Android rugby

A beta version of CyanogenMod’s newly demoed Screencast app can be installed on Android devices directly from the Google Play Store, although certain prerequisites have to be met beforehand.

In order to use the screen-recording feature, you’ll have to be running CyanogenMod 11 nightlies or later on your device, join the CyanogenMod community and join the beta program (see Source links below).

Once that’s done, you can install the app and begin recording your screen. The actual recording can be started by simply pressing the power and volume up buttons at the same time (as shown in the video above).

We’ll remind you that Android 4.4 KitKat already comes with a screen-recording feature of its own, so in case you already own a KitKat-running device you can start using the feature without installing a custom ROM.

We’ll also note that the name of the app may be misleading for some people who may think the app will let them “cast” the recorded video to a different display connected to some sort of Chromecast-like smart device. Such a feature isn’t available yet, although it may arrive in the future – in any case, the same CyanogenMod developer has an AllCast beta app (also available via the Google Play Store) that will cast local content to a variety of devices, Chromecast excluded.

The Note 3 is now a member of the “the 10 million seller club”: Samsung just announced the stylus-equipped device hit the ten million units sold milestone.

Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 3 ahead of IFA Berlin in early September and made it available in stores in 58 countries on September 25. Since then, the device went on sale in another 82 markets around the world.

While the Galaxy S4 has reportedly missed Samsung’s expectations, the Note 3 remains a driving force for the Korean juggernaut. With 10 million units moved in 60 days, the Note 3 is selling twice as fast as its predecessor, while the original Note needed nine months to reach the same milestone. In the first 28 days of availability, the Note 3 sold 5 million units.

For those interested in the distinction between sales and shipments, Samsung generally reports the latter figure. In this case, however, Samsung is touting the actual sales of the Note 3.

To celebrate the induction of the Note 3 in the best sellers hall of fame, Samsung released an infographic showing all its phones that broke the 10 million barrier, starting with the venerable SGH-T100 clamshell model from 2002 and including the smartphone that ignited the explosion of Samsung’s mobile business, the original Galaxy S.

Click to expand.

Samsung recently announced two new color versions of the Note 3, Merlot Red and Rose Gold, bringing the number of available options to a total of five. The series may further expand in the future with a Lite version of the Note 3 that’s rumored to launch early next year.

Two-dimensional images are so last century. Researchers from Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology are working to add the third dimension to images taken with regular smartphone cameras.

The research team developed a technology that makes highly accurate 3D scanning as simple as recording a video. The user simply points the camera to the object, allowing the app to collect data points. The app taps into the phone’s motion sensors to determine when to collect new data points and where to place them in space. All the user needs to do is scan the object from various angles, no input required.

This isn’t the first technology that achieves a form of 3D scanning on mobile devices, but it’s probably the most accurate and powerful yet. Unlike other solutions that upload data to a server, the app processes data points on the device, making use of its GPU’s parallel computing capabilities. It all happens in real time, so users can see the areas where more data points are needed to complete the model.

According to the research team, the technology works well even in low-light and doesn’t require any special setup, unlike other 3D scanning tools.

Once the model is captured, it can be visualized in 3D or fed into a 3D printer to create a physical reproduction of the scanned object. The team used museum exhibits as examples, but the app can also be used to take 3D pics of human subjects. With an online service like Shapeways, you could even upload the model directly from the device and have a figurine delivered to your home in just a few days.

The patent-pending technology is still in an early stage, but with more processing power, more accurate sensors, and better cameras launching every day, it’s easy to conceive a future where mobile 3D scanning is a common feature on our smartphones.

Samsung officially announced the Galaxy J in Taiwan, bringing the high-end phone to a second country outside of Japan for the first time.

The Samsung Galaxy J first came out in Japan a few months ago, but is now coming to Taiwan later this month. The phone will land on all of the three major carriers in the country, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTon, and will cost about $740 (21,900 TWD) unlocked.

With it’s 5-inch 1080p display and rounded rectangular shape the Galaxy J looks like a somewhat smaller Galaxy Note 3 at first. But the white or pink plastic back and lack of a stylus prove the Galaxy J is more of an upgraded Galaxy S4 than a smaller Note 3. The Galaxy J sits somewhere between the two flagship phones.

Notably, the design of Galaxy J is closer to the Galaxy Note 3 than the Galaxy S4. While the phone still appears to be made out of plastic, it seems Samsung is committed to the rounded rectangle design of the Note 3. This could signal a new design trend from Samsung that will help distinguish the Galaxy line from other smartphones. Although Samsung did knock Apple in its ads for using the same designs for the iPhone 4 and 4S, so this could just be a design trend for the current generation of phones until the Galaxy S5 comes out.

Inside the Samsung Galaxy J is a quad-core 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 3GB of RAM like the Galaxy Note 3. The phone has a 13MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing camera, the same as both the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. Because the Galaxy J is closer in size to the Galaxy S4 it has a 2600 mAh battery as opposed to the massive 3200 mAh battery in the Galaxy Note 3. Check out the hands on video below, courtesy Engadget. Yes, it’s in Chinese.

Hands on Video

Of course, the Galaxy J supports LTE and NFC. It’s hard to say what storage capacity the phone has, but there is a microSD card slot for those who prefer expandable storage options.

While the Samsung Galaxy J is now available in a second country, it’s doubtful that we’ll ever see the phone in the U.S. Samsung produces myriad devices that never make it to the U.S. for a variety of reasons. This one could potentially cause some confusion with other high-end Galaxy devices, and would be hard for carriers to price with both the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 already on the market.

Would you consider buying the Galaxy J if it did come to the U.S.?

Qualcomm is one of about 30 tech companies that are currently under investigation by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China for their business practices.

A report from EET Asia says the NDRC is investigating Qualcomm over concerns that it isn’t following the Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law. There are no details as to why Qualcomm may have run afoul of the law, however, as the investigation is currently confidential. Qualcomm claims it doesn’t see how it could be in violation of the law, and can’t offer any insight as to why. Prominent investment portal SeekingAlpha boldly claims for Qualcomm: “China is no concern.”

Qualcomm's chip technology is far ahead of any competitors with an unparalleled patent portfolio that provides tremendous royalty revenue. However on lower-end chips where there is increasing competition from the likes of Intel (INTC), which is moving slowly into mobile, and domestic Chinese manufacturers, Qualcomm typically has margins of less than 20%, which is not indicative of a monopoly. The Chinese probes are about two separate issues that don't have to do with Qualcomm being a monopoly.

SeekingProfits

SeekingAlpha

One possibility is the Chinese government is using the Anti-Monopoly Law to keep OEMs from using Qualcomm chips in their smartphones. Qualcomm is one of the few chipmakers that has chipsets ready for the China Mobile’s TD-LTE network which will launch in 2014.

Phone makers are now in the process of making phones to support the network. By exerting pressure on Qualcomm the Chinese government could push those phone manufacturers to choose chipsets from other chipmakers. Many of those other chipmakers, however, don’t have chipsets ready for the China Mobile TD-LTE network just yet.

The Chinese government is in the midst of a PR war against Western companies. These efforts happen periodically to boost the government's standing among the populace and tend to recede as quickly as they start. China remains dependent on Western companies to continue to modernize and develop its economy; it is not about to recede from the world. This issue is purely transitory. SeekingAlpha

By investigating Qualcomm the Chinese government may be able to get the chipmaker to sell some of its chipsets at lower prices than usual. If that happens, there’s a good chance the NDRC investigation will just disappear with no action taken against Qualcomm. The entire move, it would seem, is nothing more than theater to help Chinese companies at the expense of the U.S. company. In the end, this investigation may amount to nothing.

Qualcomm, like many other tech companies, is seeing a lot of growth in China as more people there buy smartphones. The company already has its processors and radio chipsets in most smartphones in the U.S., but it might not have the same control of the market in China if the NDRC has its way.

There are several other chipmakers that can step in to take the place of Qualcomm if manufacturers have to choose. Companies like Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek and NVIDIA could step in to take part of the market. It’s easy to say that’s good for competition, but with the rate at which Qualcomm is already innovating with its processors, it doesn’t seem to need any added competition.

Do you think the NDRC has a case against Qualcomm? Or is this just theater to get some cheaper chips?

Motorola has decided to roll out a new Christmas-y boot animation for two of its latest handsets, including the Moto X and Moto G.

In order to access the new animation (see video above via Android Central), Moto X owners will simply have to make sure they’re running the latest Android 4.4 software version that’s available for the handset.

Moto G buyers will have to perform an extra step to see the holiday boot animation on their device, and that is to update the Motorola Boot Services app from the Google Play Store (see the Source link below).

This isn’t a major feature for either the Moto X flagship handset or for the newly launched budge-friendly Moto G, but it’s just another way to get into the holiday spirit, especially if you’re a Christmas person.

For what it’s worth, The Droid Guy says that the animation is available starting today until January 6, so start downloading it! Considering that Motorola has created a special boot animation for Christmas we wouldn’t be surprised to see similar special animations for other occasions. After all, Google loves its doodles, and Motorola is a Google company.

Web browsers are one of the most important apps on any device. Having the right features and performance while browsing the web can literally change your entire experience with a device. Finding the right one can be difficult since most of them have a variety of features and focuses. Some focus on features, others on speed, and some try to do both. So which ones are the best? Click on the video above to watch it or keep going to read it.

Baidu Browser

[Price: Free]

First up is Baidu browser. In terms of looks it looks like what you’d except out of a browser. You can have windowed tabs or actual tabs at the top if you prefer. There is also a night mode, swipe navigation, a decent list of tools and actions to perform, and even a floating icon that lets you open the browser from anywhere. It performed as well as you can expect from a browser and it has a strong feature set that can compete with others.

Firefox

[Price: Free]

Firefox browser is one of the most popular browsers on desktops and, predictably, one of the best on Android. It doesn’t have any real off the wall features, but it does provide a very satisfying web browsing experience. It allows you to sync to your desktop version of Firefox to obtain your bookmarks and there are add-ons that you can add as well.

Google Chrome

[Price: Free]

Of course we give the obligatory nod to the most popular browser on Android and that’s Chrome browser. It offers direct syncing with your desktop version by logging into Google along with a competent browsing experience. It has some swipe navigation, an unlimited number of browser tabs, and it is a very solid and stable experience. Also, if you’re going for the all Google experience, this is the browser you want.

Next Browser

[Price: Free]

As with most of these browsers, Next Browser focuses on speed. Unlike many of these browsers, it does this quite well. It also boasts a small footprint so it’s ideal for older devices who want better browsing without the more bloated options. There are add on options if you need them but overall this is a very nice browser.

Opera Browser

[Price: Free]

We’ve reviewed Opera Browser a bunch of times and that’s because it’s a really nice browser. It has all the features you’d expect in a browser with a relatively quick browsing experience. There are themes and add-ons as well as the Speed Dial and Discover features to help give you a more entertaining browsing experience. It’s definitely worth a shot.

Boat Browser

[Price: Free]

We’ve also reviewed Boat Browser before and coming back to play with it again left the same good taste it did last time. It has features like add-ons and themes as well as a built-in app store. It’s a solid browser option that also has a paid option if you need more features, but the free one is pretty good on its own.

Maxthon Browser

[Price: Free]

Maxthon Browser used to carry a little flack because it has been included as bundled software on devices before but we assure you, it isn’t bloatware. Maxthon has a lot of features and most of them are behind the scenes, leaving you with just the web browsing. There are add-ons supported and it is a solid browsing experience.

Naked Browser

[Price: Free / $2.00]

Naked Browser may look simple but it’s no joke. It foregoes most features that you’ll find in these others in favor of pure speed. The UI is very minimal and it really does load pages very quickly and display them very well. There are no add-ons, bloat features, or anything. It just loads websites so if you have an older device or you simply don’t need all that other stuff, give Naked Browser a try.

Puffin Browser

[Price: Free / $2.99]

Puffin Browser is definitely the wild card app on this list. It works well enough on its own as a web browser, but it has some unusual features. For instance, there’s a built in track pad and game pad. During most of the year, you can only load flash content during 12 hours of the day. There are also add-ons if you need those. It’s definitely an interesting browser.

UC Browser

[Price: Free]

Last on our list is the venerable UC Browser. This browser has fairly impressive performance and, based on the sites it recommends when you open it, is targeted to people not in the United States which is actually quite refreshing. It includes some features like speed mode which helps you browse even faster and auto pager which loads multiple pages at once so multi-page articles are easier to read.

Dolphin Browser

[Price: Free]

Dolphin Browser is another popular browser that has improved a bunch over the last year and a half or so. Not only is the browsing faster, but it has a lot of features including add-ons, gestures, and sonar. Sonar is a feature where Dolphin will use your voice to search your internet. Kind of like Google Voice Search. It’s unique and even has themes.

Wrap up

It’s very difficult to determine a best browser. Everyone has different needs and all of these browsers have unique features. So it’s perfectly possible that we may have missed a great browser. If we have an you want us to know, feel free to tell us in the comments.

While Android 4.4.1 KitKat may be the hottest Android OS version in town, some Android devices are yet to run the latest Jelly Bean version.

Such is the case of the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 (SCH-T889), which is apparently receiving its own Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update right now – according to the following screenshot, the update has baseband version T889UVUCMK7.

TMoNews reports that various Galaxy Note 2 owners have sent in messages that the Android 4.3 update is ready to be downloaded. However, we’ll note that T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 2 support sections do not mention the update yet (see Source link below).

The update should be available either over the air (OTA) or via Kies, which is how previous updates were also available. In case you haven’t received an update notification, you can manually check for it on the handset.

Only recently, the Sprint Galaxy Note 2 received its Android 4.3 build as well. The new software brings Galaxy Gear support, TRIM support and Samsung KNOX support on top of regular Android 4.3 Jelly Bean features.

Have you received the update on your T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 yet?

After running into server issues on Cyber Monday that forced Motorola to cancel its off-contract Moto X promotion, the company promised they would make it up to their customers by rescheduling the sale for two new dates.

The first rescheduled sale event happened last Wednesday, and in a matter of minutes (12PM EST), Motorola will hold a second and final sale. Just like with Wednesday, Motorola will give $150 off on unlocked Moto X handsets, bringing the price down to as low as $350 for the 16GB Moto Maker-customized version.

So how do you get in on the deal? You simply head over to Motorola’s website as quickly as humanly possible and grab a one-time promotional code for the offer. Keep in mind that there are only a limited number of codes and that you have until December 11th to renew them.

Last Wednesday the deal was done and over with in roughly 10 minutes, so you might want to move fast!

Update: That didn’t take long, all the promo codes are now already sold out, once again only lasting about 10 minutes or so.

Showcasing the Motorola Droid Maxx’s long battery life, Motorola and Verizon have begun promoting a brand new advertising campaign starring Edward Norton. The latest commercial presents itself in the format of an action movie and is complete with scenes of Norton being tied up, chased by dogs, attempting to emergency land a plan and much more.

The commercial itself is funny enough, but the real magic is that Motorola does an effective job of promoting core features found with the Droid line such as touchless control and the Maxx’s 48-hour battery life.

Verizon and Motorola haven’t been as actively advertising the Droid brand as of late, but it’s not too surprising to see them up their game a bit, given the fact that both HTC and Samsung recently released their own celebrity-starring campaigns.

What do you think of the latest Droid commercial? Like it or not?

The Galaxy Note 3 is already a great option if you’re looking for a long-life smartphone that can take you through a day of heavy usage without breaking a sweat.

But the 3,200 mAh battery on the Note 3 is puny compared to the tablet-like 10,000 mAh delivered by ZeroLemon’s new extended battery pack. In fact, tablet-like may be an understatement: the Note 3’s series companion, the Note 10.1 2014 Edition, comes with a unit of just 8,220 mAh.

In addition to the world record capacity, the 10,000 mAh ZeroLemon extended battery pack comes with integrated NFC, two layers of protection (hard polycarbonate on the inside, wraparound polyurethane on the outside), and an included screen protector. The case includes a clip holster that doubles as a kickstand, a feature that you will probably want to use often, given its heft. ZeroLemon doesn’t list the weight of the battery pack, but we’re sure it’s significant. There’s also the massive added thickness to consider, but turning your phone into a brick is the price of enjoying all those extra milliampere-hour.

The case itself is compatible with many types of extended batteries for the Galaxy Note 3, from ZeroLemon and other manufacturers. You can get it now for $59.99, with worldwide shipping from Amazon.