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Google's wearable computer Google Glass continues to make new discoveries at the hands of its intrepid explorers, but while they are trying out the Google Glass Explorer Edition, all of the apps currently being used are from Google itself. That has now changed as The New York Times has announced it's app for Google Glass in which they supply news alerts and updates. Article summaries can even be read aloud or in this case just for the Google Glass owner's ears only. Users navigate news in the app using the gyrometer, so a nod or turn of the head may shift to the next page.

What they found out

The folks at iFixit just love tearing down smartphones and this was no different for the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV when it officially came out. After a brief tear down they discovered that the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV:

• has a removable battery
• has an iFixit score of 8 out of 10
• uses IR sensors near the screen to enable Air View and Air Gesture
• has one of the most sensitive screens around (can even use with gloves)
• has the same 4G LTE chip as Google Nexus 4

Microsoft has recently launched its Microsoft Surface RT touchscreen tablet with the 32GB version costing RM1549 and the 64GB version going for RM1849. Adding on the Touch Cover makes the 32GB version cost RM1849 while the 64GB version with the Touch Cover cost RM2149. Since the Touch Cover costs RM379 by itself, you get about RM79 discounted off. However, if you opt for the more robust (and mechanical keyboard-like) Type Cover you will have to get it separately at RM409. In general the pricing is lower here in Malaysia compared to Singapore but due to the currency conversion more or less matches with the price in the US.

After Samsung's very interesting video on flexible screens we often forget that other manufacturers such as LG are also working on similar flexible screen technology. While this was shown off by LG at this year's CES 2013 with their curved Flexible OLED panel HDTV and e-paper solutions, recently LG Vice President of Mobile, Yoon Bu-hyun was noted as saying that they are working with LG's Display department to create a smartphone with a flexible OLED screen by the end of the year.

Malaysia got its official HTC One launch recently and it saw the Aluminum unibody Android smartphone get both the 32GB and 64GB versions. Price-wise the HTC One 32GB version retails at RM2299 while the HTC One 64GB version retails at RM2499. According to HTC, both versions should be available for the 4 major telcos of Celcom, Maxis, DiGi and U Mobile by early May. SenQ may also get it around this time while other dealers may get it a bit later in mid-May.

While the HTC One has already received an update to make it's Ultrapixel camera better (in that case, less blurry daytime shots) it recently received a new update that makes the HTC One camera performance even better. Below are the listed improvements for the firmware update version 1.29.401.13:

• Improvement to sound capture with Zoe
• Noise reduction in slow motion movie capture
• Improved color reproduction and dynamic range (reduced over-exposure in non-HDR images) in certain conditions
• Fix to display correct ISO in EXIF information when ISO settings are manually changed by the user
• Improved system performance and stability

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 has also made an appearance under the Celcom banner, with a number of bundles for this S Pen enabled tablet. The lowest subsidized price begins from RM1088, which is about RM600 less than the current RRP of RM1699. For full details check out the table below:

Celcom recently released their plan bundles for the Sony Xperia E. Targeting the upper entry level market the Sony Xperia E's main draw is it's Walkman Music with 3D surround sound, making it perfect for the teen or young adult who has to be listening to music 24/7. Celcom provides the Sony Xperia E under a number of affordable plans with a choice of 12 months to 18 months contract. For more details check out the table below:

Maxis have also come out with their Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV plan bundles and again it looks like it is the Non-LTE powered version. Perhaps the LTE-enabled version will come out with a special Maxis 4G LTE plan bundle later on, which Maxis have confirmed by saying that it is "Coming Soon". The lowest subsidized price of RM1149 has a couple of conditions which include:

• Exclusive for Online offers only
• Normal Price is RM1249
• Only available for New Maxis Line subscriptions

Celcom has released their bundle plans for the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV (Non-LTE) version. In a show of flexibility normally unseen before in previous initial offers, the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is being offered under 12 months, 18 months and 24 months contracts and for nearly all of the bundles including Celcom First Prime, Celcom First Premier, Celcom First Elite and mPro Plus. The lowest subsidized price of RM1338 is of course only for a 24 month contract but there are more than one choice available. Check out the table below for all the details: