Hasta La Gadget!

We’re sure by now, you already have chosen your instant messaging application and have been happy with its service for several months. Jumping to a completely new messaging service is a pretty hard decision, especially if those who you chat with don’t use the service you’re attempting to make the jump to. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Line, which has just announced they have passed the 300 million user milestone.  (more…)

Line Messaging App Surpasses 300 Million Registered Users Milestone original content from Ubergizmo.

The HTC One using the Google Camera App

We hear just last week the HTC One Google Play Edition might be receiving Android 4.4 KitKat “soon.” It looks like “soon” came a little sooner than we had anticipated as it’s being reported Android 4.4 KitKat is now rolling out to HTC One Google Edition handsets.

News of the rollout comes from an XDA Developers user who claims they have received the official over-the-air update for the HTC One Google Edition, which means you should start checking your phone as much as possible as you could very well be receiving the update some time soon as well. (more…)

HTC One Google Play Edition Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rolling Out original content from Ubergizmo.

Earlier today, HTC posted the Android 4.4 KitKat kernel source and framework files for the HTC One Google Play Edition, which usually means an official OTA update is imminent. Sure enough, a user on XDA Developers has now reported that he’s received the update the safe way, over-the-air. That means you’ll soon see the more streamlined interface if you’re rocking the Sense-less device, though some waiting may be required if the rollout is staggered. Other benefits you’ll notice will be a better camera app with its own shortcut, improved battery life and more speed overall. Meanwhile, owners of the regular HTC One should get KitKat skinned with Sense in January, at least in the US and UK. If you went for the Google Play Edition, you can check your settings for the update or, if you’re feeling brave, download it at the “More Coverage” link after the break.

Update: Voice activated search using “OK, Google” from the homescreen is only available on the Nexus 5 with the Google Experience launcher. The post has been updated to reflect that.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Google

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Source: XDA Developers

We’ve seen the HTC One being offered up in real gold before; in both 18ct and 24ct options, but what if you wanted a HTC One in gold, but didn’t want to pay the outrageous price for it? Well you’re in luck because it seems that HTC has announced the HTC One in a gold finish. However unlike its other gold plated siblings, this is merely a gold color finish and does not come plated with gold whatsoever, so while it might look like gold, it does not carry the same value, unfortunately. Apart from that the specs are expected to remain exactly the same, which means we can look forward to a 4.7” Full HD display, a quad-core processor, and stereo front-facing cameras with an Ultrapixel camera to top things off.

Gold seems to be a pretty popular finish this days, especially when it was reported that iPhone 5s in gold was the most popular color option, with the gold finish selling faster than the rest. In fact the gold iPhone 5s was selling like hotcakes over in countries such as China and Singapore where gold is considered to be a color that symbolizes fortune and wealth. According to Philip Blair, President of HTC EMEA, “Building on the all metal design of the HTC One, and the recent success of the HTC 18 carat gold MOBO phone, we are excited to have developed our own gold device, offering yet more choice to consumers.” No word on pricing and availability just yet, but given that this is just a gold finish of the regular HTC One, we expect it should be priced similar to normal HTC One handsets.

HTC Announces Gold Colored HTC One original content from Ubergizmo.

It is obvious at this point in time that Android is the dominating smartphone platform and commands the largest market share in the world, and that Samsung is probably the leading Android OEM as well, although it seems that Japan might not necessarily be the market that Samsung shines in. According to industry reports, word has it that Samsung’s market share and sales are actually taking a dive over in Japan. From July-September, the reports claim that Samsung has only managed to sell 1 million of its overall portfolio and only took 9.9% of the market.

The reason behind this is partly due to Apple, whose new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c managed to dominate the market with a 38.1% market share. This is also thanks to Apple’s partnership with NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s largest carrier, who finally got on board the iPhone bandwagon and started to offer the device officially on its network. Coming in second place is Sony who took 18.9% of the market, and the report claims that even Sharp managed to beat out Samsung by 100,000 units. What do you guys think? Why does Samsung appear to have a harder time in Japan than the rest of the world?

Samsung’s Market Share Takes A Hit In Japan original content from Ubergizmo.