LG debuts mid-range version of G3

If you’ve been eyeing the LG G3 but don’t have the budget for it, a mid-range version of the flagship device has just been launched in South Korea. The G3 Beat is a 5-inch version that runs on Android KitKat, 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB onboard storage. It has an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. While there is a downgrade in terms of specs, you do get some of the features of the G3 on the G3 Beat including laser auto focus, touch and shoot, gesture shots, QuickMemo+, and smart keyboard.

The G3 Beat will be available in Shine Gold, Metallic Black, and Silk White and is scheduled to be available in Europe and Russia first after its South Korean release and then will be available worldwide after that. No word yet on the price though.

Source: The Next Web

Beta version of ‘Destiny’ for Xbox One won’t run at 1080p

If you thought you’d be able to play Bungie’s Destiny in 1080p glory, sadly that won’t be available for the beta version. Bungie community chief David Dague confirmed the news during a live stream of the beta on IGN. Full 1080p resolution will be available for all platforms by the time the title launches.

Source: Ubergizmo

Sony Xperia phones finally lets users store apps on microSD cards

If you own an entry-level to midrange Sony Xperia phone, the new Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for Xperia comes bundled with the ability to save apps in your microSD card. This will allow you to download more apps or free up some space in your internal storage. You just need to head to your Settings app and under the Apps option, tap on the app you want to move and select “Move to SD card.” The option isn’t available for all apps and some apps may require you to store some data on the device. The update is now available for the Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia T2 Ultra Dual and will be coming to the Xperia E1 and Xperia M2 soon.

Source: Cult of Android

Microsoft to lay off thousands of employees as part of restructuring move

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Barely a week after Satya Nadella's widely publicized memo about a new Microsoft, some disturbing yet expected news from Redmond as reports of thousands of layoffs in the coming year. Affected are both Microsoft employees as well as Nokia employees around the world.

Microsoft announced this morning that 18,000 jobs will be eliminated. Nokia, which was recently acquired by Microsoft, will suffer the brunt of the culling with up to 12,500 professionals and factory workers being let go.

This is a staggering number of layoffs, one of the largest from a technology company of this size. What's more, it looks like as per Stephen Elop's revelation today, the company will abandon the Nokia X platform of affordable, Android powered devices. Stay tuned as more news surfaces