Google has launched a new look Google News mobile web app for iOS and Android devices, giving the site a new, easier to read, look and feel.
The revamped service, which is currently rolling out in the US and coming to international smartphones soon, makes it easier for users to browser the feed at news.google.com as well as keep track of individual stories.
Users of Google's 'real time newsdesk' are also able to change the theme to a black background and white text, while an easy share button now appears beneath the top stories.
The company is also making it easier to navigate to different sections, while the popular weather widget from the desktop version has also been integrated into to the local news section.
In-depth binge
Meanwhile, Google has also expanded its in-depth article search tool, making it easier for users to immerse themselves in extensive coverage of a subject or event, Engadget reports.
Now the 'in-depth articles' Knowledge Graph box, which appears to the right of search results now offers a link at the bottom promising 10 more like minded articles.
And here you were wondering what you were going to do with your Sunday...
The initial roll-out was blighted by users complaining of rapid battery depletion, freezing displays and, in some cases, even a completely bricked handset.
Samsung has apologised for the cock-ups and has assured S3 users that the problems have been ironed out.
In a statement, the company said: "The fix for the issues with Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean 4.3 upgrade has begun rolling out to selected users in the UK, and will continue to do so. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused."
Debacle
The software still won't be available to all S3 users as some will need to wait for their mobile network to improve the upgrade.
"Specific upgrade schedules will vary by mobile operators. Please check your phone for the upgrade," the company added.
If there was ever a case for for Android fans to simply buy Nexus phones for timely, stress free software updates than Samsung has done a pretty good job of making it during this debacle.
Things could be about to get more interesting for Google's wee dongle
Google's HDMI Chromecast dongle is great for streaming content from an Android device directly to a television set, but falls short of the Apple TV platform when it comes to full-on display mirroring.
Cyanogen co-founder Koushik Dutta, whose company creates software to help users modify and extend the functionality of their mobile devices, thinks the screen mirroring roll out will be coming soon.
However, he believes the API will only be available to Google and the device manufacturers rather than becoming a tool that all developers are able to use for different purposes.
Kinda bullpoop
He said, judging by the code that the possibility of sending Android displays to hardware other than the Chromecast, such as Apple TV or Roku set-top boxes will likely be out of the question.
On his Google+ page, Dutta wrote: "From the patches I see in 4.4.1, they'll be adding Android mirroring to Chromecast very soon."
"Unfortunately that API is not available to anyone but Google and the OEM. Similar solutions to different hardware can't be built (Apple TV, etc). Kinda bull***t."
In the Android 4.4.1 software patches, the code for 'Capture_Screen_Video_Output' allows "an application to capture secure video output," but adds that it is "not for use within third-party applications."
Another hint is a change within Android 4.4.1 itself within Display settings. Instead of the 'Wireless Display' option, the setting now reads 'Cast Screen.' Interesting.
Google has been bigging up its Chromecast-compatible apps by giving them a section of their own within the Google Play store, but could things be able to get a lot more interesting for the little dongle?
It seems that the patent wars are far from over. Years ago, when Samsung's Galaxy product line began to seriously compete with the iPhone, Apple brought the Korean manufacturer to court. In the course of their legal battles, Apple has forked over $60 million in legal fees and expects to be reimbursed for part of that amount: a cool $22 million.
The two tech giants are scheduled to begin duking it out on January 30 with regards to this issue. This is yet another development in this already long and complicated case. But it doesn't stop there.
Samsung is appealing the original ruling to award Apple $1.05 billion, which was subsequently cut down by $450 million. In the damages retrial last month, it was ruled that Samsung would have to shell out $290 million to the Cupertino tech giant, bringing the total amount to about $740 million.
It looks like there isn't an end in sight to the legal battles between these two companies. Samsung's newer models are already being charged with patent infringement by Apple. Judge Lucy Koh will preside over the case, as she has been involved with it since the beginning.
The Apple smartphone has perennially struggled on the battery-life front for many, but there is more than one way to make sure you are never interrupted midway through a mammoth NOVA 3 session again.
If you fume at the sight of seeing 'less than 20% battery remaining' flashing up on that beautiful Retina display, here's our pick of the best iPhone 4S battery-preserving cases (which of course will work for the iPhone 4 too) that will keep your Apple smartphone going much longer.
1. Incipio OffGRID Pro
This durable polycarbonate case features two interchangeable rechargeable batteries that combine to deliver a hefty 3200mAh of battery power for your iPhone.
Micro USB means you can sync as you charge with cut outs to give access to your headphone jack and on/off toggle.
The battery meter will alert you to your current power status, while a handy dual-flash diffuser will help make your photographs look more polished by reducing the interference when you are snapping.
Price: £80
2. Mophie Juice Pack plus Outdoor Edition
Ideal for hikers, bikers and generally lovers of the great outdoors, the Juice Pack Plus houses a 2,000 mAh battery which is protected by a hard-shell case, reinforced by a shock-proof rubberized band.
You can expect up to eight hours of talk time and up to seven hours of internet use over 3G, while an accompanying Mophie Outdoor Edition app means you can turn your iPhone into a GPS device to help discover unexplored off-road trails.
Price: £65
3. Pico Genie A100
Saving iPhone battery is just one of the A100's nifty tricks, as this lightweight case also works as a projector and a 2-watt speaker, all whilst keeping your iPhone in one piece.
The 1900mAh Li-Ion battery will add an extra three hours of iPhone life, while the 15 Lumen bright projector will expand the iOS greatness up to 60-inches on your nearest wall or ceiling so you can watch videos and browse pictures, or even take it into your next boardroom presentation.
Price: £250
4. MiSuny iPower 4
Harnessing the power of the sun and a 2,400 mAh battery, this charging sleeve promises two full charges before you have to juice it up again, and should give you around five hours' extra talk time, six hours' internet browsing and a massive 45 hours to listen to your iTunes playlists.
Thanks to the built-in solar charger, you can also top up on power during the day. Weather permitting of course…
Price: £69.99
5. PhoneSuit: The Elite Battery Case
Adding minimal bulk to an already slender smartphone, the slider-style case measures in at 17mm thick and packs a 2,100 mAh battery to completely revive your iPhone 4.
1-Amp charging technology promises to charge the iPhone in less than two hours, while the five-LED gauge located on the back of the case is discreet but will help to keep an eye on the current battery status.
Crucially, it's been given the Apple seal of approval to charge up iPhone 4 and 4S handsets.
Price: £52
6. Third Rail Slim Case
Claiming to be the thinnest battery case on the market, the robust hard-shell case uses Smart Battery technology that slides snug into the case and can also be used to charge other portable devices with the included adapter.
The integrated on/off switch ensures you are not wasting any emergency power, while additional smart batteries can be stacked inside the case, at the expense of its slender form of course…
Price: £50
7. Scosche Switchback Surge G4
With no ambitious claims to double the battery life of your iPhone 4 or 4S, the Surge G4 will get your dead Apple smartphone back to a maximum 80% charge from a 1,800 mAh battery.
Micro USB support means you can sync your iPhone as you charge, while a Scosche revive iPhone app will offer advanced battery management.
The built-in kick stand means you can watch videos hands-free, while the interchangeable polycarbonate backs let you add a little customisation to the proceedings.
