International Data Corporation (IDC), in a press release yesterday, announced that Android and iOS, ranked first and second respectively, now account for 92.3% of all smartphone OS shipments during the first quarter of 2013 (Q1). Windows Phone now ranks third, zooming past BlackBerry’s previously held position. According to the company’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone tracker, Android and iOS combined for a total of 199.5M units shipped worldwide during Q1 alone, up 59.1% compared to the same quarter for 2012.

See below for the full press release of IDC:

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In the annual Google I/O Conference today, the company announced its plan of releasing an unlocked and stock version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. This confirms the rumors circulating recently regarding a possible new collaboration with Samsung, only this time it involves “sanitizing” Sammy’s flagship phone from TouchWiz modifications.

According to their press release, the plan is to sell the unlocked S4 through Google Play. Similar to other Nexus devices, the move guarantees timely Android updates for Galaxy fans. The bootloader of the device also comes unlocked, adding to its overall flexibility.

Starting June26, the stock Samsung Galaxy S4 will be sold in the US for $649 without a contract or carrier subsidy. LTE is expected to be enabled and should work fine with both AT&T and T-Mobile.

Source: gsmarena.com

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Hardware
The new Samsung Galaxy S4 improves on almost all aspects of the previous generation, with more powerful hardware and a handful of new software features in tow. Also armed with a battery of new sensors, the S4 aims to be the ultimate life companion for its consumers. For a quick rundown of the S4’s specifications, see the summary below:

The Samsung Galaxy S4 ships in an eco-friendly retail packaging made entirely of recycled paper and printed with soy ink. It also comes with a standard set of accessories: A/C adapter, microUSB cable and complementary earphones. However, it should be noted that the earphones bundled with the S4 has been redesigned and features dual speakers for an improved listening experience. Although they are not expected to fully replace high-end aftermarket earphones, they are a tad better than what the Galaxy S3 shipped with before.

In terms of design and build quality, not much have changed since the previous generation. The S4 shares the same Hyperglazed finish as the S3, and as such is expected to receive the same criticism as its predecessor with its overall handling and feel. However, with a new texture employed, the Galaxy S4 looks more stylish and premium than its predecessor. It also features slimmer bezels, providing more space for the Super AMOLED screen.

As far as the screen of the S4 goes, it now comes equip with a new 5inch Super AMOLED screen with a 1080p resolution. Although still sporting a PenTile matrix configuration, the 441ppi pixel density as well its redesigned pixel matrix offers image quality like no other. It has impressive contrast and amazing viewing angles, with color saturation unbeatable by any other LCD screen today.

Compared to the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy S4 boasts of a slightly superior battery performance, owing this to its slightly larger battery.

Lastly, in terms of camera performance, the Galaxy S4 brings about a resolution bump to the Galaxy family. The 13MP camera is capable of capturing up to 4128 x 3096 pixels of pictures, while the 2MP camera on the front can snap a photo or record a video simultaneously.

The camera can be used in a variety of shooting modes such as Rich Tone (HDR), Panorama, Night and Sports shots. A number of specialty modes are also available, similar to other Galaxy phones before. Best Photo and Best Face snaps multiple photos and lets you choose the best one, while Beauty Shot does automatic beauty touch up.

360 Photo, similar to Photo Sphere, creates a spherical panorama similar to those in Street View. Eraser, on the other hand, allows “photo bombing” objects or features to be removed on your final photograph, making it a great feature when travelling. Drama mode, meanwhile, captures a moving object and clones it several times, while Cine Photo creates cinemagrams which is simply an animated GIF image.

Another great travel feature of the camera is Sound & Shot, which captures a photo while recording the ambient sound at the same time. Lastly, Double Shot snaps a photo with both the front and primary camera, which is great if you want the person holding the camera to be included too.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is currently available in two versions: one with the Exynos 5 Octa CPU and the other with the LTE-enabled Snapdragon 600. Although early benchmarks show that there would be a slight edge with the Exynos chipset, this is generally seen to be negligible in normal, day-to-day usage of the device.

User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S4 ships with the latest release of Android with 4.2.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. TouchWiz still dominates the User Interface of the device, but now it comes with a laundry list of new features that is aimed to further improve the overall usability of the device.

The lockscreen features the new lockscreen widgets that comes default with Android 4.2, with multiple panes capable of displaying one widget at a time. Similar to the Galaxy Note II, the Galaxy S4 also features a Quick Glance option that uses the proximity sensor to automatically show you device information such as the time, missed calls, message counters and battery charge whenever you reach for your phone.

At the top, the notification area features a total of 20 configurable toggles to quickly enable or disable features. The homescreen looks almost the same as before, and the app drawer hasn’t also changed much, with the app shortcuts presented as a customizable grid.

The Galaxy S4 comes with a Multi-Window feature, letting you run two apps side by side on the screen. Users can adjust the dividing line between two apps depending on which one needs more space. However, only compatible apps can use this feature, which means right now, mostly the ones that comes preinstalled in the phone would benefit from this.

The Settings menu has been overhauled and this time, instead of using a scrollable grid of icons and sections, the TouchWiz interface on the new S4 now uses a tabbed approach. Up top you get four tabs: Connection, My Device, Accounts and More. Related features are correspondingly dumped on their respective tabs, making navigating the menu faster and more user-friendly.

Now, let us talk about the Galaxy S4’s new advanced features. With powerful hardware paired with dedicated sensors, the S4 is able to provide more nifty tricks than ever before. Air View, which debuted on the Galaxy Note II, comes preloaded in the S4. It can detect your finger hovering over the screen, and could consequently enable the following: information preview (SMS, calendar entry, etc), video preview by pointing to a spot in the timeline, changing tracks in the music player by hovering over the next/previous button, previewing folders, speed dial contacts, etc. The feature is able to detect fingers 1cm away from the screen.

Another advanced set of feature available on the S4 is called Air Gestures. Vertically waving your fingers allow scrolling web pages in the browser, while waving horizontally allows you to move between music tracks or photos, accept a call, and move app shortcuts. Air Gestures can detect your hand up to 7cm, although only the native apps support them.

Smart Stay and Smart Rotate features are also available. Stay prevents the screen from locking as long as the front-facing camera can see your face and Rotate uses the orientation of your face rather than accelerometer info to decide how to rotate the screen.

Smart Scroll, a new feature on the S4, allows you to scroll up and down by tilting the phone or by tilting your head. It’s a bit hard to get it right the first time, but after that you can tilt your head down to scroll down and up to scroll back up. Smart Pause, on the other hand, uses the front-facing camera and tracks your face. It will automatically pause the video when you look away. Look back and the screen and the playback continues.

Wrap Up
Hands down, the Samsung Galaxy S4 lives up to its legacy as the worthy successor to the Galaxy S line. The big 5inch screen fits well into its compact body, with the 1080p Super AMOLED panel allowing significant image quality. The 13MP camera is one of the best in the industry today, and performance-wise, few could actually keep up with the S4. Add up the handful of new and advanced features included in the S4 and you have a very capable and complete life companion. Kudos to the guys at Samsung for this one, because indeed, the company is proving yet again that they are the king of the Android handset world.

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Slimmed Down, Trimmed Down & Amped Up for Maximum Poker Entertainment

The bold 888Poker Mobile App is guaranteed to be a smash with players everywhere. Not only is it a simplified version of the traditional 888poker desktop client, but it’s fully functional and mobile. Poker fans will certainly value the platform, owing to its dynamism, interactivity and user-friendliness. It is especially useful for players who want to get gaming in double quick time. In the near future, players will be able to experience added value with many additional features. Presently the 888poker Android App does not support hand replays, Multi-Table poker (MTTs), searching for other players or note-taking on opponents.

The mobile poker platform is unable to showcase many of the features found on the standard 888poker desktop client. Many of the limitations are a result of the mobile gaming devices themselves, not the software. The 888poker Android App is bubbling over with exciting features, such as a Slider Button that allows players to tailor their bet sizes and oversized buttons to make poker gaming that much easier. These are but a few of the examples of the many pluses available to players on their mobile smartphones.

Getting the new 888poker Android App: a Simplified Download

As a new player at 888poker, you’ll first want to register for an account using your personal computer. Then you can get started with the mobile gaming option on your Android smartphone or Android tablet. The 888poker arena is 100% safe and secure, and all deposits/withdrawals can be conducted with peace of mind, courtesy of reliable payments processing options. Information is required from you in order to open a new account, includes the following: a valid e-mail address, your home address and a username/password combination. 888poker advises players to make deposits from their personal computer. Simply use the Cashier Button to access multiple safe and secure deposit/withdrawal options, in currencies of your choice.

As soon as the initial stages have been completed, and your registration is done, you’re welcome to download the 888 Android poker app for the mobile smartphone that you’re using. Simply follow the App download links. Note that the installation will take place directly through 888poker, as opposed to the Android market. It is necessary however, for you to select non-market apps on your mobile smartphone in order to complete the task, and avoid any technical glitches that may occur during this installation process.

In order to find the 888poker app, simply click on Settings, then navigate to Applications, then Enable Unknown Sources. The download takes place relatively quickly, as it is only 10 MB to download. As soon as that is done, click on 888poker.apk and complete the process by installing the App. It is now possible to login using the same username and password combination that was created during the online registration at the 888poker desktop client.

In the event that any technical glitches or other complications crop up, it is possible that you may require the Flash drive. Many of the older Android smartphones simply don’t accommodate this. If you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding the download/installation of the Android poker app, feel free to e-mail 888poker via the following address: pokermobile@888poker.com.

Benefits to Signing up a New Players

If you’re new to 888poker, you’re welcome to sign up for free. When you do so, you’ll receive $8 free, as a gift from 888poker. As soon as the new account has been established, you can easily download the Android App onto your smartphone/tablet. Voila! You’re done!

Plenty of Bonuses on Offer for 888poker Android Players

Among the many benefits available to players are the enhanced levels of flexibility and mobility on offer. As a new player, you have the added benefit of receiving a generous 100% first deposit bonus up to $400. This is a great way to boost your bankroll in anticipation of real money poker gaming. Players are encouraged to take advantage of this new mobile app, and all the benefits it entails!

Summary of the 888 Poker Android App Download and Installation

• Before you get started, ensure that your mobile smartphone can accommodate Flash player or already has Flash player
• Click on the following buttons: Settings, Applications, Unknown Sources and then Enable the Non-Market App download
• Register for your free poker account at 888poker
• Claim your $8 free (terms and conditions apply)
• Click to register at 888poker –for your personal computer download
• Be sure to use the registration form which can be found in the lobby login screen
• The instant play version can be accessed through 888poker with no download required
• Use your 888poker free account, or the QR code on this page, and visit 888poker.com/android app to download to  your mobile smartphone
• As soon as the Android App has been downloaded, click on the following file: 888poker.apk to get started with the installation
• Remember, there’s no need to create a new user/password combination – use the same one from 888poker.com

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The Galaxy is another step forward in Virgin Mobile’s ability to provide the latest cutting-edge technology to adapt to an ever-evolving marketplace. This 4G phone offers a number of enviable amenities including high-speed internet access, Android’s 4.1 Jellybean feature (bringing an unprecedented level of graphical advantages) and a service known as S-Beam that allows for the sharing of large video, audio and photo files simply by touching together two devices that have this feature. If we combine these amenities with a five megapixel camera and flexible WiFi capabilities, it is no surprise that Virgin customers are extremely interested in what this phone has to offer. Click here to find out more about this offer.

This move by Virgin Mobile is seen as an increasing trend in the telecom industry. As technology continues to advance, so do the changing needs of the average client. By providing a number of different plans to choose from, Virgin Mobile can keep themselves ahead of the curve while retaining a loyal customer base so very necessary in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

While the Samsung Galaxy is not yet available under these current terms and conditions to customers outside of the United States, there are still a wide variety of phones and service plans to choose from that can accommodate nearly every budget or technological requirement. Indeed, it will be interesting to see what future offers Virgin Mobile promotes in what has certainly proven to be a highly flexible and constantly adapting marketplace.

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The rumors are rooted from formidable sources like Mobile-review‘s Eldar Murtazin said on Twitter that a “big announcement” is coming March 14 supported by SamMobile and The Verge both claims of several devices including the GS4 getting official on the said date.

Though there are no concrete specification details for Galaxy S4, you can take a bite with these powerful listings topped with an Exynos 5 processor –a multi-tasking juggernaut with 8 cores supported with 2GB of RAM while running Android 4.2.2, a massive 4.99” Full HD screen and a 13-megapixel camera.

The GS4 event is said to be held in New York, this is not usual knowing that the Mobile World Congress 2013 at Barcelona will be on February 25-28.

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How can QR codes benefit your business?

Realistically, print media will always be necessary to some degree, particularly for small businesses whose demographic may not all be entirely tech-savvy. Before QR codes, marketers would use URLs in their adverts, with limited success – while businesses did see a minor increase in online traffic, too many people were at risk of forgetting the URL before they got to a browser. These days, even self-declared technophobes own a smartphone of some kind, and so even those customers and clients who would usually just hold on to a flyer are now more likely to scan their way to a company’s homepage.

Equally, self-employed business owners and entrepreneurs can now use QR codes to establish themselves quickly as a useful connection. Rather than adding one more card to the collection usually acquired at networking events, your new contact can now simply scan your business card using their phone, and instantly add your details to their address book – even with a note describing who you are and a link to your website, if you choose.

Updating your print media

Making your printed marketing smartphone-friendly is a fairly simple process; here we’ve lined out where you need to go to get yourself set up.

Step 1: Create a QR code. There are QR-makers across the internet that can produce barcodes for different functions, but for one that just links to a URL, check out Kaywa for free, instant generation.

Step 2: Test your new QR code. Android owners can do this with the Barcode Scanner app, available for free on Google Play. Just hold the scanner over the image and watch it load up your browser and send you to your website!

Step 3: Create your new marketing materials. You can leave this relatively similar if you already have an established brand aesthetic, or you can start from scratch and simply edit one of the professional designs or sale at TemplateCloud.com, owned by printing company Flyerzone.

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Now as of the moment there is still no official announcement coming from Samsung, so basically major details such the price and availability is still in secrecy. So let’s just wait for a while until the Pink Galaxy Note II hits the world of being official.

Source: Samsung (Taiwan)

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Interestingly, Samsung takes the top three spots on the bestselling mobile phones, namely: Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Ace in which the 2nd-3rd position are interchangeably shared by Ace and GS2. This shows that mainstream users from UK go for Samsung, Nokia and Apple.

Now let’s see if the new Blackberry Z10 will change the layout of the sales data as it’s expected to hit the UK stores this week.

The post Samsung Galaxy S3 tops UK sales for the 9th times appeared first on Best Android Phones, Apps and Tablets.

Personally, it seemed the design was too HTC-ish, and wildly the spacing of the moniker “Samsung” above was too spacious along with the mini-USB port that’s coming out on the bottom of the phone. There’s also a little discrepancy on its specs that seemed not to go along, specially when you say TouchWiz vs. NatureX and men, are you kidding with Bluetooth 5.0?

So basically, take this leak with a tons of salt and expect more to come.

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