Wednesday, September 25, 2013

LINE takes on giants, introduces video calls and snap movie clips

LINE is stepping up it efforts to make a name for itself in the global market and is now introducing two new features that will put the Asian contender head to head with other players in the field. Starting today, users of the Internet-based messaging service will be able to make video calls and post short video clips, all for free.

Video calls, once the domain of Skype and even of Apple with its Face Time app, has become a staple of Internet messaging services these days. One could say that LINE is somewhat late to the scene, with rivals Viber and WhatsApp already supporting the feature. But, better late than never as they say, and so the service is adding free 1-on-1 video calls to its features. Unlike Google+ Hangouts, though, it doesn’t seem to mention any support for group or conference video chats.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Samsung in talks with metal casing suppliers, metallic S5 coming?


Samsung’s wildly popular Galaxy line of phones has typically been made with a glossy plastic exterior, but is that about to change with the S5? We told you about the possibility last month, and now a report in Taipei Times further suggests this. Sources say that Samsung is in discussions with Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese company that makes the metal bodies of the HTC One and Apple’s iPad, for metal cases for “at least one of its high-end smartphone models from the second quarter next year.”

The second quarter of next year is of course when Samsung is expected to launch the S5. Of course, we are still months and months away from the S5, and rumors are still just rumors. Stay tuned with Droid Stars