HTC Introduces The New HTC One (M8)

The new HTC One (M8) packs a curvier brushed metal body in Amber Gold, Gunmetal Gray and Glacial Silver. Features a 5 inch 1080p display, 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801, 2GB of RAM, 2600mAh battery, enhanced BoomSound speakers, 32GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards up 128GB.

The camera is one (no pun intended) of the new HTC One’s most unique features. HTC has put a “Duo Camera” on the new HTC One (M8), with one Ultrapixel sensor and one depth sensor. This will allow for Lytro like focusing (giving the ability to adjust focal points after snapping a picture) and will offer higher detail than the previous HTC One. We're not quite sure why, however HTC has also included a 5MP wide angle front facing camera.

There are also a handful of new software features included in the new HTC One (M8) there’s SenseTV, a TV hub that works as a remote serving up social information based on TV programming, sports stats and more. Fitness information will be provided by Fitbit using either the HTC One (M8) or with the use of a Fitbit accessory. BlinkFeed will feature more content with third-party integration such as newly added Foursquare.

HTC has made the device available on select carriers. It will be coming to more carrier's in the US so check your carriers website for availablilty. We’ll keep updating with information as it’s available.

Source: HTC

Apple Reportedly Considering iTunes Music Store For Android Phones

Apple's iTunes store may still be one of the most popular sources for downloading cheap music, however you need an iOS device to take advantage. According to Billboard, the magazine's own sources claim that Apple has begun discussions with several record label execs with topics ranging from a streaming service to compete with Spotify to an iTunes app for Android devices. 

Launching such an application isn't as simple as dropping it in Google Play. Complex negotiations with record labels are reportedly in the very early stages at this point so it'll likely be some time before we see this latest concept materialize, when and if it's due to debut.

Source: Billboard

Google Search Updated With ‘Take A Photo’ And ‘Take A Video’ Commands

The latest addition to the Google Search app is the ability to launch your device’s camera using your voice. You can say “Take a photo” or “Take a video” and Google Now will launch you into the appropriate camera mode. This feature is not available to non Google Now Launcher users.

This feature is useful for the Moto X and other always listening devices. Without touching the phone, you could launch the camera and have it be ready to snap some photos. 

Now what's on our mind: Is this smartwatch capable? Will smartwatch users be able to use this new functionality with smartwatches using Android Wear? What's your thoughts on this new feature, leave us your comments!

To download and use the Google Now Launcher on any phone running Android 4.4 KitKat follow our link.

Motorola Announces Android Wear Powered Moto 360 Smartwatch

Motorola has just announced plans to bringing an Android Wear smartwatch this summer. From the looks of it the Moto 360 smartwatch will be a high end watch that rely a lot on traditional watch design. Motorola hasn't announced pricing or details regarding specs however has said the Moto 360 will feature “premium materials” and arrive globally in several styles this summer. 

"Moto 360 keeps you on time and up to date without taking you out of the moment or distracting you, telling you what you need to know before you know you need it through subtle alerts and notifications. With just a twist of the wrist you can see who’s emailing or calling, what time your next meeting is or a friend’s latest social post… Moto 360 also responds to your voice. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like who won the Stanford vs. New Mexico game or what time your flight leaves, or to get stuff done like scheduling an appointment, sending a text, setting an alarm or taking a note".

 

The Moto 360 shows that Motorola will have what appears to be an option between a steel or a rubber-like material for the watch strap. The company posted a video (above) that gives a glimpse at the making of the watch.

Alongside the announcement of the new Android Wear SDK for wearables Google also announced a number of partners working on projects including Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung. Chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm. Fashion brand Fossil Group.

Source: Motorola Blog

Republic Wireless Lands The Moto G

Republic Wireless has announced the availability of the Motorola Moto G. The 8GB version will cost $149 and the 16GB version will cost $179. 

Both are sold contract free, though customers can choose from several different financing options if they so wish. Republic Wireless which is a Sprint MVNO uses a combination of cellular data and Wi-Fi to pass VoIP based calls through the internet rather than through traditional voice networks. 

Republic Wireless offers several plans, including unlimited talk, text, and data on Wi-Fi only for $5 per month. The second includes unlimited talk and text on Wi-Fi and cellular, and unlimited data on Wi-Fi for $10 per month. The third includes unlimited talk, text and data on Wi-Fi, plus 3G cellular for $25 per month. 

The Moto G has a 4.5-inch 720p HD screen, 5-megapixel camera, and 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor. It runs a stock version of Android 4.4 KitKat. The Moto G will be available beginning in April.

Source: Republic Wireless

AT&T’s Aio Wireless Will Become "The New Cricket"

AT&T will now merge Aio Wireless into Leap’s Cricket prepaid brand.

The good news is that not much is changing, at least for now. If you are an Aio Wireless customer, the only change you’ll see in the coming months is the new logo. You'll get access to the same network, same plans, and your same phone number. You also don’t need to change phones or update billing info.

When the Cricket and Aio brands are fully merged, you’ll be able to find retail Cricket stores and do shopping or ask questions. Until then you will receive support the same way you do now by dialing 611.

If you are a current Cricket customer, things will change significantly over time. For now, no need to change anything on your end but when you do Cricket will invite you into a new store to pick-up a new phone and plan.

Source: Aio Wireless (The New Cricket)

Google Putting The Brakes On Tap & Pay Functionality, For Non Android 4.4 KitKat Devices

Google is doing away with Tap & Pay functionality on April 14 for non Android 4.4 KitKat devices. You will only be able to store loyalty cards and offers, send money to friends, view orders, and use the physical Google Wallet card to make purchases.

Google has begun sending emails out notifying users who meet the non KitKat criteria and also updated the Google Wallet support pages. 

Google mentions in the email that KitKat “works with different technology for an improved experience”. One can only assume Google is referring to Host Card Emulation (HCE). HCE allows devices to make secure NFC purchases without needing a Secure Element. This feature was first introduced with Android 4.4 KitKat update.

Download Our New The Phone Ninja Android App...

Hello ladies and gentlemen, we here at The Phone Ninja need your help. We have created an Android app that is currently in beta.

Please take the time to join our The Phone Ninja community by clicking the following link, after joining our community click our Google Play Store link to install our new The Phone Ninja Android app from the Google Play Store.

Please be sure to comment on our The Phone Ninja community page as to errors, recommendations, or comments in regards to our Android app. Your recommendations and comments will allow us to make our app better.

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Google Drops Price Of All Google Drive Plans

Google announced today on its blog that it’s lowering the monthly pricing plans it offers for users buying extra storage on Google Drive. Google attributes the changes to “recent infrastructure improvements” that is allowing it to offer more affordable storage options. Google reminds us that, as always, Drive storage purchased through the new plans counts towards storage for Drive, Gmail and Google+ Photos.

The new plans begin at just $1.99 for 100GB (down from the previous $4.99). There is also a new $10 plan for 1TB (down from $50 previously), and a 10TB and up option that starts at $99.99. Google will also continue offering the free 15GB option that comes with your Google account for Drive, Gmail and Google+.

The new pricing plans for Google Drive are available now through www.google.com/settings/storage. Users that are already signed up for a monthly plan will be automatically switched to the new plans.

Download Our New "The Phone Ninja" Beta App

Hello ladies and gentlemen, we here at "The Phone Ninja" need your help. We have created an Android app that is currently in beta.

Please take the time to join our "The Phone Ninja" community by clicking the following link, after joining our community click our Google Play Store beta link to join and install our new "The Phone Ninja" beta app from the Google Play Store.

Please be sure to comment on our "The Phone Ninja" community page as to errors, recommendations, or comments in regards to our beta app. Your recommendations and comments will allow us to make our app better prior to the full release on the Google Play Store.

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