BBM to come pre-installed on new LG smartphones starting with G Pro Lite

BlackBerry Messenger just scored a deal to come pre-installed on new LG smartphone models, putting the cross-platform messaging solution as the default chat option on upcoming models starting with the G Pro Lite. An interesting bundling agreement between LG and BlackBerry is expected to usher in a new era of BBM partnerships with Android OEMs.

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Google planning to fix Nexus 5 camera with an OTA Android 4.4.1 update

By Corey Herscu

And boom goes the dynamite.

When Google launched the Nexus 5 just over a month ago, there were two key love/hate features: Android 4.4 KitKat was loved, the poor camera functionality was not. From my usage of the device, as much as I adored the new features that came with KitKat, I couldn't get over how unusable the camera was (this isn't to say hacks aren't available to fix the issue. I am talking about out of box experience), that's why I swapped out to a different device for an improved cameraphone experience.

Well, friends, the gaping camera issue has finally been acknowledged. According to Dave Burke, Director of Engineering at Google, the issue came down to "tweaking how long the shutter stayed open in different lighting scenarios. The team initially thought the optical image stabilization, which is built into the Nexus 5′s hardware, would prevent blurriness, but it didn’t compensate enough for the software’s tendency to force the shutter to overstay its welcome."

According to The Verge, Google plans a 4.4.1 rollout to address these concerns with an almost exclusive focus improving the overall camera performance. 

Via TheVerge

Android KitKat for LG G2 slated for 'late Q1' release in Canada

Mobile Syrup reported Android 4.4 KitKat will arrive to LG’s G2 flagship phone in the late first quarter of 2014. According to Court Elliot, a spokesperson for LG Canada, the operating system upgrade will be sent to the carriers at the same time. However, it is not certain if telecoms will deploy the OS on the same day.

The Pro's and Con's of: buying a "Smart TV"

If any of you follow my technological meanderings, you'll know I also write about technology for Toronto-based Notable.ca, the website run by - and made for - young professionals. Last week I posted about my time using a monstrous 80" Smart TV from Sharp and it had me thinking: rather than regurgitating my work, site to site, why not take some of my posts on other sites and turn them into something creative here? So I am. Starting today, I am going to write a quick, easy to use, pros and cons post focused on emerging and innovative technologies that I get to spend time with.  Something you can use as a cheat sheet; print it out and take with you the next time you're shopping for said product. 

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