Apex Launcher 2.2 Brings Android 4.4 KitKat UI and Visual Improvements

One of the most popular third-party launchers for Android devices, Apex has just received a major update that will bring some Android 4.4 KitKat love to more devices.

The most important improvements is the addition of the entire Google Experience Launcher, which is now exclusive to Nexus 5. The transparent bar for Nexus 5 has been included in this version of Apex Launcher as well, so those who wish to make their Android device look like the latest Nexus smartphone released by Google should install this launcher.

Keep in mind that Apex Launcher 2.2 is still in beta, so it cannot be downloaded via Google Play Store yet. Those who wish to take advantage of its new features must opt in as Apex Launcher beta testers. Soon after you successfully join the beta testing program, you will receive the Apex Launcher 2.2 beta on your Android device. More details on how to do that are available on Apex Launcher Beta forum.

Apex Launcher 2.2 beta screenshots
Image credits to Apex

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Zopo ZP998 Scores 28,118 Points in AnTuTu Benchmark

Zopo ZP998, the first smartphone from the Chinese mobile phone maker to arrive on shelves with a true octa-core processor inside, can deliver appealing performance capabilities, benchmarking results for it show.

As GizChina reports, the phone’s 1.7Ghz MT6592 processor from MediaTek has managed to top 28,118 Points in AnTuTu, which puts the smartphone in line with some of the most powerful devices out there. The handset’s 5.5-inch 1080 display should make it even more appealing, as well as the 14-megapixel camera that Zopo included on its back. The device model that was tested is said to feature 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory.

Zopo ZP998 is already available for pre-order with a price tag of $299.99 (€224) attached to it, but users won’t receive it for about 30 days, the handset vendor has announced.

Zopo ZP998 AnTuTu Benchmark Score
Image credits to GizChina

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Rumor: iPhones with 4.9-Inch Screens Enter Testing

Apple is now testing 5-inch iPhones for next-year’s refresh, according to sources in Asia. Both the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c will be superseded by handsets sporting larger displays, according to this new rumor.

A machine-translated Chinese-language C Technology report says, “We have just received a message from insiders is that Apple has started testing iPhone6 prototype for some time, and its size is 4.9 inches.” There will be two new iPhones on the tablet for next year’s refresh, just like this year, only the screen size for at least one of the models will be capped at 4.9 inches. This would be the high-end model, or the iPhone 6 (the successor of the iPhone 5s).

The lower-end model will also get a bigger screen, but the sources aren’t sure whether it’s of the same size.

iPhone 6 Concept
CiccaRedesign

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