Dialed In

Samsung Galaxy S4 edges out iPhone 5 in camera test

DxO Labs has named Samsung's Galaxy S4 a new winner in its mobile-phone camera tests.

The French firm, which specializes in camera optics and image sensor analysis, gave the new Android phone a score of 75 this week, edging out the iPhone 5 at 72. The top scorer is the Nokia 808 Pureview at 77, but that model is hobbled by its Symbian operating system, a commercial failure compared to Apple's iOS in the iPhone and Google's Android in the Galaxy S4.

Perhaps Nokia will have better commercial success with its rumored "Eos" phone, which … Read more

Six eye-catching things from CTIA 2013

LAS VEGAS -- When it comes to emerging tech, crazy accessories, and carrier news, you can always count on a mobile conference to deliver.

CTIA 2013 was a much quieter show than in years past, with the biggest carriers and manufacturers largely opting out to focus on their own launch events.

While this confab felt the brunt of companies' shifting strategies, the absence of the brightest stars meant that we had time to scope out other finds that would usually be drowned out in the din.

Future shows are expected to regain CTIA's breakneck pace and vigor. A move … Read more

Ashton Kutcher on why Twitter is messed up and more

LAS VEGAS -- Ashton Kutcher is angry at the state of Twitter.

"Media kind of f*cked it up," Kutcher said during his fireside chat at the CTIA Wireless show here Thursday. "Companies and people constantly pitching crap."

During a lengthy Q&A session, Kutcher touched upon many facets of technology, including Twitter, but also on Facebook, the state of digital media, and mobile apps. And unlike his "That 70s Show" character, Kelso, he was smart and passionate about his comments.

Here are some of the highlights:

On Twitter: There's too much … Read more

AT&T nabs Samsung Galaxy S4 exclusively in red

AT&T's rivals could start seeing red over the carrier's exclusive lock on the Samsung Galaxy S4's latest hue.

The Aurora Red shade of the 16GB Galaxy S4 goes on sale to AT&T customers starting June 14, though pre-orders begin May 24.

AT&T seems to have a special affinity for red shades; just about a year ago it also scored exclusive U.S. rights to sell the GS4 predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S3, in a shade of red. Later, that color and others became available globally.

While AT&T may have … Read more

Square follows PayPal to Japan for mobile payments

Mobile-payment-processing company Square has brought its operation to Japan.

The company announced the news on Thursday, saying that it will charge merchants 3.25 percent per swipe. As with its service in the U.S., all funds will be automatically deposited into the merchant's bank account on the next business day.

In order to bring Square to Japan, the company teamed up with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Corporation, a credit card processing firm in Japan. The terms of that partnership were not announced.

Square's entry into Japan comes about a year after PayPal brought its own offering, PayPal Here, … Read more

HTC One reaches about 5 million units sold since launch

HTC's flagship smartphone, the One, has inched towards 5 million units sold since its launch about a month ago, an unidentified HTC executive has told the Wall Street Journal.

Speaking to the Journal on Wednesday, the unidentified executive said that "orders are pretty good so far and are still more than what we can supply." He blamed the shortage on issues with component availability, and nothing his own company is doing.

HTC has been in a world of trouble over the last couple of years as demand for its devices has fallen. Although 5 million units sold … Read more

Jennifer Lopez dishes on new Viva Movil shopping (Q&A)

LAS VEGAS -- Jennifer Lopez and Verizon Wireless made a little noise on Wednesday after they unveiled a partnership to create a Latino-centric shopping experience.

Viva Movil is, for the most part, an extension of Verizon's retail arm, and will sell Verizon phones and service plans. Core services such as customer care will continue to be handled by Verizon. This particular retail arm just happens to have actress-singer Lopez as the face of the brand.

Lopez is a self-described "mobile neophyte," and it shows. But she appears passionate about going after the Latino market with a shopping … Read more

Samsung Galaxy Discover leaps to Cricket (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS -- Although already available through other carriers like Net10 and Straight Talk, the Samsung Galaxy Discover will be available on Cricket Wireless starting this summer.

The news was made official during a press conference today during CTIA. The carrier also announced that it will release the Samsung Admire 2 in the summer, as well as the Galaxy S4 on June 7.

Though Cricket did not release final pricing, the Galaxy Discover currently retails for about $100.

Design Compact and sturdy at 4.4 ounces, the 3.5-inch Galaxy Discover is a small entry-level device that measures 4.59 … Read more

Cricket announces Samsung Admire 2 for summer (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS--Cricket Wireless has big plans for this year. In addition to announcing that it will be offering the Galaxy S4 in June, and its new "Half is More" ad campaign, the prepaid carrier also reported that it will sell the Samsung Admire 2.

Though no specific availability date and pricing information was given, the Admire 2 is scheduled to come out this summer. Its predecessor, which was originally offered on MetroPCS, launched with an initial price point of $129.

Design During the press conference, Cricket did not release any specs. But what I could gather from handling … Read more