nexus 4

The best pure Android phones right now

There's something magical about owning a Nexus phone. It's akin to belonging to an elite inner circle or cabal, one that's privy to the most up-to-date software straight from Google's top-secret labs. The benefits of running on pure Android unfettered by carrier bloatware, shady third-party apps, and manufacturer skins go beyond feeling special, though. The biggest is that accessories and apps simply run properly when not tripped up by glitzy yet proprietary add-ons.

Unless you void your warranty and root your handset, then flash it with custom Android builds, however, phones with stock Android are hard … Read more

T-Mobile to offer white Nexus 4 for limited time from May 31

Well, that was quick.

Days after LG confirmed that it will release a white version of its <"http://reviews.cnet.com/lg-nexus-4/">Nexus 4 in the U.S. and U.K. after an initial launch in Hong Kong, T-Mobile reported that it will sell the model starting today online for a limited time only.

The black model will still be available in retail stores.

The new coat of paint is only applied on the battery door, while the phone's bezel remains the same stark black.

Other than that, the handset will not change. It will … Read more

LG unveils white Nexus 4, says no plans for for Nexus 5

LG unveiled on Tuesday a white version of its blockbuster Nexus 4, while an executive nixed plans for a sequel device.

An LG executive told Dutch Web site All About Phones that it has no plans to build the Nexus 5, citing Kim Wong, head of LG's Europe business. The report was translated by Android Beat.

An LG representative confirmed the executive comments, but noted that the company wouldn't rule out another Nexus in the future. The representative said that the executive intended to convey the belief at LG that it didn't need the Nexus name to … Read more

Drool-worthy white Nexus 4 may hit Google Play June 10

Though the white version of the LG Nexus 4 began floating around the Interwebs as early as January, it may officially hit the Google Play Store starting June 10.

According to Android and Me, which reportedly got hold of the elusive device, the white Nexus 4 may even launch with Android 4.3, as well.

On Monday, CNET Asia reported that the white device appeared on a Google+ user site and speculated that it could make an appearance at this week's Google I/O.

Unfortunately, as we all saw in yesterday's keynote, no news of a white Nexus … Read more

Play Google's Chrome Racer game across multiple screens

Did you see the multidevice game demo during the Google I/O keynote? If you missed it, running Chrome on several devices, Google was able to show a game taking advantage of every screen on the desk. By drawing a race track across all of the devices, various colored cars were able to race around the track, from screen to screen, device to device.

Thankfully, Google isn't keeping the game, called Racer, to itself. You can use Chrome on your Android or iOS device to play the game with friends and family members right now.

Before you begin playing … Read more

What to expect at Google I/O 2013

CNET Update gets ready for a new batch of Google goodies:

Google will announce new products and software updates at its annual Google I/O developers conference, which kicks off Wednesday in San Francisco. Today's Update gets you prepared with a look at what's expected, such as developments around gaming, social and Google Now.

For those hoping to see Android Key Lime Pie, you might have to settle for an update to Jelly Bean with Android 4.3.

It's expected Google will show off new hardware, including an updated Nexus 7 and possibly a new Nexus smartphone. … Read more

New Google Nexus phone to replace de-stocked Nexus 4?

The Android faithful are getting giddy over what Google goodies could be revealed at next week's Google I/O developers' conference, and the de-shelving of the Nexus 4 at retailers has some wondering if a new pure Android phone is about to replace it.

Two U.K. retailers, Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U, have discontinued sales of the Nexus 4 this week, and the number of U.S. retailers still offering the phone online also seems to be shrinking. Check Google's official retail locator for the latest pure Google phone and the only outlets that pop up in most places (I checked New York, San Francisco, and Denver) are all T-Mobile stores.

Yet, when I checked Best Buy's Web site and clicked on the only Nexus 4 on offer (the T-Mobile version), I got a mysterious "Page Not Found" error. It certainly appears someone thinks the Nexus 4 has run its course and is looking to make room for something new.… Read more

What to expect from Android Key Lime Pie

With Google's I/O developer conference just a week away, all eyes are on the company's plans for the next version of Android.

For much of the last year we expected to see Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. After all, leaked slides from a January Qualcomm presentation showed a midyear debut for this next build, but they were immediately pulled from the Web site.

But now, recent rumors suggest that we might actually see the debut of 4.3 Jelly Bean instead of Android 5.0. Details found in various server logs show that a JWR23B build … Read more

Is an unlocked Galaxy S4 or HTC One worth the hefty price tag?

For most consumers in the U.S., price is not a factor when buying a new smartphone, since most devices with a two-year commitment cost roughly the same. But when you are in the market for an unlocked smartphone, the dynamic drastically changes.

High-end devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One, are still attractive to just about any consumer. The features are top-of-the-line, and the devices are sleek. But what many consumers don't realize is that a cutting-edge smartphone does not actually cost $200 or $250. In fact, if consumers were to pay the full … Read more

Making the change from iPhone to Android as easy as possible

Is iOS starting to feel a bit stale for your taste? It's something I'm hearing more and more as I talk to iOS users, or former iOS users. With some amazing Android phones hitting the market, it's tough not to get caught checking out the competition -- or even feeling a bit compelled to make the jump to Android.

But before you make the change, there are some kinks that need to be worked out to make the process go as smoothly as possible. You likely have contacts, a calendar, photos, and music that you'll want … Read more