Hasta La Gadget!

Though Maxthon launched its Android browser three years ago, it might not be the go-to app most users have when they get their brand new smartphone. That might change soon however, thanks to a recently announced partnership between the software company and RollTech, the value-added services arm of MediaTek, one of the world’s largest mobile chipset suppliers. As a result of the collaboration, the Maxthon mobile browser will be pre-installed in more than 100 million MediaTek-based smartphones in 2014. Though we don’t know yet just which devices will have the software on board, a partially released list does include manufacturers like LG, ZTE and Lenovo. It appears that the phones will likely be targeted at emerging markets, with a focus on those in Brazil, Russia, China, India and Indonesia. Combine that with features like cloud syncing and LAN file transfer, and Maxthon might just gain marketshare over that other popular Android browser.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

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If you’re an ooVoo user, you already know you can use it for four-way video chats, 12 simultaneous text conversations or simply catching up with your BFF one-on-one. Well, get ready for a whole lot more features, as ooVoo has just let loose a monster of an update for both iOS and Android that brings with it a fresh design as well. Arguably the most pertinent new feature to its core user group of millennials is the ability to send and receive video messages, or “ooVies” as the company likes to call them.

Additional features include video filters, a customizable user profile page, speed dialing for five of your best pals and a “tap-tap-go” UI for calling a bunch of your mates at once. The app is also now available in twelve languages that include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portugese, Russian, Turkish, standard and traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese. We’ve barely scratched the surface of the app’s latest goodies, so feel free to peruse the release after the break or download it from the links below to see what else is new.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

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Source: App Store, Google Play

Mobilicity lost out on its chances of a rescue from either Telus or Verizon, and there’s now talk that the ailing Canadian carrier has run out of options. The Financial Post claims that Wind Mobile has nearly completed a deal to acquire Mobilicity’s cellular subscribers for little to no cash. Mobilicity would only hold on its wireless spectrum and tax losses in the hopes of selling those separately. Neither of the involved companies has commented on the rumor. However, any handover would be relatively painless; when the two carriers have similar coverage and frequency support, customers almost wouldn’t notice the difference.

[Image credit: Andrew Currie, Flickr]

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile

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Via: MobileSyrup

Source: Financial Post

Think 150Mbps LTE-Advanced data is quick? KDDI could offer far more bandwidth next year. Nikkei claims that the Japanese carrier plans to upgrade its cellular network to 220 Mbps data as soon as summer 2014. Service would reportedly launch with an Android smartphone, and rely on new wireless technology; it’s not clear whether this entails a faster LTE-A variant or something new. KDDI hasn’t confirmed the rumor, so we wouldn’t consider moving to Japan just yet. If there’s any truth to the claims, however, even NTT DoCoMo’s upgraded LTE could soon feel downright pokey.

[Image credit: TAKA@P.P.R.S, Flickr]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Source: Nikkei (subscription required)

Three UK must hate international roaming charges as much as we do — it just launched a Feel At Home initiative that ditches those fees in seven countries. Subscribers who visit Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy and Sweden can now use data, messaging and voice as if they were back in Britain. The perk doesn’t require a specific plan, and customers can roam on any compatible network in a Free At Home country. There are a few catches, of course: calls to non-UK numbers still incur roaming fees, and tethering is strictly verboten. Still, Brits who just have to post vacation photos on Instagram should be happy.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Source: Three