Hasta La Gadget!

Twitter has just updated its iOS and Android apps with new search filters plus the ability to view all tweets in your results instead of just the top few. Those filters include a new photo search tool that shows images in either a grid or list, one that just displays the tweets of the people you follow and, of course, a video filter for all you Vine and YouTube aficionados out there. Additionally, Twitter is introducing a trending timeline in the Discover tab that shows what’s the hottest topic of the moment along with related tweets. So if you’ve ever wanted to know why everyone’s buzzing about what a fox says, well now you can find out that much easier. Twitter addicts can go ahead and download the app updates at the source links below.

Update: We’ve gone ahead and downloaded the update, and noticed a few additional changes not mentioned in the blog post. First, aside from the typical trending topics, you can also now see trending TV and local event chatter after you’ve scrolled past all the trends. They’re marked with the appropriate symbols (a television and a map pin respectively). It also promises better login verification by letting you take a screenshot of your backup code when you enroll or create a new one.

Also, now whenever you select a new direct message, it’ll populate a list of suggested users so you can easily select the person you DM the most. There are also a few other refinements here and there, like new icons, screen transitions and and apparently an in-app pop-up whenever a post is retweeted or starred. Some of the changes are apparently only visible to a few users, so definitely let us know if you see anything different. In the meantime, we’ve included a few screenshots of the new interface after the break.

Filed under: Mobile

Comments

Source: Google Play, App Store, Twitter Blog, TechCrunch

Earlier this year, lawmakers in San Francisco and New York joined forces in an initiative called “Secure our Smartphones” that would encourage manufacturers to include a so-called “kill switch” in future phones to address the growing problem of handset theft. According to George Gascon, San Francisco’s district attorney, carriers are determined to kill the kill switch initiative. The New York Times reports that Gascon was in talks with Samsung to pre-load software that would allow customers to deactivate stolen handsets, similar to iOS 7’s Activation Lock. However, inclusion of the software would require approval from US carriers, and the likes of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint weren’t having it.

According to Gascon, it appeared that the companies in question rejected the idea because it could cut into the revenue they make from cellphone insurance. In response, the CTIA, which represents the carriers, says it already has a solution in the stolen phone database that went live last year. However, some say that solution falls short, as it doesn’t address those devices that end up overseas, out of the reach of the database. A Samsung spokeswoman had this to say in a statement to The New York Times:

“We are working with the leaders of the Secure Our Smartphones (S.O.S.) Initiative to incorporate the perspective of law enforcement agencies. We will continue to work with them and our wireless carrier partners towards our common goal of stopping smartphone theft.”

Filed under: Mobile, Samsung, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: The New York Times

As the ancient proverb goes: a next-gen console ain’t no next-gen console without next-gen mobile apps. We can’t remember who said that exactly, but it’s impossible to forget what’s built into the new Xbox One SmartGlass app. After all, Microsoft’s been hyping everything you’ll be able to do with that second screen for months now. In preparation for the One’s launch later this week, the companion app has (unsurprisingly) landed first in the Windows Phone store. As you’d imagine, it’s basically useless, but you can still download it, sign in and poke around the limited UI should you wish. We expect the new version to show up in the App and Play stores in due course, but perhaps this debut appearance will remind Sony that Windows Phone users like apps, too.

Update: It appears that Microsoft not only released the SmartGlass app for Windows Phone today, but the folks in Redmond unveiled the Windows 8.1 version as well. So now that Microsoft fans can get SmartGlass on any of their devices, the only thing remaining is to get their hands on that lust-worthy console.

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Software, HD, Mobile, Microsoft

Comments

Via: the::unwired

Source: Windows Phone store, Windows App Store

Samsung was apparently too hasty in rolling out its Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S III. The phone maker says that it has paused the upgrade following reports of audio hiccups, excessive battery drain and freezes. There’s no word on when the upgrade will resume, although we suspect that Samsung will take its time stamping out as many bugs as possible. In the meantime, those who upgraded too quickly (or are still running Android 4.1) will just have to be patient.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

Comments

Fone Arena

Source: SamMobile

It was only just over a month ago when ZTE’s premium brand Nubia made its debut launch in the US, and today the company’s already launching follow-up models in China. Starting with the Z5S, this is essentially the Z5 (or simply the 5 in the US) packed with some new goodies: a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 SoC, a 5-megapixel front camera, a dedicated camera button, 4K video capture, a multi-purpose infrared remote feature and rare support for all three 3G networks in China (China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA, China Telecom’s CDMA2000 and China Unicom’s WCDMA).

The rest of the phone is pretty much the same as before: 5-inch 1080p (443ppi) LCD, 2.67mm bezel, 7.6mm thickness, 2GB RAM, 2,300mAh battery, and a 13-megapixel main camera with f/2.2 aperture plus digital image stabilization. %Gallery-slideshow122229%

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Via: Engadget Chinese

Source: Nubia (Chinese)