Nicole Cozma/CNET Google Play will provide a pop-up error message when there is an issue installing or updating your apps. Unfortunately, the error message text is very brief and doesn’t explain how you can fix it. For example, error 921: “Unknown error code during application install (921).” Thanks to XDA member mohamedrashad, there’s a thread …

zBoost How’s the cellular coverage in your home or office? Depending on your proximity to your carrier’s towers and the composition of your walls, it might be sufficient — or it might drive you to dropped-call madness. If you fall into the latter category, consider a signal booster. Like this one: for a limited time, and while supplies last, Best …

Sprint’s GS4 gets Wi-Fi calling back to the US. Josh Miller/CNET An over-the-air update to the Samsung Galaxy S4 with Sprint Spark, Sprint’s faster 4G LTE network, will make it possible for travelers to call home over any Wi-Fi network, at no additional cost. The International Wi-Fi calling feature will work in over 100 countries, supporting calls made to phone …

These shadowy figures could foretell what Sony has in store for IFA 2014. Sony/Screenshot by CNET Sony could soon have three new mobile devices to offer consumers, if a new video posted to YouTube is any indication. On Thursday, Sony posted a teaser video to its Xperia channel on YouTube, just a week ahead of the rumored unveiling of a …

Growing, growing… Sarah Tew/CNET Say it with me: “Phablets are fabulous after all.” Don’t believe it? Read on. Within two weeks, the smartphone landscape will have changed drastically from where it stands today, with the likely introduction of at least one iPhone 6, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and perhaps a few new models from Motorola, including the rumored Moto …

When an Apple invitation hits the inboxes, what happens? The Internet prognosticates. Here are just some ways Apple’s invitation could be (over)analyzed. Some interpretations are realistic and others — just a tad far-fetched. Enjoy a few minutes of satire to lighten your afternoon. 1. It’s the iPhone 6, of course.If you just rotate it this way, and flip it that …

Apple may have something “more” than an iPhone 6 to show off on Sept. 9. But before Apple’s event, Samsung and LG are revealing brand new smartwatches — even though both companies just launched new smartwatches last month in July. Could this be a sign of iWatch panic? Today’s CNET Update video highlights the Samsung Gear S and LG G …

Verizon now offering the Droid Razr M experience as the prepaid Motorola Luge. Sarah Tew/CNET Verizon has quietly started offering the Motorola Droid Razr M as part of its no-contract smartphone lineup. Known as the Motorola Luge, the handset is identical to the Razr M in nearly every single aspect. Related Links Motorola Droid Razr M review Verizon blesses AllSet …

Now playing: Watch this: Apple invite arrives, speculation heightens 2:28 Apple on Thursday sent out invites for a press event on Sept. 9 in its hometown of Cupertino, Calif. The company provided few hints about what will be announced beyond saying “Wish we could say more.” That could indicate something related to Siri, Apple’s digital voice assistant. Generally, Apple is …

House of Cards was the first Netflix show shown in 4K. Video screenshot by Michael Franco/CNET Samsung is doubling down on 4K films and TV. The Korean company is adding 4K Amazon streaming and bringing 4K Netflix to Europe, so you can enjoy eye-scorching detail on your Ultra High Definition television. UHD, also known as 4K, is the next step …

A hundred greenbacks is a respectable chunk of change, but when you consider what a piece of machinery a smartphone can be, $100 on contract (before taxes and fees) is a darn good deal. Since the smartphone operating system remains the same across handsets from the most entry-level to the most premium, what a price break usually gives you is …

SHORE’s facial recognition technology has been designed to help identify emotions, gender, and age — but not identity. Fraunhofer Institute Nevermind how you’re feeling, how is the person you’re talking to feeling? A new Glassware app can help you identify a person’s gender, guess their age, and evaluate their emotional status in real-time. It won’t, however, tell you who the …

CEO John Legere’s T-Mobile expands its program letting customers listen to streaming music without data-usage worries. James Martin/CNET T-Mobile customers have spoken, and the company is listening. Eventually. Six more services arrive on the carrier’s Music Freedom concept — which doesn’t count streaming music data against customers’ cellular data limits — but not customer favorite Google Play Music, yet. The …

The Gear S smartwatch. Samsung Samsung has taken the wraps off its latest wearable, a smartwatch dubbed the Galaxy S that features a curved display. Unveiled late Wednesday, the Samsung Gear S features a 2-inch Super AMOLED display and is based on the Tizen mobile operating system, Samsung’s alternative to Google’s Android mobile OS. Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, …

Samsung’s next Galaxy Note is but a few days away. Screenshot by Scott Webster/CNET Related Links Samsung Galaxy Note 4 could measure UV rays Samsung Galaxy Note 4 rumored with new design language Samsung Galaxy Note 4 specs seemingly leak online Pop quiz: What do a fashion blogger, an entrepreneur, a barber, and a spiritual healer have in common? Apparently, …