Google CEO says it's too soon for a Motorola Nexus

When Google's purchase of Motorola was finalized this past May, many expected Moto to take the reins on the next Nexus device.

This was despite repeated statements from Google explaining that Motorola wouldn't receive preferential treatment over partners like Samsung, LG or Asus when it came to developing a new Nexus smartphone or tablet.

In an interview with Fortune published Tuesday, Google CEO Larry Page again explained the company's plans for Motorola and its partners, and played it rather close to the vest in regards to a new Nexus.

Stopping short of reiterating the company line, Page stated Google's focus was on strong relationships with its partners, and introducing new innovations to the marketplace.

No Moto Nexus...yet

Despite just releasing the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 in October, industry eyes are looking ahead to what Google will do next with its Nexus brand.

When discussing how Google would approach releasing a Motorola Nexus device, and why there hasn't been one announced yet, Page revealed he thought it was too soon.

"First of all, I don't think there's any physical way we could have released a Nexus Motorola device in that sense," Page said. "I mean, we haven't owned the company long enough."

Since taking control of Motorola Mobility in May, the manufacturer has released several Android smartphones including the Razr HD and Razr Maxx.

Why Google's own Nexus brand hasn't been developed by Moto remains a secret, but as the line's history shows, Google has taken its time with Nexus releases.

The four Nexus phones have all been released at least 12 months apart from one another, though both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets were released within months of one another.

Page admitted the Nexus development has evolved since HTC introduced the Nexus One back in 2010.

"Exactly what we do, which devices we do, what the timing is, how we release the software with them, all those things have been changing," he said.

Partners in innovation

According to Page, a large part of the Nexus strategy boils down to innovation and quality, and how Google's partners can help bring that about.

"Every day we kind of evaluate how do we help our partners out the right way," Page divulged. "How do we produce amazing innovative devices... and how do we keep our partners happy."

"I think we've done a pretty good job of that so far."

Page was careful to not discuss whether or not one of Google's partners or Motorola would lead the charge on a new Nexus device, but did explain that the company's plans revolved around the user.

Getting the most efficient and high-quality product into consumer hands is a key point in Google's strategy, and Page said he hopes the rest of the industry takes note.

Google's CEO has become disparaged with the "island-like" approach the tech industry has taken, with Apple, Google and Amazon each running independent economic eco-systems.

"I think it would be nice if everybody would get along better and the users didn't suffer as a result of other people's activities," Page explained.

"I try to model that. We try pretty hard to make our products be available as widely as we can. That's our philosophy. I think sometimes we're allowed to do that. Sometimes we're not."

Google's plans for Motorola may still be well under wraps, and the company is, for now, not playing favorites, but one has to expect Google will take advantage of Motorola Mobilities' capabilities sooner rather than later.

Via Fortune

As production sees a surge, Surface headed to non-Microsoft sellers

Microsoft's Surface RT tablet will soon be on more store shelves, namely those that aren't run by the Redmond-based corp.

The company announced its plans to push the RT tab to additional retailers by the middle of the month in a press release Tuesday.

Buried in the retail talk was another tidbit: Microsoft is bumping up Surface production.

"We've increased production and are expanding the ways in which customers can interact with, experience and purchase Surface," Panos Panay, general manager, Microsoft Surface, said in the release.

More places to buy

Today's announcement confirmed rumors that surfaced Friday that the Softies were planning a two-phase push to pump out their Windows 8 slate at retailers outside company-branded storefronts.

Non-Microsoft retailers in the U.S. and Australia will see the Surface first, while additional countries will join the Surface fest in coming months, the company's announcement read.

Office supply chain Staples confirmed that it will carry the tab as early as Wednesday in all locations as well as online.

Best Buy also chimed in that it will start selling the Surface soon.

In Australia, retailers JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman both confirmed they will be stocking the tablet as well.

Microsoft assured that Surface sales are still available at company stores in the U.S. and Canada and online in Australia, Canada, the U.S., U.K. and other locations.

Not only is Microsoft expanding Surface retailers, but at least some of the holiday stores constructed just for the season will remain active into the new year, with a number to be converted into permanent retail outlets.

The company had set up 32 holiday stores in North America prior to the Surface's launch. Based on the success of those locales, all will extend into the new year. It's unclear at the moment which ones will transition into brick-and-mortar locations and which will switch to "specialty store locations."

While the retail push should help boost sales of the Surface RT, Microsoft is probably preparing for the mad dash that should follow the release of the more powerful Surface Pro.

That tablet, complete with the full Windows 8 suite, is due in January.

Google Nexus 4 review

Recommended award

Google's Nexus (ten points to anyone who can tell us if Nexi is the correct plural) smartphones have always set the standard when it comes to a pure Google experience.

The first Nexus One was a true geek device. Sold only through Google directly (apart from a brief flirtation with Vodafone), it never achieved massive sales. But it gave the world the true raw power of Android without the bloatware of other variants. As of January 2010, the ball was well and truly rolling.

We've had several now – and everyone, it seems, had a go: HTC, Samsung, Asus and LG – though strangely, not Motorola, which is now part of Google itself.

Some handsets we look forward to with much anticipation – only to feel deflated when we actually use them. Others, we wait for with little expectation – and they absolutely blow our socks off.

A stealth surprise. We'll lay our proverbial cards on the table here from the outset. The Nexus 4 is one of those rare devices.

LG's not had the best track record of late. Sure, we thought the Optimus 4X HD was a pretty decent offering, but too little, too late compared to what was already out there by the time LG got it to market.

And whereas LG did have good form when it came to innovation back in the day (who remembers the Chocolate, the Shine – and even the dubious widescreen BL40?), the mojo seemed to have passed.

That's not a dig at the South Koreans – far from it. But just to set the scene to show why we weren't expecting much from the Nexus 4.

Perhaps the worst kept secret since the iPhone 5, the Nexus 4 even got left in a bar in true cliché style. And from the pictures, we weren't alone in thinking it looked like a copy of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

The difference is, when we took the Samsung model out of its box this time last year, we thought it was nice. When we took the Nexus 4 out of its box last week, we thought it was beautiful.

Size wise, the Nexus 4 comes in at 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm – which means it is similar to its predecessor. But it is far more stunning to look at and hold.

The front is all glass in piano black. Extra tough too thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass 2. Think iPhone 4 territory, but just a little nicer looking (we are aware that is a matter of opinion, iFans!)

The whole front is set within a dull chrome bezel and the shininess even extends to the rear of the handset, which has an attractive, though unusual sparkly pattern adorning it.

Think the glittery kind of jacket that you could see Cilla Black, Joan Rivers or Shirley Bassey in at an awards ceremony, and you catch our drift.

At 139g, the Nexus 4 isn't the lightest handset in school – but it's just about solid enough to get away with carrying that extra weight and puts those who say Android devices look like toys firmly in their place.

The screen is invisible when off – but when it lights up, you're treated to 4.7-inches of True HD IPS Plus beauty. That's 768 x 1280 pixels with a pixel density of 318. It is razor sharp – blowing Retina out of the water and we'll venture it is one of the best we've seen on a handset.

Another reason for this is because there is such little space between the glass and the display. So where we berated the Optimus 4X HD for leaving enough room here to park a small car, the Nexus 4 leaves no gap at all.

It exudes a clarity that has to be seen to be believed. Colours look beautiful, icons and text are razor sharp and everything floats perfectly.

We find it hard to see how this could be beaten. When you're looking at icons on a black background (like in the app drawer), you can't even see the black, if that makes sense. It is so deep, that icons just float. Beneath the screen, in the centre, but hidden until needed, lies a pulsating notification light.

Another element worth pointing out here is the way the phone curves at the sides, from the main panel into the bezel. It seems to make the screen look even more realistic and beautiful. It's one of those things you really have to experience to appreciate.

Round the edges, you'll find the usual adornments. A 3.5mm headphone jack on top, volume rocker and micro SIM tray on the left, micro USB port plus a few dubious screws on the bottom, and a perfectly placed lock/unlock/power button on the upper right hand side.

It's just in that sweet spot where it's easy to press with the thumb if you're right handed and not impossible if you're a leftie.

There's no way of getting the back off – so you know what that means, peeps. No removable battery and no expandable storage. The former doesn't faze us too much since the 2,100mAh battery pack is no slouch but the lack of memory card allowance is annoying.

Yes, we know that ever since the Nexus S, expandable memory is out. Google's said that it doesn't offer it because it's confusing. But for those with lots of content who can't or don't want to stream, it's a real pain. We don't quite buy Google's argument.

As for the innards, LG has cut no corners here. Make no mistake, this is a premium handset. DC-HSDPA, the very latest iteration of Jelly Bean 4.2, a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, A-GPS with GLONASS, NFC and so forth.

But what makes this so sweet is the price. Let's just point out that sim-free, a HTC One X with similar specs will set you back around £399 (around $637/AU$611) – even the 18-month old Samsung Galaxy S2 retails at £329 (around $525/AU$503).

And while last year's Galaxy Nexus will leave your wallet £299 (around $477/AU$458) lighter, this brand new model, the Nexus 4 is priced – almost unbelievably – at £239 ($299/AU$349) for the 8GB version and £279 ($349/AU$480) for 16GB. Yes, the newer Nexus is cheaper than the year old Nexus. Word!

We can't overestimate just how revolutionary this is and it leaves us open-mouthed at how Google is doing this. Either it's selling the Nexus 4 at a loss – or the mark-up on handsets is now shown up as being ridiculously high. Whichever it is, it means the Nexus 4 has a distinct advantage over the competition.

Bizarrely, in the UK Google has promised O2 that it can sell the Nexus 4 as an exclusive for the first month. We can't understand why – especially because you could end up paying £800 for the device over the course of the contract.

Most people with sense (and a bit of spare cash) will buy the Nexus sim-free and get themselves a cheap as chips sim-only plan.

But anyway, with an early November release, that means there'll still be plenty of networks marketing this heavily pre-Christmas once that month-long deal with O2 expires. And we can see the Nexus 4 being on a lot of Christmas lists.

Google CEO says it's too soon for a Motorola Nexus

When Google's purchase of Motorola was finalized this past May, many expected Moto to take the reins on the next Nexus device.

This was despite repeated statements from Google explaining that Motorola wouldn't receive preferential treatment over partners like Samsung, LG or Asus when it came to developing a new Nexus smartphone or tablet.

In an interview with Fortune published Tuesday, Google CEO Larry Page again explained the company's plans for Motorola and its partners, and played it rather close to the vest in regards to a new Nexus.

Stopping short of reiterating the company line, Page stated Google's focus was on strong relationships with its partners, and introducing new innovations to the marketplace.

No Moto Nexus...yet

Despite just releasing the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 in October, industry eyes are looking ahead to what Google will do next with its Nexus brand.

When discussing how Google would approach releasing a Motorola Nexus device, and why there hasn't been one announced yet, Page revealed he thought it was too soon.

"First of all, I don't think there's any physical way we could have released a Nexus Motorola device in that sense," Page said. "I mean, we haven't owned the company long enough."

Since taking control of Motorola Mobility in May, the manufacturer has released several Android smartphones including the Razr HD and Razr Maxx.

Why Google's own Nexus brand hasn't been developed by Moto remains a secret, but as the line's history shows, Google has taken its time with Nexus releases.

The four Nexus phones have all been released at least 12 months apart from one another, though both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets were released within months of one another.

Page admitted the Nexus development has evolved since HTC introduced the Nexus One back in 2010.

"Exactly what we do, which devices we do, what the timing is, how we release the software with them, all those things have been changing," he said.

Partners in innovation

According to Page, a large part of the Nexus strategy boils down to innovation and quality, and how Google's partners can help bring that about.

"Every day we kind of evaluate how do we help our partners out the right way," Page divulged. "How do we produce amazing innovative devices... and how do we keep our partners happy."

"I think we've done a pretty good job of that so far."

Page was careful to not discuss whether or not one of Google's partners or Motorola would lead the charge on a new Nexus device, but did explain that the company's plans revolved around the user.

Getting the most efficient and high-quality product into consumer hands is a key point in Google's strategy, and Page said he hopes the rest of the industry takes note.

Google's CEO has become disparaged with the "island-like" approach the tech industry has taken, with Apple, Google and Amazon each running independent economic eco-systems.

"I think it would be nice if everybody would get along better and the users didn't suffer as a result of other people's activities," Page explained.

"I try to model that. We try pretty hard to make our products be available as widely as we can. That's our philosophy. I think sometimes we're allowed to do that. Sometimes we're not."

Google's plans for Motorola may still be well under wraps, and the company is, for now, not playing favorites, but one has to expect Google will take advantage of Motorola Mobilities' capabilities sooner rather than later.

Via Fortune

HTC Windows Phone 8X gains unexpected features in first OS update

The first update to Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 OS hit the HTC Windows Phone 8X on Monday, and with it came some unexpected features.

The Windows Phone 8 "Portico" update brought the OS from version 9905 to 10211 and was delivered to HTC's flagship Windows Phone 8 device over-the-air.

In addition to the expected improvements to Wi-Fi functionality and fixes for a bug that caused the device to spontaneously reboot, Windows Phone 8 Portico included at least three unexpected SMS features, according to enthusiast blog Windows Phone Central.

Those features make using text messages on the Windows Phone 8X all the easier.

SMS improvements

The Windows Phone 8 10211 Portico update added three SMS features to the HTC Windows Phone 8X that were reportedly not in the update's release notes.

First, users can now save drafts of text messages that can be viewed and sent later.

Windows Phone 8X users can also use a new "select all" option when deleting messages, making the process significantly faster than selecting each message one-by-one.

Finally, a text-back option for rejecting calls has been added, allowing users to compose and select pre-determined responses or type in custom ones on the fly when rejecting a call.

More updates to come

The Windows Phone 8 Portico update arrived first on the HTC 8X on Monday, but its exact release schedule is unclear.

Will Portico arrive on other Windows Phone 8 devices? Will Windows Phone 8 handsets on all carriers receive the update? Are there any other undocumented functions or features that have yet to be discovered?

TechRadar has reached out to Microsoft to get some answers, but the company has not yet responded.

Via Windows Phone Central

Microsoft, Apple unable to come to agreement over SkyDrive app revenue

The SkyDrive app may not have much of a future on iOS according to a new report detailing Microsoft's unwillingness to share revenue with Apple.

Microsoft recently introduced the ability to purchase more cloud storage for SkyDrive in-app, and has balked at sharing that revenue with Apple.

The App Store's clearly explained policy dictates Apple will receive 30 percent of all app sales, as well as 30 percent of all revenue generated by in-app purchases.

Apple would continue to earn 30 percent of the SkyDrive subscription fees even if a consumer no longer used an iOS device, which caused Microsoft to rethink its stance of profit-sharing.

As a result, Apple is now blocking Microsoft's latest update to SkyDrive, despite repeated tries from Microsoft to work out some kind of arrangement.

Third-party problems

Sources familiar with the issue told The Next Web Microsoft has been trying to work out a compromise with Apple, but hasn't had much success.

Microsoft reportedly even said it would remove all subscription options from the app, and thus removing the SkyDrive app's ability to generate revenue, but Apple rebuffed the offer.

Since neither party has been able to resolve the issue, an update fixing a bug that crashes SkyDrive on iOS hasn't been pushed to consumers.

Even more disconcerting are the ramifications being felt by developers who have third-party apps that work in conjunction with SkyDrive.

Several of the apps in question require users to sign in to SkyDrive, but Apple's review team has denied such access claiming "the log in interface must be native and not a link or a web view."

In other words, since users won't have to log-in through Apple, and would instead be able to log-in through Microsoft, the apps are being cut off until Microsoft agrees to pay.

The whole story?

Though The Next Web's sources indicated the primary issue between Apple and Microsoft lied within the SkyDrive commissions, there may be another twist.

According to AllThingsD, the squeeze is being put on SkyDrive due to Microsoft wanting to renegotiate the 70/30 revenue split with Apple over Office 365 subscriptions.

The sources close to the matter didn't divulge just what kind of split Microsoft was instead seeking, but did say Apple reticent to change its policies, even for a massive money maker like Office.

Office Mobile for iOS isn't due to arrive until sometime next year, which gives Microsoft some time to continue negotiations with Apple, even if those talks come at the cost of SkyDrive's users.

Apple's policies shouldn't be new information for anyone involved in developing apps for iOS, so it will be interesting to see just how much flexibility will be given to Microsoft as the discussions progress.

TechRadar has reached out to Microsoft for comment, and will update this article when and if they respond.

Via The Next Web, All Things D

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 review

Adding to its expansive collection of Galaxy-branded, Android-filled smartphones, Samsung has reignited its Galaxy Ace sub-franchise with the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 tackling the space between the collection of dedicated entry-level and mid-market handsets.

With a price point that is neither overtly friendly on the wallet or aspirationally expensive, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 bridges the defined boundaries of the smartphone market, featuring a number of notable improvements over its predecessor whilst failing to match the collection of ground-breaking and genre defining specs as its Galaxy S3 branded sibling.

Joining the likes of the Orange San Diego, HTC One V and Nokia Lumia 710 in this no-mans-land of the mobile market, the Galaxy Ace 2 has got a lot to do if it's to stand out from the crowd. It's now available for £160 on a number of PAYG deals, making it an attractive proposition for many.

However, it's still facing competition from its ultra-cheap predecessor, so is there enough technology on offer here?

A well rounded, impressive little handset, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 plays host to a largely appealing 3.8-inch WVGA TFT capacitive touchscreen display with an 800 x 480 image resolution that is pleasant on the eye despite failing to set the device apart from a number of its upper-end competitors.

Slotting this display into an aesthetically pleasing, albeit largely plastic, design, the second-generation Galaxy Ace has slimmed down with a strong construction that makes the device as impressive in the hand as it is on the eye.

Disappointingly, despite being unveiled and coming to market long after the arrival of Android 4.0, Samsung has opted to omit the use of Google's Ice Cream Sandwich OS in favour of the heavily tried and repeatedly tested Android 2.3 Gingerbread offering that featured on the handset's now dated prelude, the original Samsung Galaxy Ace.

Whilst the use of a repeatedly replaced operating system shows that the Galaxy Ace 2 is far from the perfect smartphone offering, the compact device plays host to a number of spec updates that help it on the road to redemption and which give it an edge over a number of devices that sport far loftier price tags.

And here's some even better news: the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is going to be one of the range of phones that the Korean brand is going to be updating to Android 4.1.2, or Android Jelly Bean to you and me.

This means an improved camera, faster innards and an improved user interface are all on the way, and will placate those hoards of users that took umbrage at being told they were never going to get their hands on the Ice Cream Sandwich update.

The new version of Android won't be launching until at least Q1 2013, and we'll fully update this review when we get our hands on the new version of the software... but at least you can buy it confident in the knowledge it's not going to be left out in the cold.

Coming for a general all-round overhaul, the Galaxy Ace 2 has been bumped to an 800MHz dual-core processor from a similar speed single-core offering whilst the handset's RAM offering has made the jump from 278MB to a far more respectable 768MB.

As fun as it is functional, the Ace 2 is far from bereft of redeeming qualities on an entertainment front as the handset sees Samsung pair a 5-megapixel rear-mounted camera with autofocus capabilities and integrated LED flash features.

On top of this, the device plays host to improved, 720p HD video recording capabilities that see the handset settled firmly in the mid-market sector. A second, VGA, snapper also feature's on the device's fore.

Lining up at a comfortable 122g in weight and just 10.5mm thick, the latest addition to the Galaxy range of Samsung smartphones sees 4GB of internal storage expanded via microSD compatibility, whilst the standard collection of 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options are further bolstered by GPS and HSDPA offerings.

As impressive in reality as it is on paper, those looking to make use of the Ace 2 will be further pleased by the device's appealing price tag with the handset available now for free on a selection of pay monthly contracts.

Those looking to pick the handset up on a SIM-free pay-as-you-go basis will be able to do so for a now-fair-whack-under the £200 marker, a price that sees the Ace 2 easy trump a number of its rivals on the cost front.

Despite the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 increasing in screen size over the first-generation model, making the jump from 3.5-inches to 3.8-inches, the Ace 2 is impressively 1mm slimmer than its counterpart, dropping down to a relatively svelte 10.5mm at its thickest point.

Although the handset features a largely plastic construct, the Galaxy Ace 2 is a surprising sturdy and well put together device, offering little unwanted flex or creaking when placed under considerable amounts of stress.

As pleasing as the Ace 2's design is, it is far from unique, sharing a number of characteristics with many of Samsung's most recent Android powered devices with a large, rectangular home button dominating the device's face.

These familiarities aren't necessarily a bad thing; however, with the Ace 2's smoothly curved edges and slim form factor creating a device that is extremely comfortable in the hand as well as remaining of an eye-catching nature.

One design feature that has unfortunately made the jump to the Ace 2 is the Samsung Galaxy standard flimsy and fragile back panel. Offering little reassurance when being removed, the scarily thin component leaves you nervous of snapping when being removed to access the SIM, microSD and battery.

As well as increasing in size, the Galaxy Ace 2 has added weight when compared to its predecessor, although only marginally. Despite adding 9g of weight compared with the original Galaxy Ace model, the Ace 2, which weighs a reasonable 122g, is a reassuring device to hold, not so heavy as to feel uncomfortable but sturdy enough to act as a confidence boosting weight in the hand.

With a rounded-edged finish, the Ace 2 is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand with the slightly textured back panel offering a small, but hugely reassuring amount of additional grip that will stave off accidental drops and slips.

With little to take away from the handset's seamless and curvaceous form factor, the near mid-market device features just three physical controls with the standard sleep turn power button lining up alongside the equally familiar volume up and volume down options.

Although the volume controls are located in an area prone to accidental presses from errant fingers and thumbs when held in either a standard right and left handed manner, the buttons are reassuringly stiff enough so as not to cause concern.

Further maintaining the handset's untarnished form, the essential microUSB charging dock connector and 3.5mm audio jack port are the only blemishes on an otherwise impeccable finish.