Does Gmail need a radical design overhaul? Some at Google seem to think it does if leaked screenshots showing a major Gmail redesign are any indication. Geek.com has posted some new screenshots of an experimental new Gmail build that represents “an entirely different user interface, one that is clearly designed to function across a variety of screen sizes without losing functionality.” In other words, it looks like Google is trying to do something with Gmail similar to what Microsoft tried to do with Windows 8 — give it one consistent look across multiple different form factors.

As you can see in the picture posted below, the Gmail redesign takes away a lot of the clutter that we now see in Gmail inboxes and replaces it with a cleaner look that lets you organize your email by several different category icons, including emails related to finance, travel, updates, promotions and social media. It also seems to remove the Gmail chat option as a default display setting and thus open up more space along the side bar. It also looks like Google has decided to remove the tabs at the top of your inbox that divided your emails into primary, promos and social sections.

Geek.com says that there’s no guarantee that we’ll ever see any of these features make it onto Gmail but it looks like Google is pretty far along in redesigning its hugely popular email service because Geek.com also says that “with any luck most of these features will make the cut and we’ll see an all new Gmail any day now.”

To check out more leaked screenshots of the new Gmail, check out Geek.com’s gallery in the source link below.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Internet, gmail, google

Apple is widely expected to announce its largest acquisition in the history of the company latest this week. The target of that acquisition, Beats Electronics, has baffled industry watchers since being revealed in a series of reports last week. Beats has a successful hardware business and an emerging streaming music product, but the brand and its products really don’t seem like a good fit for Apple to most people. In fact, Apple doesn’t manage any other brands, so the entire deal seems rather curious.

Analysts and pundits continue to toss around various ideas surrounding the deal. Some are interesting, some are incredibly stupid, and some seem to just be wild shots in the dark offered up in an effort to get some face time with the press. One well-respected music industry analyst has offered his thoughts on the deal though, and they’re likely the only thoughts so far that are actually worth reading.

We have covered various notes from Bob Lefsetz several times before here on BGR, and he’s now getting some play on other tech blogs because this past April, he published an April Fools newsletter jokingly stating that Apple had acquired Beats Electronics.

As it turned out, of course, his April Fools joke wasn’t a joke at all.

As talking heads continue to offer various odd analyses of Apple’s Beats acquisition, Lefsefts on Monday published a new newsletter offering 30 thoughts on the deal. Topics covered in the note range from the inability of Wall Street and the press to make any sense of the acquisition, to the future of Beats, to the amount Apple is reportedly paying, to Apple’s likely logic behind making the deal.

Lefsetz’s note is a good read and it can be found on his Lefsetz Letter website, which is linked below in our source section.

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Category: Business, Apple, beats

Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler’s plan to let ISPs charge content providers more money to make sure that their traffic gets delivered more quickly is probably not the most popular idea. In fact, it’s not only provoked an outcry from pro-net neutrality advocates but has also led to protests from congressmen, major tech firms and venture capitalists who do a lot of work with tech startups. Because of this backlash, it seems that Wheeler is signaling an intention to back down: The Wall Street Journal reports that the FCC is “revising proposed rules for regulating broadband Internet, including offering assurances that the agency won’t allow companies to segregate Web traffic into fast and slow lanes.”

However, just because Wheeler is signaling an intention to back down, that doesn’t mean that he actually is. The Journal’s sources say that Wheeler’s newest plan “is sticking to the same basic approach but will include language that would make clear that the FCC will scrutinize the deals to make sure that the broadband providers don’t unfairly put non-paying companies’ content at a disadvantage.”

In other words, the new plan will still allow ISPs to strike deals with big players such as Google and Netflix to make sure that their content gets delivered on a fast lane while insisting that the FCC will have the right to make sure that these deals aren’t putting competitors at a disadvantage. Basically, this is the exact same endgame as the one in Wheeler’s original plan, only this time he’s decided to add some more language to assure us that the plan really isn’t supposed to do what he’s designed it to do.

These kinds of cosmetic changes that Wheeler will reportedly propose aren’t likely to quiet critics of the FCC’s plan, but it is interesting to see that he at least feels some need to pretend to cave to outside pressure.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Internet, FCC, Net Neutrality

The iPhone 6 is far from being official, but more and more images from China keep showing 4.7-inch iPhone mockups in various scenarios, with all these units sharing the same design. According to them, the iPhone 6 will be bigger than the iPhone 5s but also much thinner. The device will seemingly resemble the iPod touch more than previous iPhones, especially when it comes to the rounded corners and volume rockers. The new iPhone mockups will be extensively compared to all flagship devices running Android, with a latest series of images already showing one such dummy unit next to the iPhone 5s and HTC One (M8).

Chinese publication Moscoat has one iPhone 6 dummy unit – it’s likely not a functional device, as the site doesn’t show it with the screen turned on, not to mention all the scratches on the display and case and the lack of any Apple markings – which it has photographed from all angles, comparing it to the iPhone 5s and the HTC One (M8) in the process.

The iPhone 6 appears to be shorter than HTC’s latest flagship handset, and significantly thinner. When it comes to the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6 is slightly taller and thinner as well. For what it’s worth, the HTC One (M8) measures 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm and has a 5-inch display, while the iPhone 5s measures 123.8 x 58.6 x7.6 mm and has a 4-inch screen.

The dummy iPhone 6 unit Moscoat photographed has a flat back, compared to the HTC One (M8)’s curvy back, with both devices having metal cases.

Images from Moscoat‘s extensive hands-on with the dummy iPhone 6 unit follow below.

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Category: mobile, Apple, iPhone 6

Even though LG has officially confirmed it’ll launch a G Watch smartwatch later this summer, the company never really revealed the device’s specs and features – aside from the fact it’s powered by Android Wear – and it’s yet to announce availability details for it. However, LG is building up anticipation for its first Android-based wearable with a new video that shows how the company is redefining the smartwatch category.

The short one-minute video shows the G Watch from various angles, but doesn’t reveal too many details about it. LG does mention the G Watch will have a metal body “for a timeless look,” and that it’ll be “sleek and lightweight for all-day comfort.” LG also says the device will be waterproof.

When it comes to battery life, the watch will be “ready for anything, anytime with a single charge,” however actual battery details aren’t available.

The G Watch will have some tough competition when it comes out, including the gorgeous Moto 360 that’s also based on Android, but also Apple’s rumored iWatch, expected to hit stores later this year.

LG will host a special May 27 event to unveil the LG G3, at which point it may share more details about the G Watch as well.

The new G Watch promo video follows below.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Wearables, G Watch, LG

LG on Monday took the wraps of new G Pad tablets, devices that will come in a variety of sizes and will compete directly against Samsung’s similarly sized tablets, but not only. But strangely enough, the company did not reveal that many details about the new products, when it comes to actual specifications.

“Customers tell us that they want a wider range of devices that offer sizable screens without compromising portability,” LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company president and CEO Jong-seok Park said. “Unlike smartphones, tablets are not one size fits all. So we designed the G Pad Series for a diverse target audience, some who prioritize portability while others want the best multimedia experience possible. G Pad delivers on all counts.”

The new G Pad models will come in 7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch versions, and will be unveiled at the MedPI 2014 trade show later this week. According to the press images offered by the company, the three devices will come in different colors, including blue, white and black. Pricing details or actual release dates aren’t available at this time.

The company did say that software features built on top of Android including QPair 2.0 and Knock Code will also be found on the G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1 models.

A second image showing the three new LG tablets and the full press release follow below.

LG EXPANDS TABLET OPTIONS WITH NEW G PAD SERIES MODELS

Three New Tablets Satisfy Consumer Demand for More Choices to Fit Their Lifestyles

SEOUL, May 12, 2014 — LGElectronics (LG) is adding three new tablets to its G Pad series to offer more options for tablet users. The new G Pad devices — G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1 — will be unveiled at the MedPI 2014, one of the biggest IT/Tech trade show in Europe, taking place in Monaco from May 13-16. LG’s extended tablet portfolio, which also includes the well-received G Pad 8.3, will significantly expand LG’s footprint in the tablet market.

“Customers tell us that they want a wider range of devices that offer sizable screens without compromising portability,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Unlike smartphones, tablets are not one size fits all. So we designed the G Pad Series for a diverse target audience, some who prioritize portability while others want the best multimedia experience possible. G Pad delivers on all counts.”

Highlights of LG’s new G Pad Series tablets are:

● G Pad 7.0 : Designed to be held in one hand, LG’s smallest tablet is a non-the-go entertainment hub that delivers both portability and power.
● G Pad 8.0 : With its 8-inch display, LG’s mid-sized tablet offer san immersive multimedia experience and smooth multitasking.
● G Pad 10.1 : With the largest display and battery, LG’s 10.1-inch tablet provides endless hours of entertainment and fun.

The latest G Pad tablets will also include LG’s proprietary UX features such as QPair 2.0 and Knock CodeTM. With an updated version of QPair, which was first introduced on G Pad 8.3, users can effortlessly connect to their Android-powered smartphones via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls and messages and now be able to respond directly from the G Pad. What’s more, Knock Code™ enables users to power on and unlock their LG smartphones in one easy step by entering a personalized “knock” pattern on the smartphone’s display. Knock Code™ offers convenience and greater security as the knock pattern can be entered anywhere on the screen in any size — with the display on or off — using a personalized sequence of two to eight taps for more than 80,000 possible combinations.

Additional details of LG’s new G Pad tablets including specifications and availability will be announced locally in the weeks ahead.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Tablets, G Pad 10.1, G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0

Motorola’s most affordable smartphone yet is about to be unveiled, many reports suggest, with Brazilian retailer Fast Shop already listing the specs of the device – which were mentioned in previous reports – alongside images showing the device. Moreover, well-known leaker @evleaks has also posted press renders of the handset, revealing two color options of the Moto E, including lemon and turquoise, and Android Police found a Moto E vs Moto G picture on Motorola Mexico’s Facebook page.

While Fast Shop has removed the contents of the Moto E page on its website, it hasn’t actually removed the page, which clearly lists the Moto E XT1025 handset version in the URL. Before deleting the information about it, Fast Shop revealed the phone will feature a 4.3-inch display (likely with HD resolution) with Gorilla Glass, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, microSD support, 5-megapixel camera, 1980mAh battery and Android 4.4 KitKat. The phone will also come in a dual SIM version, and will initially be available in three colors, including black turquoise and lemon. It’s not clear whether the phone will come in other colors thereafter.

Pricing details and release dates for the Moto E aren’t available at this time, but it’s likely Motorola will announce the handset later this week, possibly alongside the new Moto X+1 flagship and other new Moto G versions.

Moto E images from @evleaks and Android Police follow below.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: mobile, Moto E, Motorola

Make It Rain: The Love of Money is the latest addictive iOS game that has gone viral in the App Store, Re/code reports, having been downloaded 1.6 million times and raking in $50,000 per day from in-app purchases and ads. The game lets users make money on their smartphones – lots of cash – but there’s a catch: It’s only virtual cash they can spend in the game.

Users have to swipe as fast as they can to pile up money “hundreds, then thousands, then millions, then billions, then kill-billies, mega-billies, and beyond.” Once enough money is gathered, users can purchase various things like a clown college business, make political investments, or pay off an FBI agent or two who might arrive to inspect the large piles of cash sitting around in buckets.

“The new Flappy Bird is about income inequality and political corruption,” Make It Rain co-creator Josh Segall told the publication. “I wish we had been expecting it because maybe then we would have made a game that people would want to play for longer.”

The game is apparently popular with players even there’s really no end in sight, no matter how hard one swipes for money. One negative review that said one has to spend actual money to make virtual money without reaching an end still managed to find a positive message. “You end up scrambling for all this money, and for what? I’m definitely not happier I accumulated it. Valuable lesson,” the reviewer said.

Make It Rain is currently the most downloaded free iOS game in Apple’s App Store.

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Software, Apple, itunes

Although Dish Network is not interested in entering an bidding war for potential suitors, the satellite television company is primed and ready to snag T-Mobile if the Sprint merger falls apart this summer. Bloomberg reports that Dish has been eyeing both DirecTV and T-Mobile in recent months, but as DirecTV shares have risen amid talk of an AT&T acquisition, the rival provider has become too expensive to chase.

“We don’t have the kind of money to go outbid Sprint for T-Mobile or outbid AT&T for DirecTV,” said Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen. “So we have to be well positioned so no matter what happens it’s all good for us, and I think we’re there.”

Ergen recommends that his board wait and let the chips fall as they may.

“I wasn’t a very good poker player,” he explained. “But when a bunch of drunken fools were throwing money around occasionally I was able to pick up the pot at the end of the day.”

Last April, Ergen reportedly “informally approached” T-Mobile in regards to a merger. Partnering with a mobile company would allow the satellite provider to package wireless service with its subscription plans. Over a year later, Ergen still claims that T-Mobile “would have strategic interest” to Dish if regulators shut down the Sprint merger.

“The movie always has a twist,” Ergen said. “It never happens the way you think, and even the way I think things are going to happen isn’t the way it’s going to happen.”

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: Business, Dish, T-Mobile

Following the release of the Galaxy S5, we explored the electronic device trade-in market as it related to Samsung’s new phone and the iPhone 5s. Although Gazelle concluded that iPhone owners were content with their purchases, U.K.-based trade-in site CompareMyMobile found that the largest group of converts were in fact Apple faithful. From the unveiling of the Galaxy S5 up to its release, nearly 40% of consumers planning to trade in their devices for the Samsung flagship were iPhone owners. Nearly a month after the Galaxy S5′s release, it’s still attracting more trade-ins than the iPhone 5s.

According to the latest data provided to BGR, 21% of people trading in their devices told CompareMyMobile in a recent survey that they are looking to upgrade to a Galaxy S5. On the other hand, only 13% are interested in an iPhone 5s and just 5% are looking to pick up an HTC One (M8).

“We were surprised to see GS5 upgrades were so high – 21.2 percent is a huge volume of people to be upgrading to the Samsung GS5 considering this data is taken from every person selling mobile phones through the comparemymobile.com checkout,” said CompareMyMobile co-founder Ashley Turner. “We can’t wait to compare this to Apple’s next release and see how loyal and excited their fans are.”

Read more here: Boy Genius Report

Category: mobile, Apple, Galaxy S5, iPhone 5s, Samsung