ASUS has discussed internally acquiring HTC – Reuters
It’s no news HTC has been having a horrible year. The Taiwanese manufacturer recently reported their worst April financial figures in 6 years, and they are expecting to lose substantial amounts of income for Q2, 2015. It’s clearly time for a change, and there is a slight chance ASUS has exactly what they need – an acquisition.
Asus Chairman Jonney Shih
Think about it. It’s really the best time to make a bid to acquire HTC. The company’s stock prices are declining rapidly as ASUS continues to rise with awesome products like the ASUS Zenfone 2. I was honestly much more excited about this mid-end smartphone than I was about the HTC One M9. The Zenfone 2 offers great value for a stunning price, while the HTC One M9 failed to impress the industry very much.
Should an acquisition be in the books? Whether such an event is to take place or not, Asustek Chief Financial Officer David Chang has told Reuters it’s not something the company is entirely ruling out. He mentions Chairman Jonney Shih touched on the topic at ASUS’ annual general meeting.
“Our chairman has chatted about the topic internally. Still, the chances of an actual takeover are not big as Asustek is a company that has depended on organic growth.” – David Chang, chief financial officer at Asustek
This acquisition may not seem likely, as we do know ASUS doesn’t really need HTC to keep growing. They have an amazing computer business and are finally getting a stronger foothold in the smartphone market. I personally don’t see it happening. We have seen crazier things happen, though, and you never really know what these companies may have in mind.
Will we see an HTC acquisition by its Taiwanese brother, ASUS, soon? Sound off in the comments and let us know your take on this possibility.
Related videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
LG said to be contemplating metal case G4 Pro
LG has made it quite clear that it is planning to launch another flagship smartphone this year, but we’re still none the wiser about what it would be. Even beefier specifications, unique new features or a completey new design are all possible. However, according to ETNews, LG’s next smartphone could be named the G4 Pro and it might be made out of metal, rather than leather or plastic.
Apparently, LG is looking for a way to help differentiate the new handset from the regular G4, which already made a bit of a fashion statement with its assorted leather covers. Although this does beg the question, doesn’t LG have any other ideas to make its second flagship this year stand apart from the G4?
That’s probably a bit harsh of me, a metal finish is likely just another nice feature to add value to LG’s even more premium second flagship. However, LG usually tends to play it safe when it comes to making a substantial production change and has previously tested out new features and technologies on niche products, which ship in smaller amounts first.
LG is said to be undecided about whether to test the waters with a “niche” metal handset first or whether to dive straight on in with a metal G4 Pro.
Premium build materials have become increasingly common in high-end smartphones, but LG hasn’t moved over to metal yet.
LG no doubt wants to compete with Apple and Samsung on build quality, but can it sell enough handsets to justify the costs?
There are two reasons why LG may be hesitant about moving straight over to metal, the first is production costs and the other is quality.
The company is probably looking at the tried and tested press and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) processing method, like Samsung and Apple. However, LG will have to compete with the two larger companies for production capacity, which will likely leave them incurring higher costs than its competitors, due to smaller economies of scale.
This would end up increasing the price of LG’s final product. LG may be able to final an alternative, cheaper method of production, but then quality may not match up with competing products. LG no doubt wants to compete with Apple and Samsung on build quality, but can it sell enough handsets to justify the costs?
LG may struggle to keep finding new ways to make its products stand out from one another. What’s next after leather and metal?
Even then, it remains to be seen if a metal case can help LG’s new phone stand out enough. There really is quite a lot to think about when moving over to a new production technique.
There are two reasons why LG may be hesitant about moving straight over to metal, the first is production costs and the other is quality.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any other details about what LG has planned for its “pro” handset later this year.
We have heard rumors regarding LG own line-up of processors, another new display, and the possibly of a larger handset to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Note line-up. LG already tested a device quite similar to this list year with the Korean exclusive LG G3 Screen, however the final G4 Pro hardware is still apparently very much up in the air.
What would you like to see from LG’s G4 Pro (or whatever it ends up being called)?
Iron Man Edition S6 Edge sold for $91,000
The Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition is a limited version of the handset emblazoned with Marvel’s Iron Man character and customers have been clamouring to get their hands on this truly exclusive handset. We’ve already heard that some sales were fetching over $35,000 but this pales in comparison to how much one particular handset sold for in China.
China’s second largest e-commerce retailer JD.com auctioned off one limited edition Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition handset yesterday and a total of 92,429 bids sent the final price to 568,788 Yuan, or 118.6 million won. This works out to a staggering US$91,635 which is almost 100 times the handset’s $1079 recommended price tag.
S6 Edge vs the rest
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
The Iron Man edition handset offers the Galaxy S6 Edge in a unique red color on the back and front and given that red is popular in China, Samsung predicted the popularity and plans to offer 16 million units for sale in China. Originally, there were only expected to be 1,000 Iron Man edition handsets available to buy and these were limited to Korea only but the rollout to China suggests we may yet see the handset offered in other markets around the world.
A very lucky number..
Each device has a unique serial number and the handset auctioned in China had the serial number 66; given that 6 is a very lucky number in Chinese custom, the 66 serial number suggested that the handset will bring twice as normal good luck. The connotations of the serial number is undoubtedly one of the reasons it sold for such a high number but the final selling price was exceptionally high and probably one of the highest selling prices for a smartphone ever.
The Galaxy S6 Edge is one of Samsung’s flagships this year and brings the style and specs of the Galaxy S6 with the addition of a curved edge screen on either side of the display. While the functionality is limited somewhat, the higher selling price, slightly bigger battery and better design of the Galaxy S6 Edge (over the Galaxy S6) has many people claiming its the true flagship.
Having spent a month with the Galaxy S6 Edge, the handset offers one of the smoothest experiences on Android to-date and is arguably the best phone of the year so far. As a massive Marvel fan however, I would happily buy an Iron Man Edition Galaxy S6 Edge – at a reasonable price at least – if it was available in the UK. Then again, Samsung could also tempt me with the other Avengers concepts handsets or alternatively, one of these Iron Man slick wraps could be the cheapest way to create your very own Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition.
Would you buy the Iron Man Edition S6 Edge if available at a reasonable price? What about one of the other Avengers characters if available? Let us know your views in the comments!
Icondy: use icons from multiple icon packs
Android is awesome for many reasons, but true fans can’t deny customization happens to be one of its most attractive attributes. You can make your Android phone look however you want. Every true Android tinkerer has played around with some icon packs. If you are part of this club, would I be wrong to say it’s extremely frustrating to have to stick with one icon pack at a time?
It’s a limitation we have come to accept, but we don’t really have to anymore. XDA senior member FemBlack has put together an app that allows you to use icons from multiple icon packs simultaneously. You can opt to use a Chrome icon from one pack and a Facebook icon from another, for example. It’s truly liberating.
And yes, I know some of you have figured out ways to do this by rooting your smartphone, but this method works for non-root users, so it is a first. The app is called Icondy, which is a bit of an odd name, but it does the trick well. Let’s go over how it works real quick.
Requirements
- Android 4.0 or above.
- You need your own icon packs (at least 2 – this app comes with no icon packs).
- A custom launcher. For now only Lucid Launcher is supported.
If you meet those requirements, everything else is a breeze. The app works by mixing your icon packs and allowing you to select which icon you prefer to use for each application. You can select to mix two packs if you have the free version, while paying $2.50 will unlock the ability to mix up to 3 or 4.
After the packs are merged, you can simply start making your icon choices. Simple as pie! Go ahead and download the app straight from the Google Play Store if interested.
By the way, this app is not really exclusive to Lucid Launcher, it just happens to be the only launcher which supports Icondy right now. Other launchers can start supporting this awesome app if they so choose to. The developer has provided an API for launcher creators to use, sot there’s no excuse. Bring Icondy to all launchers!
Related videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
MLB Network starts streaming live broadcasts on mobile devices
If you’re a baseball fan, chances are you’re already aware of the Major League Baseball’s At Bat app for streaming live games with a MLB.tv subscription. Now, the league is bringing it’s 24/7 news, analysis and more from the MLB Network to your computer and mobile device, too. As Forbes reports, this is the first time that a league-owned TV network has offered a live authenticated stream of its around-the-clock broadcast on the desktop, iOS and Android. All of the network’s studio shows, original programs, game telecasts and more will stream to the At Bat app, but there’s a catch: you’ll need a cable subscription to access it.
Like Fox does with its post-season games and other sports content on Fox Sports Go, you’ll be required to sign in to your cable or satellite account before watching. Subscribers on AT&T U-verse, Bright House, Cablevision, Cox, DirecTV, DISH, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS can expect to access MLB Network coverage. You probably noticed that Comcast and Charter aren’t on that list, which means those customers won’t have access at launch. And if you’re wondering about MLB’s infuriating local blackout policy, yes, that still applies here as well. If you encounter a blackout, you’ll be served another game or some other programming.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Julio Cortez]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, Software, HD
Source: Forbes
Cyanogen OS will be pre-loaded with social game store PlayPhone
When Cyanogen is not trying to put a bullet through Google’s head or collecting boatloads of cash from investors, they are partnering up with all kinds of companies to bring users new services. The company recently partnered with Boxer, Truecaller and Microsoft to offer a bevy of pre-installed apps and services that should enrich your experience. Today is PlayPhone’s turn.
What the heck is PlayPhone? You may be wondering. It’s not a very popular service around here, as it is aimed towards emerging markets, but it’s actually a pretty cool service if you are into social experiences.
PlayPhone is a social game app store that allows you to take your game to a much friendlier level. You can, of course, discover, download and play your games, but you can also do that with the Google Play Store. What makes PlayPhone unique is the ability to connect with friends, recommend games, challenge your contacts, invite them to play or show off your skills in the leaderboard.
Because this is a service focused on emerging markets, it will only be launching with Cyanogen OS in “key international markets”. That is not very specific, but we are willing to bet bigger markets won’t see much of it… for better or worse.
I can’t think of a better partner for PlayPhone than Cyanogen. Cyanogen OS and CyanogenMod are everywhere! Cyanogen has a hold on 50 million users in 190 countries, and they are working hard to enter every market they can. As for the benefits Cyanogen is getting out of this partnership, it all depends on how you view things.
I am sure many of you will see PlayPhone as nothing more than bloatware, but it may be a fun experience to test if you are into the social aspects it offers. In fact, you can go ahead and test it on any Android phone if you want. Just go download the game store from PlayPhone.com.
What do you say – is this app worth your time or is it just another app you will never use?
Cyanogen-related videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Nickelodeon is now streaming to the Roku platform
Nickelodeon announced Thursday that its popular streaming app is now available on Roku-enabled devices and televisions. The Nick App (which is already available on the App Store, Google Play, Amazon and Xbox 360) delivers full episodes of the network’s live-action and animated shows. The app’s been downloaded more than 16 million times since its debut in 2013 and can be found in the “Kids & Family” section of the Roku Channel Store.
[Image Credit: Nickelodeon]
Filed under: Internet
Source: Roku Blog
Use Skitch on iOS to annotate pages without leaving Safari
Skitch is one of the most popular productivity apps, both on mobile and the desktop, for a reason: it makes it easy to snap, mark up and share just about anything, like PDFs. If you’ve been using it on iOS, there’s now a reason to like the application even more. Thanks to a new version, released earlier today, you can use Skitch to annotate web pages within Safari, eliminating the need to manually capture a screenshot and then having to open up the app. To install you simply have to tap the Share button while in the browser and add Skitch as part of your actions, which will then let you see it next to Copy, Print and others. It’s basically an extension, so think of it as a way to save you a few taps whenever you’re trying to express something important — as shown by the example above.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Software, Mobile, Apple
Source: App Store
Verizon Moto E getting Android 5.1 update this evening
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
The 2nd gen Motorola Moto E on Big Red is getting a tasty download treat tonight. Verizon saw fit to start pushing out the Android 5.1 Lollipop update to the entry level device. The update carries software version 23.11.17 and brings all the perks to Android 5.1 many have lusted over like the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth quick change drop downs from the notification shade and a slight tweak to the “interruptions” control menu. You will also get access to the Device Protection option which helps keep your device locked even if it is factory reset.
To check on your Moto E 2nd Gen software head to Settings > About Phone > System Updates. If you see it ready for download then have at it. Be sure you have a solid Wi-Fi connection, well over 50% battery and some time to kill for it to download and install. While you are waiting you can head over to the update PDF and check out some of the details.
Source: Verizon Via: 9to5Google
The post Verizon Moto E getting Android 5.1 update this evening appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Details surface for Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Value Edition
Samsung is set to introduce a Galaxy Grand Prime Value Edition in the near future, according to rumors surfacing in the past day. Reportedly, the 5-inch device will run Android 5.0 and feature some entry-level specifications.
Details are alleged to include a 5-inch 960 x 540 pixel display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and 5-megapixel front-facing shooter. Powered by a 64-bit quad-core Cortex-A53 Marvell processor, other rumored specs may include 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and a 2600mAh battery.
If the aforementioned hardware pans out it feels like this one is more of a gentle refresh of the existing model. Should that be the case then the price could stay rather low.
It is likely that the Galaxy Grand Prime Value Edition could be offered in emerging markets. If it comes to the US, it’s possible it might find a home at smaller or prepaid carriers. Cricket, for instance, sells the Galaxy Grand Prime for only $129.
The post Details surface for Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Value Edition appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 
