Phones

Samsung's Galaxy S4 may be getting its full unveiling later today, but that hasn't stopped a YouTube user from posting videos of what he claims is the device in action.

YouTube user iStevenCom has posted four videos today showing the Samsung Galaxy S4's new features. The first shows the device's ability to react to user input without actually touching the screen. Another video shows how the device will automatically pause a video when the viewer looks away.

The features shown in the videos seem to follow the rumors surrounding the Galaxy S4. For weeks, we've … Read more

LG is aiming to steal some of Samsung's Galaxy S4 thunder with a copycat billboard in Times Square.

In the heart of New York City, LG has updated its traditional billboard to tout its Optimus G phone. But the billboard is a virtual duplicate of the one for the Galaxy S4.

LG's billboard is a bit larger than Samsung's and towers above it on a Times Square building, potentially stealing the attention of busy New Yorkers.

Even LG's ad copy takes a swipe at Samsung.

The Galaxy 4S billboard tells people to "Be ready 4 … Read more

Editors' note: This piece was originally posted on January 24, 2013. We'll continuously update the roundup until the device's official launch. Until then, be sure to join us live on March 14 during Samsung's Global Unpacked Event, and please let us know if we missed any rumors ourselves.

Considering the popularity and success of the Samsung Galaxy S3, it's understandable that whispers of its successor (presumably called the Galaxy S4) are circulating. From iffy launch dates to spec upgrades, CNET tracks all the talk and rounds up the latest GS4 rumors here.

March 13, 2013 Bloomberg thinks eye-scrolling's a no-go If you're about ready to throw a parade about the rumored eye-scrolling technology in the GS4, Bloomberg's just as ready to rain on it. According to sources "familiar with the device," the handset will have no such thing. At best, it'll have some simple eye-tracking technology, like pausing a video when your eyes move away from the display. At worst it'll show up in future devices. Talk about being a negative Ninny, Bloomberg.… Read more

Cricket Wireless this week announced a new Android smartphone with the Engage LT. Manufactured by ZTE, the handset is now on sale for $179.99 at the no-contract carrier.

You'd be forgiven if you thought this new model sounded similar to a current offering; it's nearly identical to the ZTE Engage announced in late 2012. In fact, it's hard to imagine how Cricket plans to position the two devices considering just how closely they resemble each other.

The Engage LT runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and features a 4-inch display, a single-core 1GHz processor, 1GB … Read more

If you've ever been rudely interrupted by a doorbell because someone was dropping by your house at an inconvenient time, this prototype doorbell will make a lot of sense.

DoorJamz from KMN Home is a touchless, customizable doorbell that lets you adjust the ring volume, as well as set the ring to a favorite tune, just like the Swann MP3 DJ Doorbell.

As suggested in the promo video below (warning: it features a half-naked guy dancing in white socks, a la "Risky Business"), you can choose MP3s for different days of the week or for any occasion, such as "Thriller" on Halloween.

I'd definitely choose "Harlem Shake." … Read more

If you live in America and are passionate about HTC smartphones, the company has a treat in store. HTC just announced via its official blog a special Developer Edition of its hotly anticipated HTC One flagship handset. The device costs an unsubsidized $649 and will ship only to buyers with U.S. ZIP codes. … Read more

Google's Motorola might have had an upcoming smartphone leaked to the Web.

Vietnam-based tech site TinhTe today posted images and videos of a Motorola prototype device that it says could be ready for store shelves in the coming months. The handset has a noticeably softer design than those currently offered by Motorola, with rounded edges and a smooth backplate. The handset also comes with a Motorola's signature "M" logo on the back and above its display.

In terms of specs, it's somewhat impressive. The handset has a 4.65-inch HD display, according to TinhTe, and … Read more

Samsung tried to conjure up a bit of Fred Astaire for its latest Galaxy S4 promotion.

As the new Galaxy phone gets ready for its big debut tomorrow, the smartphone maker took to Times Square to try to wow the crowds with a dance number.

Outfitted with bowler hats and black suits with the number 4 on the back, the dancers emerged from a paneled box entitled "Be Ready 4 The Next GALAXY." The troupe performed the old soft-shoe routine before dancing back into the box.

Samsung described the video as a "a cool flash mob for … Read more

NFC technology has been poised to reach critical mass, at least in the U.S., for years now. Touted to bestow upon smartphones a wide range of magical solutions, proponents of NFC (near field communication) have said it will enable everything from using your phone as a digital wallet, serving as a secure and convenient method of identification, to even unlocking your home's front door.

And if the technology's big presence at MWC 2013 was any indication, it seems the long wait for the wonderful world of NFC might actually be nearing an end. Yes, almost all of … Read more