Phandroid Recap: LG G3, Best apps and games, self-driving cars, and more! [May 25-31]

Kevin Krause
11 years ago

Summer days are right around the corner and needless to say the Android news is heating up. This week saw the launch of LG’s latest smartphone, some new rumors about Moto’s next, our best apps and games for the month, and a look at the future of Google’s self-driving cars. So without wasting any more time, here’s a look at what was hot this week and some news that you might have missed!

The LG G3 is here, is it the Android smartphone to beat?

The short work week brought no shortage of Android news. Following the Monday holiday in the US, LG took to the stage in London for the global unveiling of the their latest flagship smartphone. The LG G3 debuted to plenty of hype and didn’t fall short of expectations. We went hands-on with the device, which features a 5.5-inch QuadHD display, 13MP camera with laser auto-focus, and an overhauled user interface to make it perhaps the best phone that LG has ever developed. Some are even considering it as a contender for the best Android phone on the market. Official release details haven’t been finalized, but buyers are already eager to get their hands on the G3. As a bonus, you can snag some of the phone’s official wallpapers right now.

Best Android apps and games for May 2014

We’ve got our monthly rundown of the best Android apps as well as the best Android games. May brought us plenty to choose from, including Klout’s Android debut and the popular anonymous social app Secret as well as Half-Life 2 and Monument Valley. That’s only naming a few of the many great software offerings to launch in May. Be sure to check out the full lists for more.

Are voice commands the best Android feature you’re not using?

What do you know about Google Now? Did you know about the dozens of voice commands you could possibly missing out on? We detail 50+ in our helpful list to make sure you are getting the most out of your Android smartphone. If you have a handset running KitKat, chances are you can simply say “OK, Google” and launch right in.

Moto X+1 leaks show off a phone that could feature a 5-inch display

The Moto X+1 is the rumored followup to Motorola’s ambitious Moto X. This week we might have caught our first glimpse of the smartphone. An early leak purported to show us the phone in the wild’s of the Chicago subway system. A followup gave us a slightly clearer glance at the phone’s front panel. Both suggest Moto could up the screen size to over 5 inches for their next flagship.

Google unveils self-driving car prototypes, goes a little overboard on the cuteness

Google’s self-driving car project has been around for a few years now, but up until this week it has relied on existing cars outfitted with an array of advanced sensors and gadgetry. That changed when Google announced that it had developed and built its first in-house automobile, a cute little two-door coupe with no steering wheel or physical controls. In fact, it might be a bit too cute with it’s front end, which purposefully resembles a smiling face, complete with eyes, nose and mouth.