Nokia Lumia 720 review

<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="Nokia Lumia 720 review" data-src-height="460" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/wraplead-1366407637.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">With the shared unveiling of Nokia's Lumia 720 and Lumia 520, the company's running flush of Windows Phone 8 models was complete. All WP8 handsets we've reviewed essentially fit into two distinct tiers based on shared core specs. That begs the question: why come out with two new models now when both share the same SoC, amount of RAM and screen resolution as the established Lumia 620 and HTC 8S? Obviously, there are differences in design, cameras, display tech and all the other bobs and bits that create the 720, but is it worth the significant markup over the 620, and more than double the price of a 520 or Huawei Ascend W1? Enough with all the rhetorical questions -- join us after the break as we find out exactly what the Lumia 720 has to offer.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01089-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01102-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01068-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01085-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01074-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="413" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01078-copy-1366370604.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01084.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01087-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01098.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="400" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01125-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01122.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="416" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01103-copy.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc01105.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-1ba23ba4" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/1ba23ba4/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=77156031&disablebranding=0&view_secret=77156031" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Nokia Lumia 720 review

With the shared unveiling of Nokia's Lumia 720 and Lumia 520, the company's running flush of Windows Phone 8 models was complete. A...

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PSA: HTC One available today at AT&T and Sprint

<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 available today at AT&T and Sprint" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/htc-one-att-home-screen.jpg" /></div>April showers might bring May flowers, but the only precipitation we really care for around here is that of flagship handsets into stores. In that case, it's time to break out the raincoats: the HTC One is officially on sale at AT&T and Sprint as of today. Both carriers and their resellers are offering the aluminum wunderkind in its silver guise at $200 on contract for a 32GB model, with AT&T still holding the US exclusive on a $300 64GB version. Those jonesing for different hues or radios will have to wait a little while longer, however. The T-Mobile edition won't officially land until the 24th, and a black 32GB model is still "weeks" away from landing at AT&T and Sprint. Provided you're not the exception to the rule, though, you're cleared to buy what's arguably the first US-bound flagship of the year.<br /> </div></div>

PSA: HTC One available today at AT&T and Sprint

April showers might bring May flowers, but the only precipitation we really care for around here is that of flagship handsets into store...

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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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Verizon confirms 12-month Device Payment Plan for phones is launching April 21st

<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="Verizon confirms 12month Device Payment Plan for phones is launching April 21st" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-verizon-back-1365892725.jpg" /></div>Look: we know many on Verizon aren't happy that the carrier has revealed plans to lengthen its upgrade intervals right as smartphone update season is hitting full stride. However, there may be a consolation prize. As of April 21st, "some devices" in its smartphone range, not just the existing tablets, will qualify for a Device Payment Plan that spreads out the full costs over the course of a year, letting those who crave the latest mobile hardware (presumably, you) upgrade without either having to sign a contract or pay everything up front. Sounds like a very UnCarrier thing to do, doesn't it? Not quite, unfortunately. The carrier tells us that these payments sit on top of existing service plans, not inside them -- the base service rate won't go down in year two. T-Mobile will remain the better bargain for anyone constantly replacing handsets, then, but those on Verizon will at least have a degree of freedom.<br /> </div></div>

Verizon confirms 12-month Device Payment Plan for phones is launching April 21st

Look: we know many on Verizon aren't happy that the carrier has revealed plans to lengthen its upgrade intervals right as smartphone u...

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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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Verizon upgrade eligibility extends to a full two years, New Every Two credits expire April 15th

<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="Verizon upgrade eligibility extends to a full two years, New Every Two credits expire April 15th " data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/htc-droid-dna-review-340.jpg" /></div>Verizon subscribers, we hope your device habits don't revolve too closely around that 20-month upgrade cycle: it's about to get longer. Big Red has confirmed that upgrade eligibility will now start only after the two-year contract is up. Those who have an existing contract that expires in January 2014 or later will have to wait four more months before they can get hardware at a discounted rate. Ostensibly, the shift is to let customers count on a lone upgrade date for all of their connected devices, but let's not beat around the bush: the longer intervals are bad for any subscriber whose desire for a new phone or tablet doesn't perfectly dovetail with their contract length.<br /> There are a few other changes afoot. Those on multi-line accounts can still share their upgrades as long as it's within the same device category, but they won't have the option to transfer a hotspot or tablet upgrade. It won't be as easy to upgrade to that Galaxy Note 10.1, unfortunately. Likewise, anyone who's been hoarding New Every Two upgrades since the program ended in 2011 may want to use them this weekend -- the credits expire on April 15th. While these last two changes won't affect as many of us, they reinforce the notion that Verizon would really prefer that we hold on to the gear we've got.<br /> </div></div>

Verizon upgrade eligibility extends to a full two years, New Every Two credits expire April 15th

Verizon subscribers, we hope your device habits don't revolve too closely around that 20-month upgrade cycle: it's about to get l...

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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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Nokia Lumia 928 spied for Verizon Wireless

<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="Nokia Lumia 928 for spied for Verizon Wireless" data-src-height="440" data-src-width="499" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/lumia-928-verizon.jpg" /></div>How does a US carrier get around AT&T's exclusivity of the Lumia 920? Why, it releases an exclusive of its own, of course. News of the Lumia 928 is probably familiar to many of you, which has been rumored (and spotted in inventory systems) as an upscale Windows Phone for Verizon. Now, things just got real, as <em>@evleaks</em> has just released the first glimpse of the Lumia 928, and adorned in black, we're quite sure that Batman would approve. Naturally, Big Red's branding adorns both the front and back of the device, but at least there's a modicum of restraint. This being Nokia's second Windows Phone outing on Verizon, we're crossing our fingers that the phone was spared a beating with the ugly stick. We'll reserve judgment until we can get our grubby mitts on one.<br /> </div></div>

Nokia Lumia 928 spied for Verizon Wireless

How does a US carrier get around AT&T's exclusivity of the Lumia 920? Why, it releases an exclusive of its own, of course. News of...

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Nokia Lumia 720 starts shipping, costs £300 prepaid at O2 UK

<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="Nokia Lumia 720 launches worldwide, available for free on O2 UK" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/nokia-lumia-720-hands-on-tilt.jpg" /></div>Nokia courted fashionistas back at Mobile World Congress with the Lumia 720, and it's ready to embrace them more fully now that the slim Windows Phone is rolling out to its first countries. We've already seen it launch in Australia and the UK, where it's available for free when subscribing to relatively frugal postpaid plans of either $29 AUD (on Virgin Mobile Australia) or <span>£22 (on </span>O2<span> UK); Brits can also spend </span><span>£300 at O2 to use the phone on a pay-as-you-go basis. Other countries will get their units in short order, including Italy next week (for </span>€349 off-contract) and Russia. As a reminder, it's not coming to the US in an official capacity: while the mid-tier device made a visit to the FCC, the absence of LTE largely precludes American carrier deals. Some of us will have to gaze on the Lumia 720 from afar as a result, but many of those craving the most stylish of Nokia smartphones can get some satisfaction very shortly.<br /> </div></div>

Nokia Lumia 720 starts shipping, costs £300 prepaid at O2 UK

Nokia courted fashionistas back at Mobile World Congress with the Lumia 720, and it's ready to embrace them more fully now that the s...

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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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Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-launch-1364405253.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Following the likes of Meizu and Xiaomi, another star is born in the Chinese smartphone market. In fact, some may already know the man behind this new Android-based Smartisan OS: Luo Yonghao, a self-taught ex-English teacher (and later becoming the principal of his own English school until last August), as well as the founder of influential blogging platform Bullog.cn (now Bullogger.com) and the chairman of Chinese font studio Redesign. Luo is also a relentless consumer advocate, with his most notable act being his fridge-smashing protest outside Siemens' Beijing headquarters in November 2011, in order to highlight the company's refusal to acknowledge their faulty fridge doors (all explained in the "More Coverage" link at the bottom).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Already a bit of a legend in China, the 40-year-old serial entrepreneur announced last April that he had formed <span>Smartisan Co., Ltd.</span><span> to work on a smartphone OS, and that it would shame all manufacturers with its revolutionary user experience. Having missed the December target that he promised, Luo eventually took the stage in Beijing last week to spend well over three -- yes, </span><em>three</em><span> -- hours going through the thought process behind his Smartisan OS, so bear with us here.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS launch event</strong></h3></div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/imag1331_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/imag1336_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc1399_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/dsc1409_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-0-1364412817_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-23-1364413526_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS unveil: Visuals</strong></h3></div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-1-1364413616_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-2-1364413618_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-3-1364413621_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-4-1364413624_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-5-1364413626_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-6-1364413628_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Unlike the lead images of this article, the clever play with the name "Smartisan" is much better at reflecting the company's insane attention to detail (Luo actually wanted just "Artisan" to show his appreciation for great craftsmanship, but the trademark was already registered by ARM). Known for his ability to talk on stage for hours at his annual entrepreneurship talks, Luo did us a favor by breaking his presentation down into four parts: Visuals, Functions, Humanization and "two more things" -- a light-hearted homage to Steve Jobs' classic keynote act.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>For the Visuals part of Smartisan OS, Luo dived straight into other Chinese manufacturers' "unhealthy" obsession with iOS' square icon style and grid layout, followed by </span>ridiculing some icons<span> that render the original objects (like balls, wheels, shoes or even toilets) much less recognizable and meaningful in their deformed shapes. Even Lenovo's circular icons couldn't escape from Luo's </span><span>verbal rage -- they are "damn ugly" in his view.</span><span> On a related note, Luo is also baffled by how Apple's desktop icons don't suffer from the square problem forced upon their mobile counterpart.</span></div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-vs-all.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>In comparison to all the screenshots above, Smartisan's approach is much more appealing to the eye. As a strong believer in closed systems for the sake of quality control, Luo's first step towards that direction is to revamp the icons for over 1,000 apps -- about 200 to 300 of which are already done as of the press event. The goal is to offer icons that look official yet futuristic, and from what we saw on the stage, our favorites were the authentic-looking hairy paw for Baidu Search (the audience had a good laugh over that one) and the more vibrant triangle for Google Play -- something that Luo hopes to eventually replace with Smartisan's very own app store. Obviously, the current team of 24 strong can't do this alone, so they'll be receiving submissions from graphics designers via Smartisan's forum; and in return, these folks will get a mention in the OS, especially in the menu where you can toggle between the original icons and the enhanced icons.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Another key to the clean look of Smartisan OS' launcher is the combination of a smaller grid, the dark background and the lack of icon labels. For the four-by-three grid (as opposed to five-by-four on most smartphones), Luo reasoned that most people don't use more than 12 icons every day, thus allowing bigger icons for each panel of 12. This is visually enhanced by the removal of wallpaper option, a decision that Luo believes was intentional in the first version of iOS, yet eventually revoked by Apple due to the missing feature being one of the main reasons for users to jailbreak back then. Outspoken as ever, Luo went as far as calling mobile manufacturers that provide scenic wallpapers "bumpkins." As for the removed icon labels, Luo believes that the icons can speak for themselves, and that the users who install those apps should know which is which, anyway.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="458" data-src-width="612" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-launcher-1364493885.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS: Functions and Humanization</strong></h3><br /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-14-1364413885_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-15-1364413886_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-16-1364413888_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-17-1364413911_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-18-1364413913_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-19-1364413914_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Each icon panel gets a light shade to make them stand out individually, and every time you turn on the phone, they all animate very briefly by lightly popping in and out. Users will be familiar with the usual drag-and-drop icon management action, but unlike most phones where you have to slowly drag one icon across multiple home screens, Smartisan OS speeds up the process by letting you zoom out to an overview of four home screens with 36 icons (or even up to nine home screens with 81 icons on full-HD devices), where you easily drag one icon from one screen to another without having to wait for the screen to switch, or without having to use a second finger to swipe to the next screen (as nicely implemented by at least HTC and Xiaomi). In the multi-home screen mode you can also select several apps from different screens and then place them into the same one. You can see this all at 46:50 in the video at the bottom of this article.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Another handy feature here is the ability to hide or lock certain panels, and we can already imagine the use case of stowing away rarely used system apps or bloatware. Luo wasn't afraid to joke about hiding the naughty apps this way, either. But going back to the subject of bloatware, Smartisan OS will be bundled with just a few apps that Luo considers to be the cream of the crop in the Chinese market: Momo (a local "flirting" app), WeChat (IM app, but still in discussion), Sina Weibo, Youku (video platform) and Sogu input (customized by Smartisan). Luo insisted that there's no business relation here at all and users are free to uninstall these, unlike the ones that are tied to most other smartphones these days.</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-humanization.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While Smartisan OS may sound like just another launcher so far, the amount of care gone into the fine detail in other areas should justify its "OS" moniker. Here's a list of all the highlights in chronological order according to the event video at the bottom:</div><ul dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><li> Your added note for a caller shows up above profile picture when he or she dials in, in case you need a reminder of who the caller is (31:30, featuring "Jack Wong" from "Meizu"; detailed talk at 57:25)</li><li> World clocks intentionally have different second hand positions purely for the sake of sentiments, as inspired by clocks in a typical hotel reception (you can shake to synchronize) (34:04)</li><li> Contacts can be sorted by date added, location, interaction frequency (can be overridden in case your other half gets upset; "You should understand if you're married," joked Luo) (36:00)</li><li> Tap profile picture on contacts list to toggle shortcuts for call, SMS, add to favorites, set ringtone and set picture (will support Sina and Renren profiles) (41:08)</li><li> SMS delivery delayed by three seconds in case of regret (56:30)</li><li> Reply or read out SMS in quick pop-up notifications</li><li> Clock app shows you the weather of a selected city, as well as the time difference between there and your location (58:30)</li><li> Can rotate screen at any time using two-finger gesture (fingers swipe horizontally in opposite directions) (59:55)</li><li> Brightness slider shows up under volume panel when volume keys are pressed (61:08)</li><li> Calendar shows only important dates for lunar calendar, and also shows weather forecast for the next few days (62:15)</li><li> Country flags instead of text menu for language setting, so that you can easily reverse the damage if someone accidentally changes the language (65:43)</li><li> Swipe across screen to reset notification counters, then the counters restart (68:33)</li><li> Friendly reminder to rotate phone when capturing video in portrait position (<em>finally!</em>); and likewise with mirroring option while taking self-portraits with front camera (73:00)</li><li> Button-based voice command more straight forward than Siri ("as introduced by some guy called Scott"); phone call toggled by lifting and placing next to ear (detected by gyroscope and proximity sensor) and say recipient's name, makes you look less like an idiot (87:40)</li><li> When switched on, phone automatically unlocks if its proximity sensor detects it's out of the pocket; or hit the home button to peek at the time while phone is on standby (107:40)</li></ul><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-humanization-2.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><strong>Smartisan OS unveil: Two more things</strong></h3><br /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-2.591_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-3.001_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-3.00_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-1.22_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-28-at-1.23_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/smartisan-os-2013-03-27-24-1364414337_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> It's clear that most of these enhancements are based on simple modifications rather than technological breakthroughs, but then again, these seemingly obvious tweaks should serve as a wake-up call to the other mobile manufacturers. Of course, t<span>here are still a lot of unanswered questions, but we suspect Smartisan will have a lot more to show the world following its inspirational debut. After humbly thanking CyanogenMod for the resources and even McDonald's for the late night deliveries, Luo announced that the first public beta for select devices (including the Galaxy S II as shown in the demos) will be available on June 15th, followed by Smartisan's very own hardware at some point next year -- by which point Luo will stop supporting third-party devices. "Only Luo's hardware is worthy of Luo's software," said the amusing </span>entrepreneur<span>.</span></div></div>

Smartisan OS unveiled in China, takes a fresh approach on Android UI design

Following the likes of Meizu and Xiaomi, another star is born in the Chinese smartphone market. In fact, some may already know the man b...

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