Google Glass update adds web browsing, widens voice commands (update: images)

Google has delivered a steady stream of Glass updates since the Explorer Edition launched, but its new July upgrade may be the biggest yet -- it addresses several of our earliest gripes. Wearers can now answer phone calls or have messages read aloud. It's also now possible to call or message any Gmail contact, not just the top ten. Oh, and that hidden web browser? It's now public: Glass owners can ask to see a favorite page and navigate using the touchpad. If you're one of the precious few to sport Google's eyewear, you should automatically receive the much-improved firmware in the next few days; we've already heard of at least one user getting the upgrade today.
Update: We now have screenshots of how browsing works in the update -- check them out below.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active battery life tests are done, results inside

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is a the water resistant version of the regular S4 and just like it has a Snapdragon 600 chipset with the four Krait 300 cores clocked at 1.9GHz and a 2,600mAh battery.

But the two differ on one key factor for the battery test – the screen. AMOLED and LCDs both have their strengths and weaknesses, so let’s see which one does better when you draw the line.
Call time should be unaffected – after all, the screen is off. That wasn’t the case, however, as the Galaxy S4 Active lasted an hour and 20 minutes less than the Snapdragon 600-powered S4. We’re not sure how to account for the lost time, but we did notice some software differences, so this may be it.

Skype for Android gets a major update, UI overhaul

Skype for Android has received a huge update to version 4.0, alongside a bevy of new interface changes and optimizations.

The new Skype for Android 4.0 takes many design cues from Windows 8′s Modern UI.
Derek Snyder, head of mobile marketing at Skype, said that the new Skype will be aimed at addressing the needs of mobile users first and foremost. Messaging will be brought to the forefront, and it will supposedly be more power efficient.

Snyder went on to mention that Skype for Android has seen over 100 million Android installs already, making it one of the most popular messengers on the platform.
Skype for Android 4.0 takes aims to differentiate itself from other Skype Android versions, as it’s only available to devices running Gingerbread 2.3.3 and higher (get it here). No comment was made in regards to an eventual Skype for iOS update, although Snyder did mention that there would be a more unified design language across all platforms, mobile and otherwise.
Source

Nokia buys Siemens shares of Nokia Siemens Networks for €1.7 billion

Nokia has bought its partner’s 50% share of the Nokia Siemens Networks joint-venture for €1.7 billion ($2.2B) and now controls the business by itself.

This was announced today by Nokia itself and the deal is expected to come through by Q3 of 2013.
Nokia Siemens Networks managed to see a 117% increase of profit, which reached €899 million ($1.2 billion) in the first quarter of 2013.
Out of the €1.7 billion, €1.2 billion will be paid in cash with the remaining €500 million be paid via a secured loan next year.
Source | Via