div>

Sony Xperia ZL reaches Canada through Bell, Rogers and Videotron

While we're still waiting on an American carrier to officially release Sony's Xperia ZL , it turns out that Canadians don't h...

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Ergo launches the GoNote Mini, a 7-inch Android tablet / netbook hybrid, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Ergo launches the GoNote Mini, a 7inch tablet netbook hybrid, we go handson" data-src-height="348" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/a.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We first encountered Ergo Electronics at last year's Gadget Show Live, and since then the Birmingham-based tablet maker has graduated from its humble back-of-the-hall origins to become a major player. Its product range has swelled beyond its original budget ICS slates with a range of AIO PCs, thin-and-light laptops and even a Windows 8 tablet that has more than a few strong hints of a KIRF Surface about it. Now it's launched the GoNote Mini, a scaled down 7-inch version of the education-ready tablet / netbook hybrid that's been doing the rounds since last summer. We got to spend a few minutes playing around with the first production prototype and if you'd like to know more, after the break is where you want to be.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We're not sure too many people are wistful for the halcyon days of 2007, but this Android-powered clamshell netbook certainly pulls a retro heart-string here or there. Clad in off-white plastic and designed for the education market, it's already demonstrated its sturdy credentials after it suffered an accident against the concrete earlier in the day -- with only some scuffing on the corner that bore the brunt of the impact. It's certainly solidly built and we couldn't find any weaknesses or "give" in the outer shell, compared to some of the kiddy-devices that we've seen.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Spec-wise, you'll be staring into a 800 x 480 capacitive LED-backlit touchscreen that can register up to five points of multitouch. Running the show is a single-core 1.2GHz Rockchip RK2918 that's been paired with 1GB of RAM, and while it'll do the job, it suffers from the same blight as many other pre-Jelly Bean Android slates -- with gestures taking a moment to register and programs meandering their way into view. The keyboard isn't enjoyable to type on for adult hands, and the keys themselves have a springy feel, as if you're typing into the rubber membrane beneath the keys. On the other hand, in addition to the touchscreen, you also get a trackpoint, which is useful when you want to nudge your cursor without resorting to jabbing at the display. Connectivity-wise, you've got 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, mini USB, full UB and a mini HDMI port. You'll talk into a VGA forward-facing camera that's been paired with a 2-megapixel shooter 'rounder back. You can also complement the 4GB of onboard storage with the microSD card slot. The unit will be available for £99 ($150) towards the end of the month, but for that same price, you could also snag something a little more stylish.</div></div>

Ergo launches the GoNote Mini, a 7-inch Android tablet / netbook hybrid, we go hands-on

We first encountered Ergo Electronics at last year's Gadget Show Live, and since then the Birmingham-based tablet maker has graduate...

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