Xperia Z, ZL, ZR, and Tablet Z Android 4.3 update just around the corner

Just yesterday, we covered how Android 4.3 had begun rolling out to the Sony Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra. The release surprised no one, as we recently saw Android 4.3 leaks for the  Sony Xperia Z and the Xperia ZL, both of which were met with great user response. Now, Sony appears to be ready to continue this trend, with impending updates for the latter two devices (the Xperia Z and ZL), as well as updates for the Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z.

As discovered by Xperiablog.net, Android 4.3 (build 10.4.B.0.569) has just obtained certification by the PTCRB regulatory commission for the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, and Xperia Tablet Z. This certification is an essential step in OEM-issued updates, as it ensures compliance with 3GPP network standards.

There is unfortunately no official word regarding these updates and what new features they bring to the supported devices. Furthermore, no projected OTA timetable is currently available. That said, it’s only a matter of time now that the update has been submitted and approved.

Are you looking forward to 4.3 on your Xperia Z, ZL, ZR, or Tablet Z or are you really just looking forward to KitKat? Are there any features in particular from the Z1 and Z Ultra updates that you’re hoping to score on your device? Let me know in the comments below,

Windows Phone 8.1 Should Be a Huge Upgrade

Just one week ago, we talked about how Microsoft was contemplating axing licensing fees on its Windows Phone and Windows RT OSes in order to help spur adoption and exposure to Microsoft services and advertising. As it turns out, that’s not the only big shakeup Microsoft has in mind with regards to its mobile OSes. While no details have yet been officially released, sources have revealed to The Verge that the next version of the OS will pack some major (and much needed) additions.

The most long overdue feature addition that is likely to appear in Windows Phone 8.1″Blue” is a notification center. Unlike Android and iOS, Windows Phone currently has no centralized place for notifications to be read, acted on, and dismissed. But in internal Windows Phone 8.1 betas, a new notification system is present. This notification system is two part: a short swipe from the top exposes quick device settings, whereas a longer swipe from the top displays your full notification history.

In addition to the notification center, WP8.1 is also rumored to feature the “Cortana” digital assistant. Allegedly, this has already been in testing for months, and it is set to replace the current system-wide Bing search. It will also likely feature location-aware automatic reminder capabilities such as what’s already present in Google Now.

Finally a few other small tweaks are set to appear in WP 8.1 such as on-screen navigation buttons (seen in the mockup image courtesy of Evleaks and TheVerge), smart search results similar to what is already present in Windows 8.1, VPN support, independent volume controls for media playback and ringtone volume, and the separation of Xbox Music and Xbox Video. The company is also reportedly planning on allowing social media apps to interface with its People hub to an even greater degree.

Microsoft certainly has some rather large tweaks in store for Windows Phone. Regardless of what happens with the licensing fees, Windows Phone looks like it is about to catch its second wind. Do all these new tweaks make the prospect of owning a Windows Phone more appealing to you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source

Top iPhone and iPad Apps of 2013

Video games have once again dominated the lists of top 10 downloads on iPhone and iPad, beating apps such as Facebook and Instagram.

Minecraft: Pocket Edition was the number one paid-for app on both the iPhone and iPad this year, and in fact the top 10 paid-for apps on iPad were all video games.

Or at least technically, we don’t imagine apps like Wreck-It Ralph or even Angry Birds Star Wars HD are going to be appearing on many gamers’ lists of the best of the year.

Games also dominated the paid-for iPhone top 10, with only two health & fitness titles breaking up the list.

In terms of free apps the story was only slightly different, with Bejeweled clone Candy Crush Saga topping the charts for both iPhone and iPad. Temple Run 2 also made the iPhone and iPad top 10 lists but was closely by 4 Pics 1 Word, which we admit we’ve never heard of before.

Also in the free app list is Despicable Me: Minion Rush, which together with Wreck-It Ralph shows that while kids’ movie tie-ins may be all but dead on consoles they’ve found a new home on smart devices.

Top 10 Free iPhone Apps

Candy Crush Saga (Games)
Snapchat (Photo & Video)
Temple Run 2 (Games)
4 Pics 1 Word (Games)
YouTube (Photo & Video)
Google Maps (Navigation)
Facebook (Social Networking)
Instagram (Phot & Video)
Despicable Me: Minion Rush (Games)
Skype for iPhone (Social Networking)

Top 10 Paid iPhone Apps

Minecraft: Pocket Edition (Games)
Angry Birds Star Wars (Games)
Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock (Health & Fitness)
Temple Run: Oz (Games)
The Chase (Games)
Facetune (Photo & Video)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Games)
Plague Inc. (Games)
Angry Birds Star Wars II (Games)
7 Minute Workout Challenge (Health & Fitness)

Top 10 Free iPad Apps

Candy Crush Saga (Games)
YouTube (Photo & Video)
Skype for iPad (Social Networking)
Temple Run 2 (Games)
BBC iPlayer (Entertainment)
ITV Player (Entertainment)
eBay for iPad (Lifestyle)
Despicable Me: Minion Rush (Games)
4 Pics 1 Word (Games)
Calculator for iPad Free (Utilities)

Top 10 Paid iPad Apps

Minecraft: Pocket Edition (Games)
Wreck-it Ralph (Games)
Angry Birds Star Wars HD (Games)
The Chase (Games)
Temple Run: Oz (Games)
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Games)
Angry Birds Star Wars II (Games)
Peppa Pig’s Holiday (Games)
Plants Vs. Zombies HD (Games)
Scrabble For iPad (Games)

Original Tomb Raider launched for iOS

Square Enix has launched the original Tomb Raider as an iOS app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. 

The original Tomb Raider can be played on any touchscreen iOS device running iOS 7 or later and is available to download now from the App Store. 

“Here at last! The original genre defining adventure Tomb Raider now available for your iPad and iPhone”, reads the App Store information. 

Priced at 69p, the original Tomb Raider has been ported into a touchscreen version of the original game first released in 1996. 

Influential at the time, the game mixes puzzles, platform and combat elements as you follow Lara Croft’s exploits to discover ancient treasures. 

Unfortunately there's no word on an Android version of the game as yet.

The app launch follows the announcement that the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot will be making its way onto Xbox One and PS4 on January 31 2014, known as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. 

The next-generation version of the critically acclaimed Tomb Raider reboot will come with all the DLC packs already released on Xbox 360 and PS3. 

“See Lara Croft like never before. With every bead of sweat, strand of hair, and article of clothing delivered in obsessive detail. Endure a stunningly reimagined island, fraught with new, unforgiving storms, and alive with motion,” reads the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition blurb. 

New Holiday Add for iPhone 5S "Misunderstood"

Apple has released a new holiday ad for the iPhone 5s with a Christmas theme. The ad shows an extended family getting together to celebrate Christmas under one roof.

The ad features a boy who is shown being busy on his phone, while everyone around him is taking part in the festivities. This is a common sight now that we see everywhere, with people having their faces buried in their smartphones even when they are in the company of others, being socially reclusive. However, in this video, that’s not really what is happening.

Well, you should really watch the video to find out what is really happening and why the ad is titled ‘Misunderstood’. As usual, Apple has delivered yet another brilliant ad that you can connect emotionally with and also shows you what the product is capable of doing.

Here is the video

Windows Phone Store reaches 200,000 apps

The continued efforts from Microsoft is paying off as the Windows Phone Store hit 200,000 apps just a few days ago. From modest beginnings in 2010, to 100,000 apps in June last year to double that just in time for the holidays this year.

Microsoft will be releasing $100 million worth of gift cards to 100 retailers across 41 markets to make it easier for users to buy apps (i.e. receive a gift card for the holidays).

Microsoft is stepping up its game when it comes to carrier billing. In developing markets where credit cards are rare, carrier billing brings a 6-fold increase in app purchases. Just recently Microsoft finalized agreements with new carriers, bringing the total to 51 carriers across 31 markets, more than any other platform.

The Windows Phone Store is available in 190 countries, offering 200,000 apps and serving 12 million requests each day. That’s not a billion like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, but Microsoft’s store has already covered the majority of the key apps.

Oppo Find 7 with 2K display confirmed.. Get ready for 2014

Rumors and speculation about the Oppo Find 7 have been flying around the internet for a number of months now, but we haven’t heard much at all from Oppo. Until now, that is! It has now been confirmed that the Oppo Find 7 will include a 2k display, or a display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.

Other rumored specs include a Snapdragon 805, 3GB of RAM and a 13MP rear facing camera. Folks, these specs are certainly no laughing matter! Now that the screen resolution of the device have been released, we should expect to see other specifications soon!