Don’t be surprised if the LG G4 lacks a metal body
This news is hard to believe based on the trend we have been seeing. According to ZDNet Korea, although LG is committed to using metal in their flagship smartphones, they might not be ready to make that move with the G4 even though it was previously reported that they would.
According to their sources, LG wants to manufacture their own metal cases, which is obviously a huge undertaking since it would require space, new equipment, and planning. The G4 is likely to be announced in May or June, and that is too close to get anything done.
Now if there is any good news out of this, it appears the G4 Note will sport metal since that is due out later this year.
Will this effect your decision on buying the G4? I personally don’t think metal is the be all end all as long as the quality is there. The G3 was made of plastic, but it had a metal feel and I was personally happy with it. However, with all the press that metal is getting these days, the perception of not having metal on the G4 could be very bad. I guess we will have to wait and see how this pans out.
source: ZDNet Korea
via: G4Games
Come comment on this article: Don’t be surprised if the LG G4 lacks a metal body
LG G Flex 2 is targeted for a specific group in Taiwan
While carriers in the United States have yet to release the handset, consumers in other markets have been able to purchase the LG G Flex 2. The unique curved display separates itself from almost every other handset available. It must be targeted at someone, right? An executive from LG Taiwan revealed the consumers targeted with the G Flex 2.
Jee Hyung Lee, CEO and President of LG Taiwan, said that business consumers who are 30-45 years old will make up most of the handset’s sales. By the end of this year, the company is expected to sell 20,000 units in Taiwan. That is almost triple the amount of original G Flex’s sold in Taiwan last year. Lee did not provide any reasoning for the expectations.
Source: Focus Taiwan
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: LG G Flex 2 is targeted for a specific group in Taiwan
Is LG going to make the next Nexus smartphone? Visits from Google engineers point to “Yes”
The Nexus 6 has barely been out for 6 months and rumours are already swirling around who is going to manufacturer Google’s next Nexus smartphone. While Huawei appeared to be the leader in the early going, attention has shifted to LG, who allegedly had Google engineers visit their headquarters and factories in Korea this month. […]
The post Is LG going to make the next Nexus smartphone? Visits from Google engineers point to “Yes” appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Which all-in-one desktops are worth buying?
As laptops continue to become more powerful, there’s still plenty of room for an all-in-one desktop in your life. Their slim profile makes them a bit more desk- or living room-friendly than a typical tower PC, while the large built-in screen is great for getting work done or watching a movie. To help you decide which units are worthy enough to grace your office or den, we’ve taken a look at reviews from trusted critics to find systems that can handle a variety of tasks, including editing documents, watching movies and even some hardcore gaming. Check out the gallery below to see five of the better all-in-one desktops available now, as well as one we’d rather you didn’t buy.
All eyes on you: LG’s AKA series is about to turn heads overseas
The pillars of the AKA community.
Last year, LG released its AKA product line exclusively in its home country of South Korea. The quartet of devices are seemingly simple on paper, with mid-range specs across the board. Their unique point however stems from the unique “identities” each one carries. There is Wooky in white, who speaks slang, Soul in dark blue who loves beer and music, Eggy in yellow who is a romantic at heart, and finally Yo-Yo in pink whose crash-diets cause her weight to… fluctuate. This intricate couple of pairs will be releasing in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey in the coming months. Pricing has not been set, but we expect something similar to the $460 they retailed for in Korea.
Each phone comes with a sleeve-type cover that activates the persona, which can be seen via the eyes that appear on the screen while sleeping. In addition to the standard affair of contents bundled with the product, each comes with a “Art Toy” mini figurine of the character the phone embodies as well as stickers you can use to decorate it with.
Specs are as follows:
- CPU: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
- Display: 5.0-inch (720X1080) HD IPS
- Memory: 16GB / 1.5GB RAM / microSD slot
- Camera: Rear 8.0MP Laser Auto Focus / Front 2.1MP
- Battery: 2,610 mAh (removable)
- Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Size: 138.7 x 71.9 x 9.9mm
- Weight: 135.5g (without font slide cover) / 157g (with front slide cover)
- Network: 4G LTE
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth 4.0 / NFC / A-GPS / USB 2.0
In its press release, LG has indicated the four phones are being enhanced beyond their original concept by the inclusion of an “emotional UX element”. Additional unique features for the AKA series include the ability to customize the character’s eyes with various pairs of glasses and eyebrows. The aforementioned “Art Toy” figure can be used with the included Snapshoot app to digitize the character into selfies for potential photobombs of an otherworldly nature.
Check out the cool features and optional accessories on the bottom!
To expand on the potential marketing prowess, LG has ordered an animated AKA YouTube video series beginning today (March 20th) called Rotary Park.
While the AKA series caught our interests when first announced in November for its unique take on smartphones, it was largely assumed they would remain exclusive to Korea. While it’s unclear as to if the international roll-out is a product of the series’ individual success or simply LG’s, we will definitely be watching their reception closely. Will you?
SEOUL, Mar. 19, 2015 — LG Electronics (LG) will begin the first overseas rollout of its fun and customizable AKA smartphone starting in Hong Kong next week followed by China, Taiwan, Singapore and Turkey with additional markets to be announced as they are confirmed. Originally designed for the domestic market, AKA was first introduced to Korean customers at the end of 2014, where it has seen healthy sales and positive customer feedback for its originality and sense of humor.
AKA is available in four different personas, from Eggy in yellow who falls frequently in love, the ever-so-impulsiveWooky in white, the soft-hearted and music-loving Soul in navy and Yo-Yo in pink who is always on a diet. The characters’ personalities are an integral part of each phone as they are woven into wallpapers, widgets and ringtones. In addition to each AKA’s interactive, animated eyes, owners can customize their phones with stickers (provided), markers or paint, for a true DIY experience. This customer-centric thinking helped AKA win an iF Design Award for its unconventional approach to smartphone design.
With a global audience in mind, LG tweaked the AKA lineup by adding an emotional UX element. Some of the additional features include customizable glasses and eyebrows for each pair of eyes. Another unique UX feature is the included Art Toy figurine, which can be digitized and integrated into the phone’s user experience. Snapping a photo of the accompanying figurine with AKA’s Snapshoot tool creates an animated 3D version of the figure that appears alongside selfies. Other camera features come straight from LG’s premium handsets and include Laser Auto Focus, Touch & Shoot and Gesture Shot.
To celebrate AKA’s overseas rollout, LG is collaborating with TUBA Entertainment, the creators of the popular Larvaanimated series, to produce a new series called Rotary Park. The first episode of Rotary Park will debut on March 20 on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/TheRotarypark).
“AKA is the first smartphone that gives owners a blank canvas to express their own personalities via a customized user experience,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “AKA is about being creative and never losing sight of the things that make us young and interesting. This is a whole new direction in smartphone UX and we’re excited about where it may take us.”
Key Specifications:
￭ Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
￭ Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS
￭ Memory: 16GB / 1.5GB RAM / microSD slot
￭ Camera: Rear 8.0MP Laser Auto Focus / Front 2.1MP
￭ Battery: 2,610mAh (removable)
￭ Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat
￭ Size: 138.7 x 71.9 x 9.9mm
￭ Weight: 135.5g (without font slide cover) / 157g (with front slide cover)
￭ Network: 4G LTE
￭ Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth 4.0 / NFC / A-GPS / USB 2.0
￭ Color: White / Yellow / Navy / Pink
￭ Other: Art Toy / Stickers
LG could be making the next Nexus phone
The next Nexus phone faces a bit of a naming dilemma – where do they go after the Nexus 6? Can’t go Nexus 7 because that already exists, and any reduction in number would seem like a step back in generation. Whatever Google decide to call the next Nexus, a new report suggests that the manufacturer behind the device is LG.
Codenamed ‘N000′, sources report that Google engineers recently visited LG headquarters in South Korea to discuss the device, which also reportedly carries the name ‘Nexus 7′, but take that with a pinch of salt.
If true, this would be the third Nexus device made by LG in the lineup. Would you like to see a third LG Nexus device?
The post LG could be making the next Nexus phone appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Deal: Pick up a 40-inch LG 4K TV for 58% off from Amazon
Since the launch of 4K display technology, we’ve seen countless televisions come to market toting the display tech at incredibly high prices with no discounts to be found. But that trend might soon be changing thanks to Amazon and LG. If you’d like to finally test the waters with 4K display technology, Amazon is offering the LG 40UB8000 40-Inch 4K Ultra HD 60Hz Smart LED TV for only $499, which is a massive 58% off the normal retail price. While the 40-inch model may seem small compared to the bigger sizes we’ve all gotten used to, this is still a great deal.
But if the size is a problem for you, Amazon is also offering the 49-inch model for $899, the 55-inch model for $1,199 and the 60-inch model for $1,709. Unfortunately the smaller size is the only one to receive a discount today.
One thing to note: this television doesn’t run Android TV out of the box like some other 4K TVs out there, but you’ll still be able to plug in your Nexus Player or Chromecast to suit your streaming needs.
If you’d like to pick one up, you might want to hurry. The TV goes back up to its normal retail price after tonight! If you’re interested, head to the link below.
LG G Flex 2 to be available in India later this month, Watch Urbane in April
LG has announced the G Flex 2 for India. It will be available later this month for Rs 55,000 ($877), and you will have your choice of either silver or red.
The more important part of this news it the announcement that the Watch Urbane will be released in April. This should hopefully mean that it will launch in the U.S. and other areas at the same time. Unfortunately no price was specified, but we are expecting it to come in around $299 to $349.
source: android.in
Come comment on this article: LG G Flex 2 to be available in India later this month, Watch Urbane in April
LG G4 to Sport 5.6-inch Screen
The LG G3 was widely regarded as one of the all-around best phone of 2014, but the Korean tech giant can’t live off of last years success in 2015. The LG G4, which is due out in May, will hopefully be an improvement over the current aging model, with all of the neat specs of 2015, and the handy features we’ve come to know and love from LG. The device will also increase in size, according to an online twitter tipster named @OnLeaks. The screen will be 5.6 inches, which puts it smack-dab in between the LG G3 and the Note 4, but still in phone territory.
As far as phablets go, although the G4 is pushing the limits of flagship phones’ sizes, LG apparently may have even bigger plans for the second half of the year with a genuine phablet of around 5.8 inches, coupled with its own stylus.
Source: Twitter/OnLeaks
Come comment on this article: LG G4 to Sport 5.6-inch Screen
Android Authority this week
It’s been a fun week in the world of Android. Google finally dropped Android 5.1 and we were happy to see it’s more than just bug fixes. New features may also be coming soon to Android Wear. We heard more interesting tidbits about Samsung’s hot new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, including talk about an Active version featuring a massive battery. More rumors about LG’s and HTC’s next hero devices emerged. Google reorganized its device store and released a cheaper and nicer Chromebook Pixel. Cyanogen revealed some details about its upcoming plans. And finally Google issued nice updates to several of its apps.
Inside AA HQ
We’re back with a new installment of Android Authority this week after a two week hiatus for MWC. The show itself has been a blast, but we all had even more fun on the sidelines, just catching up with each other, meeting new people, and getting to hang out with fellow bloggers and journalists from the Android community. Check out a short gallery from the show here: it’s just a taste of an experience that we try to share with you at every show.
Moving on, we’re looking forward to reviewing the undisputed stars of MWC – the HTC One M9, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge. All three devices are on their way and our reviews will be going up as soon as embargos let us. We’re really stoked to put these beasts through their paces, and we know you are stoked to learning everything about them, so stay tuned!
As always, keep an eye on our Sunday Giveaway page for a chance to win a hot new device!
The Friday Debate Podcast
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
Here are some interesting posts for your Sunday reading:
- Comparison: How does the new Galaxy S6 compare to Note 4? We take a look
- Comparison: We pitch the top two curved devices against each other: Galaxy S6 Edge vs G Flex 2
- Feature focus: Here’s what you can do with the interesting sloped screen of the S6 Edge
- Opinion: Apple Watch details are here: how does it stack up against Android Wear?
- Overview: Matt takes a look at the position and outlook of the biggest players in the mobile industry
- Review: Lanh takes the Mi Note for a spin. These are his conclusions
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Android 5.1 is here
- Google officially unveils Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Here’s the full Android 5.1 changelog
- Android 5.1 brings back silent mode, sort of
- Android 5.1 Lollipop – Here’s what’s new
- (Update: Nexus 5, 6, 7, 10) Android 5.1 OTA update links begin to surface
- Android 5.1 said to be rolling out to Nexus 6 today
- Android 5.1 Lollipop SDK is now available with support for devices with dual-SIM cards
- Android Lollipop 5.1 factory images are now ready for download
Galaxy S6 bits and pieces
- Video: Samsung talks us through the Galaxy S6’s hardware
- Samsung is already ramping up Galaxy S6 production – report
- Samsung Galaxy S6 boasts the best display in the business
- Samsung reportedly has 20 million pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge
- That curved glass on the S6 Edge? It takes time and money
Galaxy S6 Active
LG G4 and G Note shaping up
- “Early” press render hints at curvy LG G4
- More alleged LG G4 renders show front and sides… and an outdated logo
- Look out Samsung, LG may have a Note of its own
Android Wear is getting smarter
New Chromebook Pixel hits the Google Store
- Chromebook Pixel (2015) arrives, USB-C ports in tow — starting at $999
- Google goes all-in with USB Type-C
- Play Store shake up: devices section renamed to Google Store, Nexus 5 is gone
One E9 breaks cover
Google app updates
- Chrome v41 adds pull-to-refresh functionality, Beta v42 brings ‘site notifications’
- Street Art, Google’s first Android Wear watch face, is now live in the Play Store
- Google VPN service spotted hidden within Android 5.1
- YouTube now supports 360-degree video on desktop and mobile
- Latest Waze update helps estimate how long you’ll be stuck in traffic
- Google Messenger version 1.2 update adds GIF support
- New Google reference app helps developers build multi-screen apps
Cyanogen preview
- Lollipop-based Cyanogen 12 OTA for OnePlus One/Yureka now coming “in a few weeks”
- Cyanogen OS 12 will ship with Boxer as default email app
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
AIVAnet 