Stolen Smartphones can now be blacklisted on International Carriers as well

Last year major U.S carriers launched a database to block stolen handsets on their network. The purpose was to stem the tide of stolen phones and other devices, which has been on the rise.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t very effective as organized crime groups dumped the stolen phones outside the U.S.

That’s changed from this week as CTIA has announced that a stolen database that was launched last year has been finalized and implemented just before the November 30th deadline. CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent also notes that the database has been integrated with international carriers.

“Today, I am pleased to confirm that the global, multi-carrier, common database for LTE smartphones has been finalized and implemented in advance of the November 30, 2013 deadline. The matter of stolen devices is extremely important to the wireless providers, which is why they worked so hard over the last year to meet each deadline on time. As more countries and more carriers around the world participate in the 3G and 4G/LTE databases, criminals will have fewer outlets since these stolen phones would be blacklisted and could not be reactivated.

This is great news. Let’s hope the introduction of anti-theft features such as Activation Lock in iOS 7 and the global database to block stolen phones helps in curbing theft to some extent.

You Can Now Buy Pebble Smartwatch Directly From Amazon

The Pebble smartwatch has been something of a revelation since it first made its appearance on Kickstarter, with tens of thousands of keen tech fans pledging their hard-earned dollars to make the idea a reality. Having completed work on the E Ink wearable device and released it earlier on this year, the Pebble has sold well since, and in what must be seen as a massive coup for the start-up, the gadget is now being sold by online retail powerhouse Amazon.

Getting the deal done with Amazon is always a sure sign that a product is doing rather well, and despite pressure from Samsung and its own Galaxy Gear smartwatch effort, the Pebble has still managed to maintain the kind of popularity that saw it become an online sensation almost overnight.

The timing of the agreement couldn’t be much better, either. With Thanksgiving and Black Friday right on our faces, it’s a time of year where many tend to over-indulge in food, drink, and in the tech world, spend frivolously on gizmos.

The Pebble is already available in a number of retail outlets, something the company has been working hard on in the last few months. You’ll now see the Pebble on sale in the likes of Best Buy and AT&T, but while both are very good places for the device to gain exposure, getting on Amazon is the holy grail.

Pebble’s official Twitter today told the news of the wrist-worn smartwatch’s Amazon debut, and if you’re a Prime customer, you could have yours as early as tomorrow – just in time for the weekend.

The aesthetically pleasing device comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, orange, red and white, and all of those sold on Amazon will be packing the recent Pebble software update. At a cost of $148.99, you won’t be getting any special introductory or Black Friday prices, but considering that the Galaxy Gear, released by Samsung in September, costs more than double that, the Pebble is most certainly the only smartwatch worth grabbing right now.

The company has done extremely well, and with only Samsung’s overpriced, critically-panned Gear for company, things are looking up. With both Google and Apple said to be working on their own smartwatches, though, things could get interesting in the future, and considering both of those two companies are dominant forces in the mobile market, their respective efforts will prove a stern test of Pebble’s resolve.

(Source: Amazon)

This iPad mini Knockoff Runs Android, Costs Just $177 [Photos]

The iPad mini, which was recently given a Retina display and improved processor by Apple, is one of the most sought-after tablets on the market right now. As is the case with most new Apple products, the knock-off makers have been hot on its trail to deliver something similar for a lower price, and although the Chuwi V88′s 1024 x 768 display puts it on par with the old iPad mini, the $177 price tag – coupled with the fact that it boasts some fairly useful specs – means it might be worth checking out for those seeking something like the iPad mini without the iPad mini price.

Naturally, the tablet runs on Google’s open source Android, and although you could pick from one of a number of launchers that turn its interface into something representative of iOS, you’re not going to actually be able to enjoy Apple’s mobile operating system on your rip-off slab.

Created in China, the Chuwi V88 makes for a very convincing iPad mini clone, boasting a 7.9-inch IPS display that maintains Apple’s tried-and-tested 4:3 aspect ratio. Inside, you get Cortex A9 quad-CPU 1.8GHz processor, and depending on how heavily you use it, you can opt for either 1GB or 2GB of RAM.

As far as storage goes, the V88 starts at a modest 8GB, running all the way up to 32GB for those of you with a taste for Google Play Store content. With the iPad mini going up to a maximum of 64GB, this isn’t perhaps one for the power user, but then again, if you did have your eyes on the maxed-out iPad mini, it’s highly unlikely you’d ever consider its inferior copycat.

There’s a tolerable rear-facing camera as well as a FaceTime-less front shooter, so if nothing else, you can still post all those selfies to Instagram.

As you’d expect, you get Bluetooth and Wi-Fi right off the bat, and although the Android 4.1 software it runs on looks fairly dated – especially given that we’re now at Android 4.4 KitKat – you’ll still benefit from Project Butter for a generally smooth experience.

At $177, you save a lot of money compared with the iPad mini, which starts at $399, but with no iOS, no A7 / M7 processor and no Retina display, you’d be making plenty of sacrifices if you did decide to invest.

You can grab the tablet from Newfrog.com, provided you are willing to invest on it.

(via: CultOfAndroid)

CyanogenMod Installer App Pulled From Play Store, So Much For Android Being “Open”

The CyanogenMod team is one of the most active and dedicated in the Android community, but today has been dealt something of a blow by the Google Play Store support team after it asked the newly-formed company to remove its CyanogenMod Installer app from the Play Store. The reasoning behind the decision was cited as a “violation of Google Play’s developer terms,” and the Cyanogen team was subsequently told to either remove the app, or it would be removed for them.

The CyanogenMod aftermarket firmware is one of the most popular in the business. Renowned for its versatility and extensive feature set, it has proved a massive hit with Droidsters of a modding bent, and in the process, helped Cyanogen establish itself as a proper company.

Unfortunately, the CyanogenMod Installer application, which helps users enable ADB and guides them through the process of installing CyanogenMod on their devices, is no longer featured in the Play Store, and as the official blog post from Cyanogen on the matter states, “we have complied with their wishes while we wait for a more favorable resolution.”

The official word from the Google Play team is that while the app itself doesn’t do any harm, it apparently ‘encourages users to void their warranty’, and as such, cannot continue to exist on the Play Store. Although this seems a reasonable enough explanation, all it would take is a warning message of some sort, and plus, the vast majority of those installing CyanogenMod aren’t doing so on a whim, but have actually done their research and have some past experience in the process. Also, it somewhat delivers a blow to avid Android enthusiasts who loathe Android’s somewhat open nature, but today’s news proves that it’s not that much of a case.

CyanogenMod has promised that the app will still be made available through its own hosting services, but the fact that it’s not on the Play Store any more will certainly stifle its progress. After yielding downloads well into the hundreds of thousands, users will now need to temporarily allow packages to be installed from unknown sources, and not only does this elongate the process in general, but if a user forgets the setting change, they can potentially leave themselves open to hacking.

Considering this, the ever forward-thinking CyanogenMod team will also be submitting the app to both Amazon and Samsung’s respective app stores.

If you still want to have a shot at the app, simply download it from CyanogenMod.org and click on the Get Started link there.

So much for Android being “open”, right?

(Source: CyanogenMod)

Is Apple’s iPhone 5c Outselling Samsung’s Galaxy S4 In India?

If you like your news to be of the anecdotal variety then you’re in for a treat, because that’s exactly what we’ve got. If you’re also a bit keen on the iPhone 5c, then you might want to sit down, because this one’s going make you weak at the knees. According to, yes, anecdotal reports in India, Apple’s somewhat underwhelming iPhone 5c might be outselling the Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S4 device.

Might be.

The news comes via the Indian Express which claims to have spoken to people working at various stores across South Delhi, with the general gist being that they’re struggling to keep both the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in stock, whereas it would appear that they are having no such difficulties with the Galaxy S4.

According to one Apple reseller, the store usually stocks “around 100 units for seven days. But since the launch of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, we have to update stocks every two days. And sales increase three times over the weekend.”

It’s the same situation at another, multi-brand electronics retailer in the area, too. “Surprisingly, I have no iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s left, while there are three Galaxy S4 smartphones still available,” the retailer said.

The next question the Indian Express had was for a Samsung retailer, and while they refused to be drawn on actual sales figures, they were happy to divulge that the Galaxy S4 is not selling as well as its predecessor, the Galaxy S3.

Of course, none of this really means all that  much without some rather important information. How many units of each device are kept in stock at the cross-brand store? It’s the only one of the three questioned with experience selling both the Apple phones and that of Samsung, and while they say they still have Galaxy S4 stock, that means nothing if they had 1000 units of that particular handset and a handful of Apple’s two options. Context folks, without context none of this means anything.

Except that maybe, just maybe, the iPhone 5c isn’t proving to be the flop that everyone seems determined to call it. But still, it would’ve been even better if we start seeing some actual sales numbers rather than reports of completely selling out or ‘units shipped’.

(Source: IndianExpress)

Galaxy Gear 2 Set To Be Thinner, Lighter And Come Bundled With The Galaxy S5 [Report]

The technology world never stops turning, and the smartphone portion is more fluid than most, which means it’s no surprise to anyone that Samsung is hard at work making the Galaxy Gear 2 so soon after the first version hit stores alongside the third generation Galaxy Note.

Not only is Samsung working on the device, but it seems that the company is more than happy to talk about it after an unnamed Samsung spokesperson told the Korean site ET News that not only is the Galaxy Gear 2 on the way, but that it will also be between 15% and 20% thinner than the original model. This new svelte design also means that the device will be lighter, which will come as good news to those that baulked at the idea of lugging the firstGalaxy Gear around on their poor unsuspecting wrist.

The same spokesperson said that the new smartwatch will tie in well with the also unannounced Galaxy S5, which will come as no bi surprise to anyone. What that does mean though is that we may just see the Galaxy Gear 2 bundled alongside Samsung’s next flagship smartphone in a similar way to how the Galaxy Gear was with the Galaxy Note 3. And yes, that’s the most times we’ve written the word ‘galaxy’ in a sentence, and yes, it’s lost all meaning at this point.

With Apple still yet to announce its own smartwatch, let along release one, it’s entirely possible that Samsung will be up to its second generation device before Apple is out on the blocks. Of course, that doesn’t mean that Apple won’t be competitive. Either Apple simply refuses to ship until the unannounced watch is at a standard with which it is comfortable, or it’s simply not on the cards at all. At this point, we’ve honestly no idea which of those two options it is.

Samsung seems happy to push forward with its own smartwatches regardless, and with the new device apparently set to be more functional – games, entertainment and healthcare are on the agenda – we could be in for an interesting 2014 as far as our wrists are concerned.

Bring it on, we say!

Would you buy the Galaxy Gear 2 when it comes out? Considering how much the current Gear lacks in terms of functionality.

(Source: ETNews [Google Translate]

Wireless Charging For iPhone 5s Is On Its Way Through This Unofficial Project [VIDEO]

Although Apple has caved on a few products we never thought would see the light of day from Cupertino – the iPad mini, for instance – the Californian company has never been one to jump aboard the bandwagon. Features such as the larger display and LTE took a while to manifest, while other widely-implemented smartphone attributes such as NFC still have yet to hit the Apple smartphone. Wireless charging, popular with premium Windows Phone and Android devices, is just another feature that some iPhone users have sought for while now, and tired of waiting for Apple to get its backside into gear, one start-up IndieGoGo project has taken matters into its own hands with a neat, low-cost solution.

Make no mistake – there isn’t a huge outcry for wireless charging on iPhone, but with the technology continually being developed and improved all the time, it’s beginning to make more and more sense. Still, right now, there has been no indication that Apple plans to include wireless charging in any capacity, and considering the potential compromises on the oh-so important form factor, this situation is unlikely to change any time soon.

This is where the iQi IndieGoGo project steps in. Designed for the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c and fifth-gen iPod touch, it brings a viable wireless charging solution without adding copious amounts of bulk, and although there are other wireless charging solutions already available to those wielding an iPhone, iQi is considerably sleeker and less obvious than its peers.

It’s almost paper-thin, and will slip under any iPhone case offering a little bit of give. Once you’re hooked up to your Lightning connector, you’re basically ready to go, and with a convenient warning beep when the charger is not lined up on a Qi charger, it’s intuitive as well as compact.

The IndieGoGo campaign for iQi has a few days left to run, and considering you can secure yours for just $25, is well worth checking out. As well as being discreet, cheap and practical, it will work with any Qi mat you happen to have lying around, so if you have been waiting for Apple to come through with wireless charging for iPhone, iQi will certainly tide you over whilst you continue to do so.

Alleged Galaxy S5 Specs Leak, Suggests Powerful Internals Topped Off With Flimsy Plastic

Samsung’s flagship line of Galaxy S phones is getting closer and closer to churning out its fifth iteration, and as would be expected of any huge product launch that’s months away, we’re already starting to see details leak out of what the Galaxy S5 may feature. We say ‘may’ simply because at this point, anything could change. With the product not expected to enter mass production for at least another couple of months, we wouldn’t want to put our houses on anything staying the way the rumors have things at the moment. That said, on to the rumors!

The latest round of information comes from Korean language ET News and they seem to have some ‘industry sources’ that are happy to share what will and will not be found inside Samsung’s next big thing.

For starters, the rumors currently pin the Galaxy S5 as packing 3GB of RAM and an as-yet unknown processor. We’d expect that particular part to depend very much on the territory that the handset is being sold in, with different parts being used in different countries. Samsung has done this in the past, and we see no big reason why it won’t continue the trend with the Galaxy S5.

Camera-wise, we’re told by ET News that a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera is in the offing, and that the front-facing shooter will come in at 2-megapixels. That camera will likely only ever be used for video calls anyway, so no great shock there.

The power will apparently be provided by a 4,000 mAh battery, with Android 4.4 KitKat doing its best to stretch the juice as far as it can. All that may well be undone by whatever version of TouchWiz Samsung decides to slap on top of it, though.

Photos that are currently circulating online show that the Galaxy S5 will feature a metal skeleton, which in turns means that it’s highly likely that the actual body of the handset will continue to be plastic, just like the rest of the Galaxy S line of smartphones. That’s a shame in our books, and in a day and age where not just Apple but also HTC are capable of producing smartphones made out of something other than flimsy plastic, it’s worrying to see Samsung stick to its guns. Presumably they’re made of plastic, too.

It’s still very early days in the world of Galaxy S5 rumors, so we’ve no doubt we’ll be hearing more over the coming weeks. Hopefully we’ll start to get some information on screen sizing, too, beyond the tentative talk of a 5-inch display we’re currently seeing.

(Source: ETNews [Google Translate])

Need A Credit Card Number For An Online Free Trial? This Service Lets You Get A Fake One

We’ve all been there. You’re all set to try out the latest and greatest online service but there’s a problem – it needs a credit card number before it will let you do anything or even create an account. But you don’t always want to give your credit card number to a company that might not still be around in a few months, and it’s possible you might even be a little protective of those digits even if it’s a well established company because, after all, you can never be too careful.

So what do you do about it? Nobody wants to be all set to try out the new hotness only to be thwarted at the first step, but does life really have to be so binary in such matters? Isn’t there some way around such things? Well funny you ask, because yes, yes there is.

GetCreditCardNumbers comes to your rescue by giving out fake, ‘real’ credit card numbers that can be used when you need one to get a trial underway, you know, like the ones available at Netflix, Hulu and the likes. Well, we say ‘real’ because obviously enough, they aren’t actual real life credit card numbers but merely a collection of digits that have all the right formatting needed to fool a computer into thinking that they make up a proper card number. That is, the numbers have the required issuer identification number and the like, so they’re more than just a collection of random numbers thrown onto a website. In fact, if you need a large number of real-fake credit cards to use, the website will even let you download 100s in a fancy XML, JSON or CSV file. Nice and simple.

It goes without saying that you won’t be able to buy anything using these card numbers, and if the website you’re signing up for happens to actually validate the card you’re giving it then you won’t be getting much further. The number is fake after all!

Still, in a pinch we have to say that GetCreditCardNumbers.com is probably a useful little tool if you find yourself in need of a pretend credit card number and don’t need it to pass too many checks at the other end. The service also has an Android app, that you can download fromhere.

And remember – they’re not real!

(via: Lifehacker)

mSPy is a mobile phone spy tool that most iOS owners can ignore

mSpy is a troubling spy tool that users can install on a smartphone or tablet. Once installed, the app allows others to remotely spy on text messages, call logs, emails and more. Though the Next Web made a big deal about the app, it’s something that most iOS owners can dismiss. Thankfully.

MSpy is marketed as a tool for businesses to monitor their employees and for parents to track their kids.  The app enables monitoring tools that go way beyond finding someone’s location. The app allows others to peek into emails, read private messages,access  location information and track app usage. If you have an Android device, the app can even be used to record conversations using the device’s built-in microphone.

The app has rave reviews, but it also brings up big questions about privacy and the extent of monitoring that is acceptable within a business or even a family. These are both acceptable scenarios for monitoring — imagine what would happen if  the app was used for nefarious purposes.

Thankfully,  mSpy should be of little concern to most iOS owners.

Though the software runs on iOS devices, it requires the device to be jailbroken. As many iOS owners know, the latest version of iOS can’t be jailbroken and likely won’t be anytime soon. It’s only compatible with older iPhones as they are ones that are able to run a version of iOS 6 that can be jailbroken. If you own and iPhone 5s or a 5c, then you have nothing to worry about. The same applies to the iPad Air and the retina iPad mini, neither of which are jailbroken.

If do own an older device that’s running a version of iOS 6, then just upgrade to iOS 7 and you won’t have to worry about someone installing mSpy on your device. Are you concerned about mSpy?

Reeder 2.1 update brings Themes, Safari Reading List Support and more [Update: Available Now]

Reeder, one of the popular RSS reader and client for Feedbin, Feedly, Feed Wrangler, Fever, and Readability will receive a major update shortly.

Reeder 2.1 includes new features such as Themes, landscape support for images and videos on the iPhone, ability to add to Safari Reading list and other improvements and bug fixes.

Here’s the long list of new features, improvements and bug fixes in Reeder 2.1:

What’s new:

• Themes (can be changed in the article viewer → “aA” button)
• iPhone: Landscape support for images and videos
• Article list: group by feeds or by date
• Add to Safari Reading List
• Pinch gesture for Readability in the article viewer
• OPML import (Reeder can now open .opml files), for local/standalone RSS only
• Setting to disable pull-to-next/previous in the article viewer (see Settings→General)
• Enable/disable sharing services in the top settings list
• Sharing: Messages can be disabled now
• Feedbin, Feedly, Fever, RSS: Sort subscriptions alphabetically, folders first or feeds first (per account setting)

Improved:

• Article Viewer: Improved right edge swipe detection for the services panel
• Mark all as read: Immediately remove the subscription list entry (no delay)
• Faster and less bouncy “Mark all as read” sheet
• Improved article layout
• Hide the status bar for the fullscreen image viewer (iOS 7)
• Removing of read articles when syncing or going back to the subscription list
• Also dim selected, read articles
• Feed Wrangler: List smart streams first, then feeds

Fixed:

• Truncated / wrongly sized input fields in the Settings (default recipients in the mail settings)
• Disabled scrolling in the article viewer
• Only apply the option to sort by oldest first to the unread article list
• Truncated description text in the Settings
• Crash when selecting a row in a list
• Missing images for cached articles
• Swipe to go back in the settings (iPhone)
• Service panel issues when tap-and-holding on a link
• Infinite caching of the same articles
• Fever: Filter out “#comment hash”
• Fever: Improved handling of self signed certificates (https)
• Empty article list
• An issue where it wasn’t possible to sign out of a sharing service under certain circumstance

Silvio Rizzi has said that Reeder 2.1 has been approved and will be available shortly.

Reeder 2.1 is available for $4.99 in the App Store (iTunes link). 

Reeder 2.1 is now available in the App Store. If the app hasn’t been automatically updated, you can download the update via the Updates tab in the App Store app or use this iTunes link.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 WiFi Not Working Even with Strong Signal:-FIX

                           

Possible Solutions to for Galaxy Note 2 WiFi Not Working

You can try out the solutions below to fix the issue with your Galaxy Note 2 WiFi:

1. Soft Reset Devices

Try removing the battery of your Galaxy Note 2 while it is powered On. Then, put it back again and let it boot. This will refresh your phone’s system and remove its minor bugs. However, this only provides a temporary solution based on some forum feedbacks.

You can also try resetting your router or unplug and plug it from its power source.

2. Configure Settings

One user in AndroidCentral forums suggested reconnecting to the network using these steps:

• Open the WiFi configuration menu
• Select the Forget button
• Disconnect the Galaxy Note 2 WiFi
• Restart the phone
• Access WiFi again by reentering all your login details

According to some people experiencing this trouble, this solution somehow worked for them.

3. Remove Suspicious Apps

Freeing your device from suspicious or unauthentic apps will also help you resolve the issue.

Samsung Android 4.4 KitKat Updates Rumored: Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, More

Samsung hasn’t officially announced any Android 4.4 KitKat update details but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning as a new leak reveals possible release date details for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note 2 users ahead of official announcements.

Unlike HTC, Motorola and Sony, Samsung has remained quiet about its plans for Android 4.4 KitKat, Google’s latest update, and a piece of software that is already rolling out for Nexus devices and the Moto X. While it’s not clear as to why it hasn’t announced anything, it could be because the company is laser focused on the Android 4.3 roll out that is encompassing the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 at the moment.

We expect the company to dish on the Android 4.4 KitKat update after the Android 4.3 roll outs are completed and when it is closer to the release dates. That said, we also expected some leaked information to emerge ahead of time, giving users a possible look at release windows for Samsung’s Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades.

iTechAddict has leaked what appears to be a document concerning possible Galaxy S and Galaxy Note Android 4.4 KitKat update release windows. The leak appears to be legitimate, and the site claims that it comes straight from Research and Development at Samsung India. The Galaxy Note 2 model number is also wrong on the document though that could just be a typo.

While there is reason to be skeptical, we should note that this is the same website that reported on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean delay. At the time, it also cited information out of R&D at Samsung India. Until Samsung announces something though, this should be treated as a rumor and nothing more.

This rumor suggests that Samsung is aiming to get the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 KitKat updates out in January. This isn’t surprising given that HTC is also planning an HTC One roll out in January. We wouldn’t expect Samsung to be too far behind its main rival with Android 4.4.

It also suggests that it’s looking to get the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 updated with Android 4.4 KitKat in March or April. No specific dates are mentioned here and the roll outs are all listed for the international versions of these devices and not the U.S. models.

Samsung typically doesn’t announce release dates in advance so that means that Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy Note 3 owners are likely going to be riding a wave of rumors into the new year. As we get closer, we should see more concrete evidence emerge but at this point, this is all we have to go on.

5 crazy things you never knew you could do on Android

Play Starcraft

Anyone who’s been an avid PC gamer for some time remembers Starcraft. With the help of an emulator you too can enjoy this classic game on your Android phone or tablet.

Winulator allows you to run certain Windows games, including Starcraft and Caesar III. It uses some innovative emulation technology to run older DirectX Windows games, and if you own a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard you can pretty much get the full 1998 real-time strategy experience. The process used to be difficult and included a lot of file converting, but these days you can just copy DRM-free versions of the games onto your memory card and download the appropriate profile to use with it. From there, run Winulator and you’re all set!

Winulator may not be in active development but it continues to get updates every few months for stability, and is available as a free beta with a watermark, or you can shell out $8 for the full version.

Run a weather station

Ready to be your own meteorologist? If you have a new enough Android phone or tablet, you can monitor the elements experts use to predict the weather, such as air temperature, barometric pressure, and even relative humidity.

Weather Station will let you do this. It’s an app that’s compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Moto X, Nexus 10, and many other phones and tablets. A full list of compatible devices is on the app’s Google Play page. These devices are compatible because they’re built with special sensors that detect things like the air pressure, humidity, and temperature of the environment around you. So far only the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 can monitor temperature and humidity, but many other devices can monitor barometric pressure, which is the most important part of Weather Station.

By monitoring the rising and lowering barometric pressure of your area, you can predict future inclement weather as barometric pressure rapidly drops, and vice versa. Feel free to read all about how barometric pressure works here. Also, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, Weather Station can also monitor readings from other sensors on your phone, such as magnetic strength. Weather Station is free, but you can also snag a PRO version for just $1.50

Run Mac OS 7

It may be only for the sake of nostalgia, but it’s fun to run Mac OS on an Android device. Thanks again to the help of emulators, a cross-platform program called Mini vMac has been ported to Android. Mini vMac emulates Motorola processors from the 1980s that were capable of running the popular Mac OS operating system, including Mac OS 7. 

Mini vMac for Android is capable of emulating the Mac OS operating system, and also applications within the Mac OS experience, meaning you can create virtual hard drives that store your Mac OS 7 computer as well as fun games and applications, including Photoshop. Feel free to download Mini vMac as well as learn more about how the disk image system for Mini vMac works so you too can run Mac OS 7 on your Android device .

Start mining bitcoins

If you’ve got a spare Android device lying around doing nothing, you may want to try and mine some Bitcoin, the most famous digital currency.

Bitcoins and Litecoins are two “cryptocurrencies” or virtual currency, with a value exchanged against tangible currency like US Dollars. Any computer can mine bitcoins or litecoins, including Android devices. It won’t generate much, but if you run it in a shared pool along with your home computers, you may eventually get some virtual money.

There are a number of apps you can utilize to take advantage of cryptocurrencies on your Android device. Mining apps like DroidMiner for Bitcoins and AndLTC for Litecoins are great. Once you collect some, download yourself a bitcoin wallet.

Augment your reality

One last great piece of technology emerging for smartphone owners everywhere (but especially Android smartphone owners) is the ability to augment reality, or incorporate virtual images into the real world by viewing it through your phone’s camera. Augmented reality has allowed for all kinds of cool games and applications that all users to interact with their environment to find better routes, receive information, translate signs, and even play games.

If you’re looking for games and fun little augmented reality apps, two such interesting apps are Augment and Ingress (by Google). Augment is a sort of “proof of concept” augmented reality app that lets you spawn virtual objects into your environment, allowing you to hold things like video game models. Ingress is a sort of augmented MMO, allowing those who play the game to interact not just with their environment, but their entire town or city to solve puzzles, answer clues, and win the game.

If you’re looking for a more productive, but equally augmented experience, two other useful apps include iOnRoad and Word Lens. iOnRoad is an augmented GPS app; it allows you to virtually view your GPS directions as if you’re in a video game with a green line leading you along the road. Word Lens meanwhile translates signs in real time from one language to another, allowing you to turn an informational sign from Spanish to English without typing or speaking a word to your translator. Both of these apps will run you $5.

Unlocked iPhone 5s now available on Apple’s Online Store in the U.S.

Apple has started selling unlocked GSM iPhone 5s on its Online Store in the U.S.

Apple had launched iPhone 5s in the U.S. in September. It has always delayed the launch of the unlocked flagship iPhone in the U.S. Last year, Apple had started selling unlocked iPhone 5 on its Online Store on November 30th.

If you visit Apple’s U.S. Online Store, you will now see an option to by a “SIM-free” iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c as you can see in the screenshot above.

The unlocked GSM iPhone 5s is available for $649, $749 and $849 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models respectively. The website is currently displaying shipping estimates of 1 to 2 weeks for the unlocked iPhone 5s.

The unlocked iPhone 5s only works on GSM networks such as AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S. It won’t work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon or Sprint.

The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use the unlocked iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T or T-Mobile in the United States. The unlocked iPhone will not work with CDMA-based carriers, including Sprint and Verizon Wireless.

If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. If you choose T-Mobile, your iPhone comes with a T-Mobile SIM card already installed. You will need to contact T-Mobile or visit an Apple Retail Store to activate your iPhone.

Apple has been selling SIM-free iPhone 5c ever since its launch in September.