A rather interesting iPhone 5 case has recently surfaced on indiegogo. And keeping in mind, this case is still in the development stage and that it currently is being aimed only at the iPhone — we still encourage you to read on because it actually seems rather interesting. In other words, we are hoping to see this case, or something similar launch for some Android handsets.

That said, the case is called popSLATE, and the words that make up the name will make a bit more sense once you realize what this case has and what it can do. For starters, aside from being a case, the popSLATE has a 4-inch E-ink display on the backside. Hence the slate.

In short, this is a case that adds a second display to your phone. And for those worrying, given this is E-ink, it should use very little of your already precious battery life. The display can be used for a wide variety of things and according to details provided, you can “pop just about anything to the back of your phone.” Hence the pop.

Some of the uses cases include pictures, notifications, maps, calendar items and even a list of items, say, talking points for a speech or presentation. The case will work in conjunction with a popSLATE app running on your phone. You can even send things to friends that are also using the popSLATE app and case. Otherwise, the case will add some weight and size to your phone. In this case it will be about 75 grams and measurements of 5.35 x 2.56 x 0.54 inches.

All said and done, we are not sure how many people actually want something like this, however this indiegogo campaign still has 47 days remaining and has already reached just over $67,000 towards their goal of $150,000. So how about it, anyone want something like this for their Android handset, maybe a Galaxy S3 or a Galaxy Note 2?

We have some good news for Verizon users with a Droid RAZR HD or RAZR MAXX HD smartphone — an update will be arriving soon. In fact, Verizon has announced that the Jelly Bean update will begin rolling-out next week. And nicely done, this will include both handsets.

According to details coming from Verizon, the update will arrive as Android 4.1 with software version 9.1.41.XT926.Verizon.en.US. The update will measure in at a hefty 276MB in size and will be arriving over-the-air. Those feeling like they cannot wait, and we suspect that will include more than a few — you can grab your handset and navigate to Menu -> Settings -> About phone -> System updates to try and get the process started.

Otherwise, sit back, try to remain calm and wait for the update notification to arrive on your handset. Assuming you take this route, once than happens, it is just a matter of clicking when needed. And while you wait for the update to arrive, continue reading to see what new features and changes can be expected.

• Google Now: Just the right information at just the right time. Get today’s weather before you start your day, know how much traffic to expect before you leave for work and when the next train will arrive as you’re standing on the platform. Cards appear throughout the day automatically.
• Smart Keyboard: More accurate and relevant dictionaries have been implemented. Jelly Bean’s keyboard guesses the next word before you type it and voice typing now works even when you don’t have a data connection, and text-to-Speech capabilities have been improved.
• Notifications: Take action directly from the notifications panel. Send emails, return calls, share photos and more. Notifications are expandable and you scan multiple emails, see event details or full images and more.
• Voice Search: Sometimes you’d rather just speak your search query. Android lets you search the web with your voice, and it’s convenient for getting quick answers on the fly. It speaks back to you and is powered by the Knowledge Graph, bringing you precise answers and ranked search results.

ADDITIONAL JELLY BEAN ENHANCEMENTS

• Move between Home screens with more intuitive graphics and smooth transitions.
• Enjoy more reactive and uniform touch responses.

SOFTWARE UPGRADES

• Improved voice and data connectivity.
• Native calendar settings have been improved for a better user experience.
• Improved reliability and connectivity of Back Up Assistant Plus & Visual Voicemail.
• Time stamp shown in outgoing multimedia has been corrected.

APPLICATION UPDATES

• Video calling portal and Accessories Application has been preloaded.
• Verizon Video has been removed.
• Color Application has been removed.
• Fully integrated Amazon app suite has been preloaded (includes Kindle, Amazon MP3, IMDb, Audible, and Zappos).

SwiftKey Flow was originally announced back in late-October and while there seems to be plenty of excitement, we have yet to see anything in terms of public availability. The folks at SwiftKey originally stated that they would be releasing a beta sometime “soon” and that it would be available first for the VIP community. And well, it is beginning to look like that VIP community may have included Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users.

Keep in mind, we have yet to get any confirmation from SwiftKey, however Galaxy Note 2 users are reporting seeing Flow as an option in the settings. On that thought, if you are a Galaxy Note 2 user, you may want to launch your Setting and head to the Language and Input section and then click on the settings icon for the Samsung keyboard. From this point you will see an option for Swiftkey flow. If you want to enable it, make sure that box is checked.

Otherwise, we suspect the Google Play version of SwiftKey with Flow will look a bit different, however for the folks using a Galaxy Note 2, your available option will have the Flow functionality on a Samsung style keyboard.

In short, if you are a fan of swipe/trace style typing and happen to have a Galaxy Note 2 in-hand, you may want to check your settings. Of course, what this really means is the swipe/trace style keyboard space is getting interesting. We had (and still have) Swype. Plus, the recent introduction of trace typing in Jelly Bean and now the SwiftKey Flow support.

Microsoft launched the Xbox SmartGlass app back in late-October and while the app brought quite a bit in terms of feature and function, there was at least one thing lacking. Well, probably more than one, but in this case, one of those lacking items has since been fixed. This latest update, which is currently available in Google Play has brought support for 7-inch tablets.

Otherwise, aside from the app no longer being limited to smartphones, there were a few smaller items worth mentioning. The other changes included some fixes for crashes and bugs. More specifically, the what’s new section lists the following;

• Fixes a crash when you access the settings
• Fixes a crash when you go back to the achievement screen
• Fixes other minor bugs

This update brings the Xbox SmartGlass app up to version 1.0 where is remains available for those running Android 4.0 or later. The app is free to download, however you will need both an Xbox and Xbox membership to get any use.

All said and done, a relatively minor update for the Xbox SmartGlass app. Of course, it may be minor as a whole, but we suspect those rocking a tablet will be happy. Not to mention, somehow this app somehow seems more appropriate for use on a tablet as opposed to a smartphone.

As was promised, the Hoth Episode update has come available.

And for those needing a bit more explanation, Rovio Mobile has rolled-out the latest update for Angry Birds Star Wars. We saw the teaser video yesterday and we suspect that some may have been playing a little more than usual to knock out some extra levels before the new ones arrived today. On that note, the update is available and it has brought 20 new levels of game play along with a few bonus levels — all on the remote ice world of Hoth.

“It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a group of freedom fighters has established a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. Unfortunately the evil Darth Vader discovers their hideout, and the desperate Rebel birds must escape the AT-ATs and Pigtroopers hot on their trail. But the Rebels have an ace up their sleeve with the debut of PRINCESS LEIA!”

And what else can we really say, those who have already been playing have likely already stopped reading this and are either waiting for the update to install or have already begun playing. As for me, honestly, I love this game and having to sit and write this and not be able to play is killing me. So yes, now that I outed myself as an Angry Birds Star Wars fan, I will end this madness of a post and get some game time myself.

But one final thought for those who have yet to get into this version of Angry Birds. If you like Star Wars and have enjoyed previous versions of Angry Birds, this is probably a good game to download. Those not looking to spend any money are in luck as there is a free download available. And for those willing to shell out a few bucks, Rovio Mobile also released an HD version for $2.99.

After sporting a ‘will ship by’ date of November 27 for nearly a months time, Verizon Wireless confirmed yesterday that the Galaxy Note 2 would be available online and in retail stores beginning on November 29. And well, November 29 has arrived and just as we had been expecting — those interested in picking up a Galaxy Note 2 can now do so.

The handset will set you back $299.99 on a two-year agreement and is available in either Marble White or Titanium Grey. Otherwise, while we would suggest checking the Note 2 out in person before making the commitment, the specs are known and include Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and 4G LTE connectivity along with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD display, quad-core 1.6GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 3100 mAh battery, 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera and an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera.

So how about it, now that the Galaxy Note 2 is available with Verizon — who is considering (or going to make) a purchase?

Back at the beginning of November we saw UK retailer Clove begin accepting pre-orders for the 64GB Galaxy S3. And well, that pre-order phase has since come to and end. Unfortunately though, it is not the end that those who placed a pre-order would have been hoping for.

In short, Clove will not be offering the 64GB Galaxy S3. That said, if you remember back to the time when those pre-orders went live, Clove noted that they would carry the handset if they had enough interest from the pre-orders. According to the latest details;

“Unfortunately the number of pre-orders that we received did not meet the minimum required to bring stock into the UK, so we will not be ranging the handset.”

Clove went on to further apologize to those who placed a pre-order. Of course, given the original pre-order time period was supposed to be for two weeks time, and given when this news arrived — it looks like Clove either quietly extended the pre-order time period or they just had news they did not want to share. While either could be a real possibility, we would like to think the former is the more likely option.

Either way though, Clove will not have the 64GB Galaxy S3, which means those looking for a handset with a large amount of internal storage will have to continue to keep looking and keep waiting.

The Huawei Honor 2 smartphone was announced back at the end of October and since then we have heard very little. The original announcement did include the specs and pricing along with word of availability — only for those in China. But on that note, a recently discovered FCC filing suggests that the handset may be coming to North America. Unfortunately for those looking for LTE devices, this will not be one to consider.

Nonetheless, a nicely priced 3G handset should still hold some appeal. And with that, the FCC filing for the Huawei Honor 2 shows support for 3G on the 850MHz, 1,700MHz and 1,900MHz bands. In other words, the Honor 2 would have 3G support for a wide variety of U.S. and Canadian carriers.

The catch here, this is assuming Huawei decides to move forward with a release. Or perhaps more important, that any of the U.S. or Canadian carriers would want to offer the Honor 2. Simply put, just because we have an FCC filing showing support, nothing is official until we hear from the carriers.

If you happen to be living in the UK, have been waiting for the Nexus 7 3G to come available with a carrier and don’t mind choosing Three as that carrier — you are in luck. Three UK has announced the immediate availability of the tablet. Those interested will be able to make a purchase online at www.three.co.uk or at any of the Three retail stores.

The tablet is priced at £49. Those making the purchase will also need to grab the 5GB £19.99 per month data plan in order to get that £49 price. Otherwise, aside from the addition of 3G connectivity — this is the Android 4.2 running tablet that many have already come to love. The Nexus 7 features include a 7-inch (1280 x 800) IPS display with Gorilla Glass, quad-core 1.3GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, a 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera and a 4325 mAh battery.

Otherwise, those looking to avoid any commitment and willing to pay full-price — you also have the option to purchase the 3G Nexus 7 direct from the Google Play store for £239.

The Galaxy Note 2 is a rather large smartphone. It is also a smartphone that ships with a rather large battery, a 3100 mAh battery. And while this is probably going to be sufficient power for most, there is likely the group that will want more. That being the case, Mugen Power has recently announced a spare battery for the Galaxy Note 2 — a 6400 mAh battery.

Yup, a spare battery that is a bit more than 2 times the size of the original. Or as detailed by the folks at Mugen, the 6400 mAh battery will last 2.06 times as long. The battery is priced at $98.95 and while available for order today — it is not expected to begin shipping until December 21.

The battery has NFC and will ship with a new back cover, which you can pick from white or gray to match the color of your handset. Furthermore, the Mugen listing notes that this battery is compatible with the AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular and OLLEH (SHV-E250K) models of the Galaxy Note 2.

The one thing we wonder, just how much extra bulk this battery will add. So how about it, any Galaxy Note 2 users feeling the need for such a large battery?