This episode, the Google/Motorola deal is the big news of the day, but we also delve into the murky world of Intel's Ultrabook concept, as well as some MIA Samsung laptops. Also--a quick rundown of the biggest, baddest 18-inch gaming laptop ever, and a chance to pick up a sweet Call of Duty T-shirt, just by commenting on our Facebook page.
Bonus: Download the show's jaunty theme song as a free MP3 here.
If you were a bit shocked by Monday's news that Google was shelling out a cool $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility, we don't blame you in the least. Indeed, the acquisition was unexpected considering Google has spend its life building anything other than hardware. The changes for consumers, Android's Nexus line, the supply of mobile patents, and the smartphone market as a whole will be momentous. What's more, it effectively means the end of a somewhat struggling company that not only was an early supporter of Android, but also did much to build the cell … Read more
If there's one thing I've learned over the course of Android's history it's that people are always looking to the next big thing. "Forget the phone due out next week, I want to know about the one coming out next quarter!" seems to be the mentality of a majority of Android's faithful followers. Perhaps that is exactly why so many Android blogs are quick to share every single blurry image and detail associated with the Droid Bionic. For all the agonizing and waiting we've endured for the past nine months, it's … Read more
MetroPCS Communications announced today that subscribers of the company's $60-per-month Android phone rate plan can receive access to the Rhapsody Unlimited Music service, and some 12 million songs.
Only the service isn't unlimited, at least with regard to the music, due to the absence of one of the four major record labels. Warner Music Group, which has a reputation for being a tough negotiator with digital services, is the only major that didn't sign on to the MetroPCS deal. It's the third-largest of the record companies.
In the past, Warner pulled its music off YouTube during a contract dispute and reportedly was slow to license Spotify's U.S. service. Warner Music and Rhapsody representatives declined to comment about the negotiations.
The idea of bundling music into phone services has been around awhile. The top labels have looked for ways to achieve this but some of the earliest attempts, such as Nokia's "Comes With Music," were a bust.
In that case, consumers were asked to purchase phones that came preloaded with music. With MetroPCS, the music and the charges are tucked into the service and monthly bills.
MetroPCS, a wireless carrier, is known for offering prepaid phones, and a music deal like this should be attractive to the labels. It could help them reach an audience that includes people who aren't participating in the digital economy. It is believed that many MetroPCS subscribers don't own credit cards. … Read more
If you've ever wondered what Playboy looks like in Braille, you'll want to check out this 404 podcast. Today, the Internet Archives is showing us how it's endeavoring to scan all books and magazines (including Playboy) for posterity.
Before we get to that story, however, we begin with Jalopnik's hunt for the hottest TV traffic reporter. It includes one of Jeff's childhood friends from summer camp who somehow ties into Justin's morning routine.
After that, we have a couple of tips on how to avoid in-person conversations with the help of your phone. Then we move onto a strange study that profiles the drinking, eating, and social habits of Android vs. iPhone users, a mysterious prototype MacBook Pro with 3G spotted on eBay, and a handful of Calls from the Public!
The 404 Digest for Episode 884 Android users versus iPhone users. What it's like to read Playboy in Braille. OMG, it's happening again: Prototype MacBook Pro with 3G spotted on eBay. Ever faked a cell phone call? You're not alone. Who's the hottest TV traffic reporter? Video voicemail from Marshall's dancing girlfriend. Episode 884 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read moreLogitech, which makes plenty of PC speakers, has now moved into the tablet arena with the aptly named Logitech Tablet Speaker.
In case you're wondering, this isn't a Bluetooth speaker. It actually clips on to your tablet and has a jack that plugs into the headphone port.
While it isn't wireless, at least it doesn't require a power adapter: the built-in rechargeable battery drives the speaker for up to 8 hours and charges via USB.
We got a quick look and listen to the speaker at a recent Logitech preview event and it certainly offered better … Read more
An older version of a controversial Android app called "Dog Wars" has been modified to include a Trojan horse that takes actions without the device owner knowing it, according to security firm Symantec.
The app sends a text message to everyone in the contact list that says, "I take pleasure in hurting small animals, just thought you should know that," and signs United States-based devices up for a text alert service operated by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Irfan Asrar wrote in a post on the Symantec blog.
"We have no reason to believe that PETA had anything to do with this app, and that it is most likely the work of someone attempting to associate the app with PETA," he writes.
A PETA representative provided this statement when asked for comment: "We don't know who created this version of the app, but we think it is ingenious. When someone creates a game that glorifies animal abuse, you can bet that people will come up with clever, smart ways to take action against it." … Read more
The first pictures of an Android-powered Samsung Celox have arrived online, providing an early look at the rumored LTE Galaxy S II device.
Word of the smartphone first surfaced last week when it was reported that Samsung was readying the device for Korean carriers. Specifications included a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 16GB storage, an 8-megapixel camera, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Keeping in line with other recent Samsung releases, the Celox was listed as running Android 2.3 Gingerbread with TouchWiz 4.0 UI.
Unlike the first pictures we saw of the Colex, … Read more
Why are schools no longer teaching typing? Typing class used to be a sanctuary for nerds, but now that everyone has a smartphone and a Facebook profile, some school districts are making a case against teaching standardized touch-typing lessons.
But before we dive into the technology lessons we think should be taught in all grade schools, we start today's episode of The 404 Podcast with a recap of the past week's metaprotesting in San Francisco and the flames that ignited Anonymous to shut down public transit.
The 404 Digest for Episode 883 SF subway closes stations during Anonymous protest. Why are schools no longer teaching typing? A video voice mail from Andrew in Ontario! Episode 883 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read moreU.S. Cellular customers looking for a prepaid account will now have two more phones to choose from: the Samsung Gem and the HTC Merge.
The angular, black plastic Gem is a full touch-screen Android 2.2 Froyo handset. It has a 3.2-inch screen, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and it'll cost $139.99.
The heavier HTC Merge has metal accents, also runs Android 2.2, has a 3.8-inch touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and dual-SIM mode for world travel. It costs $299.99.
U.S. Cellular's prepaid plans range from $40 to $… Read more
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