Generation Y: they are the children of the Baby Boomer era. They are a large and growing population connected to the latest smartphone and technology pieces. They do not drive. They do not want to drive. Car culture, the freedom of the open road, and the camaraderie that comes from being an automobile enthusiast is lost on the Facebook and Twitter generation. Perhaps it is the ease of connecting with friends all over the world that lessens the desire to drive and visit them? Regardless, the automobile industry is worried, and is launching a new series of advertising campaigns to help make the youth interested in autos again.

Audi is attempting to stay relevant by offering technology rich vehicles like the R8 supercar and technology like LED taillights. Also, they are active on social media, trying to keep people engaged. Scion is using a different approach by offering special movies to entertain. Scion, a brand already targeted at young people, are trying to appeal to the youth through entertainment. Then, if they think about a vehicle, they’ll think a Scion.

Scion’s parent company, Toyota, has also announced that they will be purchasing advertising for the first time in Teen Vogue. Their “Arrive in Style” campaign encourages mothers and daughters to sign a pledge to not drive while distracted. Showing distracted driving off as being not-cool will hopefully cut down on the distracted-driving teen related deaths.

“Arrive in Style” via The New York Times

Automobile makers always have had to adapt and change to the demands and tastes of drivers. With many more young people being technologically savvy, inexpensive vehicles now feature technology like Siri Eyes Free or Ford Sync. The technological progression has expanded to the use of technology to keep people safe (lane departure warning, blind spot mitigation, pre-collision intelligence). Technological advances have also come to the transmission itself. Automatic transmissions deliver better fuel economy and sportier performance than a manual transmission. Manual transmission drivers are not giving up without kicking or screaming, but their numbers are small.

Automobile makers have some of the largest advertising and marketing budgets in the world, and they will surely find a way to stay relevant in the Generation Y future. But it will be interesting to see how car culture evolves over the next few decades compared to how it has evolved in the past.

Car Makers Aim Advertising at Generation Y is a post by Chad Kirchner from Gotta Be Mobile.

A tiny piece of plastic won’t excite too many people, except when it ingeniously solves two problems in one. The Smarter Stand for iPhone holds an iPhone, or iPod Touch, user’s earbuds in a tangle-free way while also propping up the iPhone/iPod Touch for comfortable viewing of videos, perfect at work on a desk or on an airplane tray.

The Smarter Stand started out as a Kickstarter project, but now everyone can buy one for just $12.99.

This smart little accessory solves two problems. First, it does what the name suggests. It stands up an iPhone at a comfortable viewing angle for watching videos or making a video call with Facetime or Skype. Slide the iPhone earbud cable into the groove on one end of the stand and pull it so that the stereo jack slides back into the Smarter Stand.

The Smarter Stand works with the iPhone or iPod Touch in a thick case or naked. We suspect that only cases like those from Otterbox or Lifeproof might keep the device from working.

Plug the jack into the iPhone and the tab that sticks out the side of the Smarter Stand holds the phone while the other end of the Smarter Stand acts like a pari of legs.

When the user finishes with the video or call, they can unplug the jack and begin to wrap the cabled around the Smarter Stand. The two ends will hold the cable in place. Tuck the earbuds between the cable and the plastic of the stand to hold them in place in a pocket, purse or carrying bag.

The design of the Smarter Stand seems so simple. Yet it performs a useful function well.

Because the Smarter Stand is just a hunk of molded soft plastic, it doesn’t cost much. Get one for only $12.99. They offer two versions, one that fits the iPhone 5 or iPod Touch fifth gen and the other for the earlier generations of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Order one now and they will ship “in May,” which means very soon.

The company also sells the Smarter Stand for iPad, which clips on to an iPad Smart Cover to give users more options for viewing or typing angles.

Smarter Stand for iPhone Holds Headphones, Props Phone Ingeniously is a post by Kevin Purcell from Gotta Be Mobile.

A new image from Microsoft’s Major Nelson shows the box art for Forza Motorsport 5, one of the few announced Xbox One launch titles.

The image shows the box art of Forza Motorsport 5, which is surprisingly simple compared to the box art of many current generation video games. The box art simply shows a sports car turning a corner on a racetrack with a castle in the background and the logo of the game floating in the sky above it.

Read: Xbox One: 5 Exciting New Features

The box ast also shows that Xbox One game boxes will look very similar to Xbox 360 game boxes. Microsoft will keep green as a major color for the console, even though it doesn’t use green on the console itself or on the Xbox button on the controller. The plastic case will stay green, and the banner on top of the box art is green as well.

The spine of the case is a simple gray with white lettering and the same green bar from the front of the box. It seems that Microsoft is applying its flat design language to the boxes of Xbox One games.

The box art doesn’t include any mention of the Kinect sensor, so it’s not clear what Kinect game boxes will look like. Microsoft won’t use the purple branding for Kinect titles on the Xbox One, but that doesn’t mean it won’t use something to distinguish Kinect-enable games from other games.

Read: Microsoft Xbox One vs. Sony PlayStation 4

http://youtu.be/r46D1lRpO1k

Unfortunately, while we now know what the box of Forza Motorsport 5 will look like, we don’t know how much the game will actually cost.

As a launch title, Forza Motorsport 5 serves as a showcase of what the Xbox One is capable of. The announcement trailer of the game showed impressive lighting effects and beautiful cars with a fantastic amount of detail. The game may look different when gamers actually get a chance to play it, but so far it look pretty impressive.

Forza 5 Box Art Shows What Xbox One Game Packages Will Look Like is a post by Shawn Ingram from Gotta Be Mobile.

Notifications are a helpful feature of the iPhone that keep users alerted with important messages. But too many notifications are unnecessary and more of a nuisance than are helpful.

By default many notifications are in notification center, which is the best place to receive alerts. While notification center is a great tool, it loses its utility when overrun with too many pointless alerts.

By fine tuning which alerts go into notification center, it will decrease the amount of times your iPhone buzzes, and keep the important notifications at the top.

How to Customize Notification Center.

Tap Settings.

Select Notifications.

On the next screen are the notification settings for all the apps installed on the iPhone. The first option to choose from is how to sort the apps.

By choosing to sort manually, it is up to the user to decide how the apps will appear in notification center. For the most control use manual because notifications appear by your choice.

Sorting by time places notifications in order of the time that they occur. While this has its perks, the manual sort offers greater control and customization of the two sorting options.

Tap Manually.

Next are two categories of apps, those that are In Notification Center and those that are Not In Notification Center.

Apps under the In Notification Center group appear in the pull down menu from the home screen. The advantage of this is the quick access to messages, reminders or any other alert that occurs on the phone. While this is convenient, the disadvantage of this is that if too many apps are in this menu it becomes cluttered and unusable.

Apps that are Not In Notification Center do not display in the drop down menu. Although you may not want all of your apps in notification center they can still alert you other ways.

Under the In Notification Center list, notifications will appear in the order they are in the list. To change this order, tap Edit in the top right.

Tap and hold next to the app you would like to move.

Continuing to hold down, drag the app where you would like it in the list.

Once finished, tap Done in the top right.

Besides just organizing how apps appear in Notification center, there are many other options to consider changing. Some of these include sounds, alert type, and badge icons.

To view these settings, tap on any app.

On the next page are the settings for the selected app. While most of these are the same for all apps, they may or not all be available.

The Notification Center option determines whether that app is in notification center. Show limits the number of notifications an app will show, which is handy for apps that tend to send a lot of alerts. Alert style is how an app will tell you when a new update is available. Banners are the most popular because they don’t need the user to select an option, while alerts make the user select an option. Badge App Icon is the number that appears on an app when there are multiple updates available. An example of this is on the messages app, a 1 appears in the top right corner when there is a new message. Sounds decide whether an app can play a noise to alert the user.

One last option is whether an app can send a notification to the lock screen. This is convenient, but for sensitive emails and messages it is better to disable this feature.

Other built-in notifications are Government alerts.

AMBER Alerts are notifications when there is a child abduction and the public can help. Emergency Alerts are for weather updates and other emergency related events in your local area. While it is up to the user whether they take advantage of these alerts, it’s recommended that they stay on.

How To Customize the iPhone Notification Center for Productivity is a post by Troy Frommer from Gotta Be Mobile.

Google has launched a test program in California that allows people to search for cars at dealerships without having to leave the Google search page. Similar to services offered from Autotrader.com and Cars.com, the Google car search would allow people to find a vehicle, view the price, play around with configuration and be directed to a local dealership where that vehicle is available.

Presently, if someone were to search for a vehicle on Google, several of the results would be to Autotrader or Cars.com. Similar to how services like Kayak aggregate that information into one location, the Google system will provide all of the relevant information. This could potentially damage the other automotive sites because people who start their search for a new vehicle on Google will never leave Google. Also, auto dealerships would be paying Google directly for leads, lowering the advertising and sales dollars being pumped into those sites.

Similar to searching for a restaurant on Google, if a person was to type in “Ford Focus San Francisco” the person would be presented with a screen allowing them to set up search parameters.

To better understand the implications we asked Mike Correra, a sales manager in Southern California, his thoughts on the Google approach. Being in SoCal, Autotrader is the company to be listed on, even if the search starts on Google. “For many years Autotrader has been such a force here in SoCal that most dealers are paying for their program simply because they are the biggest boys on the block and NOT being on Autotrader means NOT being seen online,” he said.

Surrendering from one overlord to another, Mr. Correra is concerned about the information provided to him. “It is my understanding that Google will sell the lead to dealers only as a specific request for a vehicle and withhold all the contact info of the customer,” worries Mike. Sales leads are important to the auto sales model, even if customers might like the idea of the dealership not having all the contact information.

However, Mike tries to be forwarding thinking and sees Google as a potential advantage. “On one hand I am worried that Google will be the new big boy and NOT buying leads from Google will mean NOT being seen; however, that is balanced by the hope that BECAUSE Google is the biggest show online it will be the place to be,” he says.

It will be interesting to see how people respond to the program once it goes live in the rest of California. This particular sales model keeps dealerships in place but gives the customer a more direct buying approach, which customers may really enjoy.

Google Wants to Sell You a Car is a post by Chad Kirchner from Gotta Be Mobile.

Fisker is in a bad way. Their founder left the company recently and bankruptcy is imminent. Just a year or so ago, if you were to look at the titans in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, it would have been Tesla and Fisker. The Fisker Karma is a range-extended electric vehicle. Unlike the Tesla Model S, when the energy is depleted in the Fisker Karma a small gasoline engine would take over to start charging the batteries to provide juice to the batteries. This means that the Karma would not suffer from the range anxiety that accompanies an all electric vehicle.

What went wrong? The Karma had been littered with technical difficulties, but the real issues that led to the demise of the car (and perhaps even the brand as a whole) was Hurricane Sandy. 320 Karma vehicles were destroyed, leading to a $32 million loss for the company. On top of that, the Karma had started to gain a reputation of spontaneous combustion. Now the United States government is looking for repayment of the loan that it made to Fisker, and Fisker just laid off 75% of their workforce.

Electric vehicles are difficult. The research and development costs for a new vehicle are greater than a “normal” vehicle, and in order to remain profitable that costs for that development need to be passed off to the consumer. Fisker, and Tesla (for that matter) received government loans to help offset that cost. Also, the United States government adds a financial incentive to electric vehicles in the form of a tax credit to help drive people into the show rooms. Making matters worse, when a consumer is paying $100,000 for a vehicle, they expect more than just four doors, four wheels and a silent motor. Considering that for the same money they can purchase a technological marvel like the BMW ///M5, many normal people would rather have the performance, technology and proven record of a large automobile manufacturer. For the EV manufacturer to compete they also have to include many of those technologies and creature comforts on their vehicles, which drives up the cost of production but cannot be allowed to drive up the cost of purchasing the vehicle.

Big auto manufacturers are seemingly only willing to make electric vehicles in small numbers to maintain their average MPG across the board to comply with C.A.F.E. (corporate average fuel economy) standards, and not to move the industry forward. Hydrogen, which powers the FCX Clarity from Honda, is still not readily available at the local refueling station. It appears that the only people who are going to make electric vehicles work are the small, independent start-ups.  However, those start-ups are the ones who are going to have the most difficult time making it in the automotive industry. While it seems like Tesla is doing as much right as it can (they’re struggling with legal issues to even be sold in Texas), there will surely be a lot of attrition in the sector while it is attempting to grow.

The ultimate question is, outside of the geek circle, do people really want all-electric vehicles? If so, at what price?

Fisker Bankruptcy: What Does It Mean to the Electric Vehicle Industry? is a post by Chad Kirchner from Gotta Be Mobile.

Android 4.3 showed up on a Nexus 4 in Thailand today complete with a new camera app that shows a slight redesign. A set of photos and an Android 4.3 video appeared online, offering the most concrete proof of an Android 4.3 update we’ve seen yet.

Android 4.3 is rumored as the next version of Android which will keep the Jelly Bean name and bring some new features ahead of the rumored Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie update which some believe will arrive later this year with a Nexus 5.

Xda-developers forum member chaleen posts three photos of a Nexus 4 running Android 4.3 and includes a video of Android 4.3 on the Nexus 4 that shows off the new camera app. The photos and video appear to originate on the Galaxy Nexus Facebook page, and come from a model available at the TG Fone Shop booth, a phone reseller, at the Thailand Mobile Expo.

Android 4.3 running on a Nexus 4 in a new video that appears to show the latest version of Android.

The image above shows a Nexus 4 running Android 4.3 and includes signs that this could be a real version of Android 4.3 out in the wild. The kernel version shows a build date of May 14th, the day before Google I/O 2013, where we originally expected to see Android 4.3 announced.

The build number is JWR458, which is slightly higher than the previously reported Android 4.3 build numbers, but possible given testing updates.

While there are likely more Android 4.3 features to be found, the most noticeable one is a new Camera app that offers a slight redesign and a new look for the camera controls. The video below shows what is very likely Android 4.3 running on the Nexus 4.

We can’t discern much more about the Nexus 4 and Android 4.3 from this video and photos, but if this is a real version of Android 4.3 it appears that Google is much closer to a release.

The latest rumor points to an Android 4.3 release on June 10th, the same day Apple is scheduled to announce iOS 7. A rumor form earlier this week claims Google will launch Android 4.3 and the white Nexus 4 on that date, in just over two weeks.

We expect Android 4.3 will come in the near future with support for Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth Smart Ready which will mean better support for devices like the Fitbit Flex and other Bluetooth accessories.

Android 4.3 appeared in search results for the Google Developer site ahead of the Google I/O keynote, which gives hope that the release is scheduled for the very near future.

Android 4.3 Video Surfaces: Shows New Feature on Nexus 4 is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

Microsoft’s Xbox One could deliver what Apple has so far been unable to do, Siri in the living room.

This new feature, which was described to Polygon by a user who was asked to test the feature by company executives involves users being able to have two-way conversations with their Xbox One, similar to the way Apple’s Siri voice assistant interacts with users on Apple’s iOS.

During the sources’ testing, the Xbox One’s Kinect sensor used facial recognition to identify the users in the room who it was familiar with and then informed the room that it didn’t recognize someone. It then asked that new player to identify themselves. After they’d told the system their name, it then welcomed them and saved their information for use in the future.

Polygon’s report also asserts that Microsoft told testers that the feature would be something akin to the way “iPhone’s Siri” works. The outlet believes that the feature may not make it into the Xbox One at launch, though if it doesn’t it’ll debut soon after.

The Xbox One could feature Siri-style voice control.

This source also detailed a way in which users would be able to ask other Xbox LIVE players for help completing tasks in games over the console’s Skype messaging application. Reportedly, the site’s source was able to hand off the completion of a game to another user on a different Xbox One with the push of a button. It’s unclear what restrictions like possible time limits will be imposed on this feature.

That feature isn’t altogether different from the sharing system that Sony detailed during its press conference for the upcoming PlayStation 4 earlier this year.

Read: Sony Announces PlayStation 4 With A Holiday 2013 Release

A voice for the company’s Xbox One would be a natural extension of the features currently available to users of the Xbox 360 with Kinect. The console is currently able to identify and interpret the voice of users today. It also allows users to search their Xbox with commands using its Bing Search engine, for example users can say “Xbox, Bing Harry Potter” and have the search engine display results on the service.

Read: Xbox One – Microsoft’s New Xbox Experience

Microsoft has announced that it will make the Xbox One available to users sometime this year, though it did not detail an exact date of its arrival on store shelves nor how much the console will actually cost.

Is Microsoft Bringing Siri to the Living Room with the Xbox One? is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.

Staples retail locations in the United States are offering Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet for $399.

That’s according to WPCentral who visited a Staples location on Thursday to check the price of Microsoft’s tablet after noting that it had been marked down to just $399 on the company’s website. While the price has returned to $499 online, it’s since been dropped in all of the company’s retail locations.

Staples’ $399 deal marks one of the rare times potential users in the United States have been able to get their hands on the Surface RT for anything less than its introductory price. This model comes with 32GB of onboard storage.

Notably, it does not come with the a black Surface Touch Cover, so users who take advantage of the deal will either need to make use of the device’s onscreen keyboard, pair it with the keyboard and mouse that they already own as the Surface RT comes equipped with a USB 2.0 port and Bluetooth, or simply purchase one of the Touch or Type Cover for an additional $119 and $129.

That cheaper initial price isn’t the only deal that the company is offering either, we found that Staples’ website will also refund 10% of the purchase of any Surface tablet or accessory in the form of a coupon to users who sign up for the company’s Staples Rewards Program.

The Surface RT ships with Microsoft’s Windows RT and is the Surface tablet that most closely competes with Apple’s full-size iPad. As it users Windows RT and an NVIDIA Tegra processor inside it’s able to offer users longer battery life and a slimmer profile than Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet.

Those characteristics do come at the cost of compatibility. The Surface RT can only install applications from Microsoft’s Windows Store, so applications like Apple’s iTunes can’t be used on the device.

Read: Microsoft May Debut Second-Generation Surface at BUILD

All indications seem to point to this being a temporary price reduction, though it is worth nothing that Microsoft originally announced the Surface RT on June 28th 2012. That put’s this device as a month shy from its debut, the time when most device makers detail or release updated versions of popular gadgets with updated specifications.

Staples Offering the Surface RT for $399 is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.

More than a year after its Japanese release and months earlier than expected in the U.S. Capcom announced that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will come to U.S. App Store for iPhone and iPad next week, on May 30.

The new Phoenix Wright game includes all three of the Nintendo DS Ace Attorney game. As the name implies, all three games are for the iPhone and iPad, which means they look better than they did on the DS. Characters that were once pixellated now look like they come right out of a cartoon and the locations look much more detailed.

Ace Attorney follows the story of Phoenix Wright as he tries his best to defend innocent people. As Wright the player investigates crime scenes, search for clues and ultimately trying cases in court. Each game has a number of cases to try as well as an overarching story as Wright battles rival prosecuting attorneys.

The iOS version of the games includes some new social features, including a mode that let gamers “share dissatisfaction with everyday life, Phoenix-style!”

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will come to the App Store for free. Capcom will let gamers play the first two missions of the first game for free. After that, they can buy the full first game for $5.99. The two sequels, Justice For All and Trials and Tribulations will cost $6.99 each. Gamers can also choose to buy all three at once for just $16.99, which is less than just one copy would cost at retail, or (more realistically, given the games’ rarity) eBay.

The original Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney is already available on iOS, but it ‘s more of a direct port of the DS game that doesn’t look as good as the HD trilogy. The game translates very well to iOS, as the DS versions relied on the touchscreen for much of the game.

The HD trilogy is a good place for those interested in the games to start. By the time gamers get through all three games, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Duel Destinies might be available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD Comes to iPhone & iPad May 30 is a post by Shawn Ingram from Gotta Be Mobile.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is host to a number of hidden features that unlock the full potential of the device.

Many of the best Galaxy S4 features are hidden deep in menus and behind settings that even experienced users wouldn’t tap on. This Galaxy S4 guide will show you how to get more out of the Galaxy S4 without buying any Galaxy S4 accessories or spending money on Galaxy S4 apps.

These hidden Galaxy S4 features aren’t tucked away behind a secret button combination, but thanks to the way Samsung sets up the menu, many of them are hidden behind toggles and hidden deep in the settings. Many users could spend a year with the Galaxy S4 without finding half of these settings, so we’ve dug deep to pick our favorite settings so you can enjoy the Galaxy S4 more right now.

The essential list of hidden Samsung Galaxy S4 features.

There is no need to root the Galaxy S4 or install a custom ROM to access any of these functions, though users can root the Galaxy S4 for access to other features and apps if they want to.

These Samsung Galaxy S4 hidden features are available on all versions of the device, though there may be some small differences in functionality.

Here are 25 hard to find Galaxy S4 features the Gotta Be Mobile team uncovered after using the Galaxy S4 extensively for the last month.

Access All Toggles With a Two Finger Pull

The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes over a dozen Notification toggles to quickly change settings on the Samsung Galaxy S4 without diving into the settings.

With a one finger pull down of the notification center you can swipe side to side, but pull down with two fingers and you’ll have access to all of the toggles at once.

From here it’s also possible to quickly edit the notification toggles so that you can remove those you don’t use every day.

Turn on Easy Mode

If the Samsung Galaxy S4 is your first smartphone, the Easy mode is a great way to get started with your first smartphone. This simplified user interface hides some features, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience much.

Some users will also appreciate the larger icons in Easy mode, which are easier to see and to tap.

It is easy to turn Easy mode on and off, so you can try Easy Mode and then switch to Standard Mode when you are ready for more.

Launch Google Now Fast

Google Now is a cool predictive personal assistant that comes with all new Android phones, but users may have a tough time launching it thanks to Samsung including S-Voice on the Galaxy S4.

To launch Google Now quickly, hold the menu button on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and it should pop up, letting you search with Google Now and ask the phone to do things much like you would with Siri.

You will need to turn Google Now on if this is the first time using it, so you may need to tap on the Google bar on the home screen and follow the prompts to turn Google Now on. This will then combine search and email data from your Google account to push information to you as you need it.

Eventually Google Now will know your home, work, favorite sports teams and will pick up on travel plans and remind you automatically. It’s easy to customize what it does and doesn’t show so give it a try.

Fast Access to Common Settings

Now that you know it’s possible to quickly change settings with a tap of the toggles in the Notification drawer, we want to take things a step further.

A long press on any of these toggles will open up that page in settings. This is great for quickly pairing a Bluetooth device and changing settings on the many builtin gesture and motion controls on the Galaxy S4.

This works in the small single row view and in the expanded group of icons.

Use Two Apps at the Same Time

The Samsung Galaxy S4 brings Multi Window mode. This cool feature, also known as Multi-View is a way to run two apps on screen at the same time. This makes it easier to multitask on the Galaxy S4. While many of us find this works best for productivity when paired with a keyboard it’s possible to do many things.

• Watch YouTube and check Twitter
• Browse the Web and take notes
• Check email and Facebook at the same time
• and many more.

Carriers may limit which apps show up in this menu, so not everyone will see the same apps here. Not all apps work, but the selection is big enough to make it a worthwhile entertainment and productivity feature.

Check Alerts Without Touching the Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes a feature that makes it easy to check alerts and notifications without touching the Galaxy S4.

Head to Settings -> My Device -> Motions and gestures-> Air Gesture -> Quick glance -> On.

Once this is on, just move your hand over the display while the device is asleep as we show in the video below.

The Quick Glance feature will turn the display on and show;

• Icons from the Notification bar
• Missed calls
• New Text messages
• Battery Life
• and the current time.

This unfortunately doesn’t let you tap on any of these to jump into the apps or to unlock the Galaxy S4, but it does show what made the phone buzz or ring.

Speed Up the Galaxy S4 Home Button

By default the Samsung Galaxy S4 home button is a bit slow because it is waiting for users to double tap and launch S-Voice. If you don’t plan to use S-Voice or don’t polan to use it from the home button, turning this setting off will dramatically speed up going form an app to the home screen.

To do this, open S-Voice by double tapping the home button. Then tap menu and choose Settings. Uncheck Open via the home key.

The video above shows how to do this and the speed difference from turning this setting off. Users  can still launch S voice by tapping on the S Voice icon in the app drawer.

Supercharge the Galaxy S4 Keyboard

The Samsung Galaxy S4 ships with Swiftkey, a smart keyboard that learns from what you type to deliver better predictive text, but Samsung hides the most important settings. Users can also move this keyboard freely around the screen. Check it out in action in the video below.

To turn on predictive text on the Samsung Galaxy S4 keyboard and have it learn from what you type, follow these directions.

Open the keyboard -> long press on the microphone for Settings -> Tap on Predictive Text -> link to you accounts.

From here it learn your typing style and your common phrases and words.

Another great option is to long press on the microphone and then choose the right-most keyboard icon. This shrinks the keyboard and lets you move it around on the screen. Another long pres and then a tap on the icon to the left of that one will turn this feature off.

Find A Lost or Stolen Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 will soon offer a Lojack feature that lets users pay a monthly fee to track down a stolen Samsung Galaxy complete with a team of trained professionals, but users who want a free solution that includes finding a lost Galaxy S4 should install Lookout Mobile.

Lookout Mobile is a free app and service that will track down, sound alerts and with an upgrade wipe the phone. There’s also a signal flare alert that will send one last location when the battery dies.

Lookout Mobile is a free app that we recommend for every Android user. If your Samsung Galaxy S4 is already lost or stolen try installing Plan B to track it down after the fact.

Control the Galaxy S4 With Your Eyes

The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes several features that let users control the device with their eyes. Once turned on users can scroll with their eyes or with a tilt, keep the screen on when they are looking at it and automatically pause videos. These features don’t work in all apps, but they are handy for many of the standard Samsung apps.

To turn these settings on go to Settings -> My device -> Smart screen -> 

• Check Smart Stay
• Check Smart Pause 
• and turn Smart scroll on and then tap on the text to choose more options. 

Smart stay will keep the display on when you are looking at it. This happens automatically throughout all apps and is a great feature. Smart pause will automatically pause some videos when you look away, but it doesn’t support every video player. The Smart scroll feature lets users tilt the device or their head to scroll in the Browser and a few other apps.

Avoid Data Overages

The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes a built-in data monitor that can track data used and push alerts to help you save money and use data wisely.

To check this go to Settings -> Connections tab -> Data Usage.

From here it is possible to set alerts and even a a data limit which will turn off mobile data when you reach your limit. This screen also allows users to see which apps are using the most data.

Set a mobile data alert on the Samsung Galaxy S4 to avoid overages.

For users on a shared data plan it’s worth noting that this only tracks dat use on your phone, not on all phones combined.

Hover for More Information (Air View)

The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes Air View, a feature that allows users to hover their finger over a spot on the screen to see more information.

To turn this on, go to Settings -> My Device Tab -> Air View -> On. Next, tap on Air view to see the settings and fine tune what you want it to do.

Now, just hover your finger over a text message, a photo in gallery or a spot in a video to see more details.

Use the Samsung Galaxy S4 with Gloves

The Samsung Galaxy S4 display is sensitive enough to let users use the phone with gloves on, but the feature is turned off by default.

To set this up, go to Settings -> My Device tab -> Display ->High-touch sensitivity -> On. Check it out in action below.

Once this is on you will be able to use the Galaxy S4 with gloves on, but in our testing it works best with thinner gloves. Heavy gloves we would wear while skiing or hiking worked, but not as well.

Block Annoying Callers

If you get annoying telemarketing calls, calls from an ex boyfriend or girlfriend or anyone you never want to talk to, the Samsung Galaxy S4 features a call rejection mode that automatically blocks calls from specific numbers.

This is a great way to avoid an alert when an annoying person or company tries to reach you.

Open the phone app -> tap on Menu -> tap on Call settings -> Call rejection.

From here users can set up specific numbers in the Auto reject list. Once on the list, those numbers will not rung the phone, but will still go to voicemail.

Better Sounding Music and Phone Calls

Fine tune the Galaxy S4 sound with Adapt sound.

Turn on and set up Adapt sound to customize the Samsung Galaxy S4 sound to your hearing. This short setup session identifies hearing shortfalls and compensates by changing the audio profile of calls and music to fit each ear.

Go to Settings -> My device tab -> Sound -> Adapt sound -> follow the prompts.

You will need headphones in to set this up, and afterwards the difference will be most noticeable with headphones, though it may also make a difference for phone calls made without them, depending on the user.

Smart Alerts When You Pick Up the Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a buried setting that makes the phone vibrate when you pick it up if there are new notifications. This is a nice way to know if you should check your phone or if you can toss it in your pocket.

To turn this on, go to Settings -> My device tab -> Motions and gestures -> Motion -> Smart alert -> On.

If you don’t like the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S4 vibrates every time you pick it up, this is also how you can that feature off.

Take Photos With Your Voice

The Samsung Galaxy S4 camer app allows user to take pictures with a voice command. This is handy if the Galaxy S4 is attached to a tripod or even if you hand it to someone who doesn’t know how to use it.

To turn this on, open the Camera -> press Menu -> tap on Settings -> tap the settings cog -> scroll to Voice control and turn it on.

Once this is setup you can say Smile, Cheese, Capture or Shoot to take a photo without touching the Galaxy S4. Check it out in action in the video above.

Get Better Samsung Galaxy S4 Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a power saver mode that can automatically help save battery life. This isn’t something every user will need all the time, but it is a relatively painless way to get better Galaxy S4 battery life.

Turn on power saver mode for better Galaxy S4 battery life.

To do this, just pull down on the Notification panel with two fingers and tap on Power saving.

Read: How to Get Better Samsung Galaxy S4 Battery Life

This automatically turns on Power saver mode, but if you want to customize it you will need to long press on this feature. Here you can make sure it doesn’t affect the screen, performance or haptic feedback. if one of those is important to you.

Control the Galaxy S4 With Motion

The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a plethora of sensors that make it possible to control the phone with gestures and motion. Air Gesture is the most impressive set of features, which allows users to control the phone by waiving a hand above it.

The video above shows many of these features, and below you can learn how to turn Air View on.

Go to Settings -> My device tab -> Motions and gestures -> Air gesture -> On. Then tap on the text to change the individual settings.

With this you can accept calls with a wave, browse the web, photos, music an more without touching the Galaxy S4.

Control Music and Calls With Headphones

The included Samsung Galaxy S4 headphones allow users to control music and phone calls with the small mic area without taking the Galaxy S4 out of their pocket.

Use the Galaxy S4 headphones to control music and calls.

Holding the button will open S Voice, which will tell you about any current messages and let you perform other S Voice actions like making a call. While on a call, the button will hang up. The upper buttons control volume for calls and music.

While listening to music a single press of the button will pause a track. Another press will start playing it again. It’s not as smooth as the iPhone, but a very fast double tap will skip to the next track.

Do Not Disturb for Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a Blocking mode, which is essentially Do Not Disturb for Android.

Blocking mode is basically Do Not Disturb mode for Android.

Blocking mode is new and improved for the Samsung Galaxy S4 complete with options to start and end at a specific time. Blocking mode on the Samsung Galaxy S4 also includes the ability to block;

• Incoming calls
• Notifications
• Alarm and time
• and Disable the LED.

Each of these options are separate so users can pick and choose. Users can also set allowed contacts so that calls coem through. In our testing texts do not come through from these contacts.

Connect an Xbox 360 Controller and USB Storage

The Samsung Galaxy S4 supports the use of controllers like the corded Xbox 360 controller. A small and affordable Micro USB to full size USB cable makes this magic happen and also supports the use of a USB drive as extra storage.

Buy a USB OTG cable, we recommend this one on Amazon, and plug it in to the Galaxy S4, then plug in a corded Xbox 360 controller or a USB drive.

Not every game supports external controllers, but there are plenty around. While not as portable as something like the MOGA Pro controller that folds up, this is a solution that’s cheaper for users who already have a wired Xbox 360 controller around.

Customize the Galaxy S4 Lock Screen

The Samsung Galaxy S4 lock screen is customizable with widgets and other settings to make the phone yours. By default the Galaxy S4 features a life companion text on the lock screen and a small clock. This is all up for change.

To get started go to Settings -> My device tab -> Lock Screen. From here we can pick options.

Customize the Galaxy S4 lock screen.

It’s a good idea to pick a screen lock at this time, in order to secure the Galaxy S4. In the Lock screen widgets menu below it you can choose to see a clock or the personal message and to customize the message. This is also where you can turn on shortcuts to your favorite apps.

Quickly Use the Best Photo Feature

Best Photo is Galaxy S4 camera mode that takes eight photos fast, like in a burst mode and helps you shoot and save the best photos from a group shot or of an an individual. Open the camera app and tap on the Mode button to pick Best Shot.

Next, press the shutter and watch as it takes 8 photos of the subject and highlights the best one. This is essential in getting good pictures of kids and pets. The video below shows it in action.

There are many other modes, like Best face, which will let you pick the best look for each person in the group and Eraser, which lets you remove someone from a photo.

Use the Galaxy S4 as a TV Remote

The Samsung Galaxy S4 features an IR port and the WatchOn app which turns the Galaxy S4 into a universal remote control capable of controlling your entire living room and multiple other rooms.

Setting it up is as easy as opening the WatchOn app in the app drawer and following the guide to add your devices. The video below shows where to add more devices and change settings.

The ability to quickly look at a visually appealing program guide and control multiple devices and multiple rooms makes this a great feature.

25 Samsung Galaxy S4 Hidden Features is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

Foxconn, original manufacturer to today’s hottest selling gadgets including the iPhone, could be looking to become a wireless network of recent reports are accurate.

Sina Tech Report, is reporting that Foxconn which is also known by its corporate name Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, is currently mulling a bid to purchase a huge swath of 4G wireless spectrum in Taiwan. That wireless spectrum would allow the company to possibly sell wireless calling and data services to users across the Taiwan.

Allegedly, the move to providing services is part of a wider company strategy aimed at obtaining revenue by focusing on all of the mobile device industry. For example, the Foxconn of today only focuses on building the designs of others, however the Foxconn of tomorrow could make money by building those devices from companies, and making even more money when users need to get wireless services for those same devices.

Foxconn, known for making the iPhone and many other hot gadgets may be planning to sell cellphone service.

Sina Tech Report, indicates that the company plans to diversify its businesses by cooperating with large firms as well. The publication cites sources who believe that Terry Gou, Foxconn’s chairman, has already began talks with the Ruentex Group for a partnership in the 4G wireless data market.

Regulators in Taiwan recently imposed rules that require any 4G operator who’s bidding on the 4G wireless spectrum to have a total market capital value of at least $5 billion, however as neither Foxconn nor Ruentex currently do, a partnership would be the only way either could bid for the spectrum.

It’s rumored that the company has already begun recruiting top talent in the telecom and cable sectors as well.

A switch into providing services would be a huge evolution for Foxconn, its currently most known to users in the United States as the manufacturer of iPhones that faced a backlash early last year after public radio program, This American Life aired an expose’ about how the company housed, abused, and mistreated workers at one of its plants in China.

Read: This American Life Pulls Episode about Apple factory Conditions for Being “Partially Fabricated”

Those reports turned out to be mostly fabricated, by a guest on the program, Mike Daisey, and the program pulled the episode from circulation. However, by the time the program had been retracted the manufacturing process for Apple’s iPhone and iPad had already been called into question, prompting Apple CEO Tim Cook to inspect the factories of the company’s Apple contracts it’s manufacturing to himself.

Is Apple’s iPhone Maker Preparing to Become a Wireless Carrier? is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.

While Microsoft wasn’t very forthcoming with details on how used games will or won’t work on the Xbox One, it seems the company is already working with manufacturers to create a system that will let gamers buy and sell used games.

A report from MCV claims that Microsoft briefed retailers such as GameStop on a new system for used games that will give publishers a cut of the sale and not make users pay extra fees.

The system will also help explain why the Xbox One may “phone home” once every 24 hours.

The rumored system will bring a new system to retailers that will register games that gamers trade in. That system will check which account owns the game, and remove the title from the gamer’s account and Xbox One console. The retailer is then free to set whatever price they want for the used game.

Once someone buys the used game the retailer will give a cut to the publisher of the title and Microsoft. The store will then take the rest of the profit. There is no extra fee for the gamer, and everyone is happy. The gamer gets a game for less than they’d pay for it new, the retailer gets profit, and the publisher gets their cut as well.

MCV says that unconfirmed reports from ConsoleDeals claim the retailers will get just ten percent of an activation fee for used games. That activation fee would be £35 in the UK (about US$52), and would be built into the cost of the used game. The publication seems unsure of the report, however.

The rumored new system doesn’t explain how Microsoft will handle games that gamer lend to friends, though presumably the company will talk more about that closer to launch. The company will only say there is no fee when playing a game on the owner’s account, so gamers may have to sign into their account on a friend’s Xbox One to play games they own but their friend doesn’t.

Publishers To Reportedly Get Cut of Xbox One Used Game Sales is a post by Shawn Ingram from Gotta Be Mobile.

Samsung will provide the display technology to be used in the version of Google Glass that is shipped to consumers.

That’s according to sources who talked exclusively with the Korea Times and who work in the management ranks inside Samsung Display, the arm of Samsung that provides displays to other device manufactures.

Reportedly, Google Glass will use the company’s high-end OLED displays in the consumer version of Glass. The Google Glass that shipped to early adopters this past March features an nHD display with a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels.

Google Glass features a premium design with a titanium band, bond conduction tech and more.

While no specific resolution or other screen details are called out in the report, Samsung OLED displays exhibit enhanced color contrast and could likely result in better battery life than the much older nHD displays. That enhanced battery life is due to the fact that OLED displays render colors at the pixel level and don’t require the entire screen to have a backlight.

According to one executive at Samsung Display, the company’s decision to have Samsung supply Glass displays is huge because it means that Google trusts Samsung with “confidential data.” If true, that would be notable, recent reports had described a relationship that is strained due to the fact that Samsung controls so much of hardware market for Google’s Android mobile operating system.

Recent earnings estimates made by Strategy Analytics pegged Samsung’s share of all Android profits at around 95%, making Samsung one of the few vendors making money from Android. With that kind of dominance it’s possible that Samsung could have just as much influence on the development of Android as Google.

Read: Samsung made Up 95% of All Android Profits in Q1 2013

Samsung’s OLED Display technology joins an already extensive array of components that are included in the early version of Google Glass. The latest device to come out of the “wearable computing” trend already includes wireless internet, Bluetooth connectivity and 16GB of onboard storage.

Read: Google Glass Specs Detailed by Google

Google has yet to officially announce when Google Glass will be available to consumers, or what components will be included in the version that does.

Google will Use Samsung Displays in Google Glass is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.

This Sunday Best Buy will offer iPhone 5 deal for memorial day, a $50 discount on every iPhone model in the store and discounts on a few Android smartphones.

The iPhone price cut is part of a four-week promotion that will cut the price of the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. Users who buy the iPhone 5 on a two-year contract on any of the carriers will only have to pay $150 for the 16GB model.

The discount will make the 32GB model cost $250, and knock the 64GB model down to $350. AllThingsD announced the deal ahead of it going live.

A new Best Buy iPhone 5 deal starts on Memorial Day weekend 2013.

The price cut will also take off half the on-contract price of the 16GB iPhone 4S. The phone typically sells for $100 on a two-year contract, but Best Buy’s discount will bring its cost down to just $50.

The iPhone 4 is free with a contact on all three carriers, so the discount won’t do much for the almost three-year old phone.

Notably Best Buy’s promotion does not include the T-Mobile iPhone 5. That’s likely thanks to the Uncarrier’s new payment plans that don’t include two-year contracts.

Read: iPhone 5 Review

The discount isn’t the lowest price for the iPhone 5 (Walmart once discounted it down to $127), but it is the best deal for Apple’s flagship phone at the moment.

In addition to the iPhone discount, Best Buy will also offer deals on three Android phones to celebrate Memorial Day. The store will offer the HTC One X+ for free on a two-year contract, the HTC Droid DNA for $49 on contract and AT&T and Sprint models of the Galaxy S3 for $49 on a contract. The best deal is the Droid DNA, which gets a price cut of $150. The promotion cuts the price of the One X+ by $100, and the price of the Galaxy S3 by $50.

iPhone 5 Deal at Best Buy Cuts Price by $50 is a post by Shawn Ingram from Gotta Be Mobile.

In just a little over two weeks Apple will take the stage to show off the future of iOS, which undoubtedly includes Jony Ive’s re-designed iOS 7.

The new iOS 7 software has been in the news for months now as the man known for Apple’s iconic hardware is reportedly changing the look of the iPhone and iPad software to better fit his tastes.

Early iOS 7 leaks pointed at a flatter look with less gloss and a major overhaul of the interface and core apps that cuts out the leather and felt.

Today we can share more details on iOS 7 thanks to a 9to5Mac sources who are reportedly familiar with the new looks of iOS 7.

9to5Mac has a very good track record when it comes to iOS and iPhone rumors, so much of what we are sharing below could appear on stage on June 10th when Apple is likely to announce iOS 7.

That said, the software design is reportedly in flux, so descriptions of iOS 7 features and designs could still change as the teams prepare an iOS 7 beta for release soon after the WWDC 2013 keynote.

Black and White Beats Leather and Felt

As with any remodeling project, look for Ive to push out familiar textures and finishes in exchange for something newer and more modern. According to 9t05Mac’s sources iOS 7 will push out leather, felt and linen in the system and in core apps in favor of black and white elements. Sources reportedly call the new version of iOS,

“black, white, and flat all over.”

In addition to a system overhaul, the system apps will likely share a similar look. Ive is reportedly concerned that a user could be confused by the varying looks for each of Apple’s core apps.

The home screen will reportedly be more flat, with less gloss and shine and we could see new logos for core Apple apps that match the new iOS 7 design.

Many of the stock apps are said to lose their real-world looks. Notes will reportedly feature a white background instead of the yellow legal paper look, and other apps may switch to white backgrounds as well. The video below is an iOS 7 concept that shows SimplyZesty’s take on what iOS 7 could look like.

Even though Ive is approaching IOS 7 with limited time he is reportedly putting his mark on every part of the OS. The report indicates that the iPhone is a top priority for the team. We may see an iPad version of iOS 7 arrive with more refinements later in the beta cycle or possibly as a iOS 7.1 release.

While Apple combined releases in the past years, the earlier versions of iOS brought different features to the iPad at a later date.

A New iPhone Lock Screen

The iPhone lock screen will reportedly be the first place users see the new look of iOS 7. While the slide to unlock gesture will surely remain, the glossy bar may face retirement as Ive pushes in a “shine-free, black interface.” We may also see a redesigned PIN entry screen with circles instead of squares.

The iPix HD theme and the ayecon themes for the iPhone 5 combine below to show one possible look for this new setup, though Apple’s implementation will likely look more cohesive and we could see circles extend tot he numbers.

This shows one example of how the iOS 7 lock screen could look different.

According to the report we may also see more interaction with notifications on the lock screen including the ability to use gestures to interact with notifications. It’s not spelled out completely, but we assume this would include dismissing notifications with a swipe, similar to the example shown in the video below.

Notification Center Widgets and Toggles

The iOS Notification Center will reportedly feature toggles and widgets with access to information and the dark linen background in the Notification Center is reportedly out like last night’s trash. Instead users may see a solid dark color.

The biggest new feature for the Notification Center appears to be widgets that put a newsfeed and or toggles for common settings in the Notification Center. The IntelliscreenX video above shows one way Apple could offer a news feed in the Notification Center.

iOS 7 Release

Though we expect Apple will show off iOS 7 at WWDC 2013 on June 10th and offer an iOS 7 beta soon after, the actual iOS 7 release date isn’t expected until Fall. Apple typically launches iOS versions with new hardware and we expect the iPhone 5S, iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 will come this Fall. Analysts peg the iPhone 5S launch for September. A new report claims the iPad 5 will arrive at a separate event.

iOS 7 Design Details Allegedly Leak is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

Apple is expected to expand the color palette for its fall iPhone lineup, which is speculated to consist of a high-end iPhone 5S model as the flagship of the range as well as a more budget-friendly device.

Japanese site Macotakara was able to confirm with two separate sources that the low-cost version will come in an assortment of colors, with black being reserved exclusively for the iPhone 5S flagship.

At this stage the color options rumored are still in question as different sources are leaking different colors. One of the publication’s sources claim that the low-cost device will be available in navy, gold, orange, white and gray. The second source claims a different color array that includes white, pink, green, blue and yellow-orange.

Apple is expected to begin a test production run of the low-cost device in June. Production will ramp up in July and it is expected to ship to consumers in September.

Earlier this year at the company’s earnings call, CEO Tim Cook offered hints that Apple will be announcing some exciting new products this fall. It’s been rumored for some time now that Apple would be releasing a less expensive iPhone model to compete against Android and Nokia’s cheaper range of Lumia smartphones on rival Microsoft’s Windows Phone ecosystem.

Additionally, the iPhone 5S flagship is also said to be more colorful and will expand to encompass more than three colors. Thus far, Apple has only used black and white for the iPhone flagship. Green and gold are the rumored colors for the upcoming flagship iPhone 5S.

The device is also speculated to debut with dual-LED flash for the rear camera, something that had been used on rival Android and Windows Phone handsets for some time now.

Dual-LED flash would allow images captured in the dark to be brighter. The iPhone 5S is also rumored to usher in a fingerprint scanner as well.

iPhone 5S Reportedly Bringing Three New Colors, Dual LED Flash is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Gotta Be Mobile.

Microsoft plans to sell more than 25 million more Xbox 360 units over the next five years following a major announcement regarding the aging console at E3 in June.

At the beginning of the Xbox One reveal Microsoft said it will speak more about the future of the Xbox 360 at E3. Following to event Microsoft vice president Phil Spencer told GameSpot that Microsoft will support the console for “years to come,” and that it has a “huge” announcement planned for the expo next month.

Read: Xbox One: 5 Exciting New Features

In addition to Spencer’s comments Microsoft senior vice president of Interactive Entertainment Business Yusuf Mehdi told Official Xbox Magazine the company plans to sell one a total of 100 million Xbox 360 consoles within five years. That would amount to 25 million new consoles sold in five years.

Expect a big Xbox 360 announcement at E3, even as the Xbox One takes the main spotlight.

Many of those 25 million consoles will likely be replacements for users who already have an Xbox 360, though others may decide to buy the console following the “huge” E3 announcement.

Previous rumors stated the Xbox 360 will get a refreshed UI at E3, which may look like the UI of the Xbox One. It’s unclear what other plans Microsoft has for the console, however. Microsoft may have a new design for the console in the works that it plans to unveil at E3, which may drive some sales. The company introduced current slim Xbox 360 at E3 2010.

Microsoft may also choose to rework its subsidy model for the Xbox 360 to make it more appealing, or just drop the price even lower. The Xbox 360 currently starts at $199 for the basic model with 4GB of storage. The 250GB model sells for $299.

Read: GameStop Expects Low PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Prices

With a large library of games, including games that aren’t out yet like Grand Theft Auto V, it makes sense for Microsoft to keep the Xbox 360 around for some time while it tries to push the Xbox One to gamers. Especially since the Xbox One won’t play Xbox 360 games.

Many games announced for the Xbox One, including Call of Duty: Ghosts and Watch_Dogs will also come out on the Xbox 360. The games won’t look as nice as they will on the Xbox One, but they will still have the same basic gameplay.

Microsoft Planning A Major Xbox 360 Announcement At E3 is a post by Shawn Ingram from Gotta Be Mobile.

Despite a stronger design, the iPhone 5 is easy to scratch or break when dropped, and iPhone repair costs are skyrocketing thanks to expensive parts and shortages.

That’s according to a new report from MarketWatch, which examined the prices of the components that users are most likely to break.

It’s asserted by the publication that Apple attempts to keep the price of replacement components high so that third-party services can’t repair the iPhone 5 for cheaper than what Apple charges for screen replacements.

Apple currently charges users as much $229 to replace the display of the iPhone 5, though users who pay for Apple’s AppleCare service can have their screens replaced for $49. AppleCare currently costs $99. In addition to ruining the quality of video playback, shattered iPhone displays could result in a device that’s simply not even remotely useable.

Read: Gallery of Broken iPhone Will Make You Run for a Good Case

Users aren’t able to turn to third-party vendors to cheaply replace their device’s screen either. According to ComputerOverhauls.com, who spoke to MarketWatch, the company can’t yet provide iPhone 5 repairs because Apple charges vendors too much to obtain the needed parts. The company continued that “Currently, the Apple Store is the least expensive option for repairing damaged iPhone 5s”.

Most repair companies now charge users $250 to repair their device, $50 more than the price users would to pay to purchase the the device when signing up for a two-year service agreement. Without a contract, that same iPhone 5 would cost a user $649.99.

A study by SquareTrade, a device insurance company recently concluded that one in three iPhones were damaged this past year. Reportedly, iPhone repairs have cost users $6 billion since Apple introduced the iPhone six years ago. Users can purchase third-party warranties from firms other than Apple.

Read: Top 5 iPhone 5 Warranty Options Compared

Repair firm iCracked, maintains that the pricing problem associated with internal components has only gotten worse with the iPhone 5.

It’s worth noting that users can purchase kits that allow them to replace components in some of Apple’s older devices on the cheap, and use tear-down guides provided by sites like iFixit to fix their devices at a reduced cost. However, most users don’t have the technical know-how and ability to perform extensive electronic repairs on their own.

For example, iFixit rates the difficulty of replacing the iPhone 5’s display assembly as “moderate”. Purchasing a display assembly will cost a user $199.95, plus the cost of the tools needed to get the job done, which will run users an additional $25.

All costs included, it’s simply more cost effective for users to purchase a warranty or buy a case that protects their iPhone 5.

iPhone 5 is Easy to Break, Expensive to Repair is a post by Travis Pope from Gotta Be Mobile.

Nokia is now rumored to be announcing the Windows Phone 8-powered Nokia Lumia EOS with a 41-megapixel PureView camera and new camera UI as early as July 9th. The phone was rumored for a release as early as February this year at Mobile World Congress on the anniversary of the Nokia 808, the first phone with a large sensor and 41-megapixel camera, but that date came and went and Nokia still has been silent about a high-megapixel Lumia.

According to an unnamed source to Mobile Geeks, the phone would launch sometime during the second week of July, “most probably July the 9th.”

And though the sensor has a maximum resolution of 41 megapixels, depending on the image size and aspect ratio, the megapixel count would be lower. On the Nokia 808, a 4:3 aspect ratio would mean that the resulting photos came out at a 38-megapixel resolution while a 16:9 crop gave a 34-megapixel image. This appears to be the same case and images are said to be at around 34 megapixels on the Lumia EOS.

Additionally, the phone could capture 1080p full HD images at three different frame-rates.

And it looks like on the software front, Nokia may be adding a special ProCamera app to give users more control over the software UI. Circular dials to allow more manual controls and adjustments as well as DSLR-like sounds when the shutter is clicked are rumored to be coming on board. The flickable, circular dials sound similar to what Samsung is doing on the touchscreen UI for the Galaxy Camera.

The device is said to be constructed from plastic, and given the large sensor size, the Lumia EOS is impressively thin and is said to be thinner than the Lumia 920.

Not only does the PureView sensor cram an incredible amount of pixels, but the sensor is also very large, and is much larger than the traditional sensor on a smartphone and even the sensor size of a point-and-shoot camera and the Samsung Galaxy Camera. This allows for more light to pass through and helps the Lumia EOS capture more details with a high dynamic range.

This is a different PureView technology on current Lumia smartphones, like the Lumia 920, Lumia 925, and Lumia 928. The current devices use a smaller sensor size with an 8.7-megapixel count and focuses primarily on low-light photography.

We’ve reported some of the rumored specs from someone who claimed to have seen the Lumia EOS recently, and this appears to be an exciting camera and smartphone release for 2013.

41-Megapixel Nokia Lumia EOS Rumored for July Launch is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Gotta Be Mobile.