Smartphones

Look out, wireless carriers: Google may have its eye on shaking up your business as well. The Wall Street Journal reports that Google “is trying to create an experimental wireless network covering its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters” that “could portend the creation of dense and superfast Google wireless networks in other locations that would allow Continue Reading →

Chip maker Intel and mobile operator Safaricom have announced the Yolo, the first smartphone for the African market with an Intel processor. Intel claims the Android device is aimed for “cost-conscious and first-time buyers in Kenya,” but its specifications aren’t as shabby as that characterization might imply. It’s powered by the Intel Atom Z2420 processor Continue Reading →

Netflix and YouTube have teamed up to launch DIAL, a protocol that helps developers of second-screen apps to discover and launch applications on smart TVs and connected devices. The effort is already getting support from a number of notable players, including Samsung, Sony, Hulu and the BBC. DIAL could become a key piece in efforts Continue Reading →

The world got its first inkling of the quick wit that would make Apple’s Siri an icon during a packed press conference held before an auditorium of tech elite. “Who are you?” an Apple executive asked the assistant. “I am a humble personal assistant,” Siri answered to appreciative laughter. More like humbled personal assistant. That Continue Reading →

Google is believed to be working on a new flagship smartphone and a flagship tablet in its Motorola division. Unlike its Nexus line of devices built by various Android partners, the rumored “X Phone” and “X Tablet” will mark the first time Google controls everything from the device’s hardware to its software. Rumored specs are Continue Reading →

A newly leaked Samsung Galaxy S4 picture has leaked online, outing the handset’s form factor and hinting that the eagerly awaited Samsung Galaxy S4 release date will be held on April 22. Showing off a more squared form factor, when compared with the current Samsung Galaxy S3, the newly leaked Samsung Galaxy S4 picture has Continue Reading →

My current Verizon phone is eligible for an upgrade in March. (Coincidentally, within a week of when Samsung is expected to announce its Galaxy S IV. I’m very excited.) I’m currently on a family plan, still grandfathered in with unlimited data. It’s wonderful. But ever since Verizon switched over to its Share Everything plan last Continue Reading →

Mozilla said it won’t be launching its own hardware to run the in-development Firefox OS when it’s finished, but the company has just announced a “Developer Preview Phone” for putting the OS through its paces. It’s not quite the same as the mystery device we saw sporting Firefox OS at CES, but its specs seem Continue Reading →

AT&T is spending $780 million in cash to scoop up more wireless spectrum. The company announced Tuesday that it is buying the U.S. retail wireless operations of a carrier called Atlantic Tele-Network or ATNI. As part of the deal, AT&T will acquire wireless spectrum licenses, network assets, retail stores and approximately 585,000 subscribers. ATNI operates Continue Reading →

Trying to find parking in San Francisco sometimes feels likes a car-based version of “Survivor.” It’s not pretty. Cars block driveways, drivers forget to curb their wheels, lights get left on, and meters run out. These are all reasons why you might want to contact a vehicle’s owner. If everyone in San Francisco signed up Continue Reading →