The Google Play Store Is Full of Unicorns Easter Egg, If You Know Where to Look

Google is famed for its Easter Eggs, so much so that they've become a tradition. In fact, a product without Easter Eggs would be the real surprise at this point. Most recently, it had a lot of fun with YouTube, where several imaginative Easter Eggs were unveiled during Geek Week.

Most of them still work and among those, there is a stream of ponies riding along the page, if you know how to find them. Google has a similar pony Easter Egg in Hangouts. In the Google Play Store, Google didn't go with ponies, but didn't venture too far either. If you do a search, i.e. click the search button, but don't enter anything into the search box, you'll get results for unicorns.

Books about unicorns, apps about unicorns, even devices with unicorns, no matter how strange that seems.

Unicorns on GooglePlayStore

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Google Reveals Android 4.4/KitKat, the Next Major Version of the Platform

Google has just announced its next major version of Android platform will be called KitKat. The announcement comes as surprise, even though previous rumors pointed to a major release of the next Android iteration for later this year.

There aren’t any details on Android KitKat for the moment, just the new logo and the option to sign up to learn more when Google launches the new release. The information has been confirmed by Google’s Sundar Pichai as well and the new KitKat release now appears listed besides the rest of the Android version on a dedicated website, along with the following description:

“Android is the operating system that powers over 1 billion smartphones and tablets. Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. As everybody finds it difficult to stay away from chocolate we decided to name the next version of Android after one of our favorite chocolate treats, Kitkat!”

Google and Nestle announced a partnership to offer limited edition KitKat chocolate bars containing "winning tickets" for a new Nexus 7 or Play store credit. "KitKat has been a favorite candy on the team for some time, so for the K release, we asked if they’d be willing to lend their iconic candy bar to its name. Be on the lookout for limited edition Android KitKat bars coming soon to a candy aisle near you. For a lucky few, your KitKat bar might contain a winning ticket for a new Nexus 7 tablet or Google Play credits."

Android KitKat logo
Image credits to Google

KITKAT's Chief Breaks Officer tells us why KITKAT 4.4 is the future of confectionery. 
For more information visit http://www.kitkat.com
Follow KITKAT on G+: http://plus.google.com/+kitkat
Follow KITKAT on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KITKAT
Follow KITKAT on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kitkat
Video credits to Kit Kat

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Nokia Lumia 1520/Bandit Screenshot Leaks

Rumors on Nokia’s first phablet continue to heat up, as more and more details on the unannounced device keep emerging.

The latest unofficial info comes via evleaks in the form of a screenshot supposedly taken from a Lumia 1520 smartphone. Also known as Nokia Bandit, the phablet is rumored to boast a huge 6-inch capacitive touchscreen display that supports full HD (1080p) resolution. According to this screenshot, Nokia Lumia 1520 will feature six small live tiles, which can be turned into three larger ones.

Given Nokia’s recent acquisition by Microsoft, there’s no telling if the company will still announce the phablet later this month. Previous rumors have suggested that Nokia will launch the Lumia 1520 during a press event in New York at the end of September, so stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

Nokia Lumia 1520 Bandit screenshot
Image credits to @evleaks on Twitter

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Sony Xperia Z1 Specs Leak Ahead of Official Launch: 20.7MP Camera, 2.2GHz Quad-Core CPU

Sony announced it will held press conference on September 4 at IFA 2013 trade fair, in Berlin, Germany, but the Japanese company did not unveil what devices plans to introduce tomorrow.

However, there’s a high chance Sony Xperia Z1 (Honami) will be one of the handset to be announced on September 4. The first press renders of the smartphone leaked yesterday and no it appears the entire press release with the announcement surfaced online courtesy to XperiaBlog. According to this press release, the Xperia Z1 will pack an impressive 20.7-meagpixel rear-facing camera featuring “G Lens” technology, large 1/2.3-type Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor and “BIONZ for mobile” image processing engine. More details are mentioned on the phone’s camera: Sony’s G Lens features a lens with F2.0 and wide angle 27mm, as well as 3x clear image zoom.

The official document also confirms Sony Xperia Z1 will be powered by a 2.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, which is complemented by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory. The smartphone comes with microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 64GB) and a high-capacity 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery that has been rated for up to 14 hours of talk time (15 hours in 3G mode) or up to 36 days of standby time. The Xperia Z1 is confirmed to boast a hyper-vibrant 5-inch Sony TRILUMINOS display that supports full HD (1080p) resolution. It will ship with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system out of the box, but an upgrade to a newer version is likely to arrive soon after launch.

The handset measures 144 x 74 x 8.5mm and weighs around 170g (battery included). The phone is dust- resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) and features a one-piece aluminum frame with tempered glass on the front and back. Sony Xperia Z1 (Honami) will be available in black, white and purple color variants later this year. Stay tuned for the official announcement for more details on availability and price tag.

Sony Xperia Z1 (Honami)
Image credits to XperiaBlog

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iPhone 5C Instruction Manual Leaked in Photos

It appears that Apple will indeed call its new plastic smartphone the “iPhone 5C,” and not only that but the phone will also ship in black, according to the latest leak.

SimonlyRadar, A Dutch site is flashing around photos depicting the instruction manual (and other types of documentation) for the iPhone 5C, complete with the SIM eject tool holder we’ve laid our eyes on in previous leaks. The phone depicted in the papers is a black model, which confirms that Apple will not only have a rainbow of color options, but also neutral colors for the iPhone 5C.

Oh and, yes. It is called iPhone 5C, if this leak is legitimate. And there’s no reason it shouldn’t be. It fits all too well with the other leaks, and it’s certainly got the Apple-style marketing all over it. Expect the phone to be officially unveiled on September 10.

iPhone 5C documentation
Image credits to simonlyradar.nl

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Images of iPhone 5C Cases Leak Out with “Specific Shipping Estimate”

A trusty source of Apple rumors, Evleaks, has posted images of the first iPhone 5C cases from Case-Mate, throwing in a “very specific shipping estimate.”

Specific estimate? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. But I’m not here to analyze tweets. After all, Twitter isn’t exactly the place to show off writing skills. What it is good for is tidbits like these. “Case-Mate showing off iPhone 5C cases, with a very specific shipping estimate: “EST. SHIP DATE 9/20/2013 8:00:00 AM,” reads the evleaks tweet.

Another tweet shows off the iPhone 5C in its entirely, along with some other protective cases. The September 20 shipping date has been rumored in the past, with Apple reportedly scheduling its big iPhone event on September 10. The phones usually ship ten days after their introduction, so everything seems to tie up well.

iPhone 5C photos
Image credits to @evleaks on Twitter

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Samsung Galaxy Note III (SM-N9005) Brings 2.3GHz Quad-Core CPU and 2.5GB RAM

Samsung Unpacked event is only one day away, but details regarding the company’s next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note III, continue to pour in.

According to some screenshots leaked via evleaks, Samsung Galaxy Note III will pack 2.5GB of RAM and a powerful 2.3 GHz quad-core processor. However, as the source of the information mentions, the 2.5GB of RAM may simply be what the device reports “after all resources have been accounted for.” Basically, we can expect Samsung Galaxy Note III to feature at least 2.5GB of RAM. The same screenshots taken from AnTuTu benchmark also confirm that the smartphone will boast a large capacitive touchscreen display with full HD (1080p) resolution support.

Anyway, we will know more later tomorrow as Samsung has announced a special press conference where it’s supposed to unveil new products, such as Galaxy Note III and possibly its Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

AnTuTu benchmark screenshots
Image credits to @evleaks on Twitter

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HTC One and One Mini "Vivid Blue" Color Options Confirmed

HTC has just announced two new Android smartphones, the Desire 300 and 601, and has confirmed that its current One and One mini devices will receive a new “Vivid Blue” color option.

The announcement doesn’t offer too many details on the availability of the new blue HTC One and One mini smartphones, but the Taiwanese company has said that they will be available in “select markets” starting Q4 2013. This particular color option was rumored a while back, but HTC made it official only today. Aside from the blue color, both One and One mini smartphones will have similar specs sheets as the originals.

With the new color option, HTC fans will be able to choose from four versions: black, white, red and blue. We will keep an eye out for any additional info regarding the phones’ availability, so stay tuned.

Vivid Blue HTC One
Image credits to HTC

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BBM for Android Beta [Video Demo]

BlackBerry announced a few months ago that it would bring BBM, its most popular application, on Android and iOS mobile platforms. Unfortunately, the Canadian company did not say when exactly the instant messaging service would be available to users of the two operating systems.

According to the latest hearsay, BBM for Android will arrive in just a few weeks, on September 21, but this has yet to be confirmed by BlackBerry closer to launch. Until then, the guys over at BlackBerryOS have just released a video demo of what appears to be a beta version of BlackBerry Messenger for Android. The application works really well and seems to be in the last stages of development.

Most of the features and the layout of BBM for Android have been kept similar to the BlackBerry version, so those who have previously owned a 10 OS device and have recently switched to Android will feel at home using it.

Se filtra primer video del BlackBerry Messenger en Android
BBM for Android First Look
BBM para android
descargar blackberry messenger para android
berrydroid
android
blackberry
Video credits to BerryDroidTV

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Microsoft Acquires Nokia’s Mobile Division, Stephen Elop Rejoins Microsoft

Microsoft and Nokia have just announced they have reached an agreement to enter into a transaction whereby the Redmond-based company will acquire the Finnish company’s Devices & Services business.

Under agreement, Microsoft will pay €3.79 billion ($5 billion) for Nokia’s Mobile & Smart Devices and Services division, as well as €1.65 billion ($2.17 billion) for the handset maker’s patents. The terms of the transaction include a total amount of €5.44 billion ($7.17 billion) in cash that Microsoft has to pay in order to successfully close the deal in early 2014. Nokia also confirmed that its long-term patent licensing agreement with Qualcomm would be assigned to Microsoft. According to the agreement, the Finnish company will retain its patent portfolio and will continue to own and manage the Nokia brand, but will grant Microsoft a 10-year license to its patents at the time of the closing. The mutual patent agreement can be extended if Microsoft wishes so after the initial 10-year agreement.

Both companies agreed to exchange rights to use Microsoft and Nokia patents in HERE services. Microsoft also stated it would separately pay the Finnish handset maker for a four-year license in order to become a “strategic licensee of the HERE platform.” Although Nokia and Windows Phone acquired quite a large market share lately, the Finnish company still needs financing in order to sustain its mobile division. This is probably the main reason Microsoft decided to immediately make available to Nokia €1.5 billion ($1.97 billion) in the form of three €500 million ($660 million) tranches of convertible notes.

As part of the deal, Stephen Elop, Jo Harlow, Juha Putkiranta, Timo Toikkanen, and Chris Weber would transfer to Microsoft as soon as the transaction closes. Nokia’s new interim CEO will be Risto Siilasmaa, former CEO of F-Secure Corporation and current Nokia Chairman. Last but not least, Microsoft will open a new data center in Finland, which is meant to serve Microsoft customers in Europe. More details on the deal will be announced on November 19 when Nokia plans to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting.

Risto Siilasmaa, Steve Ballmer and Stephen Elop
Image credits to Nokia

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HTC Butterfly S Hello Kitty Edition Launches in Taiwan

HTC is one of the few major handset makers that has yet to announce a press conference at this year’s IFA trade fair, which is about to kick off in just a few days.

However, the Taiwanese company has just released a limited Hello Kitty edition of its high-end Android smartphone, the HTC Butterfly S. The bad news is the device is only available for purchase in Taiwan at the moment, and HTC does not seem to have any plans to release the Butterfly S Hello Kitty edition in other countries.

Aside from the famous Hello Kitty logo on the back cover of the device and some customized content such wallpapers and ringtones, the rest of features are similar to the original. That includes the high-capacity 3200 mAh Li-Ion battery, the large 5-inch full HD Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen, and the powerful 1.9 GHz quad-core processor.

HTC Butterfly S Hello Kitty Edition
Image credits to HTC Taiwan

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