HTC One 'Duo Camera' explained

The successor to the HTC One is rumored to come with two cameras. Now, there might be some explanation on how those cameras will be put to use in the new phone.

The folks over at mobile-industry tracker GSM Arena discovered on Tuesday a leaked ad for the upcoming HTC One from Australian carrier Telstra. That ad shows the same handset featured in countless leaked images and reveals details on the device's "Duo Camera."

The feature follows what other major handset makers have delivered in their devices this year, including Samsung, Sony, and LG. Those companies' flagship handsets feature one camera that takes rapid shots. After the shots are taken, users can decide what parts should be blurred and what should be clear. They can also pick the version they like best. With two cameras on board, the HTC One could conceivably enhance those features, since it's using two cameras to snap photos rather than one.According to the ad, the Duo Camera uses the handset's two cameras to: "Create vivid images even in low light and professionally edit memories after you've taken the shot. Choose where to focus, highlight what you love, soften backgrounds and add 3D effects."

The ad also highlights the new HTC One's BoomSound capability and a 5-inch full HD "scratch resistant" screen.

For its part, HTC hasn't confirmed any features in its upcoming HTC One, but the company plans to unveil the phone on March 25.

California court: Drivers can use smartphone maps

Texting or chatting on the phone while driving is illegal in California, but the law seems still to be catching up with technology when it comes to other aspects of smartphone use behind the wheel.

A court of appeals has reversed an earlier court decision that ruled map reading on a cell phone was taboo under the law, according to the Associated Press. The 5th District Court of Appeal said the law currently applies only to talking and texting on mobile devices and doesn't yet have legal language for app use.

The case came about in January 2012 after Fresno resident Steven Spriggs got a ticket for checking his iPhone 4 map when he was caught in a traffic jam, according to the AP. While he was searching for a better route on his phone, a California Highway Patrol officer stopped him and fined him $165.

The panel of appellate judges ruled in favor of Spriggs, saying California law stipulates that "listening and talking" on cell phones without a hands-free device is illegal, but it doesn't specify other ways in which phone use is unlawful, according to the AP.After losing a challenge to the case in traffic court, Spriggs appealed the ticket to a Fresno County Superior Court. He lost again. Undeterred, he brought the case to the district court of appeals.

While this is a clear win for Spriggs, and he'll be able to get back his $165, the case could be appealed by the state attorney general's office to the California Supreme Court.