LG hasn’t announced a successor to the LG G Flex 2 (yet), but the company has unveiled two new K-series devices at CES which the company hopes will give them better penetration within the “mass-tier” market. Both the LG K10 and LG K7 sport LG’s new 2.5D “barrowed from nature” pebble design, featuring 2.5D Arc Glass, curved edges, woven pattern polycarbonate back panel and rear mounted power and volume buttons. 

LG will be releasing multiple variations of each, but the LTE equipped LG K10 will be the best equipped of them all with a 5.3-inch 720p display, 1.14 GHz octa-core processor, 13 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel front-facing camera, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a 2,300 mAh battery. The lower-end LG K7 will also come in LTE and 3G variations with specs topping out with a 5.0-inch FWVGA display, 1.1GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 2,125mAh battery.

“Our 2016 K Series is the latest example of LG applying it best mobile technology and premium design philosophy across numerous smartphone categories. Customers equate the LG name with great smartphone imaging technology and we are committed to delivering on that flattering expectation.”

LG has not released pricing or availability details for the LG K7 and LG K10, but we will likely see both devices show up in global markets in the first quarter of this year at quite reasonable prices.

LG K10 Specifications

• Display: 5.3-inch HD In-cell Touch
• Chipset:
  • LTE: 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core / 1.14GHz Octa-Core
  • 3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core
• Camera:
  • LTE: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP
  • 3G: Rear 8MP / Front 8MP or 5MP
• Memory:
  • RAM: 2GB / 1.5GB / 1GB
  • ROM: 16GB / 8GB
• Battery: 2,300mAh
• Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
• Size: 146 x 74.8 x 8.8mm
• Colors: White / Indigo / Gold
• Others: 2.5D Arc Glass / Gesture Shot / Tap and Shot / Gesture Interval Shot*

LG K7 Key Specifications

• Display: 5.0-inch FWVGA In-cell Touch (LTE) / On-cell Touch (3G)
• Chipset:
  • LTE: 1.1GHz Quad-Core
  • 3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core
• Camera: Rear 8MP or 5MP / Front 5MP
• Memory:
  • RAM: 1.5GB / 1GB
  • ROM: 16GB / 8GB
• Battery: 2,125mAh
• Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
• Size: 143.6 x 72.5 x 8.9mm
• Colors: Titan / White / Black / Gold
• Others: 2.5D Arc Glass / Gesture Shot / Gesture Interval Shot / Tap and Shot

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The Facebook app on Android exists only because Google allows it. It is distributed through the Play Store and uses Google services for everything from in-app payments to push notifications. If Google wanted to, it could block the app from the Play Store, which would limit the app’s reach catastrophically.

It isn’t like Google and Facebook are strangers to conflicts; Google has had problems with the Facebook app before. Remember when Facebook set the app to update using files outside of the Play Store? That didn’t go well with Google. Though Facebook brings Google business, it’s also competition and it’s not too far-fetched to think that Facebook could anger Google enough to get its removed app from the Play Store.

Naturally, Facebook has plans in place for such a situation. Though the company doesn’t expect it to happen anytime soon, it’s important to plan should things go wrong. Facebook would then be tasked with getting users to download the app outside of the biggest app store on Android, which won’t be easy (though it seems people are willing to do so to get their Facebook fix).

Another hurdle is replacing important Google services, like payments and notifications. These services can be recreated by Facebook, but the issue would be cost. Facebook could let other companies use these services in countries where Google services are either not available or not popular. Another option is to work with carriers on pre-installing the app on devices, which carriers already do through the Play Store.

While it seems a bit crazy to be planning for such an occurrence, it makes sense for a company that can stand to lose a lot by losing the grace of Google. Hopefully Facebook won’t do anything silly enough to do that.

Source: The Information, (2)
Via: The Verge

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It took a while, but Android Auto is finally spreading. A few car manufacturers have already adopted it, including Ford, more and more people are gaining access to the feature. And now, Fiat Chrysler has announced that many cars with Uconnect will be getting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in 2016.

Fiat Chrysler owns Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and more, so many brands of car will soon be getting Android Auto. Though not all brands and models will be getting it in 2016, Android Auto was shown off in the 2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit using a 1024×768 display.

Android Auto is slowly reaching more and more new cars (and if you own an old car, Android Auto head units are available for purchase). Having Google Maps on your car’s display sounds like the ideal system.

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According to The Information, some of the errors you might have experienced with the Facebook app were intentional. Many of us have faced issues with the app in the past (let’s face it, it used to be awful), but it seems that Facebook was, at some point, intentionally making the app crash for some users.

This crashing was allegedly to test user’s loyalty to the social network, and the results say it all. Those affected came back to Facebook, even using the mobile site over the app just to access the service. People apparently love Facebook that much.

The rationale behind these tests makes some sense. Despite potentially alienating users (though the results show that wasn’t happening), the tests show that people would use Facebook even if Google were to remove the app from the Play Store. Facebook depends on Google for distribution of its app, and it makes sense for Facebook to have a backup plan. If it came down to distributing the app outside of the Play Store, it seems Facebook users would be willing.

Of course, this also makes Facebook look positively evil. What’s your opinion on the matter? Leave a comment!

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The Asus ZenFone Zoom will soon be making its way to US shores. Originally announced at CES 2015, the ZenFone Zoom is sure to get quite a bit of attention thanks to its unique 13 megapixel imaging sensor that’s matched up with optical image stabilization, laser focus, 3X optical zoom and a 10-element lens from Hoya.

Priced at $399, the Asus ZenFone Zoom will be powered by quad-core Intel chip with 4GB of RAM, 64/128GB of internal storage, microSd card slot, 3,000 mAh battery and a 5.5-inch full HD display with Gorilla Glass 4 protection.

Asus hasn’t picked up much market share in the US with its smartphones, but the ZenFone Zoom could sell quite well is Asus managed to strike a deal with a US service provider. We’ll know more details about the Asus’ launch plans for the phone on January 20.

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CES Press Day isn’t until tomorrow, but Nvidia always kicks things off the night before. The Nvidia press event will begin tonight at 6PM Pacific and will likely last a good 90 minutes. Last year, Nvidia’s CEO spent 45 minutes talking about how the automotive industry would be able to use its processors to revolutionize the cars of the future, but we’re hoping that tonight’s event will focus a bit more on Android, Tegra processors and possible show us a new Nvidia Shield device.

We’ll be sharing any news that’s announced, but you can always sit back and watch the press event live stream below.

Do you think Nvidia will be bring its A game to CES this year?

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The Samsung Galaxy S7, and the Galaxy S7 edge, have been getting a lot of attention recently, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering the unveiling of both devices is (probably) quickly approaching. In fact, an earlier report from today suggested the device lineup could feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor under the hood and a 12-megapixel camera on the back.

Now, a new report from VentureBeat has articulated a few more points, echoing some early rumors and adding new fuel to the fire for those keeping tabs on all the expected features in Samsung’s upcoming flagship devices.

First up, the displays. According to the report, the Galaxy S7 will keep its flat display, with no curves, and still rock a 5.1-inch bullet point on the specifications sheet. The Galaxy S7 edge will have a curved display, as expected, and it’s now expected to see a screen size of 5.5 inches. This report suggests that while some rumors have pointed to a Galaxy S7 variant with a 5.7-inch display, that won’t be happening after all.

The batteries in the two devices are said to be getting a bump, too. According to VentureBeat‘s sources, the Galaxy S7′s battery will measure in at 3000mAh, up from the 2550mAh battery in the Galaxy S6. On top of that, the Galaxy S7 edge’s battery will bump up to 3600mAh, which means an increase from the 2600mAh battery found in the Galaxy S6 edge.

They won’t be removable, though. They’ll still feature wireless charging, with the Galaxy S7′s charge time reportedly at 2 hours and the Galaxy S7 edge’s charge time at 2.2 hours.

Samsung is said to be using an Exynos 8 8890 chipset under the hood for some, if not most, of its variants. However, in the United States, the report echoes earlier reports that Samsung will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor to run the show. It also indicates that the devices will boast 4GB of RAM, and that there will only be two storage options: 32GB and 64GB. However, a 128GB option could exist at some point in certain global channels.

Finally, this report also states that Samsung is opting to use a 12-megapixel camera in the Galaxy S7 lineup. That’s a drop in megapixel count from the Galaxy S6, which utilized a 16-megapixel shooter. This new camera is said to feature an aperture of f/1.7, which is a change from the Galaxy S6′s f/1.9. It is also said to be better in low-light scenarios as well.

The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are said to be retaining the design choices from their predecessors, but also offer some water resistance, too.

Are you getting excited for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

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We’ve seen dozens of rumors already, but a new leak suggests yet another variant of the Samsung Galaxy S7 may be in play. According to a post on Reddit, there’s a new variant of the Samsung Galaxy S7 floating around which has a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM and a peculiar 12 megapixel camera. While Samsung’s flagship phones have featured 13 megapixel or higher imaging sensors for the past three years, the 12 megapixel sensor of this rumored device does align with reports that Samsung is working on a 12 megapixel mobile imaging sensor with a larger footprint than the one currently used in the Samsung Galaxy S6. The lower megapixel count and larger size would allow the sensor to capture more light, leading to clearer images – particularly in low-light conditions.

With all the rumors surrounding the Samsung’s Galaxy S7 lineup, keep track of what rumors and credible and which ones aren’t has become quite a chore. This new 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy S7 rumor appears to be credible, but we’re going to wait a bit longer before we lump it in with the 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 rumors.

Would you be willing to buy a phone with a lower resolution camera if it promised to delivery higher quality images?

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Every week we cover new Android apps with Fresh Meat on Wednesday, followed by Android Gaming on Thursday and Top 10 App Updates on Friday. When Monday rolls around, we look back to see which apps were the most appealing to our audience. Read on for the five most popular Android apps from last week. These apps are ones that are most likely new and haven’t appeared in the top five list more than three times.

1. AutoMate

App info:  AutoMate makes common services available to you from your device while you’re driving. With AutoMate, you get the right information at the right time, so you can focus on the road.

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2. Phone

App info: Update the Phone app for your Android Marshmallow device* to improve your calling experience and gain control over calls with features like caller ID and call blocking.

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3. Action Launcher 3

App info: Action Launcher 3 replaces your homescreen with a colorful, customizable and speedy app you’ll quickly learn to love. Try it out for free!

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4. Clipboard Actions

App info: Clipboard Actions creates actions based on your clipboard and shows them in the status bar as notification.

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5. KeyMe

App info: KeyMe is a safe, smart and inexpensive solution to frustrating lockouts, and a convenient way to copy and share your keys.

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Note:  To ensure that all apps receive a fair chance to make the list, we will retire any app that has made the list for three consecutive weeks.

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Samsung has spent some time experimenting with its A series of devices, and this week will bring some big announcements in regards to the line. Today, Samsung is releasing the highest-end model, the Galaxy A9, in China for CNY 3,199, or roughly $490 USD. That price is a bit higher than expected, considering the A series is designed to target mid-range markets.

What does the Samsung Galaxy A9 bring to the table? Well, for that money you can get a 6-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 3GB of RAM, a 4,000mAh battery, 13-megapixel rear camera, 8-megapixel front-facing camera, fingerprint scanner and a high-quality build that utilizes metal for strength. As an added bonus, it’s also about to receive an update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, bringing it up to date in the software department.

A major part of the significance here is that Samsung is expected to announce US availability of the new Galaxy A series tomorrow at its CES event. While the Galaxy A series is designed to be mid-range, a price near $500 would likely alienate many mid-range US customers, while not quite snagging the high-end customers.

We’ll keep an eye on how the situation develops.

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