Nokia X gets first source-built custom Android ROM

The Nokia X family of devices based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) was announced at the sidelines of the MWC 2014. The Nokia X family can run Android apps, and until now users could also root the Nokia X to run Google's Android apps (including the Play Store) and other Google services like the Google Now.

 

Now according to a report, the Nokia X has received its first source-built AOSP Jellybean 4.1.2 build based on Code Aurora). Senior XDA developer dhacker29, is said to be the person behind this custom Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean ROM for the Nokia X.

Nokia's Asha phones get camera improvements and 7GB OneDrive storage

Nokia is rolling out a major update for its new Asha phones, including the Nokia Asha 230, Asha 500, Asha 501, Asha 502 and Asha 503. The new update is meant for both single and dual-SIM variants. The update brings the MixRadio service, improved camera settings, and support for Microsoft OneDrive among others. Nokia has started rolling out the update and users will be informed about it via a push notification on their Asha smartphones.

The update also brings Mix Radio music streaming service, which allows users to create mixes and download them. The service is limited to specific countries and is currently not available on the Nokia Asha 230.

Micromax to offer Windows Phone 8.1-based smartphones soon

One of the most important announcements made at Microsoft's Build Conference 2014 was the tie up of Microsoft with the Indian smartphone maker Micromax. According to reports, Micromax will soon be offering affordable Windows Phone 8.1 platform-based smartphones in India.



Reports suggest that Micromax and Microsoft were in talks over Windows Phone since the middle of last year. The two companies reportedly reached an agreement earlier this year as Microsoft decided to make Windows Phone free for Micromax. According to recent reports, Microsoft is offering Windows Phone free for some Indian smartphone companies including Micromax, Xolo (Lava) and Karbonn.

Samsung’s next Windows Phone handset (ATIV SE)

Next week, Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1. Usually with big OS refreshes you get a few hardware launches, as well. That’s no different this time around as we’re expecting the Lumia 630 (aka ‘Moneypenny’), Lumia 930 (aka ‘Martini’, a non-Verizon version of the Icon) and eventually ‘Goldfinger’, which we hear is going to be a somewhat radical departure in terms of user interaction.

One of those 8.1 launch devices is reportedly the Samsung ATIV SE, another refresh from Samsung destined for Verizon. Not much is known about this device except that it may have a five inch, 1080P display and that it’s being built for Windows Phone 8.1. A render has been leaked by Evleaks that suggests a strong similarity between it and other ATIV devices in terms of aesthetics.

It’s not clear yet though if it will launch with 8.1 or get the update sometime soon after.

Now, getting word from a trusted source that the ATIV SE will hit shelves on April 18 with an off-contract price of $599. On-contract will most likely be $199, but we have not been able to verify that as of yet.

Apple iPhone 6 will coming in September

Apple will launch the next iPhone in either August or September, according to various sources.

While the Apple iPhone 6 launch date remains elusive, there are signs that its supply chain is gearing up to begin production of the smartphone.

According to Digitimes, Simplo Technology and Desay Battery Technology have received orders to supply parts for the iPhone 6.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Becomes First Smartphone To Support Fingerprint Recognition for Payments

While we all know that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is set to officially launch with a dedicated fingerprint scanner, we are yet to see some real-life demonstration related to the same. However, it seems like that wait is about to end.

According to a new report via MIT's Technology Review journal, the Galaxy S5 is the first smartphone to support the ability to use the Fingerprint Recognition feature for making PayPal payments.

What this means is that with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S5, owners of the smartphone will be able to make massive use of the device's in-built fingerprint sensor to make payments from anywhere in the world, assisted on the sides via the fingerprint recognition feature.

Nokia X Android phones: Life in the Fastlane

By design, Nokia's new Android smartphones will underwhelm users of high-end phones. The Nokia X line was created with emerging markets in mind, so the company emphasised keeping prices low, meaning the user interface is relatively simple.


















The home screen resembles the one on Nokia's Windows-based Lumia phones, even though it's Android underneath. But Nokia Corp. added a Fastlane feature, a screen with quick access to your most-used apps. You get to it by swiping from the left or right edge of the home screen or tapping the back button at the bottom.

Moto G Forte with rough Grip Shell listed on company's site

Motorola finally took the wraps of its new Moto G variant, the Moto G Forte, in Mexico. The former Google-owned company has quietly listed the new variant of the Moto G on its Mexico site. As of now, there is no word on the pricing and availability details of the Moto G Forte.
Notably, the Moto G Forte comes with identical specifications to the Moto G, except that the former packs a Motorola rugged Grip Shell out-of-the-box. It's worth pointing out that the Grip Shell for Moto G is available as an accessory in the US at $19.99.

The Motorola Moto G Forte runs Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box. It features a 4.5-inch HD 'edge-to-edge' (for a supposed better touch experience) display with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels (translating to a pixel density of 329ppi) and boasts a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.