Did the official @GoogleNexus account Tweet an image of an unreleased Dialer while responding to a question on Twitter? Perhaps. In response to a Nexus user who was looking for help finding call duration time, the official account included an image of the call details page that doesn’t look like the current call details page on my Nexus 5 running Android 4.4.2. It won’t look like yours either. No sir, this appears to be new. (more…)
Once Google had acknowledged that it was acquiring Nest, the smart-home accessory manufacturer, we sort of wondered if they would ever use Google Play to help sell devices. While no announcement or movement has happened thus far, we noticed today that on Google Play’s support pages for available devices, they list Nest as being available on Google Play in the US, UK, and Canada. That is interesting for the simple fact that the device isn’t actually available on Google Play in any of those countries.
So we are now curious – is Google about to make the Nest available for purchase directly through Google Play? Tough to tell, but why else would they list the device as available in those select countries on a Google Play devices support page. (more…)
Google Hangouts on Android received a major update today to version 2.1.075. The update introduces a merged conversation list that combines SMS and Hangouts from the same recipient. Through that conversation, you can tell Hangouts how you’d like to send new messages to that person via switch. You can also tell the difference between messages that are sent via SMS or as a standard Hangouts message.
The update also includes a simplified contact list with two main sections for phone contacts and people you Hangout with. Google even included a Hangouts widget for your home screen and improved performance throughout things like video calls.
The full changelog is below, along with an .apk download link. (more…)
Back in February, Google announced that it would entertain the idea of bringing its ultra-high speed Fiber internet to nine new markets. This morning, AT&T tried to crush that number by announcing that it would look at up to 100 new markets for its “ultra-fast” Fiber network, 21 of which are major metropolitan areas.
Like Google, AT&T isn’t saying that all of these cities and municipalities are guaranteed to get Fiber, but that they will work with local leaders to discuss ways to bring the service to their communities. In other words, there really is no sure thing here, it’s completely up to the local markets to get the ball rolling. (more…)
Over the weekend, many of you took advantage of AT&T’s “certified like-new” Galaxy Note 3 sale, which had the device listed for $249 without a contract. That’s completely insane, in terms of deals. We initially thought that the price was wrong, but it held up all weekend and is still there, though the device in either black or white is unsurprisingly sold out. If you missed out, don’t worry, there is another deal going on that’s just as good for the Galaxy S4. (more…)
Remember how on launch day of the Galaxy S5, we realized (to no one’s surprise) that Verizon had completely disabled one of the phone’s better features, Paypal fingerprint support? Well, some things appear to have happened behind the scenes with the apps required to make this work, so you can now at least register your fingerprint to login to the payment app. It takes the sideloading of the Samsung Apps store, since Verizon doesn’t preload it, along with the a couple of app installs from there.
I should point out that this method enables Fingerprint logins for the Paypal app, but that could be it. I have not been able to test whether or not you can actually verify payments too.
Ready to do this? (more…)
Since launch, the Samsung Galaxy S5 for Verizon has been sold out at Amazon, probably because of its insanely low $99 on-contract price, which is half of what everyone else is selling it for. Today, Amazon changed the in-stock status to “2 to 3 weeks,” so if you had been holding out on purchasing the phone until Amazon gave you a better estimate on shipping, now you have it.
Keep in mind that Verizon is still running a BOGO (buy one get one free) deal on the Galaxy S5, but that deal also requires two contracts to be signed. With Amazon’s $99 price, you could just do one phone if you’d like.
The deal is for all customer types – upgrades, new lines, and new customers. Amazon also has both black and white variants.
Amazon Links: Galaxy S5 (Black) | Galaxy S5 (White)
Here is your ultimate deal of the weekend. AT&T is currently selling a “certified like-new” Galaxy Note 3 for $249 without a contract. Yes, we’re talking Note 3, not Note 2. This is the same Note 3 that typically runs $299 on-contract or $699 full retail when brand new.
Pretty tough to pass on, especially if you are in the market for a almost-new phone.
I should point out that AT&T’s website does require you to add a wireless plan in order to purchase the phone. If you are already on AT&T, though, might be worth a look.
