Google’s Siri Competitor to Called ‘Assistant’, Bell to Release the Samsung Galaxy Rugby and Sonim Bolt & Goodbye Android Market, Hello Google Play

Google’s Siri Competitor to Called ‘Assistant,’ Report Claims
In December, it was reported that Google is working on a solution that will boost the capabilities of its Voice Actions on Android-powered devices in an effort to compete with Apple’s Siri voice assistant. The service, which was previously code-named “Majel,” will launch as “Assistant”.
BGR

Bell to Release the Samsung Galaxy Rugby and Sonim XP5520 Bolt
In the next few weeks you can expect to see a couple new rugged devices appear, something that has been missing for well over a year. First to arrive will be the durable looking Sonim XP5520 Bolt, followed by the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Rugby.
MobileSyrup

Goodbye Android Market, Hello Google Play
Google’s Android Market has undergone some tremendous changes over the last year or so. What started as just a standalone app store has quickly grown to encompass e-books, music, videos, and now Google feels like the “Android Market” moniker is getting to be too restrictive, too constraining for what they’re really trying to deliver to their users. That’s why Google is officially putting the Android Market name to rest. Starting today, all of Google’s digital media services have been rebranded to fly under a brand new banner: Google Play.
TechCrunch

9 Mobile Apps That Help You Find Cheap Gas
Gas may finally be leveling off from its nearly month-long rise, but you’re probably not reaping the benefits just yet. While we wait for teleportation apps that allow us to avoid the gas tank, we’ve rounded up nine apps to help you locate the cheapest gas prices and keep track of your mileage and maintenance.
Mashable

Koodo Comes Out With a $50 Data Plan, Samsung Announces Galaxy Pocket & Is the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer a Hero or Pest?

Koodo Comes Out With a $50/Month Canada-Wide Data Plan
Not really sure when this happened, but it seems that Koodo has come out with a new plan. For $50/month you can sign yourself up for the Canada-Wide Data Plan. This gives you 1GB of data, 150 minutes, Caller ID, Voicemail and Unlimited Text & Picture messaging.
MobileSyrup

Samsung Announces Cutesy Galaxy Pocket with 2.8-inch Display, Coming ‘Later This Year’
Space will always have room for another galaxy, and your pocket should equally have room for this little piece of Android 2.3 TouchWizadry. The Galaxy Pocket has just been announced in London and will arrive in the UK “later this year,” bearing a 2.8-inch screen with a 240 x 320 (QVGA) resolution, an 800MHz processor, 3GB of expandable storage.
Engadget

SmartSync Releases New Version Of The App That Turns You Into A God
SmartSync, which has been doing good business on the iPhone app store, has released an updated version that is a big improvement on the original app. When someone calls you, SmartSync displays their latest Facebook statuses or photos against the call. Say they said they were tired. When they call you you say “Wow, sorry to hear you’re feeling tired!” even before they’ve said hello. See, suddenly you’re all-knowing.
TechCrunch

Is the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer a Hero or Pest?
A Philadelphia man has stirred up controversy after he frequently used a device on a public bus to create a cell phone dead zone. A reporter for NBC10 in Philadelphia recently tracked down the man, who was using a cell phone jammer on the bus to block riders’ cell phone reception. His reason — he didn’t want to listen to other people’s phone conversations. He says he turns on the illegal device whenever other passengers talk too loud and bother him.
Mashable