Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier this week Microsoft released Windows Phone 8.1 developers preview. The software itself was unveiled at BUILD 2014 and even though its not going to officially roll out until summer, Microsoft is letting developers and anyone with a compatible device toy around with the preview. Those who had installed it felt that the Xbox Music app needed some work. Microsoft has heard them. Redmond has confirmed that an Xbox Music update for Windows Phone 8.1 is going to be released next week.

Over on Microsoft Answers the company has even posted a changelog of the update. First and foremost it will come with numerous stability fixes which should take care of the many reported black screens. Cortana integration in the app will be improved and it will support playing playlists by name. The user interface will be polished, with improved transitions and animations between UI views. Other improvements include background initial sync of local and cloud content as well as improved messaging for encountered errors.

The company has also confirmed that bi-weekly updates will also be released after the first update is rolled out next week. These will include Live Tile integration, user experience and Quickplay improvements as well as continued focus on stability and performance. Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore has already confirmed that this updated app will be available for all users of Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview.

Xbox Music Update For Windows Phone 8.1 Coming Next Week , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Microsoft, windows phone 8.1, Xbox Music,

Developers often offer ad-free and ad-supported versions of their applications. This way they can continue to earn money without leaving a subset of users out. Those who want to pay for the app can do so and not see any ads. Those who don’t want to pay have to bear ads, through which developers make money. Though we can all agree that in-app ads are often infuriating and deteriorate the user experience. The folks behind Madison think so as well. Its a new Android application which aims to help users get rid of in-app ads, but the catch is that they have to view “relevant” ad content on their home screens.

For sharing the home screen space with Madison, it rewards users with Google Play credits. These credits can be used to purchase ad-free premium versions of any application. The idea seems simple enough. You agree to seeing relevant ads on your homescreen, get credits in return, buy your favorite apps and games to enjoy an ad-free experience. The Madison app includes a feedback toolbar through which users can like, dislike, skip or share ads based on their preferences, so they do have some say in the content displayed on their home screen.

The startup behind this application says that it is working with national brands to ensure that ads, deals and videos displayed on the home screen are worth putting there. The timing of Madison’s launch depends upon gathering enough brands with ample relevant content, it won’t launch without enough content. It is now accepting signups from people who wish to participate in a private beta, which launches this summer.

Madison For Android Declares War On In-App Advertisements original content from Ubergizmo.

In the middle of last month, we brought you whispers of the LG Lucid 3 that seemed bound for Verizon Wireless. Well, it seems that all of that waiting after slightly more than a month has come to fruition, where Verizon has unveiled the LG Lucid 3, a new and affordable Android-powered smartphone that is made by LG. This particular handset intends to continue from where the LG Lucid 2 left off, where it will arrive as a free smartphone on a 2-year agreement with Verizon. Of course, if you do not want to be tethered to a contract, you can always fork out $299.99 for the unlocked version.

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LG Lucid 3 From Verizon Announced original content from Ubergizmo.

Yahoo today launched a completely redesigned Flickr 3.0 application for iOS and Android. Right off the bat it seems like the service is trying to compete with Instagram head-on. It now offers filters like its Facebook owned counterpart as well as advanced photo editing tools. Users are now able to view each photo’s metadata. They will have access to information such as the aperture setting, the camera used and more.

Its similarity to Instagram isn’t just limited to filters. Flickr users will now also be able to comment, like and share photos straight through the new application. The app can now also be used to capture up to 30 seconds of HD video with live filters applied. It even has a feed which users can scroll through to see the latest uploads from their friends, something that users have long been able to do on Instagram. That was the entire premise behind the popular photo sharing service.

The new Flickr application has an auto-sync feature as well which uploads original quality photos from the handset to users’ Flickr accounts. Another major change is that the app no longer allows users to sign in with a Facebook or Google account. Now a Yahoo account is mandatory.

While the app might not compel a whole lot of people to ditch Instagram, existing Flickr users will definitely get a much better experience. Flickr is available as a free download from Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store.

Flickr 3.0 Brings Filters, Editing Tools And More , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Android, Apps, flickr, iOS,

If you have been following tech news over the past few months you might have heard about a company called OnePlus. Its a new company started by an ex-Oppo executive that going to launch its very first smartphone on April 23rd. The company has built up a lot of hype for OnePlus One and it appears that Chinese manufacturers are getting ready to rain on its parade. At least two manufacturers have lined up announcements on the very day OnePlus One is due to be launched, while one has an announcement lined up for the day before.

OnePlus has boasted a lot about the potential and power of its first smartphone. We can’t reach a verdict yet because it hasn’t shown off the phone as yet, and there’s no way to determine right now how it really performs. Though on paper it will be able to rival the best of them as it touts a Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz processor with 3GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel rear camera.

China’s Xiaomi is due to announce a new product on April 23rd. Rumor has it that the company may announce its Mi3S flagship though nothing can be said for sure right now. ZTE is also going to launch a new product under its Nubia brand come April 23rd but it isn’t known as yet what it plans to unveil.

Huawei is going to make an announcement on April 22nd. It is going to unveil the Honor X1. Either all three want to steal OnePlus’ thunder or this may be the biggest coincidence we’ve seen so far.

Chinese Manufacturers Gear Up To Rain On OnePlus’ Parade , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Huawei, oneplus, xiaomi, zte,