Hasta La Gadget!

Windows Phone users who want to use Google Sync for contact and calendar integration had better act quickly: today is the last day that they can link their handsets to the service before Google pulls the plug. From August 1st onwards, Google Sync will only work on a given Windows Phone if it’s already configured. The GDR 2 upgrade keeps syncing alive through CalDAV and CardDAV support, although many users could go without that support for some time — to date, Americans can only see the OS refresh on the HTC 8XT, Lumia 520, Lumia 925 and Lumia 1020. If you’re not in that group and miss the Google Sync deadline, you’ll just have to sit tight while Microsoft finishes rolling out the GDR 2 update this summer.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft, Google

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Via: Neowin

Source: Google Apps

What a difference a year makes. Apple topped American Customer Satisfaction Index’s smartphone rankings back in 2012, but Samsung has taken the lead in 2013 by a slim margin. Owners responding to ACSI’s national survey gave an 84-point score to both the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, putting the two Samsung phones just past the 82-point iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. Researchers haven’t explained the changing attitudes, although they add that the Galaxy S 4 and other newer phones didn’t ship in time to count. It’s at least clear that the American sentiment doesn’t extend worldwide — ACSI notes that South Koreans ranked the iPhone 5 higher than the Galaxy S III despite Samsung’s home turf advantage. Apple also maintains the lead in ACSI’s device-independent scores at 81 points to 76, although Samsung is quickly catching up. It’s safe to say that neither smartphone maker can afford to relax.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung

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Via: Forbes

Source: ACSI

It’s no secret that Windows Phone 8 users miss out on a variety of hit Android and iOS apps, including the ever-popular Instagram. Whether that application will ever make its way to Nokia’s lineup is anyone’s guess, but one new download will enable you to engage your better-equipped friends, albeit in a limited capacity. Hipstamatic Oggl, which is available free for Nokia’s Lumia 928, 925, 920 and 820 today, brings a selection of filters, and, perhaps most notably for some, allows you to share your images on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, in addition to the Oggl network. You can only upload your photos to Instagram, though — you can’t view images there, or add likes and comments.

Each download includes five “lenses” and five “films,” though you can access the full library of filters with a $3 three-month or $10 one-year subscription. If you’re not interested in paying to change colors and add borders, you can still snag 60 days of free access by downloading the app and creating an account before August 9th. Additionally, Lumia 1020 owners will have access to the Hipstamatic Oggl PRO app, which adds exclusive control over settings like white balance, ISO and shuttle speed. Download both at the source links below.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Nokia

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Source: Hipstamatic Oggl (download), Hipstamatic Oggl PRO (download), Nokia

There’s been a lot of talk about Sony’s reported Honami smartphone, but there haven’t been photos of the beast in a nearly finished state. At least, until now: Gadget Helpline and Weibo user @latter21 claim to have multiple photos of the would-be flagship. The photos largely match up with previous rumors, which have Sony fitting a larger (possibly 20-megapixel) camera into the corner while otherwise preserving a very Xperia Z-like design. There are a couple of surprises — the xenon flash of an earlier leak isn’t visible, and a large speaker has surfaced at the bottom. Unfortunately, the photo suppliers can’t verify many other details. The camera interface is purportedly unfinished, and there’s no mention of the CPU and display quality upgrades inherited from the Xperia Z Ultra. If the images are accurate, though, we’re looking at a subtle design evolution whose biggest upgrades are hidden inside.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony

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Via: Phone Arena

Source: Gadget Helpline, @latter21 (Sina Weibo)

AT&T’s Mobile Share plans have sometimes been too expensive for customers who only need a little data. The carrier will soon be more accommodating, however: it’s adding both 300MB and 2GB tiers on July 26th. The $20, 300MB pack costs half as much as the 1GB plan, and is intended mostly for basic phone users. We’ve reached out for more details on 2GB pricing, but it’s not hard to see this new tier slotting neatly between the 1GB and 4GB offerings. Both new plans should represent better bargains for frugal customers, although they won’t do much for bandwidth lovers — Lumia 1020 customers will likely want some extra headroom.

Update: AT&T tells us that the 2GB plan will cost $50, plus $45 for each smartphone.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, AT&T

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Source: AT&T