Google starts Android 4.4.3 KitKat rollout

Google has finally begun rolling out the latest iteration of its mobile operating system to Nexus devices and a few Google Play versions of some OEMs. It’s no surprise the update arrives first to Google-owned or -managed devices. The update has shown up on Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi version), Play editions of the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One M7 and M8, and Sony Z Ultra. The Moto X for T-Mobile is also getting the update first, the Moto G bought online in the US and in retail stores in Brazil, and the Moto E bought online in the US.

This minor update will have a new interface for the dialer, new colors, as well as additional bug fixes, security patches, and overall stability improvements. It will also reportedly fix the battery drain that happens when the camera is used.

Source: CNet

Overview: New and improved Moto G with 4G-LTE

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Moto G was already a decent smartphone in that it brought great performance and an almost Pure Android user experience to what was an incredibly affordable and accessible entry-level smartphone. For 2014, Motorola's moved the Moto G up a tier and made it a midrange model. Basic specs are the same, but the Moto G now sports faster 4G-LTE data speeds, the ability for expansion via a microSD card slot and some of the software refinements that were unique to the Moto X.

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Review: Motorola Moto E

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Smartphones for emerging markets are a thing now. We’re seeing a race to the bottom in terms of price but smartphone manufacturers are pulling all the stops to recreate the smartphone experience found on more expensive devices. Motorola’s first salvo was the Moto G, which in 6 months has proved itself to be the best selling smartphone for the company and enjoyed shipment of 150,000 units in Canada alone. Now the Moto E is taking things down a notch and to a whole new level.

There’s now new competition in smartphones and it isn’t about the best specs, largest screens, biggest storage or fastest data connections. The challenge is to create the cheapest, most flexible and universally viable platform for emerging markets and the entry level of the smartphone segment.

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Motorola's new Alert app can notify your contacts in case of emergencies

Motorola has been making bespoke apps for its smartphones for some time now. Some are whimsical like the Spotlight Stories but others like Migrate and Assist are extremely useful. Starting with the new Moto G (LTE) and Moto E smartphones, Motorola is enabling a new Alert app that can notify contacts or emergency services of your emergency and your location. Think of it as a smart panic button. It's a smart application that we all wish we never had to use but can be thankful we have it when the unexpected happens.