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Smartphones

Intel has a new CEO: Now what?

Intel decided to play it safe with its next leader.

By going with tradition and tapping an insider, Chief Operating Officer Brian Krzanich, as its new CEO, Intel is signalling to the world that it has no intention of making any radical changes.

Nevertheless, Krzanich will need to make some big moves if Intel is to retain its dominant position in the technology world. The choices he makes in the coming months and years will have a big impact, not only on the company, but also on the future of the broader computing arena.

Krzanich takes over at a time … Read more

Blaq is the best Twitter app for BlackBerry 10

The official Twitter app that came pre-installed on your BlackBerry 10 device gets the job done, but it's missing a lot of features. Instead of waiting for Twitter to make improvements and add functionality to the app, do yourself a favor and download Blaq.

BlackBerry fans will recognize the name of the app, as it has been available on legacy BlackBerry devices as well as the PlayBook.

Currently listed at $2.99 in BlackBerry World, Blaq is compatible with both the Z10 and Q10.

You'll find Twitter streaming support, the ability to mute keywords and clients, BBM integration, … Read more

HTC One buyers can score cash by trading in current phone

Those of you who pick up the HTC One smartphone could get cash back if you trade in your current phone.

Kicking off Thursday, the offer rewards buyers of the HTC One with as little as $100 or as much as $375 for trading it any one of a number of phones. The trade-in promo page lists the following phones: iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Droid Razr, LG Optimus 4X HD, BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Curve, and BlackBerry Bold.

But a variety of other phones are also eligible depending on their condition. HTC's Trade-Up page lets you … Read more

Motorola X Phone rumors, benchmarks march on

Benchmarks for a smartphone called the Motorola XT1055 have emerged online this week, leading many to believe the device could be part of the fabled X Phone series.

The benchmark scores for the rumored handset show an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system with a Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor.

Considering the model number and very preliminary specifications, we could be looking at one of the first X Phones from the Motorola and Google team.

As a frame of reference, Verizon's Motorola Droid Razr HD carries the XT926 model number, which is similar to the one found here. … Read more

T-Mobile-bound Sony Xperia Z clears the FCC

Documents listed on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Web site suggest that T-Mobile may soon offer a version of the Sony Xperia Z.

Details show that this flagship Sony smartphone will support T-Mobile's newly launched LTE network as well as pentaband HSPA+. In addition to the standard fare of photos and test results, the docs reveal the user manual and features such as Wi-Fi calling.

First announced in January at CES, the Sony Xperia Z has yet to find a home in the United States. Hardware specifications include a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a 13-megapixel rear … Read more

Test drive the Galaxy S4 with Samsung's online simulator

Samsung has been good about providing online simulators for its smartphones, like the Galaxy Nexus and the Note. With the release of its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, it has updated the simulator's interface to make the tutorials easier to navigate and much easier to read. The simulator is great if you want to get an idea of what the phone is like or if you want to learn more about it, either for yourself, or for someone that you're helping.

You can get to the Galaxy S4 simulator by pointing your Web browser to http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/simulators/GalaxyS4.… Read more

Smartphone safety lagging, Consumer Reports finds

Sometimes, you are better off with a dumb phone.

That way, you aren't exposed to all the potential risks of carrying a smartphone. As Consumer Reports shows today in its annual "State of the Net" report, carrying a modern mobile phone is a heckuva convenience but creates all sorts of problems that go beyond what most people realize.

The magazine interviewed 1,656 adult smartphone users and extrapolated the results nationally:

Many users don't secure their phones. Almost 40 percent don't take even minimal security measures. Malicious software is a real threat. Last year, 5.… Read more

New Yorkers can pay for taxis via e-hailing apps within 60 days

NEW YORK--New Yorkers will be able to hail -- and pay -- for taxis via smartphone apps within 60 days, a New York Taxi & Limousine Commission executive said Wednesday.

Taxi-hailing apps help potential passengers locate a ride in real time. They simply put their location into an app, which is then sent to designated cars nearby. The first to arrive on the scene gets to pick up the customer. In many locations, users can also pay for their ride using the app, but New Yorkers currently have to pay for their ride in the traditional manner, either with cash … Read more

T-Mobile, MetroPCS are now one

T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS have made it official and joined forces as one company.

Known as T-Mobile US as of Wednesday, the new combined company will bring together the networks, subscribers, and other assets. The newly united carriers together hold around 43 million subscribers as of March 31.

T-Mobile US's total coverage reaches around 301 million people. A full 228 million have access to 4G, while 200 million are expected to be covered by 4G LTE by the end of the year.

Had they united last year, the combined company's revenues would have reached $24.8 billion. Management … Read more