Who should make the next Google Nexus smartphone?

Google IO is coming in a week, and while we’re expecting Google Glass, few unconfirmed Motorola rumors, and the next iteration of Android OS, there’s also the Nexus line.

Let’s have a brief recap; a Nexus is a smartphone made by Google which runs on the latest version of Android, and partly sets the bar higher for Android hardware. They give the opportunities to manufacturers who offer the best hardware as of the moment of creation, and on the software side of things, it will be the first to get the updates for up to 2 more years or so.

nexus +

HTC did the first with the Nexus One, Samsung followed it up with the Nexus S & the Galaxy Nexus, and LG topped it with the Nexus 4. Asus manufactured the first Nexus tablet, the 7-inch Nexus 7, while Samsung made the 10-inch Nexus 10.

Rumors have been very sharp and hard to argue with. There are recent reports that LG has been tapped by Google once again to manufacture the next Nexus phone – hoping that they can meet the demand this time. The current Nexus 4 is said to be facing a refresh this Google IO, with 4G LTE in tow with 32GB of storage. Also, it could possibly reel in the white version that we never heard of again ever since.

NEXUS 4

But if we put the decision on you guys, the consumer, who would you pick for the next Nexus? Do you think the current lineup will be succeeded with a Nexus 5, Nexus 8 & Nexus 11?

We have to say that it is entirely possible since phones are now in the 5-inch trend, the iPad Mini is on the 8-inch side looking for competition and there are also reports stating that Samsung is indeed working on a Nexus 11.

THIS IS NEXUS

If you’d ask me, I’d opt for HTC/Sony or Nokia - since I’m a Nexus 4 owner, I became a fan of high quality builds and great software – only extra thing I’m craving for is a great camera.

What about you? Which manufacturer would satisfy your needs for a Nexus phone or tablet?

{image source 12}

The post Who should make the next Google Nexus smartphone? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

The small black orb appears at Google Play store

Nexus 4 users can finally put their handset’s wireless charging feature to use as the highly anticipated accessory has finally made its way to Google Play Store.

wireless charging orb

Without much fanfare, the Wireless Charging Orb (yep, that’s what it’s called) has recently been made available in Google Play Store with an estimated delivery date currently set to “less than a week”. However, given the popularity of the Google’s flagship handset, we’re guessing that it won’t take long before that ship date is moved further and further away. That is unless LG have anticipated the large volume of orders and have made a few adjustments in their stock.

The accessory currently retails for USD59.99 or almost Php2,500 a pop. Unfortunately, the fancy charger is not available in our country, so you’d have to be a little bit creative if you’re interested in getting one.

{source}

********* A friendly reminder from our sponsor *********

Need better internet speeds? Get the country’s premier home broadband service with Tattoo Torque. With speeds of up to 100 Mbps, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time having fun!

You’ll also be getting a free bundled landline with free unlimited calls to all Globe and TM subscribers!

And because you’ll be applying for a plan online, you’ll also be getting a 10% discount on your first 6 months plus a bonus treat for two (2) at Vikings Luxury Buffet! To enjoy this Yugatech-exclusive treat, visit: http://bit.ly/WTmwaP

The post The small black orb appears at Google Play store appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Android 4.2.2 update already?

Some reports have been circulating around the web about an unannounced incremental update (Android 4.2.2) for the Android Jellybean (no official announcement made as of the moment so we can’t confirm).


This news started when some folks from Brazil and Malaysia were surprised to see that their brand spanking new Nexus 4 is running on Android 4.2.2 when they checked the phone’s settings. Some folks who already have the latest Google phone reported that they also got the update OTA.

Jelly bean update

So what’s the buzz with this new version of the buttery smooth OS? Not a whole lot actually. In fact, reports suggest that the update is only a bug-fixer rather than being a completely different beast. And because Google has yet to comment about the said version of Android, there isn’t a lot of information to go around with.

So Nexus 4 users out there, check you device’s OS version, you might just have the newest version of Android without you even knowing about it. Oh and don’t forget to hit the comments or tip us if you do.

{source}

The post Android 4.2.2 update already? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Do you like glass-backed phones?

Glass backs are becoming a trend in the world of smartphones, but there has been a lot of talk about it on every corner. Some say it’s not practical at all, while some will continue to argue that it’s beautiful to look at and it gives the device a premium feel.

Let’s take a look back at the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 was one of the best designed phones that ever existed, and it still is. However, not everyone was happy about the glass design that Apple has implemented on the phone. Some complained about the susceptibility of the glass to cracks.

Eventually, a bumper was outed. At the same time, consumers just decided to buy a case to protect the phone – but that defeats the purpose of having a beautifully designed phone.

glass back

A few months ago, Google went with glass designed phones too, in the form of the Nexus 4. Again, it is a marvelous device, but reviews all around the media were complaining about the glass. History then repeats itself; Google releases a bumper case for the phone.

Just recently, the Sony Xperia Z was made official. I honestly had low-expectations for the phone a few moments ago, but upon the announcement, I was swept away by the design and the features.

Glass phones

But that’s not the point. The Xperia Z also features a glass back and a sleek design which drew me closer. I had varying sentiments on glass backs as I’m not entirely confident that I can take care of that fragile material. At the same time, the thought of having a device made out of mostly glass really had a premium impression on me.

A glass can be one of the reasons you would want a device, but it could also be one of the reasons why you’re avoiding it. Seeing the current trends of having glass-backed high-end smartphones, do you think it’s practical? Would you prefer a future with glass-backed smartphones? Leave a comment and share your opinions down below.

The post Do you like glass-backed phones? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Will you be getting a new smartphone this December?

It is Christmas season, and most of us are already looking for gifts to give, gifts to ask for and gifts for ourselves (13th month pays? Self-rewarding?). A lot, surely, are keeping an eye on gadgets.

There are a lot of choices out there. Some might eye on the already available Samsung Galaxy S III while some might opt for the more recent Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

If you’re not planning to go that way, there are many more options. We’re pretty sure that there’s no ‘best’ phone, but there is indeed a best phone for you. There’s the Nokia PureView 808 for photographers and some rugged smartphones like the Sony Xperia Acro S for the adventurers.

The iPhone 5 will be launching before Christmas, but let’s not forget that there more devices available outside the Philippines that haven’t arrived here yet. Well, not officially of course. Most of them are available through the gray market and through other sources, but of course these devices will be sold at relatively higher prices.

For example, the iPad Mini and the iPhone 5 are already available in the Philippines through other re-sellers – but not through Apple’s stores yet. You can get them at much higher costs, but this is all just the result of the laws of supply & demand.

We can’t help but feel hesitant to buy gadgets (and to ask for gadgets) as we know that there is a possibility that they might get immediately outdated within a few months.

There are the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 – which are not officially announced yet for the Philippines. The list also includes the much awaited Nokia Lumia 920, the Microsoft Surface and the iPad Mini.

And of course, a lot of Filipinos are also waiting on Blackberry 10, which will be available very early next year.

There are a lot of reasons not to buy a new smartphone (or tablet) this December, but of course, what’s Christmas without giving? You’re going to miss the whole point and the spirit if we delay all the giving.

And also, you can’t keep waiting forever. Here we are, receiving the all new iPad and all of a sudden, a newer and faster iPad comes out months later.

So, what will it be? Will you be getting a new smartphone regardless of the price? Would you buy what’s available now? Or would you just let December pass and save the upgrades for next year?





****** A word from the fine folks of Sun Cellular ******

Sun Cellular launches BlackBerry Prepaid!

Get the Sun BlackBerry All Day 50 for all-day unlimited mobile internet, unlimited social networking, unlimited instant messaging, unlimited BlackBerry browsing and unlimited BBM for only Php50.

Follow @suncelltweets for more info.

The post Will you be getting a new smartphone this December? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.