File explorers for Android are a dime a dozen, so much so that it seems odd to be reviewing one at all, considering the wide variety of very capable choices that are available for free over at the Google Play Store. This is in part thanks to the open source nature of Android, which allows for much deeper level of access to the file system in comparison to what would otherwise require a jailbreak on Android’s major competitor, iOS. The fact that the developer community for Android is also large and active doesn’t hurt the scenario, either.
Changing hidden settings is a concept that is bound to attract any techie, no matter how mundane the settings might actually be. That’s because the basic idea of playing around with something that’s otherwise inaccessible is catchy to the geeky mind, and the challenge that it poses is sure to intrigue. For smartphones and tablets, this applies even more, because these are devices that we almost invariably use on a daily basis, and like to carry with us at all times.
Late last month, MoDaCo.Switch for HTC One was released, allowing owners of the device to readily flit between Sense and stock-based ROMs on the exact same device. Now, the developers have brought forth a corresponding version for the Galaxy S4, adding more diversity to the already very powerful Android handset. So, if you like the idea of having both untouched Android and Samsung's TouchWiz-ified version at your disposal, then check out the details after the break.
Blackberry's BBM instant messaging service was once very popular, back when the company was at the top of its game, and indeed, on top of the smartphone market. Things have changed quite a bit in recent years, though, thanks in no small part to the likes of Apple's iPhone and a deluge of Android devices, products have collectively left BlackBerry's once-domineering brand on the brink of collapse. With the For Sale signs now up and the Canadian company on the hunt for investors, the fact that BBM for iOS and Android for both being announced is perhaps of little consequence, but in light of today's leaking of the user guides for both the new apps, it would appear that a release is nigh.
Samsung regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty with its flagship Galaxy S range, and the release of the Galaxy S4 earlier on this year was no different. An impressive array of hardware was backed by the kicker of some killer software features, and among them was Group Play, an implementation allowing a party of S4 owners to use their devices as a collective of speakers. Ideal for parties and general get-togethers, Group Play has proven to be relatively popular in circles of S4 owners, but if you've been feeling a bit left out from the crowd, a new duo of Play Store apps by the names of SoundSeeder Music Player and SoundSeeder Speaker bring a very similar experience to those not currently in ownership of Android's poster child.
While clamshell devices have been regarded by most consumers as a distant memory in today's mobile world, Samsung simply will not let the form factor drop. We've already seen and heard quite a few reports out of Korea suggesting the S4-maker was planning to release a series of flip phones, and today, a short while after announcing the Samsung Hennessy, the company has announced the Galaxy Golden. It features two displays, the antiquated flip styling, and, all told, a fairly decent set of hardware specs. Details after the break!
One of the major annoyances of many an Android user is the fact that when a new software update comes around, it can often take weeks or even months to reach even some of the newer devices to market. Google's release of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in July has only, thus far, been primed and distributed to a handful of devices, and many, such as HTC's flagship One, are still waiting in the cold. However HTC's Jason Mackenzie has revealed on Twitter that the company is looking to have Android 4.3 ready for its prized smartphone by the end of next month.
iPhone Users Are Younger, Wealthier and Generally Smarter Than Samsung Smartphone Users, Study Finds
Samsung and Apple are undoubtedly the two biggest names in the mobile industry, and as the companies continue to go at each other's throats in a myriad of patent disputes, it's fair to say that fans of both companies can be just as forthright in debate over which of the big two produces the best devices. In a finding that is bound to cause more than a little controversy, a study has discovered that iPhone owners tend to be younger, wealthier, and - get this - smarter than their Samsung-wielding buddies.
One of the more obvious alterations to Apple's iOS 7 is the overall change in design ethos, with Jony Ive leading the Cupertino company towards a flatter, skeuo-free environment. It's fair to say that John Gruber's pre-WWDC assessment of the interface, in that it would be polarizing, has rung true, but irrespective of consensus, it is the look Apple will be sticking with. While Android won't be seeing such radical changes any time soon - at least, not from what we hear - those running Google's mobile OS can get a little taster of Apple's new UI through an app called iOS 7 Calci, which offers a passable emulation of Apple's new Calculator app.
Android management apps for PC and Web are a dime a dozen, and every now and then, some new contender enters the market hoping to claim the throne as the king. Many of these contenders are not even worth a second look, but from time to time, we see a solid performer entering the arena as well, even if it doesn’t get to generate an enormous momentum. Mobogenie is one such utility. Available for Windows based PCs, it offers complete management for Android devices from the comfort of your desktop/laptop’s screen real-estate and better control thanks to mouse/keyboard combination. More past the jump.
