Phones

LG, seemingly unable to keep a secret, today teased a 5.5-inch version of the Optimus G Pro.

Presumably arriving in late February at Mobile World Congress, the handset aims to take on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

A teaser image posted on an LG Facebook page provides an early glimpse of the larger, yet familiar design. Although the official details for the 5.5-inch handset are light, early rumors suggest that a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and a 13-megapixel camera are in order. For all practical purposes, the new phone looks to be a larger take on … Read more

Verizon will issue an update for the HTC Droid DNA in the near term that tackles some of the more frustrating user problems encountered by customers so far.

In a blog post, Big Red promises to update the HTC Droid DNA. Sorry, but this isn't the Android 4.2.2 update currently rolling out to the Nexus line; this is far less ambitious.

Once installed, the handset will benefit from better connectivity and added functionality. There is very little new in the software, but most of the features outlined are listed with "improvements."

While the phrasing is opaque, … Read more

Months after Google began selling the LG-made Nexus 4 Android 4.2 smartphone, it (finally) has a wireless charger to offer as well.

The charging accessory, available in the Google Play store, resembles a sheared-off Nexus Q and costs $59.99.

Google's wireless charger, like most, relies on the Qi protocol of inductive charging. The upshot is that the charger will be able to power other smartphones using the same standard.

I personally think this is a hefty sticker price for an add-on that's long been underscored as part of the Nexus 4's key selling points. Even … Read more

The highly anticipated HTC M7 is rumored to shed its code name for the more formal, "HTC One" branding next week, according to various reports.

Details surfaced this past weekend suggesting that HTC will stick with a familiar "HTC One" naming convention for the flagship device, with the twist that the moniker stops there.

However, the "One" name, if accurate, may do little to help differentiate it from other models in HTC's One series of phones, first introduced a year ago at Mobile World Congress.

If true, would the average consumer know that … Read more

If there's one smartphone that looks like it could challenge the Samsung Galaxy S3's supremacy, it's the HTC Droid DNA.

CNET's Brian Bennett called it "the best phone I've seen from HTC in a long while, especially on Verizon," and a "better buy" than both the S3 and Motorola Droid Razr HD.

But the $199.99 Verizon charges for it (with a two-year contract, natch)? Ouch. Thankfully, there's a deal to be had: for a limited time, Wirefly has the HTC Droid DNA for $49.99 shipped. That's for … Read more

The iPhone 5 trailed four Android phones for user satisfaction, according to a new report out today.

Conducted by mobile research firm OnDevice Research, the poll asked 320,000 smartphone and tablet users in six countries how satisfied they were with their devices. Among the 93,825 people surveyed in the U.S., Motorola's Atrix HD came out on top, followed by Motorola's Droid Razr M, HTC's Rezound 4G, and Samsung's Galaxy Note 2, leaving the iPhone 5 in fifth place.

"Although Apple created one of the most revolutionary devices of the past decade, other … Read more

Ever since the sixth-generation iPod Nano, lots of people have thought that Apple making its own branded watch is not merely a smart potential move but simply a matter of time. No matter what some have recently argued, I doubt, however, that today's Apple is hungry enough to create the fabled iWatch device.… Read more

If you own a Motorola Electrify M on U.S. Cellular, a sweet treat is coming your way soon. The svelte device will receive access to an Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update starting February 12.

A close cousin to the Motorola Droid Razr M on Verizon, the Electrify M features the same 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus processor, 8GB of internal storage, and a 4.3-inch AMOLED (960x540 pixels) screen.

Also like the Razr M, the Electrify M offers a speedy 4G LTE data connection plus an 8-megapixel camera that captures 1080p HD video. Weighing just under … Read more

The Epiphany One Puck may well be the world's most awesome coaster. It may also be the most useful. The One Puck doesn't just protect your coffee table from drink sweat, it also charges up your smartphone.

You don't have to plug the Puck into an outlet. It uses a small Stirling engine to provide the power. The device has two sides, one red and one blue. Place a hot drink on the red side, or a cold drink on the blue side.

Stirling engines have been around since the 1800s. They work by turning heat disparities into energy. Epiphany Labs has built a working prototype of its One Puck, though the company is still vague on just how long it takes for the device to charge up a phone. There are a lot of variables at play, including how hot or cold the source is.… Read more