Development

This morning, I installed the Firefox 15 beta on my two favored Android devices: a Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone and an Asus Nexus 7 tablet.

Big deal, you say. Installing a browser. Ho-hum.

It shouldn't be a big deal, but it is -- because you can't install Firefox on an iPhone, an iPad, or a forthcoming Windows RT tablet.

But on Android, Google has chosen to let any other browser compete directly against its own. For that reason, I regularly use Opera Mini and Opera Mobile alongside Google's Chrome. The Dolphin Browser HD, installed more than 10 … Read more

When the time is right to propose to your significant other and you decide the way to do it is to create a custom boot animation for their Android phone (and you think they'll say yes and not "what the hell is wrong with my phone?"), who you gonna call? XDA Developers forum, that's who. … Read more

I've finally had a few days to decompress from Google I/O 2012 and wrap my head around all of last week's big announcements. And with a tablet, a streaming media device, Google Glass, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, there was plenty to go around.

While I certainly love the power and performance of the Nexus 7 tablet, it's Jelly Bean, and specifically Google Now, that blows my mind.

Don't get me wrong, I've seen a number of Siri-like apps for Android over the last year or so, many of which have their own … Read more

The Android version of the Google Play Store will get yet another makeover, according to details hitting the Internet this week. Italian Android site HDblog (translate) obtained an image, which appears to show a new look for the app store that borrows from previous versions yet still resembles its desktop counterpart.

Appearing cleaner and clutter-free, the Google Play Store experience appears to offer quick access to the various types of content such as games, music, and books. The color-coded icons across the bottom mimic those found on the desktop version and the top left has what looks to be a … Read more

The next iPhone could let users buy products and share files through near field communication.

Code pulled from Pre-EVT (Engineering Verification Testing) iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2 prototypes by 9to5Mac leads the Apple enthusiast site to believe that NFC chips and an antenna will be built into this year's iPhone.

If true, it means Apple would finally jump onto the mobile payments bandwagon, allowing its users to purchase goods and services directly through their smartphones. This latest rumor also comes on top of the company's launch of Passbook, a feature slated for iOS 6 that would … Read more

With Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, fast approaching, it's time to once again predict some of the Android-related items that I expect out of the three-day event. As usual, there's no shortage of Android rumors to ponder, but this year seems to be just a little bit different. For the first time since Android was announced, we're expecting to see an Android device officially launch at the conference. Exciting? Sure, but there's much more. … Read more

Android developers now have the ability to reply to user reviews and comments left in the Google Play store, according to the official developers blog. Starting today, those listed with Top Developers badges can log into the Developer Console and leave replies and other messages to users. A wider release is expected once additional feedback is gathered from developers and the Android community.

Ideally, this is a good way for companies to show its users that comments and criticism don't fall on deaf ears. Using the new tools, developers can create dialogue with its base and let them know … Read more

The iPhone 5 will not only offer a major refresh but expand its appeal around the world, according to one analyst.

The sixth-generation iPhone is expected to sport three big improvements, says analyst Shaw Wu. Picking up intel from suppliers, Wu sees a new form factor, a slightly larger screen, and 4G LTE support built into Apple's next flagship phone. These features should help the upcoming iPhone outscore the iPhone 4 and 4S at picking up new customers and enticing existing ones to upgrade.

Other reports and various rumors have pointed to a redesigned body, a 4-inch screen, and … Read more

Sharp today announced that it has partnered with design firm Frog to create a new user experience for the next wave of Aquos smartphones. Expected to arrive this summer, the Feel UX promises to have a highly customizable interface that integrates features like a personalized lock screen and widgets with real-time weather. … Read more