Android Atlas

Why your next Android tablet will be more powerful

Your Android tablet sucks. At least compared with what's coming. Later this year we'll see the release of three new Systems on Chip (SoC). SoC is simply the name used for the collection of silicon that makes up the brains of the tablet and includes the CPU, GPU (graphics processing unit), onboard memory, and other processors.

The new chips will no doubt be used to power many high-end Android tablets and are expected to deliver better-looking games, faster Web surfing, increased battery life, and in at least one case, could allow you to take better-looking photos.

Of course, … Read more

AT&T confirms April 25 release for Galaxy S4 pre-orders

AT&T subscribers who pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S4 could have the hotly-anticipated smartphone in hand by Thursday.

When AT&T began taking orders for the Galaxy S4 last week, it promised delivery of Samsung's new flagship smartphone by the end of the month. Now, the mobile provider is rushing to get to the finish line ahead of its rival carriers.

A spokesperson for AT&T confirmed to CNET Monday that all customers who pre-ordered their 16 GB Galaxy S4 before 9 a.m. ET Monday could receive the smartphone as soon as April 25.

And, … Read more

Where and when to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4

The release of Samsung's next super smartphone, the Galaxy S4, is just days away. Sporting an improved design over the Galaxy S3 and packed with a ton of high-end features and specialized software, the Galaxy S4 already is an Android powerhouse. And even better, it will land at all major U.S. carriers plus a few smaller, regional providers.

Note, however, that the carriers aren't following the same release schedule. T-Mobile, for example, will begin selling the phone this week, but U.S. Cellular customers will have to wait until next month. Meanwhile, C Spire and Cricket have … Read more

Huawei debuts 5-inch A199 for China

Huawei has announced (translate) a midrange Android smartphone for China and emerging markets in the form of the 5-inch A199.

Powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Huawei A199 also features Huawei's custom Emotion 1.5 UI. On hardware, the handset falls in the mid-to-high end of the spectrum with its quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and 8.0-megapixel rear camera.

Whereas most 5-inch smartphones tend to offer a 1080p HD display, the Huawei A199 comes with a still respectable 720p resolution screen. Additional hardware includes a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, a 2,150mAh … Read more

HTC selling unlocked HTC One for $574

Smartphone buyers willing to shell out some cash to grab an unlocked version of the HTC One now have their chance.

HTC is selling an unlocked edition of its new flagship phone for $574. The unlocked flavor comes with 32GB of on-board storage and sports the same features found in the carrier-based version.

The unlocked phone comes on the heels of the debut of the HTC One Developers Edition earlier this month. That model costs $649 but comes with 64GB of storage and includes an unlocked bootloader for people who want to root and modify the phone with custom ROMs.… Read more

Feet-on with Zombies, Run! 2 jogging game

Out of steam? Can't bring yourself to finish that last mile? Maybe a zombie horde breathing down your neck will give you the adrenaline boost you need.

That's the idea behind Zombies, Run! 2 (Android|iOS), which bills itself as an "immersive running game and audio adventure" for your smartphone.

It works like this: Before you start your run, you load the app, choose a mission, put in your earbuds, and then hit the road. Along the way, you're treated to audio segments that gradually reveal the story of Abel Township and the zombie apocalypse … Read more

HTC One sells on T-Mobile for $99 down

Starting April 19, T-Mobile will unlock the door to online sales for the HTC One, the phone maker's most impressive handset on the market.

Starting April 24, you'll be able to also buy it in stores.

As a newly minted no-contract carrier, T-Mobile can't sell the smartphone for $200, but it will give you a break with a down payment of $99 and a $20-per-month charge for the next two years. The cost works out to $580 for the feature-laden handset. You can also pay the full price up front.

HTC's One features a stunning design … Read more

Nexus 5: The likely price, specs, camera tech (video)

When it was first glimpsed, the Nexus 4 looked pretty similar to other smartphones -- quad-core, with a high-res display and a decent camera, and the latest version of Android chucked in for good measure.

What we weren't counting on however was the simply astonishing $299 price, which let smartphone owners working on a budget acquire a phone that was every bit as capable as the Samsung Galaxy S3, but cost half as much. A lack of LTE was painful to bear, but at this cost, who could complain?

Now we're standing on the prow of the good … Read more

HTC One hits retailers today

Consumers eyeing the new HTC One smartphone can finally buy one starting today.

The phone -- which CNET Reviews calls a "beautifully crafted, near-ideal smartphone" -- is now available both online and in several retail stores. Offered by AT&T and Sprint, the HTC One can be purchased directly through both carriers, online, and via their retail outlets. Shoppers will also find the phone at Best Buy, RadioShack, Walmart, Target, Amazon.com, Costco, Car Toys, Sam's Club, HSN.com, and HTC.com.

AT&T is selling the 32GB version of the HTC One for $199 … Read more