Android 4.4.2 arriving for HTC One and LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition

Six days ago, Google pushed Android 4.4.2 System Update to Nexus devices. Now its HTC One's turn. Not the OEM edition, but the Google Play Edition is getting Over The Air update for KitKat 4.4.2. Also, LG is rolling out the update for its latest tablet: G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition.

As per HTC posted the framework files, it can be said that the update will weigh around 468 MB. For the tablet it will be just 56 MB in size. These updates are to be rolled out Over The Air, so sooner you will get the system update notification. You can also manually check via Settings> About Device> Check for Updates. 

HTC One Google Ply Edition KitKat 4.4.2 update

LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition KitKat 4.4.2 update

Sprint is rolling out Android 4.3 update for HTC One

So how's there going on HTC One users. Well, those who are on Sprint, will start rejoicing, as the telecom carrier provider is pushing out the Jelly bean 4.3, the latest iteration of Android for you. It makes the Sprint first US-cellular network provider to push this update.

The changelog is as follows:

• Autocomplete – just start touching numbers or letters and the dial pad will suggest phone numbers or names. To turn on this feature, open your phone app settings and enable “Dial pad autocomplete.”
• OpenGL ES 3.0 – Android now supports the latest version of the industry standard for high performance graphics.
• Additional language support – Android is now translated in Africaans, Amharic (አማርኛ), Hindi (हिंदी), Swahili (Kiswahili), and Zulu (IsiZulu).
• Hebrew, Arabic, and other RTL (right-to-left) – now supported in the home screen, settings, and Phone, People, and Keep apps.
• Easier text input – an improved algorithm for tap-typing recognition makes text input easier.
• Lower latency input for gamepad buttons and joysticks.
• Location detection through Wi-Fi – use Wi-Fi to detect location without turning on Wi-Fi all the time.
• Bluetooth Smart support.
• Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 support – display song names on a car stereo.
• Disabled apps tab – check which apps are disabled in Settings > Apps.
• Restricted profiles – put your tablet into a mode with limited access to apps and content.
• Setup wizard simplification – getting started on Android is easier thanks to the ability to correct previous input, and because of streamlined user agreements.
• Faster user switching – switching users from the lock screen is now faster.
• Enhanced photo daydream – navigate through interesting albums.

You can manually check if update is available by going to Settings > About > Software Updates > Check now on your HTC One. 

Good news! 4.3 will begin to push to HTC One users on Sprint today.
— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) October 2, 2013

HTC One and Galaxy S4 Play Edition versions getting Android 4.3 update

Good news for users using Google Play Edition phones. Android 4.3 update is being pushed to their devices. So, HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 Play Edition are going to be updated with latest flavor of Android. While it is worth noting that original editions haven't got Jelly Bean 4.3. Some changes are available for Play Edition phones as larger home screen icons, larger widgets and bluetooth based internet tethering for Galaxy S4. 

Update weighs 180 MB for Galaxy S4 and 150 MB for One. It will be rolled out Over The Air so everyone may not get it immediately. So don't panic if your Play Edition phone is not showing Software update. 

HTC officially announces flagship device One mini

HTC on Thursday has finally announced its latest flagship smartphone, One Mini, officially. This puts end to the rumors about the device. It's not a surprise as we've already a teaser infographic hinting about the arrival of HTC One Mini. Mini version of HTC One has smaller specs than its elder brother, but this is done due to cut the costs, as said by HTC.

It has same design like One and has same BoomBox sound dual speaker grills on front panel. It has screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels at 341 pixels-per-inch or ppi. Display size is reduced to 4.3 inches. One Mini is powered by 1.4 GHz dual core Snapdragon 400 processor which has already shown its specialty in Galaxy S4 Mini. The point to be noted is Galaxy S4 and HTC One are powered by Snapdragon S4 processor while Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini are loaded with Snapdragon 400. Instead of 2 GB RAM on One, HTC has added 1 GB DDR2 RAM on One Mini. One Mini has same unibody metal design like that of One. Back of the device is little more curvy than elder brother. It has smaller memory option as 16 GB is the internal memory without option to expand. 

It has same 4 Ultrapixel camera as elder brother with 1/3" BSI sensor. It is capable of shooting 1080p videos. Front camera is of 1.6 MP. Zoe is also present to take 30 seconds of videos that consist of consisted shoot photos. LED flash is placed on the top alignment of the camera instead of that side placement on One. Optical Zoom is not present so it will take more effort by the users to take stable pictures. Well, a software support is added to let users capture stable images. NFC and IR blaster have said good bye. 

Connectivity options are as Bluetooth 4.0, 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-FI a/b/g/n with DLNA and GPS + GLONASS. One Mini weighs 122 gm and measures 132 x 63.2 x 9.25. Battery capacity of the phone is 1,800 mAh. HTC has added gyro, accelerometer, proximity and ambient light sensors.

On talking about Software side, it runs on Android 4.2.2 with HTC's very own Sense 5.0 UI. Blinkfeed, the feed service from HTC One is also present. According to the company users will feel the same experience on using HTC One. 

There will be two color options: Glacial Silver and Stealth Black, like regular One. Company said that it will hit the market in August. The first countries to get it in Europe will be the "key markets" of Germany and the UK.

Key specs of HTC One Mini

• Dimensions: 132 x 63.2 x 9.25 mm
• 4.3" 720p display at 341 ppi
• 1.4 GHz dual core Snapdragon 400
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM
• Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5.0 UI
• Bluetooth 4.0, 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-FI a/b/g/n, DLNA
• 16 GB internal memory (non-expandable)
• 4 Ultrapixel rear camera
• 1.6 MP front camera
• Battery 1,800 mAH
• Weighs 122 gm

Images via The Verge (Click to get full view)

HTC One Max specs leaked, may be launched in IFA 2013

I think it is the time for large screen phones or popularly called as phablets. Don't you? Ok, let us have a look. Samsung has massive screen phones: Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Mega 5.8, Galaxy Mega 6.3. Sony also have a latest launched Xperia Z Ultra with 6.4" display. HTC seems to be joining the class with it's upcoming rumored smartphone HTC One Max which is said to have 6" screen.

According to the German website Mobile Geeks, HTC is planning to launch a 6" screen size phablet named as HTC One  Max. It is expected to hit the official announcement in September when IFA 2013 will take place in Berlin, Germany. HTC One Max will have few different specs from its predecessor. It will be loaded with 2.3 Ghz Snapdragon 800 CPU with Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB RAM. It will ofcourse feature Ultrapixel camera and a 2.1 MP front facing camera. Storage options will be as 32 and 64 GB internal memory without option of expanding via SD card. Battery will be of 3,200 mAh. 

HTC ONE Max will give Tough Competition to Galaxy Note III

Rumors also report that it wil be dual SIM phone. Undoubtedly Sense 5 will be present on the top of Android OS. It may be possible that we'll see a Play Edition of this phone. IFA 2013 will see launch of lot of new phones such as Sony Xperia i1 or Honami, Samsung Galaxy Note III, HTC One Max and more. 

HTC teases an infographic indicating the soon arrival of One Mini

HTC has posted an infographic on its blog. It indicates about the arrival of HTC One mini. Well it seems that launch of One mini is closer, although a lot of rumors and leaks have already hit the web. Company entitles the infographic with headline "Little Things That Pack a BIG Punch". And the last line of post is "Can you think of anything else that packs a big punch into a small package?" What do you think? Is HTC One Mini is close? 

Read more @ HTC Blog

HTC One Android 4.2.2 update rolling out in UK

HTC is rolling out Jelly Bean 4.2.2 to UK. Although HTC One 4.2.2 update has already reached some parts of Europe, but HTC is rolling out it now officially. UK users can download the new Over the air update. This update brings some nee tweaks such as lock screen widget, option to disable on screen menu key, swipe up home button to launch Google Now and more which can be seen below. On Google's side there' support for photosphere and daydream screen savers. To update your HTC One go to Settings > About > Software Updates > Check now. 

Official changelog:

• Android 4.2.2 update (includes Daydream, Photo Sphere, lockscreen enchantments)
• Launcher bar enhancement
• Widget panel rearrangement
• New Lock screen style widget
• Enhanced Home button behavior
• Home button options added to make navigation menu bar removable
• Show battery level in status bar
• Quick settings panel: 12 default settings by new touch gesture
• AE/AF lock feature: Lock Exposure/Focus on viewfinder screen
• Zoe: New Zoe file format for better file management
• Video Highlights: Add 6 extra themes
• Music channel: Seeks, fast forward/rewind functions added

Google Edition Galaxy S4 and HTC One are available to buy on Play Store

Yesterday we reported that Nexus edition Galaxy S4 and HTC One are coming on 26th of June. And now they have landed. Boom. Both devices have worn a new skin and now have joined Nexus family. Both HTC One and Galaxy S4 will run on latest Android version i.e. Jelly Bean 4.2.2.  You can buy them from Play Store directly. 

Officially these devices are called "Google Play Edition" devices. Earlier Google used to refer them as "Nexus Experience devices" but suddenly the name is changed to GPE (Google Play Edition). Google hasn't give the word about the name change. Sense and TouchWiz skins are gone. There are some plus points as well as negative points for both devices on getting this upgrade. We can't access IR Box, HTC Zoe, Blink Feed, TouchWiz gestures, Samsung multi window etc. but these devices will be update directly as a Nexus device gets new Android update. 

Specs haven't been changed for any of the devices. Both are Full HD phones running on Snapdragon 600 processor and have 2 GB of RAM. Well, camera app is updated for Play Store Edition devices. Options are moved into curves from circular and are now two layers showing HDR, brightness, hue. Front/Rear toggle. 

Galaxy S4 GPE is available $649 for 16 GB which is bit heavy for the pocket. While  HTC One GPE is priced at $599 at 32 GB. You can order today, but Google says phones will ship by July 9. 

• Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition on Play Store
• HTC One Google Play Edition on Play Store

We are also listening that Oppo and Sony are also designing Google Edition of their flagship devices i.e. Find 5 and Xperia Z. Are Google Edition phones going to change the way we use Android and Google rule the Android Smartphone industry? Share with us in comments.

HTC One and Galaxy S4 Nexus Edition coming today

Samsung's flagship device Galaxy S4 and HTC's flagship One changed the experience of smartphones that people use. Both of the phones are awesome with Full HD displays and unique features. As we are hearing from a long time that a Nexus edition of both Galaxy S4 and HTC One will be released that will run on pure Android and will be updated straight through Google. 

Now we are closer to the launch of these special edition phones. It is recently announced that both phones will be launched today i.e. on 26th of June, 2013. These will be available to buy on Google Play Store. Nexus edition Galaxy S4 will cost $649 and HTC One will cost $599. 

Will you buy any of these devices or may be both? Share with us in comments.

HTC One Android 4.2 update is close, may come today

HTC One the powerful phone of market is still running on Android 4.1 and users are eagerly waiting for Jelly Bean 4.2 update. Well don't worry you waiting seems to come to an end. According to leaks and rumors, all the international version users of One are going to receive Android 4.2 update on Wednesday, June 12. Within 24 hours, you may be using updated android version.

A tweet from an HTC Ambassador for HTC France, Yves Wi,  is suggesting that the HTC One Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update will roll out tomorrow. Jelly Bean 4.2 will bring photosphere, wireless sharing, daydream, rich notifications, gesture typing keyboard with predictive text and many more. 

#HTCOne Update (OTA) coming tomorrow to 2.x version (4.2.2 & Sense 5)
— Yves Wi (@Hawk1902) June 11, 2013

HTC One reported to be sold 5 million units since launch

Since launch, Taiwanese firm HTC has launched 5 million units of its flagship device "HTC One". One is the best smartphone from HTC made up of full metal body and Ultrapixel camera, first of its kind. One was launched in the end of March in several countries. 

An exec of HTC told WSJ, that the smartphone manufacturer has sold 5 million units of HTC One and there are still more orders which HTC can't fulfill due to shortage. But the production will fulfill the demands next month.

HTC One is reaching near to the sales figures of Galaxy S4 which recently crossed 10 million. This a good news for the company facing financial problems. One's sales will also boost up as a new version of it is also coming running on Stock Android. 

[Image Courtesy: TechnoBuffalo]

After Samsung, HTC is also planning to launch HTC One with Stock Android

We all know that in this year's I/O Google released a special edition of Galaxy S4 that runs on stock Android and is called the "Pure Nexus experience". It is a Nexus device having amazing camera (13 MP), good hardware and manufactured by the top manufacturer, Samsung. It will be a good choice for users who want to buy Galaxy S4 but love Nexus features. 

HTC seems to be following Samsung by releasing a special edition of HTC One with Stock Android on its top. According to a Twitter user LlabTooFeR, HTC is planning to gift its users a HTC One loaded with Vanilla experience i.e. stock Android and such handset is under development. HTC says that these rumors are false, but a source said to launch of such handset soon.  It looks like "Pure Nexus Experience" is becoming a brand. 

This will be a different move from HTC to switch from Sense 5.0 to Vanilla UI. Well, we think that this a nice move as users will have choice to choose from Sense 5.0 which is an itself great UI and Vanilla, the stock Android Interface.