A few weeks ago, Canonical released the first look of Ubuntu for phones, and soon after released developer preview builds for the Nexus devices from Google. While the OS in itself is not yet ready for consumers, the preview build does show off the interesting gesture based UI that Canonical has come up with.

One of the highlights of Ubuntu for phones is the app launcher that comes up with a simple swipe from the left edge of the screen, allowing you to quickly launch an app from anywhere in the OS. A relatively new app in the Play Store – Glovebox (free) – aims to bring similar functionality to all Android devices out there. Here’s how to set it up.

Could we be seeing the Nexus 5? According to an anonymous source that claims they work for Google, this is it. It’s a device equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology that promises to be the smartphone to beat for 2013. To us, it looks more like a fanboy’s mockup.

Google is rumored to be unifying all of its existing messaging services under one umbrella called “Babble,” according to a report from Geek.com. The upcoming service will reportedly unify Google Talk, Voice, Messenger, Drive, and the Google+ version of Talk, and Hangouts under one roof.

Although the name itself seems a little ridiculous, Babble sounds like a step in the right direction for Google.

HTC has been forced to delay the rollout of its promising new HTC One. An executive for the company has confirmed that it now has difficulty securing certain components from its suppliers as it is no longer considered a “tier-one” customer.

This is a great idea: It’s a gadget that bolts onto your car’s dashboard and won’t let the engine start unless your phone is in it’s slot. The device is called the Origosafe, and it is designed to stop your teen from driving whilst texting, or whatever. And it will. As long as your teen has a Galaxy S3.