comScore: Android shows a small decline in the United States

The digital measurement and analytics firm comScore released its latest report showcasing the latest trends on the smartphone market in the United States. GoogleÂ's Android remains the most dominant mobile OS, with Apple iOS coming in second. According to comScoreÂ's data Android holds 51.6% total smartphones subscribers in August 2013x0.8% less than it did in May this year. AndroidÂ's loss was AppleÂ's gain – iOS saw a bump of 1.5% on its way to a 40.7% share.

BlackBerry, Microsoft, and Symbian complete the picture with 4%, 3.2%, and 0.3% respectively.


GSM Arena , comScore: Android shows a small decline in the United States, comScore: Android shows a small decline in the United States

Ford recalling nearly 24,000 Focus EV and C-Max models over door chime

Ford will be voluntarily recalling 23,830 Focus Electric and C-Max Hybrid and Energi models equipped with push-button ignition, according to The Detroit News. Why. Because the cars don't make a noise when the driver's door is open, and are therefore in violation of federal regulations. It's not as silly as Honda's badging recall that isn't a recall, but it's close.
Actually, that's not exactly fair.


Autoblog , Ford recalling nearly 24,000 Focus EV and C-Max models over door chime, Ford recalling nearly 24,000 Focus EV and C-Max models over door chime

Instagram Photo And Video Ads Coming In A Few Months

It was only a matter of time before Instagram started running ads, and it has announced today just how it is going to do that. Instagram says that in the next couple of months, users in the U.S. may begin seeing “an occasional ad” in their feed. It says that it will start off slow, since it is going to be new for users to see photo and video ads from brands that they do not follow. The focus is said to be on delivering a “small number of beautiful, high quality photos and videos” from brands that are already using Instagram.

Ubergizmo , Instagram Photo And Video Ads Coming In A Few Months, Instagram Photo And Video Ads Coming In A Few Months

HTC One now receiving Android 4.3 update in Taiwan

As we wait for the Android 4.3 update for the HTC One in North America, HTC has released the update in Taiwan. The 512MB update includes the latest version of Android along with improvements to the camera, new Video Highlight options and other small tweaks to Sense 5. While the update to the various HTC One models in North America should offer the same features, but changes should be more substantial since those devices will be jumping from Android 4.1 to 4.3. Those who have not yet received the update can ping HTC's servers manually by going to Settings > About > Software Updates > Check now. .

HTC Source , HTC One now receiving Android 4.3 update in Taiwan, HTC One now receiving Android 4.3 update in Taiwan

2014 Hyundai Tucson gets DI engines, styling tweaks, priced from $21,450*

Despite being overhauled for the 2010 model year, not much attention has been paid to the Hyundai Tucson crossover in recent times. But when its overseas twin, the ix35, received modest updates at this year's Geneva Motor Show, we knew it'd only be a matter of time before the US-spec model was blessed with similar tweaks. So, without further ado, meet the ever-so-slightly enhanced 2014 Tucson. The most significant mid-cycle change is found under the Tucson's hood, where two new direct-injected four-cylinder powerplants are found.

Autoblog , 2014 Hyundai Tucson gets DI engines, styling tweaks, priced from $21,450*, 2014 Hyundai Tucson gets DI engines, styling tweaks, priced from $21,450*

Samsung HomeSync Connects Galaxy Smartphones, Tablets To Your TV

Samsung smartphone and tablet owners who want to share content located on their mobile devices onto their TVs have been able to do so, as long as they own a Samsung TV that supports this feature. For those who don't own a compatible Samsung television, this feature probably hasn't seen much use, although a new product Samsung is announcing today will make it easier than ever to sync content located on your mobile device to your TV. The Samsung HomeSync media center will allow you to not only stream content from your mobile device to your television, but it'll also store and sync that content onto its 1TB drive.

Ubergizmo , Samsung HomeSync Connects Galaxy Smartphones, Tablets To Your TV, Samsung HomeSync Connects Galaxy Smartphones, Tablets To Your TV

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR

Despite all of the positive reviews it has garnered since its introduction in 2011, the Volkswagen Beetle still hasn't hooked me. It's nice to drive, and with a variety of engine choices (including diesel) and two different bodystyles, it's an incredibly versatile little car, ready to meet the needs of a whole host of customers. But personally, I just don't think I could wake up to that happy-friendly (yet sort of drowsy?) face every morning.

Autoblog , 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR

LG G2 starts selling in the UK, carries a £444 price tag

LG has began selling its G2 Android flagship in the UK. It's on offer by both mobile carriers as well as large retailers. UK's Three is the first of the carriers to sell the phone and offers it for as low as £29 per month on a 2-year contract after an initial down payment of £49. It's also available on a Pay as you go plan for £399.

If you're after a SIM-free version of the LG G2, then there are plenty of options as well. Clove is selling the phone for £444 and is throwing in a free QuickWindow accessory as well.

GSM Arena , LG G2 starts selling in the UK, carries a £444 price tag, LG G2 starts selling in the UK, carries a £444 price tag

3dCarbon now offering body kit for Ford Fusion

A factory-backed body kit by 3dCarbon is now available to Ford Fusion owners who want their car to stand out from the crowd while not being too flashy. The body kit adds a more aggressive front spoiler, side skirts, rear body trim and spoiler that are, in fact, integrated quite nicely into the Fusion's already-comely styling, just as 3dCarbon claims. All Fusions with the kit also receive dual exhaust ports with the stainless-steel exhaust surrounds usually reserved for the Titanium package Fusion EcoBoost models. September 16, 2013 (Newport Beach, CA) - The turnaround in auto sales is well underway at Ford Motor Company.

Autoblog , 3dCarbon now offering body kit for Ford Fusion, 3dCarbon now offering body kit for Ford Fusion

Nokia Lumia 929 coming to Verizon in November

Nokia is planning to announce the Lumia 929 for Verizon later this month. Expected to go on sale in November, this handset is similar to the Lumia 1520 for AT&T that was leaked earlier but with a few key differences. Like the Lumia 1520, the Lumia 929 is said to have a 1080p resolution display and a 20 megapixel PureView camera with oversampling functionality. The difference here is that while the 1520 is said to have a massive 6-inch display, the 929 will have a comparatively smaller 5-inch display.

The device will be sold in black and white and possibly in a red color as well.

GSM Arena , Nokia Lumia 929 coming to Verizon in November, Nokia Lumia 929 coming to Verizon in November

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also using benchmark boosting software to inflate scores

Here at Phandroid, we never put much emphasis on benchmarks. While sometimes a fun way to measure general device performance, they don't really give us an accurate measure of real world speed from a device. More than often benchmarks are simply a tool for fanboys to tout their device superiority over another — and we think that's super lame, bros. It wasn't too long ago it was discovered that Samsung was inflating benchmarks scores for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Using a special benchmark boosting app found inside their custom software, Samsung was able to make the S4 fire on all cylinders.


Android Phone , Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also using benchmark boosting software to inflate scores, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also using benchmark boosting software to inflate scores

Harness The Power Of Fire To Recharge Your Phone With FlameStower

Recharging your smartphone or tablet while you're out and about can be quite challenging, although if you have a backup battery pack with you, things tend to be a little easier. But what if your backup battery runs out while you're out in the wilderness with nothing on you besides a pair of tighty-whities, a lighter and a smartphone with a dead battery. Then you better hope you find a FlameStower somewhere close by as you can easily recharge your devices through the power of fire. The FlameStower uses the heat generated from fire to recharge your cell phone, tablet or any other device that uses a USB cable to recharge itself.

Ubergizmo , Harness The Power Of Fire To Recharge Your Phone With FlameStower

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, Harness The Power Of Fire To Recharge Your Phone With FlameStower

Dell's XPS 11 foldable Ultrabook coming in November for $1,000 and up

Dana Wollman contributed to this report.

Engadget , Dell's XPS 11 foldable Ultrabook coming in November for $1,000 and up, Dell's XPS 11 foldable Ultrabook coming in November for $1,000 and up

Pantech Vega Note Will See A 10th October Release

While Pantech might not have the same amount of impact of fame compared to the likes of Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, or Motorola, they do produce some pretty decent phones from time to time, and according to the reports, Pantech is set to announce a phablet device of their own along with stylus support come 10th of October.

Ubergizmo , Pantech Vega Note Will See A 10th October Release, Pantech Vega Note Will See A 10th October Release

US FCC shuts down amid political crisis

This doesn't come as a surprise to anyone - while the US government-wide shut down continues various Federal agencies have stopped their work until the government resumes its own. The FCC or Federal Communications Commission is an example of that and currently has a statement on its website stating it will only perform "duties that are immediately necessary for the safety of life or the protection of property.". The FCC online systems will also not be available until further notice so any smartphones (or devices really) waiting for approval will just have wait until things get moving again.

GSM Arena , US FCC shuts down amid political crisis, US FCC shuts down amid political crisis

Samsung quietly releases Galaxy Star Pro, forgets to announce it

Samsung has released its newest entry level smartphone named Galaxy Star Pro in the Indian market but it appears someone forgot to make an official announcement of it. Samsung Galaxy Star Pro is an Android smartphone for beginners, which comes with an affordable price tag. The hardware specifications of the device are not very exciting with the star upfront being a 4-inch display of 480 x 800 pixel resolution.

GSM Arena , Samsung quietly releases Galaxy Star Pro, forgets to announce it, Samsung quietly releases Galaxy Star Pro, forgets to announce it

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (video)

The Baby 458. Since it debuted this car as a concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo has managed to keep the buzz alive for its 4C sports car – a huge accomplishment in its own right for this wildly adored, long suffering and eternally cash-strapped company. Being luckily stationed here in Italy as Autoblog's European Contributor, you can rightly assume that I've long been following the various and sundry ongoing dramas and products of this Italian brand.










Autoblog , 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (video)

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, 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (video)

Industry Leaders to Attend Exclusive Executive Summit at Broadband World Forum

London, 3 October 2013 – The Broadband World Forum will this year welcome the industry’s foremost leaders from across the globe for the annual Executive Summit at the RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam. This highly exclusive, invitation-only programme allows pioneering C-Level innovators a unique forum to identify and discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing their businesses today.This year the event will be hosted by Australia’s customer service focused incumbent operator, Telstra, and will be chaired by the company’s CTO, Hugh Bradlow.

Press Release Distribution , Industry Leaders to Attend Exclusive Executive Summit at Broadband World Forum, Industry Leaders to Attend Exclusive Executive Summit at Broadband World Forum

Taqua selects Adax ATCA Signaling GW for Small Cell Networks

October 3rd, 2013, Oakland, CA – Adax (www.adax.com), an industry leader in Signaling Gateways, high-performance packet-processing, security and network infrastructure products today announced that Taqua®, LLC, a leading supplier of next-generation fixed and mobile switching systems and convergence applications, have selected for deployment the Adax Signaling Gateway in its small cell core network infrastructure. The AdaxGW 5.x on ATCA is a versatile addition to Taqua’s portfolio of solution offerings.

Press Release Distribution , Taqua selects Adax ATCA Signaling GW for Small Cell Networks, Taqua selects Adax ATCA Signaling GW for Small Cell Networks

Semafone launches trustmark for telephone payments

“Secured by Semafone” to boost customer confidence in card data securitySurrey, 02 October 2013 – Semafone today announced that it has launched a new trustmark, Secured by Semafone, to be used by all customers and partners which implement Semafone’s patented payment method. The trustmark will provide a guarantee of security for customers who are paying for goods or services over the phone. Two of Semafone’s partners have already adopted the Secured by Semafone trustmark.

Press Release Distribution , Semafone launches trustmark for telephone payments, Semafone launches trustmark for telephone payments

FailProof Technology Inc. Selects Flexiant

Canadian cloud solution provider selects Flexiant Cloud Orchestrator because of its billing flexibility, openness to support its business model and future product plans and visionAlberta, Canada and London, UK – October 2, 2013 – FailProof Technology Inc., a cloud solutions provider offering cloud for MSP, VAR and IT professionals, today announced it selected Flexiant Cloud Orchestrator as the cloud management solution to power its FailProof-Cloud platform marketplace.

Press Release Distribution , FailProof Technology Inc. Selects Flexiant, FailProof Technology Inc. Selects Flexiant

GoogleÂ’s Nexus 5 will allegedly feature nano-SIM card slot

Hot on the heels of the leaked specs from earlier today, another detail on the highly anticipated Nexus 5 made an appearance. The next generation, LG-made Nexus will reportedly feature a nano-SIM card slot. The information on the smartphone appeared on the website of the Ukrainian wireless provider Life:) (yes, the smiley is part of its name). In a small-font disclaimer, the carrier states that it will equip its iPhone 5s, 5c, and Nexus 5 users with a nano-SIM card.

The Nexus 5 is expected to be unveiled before the end of October.

GSM Arena , GoogleÂ's Nexus 5 will allegedly feature nano-SIM card slot, GoogleÂ's Nexus 5 will allegedly feature nano-SIM card slot

Canadian HTC One devices now getting Android 4.3 update

Nothing like a good OTA update to sweeten your day, and many of our Canadian neighbors are in for a treat today. You may want to check for an update if you own an HTC One and live north of the border. HTC One devices from most major carriers are now getting Android 4.3. So far, only the HTC One Developer Edition has gotten the update in the US. We continue waiting on carriers so that our American devices to get the update. Android 4.3 is quite a hefty update, so we are glad our neighbors are now enjoying it.


Android Phone , Canadian HTC One devices now getting Android 4.3 update, Canadian HTC One devices now getting Android 4.3 update

Xbox One Kinect Can Discern Two People Talking At The Same Time

At the Eurogamer Expo in London, Microsoft's Phil Harrison revealed that the technology behind Xbox One Kinect makes it able to discern two people who are both talking at the same time. It will be able to hear as well as understand both of them and will also be able to see, in a dark room, if their mouths are moving, said Nick Burton who is the lead developer for new technology. Kinect is also able to detect 25 joints present between six different people, it will measure heart rates as well as map faces to 1,400 points.

Ubergizmo , Xbox One Kinect Can Discern Two People Talking At The Same Time, Xbox One Kinect Can Discern Two People Talking At The Same Time

IRL: Wahoo's Blue SC speed sensor for bikes

Smartphones, tablets, smartphones, repeat. We tend to come back to the same sorts of gadgets here in "IRL," but this week we're shaking things up with a fitness device. Associate HD Editor Ben Drawbaugh is one of the few mountain biking enthusiasts on staff, which means he was one of the only people qualified to test out a bicycle computer, something we normally wouldn't review. After the break, find out if a $60 Bluetooth Low Energy sensor is worth the investment.
Wahoo Blue SC Speed and Cadence Sensor

Smartphones have replaced an amazing number of single-purpose gadgets. Among them: the bike computer.


Engadget , IRL: Wahoo's Blue SC speed sensor for bikes

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, IRL: Wahoo's Blue SC speed sensor for bikes

Spammy ads in the notification bar die this week as Google's latest Play Store changes take effect

About a month ago, Google made a key change to their Google Play developers' terms of service. The change affected advertising models that annoyed the heck out of most users. Specifically, Google decided to bring the ban hammer down on ads that manipulate the home screen or show up in the notification bar. As per the developer content policy:.

Android Phone , Spammy ads in the notification bar die this week as Google's latest Play Store changes take effect, Spammy ads in the notification bar die this week as Google's latest Play Store changes take effect

Won a $5 Google Play credit from buying Kit Kat bars? You might want to stop

In case you didn't realize, Google and Kit Kat have already started their promotion for 1,000 free Nexus 7s being given away to lucky folks who buy specially marked packages of Kit Kat bars. More than that was begin given away, with tons more people getting a chance to win $5 in Google Play credits for use with anything in Google Play other than devices. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you will be permitted to win more than that $5.

Android Phone , Won a $5 Google Play credit from buying Kit Kat bars? You might want to stop

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, Won a $5 Google Play credit from buying Kit Kat bars? You might want to stop

Microsoft Surface 2 And Surface Pro 2 Tablets Can Be Reserved In-Store For Free

It was just last week that Microsoft took the wraps off their new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets. Both devices are expected to see a release on the 22nd of October and Microsoft has since been taking pre-orders via its website as well as through it retail stores.

Ubergizmo , Microsoft Surface 2 And Surface Pro 2 Tablets Can Be Reserved In-Store For Free

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, Microsoft Surface 2 And Surface Pro 2 Tablets Can Be Reserved In-Store For Free

Switched On: The why of the 'i' buy

Still, while the iPhone 5c may be little more than an iPhone 5 in new, brighter clothing, most of those upgraders accustomed to a $200 price for a flagship will be attracted to the iPhone 5s. The next Switched On will address how the components of that handset combine to create something old iPhone hands will appreciate, as well as a few areas where competitors are leading the way. Ross Rubin is principal analyst at Reticle Research, a research and advisory firm focusing on consumer technology adoption.

Engadget , Switched On: The why of the 'i' buy, Switched On: The why of the 'i' buy

SFR reveals Android 4.3 schedule for Galaxy S4, S III and Note II

The French carrier SFR has released a roadmap listing the upcoming Android 4.3 updates for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, as well as the HTC One. Samsung's Galaxy S4 will receive the latest 4.3 Jelly Bean treatment in October, while last year's flagship - the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II will get their fix in November or December. HTC One is also in this table, revealing that the SFR-locked units will start getting the update in October, just a month after unlocked units got their Android 4.3.

Finally, Nokia Lumia 520 is also mentioned in the roadmap.

GSM Arena , SFR reveals Android 4.3 schedule for Galaxy S4, S III and Note II, SFR reveals Android 4.3 schedule for Galaxy S4, S III and Note II