An Android statue made out of Chrome has recently appeared at Google’s Mountain View campus. The above picture was taken by Android Community Manager Paul Wilcox, and uploaded to his Google+ page (where else!).

The Android statue has been installed above the entrance of Building 45, which is opposite where Google normally places their statues.

This has caused a lot of speculation, as Google normally unveils statues with the release of a new version of Android. The fact that the statue is made out of Chrome, leads a lot of people to think that this may be symbolic.

Paul Wilcox has come out and said that he wasn’t trying to hint at a new version of Android:

“To be clear, this post is a little tongue-in-cheek and is not meant to be a sneaky announcement of a new version of Android,” he wrote. “It is, however, an announcement of a new statue.”

What do you think? Pure coincidence? Is the Chrome statue meant to symbolize something?

Source: The Verge

Less than four months after Google first introduced Android OS v4.1 (Jelly Bean), preparations are almost final for the release of an improved predecessor called Android OS v4.2.

The new version will keep the moniker Jelly Bean and is being referred to as Jelly Bean Mark II, suggesting an enhanced version of the same. This, however, does not mean that Android 4.2 has nothing new to offer. From what we’re hearing about it, the operating system is sure to get you excited, although it is definitely not the much-speculated Lime Pie.

The first new feature included in Android 4.2 is a powerful security system that operates in real-time while you work on your phone. What it does is systematically scan apps that users download, to prevent any malicious software or a potentially unwanted program from tampering with original device settings. ComputerWorld understands the feature to be a continuation of the security process incorporated by Google for its Play Store through which all apps uploaded there are scanned for harmful code. This essentially gives users two-fold protection.

Another new feature introduced in this version is multi-user profiles. Exclusive to Android tablets only, this feature allows you to create profiles for different users just like you do for PCs. Profiles retain each user’s preferred settings including homescreens, wallpapers, apps, bookmarks, accounts and much more.

Android 4.2 provides a Gesture Typing function designed to lets users compose words by sliding their fingers across letters thus speeding up the process. Other important additions include – Miracast wireless display to stream your favorite movies from your smartphone or tablet to your compatible HDTV, enhanced Google Now with new search cards having information for flight schedules, hotels, tourist attractions etc., Photo Sphere app for camera to make 360-degree panoramic images and Daydream screensavers with customizable options for displaying your photos, news, updates etc. when your device is in idle mode.

Android 4.2 is expected to be released on November 13 with upcoming new Nexus devices.

Source: ComputerWorld | ZDNet

Japanese technology products manufacturer Sharp has announced a new compact tablet with its latest IGZO LCD technology that uses minimum power and thus extends battery life.

The AQUOS Pad SHT21 showcases a 7.0-inch touchscreen LCD. The most remarkable feature of the screen is its low power consumption which according to Sharp officials doubles the overall battery life for extended operation time. The screen gives a high resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, supports pen input and employs Sharp’s original Feel UX user interface.

The tablet runs on a 1.5GHz Dual–core Snapdragon S4 processor on Qualcomm’s MSM8960 chipset. The chip comes with 1GB of built-in RAM and offers 16GB of internal memory which can be extended via microSDXC memory card. It also features NFC for easy one tap sharing and a growing number of other uses including payments. Other key specs include – Bluetooth v4.0, MHL, 4G LTE connectivity and a powerful 3460mAh battery.

The 9.4mm thin lightweight device will come with Google’s Android Ice Cream Sandwich installed. Its Japanese website mentions IPX5/IPX7 waterproof and dustproof rating. AQUOS Pad SHT21 is expected to be released somewhere in December, most probably at the peak of holidays shopping season.

Source: Sharp via Engadget

Motorola has released a list of phones and tablets that will be getting Google’s latest version of Android operating system as well as those that won’t be receiving an update.

According to a post published on the company’s official blog forum, most devices released in 2011 or later will be getting Android OS v4.1 Jelly Bean. These include Droid RAZR MAXX HD, Droid RAZR HD, ATRIX HD and Motorola XOOM. Although, the company did not mention any timeline, the devices are slated to get the update some time before 2013.

However, not all phones and tablets will be getting these upgrades. Commenting about the update, the blog post read:

Though we are working hard to deliver that upgrade, not all of our devices will receive it.

A complete list of devices that will or will not be getting Android updates is available at Motorola’s official blog (link for which is provided in the source below).

In addition to that, Motorola has also introduced a special trade-in promotion program for customers with old handsets that are not receiving Jelly Bean:

In the United States, we have created a program for owners of qualifying devices that will not receive Jelly Bean. We are offering a $100 rebate when those eligible trade up to a new Motorola smartphone.

Source: GizmoCrave | Motorola

More information regarding the upcoming LG-Google Nexus smartphone has been leaked by popular anonymous twitter source evleaks.

According to the leak, the smartphone is called LG Nexus 4 (E960). Previously we reported that the phone runs on a Quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor. The clock speed for its APQ8064 chip has now been confirmed to be 1.5GHz. It will include a hefty 2GB of RAM and will come in 8GB and 16GB variants.

The source, which has proven to be reliable on previous occasions, also suggests that the device will come with a 4.7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. As reported earlier, the phone will feature an 8.0 Megapixels primary camera, a 1.3 Megapixels front camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS and 2100mAh battery.

Evleak post on twitter also had the following image of the Nexus 4, which shows its rectangular slab-form shape and 9.1mm thin rounded edge body.

The upcoming smartphone is expected to be unveiled on October 29, 2012 at Google’s Android event. The event will be held in New York, invites for which have already been sent out to media intermediaries.

Since, the event is primarily being hosted by Google, it is also being speculated that a newer version (v4.2) of its current Android operating system Jelly Bean might be introduced. However, these remain rumours and no confirmation or denial is available from Google, which gives a teasing tagline on the invite: “The playground is open.”

Source: @evleaks via SlashGear

With a plethora of phablet releases in the last few weeks, Sony seems to have decided that it will not be left behind in the race. Specs have been leaked for a new upcoming phablet device on Sony’s User-Agent profile, according to sources.

The phablet’s name is not clear as yet and is being recognized by model numbers C6502, C6503, C6506 and C660X and codename Odin. Also known as Yuga, the device is rumoured to feature a 5.0-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

The device is said to run a Quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with a possible clock-rate of 1.5GHz. 2GB of RAM will also be part of the chip while the phablet will be powered by Google’s latest operating system Android Jelly Bean.

GSMArena reports:

Given the massive amount of pixels involved though, it is highly unlikely that the unit will be sized below 5″. A recent announcement from Japan Display Inc. regarding the start of mass production of 5″ TFT-LCD IPS display modules with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution and pixel density of 443ppi points in this direction.

There is no official confirmation from Sony so far, but the rumoured flagship is expected to be announced early next year.

Source: GSMArena | IntoMobile

HTC has officially announced its much rumoured phablet HTC J Butterfly in Japan. The device was previously being referred to as HTC DLX or HTC One X 5.

The phablet was widely speculated-about in the last few weeks. We reported earlier that its rumoured name – HTC DLX, could just be a pre-release codename and it now seems that it was indeed the case as the device was showcased at a press event by HTC in Tokyo and unveiled as J Butterfly. The name seems to be inspired by its very distinct colour combination schemes especially for red and black model.

HTC J Butterfly builds on its predecessor’s specs. The 4.3-inch of previous HTC J model has been replaced with an all-new 5.0-inch Super LCD3 HD touchscreen panel with a high resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and an incredible pixel density of 440 ppi. With this addition HTC lands itself into the growing phablet market.

The device features a 1.5GHz Quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, the latest by Google. It comes with a huge 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal memory. Other key specs include – 8MP primary Full HD camera, 2MP front camera, LTE connectivity, NFC, IPX5 rating and a 2020mAh battery.

HTC J Butterfly is expected to be launched by the end of the year.

Source: TechCrunch

Internet giant Google has officially launched its new service Magazines on Google Play in Australia. The new service aims to bring users’ favourite magazines right to their Android devices.

Magazines on Google Play is a service for all Android platforms that provides digital versions of the best magazines in the world. Google actively pursues top publishers and has entered into contractual agreements with them to get the latest publications off the shelf and bring them to users online where they can enjoy all the news, reviews and gossip on their mobile devices.

Commenting about Google Play Magazines in Australia, PCAuthority wrote:

Titles are available from major Australian publishers such as Haymarket Media, ACP Magazines and Pacific Magazines, as well as from numerous publishers overseas, and you can buy magazines per issue or on a subscription basis.

These digital magazines can easily be read on a variety of Android smartphones as well as tablets. All users need to do is download and install Google Play Magazines app. The app offers customizable features such as text mode, interactive mode with videos and slideshows and much more. Once setup, users can then select and subscribe to their favourite magazines in an independent magazine database section on Google Play. Furthermore, users can also read these magazines on their desktop or laptop computers using Web Reader in Google Chrome browser.

Source: PCAuthority

Samsung is hosting a media event in Germany today and it is almost certain that it will unveil the smaller version of its current flagship smartphone Galaxy S3.

A week earlier, Samsung sent out limited invites to the German media for a press conference, but no information was given regarding the agenda of the event. Only yesterday, Samsung’s chief JK Shin was reported to have confirmed that Samsung will be introducing the Galaxy S3 Mini on October 11, 2012.

CNET quoted Shin as saying:

There’s a lot of demand for a 4-inch screen device in Europe. Some may call it an entry-level device, but we call it ‘mini’.

The statement clearly indicates the size of its touchscreen display which is said to use the Super AMOLED technology. Although, it is smaller than the 4.8-inch screen of Galaxy S3, 4.0-inch is – by no means – entry level. Even Apple’s latest iPhone 5 provides a 4.0-inch screen.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini is said to feature a 1GHz Dual-core processor and will come with Google’s latest version of Android OS v4.1 (Jelly Bean), which is a huge plus since the original Samsung Galaxy S3 comes with Android OS v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) pre-installed.

It is expected that Galaxy S3 Mini will have the same 1GB RAM as provided in its elder sibling. The phone will offer 16GB of internal memory with a microSD memory card slot for memory extension up to 32GB. It is also likely that the device will be NFC-enabled to make sharing simple. Other features of the upcoming smartphone will include – 5.0 Megapixel primary camera, 800 x 400 pixels screen resolution and 1500mAh battery.

Do you think the Galaxy S3 Mini can give iPhone 5 a run for its money?

Source: CNET | PCAdvisor

According to reports, Google is collaborating with LG to bring the next Nexus smartphone to the market. It is very likely that the new Nexus phone will come with a Quad-core chip for the first time.

The phone is being called LG Optimus G Nexus for now. PCAdvisor has revealed some key specs ahead of its official introduction. According to the information made available, the phone is expected to feature a powerful Snapdragon S4 processor on a Quad-core chipset. This is a huge leap from previous Galaxy Nexus models which operate on Dual-core processors. It is also likely that the device will provide 2GB of RAM.

LG Optimus G Nexus will model a True HD IPS capacitive touchscreen with a screen resolution of 1280x 768 pixels. Although, no information is available as yet regarding the size of its screen, it is believed that the 4.65-inch screen size of the current Google Nexus phone will be maintained.

The phone will also introduce Google’s latest v4.2 of Android Jelly Bean operating system. As for internal memory, the phone may come with 8GB and/or 16GB versions, but there will be no support for an external memory card. An 8.0 Megapixel primary autofocus camera with HD recording capability will be available as well. Other key features will include – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, front camera and wireless charging.

Regarding the launch date for LG Optimus G Nexus, PCAdvisor wrote:

Reports suggest it will be revealed at the end of the month or possibly in November.

Source: PCAdvisor