HTC has added another smartphone to its One family this morning, this time catering to those with a taste for mid-range devices that don’t break the bank. It’s called the One SV, and it’s headed to EE — the United Kingdom’s first and only 4G carrier — with 4G connectivity in the coming weeks.
While Sony’s latest crop of Xperia smartphones haven’t exactly been terrible, none of them really stand out up against devices like the Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, and the HTC One X and Droid DNA. Despite this, the Japanese company has been able to cement itself in second place when it comes to Android market share — sitting right beneath Samsung.
Rumor has it that Sony’s now looking to take advantage of that position with a new flagship “Xperia 6” handset for 2013. In addition to a 6-inch 1080p display, the device is expected to offer a 13-megapixel camera, 3GB of RAM, and a sizable 3,500 mAh battery. What’s more, it won’t be the only new handset from Sony in early 2013.
Android’s built-in malware scanner can’t be completely trusted just yet.
With its Android 4.2 Jelly Bean upgrade, Google provided its users with extra protection by introducing an extended malware scanner that’s designed to prevent malicious applications from making their way onto your smartphone or tablet. Not only does it scan the apps you download from Google Play, but also those you acquire from third-party sources, such as Amazon’s Appstore.
It gives Android users peace of mind. The only problem is, new research has proven that the feature is largely worthless. When Google’s malware scanner was put through its paces, it was able to detect just 15.32% of malicious apps.
Strong sales of the iPhone 5 have helped Apple grab more than a quarter of the global LTE device market last quarter, despite the handset’s short time on sale. The Cupertino company now commands 27% of the market share, while arch rival Samsung’s 40% share means it maintains the top spot for the seventh quarter in a row.
However, increasing competition from its rivals means Samsung’s share has quickly slipped by more than 10% from 50.9% in the previous quarter.
YouTube announced today that its Android app has been updated to match more directly with the recent updates to its web homepage. On the video host’s Google+ page, they noted that the YouTube app on an Android tabled has now included a Guide like the one recently introduced on YouTube proper. It allows you to access your favorite channels and discover new ones.
In addition, YouTube announced that the mobile website, available to iPad and other mobile users, will provide the same easy access to the Guide interface, letting you connect with your subscriptions and playlists as well as easier controls for sending video to your HDTV via AirPlay and other systems.
