Hasta La Gadget!

In the past week, we did hear about how Sprint mentioned about Android 4.4.3 KitKat for the Nexus 5 smartphone, which leads to the question as to which particular device is going to be the next one to receive this particular mobile operating system update. There is every chance that the Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play edition is all up for it, at least according to the Bluetooth SIG.

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play edition is a device that falls under the phablet category, sporting a 6.4” display, and it has been certified for some Android 4.4.3 KitKat action. For those who want definite proof on the Bluetooth SIG, it is not there, but rather, one would stumble upon a reference to the “Togari GPE”.

Togari happens to be the code name for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, while GPE stands for Google Play edition. As for the software version listed, it happens to be the KTU72.S1.3013, which is widely believed to represent Android 4.4.3 KitKat. Google Play edition smartphones rely on a stock Android OS, which makes it faster to update compared to unlocked and carrier models. After all, these updates are sent out straight from Google without having to go through any intermediary.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition To Get Android 4.4.3 KitKat (Rumor) , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Rumors, kitkat, Sony, XPERIA Z Ultra,

So the other day we caught wind that LG could be working on another L-series handset known as the LG L65, and it turns out that the rumors were right because LG has since officially announced the handset on their Russian website which has us wondering if the device will make its way stateside, but then again there are carriers such as MetroPCS who stock the LG L70 so there is a chance that maybe it will.

It also seems that the rumors were right about the phone and some of its hardware specs. For starters the phone will come with a 4.3-inch IPS display but as far as resolution is concerned, the LG L65 will only come with a WVGA 800×480 display which is admittedly pretty low as far as modern smartphones are concerned.

The phone will also be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor clocked at 1.2GHz (dual-core) and will be accompanied by 1GB of RAM. There will also be a 5MP rear-facing camera, a VGA front-facing camera, 4GB of onboard storage expandable via microSD, a 2,100mAh battery, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity.

The good news is that despite its low-end specs, the LG L65 will be running on Android 4.4 KitKat, so users don’t have to worry about waiting for any updates since it will be running the latest version of Android. The phone is priced around $210 in Russia so we can expect that it will be priced affordably when it arrives in the US as well, if and when it does.

It’s not the most powerful phone but like we said, it’s affordable so if you’re in the market for a device that does not break the bank, perhaps the LG L65 is a phone to keep an eye out for.

The LG L65 Is Official , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, LG,

A few years ago, we were still interacting with our smartphones by pressing on keys and buttons in order to perform certain tasks. Nowadays we have phones that are able to do our bidding without us actually needing to press any buttons, just the screen itself. In fact there are even features which we can use that won’t even require us to touch the screen, although there aren’t that many phones like that at the moment.

So what’s next in smartphones? Could Project Ara be the future of smartphones? The idea of being able to swap out parts if and when we need sounds pretty cool, but in a patent filed by Microsoft, it seems that perhaps one day we might not even need to touch our phones. The patent, discovered by Patent Bolt, describes a device that will feature two cameras – a visible light camera and a depth camera.

When combined, it will allow the device to track the user or their finger and will then translate it into on-screen movement. It sounds a bit like the Kinect and it also reminds us of the Minority Report movie in which Tom Cruise’s character can interact with his computer simply by performing a set of gestures, as opposed to touching the screen directly. Of course we expect that this use could be applied to other products, such as Windows-based computers.

However it should be noted that this patent was filed for back in 2012 meaning that it’s been 2 years and we haven’t seen any products from Microsoft that uses this technology. The thing about patents is that there’s no guarantee that the companies will actually use them and turn them into actual products, but it’s still a pretty neat idea and one that we don’t mind seeing one day. What say you?

Microsoft Patents Kinect-like Feature For Future Smartphones/Tablets , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Microsoft, Patent,

Samsung has a habit of loading feature packed software on its premium smartphones, not that I’m complaining, though this often makes it hard for the average user to figure out just how all of them work. Most users don’t go beyond some of the device’s biggest features, which are often touted in advertisements and promotional materials. Fact is, often there are quite a few features that go unnoticed. Not to worry though, the 10 hidden features of Samsung Galaxy S5 list created by the company itself has your back.

For example, one feature that exists in the 22 quick menu icons inside Setting app’s Display menu lets you increase the touch sensitivity of Galaxy S5′s display. Enabling this lets you interact with the touchscreen display even if you’re wearing gloves. It is actually so sensitive that you can even write on it with a pencil.

Other features described in the list include Kids Mode, which the company talked a great deal about at the launch event. It has a completely different user experience design that keeps kids occupied while keeping important data and content not suitable for them away. The mode can be used to allow and restrict access to apps and media content stored on the device.

The 10 hidden features of Galaxy S5 list is certainly an interesting read. Do check it out if you already own the device and want to be sure that you’re getting the best possible user experience.

10 Hidden Features Of Samsung Galaxy S5

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, galaxy s5, Samsung,

Its no secret that HTC has an image problem. The company itself has accepted that it needs to do more when it comes to marketing. Despite the fact that it has created some of the most well received high-end smartphones, they haven’t been able to compete against their rivals. Earlier in the week it was rumored that HTC had hired Paul Golden, a former US chief marketing officer from Samsung. HTC has confirmed the hiring, Golden initially has a three month contract and will report directly to HTC chairperson Cher Wang.

Golden’s LinkedIn page says that he “created and launched the highly successful Galaxy brand.” He worked at Samsung from 2008 to 2012, crucial years for the company during which it rose to global dominance on the back of its strong marketing. Samsung has never been shy of taking shots at Apple in its marketing efforts.

Last year HTC tried to turn its fortunes around by bringing Robert Downey Jr. onboard for a campaign. That apparently didn’t do much. This time around, for the HTC One M8, it tapped Gary Oldman. A-listers might be good as far as star power is concerned, but the ad man that helped Samsung reach new heights would certainly be a valuable addition to HTC’s marketing team.

HTC Hires Former Samsung Marketing Guru

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, HTC, Samsung,