Droid Life

Motorola Seems to be Gearing Up for a Wave of Android 5.1 Updates, Here are the Release Notes

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:54:11 +0000

Motorola seems to be gearing up to unleash a wave of Android 5.1 updates onto its entire line-up of devices. We first saw Android 5.1 release notes show up for the Moto X (1st gen) in Brazil a couple of weeks back, but we are now seeing sets for the AT&T Moto X (2nd gen), "T-Mobile" Moto X (2nd gen), and Moto X (1st gen) in the US. We have yet to find info for the DROID Turbo, though I can't imagine it won't also arrive very soon. Below, we have the list of changes for Android 5.1 on the Moto X (2nd gen) through AT&T, which will land as software version 23.11.21. The entire set of release notes matches up identically to the "T-Mobile" variant, which we are assuming is the "Pure Edition," since there isn't a T-Mobile Moto X (2nd gen). That update will arrive as software version 23.11.14 on that phone. Motorola created both of the pages with these notes yesterday, meaning these updates should be here any minute.

Notifications & Interruptions	Usability improvements include: Block interruptions until your next alarm. This choice will show only when you have an alarm set within the next 12 hours. It will prevent you from missing an alarm when you choose ‘No interruptions’. You can choose to enter a scheduled downtime early. For example, if you are going to bed early and change your notification settings, you can choose “Until your downtime ends”. This option will be visible when within 4 hours of the scheduled start of your downtime. Adds icons to the volume settings panel that match those that will show in the status bar (None, Priority). You can now alter notification volume controls while media is playing. With the volume controls showing, a tap on the bell icon will bring up notification volume controls.
Heads-up Notifications	In addition to dismissing a heads-up notification, you can now swipe it up to remove it from your screen. It will remain in your notifications tray and you can dismiss it later.
Quick Settings	You can quickly select different Wi-Fi access points or different paired Bluetooth devices with a new pull-down menu on each tile. Conditional settings tiles that only show if you use the feature - like “Invert Colors” or “Hotspot” - can now be hidden via a long-press on the tile.
Camera	Reduces noise in low-light shots and improves responsiveness of the viewfinder with the front-facing camera (selfie).
Device Protection	Lost or stolen devices will remain locked until you sign in with your Google account, even if reset to factory settings. Note that you must have a Google account on the device to automatically enable this feature and set a PIN, password or pattern screen lock.
Performance	Improvements in the Android Runtime (ART) lead to faster application launch times.
Lockscreen	If you have enabled Ambient Display, the minimum swipe distance has increased to reduce accidental interactions.
Bug Fixes	Issues fixed in this release include: Clock in the status bar isn’t updating and alarms are not going off Can’t delete SMS messages when the SIM card is full No ringer audio while making an outgoing call Calculator floating point calculations Chrome crashes on launch Frequent restarts while watching Netflix Wi-Fi will not automatically reconnect to your home Wi-Fi Wi-Fi not connecting after being idle all night Wi-Fi connection issues with multiple routers in one location Bluetooth discovery is not triggered when you refresh settings CPU wakelocks that contribute to heavier battery drain Connection and synchronization issues with MS Exchange servers Incorrect default APN Can’t unlock the SIM with a PIN/PUK code Can’t play ‘pinned’ content General stability improvements

As for the Moto X (1st gen) in the US, we are looking at a software version of 222.21.2. Let us know if you see an update on your phone! Update: The release notes for the 5.1 update on the Moto E (2nd gen) are available as well.

Via: Motorola [2] [3]

Cheers Andy!

HTC Cuts RE Camera Price by $50 for Mother's Day, Now Just $149.99 Plus $60 Worth of Free Accessories

Tim — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:37:31 +0000

In case you are scrambling to find a neat Mother's Day gift, or possibly even an early Father's Day gift, HTC has cut the price of the RE Camera, dropping it by $50 to just $149.99. The RE Camera is an ultra portable periscope-looking device that allows you to shoot video and snap photos, while also staying in the moment. Having no dedicated viewfinder, users are able to experience whatever it is in front of them, and still capture it on video for later viewing and sharing. On top of getting the RE for a discounted price, HTC is throwing in an accessory goodie bag, complete with the RE clip-on mount, handlebar mount, and RE protection pack. The protection pack includes lens caps, water-proofing cap, plus a lanyard for tethering. These accessories are valued at $60, all for free. If this little gadget is something you think mom might enjoy, or dad, pick it up on HTC's site in either Teal, Orange, White or Blue color options. HTC Link

Samsung Said to be Preparing Big Camera Update for Galaxy S6 With Android 5.1.1

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:39:56 +0000

The folks over at SamMobile have heard through sources that Samsung is preparing a sizeable update for the cameras in their new flagships, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. The update should come as a part of the phone's Android 5.1.1 update. According to this report, details on what these big changes may be are not exactly known, but the expectation is that they will introduce RAW support and shutter speed control. Even though the camera API in Lollipop gave manufacturers and developers access to both of those features, Samsung left them out for some odd reason on these two phones. As you know, both the HTC One M9 and LG G4 support these, so it would make a lot of sense for Samsung to get with the program before long. All I really hope, is that they don't mess up the cameras. The Galaxy S6 is the first phone in years that I have found myself constantly wanting to use to shoot photos of whatever I'm doing. It's just so good, so fast, and so fun. On a side note, the official 5.1.1 update is said to be different than the random 5.1.1 update that showed up on that T-Mobile phone a week ago.

Via: SamMobile

Emergency Dialing Maintenance Update Coming to Nexus 6 and Moto X (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:27:07 +0000

According to Motorola, a maintenance release (update) is schedule to go live for the Nexus 6, Moto X (2nd gen), and Moto X (1st gen) some time in the very near future (Edit: DROID Turbo, Ultra, and Moto X Pro as well). Motorola posted a document detailing the update this morning, noting that you should apply this update "as soon as possible," but that it corrects an issue that will probably only happen under "very rare" circumstances. The update fixes a situation where your phone is encrypted with a "PIN to start" setup, yet will not allow audio to pass through both ways during an emergency call. Motorola explains it as audio going only in one direction, with the phone user able to hear a dispatcher, but the dispatcher not able to hear the phone user. Until the update hits your phone, Motorola offers the following solution:

Keep your phone powered on. Once the phone is fully powered on, this situation does not happen.
If you must power your phone off regularly, disable “PIN to start” until you have applied the update.
If you must power on your phone to place an emergency call and do have PIN-to-start enabled, enter the start PIN and allow the phone to boot completely before placing the call.

To see the full details of the issue, be sure to hit up the source link below. Update: Well, it looks like Motorola pulled the MR update page. Here is the full text---

Emergency Dialing Maintenance Release

Published 05/05/2015 12:38 PM Updated 05/05/2015 12:38 PM

Emergency Dialing Maintenance Release

Motorola recommends applying the maintenance release software update as soon as possible. This update corrects an issue that could in very rare and specific circumstances compromise emergency dialing on the following devices:

Moto X (1st Gen.)

Moto X (2nd Gen.)

Nexus 6

Moto Pro

This situation happens only in the following conditions:

The phone is encrypted, with “PIN to start” enabled (note that this is the PIN entered on an encrypted phone when it is powered on and boots up, not the PIN or pattern often entered to bypass the screen lock on a phone that is already powered on).

The phone is fully powered off and the user must power it on (not just wake it) to place an emergency call.

Upon boot-up, the user selects the emergency dial option that is presented before the boot PIN is entered, rather than allowing the phone to boot completely before placing the emergency call.

In this situation, the call will be connected, but with audio only in one direction. The phone user will be able to hear the dispatcher, but the dispatcher will not be able to hear the phone user.

Users awaiting the MR can take the following steps to ensure that emergency dialing is not compromised in the meantime:

Keep your phone powered on. Once the phone is fully powered on, this situation does not happen.

If you must power your phone off regularly, disable “PIN to start” until you have applied the update.

If you must power on your phone to place an emergency call and do have PIN-to-start enabled, enter the start PIN and allow the phone to boot completely before placing the call.

The common pre-PIN and pre-pattern emergency dial option on the screen lock is not affected. Most people do not power their phones off regularly, and only a small minority use encryption and PIN-to-start, so the chance of a user encountering this situation is remote. However, because it could in theory compromise emergency dialing, we felt it was important to address as soon as possible.

Instructions on how to check encryption and PIN-to-start settings are here. If you have questions, contact Motorola customer service at www.motorola.com/support.

Update 2: Motorola updated the page and re-posted it with some fixes. The full device list that this update will rollout to is the Moto X (1st gen) and (2nd gen), Nexus 6, DROID Turbo, DROID Ultra, and Moto X Pro.

Via: Motorola

Cheers Andy!

Deal: Motorola's $225-Off Moto X Deal is Live - $349 for 32GB, $374 for 64GB

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:40:59 +0000

The $225-off Moto X (2nd gen) deal that Motorola announced yesterday is live in their store. Initially, the details for the deal were a little scarce, but we now know exactly what you are looking at. For $349, Motorola will hand you a custom designed Moto X (2nd gen) with 32GB of storage through Moto Maker. That's a $200 discount, since the 32GB model normally runs $549. If you want the full $225 discount, then you can upgrade to 64GB for just $25 more. So for $374, you are looking at a custom Moto X with 64GB of storage instead of the normal $599 price. Seriously, I know that this phone is closing in on being a year old, but that's a hell of a deal for an off-contract phone. The deal is only live from today through tomorrow (May 6) at 10:59AM CT. Motorola Link

Download: Android 5.1.1 OTA Updates for Nexus Devices

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:07:33 +0000

Update July 2: Added Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi update to LMY48G.

Now that Android 5.1.1 factory images have been posted for a number of Nexus devices, we are starting to see the rollout of over-the-air (OTA) updates to them, namely the Nexus 7 (2012) and (2013), Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. More will arrive soon (Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 4, and Nexus 9), so we are starting to compile a list of them all below. We know that many of you like to sideload updates rather than wait for them to hit your device - feel free to bookmark this one. As we continue to receive new file URLs that are direct downloads from Google, we will continue to update this post.

Download Android 5.1.1 OTA .zips:

Nexus 4 - [LMY47V from LMY47O, 18.1MB] - Download Link
Nexus 5 - [LMY48B from LMY47D, 24MB] - Download Link (Cheers Marco!)
Nexus 6 - [LYZ28E from LMY47M, 126MB (T-Mobile only)] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LYZ28E from LMY47Z, 115MB (T-Mobile only)] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LMY47Z from LMY47D, 101MB (Sprint, US Cellular only)] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LMY47Z-from-LMY47I, 100MB] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LMY47Z from LMY47E, 102MB] - Download Link (Cheers Phil!)
Nexus 7 (2012) WiFi - [LMY47V from LMY47D, 9.6MB] - Download Link
Nexus 7 (2012) Mobile - [LMY47V from LMY47D, 10MB] - Download Link (via)
Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi - [LMY47V from LMY47O, 18MB] - Download Link (Cheers David O.!)
Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi - [LMY48G from LMY47V, 18MB] - Download Link
Nexus 7 (2013) LTE - [LMY47V from LMY47O, 18.1MB] - Download Link (via)
Nexus 9 WiFi - [LMY47X from LRX22L, 401MB] - Download Link (via)
Nexus 9 LTE - [LMY47X from LRX22L, 409MB] - Download Link
Nexus 10 - [LMY47V from LMY47D, 13.9MB] - Download Link (via)
Nexus Player - [LMY47V from LMY47D, 15.3MB] - Download Link

*Note – In order to flash a .zip file in adb, be sure to match up the build number on the file to your current or the update will fail. For example, look at the new build number in brackets followed by the build number that it's coming "from." In your Settings>About screen, you will want to match up to the "from" build number. For instructions to sideload using adb, check here. For instructions on how to grab an OTA file, check here.

Amazon Teams Up With JetBlue, Offers Prime Members Inflight Access to Prime Instant Video

Tim — Tue, 05 May 2015 09:47:19 +0000

Inflight entertainment, unless you come equipped with your own device loaded up with your favorite movies, can be a real drag sometimes. But now, if you fly JetBlue and also have an Amazon Prime account, you are in luck. In a new partnership, JetBlue is offering free Fly-Fi internet access, allowing you to stream tens of thousands of titles directly from Amazon's servers through Prime Instant Video. Using satellite technology, users should have an Internet experience similar to the one they have at home, according to Amazon. Both companies "worked together to ensure that the inflight entertainment system met the premium experience expected by customers." Streaming can be done to your laptop, Android smartphone, Fire tablet, Android tablet, iOS tablet, or iPhone. The service will begin rolling out to select aircraft in JetBlue's fleet this year.

Via: Amazon

Enter the LG G4 Trial Program, Try the Phone Weeks Ahead of Everyone Else

Tim — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:43:41 +0000

Want to give the LG G4 a test run before the rest of the general public? With LG's new G4 Trial Program, that's exactly what you can do. If chosen to be a participant, winners are given the G4 weeks ahead of its scheduled launch, that being next month, and are given tasks to do with the device that should lead to a full and enjoyable G4 experience. All winners are chosen through random drawing, and of course, spots are limited. So without boring you with more details, hurry up and go sign yourself up down below. Sign Up

Via: LG

Google is Trolling Nexus 9 Owners With an Update to Android 5.0.2 This Morning

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:32:03 +0000

The Nexus 9 already feels like the forgotten child of the Nexus program. Introduced only six or so months ago, this device seems to be the slowest of them all to receive timely updates. We aren't sure if the tablet's NVIDIA chip is to blame, if Google is mad at it for coming in "sand," or if they keep confusing their whale phone for it, but the N9 has been stuck on Android 5.0.1 for quite some time. It hasn't been updated to 5.0.2 or 5.1 or 5.1.1 to date. Look at our Android 5.1 OTA update list - see anything missing? Yep, only the Nexus 9 is without links to update files. To make matters even weirder, Google is pushing an update to the tablet this morning in the form of Android 5.0.2. While we were almost positive that Android 5.1.1 was around the corner for it, after seeing confirmation of 5.1.1 running on the N9 a couple of weeks back, we now will forever avoid making predictions in relation to this tablet. After all, it's also the only Nexus device without 5.1+ factory images to date. The update is a meager 23.3MB, so it shouldn't take long to update to. Maybe this is a pre-update to the 5.1.1 update that is around the corner? Sh*t, I wasn't supposed to make predictions. Go get your update!

Cheers +Dean Alger!

T-Mobile is Now Going After Verizon Customers With #NeverSettleforVerizon Campaign

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:08:51 +0000

It was only a matter of time before T-Mobile's John Legere had heard enough from Verizon that he would step off of his pursuit of AT&T customers and focus his Uncarrier attack at the other big boy on the block. Thanks to Verizon's "Never Settle" campaign, Legere has had it and will is now launching his own "Never Settle" campaign to try and win over customers from Big Red. The campaign is called "Never Settle for Verizon," (#NeverSettleforVerizon) which is a trial of sorts that allows Big Red customers to test out T-Mobile's network and services with "no risk or extra out-of-pocket expense." In other words, you can setup shop on T-Mobile for a couple of weeks, decide if their network coverage will work for you, and then make the switch if it's good enough. How does it work? Well, you have to port your Verizon number over to T-Mobile and then buy a T-Mobile phone. T-Mobile has a zero-down policy on new phones, so you probably won't owe anything up front. You then have 14 days to test out your new T-Mo phone on a T-Mo Simple Choice plan. If you think their coverage stinks and want to go back to Verizon, all you have to do is hand in your new T-Mo phone and they will refund any trial costs, along with any costs required for starting your service back up at Verizon. Yes, if you port your number from Verizon to T-Mobile, you are essentially killing off your service at Verizon, which could mean fees that need to be paid and fees for starting it back up. If you decide to stick with T-Mo, they will pay your early termination fees (ETF) from canceling your Big Red service, up to $650, or any outstanding device payments on a payment plan once you trade in your Verizon phone. Along with the new "Never Settle Trial" program, T-Mobile is also pushing at least six ads that are aimed at Verizon customers. They talk about a bunch of pain points that most associate with Verizon, hoping that you will say "Enough!" and make the jump.

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Anyone interested in taking up T-Mobile on their trial offer? To jump on the Never Settle Trial, Verizon customers can visit T-Mobile's stores or website between May 13 and May 31.

Via: T-Mobile

Google May Let App Developers A/B Test Play Listings in Near Future

Kellen — Tue, 05 May 2015 07:28:30 +0000

According to a report out of The Information, Google will soon give developers more power over the listings for their apps on Google Play in the form of A/B testing. Currently, neither Google nor Apple allow A/B testing of app pages, so this would be a first and something that could help developers fine-tune their listings to help increase install rates and revenue. With A/B testing of app pages, developers could test things like price changes for the same app, to see how or if they affect install rates. They could test different icons or icon colors between listings, wording and phrasing, and whether or not their listings have videos added as promo materials. The point is to see which listing performs better, so that they can continue to optimize app pages to increase installs. As The Information points out, the change seems minor and doesn't really affect you and I as the consumer, but this is a pretty powerful tool for developers, especially those that may need different selling approaches in international markets. At least one developer thinks A/B testing could improve their conversion rates by up to 50%. That seems wildly high, but look, even small increases could be huge for some of these companies. According to this report, A/B testing is set to be introduced at this month's Google I/O conference. Also at the conference, we could see the continued blurring of the lines between mobile websites and apps. After seeing new features like notifications from websites added to Chrome, it seems pretty obvious that Google wants apps and the mobile web playing nicer together going forward.

Via: The Information (subscription)

Video: Android Wear 5.1.1 Tour on the Watch Urbane

Kellen — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:10:09 +0000

We are still waiting for the big Android 5.1.1 update to rollout to your favorite Android Wear watches (like the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R), but before that happens we can still show you what to prepare your brains for thanks to the LG Watch Urbane, which is already running it. Yes, for whatever reason, LG and its Watch Urbane got first dibs on one of the biggest Android Wear updates to date. So what's new, other than WiFi connectivity, a wrist gesture, and always-on apps? Quite a bit actually. You can now add a secure lock screen to your watch, swipe away individual stacked cards (like individual emails in Inbox instead of a whole stack), receive notifications when Android Wear apps or watch faces are installed, change the font size, draw emoji, launch apps quickly through an app drawer, send quick messages to your starred contacts, and more. The video below takes you through it all!

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Android Distribution Updated for May 2015 – Lollipop Running on Nearly 10% of Devices

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:19:09 +0000

The monthly Android Distribution numbers have been updated for the month of May, this time showing a nice chunk of growth for Lollipop. Last month, Lollipop grew to a little over 5% of all devices, but in just a month, it is now nearly at 10%. Keep in mind, as more and more devices are released in 2015 that run Lollipop out of the box, that will help the build's growth. As for Kit Kat, the big dog on campus, it currently sits at 39.8%, which is a slight drop from last month's 41.4%. The rest of the versions of Android all dropped, just like they have been for months. Jelly Bean is down to 39.2%% (from 40.7%), Ice Cream Sandwich to 5.3%, and Gingerbread to 5.7%. Froyo is still alive on a few devices, sitting at 0.3%. Last month’s numbers can be viewed here.

Via: Android

Save Up to $225 and Get a Memory Upgrade When You Purchase a Moto X Tomorrow (Updated)

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 15:07:04 +0000

Update 5/5: The deal is live!

According to a tweet from Motorola's official Twitter account, if anyone was planning on picking up a Moto X tomorrow, they can save up to $225 and get a memory upgrade straight through their site. Unfortunately, Moto doesn't exactly post or link to details on what they are offering. It could be a percentage off of the device's final price, as well as a price cut on memory. Or possibly free material upgrades to leather backs and memory upgrades, which could amount to $225? We just don't know yet. Tomorrow, when the deal goes live on their site, we shall break it down for everyone to make sure you can all take advantage of it if you want a Moto X. Update: So, we got the details thanks to reader Jon D. It is as follows.

Tempted to see what Moto has going on?

Via: @Motorola

LG Watch Urbane: Unboxing and First Look

Kellen — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:32:58 +0000

The LG Watch Urbane is in the house! The premium Android Wear device from LG, which was first unveiled at MWC in February, is now available on the Google Store for a whopping $349, in case you were interested. We picked one up to take it for a first spin and share some thoughts on the latest in smartwatches running Google's wearables platform. With its premium stainless steel body and polished finish (in either silver or gold), along with a P-OLED display, water resistance, heart rate monitor, and genuine leather strap, this is arguably the best yet. Well, that all depends on your taste in watches, of course. The Moto 360, even after all these months, is still the best looking of the bunch, in my opinion. Outside of the premium nature of the Watch Urbane, this is also the first Android Wear device running Android 5.1. That's a big deal and we will have more on that shortly. For now, here is a quick unboxing and tour of the device before we get into some deeper impressions.

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Latest Humble Mobile Bundle Features Monument Valley, Spaceteam, and Blek

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:24:28 +0000

Humble Bundle, the service that lets you pay what you want for apps and games, is back with number twelve in the Mobile category. In this series, users can grab a few awesome titles, including Monument Valley, Spaceteam, and Blek. To get access to all of the titles offered, you must pay the average price, which is currently set at a very affordable $3.67. Once the amount you want to pay is decided, you choose how it is divvied up between the app developers and charities of Humble Bundle's choosing. As always, more games are sure to be added to the bundle, so get in on this good deal while it is up. And seriously, if you have yet to try Monument Valley, get on it. Humble Bundle Link

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Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 29 Answers

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:59:11 +0000

We were not quite able to get to this last Friday, so here we are on Monday, posting up the Answers portion to Volume 29 of the DL Q&A Sessions. With Google I/O right around the corner, it is no surprise that many questions focused on what we can expect Google to announce. Of course, whenever I/O gets brought up, people also want to talk Nexus phones, so we provided our hopes and dreams for the next Nexus smartphone below. Without further ado, let's get to it.

Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim, and R is Ron.

Do you believe Project Fi will have any meaningful impact in disrupting mobile carriers?

K: Not really. The Nexus program didn't and people thought it would. In fact, Google basically just gave into the carrier way with the Nexus 6, so I can't see Fi doing much better. It also uses the two worst networks in the US, coupled with WiFi, so a big portion of the wireless population won't even consider it. Its pricing scheme isn't all that affordable, or at least isn't game changingly low. It's a cool idea, and I hope their auto-switching technology catches on with other carriers, but that may be the only thing we see the rest of the industry adopt. T: Google has great ideas, but the execution sometimes falls short. People were all hyped for insanely low monthly prices and tons of data, but that's not what we got. Instead, we're limited to using the Nexus 6 on T-Mobile and Sprint, which is an opportunity I'm not paying anyone for. If you just become a T-Mobile customer, you get all of their initiatives, like a free year of Netflix, MLB At Bat, and Music Freedom. Plus, their prices are very competitive against the big boys like AT&T and Verizon. Either way, most folks who actually rely on their phones use AT&T and Verizon, because they need service wherever they go. So at this time, Project Fi isn't doing much besides getting a few folks excited to try WiFi calling. R: Nope. I think it's a decent option for people with good T-Mobile and Sprint service, but it can't have meaningful impact because it's very limited in terms of compatible devices and network footprint.

What are you hoping for in the next Nexus?

K: Be small or at least normal, and get the price back down to where it used to be with the Nexus 4 and 5. The Nexus 6 really is a whale and no one apparently wanted it. Google said as much in their last earnings call, that Nexus 6 sales were pretty disappointing. Gee, Google, I wonder why? You ditched the affordable price that everyone loved and then created a phone so big it became a niche player. T: Hmm, I would like a Galaxy S6 running stock Lollipop. That'd be the hotness. But alas, that will never come straight from Google. I guess I would like to see a smaller phone than the Nexus 6, with a great display and an awesome camera, but knowing the Nexus program, the camera will probably suck. Call me a weirdo, but I don't get excited for Nexus devices anymore. The Nexus 6 is by far the most boring out of all of them. Just an oversized Moto X. I want revamped Nexus 5. That's what I want. R: I'd love to see a Nexus that is designed for normals to hold, not just basketball players. Besides that, the usual stuff we never get: excellent camera, available from all carriers on day one, and actually free from bloat on the carrier versions. I'd also like a Nexus that has a fingerprint reader. It's way past time to make that a standard on Android.

Do you have any predictions for Google I/O?

K: Tough to say, actually. New stuff for Wear (new Moto 360?), maybe a big update for Lollipop? This is one of those years where I haven't really thought that much about it, because Lollipop still feels so rough around the edges that we have been dealing with it since late last year. You have to wonder if all the time Google has had to spend fixing Lollipop, that maybe some of their new endeavors will be pushed until later this year and I/O will be somewhat boring? T: Oh, I know exactly what's coming at I/O. It's gonna be all Internet of Things! That's a joke. Seriously, we will probably see a little bit about Android, and more on Android Auto. Google will talk about all of the partners they have lined up for Auto, plus all of the TV makers that are integrating Android TV. Both subjects are rather snooze worthy, but I/O always has something surprising for everyone. Just like every other year, I'm sure it will be a good time. R: I'm hoping Photos gets a lot of attention and finally breaks free of Google+. I'm also hoping to see some new Android Wear stuff.

How do you think the Apple Watch is going to influence future iterations of Android Wear?

K: Probably not much. Apple and Google look at wearables completely differently. Apple thinks watches should run apps and be their own little mini phones while Google just thinks watches should give you glance-able info from apps on your phone. The Apple Watch UI is also pretty terrible and not at all done well. It's like a confusing throwback to bubbles and blackness from the original iPhone. Google really wants Android Wear to remain simple, which is the way it should be. T: Both companies have different takes on what wearables should do, so I don't see much being taken from Apple Watch and being put into Android Wear. I like that Wear is just a glorified place to see notifications. I don't want to spend a lot of time looking at my watch, since I still have to lug my phone around. Like Ron always says, I don't think I have been completely convinced that anyone actually needs a smartwatch, but they do look cool. R: I think we'll keep seeing luxury versions to compete with Apple Watch and Edition. Outside of that I haven't seen a lot from Apple Watch that should make Google worried other than a need for much better awareness and advertising. Everyone knows what Apple Watch is; I can't say the same about Wear.

What do the think are the odds, and possible consumer reaction, of Google going with a Chinese OEM (Huawei, Meizu, Oppo, etc.) for the next Nexus?

K: I'm fine with it, but people may freak a bit about it because of China. Thing is, Google partners with OEMs for Nexus companies for hardware manufacturing, but they really control it all. So the chances of a Chinese Nexus spying on anyone is almost slim to none. Google isn't going to let that happen. And look, Chinese companies are making high-end phones at rock bottom prices. So if that means ditching the Nexus 6's ridiculous price and getting back to affordable Nexus phones that look great and perform great, then bring it on. T: Average consumers in America probably don't know what the Nexus program is. Average consumers in America probably don't know what Huawei, Meizu, and Oppo are. Really, the only people possibly freaking out are the tech nerds like us, so I don't see it being a big deal. My money is on either Huawei or LG producing the next Nexus, and at this moment, I'm leaning LG. But again, this goes back to my previous answer, being that I am not all that excited for a Nexus device. R: I think it's totally possible. Chinese manufacturers appear to make great devices (I haven't used one personally so that's just based on the reviews I've seen) and I think it's in Google's best interests to bring them into the Google fold quickly. In terms of reactions, I think people will treat it like every other Nexus device - a niche product mostly made for developers.

What's your favorite meme?

K: I'm seriously the least meme-knowledgable person on the planet. I don't even have an answer...I know, I'm lame. T: I'm a big Doge fan. Any Doge meme is fine by me. R: This.

Who will represent the West and East in the NBA Finals this year?

K: I would have said Cavs vs. Warriors, but with the Cavs now missing Love for the Playoffs (and Smith for 2 games), they may lose to the Bulls. I actually hope it's the Bulls and Warriors. The Hawks are just too damn faceless and boring for me to pull for them. T: I'm hoping for Cavs and Warriors, with the Warriors winning it all. However, Cavs have a few injuries to deal with, so it could be the Bulls. And if it is the Bulls, that would also be happy. As long as the Rockets lose, I'm happy. R: I didn't know the NBA was in season until 2 weeks ago. To see previous Q&A Sessions, click here.

Google Acquires Timeful Calendar App - Will Integrate Its Tech Into Inbox, Calendar, and More

Kellen — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:20:01 +0000

Google just announced that it has acquired Timeful, an iOS-only calendar app that tries to help "organize your life by understanding your schedule, habits, and needs." The announcement came via the Gmail blog, but Google mentioned that they plan to integrate the technology behind Timeful into Inbox, Calendar, and "beyond," so you could see it help tie together all sorts of Google services. I can't see anyone arguing with better service-to-service integration. Since Timeful has only ever been available on iOS, I can't say that I'm all that familiar with it. With that said, it sounds like it is basically a one-stop shop for you to-dos, meetings, events, and habits. For example, you could tell it to remind you to "call the bank by next Tuesday" or that you want to "exercise three times per week" and it will attempt to find the time and spots for you to get these things done, based around your habits and other happenings. According to its iOS listing, Timeful uses "sophisticated algorithms to suggest the best times" to schedule things throughout the day, based on your available time, location and most productive hours. Here is the full feature list:

Everything comes together on your Calendar, seamlessly - events, meetings, to-dos, and repeating habits all appear in one place so you can see what is competing for your time
Schedule your to-dos and habits by simply dragging them directly onto your calendar and get reminders to make progress when the time comes
Timeful will help you schedule your day based on the patterns of your habits, upcoming deadlines, and time available to make progress on your big to-dos
Make time for good habits - plan out your work, personal, wellness or other categories of habits that should appear multiple times per day, daily, weekly or monthly
Protect time on shared calendars - schedule your to-dos or habits and they appear as “busy” on your work or personal calendar
Sideline events to free up time - move events or whole calendars out of view that don’t need to take up your precious time on your schedule
Sync with all your Calendars - Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook/Exchange, Yahoo! Calendar, Apple iCal and many others.

Below is the "basics" video of information about Timeful the iOS app, which should help give you a better understanding of the potential for its features to be integrated into Google services. And again, this move doesn't mean we are getting a Timeful Android app, it means that the tech is going to be used to improve current Google products.

Via: Gmail Blog

Samsung to Release 'Iron Man' Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 10:45:57 +0000

According to news sources close to Samsung, the company is set to release an Avengers-themed 'Iron Man' Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, made in direct partnership with Marvel. Set to release around the end of May or beginning of June, this phone looks to continue the endless amount of hype this blockbuster has received. The phone pictured above is not the actual device consumers may see, but Samsung did confirm the phone will be red. Other specific details, such as the gold trim, are still being discussed with Marvel. While an Iron Man phone would be cool, I think I would be happy to see a Hulk Galaxy S6. All purple and green. Do you think this is cool?

Via: SamMobile | Korea Times

Samsung Working With Samsonite to Create GPS-Enabled 'Smart Luggage'

Tim — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:13:11 +0000

In the future, when you travel through airports, you will know where your luggage is at all times, even after you hand it off at the ticket counter. Luggage-maker Samsonite is reportedly teaming up with Samsung to create Smart Luggage, equipped with microchips and GPS, with the main goal being to alert owners when it has been unloaded from planes and is about to hit the carousel. Not only will the Smart Luggage be able to send you its location at just the right time, but if you already have your luggage back, and say you happen to stray too far from it, you will receive a notification on your smartphone, prompting you that leaving your baggage unattended is not such a good idea. Now, there are already Bluetooth accessories for the latter, but the next idea that Samsonite has for luggage is even more legit. When UK's Daily Mail spoke with Samsonite's chief executive Ramesh Tainwala, he states that in his company's utopian world, there will be self-propelling luggage. Imagine your luggage following just behind you at about six inches, never straying too far out of reach, all on its very own. Better yet, this is something they are already working on, with prototypes already being tested.

Tainwala stated, "This is a utopia we are working towards but we are not quite there yet. It's a blue sky idea where the bag will follow you 6 inches behind. It's a bit like a programmable remote control car." He continues, "At this stage the real focus is on a motor with a remote control that needs to be light and small. The early prototypes use an engine that takes up a third of the space and weighs 20 kilos. But if you look at music speakers, they used to be huge and are now tiny. So we revisit this project regularly."

So, yeah, Smart Luggage. It's coming.

Via: Daily Mail

Collections Feature Going Live Right Now on Google+

Kellen — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:06:18 +0000

Google+ Collections, the social community's new topic-based feature that we first broke news on a couple of weeks back, seems to be going live to the general public right now. Our own Droid Life G+ page has been given access to Collections, which you can see above. To check to see if Collections is live for you, head into Google+ and slide open the dropdown menu on the left side and look for "Collections" grouped in with Communities, Events, and Hangouts. We are just now playing with the feature for the first time, but these are the basics:

You can create a Collection about anything. The idea here is to create a Collection around a topic that interests you, filled with posts from you or others that relate to that topic. It could be videos or pictures or links, whatever. And if you are looking at this like a business, well, you could create Collections to help others better find your work.
When you create a Collection, you can customize it. You can set a featured color and a header image that matches up to your Collection topic.
You can set a Collection to be private, available only to circles, you only, or specific, select people.
To add to a Collection, you hit the dropdown arrow next to the "share" button of a post and you should see a list of your Collections.
Google has already worked with a bunch of influencers to create G+ Collections that you may be interested in following. In your Collections tab, you will not only see your Collections, but those recommended based on who you follow and also a "featured" section created by those previously mentioned influencers.
Here are some images from Collections.

Google has yet to announce Collections, but all of the Collections pages are beginning to go public. We should see official word any minute now.

T-Mobile's Galaxy Note Edge Gets Lollipop Today

Kellen — Mon, 04 May 2015 07:21:11 +0000

According to T-Mobile, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is getting its update to Lollipop starting today. As build N915TUVU1COD7, this update weighs in at roughly 1.1GB and will require at least a 50% charge on your battery and WiFi. T-Mobile didn't provide any sort of changelog, but we do know the Android version is 5.0.2. Because this is another of Samsung's phones from last year, we are imagining the update will leave your phone just like it left the Galaxy S5 and Note 4 on Lollipop, which we detailed in this video. You will see Material Design elements throughout, newly skinned Samsung apps, and not a whole lot else. Well, there may be all sorts of bugs, though, we hope they have been reduced from 5.0 and 5.0.1 builds. To grab the update, head into Settings>About device>Software update.

Via: T-Mobile

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: May 1, 2015

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:49:28 +0000

It's Friday, which means we have another week in the books here at DL. This week, we saw LG make the G4 official during an event in NYC, Meerkat officially launch onto Android, and LG's Watch Urbane went on sale through Google Play. Starting next week, you can expect to see plenty of LG G4 coverage, including comparisons between fellow flagship devices, rear-facing camera shootouts, and so much more. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Deal: Grab This Bitfountain Android Mini Course for Free and Create Your First App

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:07:27 +0000

In the past, we have posted plenty of Android development courses through the DL Deals Store, but sometimes, people may not want to front cash for a program they are not sure about. In the latest deal, you can grab an introductory course to Android development for absolutely free, which will help you create your first little Android app. In the Bitfountain Android Mini Course, you gain access to 9 in-depth lectures, complete with a challenge activity. During the process, you will learn to work in Android Studio, the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app creation. You will also receive a basic introduction to Java. Again, this course is free of charge, so there's to lose. If you want to try your hand at app development, give it a look. Deal Link

LG Launches LG Call App to Google Play, Currently Compatible Only With Watch Urbane

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:13:04 +0000

An app called LG Call, that allows LG smartwatch owners to dial a phone number, then take the call on their smartphone, was released today onto Google Play. Unfortunately, in the app's description, LG does not state specifically that this app is only usable by Watch Urbane owners, and this has apparently upset quite a few G Watch R and G Watch owners. Nevertheless, for all of you Watch Urbane owners, you can access your contacts straight from the watch, then place a call. If the number you need is not already saved, you can input it into a dial pad on the watch, then have the phone call on your smartphone. It's not a revolutionary concept, but it does exist now. In the future, we could see this be made available for other LG-made smartwatches, and it's quite possible that LG is only testing its usability on the small marketshare of Watch Urbane owners first before opening it to everybody. Did you order a Watch Urbane? We did, and as soon as it gets here, you can expect a hands-on video. Play Link

There's an Official SNL App on Google Play, Because We All Need More Cowbell

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:46:02 +0000

While you won't find me sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday watching SNL these days, the show is responsible for many bits that are true classics in pop culture here in the US. SNL introduced us to big-time stars like Eddie Murphy, Chris Farley, Dan Aykroyd, Adam Sandler, and countless others. To help you relive these classic sketches, an official SNL app has been released for Android, containing what seems to be all of the best bits you can remember. There are the hits like Matt Foley the Motivational Speaker and Christopher Walken in the Cowbell sketch, plus tons of other funny videos. While you search through videos, you will be met by periodic 30-second ads, but to have access to a library such as this, a quick ad or two won't kill you. Anyway, if you dig the old SNL stuff, or even the new stuff (no judgement), go grab it. Cowbell, baby. Play Link

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic on Sale for $3, Down From $10

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:58:23 +0000

If you need a game to keep you occupied this weekend, might we recommend you pick up Star Wars: KOTOR for just $3? On sale, down from $10, this is the original classic game in its entirety, not changed at all for mobile devices. In the game, which is set approximately 4,000 years before the rise of the Galactic Empire, a Sith armada has been unleashed onto the Republic. It is up to a small group of heroes to save the galaxy, using the Force, starships, and any other means you can to battle the evildoers. However, this is only if you choose the Light path. Nothing makes for a good Star Wars PRG without the need to choose the Dark or Light side. If you choose the Dark, your goal is to ultimately become the new Dark Lord of the Sith. So, which will you choose? And in case this type of game does not interest you, Angry Birds Star Wars HD is on sale for $0.45, and Angry Birds Star Wars II is also on sale for $0.15. Deals on deals for Star Wars. Play Link ($2.99)

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LG G4 Camera Samples

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:38:00 +0000

While we work on getting complete comparisons up between the LG G4 and the other flagship devices, as well as the full review, we figured we should get up a few camera shots for all of you, just so you can see what to expect from the LG G4. To recap the specs, the G4 features a 16MP rear-facing camera, complete with optical image stabilization (OIS) and laser auto focus. Frankly, the camera is very good, but that should not be too surprising. Last year's G3 was also very good, and if anything, the G4 is another positive step forward. The G4 features a new Manual Mode that allows shooters to control specific image attributes, such as white balance, ISO, manual focus, and a shutter speed option. The shutter speed feature is a major plus, as no other flagship device currently offers this setting. With it, you can get sweet light trail shots, although from what I can see, it takes almost perfect lighting, which is somewhat rare when we are talking smartphone photography. When shooting in Auto mode, photos mostly come out very bright and detailed, as you can see in the shots of NYC below. Even when in not-so-perfect lighting, the space focused on comes out well, but the rest of the image is rather noisy and not-so-nice to look at. An example of this would be the Buddha statue. But what about low light conditions? I'm glad you asked. Believe it or not, the two shots of my dogs (Thor and Loki) were taken with low lighting inside of my home. The camera seems to do great when soaking in as much light as possible, allowing the photos to come out pretty bright and crisp. For example, in the photo of Loki (the wolf dog), we can see there is a light source in the background, which would usually leave the subject in darkness or shadow. Instead, he comes out very well. When we do full camera shootouts between the G4, Galaxy S6, and One M9, we will get more low light comparison shots to show you just how well the G4 camera shines in low lighting. As we work on a ton more LG G4 coverage, take a look at the photos below, then share your thoughts in the comments section.

Samsung Details Design and Manufacturing of Galaxy S6 Edge in Latest Video

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 09:47:31 +0000

The design of the Galaxy S6 Edge from Samsung, you either love it or hate it. Personally, I dig it, and in the latest video from Samsung on their YouTube channel, the OEM goes over the work it took to make such a fancy smartphone. The details in the video are not very informative, but we do learn about the materials used and manipulated to create the unique look of the device. For instance, Samsung states that they curve the Gorilla Glass used on the frontside at 800°C, as well as utilize aerospace-grade aluminum for the siding. It's fancy. Do we have any S6 Edge owners here? How are you liking your phone?

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Meerkat Beats Periscope to Google Play, Now Available in Form of a Buggy Beta

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2015 08:05:57 +0000

The day has finally come. To cap off this week, one of the super trendy streaming apps has finally hit Android in the form of a beta, Meerkat. Meerkat is the app that launched ahead of Twitter's own Periscope, which allows users to stream feeds of video while linked to your Twitter account. Both apps have seen great success on iOS, and thankfully, Android folk can now join in on the fun. Once you have Meerkat booted up and logged into your Twitter account, you can view streams from other individuals, host your own little stream for people to watch, and also check out the top users of Meerkat view a leaderboard. As of this morning, Madonna is the top Meerkat users. Awesome. Now, before you head on over to Google Play, note that the rating for Meerkat (beta) is currently overwhelmed by 1 star reviews. People say it doesn't work, crashing and just not loading. However, I tried it on the LG G4 and it seems to work fine. Hopefully your experience can be positive, too. Download it, then let us know what you think. Play Link

Via: Product Hunt

Verizon Prepaid Customers Now Get 1GB Bonus Data by Signing Up for Autopay

Kellen — Fri, 01 May 2015 07:27:06 +0000

If you are on either of Verizon's prepaid plans - $45/1GB or $60/2.5GB - and sign up for autopay, you are entitled to an extra 1GB of data each month. The carrier announced the bonus this morning, which will go live on prepaid customer accounts after their first autopay payment is successfully processed. For customers already on autopay, the bonus 1GB of data arrive after their next autopay payment is made. With the bonus 1GB of data each month, Verizon's plans are only getting more appealing. The $45/1GB plan now becomes a 2GB plan, whereas the $60/2.5GB plan becomes a 3.5GB plan. That's not quite at the level of AT&T's $60/4GB plan, which can be reduced to $55 with autopay, but it's in play. Enjoy the data, autopayees.

Via: Verizon

Google Posts Android 5.1.1 Factory Images for Nexus 7 WiFi (2012 & 2013) and Nexus 10

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:01:28 +0000

More Android 5.1.1 factory images are being released by Google, this time for the Nexus 7 WiFi (2012 and 2013), plus the Nexus 10. Each are receiving build LMY47V, which is the latest available. Android 5.1.1, at least from what we have researched, is mostly bug fixes for Android 5.1. Users should not expect to see anything too crazy once updated. As more devices show up, we will post them. Factory Images (Android 5.1.1):

Nexus 7 WiFi (2012) "nakasi" (LMY47V)
Nexus 7 WiFi (2013) "razor" (LMY47V)
Nexus 10 "mantaray" (LMY47V)

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

Sprint Partners With Boingo, Auto Connect to WiFi Hotspots in 35 US Airports

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:40:07 +0000

Announced today, Sprint is teaming up with Boingo, the WiFi hotspot provider you have probably paid plenty of money to if you are a frequent flyer. Based out of most major US airports, Boingo offers Internet access for those willing to pay at select airports. In this new partnership, Sprint customers can access Boingo hotspots for absolutely free in 35 major US airports. I won't name them all, but a few of the top airports include JFK, BOS, BUF, DAL, LAX, LGA, MDW, MEM, MIA, and ORD. If you don't see your airport listed, it is likely that WiFi is offered free of charge there, such as it is at PDX and SFO. Sprint customers don't need to pay or do anything to connect, as the WiFi connection will be automatic for devices that are capable.

Sprint devices within proximity of a Boingo hotspot can automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network seamlessly, providing service at the fastest speeds available, be that cellular from Sprint or Wi-Fi from Boingo. The auto-authenticating Wi-Fi connections are available at no additional charge to all Sprint customers with capable devices, and usage while connected to Wi-Fi does not count towards a customer’s monthly service plan. Sprint and Boingo conducted successful market trials with millions of Sprint handsets, which demonstrated the consumer benefits of effortless authentication onto Boingo’s network.

To view the full list of airports supported, click here.

Via: Sprint

Report: Samsung Pay Hits North America and South Korea in September

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:36:04 +0000

Samsung Pay, the company's mobile payments rival to Apple Pay, is reported to launch in North America and South Korea in the second half of 2015. According to sources of SamMobile, the timeframe is more along the lines of September, which is still quite a few months away. With Samsung Pay, Samsung phone owners can pay for their goods at "millions of locations" using their smartphone. The technology is much like what Google Wallet and Apple Pay offers, but claimed to be usable in a much higher amount of locations. Like, millions more. With the ability to emulate a credit card swipe on older terminals, this is what allows Samsung Pay to be usable where Apple Pay and Google Wallet are not. Samsung Pay was introduced alongside the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. While it would have been nice to see the service launch closer to the availability of these devices, there is no doubt that Samsung Pay should arrive just in time for the upcoming Galaxy Note 5. Are you ready to rock some Samsung Pay later this year?

Via: SamMobile | Who Wired

Top DL Deals of April: Nexus 5 for $199, 18000mAh Power Packs, Bluetooth Buds for $29

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 14:30:38 +0000

With the month wrapping up, we thought we would take a minute to feature some of the top deals of the month that were best sellers on the DL Deals store. In other words, these were the deals we told you about that you actually flocked to. The deals include a couple of battery packs, an unlimited lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited, mystery Android collectibles boxes, Bluetooth ear buds, and a steal on the Nexus 5 through FreedomPop. If you missed out on any of these the first time around, now is your chance to get in before they are gone.

VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription ($39) - Deal Link

At just $39, you get a lifetime subscription to VPN services through VPN Unlimited. The deal includes secure connections when on public WiFi, unlimited bandwidth, unlimited high-speed connections, an ever-growing list of global servers, and compatibility with Android.

ZeroLemon 20,000 mAh SolarJuice ($49.99) - Deal Link

The massive 20,000 mAh ZeroLemon power pack not only gives you 20,000 mAh of juice and multi-device charging, but it can charge with the power of the sun. This would be one of those great packs to take camping, just in case you need technology and can't find an outlet in a tree or bush.

Nexus 5 + Talk and Text from FreedomPop ($199.99) - Deal Link

The Nexus 5 is no longer available from Google, so in order to get one, you have to give in to services like FreedomPop. At $199, this deal gets you a Nexus 5 and unlimited talk/text plus 500MB of data per month. FreedomPop uses Sprint's network, by the way.

Power Vault 18,000 mAh Battery Pack ($29.99) - Deal Link

For $30, you can have a sleek, premium power pack that holds a whopping 18,000 mAh of juice. The Power Vault is lightweight, made of aluminum, and can charge two devices at the same time.

Android Collectibles ($19.99) - Deal Link

If you haven't found a reason to get into collecting Android collectibles, maybe this will be. At just $20, you can grab three surprise/mystery Android collectible boxes and a plush toy.

Wireless Cloud Buds ($29.99) - Deal Link

Bluetooth ear buds tend to be really expensive and also not very good in the quality department. So rather than forking out over $100 for a pair of buds that may go bad on you within a year, why not stick to the affordable kind that you won't feel bad about abusing. The Wireless Cloud buds have been a top seller on the DL Deals store for some time at just $29.99.

BANDAI NAMCO Releases Galaga: TEKKEN to Google Play, Shoot Aliens With Your Favorite TEKKEN Characters

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:30:34 +0000

A new game from BANDAI NAMCO, a well-known publisher of countless titles, has been released onto Google Play. Titled, Galaga: TEKKEN, the game fuses your favorite old school TEKKEN characters with the classic arcade shooter Galaga. To celebrate TEKKEN's 20th anniversary, players shoot incoming aliens with laser beams and torpedoes, ultimately trying to save the world. According to Katsuhiro Harada, Game Director and Chief Producer of the TEKKEN series at BANDAI NAMCO, “With Galaga: TEKKEN 20^TH Anniversary Edition, we wanted to give our fans something unexpected to celebrate such a huge milestone for TEKKEN. The crossover gameplay is sure to surprise and delight both TEKKEN and Galaga fans.” The game is free to download, featuring zero IAPs, according to the Google Play listing. Go give it a shot. Play Link

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Question of the Day: Why Aren't You Buying the LG G4? Why are You?

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:00:07 +0000

Like with any flagship, I get the feeling that the DL community is torn on the LG G4. Some love it, others don't. Some are buying it the minute it becomes available (27% of you), and others will keep their current phone or wait for something in the future that is more appealing to them. And you know what? That's the way it should be. Not every phone is built for everyone, well except the iPhone. (Hah!) In all seriousness, choices are what makes Android so great. The LG G4 is another of those choices. For today's question to the community, we want to know why you are or are not going to buy the LG G4? For those buying, feel free to list out a couple of the reasons. Maybe you are buying because of the display, next-level camera, and ~~butt seams~~ leather. If you aren't buying, feel free to weigh in as well with a couple of reasons. Maybe the Snapdragon 808 and its lesser GPU is keeping you away, as are the size, LG UI, slow updates from LG, etc. We did something similar to this with the HTC One M9 and it turned out great (500+ comments!), so we wanted to try and do it going forward with all flagships. Ready? Go!

Deal: $70 Off Custom Moto 360, $300 Off Moto X + Sol Republic Bundle

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:24:06 +0000

Motorola is currently hosting a couple of solid deals on their current line of premium products that you may be interested in. First, the Moto 360 has been slashed by $70 to $180 in celebration of Mother's Day. That's the same price that Google is currently selling it, but Motorola lets you customize one through Moto Maker, which means you could choose from a variety of colors or bands. The second deal is for a bundle that includes the Moto X and wireless Sol Republic headphones. For $399, you can get both, and the Moto X can be customized through Moto Maker. At $399, Motorola is basically slashing $100 off the price of the phone, but then also tossing in free $200 wireless Bluetooth, on-ear headphones. The Moto X may not be on the level of the Galaxy S6 or G4 at this point, but that's still a hell of a value buy there. Motorola Link

Cheers venkat!

Deal: Grab a Nexus Player for $70 on Amazon, Get $20 of Google Play Credit

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:03:15 +0000

For a limited time, you can pick up a Nexus Player from Amazon and receive a $20 credit to Google Play for whatever you would like to download. This would also be a good time to announce that the Nexus Player is on sale through Amazon Prime for just $70, down from its usual price of $99. Nexus Player is Google's first commercial release of Android TV, a platform which turns any TV with an HDMI port into a smart TV with access to Google Play, Music, YouTube, Games, and much more. Considering the price reduction, and the free $20 credit, this is a pretty good deal if venturing into Android TV is on your bucket list. Amazon Link

Via: @GoogleNexus

HTC Camera Update Brings Raw Shooting Mode for One M9 Owners

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:04:42 +0000

The official HTC Camera app received an update in Google Play this morning, bringing a new shooting mode exclusively for One M9 owners. The new mode allows M9 users to shoot in a raw format, meaning better editing and data after the shot is taken for serious mobile shooters. Do note, for those who plan on shooting with the Raw Mode, these DNG files eat up much more storage than regular jpeg files. In addition to the new shooting mode, M8 owners can access a new "Crop-Me-In" mode, which as you can probably guess, crops you into photos using the dual-shooter setup. To get the update, head on over to Google Play. Play Link

Google Introduces Custom Voice Actions Like "OK, Google, Listen to NPR" (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:00:20 +0000

Quietly over on the Android Developers Google+ page, Google announced custom voice actions today for third party apps. They are currently piloting this new integration with select partners like NPR and Shazam, but are actively seeking additional app developers to join in on the fun. With custom voice actions, you could say something like, "OK, Google, listen to NPR" and watch as it opens up the NPR app to play a new story. Or you could say, "OK, Google, Shazam this song" and your phone will open the Shazam app to figure out what it is. Maybe you need to plan for a trip, so you could go with, "OK, Google, show attractions near me on TripAdvisoer." You get the point. At this time, Google hasn't exactly released a full list of apps that are supported, but we'll do our best to find them all. Update: This link shows most of the apps and their commands. It looks like some of the early partner apps are Flixster, TripAdvisor, Instacart, Lincoln, NPR, TuneIn, Shazam, Trulia, Zillow, and Realtor.com. If you are an app developer and want to integrate with voice actions, you can talk to Google here.

Via: +Android Developers

T-Mobile Offering Season-Long MLB At Bat Premium Subscription for Free to Customers

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:05:18 +0000

Through a promotion running from May 1 to September 30, T-Mobile is offering wireless subscribers a season-long premium subscription to MLB At Bat. With At Bat, you can access the scores and latest news from all of the games taking place across the country, plus stream the At Bat "Game of the Day." This is all thanks to T-Mobile being MLB's official wireless partner, which is a big bonus for any MLB fans on the network. Premium subscriptions cost $20 for the entire season, so I do suggest that you take advantage of this offer. Features

Stream the MLB.TV Game of the Day (blackout restrictions apply)
Track every pitch
Watch in-game highlights
Access live look-ins on key plays

Tomorrow, grab the app from Google Play while on your T-Mo cell data. Make sure not to be on WiFi or roaming.

Via: T-Mobile

Here are the First 4 LG G4 TV Commercials

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 09:00:14 +0000

With the phone official, LG is getting ready to ramp up promotional tactics for its newly unveiled flagship, G4. To kick off the campaign, they went ahead and released the first four TV commercials that you will likely see in the US and other places around the globe. Each focuses on what LG has deemed are the phones major selling points: the 16MP f/1.8 camera, Quantum IPS display, and leather backing. The commercials come in both 15-second and 30-second spots, but to give you the best presentation, we embedded all of the 30-second spots below. Tell us what you think - are these the types of ads that are going to help the G4 cut into Samsung so-far-so-good Galaxy S6 numbers? [responsive_vid vid_url="84Ow8dcUmkQ"] [responsive_vid vid_url="IE6uAgyecM4"] [responsive_vid vid_url="PwOwRURHRcQ"] [responsive_vid vid_url="-cgR4QuTH-s"]

Plex Music Updated With Mood Playlists, Vevo Music Videos and More

Tim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 08:52:03 +0000

Plex Music was never the best option for those who have a massive tunes library, but thanks to an impressive update that just went live, that may have just changed. According to the Plex team, they have been fiddling away for the past 6 months on this Plex Music update, bringing enhanced features, plus new features altogether. For starters, Plex Music now has "vastly improved" music scanning, leading to better organization and categorizing. With that same breath, Plex announced they have brought massive management and browsing enhancements, letting library owners take full control of their collection. In addition, Plex Music now features Vevo music video searches, since nothing couples with music better than a good ol' fashioned music video. The program works in the background to search Vevo for up-to-date videos for all of your tracks, as long as they are on Vevo, of course. As a note, this feature appears to be limited to Plex Pass users. Lastly, if you happen to be in a certain mood, you can start a playlist of music based on your emotions, and moving forward, Plex Music will learn which songs pair well together, making the mood playlists smarter and more in-tune with you as a listener. If Plex Music interests you, you can get started right here.

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Via: Plex

Google's Password Alert Helps Protect Your Google Password From Phishing Scams

Kellen — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:37:27 +0000

Did you know that 2% of messages sent to Gmail accounts are attempts at tricking you into giving up your Google password? Not only that, but according to Google, 45% of the time, they work! So out of every 100 emails that roll through your Gmail inbox, 2 of them are phishing scams, and 1 of the 2 might get you to give up your password. Think about that for a second. That's bad. Really bad. To counteract these phishing attempts, Google created a new Chrome extension called Password Alert. With Password Alert, Google will show you a warning in Chrome when you land on a page that gets you to give up your Google password. The warning looks like the image at the top of this post. Should you give up your password to a known scam site, Google will give you a quick link through Password Alert to go change your password. To get Password Alert up and running, all you need to do is install it in Chrome, then initialize it by typing in your current Google password. If you use Chrome as your daily browser, it's probably worth installing. Chrome Extension

Via: Google for Work

Google+ "Collections" Feature Starts Showing Up for More Users

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:26:25 +0000

Google+ Collections, the topic-focused grouping feature coming to Google's social network that we broke news on last week, appears to be rolling out to new users today through the G+ app. We initially thought that the appearance of Collections was happening with the Google+ update that was published today on Android, but I went ahead and installed it and am not seeing the option for Collections. As you can see, some people are. My guess is that the new Collections feature is controlled server-side rather than through the app itself. So what's new since our last report? Not much! Collections is exactly as we reported last week - a new feature for Google+ that allows you to group posts, photos, videos, links, etc. by topic instead of by person. It's like the opposite of a Circle, in a way. Other people can follow your Collections or you can go browse the world's Collections as well. Collections was previously in a private beta or testing group, but if it's showing up in the app to new users, we must be getting close to an official launch. Let us know if you are seeing anything related to Collections! Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Cheers Marco!

Lucky T-Mobile Galaxy S6 Edge Owner Gets Android 5.1.1 Update

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:31:10 +0000

Last week, as we were telling you to expect Android 5.1.1 at any moment, we weren't exactly including those of you who just picked up a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in the conversation. No offense, but phones with OEM skins aren't usually leading the pack when it comes to updates that feature the newest versions of Android. As it turns out, maybe we should have. According to a single member of XDA who happens to own the T-Mobile variant of the Galaxy S6 Edge, Android 5.1.1 is rolling out! OK, "rolling out" probably isn't an accurate term to use here, since this is one person with the update. No other owner of this phone has reported receiving it, which could mean a couple of things. One, this dude is incredibly lucky and somehow got roped into a test build, and two, he's the first person on Earth to receive this update before T-Mobile rolls it out to more people. I'm guessing he falls into the first category, but time will tell. This XDA member is also reporting that the bootloader of the phone is now locked, so there's that, bootloader people. I know that the answer will more than likely be "no," but has anyone else seen the update?

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Via: XDA | SamMobile

Deal: $20 for the ExoMount Touch Car Mount

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:46:54 +0000

The ExoMount Touch car mount has been slashed to just $19.99 in the DL Deals store. That's roughly $10 off the full price or about $5 cheaper than you will find it at Amazon. That's a solid deal for those of you looking at car mounts for your oversized smartphones. Why the ExoMount Touch? It can mount to just about any surface (flat, smooth, textured, curved, or rounded) thanks to its super strong suction. Once attached to your dash or other surface, the ExoMount quickly grabs a hold of your phone without the need to press a button. All you have to do is press it against the mount and the non-slip arms/pads will grab it. To release, you need a finger to loosen its grab, giving you true 1-handed access to your phone. The ExoMount is also washable, has a swivel head, and should work with just about any phone, including oversized big boys like the Note 3. Deal Link

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Google Connectivity Services Hits Google Play, Will Likely Manage VPN and WiFi Connections in Project Fi

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:58:26 +0000

If you own a Nexus 6 and it's running Android 5.1, then you should see an update in Google Play for an app called Google Connectivity Services. Don't be alarmed, because the app (or system service) is likely only there (at least for now) to help Project Fi work its WiFi network magic. The app's description mentions that this service "helps Android handle network connections," but also is there to support "connecting to Wi-Fi networks automatically and using a Google VPN to help secure your data." It's that second part that we care about, since that is exactly how Project Fi works. Project Fi, when not connected to a Sprint or T-Mobile tower, might very well find itself automatically connected to a public WiFi hotspot. When connected to one, Google is using Google Connectivity Services to make sure that that connection is secure and safe for you to use data on. In order to secure your data connection, Google has told us that it will use a VPN, which we now know is a Google VPN. If you aren't seeing the update on your Nexus 6, you can click the link below and then update. Note: Just after posting this, I'm now seeing my Moto X "Pure Edition" as being compatible too. Anyone else without a Nexus 6 seeing this update? Play Link

Google Launches Chrome Dev to Google Play, Live on the Bleeding Edge

Tim — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:36:25 +0000

Another version of Chrome has hit Google Play this afternoon, Chrome Dev. Much like Chrome Beta, which is still available at the time of this writing, the app's description states "Live on the bleeding edge: Try out our latest features." So, if the Chrome Beta was not already buggy enough for you, Chrome Dev will allow you to have the latest features from Google ahead of anyone else, bugs and all. After downloading and installing, I don't notice any real differences right off the bat. It looks and operates like Chrome, with no changes in the overall appearance. Go give it a shot and clue us in on anything special you find. Nothing wrong with having features before everyone else, right? Play Link

Airbnb App Updated to Support Android and iOS Tablets

Tim — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:43:20 +0000

Airbnb, the service that allows you to quickly find a place to crash for a night or two in most cities around the world, or lets you rent out your own unused space, now has a dedicated application for Android tablets. Inside the updated applications, users will see immersive maps to locate listings around you, as well as listing pages that feature cinematic images in high resolution. As stated in Airbnb's press release, it should resemble the look of a magazine. According to Airbnb, this is exactly what the tablet app offers.

Immersive maps that share more about the listings to help people decide whether to dive deeper into the content
Listing pages that showcase the cinematic images in high-resolution - Seamless flow through the app that reacts to touch rather than a point and click, which keeps people engaged as they move through the booking experience
An in-depth Discover page offering curated listings, wish lists, and experiences around the world
A message system specifically built for a tablet with dual-pane view for the first time on Airbnb
New navigation setup that offers a simple way to find upcoming trips

Please note, Airbnb states that the update should go live later this evening on Google Play, around 9pm Pacific. Play Link

Google's Messenger App Gets Quick Replies in Latest Update

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:21:41 +0000

If you still text message and happen to use Google's Messenger application, you are going to want today's update immediately. In the latest build, Google has added in a quick reply-like feature that allows you to quickly respond to text messages without ever opening the Messenger app. As can be seen in the images above, text messages will roll in and display as heads-up notifications with a "Reply" button. If you tap that "Reply" button, you will enter an overlay that allows you to type out and send a reply without actually opening the full-blown Messenger app. Once done, you can get right back in to whatever you doing. Of course, if you do want to get into the Messenger app, which you would need to do to send an image, Google provides a shortcut below the input box that will take you there. "Why doesn't Hangouts have this already?" We don't know. We also don't know why Hangouts is such a terrible app still, even though it is supposed to be the future. Messenger, on the other hand, is quite lovely. Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Cheers @bdbplatano!

FYI: LG G4 Doesn't Support Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:54:27 +0000

"G4 has Quick Charge 1.8 Amp capabilities along with wireless charging." That's the official word on the LG G4's lack of Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 charging capabilities. We asked LG specifically yesterday, because there had been some confusion on the subject. After all, this phone runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, so it wouldn't be crazy to just assume that the phone also was equipped with Qualcomm's quick charging technology. Again, it doesn't have it. Thankfully, the G4, like the G3 before it, charges through an included 1.8A charger that is quite fast in its own right. The G3 and its 3,000mAh battery , even without Quick Charge 2.0, was one of the fastest charging devices of 2014. Just keep in mind that your Quick Charge 2.0 adapters aren't going to produce that full 2A flow and charge the G4 any faster. Some may not even get to 1.8A. If you plan on buying the G4 and need an extra charger, you are going to want to find LG's 1.8A chargers through places like Amazon. Then again, you could also buy back-up batteries or attempt to grab the wireless charging back for the phone, whenever it becomes available.

Google Launches Project Fi App to Google Play

Tim — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:41:59 +0000

For those here who are hoping to set up their Project Fi wireless accounts, you will definitely need the new Project Fi app that Google just launched onto Google Play. Honestly, we don't think anyone is getting invites quite yet to try out the service, but with the release of this app, it is likely that folks who asked for an invite should receive them soon, given you live in an area that Google supports. With the Project Fi application, customers can activate their Fi service, manage their account, view data usage stats, view monthly statements, and get in touch with support 24/7. So, if you own a Nexus 6 and want to live off of WiFi hotspots, T-Mobile and Sprint, go grab the app. Play Link

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HTC Would Rather be "Cool" Than Compete With Xiaomi, Predicts 29% Revenue Decline for Q2

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 09:33:50 +0000

HTC reported modest profit of $11 million for the quarter that just ended, with revenues also growing year-over-year, giving them a couple of quarters in a row of actual growth. Unfortunately, those positive signs aren't going to hang around long, as the company's Q2 target isn't exactly strong. HTC expects revenues to drop by up to 29% year-over-year, which is surprising since they just announced their new flagship phone (HTC One M9) for the year that should have been a driving force for the next three months. Should we take that as HTC already expecting it to be a flop? Of course, the blame these days for struggling sales figures is almost always directed at emerging market players like Xiaomi, who continue to ship boatloads of devices at rock bottom prices. Companies like HTC just can't compete with the small margins of these other companies. OK, that's not entirely true. They probably could if they really wanted to change their way of thinking and operating, but they seem to be set in their ways. In fact, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Chang Chia-lin, the CFO of HTC, said that his company isn't interested in competing with companies like Xiaomi, who tend to only focus on volume. Instead, HTC wants to focus on being "cool," because...well...I actually don't know why you would choose being "cool" over shipping millions upon millions of smartphones. Seriously, who says that? And yes, I quoted that because he used the word "cool." Chang did say that he thinks his company's brand image is more important because their flagship product can create a halo effect that eventually draws people to mid-tier and entry-level phones, like the ones he just said he didn't want to compete with, which would eventually bring in revenue. I guess, I can accept that as one way of thinking. Except, that's exactly how HTC has operated for the last few years, all of which have been massive disasters for a company who once shipped more Android phones than anyone in the world. HTC hasn't even been in the top 10 in terms of smartphone shipments since 2013 and holds less than 2% of the world's market share. And again, they managed that drop by creating supposedly "cool" high-end phones that were supposed to create a brand image that attracted the attention of mid-to-low end buyers for their other products. Is it working? It certainly doesn't seem that it is. On a semi-related note, Chia-lin did mention that his company will have another phone ready for the holiday season. You tell me, is HTC "cool?"

Via: WSJ [2]

Moto 360's Monolink Band is Back In-Stock at Moto Maker

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:17:03 +0000

The Monolink band for the Moto 360 is back in-stock at Moto Maker! This is the little beauty that we took for a spin a couple of weeks ago. This band, which has been hard to come by since the smartwatch's introduction, will cost you an extra $50 on your custom Moto 360 order. And yes, you are still only able to buy it through the Moto Maker process, not as a stand-alone watch band. I can't tell you why that is, it just is. Still, this might just be the best looking metal watch band for any smartwatch, so if you are in the market for a Moto 360, consider this add-on. Also, keep in mind that this band will more than likely work with the next generation Moto 360, meaning the investment may be well worth it. At least, that's our thought on owning one. To see the Monolink band in action, be sure to watch our video preview of it below. If still images are more your thing, we have a bunch of those here.

Here is the LG G4 Official Product Video

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:43:21 +0000

Feeling a little hungover after yesterday's LG G4 festivities? We are too. But what better way to cure a hangover than another ~~beer~~ G4 video? This morning, LG posted the "official" product video for their new flagship smartphone, one that is ripe with drone footage taken on the phone, overviews of its camera, shots of leather being cut and shaped before being applied, butt seam rubbing, and tours of Sydney, Australia. Even if you need a break from the G4 for a minute, the views of Sydney are at least worth a look. Trust me.

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TAG Heuer's Android Wear Watch Will Cost Around $1,400, Have 40-Hour Battery Life

Kellen — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 07:10:31 +0000

The first true premium smartwatch is coming later this year from TAG Heuer. That's right, Apple, plating a calculator watch in gold doesn't make it premium - at least in my book. The watch, as announced in March, will be made in partnership with Intel and Google, yet “reflect the TAG Heuer heritage of Swiss design and quality." So it's a Swiss-made Android Wear device, powered by an Intel processor, and outfitted with what we can only imagine will be a high price tag for a smartwatch. According to a report out of Bloomberg, that "high" price will likely end up right around $1,400 and reportedly be ready for launch in October or November of this year. That matches up to TAG's announcement of a 2015 worldwide distribution. Aside from the pricing news, we may also now know another important feature of this yet-to-be-seen TAG smartwatch, and that's battery life. Jean-Claude Biver, TAG Heuer's CEO, said during a Hublot boutique opening that his smartwatch will last about 40 hours on a single charge. That would top all other smartwatches in the Android Wear category, assuming it can deliver on that. Most Android Wear devices are good for a day with pretty heavy usage, but can often bleed into a second day. At 40 hours, we are getting close to two full days. We asked this question back in March, but are you willing to pay a premium for a Swiss-made watch that also runs Android Wear?

Via: Bloomberg

Sprint Offering Half-Off Data Plans for Tablet Users

Tim — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:25:06 +0000

For anyone picking up a new smartphone or updating an existing line through Sprint, you can grab half-off deals for select data plans on tablet devices. Specifically, Sprint is offering the deal for its 100MB-1GB plans, now priced at $5 a month for 100MB and $7.50 a month for 1GB of high-speed data over six months. Again, to take advantage of this deal, you will need to be activating a tablet on a new line or updating an existing line coupled with a smartphone. More plainly, Sprint is offering a discount when you bundle devices on the same plan. On top of cheaper data for tablets, Sprint is offering the LG G Pad for $0 down, with $10 monthly payments through Easy Pay. However, if you purchase, you will receive a $10 a month credit, essentially making the tablet completely free. If Sprint is the right carrier for you, be sure to take advantage of these new offers.

Via: Sprint

Deal: Dotti Pixel-Art Smart Light Brings LED Fun to Your Desk for $69

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:52:08 +0000

I know that you probably never envisioned your life being better with a box full of colored LED lights that light up into shapes or animations while also showing you notifications from your phone, but it could potentially happen with the Dotti Pixel-Art Smart Light, which is on sale in the DL Deals shop for $69.99. Or maybe you just want a cool accessory for your desk to play with during times of boredom. Whatever the case may be, the $10 discount only lasts for a couple more days. The Dotti Pixel-Art Smart Light, as I just mentioned, is a box full of colored LED lights. That box connects to your phone via Bluetooth to show you notifications from your favorite apps as they come in. But you can also sync the lights to a clock, customize how notifications arrive, push through various icons and animations, and even watch the lights animate to music that is playing on your phone. Again, it's kind of cool even if it is a niche product or office accessory that not everyone needs. Deal Link

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Google Play Services 7.3 Allows for Multiple Wear Device Connections, More

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:03:37 +0000

Google announced an update to Google Play Services (v7.3) today that introduces new Android Wear and Google Fit APIs to help you all build better experiences into your apps that use either service. With Wear, Google is giving us the ability to connect multiple wear devices to a single mobile device. Better put, that means you can connect two watches to a single phone or tablet. But along with that new connectivity, new APIs are needed to better manage those connections, decide how to deal with messages, and figure out where data should be going to and not going to. If you check out the blog post linked below, Google walks through all of the new APIs that were created to handle all of that. As for Google Fit, Google wants it to be easier for apps to grab up-to-date information from Fit (like steps or calories burned) and display it. Think watch faces being able to grab your current step count each time you look at it. The rest of the update really is developer-specific stuff, so rather than attempt to sound like I know how to build apps, I'll have to push you to today's post on the announcement and the video below. Have fun, devs.

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Via: Android Developers

Tuesday Poll: Is the LG G4 Your Next Phone?

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:38:32 +0000

Have you seen enough of the LG G4 after today's festivities to know whether or not you are going to buy one? I would imagine that many of you have, thanks to this full list of specs, a comparison to the Galaxy S6 and One M9, our hands-on gallery, and Tim's first impressions. We've tried to give you everything we can, outside of price, because LG and its carrier partners have yet to reveal that important bit of information. Still, we know it will probably drop in at $199 on contract and anywhere from $600 to $700 without one. There are few secrets left. Tell us, did LG impress you with all of its Quantum IPS display and f/1.8 camera talk? Did they convince you that you need a leather back and removable battery? Or are you disappointed that the phone looks a lot like the G3, is using a Snapdragon 808, doesn't have the premium materials of the Galaxy S6 or One M9, and skipped on the fingerprint sensor? Let us know! [poll id="363"]

LG G4: Hands-on Video and Impressions

Tim — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:30:34 +0000

Before I got my hands on the G4 from LG, I did not know quite what to expect. Sure, any company can tease that they have made a great successor to last year's flagship, but with LG diving headfirst into leather backsides, while also upgrading their display and camera technology, I slightly assumed they could easily miss a few points of interest for users, such as in-hand feel and battery life. After the device was unveiled in its entirety, all of the media in the venue filed over to the demo area. I finally got my hands on with the G4, and right when I picked it up I said, "Oh, this feels nice." In-hand, the G4 feels rather light, but not cheap. Unlike the metallic heaviness of the One M9, or the cold glassy feel of the Galaxy S6, the G4 fits somewhere right in the middle, still utilizing a heavy amount of plastic in its design. At first glance, the phone reminds me a lot of the OnePlus One and last year's G3. There are minimal bezels, plus a nicely sized chin with the LG logo at the bottom of the frontside. Also, there are a few different colors for the leather backsides, and there are multiple colors of the plastic or "carbon" backs. The leather, while not being Horween or anything of insane quality, does feel like leather. Not that I ever doubted that it was, but since LG has to mass produce these backsides, and still try to make a profit, I'm sure a few high-end corners had to be trimmed. Depending on the leather color you get, a different texture is featured. For Black, Light Blue and Shale (that's what I'm calling it), you get a tumbled leather on the back. For Maroon and Tan, there is a smooth back. Personally, I enjoy the smooth backside.

Continuing on, LG worked a slight curve into the design, which really helps when the device is being held in your hand. It fits wonderfully, and with no real weight to it, it's a comfortable phone all around. During the hands-on time, I got to play with the camera, view the display during different operations, and basically give it a nice little tour. As I previously mentioned, LG has loaned us a unit to take back home and review, so as my time with it grows, I will likely have much more to say about it. However, I don't want to leave anyone hanging. The G4 is really nice. The 5.5" QHD display is gorgeous and the camera is remarkably good, making the G4 a serious little package when compared to the Galaxy S6 and One M9. Below, I have a hands-on video that I recorded myself when I got back into the hotel room. Since I am the only one filming, and don't have access to a tripod, there is a tad bit of shakiness, so please excuse that until I can get back home to all of my equipment. In the meantime, I am more than happy to answer any questions or show off select features if anyone asks for it.

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Verizon's Galaxy S4 Gets Lollipop This Week!

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:52:28 +0000

The Verizon Galaxy S4 is the next phone to get this year's big update to Lollipop. According to Verizon, the update will begin rolling out in phases this week as build VRUG0C1 and Android 5.0.1 (LRX22C). Like all other Lollipop updates, this one will feature Google's Material Design language sprinkled throughout the OS, more powerful notification controls, including interactive notifications on the lock screen, a brighter look and feel to Samsung's TouchWiz, floating action buttons everywhere, and a new look to the recent apps screen. In order to check for the update, head into Settings>About phone>Software updates>Check for updates.

Via: Verizon

Google Gives 70 New Apps Access to Google Now

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:28:26 +0000

Back in January, Google announced that it was allowing 3rd party apps to work with Google Now for the first time; 40 of them to be exact. This was huge news because it meant that your favorite non-Google apps could start to give you relevant, perfectly timed information in your Google Now stream just as you need it, in the way that Google attempts to do with transit info, the weather, and your travel plans. Today, they expanded the program by allowing another 70 new partners to get in on the fun. Some of the new partners include ABC News, Allrecipes, Jawbone, Runkeeper, Adidas, OpenTable, Zipcar, Spotify, TuneIn, and Feedly. To see the full list of apps, head over to this Google page. To see some of the example cards of each, go here. In order to let the new apps play nice with your phone, you will need the newest version of the Google app (4.5), which is rolling out slowly. Play Link

Via: Inside Search

LG G4: Hands-on Photo Gallery

Tim — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 11:06:21 +0000

Here is a hands-on photo gallery for the LG G4 to keep you busy, while we patiently wait for our hands-on video to upload and go live on YouTube. From the time I have spent with the device, I am pretty darned impressed with the 5.5" QHD display, 16MP rear-facing camera with OIS and Laser Auto Focus, as well as the snappiness overall in the device from the Snapdragon 808 processor and 3GB of RAM. Thankfully, we have a unit to take back to the Pacific Northwest with us, so you can expect plenty of G4 coverage to follow along shortly. If there is anything in particular you have questions about, shoot them below, or wait for our video to go live and then ask them. Until then, feast your eyes on the G4 from LG.

Gallery

Specs: LG G4 vs. Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge vs. HTC One M9

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:26:34 +0000

Curious how the new LG G4 stacks up to Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge or the HTC One M9? We walked through each phone's specs and put them together in a simple comparison sheet for you below, so that you can at least get a feel for each on paper. Each phone will undoubtedly be different when in hand, mostly because of the size, finishes, and software experiences, but this still gives you a way to compare the hardware that manufacturers settled on. For example, LG went with the Snapdragon 808 instead of Qualcomm's supposedly higher-end Snapdragon 810 that is in the HTC One M9. LG did go crazy with the G4's camera, though, even topping Samsung in aperture. LG also went with a removable battery and microSD slot, something I know a handful of you wish had been included in the Galaxy S6s. Overall, this is a pretty close battle, even if LG skipped on the fingerprint sensor, heartrate monitor, and all-metal body.

Edit: The original comparison mentioned the LG G4 as having Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0, but it is now our understanding that it does not include this technology.

Deal: New Unlocked Galaxy S6 (SM-G920F) for Just $629

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 09:45:44 +0000

Wow, now this is a good price on a brand new, unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6. For just $629.99, you can own an early candidate for "phone of the year" in either gold, white, or black and with 32GB of storage. For comparison's sake, the AT&T and T-Mobile Galaxy S6 at full retail cost $685 and $680, respectively. You are looking at a discount of at least $50 should you buy the phone through this deal, plus it comes unlocked, so you can take it to either carrier whenever you want. This unlocked Galaxy S6 is model SM-G920F, which is an international variant. We tend to like unlocked, international models because they often see updates before any other phone does. If you haven't already, be sure to read our Galaxy S6 review. eBay Link

LG G4 is Coming to AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:47:15 +0000

According to LG, the new G4 will be available at all of the big US carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. Pricing has not yet been announced. Availability information will be left up to carriers to announce, but it's looking like June is a likely launch for the US. LG is releasing the G4 in Korea on April 29. Update (Verizon): Verizon posted this Tweet, which at least confirms that it is "coming soon." https://twitter.com/VZWnews/status/593083505384493057 Update (T-Mobile): T-Mobile announced an "exclusive" preview program where some of you will have the opportunity to get your hands on the LG G4 before it is available for purchase. They mention that the program runs through May 25, so that could be close to the launch date. In other words, you have a month before you can buy this phone. More details here. Update (US Cellular): US Cellular told us to expect the phone in June. Update (Sprint): Sprint says to expect the G4 in June as well.

LG G4 Specs (Official)

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:41:09 +0000

Now that the LG G4 is official, I'm sure you are curious about the official specs. We have those for you now, just like we do with all major flagship phones. As a quick high-level recap, the LG G4 sports a 5.5-inch Quantum IPS QHD display, 16MP F1.8 camera with OIS, front 8MP camera, 3,000mAh battery (removable), Snapdragon 808 processor, 32GB internal storage, up to 2TB micro SD support, 3GB RAM, LTE, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and more.

LG G4 Specs

Display: 5.5-inch Quantum IPS LCD QHD (2560x1440, 538ppi)
Rear Camera: 16MP f/1.8, OIS 2.0, Laser autofocus, RAW capture, HDR, 1/2.6" sensor size
Front Camera: 8MP f/2.0
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 1.8GHz 64-bit Hexa-core with X10 LTE
Battery: 3,000mAh removable
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32GB internal, micro SD support up to 2TB
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth: 4.1 BLE
Other: NFC, USB 2.0, 4K Slimport support, GPS-A, Glonass
Android: Android 5.1 Lollipop
Dimensions: 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3-9.8mm
Weight: 155g
Options: Genuine brown or black leather; Metallic Gray or Ceramic White plastic

LG G4 is Now Official (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:29:52 +0000

LG has finally made the G4, it's new flagship smartphone, official. After weeks of teasing and feature hints, we now know it all. Well, we are learning it all as they slowly announce it via livestream. We will update this post as the info rolls in. The LG sports a 5.5-inch Quantum IPS QHD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 (no 810 here!), 3,000mAh removable battery, "slim arc design," 16MP F1.8 camera with a "color spectrum sensor" and laser autofocus (RAW support too), 8MP front camera, micro SD slot, and leather or "3D-textured" metallic backs. LG expects to make the phone available on April 29 in Korea (that's tomorrow) with other markets to follow.

Update: Here is the full list of LG G4 specs. Here is our massive hands-on gallery. Update 2: LG G4 will come to all the big carriers. Update 3: Here are the official press images of the colors we will see in the US.

Press Release

LG G4: THE MOST AMBITOUS SMARTPHONE YET

LG Invites Consumers to See and Feel How Great a Smartphone Can Be

SEOUL, April 29, 2015 ― LG Electronics (LG) unveils its eagerly anticipated LG G4 smartphone today, at launch events in New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Istanbul and Seoul. Approximately 1,000 guests around the world gathered to view the new LG G4, the successor to the G3, which exceeded all expectations in terms of sales and industry awards. Among the first users of the LG G4 will be 4,000 lucky customers who will receive the new smartphone as part of the company’s largest-ever consumer experience campaign. With the G4, LG focused on delivering comfortable elegance, a great visual experience and a human-centric user experience. The LG G4 camera features a rare-in-smartphones F1.8 aperture lens which allows 80 percent more light to hit the image sensor than in the LG G3. The innovative camera module is paired with the new IPS Quantum Display that is better in every way than the innovative Quad HD display introduced to the world in the LG G3. The LG G4 embodies human sensibility that is clearly visible in its Slim Arc exterior design and graphical user interface. “We are living up to our promise of Innovation for a Better Life with a fashionable, premium smartphone that is more focused on delivering a balanced user experience that can compete with the best of the best,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We wanted to give consumers a truly human-centric device that combined the analog sensibilities with technologies that delivered real world performance. From the design to the camera to the display to the UX, this is the most ambitious phone we’ve ever created.” Comfortable & Elegant Design LG paid special attention to the materials utilized in its newest flagship. The LG G4 is available in handcrafted, genuine full grain leather in six beautiful colors. The vegetable tanning process employed is an age old tradition that requires skilled craftsmen to produce and dye the leather. The colors of the leather on the G4 are rich with warm tones that look authentic and change over time. Most importantly, vegetable tanned leather is environmentally friendly and can be recycled easily, since no harsh chemicals are used. Other material options for the G4 rear cover include pure Ceramic White with 3D patterns, artisan-forged Metallic Gray as well lustrous, Shiny Gold. The fashionable elegance of the LG G4 is a refreshing change from the uniformly flat, full metal designs that have been become standard across the industry. The LG G4’s design is defined by the Slim Arc, which runs along its entire body, highlighted by a display with a subtle curvature. More than just a design accent, Slim Arc offers 20 percent better durability than a flat smartphone in face-down drops and gives the smartphone a more comfortable and secure feel in the hand. The exterior design is also reflected in the smartphone’s user interface, which includes simple, naturally intuitive graphics. In the LG G4, the icon colors are more vibrant with icons that have rounded corners, consistent with the Slim Arc design. What’s more, the Smart Notice widget automatically changes its background and text color based on the home screen image selected by the user. Great Visual Experience LG designed the 16MP camera in the LG G4 to capture beautiful images, even under less than ideal lighting conditions. The camera module features a wide F1.8 aperture lens that allows 80 percent more light to reach the sensor. LG improved low-light performance even further with OIS 2.0, which doubles the performance of the improved OIS+ by expanding the range of image stabilization from one degree to two degrees on the X- and Y-axis and adding a third axis for the first time. New for G4, Manual Mode allows experienced photographers the ability to exercise more artistic expression by letting them directly control the focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation and white balance for every shot. Advanced photographers can also save their photos in RAW format, in addition to JPEG, for more precise editing with no loss of details. The advanced camera in the LG G4 is complemented by Color Spectrum Sensor (CSS), the first feature of its kind to find its way into a smartphone. CSS improves color accuracy by precisely reading the RGB values of the ambient light in a scene, as well as the infrared light reflected from objects. CSS uses this information to adjust the camera’s white balance and flash color to create images that are as close to what one would see with the naked eye. With Color Spectrum Sensor, no longer will reds appear as bright orange or whites as dull yellow. For selfies good enough to frame, LG included an industry-leading 8MP front-facing camera for sharp, detailed portraits and group shots. Gesture Interval Shot improves on the original Gesture Shot feature by taking four shots spaced two seconds apart, increasing the chance of getting that perfect shot under the most difficult conditions. Triggering the shutter is as simple as opening and closing one’s hand twice in front of the camera. Taking a quantum leap in display technology, the LG G4 is the first smartphone to use LG Display’s new 5.5-inch IPS Quantum Display, which offers 20 percent greater color reproduction, 25 percent improvement in brightness and 50 percent greater contrast. It is the first Quad HD display to employ Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) technology, which combines the LCD and touch sensor into a single layer to provide better color reproduction and touch sensitivity. This new display is calibrated for DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) standards for color expression, championed by top Hollywood studios. Power and Performance With G4, the higher quality display doesn’t come at the expense of battery life. The LG G4 is equipped with a high-capacity 3,000mAh removable battery, a rare feature in today’s high-end smartphones. Combined with the benefits offered by the snappy yet energy-thrifty Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 808 processor with X10 LTE, the LG G4 has no trouble getting through a full day of normal use. In fact, the LG G4 is estimated to last 20 percent longer than the G3, from the same capacity battery. To mark the first public unveiling of its Snapdragon™ 808 processor, Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, executive chairman of Qualcomm International joined Mr. Cho on stage in New York City with Qualcomm vice chairman Jim Doh attending in Seoul. “LG and Qualcomm Technologies collaborated from the initial stage of the Snapdragon 808 introduction to expertly tune the technologies and make several of the LG G4’s unique features possible,” said Jacobs. “The resulting G4 smartphone is an ideal example of how the best optimized technologies come together to meet consumers’ needs.” Human-Centric UX The LG G4 is the first phone to utilize the new human-centric UX 4.0 that promises to be simpler and more intuitive to better understand and respond to the needs of each user. The improved UX eliminates unnecessary steps while providing more configuration options for advanced users.

Quick Shot allows customers to take pictures without opening the camera app by double tapping the phone’s Rear Key while the display is off. LG G4 also has an incredibly fast camera startup time of just six-tenths of a second.
The new Gallery makes it extremely fast to scroll through thousands of pictures and view them on a timeline. The Memories feature automatically organizes photos and videos into event albums based on the time and place they were taken, without having to upload to the cloud.
Event Pocket allows users to create one, unified calendar by dragging and dropping appointments and activities from multiple calendars and social media sites. After the initial setup, there’s no need to log into multiple calendars.
The improved Smart Notice provides more personalized notifications for weather, travel and more by analyzing habits, such as how a user commutes to work. This allows Smart Notice to issue personalized messages such as, “Make sure to take an umbrella on your way to the subway.”
Quick Help allows users to search for instant answers to any questions about operating the LG G4, right in the Smart Notice widget. Quick Help can guide users through the LG G4’s settings and even schedule a call with customer service.

LG has sought out partnerships to enhance the overall user experience of the G4. Google Office comes pre-installed on the LG G4 for easy collaboration on-the-go and G4 owners will receive an additional 100GB of Google Drive storage free for two years. With MirrorLink and LG G4, owners of Volkswagen vehicles will be able to view a car-friendly version of the G4 interface on the in-dash display for full integration with contacts, navigation and music on the smartphone. The LG G4 will start its global roll-out on April 29 in Korea and will eventually be available on approximately 180 carriers worldwide. Prices and carrier availability will be announced locally in each market. Key Specifications:*

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 808 Processor with X10 LTE
Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440, 538ppi)
Memory: 32GB eMMC ROM, 3GB LPDDR3 RAM / microSD slot
Camera: Rear 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0 / Front 8MP
Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
Size: 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 - 9.8 mm
Weight: 155g
Network: 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21 Mbps (3G)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1LE / NFC / USB 2.0
Colors: [Ceramic] Metallic Gray / Ceramic White / Shiny Gold / [Genuine Leather] Black / Brown / Red / Sky Blue / Beige / Yellow
Other: Manual Mode / Gesture Interval Shot / Quick Shot * Specifications may vary depending on the market.

LG Watch Urbane Now Available From Verizon and AT&T for $349 in Silver

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:23:04 +0000

After popping up on the Google Store yesterday afternoon, the LG Watch Urbane is now available from Verizon and AT&T as well. You can order this premium Android Wear watch for $349 at each carrier's online store in silver starting today. The gold version isn't available from either spot, but Google still has it in stock with a shipping date of May 8. The watch will reach AT&T stores on May 15. As of right now, we don't know if or when it will arrive in Verizon stores. Links: Verizon | AT&T

Deal: Interstellar and a Bunch of Other Movies are Just $3.99 in HD on Google Play (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 07:16:37 +0000

You digital movie library is about to grow. Through some sort of unannounced movie discount on Google Play, you can grab new flicks like Interstellar, the newest Hobbit and Hunger Games, Whiplash, and more for just $3.99. Actually, the movies are $3.09 for their SD versions, but you may as well fork out for the HD versions at just $3.99. No telling how long these will be priced like this, so jump on them now. Updated: These deeply discounted prices are now gone. It looks like someone screwed up and put the promotional rental prices as the purchase prices for these few titles. Yikes. Hopefully, you got in your cheap purchases when you had the chance. Play Links:

Cheers Shaun!

LG G4 Live Blog! (Starts at 8AM Pacific)

Kellen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 06:59:28 +0000

You all ready for the LG G4? In case you forgot, LG is making the phone official this morning in New York and London at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern). Tim is on hand at the NYC event to get up close and personal with the phone, once it has been announced. As a recap, we are expecting both plastic and leather backed version of the G4, a 5.5-inch QHD display, similar shape and form to last year's G3, 16MP F1.8 camera with OIS+, SD card slot, somewhere around a 3,000mAh battery, new LG UX 4.0, and butt seams. If the G4 is an improvement on the G3, then it should be a hell of a phone. We have a live blog embedded below and will toss in a live stream of the event should LG post one. Let's do this!

Forget the Trolls, Sell Your Patents Directly to Google Thanks to New Promotion

Tim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 16:16:25 +0000

To combat the trolls that plague the patent industry, Google announced the Patent Purchase Promotion today, a platform to allow patent owners to easily sell their patents to Google. Google knows that in the wrong hands, a set of patents can cause serious issues for businesses all over the place, including lawsuits and wasted efforts. Seriously, when was the last time you ever heard anything good come from patent trolls? The process of selling is rather simple, but since we're talking legal mumbo jumbo and lawyer-centric happenings, read what Google states below regarding potential sellers of patents.

From May 8, 2015 through May 22, 2015, we’ll open a streamlined portal for patent holders to tell Google about patents they’re willing to sell at a price they set. As soon as the portal closes, we’ll review all the submissions, and let the submitters know whether we’re interested in buying their patents by June 26, 2015. If we contact you about purchasing your patent, we’ll work through some additional diligence with you and look to close a transaction in short order. We anticipate everyone we transact with getting paid by late August.

As you just read, the process is extremely straightforward, at least from the outside looking in. I'm no expert in patents, so Google offers a very helpful FAQ right here for more details on the promotion. If you don't want to deal with patent trolls, and would rather get a nice little check from Google, get your submission ready.

Via: Google | Patents Site

Other Google Store Goodies: LG G Watch R Drops to $249, Moto 360 to $179

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:32:06 +0000

With the introduction of the LG Watch Urbane to the Google Store moments ago, Google has also gone ahead and dropped pricing on the LG G Watch R and the Moto 360. The G Watch R dropped from $299 to $249, and the Moto 360 was slashed from $249 to $179. Pretty solid savings on two of the top Android Wear devices available. Hopefully, these discounts actually stick around for more than a couple of days. Free shipping is included with all orders. Google Store Links: G Watch R ($249) | Moto 360 ($179)

LG Watch Urbane Now Available From the Google Store for $349

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:14:01 +0000

Yep, just went live! Well, sort of, we found the public link to it which Google hasn't yet provided a direct link anywhere to (Edit: They went live with it now). Be the first to own LG's Watch Urbane! The watch, which is arguably the most premium Android Wear device to date, comes in either silver or rose gold for $349. It features a 1.3-inch P-OLED display with Gorilla Glass 3, 512MB RAM, stainless steel cover, genuine leather strap, a 1.2GHz processor, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, IP67 water resistance, and a 410mAh battery. It's also the first Android Wear device to run the new Android 5.1.1 update, which will help it take advantage of that WiFi chip. If interested, and you are in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, or the United States, you should be able to buy this watch today. On a related note, the regular LG G Watch is now no longer available. Google Store Link ($349)

Deal: Buy a Nexus 5 With Year-Long Data Plan From FreedomPop for $199 (Updated)

Tim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:51:24 +0000

If picking up a certified pre-owned Nexus 5 16GB, that also comes with a year-long subscription to 500MB of high-speed 4G LTE data a month from FreedomPop sounds like a good deal, a new listing on the DL Deals Store should interest you. The Nexus 5, as you all should know, is the Nexus device that launched a year before 2014's Nexus 6 from Google. It is a low-priced, hardworking smartphone that for $200, is a pretty good deal. Now, the FreedomPop connectivity that comes with the device is on Sprint's LTE network, with 500MB of 4G LTE data per month. The service also includes 1 year of visual voicemail, 1 year of tethering, and 1 year of usage alerts. You pay nothing extra for this service, as it comes coupled with the device thanks to a SIM card right out of the box. For more info on FreedomPop, or if you have any questions that need answering, check out their support page here. If paying just $200 for a Nexus 5 and a year of service sounds agreeable, go grab it. Update: The Black model of the Nexus 5 has sold out. If you order now, you will receive a White Nexus 5. Features

1 year of visual voicemail – $30 value
1 year of tethering – $47.88 value
1 year of usage alerts – $23.88 value
Unlimited text & talk, plus 500MB 4G LTE data
No contracts or huge early termination fees
Sleek, durable design
Dependable performance

Deal Link

Swiftkey Introduces Clarity Keyboard Beta (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:03:35 +0000

Swiftkey announced a new keyboard this morning as a part of its new Greenhouse arm, which is a hub for them to test experimental software. The keyboard is called Clarity and it aims to be a distraction free typing experience that helps you focus on "what you're writing and nothing else." The new Clarity keyboard is currently in beta for all to try if interested. You will see features like multi-word autocorrect, automatic learning of your slang (nicknames and phrases too), and the ability to quickly undo autocorrections you didn't want. As you continue to use Clarity, Swiftkey will gather feedback and test additional ideas they have about the way people type. In other words, your use of Clarity could be influential in the future of Swiftkey's products. I was hoping to give you some immediate feedback after some time with it, but unfortunately, it has been stuck on a "Please wait for the application to load..." screen for the past 30 minutes on my Galaxy S6. If it ever decides to load, I'll be sure to update this post. In the mean time, I'll have to rely on you all to tell the DL community if this keyboard is worth an early look or not. Update: Swiftkey reached out and confirmed to me that Clarity doesn't currently work on Samsung devices, which is why it has been failing on my S6. They are apparently working on a fix, though. Play Link

Via: Swiftkey

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 29

Tim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:50:45 +0000

A lot is about to happen over the next few weeks in the world of Android, with three of the big things being the G4 from LG (that happens tomorrow), Google I/O next month, and Google's announcement of Project Fi. We also just got done reviewing the Galaxy S6s and One M9, in case you needed more. With all of this going down, it's a good time to see if anyone here has questions for the DL staff, and like all previous volumes of the Q&A Sessions, we would be more than happy to answer them. On Friday, we will compile a list of our favorite questions, then let the team have at them. Until then, shoot your questions below in the comments section. And as a reminder, your questions can be about anything, even if it's non-tech related. To see all of our previous Q&A’s, check them out here.

Giveaway: Win 1 of 5 Huawei TalkBand B2 Devices Before Anyone can Buy It

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:37:28 +0000

As Huawei continues its big push this year into the US, they want you to realize that they are about more than just smartphones. While their smartphones are certainly grabbing our attention (Huawei P8 for example), as are the rumors of them possibly creating a Nexus phone, their line-up of accessories shouldn't be ignored either. And I'm not just talking about the Android Wear-powered Huawei Watch that stole headlines at MWC. Huawei also has a smart wearable/Bluetooth earpiece called the TalkBand B2 that is worth a look. Before we get into why it's worth a look, we should probably mention that we are giving five (5) of them away. Oh, it's also not available yet for purchase, so should you win one, you will be one of the first in the world. Cool, right? OK, so the TalkBand B2 is Huawei's smart wearable that doubles as a Bluetooth earpiece. It sits on your wrist for the most part with its waterproof self, making sure you hit fitness and sleep goals, are seeing notifications as they arrive through its touch screen, and acting as a timepiece with either TPU or leather strap options. But should you want to take a call, you can detach the TalkBand B2 from the wrist strap and toss it on ear for a hands-free call. See, it's a hybrid of sorts, which is why we don't know exactly how to describe it as an individual product. It's a pretty cool concept. Ready to win one?

Contest

Prizes: Five (5) Huawei TalkBand B2 devices for five (5) winners. How to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway You also have another chance to enter by visiting the Huawei Community. Winners: Our five (5) winners will be chosen Wednesday, April 29, at 12PM Pacific.

Facebook Messenger Gets Video Calling

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 11:16:21 +0000

Video calling is now a part of Facebook Messenger, the social giant announced this morning. Available on both Android and iOS today in Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Laos, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, the UK, the US and Uruguay, you can call someone via video with the touch of a video icon at the top of your conversations. Once you have the latest update, which again, should be out today, you should see a video icon at the top of your individual conversations that lets you know if the person on the other end is ready to take a call. Calls can also be made between Android and iOS devices. Video calling joins other recently introduced Messenger features like payments, a GIF store, and integration with the Facebook's new Hello dialer. While I wouldn't consider myself to be a Facebook user, I can't help but tip my hate to Facebook's Messenger application as one of the better messaging apps around. Play Link

Via: Facebook

Instagram Update Brings 3 New Filters, Emoji Hashtags

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 10:45:24 +0000

Instagram announced this morning that a new update for both Android and iOS will bring three new filters, as well as a new take on hashtags, ones that include emoji. With the new filters - Lark, Reyes and Juno - you get what Instagram considers to be a "family of modern, subtle filters that brighten and enhance your photos in refined, beautiful ways." According to a blog post detailing the the three, you will find that "Lark desaturates reds while punching up blues and greens to bring your landscapes to life," that "Reyes brings a dusty, vintage look to your moments," and "Juno tints cool tones green while making warm tones pop and whites glow for vibrant photos of people. As for the new style of hashtags that include emoji, you really are now able to hashtag smiley faces or waves or cats or any other emoji. Just type "#" and the emoji you want. As you can see from the image above, they are already live in the beta, but may be live for all without it. The new build for Instagram is 6.20.0. Play Link

Via: Instagram

Sprint LG G2 Receiving Android 5.0 "Lollipop" Update

Tim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 10:15:51 +0000

An update is rolling out to the LG G2 on Sprint, bumping it up to Android 5.0 "Lollipop." Marked as version ZVG, users will get all of the new features that come with Android 5.0, such as lockscreen notifications, sweet new animations, and the updated navigation buttons. Beyond the overall OS getting updated, Sprint states in the changelog that they are adding in an update to FM Radio software, hopefully bringing an enhanced radio experience to users. If you happen to still rock a G2 on Sprint, get that update.

Via: Sprint

Cheers DimStyle!

Set an Alarm or Send a Note to Your Android Phone Straight From the Desktop

Tim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 09:31:19 +0000

Google highlighted a few more functions you can perform when your Android device is linked up to a desktop late last week, those being Set a Reminder, Set an Alarm, and Send a Note. Previously, we wrote up how you can send directions and even find your misplaced Android device from Google's powerful Search bar, but it appears you can do even more with it, making the connection between your desktop and mobile phone that much more useful. To perform these basic commands, head over to Google's main page or anywhere you see a Google search bar. From here, type in "Set an alarm," or "Send a note." You will see a prompt at the top of the search results, allowing you to perform the action you asked for. It's very basic, but could be very useful. As a note, if you have multiple phones linked up, there is a dropdown for you to select which device you want the action performed on.

For basic instructions on how to perform these searches, plus more interesting tidbits about linking your phone to a Google account for access through desktop, check Google's support page linked below.

Via: Google

Apps Crashing Like Crazy on Your Android Phone? Could be Latest Android System Webview Update

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 08:28:36 +0000

At the end of last week, Google pushed an update to its Android System Webview service through Google Play that seems to be causing some pretty major issues on a number of handsets. At least, that's the general consensus on why phones over the weekend began to notice all sorts of app crashes. If you jump into the Play listing for Android System Webview, you will see dozens of 1-star reviews for the service, many of which mention it specifically as the cause for recent problems. What is Android System Webview? Android's Webview, as described by Google, is a "system component powered by Chrome that allows Android apps to display web content." In other words, Webview allows 3rd party apps to show content in an in-app browser or in an app screen that pulls from the web. It's pretty important, and has only recently (with Lollipop) been decoupled as a stand-alone system component that can be updated as Google sees fit. And that's important, because it allows Google to push security fixes and other enhancements without the need to push an entire system update. What's the problem then? As I'm not a developer, I can really only speculate, but my guess is that Google issued some sort of security fix in the latest update that is not playing nicely with 3rd party apps that are trying to access web content. Apps are crashing like crazy, freezing phones, and requiring regular reboots in order to work, even if temporarily. The official changelog for the latest update mentions that it "adds support for ES6 classes and provides stability and security fixes." Whatever the exact cause, it has been a nightmare for those not realizing that it was Webview doing the damage. So what's the fix? Uninstall the most recent update of Webview. On most phones, that means jumping into Settings>Applications (Manager)> and then finding Android System Webview, tapping on, and then uninstalling the latest update. You can see a picture of this screen at the top of this post. While that's not exactly the greatest fix, because this latest update did introduces "stability and security fixes," it might save your phone in the interim. We'll let you know if Google pushes another update that fixes things. Play Link

Deals: Galaxy S6 Official Wireless Charger for $35, Moto X for $180, Sonos Play 5 for $342

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 07:44:42 +0000

Looking for a whole bunch of electronics to blow last Friday's paycheck on? We've got you covered, thanks to a 2-day sale over at Groupon. By using coupon code "SALE3" at checkout, you can save 10% on your orders, up to $50 off. After cruising through their pages and pages of deals, we actually found a handful that are worth considering. Items like the official Samsung Galaxy S6 wireless charger can be had for $35 (normally $50). The 1st gen Moto X on Verizon is also as cheap as $180 after the discount. But maybe the best deal of all, if you are in the market for home Hi-Fi speakers, is the discount on Sonos' entire line-up. You can grab a Sonos Play:5 for just $342 (usually $399) or the Play:1 for $171 (usually $199). Sonos products are almost never discounted, and if they are, never to these levels. There are other deals as well, all quick-linked below. Again use code "SALE3" at checkout. Groupon Links:

Galaxy S6 Wireless Charger ($34.99)
Moto X (1st gen) ($179.99)
Sonos Play:5 ($341.99)
Sonos Play:1 ($170.99)
Samsung 4-pack 16GB SD cards ($26.99)
Mophie 4,000mAh Power pack ($26.99)
Galaxy S6 Edge case ($7.19)

Lollipop Now Rolling Out to T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 07:12:37 +0000

On Friday, we told you that T-Mobile had received "technical approval" on the Lollipop update for the Galaxy Note 4 and was planning to push the update to users starting today. Sure enough, it's happening. A couple of our readers, along with many more in various forums throughout this vast Android-filled internet are all receiving the update. T-Mobile hasn't yet posted their own details for the update, but I'm guessing that will happen soon, whenever their community manager wakes up and starts work for the week. To check for the update, head into Settings>About phone>Software update. As we have more, we will update this post. Update: Changelog is live! It looks like software build N910TUVU1COD6, Android 5.0.1, and a 1.1GB download. Be sure you have lots of battery!

Cheers Tyrone, Randy, and @Timbahhh!

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: April 24, 2015

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 16:05:50 +0000

Another week in the books here at DL. It was a news-filled week, though, with Google making Project Fi official, us posting up our long overdue HTC One M9 review, and Sony quietly unveiling the Xperia Z4. In other news, we took a dive into Google Contributor, Verizon announced new changes to data plans, the Google Store will sell LG's Watch Urbane in the near future, and Yahoo is looking to compete against Apple and Google directly. Oh, that should be fun. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Review: HTC One M9.
Verizon announces changes to data plans.
LG releases more teasers for G4.
Elon Musk nearly sold Tesla to Google for just $6 billion.
Check out these sample shots from the LG G4.
Project Fi: Google makes Project Fi official.
A look at Google Contributor.
Google talks data amounts in new video for Project Fi.
Sony announced the Xperia Z4.
Google Glass: Next iteration of Google Glass "coming soon," says report.
The next Gear smartwatch from Samsung should be round.
Smartwatches: LG Watch Urbane goes on sale this month in Google Play.
Update: Galaxy Note 4 on T-Mobile set to receive Lollipop update next week.
Yahoo reportedly working on competitor app to Google Now and Apple's Siri.
Humor: Urinating Bugdroid character shows up on Google Maps, then vanishes.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Deal: Pick Up the Trakdot Luggage Tracker and 2 Years of Service for $79

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:05:20 +0000

I can't say that it has ever happened to me personally, but I can imagine that losing your luggage while traveling could quite possibly be the most frustrating thing on the planet, especially when you and the airport have no idea where your bag is at the moment you realize it has been lost. Trakdot is a product that attempts to alleviate this situation by tracking your bag at all times. To work, the Trakdot is simply placed in your luggage and then paired with an app or browser. As you land, the device sends a notification to your phone to let you know its exact location, which hopefully is right underneath your seat in the luggage compartment of the plane. If it isn't there, then you should at least be able to see its last whereabouts to help you and the airline track and recover it. The Trakdot typically runs $50, but you need to pay $20 per year for its tracking service. With this deal, you get the Trakdot plus two years of service for $79.99. So basically, you are saving $10. Amazon reviewers seem to love it and have given it a 4.5+ score. Features:

Tracks your luggage when traveling by air
Uses newly patented micro-electronics & ground-based cellphone technologies
Tracks & reports its location, even while inside metal containers
Sends a notification via your choice of email or text when your plane lands w/ exact location
Displays tracking info on free app & web browser

Deal Link

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Sony Xperia Z3 Returns to T-Mobile at $499 After Short Hiatus

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:27:46 +0000

The Sony Xperia Z3 randomly showed back up on T-Mobile's online shop this week after disappearing nearly a month ago without notice. Not only has the device returned, but it can be had for just $499 without a contract or broken out into monthly payments as low as $20. We still aren't sure why the Xperia Z3 disappeared for a couple of weeks, but everyone should be happy that it's back. This is a hell of a smartphone. Sony's Xperia line has only gotten better over the last couple of years and should be considered by fans of this operating system even with the Galaxy S6 now available. While the fate of the Xperia line in the US now seems to be up the in air, the Z3 deserves more than a 6-month stay at the Uncarrier. T-Mobile Link

Friday App Sales: Leo's Fortune, The Room Two, Metal Slug Series, and More

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:19:53 +0000

This week, a massive list of games and apps are on sale for just $1 through Google Play, a few of which I think some of you should already own. For starters, you can grab Leo's Fortune for $0.99, which is an awesome platformer, plus grab The Room Two for $0.59. If you like escape games, you can't beat The Room Two in terms of quality for half of a dollar. On top of those titles, you can grab most of the Metal Slug series for $1 each, as well as Table Tennis Touch for $1.99. If arcade fighting is more your style, you might enjoy The King of Fighters series, which is also on sale for a lowered price of just $0.99. Check out the full list below. Friday App Sales

Get on it!

Galaxy Note 4 on T-Mobile Receives Approval for Android 5.0 "Lollipop" Update

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:51:20 +0000

According to a tweet from T-Mobile's product guru Des Smith, the Lollipop OTA update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has received technical approval, and should begin seeding out to owners next week. While this is great news, and owners are more than welcome to be excited, the version being tested is said to be Android 5.0, according to T-Mobile's website. As many Lollipop users know, early builds of Lollipop are quite atrocious with the number of bugs present, as Google was quick to send out a few updates to fix them. Right now, the latest version of Android is 5.1.1, meaning Android 5.0 owners would still be quite behind the curve. Couple that with Samsung's non de-bloated TouchWiz skin, and you may run into issues. Fingers crossed T-Mobile and Samsung were able to crush any real major issues for owners, and continue to work on getting an even newer build of Android out to you. Be on the look out, Note 4 owners on T-Mobile.

Via: @askdes

Deal: New Unlocked Galaxy S6 Edge (SM-G925i) for $799

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:22:03 +0000

Been on the hunt for an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge that works on T-Mobile or AT&T, but isn't outrageously priced? A current deal running over at eBay may be your best option at the moment. Priced at $799 for the 32GB model, you have the choice of either Sapphire Black or White Pearl, with support for T-Mo and AT&T GSM and LTE bands. Other unlocked Galaxy S6 Edge sellers are asking for $900 and over, in case you were wondering. For comparison, a Galaxy S6 Edge purchased outright at AT&T would cost you $815. At T-Mobile you are looking at $780. However, with either those should you decide you want them unlocked, you would not only have to pay full price, but also keep them active at those carriers for up to 60 days at AT&T and 40 days at T-Mobile. eBay Link

Next Version of Google Glass Will "Be Out Soon," According to Report

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:45:29 +0000

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the next iteration of Google Glass may be just around the corner, apparently made in direct partnership with Luxoticca, an Italian eyewear maker. Massimo Vian, CEO of Luxoticca, recently said in a company meeting in Milan that the partnership with Google is moving forward, and that the next version will "be out soon." An exact date or timeframe was not given, but with Google outsourcing possible design elements for Glass, consumers may be in for a much more fashion-friendly face computer. From what we have learned from Ivy Ross, who currently oversees Glass at Google HQ, the next version should have improved battery life, a better display, better sound, and will most importantly feature a lower price tag for consumers. Ready for Glass v2.0?

Via: Wall Street Journal

Be Gone Peeing Bugdroid! Google Apologizes for This Morning's Maps Fun

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:27:21 +0000

The peeing party is over. Google has apologized for this morning's Google Maps action that involved their Android mascot relieving itself on the Apple logo. According to a statement released to the Washington Post, Google is "sorry for the inappropriate user-created content" found on Maps, which is them referencing a user submitted change to Google Maps via Map Maker. The search giant will learn from whoopsies like these and continue to "constantly" improve the way they "detect, prevent and handle bad edits." For those not familiar with Map Maker, just know that Google uses it as a tool to help keep their Maps updated. Map Maker is open to users like you and I who want to fix errors in Google's Maps, add new places, roads, hiking trails, etc. Of course, these edits are supposed to be checked out and then approved, but clearly, the process isn't 100% foolproof. Back to your Friday.

Via: Washington Post

Mediocre, Makers of Granny Smith, Launch 'Does Not Commute' to Google Play

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:18:16 +0000

From the same Mediocre folks who created one of our favorite games called Granny Smith, a new game with the title Does Not Commute is available on Google Play. In Does Not Commute, you control many drivers one at a time in a closed setting. Using your fingers, you choose which route drivers will take to get to their destination. However, once you are in control of about 10 vehicles, you need to be very careful that none of the cars hit each other or fall off of the map. The game is time based, meaning you have 60 seconds to get all of your cars across the line. There are time tokens placed around maps, which should help you never run out. If you screw up, you can rewind your vehicles, removing any accidents, but it does cost you time. It is a very fun and unique game, plus it is free to download. However, to utilize premium checkpoints, that allow you to save your progress at any time, you have to pay $1.99. Go check it out. Play Link

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It Takes a Long Time for LG to Make the G4's Leather Backs

Tim — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:07:38 +0000

On April 28, the world will be officially introduced to the G4 from LG. Even though we are seeing the device and almost all of its features thanks to LG and a set of promos they are running for various features of the device, we still have yet to see the G4 as a whole. By this, I mean LG has not yet released a video or teaser that shows off the phone as a complete package, and instead, they are opting to show off individual features and highlights one by one. In a blog post, that is written in Korean, LG is following their own trend, diving deeper into detail about the leather used on certain models of the upcoming G4. Google Translate seems to be struggling with the translation, but along with a few new pictures of the back cover and the leather being used, we get the feeling that LG wants us to know how much time they are spending on these G4 backs.

LG states that to create these leather-backed models, it is a 12-week production process, which is more than 10 times longer than the 4-day process for a normal rear cover (Edit: we know that math doesn't add up there, blame the translation). That makes sense, since a lot of the process is done by hand. LG also mentions that they ran each back through a post-processing treatment to help it resist moisture and better handle heat. The goal is to creature a luxurious and timeless smartphone, similar to what you get with fine leather bags and purses. We will be on-hand in NYC next week to bring you all of the G4 action. Ready for the G4?

Via: LG (translated)

Verizon Revamps Data Plans Again - Brings Back 10GB $80 and 15GB $100 Options, Kills Others

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:52:07 +0000

Back in February, Verizon did a big re-shuffling of its More Everything data plans that included the introduction of a bunch of new tiers, $10 discounts on many, and slight increases on a few. This morning, they did another big shuffling that wiped out many of those new plans, brought back others, and kept the $10 discounts. Let's talk about what's new, gone, and what stayed the same. The 500MB to 4GB plans are all still here at their February prices, as is the $15 Edge discount that accompanied them. We also still have the 6GB and above limit for the $25 Edge discount, the 6GB plan at $70 and the 20GB plan at $140. That's what stayed the same. As for changes, the 8GB ($85), 12GB ($110), 14GB ($120), and 16GB ($130) plans are all gone, even though these were all new just a couple of months ago. In their place, we have the 10GB plan dropping back to $80 (from $100) and the return of the 15GB plan priced at $100.

Previously, this pricing on the 10GB and 15GB plans was promotional and temporary, so it may not stick around for long.

Via: Verizon

Cheers Josh!

Video: Galaxy S6 Goes 3rd Person Describing Its "Hot" Dual Edges in These Commercials

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 07:41:13 +0000

To say that Samsung's promotional videos for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge have been "wild" is probably a bit of an understatement. From unboxings that lead into parkour outings or helicopter escapes from the bad guys, Samsung is kind of all over the place. That's not to say that these commercials are bad, they are just different. Different is usually OK, right? Anything but a ticking digital crown set to a drum beat. Please. Anyways, here are a bunch of semi-funny, kind of awkward, "What Comes Next?" commercials from Samsung that give the phone a voice, turn it into some sort of real object, and then let it talk in the 3rd person to describe itself.

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Here is the Android Logo Pissing on Apple in Google Maps (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 07:15:30 +0000

Ahahah...ahahaha... Someone on the Google Maps team might have a little explaining to do to someone this morning. Hopefully, they get only a little wrist slap or are forced to take a shot of Fireball for their actions, but yes, the images you see here are actually in Maps. Click here if you want to see it. In case you can't quite decipher the code here, that is indeed the Android logo (better known as "Bugdroid") urinating on the Apple logo. I couldn't tell you why this image is plastered just south of Islamabad, west of the Bahria Golf Course, but maybe the Soan River is in need of a refill? Is this that new Bugdroid-Pissing-on-Apple State Park that has been delayed on Kickstarter for months? Whatever the reason, it's something. Talk about a start to our Friday. Update: Google apologized for the "user-created" content and has removed it.

Via: Team Android

Twitter Intros 'Highlights' for Android, Delivers the Best Tweets Via Push Notification

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:30:26 +0000

Today, Twitter introduced a new feature for Android users called Highlights. With this enabled, users will be given a deep, yet brief look into the big things happening on Twitter. For example, if there is a big sporting event going on that everyone seems to be talking about, or a really cool TV show going on, Twitter will recognize this and then recommend the conversations to you via a simple push notification. So, what exactly will be in these Highlights, you may ask? Well, I shall let Twitter do the explaining for you.

To create your Highlights, we look at things like the accounts and conversations that are popular among people you follow, Tweets from people you’re closely tied to, topics and events that are trending in your area or within your network, and people that are popular or trending among people you follow.

To enable this new feature, you will of course need a Twitter account and be following a few people to help Twitter get a sense for what things interest you. In the settings menu on the stock Android application (this is not available for 3rd-party app users), there is a new settings for Highlights. Simply turn it on and let Twitter do the rest. If Highlights sounds like no fun, just don't enable it in the settings menu. Sound cool?

Introducing Highlights. Get the best of Twitter every day, sent to your Android device: https://t.co/9ZUWgX9lcC pic.twitter.com/sYuu7YUO4D
— Twitter (@twitter) April 23, 2015

Via: Twitter

Google+ is Testing a New "Collections" Feature That Seems to be Part Pinterest, Part Blogging

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:20:43 +0000

A new feature called Collections is coming soon to Google+, according to sources of ours. While we have limited information about Collections at this time, from what we understand, the feature wants users to create "collections" of their interests, which makes it sound a lot like Pinterest meets a blogging platform. In Collections, which should be available on mobile and the web when it launches, users can create collections of photos, links, and videos, or follow other users' collections. Google suggests to early users of Collections that these are themed channels of content that could focus on anything from Salsa in San Diego to Paragliding. As you can see from the image above, you will be able to discover new Collections through your G+ circles or quickly create your own from just about anything that interests you. A shortcut to Collections will also likely live in the Google+ drop-down menu, where you currently find links to your Photos, Communities, Events, Stream, etc. It's tough to say when Collections will rollout out to everyone, as it seems to be in a private beta of sorts for now. Should we learn more, we'll pass that info along.

LG Posts More Teasers for G4, Highlight 16MP Camera and QHD Display

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:22:39 +0000

The hype continues to build for the G4 from LG, and the company seems more than happy to oblige potential customers with more teaser videos of the smartphone to come. In the last video posted to LG's YouTube channel, the manufacturer showed off the quality and craftsmanship that goes into the leather-backed models of the G4. In the latest two 15-second videos, LG quickly shows off how impressive their new 5.5" QHD LCD panels should be with deeply saturated colors, as well as the attention to detail that was paid to the rear-facing 16MP camera. Unlike other companies, who would rather save all of the hype for the grand reveal, LG has taken a much different approach with the G4. We know what it looks like, and basically everything that it will feature. The only next thing to do is get one into our hands. Still pumped for the G4? We are less than a week away from the reveal. Display

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Camera

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Cheers Ayan!

Tip: Send Directions to Your Phone by Typing "Send Directions" Into Google

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:52:01 +0000

How many times over the years have you found yourself looking up directions to a restaurant or meeting location on your computer just before you run out the door and wishing you could quickly get those directions to your phone? Even if only a couple of times, you will love this new trick from Google, which allows you to quickly send directions from Google directly to your smartphone or tablet. All you have to do is go to Google.com, type in "send directions," and hit "enter." Google will then include a Maps box in the search results with your device's current location and another input box waiting for your destination. Type in the destination, select it, choose the device you would like to receive the directions to, and click "Send directions to my phone." If done correctly, your phone should open Google Maps within a few seconds and pull up the location you wish to travel to. From there, you can tap the navigation button and be on your way. Pretty easy, right? (Or you could just open Maps on your phone and say, "Navigate to...")

Via: +Google

Giveaway: Enter to Win a Huawei Watch From the DL Deals Store

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:45:00 +0000

Through a giveaway currently taking place on the DL Deals Store, you have an opportunity to win the yet-to-be-released Huawei Watch. This smartwatch was shown off during this year's MWC over in Barcelona, and from what we know so far, it's a very luxurious looking timepiece. Entering these giveaways is very easy. All you need to do is head on over to our deals page, sign up (takes less than 1 minute), then enter the contest. To gain more entries, you will need to share the giveaway through your social channels (Facebook, Twitter), but that is only if you need more of a chance to win. This giveaway is scheduled to close in 27 days. As you should know, the Huawei Watch is not yet available, and as of right now, we don't know exactly when it will hit the market, or for how much. With that said, as soon the watch begins shipping to markets, you shall receive your prize. Giveaway Link

Google's Two New Project Fi Videos Help You Decide a Data Amount, Text and Call From Any Device

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:08:13 +0000

Look, the Nexus 5 2015 in all white! Now that I have you attention with that placeholder device, let's talk about a couple of new videos that Google added within the last 24 hours to its FAQ for Project Fi. The two videos focus on deciding how much data you should choose to start with on your Fi plan and how you can use your Fi number to call and text from almost any device, including tablets and computers. If you are interesting in Project Fi, but are trying to decide how much data you need to pay for - because remember, Google only charges you for the exact data you use at $10 per 1GB - this handy little video walks through how you can check out your current usage. With Android's built-in data usage monitor, you don't even need to check in with your current carrier, for the most part, your phone can already give you that info. But, you probably already knew that, so let's move on.

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What about all this talk of using Hangouts to text and call people using a Project Fi number on other devices? It's true, you can do both things without your Project Fi-activated Nexus 6 in hand. All you need to do is have Hangouts installed on your Project Fi phone and be signed into the Gmail account that's associated with your Project Fi account to get started. You can then make calls with your Project Fi number from almost anywhere, including Gmail. If you want to text, you just need to tell Hangouts to accept SMS and voicemail. Then, you can go to your tablet, for example, and send a text through the associated Gmail account.

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More info will likely continue to pop-up over the coming weeks as the first people get service. We'll continue to share! If you haven't already, be sure to check out our early guide on Project Fi.

Cheers Joshua!

Swiftkey Introduces "Swiftkey Hub" for Quick Settings Changes, Adds Dashlane Support for Password Filling

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:24:52 +0000

Today, Swiftkey introduced what it is calling "Swiftkey Hub" through its beta channel, along with the early stages of testing of a collaboration with Dashlane to help provide you with easier password filling when needed. Both new features are a part of the latest beta, which can be grabbed through the official Swiftkey beta group. With Swiftkey Hub, users get easier access to the keyboard's best features and settings. The Hub lives as a hamburger menu in the top left corner of the keyboard, that when pressed, opens an overlay that gives you access to the Swiftkey Cloud, themes, and other settings, like keyboard resizing. As for Dashlane, we are talking about the password manager that is slightly lesser known that LastPass, but more popular than 1Password. It's one of the better password managers that also has Mac, Windows, and iOS companion apps. By integrating with Swiftkey, Dashlane is able to present your saved passwords to apps or forms "exactly when you need" them in a "safe, easy way." This new Dashlane integration is only available to beta testers who also have Dashlane installed. Still using Swiftkey?

Via: Swiftkey

Chrome Beta 43 for Android Gets Faster Checkouts With Help From Google Wallet

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:00:19 +0000

Chrome Beta for Android is receiving an update today to version 43.0.2357.38 that attempts to speed up your online shopping experience. It also squashes bugs and speeds up the app's performance. As for the shopping changes, Google is claiming that this new update will speed up checkouts by helping you "quickly and securely" complete checkout forms with data from Google Wallet. The update hasn't gone live yet, at least as I type this, so we haven't been able to test out the new process or even see how it works. Once that happens, we will try and update this post. Play Link

Via: Chrome Releases

Report: Yahoo Planning Google Now, Siri Competitor Codenamed 'Index'

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:42:46 +0000

According to sources of Business Insider, Yahoo is hard at work, making a competitor to Google Now and Apple's Siri. Reported to feature the ability to index a users' entire email archive, then spit it back at you in a contextual and helpful manner, the project has been codenamed Index. Overseen by Yahoo executives Jeff Bonforte and Peter Monaco, who came to Yahoo after their company, Xobni, was acquired, it is reported that the service will be made into an application for smartphones, and will also be ad-supported. Where Yahoo thinks they have an advantage on Google and Apple is their long history with users, which spans almost 20 years for certain folks who signed up for Yahoo's service way back in the day. As stated by Business Insider's source, "Gmail users have only had their accounts for 10 years. Yahoo has many 20 year old accounts. Back then people used to email themselves a lot — store things. To surface that kind of data usefully is exciting." Another key element for Yahoo is CEO Marissa Mayer's involvement. Marissa was employee #20 at Google, and was actually the first female engineer to be employed at Google. She was a key player in many of the services that most of still use to this day, including Maps, Gmail, and Google News. If anyone would know where to align a product directly against one of Google's offerings, it would be Yahoo's CEO. As to when we may see what Yahoo is cooking up, sources state Mayer is pushing for a Q2 pilot launch. Now, speaking personally, I don't think I know anyone that would be willing to give a Yahoo personal assistant a try. Siri and Google Now both leave users fulfilled enough, offering plenty of helpful data whenever it may be needed. There are plenty of Yahoo users left, but could the number of those users seriously penetrate the digital personal assistant market? Yahoo will need to add more than just the ability to index decade-old email to get me excited. What is your take on Yahoo's ambitions? Need another assistant in your life?

Via: Business Insider

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Quick Look: Spigen's Galaxy S6 Edge Cases

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:18:50 +0000

Now that our reviews of the Galaxy S6 (review) and Galaxy S6 Edge (review) are out of the way, it's time to start thinking about life with each phone in the near future and beyond, and that means getting are hands on things like accessories to either add features and functionality to the phone or protect it. Since the S6 Edge is the most interesting of the two because of its dual-edge display, we wanted to start there. And since the folks at Spigen sent us over a boatload of cases for the device, we may as well show off theirs. In the video below, we went ahead and grabbed three of their Galaxy S6 Edge cases - the Neo Hybrid, Tough Armor, and Thin Fit. They have more than these three, but these happen to cover most of the reasons you would want a case - protection, thinness, and variety. Our focus here was really to see how accessory makers are approaching the Galaxy S6 Edge and that curved display. We wanted to see how they would offer protection while also keeping that curved display open and free to use without getting in the way. Companies like Spigen seem to have really fine-tuned their cases, so that you can swipe in and out of the Edge, but still feel like a pocket drop won't ruin your incredibly expensive phone. To see the cases in action, the video below is live. If you want to pick up any of Spigen's Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge cases, hit up their Amazon store.

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Google Keep Update Brings Note Browsing to Android Wear

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:34:16 +0000

Google Keep may not be the best note taking or to-do list app around, but it has Google's support and therefore makes it impossible not to use at times. I actually find myself using it quite often, just because of its simplicity for when I want to make something as simple as a grocery or shopping list that can be easily shared with my wife. After today's update, I may find myself using it even more. In an update that is rolling out now, Google Keep gets better Android Wear support which means you can now browse notes on your watch and also interact with them. Previously, you could use Android Wear to take a quick note in Keep, but that was about it. Now, you can pull up all of your notes by saying, "Ok, Google, open Keep." Once opened, you can open individual lists, tap on check boxes to mark things as done, create new notes, and take care of tasks without pulling out your phone. It works pretty well. Feel free to grab the update below. Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Via: Official Android Blog

Looks Like Samsung's Next Gear Watch Will be Round

Kellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:49:23 +0000

You all remember Samsung's line of Gear devices, don't you? They were the wearables that were originally rushed to market, featured nipple cameras, and only worked with Samsung devices. They also ran Tizen, were re-done a number of times yet never seemed to catch anyone's attention unless they are a part of an eBay flash sale, and always had questionable designs that weren't really classic or mainstream. Remember now? Get ready for a new one! According to Samsung, the 7th generation Samsung Gear device is on the way and they want developers to help create awesome apps for it before it launches. But that whole developer thing isn't really the story here - the teaser image for the device is. It looks like Samsung is going to produce their own fully round smartwatch. The teaser poster, which is included below, says "Get ready for the next Gear," and is joined by a circular watch face, along with circular apps from companies like CNN and Yelp. Samsung did not say when we should expect this new Gear device, only that this is the first time they are offering up a chance for developers to get a hold of a new SDK ahead of time. My guess is that it will join the Galaxy Note 5 later this summer. If Samsung makes a new Gear watch that is round, are you interested?

Via: Samsung

Noodlecake Publishes Beatdown! to Google Play, a Beat 'em Up Game With Epic Boss Battles

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:13:43 +0000

This morning, a new title from popular publisher Noodlecake has hit Google Play, called Beatdown! In this beat 'em up styled title, you go through 20 levels of baddies, fighting your way to 5 epic boss battles. Over the course of your adventure, you shall play through 5 different environments, featuring 30 different enemies. Your character is capable of performing combos and "Rage Attacks," which should lead to a few fun-filled battles. If you have played a Noodlecake game before, the styling of Beatdown! should look rather familiar, as many of their games feature a somewhat dry, yet entertaining look to them. Most characters are quite pixelated, which adds a bit of arcade feel to them. The games costs $0.99, but be aware, there are also IAPs. Check it out on Google Play. Features

20 Levels
Endless mode
5 Bosses
5 Environments
30 Enemies
Combos / Rage Attacks
3 control schemes (new control scheme, analog and d-pad)
Google Play Achievements

Play Link ($0.99)

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OnePlus Celebrates One's First Birthday With One Dollar Price Cut

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:06:43 +0000

The OnePlus One has turned a year old, and to celebrate, the manufacturer that "Never Settles" is slashing the price of their device, by a single dollar. While that may not seem very cool at all, the OnePlus is already priced starting at $299, which leaves very little margin for the company to profit from. With this "price cut," the company states, "Slashing the price by just $1 is a symbolic gesture, showcasing our commitment to delivering amazing hardware at cost, and ultimately making it more accessible for more people." Now, even though the phone itself is not seeing a huge dip in price, OnePlus is also giving a 50% off discount on select accessories through its store, such as screen protectors, their special ear buds from JBL, and OTG cable. The full list can be viewed here. In addition, you can even pick up a OnePlus t-shirt for 50% off. If you would like to pick up the OnePlus One for its special price of $298 or $348, buy it here.

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Via: OnePlus

Samsung Gear VR for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Arrives May 8, Preorder on April 24 (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 07:37:07 +0000

The latest version of Gear VR, Samsung's virtual reality headset that was once only available for the Galaxy Note 4, will soon be purchasable by owners of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Labeled as an Innovator Edition, units will go on sale May 8 for an undisclosed price, but a pre-order for units will take place April 24 (tomorrow) on Best Buy's website. As for what price you can expect, the first Gear VR was priced at $199 for Note 4 owners, and we don't see any reason Samsung should move away from that price point. While content for VR devices is still rather limited, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge feature extremely high resolution displays, making whatever content that is available, much more enjoyable. During my time with the Gear VR for the Note 4, I was sometimes shocked that I could still see pixels, even though the Note 4 features a QHD display. However, with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge featuring more compact displays with higher pixel-per-inch counts, maybe that won't be an issue. Update: Samsung has reached out, confirming the $199 price tag for this version of Gear VR. Pre-orders go up tomorrow. Are you getting one?

LG Watch Urbane Finally Goes on Sale on the Google Store This Month

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 19:13:25 +0000

LG announced this evening that its "premium" and "elegantly" designed Watch Urbane will finally go on sale this week in South Korea and then arrive on the Google Store later in the month. Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States will all be able to purchase the Watch Urbane from Google. No pricing information was made available. Instead, we will have to wait for local markets to announce that info. To recap, the LG Watch Urbane is meant to be one of the most premium Android Wear watches available to date. It features a modern design with a full-circle 1.3-inch Plastic OLED (P-OLED) display, less prominent bezel, and smaller overall dimensions than other watches, but with a typical watch battery. The body is all metal, stainless steel and comes with either a rose gold or silver coating. It also includes a stitched leather strap. As a reminder, the Watch Urbane is the first Android Wear device to run the latest Android Wear update that introduces WiFi connectivity, emoji drawing, and always-on apps.

PREMIUM LG WATCH URBANE FIRST NEW ANDROID WEAR DEVICE TO FEATURE LATEST OS

Elegantly Designed Smartwatch Rolls Out Worldwide With Latest Technology and Performance
SEOUL, Apr. 23, 2015 ― LG Electronics (LG) will begin the global rollout of its premium LG Watch Urbane this week in South Korea to be followed by key markets in North America, Europe and Asia in the weeks to come. Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States will be able to purchase the LG Watch Urbane on Google Store starting this month. At MWC 2015, the LG Watch Urbane received numerous awards and accolades from consumers, media and industry thought leaders for its modern design, full-circle Plastic OLED (P-OLED) display and overall usefulness. The LG Watch Urbane carries over the 1.3-inch P-OLED display from the LG G Watch R but features a less prominent and lower profile bezel. Its dimensions are smaller overall and thinner, without reducing the size of the display or the battery. Responding to consumers’ desire for style as well as function, the LG Watch Urbane has a full metal body with a stitched genuine leather strap. The stainless steel body is available in a luxurious polished rose gold and silver, accentuated further with a narrow bezel that gives the device the sleek lines of a classic timepiece. Unlike many other competing smartwatches, the band can be exchanged with any replacement 22mm leather, silicone or metal strap for the ultimate in convenience and personalization. LG Watch Urbane is the first new smartwatch powered by the latest version of Android Wear which works seamlessly with smartphones running Android 4.3 and above. Some of the features available for the first time on any Android Wear device include Wi-Fi connectivity, always-on apps to keep the display from going dark when running, navigating or even grocery shopping and an improved UX that makes launching favorite apps and getting in touch with friends easier than ever before with everything now front-and-center. The latest OS allows users to send emojis by drawing them directly on the LG Watch Urbane. Draw a smiley face, a clock showing a certain time or any other pictures and Android Wear will match your drawing to the closest Unicode emoji for sending to another Android Wear watch, smartphone, or computer. Other improvements include the ability to change the font size and see notifications even when looking at another function on the display, such as directions. What’s more, the screen on the LG Watch Urbane can now be set to lock automatically when it is removed from the wrist. Included in LG Watch Urbane are two new and useful features not available on other Android Wear devices: LG Call and LG Pulse. LG Call allows the wearer to access recent calls and the favorite contacts list on the connected smartphone to dial out directly from the watch. When connected to a Bluetooth headset, there is no need to remove the phone from one’s pocket to place a call. And LG Pulse takes health monitoring to a whole new level by measuring the wearer’s heart rate every second during exercise with no maximum time limit. At the end of the activity, LG Pulse will report the average heart rate over the entire duration of the activity and display a heart rate graph on LG Health (coming soon). “The LG Watch Urbane is the third Android Wear device introduced by LG in the past year which demonstrates our commitment to this platform,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “More importantly, LG Watch Urbane is a perfect example that Android Wear watches can be functional and beautiful and a useful accessory that complements any wardrobe. No one would mistake LG Watch Urbane for a computer on your wrist.” Price and additional purchase details will be announced locally at the time of availability. Key Specifications: Chipset: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 400 Operating System: Android Wear™ Display: 1.3-inch P-OLED Display (320 x 320, 245ppi) Size: 45.5 x 52.2 x 10.9mm Memory: 4GB eMMC / 512MB LPDDR2 Battery: 410mAh Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro / Accelerometer / Compass) / Barometer / PPG (Heart Rate Sensor) Color: Rose Gold / Silver Other: Dust and Water Resistance (IP67) # # #

Video: LG Shows Off Another Preview of the G4's UX 4.0

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:20:14 +0000

While Samsung is doing whatever it can to distance itself from hardly-used gimmicky features in its Android skin, LG appears to be fully embracing the bloat. In a new video created to show off LG's UX 4.0 that will debut on the G4 at the end of this month, LG walks through features like a screen-off creep shot mode (unofficial title there), multi-shot selfie modes and automatic ringtone composing for all of your favorite contacts, because hearing who is calling is better than looking at who is calling, or something. I really just want LG to come out and say that they worked on performance. That's it. Samsung got rid of the jank, so now it's your turn, LG. We want life to be good.

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Portable to Receive Android 5.1 Update

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:08:32 +0000

Straight from NVIDIA's forums, it appears the company is prepping OTA updates for the SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Portable, bumping them up to Android 5.1 for all owners. A representative for the company in the forums states that they have heard the cries of consumers, mainly due to the buggy nature of the early builds for Lollipop, and to help owners, they will bring Android 5.1 as soon as possible.

As part of the SHIELD tablet experience post-OTA 2.0, we heard your feedback about performance and responsiveness issues related to the Android OS. We have identified and fixed many of these issues in an upcoming OTA release, which will also upgrade the OS to Android 5.1. In addition to new features and improved security, Android 5.1 provides an overall snappier end user experience.

This is great news for SHIELD Portable owners, as their devices have still yet to even get a taste of Lollipop. If you are like me, running Lollipop on the SHIELD Tablet, your experience is likely filled with frustrations from time to time, including a very odd Netflix bug which renders the app useless unless you reboot the device. Either way, the OTAs should arrive soon enough. We will let you know when to start hitting the update button.

Via: NVIDIA [2] | Android Police

Qualcomm Posts Poor Q2 Numbers, Lowers Expectations for Second Half of 2015

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:14:40 +0000

Qualcomm announced Q2 financials for the year of 2015 this morning, and they weren't very good. Looking at the big picture, it is not the end of times by any means at Qualcomm, but the company has lowered its expectations for the second half of this year, largely due in part to Samsung's ditching of the Snapdragon 810, opting to use its own in-house Exynos processor in the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Steve Mollenkopf, CEO of Qualcomm, stated the following in the release. "While we remain confident in the significant growth opportunities ahead, we are reducing our QCT outlook for fiscal 2015, primarily due to the increased impact of customer share shifts within the premium tier and a decline in our share at a large customer." The part in bold, while not directly attributed, is likely Samsung with the aforementioned decision to use Exynos processors in the new Galaxy S6. It may also be safe to assume that Samsung will continue to use the Exynos processor in the upcoming Galaxy Note 5, which may only lead to more hurt for Qualcomm.

For a time, it looked like Qualcomm could do no wrong in the space, but with the Snapdragon 810, there was a misstep. Now we wait to see if the company's next high-end processor iterations can deliver the goods.

Via: Qualcomm

Wednesday Poll: Will You Try to Sign-Up for Google's Project Fi?

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:18:35 +0000

Google's Project Fi is about all we can think about on an Android front at the moment. Even though it's invite-only and only works with the Nexus 6, we can't wait to grab a Project Fi SIM card and take it for a spin. The thought of being a part of a network that is constantly attempting to find you the strongest, fastest connection is a pretty interesting idea. We also like the fact that Google refunds you for unused data and doesn't appear to be including any carrier-related gimmicks. But that's us. We want to know what you think about Project Fi. Assuming you live in an area that can participate and receive an invite, are you thinking about joining? Is Project Fi worth dropping your current carrier for? If you don't know and still need to learn more about Project Fi, check out this post of ours. [poll id="362"]

Outlook for Android Comes Out of Preview, Features Improved Look and Feel

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:14:48 +0000

Microsoft's Outlook launched onto Android as a preview back in January, but now, the company feels confident in their work enough to drop the preview tag. In a blog post to announce the change, Microsoft details updates they have made to Outlook, making it feel more native to Android. Inside, users will still see a navigation drawer on the left side of the display, housing all of the app's features in a single and convenient place. In addition, Outlook continues to offer IMAP support, for users of various email services. And finally, Microsoft has sent various updates out the past few months which increase the app's performance and features. Of course, you can still expect to see more updates down the road if Outlook is your go-to client. The updated app is now available on Google Play, so go give it a try. Play Link

LG's Latest 15 Second Promo Teases "Genuine Leather"

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:16:49 +0000

In a new 15 second promo posted to LG's account on YouTube, the company quickly shows off the craftsmanship and quality that goes into the leather-backed models of the upcoming G4 smartphone. As we can see, it says "Genuine Leather" on the material used, which hopefully it means it does not feel plasticy or cheap while in hand. If you have heard us talk about the leather strap used on the G Watch R, then you will know what we are referring to. For example, the leather used on the Moto X is soft and smooth, and we hope to feel the same when we pick up one of these G4 units. At the end of the video, we see the leather being branded with the G4 logo. And that's it. If the G4 is a potential pickup for you, which model would you go for? A plastic back or leather back? You can see the various options here from a leak that took place previously.

Everything You Need to Know About Google's Project Fi Wireless Service

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:33:24 +0000

Google just became a wireless carrier through Project Fi. Insane, right? The rumors that have spread throughout the last couple of months were basically all correct, so we kind of know what we are getting here. Still, there is a lot to process. We figured, now would be a great time to help you figure out what Project Fi is, how you can get signed up, which devices work, etc. Ready? Here we go.

What is Project Fi? This is Google's take on how your wireless service should work. They created new technology that puts you on the best available network automatically, whether that be WiFi or LTE from Sprint or T-Mobile. The service is able to automatically switch you between cellular and WiFi networks depending on which it deems is the faster connection. Project Fi also attaches your Fi phone number to your Gmail account, so that you can make and receive calls or text from almost anywhere, including computers and tablets. How much does it cost? Google is charging just $20 per month for the "Fi Basics" which includes unlimited domestic talk, text, international text, low-cost international calls, WiFi tethering, and coverage in 120+ countries. From there, you add on data at $10 per 1GB. So if you want 2GB of data per month, you will owe $20 for the data plus another $20 for the Fi Basics. This Fi service differentiates itself from typical carriers because of the fact that Google only charges you for the data you use. So if you buy 2GB worth of data at $20, but only use 1.4GB, they will refund you $6 for the 600MB of data you didn't use for use on your next month's bill. If you buy 2GB of data and go over, Google only charges you at the $10 per 1GB rate. Even if you only go over and use 350MB, they calculate that at the same rate, so you would be charged an extra $3.50. There is no annual contract with Project Fi. There are no termination fees either.

Coverage To check to see if you will be covered by Project Fi, you can click through to Google's Project FI coverage map. From I can gather, as long as you are covered by Sprint and T-Mobile LTE, you should be eligible for Project Fi. Project Fi is currently only available in the US. Carrier partners Google has partnered with Sprint and T-Mobile for Project Fi. WiFi networks, data security, WiFi calling Google's Project Fi allows you to connect to more than a million free, WiFi hotspots that they have verified as "fast and reliable." When connected, Google sends your data over a Virtual Private Network (VPN), so that no one else on the network knows what you are up to. Connecting to these networks does not require any action from you, meaning you connect automatically without having to punch in a password or watch an advertisement. As for calls over WiFi, they work just like your normal calls over cellular. Also, if you start a call over WiFi, but switch to a cellular network that is determined to be a faster connection, your call continues without dropping. That's part of the beauty of Project Fi. International use Project Fi has you covered when traveling internationally with support in over 120 countries. The full list of countries can be found here. Data usage runs the same $10 per 1GB, but the speeds are reduced to 256kbps (3G). If you want to text while traveling, texts are free as a part of the Fi Basics plan. If you want to call, you are charged 20 cents per minute when connected via cellular, and the rate varies on WiFi, though you are only charged for outbound calls on WiFi. Support devices As of right now, the Nexus 6 is the only phone that works with Project Fi. If you already own the Nexus 6, your phone will work with Project Fi, you don't need to go buy a special version.

Calling from other devices If you opt-in, Project Fi will attach your phone number to your attached Gmail account, which will then use Hangouts to let you call and text from almost anywhere. This includes calling and texting from computers and tablets. Also, if you receive a call to your Fi number, you can have it ring through your Hangouts accounts on other devices. Cool, right? Special SIM card Google created a special SIM card with help from their partners that allows you to access multiple networks. Invite only At this time, Project Fi is invite only. You can request an invite here. According to Google, if you requested an invite, you will hear from them in 30 days or less. They are prioritizing invitations for this Early Access Program by looking at network access for your zip code, whether Project Fi is ready for service in your area, and when your invitation request was submitted. Am I eligible? In order to be eligible for Project Fi, you need to live in a coverage area, have a Gmail account, and own the Nexus 6. Well, you don't need to own the Nexus 6 to technically be eligible, but you will have to own one in order to use the service. Switching to Fi: Phone numbers, termination fees, etc. If you want to bring your phone number with you to Project Fi, you can do that. Just keep in mind that if you are leaving your current carrier, there may be fees associated with the move. Google is not going to pay off your early termination fees. Battery life and impact Google states that they have optimized their software to not "put any extra strain on your battery by only moving you between networks when absolutely necessary."

Project Fi app \ 24-7 support Project Fi is accompanied by an account management app that allows you to change your plan, pay your bill, and check data usage. It also shows you bills, with "simple" monthly recaps of your data usage for the month. The app even allows you to get 24-7 support should you run into issues. Other notes

There are on family plans, only individual accounts
You can use your data as a WiFi hotspot at no extra charge, but it will consume your data
Project Fi includes visual voicemail through the call history in your phone

To find out even more details about Project Fi, hit up the official FAQ.

Mortal Kombat X Appears on Google Play, Not Yet Available to US Residents

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:32:28 +0000

Mortal Kombat X, one of the more violent and gore-filled games I have played on a console in recent ages, is now available for Android devices straight through Google Play. However, the publishers have decided to go with a soft launch, so only folks in select markets can download it as of right now, but that should change very soon. Mortal Kombat, as I would hope everyone knows, is a PvP fighting game that exploded when arcades were still around. All of the classic characters are inside, such as Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Johnny Cage, Sonya, and Ermac. Unfortunately, I don't think we can expect to see Goro in this mobile version, unless you can purchase additional characters through in-app purchases. And speaking of IAPs, there are plenty of them. The game is free to download, but you can expect to see quite a few offerings for IAPs when it comes to possible energy bars and things like that. Their prices go from $2 all the way to $100. To help you get an idea of what you are in for, check the trailer below that is for the console version of the game. The graphics won't be as intense, but the fighting and X-ray visuals will all be there. Rumor has it the game will see a global rollout starting tomorrow. Play Link

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Google is Now a Wireless Carrier, Makes Project Fi Official (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:53:00 +0000

Google made Project Fi official moments ago, after months of rumors coming from multiple sources. Launching with partnerships between T-Mobile and Sprint, Google's Project Fi allows customers to seamlessly move between mobile networks and WiFi hotspots, connecting them to the best speeds at any given moment. At this time, only Nexus 6 owners can use it, and to get on the service, you will need to request an invite. Google details its pricing scheme as well through the release, matching up with previous reports we have written. Essentially, you pay for only what you use on the network, with each 1GB of data costing $10. For $20 a month, you get all of the basics, including talk, text, WiFi tethering, and even International coverage in 120+ countries abroad.

Here's how it works: for $20 a month you get all the basics (talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries), and then it's a flat $10 per GB for cellular data while in the U.S. and abroad. 1GB is $10/month, 2GB is $20/month, 3GB is $30/month, and so on. Since it's hard to predict your data usage, you'll get credit for the full value of your unused data. Let's say you go with 3GB for $30 and only use 1.4GB one month. You'll get $16 back, so you only pay for what you use.

Google is now accepting invites for anyone and everyone to join Project Fi, so go grab one here. Do note, you need a valid @gmail account to request one, and you will need a Nexus 6 to connect to the network. Everyone else will just have to wait. What do you think? Exactly what you had hoped or envisioned Google doing? UPDATE: Here is a list of all the things you need to know about Project Fi.

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Via: Google

Facebook Introduces "Hello," a Dialer App for Android

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:12:14 +0000

Facebook just announced a new app that might replace your current dialer, called Hello. At least, that's what they want you to do with it bv selling you on its features, which include call blocking, people and place searching, and a caller ID-like functionality that shows you who is calling even if you don't have the number saved to your phone. With incoming calls, Facebook can show you information that is being shared via profiles on Facebook, at least that's my understanding. Chances are that people calling will be sharing some form of information, so this could be a pretty solid and free see-who-is-calling option. With people and places searching, the listings show you numbers, if the person/place has free calling through Messenger, and give you quick access to directions. As for call blocking, a simple button press allows you to block unwanted solicitors. The app was developed by the Facebook Creative Labs and Messenger teams and is technically only in a testing phase. This isn't a beta, though, anyone can download it and start using it.

Give it a look, assuming you feel like attaching your life to Facebook. We'll be giving it a look today. Play Link

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Android Wear V1.1 Update Adds Multi-Device Support, Cloud Sync Over WiFi

Kellen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:26:12 +0000

An update for the Android Wear companion app began its slow rollout yesterday in preparation for the big Android Wear firmware update that is going to hit smartwatches over the next few weeks. The update adds a handful of new features, including cloud sync over WiFi that allows you to keep up with notifications and use voice search when you aren't connected to a phone's Bluetooth. Cloud sync over WiFi, as I just mentioned, lets you sync data between your phone and watch while on WiFi, assuming your watch can connect to a WiFi network. Most Android Wear watches will soon be able to in the next firmware update, outside of the original G Watch. But devices like the Moto 360 ~~and G Watch R~~ will be good to go. In the newest Android Wear app, there is a simple toggle that enables cloud sync. The rest of the update is equally as important, in my opinion. For one, you can now connect and keep track of multiple Android Wear devices. Instead of forgetting and pairing new devices, you can create a list of watches that are all stored in the Wear app. With each watch's info stored, you can then maintain their specifics, like if ambient screen, tilt to wake, or card previews should be on. You can also check the battery and watch storage. The update also includes additional UI tweaks and better control over individual calendars. It's a big update. Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Here is the Android 5.1 Update Changelog for the Moto X (1st Gen)

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 23:16:01 +0000

The Android 5.1 update for the Moto X (1st gen) is finally rolling out...in Brazil. I know, not exactly what you wanted to hear, but hey, at least it is rolling out to the 1st gen Xs after what has been months of delays. If the update is headed to devices in Brazil, then Motorola must be getting it ready for US carrier variants too. So what's new in the update? It's a lot like the original 5.0 update that rolled out to the Moto X (2nd gen), only this has all sorts of bug fixes that likely won't be mentioned in the changelog we have pasted below. It does talk about Smart Lock (trusted devices), Material Design, new notification controls, Do Not Disturb mode, the addition of the flashlight shortcut to the quick settings menu, and use of ART. Speaking of the changelog, it was translated from Portugese to English, so please excuse some of the misspellings and other oddities.

Design material	You will notice an immediate visual fully renovated and colored in your device, since fluid animations to new themes, colors and widgets for applications and the system.
UI and priorities of notifications	In order to alert you to the latest relevant information, the format and the operation of notifications evolved: notifications will appear on the lock screen, classified intelligently by type and sender. open a notification with two rings, swipe left or right to delete or remove all notifications from the list of background. can set the priority and the privacy of notifications for each application. notifications with higher priority will appear briefly on other applications, so you can decide what action to take. when you cancel a notification on a device, this is also canceled in its other Android devices if they are connected to the Internet. can further adjust the operation of notifications through new Inactivity Period settings and screen Environment (see below).
New definitions of interruptions and downtime	You can adjust the operation of interruptions, opting to allow all, none or only interrupts with priority. You can customize what is considered an interrupt with priority (reminders, events, calls, SMS / MMS) and to adjust it to receive only specific contacts interruptions. The definition of inactivity period will allow priority interrupted only during the hours and days that you specify. For example, you can enable interrupts with priority only during the weekends.
Recent applications (Multitasking)	The space redesigned the Overview (formerly Recent) will include both applications as separate activities in these applications. For example, the tabs open in Chrome will also appear here along with recent applications; both your Gmail inbox as a draft message email will be presented separately. This enables consistently switch between tasks.
Motorcycle	The Moto phone adapts to you and not vice versa. Now the Moto Assist incorporates Motorola, the Motorola smart screen, the Moto Voice (Voice Control) and the Moto Shares.
Moto Screen and Screen Environment	While the screen of your phone is off, the screen Moto will continue to submit relevant reports through contextual computing processor low power consumption. Also react intelligently when using the zoom gesture on Moto Shares. Now, Android Lollipop includes similar functionality, designated Environment screen, which displays notifications such as those already presented on the lock screen. If you prefer to try the new functionality Environment screen, clear the screen setting in Moto Moto application. Note: Setting the screen does not use the low-power processor from Motorola and activate more of the screen, which can affect battery life. The zoom gesture on Moto Shares will not activate the screen Environment.
Moto Assist and Sleep Delay	Moto Assist integrates new functionality Sleep Delay in Android Lollipop system, in order to control when you want to not be bothered. The Moto Assist also happens to use the new settings interruptions, so you can customize exceptions, such as allowing contact you only the people in your contact list with star.
Flashlight	Lollipop includes a new flashlight option as part of the Quick Sets (slide down with two fingers from the status bar to view).
Share your device	You can now set multiple user accounts on your phone. The guest mode is enabled by default. You can grant privileges calls and sending SMS / MMS to other users of your device or restrict them according to their preferences via the Settings menu in users. Note that the custom Moto experiences (Moto Assist, Voice Moto, Moto screen , Moto Shares) and the Motorola Connect intended only to the owner's account.The Motorola Camera and Gallery applications support multiple user accounts.
Select a view / application	The screen dialing allows you to keep an application or a specific screen viewing. For example, you can "tag" a game and your child can not access any other content on your phone.
Battery	Now the battery settings panel shows an estimate of time remaining until running out of battery or until it is fully charged. You can also activate a new battery saving mode, which will reduce consumption by limiting the performance of most of the data in the background operations, in order to increase battery life.
Links to more intelligent Internet	With Android Lollipop, your phone will not establish connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot without there being a connection to the internet verified. This feature improves the transition between Wi-Fi connections and mobile, so that the video chat or call voice over IP (VoIP) remain active during this transition.
Performance	The phone now uses the new Android Runtime to help optimize application performance. After upgrading to Lollipop, their applications will undergo a single optimization process. Note that you need more space for the optimization of ART
Smart Lock (Trusted Devices)	The Android Lollipop adds native support to enable reliable devices remain unlocked phone (like Moto 360, a headset or Bluetooth car kit, etc.). Smart Lock replaces the previous trusted device capacity of your Motorola phone. Note that you must re-add the trusted devices after the transition to the Lollipop in the Security settings menu on Smart Lock.

It has to be soon for the rest of you. Has to be.

Via: Motorola

Cheers Lucas!

This is Google Contributor

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 22:54:06 +0000

Back in November of last year, Google announced a new invite-only project called Contributor that was an "experiment in additional ways to fund the web." The basics are this - Google Contributor gives you the opportunity to experience less ads when browsing your favorite websites by contributing a set amount of money each month, money that is distributed to those sites. You get less ads and your favorite websites get money that should help them continue making great content. Today, Google began sending out a whole bunch of invites to interested parties. We received an invite and thought we would show you how this new ad-light world might look. Again, Contributor is an invite-only service as of right now, so if you are interested in signing up, head over to the Contributor site and let Google know. So how does it all work and how much does it cost? As I just mentioned, you need to be invited. Once you are invited, you get to accept that invite and then decide how much money you want to contribute each month. When Google first introduced Contributor, they were asking that you pay in the range of $1-$3 per month, but now that more invites are out and more websites are participating, the pricing scheme has changed. Google is now asking that you pay anywhere from $1 to $15 per month, but they are recommending you get in $2, $5, or $10 contribution slots. The more you pay, the less ads you will see. This GIF illustrates the pricing and how it changes the number/percentage of ads you will see:

This is the $2, $5, and $10 chart that Google first shows you, which gives you an adea of the percentage of fewer ads you might see:

Once you decide on an amount, you setup a payment through Google Wallet. Then, you are ready to start browsing the web and experiencing less ads, as long as you are signed into your Google account. You will notice I keep saying "less" instead of "ad-free." Contributor isn't an ad-free service, it just allows you to reduce the number of ads you see, which again, can be seen in the images above. The Dashboard With a payment selected, you now get to enter the simple Contributor dashboard to tweak a few settings and keep track of everything. There are two pages in the dashboard, one that shows your contribution, number of ads removed, and the sites (with amounts) you have contributed to, and the other has a couple of settings for things like specifying the sites you want to contribute to and what you would like to replace ads with. That's it. This dashboard is incredibly simple. Here is a look at the main page:

You can click on the contribution amount and then change it to whatever number you want from $1 to $15 at any time. Clicking on it takes you to the GIF I used above. The "Ads removed" and "Sites you've contributed to" sections aren't all that interactive, but if you see sites in your "contributed to" section that you would rather not give money to, you can click them and tell Contributor to stop using the service there. You also get to tell Contributor why, though the options are only "It used too much of my contribution" and "Other" at this time.

On the Settings page, you can tell Contributor to spread your monthly contribution throughout all of the participating sites or specify individual sites that you would rather support. You also get to tell it what you would like to see in the spots that ads would typically be shown. As you can see from the images below, I chose to see cats. Yes, I did.

What does it look like on websites? Ahh yes, you probably want to know what the actual Contributor experience is like. Well, like this.

Look at those adorable cats in place of the ads that would normally show on Droid Life. What about mobile, you ask? Mobile works too, as long as you are signed into Chrome. Check it out.

Instead of the cats, Google simple replaced a banner under our lead image with a "THANK YOU FOR BEING A CONTRIBUTOR" comment. It's a clean look, and probably better than me staring at cats every time I load a web page. What happens to my contribution each month? Depending on the amount of money you decide to contribute each month, Google will attempt to "pace" how often you see the thank you messages, so that your contribution "goes as far as possible." But keep in mind that whenever you see the thank you message replacing an ad, you are paying the "market price for ad spaces." If you don't spend your monthly contribution, it rolls over to the next month. OK, so which sites are participating? Google claims that millions of sites are now a part of Contributor. What that really means is that Google is automatically adding in sites that use their ad services, like Ad Exchange and Adsense. I don't know how I feel about that, but my Contributor account seems to work on just about every website I visit, because most websites use at least one of Google's ad products. Google's FAQ does say specifically that Contributor works on websites "that show Google ads." So yeah, if a website is showing any form of Google ads, Contributor will work on it unless they manually tell it not to. So in short, if you sign up for Contributor, expect it to work on most websites. Is it awesome? It is kind of awesome. Right now, I'm paying $10 per month and am already seeing a lot less ads. Of course, we all know that ad-block is free, but to website owners like me, ad-block is a pretty horrible product that only hurts our opportunity to keep producing content that is free to consume. I personally, am now enjoying the fact that ads in my browser are reduced on the sites I visit regularly, except I'm doing it while still helping these sites. It'll be interesting to see how this all affects the way we use the internet, if people are willing to pay to support their favorite sites, and if sites like ours can actually make any money as more people sign-up. Anyone else get an invite to Contributor? What do you think?

Google Wireless May Debut Tomorrow

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:12:08 +0000

According to a late breaking story out of the Wall Street Journal, Google could debut its wireless service as early as tomorrow. The report states that an unveiling could take place Wednesday, but obviously, nothing is confirmed at this time. Their report mentions Google's wireless service allowing customers to pay only for the data they use each month, instead of paying for the buckets of data that current carriers offer that often go unused. Of course, this isn't the first time we have heard this news. A report last week dropped that bit of knowledge, along with numerous other details. Be sure to read that report here. The WSJ also expects the Nexus 6 to be the only compatible device at launch. Talk about exciting news. So here are a couple of important questions. Do you think this will be a nationwide service or only in select markets? How much do you think Google will charge per GB of data?

Via: Wall Street Journal

Handy App: Galaxy Button Lights Lets You Decide When Your Galaxy S6's Soft Keys Light Up and Turn Off

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:26:43 +0000

It's time to take control of the soft keys on your Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge with a new app called Galaxy Button Lights, that lets you control your Galaxy button lights for free. The app has three settings - a timer in a 1-10 second range, a button that tells your soft key lights to always stay on when the phone is in use, and another button that tells them to remain off at all times. You may not realize it yet, but this app is pretty damn handy. I actually can't remember the last time I found an app that was this simple yet so needed. Oh, and no root required. Play Link

Cheers Yummy!

Deal: This SHARKK 15,000mAh Dual-Port Portable Charger is Just $30

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:08:50 +0000

For whatever reason, you can't turn around these days without seeing a battery pack on sale. Today's price slashing is on the SHARKK 15000mAh dual-port pack in the DL Deals store which can be had for $29.99 or 50% off. As the name suggests, it features dual USB ports so that you can multiple devices at a time. It also has a smallish, sleek grey design, with orange highlights and LED indicators. This same power bank has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon and a retail price of $49.99. The deal is live for another 3 days. Features:

Sleek, compact & versatile rock-surface design
15000mAh battery for up to 6 full iPhone charges or 4 charges for Samsung devices
LED light indicators display power status & remaining charge level
Dual USB ports allow for simultaneous device charging (5V/1A, Port B: 5V/2.1A)

Deal Link

Action Launcher 3.4 Update Adds Over a Dozen New Features

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:02:44 +0000

Action Launcher received an update to version 3.4 today that introduces over a dozen new features. The full list is below, but you will see new options for things like vertical scrolling, customizable grids, and icon label editing in the All Apps menu. There is also an option for hiding the status bar, font picker, and the ability to hide desktop shortcuts from app drawers. Here are all of the new features:

NEW: App is now much more generous with customizations that are unlocked for non-Plus users. Quicktheme and customizable shortcuts aside, >70% of all customizations are unlocked.
NEW: Option for a vertically scrolling All Apps/widgets list.
NEW: Customize All Apps grid size and icon scale.
NEW: Edit the icons and labels of apps in the All Apps/Quickdrawer.
NEW: Option to configure the font. Pick from 5 Roboto variants.
NEW: Edit the labels of Shutters/app shortcuts.
NEW: Quickly hide desktop shortcuts from app drawers.
NEW: Option to hide the status bar.
NEW: Add shortcut action for toggling the status bar on/off.
NEW: Option to specify all new folders be created as Covers.
NEW: Option to select All Apps/Quickdrawer sort mode.
NEW: Option to disable Quickdrawer letter shortcuts.
NEW: Option for All Apps/Quickdrawer/widget picker to always/never load to the previous position.

To see the rest of the changelog, hit up Chris Lacy's G+ post that is linked below. Then go grab the update. Play Link

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Via: +Chris Lacy

Direct Message Anyone on Twitter Now, Even if They Don't Follow You

Tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:43:04 +0000

As it was, for Twitter accounts that are not verified, you could not send them a direct message (DM) unless that specific account followed you. In turn, no one could message you unless you followed them. Now, Twitter has removed these restrictions, allowing anyone and everyone to share DMs. To help promote open communication, Twitter thinks allowing everyone to send DMs to people they may not even know is completely appropriate. Of course, this change can be toggled on and off in your settings, allowing you to restrict people's ability to send you a DM. From what I see in the settings menu, either you allow everyone to message you, or just the people you follow and they follow back to message.

Here is a breakdown of exactly what is new. What's New

A setting that allows you to receive Direct Messages from anyone, even if you don’t follow them. To change your settings follow these instructions.
Updated messaging rules so you can reply to anyone who sends you a Direct Message, regardless of whether or not that person follows you.
A new Direct Message button on profile pages on Android and iPhone. You’ll see it on the profiles of people you can send Direct Messages to.

What do you think of these changes? Good move? Dumb move?

Via: Twitter

HTC One M9 Review

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:55:11 +0000

After using the HTC One M9 on and off for the last month, I think it's probably time that we talk about some thoughts on it in an official review-like capacity. With our Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge reviews out of the way, I have had some more time to get the One M9 back in my hand and jot those down. But before we get into the nitty gritty, let us first recap HTC's newest flagship. The One M9 is HTC's third attempt at this whole all-metal design thing that they think is a major selling point. It's also their third attempt at getting a camera right, selling us on why we need BoomSound in our lives, and why you should actually buy into this phone and HTC's ecosystem, since most of you haven't been. They played it safe with the One M9 for the most part, tweaked some things here and there as they saw fit, and now get to see if it all can compete with a revived Samsung. Here we go, this is our HTC One M9 review.

The Good

BoomSound The one shining light that remains an important part of the HTC One experience after three years is without a doubt BoomSound. The dual front-facing speaker setup on all three One devices has been a game changer that others in the industry have had to adopt to keep up. Front speakers make sense. You look at the front of your device when consuming media, so your speakers should face forward and blast audio in your face, not out the back. It's a brilliant idea, and HTC is still doing external speakers better than anyone. With the One M9, HTC partnered with Dolby to offer a 5.1 surround sound effect that sounds great for a phone. There is no other phone doing an audio experience like the HTC One, other than the other two HTC One phones. Sounds are deep, clear, and balanced no matter what you are watching or listening to. If you own the HTC One M9, you no longer need any of those cheap Bluetooth speakers that you picked up in a daily deal on Groupon. The One M9 likely outshines them all.

Availability HTC learned the hard way when it released the One M7 without Verizon at the party. By not having your phone available from the biggest carrier in the US, you certainly aren't setting yourself up for success. Thankfully, last year and this year, HTC managed to get everyone on board, which means you can grab the One M9 at your favorite carrier without having to wait. The phone became available on April 10 and is actually available from the big four - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. It also comes in a couple of colors, gunmetal grey and silver with gold, so you aren't lacking in options here. Performance As we approached the One M9's release, and more and more handsets found their way into the hands of fans and reviewers, a mini controversy brewed over the phone's processor of choice, the Snapdragon 810. Early benchmarks that pushed the phone's performance showed the phone approaching dangerous heat levels triggered by the 810. HTC promised and delivered an update that would address the overheating, but many were skeptical that the update would really just throttle the processor down a notch to hide its flaws, which would in turn mean sub-par performance under heavy load. In my time with the HTC One M9, I haven't noticed any performance issues, even with the phone heavily governed. In fact, this is one of the smoothest Android experiences I have seen. The phone wakes quickly, menus and app drawers load instantly, the touch-response is as good as it gets, apps load and respond quickly, and in the small amount of games that I have played, I never once saw a hiccup or stutter. The phone does still get quite hot when gaming or charging, but not at those dangerous levels. There is always the chance that if you were to completely hammer on this phone - running benchmark after benchmark, or playing the most intense of games - that it would get uncomfortably hot. From my testing, it took a lot of work in order to get it outside of feeling just "warm." Uh Oh Protection HTC's Uh OH Protection is pretty damn cool. Within the first 12 months of owning the One M9, HTC will replace your phone free of charge if you manage to crack the screen, cause water damage to your phone, or switch carriers. If you don't need a replacement within the first 12 months, then they will give you $100 to use towards a new HTC One. Think about that. If you drop your phone on the ground and crack it or in the toilet and it dies from water damage, HTC will send you a new one for free within the first 12 months of ownership. To sweeten the deal, they will even swap out your One M9 for a new one should you decide to jump between carriers. No one else is doing this and we wish that they would. Oh, and this all comes at no cost. SD Card Slot The HTC One M9 comes with 32GB of storage out of the box, but it does have a slot for a micro SD card that could give you another 128GB. That's awesome, especially since HTC really only offers 32GB models of the phone here in the US. For many, 32GB is just not enough, so we appreciate the fact that they are allowing you to increase storage on your own at your own price. As you all know, Samsung is no longer including SD card slots because they want to drastically improve their margins by charging you $100 each from jumps to 64GB and 128GB. It's a dirty tactic that Apple has made famous. Thank you, HTC, for not stooping to that level.

Somewhere-in-the-Middle

Specs The overall package here with the HTC One M9 would have looked great in 2014. Since we are in 2015, it looks OK. We have a 5-inch 1080p LCD display, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage with an SD card slot for expansion, 20.7MP rear camera, 4 "UltraPixel" front camera, 2,840mAh battery, BoomSound speakers, and that previously mentioned Snapdragon 810 processor. It lacks anything special that pushes the industry forward, meaning there isn't waterproofing or wireless charging or a special payment system or optical image stabilization in the camera or an ultra-thin body or a fingerprint sensor. On paper, especially when you factor in the controversial Snapdragon 810, you have a phone that was high-end a year ago, but really isn't any longer. Display The 5-inch FHD LCD display used in the One M9 is average at best. While I tend to love the 5-inch size, it's the quality here that is lacking. It feels odd saying that, since I always felt like HTC really brought us the best LCDs on the planet with each new phone. For whatever reason, this phone seems to have taken a major step backwards in this department.

For one, colors on the One M9 are way too cool, with greens and blues dominating almost anything you look at. I certainly prefer cooler display color temperatures over warmer, yellowish tones, but this phone leaves you thinking the world is under water if you use it for long periods of time. The viewing angles are also quite terrible, which you can see from the pictures here of the phone compared to phones like the Galaxy S6 and Note 4. It does get quite bright at the high-end and shows clean whites, but fails to get dark enough during those moments in dim light where you don't want a room to be lit up. The display isn't the worst you will find, trust me on that, but it's not even close to being one of the best.

Macros for fun.

Sense 7 For an Android skin, HTC's Sense 7 isn't a bad one. Performance on HTC's phones has always been good, which means their skin is optimized, something that can't always be said about competitors, namely LG and Samsung. With Sense 7, you get HTC's Sense 6 with the ability to add a 4th navigation button and a media sharing gesture. That's it. I'm telling you I walked through Sense 6 on my M8 and it can do every single thing that the M9 can do, except those two things. In other words, Sense 7 really isn't all that new, but that's not the worst thing ever.

For one, you have themes now, so you can really customize the look of your phone. From the icons to the wallpapers to the accent colors throughout the UI, the M9 lets you design a phone skin to your liking (you can do this all on the M8 now too). HTC's gesture controls from the lock screen are also pretty awesome, especially with the terrible button setup they added to the M9's right side (more on that in a bit). Being able to swipe up, left, or right to get into specific areas of the phone is very handy. HTC adopted Google's notification handling on the lock screen, which is greatly appreciated. Their gallery app is quite good, as is their calendar, and Blinkfeed remains a decent choice for quick news reading without having to install a 3rd party app. The app drawer still scrolls vertically, which drives me nuts, but may not for someone used to HTC's way of thinking. The quick settings toggles are skinned terribly, but they are customizable and offer plenty of options depending on your needs. I really wish they would include a brightness slider in there, as Google intended with Lollipop. For whatever reason, though, it's just a button that changes brightness levels with each press. The keyboard is a nightmare for the most part, but thankfully, this is Android and you can choose another. Home screen settings are also now separated into a couple of pages, making something as simple as moving a home screen an almost impossible task.

And that's always been my biggest complaint with HTC and Sense, it's that they change things, but can't ever justify why they did so. They tend to break simple actions by making them more complex than they need to be and I can't ever figure out why, or what it was they saw with their way of doing it that they thought made it better. Sense performs mostly flawlessly, but it's figuring out what the hell HTC was thinking that makes it often quite frustrating to use.

The Not-so-Good

Design, Size, Weight, Buttons, Etc. Last year, I called the HTC One M8 "smartphone luxury," thanks to its fluid, unibody design that brought one hell of a premium experience. This year, I would call the HTC One M9 "tired," "boring," "stale," and "safe." This is a tired design on a line of phones that once stood for almost everything we wanted in a phone. Today, it feels dated, looks dated, and comes with new flaws and issues that weren't asked for while other areas that needed change are left unaddressed. The HTC One M9 still brings a similar silhouette to the One M7 and M8, along with that premium, all-metal body. Unfortunately, HTC started tweaking things from last year to this year, leaving us with a phone that is now awkward to control, feels cheaper and sharper in hand, and overall, looks like a mix-matched knock-off.

Design - I really don't even know where to begin with this phone, so I'll just be blunt and and say that it's all pretty bad in the design category. Sure, this phone looks like the One M8 and M7 for the most part, both of which were well-designed phones, but there are all of these little tweaks that ruin a good thing. For one, it looks like HTC screwed up in manufacturing this phone. If you look at the One M8 next to the One M9, you will see the One M8's almost perfect unibody design, where the back casing flows up all the way from the rear to the edge of the front's display. On the M9, HTC produced a back case that appears as if it doesn't fit properly and stops half-way up the side of the phone, creating a ridge that adds a sharpness I didn't need. Couple that edge with different textures from the front to the sides and back of the phone and you have a phone that doesn't really have an identity. The front metal panel looks like a blotted, matte metal, whereas the sides and back look like brushed metal with a gross glossy coating painted over top. They don't fit together at all. On the back, you have a camera housing that looks like a iPhone app icon, which is apparently supposed to match the phone's rounded corners. It sort of does, except the camera is housed in a cheap piece of black plastic that is flanked by an embedded flash surrounded by perfect half-circles. There is no continuity anywhere in this phone.

And of course, HTC and its "HTC black bar" are back again this year. They will tell you time and time again that this phone needs that black area to hide or house important pieces of the phone, but we all know that's code for "We didn't want to spend the money to re-do the phone's entire design even if it is a major eye-sore and flaw." HTC did manage to shrink the phone's height a bit by decreasing the space of the "black bar," but they needed to get rid of it altogether. If HTC could remove that area, they would be killing off a half-inch of unused space that would make this phone incredible to hold. BoomSound Grills - As I already mentioned, I'm all for BoomSound. What I'm tired of seeing, are the two massive speaker grills on the front of HTC's phone that are supposed to remind me of BoomSound. We get it, you put big speakers in your phone that sound great. But why can't we evolve to the Nexus 9 design, which also has BoomSound, only in a much sleeker, more modern package that buries the speakers near the edges of the device? Buttons - Oh boy, the buttons. HTC moved the power button on the M9 to its right side, away from the top-of-the-phone spot it took up in the M7 and M8. That's a good thing! Unfortunately, they managed to screw up the volume situation in doing so and made the whole button experience a confusing mess. On the One M9, HTC broke up a standard Volume rocker by separating Volume Up and Down into two buttons that sit directly above the new power button. You can't tell these buttons apart, ever. I've been using the phone off and on for a month now and still to this day have to look at the phone before pressing one to make sure my thumb is in the right place. HTC did add some texture to the power button to try and set it apart, but the texture is so light it doesn't help at all. Thankfully, HTC still includes off-screen gestures to get the phone unlocked or alive when the phone is idle, so you don't need to hit the button as often. Good luck finding power to turn the display back off, though. I could go on for another hour about how ridiculously awful this button setup is, including how the thumb button is so poorly placed that you press it every time you pick up the phone, whether you wanted to or not, but I'll stop and move on. Ugh.

Size and Usability - The One M9 and Galaxy S6 are almost identical in terms of height and width, which might surprise you. They are, however, quite different when it comes to thickness and weight. I'll get to weight in a moment, but the M9 is almost 3mm thicker than the S6. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the combination of its weight, height, awkward button placements, HTC black bar, and on-screen buttons, leads to an in-hand experience that asks for way too much movement. You constantly have to shift this phone up or down in your hand in order to reach the notification area, volume/power buttons, and on-screen keys. It's actually quite infuriating to use. And again, this phone is almost the same height and width as the Galaxy S6, which is a dream to use in hand and rarely requires the shimmy. Weight - All-metal phones can be both good and bad. On one hand, they tend to look nice. They also tend to feel high-end in hand and help justify in your mind the price you paid, since they are made with quality materials. On the other, they can be incredibly heavy, which the One M9 is at 157g. The Galaxy S6 weighs just 138g. There is a noticeable difference in the two when held next to one another. We knocked the M8 for being too heavy last year and are going to knock the M9 for it as well. This is a phone that is heavy enough that you can feel in your pants pocket as you walk around. I personally, want a phone that doesn't feel like extra baggage on my body. As you can tell, I'm not at all a fan of the design of this phone. I liked the M7 and M8 for the most part, but HTC seems to have either given up here or gone the inexpensive route. Parts don't match, buttons weren't thought out correctly, textures and colors are all over the place, and it weighs as much as a small tank. This phone isn't fun to use or look at. Camera After two years of feedback on its "UltraPixel" cameras, HTC finally gave in and went with more traditional 20MP camera (without optical image stabilization) in the One M9. Out of all the complaining I just did about the phone's odd casing and textures, the "black bar" or its weight, most of that could have been forgotten about or dealt with if HTC had used a world-class smartphone camera. Unfortunately, they haven't. In fact, I would take the UltraPixel gimmick over this new 20MP shooter almost any day. As always, before we get to the samples, here is a look at HTC's camera UI. I would argue that it is one of the better UIs, with controls in easy-to-reach places, full manual settings, the ability to create your own preset shooting modes, shortcuts for things like ISO adjustment, etc. For the most part, I really like HTC's camera software - I always have.

Once you push aside the software, that's where things start to get depressing. Now, please note that I am using the AT&T model of the One M9 and have been for weeks. Up until today, the phone was waiting on a camera update that was pushed to international variants of the phone weeks ago. The update is supposed to improve the camera experience, so that essentially forced me to re-shoot images and analyze them for this review in a shortened amount of time. While I would love to have spent another week or so getting more image samples, I'm fairly confident that the images I've captured will show you what to expect. In fact, things haven't really changed all that much from before the update. In the photos I've taken while using the One M9, you'll notice one thing almost immediately - the fine details are missing and images almost always come out over-processed with a lot of noise. In decent lighting, you can take OK photos. Actually, the phone shoots nice macros when you aren't in a dark situation, macros that you would be willing to share (check out the flower below). But should you open up to a bigger scene, whether that be of a landscape or room, the camera just doesn't seem to be able to produce. It blows out anything near a light source, is beyond finicky with touch-to-focus, turns fine lines into furry looking strings, and struggles mightily with moving objects. The camera itself is slow to focus, often times slow to shoot, and doesn't load all that quickly either. HTC tried to speed up the camera launching time by including a Volume-Down button press with the phone in landscape, but it rarely works. Again, this is a pretty major downgrade in camera, even from last year's One M8. While the One M8 only shot 4MP photos, it was still quite capable of taking decent photos, was awesome in low light, and was insanely fast. If there is one positive to the camera setup on the M9, it would be the front facing camera, which utilizes all of HTC's leftover 4 "UltraPixel" sensors. The front camera is great in low light situations and very fast, which means your club selfies will look amazing. HTC had one thing to really nail over last year's phone and couldn't do it. What exactly were they doing for the past 12 months?

Full resolution: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Battery Life The HTC One M9's battery weighs in at 2,840mAh, which is almost a full 300mAh larger than the Galaxy S6, and also only has a 5-inch 1080p display to power. With that in mind, I can't help but admit that I am disappointed in the fact that I'm getting slightly-worse 10-12 hour battery life on this phone as I am the Galaxy S6. How can this phone, with its supposedly efficient Snapdragon 810, 1080p display, and arguably larger than average battery size, not outlast Samsung's new flagship that has a smaller battery and QHD display? I don't know why, but in my testing, it has been pretty poor (and that's considering a not-so-amazing AT&T connection), which really means that the One M9's battery is below average for today's standards.

No Wireless Charging, Fingerprint Sensor, Removable Battery, or Waterproofing HTC has never really been into the whole wireless charging, battery removing, or waterproofing thing with the One series. I wouldn't necessarily call these missing pieces "deal breakers," but there are those out there who need these things to be included. I can live without them, for the most part, especially since this phone should support Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0. I say "should" because this phone has been hit or miss with my Quick Charge 2.0 adapters. Some just won't even charge this phone at all, while others do. Wireless charging would have been nice to have, especially since Samsung found a way to support both of the wireless charging standards in the Galaxy S6, but that could be a difficult task to ask of HTC with all this metal, for all we know. The removable battery, well, most phones don't have them these days. As for the waterproofing, few phones have this as well. The lack of a fingerprint sensor is odd, though, since HTC has already announced the One M9+, which is a superior phone in almost every category, with a fingerprint sensor. Again, this stuff isn't what I would base a purchase decision on, but I know how much it means to some of you and it would have been nice to see at least some of it included. These are value adds that HTC completely whiffed on.

Introduction of the One M9+ Less than a month after HTC introduced the One M9 as their world flagship, they introduced a second phone called the One M9+ for China that beats the original in almost every category. The M9+ has a QHD display, similar camera setup but with a Duo sensor tacked on for fun (it's also round!), and a fingerprint sensor. Why was all of this stuff left out of the regular M9? And why on Earth does HTC think it's OK to introduce this upgraded phone so closely to the One M9 that everyone just bought? Talk about insulting.

Video

Unboxing

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Galaxy S6 vs. One M9

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Gallery

The Verdict

So yeah, you probably don't want this phone. It's heavy, awkward to use, has a pretty poorly put together design, an unimpressive display and camera, less-than-average battery life, and doesn't include any sort of game-changing or lust-worthy features that other smartphones don't already have. HTC played it safe and still managed to screw up. Think about that for a minute. If you love HTC and their all-metal designs, go buy last year's One M8. It's a better phone in almost every single category, yet you can buy one for $1 on-contract or under $300 without one.

AT&T Pushes Out Needed Update to HTC One M9, Includes Camera Fixes

Tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:01:27 +0000

AT&T is now seeding out a massive update for the HTC One M9, the same one that was made available to overseas models for a few weeks now. This update, which we would say is incredibly important, features fixes for the camera, thermal improvements, and other various fixes. The version number for the update is 1.32.502.31, and as stated, the update should increase the performance of the phone's camera, which has been said to be not so good. And for the "thermal improvements," we can only guess this means HTC has found a way to decrease the heat output from the Snapdragon 810 processor; the same that has been cause for slight concern to potential buyers. No, it's not burning anyone's face off, but the phone does get a little toasty. The update is out now, so go check your One M9 models on AT&T. Once updated, let us know how it treats you.

Via: HTC

Adobe Lightroom Update Brings DNG Raw File and MicroSD Card Support

Tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:50:31 +0000

Adobe recognizes that a lot of people, professionals included, are turning to mobile devices to get a lot of their photo editing work done. With that said, the latest update to Lightroom from Adobe has hit Google Play, bringing with it a few important features for the pros among us. In the update, Lightroom now supports DNG raw files, which will greaten the amount of tweaks photographers are able to do after the fact. In addition, where you can make edits has improved, as Android tablets are apparently just now receiving support for the app. Lastly, Adobe threw in microSD card support, meaning you can edit files from and save files to your expandable storage. This is a good thing, considering that megapixel size on mobile devices is growing, which leads to much larger files that eats at your onboard storage. If you fancy yourself a professional, and want to get a bit of work done while on the go, check out the update. Do note, you will need an Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan subscription to utilize these changes. Play Link

Via: Adobe

Android 5.1.1 Factory Images Posted for Nexus Player

Tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:40:20 +0000

Just as we thought it would, Android 5.1.1 is beginning to hit Google's site in the form of factory images. The first of which is now available for the Nexus Player, build number LMY47V. In terms of what changes, it is likely that the jump to Android 5.1.1 will bring minor bug fixes and tweaks. Nothing crazy. But hey, any update is a good update. As more devices show up, we will post them. Factory Images (Android 5.1.1):

Nexus Player (LMY47V)

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

Here Are a Bunch of LG G4 Camera Sample Shots

Tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:25:25 +0000

Next week on April 28, the G4 will be announced by LG in New York City. Even though we don't know exactly when the phone will be made available on carriers here in the US, that isn't stopping LG from teasing its new features, such as its improved 5.5" QHD display, as well as the 16MP rear-facing shooter. In the latest piece of promo material, LG puts the phone into the hands of Colby Brown, a landscape/travel photographer based out of Colorado. To highlight the G4's professional capability, it appears LG sent Colby all around this beautiful country of ours, having him do his best to show off the G4's camera prowess. What Colby is able to produce is quite breathtaking, especially since this is a smartphone we are talking about. Colby talks about the camera's wide aperture, being f/1.8, saying that it is just like some of his professional photography gear. With this, he is able to produce better images in darker environments. Continuing, he highlights the Pro mode that will come on the G4, allowing mobile shooters to adjust ISO, White Balance, and even shutter speed when taking shots. While other high-end mobile phones feature ISO and White Balance adjustments on the fly, such as the Galaxy S6, the ability to tweak the camera's shutter speed will hopefully lead to stunning shots of light trails and starry nights. Below, we have placed a few of Colby's shots that are taken with the G4, according to LG. There is no exact mention on the post whether these images were enhanced in any way, but for LG's sake, let's hope they were not. Once you view the images, check out the video below, that shows off Colby using the G4 in the field, without ever actually showing the phone itself. Is the camera in a smartphone a huge deal breaker for you? If so, are you excited for the LG G4?

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Via: LG

AT&T Galaxy S4 Active Gets Lollipop Update Today

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:34:11 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active on AT&T is getting its update to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop today. According to a post to AT&T's support site, the update weighs in at anywhere from 974MB to 1GB. It's a big one. Get your battery ready before attempting to install this beast. Here is a brief changelog provided by AT&T:

Android 5.0 Lollipop Highlights
Songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one Android device can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices.
New User Interface look and feel, more fluid motions
Priority mode to only allow certain notifications to get through
Battery saving features and remaining time left to charge or deplete indicators
Smart Lock to secure phone or tablet by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car
Most frequently used settings available with just two swipes down from the top screen

And here are the dirty details:

Android version: 5.0.1
Baseband version: I537UCUCOC6
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-4554112
Build Number: LRX22C.I537UCUCOC6

To check for the update, head into Settings>About device>Software update>Check for updates.

Via: AT&T

Starting Today, Google Prioritizes Mobile Friendly Websites in Mobile Search Results

Kellen — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:04:08 +0000

Because an increasing number of Google searches happen these days from mobile devices (read: smartphones), Google has decided to reward those who have mobile-friendly websites with higher search rankings. Starting today, Google is expanding its use of "mobile-friendliness" as a ranking signal in its algorithm of searches made from phones and potentially placing a mobile-friendly site much higher in results than one that isn't so friendly. What does this mean for you? Hopefully, better search results that lead to websites that look great on your phone without you needing to do a thing. Hopefully, you won't have to scroll horizontally anymore...ever. Hopefully, you won't have to tap-to-zoom or pinch things or hit a zoom button. Hopefully, you will just be able to read content that is formatted properly for your screen size. Like when you visit Droid Life. That's right, we became super mobile-friendly a long, long time ago with our responsive design. Whether you are on a desktop or tablet or phone, our site automatically resizes itself to fit your screen size. It's pretty awesome really. And as you can see from that image at the top of this post, Google knows we are "Mobile-friendly." Yay! With that in mind, this change doesn't mean that you won't still find websites that aren't mobile-friendly. Google still considers the "intent" of a search query as very important, so if a mobile-friendly site has bad content, you could still get the site with the most relevant info first, even if it isn't going to look great on your phone. Google isn't going to just blindly start tossing out search results that are unrelated or garbage just because they have a pretty mobile site. The goal is to find you the best info. The big deal today is that "mobile-friendliness" is now very important when searching from phones, but is by no means the most important - it's just one of many factors that go into search algorithms. Also, this has nothing to do with the results you see when searching from a tablet or your computer. What does this mean for web people, like us, here at Droid Life? See, it's people like us or other web developers or website owners that care about today's change because it could have a big impact on our traffic through search results. Hopefully, since we have been mobile-friendly for well over a year now, that Google will play nice with us. And that's all you really need to know. We will keep doing what we do every day. But maybe, just maybe, this will grab the attention of non-mobile-friendly websites and prompt them to get their site ready for the future. If you want to know more, be sure to read through this FAQ. In the end, this graphic sums it all up nicely.

Via: Google Webmaster

ZTE's SPro 2 Smart Project Hits AT&T on April 24, Priced at $399 With Contract

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:16:57 +0000

The ZTE-made SPro 2 Smart Projector, which was showcased at this year's CES, is hitting AT&T's network on April 24. Potential buyers can pick it up for $399 on-contract or $499 with no agreement. Being the neat little machine that it is, the SPro2 is a portable projector with auto keystone correction, WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices, and can also stream media via a full-size HDMI port. Coming with its own built-in storage, you an also expand your space with a built-in SD card slot. You interact with the device through a 5" HD touchscreen with 200 lumens, built right into the unit. And with complete access to Google Play, you can download all of your favorite work apps, making you a real hit at the next board meeting where you can set this bad boy up and show it off. If you need another example of where to use it, you could always set up a backyard movie night for the kids with it. As of right now, the device ships with Android 4.4.4, and I do not know if any buyers should expect to see a Lollipop update in the near future. The battery size is listed at 6300mAh, which should offer you plenty of juice for tethering and projecting. If you must have it, check out AT&T's site on April 24.

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Via: AT&T

New Humble Bundle Features Lineup of Tin Man Games, Average Currently Set at Under $6

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:19:58 +0000

A new bundle of games is available through Humble Bundle, this time made in partnership with Tin Man Games. They are the creators of a few titles on Google Play, such as Judge Dredd, To Be Or Not To Be, House of Hell, Bloodbones, and many more. In the Humble Bundle, you can pay what you want for Judge Dredd, Slaves of Rema, Siege of the Necromancer, and An Assassin in Orlandes, but if you pay more than the average, which is currently under $6, you also get Trial of the Clone, Curse of the Assassin, Fighting Fantasy: Caverns of the Snow Witch, and Sultans of Rema. If you pay more than $9, you get all of the aforementioned games, plus To Be Or Not To Be, plus Fighting Fantasy: Starship Traveller. That is a whole lot of games for a little bit of cash. For those feeling extra generous, if you pay $35 or more, you also get a Tin Man Bundle t-shirt, as well as a button. Feel free to go check out the Humble Bundle, and also support couple of great charities. Humble Bundle Link

Sony's Google Cast Ready Speakers Arrive in June/July, Receivers in May

Kellen — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:03:46 +0000

Back in January, Google announced that it was opening up its Cast technology to speakers, with partners like LG and Sony integrating it into models later in 2015. Now that we are later into 2015, those speakers are almost ready for prime time. Last week, we saw LG announce Google Cast compatibility with their Music Flow speakers, and this morning, Sony announced their Cast-ready equipment as well. Sony is adding Google Cast to two of its sound bars and two of its receivers as well. The speakers won't arrive until June and July of this year, but the receivers should hit stores in May. The two sound bars are the HT-ST9 and HT-NT3, priced at $1500 and $800, respectively. You are looking at either 7.1 or 2.1 channel depending on how much you want to spend. The speakers also feature WiFi connectivity, offer multi-room experiences, and connect to your TV with an HDMI cable. The full specs of each can be found below. The receivers start at $600 (STR-DN1060) and $500 (STR-DN860). Their specs can be found below as well.

Deal: 3 Mystery Android Collectibles and a 6-Inch Plush Bugdroid for $20

Kellen — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 14:14:32 +0000

Ready to add to your collection of Android memorabilia? The DL Deals store currently has a bundle of Bugdroids that includes 3 mystery boxes of Dead Zebra collectibles, along with a 6-inch Plush toy for $19.99. The mystery boxes are indeed a mystery, and we aren't even sure which set they are from. The whole bundle is being filled by DKE Toys, so it's my guess that they have a whole bunch of left-over individual boxes that have piled up over the years and are going to slap them together in a bundle with the soft plush toys. At $20, that's not a bad price, since individual mystery collectibles typically retail for $9. But keep in mind that you get the plush toy with the three mysteries. Deal Link

Samsung Announces Galaxy Tab A, Available May 1 Starting at $229

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 13:17:10 +0000

Samsung introduced a new tablet this afternoon, the Galaxy Tab A. Set to hit the market on May 1, the Tab A comes in a variety of versions, with different colors and display sizes. The most modestly priced model, which is $229, is a 8" tablet that comes in Titanium, Blue, and White. The slightly larger model, which features a 9.7" display, also comes in the same color options, priced at $299. In addition, a separate 9.7" model will include an S-Pen for $349, and goes on sale starting May 17. As for the processor, each variant of the tablet uses a Qualcomm-made APQ 8016 with 1.5GB of RAM. The tablets are WiFi-only, and feature Lollipop out of the box. While they do feature SD card slots, the onboard storage is set at 16GB, and those processors are clocked to only 1.2GHz. So, it is possible you will meet a few performance hiccups from time to time. If you are interested, the tablets are now up for pre-order on Samsung's dedicated site here. Update: I don't know why, but I had the title stating that the tablet released on May 27. The actual launch date is May 1, so there you go.

Via: Business Wire

Report: Elon Musk Almost Sold Tesla to Google for $6 Billion

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 11:54:06 +0000

The big headline today covers something that happened a couple of years ago, that being a possible acquisition of Tesla Motors by Google for just $6 billion. In a time when Tesla was near financial ruin due to its inability to turn pre-orders of its vehicles into finalized sales, Elon Musk turned to Google, looking for serious support. The deal was that Google would buy Tesla, but continue to keep the company running to produce vehicles. Of the $6 billion that was reportedly discussed, $5 billion of it would go straight to the Tesla factories, which involved continued development on its batteries and vehicles. However, being the great business mind that he is, Elon was able to convert those pre-sales into deliveries, essentially turning every employee at Tesla into a salesman. He is quoted at saying, "I don't care what job you were doing, your new job is delivering cars." As we all know now, Tesla is doing just fine on its own, with showrooms popping up in shopping malls all across the country. In fact, the company is nearing release of a reportedly $35,000-priced vehicle, which is said to be Elon Musk's priority with Tesla. He wants us all driving electric vehicles, which seems cool enough to me, especially when the US government will pay you handsomely to go electric. So, what could have been if Google bought Tesla? Most likely this, of course.

Via: Bloomberg

DL Favorites: Lock Screen Replacements

Ron — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 10:27:28 +0000

[DLF], or Droid Life's Favorites, is a series of articles reviewing our favorite apps in a given category. The goal of these articles isn't to extensively review every single option out there and determine which is "the best," but rather to give you a few of our favorite apps in a category. This week we look at Droid Life's favorite lock screen replacement apps. Your lock screen is one of the most personal and important parts of your phone. It's the gateway to your device, often adorned with an image of loved ones or fan art for the new Star Wars movie. But sometimes, the lock screens that come on our phones are annoying to use, limited in features, or just get boring after a while. I tried a ton of different lock screen replacements from Google Play, looking to shake things up, and these three are my favorites.

Snaplock by Wandou Labs, at this moment, is my favorite lock screen replacement. The default lock screen shows the time, date, battery life, and a camera shortcut. Swiping up from anywhere will unlock your phone. A swipe from left to right reveals the weather for the day, your upcoming calendar events, and shortcuts to your favorite apps. Snaplock also supports using a pin or a pattern as authentication methods. From the settings you can select to have a different wallpaper every day or use your own, toggle between showing the status bar or not, showing the battery percentage or not, and more. The app shortcuts can be customized to your liking or you can let Snaplock adjust the shortcuts based on your usage. You can also toggle between having the display light up with each new notification. The main reason I enjoy Snaplock is because of the great attention to detail. Snaplock is full of little touches such as showing your wallpaper everywhere in the app, but with a black and white filter. When you play music, controls show up on the lock screen and circular album art spins next to the controls like a record player. Those little details add up to a fantastic experience. Snaplock is free to download on Google Play. Play Link

AcDisplay by Artem Chepurnoy has been featured by Droid Life plenty of times and it is still one of our favorite lock screen replacements. AcDisplay mimics Motorola's Moto Display (née Active Display), but with its own twist. When you have notifications, you can press and hold on it, and the details will appear, including actions like Archive for emails. If you want to dismiss a notification, simply swipe down on it. If you want to open it, swipe up. Just make sure you don't ignore your phone for a while or you might see this. Please note, AcDisplay does not support any form of authentication, so if you want to secure your device, don't use this lock screen replacement. AcDisplay has an active mode, which when enabled, will try to detect when you are pulling the device out of your pocket. This works consistently for me on the Galaxy S6, but I can't guarantee it will work consistently on every device (my experience was hit and miss on the Sony Xperia Z3v, for example). You can also decide if you want the app in full screen mode, whether or not you want it to have a wallpaper or keep the screen black like Moto Display, toggle unlock animations, and toggle emoticons. Most importantly, you can go through each app on your phone and decide if you don't want to see notifications from the app at all, silence notifications so that they don't wake AcDisplay but will show up when you look at your lock screen, or show on-going notifications like services. AcDisplay is free to download on Google Play. Play Link

ZUI Locker is the most customizable of our favorite lock screen replacements. ZUI comes with thirteen different layouts for your lockscreen. Some of these layouts include weather information, which requires having Amber Weather installed. Most of the unlock animations feature a blurring animation, though some include sliding animations for the time and other lock screen details. ZUI Locker supports using a pin or a pattern as authentication methods. ZUI requires a little more set up than the others for notifications. By default it will select certain apps, but you can (and should) go into settings to customize this so that you see the notifications you want to see. ZUI defaults to lighting up when you receive a new notification. Swiping the notification to the left dismisses it, but to the right opens it. Swiping from the bottom of your lock screen reveals shortcuts to your favorite apps, settings for the lock screen such as wallpaper, as well as toggles for WiFi, sound, flashlight, brightness, etc. Tapping and holding on the lock screen reveals shortcuts to your dialer, flashlight, wallpaper, and settings. ZUI Locker is free to download on Google Play. Play Link

These are our favorite lock screen replacements. Of course, if you have a phone like the Galaxy S6 or the HTC One M9+ then you should use the built in lock screen with fingerprint reader support for the best security. What lock screen do you use and how do you feel about it?

Purchase the LG G4 in South Korea, Receive One LCD Replacement Free of Charge

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 09:38:06 +0000

LG is preparing hype for the upcoming G4 in its home country of South Korea, announcing that for those who pre-order and purchase the device, will be given a free LCD replacement should anything bad happen, free of charge within the first year. According to LG's announcement, South Korea is just 22 days away from the start of pre-orders, which will be held until May 31. As for US pre-orders, these same dates may not apply, as US carriers and LG will need to work out the specifics. We should know more about that on April 28, though, when LG makes the phone official in New York City. In addition to a free screen replacement, buyers are also getting free gifts from mobile operators, such as a free 64GB SD card. For would-be fans of the new Galaxy S6 lineup, maybe the G4, with its removable battery and SD card slot will be the phone of your dreams. Do note, these announcements were for South Korea, and it is unknown if these same offerings will be made available to US customers. Again, April 28 is the date you all need to mark on your calendars. We will be in NYC to get hands-on and all of the info we can regarding a launch.

Via: LG

LG G Flex 2 Available on AT&T Starting April 24, $299 With 2-Year Agreement

Tim — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 08:38:52 +0000

The G Flex 2 from LG, which was the highlight of CES this past January, is now coming to AT&T after being only available on Sprint. We have already reviewed the G Flex 2, concluding that while the design and display are nice, the overall performance of the device and LG's skin is enough to make you second guess your purchase. The phone features a 5.5" Full HD P-OLED display, Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM, 3,000mAh battery, 13MP rear-facing shooter, and runs Android 5.0+ out of the box. Now, the one main pain point with the device launching on AT&T is the price. For those of who enjoy contracts, you can get the device for $299 on a new two-year agreement. That's a lot of up-front cheddar. If the Next program suits you, well-qualified buyers can pick it up with $0 down, followed by 24 equal payments of $30 a month. There is also varying levels of how much you can pay on Next, which would shorten or lengthen your payment periods. Off contract, AT&T wants $709. Compared to Sprint's $500, this seems like a rip off. If you still want it, it will be available starting April 24.

Via: AT&T

So, Sony Announced the Xperia Z4 Last Night

Kellen — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 08:02:23 +0000

Did Sony just throw in the towel? I ask because they announced their new flagship, the Xperia Z4, this morning at a press event in Japan. While there is nothing wrong with announcing a product in Japan, they didn't bother to tell anyone outside of Japan and also don't have anything to announce yet in terms of availability outside of Japan. That's odd, right? This is supposed to be their next hit. Or is it? Or is this a, "Hey, we have a new phone, but are about to pull the plug on our smartphone business and don't want to spend much promoting it," type of thing? Whatever the reason for the quiet unveiling, let's talk about the new Xperia. In terms of specs, the Sony Xperia Z4 is hardly different than the Xperia Z3. You are looking at a 5.2-inch 1080p LCD display, 2.0GHz Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, micro SD card slot, 20.7MP rear camera, 5.1MP front camera, 2930mAh battery, IPX8 waterproofing, Android 5.0, and a body that is 6.9mm thick. The differences here are the Snapdragon 810, slightly slimmer body and battery, and new 5.1MP front camera. That's pretty much it. As you can see from the pictures, it even looks like a Z3. The phone comes in white, black, copper, and aqua green, and has a metal frame. It also managed to ditch a USB cover yet remain waterproof. Improvement! The Xperia Z4 arrives this summer, in Japan. Again, Sony doesn't want to talk about this phone at all outside of Japan, so we have no idea if it's going to make it anywhere else. It seems like it should - at least to Europe. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. Maybe this is the end or maybe this is just Sony stalling before it shifts into a new mobile focus outside of Xperia. Whatever they are doing, this feels more half-assed than what HTC did with the One M9. Ugh.

Via: Sony

Android Wear Update Rolling Out - Always-On Screen for Apps, WiFi Support, and Emoji Drawing Included

Kellen — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 07:19:18 +0000

A big Android Wear update was announced this morning by Google. The update will slowly rollout to devices over the coming weeks, but it includes all sorts of new features and tweaks, like WiFi support and the ability to draw emoji in response to messages. According to Google, the update first introduces an always-on mode for apps, because some times you just need the watch face to stay on until you tell it to turn off. Think of needing directions or if you are checking a list, but don't feel like flicking your wrist or tapping the screen each time you need your Android Wear device to turn back on. If you are worried about battery drains, Google has tried to alleviate that problem by allowing apps to go black-white when you aren't looking at your watch, but back to full color as you do point it back at your face. Here are a couple of examples:

WiFi support is included! What does this mean for you, the Android Wear user? It means you can disconnect your watch from your phone, but still receive notifications, as long as you are on WiFi and your phone has a data connection. Your watch then because somewhat independent in a way. Google added a wrist-flick gesture for when your hands are full and you still want to scroll through your timeline. A quick wrist twist and back will slide your current card up and the next one into view.

The UI of Android Wear is also changing a bit, meaning as you tap on the screen, you will get three columns to give you quicker access to the items you need. The start screen now gives you a list of apps you may be needing access to, the middle screen is your contacts, and the far right screen is your standard "Speak Now" and settings screen. And finally, Google is adding a "Draw emoji" option when you want to respond to a message without speaking it.

Again, the update is rolling out over the "next few weeks." Google did mention that it will first launch with the LG Watch Urbane, which is barely available.

Via: Google Blog

OnePlus 2 Confirmed for Invite System, OnePlus One Drops It Forever Today

Kellen — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 06:56:07 +0000

The April 20 event that OnePlus teased on Friday with a virtual invite isn't an event at all. That teaser was simply a symbol in reference to the company ditching the invite-only system that has accompanied their OnePlus One for the last year. That's right, it has been a year since the OnePlus One went on sale in that really weird invite system that frustrated many of you for months. Frustrations be gone - the invite-system really has come to a close. Well, sort of. In a blog post and press email, OnePlus talked about ditching the invite-only system permanently for the One as of today. Going forward, should you choose to, you can buy the OnePlus One without an invite. Unfortunately for OnePlus 2 future owners, the invite system will be back with fire. OnePlus mentioned that invites will be required to buy the "2" at launch, but they are "far more prepared" to make this transition. Why the invite system with the OnePlus 2? Because OnePlus is a small company that wants to continue to limit its risk. By making phones on-demand like it can through invites, they aren't keeping an inventory around, which is a big deal when you sell phones as cheaply as they have been doing with little margin. So yeah - the OnePlus One invite system is gone, but it's coming back when the OnePlus 2 launches in Q3. Oh, to celebrate, OnePlus is pushing a 24-hour deal of 75% off on their Flip Covers and "Premium" screen protectors. You can buy those here.

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Via: OnePlus

Don't Miss These Android Stories: April 17, 2015

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 15:49:08 +0000

For anyone waiting to see what the G4 from LG will bring, this was a good week for you. There was a ton of images leaked of the G4, proving that in fact, it will feature leather on a few models. Unfortunately, this means I owe Kellen $5, as I lost a bet that the phone would not feature leather. On top of the G4, Huawei announced the P8, the OnePlus Two should launch in Q3, Samsung is hoping to fix a few battery woes for Galaxy S6 owners, we got our first look at the Monolink band for the Moto 360, and Android 5.1.1 should be available very soon for download. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

LG G4: A huge LG G4 leak went down earlier this week.
OnePlus Two is coming in Q3 of this year.
Huawei makes the P8 official.
Google: Android 5.1.1 is right around the corner.
More details leak for Google's upcoming wireless service.
Yup, this is the LG G4.
Samsung aims for better battery performance in update.
Battle: One iOS vs Android debate ends in blood.
Our first look at the Moto 360's monolink band.
Check out these E3 Moto 360 watch bands, too.
Yes: New Star Wars trailer.

And be sure to enter our LG G3 giveaway. Have a great weekend, folks!

Deal: Supreme Android Coding & Design Bundle for $40

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:52:36 +0000

If making applications for the Android OS is your dream gig, look no further than the latest deal to hit the DL Deals Store. Titled the Supreme Android Coding and Design bundle, this package contains countless lectures within 3 courses for just $40 to help you become a master of the Android development process. The first course, which is your starter, is Learn Android Lollipop Development. Inside, you will learn the basic to the advanced ins and outs over 183 lectures of information. Here, you will begin your lessons in Java, while creating apps with step-by-step guides. After this, you will open up the Lollipop Studio Course. With over 85 lectures, you should be creating apps from start to scratch in no time at all. Follow it all up with a Java Programming course and you should be good to go. If you want to be a developer, and maybe even make the next big app that gets bought by Google for millions, follow the link below. Hey, it could happen! Deal Link

Android vs iOS Debate Ends in Violence

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:32:58 +0000

I can't tell you how many times I have had friendly debates with people about the pros and cons of both, iOS and Android. Both parties are very passionate about the OS they prefer, but recently, two friends took the whole thing a few steps too far, which resulted in physical violence. According to the Tulsa Police Department, two friends were drinking in the middle of the night, arguing about Android and iOS. The argument turned bloody when one friend bashed the other on the head with a beer bottle, leaving the victim with pretty bad cuts and bruises. When police arrived, the assailant, Elias Acevedo, was also covered in blood. Apparently, the two were going at it for quite a bit of time before police were able to separate them. It was not stated which OS the individuals fought for, but at the end of the day, there are no winners here. Acevedo, 21, is being held without bond, while an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold has also been placed on him. We do hope no one here would ever take their love for Android that far. They're just phones, guys.

Via: the smoking gun

Cheers Mike C!

OnePlus Invites You to an April 20 Event

Kellen — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 11:42:59 +0000

OnePlus just posted to Google+ an invite that reads, "April 20, You're invited!" along with a mention of the possibility of anything happening from here on out. Is it time for the OnePlus Two? Is April 20 the beginning of OnePlus' trollout of teasers for specs of the new phone? Maybe. Probably. Get ready, folks, OnePlus is at it again. Anyone feel like listing out the changes they would like to see from the OnePlus One to the Two?

Via: +OnePlus

Giveaway: Win 1of 3 LG G3 Units With VR for G3 Headsets

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:37:13 +0000

To help spread awareness for LG's VR for G3 headsets, we have in our possession three, count 'em 1, 2, 3 LG G3 headsets to give away. Each is for T-Mobile's network, so if you are already on T-Mobile or plan on switching to the Uncarrier, these will be a nice little prize for you. With VR for G3, which is based off of Google Cardboard, G3 owners can experience a somewhat basic virtual reality, complete with games and apps, all of which are available directly from Google Play. The VR for G3 is available directly from LG when you purchase a new G3 and select retailers, plus LG couples a QR code on the box where you can grab a few exclusive VR titles for your enjoyment. So, if you are interested in winning, let's get to it.

Contest

Update: We have our three winners! Congrats to Casey B, Brett E, and Jason E! Please check your emails and spam folders. Thanks to everyone who entered. Prizes Win 1 of 3 (Three) LG G3 units on T-Mobile. We have 2 in Silk White and 1 in Metallic Black. Please state which color you would prefer in the comments below, but be aware, we have a limited supply. How to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway Winners Three winners will be selected randomly at 10am on Tuesday (4/21) morning.

Android 5.1.1 Will Probably Arrive Any Day Now

Kellen — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:29:30 +0000

Google is probably going to release Android 5.1.1 to the Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 9 at any moment. Well, it could be today or next week or next month for all we know, but it's in the works and probably next. We assume that is the plan because they are publicly referring to it on an "Audio Latency Measurement" page that is a part of the official Android source portal. If you look below at the chart we copied from that audio latency page, you will see both devices listed as running Android 5.1.1, though each is also running a different build. The Nexus 7 (2013) is running LMY47W, while the Nexus 9 is running LMY47S. Tough to say what could be new in the jump from 5.1 to 5.1.1, but it's likely minor and probably aims to squash lingering bugs. We'll be sure to let you know when/if it starts rolling out to any Nexus.

Via: Android Audio Latency | Android Police

Deal: Grab a Verizon Moto G (1st Gen) From eBay for $40

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 09:01:52 +0000

For what is likely a limited time, Best Buy is selling the Moto G (1st Gen) for Verizon prepaid customers through its website and eBay, priced at just $40. This is the model from 2013, which features no LTE connectivity, but does have a Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, basic Android with minimal Motorola UI tweaks on top, 5MP rear-facing shooter, and a 4.5" HD display. For $40, you would be pressed to find a better option if your smartphone budget is limited. The newer models of the Moto G and Moto E feature 4G LTE radios, but also come with high price tags. This may even be a good starter phone for a young teen in your life. And while it may not be as good as that $25 flash sale which happened earlier this week, an extra $15 is not bad. If $40 sounds good, follow the links below. eBay Link | Best Buy Link

T-Mobile's Walmart Family Mobile Plans Get 500MB of Extra Data at No Extra Charge

Kellen — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 08:32:50 +0000

The Walmart Family Mobile plans (it's like a prepaid plan that runs on T-Mobile's network) are getting a boost in data starting tomorrow, April 18, without a price hike. The two tiers - $29.88 and $39.88 - are each receiving a bump of 500MB per month, bringing them to 1GB and 3GB, respectively. Each plan also still includes unlimited talk and text. And yep, it is a "slow news day."

Via: T-Mobile

Google's Field Trip Now Works With Android Wear

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:58:56 +0000

Your field trips are now much more watch-friendly, thanks to an update to Google's Field Trip app. With the app installed along with an accompanying Android Wear device on your wrist, Field Trip will show you notifications when near relevant stories and let you start Field Trip searches for nearby cards without the need to pull out your phone. As a recap, Field Trip is an app that tries to show you "cool, hidden, and unique things" about the world around you. It runs in the background of your phone, but when you get near something interesting, a card will pop up with details about it. The cards could present historical info or tell you the best places to eat and shop. What's New

Explore the world with your Android Wear watch!
Receive and view Field Trip notifications directly on your watch.
Start Field Trip searches for nearby cards directly on your watch.
Minor bug fixes.

Play Link

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Google Search Results Will Now Show Related Apps With Relevant Content That Aren't Installed on Your Phone

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:59:25 +0000

Soon, when you search Google for something, the search results will include related apps to your search whether you have them installed or not. Up until today, you may have seen apps show up in search results as having related content, but only if they were already installed on your phone. Thanks to Google's expanding app indexing of content, search results are now smart enough to find apps that have the info you want even if they aren't on your phone. These search results of apps you don't have installed will now include "install" buttons as well, which will help you and I get right to the content we need, but it should also help drive new users to apps. If you are a developer, be sure to implement app indexing. You lean more about it here.

Via: Google Webmaster Central

Deal: Last Chance for These $25 Bluetooth Ear Buds

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:32:03 +0000

If you want to get into the world of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, but don't necessarily want to fork out for the really expensive sets, we have a deal for you that's going away tomorrow. The Wireless Feather Bluetooth Earbuds that have been selling quite well in the DL Deals shop are still available for a few more hours at just $24.99. Again, these aren't the most premium Bluetooth earbuds on the planet, but they aren't trying to be. These are entry-level buds for those who want to experience a world without wires and without breaking the bank. The design is lightweight and features tangle-free wires, has 30ft Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in microphone so that you can take calls. Deal Link

No "Trusted Voice" Option Coming to the Nexus 6?

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:17:03 +0000

"Trusted Voice," the newest Smart Lock option that seems to be rolling out to select Lollipop devices running the newest version of Google Play services, allows you to setup a secure lock screen that can be bypassed by you saying, "OK, Google" when doing a search or attempted to perform another action. The feature attempts to learn your voice, thus turning it into a "trusted" voice that is used as a password of sorts. Instead of having to swipe out a pattern or punch in a PIN every time you want to do a quick search, you could say, "OK, Google" followed by a search and your phone would unlock and take you to the results. Pretty straight forward stuff that one could argue would be quite useful depending on the situation. Unfortunately, this new feature may not be coming to Google's newest phone, at least for now. Support documentation that details the new "Trusted Voice" setting mentions specifically that "This feature isn't available for Nexus 6." That's odd, since the Nexus 6 is Google's new phone that is typically used to show off new features and technologies. At this point, you can still activate basic searches with "Ok, Google" when the screen is off, but if you want to do anything more than that or even tap on a search result to open it, you will still have to enter in your secure lock screen password, PIN, or pattern. Nexus 6 owners, are any of you seeing "Trusted Voice" available?

Via: Google Support

Cheers Marco!

IKEA's Wireless Charging-Ready Furniture Arrives in the US "Late Spring"

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:30:17 +0000

Ever since IKEA and Samsung announced that they were teaming up to introduce a line of furniture with embedded wireless charging, we have been dying to get a look at the options, prices, and opportunities to buy them. With the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, along with a handful of other devices showing love to wireless charging these days, the thought of having furniture in our lives with built-in wireless charging sounds pretty incredible. It may not be fast charging, but it's certainly quite convenient, especially if the technology can live seamlessly in our day-to-day lives. This morning, IKEA finally announced pricing and availability of the new line for the US, with the first pieces of furniture becoming available in "late Spring." You will see all of the options below, which includes everything from night stands to lamps and stand-alone charging plates that can charge up to three devices at a time. IKEA is even introducing a saw set and kit that will allow you to turn any piece of furniture into a wireless charging station. Prices for night stands start as low as $60, the lamps go as low as $70, and the charge plates can be had for as little as $28. If you want the do-it-yourself kit, you are looking at $30 for the charger kit and another $5 for the saw set. For more information outside of the pictures below, be sure to hit up the source PDF.

Via: IKEA (PDF)

First Look: Moto 360's Gorgeous and Impossible to Find, Monolink Metal Band

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 11:53:06 +0000

When Motorola opened up its Moto Maker service to the Moto 360 a few weeks ago, Motorola asked if we would like to test it out by customizing a watch. We, of course, know how Moto Maker works after customizing a half-dozen Moto Xs over the last couple of years, but we took them up on their offer because there was a particular watch band that was only available through Moto Maker when paired with a Moto 360 that we wanted to get our hands on. Some of you know which band I'm talking about, and yes, it's the Monolink. The unicorn. The original metal band that was introduced with the Moto 360, yet never surfaced as an available option once the watch went on sale, is here. We have one. It is beautiful. Our order finally arrived today after being delayed for weeks because of that Monolink choice. We ordered within the first day or so of it being available and even then it said there would be delayed shipping because of the band. It is now listed as "unavailable," so you can no longer buy this band, which is really too bad. I can't tell you why Motorola decided against this band or why it was only available in limited supply when paired with a watch, but we can only hope they revive it for good when/if a new Moto 360 arrives this year. This band is easily my favorite release for the Moto 360 thus far. In the video below, we give it a quick feature because pretty things like this are fun to film and talk about. If you don't feel like sitting through 4 minutes of me blabbering about a watch band, then just check out the pictures below the clip. Anyone else able to secure the Monolink?

[responsive_vid]

The New Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens Trailer is Here...Oh My

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 11:28:19 +0000

I don't care if it's not Android-related. Just watch it because it's your duty to.

Samsung Aims to Improve Galaxy S6 Battery Life in Latest Update

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 10:32:04 +0000

How has your battery life been on your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge? As you know, we considered each to have "average" battery life at best in our review. I don't think we are alone in describing it as that either. And while a number of you are reporting better-than-average battery life, we are still holding out hope that Samsung can do something to improve the entire situation. Today, in an update, they are attempting to do just that. If you own the phone, feel free to jump into your Google Play store and check for updates to apps. You should see one for Samsung Push Service. You do, right? Update it. Now. According to the changelog, the update not only brings a patch to reduce data usage, but it aims to reduce power consumption as well. Do we know if a tweak there will be enough to drastically or at least recognizably alter battery life for the better? Tough to say without some further testing, which is what we are about to do. Let us know if you see any improvements on your end. Play Link Note: This is rolling out to almost all Samsung devices, not just the Galaxy S6.

"For Science" Android Collectibles Series Brings You Tesla, Newton, and Curie in Android Form

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 09:44:21 +0000

Ready to spend all of the lunch money that you saved up after purchasing the Series 5 box set of Android collectibles from February? Your answer will be "Yes" in a moment, once you see the the new "For Science" set that Dead Zebra is releasing on Monday, April 20. This new set is about celebrating the great scientific minds in our long history. Featuring mini collectibles of Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and Nikola Tesla, you not only get to feed your Android collectible addiction, but you can say to your significant other who groans every time you tell him/her you are buying a new toy that it's..."for science!" Each of the three collectibles includes an object related to their famous findings, plus a short summary of those achievements on the back of the collectible's box. The set goes on sale Monday, April 20, at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern) at the Dead Zebra shop. Each piece costs $10, but they will also be available in a set.

Via: Dead Zebra

Free: Grab $105 Worth of Apps From Amazon Today

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 09:03:45 +0000

Amazon is hosting another one of those deals on a big bundle of apps that will cost you nothing. Today's haul totals $105 and includes a handful of good apps like Wolfram|Alpha, the original Plants vs. Zombies, Runtastic Pro, and Osmos HD. It may not be the most extensive list of must-haves, but I would imagine you could find something there that is worth installing. In order to grab these apps, you will need the Amazon app installed. You can grab it from here. Amazon Link

Cyanogen and Microsoft Team Up to Integrate Microsoft's Services (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 08:03:41 +0000

All of those rumors of Cyanogen and Microsoft doing something together are now all somewhat correct. This morning, the two companies announced a "strategic" partnership that will integrate Microsoft's services across the Cyanogen Operating System. In other words, when you buy a phone running Cyanogen OS, it will have Microsoft apps ~~pre-installed~~ "contextually" presented to you. Those apps include Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office. Microsoft also claims that it will create "native integrations" on the OS, which will enable a "powerful new class of experiences." Marketing speak. Partnerships like this are not a new thing, as you all well know. Most of the Galaxy S6 variants all come with Microsoft's apps pre-installed. Amazon apps are also on a number of phones out of the box, Verizon's specifically. "Strategic" partnerships are obvious ways for companies on one end of the deal to make money, while the other gets exposure. It is what it is. Well, bloatware is what it is. Edit: The original article mentioned apps being pre-installed, but Cyanogen has clarified to us that they will actually be "surfaced contextually." That likely means that they will surface via a widget or folder or as shortcuts on home screens. Once they are tapped, they could then direct you to their Play store listings for installation.

Cyanogen Announces Strategic Partnership With Microsoft
PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - April 16, 2015) - Cyanogen Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced a partnership to integrate popular Microsoft services across the Cyanogen Operating System. With offices in Palo Alto and Seattle, Cyanogen is a leading mobile operating system company that is evolving the Android platform to create a more open, level playing field for third-party developed apps and services. Under the partnership, Cyanogen will integrate and distribute Microsoft's consumer apps and services across core categories, including productivity, messaging, utilities, and cloud-based services. As part of this collaboration, Microsoft will create native integrations on Cyanogen OS, enabling a powerful new class of experiences. "People around the world use Cyanogen's operating system and popular Microsoft services to engage with what matters most to them on their mobile devices," said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. "This exciting partnership with Microsoft will enable us to bring new kinds of integrated services to mobile users in markets around the world." "We aspire to have our tools within arm's reach of everyone, to empower them in all aspects of their lives. This partnership represents another important step towards that ambition," said Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Microsoft Corp. "We'll continue to deliver world-class experiences across productivity and communications on Windows, and we're delighted that Cyanogen users will soon be able to take advantage of those same powerful services." The distribution arrangement includes a number of Microsoft services: Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
###

LG Just Confirmed the Look of the G4, Luxury and Vegetable-Tanned Leather (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 07:20:53 +0000

Remember that massive LG G4 leak that sprung over the weekend? It was all real. That was the LG G4. That still is the LG G4. LG confirmed as much last night in posts to their Facebook and Google+ profiles. The posts speak of the need to "Always have authentic in hand," and that the "brand new LG G4" has a "vegetable-tanned leather cover." Those words are accompanied by a picture of a woman holding the phone, which is the same phone we saw in all of those leaks. Look for yourself below. There is the ~~butt~~ seam, camera placement, shape, everything. This is your LG G4.

To recap, we know so far that the phone will come with either regular plastic or leather-covered backs that are removable, which also means that the battery is removable. The battery should weigh in around 3,000mAh. There will be a micro SD card slot, 16MP camera with OIS and a F1.8 lens, 5.5-inch QHD display, and a body that is 8.9mm thick. It more than likely will ditch the Snapdragon 810 in favor of the 808. Ready for veggie tans? Update: Here is another image posted to Instagram. This back, while not leather, looks pretty cool with that design, no? Funny, but LG mentions that we "have not seen everything yet," in the post, which is a clear response to last weekend's massive leak.

Via: LG Mobile (Facebook)

Any.do 3.0 is Out With Material Design Upgrades, New Navigation, List Sharing, Tablet Support, and More

Kellen — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 06:45:54 +0000

Any.do, the to-do list app I seem to fall in love with every time it gets a big update, but soon forget about because I'm clearly completely unorganized, got a big update today to version 3.0. The update, which is here only six or so months after the last big jump to version 2.0, brings some heat to the to-do list game. We are talking Material Design upgrades throughout, a "new, more effective" navigation, list sharing (finally!), two new list filters, an actual responsive tablet layout, and more. You can also zoom in and out of lists now, add anyone to projects with the touch of a "+" button, and view lists in three ways (Time, List, and Priority). Syncing between apps and platforms is now faster than ever, as well. The update is live, so go grab it and start doing things.

What's New

Any.do 3.0 takes advantage of Android in entirely new ways:
Material design upgrades throughout
New, more effective Navigation
List sharing is finally here!
Two brand new list filters (Date, Priority or original List)
Rich, bold new themes to fully customize your Any.do experience
Fully responsive tablet support
Custom default list option - choose any list to be your default
Brand new on-boarding experience

Play Link

[responsive_vid]

Via: Any.do

OnePlus Two Will Arrive in Q3 of This Year, Cheaper Model Too

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:07:38 +0000

The follow-up to the OnePlus One will arrive in Q3, at least according to a report out of Bloomberg. During a short feature on the Chinese start-up, casual references to the OnePlus Two (yes, that's the name) launching in the third quarter along with a cheaper model that will arrive before the end of the year, were dropped. That of course comes on the heels of random rumors suggesting a new phone from OnePlus may not arrive until some time in 2016. How silly do those sound now? During the clip, Bloomberg also noted that OnePlus sold about 1 million phones last year, hopes to raise that to 3-5 million this year, and 10 million next year. Does that mean no more invites? We don't know much about the OnePlus Two other than we expect it to take on a similar approach to the OnePlus One, only with more premium materials. I would be shocked if this phone wasn't still sold for rock bottom prices, yet still had premium specs. I was a big fan of the OnePlus One, even if the phone's creators couldn't help but leave us all shaking our heads at their screw-ups. Outside of whatever Motorola and Google do for new phones, I would be OnePlus' up there as one that I'm most looking forward to. What about you?

Via: Bloomberg

AT&T's Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy S5 Active are Getting Lollipop

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 15:21:18 +0000

AT&T is on a roll this week with the Lollipop updates. Just yesterday, they began pushing Android 5.0 to the LG G2, and are now following that up with Lollipop updates for the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy S5 Active. The Galaxy Alpha is seeing one of the most recent versions of Lollipop, with an upgrade to Android 5.0.2. The Galaxy S5 Active, on the other hand, seems to only be getting Android 5.0. Below you will find a changelog for the Alpha that should provide owners of both phones with a solid list of what to expect:

Upgrade to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS (additional details available from Google)
Improved OS software design: Bold colors and bright contrast; New complex views and fluid animations
Better visibility for Recents and Calendar: New schedule view; New event with promoted action; Calendar picker view has new dropdown capabilities
Enhanced notifications: Notifications are more visible and accessible; Set notification priority and privacy for each application; Dismiss notification once across all Android devices
New recent apps: New Overview space (formerly called Recents); Includes both apps and separate activities within those apps
Improved settings: Use a finger swipe to access drop down notifications and quick settings
Screen Pinning: Pin a specific app or screen to keep it in view
Share your device: Set up multiple user accounts on your phone
New battery settings panel
Removed SoftCard app (existing users can only remove with a hard reset of the device)
Other planned fixes, updates, and enhancements

Here are the dirty details for the Galaxy S5 Active's update:

Android version: 5.0
Baseband version: G870AUCU1BOC5
Kernel version: 3.4.0-4443965 dpi@SWDD6217 #1 Sat Mar 21 14:51:12 KST 2015
Build number: LRX21T.G870AUCU1BOC5
File Size: 1.4GB

And here they are for the Galaxy Alpha:

Software Version: 5.0.2
Baseband Version: G850AUCU1BOC6
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-4486591 dpi@SWDD3915 #1
Build number: LRX22G.G850AUCU1BOC6

To check for updates, head into Settings>More>About Device>Software Update.

Via: AT&T [2]

Deal: VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription for $39

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:37:01 +0000

Want to protect your online privacy for life? For $39 in the DL Deals store, you can grab a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited. $39 gets you secure public WiFi connections with hidden and encrypted data, high-speed connections, unlimited bandwidth, a growing list of global servers, and Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows compatibility. The deal is only live for 1 more day. Deal Link

Tip: You Can Now Find Your Lost Phone by Typing "Find My Phone" in Google Search

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:28:05 +0000

You can now go to Google.com in a web browser and type "Find my phone" to see the exact location of your potentially-lost device. How cool is that? Google will now locate your phone through Google Search, just like it does in the Android Device Manager app. All you need is the latest version of the Google (Search) app installed and this should work. It may ask that you sign-in to your Google account before it completes the task, but seriously, that's it, at least according to a G+ post today from the search giant. After searching for your phone, assuming Google finds it, you can even "ring" your phone to set off its ringtone for five minutes. A quick press of the phone's power button will silence it. Google didn't mention needing to be signed in to the Android Device Manager in order for all of this to work, but if you click on the map that appears in the Search results, it actually redirects you to the ADM. Just to be safe, you may want to install ADM and get it up and running. Also, if you have multiple devices attached to your Google account, you can switch between them from the map result that appears.

Via: +Google

Google Drive for Android Now Lets You Share Files From Notifications, Supports 23 New Languages

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:13:10 +0000

Google is pushing an update to Google Drive for Android on this here "Update Wednesday," an update that adds quicker sharing of files with other users through notifications and another 23 languages. As you can see in the image above, once a file has been uploaded to Drive, the left button in the notification confirmation should say "Add People." If you tap that, you will then be able to quickly share the file with others. Handy, handy. The 23 new languages that Google Drive now supports include Armenian, Basque, Chinese (Hong Kong), French (Canada), Georgian, Khmer, and Malayalam, to name a few. The update is "rolling out over the next week or so." Play Link

Via: +Google Drive

Google's New Handwriting App Lets You Handwrite Text in 82 Languages

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:43:27 +0000

Earlier today, Google decided that you needed to ditch the keyboard and get back to handwriting messages to friends and family. No, this is not a 2-week late April Fools' joke from the company that dominates April 1. This is a real deal app that clearly took some work to get right. The app is called Google Handwriting Input, and it's actually pretty neat. You can handwrite in 82 different languages and watch as Google places them as words in a message field for sending or searching or whatever. They even included emoji drawing-support, so you can draw a unicorn or a sun or a simple smiley face. It's also pretty good at reading the scratchiest of chicken scratch. Give a shot. Here is a list of features:

A useful complement to touchscreen typing or voice input
A fun way to enter emojis by drawing
Useful for languages that can be challenging to type on a standard keyboard
Works across your Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0.3 and up
If you claim your handwriting is terrible, try it out and see if it can convince you otherwise

Play Link

Some Galaxy S6 Edge Units are Having All Sorts of Auto-Rotate Issues

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:50:17 +0000

Now that Samsung's new phones have been in the hands of normal people for more than a few days, we are hearing of a potential auto-rotate issue that is plaguing Galaxy S6 Edge owners on Verizon and Sprint. There may be variants from other carriers experiencing the issue as well, but these are the two we are seeing mentioned more often than any other model. So what exactly is the issue? New Galaxy S6 Edge devices from these two carriers, for whatever reason, are failing to rotate properly, potentially because the accelerometer is having issues. Owners of these phones are claiming that their phones work fine for a couple of hours, maybe even up to two days, but then at some point, they stop rotating. And no, it isn't because they are failing to turn on "Auto-Rotate" in the settings. Reboots don't fix the problem. Factory resets don't either. These phones are stuck in portrait mode, the camera UI is upside down, and nothing can be done to remedy the situation, other than a device swap. Samsung, Verizon, and Sprint all seem to be somewhat aware of the issue, as dozens of posts in a variety of forums all show that people are having little issue replacing the phones once they stop rotating properly. But from what I can tell, no one knows if this is a software or hardware issue. If your phone is stuck and you head into the dialer and type "*#0*#" and tap on "Sensor," you will more than likely see that your X is stuck at -32768. Some think that the accelerometer is getting stuck, potentially thanks to the heat caused by fast charging, while others think a software update could fix the bug. Either way, it's not good at the moment, especially with some Edge owners now on their third replacement device. Have you experienced auto-rotate issues with your S6 Edge? If so, which carrier is it from? Any fixes in-store that you are aware of? We will update this post as we have more.

Via: Verizon | XDA

Cheers Brett!

Little Worlds Turns the Moto 360's Flat Tire Into Something Fun

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:55:48 +0000

If you were looking for the #1 criticism of the Moto 360, it would without a doubt be the "flat tire" that sits at the bottom of its screen. The "flat tire" of course, is in reference to the black area at the bottom of the watch's face that hosts display sensors, which allow it to auto-adjust brightness. Motorola chose to include this area, because they wanted to make a watch that had as little bezel as possible. If they didn't go this route, they would have created something similar to the king of bulk and bezels, aka the LG G Watch R. Sure, the watch would have had a fully rounded display, but again, it wouldn't look as nice as it does. Still, some can't "unsee" the flat tire. If you are in that boat, then might I suggest you check out a watch face app called, well, Watch Face. The full name of the app is actually "Watch Face - Minimal & Elegant," but we are pointing it out today because it was recently updated to include a new featured called Little Worlds that aims to put to use that flat tire area. Little Worlds are as the name suggests, representations of little worlds that utilize the black space at the bottom of the watch to show silhouettes. It could be a silhouette of a city or the moon or even something as random as Mario jumping over a block. If you take a look at the image above, you'll see that I set one up with a mountain scene. Below, you'll also see New York and Egypt. Cool, right? The rest of the watch face app is filled with additional settings from color changes to gradient adjustments and font or glowing effects. You have to like the style of it, though, which includes a scrolling hour and minute time, as that layout is the constant here. If you don't mind the layout, then I think you will really enjoy all of the different items you can tweak here, including this new Little Worlds section. To set it up, you'll have to first install the app. Once you have done that, enter your Android Wear app, open the watch faces area, and look for "Minimal & Elegant." Once you have tapped on it twice to enter the app's settings, you'll find all of the options located under grey panels. In the Little Worlds section, there are a bunch of pre-loaded options, but there are instructions for loading up additional Worlds that have been created by community members. Take my advice and go check out the community - people are creating all sorts of goodies. Let's see you do that, Apple Watch. Play Link ($0.99) | G+ Community

Cheers Eric!

Chrome 42 Stable Arrives for Android, Brings Site Notifications

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:14:52 +0000

Back in March, Chrome Beta received an update to version 42 that introduced site notifications, as well as an easier way to add your favorite sites to your home screen. That update is now available for the stable version of Chrome. I wish I could tell you exactly how site notifications work, but I have yet to encounter a website that offers them. Have any of you run into a situation where a website offered you notifications? If so, I'd love to hear about how they work. What's New

Get the latest updates from sites with notifications.
Adding your favorite sites to your homescreen is now even easier.
Bug fixes and speedy performance improvements.

Play Link

Via: Chrome Releases

Tip: If Your Galaxy S6 is Unresponsive or Frozen, Do This

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:34:54 +0000

Because you can't pull the battery if something goes wrong with your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge and it freezes, you should probably know how to fix it. Well, you should at least know how to reboot it and unfreeze the little guy. Thankfully, Samsung is here to save the day with a helpful tip that won't go away in your notification area until you view it. That notification reads, "If your device is unresponsive, press and hold the Power key and the Volume down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it." Oh, they also have flagged this as a "Help Advice Tip." Got it? If your Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge is frozen or unresponsive, hold Power and Volume down for more than seven seconds and it should reboot. Boom.

Deal: Verizon Moto G is Just $25 at Best Buy for 4 Hours

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:00:05 +0000

Need a decent back-up phone? Best Buy is currently hosting a 4-hour sale on the Verizon Moto G that will get the phone in your hands for just $25. Sure, it's the 1st gen model and doesn't have LTE, but you never know when you might need a temporary replacement device. Or maybe your 12-year old needs his first phone? Or maybe you just like owning random prepaid phones? I don't know, but whatever the reason, now is your chance to grab one for less than an IMAX Avengers ticket. Note: Again, this phone doesn't have LTE even if Best Buy's listing claims that it does. Trust me, it doesn't. The deal ends at 3PM Central. Best Buy Link

Cheers Ryan!

Huawei P8 is Now Official, Along With the 6.8-inch P8max

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 09:47:19 +0000

In case you missed this morning's live streamed Huawei P8 event, here is the skinny. Huawei did indeed announce the P8 as their new flagship phone. The phone sports a one-piece aluminum body with "diamond shape blasting" to highlight the texture of the metal, is just 6.4mm thick, has a triple-layer shark-gill design, and a "sleek" back cover that is constructed of steel. Yowsers. As for specs, the P8 has a 5.2-inch 1080p edge-to-edge display, 2GHz Hisilicon Kirin 64-bit processor (that's Huawei's in-house chip), 3GB RAM, 16GB or 64GB storage, 13MP rear camera with OIS, 8MP front camera, 2,680mAh battery, Android 5.0, and global connectivity. The full spec list can be found below. Huawei expects the camera to be one of the P8's biggest selling points, with its "industry leading" optical image stabilization, four-color RGBW sensor that enhances performance in low light environments, and four "professional" quality low-light shooting modes. The Huawei P8 will retail in Europe for €499 and €599.

Along with the P8, Huawei also announced the P8max, which is a 6.8-inch phone. Yes, 6.8-inch at a resolution of 1920x1080 and appears to be as edge-to-edge as it gets. The "phone" also has a large 4,360mAh battery (that can be used to charge a P8), Kirin octa-core processor, 13MP rear camera with OIS, similar metallic unibody design to the regular P8, and Android 5.0. It really is just a larger version of the P8. The Huawei P8max will retail for €549 and €649. You can read more about each phone over at Huawei's community.

Video

P8 Introduction

[responsive_vid vid_url="ftz_kpaLefg"]

P8max Introduction

[responsive_vid vid_url="BNrvge6D2P8"]

Huawei P8 Specs

Size	Height: 144.9mm; Width: 72.1mm; Depth: 6.4mm; Weight: 144g
Color	Mystic Champagne; Titanium Grey
Display	5.2” FHD Screen; 1080p (1920 x 1080); 424ppi; 16M colors
CPU	Hisilicon Kirin 930; 8-core 64bit; 2.0GHz
Operating System	Android™ 5.0
Memory	3 GB RAM; 16 GB ROM or 64 GB ROM (Premium version)
Network	GRA_L09: TDD LTE: B40 FDD LTE: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B17/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28 UMTS: 800(B6,Japan)/800(B19,Japan)/850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz Support NFC GRA_UL00: TDD LTE: B38/B39/B40/B41 (2555MHz~2655MHz) FDD LTE:B1/B3/B4/B7 UMTS: 850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz(B8/B5/B4/B2/B1) GSM : Main card: 850/900/1800/1900MHz; Second card: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
GPS	GPS/A-GPS/Glonass/BDS(BeiDou Navigation Satellite System)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4GHz b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct support BT 4.1+LE MicroUSB (High Speed USB)
Sensors	G-sensor; Gyroscope sensor; Ambient Light sensor; Proximity sensor; Compass, Accelerometer
Camera	Main camera: 13 Mega pixel, OIS, RBGW sensor, DSLR-level Image Signal Processor, 1080p video recording/1080p video playback;F2.0; Dual-tone color temperature flash Front camera: 8 Mega pixel
Audio	Audio: MP3, MIDI, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, PCM, WMA Video: H.263, H.264, MPEG-4, MOV, ASF, RM, RMVB 3.5mm Audio Jack
Video	Video Codec: MPEG-4, H.264, H.263, VP8, RV7-10, Xvid, WMV9 Video File Format: .3gp, .mp4, .m4a, .rm, .rmvb, .wmv Image Codec: PNG, GIF (Static only), JPEG, BMP Image File Format: .png, .gif (Static only), .jpeg, .bmp Picture: PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WEBP, WBMP
Emotion IU	EMUI 3.1
Battery	2680mAh(typical value)
In the box	Handset; Headset; Charger; USB cable; Quick Start Guide; Safety Information

European Union Officially Charges Google of Violating Antitrust Laws, Begins Investigation on Android

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 08:36:50 +0000

Last night, the European Union formally accused Google of violating antitrust laws by allegedly giving its shopping services preferential treatment over competitors. Google can now respond within the next 10 weeks, which it will. The whole case is likely going to take more time to resolve than you and I care to invest, but it could end in substantial fines for Google. There is no telling if it will at all alter anything Google does in the US, but I would doubt it. On a related note, the EU also announced that it is opening another antitrust investigation into Android, which makes this all relevant to what we do here every day. Google, of course, responded with two blog posts this morning. As for the shopping-antitrust charges, Google laid out a handful of charts that show competitors of theirs doing quite well in both shopping and travel in Germany, France and the UK. They talked about there being numerous ways for people to find things through other search engines (Bing, Yahoo, Quora, etc.) and also through specialized shopping outlets (Amazon, Le Guide, Expedia, etc.). They even mentioned the fact that people are using Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter more regularly to find recommendations on where to eat, which movies to watch, and "how to decorate their homes." They touched on mobile searches growing too. After that, they jumped into all of the profits that their competitors have boasted about recently, like Yelp's 350% revenue growth in the last four years, TripAdvisor's doubled revenues, and Expedia growing by more than 67%. In the end, Google "respectfully but strongly disagrees" with everything and looks forward to making their case over the weeks ahead.

As for the Android-related stuff, no formal charges have been brought, but the EU did announce that they are launching an antitrust investigation. Google had a response to this news ready this morning, penned by Android's VP of engineering, Hiroshi Lockheimer. Lockheimer mentioned the fact smartphones barely existed ten years ago, yet they are an integral part of our lives these days, and Android has been a key player in spurring innovation. They have helped drop the average smartphone price by 23% in the last two years, the app ecosystem explode, and give customers more choice than ever. While all of that's great, the EU wants to talk about their partner agreements. As Google points out, these agreements are "voluntary," but does say that these agreements provide "real benefits to Android users." In other words, they give us all access to Google's services. But they also help reduce fragmentation, give better experiences to users out of the box, and allow companies to compete with Apple and Microsoft's experiences. Lockheimer also noted that Apple pre-installs far more Apple apps than Google does Google apps. Well then. Like with the shopping antitrust stuff, Google looks forward to working with the EU on addressing these Android-related concerns.

Via: Google [2] | Reuters

Verizon's Galaxy Note 3 Gets Lollipop Today

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 07:04:04 +0000

Verizon's Galaxy Note 3 is the next in line to receive the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop. That gives Big Red seven devices that have now been bumped up to the newest version of Android, just don't mention that to DROID Turbo owners. The update, which is rolling out as version VRUEOB6, is a big one. Users can expect to see Material Design changes throughout, especially in Samsung's stock apps. That means bolder colors, fluid animations, and floating action buttons everywhere. Outside of the shiny new looks, notifications will be more powerful (more control and on the lock screen), the app switcher turns into a stack of cards, and there are hidden features like Smart Lock. If you want to see Samsung's vision of Lollipop and TouchWiz on its pre-Galaxy S6 devices, check out this video we did of the Galaxy S5 running it. To check for the update, head into Settings>About phone>Software updates>Check for updates.

Via: Verizon

Huawei is Announcing the P8 This Morning, Watch the Event Here

Kellen — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 06:46:58 +0000

Huawei will announce the Huawei P8 in just a few minutes at a special event taking place in London. Actually, it kicks off at 7AM Pacific (10AM Eastern), so it is starting in less than 30 minutes. I know what you may be wondering - "Why do I care about the Huawei P8?" For a few reasons. First of all, Huawei is growing incredibly fast and putting out all sorts of quality phones at the moment. They are one of the Chinese manufacturing dominating with low-cost, phones that still pack in the features you need. Most lists have them ranked as either 3 or 4 in the world in terms of smartphone makers. Remember the Huawei Watch that, outside of the Galaxy S6 and One M9, was the talk of the show at MWC? Yep, they made that. It's still coming, by the way, so hopefully we hear more on pricing and availability today. Third, the P8 is their new flagship. While we don't know if it will come to a US carrier, it should be available at a reasonable price unlocked. Flagships are flagships - this one should be worth a look. Last year's P7 had a premium build with lots of glass, 1080p display, 13MP/8MP camera combo, and connectivity all over the world. Finally, there are pretty heavy rumors suggesting that Huawei is going to make a new Nexus. Don't you want to start familiarizing yourself with them now? That's what I thought. The stream starts shortly.

Android 5.1 Factory Images Now Available for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2013)

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:29:39 +0000

Update April 14: Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi and LTE models, along with the Nexus 4 are now available. Update April 8: Google added Android 5.1 (LMY47D) images for the Nexus 7 2012 "Mobile." Updated March 25: Google added Android 5.1 (LMY47I) images for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6. Updated March 20: Google added the Android 5.1 (LMY47D) image for the Nexus Player. Updated March 17: Google just added a new Android 5.1 factory image for the Nexus 6 as build LMY47E. Updated March 12: Nexus 6 factory images added.

The first batch of Android 5.1 factory images are now available for the Nexus 5, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 (2012). You will find links to all below. We will update this post as we have more. Factory Images (Android 5.1):

Nexus 4 (LMY47O)
Nexus 5 (LMY47D)
Nexus 5 (LMY47I)
Nexus 6 (LMY47D)
Nexus 6 (LMY47E)
Nexus 6 (LMY47I)
Nexus 7 (2012) (LMY47D)
Nexus 7 (2012) Mobile (LMY47D)
Nexus 7 (2013) (LMY47O)
Nexus 7 (2013) LTE (LMY47O)
Nexus 10 (LMY47D)
Nexus Player
Binaries

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

These Icon Packs are Hot: Miu, Belle, and Vee

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:33:19 +0000

Admit it, your life has been missing some heat. Icon heat. Icon hotness. The "Hot." ~~Paris Hilton~~. Today, we bring it all back with a 3-pack. Yes, these icons are hot. We were only slightly busy over the last two months covering a couple of devices you may have heard of, the Galaxy S6 (review), S6 Edge (review), and HTC One M9. With two of the three out of the way, we needed a break for a minute, which is code for - we needed to freshin' them up with an icon pack or two. You see, when we do reviews, we almost always review a phone without a third party launcher, so that we can give you our thoughts on the stock experience a manufacturer intended. Now that reviews for the new Galaxys are out of the way, Nova is on and so are some icon packs. Here are the three I am currently juggling.

Miu

In case you couldn't tell from the name, this icon pack pays tribute to MIUI, the popular skin found on Xiaomi's phones. Miu was created by artist djskarpia, the same icon creator who put together one of my favorite icon packs of all time, Moko. Like Moko, Miu comes with thousands of icons (2,500+), a whole bunch of custom made wallpapers, Muzei and Behang support, dynamic calendars, compatibility with your favorite launchers, and one of the best dashboard apps in the game. The icon pack features that vivid, colorful palette that you know from MIUI, except it drags it across 2,500+ icons. So instead of just a handful of MIUI-like , square-ish stock icons, you get all of your apps looking like the MIUI style. As an added bonus, there plenty of alternate icons for apps like the dialer, Gmail, and folders. You shouldn't have any trouble creating a home screen masterpiece. Play Link ($0.99)

Belle

Belle is an icon pack that we should have featured long ago, as it is one of the most popular of all time with over 700,000 downloads. That's a lot, right? It has been around since at least 2013, but it continues to receive updates to this day. It's also still gorgeous and not at all out of style. There are both free and "donate" versions of Belle, with each featuring over 1,300+ icons, a bunch of custom wallpapers, and of course, support for your favorite launchers. The icons are rounded, have subtle shadows that highlight depth, and a color range that is neither Easter nor dark cave - it's somewhere in the middle. The colors all stay pretty true to the apps they represent, which makes for one of the most versatile packs you will find. Again, I know that Belle is not at all new, but classics still need love. Play Link (Donate - $1.60)

Vee

With Vee, we're just going completely out of the norm here. Too often do we feature semi-rounded icons, with vibrant colors and long-shadows. That's not to say that we don't love all of the icon packs we feature, but every now and then, stepping out of a comfort zone isn't a bad thing. And so that's where Vee comes in. As you can tell from the screenshots, Vee basically turns each icon into an awesome looking comic book. I don't know how else to explain it. I'm not calling them cartoonish, but there is something almost hand-drawn, raw, and unpolished about each. Don't take that as a negative either - that's just how I'm choosing to describe them. That rawness is why I think this icon pack is so great. Colors are toned down, but appropriate. You know exactly what each icon is. Overall, you are looking at over 2,800 icons, 130+ HD wallpapers, 30 app drawer alternates, dynamic calendar support, and so much more. If you want something different, give Vee some run. Play Link ($0.99)

Deal: Only $30 for This 18,000mAh Battery Pack

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:12:40 +0000

Another day, another deal on a battery pack. For just $30, you can grab yourself a Power Vault 18000mAh portable battery beast with dual-USB ports for charging two devices at once. This device would normally retail for around $100, so you are looking at a 70% discount. It might not have Quick Charge 2.0 like the Aukey we recently reviewed, but it'll certainly charge all of your devices. The TOCCs Power Vault 18000mAh battery pack comes in blue, should give you up to 5 full charges, depending on your phone's battery size, and has a sleek, aluminum case. Here are the specs:

18,000mAh battery (approximate power)
Input: 5V 1.5A
Output: 5V 1A and 5V 2.1A USB ports
Dimensions: 6″ × 3″x .4"
Weight: .58 lbs

The deal is live for another 6 days. Deal Link

AT&T's LG G2 is Getting Lollipop Today Too

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 13:11:56 +0000

What's that, T-Mobile LG G2, thought you were special? Silly. AT&T's LG G2 is joining you today in the parade of Android 5.0 Lollipop. According to AT&T, the update will begin rolling out today as build D80020y and is around 721MB in size. To check for it, head into Settings>General>About phone>Software update>Update now. Like with the T-Mobile G2 update, AT&T is also not saying much as far as changes to expect. We are guessing (without having the phone in front of us) that you should expect to see notifications on the lock screen, more notification controls, revamped stock apps with Material Design elements, new navigation buttons, Smart Lock, and more.

Via: AT&T

LG's Music Flow Speakers Will be Google Cast-Ready This Month

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 13:05:35 +0000

LG announced late last night that their Hi-Fi Music Flow speakers will be some of the first available to integrate Google Cast. Their current line-up, which includes sound bars, WiFi speakers, and portable WiFi speakers, will have Google Cast connectivity this month, which I'm assuming means out-the-box. Current owners of any of these products will see an over-the-air update with Google Cast soon. As a recap, Music Flow is LG's Sonos-like Hi-Fi speaker experience. Think of it as a multi-room speaker system that is all seamlessly connected via your home's WiFi. The audio is clean and beautiful, the speakers bring high-end sound, and the overall experience is pretty versatile, since you can take your tunes from room-to-room as you go. You can play music from different sources depending on the room, combine speakers to create home theater setups, etc. Hi-Fi audio systems are pretty awesome. As for Google Cast, you'll have to try and remember back to January at CES for news on this. Google announced that they were bringing Cast for Audio to speakers from companies like Sony, HEOS, and of course, LG. Cast for Audio, or Google Cast, allows you to cast music or audio files from music services (Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Pandora, Rdio, TuneIn, etc.) on your phone, tablet, or computer, directly to a speaker, like LG's Music Flow. It functions like your Chromecast, only this is an audio-friendly feature. Google was mum on availability back in January, but I think it's safe to say that April is looking likely for a launch.

Via: LG

Galaxy S6 Edge Costs More to Build Than the iPhone 6 Plus

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:38:47 +0000

According to research firm IHS, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge costs more to make than the iPhone 6 Plus, yet Samsung sells it for slightly less. A breakdown of the phone's bill of materials reveals that it could cost Samsung around $290 to build a 64GB Galaxy S6 Edge, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus tops out at around $263 for the 128GB model. At full retail, the price of a 64GB Galaxy S6 Edge runs as low as $799; the 64GB iPhone 6 Plus starts at $849. Of course, this is the standard speculative report that IHS puts out for every phone, many of which are denied by phone manufacturers. The cost could officially be less or more, for all we know. So what makes up the cost? This report suggests that it costs Samsung $85 per device for its display and touchscreen elements, $29.50 for its Exynos 7 octa-core chip, $27 for its DDR4 RAM, and another $25 for its 64GB of storage. The rest of the costs are a combination of things, but their teardown did reveal that Samsung is using a Qualcomm "baseband chip" in the Verizon variant that cost an extra $15. Of course, since this is Samsung going premium for the first time, and we are already comparing the cost of the Edge to the cost of an iPhone, we should point out that an IHS analyst noted that the rising costs are likely because Samsung is copying Apple with the little things, like metal enclosures and design choices that are "similar to Apple's." Except that the Galaxy S6 Edge looks nothing like an iPhone. But, hey, quotes! Phones are expensive. Margins are great, for companies like Apple and Samsung.

Via: Recode

Google's "Designed For Families" Highlights Family Friendly Apps and Games

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 11:48:48 +0000

This morning, Google announced a new family-focused experience that will soon arrive on Google Play. It's called Designed for Families, and as the name suggests, is a way for Google to partner with developers to curate content that would be best suited for families and kids ~~and pets~~. In the coming weeks, this new Designed for Families section will arrive with both apps and games that are age-appropriate, family-focused, and trusted. Google has seen some growth in this area, thanks to developers like PBS Kids, Tynker, and Crayola, but Designed for Families will allow even smaller developers to get in on the action. With a push into family-friendly content, you should start to see optimized user interfaces and interactive features that both educate and entertain. If you are a developer and would like to join the program, you can find the Designed for Families guidelines here. To learn more about Designed for Families, head here.

Via: Android Developers

Tuesday Poll: Do You Use WhatsApp?

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:47:05 +0000

Shortly after writing up news of WhatsApp's new Material Design update and admitting that I've never used the app in my life because I live in the US, a number of our US readers chimed in to say that they actually prefer WhatsApp and that everyone they know uses it as well. The rest of the world also can't fathom the idea that I've never used the app, yet run an Android site, and has lambasted me for it. It's been fun! WhatsApp users sure love their WhatsApp. So, that means we need to find out if WhatsApp really is making its way to our shores or not and if I need to start convincing every person I know to adopt it into their lives, even though I finally convinced most of them to use Hangouts after years of work. Let us know, are you using WhatsApp? [poll id="361"]

T-Mobile LG G2 Gets Lollipop Update Today

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:06:49 +0000

T-Mobile, at least according to its support site, is ready to push Lollipop to the LG G2 starting today. The update will actually begin rolling out today an finish around May 22, so if you don't see it right this minute, keep checking over the next couple of days. The update introduces the phone to Android 5.0.2 and software version D80130b. The update weighs in at 617MB, so you'll want to have plenty of battery or a charger nearby before updating. To check for the update, head into Settings>General>About phone>Update center>System updates>Check now. T-Mobile didn't provide much in the changelog, but you should expect to see notifications on the lock screen, more notification controls, revamped stock apps with Material Design elements, new navigation buttons, Smart Lock, and more.

Via: T-Mobile

WhatsApp Gets Material Design Makeover

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 09:47:14 +0000

WhatsApp, an app that is huge around the globe, but not so much in the US, received a big update today with touches of Google's Material Design. I wish I could tell you what's new or how the app looks, but having never used the app in all my days covering Android, I have no idea. I don't even have any contacts in my phone who use it, so I can't even test it. In fact, I just sent messages to myself in order to at least capture some screenshots. It's a lonely world. Just being honest. Soooooo, WhatsApp! It got a big update today! Edit: A poll is now up! We want to know who is using WhatsApp. In order to get the new stuff, you'll have to install it directly from the WhatsApp site, which we have linked to below. Download Link

DL Favorites: Twitter Apps

Ron — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:30:26 +0000

Tweetings for Android is my absolute favorite Twitter app for three main reasons: it has real push notifications, it has a beautiful parallax preview type for inline media, and it has a distraction-free reading view. Real push notifications are a big deal. When someone follows me, or replies to me, or sends me a DM I want to know right away. There are other third party apps out there that offer push notifications, but they're usually implemented in a way that drains battery on your phone. Tweetings handles push notifications from their servers, so your phone doesn't have to burn away its battery searching for those notifications. While you're scrolling through your timeline on Tweetings you'll quickly notice that images slowly scroll from top to bottom in their preview panes. This isn't something that will change your life forever, but it is the kind of detail that I love (if you have bad taste and don't like this you can always change it in settings). Speaking of scrolling through your timeline, something I do all the time is see an article that I might want to read. With Tweetings I have two options: I can tap on the link and Tweetings will load the article with the in-app browser (or the browser of your choice) or I can tap on the tweet and Tweetings will load the article text below the tweet so I can start reading right away in a distraction-free format. I love that second option because it enables me to quickly glance through an article and decide if I want to read it and then shoot it into Instapaper for later. While these are some of my favorite features, Tweetings also has support for GIFs, multiple photos, streaming, quickly selecting the last image in your gallery, themes, drafts, multiple accounts with unified timeline, muting, interactions (notification summary), Twitlonger, and Android Wear. Oh, and of course it has Material design. Tweetings supports Android phones and tablets and even has apps for iPhone, iPad, OS X, and Chrome OS so you can use it almost everywhere. Tweetings is $2.99 on the Play Store. Play Link

Falcon Pro 3 has come a long way since it launched back in January. When the app launched it felt a little too rushed with basic third party features missing, but the developer, Joaquim Vergès, was quick to add new features to the application. Four months after release updates have slowed, but Falcon Pro 3 has become one of my favorite Twitter apps to use. Falcon Pro 3 has an innovative notification system that is slow to buzz you if you haven't used the app in a while, but picks up speed as your usage increases. Since Falcon Pro 3 does not have access to push notifications through the Twitter API, this model is undoubtedly designed to save battery life while still offering fast notifications when the app is under heavy use. Personally, I prefer to have push notifications, but I think this is a smart way to work around the limitations in place. Falcon features a landscape mode that displays two columns at the same time on your phone. The text and media previews for each column are responsive so it's easy to read from either column. I found this feature especially helpful for browsing through timelines on two separate Twitter accounts. Falcon has an interactions menu that serves up a lot of regularly accessed data. Swiping in from the left edge reveals the interactions menu which shows your current follower count, the number of people you're following, and the number of new DMs you have at the top of the menu. If you have a new follower then there will be a +1 next to your follower count (or a -1 if you lost a follower). Below this top menu is a list of all of your mentions as well as your favorites and retweets. You're able to view these details on a per account basis by tapping on the appropriate avatar. Falcon Pro 3 features tablet support, Material design, world trends, mute, delete RT, GIF support, scrolling to the top by tapping the top of the column, and many more features. Falcon Pro 3 is free to try with a $3.99 in-app purchase to unlock your first account. Each additional account costs another $1.99 to unlock. Play Link

Fenix by Matteo Villa is the app of choice for Kellen and Tim. One of my favorite features about this app is the compose gesture. From any column you can swipe in from the right edge to initiate the compose view. You can, of course, use a traditional compose button if you prefer, but I enjoyed being able to swipe to send a tweet. The main menu is accessed from a swipe in from the left side which lets you quickly jump to mentions, activity, messages, etc. It also allows you to quickly see your lists, add a new list, and view saved searches. Fenix is a well made app with plenty of great features, but I find myself missing push notifications and a medium option for inline media previews. Fenix does make up for push with an option to enable real time updates, but I'd recommend you save this for when you're on WiFi and feeling careless about your battery life. Fenix of course features GIF support, multiple images in tweets, quickly scrolling to the top of a column by tapping the top, and my favorite, an activity column for viewing all those RTs, favs, follows, and mentions. Fenix is $4.99 on Google Play. Play Link

Talon by Klinker Apps is a beautiful Twitter app with Material design. My favorite thing about Talon has to be just scrolling through the app. Once you open the app and it refreshes the column you're on you'll see a tally of the tweets you have left to read and a button to jump to the top appear next to the compose button. As you scroll all navigation slides away, allowing you to focus in on the tweets you're reading. It's a gorgeous, distraction-free reading interface. Talon also features Talon Pull, a way to work around the Twitter API's limitations. Pull enables your device to listen for new tweets on Twitter. Not surprisingly, Pull can be hard on battery life (especially on Lollipop), but it at least enables you to keep up with Twitter if you'd like. If you're a fan of muting, Talon has you covered with a plethora of configuration options. You can mute users, retweeters, hashtags, clients, and expressions. Talon also has a muffled option, which removes the majority of their tweets from your timeline, but still shows you the user and a brief preview so you can decide if you want to see the full tweet from a glance. Talon is $3.99 on the Google Play Store. Play Link

Third party Twitter app developers are working in a very competitive market with a limited number of clients thanks to Twitter's hostile attitude towards the developers and community that made it what it is today. While that is frustrating, I still love the service because of the people and the conversations that happen there. Between these four options you should be able to find an app that meets your needs and matches your aesthetic. These developers put in a lot of hard work and it shows. Feel free to share what your Twitter app of choice is and why you like it in the comments.

Google Introduces 7 New Sections to Its Material Design Guidelines

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 07:40:42 +0000

I'm not going to even attempt to claim that I have a good grasp on what Google's Material Design is. I know it's pretty and bold. I know things float. I know that there are ripples reacting to touch. And I understand that there should be layers, lighting, and an overall feeling of reality in an app when implemented properly. I also get the feeling that the whole concept isn't just overwhelming to me alone, and that app developers and designers are having their own troubles. Thankfully, Google continues to revise its massive set of Material Design guidelines to help us all better understand a "tactile reality, inspired by the study of paper and ink, yet technologically advanced and open to imagination and magic." Yes, we need to understand magic more. More magic. In an April update to the guidelines, Google is introducing seven new sections, along with a bunch of refinements to others. Things like floating action buttons now have their own defined areas, as does app structure, and writing guidelines. Here is a brief overview of the newness:

Data tables: guidance on presenting data sets, particularly in desktop products
Units and measurements: a description of the different units used in material design, including guidance on using density-independent pixels (DPs)
App structure: suggestions for top-level navigation in your app
Component sticker sheet for After Effects to help streamline your motion design workflow
Floating action buttons now have their own section, with added guidance on behavior and transitions
Updated guidance on Typography, Cards, Dialogs, Tabs and Scrolling.

The rest of the "What's new" section can be found here.

Via: +Google Design

Cyanogen 12 is Now Rolling Out to the OnePlus One (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 06:57:46 +0000

Hopefully, you didn't flash that OxygenOS thing that OnePlus called an "OS" the other week, because Cyanogen 12 is now available and rolling out to all OnePlus One owners starting today (well, yesterday it started). After a slight delay, if we can even call it that, the update brings Android 5.0 Lollipop and a whole bunch of new customizations to a phone that cracked our top 5 phones of 2014. In the update, the Cyanogen team takes on Google's Material Design, adds new theming features using their brand new App Themer, introduces a new email client powered by Boxer, and more. This should be a good one. And hey, for those complaining about it being delayed, ask DROID Turbo owners what they think about waiting for promised Lollipop updates. OnePlus owners, how's the update? Update: Here is a better changelog provided by OnePlus.

-Improved camera with continuous shot and improved low-light performance -Enhanced look and feel -Enhanced theme chooser -Ambient display with lift-to-wake -New lock screen -Cleaner settings menu -Multi-user support -Enhanced A/V support (more codecs, high-res playback, high-res output over USB, low latency capture) -Power and performance optimizations -Smart lock -Improved BT and WiFi compatibility -Enhanced notification and privacy controls

Via: Cyanogen | OnePlus

Cheers Ozaz and Mobin!

"Project Fi" May be Another Codename for Google Wireless, Here are Some New Details

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:29:57 +0000

Google is preparing to launch its own wireless service within the next few months, according to Sundar Pichai, the boss of most things these days at Google. We're guessing it will be at Google I/O in May. One could argue, without sounding like a complete fool, that this is the most exciting news to come out of Google in some time. If anyone can shake up the wireless industry, it might be Google. Might be. Unfortunately, without an announcement, we still aren't really sure what to expect from Google's wireless service. We have reports suggesting that the service will use both T-Mobile and Sprint towers, along with WiFi to find you the best connection at all times. We think that it runs under the codename Project Nova. We think it might only allow the Nexus 6 on its airwaves at launch. And we know that a lot of you are really excited about the idea. Again, that's all not much. Thanks to an app found buried inside an unreleased Android 5.1 build for the Nexus 6, we may now know much more than Google probably wants us to at this moment. The app, called Project Fi, was found first on XDA, then ripped apart by the crew over at Android Police. What they found inside details a lot of how this Google wireless service might work. The whole story is quite lengthy and includes a bunch of lines of code that you probably care little about, so I'll do my best to summarize the findings.

There are three codenames to now keep track of: Tycho, Nova, and Project Fi. Tycho is the codename of the .apk for the app that was found on the unreleased Nexus 6 build. Nova is the previously rumored name of the whole project that was also found in this .apk. And Project Fi is what the app was called when discovered on a Nexus 6.
Project Fi could be the name of the service when it launches, but that seems unlikely. I can't remember the last time Google launched a product with the name "Project" in front of it. We have been referring to it as Google Wireless since day 1, so we'll stick to that for now.
The Project Fi/Tycho app is mostly a typical carrier-related app, with options for paying bills, checking usage, etc. However, you may also be able to use the app to activate service, request a new phone number, or initiate a transfer. You can also potentially pause or re-start service from within the app.
Don't be surprised if the app lets you sign-up for autopay, choose from multiple payment methods, and see statements.
Project Fi aims to let you decide how much data you want to use/pay for each month. This all gets pretty cool when you know that Google may refund you, should you not actually use up the data you originally decided to pay for. If you go over your data, it appears that you will pay the same price per GB you did at the beginning of the month, not some jacked up extra rate that your typical carrier would charge you.
Plans start with flat rates for talk and text, then go up depending on how many gigabytes of data you add on.
Calling or texting should be free (well, once you enable service, meaning it's probably unlimited), but there may be random charges for MMS. That seems odd, so take that with some hesitation for now.
There may be multiple lines per account and shared data buckets. That's actually noteworthy because this is basically a prepaid wireless service, which don't typically offer shared data.
If you have a tablet, you may be able to sign-up for data-only service.
You may be able to quickly switch phones through the Project Fi app. Tough to tell how that will work, but it could be similar to how Google Voice works, where you can check and uncheck phones that you want to be a part of your received calls service. I would imagine that this would require Google Wireless SIMs in each phone, but that's not a big deal.
Sprint and T-Mobile are both referenced in this Project Fi app, all but confirming their participation.
You may be able to buy a Nexus 6 through the app and finance it.
Google will more than likely track your calls, so that they can later issue you ads based on those calls. Woof.
Yep.

Not overly game-changing stuff at this time, but certainly some different approaches in there that might be really nice for those who would rather adjust cost based on data consumption each month. Also, the big deal here is going to be pricing. Is Google going to charge something wild like $2 per GB? We don't know, but can you imagine if they did? Thoughts?

Via: Android Police

Deal: Moto 360 is Now Just $165 at the Google Store, Free Shipping Included

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 14:11:55 +0000

Remember how the Moto 360 dropped to $180 at Amazon and Best Buy to end last week? Forget about that non-sense. Google just dropped the price to $165 at the Google Store, and threw in free shipping to boot. Both black or stone leather options are available at $165. What are you waiting for? Oh, the Moto 360 (2nd Gen), which has to be right around the corner. OK, that makes sense. Play Link

Android 5.1 "LMY47O" Update Now Available for Nexus 4

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:47:54 +0000

Update 4/13: Nexus 4 LMY47O OTA .zip is now available.

Now that Android 5.1 has begun rolling out, we are starting to capture over-the-air (OTA) .zip files for you to sideload should you not feel like waiting for the update to hit your device. The first to arrive is for the Nexus 5, but we wouldn't be surprised if either Nexus 7 or the Nexus 10 or the Nexus 6 weren't far behind. As we continue to receive new file URLs that are direct downloads from Google, we will continue to update this post.

Download Android 5.1 OTA .zips:

Nexus 4 - [LMY47O from LRX22C, 174MB] - Download Link
Nexus 5 - [LMY47D from LRX21O, 221MB] - Download Link (Cheers Anthony!)
Nexus 5 - [LMY47D from LRX22C, 221MB] - Download Link (Cheers Nathan!)
Nexus 5 - [LMY47I from LRX22C, 221MB] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LMY47D from LRX22C, 410MB] - Download Link (via)
Nexus 6 - [LMY47I from LRX22C, 410MB] - Download Link
Nexus 6 - [LMY47M from LRX22C, 411MB] - Download Link (Cheers Raj!)
Nexus 7 (2012) WiFi - [LMY47D from LRX22G, 102MB] - Download Link
Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi
Nexus 9
Nexus 10 - [LMY47D from LRX22G, 104MB] - Download Link
Nexus 10 - [LMY47D from LRX22C, 104MB] - Download Link

*Note - In order to flash a .zip file in adb, be sure to match up the build number on the file to your current or the update will fail. For example, the first Nexus 5 link we have will only work for those running Android 5.0 "LRX21O." Many of you may already be running LRX22C and will need to wait for the next file. For instructions to sideload using adb, check here. For instructions on how to grab an OTA file, check here.

Deal: This 128GB Lexar Class 10 Micro SD Card is Just $88

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:09:51 +0000

To future LG G4 and HTC One M9 owners (and owners of all Samsung devices pre-Galaxy S6), high capacity micro SD cards are still an accessories worth investing. Not only can you load up the majority of your music collection on them or take them from device to device, but they allow you to save some money by buying phones with less internal storage, knowing you can upgrade the storage yourself on the cheap. For those still interested, Amazon is hosting a 70% off sale on Lexar micro SD cards at the moment. These appear to be the top-of-the-line Lexar brand, with all cards rated class 10. The 32GB ($23.99) and 64GB ($39.95) cards are also rated UHS-3, which means they have write speeds up to 30MB/s. There is a solid $88 deal on a 128GB card as well, but it's UHS-1. All of the cards have read speeds up to 95MB/s. Amazon Link

Deal: Grab This 1TB WiFi IDrive Hard Drive, Plus 10TB Cloud Storage for $97

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:57:35 +0000

For under $100, in the DL Deals store, you can grab a 1TB WiFi hard drive from IDrive, along with a 1-year subscription to 10TB of their cloud storage. The 1TB WiFI hard drive starts at around $100 by itself, so basically, you are paying for the hard drive and then receiving a free year of 10TB worth of secure, cloud storage space. Not bad, right? The 1TB WiFi hard drive allows you to backup and quickly access storage data across numerous devices without plugging them in. You can even selectively backup and restore files and folders, giving you that much control over what is stored on the drive. It also has 256-bit AES encryption, works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and supports micro US 3.0 for even faster transfers. As for the 10TB of cloud storage, this is a 1-year subscription. IDrive's cloud backup also includes 256-bit AES encryption, is available to your devices from anywhere in the world, and even has Facebook and Instragram backup. The deal is live for the next 5 days. Deal Link

Question of the Day: What Do You Love About Your New Galaxy S6 or HTC One M9?

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:54:49 +0000

You are a full weekend in. You have had time to familiarize yourself. You watched our tips and tricks videos. You are becoming one with your new smartphone, that being an HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6, or Galaxy S6 Edge. What do you love about it? I know it seems early in the relationship to be asking such personal questions, but come on, everyone has first impressions after a first date. We want to know yours. After all, there has to be something you love or else you probably already returned it and re-activated your PhoneMatch.com profile. Are you loving the display in the Galaxy S6? Maybe it's the camera? How is the Edge treating your hand? Band-aids on it yet? Do you love the 2013 design of your HTC One M7 M8 M9? I kid, I kid. Seriously, though, we would love to hear those first impressions.

Tip: Galaxy S6 and Edge Owners, Remove the Sticker Covering Your Flash and HR Monitor

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:50:31 +0000

I didn't even realize this until 2 minutes ago, but the flash and heart rate monitor on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge has a clear sticker over it. Look closely, yours probably does too, you just didn't see it. Both my S6 and S6 Edge had them and I didn't even notice because the stickers are so perfectly cut and fit to the little glass covering. Most stickers on things like the camera or edges of a phone almost always show themselves depending on the angle, but this little guy might go unnoticed unless someone pointed it out. So, we are doing that right now. Remove that thing! And if you haven't already, you should probably remove the sticker on your camera lens as well. It's a little more obvious to the eye, but you will want that gone to make sure your pictures look as good as the Galaxy S6 can make them. Seriously, remove it. It's not there for permanent protection, screen protector fans.

H/T Android Beat

Haha, What: Sharp Made a 5.5-Inch 4K LCD With 806ppi

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:19:08 +0000

Sharp, producer of LCD panels for all sorts of electronics, has created a 5.5-inch 4K LCD display that one can only assume will go inside smartphones. 4K display, in a smartphone. What. The. FHell. We are talking a resolution of 3840x2160 and 806 pixels per inch. Your currently comparable QHD display only has a resolution of 2560x1440 and 538ppi. Why would anyone need that kind of resolution in a smallish, 5.5-inch display? I get that we probably asked that about 1080p displays and QHD displays, but 4K? Pixels were unidentifiable at 1080p. At QHD, we just sort of said, "In the never-ending battle for spec supremacy, we should have expected this to happen." But, again, 4K? I guess if Spaceball One jumped from light to ridiculous to ludicrous speed, we might as well do it with displays. It's official, Sharp has gone plaid. Sharp is expecting to mass produce these new UHD displays in 2016. Hopefully, they are efficient.

Via: Sharp | Techblog

Grandmothers: Sprint Will Bring Your New Phone Right to Your Home and Set It Up

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 09:17:21 +0000

This morning, Sprint announced a new program called Direct 2 You that places a retail-trained Sprint expert in your home, with your new phone, to make sure America's grandmother population is taken care of. They could take care of you too. They could take care of anyone really. Well, not in the nursing home capacity, but to help you get a new phone up and running! Sprint's Direct 2 You is a "first-ever" wireless customer service initiative that is "revolutionary." Seriously, Sprint called it revolutionary. According to their customer research and insights, they saw a need for in-home service, which will require them to provide a fleet of around 5,000 Sprint cars driving around metropolitan areas. Nothing more revolutionary than adding to the world's traffic and pollution problems, right? This is how it works. Sprint customers receive a text notifying them of an available upgrade. They can then call the number in the text, schedule an appointment with an expert, and then go about buying a new phone, all from the comfort of their own couch, once the expert arrives. The expert will setup the new phone, transfer over contacts, and make sure the phone is up and running properly. Appointments are free by the way, and do not require that you are a grandmother. On a related note, what's with the "2" in "Direct 2 You?" I don't get it. The word needed here is "to" not "two." But because some marketer said, "Numbers look better and more catchy in phrases, so let's swap in the number 2, even though it makes no sense." Boom, marketing. Any takers?

Via: Sprint

These E3 Android Wear Watch Bands are Really, Really Nice

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 08:40:26 +0000

Last week, Google announced a set of official partnerships with a handful of companies willing to make watch bands for Android Wear devices. One of those companies is E3 Motocycles, a shop out of Brooklyn, NY, who specializes in hand-made products that use quality materials like Horween leather. Out of the group that was announced by Google, the E3 watch bands were the closest to our personal tastes in watch bands, so we picked a few up. Man, these are incredible. Priced at $64 and up, these aren't exactly cheap, but they aren't supposed to be. When you are using quality Horween leather, coupled with premium hardware and a non-assembly line approach, you get what you pay for. In fact, each watch band we received had a hand-written order card with it, along with the name of the person who put it all together. Talk about attention to detail. We grabbed the natural, black, and brown options, along with stainless steel, brushed metal, and matte black hardware for the Moto 360. They support almost every single Android Wear watch, though, including the G Watch R, G Watch, Gear Live, and Asus ZenWatch.

I'm not sure you could go wrong with any of these. You can tell they are hand-made, because the subtle imperfections in the glueing or stitching let you know that these weren't assembled in a big factory overseas. The design is masculine yet tasteful, with stitching for reinforcement and a bit of style that accompanies the metals we chose. The leather is also incredibly soft. For example, the Horween natural band I bought from Motorola is still not as soft as the natural Horween band I just received from E3, even after dozens and dozens of wears. We are talking the same leather here, but one was mass-produced for Motorola and the other was put together by a dude named David. The bands are 22mm, so even if you don't want these on your $200 Android Wear watch, you couldn't go wrong slapping them on another standard 22mm watch. Again, $64 and up, but damn, these are arguably worth each penny. You can check out all of E3's Android Wear watch bands here.

Verizon's LG G3 is Finally Getting Lollipop Today

Kellen — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 06:49:16 +0000

The LG G3 on Verizon is getting Lollipop! It is! Look, we have an official document saying as much. It's also dated today! It doesn't say April 1! In all seriousness, the timing of Verizon going live with update details makes perfect sense. Over the weekend, we told you on Twitter (you should follow us there for nuggets of info like this) that you could plug-in your G3 and update via Verizon's Software Upgrade Assistant. Many of you took us up on that and have been running Android 5.0 for a couple of days, while others were slightly confused by our half-cryptic Tweet. Either way, the over-the-air (OTA) version of the update is going to start today. As expected, it's a big one. After the update, users will see revamped UI elements, including the navigation buttons. There are notifications now on the lock screen, but unfortunately, LG broke the real functionality that Google intended here. Other than those two things, you'll have more control over notifications down to the individual app level, Smart Lock for Bluetooth devices, searchable system settings, floating action buttons here or there, a new app switcher UI, screen pinning, and a bit more. We walked through Lollipop on the G3 a few weeks back and have included that video just below the changelog. To check for the update, head into Settings>System updates>Check for new system update. Go get it!

[responsive_vid]

Via: Verizon

Cheers Neil!

A Massive LG G4 Leak Went Down This Weekend

Kellen — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 17:40:22 +0000

Ummm, well, this is the LG G4. The phone was supposed to be officially revealed for the first time on April 28, buuuuuuut, a microsite set up for the phone was leaked yesterday and its contents are now everywhere on the web. That means that the phone in all sorts of forms, including versions with leather backs (and butt seams), is ready for you to see. We also know more about some of its specs, like the removable 3,000mAh battery, included SD card slot, a "color spectrum sensor," and its IPS "Quantum" display. Yeah, we know a lot. Ready for it?

Oh, don't worry, there is more. Ready?

My lord. OK. With that out of the way, let's talk. From this microsite, which is of course now gone, we are pretty sure that we can expect two versions of the LG G4 - one with a traditional plastic cover, and another that is fitted with leather. The plastic cover version will come in at least three colors, which appear to be white, grey, and gold. The leather version will then come in black, brown, red, light blue, gold, and yellow. The back of the phone is removable, as is the battery. There is a micro SD slot, and a "durable, sleek" body that "was designed with an idea user experience in mind." The phone, according to this microsite, is 8.9mm thick. The 16MP camera, as you all know, includes an F1.8 aperture lens that LG claims captures more natural images, thanks to its "Color Spectrum Sensor." It also has a fancy light trail effect mode, and the previously announced manual mode. As for the display, we already know that it measures in at 5.5-inches and with a QHD resolution, but LG is calling it a "Quantum" display. It's supposed to deliver "brilliant, crisp images" that are "rich and authentic in color," while also remaining energy efficient. We are also pretty sure that LG ditched the Snapdragon 810 for the 808. So yeah, that's the LG G4, assuming this is all accurate. It has to be, though, look at all those damn images. Thoughts?

Via: @evleaks | reddit | +PedtroPegeuroJr | Android Central | g4.xfb.kr

Galaxy S6 Edge Reviews

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 21:08:06 +0000

The Droid Life Show episode 82 is going down on this lovely Friday afternoon with a focus on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge reviews that Tim and I just posted. Can you believe it? We actually got reviews out in time for launch day. Good job, us! Now, we still have an HTC One M9 to review (hopefully by early next week), but for this show, we really want to tell you every single final thought we have on the new Galaxy phones. If you read our reviews, then you'll know just how much we like them. With that said, we know they have minor flaws as well, all of which need to be discussed. It should be a fun show, assuming you care about the Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge. At 3:00PM Pacific (6:00PM Eastern), won’t you please join us?

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: April 10, 2015

Tim — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:49:32 +0000

Another week in the books here at DL. This week, we published our full Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge reviews, which will hopefully help point anyone who is interested in the right direction as to which device they should pick up. Sorry, potential One M9 buyers, your review is coming early next week. On top new reviews, this week's news surrounded Google looking to improve battery tech that powers consumer electronics, the possibility that Android Wear may soon support iOS devices, and LG setting its announcement date for the G4 for April 28. Exciting times ahead, indeed. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Watch: The Droid Life Show – Episode 82 [Subscribe]
Review: Samsung Galaxy S6.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.
LG G4 announcement date set for April 28.
Google working to improve battery tech for consumer electronics.
The entire Star Wars movie collection is now available on Google Play.
Report: Google working to bring Android Wear to iOS.
Here is a preview of LG's upcoming UX 4.0.
Snapseed 2.0 released to Google Play, features enhanced UI and new icon.
Overview: A look at the Oxygen OS update for the OnePlus One.
Camera details released by LG for upcoming G4.
YouTube to launch platform-wide subscription service.
Google announces new watch strap partners for Android Wear.
Google's wireless service may include international coverage.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Review

Tim — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 14:01:11 +0000

The Galaxy S6 Edge from Samsung, a device launched side by side to the regular Galaxy S6, is available in the US on all major carriers starting today. We have had the phone in our possession for a week now, and with that in mind, are confident that we have a solid answer for whether or not you should buy this over the other Galaxy S6. Now, please be aware that this review will be significantly shorter than Kellen's Galaxy S6 review, as both phones are nearly identical, with the exception of the Galaxy S6 Edge's slightly bigger battery and dual-rounded edge display. Be sure to check our official Galaxy S6 Review for further detail into TouchWiz, performance, wireless charging, the awesome fingerprint sensor, and other important topics. Without further ado, here is our Galaxy S6 Edge review.

The Good

Design Let me start this section by saying that I feel as though the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are easily Samsung's most gorgeous smartphone creations. With both devices, the company stripped away all of the cheap plastic exterior, replacing it with metal and Gorilla Glass 4. In hand, both feel incredibly premium, and give you a real sense of luxury. When first announced, I gravitated towards the Galaxy S6 Edge because I liked that it was different from all of the other flat devices on the market. While I knew right from the get go that the Edge would not offer any features that would revolutionize the way I use my phone, just having something unorthodox in my hands was an excitement. Even though I have seen others say that the S6 Edge feels sharp and somewhat difficult to hold in hand, I found my experience to be quite the contrary. In most cases, any phone you buy will be awkward to hold at times, same with the S6 Edge. I never came across times where I said, "Wow, this phone is difficult to handle," or anything like that. For my hand, it fits rather snuggly and I think it is very comfortable. On top of that, I have seen a few people complaining about how hard it is to pick up off of a flat surface. Again, I never came across this issue, as the phone's metallic band around the sides allows for easy grasping. The saying "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" is very important in our world, especially when it comes to the overall look and design of a smartphone. What I think is attractive, may not be attractive to others, and vice versa. There are plenty of people who don't like the look of the Galaxy S6 Edge, but if you like it, then that is all that matters at the end of the day.

Display The Galaxy S6 Edge features a 5.1" QHD Super AMOLED display, with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. That's 577 pixels per inch. Thinking back to the reports stating that the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge had the best displays ever created for a smartphone, it is safe to say the reports are deadly accurate. With fantastic color saturation and contrast, viewing photos, videos, and misc. media on the Galaxy S6 Edge is pure joy. The important part to remember is that on the S6 Edge, your display wraps around the sides of the device, which to me, offers a bit of depth to anything you see. For example, when I am watching a YouTube video, I enjoy seeing the media slide over the edges. Unlike the Note Edge from 2014, this device's rounded edges are not quite as drastic, and instead of the them acting as separate displays, you have a single display which is simply curved. And while this allows for less features to take place, the implementation is much more consumer friendly in terms of separate settings and usability. With such a high resolution on a 5.1" display, basically everything you view will look crisp, so whether you decide to pick up the regular Galaxy S6 or the S6 Edge, you will come away a very happy owner. My only note to potential buyers is that viewing the display in sunlight is rather hard. In my time, it seems that the display won't get bright enough, which makes viewing it in direct light a bit strenuous. Don't get me wrong, it gets the job done just fine, but I do wish it was a tad brighter.

Camera Coming from a Moto X (2nd Gen), I was ready to start stepping up my Instagram game as soon as I took the device out of the box. The Galaxy S6 Edge features a 16MP rear-facing camera with OIS, the same found on the Galaxy S6, plus a front-facing 5MP shooter with Auto HDR. Taking photos on this phone is easily the most enjoyable experience with mobile photography I have had, only compared to the Galaxy Note 4 and iPhone 6. While the iPhone is great for snapping shots most of the time with a minimal user interface, I enjoy the additional tweaks I can do with the S6 Edge's Pro mode, which allows me to change up ISO and White Balance on the fly, plus add pre-made effects for various lighting situations. These same tweaks can be made on the iPhone, but I suppose I am just more used to Android and Samsung's implementation of it. On top of the Pro mode, the camera app found on the S6 Edge has a ton of other effect presets that range from cool to worthless. In my time working with smartphones, I have never once used the "Cartoon" effect, but maybe that's just me.

Below, I have a few shots I took over the course of one week with the S6 Edge, but as stated previously, if you want more in-depth analysis of the camera and software, check out our full Galaxy S6 review that I linked earlier.

Full resolution:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Performance "You shall not jank!" That's what I hear when using the Galaxy S6 Edge, in Gandalf's voice, of course. When announced, Samsung said they did everything possible to cut down on lag and performance hiccups, and honestly, I can say there is little to no jank to be found on this phone. I would like to feel somewhat responsible for this change in Samsung's software philosophy, but I am sure it was not only my shrill voice that made Samsung wake up to what they were doing by bloating devices with endless amounts of unnecessary features. Yes, TouchWiz is still here, and it will likely never go away completely, but this device is actually usable compared to last year's Galaxy S5. That phone suffers immensely from performance issues, and thankfully, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge do not suffer the same. Animations on the device are smooth and quick, gaming shows no stuttering, and diving in and out of apps shows no signs of stalling. To sum it up, I think there will be a lot less TouchWiz haters going forward thanks to these phones.

Somewhere in the Middle

Battery Life Much like Kellen, I have to say that the batteries found in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are not all that impressive. You can expect average battery life. Nothing terrible and nothing extraordinary. The S6 Edge features a 2600mAh non-removable battery, which is slightly larger than the 2550mAh battery found in the Galaxy S6. However, that extra 50mAh offers little difference in the grand scheme of things. On an average day for me, which is 8am to 10:30pm, I was going all day with a bit of juice left, sitting at about 2+ hours of screen on time. Over the course of this review period, those numbers fluctuated slightly. Now, Kellen and I can only speak for ourselves, so we can't say whether this phone's battery life is the right choice for you, but it is fine for us. If you sit at a desk for work, close to an outlet, or have a portable fast charger like this one, the battery life should suffice you just fine. Considering that with a supported charger you can go from 0% battery to 100% in just over an hour, I don't feel like anyone should be swayed away from this device due to what they hear about the battery life.

Text Input Given the dual-rounded display, texting does take a bit to get used to on the Galaxy S6 Edge. No, it's not a real struggle or difficult, it's just different. If you swipe to text, which most keyboards allow for, you have to get a sense for how far your finger can go over the edge, but once you send a few texts, your brain will quickly adapt with the curving of the display. I have seen a report or two stating that texting and messaging is a real pain on the S6 Edge, but I have to assume that these people just never gave it a real chance. For those concerned, I have seen no cases on my device where the keyboard dips over the sides, which would make the process of text input quite harsh. I have used Samsung's stock keyboard app, Google Keyboard, and SwiftKey. None of these curved over, and each stayed directly on the flat top part of the display. Since it does take a bit to get used to, and is different than other phones on the market, text input belongs in the "Somewhere in the Middle" section. No SD Card Slot, Removable Battery, or Waterproofing Yes, we know, Samsung didn't put in a removable battery and microSD card slot in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. For quite a few it seems, that is a deal breaker. And hey, maybe it should be. Samsung championed those features in almost every other phone they have released, plus the addition of water resistance on the Galaxy S5. To change up their phone's design as not to allow these things surely shocked a few diehard Samsung fans, but let's face the issue here. Are they absolutely necessary? With three storage options, 32G/64GB/128GB, do you really need a microSD slot? Heck, be thankful Samsung is not Apple and only offer 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB, skipping 32GB completely. Since the beginning of the iPhone, none of them have featured removable batteries or microSD slots, and guess what, Apple has sold millions upon millions of them. Clearly, the mass majority of the public does not find these things to be a deal breaker. And personally, I don't either. While the idea of having a removable battery is nice, plus the ability to take and add storage whenever needed is cool, it is not on my list of absolutes for a phone. Instead, I would much rather have a premium feeling and looking device. This is where each person's individual needs will come into play. But guess what, that is the pinnacle beauty of Android. We have many different devices to choose from as consumers, and with that, there is bound to be a device that suits your every need. The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge may not, and that's fine, because shortly down the road, you can expect another top of the line phone to be announced that will.

The Not-so-Good

Exclusive S6 Edge Features I previously wrote up an entire post on the added "benefits" of owning the S6 Edge over the Galaxy S6, and frankly, I think I can live without all of them. Over the past week, and I have to be honest, I didn't use them a single time with the exception of filming the video in which I show them off. Now, it's not that I didn't want to. I have had them all enabled the entire time, but they never conformed to the way I use my phone. They force me to change my habits, and for a phone, that is not something I plan on doing. To start, I never place my phone face down, so utilizing the Edge Lighting feature was never appealing, and on top of that, no one calls me anymore. It's 2015. If you need me, message me. People Edge is neat, which is the feature that lets you save up to 5 favorites in a sort of folder-like drawer that sits on the side of your display. Again, it's just easier for me to IM these people, given the only options People Edge allows for is calling, texting, and emailing in Samsung's stock apps. I do none of those things with my top 5 favorite people. Lastly, let's not get started on the idea of having to stroke your phone in order for it to show you information while the display is turned off. It's odd, and with the limited amount of info it does show, it's completely not worth it. For the extra $100 bump in price, I must say that I was expecting a bit more from Samsung in this department. Whether we see additional functionality added in down the road remains to be seen. It's always possible that Samsung could release a way for developers to work in special features for the Edge display, but I feel that might be asking a bit much. What would be nice is if Samsung at least allowed you to set up your own contact options for your Top 5, such as the ability to use Hangouts and the Hangouts Dialer, instead of their stock applications. To sum it up, Samsung struggles to prove that the Edge is a necessary feature, and hopefully, if they intend to keep making devices with this, can rally the troops and really come up with worthy features of a dual-rounded display. Again, for a more in-depth analysis on the S6 Edge's exclusive features, read this post.

Other Notes

Pricing: The Galaxy S6 Edge is priced at $100 more than the regular Galaxy S6 in every storage option that is available. On contract through Verizon, the S6 Edge will run you $299 up front for the 32GB option. For 64GB it is $399 and the 128GB model is priced at $499. Off contract, the 32GB starts at $699 and is $100 more for each step up in storage. It is very expensive, but for the level and the quality of the hardware, the price comes off as rather justified. However, in that same breath, I would ask that potential buyers think about the differences between the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, then weigh whether or not it is truly worth the added price. To help, take a look at the aforementioned "Exclusive S6 Edge Features" section, then think long and hard if you will ever utilize those features.

Videos

Galaxy S6 Edge Unboxing

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Galaxy S6 vs. Galaxy S6 Edge

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Galaxy S6 Edge Features

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Gallery

Verdict

Should you buy the S6 Edge over the regular Galaxy S6? Even though I personally enjoy the look of the S6 Edge a ton, I don't think I can recommend this model over the standard version. In my opinion, Samsung does not bring any added advantages to the phone for paying the extra $100. Unless you want to pay more for a Night Clock on the side of your display that really isn't all that great. Samsung has a gorgeous phone with the Galaxy S6 Edge, and when compared to all other Galaxy devices, it takes the cake in terms of looks. I love it. But I just can't get over the fact that for an extra hundred bucks, you basically get nothing. If both phones were priced the same and they allowed customers to simply choose which one they wanted, or maybe you had to pay an extra $50 tops, I could see it being worth it. The features are not worth it, and the slight 50mAh bump in the battery certainly is not worth it. On the plain device scale, though, the only other phone that compares in my eyes is the Galaxy S6. So, at the end of the day, it really comes down to whether you like the look and feel of the S6 Edge. My suggestion would be to head into your local carrier, play with both of them, then base your decision on that. Some people will enjoy it, some will not. Regardless of which Galaxy S6 you decide to pick up, I would place money down that you will love it. Galaxy S6 Edge Links: AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Sprint | Amazon | Best Buy

Google is Working on Improving Battery Tech for Consumer Electronics

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:24:42 +0000

According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has a small group inside its Google X research lab to try and improve battery technology for things like smartphones and wearables. The group is led former Apple battery guru, Dr. Ramesh Bhardwaj, who of course, was not available for comment on the story. Bhardwaj and his 4-member team reportedly originally tested batteries that were developed by others for use in Google devices, but have since switched gears and may even develop the new battery tech themselves. The current focus is said to be to improve lithium-ion technology and solid-state batteries for consumer devices, which we would assume would be for things like phones, tablets, a new version of Google Glass, smartwatches, and other wearables (like Google's contact lens). The report doesn't mention how far along those tests or development has come, but these random, out of nowhere "we spoke to sources familiar with the matter" inside stories about topics we didn't even know were topics, almost are always followed up with announcements shortly after. In other words, we could hear something from Google about their battery adventures before long. Google joins companies like Tesla and Apple in a search for better battery tech. As you all know, battery tech is one of those areas that never seems to improve even though every other aspect in something like a smartphone has seen dramatic improvements over the years. Will Google being able to break through or will they just become another company trying, but failing to show any real positive results?

Via: Wall Street Journal

Kindle App for Android Gets a Big Update, Adds Word Wise and More

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:53:26 +0000

The Kindle app for Android received a big update yesterday that includes one of the most popular e-reader features, Word Wise. The update also lets you learn more about books and authors before reading them, adds flashcard creation from textbooks, word look-ups with any dictionary, easy Audible playback control, and more. Most of the new features are pretty self-explanatory, but for those new to Word Wise, I'll do my best to explain. Word Wise attempts to make it easy for kids (or those learning English) to read more challenging books by adding short and simple definitions above difficult words. By doing this, one could continue reading a book after looking at the short reference, instead of having to look something up in a dictionary or elsewhere. The update should be live for all. What's New

Read more challenging books with Word Wise
Learn more about the book and author before you start reading
See popular highlights from other Kindle readers
Create flashcards from textbooks to help you study
Look up words with any dictionary
Control Audible playback easily without leaving the page
Navigate manga easily with a table of contents
Bug fixes

Play Link

LastPass for Android Gets Biggest Update Yet - Material Update, Easier Navigation

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:45:26 +0000

LastPass, one of the most popular password lockers on the planet, received its biggest update to date today on Android. The update introduces Google's Material Design, along with easier navigation elements, the floating action button, a simpler drawer, and more. Oh, LastPass is also a part of the Galaxy S6's gifts program. If you want a free premium upgrade, head into the Samsung Apps store on your new device, find LastPass, and follow the instructions. Back to the update, though, as this thing is faster and cleaner than ever. You can quickly add new sites, secure notes, or a form fill profile through the new "+" action button. The color palette is now simpler and the overall screen design makes everything much easier to read and more intuitive. The navigation has been slid into the left slideout navigation drawer, which now has tabs for Sites, Secure Notes, Form Fill Profiles, and more. You can even set the "vault view" to now be the default. Go get it! What's New

Incorporates Google’s Material Design principles
Floating New Item button for easy access to the vault
Simpler “navigation drawer”
Enhanced app file and autofill features for Chrome mobile – allows users to rely less on the built-in browser

Play Link

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Via: LastPass

Verizon: We Now Have Over 15 Phones With VoLTE, 1 Billion HD Voice Calls Placed

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 10:27:02 +0000

Verizon might not have been first to launch Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), but they are ready to talk about how awesome they think their version of the service is, especially with it being nationwide since late last year, while other carriers are still slowly rolling out on a market-by-market basis. According to Big Red, since mid-September of 2014, VZW customers placed more than 1 billion Advanced Calling (HD Voice) calls and talked for nearly 3 billion minutes using VoLTE, thanks to the 15+ support devices they now have available. That list of devices includes the newly released Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and One M9, of course. I can't say that I have been a part of those billions of minutes, since well, my time these days if often spent jumping between GSM carriers on unlocked phones. For those of you who have placed an HD call on a Verizon phone, how was the experience?

Here is the Launch Day Commercial for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 09:33:00 +0000

Such anticipation. I don't know that I've ever had that tingling sensation in my toes before opening up a new phone, like I may have before jumping off a cliff, but I guess it's possible. And not that I've jumped off a cliff before, but imagining it already has my little toesies feeling funny.

If You Want an Unlocked Galaxy S6, eBay has You Covered for $699

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 09:14:23 +0000

A number of you have expressed interest in purchasing an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6, even though Samsung hasn't officially announced one for the US. I can't say I blame you for wanting the carrier-removed variant, as it doesn't contain (as much) bloatware and can be taken to any of your favorite GSM carriers without first needing someone to unlock it. These also tend to be the versions that get the first wave of updates as they are pushed out by Samsung. Unlocked phones are awesome. Without a US model announced (and their likely won't ever be one), we have to turn to sellers on eBay who bring over unlocked international variants. Today, probably for a limited time, you can grab a 32GB model in Black, White, or Gold for $699. This is the SM-G920i variant that, at least according to this listing, works perfectly fine on both AT&T and T-Mobile LTE. The phone supports LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17. It also appears to support both carrier's HSPA frequencies. Now, before you scoff at that price, understand that AT&T and T-Mobile are each selling the Galaxy S6 without a contract for $685 and $680, respectively. But with those, in order to unlock them, you would not only have to pay full price, but also keep them active at those carriers for up to 60 days at AT&T and 40 days at T-Mobile. Folks wanting an unlocked Galaxy S6, here is your option. eBay Link

Cheers Cory!

Star Wars Movie Collection Now Available on Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes

Tim — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:48:26 +0000

As announced earlier this week, the entire Star Wars movie collection, Episode I through Episode VI, is now available in Digital HD via Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes. Each movie can be purchased separately, or you can buy the Collection, which will save you a bit of cash. Priced at $19.99 individually, or $89.99 as a whole, the Digital HD versions are said to come with bonus material, such as conversations between legendary Star Wars characters. Who pre-ordered and who is picking them up today? Note: As a heads-up to reader Will J, you were the winner of our Star Wars movie collection giveaway. Please check your inbox and spam folder. Purchase Links: Google Play | Amazon | iTunes

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Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and HTC One M9 are All Available Today!

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:19:34 +0000

April 10 is here! Did you order your Apple Watch yet? Errr, that's not what we care about. What is happening today....oh yeah! Star Wars is now available digitally! No...well, that's awesome news, but that's not what we care about either at this moment. Ahh yes, it's Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, and HTC One M9 day! Did you get/order yours? Below, we have links for all and to each carrier, in case you can't figure out how to use Google Search. If you need more info, well, we have that too. Our Galaxy S6 Review is out. That's probably a must read. Our One M9 review will be here next week. We also have who knows how many videos of each phone over at our YouTube channel. Go watch them. Here is a pricing breakdown of the Galaxy S6s. Fun stuff.

Galaxy S6 Links: Verizon | AT&T | Sprint | T-Mobile | Best Buy

Galaxy S6 Edge Links: Verizon | AT&T | Sprint | T-Mobile | Best Buy

HTC One M9 Links: Verizon | AT&T | Sprint | T-Mobile | Best Buy

Deal: Moto 360 Drops to $179 at Amazon, Best Buy

Kellen — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 07:23:36 +0000

The Moto 360, which is arguably still the best Android Wear watch available, is now just $179 at Amazon and Best Buy if you choose the leather band option. After carrying a $250 price tag from the beginning, you are looking at a pretty drastic $70 discount here. If you don't want leather, and instead want one of the metal bands, Best Buy has dropped metal versions to as low as $219, while Amazon is hovering around $229. The timing of the drop probably isn't a coincidence, as today happens to be Apple Watch pre-order day. Hey, whatever the reason, we love discounts on fine products. If you need to catch up on the first round smartwatch, that features wireless charging, premium materials, and a classic watch design, be sure to read our Moto 360 review. Amazon Link | Best Buy

Cheers Tom!

Basecamp and Meetup Events Added to Sunrise Calendar App

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:37:45 +0000

To help users manage their days better, Sunrise Calendar has introduced two new service tie-ins, those being Basecamp and Meetup. For all of you that are unfamiliar with these services, Basecamp is a project management application, used by companies all across the country. If you are on a team that uses Basecamp, this addition will be most beneficial for you, as tasks can be viewed straight from within Sunrise. Meetup is a social network of sorts, where members can join groups, then organize meet ups. For example, boxer owners can join their town's respective boxer group, then attend boxer meet ups for all of the pups to run around together. With Meetup service tied into Sunrise, now you will never miss another meet up of your group. To take advantage of these new additions, grab the update from Google Play. Play Link

Via: Sunrise

Deal: Grab a 4-Year Subscription to ibVPN Total Plan for $59

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:53:15 +0000

Available directly from the DL Deals Store, you can grab a 4-year subscription to ibVPN, a service that allows you to connect to one of 75+ VPN servers in 39 countries, making your browsing and streaming secure. Usually priced at nearly $400, you can get your subscription for just $59. The Total Plan package includes access to various VPN servers, the unblocking of 165+ TV and radio channels from around the world, 256-bit encrypted P2P file sharing, torrent downloads, unblocking of VOIP apps, and the ability to access blocked sites anywhere and anytime. All thanks to a VPN. If you need a VPN service for whatever it is you are doing on the web, and we promise not to judge, check out the link below. Oh, and be sure to watch the video below for additional information. Features

Block web surveillance & hackers
Choose from 75+ VPN servers in 39 countries, including P2P servers
Stream media w/ no speed loss using SmartDNS solution
Unblock 165+ TV & radio channels worldwide
Enjoy 256-bit encrypted P2P file-sharing & torrent download
Unblock your VOIP apps (like Skype)
Access blocked social media sites, anywhere
Use w/ Windows, Mac, iOS & Android

Deal Link

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Sounds Like the Next HTC One M8 Update Will Include Sense 7

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:51:16 +0000

Now that your HTC One M8 more than likely has been updated to Lollipop, it's time to look ahead to what's next. According to HTC's Mo Versi, Sense 7 is next! Yay! I wish I could tell you that the jump from Sense 6 to 7 is a massive upgrade, but I'm not sure that it actually is. (Call me the dream crusher.) Hopefully, HTC has done a bunch of under the hood things to make the experience faster than ever because I just compared the One M8 to the One M9, and other than some settings formatting, color changes in HTC's suite of apps, and custom navigation buttons, I can't find any meaningful differences. They both look identical, especially with HTC pushing updates to its core apps through Google Play, the One M8 is essentially already running whatever the M9 has. OK, then. Sense 7! https://twitter.com/moversi/status/585254646496636928

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Receiving Lollipop OTA Update

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:26:46 +0000

According to Samsung's firmware website, the Sprint variant of the Galaxy Note 3 is receiving its Lollipop update, labeled as version PVPUEOC5. Inside, Android 5.0 is the OS of choice, not to be mistaken with Android 5.0.2 or Android 5.1. This is apparently pure Android 5.0. The update will bring all of Lollipop's updated look, with Samsung's TouchWiz UI running on top, of course. However, even though TouchWiz is there, you can get excited over new animations, more fluid performance, and lockscreen notifications. There is plenty to be excited about. So, if you own a Note 3 on Sprint, go start looking for that update.

Via: Samsung

Giveaway: Win an Aukey 10000mAh Quick Charge 2.0 Battery Pack!

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:25:57 +0000

Earlier today, we told you about the Aukey 10,000mAh Quick Charge 2.0 battery pack that we recently picked up. It's awesome, in case you were wondering. It charges devices super fast (up to 60% in 30 minutes). It looks pretty. And it's reasonably priced at just $30 on Amazon. We also told you that we may or may not have an extra one lying around the office for you to win. Of course, that is almost always code for, "We are about to give this away to one of you for free." Sure enough, here we are, giving one away! Who wants it?

Giveaway

Prize: 1 (one) Aukey 10000mAh Quick Charge 2.0 Battery Pack How to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner: We will choose our one winner tomorrow (April 10) at 12:15PM Pacific.

Telltale's Game of Thrones Game Free on Amazon for Limited Time, 25% Off Season Pass

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:04:05 +0000

For a limited time, likely to celebrate the upcoming launch of Season 5, you can grab Telltale's Game of Thrones game for completely free on Amazon. Usually priced at $5, this app contains the first episode, with a couple of others already available for download. In addition to the first episode being free, you can pick up the entire season pass for 25% off, which is a pretty good deal considering each episode is priced separately at $5 a pop, or $20 for the season pass. In the complete season, there will be 6 episodes in total. If you have a Fire TV or Nexus Player, these games are killer with a dedicated game controller. If you don't have that, a large smartphone or tablet would also suffice, but this series deserves to be played on an HDTV. If you need more GoT in your life, go grab it. Amazon Link

Report: Google has Android Wear Working on iOS

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 11:31:24 +0000

Google has been pretty good about supporting both iOS and Android over the years. For the most part, all of their biggest services have been pushed to iOS as apps that are mostly as good as their Android counterparts. There are a few that haven't quite reached the other side, though, namely Android Wear and Keep. I don't think anyone is missing Keep, but can you imagine a world with Android Wear on iOS? That would mean Android Wear smartwatches competing directly with the soon-to-be-available Apple Watch. Like, that means watches that actually look like watches that aren't of the 1992 calculator variety. Ooooh, controversy. Ooooh, competition. Ooooh...ooooh. According to a report out of The Verge, who spoke with a "source close to the (Android Wear) development team," Google is close to "finishing the final technical details." Finishing the final technical details. Mmmhmmm then. As of now, at its current state of development, Android Wear can work with a companion app on an iPhone, though it only supports basic functions like notifications, Google Now cards, voice search, and voice actions. It may be able to support some actions through other Google apps too, like replying to messages in Gmail. And that's about all we know. "Finishing the final technical details" doesn't really tell us much. Does that mean they are about to submit the app for approval in the App Store? I couldn't tell you. The interesting story line here, though, is if Apple would even approve such an app. The Apple Watch goes up for pre-order tomorrow and is really the only smartwatch they'll even acknowledge. Pebble works on iOS...sort of. But is there any chance Apple lets Android and its smartwatches come play? Get. Popcorn. Ready.

Via: The Verge

Snapseed 2.0 Released to Google Play, Includes Fancy New Icon and Completely Overhauled Interface

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 11:09:49 +0000

Snapseed, Google's own photo editing application that introduced tons of people to the world of overdoing HDR effects, received a massive update this morning, bringing new effects, an overhauled user interface, and a shiny, flat icon. While the basic use of the app has gone unchanged, such as the dragging of your finger to scroll through effects and sliders, icons and navigation throughout the app has been changed. When you open the app, you are asked to select a photo for editing. From here, there is a huge list of edits you can make to a photo, such as applying an Auto Awesome-like effect, where the app will choose the best edits for any given photo, or you can scroll through the contrast, saturation, shadows, and ambiance all by yourself. As for HDR Scape, don't worry, it is still alive and well. Other effects include a new perspective adjustment tool, which almost delivers a 3D-esque feel to your photos. In addition, there is Lens Blur, Tonal Contrast, Glamour Glow, and Noir. Our favorite part of the new app, though? The icon, of course.

To try out the new Snapseed, head on over to Google Play to see if it is available for you. If you would rather not wait, you can download and sideload the APK from right here. Play Link

Via: +Snapseed

Amazon's Prime Music Stations Comes to Android

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 10:40:00 +0000

Prime Music Stations, the exclusive place to access tons of ad-free music playlists for Prime members from Amazon, can now be accessed straight from your Android devices. To clarify, Amazon Music could already be accessed through a dedicated app on Google Play, which gave users the ability to stream plenty of their favorite songs, but now, members can dive into pre-made playlists of Pop, Rock, Classical, or any other station they may fancy. To access this new feature, all you need to do is download the existing Amazon Music app from Google Play, sign into your Amazon account, then get to discovering music. Play Link

Via: Amazon

Aukey Made a 10,000mAh Quick Charge 2.0 Battery Pack and It's Pretty Sweet

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 10:27:04 +0000

Quick Charge 2.0! Fast Charging! Turbo Charging! I can imagine you want me to shut up about it at this point. Even I'm getting sick of talking about. OK, not really, but before we start to calm down with our excitement over charging phones faster than ever, we wanted to point out Aukey's new 10,000mAh battery pack that supports all of that fastness. Yes, you really can get the same burst of Quick Charge 2.0 speed through a portable battery pack. I hate to tell you to go throw away the other dozen battery packs that you own, so maybe just give them to a distant cousin or something. If you own a Quick Charge 2.0 or fast charging capable device (most of you probably do at this point), plus find yourself in need of a battery pack from time to time, you need one of these. I'm a home body and also suffer from well-documented battery issues, yet in the last few days of owning this, I've found it to be incredibly handy in the evenings, while simply relaxing on the couch. The nearest outlet is far enough away that I don't keep any chargers nearby as I'm winding down for the evening, but this little guy is easy to pack around. It's small enough, and of course fast enough. Within 30 minutes of using it, I saw a 60% charge on a phone that was basically down to nothing. I could then easily finish out my evening without using a wall-attached adapter. Here are the specs, so that you know what you are dealing with:

Input: 5V/2.1A, 9V/1.8A,
Output: 5V/2.1A, 9V/1.8A, 12V/1.35A
Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches (9.7 x 8.1 x 2.3 cm)
Weight: 12oz
Capacity: 10,000mAh
Supported phones: Nexus 6, Moto X, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S6/S6 Edge, HTC One M8/M9, Xperia Z3/Z3 Compact, LG G Flex 2, and DROID Turbo, to name a few.

And here are two separate charges I ran through on my Galaxy S6:

1st Charge Battery start: 5% remaining
30 mins - 60%
1:17 - 100%

2nd Charge Battery start: 9% remaining
6 mins - 20%
12 mins - 30%
18 mins - 41%
25 mins - 54%
30 mins - 61%
45 mins - 83%

So the basics are this. At 10,000mAh, you can get around 3 full charges depending on your phone's battery size with this Aukey charger. The design is pretty sleek and minimal, but also seems tough enough. It's affordable at $29.99. And it charges your phone insanely fast, yet is portable. Oh, you probably own (or are about to) a phone that can take advantage of this quick charge technology. Amazon Link ($29.99) (We may or may not have an extra lying around the office to give away.)

Google Wallet Adds Dunkin' Donuts and Seamless Delivery Service to List of Partners

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:42:59 +0000

This morning, the Google Wallet team announced new partners to make the ordering of your favorite foods a bit easier. Starting now, customers of Dunkin' Donuts and the Seamless Delivery Service can link up their Google Wallet accounts directly through those business' Android apps, allowing you to skip the hassle of entering all of your credit card information. With Dunkin' Donuts and Seamless now on board, the list of partners for integrated Google Wallet transactions, at least in terms of junk food, is quite respectable. We have Dunkin' Donuts, Seamless, Papa John's Pizza, Panda Express, Jason's Deli, EAT24, and Dominos. Of course, there are also plenty of online retailers which allow for purchase through Google Wallet, and that list can be found here. Now, go forth and eat all the pizza and donuts.

Via: Google Commerce

Huawei Intros Unlocked SnapTo Smartphone, Available for Pre-Order on Amazon at $180

Tim — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:51:28 +0000

The SnapTo from Huawei, an unlocked smartphone running Android 4.4, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, is now up pre-order on Amazon for $179.99. Coming in both White and Black models, the SnapTo is a reasonable competitor to the Moto G from Motorola, capable of running on GSM 4G LTE networks (AT&T and T-Mobile), as well as featuring a 5-inch HD (720p) display. Other specs for the SnapTo include a 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 2200mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, and microSD slot. While the phone comes off as barebones, Huawei worked in a couple of software tweaks, including one called Ultra Snapshot. With this, users press on the volume down button twice, which opens up the camera app, allowing you to be quick on the draw with photo snapping. Both the Black and White models are up for pre-order on Amazon. According to Amazon, both models will ship starting April 17, which is about one week away. If a budget-friendly device for someone in your family interests you, check it out. Amazon Links: Black | White

Huawei Brings Unlocked Affordability to Open Market with Introduction of Huawei SnapTo Smartphone

SnapTo smartphone offers full-featured Android for sub-$200 price tag and unlocked flexibility to choose from service providers
PLANO, Texas, April 09, 2015 – Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today introduced SnapTo, a full-featured Android smartphone perfect for consumers who don’t want to be shackled to carrier contracts and are watching their spending. As an unlocked smartphone, SnapTo gives customers the capabilities they care about without weighing them down with contracts and services they don’t want and can’t afford. Powered by Android 4.4 (KitKat), Huawei SnapTo comes with some of the latest tech specs to make sure users are getting the best speed and mobile browsing experience on whichever U.S. GSM mobile service provider they choose. SnapTo supports LTE networks from the nation’s two leading GSM providers, along with smaller wireless service providers, making it possible to experience fast mobile web browsing and streaming almost anywhere across the country. SnapTo doesn’t skimp on fun for the sake of functionality either. With the Ultra Snapshot camera activation feature, users simply press the lower volume button twice to capture a spontaneous moment or unexpected photo opportunity. This action immediately activates the camera and allows users to take and review a photo, all without unlocking the screen or opening the camera application. Plus, SnapTo’s camera application features unique after-effects like adding watermarks to personalize and customize captured photos. And no one wants to worry about slow touchscreen response or getting bogged down when switching between multiple applications. Huawei SnapTo features a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor so it can handle any applications and multitasking users throw at it. Other features include:

5-inch HD (1280x720) display

5 megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 720p video recording capability

2 megapixel front-facing camera

2200mAh battery

1GB RAM and removable memory card slot

Availability Starting today, consumers can pre-order Huawei SnapTo on Amazon.com, with availability beginning next week. Also starting next week, Huawei SnapTo will be available at GetHuawei.com, BestBuy.com, Brandsmart USA, Frys.com and Fry’s Electronic retail stores, NewEgg.com, and various other retail and dealer stores across the country.

Galaxy S6 Sales "Nearly" Double Galaxy S5 at T-Mobile in First 10 Days

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:26:38 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S6 hasn't even officially launched yet (tomorrow is launch day) and T-Mobile has already seen sales of it nearly double that of the Galaxy S5, which was previously the most popular Galaxy phone ever at the carrier. We are talking the first 10 days of availability, but then again, we are also talking a pre-order period. I would imagine those numbers will only increase once the phone becomes widely available. The news doesn't exactly shock me. The phone is the best Android phone you can buy. It's probably the best Android phone ever made by a long shot, as well. Samsung knocked it out of the park with this phone and its brother, the Galaxy S6 Edge. These phones sport the best displays in the business, best cameras, and have specs that should carry it well into the future. On a related note, T-Mobile also announced that HTC One M9 sales over its first 10 days have eclipsed One M8 orders during the same period. Be sure to read our freshly posted Galaxy S6 review if you haven't already.

Via: T-Mobile

Android 5.1 is Rolling Out to More Google Play Edition Devices

Kellen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 07:27:46 +0000

Earlier this week, the Moto G Google Play Edition began receiving its update to Android 5.1. You probably thought, "Well, what about the others, like the Ones, Galaxy S4, and Z Ultra?" Don't worry, most of them are now receiving the update as well. From what we have gathered, the HTC One M8 (build LMY47O), Sony Z Ultra (build LMY47D), and LG G Pad 8.3 (build LMY47O) GPE devices are all now receiving Android 5.1. The HTC One M7's update has been given approval by Google, so it should be rolling out any day now. That, of course, leaves the Galaxy S4 GPE as the only phone without 5.1. I would imagine it's coming, but haven't heard a peep about it. You can download the OTA files for specific phones below, but understand that GPE devices often don't work like Nexus devices when it comes to flashing OTA .zip files. I would recommend confirming instructions through places like XDA. Download Links: HTC One M8 | Sony Z Ultra | LG G Pad 8.3

LG G4 Will Feature a 16MP F1.8 Camera Module, 8MP Front-Facing Shooter

Kellen — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:50:54 +0000

After teasing the LG G4's F1.8 lens through a short video yesterday, LG took the time this evening to officially announce the camera module. It's a 16MP camera with that F1.8 aperture, the "widest aperture camera developed" for a phone by LG Innotek. LG said that the camera module will go into mass production this week and will be unveiled for the first time to consumers in the LG G4 on April 28. Through the large aperture, the camera module should be able to receive 80% more light over the camera in the LG G3, which is impressive, since the LG G3's camera was one of the best of last year. We are talking better low light shots and less blur in those action shots, my friends. LG didn't just stop there, though. They also developed an 8MP front-facing camera with an "ultra-thin IR filter" to keep infrared light from ruining your photos. The filter is just 0.11mm thin, which is roughly "half the thickness of competing IR filters." As you can imagine, we can't wait to test out this camera. Samsung's F1.9 lens in the Galaxy S6 blew our minds and we didn't really think anyone could top it. Can LG with the G4?

LG Innotek Develops Its Widest Aperture Camera Module

LG Innotek Brings Brighter and Clearer Solutions to Smartphones
Seoul, Korea, Apr. 09, 2015 – LG Innotek, a leading global components and materials manufacturer, announced the development of a groundbreaking 16MP camera module with an aperture of f/1.8, making it LG Innotek’s widest aperture camera developed for a smartphone. The advanced camera module began mass production at LG Innotek’s plant this week and will be unveiled to consumers for the first time in the LG G4 later this month. The advanced design of the camera module means that it receives 80 percent more light than in the highly praised camera found on the LG G3. More light means better looking images in low light environments and less blur when shooting action and fast moving objects. Large apertures on smartphone cameras has been challenging to develop due to the complexity and size of developing modules that must fit in the very limited space of today’s smartphones. Furthermore, in response to the explosive growth of selfies, LG Innotek developed an 8MP front-facing camera module, its highest resolution for a front camera to date. This high resolution module’s ultra-thin IR filter keeps infrared light from entering the camera lens, giving images taken with the front camera more natural and accurate colors. The 0.11mm thin filter is roughly half the thickness of competing IR filters. “At LG Innotek, we are constantly working to ensure that the cameras we develop allow users to capture and preserve the moments that are most special to them,” said Ung-beom Lee, CEO of LG Innotek. “We are extremely excited to see our technology in LG’s next flagship smartphone because we believe that the power, precision and operability of our camera module will clearly make an impression on consumers.”
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Samsung Galaxy S6 Review

Kellen — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:07:57 +0000

During their MWC press event, after teasing the world for weeks prior, Samsung stood on stage and presented two phones they were extremely proud of. You could tell by the presentation that these phones were going to bring them back. There wasn't a Broadway play. There wasn't a gimmick in sight. Samsung ran through a list of features, design elements, and changes from past thinking as directly as they could because nothing needed to be hidden or glanced over. There was no need for a distraction. They hammered home the fact that these phones were faster than anything they had done prior. They cut bloat. They removed jank. They built them with the best materials available. They included tech that no other phone(s) before or after will have for some time. They won that day and then some. They may have won the year with a single presentation alone. After a horrendous 2014, Samsung needed to do something major for 2015. They did it. The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are remarkable phones from top to bottom, edge to edge. We have spent time with each over the past couple of weeks, trying to find something missing or deal breaking. If you want a spoiler alert as we dive into this, here it is - we didn't find one. This is our Samsung Galaxy S6 Review. Edit: Our Galaxy S6 Edge review is done too.

The Good

Specs I think it's safe to say that Samsung has created the ultimate smartphone with the Galaxy S6. Well, they are 95% of the way there, which is saying something in a world that can't seem to give us the perfect phone, even though we know a couple of companies are capable of giving us one. Samsung used the best of the best in this phone. They gave us their own processor (Exynos 7420 octa-core), that by all means, is better than Qualcomm's controversial, hot-headed Snapdragon 810. They put the best display (5.1-inch QHD Super AMOLED) ever in a smartphone. They may have given us the best camera too (16MP with Optical Image Stabilization). They tossed in faster storage (UFS 2.0) and RAM (LPDDR4), a payment system that tops everyone else's (Samsung Pay built on LoopPay technology), support for the two wireless charging standards that matter, fast charging, and a 5MP wide-angle selfie shooter in the front. So why "95%" of the way there? They did leave out a micro SD slot, got rid of the removable battery, and forgot to make the phone waterproof. I actually added these three things to the "Not-so-Good" section below, because for some, these missing features could be deal breakers. For me, they aren't. Samsung killed it with this phone in the specs department. Killed it.

Design Samsung has completely ditched any sort of plastic in favor of a design that reminds me of a fine gemstone. Light reflects off it at different angles, changing the color along the way. In this particular Sapphire Black version, you are sure it's black, but then it's blue too. What a beautiful phone this is. It's built with front and back Gorilla Glass 4 panels that blend into a metal frame. The device isn't seamless from front to back, but it feels as though it is even though there are separate parts as you move around the phone. Samsung has perfectly placed each piece to make you think this is a unibody device.

When holding the Galaxy S6, it doesn't feel like any other Samsung phone before it. It feels strong, elegant, and premium, three things I'm not sure I have ever said in reference to one of their phones. The metal frame reminds you that this is the new Samsung, while the glass tells you how different this phone is from any other on the market. Each side has been rounded just the right amount, so that the phone sucks into your palm without the slightest sharpness. Unlike the Galaxy S5, this phone was built specifically for the human hand. As for usability, Samsung went with a modest 5.1-inch display that comes as close to the side edges as you can get. This means you can reach across it to swipe out panels or touch that notification bar without much of a shimmy. The power and volume keys rest on each side of the device, almost exactly where you would place your thumb and index finger each time it is picked up. And the headphone jack has been moved to the bottom, which is the location I will take every single day of the week. If you want to find an issue with this phone's design, you could argue that the camera hump is a bit unsightly and could potentially cause the lens to scratch easier. I personally, have grown to like the exposed module, though I'm not sure just why yet. Maybe it's the fact that it adds some dimension to a phone that is so fluid from one side to the next. The Samsung Galaxy S6 is the best looking, most premium feeling phone I've ever placed in my hand.

Display For years, Samsung has topped display charts with their HD AMOLED panels. Starting with the Galaxy S4 and Note 3, through to the Galaxy S5 and Note 4, you could argue that the only display competitor to Samsung's newest phone was the previous phone they had released months prior. LCD purists will tell you that AMOLEDs still have too much contrast and that colors don't look natural, but those haven't been true criticisms in some time. In fact, display experts have named Samsung's AMOLED panels as the best in the smartphone business for long enough now, that we couldn't even tell you the last time an LCD took the crown.

With the Galaxy S6, you once again have a fantastic display to look at, one that is in my book, the best available overall. At a QHD resolution, you know that Samsung is packing in more pixels than your eye can even attempt to realize (577 per inch to be exact). But what may surprise you is how accurate the colors appear and how impressive the viewing angles are. The pictures above are a good series to show you viewing angles, color reproduction, and how bright the panel can get when compared to other leading phones. In the top-down photo, you can see that the LCDs in the One M9 and iPhone 6 get slightly brighter, and may even show whites a bit more accurately. Still the Galaxy S6 isn't overdoing anything here, but does show white as slightly grey instead of pure white. It's not off-putting, but different. As you start to angle from top-down, this is where the Galaxy S6's display really shines. You can see how well it holds that brightness and clarity at the steepest of angles, whereas panels like the One M9 are almost impossible to see with even the slightest move away from top-down. As far as colors go, I like that the Galaxy S6 and Note 4 AMOLEDs really pull in definitive colors from the watchbands pictured, while the LCDs seem to wash out the light greys and yellows/browns on each edge. Samsung also tosses in a couple of viewing modes that let you decide if you want the punchy, saturated colors of an AMOLED, muted natural tones, or if you want the display to decide for you which is best depending on the app or screen you are viewing.

Macros for fun. Diamonds are forever.

Camera This is how you do a smartphone camera, folks. The 16MP camera in the Galaxy S6, that would be the shooter that has optical image stabilization (OIS) and a F1.9 lens, is the best I have ever used. It's insanely fast to focus and shoot in almost any scenario. The only other time I have been this impressed with a smartphone camera, is when I was reviewing the iPhone 6. Hate that fact or not, Apple has forever been the king of smartphone cameras. Thankfully, Samsung has officially come to play - and maybe even win.

Before we get to the samples, let's talk first about the camera experience. Not much has changed from one Samsung to the next, but things do seem to be cleaned up a bit. You have your gallery, video, shutter, camera-switch, and mode buttons all along the right side of the UI. On other, you have an expandable menu that allows you to quickly control effects, HDR, timer, flash, and even jump into additional settings. Samsung includes full manual or "Pro" controls, has a selective focus "bokeh" mode, panorama option, and slow/fast motion capture. This camera has it all. It also has a quick launch shortcut (double tap the home button from anywhere) that makes this the fastest camera on the planet, in my opinion. OK, so it's fast and has a straight-forward UI, but what about picture quality? To my eye, it takes incredibly impressive pictures full of crisp detail and correct color reproduction. Whether you are shooting macros, are in an arena with whacky lighting, are out on the town in dimly lit dive bars, or are shooting moving pictures of your children, this camera can do it all. It's versatile yet powerful. It's quick yet precise. This is the first time I can remember an Android phone taking pictures and there not being a hand behind my back with fingers crossed, hoping it comes out OK. This phone takes good pictures almost all of the time, and that's a huge deal. Point. Shoot. Point. Shoot. Point. Shoot. Enjoy.

Full resolution: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

Performance Over the last couple of years, the word "jank" has been associated with Samsung's phones more often than I can count. Jank, meaning jittery lag and overall unimpressive performance, thanks to TouchWiz and the rest of the bloat that Samsung included in all of their phones. With the Galaxy S6, Samsung made it a point to fix all of that. They toned down TouchWiz, took out unused features, and managed to smooth almost every thing out from one screen or app to the next. Samsung added a double-tap shortcut for launching the camera, to get you snapping pictures faster than ever. They took out unnecessary menus in the app drawer, leaving you with the basics. They even simplified Multi Window and the app switcher to get extra fluff out of the way. As you cruise through the Galaxy S6 with its Exynos octa-core processor and 3GB RAM, you won't see many hiccups or stutters. Apps open and close swiftly, as does the app drawer, settings menu, home screen editor, etc. It's all fast. Well, almost all of it. There is one area that continues to be a tad slow for me, and that's the transition of moving from the camera into the gallery and then back out again. I don't know what it is, but there is always a 1-2 second delay when moving from the camera to the gallery or vice versa. I'm probably nit-picking and only noticing it because everything else is so lightning quick. Otherwise, Samsung really did clear up the jank.

Wireless and Fast Charging In case you couldn't tell, we kind of like to geek out over things like charging - both wirelessly and quickly. Samsung gave the charging obsessed the ultimate phone with the Galaxy S6. Not only does it include wireless charging for the two big standards (Qi and PMA), but it also can charge incredibly quickly with Fast Charging. So on one hand, you have the ability to charge with almost every single wireless charging pad on the planet, along with tables at places like Starbucks. And that's all without a special case or adapter or anything. Samsung built in the technology, making it easier than ever for you to charge your GS6. Second, they gave you fast charging capabilities, which means with a proper charging cable, you can grab a 50% charge in as little as 30 minutes time. I'm guessing that most of you, assuming you buy this phone, will begin to fall in love with all things charging. Seriously, the convenience here is unmatched by any other phone. Charge without wires, or charge with one at an insane rate. How can you beat that? The Galaxy S6 has an arguably small-ish non-removable battery, but with these options built-in, you probably won't care. Fingerprint Sensor You need a fingerprint sensor in your life that is as good as the Galaxy S6's. Why? Because it secures your phone without changing the way you use your phone. This is how new technologies are supposed to be implemented. Let me explain. Previous Android attempts at fingerprint sensors were not great. They required a swipe over the sensor, which is something that isn't exactly an easy gesture when holding a phone with one hand. Also, since it requires movement, accuracy with a method like this is tough to maintain. With the Galaxy S6, all you need to do is place your finger or thumb on the button for a split second and it unlocks. It's that simple, once you walk through the phone's training steps. There is no gesture or swipe required. I say that you all need this in your life because the physical home button on the Galaxy S6 is your starting point for interaction. You tap it to wake the phone, so your thumb is already there, touching the fingerprint sensor. With a single click to wake the phone, followed by another second with your thumb on the button, you can unlock your phone. It doesn't change the way you typically interact with your phone, but is securing it should you lose your phone, if someone steals it, or if your child grabs it and wants to download $2,000 in in-app purchases on their favorite game.

Availability The Galaxy S6 is available everywhere. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, Cricket, and others all have this phone for purchase. You can even buy it at Target and Walmart and Best Buy and Amazon. You should have zero issues picking up this phone or at least getting one in hand for a few minutes to test it. This seems like an obvious thing, but if you were at all involved in smartphones three or four years ago, you'll remember the frustrating experience we had with specific carrier variants and availability because of them. Times have changed for the better. Accessories When Samsung releases a new flagship, they try to accompany it with a series of official accessories. From flip covers to protective cases and wireless charging pads, Samsung has got you covered. But what we really love about phones like the Galaxy S6, phones that are exactly the same size and shape no matter where you buy one from, is the fact that dozens and dozens of 3rd party accessories makers will flood the market with other, affordable accessories for them. If you don't want to spend the money on Samsung's $50 flip cover, you will easily be able to find a similar option through Amazon for under $20. You'll find some for under $10 as well, along with dozens of wireless charging pads and headphones and cases that are either minimal or ultra-protective. You see, when you have a single design, it is so easy for your favorite accessory makers to have products available. Also, don't forget that the Galaxy S6 is like the iPhone of Android, so companies that specialize in accessories would be foolish not to have be ready for its launch.

Somewhere-in-the-Middle

Battery Life EDIT: I see everyone is completely scared now that I posted these battery numbers. Let me preface this by saying that I am notorious for having lower battery life numbers than almost everyone else in the world. I can't explain why that is, but it's just the way it is. Go look at my Moto X, Nexus 6, and Turbo reviews - they all have the same 2 hours of screen on time, and die relatively the same. Maybe we should call it the "Kellen Battery Life Test" so that you can add 2-3 hours of use and screen on time to the numbers I post in each review. Either way, this is actually average battery life for me, whether it looks disappointing or not. I would imagine that my odd numbers (even though they are like this in every review) will be slightly better for you. Battery life for me has been what I would call "average" at this point. However, I really need to do some additional testing before I can fully decide where this section needs to end up. Most of us with the phone are under the impression that there is some sort of a WiFi calling bug on the T-Mobile version that can substantially limit battery life. This is something that has been tough to prove, which is why I need more time here. I spent the first handful of days with the phone with WiFi calling turned on, but have since gone with it and WiFi off for the most part. I also may have identified a battery-draining beast of an app that is now no longer on my phone. In other words, my battery tests are not fully complete, at least to my standards. During my first week with the phone, I have seen a steady 11-13 hours of normal use on a single charge. Yesterday, with that previously mentioned battery-draining app gone mid-way through the day, battery life seemed to get a boost to over 14 hours. Again, you can see why I now want to do some more testing. For now, though, because April 10 is almost here and you need something, these are the numbers I saw over the last week.

After a couple of additional days of testing, I will update this post, likely by the time April 10 gets here. Update: As I mentioned above, I decided to take two more days to see if some tweaks and an uninstalled app would make any difference in battery life. They didn't. I'm still getting 11-13 hours of use. But, as I mentioned in that edit, this is my battery life, and my battery life is almost always lower than everyone else's. Your's, I would imagine, will be better than this by a couple of hours. TouchWiz As a fan of stock Android, I'm probably never going to be a big fan of an Android skin. Samsung's TouchWiz, in particular, has almost always been my least favorite. Its blips and bloops and droops and water noises and Choco Cooky fonts and ugly icons and terrible color schemes have always driven me a bit mad. When I use a Samsung phone, I almost always apply as many third party apps to it as possible to try and hide Samsung's vision of Android. All of that has changed somewhat with the Galaxy S6.

Samsung actually listened to its loudest critics this time around, toned down TouchWiz a bit, got rid of some of the bloops and blips and water noises, and overall, gave us a lighter, faster moving Android Skin. I still don't know that I would call it modern or anywhere near what it would look like under a can of Google's Material Design paint, but it's no longer completely gross. Sure, the icons are the same old icons, there are far too many settings even though Samsung trimmed a bunch out, and all of the gestures, Flipboards, and bloatware are unnecessary. With that said, I'm finding that TouchWiz isn't always in my way - it's just there, doing its best to not annoy or slow me down anymore. That's a positive, no?

Options like Multi Window remain, giving you the opportunity to perform two tasks at once or use two apps at a time. I also like that Samsung allows you to control little things like vibration intensity, grid size on the home screen, shortcuts to my most used settings, and download big files faster with Download Booster. I really appreciate the floating box that appears when a call arrives, as well, so that I don't have to leave what I'm doing. But mostly, I turn all of Samsung's stuff off to give me my own Android experience. It's all there if I want it, but on most days, I find that I don't, and that's not a bad thing. TouchWiz is getting better, even I can admit that.

The Not-so-Good (for some)

No SD Card Slot, Removable Battery, or Waterproofing If you are at all interested in the Galaxy S6, then you probably already know that it doesn't feature a micro SD card slot, removable battery, or any form of waterproofing. For some, those exclusions are deal breakers. For me personally, I can tell you that during this review period, I never once said out loud, "Man, I really wish this phone had a micro SD slot, removable battery, and was waterproof." That's not to say that Samsung's 180 on all three of these features from one year to the next isn't something to complain about, it's that I've become used to these features not being included in phones. I can't even tell you the last time I thought about swapping a battery. In fact, I don't think that I ever want to swap a battery again in my life. Waterproofing is obviously a nice addition, but I'd much rather take this premium design than plastic flaps and faux metals. The SD card slot I could use, but with cloud storage of photos and music streaming services galore, I can't say that I'm all that worried about even filling up a 32GB Galaxy S6. And again, I fully understand how the lack of these three things could cause someone to turn to another phone. In many situations, they are extremely important. They just aren't for the majority of smartphone users.

Other Notes

Pricing: The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are expensive phones. That shouldn't shock you since Samsung tossed in all of the tech we just mentioned, but be aware of that fact. The 32GB (least expensive) Galaxy S6 starts at $199 on contract and $599 should you buy it from Verizon. Tack on another $100 to each of those numbers if you want the Edge. At other carriers, the prices only go up.
Speaker: Samsung bragged about the solo speaker in the Galaxy S6 during their press event, saying that they had greatly improved it all around. I will say this - it gets plenty loud and doesn't sound like complete garbage. It can get a bit tinny at times, when cranked to the max, but overall, isn't an area I would complain about. The placement isn't great, though, meaning it's easy to cover up when the phone is held in landscape. It's also never going to be as loud or good as the dual-front-facing speaker setups on the Nexus 6 and HTC One family.

Video

Galaxy S6 Unboxing [responsive_vid vid_url="3uRRixf9uC8"] 25+ Tips and Tricks [responsive_vid vid_url="Kvhf9KLLmSA"] Galaxy S6 vs. Galaxy S6 Edge [responsive_vid vid_url="Q3nb8QhYqto"] vs. iPhone 6 [responsive_vid vid_url="xLF2HIEV2VQ"] vs. HTC One M9 [responsive_vid vid_url="HE_SeMDY_hM"] Galaxy S6 Edge Unboxing [responsive_vid vid_url="WRtW4QAzWHc"] Galaxy S6 Edge Features [responsive_vid vid_url="jJA0VGC9zMQ"]

Gallery

The Verdict

You should probably buy this phone. In fact, if you have an upgrade available or are in the market for a new smartphone, why aren't you buying the Galaxy S6? That's probably the correct question at this point. The Galaxy S6 features the best display in a smartphone, along with the best camera, best build quality, and is the most futureproof. The Samsung Galaxy S6 is not only the best phone available today, it's going to be for a long time. Good luck, rest of the smartphone industry. Hopefully, you were preparing for this moment or else 2015 is going to be a rough year for you.

Giveaway: Win a Chromebook Pixel Through the DL Deals Store

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:37:46 +0000

Back in March, Google unveiled the all-new Chromebook Pixel. In terms of Chromebooks, the thing is a true beauty, featuring a 12.85" touchscreen display, Intel-made processor, back-lit-keyboard, and dual USB Type-C ports. Starting today, in the DL Deals Store, we are offering you the chance to win one for yourself, absolutely free of charge. Entering the giveaway could not be more simple. With a valid email address, sign up (follow the link below), then hit Enter. After that, if you need even more of a chance to win, you can share the contest through your respective social channels. In 28 days, one lucky person will be chosen. Follow the link below to get started. Note: We would like to congratulate Zachary F. for winning the Samsung Galaxy Tab S giveaway we ran last month. Enjoy it! Giveaway Link

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YouTube Lightly Details Upcoming Platform-Wide Subscription Service

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:00:32 +0000

In an email that YouTube sent out to partners, which happened to hit our inbox, the Google-owned video upload and streaming service detailed an upcoming subscription ad-free service for users. According to YouTube, subscription services are really taking off, so the natural evolution, plus as an added revenue stream, they will introduce the ability for YouTube users to pay a monthly subscription to the entire site, and in exchange, you will be able to view videos and browse content with zero advertisements. The important part taken from the email is the following.

We’re excited to build on this momentum by taking another big step in favor of choice: offering fans an ads-free version of YouTube for a monthly fee. By creating a new paid offering, we’ll generate a new source of revenue that will supplement your fast growing advertising revenue.

Even though you would be paying a monthly subscription fee, with the price currently unknown, YouTube would then be ad-free, allowing you to support content creators, while also enjoying all of your favorite channels with no ads. It is kind of a win-win, as long as you are willing to pay a bit each month. In the comments section, let us know how much you would be willing to pay for monthly ad-free access to YouTube.

Month View is Coming Back to Google Calendar Thanks to Update

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 14:02:21 +0000

Announced today through Google+, the Calendar app from Google is bringing back the Month View. Having been there before, but then removed, users will now be able to see a broad overview of their month's itinerary, with little colored dots letting you know that you are going to be busy that day. In addition to the new month view, you can easily switch between views through dedicated buttons in the navigation drawer. Keep checking your Google Play app for the update. What's New

See even more events at a glance with Month view on phones.
See the color of events when jumping to a date.
Easily switch views now that they are listed in the navigation drawer.

Play Link

Via: +Gmail

More Official Watch Strap Partners Introduced for Android Wear

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 11:29:01 +0000

Given that most Android Wear devices use standard 22mm bands, the watch strap options available to owners has always been rather large, but this morning, the Android team announced 3 official new partners, bringing even more choices to consumers. The partners include E3 Motorcycles, Worn & Wound, and Clockwork Synergy. From looking at the options so far, many of them include leather straight from the Horween Leather Company, offering luxury styles for affordable pricing. Compatible watches include the Moto 360, ASUS ZenWatch, G Watch R, G Watch, and more. Of course, Amazon has always been a good place to look for 22mm bands, so if none of these interest you, there's always that route. And if you need help replacing your band, check out our video guide. Below, you can see some of the straps available, and if you are interested, follow the links to find a strap you love.

E3 Motorcycles | Worn & Wound | Clockwork Synergy

Via: Android

Android Distribution Updated for April 2015 – Lollipop Jumps to 5.4%

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 10:22:35 +0000

Albeit rather slowly, Lollipop continues to grow on the Android Distribution charts. Last month, Lollipop sat at 3.3% of all devices, but now, runs on 5.4%, which is what we would call healthy growth in terms of Android rollout. Still the big dog, Kit Kat, saw growth as well to 41.4%. The rest of the versions of Android all dropped, just like they have been for months. Jelly Bean is down to 40.7% (from 42.6%), Ice Cream Sandwich to 5.7%, and Gingerbread to 6.4%. Froyo is still alive on a few devices, sitting at 0.4%. Last month’s numbers can be viewed here.

Via: Android

AT&T Shipping Out Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA to Samsung Galaxy S5

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 10:00:09 +0000

Samsung Galaxy S5 owners on AT&T should see their devices updated to Android 5.0 "Lollipop" today, as the carrier now seems ready to push the long-awaited update to owners. As stated, this is Android 5.0, not to be mistaken with Android 5.1, Android 5.0.1, or Android 5.0.2. Yes, this is barebones Android 5.0, according to AT&T's changelog. Inside, Galaxy S5 owners will see the changes made to Samsung's TouchWiz UI and the Android OS as a whole, but it is quite interesting that Samsung and AT&T decided to stick with Android 5.0 and not one of the more updated versions of Android. Even the Galaxy S4 received Android 5.0.1 the other day. Speaking from a bit of experience, Android 5.0 is a bit buggy, but it is possible that this update is just the first of a few to come. In time, there is no doubt Galaxy S5 owners will see Android 5.1, but there is no telling how long that will take. Honestly, it would not surprise me if Galaxy S5 owners see a drop in performance or even battery life after taking this update. However, my fingers are crossed that everyone has a good experience with Lollipop. The update file size is 1.4GB. S5 owners, let us know how it goes.

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Via: AT&T

LG Seeding 4,000 G4 Devices to Fans Via Consumer Experience Campaign Prior to Launch

Tim — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 08:53:03 +0000

LG announced it will be seeding out 4,000 G4 units prior to launch through a new Consumer Experience campaign, taking place in 14 markets, including the United States. According to the announcement, for 30 days, recipients of the G4 will be able to test the phone, check out the camera, play with the new display, and basically give feedback on any and everything they like/dislike about the device, straight to LG. There will no doubt be many folks looking to get in on this, with LG stating that "participants will be selected from applicants based on their entry responses." Furthermore, "Individuals can increase their chances of being selected by sharing their application experience on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Weibo." The markets receiving units will be Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, China, India, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Hong Kong. If you are interested in getting a G4 before anyone else on the planet, keep a close eye to LG's social channels, such as Twitter and Facebook. More details will be made available in the following days.

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Via: LG

Verizon Galaxy S6 Pre-Orders are Now Shipping

Kellen — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 07:48:32 +0000

While the rest of the US carriers who opened up pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge found a way to ship those early orders early, Verizon remained poised. They would not follow. They are a leader after all. A leader, people. Leaders don't ship early unless they are first to ship. And since they also wouldn't follow in the March 27 pre-order day that every other carrier adopted and instead chose to lead by doing their own April 1 day, there was no way they were following with early shipments. Leaders lead. Not follow. So, the leader in later-than-other-carrier shipments is now shipping pre-orders. According to a handful of our readers, those pre-orders are expected to arrive on April 10, which is the global launch day for Samsung's new flagships. If you missed any of our Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge coverage, we have included handy links to it all below. You will want to watch and/or read it all. Lead. Well, you would technically be a follower if you are just now getting to it. Dammit. FOLLOW (this time), then go back to leading.

Cheers Amanda, Jody, and Brandon!

HTC Announces the One M9+ For China With Duo Camera, Fingerprint Sensor, 2K Display

Kellen — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 07:06:22 +0000

Late last night, HTC made the One M9+ official for China. That's it - China. For those who missed the dozen or so leaks that involved the One M9+, think of it as a device similar to the One M9 that will rollout globally in a couple of days, except that it runs a Mediatek Helio X10 processor instead of the Snapdragon 810, has a fingerprint sensor in the middle of the phone's front-bottom BoomSound speaker, and a Duo Camera on the back (20MP main sensor). Oh, the display has also been bumped up to 5.2-inch and with a 2K resolution. So you are still getting the all-metal, Sense 7.0, UltraPixel front camera, color choices (gunmetal, gold, and silver/gold), and that "HTC" black bar, bezel, and unnecessary height. I'm kind of wondering, though, why isn't this the HTC One M9? HTC seems to have done a lot more upgrading with this phone than the regular One M9. Odd.

Via: HTC

DL Favorites: To-Do List Apps

Ron — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:53:25 +0000

[DLF], or Droid Life's Favorites, is a series of articles reviewing our favorite apps in a given category. The goal of these articles isn't to extensively review every single option out there and determine which is "the best," but rather to give you a few of our favorite apps in a category. This week we look at Droid Life's favorite to-do list apps. I'm almost always busy. My week is packed with my normal day job, my part time job at church, writing for Droid Life, and spending time with friends and family. It's a good life and I like it, but if I don't keep track of what I need to do then I end up remembering at the last minute and having to rush to get something done at the last minute or completely forgetting and having to disappoint someone. Having a good to-do list app is critical for me. Read on to see my recommendations for to-do list apps on Android.

My Favorite Simple To-Do List App: Swipes

Swipes has been available on iOS for some time, but it finally made its way over to Android. As you might have guessed from the name, Swipes is a swipe-gesture based to-do list app. If you've ever used Mailbox (which Swipes pre-dates, by the way), then you'll be familiar with the interface. The middle column is what you have to do today, swiping from left to right reveals your tasks that you've set for sometime later, and a swipe from right to left reveals your finished tasks. One of my favorite touches about the app is that as you swipe between these columns the navbar changes colors from yellow to red or yellow to green. When you add a task you're given the option to add a workspace such as home or shopping. You can then filter your tasks between those workspaces. This is especially nice if you want to quickly set up your day by entering tasks to do at work, then at the grocery store, then at home and then filter through those tasks as you go throughout your day. You can set reminders for tasks just like in Mailbox: Later Today, This Evening, Tomorrow, Next Week, Unspecified, etc. Tapping and holding on any of these options will let you select a specific time for that day. You can also set tasks to repeat on certain days, Monday through Friday, every week, every month, or every year. Swipes also has Evernote integration so you can sync all of your notes with checkmarks (called action steps in Swipes) into Swipes. When you mark a checkmark done in Evernote it syncs in Swipes and vice versa. Swipes is also in the process of adding Mailbox (and Gmail) integration, which will let users send emails to swipes as tasks. Google Calendar and Dropbox integration are coming soon, too. Between the great design, cross platform apps, and easy to use navigation Swipes has been my favorite to-do list app by far and it keeps getting better. The nice thing about Swipes is you can use it for simple to-do list items like I do, or you can integrate it with Evernote and make it even more comprehensive and powerful. The app is totally free to use and doesn't require an account, but you'll want an account if you want to have your tasks sync to their web app, Evernote, or their iOS app. Play Link

My Favorite Advanced To-Do List App: Wrike

Wrike is one of those apps that can be used for simple things or really, really complicated things. Wrike has a web app, iOS app, and Android app that are all free to use, including five contributors. $50 per month gives five users advanced features like sub-tasks, mass actions with tasks (like mark all as done), a customizable dashboard, email client integration, reports, filters, and more. Like every other to-do list app out there you can add tasks and set due dates for those tasks. Because of Wrike's built in collaboration features you can also do things like assign tasks to people. People can then add comments to the task as it is worked on. While I don't have a lot of tasks that demand collaboration in my personal life, I could see this being powerful, especially since it's free for small teams. Personally, I like being able to add comments to my own tasks as I work on them. The app has a nice workflow where you swipe between Today, This Week, Next Week, Later, and Completed. Tapping and holding on a task lets you move it between those fields. You can also attach pictures or files (from local storage, Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box) to your tasks. Finally, Wrike includes a notification widget that shows you the total number of tasks you have for the day and lets you add a task for the day from said widget. If you like organizing your tasks by week or want to collaborate with some others on tasks Wrike is worth taking a look at. Play Link

The Most Disappointing To-Do List App: Google Now/Google Keep

Google Keep should be the best app on this list for one reason alone: You can use Google Now to set reminders. The problem is, like the Google+ Photos and Google Drive divide that is only now falling apart, Google Keep and Google Now don't totally talk to each other. If you set a reminder in Google Keep it will show up in Google Now, but if you set a reminder in Google Now, it will not show up in Google Keep. This is a huge oversight. If I want to quickly remind myself about something then I want to say, "Okay Google Now, remind me to pick up dog treats for Barnaby tonight at 7" and have it show up in Google Keep, where I have the rest of my notes and reminders. If I can't quickly get a reminder in Keep like that then I may as well use a better to-do list app. Adding reminders with my voice alone is what makes me use Reminders on iOS. Reminders is not a great app. The UI is confusing and the functionality is limited, but when I tell Siri to remind me to do something it goes to one place every time. Having everything in Google Now is nice, but with Keep being the more functional and dedicated app, reminders should show up there as well. Play Link

Feel free to share what your favorite to-do list app is and why you like it in the comments.

Giveaway: Win the Star Wars Digital Collection From Google Play

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:46:08 +0000

Yesterday, it was announced that the entire Star Wars series was set to release on Google Play this upcoming Friday, and the Internet exploded. For the first time ever, fans can own digital HD versions of their favorite movies, straight from an online source. As a bonus, it is stated by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy that they “created some very special bonus material which delves into the saga’s rich history, including new and never-before-released conversations between legendary Star Wars artists.” The entire digital collection is priced at $89.99 on Google Play, but with the giveaway below, we are offering you the chance to win all of the movies for free. If you need these movies in your life, let's get to it. Oh, and of course, may the Force be with you.

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Contest

Prize Google Play credit to redeem the Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection via Google Play. How to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner One winner will be selected and contacted via email this upcoming Thursday (April 9) morning at 10am Pacific (1pm Eastern).

Tuesday Poll: Has Your Phone Been Updated to Lollipop?

Kellen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:40:21 +0000

Lollipop has been a controversial update, if I'm being honest. It was originally introduced as a preview at Google I/O last year, then went live for the world to use in early November. The rollout of it in update form has been odd, to say the least, with Nexus devices even receiving it at different times and under different builds. Manufacturers and carriers are struggling to push updates out, thanks to at least three different bug fixing releases from Google since it was first introduced. No one knows which version they should put their money on, but what we do know is that anything pre-5.1 is likely to have at least a couple of critical bugs on board. Still, companies are pushing out Lollipop updates as they can. Some good, some not so good. Many device owners thought they would have it by now and are getting frustrated, but those of us who have experienced Lollipop aren't so sure that's a good idea unless again, it's 5.1. It's been an interesting story to watch unfold. Clearly, this is a much bigger update than I think anyone anticipated. It's going to be a while before this becomes incredibly stable. Unfortunately, that means it's also going to be a while before your non-Nexus device is mostly bug free. With all that said, we just want to know something simple today - has your phone been updated to Lollipop? If so, which version? [poll id="360"]

Deal: Time Running Out to Grab an Icon Bluetooth Speaker for $20, Plus Free Shipping

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:48:49 +0000

Time is running out to grab the Icon Bluetooth Speaker on the DL Deals Store for just $20. Regularly priced at $100, you receive an 80% discount, plus free shipping. The speaker itself should be somewhat capable of recreating the same atmosphere of sound that the Jawbone portable speakers do, while costing you a fraction of the price. The Icon speaker features a 30ft. wireless range for transmitting, as well as up to 4 hours of music playback per charge. In addition, users with synced smartphones can place calls and talk directly through the speaker. If you need a new Bluetooth speaker for your dorm room or office, check it out. Features

Crystal-clear Bluetooth transmission
30-ft. wireless range
Stereo sound w/ crisp highs and deep lows
Rechargeable battery
Up to 4 hours of playback per charge
Speakerphone functionality with built-in mic
Top-mounted buttons to play/pause music, answer/end calls & control volume

Deal Link

Slacker Radio App Updated With Overhauled Look, "Today on Slacker" Feature

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:09:55 +0000

The Slacker Radio app for Android received an update this morning, introducing a fancy new layout and new features. For the features side of things, the company has something called "Today on Slacker," which is a section filled with recommendations and news that are tailor-made for your individual tastes and interests. As for the updated look, Slacker included new "Presets" that give instant access to your favorite stations. On top of that, menus have been redone, allowing for great customization and personalization. Although, if you take a peek at the reviews on Google Play, it seems like there is a bit of work yet to be done on the overall navigation of the app. View the changelog below, then go grab the update via Google Play. What's New

Check out the all new "Today on Slacker" sections filled with recommendations and news that are tailor-made for your tastes and interests
Stream Slacker Radio throughout your home with Google Chromecast
Presets have been added to give you instant access to your favorite stations
Verizon subscribers can now easily find and set Tones for their friends using our new Tones Search.

Play Link

Deal: New Sony Smartwatch 3 for $169 ($80 Off)

Kellen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:09:10 +0000

The deal of the day goes out to the new listing over at eBay which has the Sony Smartwatch 3 at just $169.99. That's an $80 discount over the Android Wear-powered device's usual price, plus free shipping is included. The Sony Smartwatch 3 sports a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1.6-inch LCD display (320x320), 420mAh battery, is IP68 water and dust resistant, and GPS. Thanks to that GPS, the Smartwatch 3 is still one of the only Android Wear devices that can be taken offline (disconnected from your phone) and still track usage. For workout fanatics who need to track long runs but may not want carry along a phone, this is probably the best option. The deal is in limited quantities, so don't let it sit for long. eBay Link

AT&T Pushing Android 5.0.1 "Lollipop" OTA Update to Samsung Galaxy S4

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:37:26 +0000

For owners of the Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T, today is a good day for you. Starting now, AT&T is pushing out the Android 5.0.1 OTA update, taking you from Android 4.4.4 "Kit Kat" all of the way to Lollipop. Yippee. Inside of the update, owners will see a few major differences between Kit Kat and Lollipop. For starters, your user interface should be much more bright and fun to play with, thanks to updated animations and droplet effects. In addition, Smart Lock is included, Priority Mode has been added, and the enhanced Recent Apps menu is included as well. Below, AT&T posted the full changelog of what to expect from the update. What's New

Songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one Android device can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices.
New User Interface look and feel, more fluid motions
Priority mode to only allow certain notifications to get through
Battery saving features and remaining time left to charge or deplete indicators
Smart Lock to secure phone or tablet by pairing it with a trusted device like a wearable or car
Most frequently used settings available with just two swipes down from the top screen
Details at: http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/
Removal of Code Scanner, Browser Bar and Softcard apps

Be on the lookout, S4 owners.

Via: AT&T

Instagram Updated With Two New Sliders, Fade and Color

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:02:19 +0000

The Instagram app for Android received an update this morning, bringing with it two new sliders for your photo editing pleasure. Surprisingly, these two sliders are currently available only for Android users, as Instagram states these changes will come to iOS in the near future. The two added sliders are for Fade and Color. With Fade, you can fade a photo, which to me, looks more like Instagram just turning down the contrast. While it does fade, it's nothing special. Color, on the other hand, is quite neat. Users can select a particular color for both shadow and highlights, allowing you to turn your boring landscape photo into a psychedelic trip to the late 60s. If you can't get enough of Instagram, go grab the update, then get to coloring and fading all the things. Play Link

Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 vs. Galaxy S6 Edge

Kellen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:26:00 +0000

Our full reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are almost here, which is good news for everyone, since April 10 is officially launch day for both devices across the US (and most of the globe). Before we get there, we have one last video to share - a comparison of the two side-by-side that talks about the subtle differences between each. We have already gone through unboxings of each, gave you 25+ tips and tricks, walked through Edge-specific features, and compared them to the iPhone 6 and HTC One M9. You probably know just about all there is to know about the hardware and software features of each. Still, getting both phones together on camera is worth doing. In the clip below, we walk through the minor spec differences, subtle exterior changes, software enhancements on the Edge, and in general, how they compare in the "hand test."

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Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Receives Teardown Treatment, Scores Barely Higher Than the One M9

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:38:26 +0000

You didn't think the One M9 from HTC would be the only phone to get the teardown treatment, did you? Heck no. iFixIt is back, and this time, they have the Galaxy S6 Edge from Samsung. Inside, we see Samsung opted to place the phone's non-removable battery behind the motherboard, the same as HTC. This means, when it comes to replacement, it will be nearly impossible for the average consumer to handle repairs. Furthermore, replacing your curved display will also prove quite difficult, as even the pros at iFixIt ran into a ton of adhesive, and even managed to rip the display from the rounded screen. Pro tip: That's not a good thing. Of course, these teardowns show off processor and storage configurations, but this particular one does not reveal anything we did not already know. However, if we are being extremely nosey, it looks like there was plenty of room for a microSD slot, but that is to my untrained eye. In conclusion, the Galaxy S6 Edge received a repairability score of just 3 out of 10. Not good. At the end of the day, both phones, the Galaxy S6 Edge and One M9, feature very low repairability scores. So, if you plan on doing any at-home repairs, be prepared, and best of luck to you. But keep in mind, your One M9 has Uh Oh protection. The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, do not.

Via: iFixIt

Twitter Revamps Quote Retweets, Coming Soon to Android

Tim — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:42:29 +0000

This morning, Twitter announced a revamping of "quote" retweets, meaning that when you retweet a tweet with the original tweet quoted, it should show up much more cleanly in your friend's timeline. If it sounds a tad bit confusing, don't worry, you are not alone. Right now, when you Quote retweet a user, you are met with quotation marks in the tweet you are about to send out. According to Twitter, they have done away with this, and instead, the quoted tweet should appear more in-line with whatever it is you are saying on top of the original tweet. The below video, which is very short, gives you a great example of what to expect after the update. And speaking of the update, Twitter states that this new feature is now available for iPhone and web users, but is "coming soon" on Android.

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Via: @Twitter

AT&T's HTC One M8 Should Get Lollipop Today

Kellen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:54:02 +0000

Owners of the AT&T HTC One M8, your Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is ready! "Technical approval" has been granted, so at any minute, a world of WiFi draining bugs hidden behind the beauty of Material Design will be upon you. It's glorious, especially if you like charging phones all of the time or noticing your WiFi connection coming and going on the regular. Ahhh, software, we love you. It's not all bugs, though! You also get bold colors, fluid animations, and lock screen notifications. Lock screen notifications! Oh, there is a new "battery settings panel" too, which you'll be staring at constantly trying to figure out why your battery life has been cut in half over night. Hah, yeah. Go get it! Here is the full changelog from AT&T:

Upgrade to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop (additional details available from Google)
Improved OS software design
- Bold colors and bright contrast
- New complex views and fluid animations
Better visibility for Recents and Calendar
- New Schedule view
- New event with promoted action
- Calendar picker view has new drop down capabilities
Enhanced notifications
- Notifications are more visible and accessible
- Set notification priority and privacy for each application
- Dismiss notification once across all Android devices
New recent apps
- New Overview space (formerly called Recents)
- Includes both apps and separate activities within those apps
Improved settings
- Use a finger swipe to access drop down notifications and quick settings
Screen Pinning
- Pin a specific app or screen to keep it in view
Share your device
- Set up multiple user accounts on your phone
New battery settings panel
Other planned fixes, updates, and enhancements
Software number: 4.28.502.1
Baseband version: 4.0.U605611@5039A_40.45.C33065.00_F
Kernel version: 3.4.0-g9c6c6fcand@AABM #1 SMP PREEMPT
Build number: 4.28.502.1 CL511189 release-key
File Size: 550MB

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Via: AT&T

New LG G4 Teaser Highlights F1.8 Lens, April 28 Unveiling

Kellen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 06:55:51 +0000

LG popped off another teaser this morning for its upcoming flagship, the G4. In the video, a lens floats over a city, magnifying life, showing vibrant colors, before flashing out to a hint at the camera that will be included in the phone. It follows that up by officially inviting you to the unveiling of the LG G4 on April 28. The video is short, but we now know that LG is using an F1.8 camera in the G4, which is quite bonkers, actually. Most smartphone cameras hover between F2.0 and F2.2. Samsung impressed us by going with an F1.9 lens in the new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. But to go to F1.8, we can't help but give LG a thumbs up. Not only will this new camera be able to capture more light in low-light situations, but it should be insanely fast as well. And, bokeh. Couple those few things with the introduction of a full manual mode this time around and Samsung's spot atop the smartphone camera mountain may be short-lived. Oh, there is also that image at the top, which shows the words "LG G4" burned into leather. Are we getting leather this time around or other materials? Please don't be faux leather with faux stitching. Be real, LG, be real. Samsung has clearly knocked it out of the park with the S6 and Edge, but LG isn't about to let them steal back the show without a fight.

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Update: LG's Korea news outlet also posted this picture. If this is indeed the back of the phone, then we may see real leather. Whoa.

Stars Wars Arrives Digitally April 10 on Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 21:50:08 +0000

April 10 was supposed to be the day that you all ran out and bought the Galaxy S6, but as it turns out, another arrival may tempt you instead. Star Wars, for the first time in history, will be available digitally in HD at your favorite spots like Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes. We're talking the whole collection - episodes 1-6. Amazon seems to have the best price on the full set at $89.99 (edit: Google Play dropped to $89.99 as well). ~~Google Play and~~ iTunes are looking like $99.99, with each individual movie dropping in at $19.99. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement that they "created some very special bonus material which delves into the saga’s rich history, including new and never-before-released conversations between legendary Star Wars artists." Yes, new never-before-seen bonus material! To see a list of the bonus features, head over to the official Stars Wars site at the source link below. Who is buying? Links: Amazon | Google Play

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Via: Star Wars

Video: Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Over the "Regular" Galaxy S6

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:48:47 +0000

To me, the Galaxy S6 Edge represents a risk Samsung was willing to take when it comes to design. It's something different. And even though it is different, it's not completely unorthodox when I really think about it, and at times, is quite nice to have. I have been asked what viewing content is like on the rounded display, and to the shock of a few, I actually really enjoy it. While the Galaxy S6 Edge does not feature as much "usefulness" as say, the Note Edge does, it still offers a few things that regular Galaxy S6 owners don't have access to. In the video below, I go over the differences that make up the two, but be aware right now, it's not all that much. Samsung does not include a ton of options or features for the rounded display, but of the few that are included, I could see them being somewhat beneficial at some point or another to someone out there. The first two are People Edge and Edge Lighting. These were the main features that Samsung showcased when they unveiled this particular phone. When People Edge is enabled, you can pull out a drawer from the side of the display, accessing a list of up to 5 favorite contacts on your phone. Each contact is assigned a color. Think of it like quick contact access. From here, you can text or call this chosen contact. If you have a close group of buddies or a significant other you contact a lot throughout the day, this will come in handy. Now, this pairs with Edge Lighting. Depending on which color you have assigned to any given contact, when they call you, and your phone is face down on a flat surface, the selected side of the display will illuminate in that chosen color. With this, you can know exactly which one of your top 5 favorite people in the world is trying to get a hold of you.

The other features included are Information Stream and Night Clock. Night Clock is pretty self explanatory, but just in case you can't figure it out, the side of your display will illuminate a clock which you can view during the wee hours of the night, meaning you won't need to turn on your bright display to see the time. It's not all that special, and frankly, I won't be using it at all during the time I am using the Galaxy S6 Edge. Lastly, there is Information Stream. This is the feature that comes directly from the Note Edge. With this enabled, and your screen turned off, you can rub on the side of the display, which will then show you stock tickers, missed notifications, Twitter happenings and more. All of its capabilities are explained in detail in the video below. Now, as for their exact usefulness, I wish I could be more positive, but I do see them being a tad bit useless at times. To me, the rounded edges are not deep enough to really offer all that much. For example, the Note Edge's side acts a separate display, allowing for more usability. The Galaxy S6 Edge features a single display, which just so happens to dip over the edges. While it looks incredibly good to me, the features Samsung baked in to take advantage of this design don't make the $100 bump in price all that worth it. But I will leave that part up to you to decide. Check out the video, then share your thoughts below. As a bonus, feel free to throw in your ideas for how Samsung could have possibly better taken advantage of this dual-rounded design.

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Andy Rubin Joins Redpoint Ventures (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:43:07 +0000

Andy Rubin, Android's creator who recently left Google to create his own startup incubator, is now a part of Redpoint Ventures. In case you aren't familiar with Redpoint, they are a venture capital firm who invests in early stage technology companies. According to Redpoint's announcement of the Rubin hire, it sounds like Andy is already "evaluating and backing companies." His other jobs will include "identifying the next great startups" and helping others "realize their full potential." And yep, that's all. On a related note, this might be the last Andy Rubin update. That is, until one of Redpoint's investments happens to be behind the next great Android app or project. Update: Well, now, we have additional info to add, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal. According to a WSJ report posted simultaneously with this Redpoint announcement, it sounds like Rubin is also launching a tech startup support company called Playground Global LLC. The idea behind Playground Global is for Rubin's team to provide support and advice to tech startups, which could mean help with manufacturing, financing, distribution, and "ways to integrate their devices with remote computing resources known as the cloud." The WSJ claims that Playground Global has already secured $48 million from investors, one of which is Google.

Via: Redpoint

Deal: Innori 22400mAh Portable Battery Pack for $40, Free Shipping

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 14:37:17 +0000

Phone batteries die. It sucks, but happens all of the time. To help combat this issue, battery packs are available for those who don't mind toting around portable battery juice for whenever it may be needed. The latest deal in the DL Deals Store can nab you a 22,400mAh battery pack, capable of charging three devices, all for just $40. With free shipping, too. Made by Innori, this pack is regularly priced at $70. You can see for yourself on Amazon right here. Featuring 3 outlets, owners can charge multiple devices, with two of the slots optimized for smartphones, while the other is for a tablet or other USB-powered device. The battery pack features a "helpful" LED indicator light, which flashes during charging and when the pack is fully charged with power. Featuring "intelligent charging," the pack recognizes your device and allocates the right electrical current automatically. This should put a few peoples' minds at ease about exploding phones. If you need this monster battery pack to keep your device chugging along through the day, follow the link below. Features

Total of 3 outlets: 2 optimized for smartphones, 1 for tablets and other USB-powered devices
LED light w/ a lengthy lighting distance of 20 meters for convenient night charging
Helpful LED light indicator functions: flashes on while charging/off when fully charged
Intelligent charging, recognizes your devices and allocate the right current automatically

Deal Link

Google's Wireless Service Might Include Free International Coverage

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:47:25 +0000

According to sources of the UK's The Telegraph, Google has been in talks with mobile operator Three over allowing Americans to use phones abroad at no extra cost if they are signed up with Google's yet-to-be-announced-but-very-confirmed wireless service. As you all know, taking your US carrier-attached phone overseas isn't cheap. Calls and data when out of the US can cost multiple arms and legs from the typical US carrier, so it sort of makes sense if you think about Google doing something that would shake up on aspect of the wireless industry. Sources of The Telegraph state that Google wants to create a global wireless service that costs the same no matter where you are located, meaning calls, texts, and data are one flat fee each month, even if you are outside of the US. As it turns out, Three may be the perfect partner to make that happen. Three is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, who happens to have mobile services ties to the UK, Ireland, Italy, and several other countries. Hutchison has also apparently be trying for itself to eliminate roaming charges for customers of Three. A couple of things come to mind here. First, this is awesome news if true for the international travelers in the building. You know more than anyone how expensive it can be to capture wireless service when overseas. I can imagine how convenient it would be to not have to sign-up for a secondary, overpriced international plan when traveling, and instead just continue using your service like normal, even though you are in a different country. On the flip side, this sounds great, but means little to most of us. If you don't regularly travel outside of the US, then this adds almost zero benefit to your plan. Hopefully, we learn more at Google I/O in May.

Via: The Telegraph

Pre-Order for the Razer Forge TV Now Live on Amazon for $150

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:03:40 +0000

Forge TV, Razer's Android TV-powered set-top box, is now up for pre-order on Amazon. Priced at $150, your Forge TV should ship on or by May 1. Introduced at this year's CES a few months ago, the Forge TV features a Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor, Adreno 420 GPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, Bluetooth 4.1 + HS, USB 3.0, HDMI output, and gigabit ethernet. In addition to the ability to play games straight from Google Play, Razer bakes in its own Cortex: Stream service, allowing gamers to stream PC games to their HDTV. However, this feature is not quite ready for the mainstream, and is marked as "coming soon" on their website. Owners will be able to use their cellphone as a dedicated Forge TV remote, capable of speaking voice commands and scrolling through menus. Of course, the box comes with a Razer-made game controller, and you have the option to connect up to four controllers in total for multiplayer game sessions. If you think you are interested in picking this up over the SHIELD from NVIDIA, go check it out. Amazon Link

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ChowNow Partners With Google Wallet to Make Online Ordering Food Easier

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:43:12 +0000

Online food ordering service, ChowNow, announced this morning that it has partnered with Google Wallet to make paying for orders easier than ever. This new partnership brings a Google Wallet payment option to all of ChowNow's restaurants clients, which should mean faster and more frequent ordering from customers. For those new to ChowNow, think of it as a service used by independent restaurants who want to make online or mobile ordering available to customers, but don't have the time or resources to set something up themselves. In fact, if you have placed an order with a smaller, locally owned restaurant recently, there is a chance they were using ChowNow. ChowNow claims to have thousands of restaurants using their services. The Google Wallet integration really doesn't have anything to do with Android directly, but again, with a "Pay With Google" button added to the service, your food orders should be completed much easier. Well, assuming you have a Google Wallet account setup with a credit card. The days of typing out credit card info are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Via: PRNewswire

Humble Mobile Bundle 11 Now Available, Pay Under $5 for 6+ Games

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:07:58 +0000

A new Humble Bundle has been posted, allowing you the opportunity to pay what you want for a few awesome titles. The first section of Humble Bundle 11 includes the games Bounden, Auro, and Avernum: Escape From the Pit. The way Bundles work is, you can choose which portion of the proceeds goes to the developers, and what goes to charity. This Bundle's charities include Electronic Frontier Foundation and World Land Trust. If you pay more than the average, which currently sits at $4.33, you gain access to 80 Days, Kingdom Rush Origins, Riddick: The Merc Files, and then more games will be made available to you after a few days. 80 Days costs $5 alone, so getting it through the Humble Bundle is a great deal. If this Humble Bundle sounds legit, and you want to donate to a good cause, follow the link below. Humble Bundle Link

Quick Look: OnePlus One's OxygenOS Update

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 11:15:55 +0000

Over the weekend, OnePlus released their custom Android skin, also known as OxygenOS, to the OnePlus One as an "update" just a week after it was originally supposed to debut. I'm putting "update" in quotes there because well, it's not really an update. This is a custom ROM that requires a full factory reset and a custom recovery in order to get onto your phone. This isn't delivered over-the-air (OTA) - instead it requires you to be familiar with adb commands, fastboot, unlocking a bootloader, and more. It's a load of fun! We went ahead and flashed the file onto our OnePlus One in order to see what was new and hopefully give you an idea as to whether or not you want to make the jump on your own device. With the release of OxygenOS 1.0, OnePlus gave us a quick video tutorial of some of its new features that didn't seem all that exciting. So again, we went ahead and flashed it to get a better look inside, to see if there was anything they left out and to figure out if anyone should ditch Cyanogen OS in favor of OxygenOS. The short answer is - probably not. OxygenOS is essentially a stock build of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. The only changes here to the stock experience are the addition of gestures on the lock screen, a built-in file manager app, and the ability to organize quick toggle settings. Oh, you can also set a specific lock screen wallpaper that differs from you home screen wallpaper. That's pretty much it. Below, you can see it all in action, but as I mention in the clip, you will probably be better off waiting for the Cyanogen OS 12 update, which will surely be packed full of goodies.

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T-Mobile Removes Sony Xperia Z3 From Lineup, Lasted Just Under 6 Months

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 11:03:38 +0000

Not even 6 months after its release onto T-Mobile, the carrier has decided to pull the Sony-made Xperia Z3 from its smartphone lineup. Originally going up for sale on October 29, there is no explanation from T-Mobile as to why this move was made, but it is entirely possible they just weren't selling enough. While this news may be somewhat sad, Sony should be unveiling the Xperia Z4 soon, featuring updated specs, with likely the same hardware design we have seen from the company for the past couple of years. Not that it's a bad thing. For Sony phones still available on T-Mobile, the choices are pretty bad. There is the Xperia Z and Xperia Z1S, both certified pre-owned. Woof. At this time, it is unclear which carrier(s) will offer the Xperia Z4, but we should find out soon after Sony's announcement of the new device.

Via: @TMobile

ASUS MeMo Pad 7 LTE Launches on AT&T Starting April 10

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 10:16:28 +0000

AT&T announced availability of the MeMo Pad 7 LTE from ASUS this morning, hitting the carrier starting April 10. The tablet features a 7-inch HD IPS+ display, 1.3GHz Quad Core Intel Atom processor, as well as front and back-facing PixelMaster cameras. Purchasable for $0.99 when buying any smartphone through AT&T's Next program, the device runs Android 4.4.4 (Kit Kat) out of the box, with ASUS' somewhat minimal UI tweaks running on top. If you are looking for a different payment method, AT&T's installment plan can nab you the tablet for 20 monthly payments of just $8.75. As stated in the press release, this will be the first device to run on AT&T's LTE network that features an Intel Atom processor. According to AT&T, the Atom processor, "enables you to access apps and the internet quickly and effortlessly." If this tablet interests you, this link will take you to the product page to order on April 10.

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Via: AT&T

Moto G Google Play Edition Receives OTA Update to Android 5.1

Tim — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:50:46 +0000

If you happen to own a Google Play Edition of the Moto G, then Android 5.1 is now available for you to download. Going live over this holiday weekend, the OTA should take your Moto G from 5.0.1, straight to Android 5.1. If you happen to own a different Motorola device, the company has gone over the details for each of its phones, stating that all of them, even the 1st Gen devices, should receive Android 5.1 in the near future. We have gone over the changes in Android 5.1 before, but for a refresher, expect to see new Bluetooth and WiFi quick settings, additional animations, separate phone and media volume controls, and more. The OTA is rolling out in phases, so if you still have yet to see it, remain patient. Or sideload it.

Via: Motorola

Ugh, Samsung Issues Galaxy S6 Edge #Bendgate Response and Challenge

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:03:14 +0000

On Friday, phone insurance peddler, SquareTrade, attempted to create a "bendgate" scenario for the Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung's shiny new curved phone, and grab all the headlines in the world. They succeed by posting a video to YouTube of the phone cracking under pretty intense pressure that no human could ever re-create with their own hands (or butt), and then spammed out a press release saying the phone was just as bendable as the iPhone 6 Plus, which was the original "bendgate" target. We clowned the "news" via Twitter, because it's not actual news. It's a video from a phone insurance peddler trying to grab headlines and scare you into buying their phone insurance or warranties. Clearly, the tactic worked because almost every mobile phone or tech related site outside of us, took the bait and posted the video with varying levels of clickbaity titles. It got worse this morning when Samsung responded with an official statement, a video of their own tests, and a request for SquareTrade to publicly post new results after re-doing their tests on both sides of the phone. Ugh. Why, Samsung? The response should have been like this - "Your Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is never going to bend in the years that you own it, because, it just won't. You probably saw a video last weekend claiming it will, but ignoring that video would be the intelligent thing to do, since it's from a company who sells insurance to people who are scared of breaking their phone. Yep, it's a scam video and you shouldn't be suckered by it. If you were suckered by it, then please stop buying our phones and instead save your money for your subscription to snake oil, which you should rub on your brain to improve your IQ." But again, they didn't do that. They released an "official" statement, accompanied by a 3-point test of their own that shows pressure you could potential re-create (meaning it's "more realistic" than SquareTrade's ridiculously named BendBot) being applied to both the S6 and Edge, and now want the insurance peddler to grab headlines by doing it all over again. Can't wait for that!

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Via: Samsung Tomorrow

Here is a Preview of the LG G4's New UX 4.0

Kellen — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 07:12:19 +0000

On last week's episode of the DL Show, we told you to get ready for a steady stream of feature teases from LG for their upcoming G4 handset. Earlier in the week, LG announced details for the device's new 5.5-inch QHD LCD display, which we assumed was only the first of many announcements to come. You see, LG (and Samsung too) likes to slowly tease select features that will be included in their new phones in the weeks leading up to an unveiling, many of which end up painting a picture of the phone in detail before it becomes official. Last night, they continued that trend by by releasing a video of LG's new UX 4.0, the 4th version of their custom Android skin that will be featured in the G4. So what's new in LG's UX 4.0? From what we can capture through Google Translate, we will once again experience a "human-centered" approach to UX, with easier and more convenient UI elements and features.

Manual Camera Mode: LG is keeping its really simple camera UI in UX 4.0, but they are including a set of manual controls for the professional photog or for those who just want more control.
Quick Shot: By tapping the Volume Down button on the back of the G4 (back buttons confirmed!), you can capture a photo without even fully opening the camera app.
Smart Board: Like Google Now, Smart Board tries to collect "scattered" info and place it in a scrolling list - we are talking things like the calendar, music, health info, etc.
Calendar: The pre-installed calendar app has been redone with a Material Design flair.
Gallery: The gallery will now group together pictures taken during special events or by location, with a sort of living shot sitting at the top of each set.
Smart Alerts: This feature tries to understand your situation and then provide you with useful info, like if it's sunny and you like basketball, LG might tell you to go play outside. LG hasn't said if it's looking at your calendar or if it's going to be completely random and suggest you go outside and hoop it up on a Tuesday at 2PM when you should be working.

All of that sounds like semi-useful stuff. A manual camera mode is certainly welcomed, along with improved gallery and calendar apps. The other things listed will likely be ignored or turned off by many. And by the way, the name "LG G4" is confirmed and official. In a post through Korea's social news outlet that talked of UX 4.0, they referred to the phone a handful of times as the LG G4.

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Via: LG

OxygenOS for the OnePlus One is Now Available for Download

Kellen — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 07:10:54 +0000

A week ago, OnePlus issued an apology after delaying the release of their OxygenOS update to the One. Today, the update is now available for download. Unfortunately, there is both good and bad/time-consuming news here. The update introduces Lollipop to the OnePlus One, along with OnePlus' take on an Android skin, which like other OEMs are calling an "operating system." There isn't much of a feature list to report back on at the moment, but OnePlus has said that there are gestures built-in to areas like the lock screen, customizable quick settings toggles, and a file manager. While that list may not seem like much, Lollipop is really all you should care about, OnePlus One owners. That's the good news. The bad/time-consuming news is that you have to manually flash OxygenOS - this isn't an over-the-air (OTA) update. So what does that mean? Well, they have a set of detailed instructions over at their forums that we have linked below, but the basics are this. You need to download the OxygenOS update file which is roughly 700MB. After that, you need to have adb and fastboot setup, know how to flash TWRP custom recovery, and finally, be prepared to fully wipe your phone. If that all sounds like the good ol' days of flashing a ROM, that's because that's exactly what we are looking at here. The instructions aren't really all that bad, but if you aren't familiar with adb or custom recoveries, this could all sound like we're speaking a different language. If you have even a basic familiarity with what I've just said, you should be able to get OxygenOS up and running in no time. The installation guide can be found at this OnePlus forum thread. Anyone flash it? What do you think?

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Cheers Osaz, Khaled, and James!

Galaxy S6/ S6 Edge and HTC One M9

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 21:18:00 +0000

The DL Show episode 81 is here to take you into the weekend as the most informed Galaxy S6/S6 Edge or HTC One M9 enthusiast on the planet. That's right, we have all three devices in house, have unboxed them, taken them for tours, compared them to other phones, provided all sorts of tips and tricks for each, and have lived with them for days. Since we have done all of that, it's time to get on the air and talk about each as we prepare for final reviews, to give you a sense for what we like and don't like. This show will be completely dedicated to the flagships of the moment. That's fine with you, right? At 3:00PM Pacific (6:00PM Eastern), won’t you please join us?

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: April 3, 2015

Tim — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:59:25 +0000

This week was a busy one here at DL, as we now have the HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge in our possession. We did unboxing and hands-on tours for each phone, and will be working very hard over the weekend and early next week to get our full reviews up before the official April 10 launch dates. Beyond new phones, which we always love, news this week centered around Lollipop updates for various phones, HTC's announcement of the One M8s, LG's announcement of a new 5.5" QHD panel that will come in the G4, the Metallica discography hitting Google Play, and plenty more. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Watch: The Droid Life Show - Episode 81 [Subscribe]
Video: HTC One M9 unboxing.
Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 unboxing.
Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge unboxing.
Video: Galaxy S6 vs. One M9.
Video: 25+ tips and tricks for the Galaxy 6.
LG announces new 5.5" QHD panel that will be featured in the G4.
Verizon Galaxy Note 4 received Lollipop.
HTC announces the One M8s.
Shocker: Fewer than 1% of Android devices were infected with malware in 2014.
T-Mobile LG G3 receiving Lollipop OTA on April 7.
HTC One M9 receives S-OFF.
OnePlus issues yet another apology for missing update deadline.
Metallica discography hits Google Play.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Deal: Movo Wave is an Inexpensive Fitness Tracker at $24.99

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:30:59 +0000

If I asked you to name as many fitness trackers as you could, I would imagine the list would have at least a dozen names on it. If I asked you to name fitness trackers that were under $50, that list will likely be much shorter. You see, fitness trackers are all the rage these days, but that also means that companies are still charging a premium for them. For example, the current Fitbit line starts at around $100. That might be too expensive for someone looking to test the waters of fitness tracking for the first time. For those who want something inexpensive, consider the Movo Wave, which is available in the DL Deals store for just $24.99. This is not going to be the ultimate fitness tracker. Let's be honest. But, it will track your steps, distance, and calories burned when exercising. It has a companion app that is free, plus there is a web interface for viewing progress from your computer. It's water resistant. You can swap out colors to personalize it a bit. And finally, it should last you at least a couple of weeks on a single charge. If you are looking for a start in fitness tracking, but don't want to spend a ton of cash, this might be a solid option. Deal Link

Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Update is Live!

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:37:50 +0000

Update: It's live! Head into Settings>About Phone>Software Updates>Check for Updates to grab it. As a reminder, this is a 2-part update that will take some time to complete. Be sure you have enough battery and time to do it.

Look! A changelog of the Lollipop update for Verizon's version of the Galaxy Note 4! It's happening! According to the date on the document, the update has been approved and should start rolling out to devices as early as today, April 2. The update will arrive in two parts as build VRU1BOAF. However, because we haven't actually seen the update on a device, we aren't sure if it's Android 5.0 or 5.0.1 or 5.0.2. You will have to confirm that for us. The update is going to be very similar to the Lollipop update for the Galaxy S5 that we gave you a video tour of. You will see an updated style that matches up in theory to Google's Material Design. Samsung has also added in Smart Lock, Do Not Disturb mode (removing Blocking Mode), notification interaction on the lock screen, and floating action buttons in apps like Messaging and the Calendar. Outside of the Lollipop-ness, Samsung included slow motion and fast motion camera modes, along with new S Health widgets. Finally, Verizon is activating VoLTE on the Galaxy Note 4, which means Advanced Calling 1.0 will be a part of the dialer, allowing users to place HD Voice calls and video chat with others who have VoLTE on Verizon. To check for the update, head into Settings>About Phone>Software Updates>Check for Updates.

Via: Verizon [Instructions]

Cheers Brandon!

Google Wallet for Android Gets Maps Integration, Search Tool to Find Transactions

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:30:01 +0000

A Google Wallet update is rolling out today on Android that introduces two new features - maps and locations of transactions on receipt pages, and a search tool to help you find transactions. On receipt pages, if available, you will see full Google Maps imagery that when tapped, will load up that exact location. The idea here is to not only keep track of your purchases, but also to identify those that look suspicious. As for the search tool, from the transactions page, you can now search for things like merchant name, item purchased, or other related keywords. The update is live for most, so be sure to grab it. What's New

Search tool to easily find transactions right in the app
Updated receipts that show the merchant and location of each transaction

Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Via: +Google Wallet

DL Q&A Sessions: Volume 28 Answers

Tim — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:00:47 +0000

On Monday, we asked you to send in questions for Volume 28 of the DL Q&A Sessions. We received a ton of great questions, but have narrowed them down to just a few which our team has tackled. This week, it seems that our readers want to know if any OEM can catch up to Samsung's Galaxy S6 lineup, and if Motorola will ever step up their camera game. In addition, we answer what our favorite streaming device is, which budget tablet shoppers should consider, and what artist we find ourselves listening to the most lately. Let’s get to it. Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim, and R is Ron.

Do you think any Android OEM will release a device in 2015 that can reasonably compete with the S6/S6 Edge?

K: I have my doubts. And that's not because I don't think we are going to see some amazing phones from other OEMs, it's that I don't think anyone is going to come up with a package this good. If somehow, Motorola can put together a camera experience this good in the new Moto X, then maybe, they'll compete. Otherwise, expect 2015 to be the year of Samsung. And they deserve it - these phones are absolutely amazing. T: After seeing HTC release the One M9, then Samsung with the S6 and S6 Edge, it's obvious that other OEMs need to start taking risks. You can't just re-release the same phone from last year. You need to push boundaries and innovate. Whether you do that with hardware design or software, people don't want to be bored. I have high hopes for the LG G4, as well as Motorola's next flagship. And of course, the next Nexus. 2015 should be an excellent year for Android, and it's probably directly related to how much pressure Samsung is putting on the other OEMs thanks to the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. R: I'm holding out hope for the Z4, but outside of Sony I have serious doubts. Motorola can't do it, HTC failed, and I've never been a fan of LG. I think Samsung's going to have a really good year.

What is your main content streaming device?

K: Combination of the Chromecast and Nexus Player at the moment. I really only use them to stream movies through Plex. I'm pretty boring when it comes to content streaming. T: It's all about that Chromecast. Best $35 you will ever spend. I use it for movies, music while I play board games in the living room and clean, and stream YouTube videos all of the time. I love it. Plus, Google is always giving free Google Play credit away through it, so it has already paid for itself in promotions. Two words - Game Changer. R: Chromecast is where it's at. If the Nexus Player had just as much support as the Chromecast I'd probably jump to that, but for now the Chromecast does everything I want at an insanely good price.

Out of all of the phones you have reviewed, which phone has the best overall package?

K: Right now - it's the Galaxy S6. I can emphatically say that before even doing a full review. It has the best build, best internals, best camera, best display, and is the most future proof phone I have seen in years. If we are talking 2014, I would have said the OnePlus One. But for this year, it's the Galaxy S6. T: When HTC released the One X, I didn't think any company could ever top it. Now in 2015, and looking at where HTC is, that has obviously changed. But as for a full package, the One X was my complete dream phone. Right now, in terms of full package, the S6 lineup takes the cake. R: I've only reviewed the Z3v personally, but I'm a big fan of Sony and Samsung's offerings. If I were to come back to Android sometime this year, say around October, I'd theoretically be looking at a Z4 or a Note 5. Theoretically.

What artist are you currently listening to the most?

K: J. Cole on repeat. The guy just keeps getting better and better with each album. Also, just picked up the new Wale and it seems really promising. T: Well, Metallica is now on Google Play, so I have been listening to a lot of that. As for new stuff, I have enjoyed Kendrick Lamar's new album, as well as listening to the first Divine Heresy album. So f'ing brutal. R: I'm a worship leader so I listen to a lot of worship music, especially when we have major services coming up like we do this week. So I've been listening to a lot of King's Kaleidoscope, Citizens & Saints, Dustin Kensrue, and John Mark McMillan. Outside of that it's been Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5, and Shakey Graves.

Do you think 2015 will be the year that Motorola fixes their horrible camera software/image processing/etc?

K: No. As much as we love Motorola's phones, they have never put a good camera in a phone. As in, never in their history. I just don't see that changing now, which is too bad. Their 2015 phone will once again have the best overall Android experience, but I'd be willing to put a lot of money on the camera still being subpar. T: I was hoping 2014 would be that year, but with the DROID Turbo and Moto X (2nd Gen) both featuring just 'okay' cameras, I think I am just accepting the fact that Motorola can't do cameras. Every company has their niche, and Motorola obviously doesn't have the camera tech. They do have hardware, though, so that's a big plus in my book. Now that I am back on a Samsung phone, you will see my Instagram post count go up like crazy. R: No, I don't. At this point I think they've chosen to differentiate with customization and software, which is great for some users. I wish they'd overhaul the camera so that the X could really compete, but I don't think that'll change this year.

What's your recommended budget tablet?

K: Well, the Nexus 9 seems to be seeing more and more discounts these days, which means no one is selling them. Before long, it'll be $299 and then the best budget tablet. As of today, probably discounted G Pad 8.3s or Galaxy Tab S models. You can find almost all of them for under $300. T: Considering that the Nexus 9 always seems to be on sale somewhere or other, that tablet would be an excellent choice. Of course, there will always be the Nexus 7, which you can probably find for $100 on the web. Unless you're going with a Nexus or high-end Samsung tablet, I would stay away from budget devices. The chance you will ever see an update is slim, and frankly, if it's priced super cheap, it is possible it's a steaming pile of crap. R: Outside of the Nexus 7 I don't know of a good cheap Android tablet. I'd recommend saving up for a Shield Tablet or a Nexus 9.

Do any DL staffers use a Chromebook? If so, which one? If not, why not?

K: I've tried, but I just do too much video and photo editing these days for it to work out. That doesn't mean I wouldn't love to be able to use one. I'm really tempted to buy that new Chromebook Pixel, but am afraid it'll sit on a shelf. T: I have had a few Chromebooks, but I just can't really get a lot done at the rate at which I am used to with my Macbook Pro. I can see how Chromebooks could be useful in certain cases, but so far, they just don't do it for me. R: No because I use a lot of native apps like Mailbox, Pixelmator, Tweetbot, etc. I'd consider getting one as a cheap writing machine if I wrote full time and found one with a decent trackpad. To see previous Q&A Sessions, click here.

Samsung Galaxy S6: 25+ Tips and Tricks

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 12:19:40 +0000

Unless you ordered from T-Mobile, you more than likely are still waiting for your Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge pre-orders to arrive. While that news may be frustrating to deal with, the good news is that we can prepare you for April 10, the day that most orders will finally show up on doorsteps, so that the minute you open the box, you will know everything about your shiny new toy. We already unboxed the Galaxy S6 (S6 Edge too), and compared it to the iPhone 6 and HTC One M9, but now we want to focus our efforts on actually using the phone. As we have done in the past with other flagships, we went ahead and assembled 25 or so tips and tricks for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge that should help you get the most out of Samsung's best phones to date. The video is lengthy, but it walks through everything from the fingerprint sensor to quick launching the camera, and from customizing settings to turning off that damn Flipboard screen. If you wanted to know the ins and outs of the S6, this is a must watch.

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New Google Photo Stories Showing Up in Google Now

Tim — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 11:16:41 +0000

Folks who utilize Google Photo's auto backup will begin to see new Stories pop up directly through Google Now. To explain, if you take enough photos at any given time, Google will throw those photos into a Story, then put music and effects to it. Moving forward, these Stories will appear in Google Now for easy access, where as before, you would receive a notification through the Google Photos app. Below, you can see a screenshot of what this will look like. If you don't have Auto Backup enabled, head on into the settings menu for the Photos app, then turn on Auto Backup. From there, Google will upload photos on its very own, then create stories when it feels the time is right. Personally, it has made me stories for the trips I have taken to New York and San Francisco, and they always turn out pretty good. Be sure to take more photos.

Via: +Thomas Tenkely

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Unboxing

Tim — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 10:11:47 +0000

While Kellen is handling the full review for the Samsung Galaxy S6, I will be conducting the Galaxy S6 Edge review, and I have to say, I am very happy to have this phone in my hands. After seeing countless other opinions on it from various sites across the web, it seems that many of my fellow tech bloggers find the S6 Edge's display to simply be a gimmick. While I think gimmick is the wrong word to use, I find the phone to be rather attractive, so I will be dedicating the next week of my life to testing it completely. And the only correct way to start this process is to make an unboxing video. My initial reaction after unboxing the phone is pure joy. The S6 Edge feels fantastic in-hand, and when compared to the Galaxy S5, it's a complete night and day difference. Samsung really stepped up its hardware game for 2015. But what about TouchWiz? So far, the phone feels rather smooth during operation, likely thanks to Samsung's Exynos octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM. Regardless of whether Samsung had to use brute force to hammer out the jank, this is definitely a step in the positive direction for the whole Galaxy lineup. Below, check out the unboxing video, then be on the lookout for our full review coming shortly.

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iFixIt Tears Down the HTC One M9, Concludes You Should Never Try to Repair the Phone Yourself

Tim — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 09:00:30 +0000

Whenever a new flagship device hits the streets, you can count on iFixIt to bust out one of their awesome teardowns. This time, it's the One M9 from HTC going under the knife, and if you are a fan of repairing things yourself, get ready for a big bummer. As stated by iFixIt, even the battery of the device is buried beneath the motherboard and adhered to the midframe, making replacement quite difficult. And if you crack your screen? The display assembly cannot be replaced without digging your way through the entire phone's internals. However, there is good news. With the One M9, HTC announced Uh Oh Protection, meaning if anything should in fact happen to your pretty new phone, you can simply get a new one, free of charge. With a repairability score of just 2 out of 10, you are gonna want that Uh Oh Protection. For more detailed information on the teardown, head on over to iFixIt's site by following the via link below. Note: If you fancy yourself a phone repairman, a new deal in the DL Deals Store should be right up your alley. For $65, down from $110, you can grab iFixIt's Pro Tech Toolkit. Inside, you will find all of the essential tools needed to perform these tasks, just like the pros.

Via: iFixIt

Best Buy Deals: Nexus 9 16GB $75 Off, Chromecast $5 Off

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 08:20:03 +0000

Best Buy just kicked off a 2-day sale that includes a couple of note-worthy discounts. First, we have Google's Nexus 9 with 16GB of storage for just $325 - that's a $75 discount on a tablet that ranks in the top two for Android at the moment (our review). If tablets aren't your thing, then maybe a $5 discount on the Chromecast will do. Or a DROID Turbo for $50? You can see the full list of deals here, or we have individual links to each below. Best Buy Links: Nexus 9 ($324.99) | Chromecast ($30) | DROID Turbo ($49.99)

Cheers David!

Mailbox for Android Gets Its "Material" Update

Kellen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:10:39 +0000

Mailbox, the Dropbox-owned email application that consumed the better part of the last year of my life, got its "Material Design" update this morning as v2.0.1. The update introduces a lot of white. Well, the app was already plenty white, but it seems whiter than ever. It also has a floating action button for creating new emails, a slideout navigation drawer that looks like a floating layer when pulled, and overall, seems lighter, softer, and cleaner than ever. Search has been relocated as a shortcut at the top right corner of your inbox (instead of being buried in the nav drawer), the Snoozed/Inbox/Archived button tabs at the top of the app are also now gone, and signatures can now be displayed as you type an email. For those new to Mailbox, think of it like Google's Inbox, except that it was a real thing long before Google's Inbox ever thought of existing. The app forces you to approach your email inbox like a task list, with the ultimate goal being to get to "inbox zero." You swipe emails to the right to archive or delete, and swipe left to snooze them for a bit or add them to lists. There are ways to automatically move emails to lists, plus it will host all of your email accounts under one unified inbox if you want. This is by all means one of the best applications around. In fact, it's one of the first 15 apps I install on every new Android device. I'm currently testing Google's Inbox now that it has Google Apps support, but the temptation to run back to Mailbox is there. Play Link | Download Link (apk)

LG Announces the New 5.5-Inch QHD LCD That Will be in the G4

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 16:59:41 +0000

Well, we now know at least one official feature of the upcoming LG G4 - a brand new, 5.5-inch QHD LCD panel. LG announced this evening that they achieved a "quantum jump" in color gamut and brightness with this new panel that also consumes less power, is incredibly thin, and shows improved touch function. The display, at a QHD resolution of 2560x1440 carries a pixel density of 538ppi. The new panel also adds Advanced In-Cell Touch that allows it to react to touches, even with water on it. Finally, it should show even more accurate colors over last year's QHD panel with a 120 percent color gamut, 50% increase in contrast, and 30% bump in brightness. LG confirmed in the announcement that this display will be featured in their next flagship phone, which will be unveiled on April 28 around the globe.

LG Display Launches 5.5-inch QHD LCD Panel for Smartphones to Achieve a Quantum Jump in Color Gamut and Brightness

Display incorporates Perfect Touch Sensitivity
Seoul, Korea (April, 3 2015) – LG Display, the world’s leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has launched a QHD (Quad High Definition) LCD panel for smartphones that represents a quantum jump in terms of key features, including color gamut, brightness, contrast ratio, touch function, power consumption and thinness. The company has started the mass production of the 5.5-inch QHD LCD panel with IPS technology for mobile devices that will be used in LG Electronics’ forthcoming flagship smartphone to be unveiled at the end of the month. The display provides richer and more accurate colors with a 120 percent color gamut, exceeding the 100 percent gamut offered on conventional panels, for mobile devices (based on sRGB*).The QHD display has 1,440 x 2,560 resolution, four times higher than HD resolution (720 x 1,280), and the number of pixels per inch is 538 PPI (Pixels Per Inch) on the 5.5-inch panel size. The new panel also adopted Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) technology which offers excellent touch sensitivity so that it can respond to touch commands even with water drops on the screen. The display boasts advancements in other major image quality features, with a contrast ratio that is 50 percent higher than conventional QHD LCD panels, while the brightness has increased by 30 percent without any increase in power consumption. A brighter screen and higher contrast ratio makes it easier for users to view the smartphone display in bright outdoor conditions. The company received certification from Intertek, the leading provider of product safety testing and certification, for the superiority of the color gamut, brightness, and contrast ratio in the 5.5-inch QHD LCD panel. LG Display employed three leading technologies to achieve the superior specifications of the new display: high color gamut LED, Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) and photo-alignment. The high color gamut LED technology provides more accurate colors in red and green by combining a blue LED chip with red and green phosphors instead of combining the blue LED chip with a yellow phosphor used in conventional LED backlights. LG Display has achieved a 20 percent improvement in color gamut with this technology. Developed by LG Display, AIT represents an improvement over conventional ‘In-Cell touch technology’. Instead of placing the touch panel on top of the LCD, the touch sensor is embedded within the LCD. This results in a slimmer design and an excellent touch response as the thickness of the panel is reduced by eliminating the need for an additional space for touch functions. The photo-alignment technology uses UV light to form a liquid crystal alignment layer in the display panel, which helps achieve a higher contrast ratio by aligning the liquid crystals evenly to reduce light leakage. The higher contrast ratio contributes to deeper blacks and brighter colors that create a sharper picture quality. Mr. Byeong-Koo Kim, Vice President of the IT/Mobile Development Group at LG Display said, “The company has maximized the essential display functions for mobile devices from touch to color gamut by using the latest technology and accumulated expertise.” He added, “LG Display will continue to develop products that can offer the best user experience not only for smartphones, but also for tablets and notebook PCs.” *sRGB: Standard RGB color space established jointly by HP and Microsoft in 1996 for use on monitors, printers and the Internet. ###

Amazon Echo Receives Update, Brings Support for MLB Scores and Pandora Radio

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 15:33:10 +0000

The Amazon Echo, Amazon's cylindrical computing device, capable of telling you the weather and adding things to your shopping list, received an update today. In the update, Alexa - Amazon's name for the voice that speaks to you - can give you sports scores for the MLB and MLS, as well as play radio stations straight from Pandora. For example, if you own an Echo, you can say, "Alexa, play a heavy metal station from Pandora," and boom, you got music playing. For sports, simply say, "Alexa, what's the score of the San Francisco Giants game?" She should then let you know exactly how the Giants are doing. Of course, not many people here probably own an Echo. The device is still invite only, and I placed my order back in January. My estimated arrival time is sometime between the end of May and early July. Hooray, Amazon! Do you own an Echo? Do you love it? Play Link

Via: Amazon

Deal: Ultra-Precise Hand Stylus for $14.95

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 14:54:57 +0000

The latest deal on the DL Deals Store is for an "ultra-precise" Hand Stylus, lowered from $25, down 40% to $14.95. With this stylus, writing notes, playing certain games, and drawing on your Android device should be made much more simple with its retractable and easily replaceable rubber tip. Stylus devices are great for tablet owners, as they allow you to keep your display nice and pretty (no more fingerprints), while also let you write more accurately when working on documents. For these reasons alone, many business folk may get quite a bit of use out of it. Below, the features have been listed, followed by a link to where you can buy it. Features

Includes the world’s smallest conductive-silicone 4 mm rubber tip
Wear the tip down evenly w/ auto-rotating functionality
Easily select items on small screens
Create digital drawings w/ the physical sensation of using a real pen
Collect accurate signatures for purchases— great for merchants!
Eliminate fingerprints on your touch screens
Easily replace the tip when needed

Deal Link

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Verizon's Galaxy Note 4 is Getting Lollipop Starting Today, Includes VoLTE (Updated: It's Live!)

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 14:25:07 +0000

Via: Verizon [Instructions]

Cheers Brandon!

Google Updates News and Weather App, Includes "Suggested For You" Stories

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 13:28:34 +0000

Google's News and Weather application, which is rather self explanatory, got a new update this morning that allows the app to show you suggested news stories in your newsfeed. As for stories it will suggest, it seems to show stories related to things you have searched for before. For example, on my feed, I get a lot of Google, Kevin Durant, and Android-related stories. If you search for a lot of movies, Barbie dolls, and Godzilla, then you can expect to see suggested stories covering those topics. On top of the suggested stories, the app will also notify you when important news is pushed to your Android device. Go grab the update on Google Play. What's New

Notifications for important news pushed to your phone or tablet
New "Suggested For You" section with stories on topics that are interesting to you

Play Link

Google: Fewer Than 1% of Android Devices had Malware Installed in 2014

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 12:36:42 +0000

This morning, Google posted an "Android Security State of the Union" report for 2014 that paints a picture of a situation that is far different from the one sensationalist media, security companies, and Apple would have you believe. According to Google, fewer than 1% of Android devices across the globe contained a Potentially Harmful App (PHA) during 2014. In other words, cases of malware showing up on Android devices are incredibly rare. The report is just over 44 pages, but is well worth a quick browse. It talks through improvements that have been made to help secure Android over the last year, the way Google rates the severity of malware, and what info of yours is accessed through their Verify Apps feature, before diving into the numbers. There are charts galore, some of which show you specifics such as the percentage of devices with a known PHA that download apps outside of Google Play. Here are a few:

Here is a quick overview of the report:

Over 1 billion devices are protected with Google Play which conducts 200 million security scans of devices per day.
Fewer than 1% of Android devices had a Potentially Harmful App (PHA) installed in 2014. Fewer than 0.15% of devices that only install from Google Play had a PHA installed.
The overall worldwide rate of Potentially Harmful Application (PHA) installs decreased by nearly 50% between Q1 and Q4 2014.
SafetyNet checks over 400 million connections per day for potential SSL issues.
Android and Android partners responded to 79 externally reported security issues, and over 25,000 applications in Google Play were updated following security notifications from Google Play.

You can read the full report here (PDF). Shocker, your Android device is pretty damn secure.

Via: Google Online Security Blog

Amazon's Prime Now 1-Hour Delivery Service Hits Atlanta, GA

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 12:30:01 +0000

Prime Now, Amazon's delivery service that can get you your purchased items in as little as an hour, is now available for residents of Atlanta, Georgia. With this latest addition, Prime Now is currently available in New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami, and Dallas. To use Prime Now, you will need to be in a supported zip code, and order your items through the Prime Now application, which is available on Google Play. Items allowed for purchase through Prime Now mostly include everyday items, such as toilet paper, cereal, and things of that nature. But to see more info on purchasable items from Prime Now, view the video below. For Prime Now's 1-hour shipping, you will be charged $7.99, but 2-hour shipping is free. Take a look below at the newly supported zip codes, then have at it, Atlanta! Supported Atlanta Zips

30337, 30344, 30320, 30331, 30311, 30354, 30315, 30310, 30288, 30334, 30321, 30314, 30312, 30318, 30303, 30316, 30313, 30332, 30308, 30363, 30309, 30306

Play Link

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Via: Amazon

T-Mobile LG G3 Receiving OTA Lollipop Update on April 7

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 11:36:46 +0000

According to T-Mobile's product guru Des Smith, the G3 from LG is set to receive an OTA update to Lollipop on April 7. With this rollout, most carrier variant G3 owners will be running Lollipop, including those on AT&T and Sprint. We ran through what Lollipop offers G3 owners in a hands-on video, and if you ask us, it is a pretty good update. However, do note that through LG's PC updating tool, an update to 5.0.1 is already doable. The OTA update is likely the same update, but allows you to skip setting up LG's desktop client. Ready for some Lollipop, G3 owners on T-M0?

Via: @askdes

Disney Launches DuckTales: Remastered to Google Play for $9.99

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 11:03:02 +0000

DuckTales, the classic platformer from way back in the day, is now back, this time available as a Remastered edition from Disney on Google Play. Priced at $9.99, the game has you play as Scrooge McDuck, exploring various levels, beating up monsters, and defeating epic bosses. The game has also been given Bluetooth controller support, allowing you the choice to not use the on-screen buttons, which is perfect for the mobile gamers who take this stuff seriously. Given the game has been been "remastered," you can expect exceptional graphics, audio, and movements. Basically, it will be the ultimate DuckTales experience to ever hit Android. The game is priced at $9.99, and don't worry, there are zero IAPs inside. Download and enjoy. Features

Play as Scrooge McDuck in this remastering of the classic, side-scrolling platformer game
Explore the Himalayas, Amazon, Transylvania, African mines, and Moon in search of the five Legendary Treasures
Attack enemies with Scrooge's iconic pogo jump and cane swing
Battle and defeat villains in epic boss fights
Power up with invincibility and discover extra hearts to increase health
Collect gems to unlock over 90 pieces of production art from the original TV series
Bluetooth controller supported

Play Link ($9.99)

HTC Announces the One M8s, a Cheaper Version of Last Year's Flagship

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 10:11:16 +0000

We have officially passed April Fools' Day, but HTC wants to keep the jokes going. The company announced this morning the One M8s, which is basically a clone to last year's flagship device, the One M8. Featuring an identical body, with a slight difference in thickness, the M8s and M8 only differ mainly in the processor used and the rear-facing camera sensor. On the One M8s, HTC is using a Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor with 2GB of RAM, plus a more conventional 13MP camera sensor instead of its 4MP "UltraPixel" shooter. However, the One M8s still features the Duo Camera setup for after effects. The device also comes with 16GB of onboard storage, microSD slot, and a bump in the battery to 2840mAh. For software, HTC is loading the One M8s with Lollipop and Sense 6, instead of throwing on its newest version, Sense 7. Sense 7 will remain a One M9 exclusive, for now. As for availability and pricing, the One M8s appears to be headed for Europe, with no mention of a US release at this time. Considering that a few folks may be better off just getting a One M8 if they are so inclined, we don't see much reason to bring the One M8s stateside. With the price set at £379.99 ($564), shoppers in the US could easily find a cheaper alternative anyway. Do you think the One M8s is a good use of HTC's resources?

Via: The Verge

Deal: Motorola P4000 Power Pack Just $19.99 (Normally $80)

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:54:26 +0000

Motorola's latest $140-off promo for the Moto X has come to a close, but as has been the case lately, they went ahead and replaced it with another price slashing. Their P4000 Power Pack is now $19.99, down from $79.99. The "4000" in the name is in reference to the 4,000mAh battery tucked inside, which should be good for a charge and a half depending on the phone. This Power Pack is slim, has an included micro USB cable tucked into its body, and is capable of charging two devices at a time. $20 for some juice on the go isn't a bad deal at all. Deal Link

Motorola: 1st Gen Moto X, Moto G With LTE, and Moto E All Jumping Straight to Android 5.1

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:09:02 +0000

Ready for new info on the status of the Lollipop update for your 1st gen Moto X, Moto G with LTE, and Moto E? According to David Schuster, the senior director of software product management at Motorola, all of those phones just mentioned will be updated directly from Kit Kat to Android 5.1. After issuing test builds of Android 5.0.2 over the previous couple of months to a handful of devices, Motorola has decided that the improvements made in Android 5.1 are good enough that they aren't going to waste any more time with any other Lollipop builds. Schuster did not mention when Android 5.1 updates would start rolling out, but they are testing it. Now, I know you wanted news on a release of the update and we don't have that today. I also know how frustrated many of you are at not having received Lollipop yet. Just keep in mind that most of the early Lollipop builds were bug-filled messes that did more harm than good in many cases. I'm not trying to make an excuse for Motorola, but almost every other manufacturer is also updating phones to Lollipop much slower than they had all anticipated. This was a big update, and Google hasn't made it easy to deal with after having issued three major bug-fixing revisions to it since it first dropped in November. As we learn more, we will be sure to keep you updated.

Via: +David Schuster

HTC One M9 Receives S-OFF, Not Yet Available for the Masses

Tim — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 08:41:41 +0000

For all of you tinkerers in the crowd, who happened to pick up a One M9 already, or at least plan on ordering one, the device has reportedly received S-OFF thanks to well-appreciated XDA forum members jcase and Beaups. With S-OFF plus an unlocked bootloader, owners can essentially set any customization you could ever want on your Android phone, just as they way it should be. For example, with last year's One M8, after receiving S-OFF, owners were able to convert their GSM M8s to Google Play Edition units, which replaced Sense completely with stock Android. However, it is not stated which model of the M9 this was performed on, so carrier models, such as the AT&T and Verizon variants, may not have it this easy. That info is still to come. On the bright side, S-OFF is one of the things we first fell in love with back in the days of yore when Android was still somewhat new. It's good to see it alive and well for new devices. As more information is released regarding public download of this exploit, we shall keep you posted.

Via: XDA

Cheers Johnny!

HTC Sense Home Replaces Blinkfeed on Google Play, Brings Themes to One M8 (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 08:02:18 +0000

This morning, HTC pushed an update to its Blinkfeed app on Google Play that introduces a new name to the product (it's now called Sense Home), along with a couple of features that were supposed to be big selling points for the yet-to-be-released HTC One M9. We are talking themes, a theme store, and HTC's Sense Home widget, all in the update. HTC made a pretty big deal out of their new personalization features in the One M9 during its introduction that included a theme store. In the theme store (new app in your app drawer called "Themes"), you will find complete themes that change colors and wallpapers and icons, but you can also grab individual items of each to take full control of the way your phone looks. You can even download new sound bundles. It's not the most intense theme-making experience, but it does give users that extra sense of personalization. Also in the update, HTC is including their new Sense Home widget, which tries to present to you the right apps at the right time depending on if you are at home, work, or out and about. The widget also recommends apps it thinks might help you along the way. All of this is fun stuff, especially now that it's available to the One M8 (will need someone to confirm M7 compatibility). It just strikes me as odd that HTC would give this to One M8 owners before the M9 is even available for purchase, since these were supposed to be some of the phone's standout features. The update is live - go grab it and get to theming! Play Link

Update: HTC also updated the Lock Screen app to look like Sense 7 and bring in some new features. Go get it too! [Play Link]

Cheers Wesley!

Reddit News is Now Known as Relay for Reddit

Kellen — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 07:38:26 +0000

Before you go looking for Reddit News in your app drawer and wonder why the icon for that app no longer says "Reddit News" underneath, we thought we should point out that it has officially changed names. Going forward, Reddit News - my personal favorite reddit application - is know as Relay for reddit. Or just Relay, if you want to keep it simple. Why the change? The developer states that the guidelines for accessing the reddit api have changed recently, and third party apps can no longer contain "reddit" in their name unless it is tacked onto the end like they have done with Relay. The name "Relay" is supposed to invoke the "image of a communications relay enabling the exchange of reddit's links, memes, and ideas between users." That's an interesting way to think about it. It could have been called "App for reddit" or "Bundle of poopoo for reddit" and I'd still use it. This app is awesome. So, again, if you go grab the latest update, you may be in for a surprise. Don't worry, it's the same app as Reddit News, it just has a fresh new name. Play Links: Relay for reddit | Relay for reddit Pro

Lara Croft is Back, OG Tomb Raider Hits Google Play for $0.99

Tim — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 16:01:29 +0000

Lara Croft, one of the most popular lady explorers in the history of humankind, is now available on Google Play thanks to the release of the OG Tomb Raider game, published by Square Enix. Priced at just $0.99, you can relive the magic of the fantastic original, which was first made available back in the mid 90s on PlayStation, DOS, and the Sega Saturn. In Tomb Raider, you play as Lara Croft, an intelligent archaeologist who travels to distant tombs and ruins, always getting into trouble with monsters, evil people, and ancient curses. Lara is known for her usage of dual-wielded handguns, which helps you blow away anyone who might get in your way. I remember trying to play this game way back in the day on my PlayStation, but I could never really figure out the controls very well. Thankfully, I can try again now on my Android phone. Below, check out the full feature list, then go get it on Google Play. Features

Epic Exploration - Uncover the deepest, darkest mysteries of the lost city of Atlantis and unearth secrets to Lara’s past.
Acrobatic Gunplay - Deftly leap around charging enemies while you unleash a hail of bullets from your trademark dual pistols.
Combat Lethal Predators - Defeat Atlantean centaurs to the terrifying T-Rex
Original Gameplay - Relive the full, unedited, unadulterated experience from the classic release
Full Chapters - Includes two extra chapters that were included in the game’s 1998 release
Game Controllers - Supports MOGA Ace Power & Logitech PowerShell

Play Link ($0.99)

Deal: ZeroLemon's SolarJuice 10,000mAh Battery Pack is Just $26

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 15:25:30 +0000

For just $26, your life can include a 10,000mAh battery pack that can charge even when on the go, thanks to a solar panel. This isn't an April Fools' joke either. ZeroLemon's SolarJuice 10,000mAh battery pack is 47% off in the DL Deals store. With a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, and a regular price tag that hovers around $50, this is a pretty damn good deal. The ZeroLemon SolarJuice allows you to simultaneously charge up to 3 devices at a time, is rain and shock proof, shouldn't explode (seriously, that's in the description), includes a grade-A battery cell, and even has a 2A port for faster charging of mobile devices. It should also last you for up to 1,000 cycles and has an included flashlight for those emergency moments where you need some glow. The deal is live for a couple of days, so be sure to get in on it. Deal Link

Official Yahoo App Receives Makeover in Latest Update

Tim — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:34:00 +0000

The official Yahoo app for Android received a major update in Google Play this week, bringing with it a completely new look. With the updated aesthetic, which now matches that of iOS, users can swipe left or right through various topics, such as Tech, Sports and Politics, with quicker discovery time of articles you have yet to read. Once you have a topic you like, users can then dive deeper into each section, exploring stories, and also cast votes for random things through Yahoo's polls. Yahoo has also added interactive features, such as photo slideshows, as well as image sliders, which are all the rage now across the web, to make their 12 digital magazines that much more engaging. The one featured below in the brief view is of Yahoo Style. If Yahoo is still something you enjoy, as we all did once back around Y2K, then have at it. Play Link

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Via: Yahoo

Tip: Galaxy S6 May be the New King of Quick Camera Launching

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:41:44 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy S6 (and S6 Edge) may be the new king of quick camera launching, thanks to the addition of a double-tap action on the home button that launches the phone's camera at any time from anywhere (seriously, anywhere - with the phone asleep or in an app). I'm not kidding - this is faster than Motorola's wrist twist move, HTC's never-reliable turn-phone-hit-volume-down gesture, and the struggle that often ensues when trying to find-then-hold down LG's rear volume down key. Couple Samsung's double-tap with the fact that the camera is also insanely fast to focus and shoot a picture, and you really do have the new champion. To toggle the setting on or off, head into your camera, open up the settings menu and look for "Quick Launch." Try it.

Acer Unveils All-in-One Chromebase With 21.5" Full HD Touchscreen

Tim — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:30:31 +0000

Acer unveiled the new Chromebase today, an all-in-one desktop computer that features a 21.5" Full HD touchscreen display. Outside of the NVIDIA-made Tegra K1 quad-core processor, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, Acer has not given many specifications for the machine. With a 21.5" 1080p display, we hope Acer decides to throw in a healthy portion of RAM, but the info is still unknown. Running Chrome OS, potential buyers will have access to all of Google's Chrome apps, Hangouts, and not-so-professional photo editing software. The Chromebase should hit the US market at some point in Q2. Interested?

Via: Acer

Cricket Brings BYOD Universal SIM Card Kit to Amazon for $10

Tim — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:58:16 +0000

Cricket Wireless announced availability of its BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Universal SIM Card kit on Amazon this morning, meaning more folks can easily find and take advantage of Cricket's low data rates and other mobile products, while still utilizing Amazon's Prime membership benefits. In addition to the Universal SIM Card kit, Cricket is also offering Amazon shoppers to browse and research its plans, such as its popular $35/month plan that includes 2.5GB of high-speed data, as well as unlimited talk and text. As Cricket states in its blog post concerning the announcement, "the Cricket BYOD Universal SIM Card kit includes everything mobile users need to take the guesswork out of activating their GSM device. The kit comes with easy-to-use activation instructions, a Nano SIM card, and two tray adaptors for Micro and Mini SIM cards. So no matter what size SIM card a customer's device requires, the Universal SIM has them covered." Allowing folks to purchase these products on Amazon opens up Cricket's ability to find even more customers, which of course, is a good thing. If prepaid Cricket service is something that interests you, follow the link below. Amazon Link

Via: Cricket

OnePlus Delays CM12 OTA Update, Cites Certification Issues

Tim — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 08:52:07 +0000

As most OnePlus One owners have already noticed, the company is not shipping out the CM12 OTA, as certification issues have forced them to put it on hold. As we found out earlier in March, certification is what also held up the release of OxygenOS. As stated in its forums, "All parties are working together to resolve the problems as soon as possible." This morning, OnePlus says they have no further info, and may not have anything meaningful for the next couple of days until they hear from their partners regarding certification. Sadly, this is not an April Fools' joke, but I think many One owners suspected this was going to happen. So far, OnePlus' track record for updates is subpar. Feel free to vent your frustration in the comments section below.

Via: OnePlus

Verizon Pre-Orders for the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and HTC One M9 are Now Live

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 08:29:19 +0000

While the world was opening up pre-orders for the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and HTC One M9 on March 27, Verizon held back because they are a "leader, not a follower." Thankfully, today is April 1, the super serious, perfect day to do anything on the internet. Yep, Verizon pre-orders are now live for the three Android flagships that will dominate headlines for the foreseeable future. The Galaxy S6 comes in black, gold, or white, and starts at $24.99 per month on Edge, $199 with a 2-year contract, or $599 at full retail. The Galaxy S6 Edge comes in the same colors, but starts slightly higher at $29.16 per month on Edge, $299 with a 2-year contract, or $699 at full retail. The HTC One M9 is the same price as the Galaxy S6 and comes in either silver or gunmetal grey. Verizon Links: Galaxy S6 | Galaxy S6 Edge | HTC One M9

HTC One M9 Review

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 08:14:18 +0000

For the last three years, we found ourselves skipping past the mess of CES and setting our sights on Mobile World Congress, hoping that both HTC and Samsung had something special in-store to show us. Over those three years, some of their new products have blown our minds and others seem like minor upgrades from one to the next. If we look specifically at this year, one could argue that Samsung gave us that "something special," while HTC played it much safer with the One M9. The HTC One M9 looks almost identical to last year's One M8, except that the Duo Camera setup on the back is gone and there is a sharp ridge running around the side of the phone. It's almost as if HTC slapped on a metal casing that was too big and said, "F*ck it, design!" Oh, they also added this feature that turns adjusting the volume or turning the phone on or off into a game, thanks to a 3-button setup on the side of the phone. Every time I go to press one, I can't help but quote the great Rob Schneider in Demolition Man, who said "He doesn’t know how to use the three seashells!" HTC did change a few things, though. The camera on the back is a traditional sensor and the internals have all been upgraded. Oh, and Sense 7.0 is here (spoiler: it looks a lot like Sense 6.0). We know that it's difficult for companies to go back to the drawing board each year. Look, even Apple doesn't do that. But this year feels safer than ever for a company who is still trying to figure out how to claw its way back into the game. With all that said, our HTC One M8 M9 review is ready. This wasn't a difficult one, as you might have guessed.

Click through to see our HTC One M9 review.

(Our real review will be up soon enough. #checkthedate)

Motorola's Selfie Stick Isn't Real, But Their 1-Day $140 Off Moto X Deal Is

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 07:47:51 +0000

Motorola went super silly last night with their custom Selfie Sticks, an obvious April Fools' joke that is worth a chuckle or two. But buried inside that custom made debauchery, they are also hosting a 1-day deal on the Moto X that will save you $140. Now, I know that the Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 will be here next week, so this may be a difficult sell. Still, you are looking at under $400 for a phone that was the best of 2014. Motorola Deal Link | Selfie Stick Link

Cheers Evan!

Our April Fools' Day 2015 Round-Up - Google, Samsung, and More

Kellen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 06:54:59 +0000

First of all, today is April Fools' Day. Don't believe anything that happens in the next 24 hours, especially anything that appears on the internet. Today is both entertaining as hell, and also the most annoying day on Earth every single year. Companies like Google started in on the jokes yesterday and haven't stopped yet this morning. Some are good - others, not so much. But hey, it's all in good fun (until we can't take it anymore and want it to be April 2). Second, we have a rolling post of some of the better April Fools' pranks over here. We started it yesterday and will continue to add to it throughout as more good ones arrive. Finally, if you can't take a bit of sarcasm and fun and lightheartedness, and find yourself just criticizing April Fools' Day like a crusty old blogger, just go back to bed and wake up tomorrow.

April Fools' Day 2015 Round-up

Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 vs. HTC One M9

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:11:04 +0000

With our comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S6 to the iPhone 6 out of the way, it's time to get back to the Android side of things. That means it's time to compare the Galaxy S6 to the other flagship Android phone currently on your radar - the HTC One M9. With these two phones, we have two drastically different approaches to 2015. On one hand, we have Samsung coming off a miserable 2014 and deciding that they need to do something wild, that is completely out of their comfort zone. On the other, we have HTC, who had a decent 2014 and decided to play it safe with the One M9. Samsung went ultra premium and high-end upgrades; HTC went familiar with some tweaks. Over the coming months, it should be fun to watch as these decisions play out on the scoreboard. For now, let's talk about each, what they have and don't have, and which we are currently in love with.

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Reminder: Last Chance to Win a Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Through the DL Deals Store

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 15:20:37 +0000

Your chance to win a brand new Galaxy Tab S 8.4 through the DL Deals Store is coming to a close. In fact, you have one more day. Featuring a 8.4″ Super AMOLED WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display, Samsung’s S 8.4 tablet also includes an Exynos 5 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 8MP rear-facing camera, 4,900mAh battery, fingerprint reader, and a whole lot more. All this can be yours for the price of free. Entering these giveaways is very easy. All you need to do is head on over to our Deals page, signup (takes 1 minute), then enter the contest. To gain more entries, you will need to share the giveaway through your social channels, but that is only if you need more of a chance to win. Ready for your shot to win? Enter below. Giveaway Link

MTV, TED, Pac-12 and Qello Concerts Apps Gain Chromecast Support

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 15:02:40 +0000

A few more apps gained Chromecast support today, being MTV, Qello Concerts, TED, and Pac-12. Each app has content which is streamable to your HDTV via the Chromecast dongle. Specifically, the MTV app allows you to bring shows like Catfish and Finding Carter to your TV, while the Pac-12 app brings the sports, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and more. For TED lovers, you can watch the 20 most-watched TED talks, in addition to other recent and topical talks. Finally, Qello Concerts brings full-length concerts and music documentaries to your living room. For fans of Nirvana, Queen and Rolling Stones, it would be a nice pick up. For Play Store links and more information about each app that is now offered, follow the via link below.

Via: Google Chrome Blog

Verizon Pre-Orders for the Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 Start at 3AM ET

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:42:38 +0000

Just a quick heads-up, but if you were planning to pre-order the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, or HTC One M9 from Verizon tomorrow (April 1), know that the listings will go live at 3AM ET (12:00AM PDT). In other words, east coasters, you won't be able to buy these phones right at midnight, you will instead have to wait a couple of hours. As for you west coasters, well, you do get to click "buy" at midnight. If you are still on the fence with any of these devices, be sure to check out our Galaxy S6 unboxing, S6 comparison to the iPhone 6, and HTC One M9 unboxing to get our early impressions on each. If you would rather wait for our final impressions and full reviews, we should have those up around April 10. Verizon customers, are you pre-ordering?

Buy a LG G3, Get a Free VR Headset Starting Today

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:04:59 +0000

Starting today, new purchasers of the LG G3 get a free VR headset unit at participating retailers. The headset is based off of Google Cardboard, and with that, you can access the entire VR library of content that is downloadable via Google Play. As for which stores will hook you up with a free VR unit, you can attempt to find a retailer near you thanks to LG's handy-dandy store locator tool right here. On top of the headset, a QR code will come included in the box, which brings free gaming content to your handset as well. We are possibly one month away from the unveiling of the G4, but if the G3 still suits all of your needs, then go for it.

Via: LG

Video: Samsung Galaxy S6 vs. iPhone 6

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 13:15:25 +0000

Since we reviewed the iPhone 6 last year, we still have the little guy around the office. That may seem like an odd thing, knowing that we are an Android-focused site, but as it turns out, it's actually a pretty good thing now that we have the Samsung Galaxy S6 in house. As many of you know, during our review process, we try and compare new flagships to current flagships of the moment to get a sense for our feeling with each in hand, talk about the specs of each, and generally, weigh in on the little things we prefer from one to the next. With both iPhone 6 and Galaxy S6 available, this gives us a chance to compare the current smartphone king, to what may become the new smartphone king. I won't spoil the 9-minute video, but during the clip, I talk through the similarities that the rest of the press can't seem to shut up about, compare some of the specs (or lack thereof), and why I happen to think these phones look almost nothing alike and that all of those "Galaxy S6 is just a copy of the iPhone 6" stories are wrong. After this clip, stay tuned for our comparison to the HTC One M9, the other metal option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLF2HIEV2VQ&ab_channel=DroidLife

Google Intros Custom Snooze Times for Inbox Users

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:58:45 +0000

Starting today, Inbox users can set custom Snooze times to go along with your routine. Not everyone has the same sleep schedule, and to help offer a more personal approach to notifications, setting your own snooze times means you will get email when you are ready for it. As the Gmail team states, "As our lives change, so do our schedules. 'Morning' probably means something different to a college kid than, say, a parent with a newborn baby. Whatever your schedule is, your inbox should adapt to your day (and not the other way around). You don't even have to do any work: Inbox will adapt to your preferences. If you snooze to a custom time of 7:30AM, you'll see a prompt asking if you'd like to change your morning time to 7:30AM. One tap and you're all set!" Custom times can be set for your "morning," "evening," and "afternoon," allowing you to completely control the times at which things come in. Finally, a Contacts quick access button has been added to the web version of Inbox, which was also a highly requested feature, according to the team. This update is rolling out today for everyone to use. Play Link

Via: Gmail Blog

Google Intros Affordable Lineup of Chromebooks, Unveils the Chromebit HDMI Dongle

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 11:34:20 +0000

This morning, Google took to the Chrome Blog to introduce a new, affordable lineup of Chrome OS products. To kick it off, the company announced the Haier Chromebook 11 and Hisense Chromebook, both priced at just $150. They are also now available for pre-order from Amazon and Walmart. More interestingly, the company also introduced an ASUS-made Chromebit device, which plugs directly into a computer monitor via HDMI. Inside the "smaller than a candy bar" body is a full computer, bringing the power of Chrome OS to any monitor you have in front of you. The Chromebit will go on sale later this year, priced at under $100.

Lastly, Google unveiled the ASUS Chromebook Flip. This "premium, all-metal convertible, ultra-portable" laptop is priced at $249 and goes on sale this spring. It features a touchscreen and is just 15mm thin. Google's main goal is to show that there is a Chromebook for everybody, capable of adapting to any lifestyle you may have.

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Via: Google Chrome Blog

Metallica Discography Arrives on Google Play, Available for Streaming

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 10:31:21 +0000

As a quick note to any diehard Metallica fans we may have here, the band's entire discography is now live on Google Play. After having zero presence on Google's servers, with thanks likely to strict distribution agreements, headbangers can now get down to some all-time classic Master of Puppets jams. From taking a quick look, all of the great material is there, including Ride the Lightning, Kill 'Em All, Black Album, ...And(roid) Justice for All, and unfortunately, even St. Anger is available. Google Play Music subscribers can start streaming all of it, so if you are signed up, go grab it. If not, the albums are available for purchase at $9.49 a pop as well. Play Link

So, We Fast Charged the Samsung Galaxy S6 and This is What Happened

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 10:21:26 +0000

One of the best features that few will give proper praise to with the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge is Fast Charging. It's like Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0, which you know we love. The basics are this - you plug-in your Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge when their batteries are extremely depleted and watch as they quickly charge to a reasonable amount in a short amount of time. Samsung states that you can get four hours of use in just 10 minutes. Awesome, right? Fast or quick charging, at least to me, is the future of charging until someone creates a way to fast or quick charge with a wireless charging pad. While wireless charging is certainly convenient, the fact that you can grab hours worth of juice in 10-15 minutes with a fast charger is pretty remarkable. We all push our phones to the limit these days, plus they have bigger, higher-resolution displays and more powerful processors, so chargers are simply something we need on hand throughout a day. If we can spend less time with them, I can't imagine that anyone will complain. I wrote up a whole piece on why you should want quick or fast charging in your next phone, so feel free to read that to catch up. Qualcomm also put together this simple video on the different speeds you would see when using a regular charger vs. a fast charger. But for now, back to the subject at hand. Since the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge both feature Fast Charging, we decided to fully drain the battery (to 5%) on our S6 and then grab the included Fast Charger that Samsung gives you in the box. As expected, it did about what we expected it to. The initial boost you get is substantial, but then as the battery begins filling up, the charger starts slowing down, more than likely to preserve the integrity of the battery. The good news is that in about 30 minutes, you'll be right around 50% battery, which is awesome for those of us who continue to struggle to get through a day on a single charge, even in 2015. Here is the timing breakdown during our charge:

Started at 5%
5 minutes in - 14%
15 minutes in - 32%
40 minutes in - 76%
50 minutes in - 88%
72 minutes in - 100%

Again, Samsung gives you an Adaptive Fast Charger in the box with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, so if you buy these phones, you already get a fast charger and don't have to go spend any money. With that said, if you want additional chargers, places like Amazon sell Quick Charge 2.0 adapters and Samsung's Adaptive Fast Chargers ($15). We'll do some further testing on the Quick Charge 2.0 adapters, but they should fast charge as well. If you plug one into a Galaxy S6, a notification arrives saying that your device is fast charging. Fast charging! Yes, we love it.

Amazon Unveils Extremely Innovative Shopping Tool Called Dash Buttons

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 10:12:32 +0000

With April Fools' Day just a few hours away, it was easy to first look at Amazon's latest announcement, these Dash Buttons, as the latest goof from a tech company with too much money. After further research, it appears these things are actually real, which has forced at least one Internet resident to start foaming at the mouth. What are Dash Buttons? Amazon has partnered with many popular household brands to create buttons, but they're more like clickers, that you place around your house. When you press on the button, they will order the product you have programmed, allowing for quick and painless product refills delivered right to your doorstep. For example, if you seem to always run out of toilet paper, you can place a Cottonelle button right next to your porcelain throne in the bathroom. Or somewhere more discreet. If you need more K-cups for your morning coffee, you can order Maxwell coffee pods by simply clicking your Dash Button. For each product you need to order conveniently, you need a separate button. Although, each button is programmable to which product you want. This process is done via a WiFi connection with your smartphone. According to Amazon's announcement page, the Dash Button is limited to users of Amazon Prime (which allows for quick shipping of products), with an invite required to place an order for your very own Button. To see which brands are supported by the Dash Button, you can view the list here. As for me, it might be pretty cool to have a button always in my home for things I constantly need to buy. Other folks, like Kellen, may not see this device as very useful. But we're all allowed to have our own opinions, correct? If you are a Prime member, follow the link below to request an invitation. Amazon Link

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OnePlus Teases DR-1 Drone, Scheduled to Take Off Next Month

Tim — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:54:13 +0000

According to the latest tweet from OnePlus, they are getting into the drone business. From what the tweet says, the product should launch next month, and it shall be named the DR-1. And given that it is March 31, and not April 1, it may be safe to assume this is not an April Fools' joke. Details are extremely scarce, but OnePlus did post a quick snippet on Vine, although, it does not show off too much. If in fact the company does launch a drone, it would be cool if you could control it from your smartphone. However, in the last teasers OnePlus posted, it almost looks like a guy is holding a large controller of some sorts. Anyway, check out the teaser, then let us know if you want a OnePlus drone. And yes, there will be invites. Just kidding, we don't know that for sure.

Via: @OnePlus

Here Come the April Fools' Jokes a Day Early - Google and Samsung are First (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:30:36 +0000

Well, get ready for it - April Fools' 2015 has already started. Google is in on the act as usual, with a Pac-Man version of Google Maps that went live moments ago. Samsung is playing as well today, with the introduction of the Galaxy BLADE edge. There will be more, trust me. Some will be good, others, maybe not so much. Either way, this day(s) is always a lot of fun. We'll try to keep track of some of the best as we see them.

You can play Pac-Man on Google Maps by visiting Google Maps on the web and then clicking the Pac-Man icon in the bottom left corner. Update: Pac-Man is also on Google Maps for Android and iOS. You should be able to play in the newest version of Google Maps, but you have to search for locations that you might think Pac-Man would be. Google offers up a whole guide to Pac-Man in Google Maps here. They also provide clues on where you can find him (just go search for "Arc de Triomphe" and you'll be able to play). Also, more info at the Google Maps blog.

As for the Samsung Galaxy BLADE edge, you are looking at a clear, glass-like phone with a foldable handle, is ergonomic and ceramic, has a diamond edge, is waterproof (unlike the S6 and S6 Edge), and even has a thermometer stylus! Silly.

Update 2: Amazon has introduced the "Dash Button," which are 1-click buttons to help you instantly and directly order the things you need the most...from Amazon Prime. Note: Other news outlets think this is actual real. I still think it's a joke, but hey, it could be real. Seriously, though, how could these be real? Note 2: Amazon says that these are totally real! OK then!

Update 3: And then Google unveiled the Google Panda at a fake press event in Japan. (Cheers Brandon!)

Update 4: Introducing Smartbox, by the Inbox team! A smart mailbox...like the real kind of mailbox outside of your house.

Update 5: Reddit's Android subreddit just went Apple.

Update 6: Motorola just gave us custom selfie sticks. Woof.

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Update 7: T-Mobile introduced Pets Un-Leashed, their $5 per month pet add-on planet. There may be Zebra porn involved. That's not a joke either.

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Update 8: Google Fiber introduced...dial-up mode, because people don't have the time to do the little things in life.

Update 9: Flipboard gave us FlipPhone, a number you can call to get all of your new stories. Just call 1-248-206-FLIP. It works too.

Update 10: Google Actual Cloud Platform. A real cloud, just "look out the window."

Update 11: Backwards Google. Go to com.google.

Seeing any other April Fools' jokes yet?

AT&T HTC One M7 Should Get Lollipop Today (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 07:33:26 +0000

According to HTC's Mo Versi, the One M7 on AT&T should see its Lollipop as early as today. In a Tweet sent yesterday afternoon, Versi noted that they had received "technical approval" on the update and that it would start March 31. We are still waiting for AT&T to post details of the update, but once that happens, we will update this post. Let us know if you see it! https://twitter.com/moversi/status/582665270046515200 Update: AT&T has now posted the changelog and update info. It looks like the update will actually rollout as two separate updates, the first being to Android 4.4.2 (software number 6.13.502.3), followed by the jump to Android 5.0.2 (software number 7.23.502.1).

Samsung Galaxy S6 Unboxing

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:41:29 +0000

We now have the Samsung Galaxy S6 in our possession. I'm not sure I can put into words how ready for this moment I am. You see, we feel a little screwed by Samsung for not hosting a US satellite press event during MWC for this phone and its brother, like they have done every year for every phone as far back as I can remember, so this is, as odd as this sounds, the first time I have placed my hands on one. The excitement truly cannot be contained. As you all know, I have been critical of Samsung over the last year or so, particularly because of the safe approach they took with the Galaxy S5. That safe approach turned out to be a terrible one for the Korean electronics giant, so as you can imagine, we were quite intrigued by their choice to do something completely out of the their norm with the S6 and S6 Edge. The hell with it - "intrigued" is such a pansy, safe word - we are absolutely f*****g excited about the complete 180 that Samsung has flipped in 2015. They have given us two of what could be the most premium smartphones ever made because they focused on quality and premium builds and packing in as much useful hardware features as they possibly could. They also went as far away from "safe" as they possibly could. Now, we still have to review both the S6 and S6 Edge, so let's not run around calling these the greatest phones quite yet. With that said, in my first few minutes unboxing the S6, I can't help but express my pleasure in what Samsung has built here. This phone feels amazing. This phone feels like the best phone I have picked up in, well, maybe ever. I'm excited to start full testing (sorry, HTC One M9, you are getting put down for a bit) to see if the performance really is improved, how good the camera is, if the battery can hold up, and whether or not Samsung has fully redeemed itself. Man, this is going to be fun. Here is our unboxing!

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Google Releases Study Kit App to Google Play, Made Specifically for Study Kit Participants

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:18:35 +0000

Google released a new application called Study Kit to Google Play last week, but don't worry, you won't need to rush over to download it. The app is solely intended for partners enrolled with Google's Life Science team, which, unless things have changed recently, is a division of Google X. Given that I myself am not enrolled, I can't tell you exactly what Study Kit does, since all functions of the app are not accessible, but I can guess that it has something to do with health. Yes, vague. If you happen to be enrolled, then go grab that Study Kit. But don't tell anyone what it does, since you're likely under a NDA. Play Link

Amazon Intros Home Services, Hire Professionals for TV Mounting to Goat Grazing

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:33:48 +0000

Today, Amazon introduced Home Services, a new place for you to go if you have jobs that need done around your house. Just like how you browse products on Amazon, you can browse the jobs and even odd-jobs you may need to tackle on your property, with Amazon guaranteeing your satisfaction or your money back. A few of the jobs you can hire for thanks to Home Services are TV mounting, professional movers to help pack your boxes, gutter cleaners, plumbers, car tire installation, grill assembly, pressure washing, goat grazing (seriously), musical instrument lessons, and so much more. Each job is handled by a vetted professional who has a "proven track record," all of the necessary licenses, and insurance on file with Amazon. And yes, Amazon states they perform a 6-point background check on each professional they send to your home. Now, not all of these great services will be available in your area. For now, certain services, such as the goat grazing and car audio installation are limited as to where you can order them. Each service page allows you to make sure if your zip code is supported, so be sure to check before you go hiring your goats. Amazon states they are currently working to roll out these services to more zip codes. Below, check out the features of Home Services, then watch Amazon's video below. Features

Handpicked Pros: Amazon curates an invite-only marketplace for professional service providers. Invited pros are background checked, required to maintain insurance, and expected to maintain a high performance standard.
Happiness Guarantee: Amazon doesn’t just refer customers to providers, but stays with them every step of the way. All services purchased are guaranteed. If customers are not satisfied at the end of the service, Amazon will work with customers and the pro to ensure the job gets done right or provide a refund.
Upfront Pricing: Service pros compete for a customer’s business based on price, quality and availability. If customers find a lower price for the same service and pro, we will match it. Customers can add pre-packaged services right to their cart with just a few clicks on Amazon and are only charged when the service is completed.
Verified Reviews: All Amazon Home Services reviews are from verified purchases, so customers know they are hearing from real customers. No special sign up or subscription is required to read reviews and ratings.

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Via: Amazon

Reminder: Only Two Days Left for These $25 Bluetooth Ear Buds

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:20:33 +0000

Bluetooth ear buds are one of those consumer electronics that don't typically carry reasonable prices, especially when you start talking about the best of the best. The good ones are well over $100 and the cheap ones lack features. But these are still an accessory we tend to recommend for those who workout or for those who hate the idea of wires getting in the way of activities on a regular basis. For those interested, the DL Deals shop currently has a pair of Wireless Bluetooth Cloud Buds for just $24.99. The regular price typically hovers around $100, so you are looking at a sizable discount here. Are these the best Bluetooth ear buds on the market? No. Are they affordable and fully featured? Yep. These would be a great first venture in the world of active Bluetooth headphones. The Cloud Buds feature a lightweight, wireless construction, noise-canceling outer shell, built-in mic and remote, and multiple sizes of gel ear buds to ensure proper fit. The $25 will go up after Wednesday, so be sure to get in on this today. Deal Link

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 28

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:02:44 +0000

We are back for Volume 28 of the DL Q&A Sessions. This time, we have the HTC One M9 in-house, and should have the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in our possession quite soon, so if you have any questions about any of these new flagships, now is the time to ask. Please note, you can expect unboxing and impression videos as soon as they come in. But besides new phones, there is plenty of other stuff going on in the world of Android. The Q&A Sessions are a time when anyone from our lovely, opinionated community can ask the DL staff whatever may be on their mind. This can range from Android-related topics, sports, food, or whatever else you may want to know. We are pretty open in terms of what we will share, so don’t be shy. On Friday, we will compile a list of our favorite questions, then let the team have at them. Until then, shoot your questions below in the comments section. To see all of our previous Q&A’s, check them out here.

Verizon is Pushing a New Lollipop Update to the Galaxy S5 That Hopefully Isn't Terrible

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:21:59 +0000

Back in early February, Verizon pushed out an Android 5.0 Lollipop update to its version of the Galaxy S5. Most people couldn't believe it, as this was the first S5 variant in the US to see the jump to 5.0, which almost never happens with major updates for Verizon's line of Android phones. As it turns out, being first wasn't such a bonus for owners of the phone. We asked readers who lived with the update for a couple of weeks how their phones were running and the responses were not great. Many experienced freezing, battery drain, terrible performance, and general unhappiness with their once-loved phone. Most responded with some variation of, "Lollipop really messed up my phone." Thankfully, Verizon has a new Lollipop update ready as build VRU1BOC4. The update's changelog doesn't mention anything about fixing a bunch of bugs, and is really just the same document from the original update with a new build number, but we have to assume that this is the reason for a new update so soon. To check for the updated, head into Settings>About Phone>Software updates>Check for Updates. The update started on March 27 and reached a wider crowd over the weekend. If you have received the update, let us know if it improved your Lollipop experience or not.

Via: Verizon

Google Adds Your Videos and Photos From Google+ to Google Drive

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:11:07 +0000

Starting today, your photo experience on Google should become slightly less perplexing, as now, Android users can view and organize their video and photo files from Google+ (aka the Photos app) directly through Google Drive. If you have auto backup turned on through your Google+ app, every photo you take should be associated with your Google+ account, meaning your cloud-stored and on-device photos can all be access through the Photos application on your phone. Today, all of these photos can also be managed right from Drive, which gives you one more place to share and view your photos from. "Google+ Photos will of course keep helping you store, edit and share your pics. But if you want to organize all your files, all in one place, Drive is here to help. You’ll start seeing your photos in Drive today—immediately if they’re new, and a few weeks for your entire library—so give it a try, and let us know what you think," Google states in a blog post. Of course, you still have your Gallery app on some phones if backing up all of your photos and videos is not necessary for you. Play Link

Via: Google Drive

Gmail on Android Gets Unified Inbox, Better Search, and More (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 11:45:31 +0000

Google announced a pretty major update to Gmail on Android, this morning, that will surely help multi-account users be more efficient. It should add to a more responsive, polished experience in general as well, thanks to improved search and conversation views, and better Drive integration. The update introduces an "All inboxes" option that unifies all of your email accounts into a single view, so that you don't have to jump between accounts all of the time. You don't have to use this "All inboxes" option, but it's there, in your slideout navigation menu, should you choose to want to view all of your email that way. It also adds "Conversation view" to your Yahoo, Outlook, and other IMAP/POP accounts and improves search with better auto-complete. Finally, some miscellaneous additions in the update include things like more responsive animations, larger attachment previews, and single tap "save to Drive" functionality. Google didn't say when the update is rolling out, but our guess is that it will roll out over the coming weeks or "soon," in stages. You'll have to sideload it, more than likely. Play Link Update: You can download the .apk here.

Via: Gmail Blog

Minima Pro Live Wallpaper is Only $1 Right Now

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 11:32:52 +0000

Minima Pro Live Wallpaper, a live wallpaper app that is without a doubt our favorite of the last year (it made our top apps of 2014 list), is on sale right now for just a $0.99. You should probably buy it. Trust me, if you like Material Design-inspired wallpapers, this is an app that won't disappoint. The app offers up 70 "hand-crafted" themes to get you started, options for building your own themes, more settings to customize than you can keep track of, motion as you scroll or tilt your phone, and a "Randomize" button that does all of the work for you. To see it in action, be sure to watch our video below. For those of you who still think live wallpapers drain your battery, don't worry, because you can use Minima to turn live wallpapers made in the app into regular wallpapers that won't suck you dry. I do it almost daily. I run through the Randomizer, find a wallpaper setup I like, and then turn it into a non-live wallpaper. Seriously, this is one of the few apps we can't stop recommending. Play Link

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Red Leather Option Now Available on Moto Maker for Moto X (2nd Gen)

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 11:02:20 +0000

If the Moto X (2nd Gen) is still on your shopping list, maybe a new leather option will help you pull the trigger. This morning, the new Red Leather option is available for purchasers through Moto Maker, with a $25 bump in your total price. Motorola has yet to post pictures that show off the true in-person color of the Red Leather, and that is important, considering Moto Maker's low quality renders during the customization process. Right now, it does not seem to be too bright of a material, keeping a more darkish tone. As soon as Motorola posts pictures of the Red Leather back in action, we will update this post for you. Head on over to Moto Maker right now to check it out.

Via: Moto Maker

This is What Happens to a Galaxy S6 Edge When You Slam It Face Down on the Ground, Repeatedly

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 10:46:50 +0000

Drop tests are dumb. Really dumb. Unless you are a device protection/insurance company who is offering replacement services or you make screen protectors, you shouldn't be dropping phones on the ground for pageviews or YouTube subs. You look like a fool. Stop doing it. With that said, this video is great. I have no idea who this person is, but they are throwing a Galaxy S6 Edge as hard as they can on the ground to see if the screen can break. It doesn't appear that they are succeeding, which is kind of impressive. While there is nothing scientific about this, it might show some of the durability included in Samsung's new curved phone. Or, it could just be a cool video of someone going H.A.M. on a brand new $900 phone.

HTC Intros One E9+ for Overseas, 5.5" 2K Display and Octa-Core MediaTek Processor

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 10:18:06 +0000

Having been leaked over the course of the past couple of weeks, the One E9+ from HTC is now official for overseas markets. The device features a 5.5" ultra-HD "2K" display (534ppi), 20MP rear-facing camera, MediaTek-made octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSD slot, BoomSound speakers, dual SIM slots, and 4G LTE connectivity. Speaking on design, the phone features a completely flat back, with the exception of the large rear-facing camera which protrudes quite a bit. An LED flash is placed right below it. On the frontside, HTC's black bar is present. As for software, it is not listed if the phone comes running Sense 7, but we assume it is given that it does ship with Lollipop. No date or price has been set for markets, and since we are in the US, you can doubt we will see this exact phone ever reach our shores. What do you think of the design?

Via: HTC

LG G2 on Verizon Gets Lollipop Today, Your G3 Still Can't Have It

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 08:55:56 +0000

The LG G2 on Verizon is receiving an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop beginning today. I said "G2" not "G3." That was on purpose, because this really is the G2 we are talking about and not the much-newer, less glossy, G3. The update is a big one that is talked about at length in a 6-page document posted by Verizon. We included all six pages below to quench your curiosity. The new update for the LG G2 - seriously, we aren't talking about the G3 - bumps the phone up to software version VS98039A. You will notice changes to the UI that mimic that of the G3 (now we are talking about the G3 for a minute), but with Lollipop style as well. Everything is much flatter and more modern, yet still has LG's in-need-of-an-overhaul skin. In terms of new features, Verizon claims that you can now swipe around in notifications from the lock screen, but I have a hard time believing that to be true. I just reviewed the G Flex 2, which ran Lollipop, and LG broke the entire notification experience. You'll have to tell me how it's working. You can also customize the way notifications are handled on a per-app basis, pin apps to your screen, search in settings, and play with floating action buttons throughout. To get a sense for the whole update, feel free to check out our LG G3 Lollipop tour. The experience should be very similar. Here are the full details:

Via: Verizon

T-Mobile Introduces Crowd-Sourced Coverage Map

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 08:04:29 +0000

This morning, T-Mobile announced that it has taken its Uncarrier approach to coverage maps. What does that mean? Well, they are ditching the "predictive coverage estimations" that other carriers use to show network availability and are instead using crowdsourced, customer-verified network connections to show how far their network reaches. T-Mobile argues that other carriers are using estimates to show you their network coverage, but that there are now more advanced methods and technologies available to give accurate, current info on whether or not your area will have a connection to their network. I get that. I also like what they are going with this approach. Real-time data is always better than theoretical data. Unfortunately for T-Mobile, this new map only seems to hammer home the number one fear that potential T-Mobile customers have about joining the Uncarrier in some parts of the US - they won't have great coverage. And look, if you cruise around their coverage map, you'll see that America's cities are well covered by T-Mobile's pink. No one should argue at this point against T-Mobile's city coverage. Their speeds are fast and they seem to reach the far corners of the biggest cities we have. The problem is, once you leave a city, this map can often highlight the fact that you'll be left on 2G or worse. It goes grey. Or white. Or light grey. Take for example this picture of the Oregon coast and some of its bigger towns, Lincoln City and Newport. According to T-Mobile's own map, you'll be stuck on 2G if you decide to spend a weekend on the beach. This isn't the middle of Montana that we are talking about here. This is the Oregon coast, a destination for many months of the year that sees thousands and thousands of tourists. Both AT&T and Verizon have full LTE coverage up and down the coast, basically following Highway 101. T-Mobile has zero in these two particular cities, and hit or miss coverage up the rest of the coast in Oregon.

Am I cherry picking this specific section? If that's how you want to spin it. The point is, I live in Oregon, and like many Oregonians, I travel to the coast often in the warmer months of the year. So because of that, I want to make sure that the places I travel to will have coverage when I travel to them. In this case, it's not looking good for T-Mobile. Your experience could be very different than mine and you may see great T-Mobile coverage everywhere you travel. But if I were to choose AT&T or Verizon, I wouldn't even need to check a map at this point because I'm pretty damn sure they'll have coverage almost anywhere I go. With T-Mobile, I still feel the need to check in the year 2015. You can check T-Mobile's new coverage map here.

Via: T-Mobile

T-Mobile's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Receive First Software Update

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 06:56:43 +0000

Receive your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge from T-Mobile already? Expect a software update almost immediately. According to T-Mobile support, a day 1 update is supposed to be ready for each, an update that wipes out some bugs and brings some stability to this year's flagship line from the Korean manufacturer. As you can see in the screenshot below, the update bumps the phone up to build UVU1AOCG and includes fingerprint scanner improvements, removes a reboot error, and fixes "clock drift," audio quality, calendar event, and Exchange Global Address issues. "No new features" are introduced. The update is 178MB in size. In order to check for the update on either phone, head into Settings>About device>Software update.

Via: T-Mobile [2]

T-Mobile Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pre-Orders are Already Arriving

Kellen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 06:41:27 +0000

T-Mobile told us that while the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge launch is officially scheduled for April 10, you would more than likely get your phone well before that date if you pre-order through them. They weren't lying. Many of our readers who pre-ordered on Friday when the links went live and chose overnight shipping, have their devices already. That's right, T-Mobile pushed them out so fast they were delivered on Saturday. Others are shipping as well and should have them today or tomorrow. Again, April 10 is the official launch day, yet here we are on March 30 with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in the hands of customers. How cool is that? There is a chance you can still get an order in today and see it within the next day, but that also probably depends on how depleted T-Mobile's stock is at this point. Also, if you were thinking of buying the T-Mobile variant and then slapping an AT&T SIM inside, remember that you would need to get T-Mobile to unlock the device. In order to unlock, you would have to pay the device off in full and also have left it active with T-Mobile for 40 days. You can read more about their unlock policy here. Anyone receive theirs? Would love to hear your early thoughts! T-Mobile Links: Galaxy S6 | Galaxy S6 Edge

Cheers Paul and Philip!

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: March 27, 2015

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:00:06 +0000

The week has finally come to an end. It was a solid week, topped off with pre-orders going up for the Galaxy S6 and One M9. Did you go out and pre-order yours? On top of the flagship happenings, it was announced that HTC's top designer has exited the company, the LG G4 may not feature a metal build, and Cyanogen's CEO continues to say crazy things about Google. If that isn't enough for you, Google's Eric Schmidt declares Google Glass is not dead (so stop saying that), OnePlus didn't meet its OxygenOS release deadline, and AT&T rolled out Lollipop for the Galaxy Note 4. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Have a fun filled weekend, folks!

AT&T HTC One M9 Unboxing

Kellen — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:38:56 +0000

Hey, look, the HTC One M9! Not only that, but it's the HTC One M9 for AT&T in Gunmetal Gray! With one now in our possession ahead of the April 10 launch date, we thought we would take it for a spin in an unboxing video to share some initial thoughts before we get to fully testing this bad boy. How different is it than the One M8 at first look? Does it feel better, worse, the same when first held? How odd does that squared-off camera look in person? Is anyone really going to be able to tell the difference between the volume and power buttons without looking? We will hopefully answer all of that in this quick preview. Also, I'm not sure how many times anyone has seen a carrier variant of the One M9 in the wild in Gunmetal Gray. So that's something at least. If you have comments or questions or want us to test anything in particular, be sure to drop those in the comments.

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Friday App Sales: LIMBO, Call of Duty: Strike Team, NHL 2K, XCOM: Enemy Within, and More

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:14:50 +0000

A new list of apps and games currently on sale through Google Play is available for all of you with minimal plans this weekend. Highlighting the group is LIMBO, a spooky platformer we have written up a few times, which is regularly priced at $5. Today, you can get it for just $0.99. Score. In addition, mobile gaming fans can grab NHL 2K for $3, XCOM: Enemy Within for $5, Call of Duty: Strike Team for $2, and Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery for just $2. It's a very good list this week. For the full list, check below. Friday app sales

LIMBO ($0.99)
1941 Frozen Front Premium ($0.15)
Farm Invasion USA Premium ($0.15)
Townsmen Premium ($0.15)
Clouds & Sheep Premium ($0.15)
Little Big Adventure ($2.99)
Call of Duty: Strike Team ($1.99)
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath ($2.99)
Civilization Revolution 2 ($4.99)
XCOM: Enemy Within ($4.99)
NHL 2K ($2.99)
South Park: Pinball ($1.99)
Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery ($1.99)
Dope War ($1.99)

Go support those developers!

Looks Like a Few Best Buy Locations are Accepting Galaxy S6 Pre-Orders on Verizon

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:13:20 +0000

According to a few tip emails we have received, it appears that a couple Best Buy locations here in the US are accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge on Verizon. From the information we received, a Best Buy location in Williamsville, NY is accepting VZW pre-orders, but other than that, the tips we received only say which state they are in, which were California and New York. We know, it's vague. As of this yesterday, it was announced by Verizon that pre-orders would not go live until April 1 for the GS6. Why a few Best Buy stores had a change of heart, we do not know. I have personally called the local Best Buys in my area (Portland, OR) to confirm this, but none of them seem to have received the 'okay' from Big Red. Feel free to call your local Best Buy and see if they are accepting pre-orders. If so, go for it if that is the phone you have decided on.

Cheers Tate, Luke, and Matt!

OnePlus Issues Apology for Missing OxygenOS Release Date, No New Release Date Set

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:10:37 +0000

Remember the date OnePlus scheduled to release OxygenOS? March 27? Oh, right, that's today. Well, the company is on its forum, apologizing because it has missed this timeframe. According to Helen, Head of Mobile Product at OnePlus, extra quality control issues delayed the release, but it is going to come, eventually. As for when, that is still to be determined. To combat anyone saying that the company is not being transparent enough about the update, OnePlus will update a forum post with information regarding progress of OxygenOS every day, until it is released. And, of course, OnePlus promised they would give away 5 phones if they missed the deadline. Sticking to their word, they reached out to five forum members who will receive OnePlus One units. Below, Helen writes what the issue is, stating they have to make sure OxygenOS passes Google certification.

The ROM is fully functional and we have quite a few people in the office running it on their own devices without any issues. The delay is caused by extra quality control. We want to make sure that OxygenOS passes Google certification, that all future updates can be OTA'ed properly, and that users from all over the world are able to use OxygenOS in the language of their choice. We know you’ve been waiting for a long time, and we owe you answers. So, until OxygenOS is officially released, we will share our progress with you. Every day, no matter how big or small the news is, this post will be updated with information in order to give you more visibility into the process. As for a release date, we will release as soon as we feel that it’s good enough for you and it will be very soon.

Sorry, OnePlus One owners. But don't worry, they are working on it!

Via: OnePlus

Last Day for Pebble Time on Kickstarter, Surpasses $20 Million in Funding

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:15:55 +0000

The Pebble Time, Pebble's next iteration of the company's smartwatch, has reached its final day on Kickstarter. Having surpassed $20 million in funds, it has become Kickstarter's #1 backed project. With that said, you only have a few hours remaining to back the project and receive a Kickstarter Edition of the device. The device is set to begin shipping in May, and the Pebble Time Steel is set to ship in July. As for specs, the Pebble Time features a color screen, microphone, up to 7 day battery life, slim design, 22mm watchband design, water resistance, step tracking, and language support. As of right now, there appears to be plenty units left at $179. For the Steel edition, the price is $250. Did you already pick one up? Features

Color screen – Always-on, daylight readable screen with a great backlight
Up to 7 day battery life
Microphone
Slimmer design
Timeline interface
Use any standard 22mm watch band
Water resistant and durable
Tactile buttons for easy eyes-free clicking
Silent vibrating alarms
Step tracking with Misfit and Jawbone
Language and international character support (Chinese coming soon!)

Kickstarter Link

Motorola Teases Red Leather, Possibly for Moto X (2nd Gen) or Moto 360

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:30:31 +0000

On Twitter and Instagram, Motorola is asking folks what their favorite Red Leather to-go item is, followed by "We've got a little something in the works." To us, it seems likely that the company is teasing an upcoming leather option for potential buyers of the Moto X (2nd Gen) or even the Moto 360. Red Leather backs or Red Leather watchbands, anyone? Motorola has not announced a set unveiling date, but they do seem open to guesses as to what they might announce. What's your guess?

Via: @Motorola

HTC's Lead Designer Departs, Company Announces Daniel Hundt to Take Over

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 10:34:15 +0000

After not even a full year in his new role, HTC's VP of Industrial Design, Jonah Becker, is departing the company. For a bit of context, in late 2008, HTC acquired One & Co, which was led by Scott Croyle, Jonah Becker, and Daniel Hundt. Scott Croyle left HTC in April of 2014, and at that time, Jonah Becker took over his role. Now with Croyle and Becker gone, HTC announced that Hundt, the last remaining piece of One & Co, will succeed the position. Breaking the news on Twitter, Becker states that it has been an, "amazing seventeen year journey with One & Co and HTC, but it's time for a new adventure." As reported by Engadget, the move may be due to an "ever increasing power struggle" between HTC's design team and the company's sales team. It is claimed that the company's move from an UltraPixel rear-facing camera to a more standard 20MP camera is an example of this "power struggle." This news comes only one week after HTC's Peter Chou stepped down as CEO, making way for Cher Wang, who now oversees all things HTC. There is no doubt that the One M7 and One M8 pushed the design standard set on smartphones. They are gorgeous. Now, in the years to come, we shall see what HTC intends to do.

Via: Engadget | @JonahABecker

Google Brings Back My Maps, Create and Save Custom Routes Through Google Maps

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 09:56:33 +0000

A feature which was once available to users has returned again, that being a My Maps feature in Google Maps. Announced on Twitter, users can now create and save their very own routes on Google Maps, then share them with friends if needed through the Maps application. Maps you create can be biking trails, hiking, kayaking, or any other type of route you would want to save for another time. These maps can then be accessed through the Maps app, which allows for the ultimate portability of your maps. To access this feature, head into the "Your Places" section of the Google Maps app. From here, you can view all of your creations. The updated Maps app is rolling out to users through Google Play, so keep your eyes open for it. Play Link

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Via: @GoogleMaps

Reminder: HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pre-orders Now Live

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:53:17 +0000

It's pre-order day for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, and One M9. Well, at least on carriers not named Verizon. Big Red pre-orders for these phones won't start up until April 1, so keep that in mind. Regardless, each of these phones is now purchasable through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. You can also get them from many retail locations, such as Best Buy. And as a bonus, if you order the Galaxy S6 through Best Buy, you get a free wireless charger. Below, we have listed each site where you can get your pre-order through. For pricing, please see this post (GS6/GS6 Edge pricing) and this post (One M9 pricing) for further information on each carrier's range of prices.

AT&T

Sprint

T-Mobile

US Cellular

Samsung Galaxy S6 pre-order
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge pre-order

Verizon

Verizon pre-order for these devices begins April 1.

Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge pre-order
HTC One M9 pre-order

HTC

Unlocked HTC One M9

Photos Reportedly Showcase LG's Upcoming G4 Note, But We Kinda Doubt It

Tim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:18:29 +0000

According to a user on the XDA forums, who says he works for a, "major carrier" in the US and, "gets to see these devices in development stages," claims that he has in his possession the rumored G4 Note device from LG. The device was first mentioned only earlier this week when reports began circulating that the G4 flagship device would not feature any metal materials, but an even more premium device, claimed to be the G4 Note, would in fact feature metal. Now, the images posted are quite clear and not blurry, so we must give credit where credit is due. According to the leaker, we can easily see where a stylus is slotted in the top left on the backside of the device. However, as many other people across the web have already pointed out, that is likely to be a TV antenna slot which LG features for Korean markets. The same exact slot can be seen in this photo here, which is of our Korean model G3 from last year.

In addition, after looking through the photos a bit more, the numerical name for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 610 processor, which is MSM8936, can be seen in the baseband version under Software Info. If the G4 Note is said to be more premium than the G4, then we wholly doubt that it will run a Snapdragon 610 processor. While sure, this could be an early prototype running completely different innards, we just think it to be highly unlikely. In addition, the bezels on this device are rather large, appearing to be much more prominent in the design than that of the G3's. The display itself does appear to be rather big, but nothing about the look of this phone screams next-gen.

At the end of the day, this is likely not the G4 Note, and instead, is possibly a mid-range device bound for overseas markets with a TV antenna. What is your take? Update: Well, would you look at that. The OP has posted another photo on XDA, this time, showing off what looks like a stylus. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but to me, it sort of looks like he ripped out the antenna (given its metallic color), and his finger is covering up where the antenna slides inside of itself. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but until LG announces this thing, nothing is confirmed.

Via: XDA

Here are Two Android Alternatives for Meerkat and Periscope

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:55:52 +0000

Live streaming random things for a few seconds to a few minutes to Twitter is now all the rage. I don't know why. I don't want to know why. And I don't think you should try to figure out why. It just is. Meerkat and Periscope are dominating lives on the Tweets. It'll be a dead trend in about 26 hours, so don't worry. However, during that 26 hours, you may want to participate in the fun. Unfortunately, neither app is available on Android because, well, developers hate Android users. Fortunately, though, Android developers are trying to jump on the trend faster than hypebeasts at a Yeezy Boost launch and have created ~~copycat~~ similar apps. Two ~~copycat~~ similar apps that you could potentially take a look at if you really need to stream things live on Twitter to your followers are Tarsii and Stre.am. I can't say that I have used either, and probably won't, but they both keep spamming us today because Tim wrote up Periscope (Twitter's official streaming app) earlier and mentioned the fact that it's not on Android yet. You see, they are both on Android and they need download counts to increase so they can potentially get bought by Google or Facebook or something. OK, I made that part up, but seriously, they won't stop spamming us. Sooooo, long story short - if you want to stream things live to your Twitter followers like Meerkat and Periscope do, here are two options. Play Links: Tarsii-live | Stre.am

Deal: 2-Yr Subscription to SOS Online Infinite Cloud Backup for $45

Tim — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:04:14 +0000

Today on the DL Deals Store, you can pick up a 2-year subscription to SOS Online Infinite Cloud Backup service for $45. SOS Online encrypts all your data with "UltraSafe," which is SOS's triple-layer privacy technology. Other features include an automatic upload feature of files that are in need of backup, 24/7 access to your data, the ability to back up print photos and home movies with Scan-to-Cloud, and a geo-locate and remote wipe feature for lost/stolen devices. For all of this, the price is set at $45 for a 2-year subscription. Features

Encrypts all data w/ UltraSafe, SOS’s triple-layer privacy technology
Automatically know which files need back up
Saves files in SOS cloud regardless of if they are on the computer
Works quietly in the background without intruding
Allows access to your data anywhere, anytime
Saves every past version of every file
Back up old print photos & home movies with Scan-to-Cloud service
Geo-locate and remotely wipe lost/stolen devices

Deal Link

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Verizon has the Lowest Prices on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:51:14 +0000

Believe it or not, Verizon has the best full retail (off contract) pricing on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. To see pricing for each carrier, you can check out our pricing guide, but the numbers are substantially lower in all tiers (32GB, 64GB, and 128GB) on Big Red than they are at AT&T and T-Mobile, or even US Cellular. Sprint is hiding their pricing and doing some gimmicky lease program, so we can't really compare anything there. If you start at the 32GB model of the Galaxy S6, Verizon is as much as $85 lower in some cases. At the 64GB level, they are also $85 lower, and at the 128GB level, they beat everyone by $85 once again. With the Galaxy S6 Edge, it's an even bigger gap. At the 32GB level, they are as much as $115 lower. At 64GB and 128GB, you are also looking at $115 differences. We should also point out that because of these lower full retail prices, that their monthly payment plans split up into 24 payments are also going to be the lowest in most cases. Here is a look at Verizon's full retail pricing compared to the rest:

And here are each carrier's comparable payment plans:

So does this all mean that everyone should run to Verizon to buy the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge? Well, no. First of all, it's no secret that their service prices are hovering around the highest in the industry. You also have to keep in mind that their phones aren't exactly great for jumping between carriers should you fulfill your payment plan or buy at full retail and want to go elsewhere. You should have no trouble locking onto AT&T's HSPA network with a Verizon phone these days, but the chances of you getting an LTE signal are slim. With that said, if you are open to any carrier at the moment and have decided to pick up the Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, want to buy at full retail or through a payment plan, and also don't mind overwhelming branding, Verizon is currently looking like the cheapest option (without factoring in service). Edit: This post originally had early AT&T full retail pricing information that was distributed to reps. AT&T has since adjusted the full retail prices to higher, more even price points. We have updated the post to reflect these changes.

Thursday Poll: Which Flagship are You Ordering? Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, or One M9?

Tim — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:50:17 +0000

Tomorrow, pre-orders go up for the all-new HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 Edge. There is a lot of hype surrounding each device, so it is only natural that we would want to find out which way you are all leaning. Pre-orders for each device will take place through numerous carriers and retailers (One M9 details, GS6 and GS6 Edge details), so getting your hands on these phones should not be too difficult. The only question is, which one should you get? Samsung introduced a revamped TouchWiz experience and hardware design for the Galaxy S6 Edge, while also incorporating glass and metal into the standard Galaxy S6. As for the One M9, HTC stuck to its guns on the overall design, but threw in a 20MP rear-facing camera, updated Sense UI with custom themes, and the device still features HTC's beloved BoomSound speakers. Needless to say, you can't really go wrong with any choice. So, which flagship are you ordering?

[poll id="359"]

Verizon HTC One M9 Pre-Orders Start April 1

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:28:49 +0000

Hey, Verizon is awake today. Moments ago, they announced that the HTC One M9 will be available for pre-order on April 1, with in-store availability kicking off April 10. If that sounds odd, it's because everyone else on the planet opens pre-orders tomorrow, March 27. This news shouldn't shock you, though, as they are doing the same thing with the Galaxy S6. The device will cost $199 with a new 2-year agreement or $24.99 per month for 24 months on Verizon Edge. Big Red will sell both the Gold on Silver and Metal Gray models with 32GB of storage. To keep up with the rest of the One M9's pricing and availability in the US, check out this post.

Amazon Prime Now Hits Dallas, Receive Your Deliveries in Just One Hour

Tim — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:00:28 +0000

Amazon announced availability of Prime Now for residents of Dallas, Texas this morning, allowing them to receive select items delivered to their doorstep in just an hour via the Prime Now app. Prime Now costs an additional $7.99 per purchase for one-hour delivery, but if you are not in so much a rush, a two-hour delivery is completely free. “We know Dallas members are going to love the convenience of one-hour delivery through Prime Now,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations. “Our existing operations in Dallas-area that utilize advanced technology to fulfill customer orders are now home to a Prime Now hub that is fueling this super-fast delivery.” The service recently launched in Baltimore and Miami, with Amazon stating the service will come to additional cities in 2015. New supported Zip codes

75207, 75219, 75209, 75204, 75205, 75226, 75215, 75242, 75201, 75206, 75223, 75202, 75222, 75063, 75261, 75038, 75039, 75062, 75061, 76155, 76039, 75247, 75390, 75235

Any Dallas residents here plan on taking advantage of this?

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Via: Amazon

Reminder: Verizon's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pre-Orders Don't Start Tomorrow

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:36:57 +0000

Samsung announced this morning that pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge start tomorrow, March 27, at all sorts of carriers. Most carriers then followed up that announcement with a confirmation that they would indeed open pre-orders at their stores and online at varying times on the 27th. Verizon, as you may have noticed, hasn't said a word today. That's because they announced a couple of weeks back that their pre-order period would start on April 1. They haven't said anything about pricing or a launch date, and my guess is they won't until April 1. Hopefully, that later pre-order date doesn't mean they will miss the April 10 launch with everyone else. Check out this post to keep up on the latest in Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge pricing and availability.

Olio's Model One is a "Finely Crafted" $600 Smartwatch That Works on Android and iOS

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:54:39 +0000

"Boutique" watch company, Olio, announced a limited edition smartwatch today called the Model One. The watch comes in both silver steel and black editions, with the steel starting at $595 and the black at $745. The watch is unique in that it carries a "round" watch face, but also because it works on both Android and iOS. Never heard of Olio? I haven't either! Apparently, their CEO, Steve Jacobs, "led" product development at Apple, Google, Beats by Dre, HP, and Amazon. Talk about getting around (and name-dropping). He is joined by "top talent" from those companies, as well as companies like Movado (a watch maker), Pixar, and NASA. The Olio Model One, as I previously mentioned, works on both iOS and Android. Its "glanceable and swipeable" interface tries to organize your long lists of notifications into "simple and intuitive time-based" collections, so that you can easily see things you have missed or what's ahead. The more you use it, the more it tries to learn from you and create a personal experience. So no, this isn't running Android Wear or Apple's watch OS. Here is a list of things Olio tries to do:

Dynamic Visualizations: Olio’s interface maps the busiest parts your day, making personal bandwidth glanceable, while simultaneously creating a dynamic watchface that is unique you.
Temporal Streams: Access the right information at the right time, with notifications and information organized into two simple and intuitive time streams—earlier and later.
Olio Assist: A cloud-based personal assistant that contextualizes and understands your personal preferences to offer insightful and actionable suggestions.
Intelligent Actions: You can dismiss or respond to content with a simple swipe, and even have Olio Assist hold your calls/texts and remind you to respond at a later time.
Control Hub: Control relevant third party products like thermostats, lights, locks, cars, speakers, and services like payments, directions and music without searching or wrestling for your phone.
True Cross Platform Compatibility: Olio is an independent brand and offers freedom to connect with both Android and Apple phones, as well as a wide range of connected hardware products.

As for the watch, it has been "precision machined" from forged surgical grade 316L stainless steel. It also uses Ion-Exchange glass to prevent scratches, has wireless charging, lasts for "multiple days" on a single charge, and is water resistant. What about availability? Olio is making limited edition batch collections of 500 pieces that are now available for pre-order, starting at $595. Each watch is available with a steel bracelet, or a variety of Italian leather straps. Olio expects units to ship in the summer of 2015. On a related note, doesn't this watch face look like an upside down Moto 360 gone way bad? Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new king of smartwatch bezel and flat tires. To learn more, and pre-order, head over to Olio's website.

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Former Apple and Movado Designers Unveil Olio Model One, a Finely Crafted Connected-timepiece Designed to Put Time Back in Your Day Through Advances Such as Temporal Streams and Dynamic Visualization

First batch of 500 piece limited edition watches rethink time to create next generation of wristwatch--now available for pre-order at OlioDevices.com
SAN FRANCISCO - March 26, 2015 - Today, Olio, a boutique watch company, launched its first two collections of limited edition connected timepieces that combine the top-of-the-line materials and craftsmanship typically found in high-end Swiss watches, with a unique user experience designed to save you time by curating and organizing your digital life. The team behind Olio has an impressive pedigree. Founder and CEO Steve Jacobs led product development for top companies like Apple, Google, Beats by Dre, HP and Amazon, and is joined by top talent from those companies as well as Movado, Pixar and NASA. “Olio’s Model One is the antithesis of a mass market product, produced to be everything to everyone. Olio was founded to create thoughtfully crafted products for the discerning individual who wants the latest technology, but on their own terms,” said Steve Jacobs, founder and CEO of Olio Devices. “What’s more, we understand that the wrist is a very personal, intimate space, and anything you do there needs to have a purpose.” Instead of simply providing another screen to display notifications and apps, the Olio Model One organizes the long list of notifications we’re bombarded with on a daily basis into a simple and intuitive time-based format— earlier and later. The earlier stream is a list of notifications that lets you quickly understand everything that you’ve missed, and the later stream provides all the information necessary to plan the rest of your day, and even offers suggestions to make it easier. Within these streams, you can easily consume and respond using Olio’s glanceable and swipeable interface. The more you use your Olio, the better it understands your unique preferences, and like a good personal assistant, only presents the most important and helpful suggestions to eliminate unwanted distractions and save you time. Olio’s features include:

Dynamic Visualizations: Olio’s interface maps the busiest parts your day, making personal bandwidth glanceable, while simultaneously creating a dynamic watchface that is unique you.

Temporal Streams: Access the right information at the right time, with notifications and information organized into two simple and intuitive time streams—earlier and later.

Olio Assist: A cloud-based personal assistant that contextualizes and understands your personal preferences to offer insightful and actionable suggestions.

Intelligent Actions: You can dismiss or respond to content with a simple swipe, and even have Olio Assist hold your calls/texts and remind you to respond at a later time.

Control Hub: Control relevant third party products like thermostats, lights, locks, cars, speakers, and services like payments, directions and music without searching or wrestling for your phone.

True Cross Platform Compatibility: Olio is an independent brand and offers freedom to connect with both Android and Apple phones, as well as a wide range of connected hardware products.

“It was as important to us to create a true timepiece that was as enjoyable and delightful to look at and use, as it was useful in saving you time.” said Josh Chadwick, Olio’s lead designer, “Weight was really important to us–the use of authentic and natural materials that are carefully crafted and hand finished to provide an elevated look that is both enduring and expressive.” Every Olio watchcase is precision machined from forged surgical grade 316L stainless steel and hand finished with a light brushed texture and polished highlights. The font and rear crystals feature Olio’s custom gravure texture process on ion-exchange glass, resulting in best-in-class impact and scratch resistance. The Olio rear crystal also showcases Olio’s signature Rapid Charge wireless charging coil, a key element of Olio’s unique and proprietary power management system that allows for multiple days of use on it’s custom, low power, high resolution, full color display. Olio’s first release consists of two limited edition batch collections of only 500 pieces, now available for pre-order starting at $595 for the Olio Steel Collection and $745 for the Olio Black Collection. Each watch is available with a matching steel bracelet, or a variety of premium Italian leather straps, and every piece is backed by a one year warranty. Olio will ship throughout the United States, delivering the first batch of Olio watches in the summer of 2015. You can reserve one of Olio’s limited edition timepieces here: www.oliodevices.com About Olio Co-founded by Steven Jacobs, Evan Wilson, and AJ Cooper, Olio combines high-end materials with proprietary hardware and software to create finely crafted connected timepieces for the busy modern lifestyle. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. To learn more visit: www.oliodevices.com or follow @oliodevices on Twitter.

Twitter Intros Periscope to Compete Against Meerkat, Eventually Coming to Android

Tim — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 09:43:09 +0000

To begin battle over the live social video streaming market, Twitter introduced Periscope this morning, a rival to the growing Meerkat service. Given Meerkat has yet to launch onto Android, we have not spoken about it, but it is highly popular among people who wish to share live video feeds directly through Twitter. Think of Meerkat and the newer Periscope app like Snapchat, but in real-time, with as many viewers as you want. The Twitter-backed Periscope is basically the same thing as Meerkat, the only difference being that you can archive your live streams for viewers to see later. Meerkat deletes your feeds, the same as Snapchat. According to both teams for Periscope and Meerkat, Android apps are in the works, but don't hold your breath. In 2015, where Android holds an enormous share of the smartphone marketshare, it is still treated as a second-rate OS to develop for. Now, of course, Android poses a few more hurdles for developers to tackle when compared to iOS, but still, what the heck, companies? Give us the apps, too! When either of these apps launch for Android, we will inform you immediately.

Via: Twitter

Amazon Introduces Unlimited Cloud Storage Through Cloud Drive

Tim — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:54:44 +0000

Amazon introduced new storage options for Cloud Drive users this morning, announcing an "Unlimited Photo" plan and an "Unlimited Everything" plan. The service is powered by Amazon's own Cloud Drive, which users can access through mobile apps or on the web. The Photos plan is limited to the amount of other files you can upload and store securely, but if you have an immense amount of photos, Amazon will host them for you at $12 a year. The plan also includes 5GB of additional storage for videos and other documents. The Unlimited Everything plan features unlimited storage for photos, videos, files, documents, movies, and music for $60 a year. Each plans comes with a free 3-month trial for you to try the service, allowing users to see if it is a good fit for them. Pricing

Unlimited Photos Plan (free 3-month trial, then $11.99 per year—equivalent of less than $1 per month): Store an infinite number of photos in Cloud Drive without worrying about taking up space on phones, cameras, or other devices. Customers can upload existing collections and store all future photos taken. This plan also includes 5 GB of additional storage for videos or other documents and files.
Unlimited Everything Plan (free 3-month trial, then $59.99 per year—equivalent of less than $5 per month): Store an infinite number of new and existing photos, videos, files, documents, movies, and music in Cloud Drive.

Via: Amazon

HTC One M9 Prices at Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:42:21 +0000

Now that we have Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge pricing and availability out of the way, it's time to focus our attention for a minute on the HTC One M9. Like Samsung's flagships, the One M9 will go up for pre-order tomorrow, March 27, and arrive at most carriers April 10. Since there is only one model, pricing here is pretty straight forward, with a full retail price sitting right around $650 at most places, but there will also be monthly payment options. Here we go, again. (We will update this post as we have more information from additional carriers.)

AT&T

Availability: Pre-orders start March 27 at 12:01AM ET and the phone will be available in stores April 10. Colors: AT&T will have Gold on Silver and Gunmetal Gray with 32GB of storage. Pricing:

AT&T Next Pricing ($0 down for all options): AT&T Next 24 -- $23.64; Next 18 -- $29.55; Next 12 -- $35.45
2-year contract: $199.99
No contract: $708.99

Bonus: If you buy the S6 or S6 Edge, you can save $50 on the Samsung Gear Circle, which is a Bluetooth headset.

T-Mobile

Availability: Pre-orders start March 27 at 6:00AM PDT and the phone will be available in stores April 10. T-Mobile claims that if you pre-order, you will receive you phone "weeks it's available for everyone else." So if you choose to pre-order either the One M9, you should have it before April 10. Colors: T-Mobile will have Gold on Silver with 32GB of storage. Pricing:

$0 down + $27.08/month x 24, $649.92

Verizon

Availability: Pre-orders start April 1 and the phone will be in stores on April 10. Colors: Verizon will have Gold on Silver and Metal Gray with 32GB of storage. Pricing:

2-year contract: $199
Verizon Edge: $24.99/month x 24

Sprint

Availability: Pre-orders start March 27. Sprint didn't announce an in-store date. Colors: Sprint will have Gold on Silver and Gunmetal Gray with 32GB of storage. Pricing: Sprint refuses to list normal pricing like normal carriers. Lease: For $0 down and $20/month for 24 months, you can not own the HTC One M9.

Unlocked Version

Availability: HTC will sell an unlocked model that will be sold directly from HTC's online store $649 starting at 12:01AM ET March 27. In the past, their unlocked phones have worked best on AT&T.

Other Retailers

Amazon, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, Costco Wholesale and Target will all sell the HTC One M9.

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Prices at Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:00:02 +0000

Samsung announced this morning that the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge go up for pre-order starting tomorrow, March 27, with nationwide availability opening up on April 10. That doesn't mean that all carriers will have the device available that day, so we thought we would gather all of the information from individual carriers and slap it for you in a single post. Let's make this easy - well, as easy as it can be with two phones, three colors, three storage sizes, and who knows how many price points and payment plans. Here we go. (We will update this post as we have more information from additional carriers.)

AT&T

Availability: Pre-orders start March 27, but AT&T hasn't said when the actual in-store date is. My guess is April 10, but we will update this post as that becomes official. Colors: AT&T will have the Black Sapphire, White Pearl, and Gold Platinum models available for pre-order on March 27. Pricing:

Galaxy S6
- Next 12: $34.25 (32GB), $39.25 (64GB), $44.25 (128GB)
- Next 18: $28.55 (32GB), $32.71 (64GB), $36.88 (128GB)
- Next 24: $22.84 (32GB), $26.17 (64GB), $29.50 (128GB)
- 2-year contract: $199.99 (32GB), $299.99 (64GB), $399.99 (128 GB)
- Full retail: $684.99 (32GB), $784.99 (64GB), $884.99 (128GB)
Galaxy S6 Edge
- Next 12: $40.75 (32GB), $45.75 (64GB), $50.75 (128GB)
- Next 18: $33.96 (32GB), $38.13 (64GB), $41.05 (128GB)
- Next 24: $27.17 (32GB), $30.50 (64GB), $33.84 (128GB)
- 2-year contract: $299.99 (32GB), $399.99 (64GB), $499.99 (128GB)
- Full retail: $814.99 (32GB), $914.99 (64GB), $1014.99 (128GB)

Bonus: If you buy the S6 or S6 Edge, you can save $50 on the Samsung Gear Circle, which is a Bluetooth headset. Edit: Full retail prices updated to correct numbers.

T-Mobile

Availability: Pre-orders start March 27 and the phone is available in stores on April 10. T-Mobile claims that if you pre-order, you will receive you phone "before the devices go on sale in stores." So if you choose to pre-order either the S6 or S6 Edge, you should have it before April 10. Colors: T-Mobile will have the White Pearl and Black Sapphire models of both the S6 and S6 Edge available for pre-order on March 27. The Gold Platinum edition of both phones will be available as soon as they get inventory, which they expect to be "no later than April 10." Pricing:

Galaxy S6 32GB – $0 down + $28.33/month x 24, $679.92
Galaxy S6 64GB – $99.99 down + $27.50/month x 24, $759.99
Galaxy S6 128GB – $199.99 down + $27.50/month x 24, $859.99
Galaxy S6 Edge 32GB – $0 down + $32.49/month x 24, $779.76
Galaxy S6 Edge 64GB – $99.99 down + $31.66/month x 24, $859.83
Galaxy S6 Edge 128GB – $199.99 down + $31.66/month x 24, $959.83

Bonus: T-Mobile customers who order either phone before April 12 can receive a 1-year Netflix subscription for free.

Verizon

Availability: Verizon has only stated that pre-orders for the S6 and S6 Edge begin April 1. Colors: Verizon will carry Black Sapphire and White Pearl models of each. (Update: Verizon will also carry Gold Platinum.) Pricing:

Galaxy S6
- Edge: $24.99 (32GB), $29.16 (64GB), $33.33 (128GB) for 24 months
- 2-year contract: $199.99 (32GB), $299.99 (64GB), $399.99 (128GB) after $50 mail-in rebate
- Full retail: $599.99 (32GB), $699.99 (64GB), $799.99 (128GB)
Galaxy S6 Edge
- Edge: $29.16 (32GB), $33.33 (64GB), $37.49 (128GB) for 24 months
- 2-year contract: $299.99 (32GB), $399.99 (64GB), $499.99 (128GB) after $50 mail-in rebate
- Full retail: $699.99 (32GB), $799.99 (64GB), $899.99 (128GB)

Sprint

Availability: Sprint opens pre-orders for the S6 and S6 Edge March 27. The device arrives in stores on April 10. Colors: Sprint will carry Black Sapphire, White Pearl, and Gold Platinum models. Pricing:

Not yet announced.

Lease option: Sprint is running a "free" phone lease for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. You can get an S6 at no cost if you sign a 24-month lease on the phone (they'll give you a $20/month credit), and also sign-up for their Sprint Unlimited plan at $80 per month (unlimited talk, text, data). If you want the Galaxy S6 Edge, you are looking at $85 per month.

US Cellular

Availability: US Cellular opens pre-orders on March 27 and the device will arrive in stores April 10. Colors: US Cellular will carry the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in White Pearl and Black Sapphire. Pricing:

Galaxy S6 32GB: $199 with 2-year agreement; $680 full retail; $34/month x 20
Galaxy S6 64GB: $299 with 2-year agreement; $770 full retail; $38.50/month x 20
Galaxy S6 Edge 32GB: $299 with 2-year agreement; $790 full retail; $39.50/month x 20
Galaxy S6 Edge 64GB: $399 with 2-year agreement; $880 full retail; $44/month x 20
Payment plan: US Cellular also offers device payment plans with $0 and payments divided up over 20 months

Other Retailers

Best Buy, Amazon, Costco., Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart will carry both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Carrier model availability at each should match up with the schedules of each carrier above.
Cricket, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS will all carry the Galaxy S6.

HTC One M9 Pre-Orders Also Begin March 27, Unlocked Version Priced at $649

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 07:19:10 +0000

At 12:01AM ET on Friday, March 27, HTC will also open up pre-orders of its new flagship, One M9. The in-store date for the M9 is April 10. In other words, HTC is attempting to go head-to-head with Samsung and the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Hey, good luck with that. Like Samsung, HTC is leaving it up to carriers and retailers to announce their own specific availability and pricing, but for the most part, you should expect the phone to retail for around $649 without a contract and be available on April 10. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint are all going to carry the HTC One M9. You will also be able to find it at Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Costco. If you want to skip the carrier fun, you can pick-up the unlocked HTC One M9 tonight from HTC for $649. This is the phone to get if you are on AT&T and don't mind paying full price. HTC's unlocked versions almost always get updates first and also have no carrier branding. NOTE: Here is pricing and availability for all US carriers. Anyone pre-ordering?

NEW HTC ONE M9 – THE ONLY PHONE WITH UH OH PROTECTION – STARTS SELLING IN U.S. AT MIDNIGHT; WIDELY AVAILABLE IN STORES BEGINNING APRIL 10

Beautifully designed inside and out, the HTC One M9 is the most personal, intuitive, powerful and elegant smartphone from HTC yet
Bellevue, WA —March 26, 2015 — HTC America Inc., a leader in mobile innovation, will begin selling its highly anticipated new flagship device, the HTC One® M9 that comes with the industry-leading UH OH™ Protection, online in the U.S. at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, March 27 and in-store on April 10 at major carriers and retailers. Widely considered smartphone of the year for the past two years, the third generation of the HTC One ups the ante in the smartphone category with the most personal, intuitive and powerful smartphone from HTC yet while continuing the design heritage for which the HTC One is known. “The craftsmanship of our new HTC One M9 resembles that of a fine watch. We’ve retained our iconic design but made it even better while not compromising on what is important to our customers,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America. The HTC One M9 boasts the iconic all-metal unibody design with a new scratch resistant, dual finish that is as distinctive as it is durable. The HTC One M9 is launching in the U.S. in two stunning color options - gunmetal gray and jewelry-like, dual-tone silver with subtle gold mirror polished sides. Its beauty is only matched by its performance. The HTC One M9 is running on the latest Android™ 5.0.2 Lollipop release with the most advanced Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 octa-core processor. "According to Kantar*, HTC One owners listen to music more than the average smartphone user and so we didn’t compromise on what is important for our consumers,” said Mackenzie. “We kept the microSD slot and increased capacity to 2TB because you want your content with you, we made our HTC BoomSound™ experience even better by adding Dolby Audio™ to give you a surround sound experience, and while others are reducing battery size, we increased it so you can enjoy your music and movies even longer.” The HTC One M9 delivers an unparalleled personalized smartphone experience with the new HTC Sense® 7. HTC Themes offers a unique customizable home screen either by selecting from the theme collection or by creating a custom theme from a favorite photo. Sense Home is a new, intelligent widget that automatically curates apps based on your usage and location. It is contextually aware of location, time of day and what apps are preferred at home, work or on the go and will intelligently recommend apps and nearby restaurants with ratings from friends and followers. The HTC One M9 cameras are designed to capture every moment with amazing quality. A 20 megapixel rear-facing camera delivers crisp, detailed shots and has a sapphire lens cover to protect it from scratches. The front-facing UltraPixel™ camera captures more light than most 13 megapixel cameras ensuring sharper, more natural and balanced self-portraits in any lighting conditions. A host of new editing effects have been added to HTC EYE™ Experience software include Double Exposure, Shapes, Prismatic, Elements and Bokeh. The HTC One M9 comes with HTC BoomSound, the iconic dual front-facing speakers, now featuring 5.1 channel Dolby Audio Surround*. HTC BoomSound with Dolby Audio has two modes, theatre mode and music mode. Theatre mode uses HRTF and Crosstalk Cancellation technology to create an extraordinary, cinema-style surround sound effect while watching movies. Whether listening via HTC BoomSound speakers or headphones, users will be blown away by 24-bit high-definition sound. As a hub for home entertainment, HTC Connect® makes it easy to create a multimedia experience beyond your phone. A three-finger swipe on the screen connects the phone to compatible TVs or external speakers. The integration of HTC Connect with Qualcomm® AllPlay™ smart media platform and Blackfire Research™ wireless media technology enables high-quality content to be streamed from the HTC One M9 to multiple home entertainment devices around the house. “We are not only delivering the best-looking, best-performing smartphone on the market, we are ensuring it stays that way with UH OH™ Protection,” said Mackenzie. “We are the only smartphone company that has your back if something unfortunate happens or if you need to change carriers.” Purchase of an HTC One M9 includes UH OH Protection. A first-of-its-kind, UH OH Protection provides a one-time free replacement within the first 12 months of purchase for cracked screens, water damage or a different carrier variant for customers wanting or needing to switch networks. If the UH OH Protection isn’t used within 12 months, HTC will give $100 in credit towards a future purchase of an HTC One.* The HTC One M9 with UH OH Protection will be available at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. It will also be available from Amazon, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, Costco Wholesale and Target. Exact specs, colors, availability and pricing of the individual carrier versions will be shared by the carriers and retailers. An unlocked version will be available on www.htc.com for $649, starting tonight (March 27th) at 12:01 AM ET, with a 12-month interest-free financing option. HTC.com offers carrier versions and the financing option as well. The HTC One M9 will be available with a range of unique accessories including a second-generation HTC Dot ViewTM case, which adds new color options with a transparent back. It also has cool new interactive features such as a customizable scrolling message, games and animated, holiday or make-your-own themes. Adventure seekers can pair the HTC One M9 with the IP68 water-resistant HTC Active Pro case.
# # #

T-Mobile Gives Us the First Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pricing

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 06:59:12 +0000

You know it has been on your mind since Samsung unveiled them. You know you have been wondering just how much all of those premium materials and next-gen internals were going to cost you. Am I right? T-Mobile has weighed in first this morning with pricing for both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. The prices are about what we thought - they are higher than normal, but not insanely higher than normal. At T-Mobile, a 32GB Galaxy S6 runs $679.92 at full retail. The 64GB version is $759.99 and the 128GB version is $859.99. If you are more interested in the Galaxy S6 Edge, then yes, you will be paying an added premium. The 32GB S6 Edge runs $779.76, 64GB is $859.83, and the 128GB model taps out at $959.83. Now, all of these phones can be used in a device payment plan, so for the Galaxy S6 at 32GB, you are looking at payments as low as $28.33 per month. For the 32GB Galaxy S6 Edge, your payments would start at $32.49 per month. As you add storage, they only go up from there. Here is a breakdown of each at T-Mobile:

Galaxy S6 32GB - $0 down + $28.33/month x 24, $679.92
Galaxy S6 64GB - $99.99 down + $27.50/month x 24, $759.99
Galaxy S6 128GB - $199.99 down + $27.50/month x 24, $859.99
Galaxy S6 Edge 32GB - $0 down + $32.49/month x 24, $779.76
Galaxy S6 Edge 64GB - $99.99 down + $31.66/month x 24, $859.83
Galaxy S6 Edge 128GB - $199.99 down + $31.66/month x 24, $959.83

Via: T-Mobile

Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pre-Orders Open in the US on March 27

Kellen — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 06:42:25 +0000

Tomorrow should be a fun day - you get to decide if you want to buy one of Samsung's new devices, the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, or the HTC One M9. All devices go up for pre-order starting tomorrow, but we'll save HTC info for another post. Let's talk now about how you can order one of Samsung's new flavors. Starting tomorrow, March 27, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge will go up for pre-order in the US. The phone will officially arrive for sale on April 10. Here in the States, the S6 and S6 Edge will be available in Black Sapphire, White Pearl, and Gold Platinum. That means no blue or green, which is really too bad. Maybe Best Buy will get an exclusive on the blue model at a later date? Maybe? Please? Carriers that will carry both the S6 and S6 Edge include AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon. Boost Mobile, Cricket, and MetroPCS will only carry the Galaxy S6. Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy, as well as Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart will also carry both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Samsung, as is typically the case, is leaving it up to carriers to confirm their own specific dates and pricing. NOTE: We now have pricing, thanks to T-Mobile. 32GB Galaxy S6 starts at $679; 32GB S6 Edge starts at $779.76. NOTE 2: We are tracking all US carrier pricing and availability here. Want to get your hands on either device before April 10 to decide of pre-ordering is for you? At participating AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular Stores, along with Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy, you can get an "exclusive first look" starting tomorrow. In other words, if you are interested in these phones, get your butts into the big flagship stores near you. Who is pre-ordering?

Samsung Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge U.S. Pre-Orders Begin March 27; Available Nationwide April 10

Reimagined from the ground up, the next big thing is almost here, delivering Samsung’s most powerful smartphone experience
RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ — March 26, 2015 — Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Samsung), the No. 1 global smartphone manufacturer1, today announced the Galaxy S® 6 and Galaxy S® 6 edge will be available in the U.S. beginning April 10, with pre-orders starting March 27. Blending elegant, sophisticated design and high-power performance, the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge deliver to consumers and businesses an unmatched mobile experience. “We have completely reimagined the Galaxy experience from the ground up by listening to what matters most to our customers,” said Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America Headquarters. “The Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge are more than just beautiful – they’re better. We’ve improved the smartphone essentials – camera, battery, display – and redesigned the phone experience so our consumer and business users are empowered to do more.” In the U.S., the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge will be available in Black Sapphire, White Pearl and Gold Platinum -- in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB2 memory options. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless will carry both the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge, while Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS will carry the Galaxy S 6. Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy, as well as Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, Inc., Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart will also carry the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge. Carriers and retailers will confirm specific pricing and availability. The Samsung Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge embody the best of form and function – packing incredible performance and features consumers and business users care most about into a beautifully sleek frame.

Premium Materials: A unibody design blends beauty and durability, featuring Corning® Gorilla Glass® 4 and an aluminum frame so it’s durable enough to withstand everyday life.

Advanced Camera: Intuitive front- and rear-facing cameras allow consumers to snap high-quality photos, no matter the lighting situation, and quickly capture any moment, anywhere.

Battery Management: Power management essentials create peace of mind for users so there is no need to worry about battery life. With built-in wireless charging, users can quickly and conveniently charge their phone on almost any wireless charging platform (charging pad sold separately). Fast Charging gives users up to four hours of battery life with a 10 minute charge and a 50 percent charge in about half an hour. Ultra Power Saving Mode affords users up to 24 hours of talk and text time when the battery is at 10 percent3.

Advanced Technology: Equipped with an advanced processor and display, the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge elevate productivity and deliver an exceptional entertainment experience.

Business-Ready: With Samsung KNOX, the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge are secure and protected right out of the box. With wide support for MDM partners and KNOX enhancements enabled at launch, IT administrators can simplify deployment and device management.

Dual Edge: The Galaxy S 6 edge breaks the traditional conventions of smartphone design to deliver the world’s first dual-edge smartphone. The edge display adds features unique to the curved design, including People Edge and information tickers so users can easily and discreetly view news updates and messaging notifications.

Samsung’s Milk Services: Both the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge will come preloaded on select carriers* with Samsung’s streaming entertainment apps, Milk Music™, powered by Slacker, and Milk Video™.

Consumers can get an exclusive first look at the Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge beginning March 27 at participating AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular stores in addition to Samsung Experience Shops at Best Buy. A list of participating locations is available at www.samsung.com/galaxys6preview.
###

Google Posts Android 5.1 "LMY47I" Factory Images For Nexus 5 and Nexus 6

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:45:32 +0000

Update March 25: Google added Android 5.1 (LMY47I) images for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6. I think it's safe to say that if there are many changes, they'll be incredibly minor. This is still Android 5.1, not 5.1.1 or something else.

Nexus 5 (LMY47D)
Nexus 5 (LMY47I)
Nexus 6 (LMY47D)
Nexus 6 (LMY47E)
Nexus 6 (LMY47I)
Nexus 7 (2012)
Nexus 10
Nexus Player
Binaries

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

DROID Turbo Root Method Now Available for $20

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:28:20 +0000

The DROID Turbo root method that was first teased a couple of weeks ago is now available for purchase. Yes, I said "available for purchase." The root game is difficult these days and it takes an awful lot of time to find exploits, so if you feel like rooting, you need to pay for the opportunity. "MOFOROOT" is the name of the Turbo's root method and it runs $20 per device. You can find out all of the details (including purchase info) about MOFOROOT at this dedicated page. The official XDA thread for it can be found here. Instructions are provided at the MOFOROOT page, but if it makes little sense, a lengthy video of the root method in action has been included above. It sounds like hell. Enjoy!

Cheers Nate!

UltraTuner - Chromatic Tuner Hits Google Play, Priced at $4.99

Tim — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:00:01 +0000

Being a guitar player myself, I know how important a guitar being in tune is. Of course, when you play the style of music I do, sometimes tuning your guitar does not matter so much, but that is besides the point. To help all guitarists, as well as other stringed instrument players, UltraTuner has hit Google Play, priced at $4.99. UltraTuner features a variety of methods for tuning an instrument, such as "Stage" for visual flat and sharp correction, as well as a "Studio" mode which features real-time input wavelength visuals for those of you who are super OCD about pitch. But while in the studio, correct tuning is key, so no excuses are needed for your behavior. In the settings menu, a custom value can be set to your A4 note, but comes with a default of 440 hertz. In addition, a Transpose setting allows you to tweak the root note for tuning up or down by six half steps. Given I keep a guitar handy by the desk every day of the week, this little tuner will come in handy when I don't feel like plugging it into a little digital tuner. Priced at $4.99, it is a premium application, but so far, it seems very accurate and worth the price. Check it out. Play Link ($4.99)

[responsive_vid]

More GIFs Please: Facebook Intros Entire App Store Just for Messenger

Tim — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:27:40 +0000

Facebook is going all-in on Messenger. Today at its F8 developer conference, the company introduced an entire platform for developers to create standalone applications that integrate with Messenger. Created to help people enhance their Messenger experience with images, GIFs, and videos, developers will upload these apps to a dedicated Messenger store. From there, users will be able to install these additional "experience enhancing" applications, then enjoy them with friends. On top of this, Facebook introduced Businesses on Messenger, which allows customers to interact with businesses through Facebook. For example, if you buy a shirt online, the company can send details and even answer questions directly through Messenger. "With Businesses on Messenger, people can have rich and personal conversations with businesses. For example, after purchasing something from a website, people can choose to receive updates in Messenger and continue their conversation with the business in the app," said FB in their announcement. No word on when Businesses on Messenger will launch for everyone, but details will come soon, according to FB. As for the apps you can download for Messenger, those are rolling out today. And developers can start developing for it today, too.

Via: Facebook

Deals: New Unlocked Moto X Developer Edition or LG G2 for $199 and $189

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:10:49 +0000

If a phone is almost two years old, but can be had for an insanely cheap price, is it worth considering? Maybe as a device to tinker with? Maybe as a phone for a teenager? Maybe you broke your current phone and need something to hold you over until the Galaxy S6 drops? Or maybe you just like hoarding smartphones. Whatever the reason, we have two to look at today - Moto X (2013) Developer Edition at $199, and the LG G2 at $189. Both phones come unlocked and should work just fine on AT&T with 4G LTE. Each is brand new, comes in original packaging, and were two of the best smartphones of their time when initially released in 2013. Still today, they should perform just fine for an average user. Each phone also comes with free shipping. Think about it. eBay Links: Moto X Developer Edition ($199) | LG G2 ($189)

Game of Thrones 'The Sword in the Darkness' Releases Tomorrow on Android

Tim — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:35:25 +0000

The next episode of Game of Thrones is set to release for Android and iOS tomorrow on March 26. Titled The Sword in the Darkness, Episode 3 of 6 follows Asher Forrester and Mira Forrester, who both struggle to fight for the safety of their family. In addition, Gryff Whitehill is out to prove himself as brutality and violence grows daily during the Whitehill occupation. The episode is available now for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms, but mobile users have one more day to go. As detailed by Telltale, "In Episode 3, the exiled Asher Forrester heads to Mereen in search of an army to take on the Whitehills. Meanwhile, far across land and sea in Westeros, Mira Forrester must deal with the lethal politics of King's Landing. Her family's safety is paramount and she will do anything to protect them, but nothing is given freely, and her choice of allies may soon come to haunt her. To the north, in Ironrath, the Whitehill occupation continues. Gryff Whitehill, fourth-born son, is out to prove himself, and brutality and violence grows daily, pushing the Forresters to make far-reaching decisions. Finally, at the Wall, Gared Forrester learns that he must head north if he is to help his house survive. But fate is cruel, forcing choices that will change his path forever." Sounds like quite the story, yes? Episode 3 becomes available for Android starting tomorrow. And just so you know, Game of Thrones returns to HBO on Sunday, April 12. Play Link

Google Keep Gets Labels and Recurring Reminders! (Updated: APK)

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:13:49 +0000

Google Keep on desktop received two very handy new features today that we can only hope come to the Android app before long. A refresh of Keep on the web returned a pop-up that tells users of the arrival of labels and recurring reminders. Yes, you can finally organize your Keep account(s). With labels, you can keep your Keep organized by project, daily to-dos, work, personal, etc. You can filter by label, create new ones, and add multiple labels to notes. But maybe more importantly, when you enter the Keep tab on your computer, you will feel your blood pressure lower immediately knowing that your notes aren't just a scattered mess any longer. As for recurring reminders, you can choose to have items repeat on daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or custom intervals. I love it. The update is live in Keep on the web, so as I mentioned above, refresh your Keep tab and you should be able to take advantage. Now, is the update coming to Android any time soon that will enable these two options? I can't say for sure when, but today is Wednesday, and Google loves updating its apps on Wednesdays. Let's hope that it is soon, because the labels from the web certainly aren't appearing in the app as of this moment.

Update: Yay, the update is coming soon to Android, more than likely today through a slow staged rollout. (@Android) Update 2: Here is the .apk in case you want to sideload. [DOWNLOAD LINK] Update 3: And a look at the pretty new features in the app, including that lovely floating action button.

Cheers Vinu!

Buy Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge Through T-Mobile, Get a Free Year of Netflix

Tim — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:32:52 +0000

John Legere went on Twitter today and announced that anyone who purchases a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge through T-Mobile will be given a free year of Netflix. That should be helpful if you plan on consuming a ton of House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and whatever else you might enjoy viewing. More details are soon to come, but the deal seems pretty straightforward. It is possible that a few customers won't be eligible, depending on what payment option they plan to sign up for to get the device, but more than likely, the majority of folks will be able to snag some free Netflix. A free year of Netflix is valued at $100+. Not too shabby, T-Mo. Of course, you will need to register on T-Mobile's website to know when the deal is available for you to pick up. Interested?

Via: T-Mobile | @JohnLegere

TomTom Releases Free GPS Navigation and Traffic App Onto Google Play

Tim — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:08:29 +0000

This morning, TomTom launched a revamped version of its GPS Navigation and Traffic app, free to download by anyone who wants to try something new over Google Maps. For new users, the app will give you completely free access to navigate roads and check traffic, but only for the first 50 miles. Once your trial miles are up each month, you will be asked to sign up for TomTom's subscription service to continue using the application. TomTom's hopes are that you will be so impressed with their app, that you will spend $19.99 a year for it, or get a bundle deal for three years at $44.99. Features also include 3D graphics of landmarks for easier navigating while driving, alerts for safety cameras (pesky law enforcement prevention), and the ability to plan routes with zero data connection. If you the free service Google offers through Maps is no good for you, and you need something a bit more robust, check it out for free on Google Play. Features

Always know the fastest route: TomTom Traffic gets you there faster
Get real-time traffic information: See exactly where delays start and end and how to avoid them
Quick access to your favorites: Immediately start driving to your favorite places
See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D: Know exactly where you are so you never miss a turn
Get alerts for safety cameras: Avoid speeding fines with accurate and timely speed warnings
Navigation you can rely on: No need for an internet connection to plan your route

Play Link

Qualcomm Shows You Just How Much Faster Quick Charge 2.0 is on the Nexus 6

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 08:36:10 +0000

I think at this point, we have made our opinions clear on Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 - we love it. We think every phone should have either this or some other form of quick charging. Wireless charging is still a really handy feature, but I would much rather be able to charge my phone in a shorter amount of time, or at least give it a burst of juice in a couple of minutes, than be able to lay it down on a charging pad that likely charges slower than a conventional charger. To demonstrate the power of Quick Charge 2.0, Qualcomm put together the video featured below, which includes three Nexus 6 phones, all of which are using a different charger. Two of the phones are using conventional chargers (5 volts/1 amp and 5 volts/2 amps), while one uses Motorola's Turbo Charger. You probably don't need to watch the video to know who wins the battle to 50% from 0%.

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Now, we should point out that Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge also include a form of fast charging, but it's not Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0, at least as far as we know. Samsung skipped Qualcomm silicon in these devices, instead opting for their own in-house Exynos line. But, their own form of fast charging seems like its just at 2A speeds, which Quick Charge 2.0-equipped chargers produce as well. There is a chance that the Quick Charge 2.0 chargers you have been hoarding over the last few months will work with a Galaxy S6, should you pick one up. Either way, we are still firmly under the belief that quick/fast charging is the future. That is, until someone creates fast wireless charging. To read more about Quick Charge 2.0, be sure to check out this post of ours.

HTC is Preparing to Announce the One M9 Plus on April 8 With Duo Camera, QHD Display

Kellen — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 07:49:49 +0000

During the lead-up to HTC's announcement of the One M9, another device made by the Taiwanese manufacturer with a larger display, awkward-looking fingerprint sensor, and Duo Camera kept popping up in blurry cam shots across the pond. Everyone just assumed this was some sort of "Max" or "Plus" version of the M9, except that once HTC took the stage in Barcelona, only one phone was unveiled. Well, on April 8, that other phone will become official in China. Dubbed the HTC One M9 Plus by in-the-know HTC folk, the phone reportedly features a 5.5-inch QHD (2560x1440) display, Mediatek MT6795 64-bit octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, BoomSound speakers, a fingerprint sensor, and the Duo Camera setup last seen on the One M8. This time, though, the main camera jumps up to 20MP, just like the camera in the One M9. We aren't sure if this phone will ever make it to the States, as the press invite below is targeted at Chinese media. Would you carry around this monstrosity if it did?

Via: Engadget | Nowhereelse | Weibo

Runkeeper Gets Its Beautification Update for Lollipop

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 16:01:20 +0000

Runkeeper, my current exercise tracker of choice, received an update today that introduces a proper polishing (mind out of the gutter). The UI tweaks, some of which bring in Material Design touches, help make the app feel very modern. Trust me when I say that the app needed it, especially after we have seen all of Runkeeper's competitors release beautiful new apps one by one over the last couple of months. The new app feels much faster, includes rippling animations and layers throughout, and shows an entire activity history with more visual details. The app is still very familiar, but improved in the right ways. Go give it a look! What's New

RunKeeper is delicious on Android Lollipop!
Bask in a completely updated experience
Check out your entire activity history in a snappier, richer context
Enjoy a snappier, more stable experience - we squashed a ton of bugs.

Play Link

Cheers Tony!

FOTONICA, a Temple Run-Like Runner for Fans of Being Dizzy

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:36:18 +0000

Enjoy endless runner games? What about motion sickness, do you like that as well? If so, the perfect game is available for you now, titled FOTONICA, priced on Google Play at just $1. To me, it plays much like Temple Run, but you are placed in a world made up of awesome beats, wiry platforms, and strange pink balls that you must run through. To play, you hold your finger down on the display, which gets your character running. From there, you lift up to jump, then press again to come back down, gaining speed with each jump. The part that gets me a little queasy in the stomach is when you go into this hyperdrive-like mode. Your character is zooming down this road, and with the mixture of colors and your eyes trying to distinguish when a jump is coming, it can be very tricky to master. The game is priced at $0.99, and if you won't get too sick, I highly recommend you check it out. Play Link ($0.99)

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MetroPCS Introduces $30 Per Month 1GB Plan

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:07:31 +0000

MetroPCS, T-Mobile's prepaid arm, announced a new $30 plan this morning that they claim is the lowest cost option around. The new deal runs just $30 per month and includes unlimited talk and text, plus 1GB of data at full 4G speeds. They claim that the data is unlimited, but after you use that 1GB, you will be throttled into an incredibly painful data experience until the next month. Is that really unlimited? Whatever. The plan is available to anyone with a MetroPCS 3G/4G GSM phone starting today, March 24. Any takers?

Via: T-Mobile

Deal: Have a Disco Party With These SMFX Smart Bulbs, $49 a Pop

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:56:06 +0000

In 6 days, the opportunity to grab a few SMFX Smart Bulbs, priced at $49 a pop through the DL Deals Store, is coming to a close. The SMFX Smart Bulb features an LED, that allows owners to change the color of the bulb on demand through an iOS or Android device and act as the perfect mood lighting tool for any home. Each bulb features use for up to 40,000 hours - compare that to your standard 1000-2000 hour incandescent light bulb and you are looking at quite the savings over the course of a few years. According to SMFX, these light bulbs also use about 10% less energy, which equals energy bill savings. Functionality is controlled entirely through the application, which you can use to turn on/off your lights, change the colors, enter a "disco mode," and more. If the SMFX light bulbs sound fun, follow the link below. Features

Use for 40,000 hours (that’s 27 years of normal use)
Go green— use 10% the energy that a standard bulb uses
Use RGBW channels for brighter colors
Turn the bulb on & off from the app
Customize appearance with dimming & color options (16 million colors)
Enter “disco mode” to change the light along w/ the music
Schedule functions & set timers to fit your daily routine

Deal Link

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Report: Google Wants You to Pay Bills From Within Gmail Using the "Pony Express"

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:02:32 +0000

According to a report out of Recode, Google is preparing a service called Pony Express that is designed to let you pay your bills within Gmail. The idea centers around making bills payable from within an email or your inbox instead of having to take care of your payments through a separate website for utilities, a phone bill, etc. The service is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year. Recode has apparently seen a document detailing the service that talks about authenticating yourself with a third-party company that vets identities before being able to pay bills. This company may ask for your name, address, credit card number, phone and partial or full social security number. Once cleared, you will be able to start receiving actual bills through Gmail or Inbox. Google is reportedly working with third-party vendors that print and mail out bills on behalf of service providers to get bills straight into your Pony Express box in Gmail. Think of the big players in the insurance, telecom, and utilities industries as participants. As bills come in that are a part of the Pony Express program, you will be able to pay them with a couple of taps that activate pop-ups which include bill amounts due, payment method, and when you would like to pay. You may be able to forward bills on to others for payment as well, a feature that would be incredibly useful for people who split bills. Here are some screenshots of the service:

Other features of Pony Express could include the option to attach a bank account for payments, quick access to customer service info for the company whose bill you are about to pay, and the ability to take a photo of a paper bill to have it archived in Pony Express. Where do I sign-up?

Via: Recode

Action Launcher 3.3 Now Available for Download, Includes Live Wallpaper API Support

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:44:46 +0000

An update for Action Launcher, bringing it to version 3.3, is now available on Google Play. Included in the update, live wallpaper API support has been added, enabling Quicktheme to reliably work with live wallpaper apps. In addition, shortcuts and gestures are now both expanded and fully customizable. Other features include an added donate button, a Google Search box overlay, home screen indicator updates, and so much more. The changelog posted on Google+ is quite large , but we threw down below each "new" feature. Read the list, then follow the Play Store link below to grab the updated app. What's New

Live wallpaper API support, enabling Quicktheme to reliably work with live wallpaper apps. For an example of this in action, check out the excellent Minima Pro.
Shortcuts & gestures (Settings -> Shortcuts) both expanded and fully customizable. Gestures supported include: single/double/triple tap Home button; double/triple tap empty space; swipe up single/two fingers; swipe down single/two fingers; swipe left screen edge/swipe leftmost Home screen/swipe right screen edge/swipe rightmost Home screen; and pinch in/out.
Ability to configure action taken by a gesture. Actions include load an app, load a shortcut, toggle All Apps, toggle Quickdrawer, toggle Quickpage, open Action 3 settings, display overview mode, lock/unlock desktop, lock device, open recents, open notifications, open text search and open voice search.
When searching, use Google search box overlay instead of switching into the Google app. Can be changed via Settings -> Shortcuts -> Global search mode.
As requested, an additional Donate option has been added for people who are so inclined (Settings -> Help -> Donate).
Animate to/from the All Apps background color when opening/closing All Apps (requires Android 5.0 or later).
Home screen indicators updated to match Android 5.1's style.
Allow importing of Action 3 layouts by other launchers. Thanks Kevin from Nova for the prod here.

Play Link

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Via: +Chris Lacy

Google Fiber Comes to Salt Lake City, Completion Date Currently Unknown

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:54:30 +0000

Announced this morning, Google Fiber is coming to Salt Lake City. As the newest city to get an official green light, SLC will eventually be encircled with a fiber optic backbone, with cables extending into the city via existing telephone poles and electrical conduits to deliver 1Gbps Internet data speeds, as well as Google's own TV service. It is stated that the Google Fiber team in SLC will include a community impact manager, who will see to it that Internet access is deployed to underserved and low-income neighborhoods. As we know from Google's website, Google Fiber has three tiers of pricing. The full package, which includes Internet and TV, runs $130 a month. The second, which is just Internet, costs $70 a month. But for just a $300 construction fee, any home can gain access to the Internet at no monthly cost. Free Internet for all is one of the big highlights of Google Fiber. Google does not state when construction will be complete, but initial preparation has begun. If you reside in SLC, start talking to your neighbors about the service, then let Google know your neighborhood is interested. The greater the demand, the bigger the chance your neighborhood will receive it quicker than others. Google prioritizes delivering the service to geographic areas "where there is collected demand."

Via: The Salt Lake Tribune | Google Fiber

Question of the Day: Which Widgets are on Your Home Screens?

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:37:15 +0000

When we talk about the differences in Android vs. iOS, someone almost always brings up one of Android's strengths over its counterpart as being "widgets." Sure, iOS claims to have widgets, but they are really just panels of info in their notification shade, not actual, living, breathing, widgets on home screens like we have on Android. So with that in mind, we want to know what widgets you are currently using or always include on a home screen with each new launcher or phone. We are well aware that there are some great options out there from some of the best apps around that we more than likely aren't taking advantage of. For me personally, I keep things pretty minimal. I tend to fall back on a Zooper Widget skin that is constantly changing depending on my mood, the Google Search box, and a calendar widget from Sunrise. I feel like I'm missing out, though. Tim does too. You might feel like you aren't fully taking advantage of your phone's widget capabilities either. So, we would love to know which widgets live on your home screens. And if you would like, feel free to include screenshots.

Pioneer's NEX Series of Android Auto Head Units are Now Available, Range From $700 to $1400

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 11:45:24 +0000

Pioneer's line of in-dash multimedia receivers, which were previewed at this year's CES in Las Vegas, are now available for all through select retailers and online at Pioneer's website. These units run Android Auto, Google's OS for vehicles, but also come with Apple CarPlay compatibility built-in, allowing for complete flexibility for a family that runs multiple platforms. There are three different Android Auto-compatible models, ranging greatly in price. The low-end model, which is the AVH-4100NEX, runs at $700. It features a 7" WVGA resistive touchscreen display (800 x 480), which is good for anyone who needs access to Sirius radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The high-end model, being the AVIC-8100NEX, costs $1400 - double the 4100NEX. The 8100NEX features a 7" WVGA capacitive touchscreen, which allows for a much better tapping experience while driving around. This model, too, features Bluetooth, CD, SD, and USB music playback. The middle model is the AVIC-7100NEX ($1,200). If becoming an adopter of Android Auto interests you, it isn't cheap. On top of purchasing the necessary hardware, unless you have a background in installation of units such as this, you will likely need to pay a tech to install it. And that's never cheap. If all of this seems fine to you, many retailers are now carrying these units, so to find one near you, check the retail locator right here.

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PIONEER’S SECOND GENERATION NEX RECEIVERS WITH ANDROID AUTO

AND APPLE CARPLAY NOW AVAILABLE AT AUTHORIZED RETAILERS
LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 11, 2015) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s second generation Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) in-dash multimedia receivers introduced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show are now available at authorized Pioneer retailers across the country. The 2015 NEX line includes theAVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX, the first products to offer consumers both Android™ Auto and Apple CarPlay™ connectivity to provide maximum smartphone connectivity flexibility. Two additional models, the AVIC-6100NEX and AVIC-5100NEX, offer only Apple CarPlay compatibility. The NEX line of products also feature advanced Bluetooth^®1capabilities, AppRadio® Mode, MirrorLink^® compatibility, iDatalink^® Maestro™ support and enhanced audio/video capabilities including Pandora^®internet radio, SiriusXM-Ready™, and FLAC file playback. Key connectivity features of the NEX line:

Android Auto (AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, and AVH-4100NEX)

Three of the five NEX models feature Android Auto integration, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones to extend the Android platform into the car in a way that’s purpose-built for driving. Designed with safety in mind, Android Auto utilizes a simple and intuitive interface to provide navigation, communications, music and more, combined with powerful new voice actions for minimized distraction, so users stay focused on the road. Smartphones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer operating system offer Android Auto and will work with the three Pioneer models. The first time a user connects a compatible smartphone to the receiver, the user will be prompted to download applications required for Android Auto. For more information about Android Auto functionality on Pioneer’s three NEX models, visit www.pioneer-carglobal.com/AndroidAuto.

Apple CarPlay (all models)

Pioneer’s Apple CarPlay-compatible NEX in-dash receivers offer consumers the ability to upgrade the vehicles they already own to the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone® in the car. Consumers with the latest version of iOS on their iPhone 5 or newer, including iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6, can use Siri® voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, access Apple Maps for navigation, and listen to their music, podcasts, or iTunes Radio.

AppRadio Mode (all models)

Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode provides both iPhone and Android users the ability to access and control dozens of popular in-vehicle apps directly from the receiver’s large touchscreen display when connected to an iPhone 5 or newer, including iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6, or compatible Android smartphone using the corresponding interface cable² (sold separately). The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX ($1,400 SRP), AVIC-7100NEX ($1,200 SRP), AVIC-6100NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5100NEX ($750 SRP) and AVH-4100NEX ($700 SRP) are currently available at authorized Pioneer retailers across the U.S.

AT&T Galaxy Note 3 Also Appears to be Getting Lollipop Today (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:58:03 +0000

AT&T's Galaxy Note 4 may not be the only Note receiving its update to Android 5.0 Lollipop today. According to a couple of our readers, a 1GB update is also rolling out to the Galaxy Note 3 on AT&T that is more than likely a bump to 5.0.1. The update is crawling at the moment, just like the Note 4's update, so it could be a minute before we know for sure. What else could it be, though? AT&T has yet to update their support site for the Note 3, so we also don't have that official confirmation. Once we know for sure, we'll update this post. In the meant time, Note 3 owners on AT&T, let us know if you have an update available by going into Settings>General tab>About device>Software updates>Check for updates. Update: Here is a screenshot of the massive update in progress.

Update 2: It's now official through AT&T support.

Android version: 5.0
Baseband Version: N900AUCUEOC1
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-4335446
Build Number: LRX21V.N900AUCUEOC1
Upgrade file size:
- KK MR (NC1) = 1197.08MB
- 4.4.4 MR (NJ5) = 1054.72MB

Cheers Justin and William!

'Pay With OpenTable' Now Available for Android, Wait for the Check No Longer

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:03:45 +0000

Pay with OpenTable is now available for Android users. The service, which is somewhat limited in availability as of right now in certain markets, allows diners to pay their check without having to wait for the waiter or waitress to come with the check. To pay, you will have needed to book your dinner or lunch through the OpenTable service, have a credit card on file, and that's it. When you have finished dining, simply open the app, which is synced with the restaurant's POS, and pay your bill. When the staff has closed your bill, you will receive a notification and receipt. In order to do all of this, you will need to download the OpenTable app, naturally. Go grab it, then get to dining. And if you happen to be in the Portland, OR area, might I recommend Gruner? They have a burger you must try. Play Link

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Pay with OpenTable Now Available for Android

Android users can now use their OpenTable app to settle the check
SAN FRANCISCO – March 24, 2015 – OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations and part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), today announced that its Pay with OpenTable mobile payments feature is now available for Android. To pay with OpenTable, diners who book at participating restaurants simply add a credit card in the OpenTable Android app before they dine and can then view and pay their check with a few taps. There’s no separate app to download; no codes to enter; and no scanning or barcodes involved. Diners who pay with OpenTable simply get up and go whenever they’re ready. “Millions of diners use our apps to discover and book the perfect table,” said Jocelyn Mangan, OpenTable Senior Vice President, Product Management. “We’re excited to provide Android users with a payment experience that is intuitive and integrated into the OpenTable app they know and love.” Pay with OpenTable is currently available in select cities and restaurants across the U.S. To learn more about OpenTable mobile payments, watch “Life’s too short to wait for the check” and visit to view the current list of participating restaurants. Restaurants who are interested in providing their guests with the experience of paying with OpenTable can learn more at http://pay.opentable.com/restaurants.

LG G Flex 2 Hits US Cellular on March 26, $149 With 2-Year Agreement

Tim — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:56:37 +0000

LG G Flex 2 availability on US Cellular was announced this morning, with the release date set for March 26. Available for $149.99 on a two-year agreement, or $0 on a US Cellular installment agreement, the G Flex 2 is the latest device from LG to feature a heavily curved display. For those who choose the installment agreement, 20 monthly payments of $31.50 are "conveniently" added to your existing monthly bill, which may or may not be a good deal for you. Although, after 12 months of installment payments, you will be able to upgrade to a newer phone if you choose. For more info on the G Flex 2, check out our full review here.

U.S. CELLULAR LAUNCHING LG G FLEX 2 ON MARCH 26
CHICAGO and ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. (March 24, 2015) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and LG Electronics have announced that the LG G Flex 2™ will be available, in the Platinum Silver color, in stores and online on March 26. The G Flex 2’s innovative curved design made it the standout smartphone at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show, and qualified customers will be able to get it for $0 down using U.S. Cellular’s installment pricing. “At U.S. Cellular, we strive to provide the best wireless experience by providing the latest devices, a high quality network and national coverage that keeps customers connected in cities and rural communities,” said Joe Settimi, vice president of marketing for U.S. Cellular. “LG has created a unique device that is packed with cutting-edge features, and we are thrilled to bring our first curved smartphone to our customers.” The G Flex 2 builds on the innovation introduced on the original G Flex with a more advanced, curved design for better ergonomics, a slimmed down 5.5 Full HD display, and Advanced Self-Healing back. It boasts faster performance and greater convenience with new features like GlanceView, which displays key information such as time, recent messages or missed calls with a downward swipe on the curved screen even while the display is off. Some of the stunning state-of-the-art features include:

5.5" Curved Full HD P-OLED Display

13 MP OIS+ Laser Auto Focus Rear Camera and 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

2.1MP Front Camera with Gesture Shutter and Gesture View

3,000 mAh Battery with Fast Charge, allowing for a 50 percent charge in less than 40 minutes

Operating System: Android 5.0

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 Processor

Storage: 32 GB ROM (21GB of usable memory) with a microSD slot

Dimensions: 5.87 x 2.96 x 0.35 inch

“With the G Flex 2, we’re continuing to raise the bar in smartphone innovation,” said Morris Lee, senior vice president and head of North American sales and marketing, LG Electronics MobileComm USA Inc. “This is the perfect phone for those looking to enhance their mobile experience with powerful functionality that harnesses exceptionally designed hardware.” With U.S. Cellular’s $0 down installment pricing, qualified customers pay tax on the LG G Flex 2 at the point of sale, and then make 20 monthly payments that are conveniently added to their wireless bill. Customers can upgrade this device in as little as 12 months if they trade it in for any new device with installment pricing. They can also choose to pay off the full balance of their device anytime they want.

Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick Update Introduces USB Storage, Hotel and Dorm WiFi Connectivity, and More

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:43:11 +0000

Amazon announced this morning that a major update will be rolling out to the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick over the coming weeks. The update introduces expandable USB storage to the Fire TV, allows you to connect either device to hotel or dorm room WiFi, adds Bluetooth wireless headphone support, lets you search Prime playlists, and more. The full changelog can be found below for the update, which is free, of course.

Expandable USB storage on Amazon Fire TV—You can now use a connected USB mass storage device to expand your Fire TV storage for downloaded apps and games—this enables you to have more games downloaded for easy access.
Connect to your hotel or dorm room Wi-Fi with captive portal support out of the box—Take your favorite movies, TV shows, games, and more with you away from home—Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick are the first streaming media devices to enable you to connect to Wi-Fi that requires web authentication—this includes Wi-Fi at most major hotels, as well as some universities.
Private listening on Fire TV—Enjoy favorite movies and TV shows after the kids go to sleep, without worrying about waking them up. Support for wireless Bluetooth headphones to Fire TV lets you listen to your movie, TV show, or music without bothering others in your household.
Browse and search Prime Playlists—Prime members can now take advantage of hand-crafted Prime Music playlists directly from Fire TV and Fire TV Stick—there are hundreds of expertly curated Prime Playlists to choose from based on your mood, activity or even artist or decade of choice.
Hidden PIN entry—With the new PIN entry screen that hides the numbers selected, you can now make sure your kids (or freeloading friends) can’t see your device PIN as you enter it on-screen to confirm a purchase on Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
New shortcuts—Quickly put your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to sleep or enable display mirroring by pressing and holding the Home button on your remote.

Amazon also announced that both products are now available in Germany and the UK. Amazon Links: Fire TV ($99) | Fire TV Stick ($39)

Via: Amazon

AT&T Galaxy Note 4 (Appears to be) Receiving Update to Lollipop! (Updated: It Is)

Kellen — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 07:25:58 +0000

AT&T Galaxy Note 4 owners are being treated to the slowest download in history, this morning, one that may very well be Android 5.0 Lollipop. It's like the ultimate tease. At least one reader told me that he is over two hours into his download of this 1.1GB file. As you can see, I was momentarily at 0% and am now hovering around 7%. This is going to be a long one. I can't get any clear confirmations on if this is actually Android 5.0, since everyone still seems to be downloading. AT&T also hasn't updated their support page with official word on the update. So, if you have received this and actually updated, let us know! If your download hasn't even started yet, go take a nap, we need all the bandwidth we can get. (Kidding!) Head into Settings>General>About device>Software updates. Did your Note 4 on AT&T get Android 5.0 this morning? Update: Sounds like it is indeed Android 5.0.1. Update 2: It is official now as Android 5.0.1. AT&T posted the changelog.

Android version: 5.0.1
Baseband Version: N910AUCU1COC2
Kernel Version: 3.10.40-4160876dpi@SWDD6014#1
Build Number: LRX22C.N910AUCU1COC2

Cheers Howie, Daniel and Rick!

LG G4 May Not Feature Metal After All, but the "G4 Note" Might

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:06:36 +0000

As we near closer to LG's announcement of the G4, we have been getting excited, mainly with the company's reported upcoming usage of metal in the device's design. However, if the latest news from overseas it true, then we are not so excited anymore. According to ZDNet, LG may not feature metal in the G4, but instead, will change up the materials used in a device later this year known as the G4 Note. Now, it was reported earlier this year that LG would have a phone that stood above the G series later in 2015, but if it's this rumored G4 Note, we don't know what to think at this point. Due to possible manufacturing issues, mass producing metal cases for a flagship device is said not to be in LG's cards at the moment, but will be later this year for a more premium device. Personally, if LG actually releases a phone called the G4 Note, I won't be able to stop laughing at the company's originality. With HTC continuing to use metal in the One M9, and Samsung's push to incorporate metal and glass, this was LG's shot at producing a truly premium material device. If the G4 is another plastic flagship, we are already off to a bad start. Thoughts?

Via: G For Games | ZDNet

Check Your Inboxes, Google I/O Ticket Invites are Going Out!

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:38:05 +0000

Did you register for a chance to purchase a ticket to this year's Google I/O? If so, be sure to check your inbox (and spam folder), as Google has started sending out invitations to purchase tickets. The invites also appear to be time sensitive, with some redeem codes expiring as early as this Thursday. As a reminder, general admission tickets are $900 and academic tickets $300, so have your credit cards ready. Anyone get an invite?

Deal: Last Chance to Grab a 3-Yr Subscription to Anonymizer Universal VPN for $55

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 14:52:26 +0000

To help keep prying eyes from whatever it is you might be doing online, you can score a 3 year subscription to Anonymizer Universal VPN for just $55 through the DL Deals Store, regularly priced at $240. But you better act fast, as this deal expires tonight. This service protects against “government oversight, hackers, unsecured public Wi-Fi, online activity logging & tracking” by masking your IP address and concealing your physical location. Basically, if your name is Jason Bourne, I would recommend it. Although, there are more practical uses for a VPN other than hacking into the CIA and FBI mainframes. While subscribed, you can connect up to 5 devices at the same time and access unlimited bandwidth with fast connection speeds, all while keeping zero record of whatever it is you do online. If this interests you, follow the link below. Features

Protects against government oversight, hackers, unsecured public Wi-Fi, online activity logging & tracking
Masks your IP address & conceals your physical location
Connects to Anonymizer-owned servers only (no insecure VPS)
Allows up to 5 devices to be connected simultaneously
Provides unlimited bandwidth & fast connection speeds
Keeps zero record of any of your online activity
Provides US-based support 24/7

Deal Link

T-Mobile Adds Tidal Music, BandCamp, and MixCloud to Music Freedom Service

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 14:15:12 +0000

Three new sources of tunes have been added to T-Mobile's Music Freedom service, those being Tidal Music, BandCamp, and MixCloud. While I personally have only heard of one of those services, the list of approved music streaming sites continues to grow for T-Mobile customers to utilize. Music Freedom allows T-Mo customers to stream music from selected services, without the streamed data counting against your allotted monthly data total. Pretty great, right? For Android users, the fact that Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, and Samsung Milk are all included is reason enough to check out T-Mobile if you like streaming music. The other services supported are just an added bonus. Anyone here use Music Freedom? How do you like it? Supported Services

Pandora
iHeart
Spotify
Slacker
Google Play Music
iTunes Radio (iTunes Match and iTunes song previews NOT included)
Rhapsody
SoundCloud
RadioTunes
Digitally Imported
Fit Radio
Samsung Milk
AccuRadio
BlackPlanet Radio
Grooveshark
Rdio
Radio Paradise
Songza
SiriusXM
Mad Genius Radio
radioPup
Xbox Music
Fresca Radio
JAZZRADIO
Live365
Radio.com
ROCKRADIO
Saavn
Tidal Music
BandCamp
MixCloud

Via: TmoNews

Ooooooh, Pretty Google Play Animations...

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:36:36 +0000

Such pretty animations you have there, Google Play. If you don't have them, take it up with Google's server side changes, as many of us were lucky enough to get these last week. If you do have them, go play! Edit: Alternate title - "These Google Play animations are hot." Update: You may need Android 5.1.

Via: reddit

3 Android Apps Worth Owning: AZ Screen Recorder, Adobe Fill & Sign, and AcDisplay

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:14:42 +0000

In our last "3 Android Apps Worth Owning" piece which didn't really have much of a focus, we talked about the best reddit app with a Material Design coat of paint, our favorite way to keep up on sports that completely avoids ESPN, and a really simple, yet useful package tracking service that works with 200+ carriers. This time around, we are focusing more on getting things done on your Android device through screen recording on Lollipop devices, doing something as simple as filling out a form or document (signing one too), and bringing the best feature introduced on Android in years to any handset, all for the price free. Here are another 3 apps worth owning.

AZ Screen Recorder

Over the past few weeks, we have been posting a bunch of screen recordings from our phones to show you tips, tricks, or other random cool things that we discover on Android. During that time, a number of you have asked us repeatedly how we are recording all of these. The answer? AZ Screen Recorder. This app first surfaced a couple of months ago as an option for recording your device's display when running Lollipop, but we loved it because it didn't require root. We actually wrote it up and featured it during our first ever "This is my Android" segment in February. AZ Screen Recorder is free to download, but does include a $3.00 in-app purchase to unlock a couple of features like screen drawing while recording, trimming of videos, and an overlay with the front camera. To tell you the truth, I haven't needed to unlock those features because the basic version does everything I need it to do for the most part. The basics are this - assuming your phone is running Lollipop, you can use AZ Screen Recorder to record the action taking place on your screen. You can set the resolution (up to 1080p) and bit-rate, enable audio recording if needed, and tell it how to start or stop recording. It's super simple and is used by us almost daily at this point. Play Link

Adobe Fill & Sign

Saving the planet one piece of non-printed paper at a time is something we take seriously at Droid Life. After all, we did walk you through the steps of signing a PDF without ever printing a thing. If those steps proved to be too much for you, we have another solution, thanks to the folks at Adobe. It's called Fill & Sign, and it's their newest app that really wants to help you do one thing - fill out and sign documents with ease. The app, which is brand new and may have a couple of bugs at the moment, allows you to quickly fill out forms by completing a profile within the app. You can touch anywhere within a document to add text or a signature, sign when ready, share through almost any app including email, and even take pictures of printed forms to then sign digitally. It's a great idea for an app that should only get better. Play Link

AcDisplay

If you were to ask me to name a smartphone feature that has forever changed the way I use phones going forward, it would be Motorola's Moto Display. Having a display that shows me real information as notifications come in or as I go to use my phone by either picking it up or pulling it out of a pocket is something I can't live without at this point. But because I don't use Motorola phones exclusively, I've had to find an option that can be used outside of Motorola devices. There are a couple of options on the market today, but I have gone back to AcDisplay time and time again. AcDisplay is a free-to-use app that mimics the idea of Motorola's Moto Display. It can replace your current lock screen or share space with it, has an "Active" mode that lights up your display when you pull your phone out of your pocket, and has varying levels of customizable options, like setting your current wallpaper as the back drop. It shows you more detail in notifications than Motorola's version, and lets you actually interact with them as they come in. This is a fantastic app option for those not using one of Motorola's newest devices. The developer is also constantly updating the app to make it better. Play Link

Of course, if you have any good recommendations, we always have wide open ears.

Unreleased Gramophone Music App Does Material Design Right

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:09:55 +0000

During last year's Google I/O, when the company announced and displayed Material Design for the first time, they previewed a non-existent music app that looks nothing like today's Google Play Music. Of course, what Google showed off was simply what Material Design could be, and thanks to a soon-to-be-released app called Gramophone, folks who wished they had that music player might be in luck. Currently in private beta, Gramophone does Material Design right. With a hovering playback button, smooth animations, and colorful graphics, Gramophone is essentially what we wish Google Play Music was today. On the main playback page and album overview page, the app's colors shift to match that of the album art, which is a strikingly nice touch by the developer. In addition, it features the beloved pull out menu, flat icons, and Last.fm integration to pull in additional artist information. And finally, the app allows you to edit tags, making the organization of on-device music files much easier. The one downside Gramophone has is its inability to access your Google Play Music library. It's not the app's fault, it's Google's. Until an API is released to access a user's library through a third party app, which will likely never come thanks to the music industry's attorneys, you are limited to music on your device. While no access to Google Music stinks, I know for a fact that many of you do not use Google's music service, so this app would be good for you to check out. If you are interested in checking out the private beta, head over to the Google+ community and request an invite. If accepted, you will be allowed to download the app straight from Google Play for testing purposes. According to the community page, a public beta is set to launch March 29. Gramophone Beta Group

Via: reddit

Cyanogen Takes in $80 Million in Funding, Says Stupid Shit Like “We’re Putting a Bullet Through Google’s Head.”

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:15:53 +0000

Cyanogen announced this morning that they have taken in an additional $80 million in funding through a recent financing round. Congrats! The companies involved in the round are some heavy hitters like Twitter, Qualcomm, Telefónica Ventures, and Rupert Murdoch. There were other "yet to be announced partners" as well. Thanks to this round, Cyanogen is now valued at roughly $1 billion. That's pretty awesome news for a company that was originally an open-sourced ROM started by a single dude who was just looking to tinker a bit with Android's code. Ahhh, America. On a related note, the announcement included talk of the future, a future which includes "building a more open, level playing field for developers" with this additional funding. Cyanogen wants to open up Android and break down barriers "that get in the way of innovation." Their new partners apparently like "what they're doing in opening up Android," and see them as the "open OS to best benefit consumers and service providers." If all of that sounds vague, it likely is for the official press release. Thankfully, I'll-give-you-a-great-clickbait-quote-any-time-you-need-one CEO Kirt McMaster didn't hold back in telling us exactly what all this talk of breaking down barriers and creating a truly open OS means, through an interview with Forbes. He's talking about his issues with Google. You see, Kirt thinks that Google is evil. Well, he at least wants you to think that he thinks Google is evil, because talking shit about Google after you took in millions of dollars is guaranteed headline-grabbing stuff. Congrats again, Kirt, you succeeded! During his interview, he talks about Google being a "common enemy" and that they are "putting a bullet through Google's head." Subtle! Violence, including shooting someone in the head is always an attractive approach to getting your name out there. The goal in the end is probably going to be to strip Google's services from Cyanogen and partner with a bunch of companies you likely don't want anything to do with because they'll pay to be in Cyanogen's skin. There are rumors of Cyanogen getting in bed with Microsoft to offer up their suite of email and office products at some point, though neither side will confirm it. They are also going to create revenue-sharing deals with app developers who integrate their services deeply in Cyanogen phones. I'm sure Cyanogen will make lots of money from licensing and partnership deals like this, but look, Google's services are still the ones everyone wants to use. If you cut those out, you can count a whole bunch of us out from caring. I'm all for opportunities to challenge the man, including those that try to bring Google down a notch. But is the world really asking for Google services to not be all over their Android phones or is Cyanogen and its new partners just looking for an untapped revenue stream? I think you and I both know that answer.

Via: Cyngn | Forbes

Instagram Releases 'Layout' Photo Collage App, Not Yet Available for Android

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:11:28 +0000

Released exclusively for iOS devices, Instagram introduced a new app called Layout this morning, enabling users to make photo collages super quickly. Much like apps such as Diptic and Photo Grid, you can place your photos into a grid, allowing you to show off multiple images in a single post on Instagram. "Drag and drop photos to rearrange them, pinch to zoom or pull the sides of each photo to adjust its size and get your layout just right. Then flip and rotate your photos to create cool arrangements and mirror effects," Instagram explains in its blog post. As Instagram states, Layout will be available for Android in the coming months. So, yeah, hope you all are in no rush for this. If you rock an iOS device, grab it from iTunes right here.

Via: Instagram

Eric Schmidt: Google Glass is a Long-Term Project, Not Dead

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 10:34:45 +0000

Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Eric Schmidt, Google's Executive Chairman, says Google Glass is not dead. Even though the company shut down the Explorer Program and moved Glass away from Google's Project X wing, Schmidt states that Glass won't be back until it is "ready for consumers." During the conversation, Schmidt states, “It is a big and very fundamental platform for Google. We ended the Explorer program and the press conflated this into us canceling the whole project, which isn’t true. Google is about taking risks and there’s nothing about adjusting Glass that suggests we’re ending it.” Thanks to a previous report, we already know Tony Fadell is overseeing the Glass project, and this time, there will be zero public experimentation. Google will come back when they have reworked the Glass hardware, and have optimized the user experience to something worthy of all the hype it receives. Just because Google is now playing its card closer to the chest, does not mean Glass is never coming back. Are you willing to check out Gogole Glass version 2.0 when it comes around?

Via: Wall Street Journal

Legit Deal: Best Buy Slashing $100 Off Nexus 9 for 4 Hours Only, Accessories Too

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 09:55:40 +0000

Best Buy is hosting a really solid 4-hour sale today that slashes $100 off Google's new Nexus 9 tablet. Both the 16GB and 32GB black models are included, so if you are interested, you can get into a Nexus 9 for $299 or $379, respectively. Most of us always thought the Nexus 9 should have been priced at $299 and $379 out of the gate. In other words, this deal is completely worth it. Best Buy isn't just stopping with the tablet itself, though. They are also offering up the Magic or Smart Cover for the Nexus 9 at $29.99 (normally $39) and the Keyboard Folio for $97.49 (normally $129). Finally, the Chromecast has been dropped to just $29, which is a $5 discount. The deals are live now and end at 3PM CT. Best Buy Link

Cheers Ryan, Brandon, and Chris!

Not Really Surprising: You Can Disable Bloatware on the Galaxy S6

Tim — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 09:14:25 +0000

Making rounds on the web, it is reported that future buyers of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge will be able to remove and disable almost all of the phone's pre-installed "bloatware." However, nothing about this is exactly new, considering Android as an OS has allowed for the disabling of apps for quite some time. A screenshot taken from a user on XDA who claims to have a Galaxy S6 Edge shows off the ability to disable Samsung's own apps, the pre-installed Microsoft suite of apps, and all of Google's apps. But if I perform the same action on my Galaxy Note 4, I am met with the same results (pictured below). The only apps you are not able to disable are system apps, such as Messages, Music, Camera, and other essential apps. While most users will be happy enough with the disabling of bloat, others wish Samsung allowed for the absolute removal of certain apps. Unfortunately, Samsung likely signs deals with other companies, such as Microsoft, which disables the ability to completely remove them from the device. If the complete removal of these services is necessary, rooting your phone is likely a solution. The moral of the story is, if you plan on picking up a Galaxy S6 and don't like bloatware, don't worry, you will be able to disable most of it.

Via: XDA

Google Adds "On-Body Detection" to Smart Lock in Android 5.1

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 09:00:59 +0000

Smart Lock is arguably the best new feature in Android "Lollipop." With a secure lock screen set, Google gives you a number of options in Smart Lock to keep your phone or tablet quickly unlockable when the device is near you, but can forcibly lock it when you step away from it or should you leave it behind. In the latest update to Android 5.1, Google added yet another option called On-body detection. What is On-body detection? It's sort of like the name suggests, actually. When your device is on you or in your hand, it stays unlocked and can skip a PIN or password, hence the "on-body" part. Should you set it down for a bit, the phone will then lock itself and require a PIN or password or whatever secure option you have set for your lock screen. While I have yet to give it a full test, I would imagine if it senses that you have set your phone down, that it will lock and remain locked until you enter a password again. Otherwise, how secure could it be if someone else picked it up, started walking around to trigger on-body again, and was then able to unlock it? If you have Android 5.1 on your phone, feel free to check it out. Head into Settings>Security>Smart Lock to find it.

Cheers Travis and Evan!

Free Icon Pack You Should Download: Ainokea

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 07:51:15 +0000

If you are into the icon world at all (we most definitely are), then you should know the name Alex Miller and his work as "arandompackage." Over the years, he has made some of the best icon packs of all time, a list that includes Influx, Jive, and Éternel. His latest, Ainokea, will probably be added to the conversation before all is said and done, thanks to its "relaxing" theme, softness to the icons, understated colors, and added bonuses, like custom-made Zooper Pro skins. Oh, it's also free. Yep, Alex made Ainokea free last week, so you may as well go download it and take it for a spin. The pack includes well over 800 icons, a dashboard app with request feature, icon searching, a bunch of custom-made wallpapers, compatibility with your favorite launchers, and those previously mentioned Zooper skins. Go get it and let us know what you think. Play Link

Motorola Adds "Chop Twice for Flashlight" Action in Android 5.1 on Moto X

Kellen — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 07:20:30 +0000

Hold on tight, Moto X (2nd gen) owners, you are about to chop your way into quick flashlight action with Android 5.1. Through the most recent Lollipop update that started rolling out to the "Pure Edition" at the end of last week, Motorola tossed in a new "chop twice for flashlight" option in Moto Actions. We a ctually thought this feature was being added to the Android 5.0 update for the Moto X that came out back in November - at least Verizon said it was included - but it is now official in the 5.1 update that is rolling out as of Friday. The action is pretty simple once enabled - you whack your phone twice in a chopping motion and the flashlight kicks on. To turn it back off, chop twice again. That's it! In order to access the feature, head into your Moto app, then choose "Actions," and you should see it listed. If you aren't running the new 5.1 build, you likely won't see this option. With that said, I wouldn't be surprised if Motorola pushes an update to the Moto app that adds it in on all of their phones from the last couple of years, like the original Moto X, Ultra, Maxx, Mini, and Turbo. Again, hold on tight.

Soak Test for Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition Now Taking Place, Contains Android 5.1

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:37:37 +0000

On this late Friday afternoon, it appears Motorola is seeding out a soak test to select Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition owners, updating them to Android 5.1. The Pure Edition is the carrier unlocked model, so as a message to all US carrier variant owners, don't go looking at your phones quite yet. From reviewing the changelog for Android 5.1 on Motorola's site, the list of fixes is massive. Motorola lists a ton of bug fixes, enhancements for the camera, improved notifications, new quick settings (standard in Android 5.1), and performance improvements as well. If you currently own a Moto X (2nd Gen) Pure Edition, and are signed up to receive soak tests via Motorola's Feedback Network, be on the lookout. That was quick, Moto.

Via: Motorola

Cheers K!

Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Pre-Order Suggested to Begin March 27

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:13:17 +0000

According to various users across the web, who seem to be grouping themselves together on reddit, Best Buy will begin pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge on March 27, with launch on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint set for April 10. In addition to pre-orders, a supposed Samsung employee in reddit states that if you pre-order the device from Best Buy, the company will also throw in a free wireless charging pad. March 27 is next Friday, and on top of the pre-order, it is stated that Best Buy should begin to have working display units in-store starting at this time. Of course, it is likely that only Best Buy locations with the Samsung Experience shops inside will feature working display units at that time. None of this information is official from Best Buy or Samsung, but hey, hypebeast. Will you be pre-ordering?

Via: reddit

Friday App Sales: Link Bubble Browser Pro, ShadowGun, Next Launcher 3D, and More

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:18:31 +0000

It's Friday, so we like to highlight a few current app and game sales taking place in Google Play, just to make sure you all have something to play with over the weekend. This week, Madfinger Games has a few of its titles up for grabs, including ShadownGun (plus the THD version), as well as Samurai II: Vengeance. In addition, star gazers can pick up Mobile Observatory for a lowered price, and multi-taskers can get Link Bubble Browser Pro at a discount. Check out the full list below. Friday App Sales

Link Bubble Browser Pro ($2.49)
ShadowGun ($1.99)
ShadowGun THD ($1.99)
Air Display ($4.99)
ReactionLab 2 ($1.79)
Samurai II: Vengeance ($1.99)
Samurai II: Vengeance THD ($1.99)
FireJumpers - Wildfire RTS ($0.99)
Mobile Observatory ($2.21)
The Banner Saga ($4.99)
GoneMAD Music Player Unlocker ($0.99)
NFC ReTag Pro ($2.49)
Next Launcher 3D Shell ($9.99)

Go support those devs, folks!

Grab a Free HD Movie Rental From Google if You Own a Chromecast

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 13:42:55 +0000

For current owners or potential buyers of a Chromecast, Google is providing a few offers for you through a dedicated Chromecast Offers site, but since we have covered most of them already in past posts, we want to quickly point out that you can grab a HD movie rental through Google Play, for absolutely free. If you plan on picking up a Chromecast between now and mid April (or already own a Chromecast), simply head on over to the Offers page, click "Claim" on the movie rental promotion, then choose whichever movie you would like to rent on Google Play. The rental credit is applied at checkout. It appears 2013's $35 dongle investment is still paying off to this day. Offers Link

Via: Engadget

This Icon Pack is Hot: Switch UI

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:58:30 +0000

With so much Madness going on in March, we felt now is an appropriate time to bring you a new hot icon pack. This time, we have Switch UI, courtesy of developer Chris Morales. Featuring a very heavy dose of Material Design and well-placed long shadows, Switch UI is one of our newest favorites in the growing list of icon packs we have applied on our phones. There are multiple versions of Google's apps, which allows users to choose a color scheme that goes well with their current theme. Not only do the 1300+ HD icons pop rather nicely, but the app features a ton (27 in total) of cloud-based wallpapers, all worthy of your attention. Usually, the app that contains the icons and wallpapers is nothing to get excited over, but with the developer's attention to detail in the design of the app, we are very impressed with this set of work. For all of this, you only need to pay $0.99 in Google Play. Check it out. Play Link ($0.99)

BBM Protected Support Comes to Android, Features Enterprise-Level Security

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:16:54 +0000

With security on the top of many minds, BlackBerry is introducing iOS and Android support for BBM Protected, its encrypted service for enterprise-level messaging. As explained by BlackBerry, "BBM Protected offers an enterprise-grade secure instant messaging service with all the features of a consumer IM app, the hardening of on-premise security together with the convenience of a cloud service. All messages are encrypted using keys generated by the communicating mobile devices themselves. While many small businesses may not need access to BBM Protected, if you feel your employer is important enough to follow stricter protocols for communication between employees, then check it out. To take advantage, you will need to download BBM from Google Play. Play Link

Via: BlackBerry

HTC Possibly Reconsidering Not Updating One M7 Carrier Variants to Android 5.1

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:47:27 +0000

After news broke earlier this week that HTC had no intentions to update carrier variants of the One M7, but did plan to update the Google Play Edition of the device, One M7 owners took to the Interwebz to show their disappointment in the news. Now, HTC may be rethinking its plan, with the company's product overlord Mo Versi stating on Twitter, "Many of the fixes are already in our current SW (software), but understand your concerns. Stay tuned." To us, "stay tuned" means HTC is looking into it, and if possible, they will attempt to bring Android 5.1 to all US carrier variants of the One M7. For owners, this is great news. However, it could be some time before anyone sees the update, if at all. As a consumer, I must commend HTC's continued transparency with regard to updating devices. You don't see this type of commitment to customers from other companies on social media, especially when it comes to Android updates.

Via: @moversi

Android 5.1 Factory Images Available for Nexus Devices (Updated: Nexus Player Added)

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:16:36 +0000

Updated March 12: Nexus 6 factory images added. Updated March 17: Google just added a new Android 5.1 factory image for the Nexus 6 as build LMY47E. Updated March 20: Google added the Android 5.1 (LMY47D) image for the Nexus Player.

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

OnePlus Continues to Tease "Game Changer," Announcement Set for April

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:51:41 +0000

According to posts from OnePlus, the company has a "Game Changer" on the way. And no, it's not a tablet, smartwatch, or its new flagship device. In typical OnePlus fashion, they want members of their community to guess what it is they are going to announce in April, so the company has posted a few teasers on its forum for interested parties to see. From what I see in the promo images, which we posted below for you to view, I am expecting a type of gaming device. Possibly Android TV related? Maybe a gaming-oriented handset? Whatever it is, I am confident there is a controller of some sort. With the repeating of the word "game," and the tag, "for the fun of it," I feel OnePlus' next product will be for the gamers among us. What are your guesses?

Via: OnePlus

HTC Appoints Cher Wang as New CEO, Reassigns Peter Chou to Product Innovation

Tim — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:16:02 +0000

HTC announced a big change this morning, as its Board of Directors has named Cher Wang, Chairman and co-founder of the company, as its new CEO, effective immediately. Cher was on stage during the One M9 unveiling, and she spoke briefly about the impact HTC is having on the wireless industry. She dreams big, and has been voted one of the most, if not the most powerful woman in wireless. As for long-time CEO Peter Chou, he is to head up the new HTC Future Development Lab, which will focus on product development. As stated in the press release, "In his new executive role as Head of HTC Future Development Lab, Mr. Chou will be instrumental in identifying future growth opportunities for the Company." Wang also gave a statement in the press release about focusing on recognizing the rapid changes in the wireless industry, the importance of connected technologies such as Vive (HTC's VR headset), and that she is excited about the opportunity. With this latest move, 2015 should be one interesting year for HTC. Do you think this was a good play? Let us know down below.

HTC APPOINTS CHER WANG AS CEO

Peter Chou to head up new HTC Future Development Lab
Taipei, March 20, 2015 – The Board of Directors of HTC Corporation (TWSE 2498) has named Cher Wang, Chairman and co-founder of HTC, as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Peter Chou will transition to a strategic new role leading future product innovation. “We are seeing rapid changes in the industry, with the smartphone as our personal hub connecting us to a growing world of smart devices. We pioneered the smartphone industry; now we are applying that thinking to realize the potential of a new generation of connected products and services. The overwhelming response that our virtual reality product, HTC Vive, received earlier this month underlines the importance of these new connected technologies for our future,” said Cher Wang, Chairman and CEO, HTC. “As an entrepreneur at heart, I am excited to see so many new opportunities, and I am honoured to accept this opportunity to help shape the next stage of HTC’s development.” Over the last two years, Ms. Wang had been increasingly involved in the running of various aspects of the business, to allow Mr. Chou to focus on product development, a role in which he has demonstrated world-class design and cutting-edge technology expertise. The Board of Directors and executive team agreed that it was now appropriate to formalize that progression and make the organizational changes necessary to enable HTC to proceed to the next stage of its development. In his time as CEO, Peter Chou oversaw the successful transition of HTC from a handheld device ODM to a global branded company. In his new executive role as Head of HTC Future Development Lab, Mr. Chou will be instrumental in identifying future growth opportunities for the Company. About Cher Wang, Chairman and CEO Cher Wang has an enviable track record in the electronics industry. Her strategic insight into technology trends and entrepreneurship has enabled her to establish a number of highly successful IT-related businesses. In 1997, Ms. Wang co-founded HTC Corp. to make the convergence of mobile computing and communications a reality through the development of innovative smartphones. This vision has translated into a multi-billion dollar global company that has consistently been first to market with new technologies, including new wireless generations and the touch interface, and devices for Microsoft® Windows Mobile and Android operating systems. Last year, Ms. Wang was named of the 25 people CNBC judged to have had the most profound impact on business and finance since 1989. In 2011, Ms. Wang was named ‘the most powerful woman in wireless’ by Forbes and one of the most influential women by Fast Company, and she has been ranked on Fortune’s annual ‘most powerful women’ list continuously since 2012. She was also awarded ‘Person of the Year’ by CCTV in China. Ms. Wang graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and is married with two children.

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Deal: HTC RE Camera Slashed to $99 at Best Buy ($100 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 07:48:03 +0000

HTC's RE camera, a GoPro-like action cam that is the first of many of HTC's new product lines, is on-sale at Best Buy in a daily deal for just $99. The RE normally carries a $199 price, so we are talking about a 50% discount for today only. As a recap, the RE is HTC's action camera that shoots 1080p video, uses a 146-degree wide-angle lens, 16MP Sony sensor for stills with digital image stabilization, and is waterproof. It might be shaped like a periscope, but the design allows you to hold it comfortably while snapping photos at will. It doesn't have many buttons or a viewfinder, so you have to use an Android companion app to see the photos and videos you are capturing. That's OK, though, because it allows for quick sharing. I don't think anyone would consider the RE to be an award-winning product, but I can tell you that in my time with it, it has become a great party, child-chasing, and travel camera for all of those spur of the moment shots. It's probably worth about $100. The deal includes white, blue, and orange models. Best Buy Link

Cheers Heath!

Want to Help Test Huawei's New Phone Before Anyone Else? Enter to Win a Chance at Droid Life

Kellen — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 07:24:38 +0000

Thanks to the crew over at Huawei, we have a pretty unique opportunity for a handful of Droid Life readers. Through their Friendly User Testing (FUT) program, five of you will have the chance to test an unannounced smartphone from Huawei before it ever goes public. This program is typically reserved for company representatives and partners, so think of this as a VIP-like opportunity, where you could not only get early access to an unreleased phone, but you will also be able to check out new software features from Huawei. Keep in mind that this is the company who is rumored (along with LG) to be making the next Nexus phone. It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with them now. Sounds fun, right?

To enter, all you need to do is follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below. We will choose our five (5) winners on March 30. EDIT: Forgot to mention this initially, but this giveaway is for US customers only. a Rafflecopter giveaway Also, to earn a 2nd opportunity to win an invite, be sure to cruise over to new Huawei Community and sign-up.

Amazon's Prime Now Service Expands to Miami and Baltimore

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:05:26 +0000

Prime Now, Amazon's ultra-speedy delivery service for residents in select New York City zip codes, is now being expanded to select Miami and Baltimore zip codes. With Prime Now, mobile shoppers on iOS and Android can choose to have select items rushed to their house with 1-hour and 2-hour delivery options. For the 2-hour option, the service is free, but for the 1-hour ultra rushed delivery, users must pay $7.99 extra. According to Amazon, more cities will receive Prime Now in 2015, so cross your fingers if you hope to see this arrive in your town soon. If you live in Miami or Baltimore, check out the newly supported zip codes below.

Miami - 33131, 33186, 33172, 33182, 33184, 33174, 33122, 33144, 33126, 33125, 33155, 33134, 33135, 33136, 33142, 33145, 33128, 33133, 33127, 33130, 33129, 33137, 33132 Baltimore - 21202, 21218, 21224, 21231, 21205, 21222, 21213, 21233, 21230, 21206, 21203, 21214, 21211, 21251, 21201, 21223, 21225, 21226, 21217, 21219, 21237, 21229, 21227, 21216, 21236

Via: Amazon

Reminder: The Choose Your Own Next-Gen Android Giveaway Ends in One Day

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 15:21:29 +0000

Ending tomorrow night, you still have time to enter the next-gen smartphone giveaway taking place in the DL Deals shop. If you win, you get to choose your ultimate prize, which includes options between the Galaxy S6, One M9, and G Flex 2. The giveaway is incredibly simple to enter into. All you need to do is jump through to the link below, quickly sign-up for an account in the Deals shop if you haven’t already, then press “Enter to Win.” You can stop there or attempt to increase your chances by completing additional social media-related tasks. The giveaway ends at 11:59pm (PST) on 3/20/15. Giveaway Link

Report: Google Engineers Visit LG, Could be Chosen to Produce Next Nexus Phone

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:34:10 +0000

According to the latest from Korean press, Google engineers have been visiting LG and LG affiliates (LG Display and LG Innotek), which could lead to a possible collaboration for this year's Nexus smartphone. While the Googlers enjoy themselves touring LG's facilities, it is believed that talks will focus primarily on the next Nexus, with LG having a couple under their belt already. LG manufactured the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, and would be the first OEM to create a third smartphone, if in fact LG is selected by Google to help showcase the next version of Android. As it stands right now, nothing else besides this visit points to a Google and LG partnership, but with it being March, this is about the time Google and an OEM would need to start getting down to business for making a new phone. As a note, the last time we asked our readers which OEM they wanted to make this year's Nexus, LG was ranked at 5th with 11% of the vote. If LG does make the next Nexus, whatever the name may be, what will be your reaction?

Via: G for Games | E Today

T-Mobile Nexus 6 Receiving OTA Update to Android 5.1, Build LMY47M

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:26:40 +0000

An OTA update is rolling out to Nexus 6 owners on T-Mobile, labeled as build LMY47M, being Android 5.1. According to T-Mobile's update facts, the update includes "Device Anti-Theft," software stability fixes, and various bug fixes. Of course, you can see everything Android 5.1 offers right here in our writeup. As reported by a couple users who already received the update, it appears owners might also be able to connect to T-Mobile's 700 MHz spectrum after the update. Nexus 6 owners on T-Mo, be on the look out for the OTA.

Via: T-Mobile

Samsung Posts Gallery of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Accessories

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:27:37 +0000

For anyone picking up a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung posted up a gallery of its upcoming accessory lineup for the two devices. Included are a few cases made in collaboration with brands such as Burton and Swarovski, plus a little fashion-friendly purse. In addition, other accessories will be introduced, with the company stating, "This range of functional and stylish accessories will also feature an array of additional products that will complement the sleek, fashion forward and purposeful design of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. The extended collection will include a clear view cover, clear cover, S view cover, flip wallet, protective cover, wireless charger and external battery pack." We are sure you will all be picking up the Swarovski cover and purse on day one, right?

Via: Samsung

Google Pushes Official Android Auto App to Google Play

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:53:22 +0000

The official Android Auto app from Google is now on Google Play, ready for download by anyone who might be picking up a head unit from Pioneer or has a unit built into a brand new car. The app is what allows Android smartphones to link up to Android Auto units, bringing all of your music, maps, and hands-free controls to your vehicle. If you are big into adopting Android Auto, go grab the app. If you want to see a list of carmakers who support Android Auto with built-in units, check the list here. Features

Navigation with Google Maps - Free turn-by-turn navigation with lane guidance, live traffic conditions, points of interest, and more
Hands-free phone and messaging - Make calls and send messages without taking your hands off the wheel
Info and assistance - Get weather, traffic, commute information and more organized into simple cards
Bring your music - Listen to your music and playlists in the car with your built-in stereo system

Play Link

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Slickwraps Hosting Moving Sale, Save up to 70% on Select Device Skins

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:07:17 +0000

Slickwraps, the makers of custom textured skins for Android devices, is hosting a massive moving sale which can save you up to 70% on select products. As for which devices they make skins for, you can pretty much rest assured that they support your device. We see skins on sale for the Moto X, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5, LG G2, LG G3, Nexus 6, Moto G, One M8 and M7, Nexus 5, and a whole lot more. Each device has its own set of sub skins, including leather, wood, carbon, a few glitter skins, and even glow skins for the raves you attend every Saturday night. Coupled with money off, if you purchase $100 worth of skins, you will automatically receive an additional $20 off. As a note, you do not need a coupon to save. To check out a few skins, follow the link below. Slickwraps Link

Cheers Edward!

Robert Downey Jr. Stars in Series of Color-Themed Shorts to Somehow Promote the HTC One M9

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:31:04 +0000

Robert Downey Jr. is back, this time to help promote the upcoming One M9 from HTC. In a series of color-themed shorts, RDJ and Brian Schaeffer navigate through various genres of film, all somehow relating to HTC's latest flagship smartphone. According to HTC's website dedicated to the project, "The M9 Project is a series of shorts representing the creative collaboration between Robert Downey Jr., Russell Scott of Jetset Studios, and HTC. Using color as a unifying metaphor, the shorts channel many artistic influences into a narrative that finds Downey and his scene--‐partner, Brian Schaeffer navigating a genre--‐bending series of adventures." Below, we placed a few of the 10 shorts produced. Let us know what you think. To view all of the shorts, click here. Orange

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Red

[responsive_vid vid_url="stv5Tvsq2Ig"]

Green

[responsive_vid vid_url="y7t_5_DVjcQ"]

Blue

[responsive_vid vid_url="MLHWQ0CGaBw"]

Via: HTC

Google Brings Android Device Manager Support to Android Wear

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:53:49 +0000

This morning, the Android team announced support for Android Device Manager from Android Wear devices, making the frustration of misplacing your phone a tiny bit less of an issue. To use it, all you will need is your Android Wear smartwatch, which will help you locate your missing smartphone. Our guess is that you might need to be synced to your device, but if WiFi support does come in the next Android Wear update, then maybe you won't need to be linked up. As stated in the blog post from the Android team, "To use this new feature, just say ‘Ok, Google. Start. Find my phone,’ or select the ‘Find my phone’ option in the Start menu. Your phone will ring at full volume, and you’ll be that much closer to, well, finding your phone." Additionally, it is automatically rolling out all Android Wear users, meaning you don't need to do anything to enable it. Sweet.

Via: Android Blog

HTC One M7 Will Not Receive Update to Android 5.1, but the GPE Will

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 09:33:50 +0000

According to HTC's Mo Versi, the company will not be updating the regular One M7 to Android 5.1, but the Google Play Edition will see the update. While that may be a bit of a bummer to owners of the One M7, HTC likely does not want to spend many resources updating the device that features a full run of Sense software, and will instead opt to keep the variant running stock Android up to date. However, this is likely the last update the One M7 GPE will see. HTC's current target to get the update out is early April, which is not too far away. The One M7 was announced in February of 2013, so technically, the two year period which OEMs talk about for updating devices has passed, so this really should not come as a total shocker. If you own a One M7 still, it may be time to upgrade.

Via: @moversi

Deal: Best Buy has Verizon's Nexus 6 for $99.99

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:20:50 +0000

The Nexus 6 is officially available in Verizon stores as of this morning. If you were interested in picking up Google's new Nexus through Big Red, but were waiting to be able to get one in hands, now is the time. Once you do that at a Verizon store, you may want to walk back out and across the street to Best Buy to actually purchase one, though. Best Buy is currently selling the Verizon variant of the Nexus 6 for just $99 with a 2-year contract. Verizon, on the other hand, wants $250 for it. While we aren't the biggest fans of contracts, that is a pretty good price for the whale. You should read our Nexus 6 review if you haven't yet. Best Buy Link

Cheers Rocky!

Amazon One-Ups Google, Posts $105 Worth of Free Apps to Celebrate Appstore Birthday

Tim — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 08:00:03 +0000

As we all found out, Google's latest Play Store birthday celebration was not as extravagant as we know the company is capable of. In the past, they have given away a ton of free apps, 10¢ apps, and other goodies to get people excited. This year, we got a free copy of Transformers. Boo. On the other hand, Amazon is celebrating the Appstore's birthday, and is taking this opportunity to completely one-up Google. Included in Amazon's birthday promotion, $105 worth of apps and games are available, all for free. A few of the games include Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Unpossible, Deep Under the Sky, World of Good, Cut the Rope, and many more. Of course, to take advantage of the free goods, you will need to install the Amazon Appstore on your smartphone. And I should note, the app is much better than previous iterations, as this one does not completely drain your battery in the background. As my cartoon pal Clarence would say, "It's worth it." Hit the link below, then download to your heart's content. Amazon Link

FINAL REMINDER: Join the 2015 DL Bracket Challenge and Win a Nexus 9 and More!

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:54:39 +0000

This is your final, last minute reminder to join the 2015 DL Bracket Challenge. You have about an hour left. That's it. The first NCAA tournament games begin at 9:15AM Pacific (12:15PM Eastern). Once that happens, you are locked out. So get in now and win yourself a Nexus 9 plus $100 in Google Play gift cards. All of the details about how to enter can be found here. Or you could just go directly to the group page on ESPN, type in password "droidlife" to join, and then submit your bracket. Do it now.

Google, TAG Heuer and Intel Really are Getting Together to Make a Smartwatch

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:43:23 +0000

In an interview yesterday that was published through Bloomberg, Jean-Claude Biver, the CEO of luxury smartwatch maker TAG Heuer, said that his company was getting ready to make a smartwatch by partnering with folks in Silicon Valley. This morning, those folks in Silicon Valley have been confirmed as Google and Intel. TAG Heuer, in partnership with Google and Intel, will make a Swiss smartwatch in 2015 that will be distributed worldwide. During a quick press event at the TAG Heuer booth at Baselworld, Biver was joined by David Singleton, director of engineering for Android Wear, and Michael Bell, corporate VP and GM of Intel's new devices group, to talk about their plans. The goal, generally speaking, is to create a product that is "both luxurious and seamlessly connected to its wearer's daily life." TAG Heuer will design and manufacture the watch, which will "reflect the TAG Heuer heritage of Swiss design and quality," while Intel will provide the SoC and Google will outfit it with Android Wear. In other words, you are getting a Swiss-made TAG watch, but it will have Android Wear baked in...somehow. No price was mentioned, obviously, but TAG Heuer watches start at around $1,000 and go up to the multi-thousands of dollars. We laughed at Apple's pricing of the Apple Watch, but would you spend thousands on a watch that is actually Swiss-made, yet runs Android Wear? Press Release

TAG Heuer, Google and Intel Announce Swiss Smartwatch Collaboration March 19, 2015 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time BASEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TAG Heuer, Google and Intel have announced a partnership to launch a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Android Wear. The effort signifies a new era of collaboration between Swiss watchmakers and Silicon Valley, bringing together each company’s respective expertise in luxury watchmaking, software and hardware. The collaboration was made official at Baselworld, during a press conference held on Thursday 19th March at the TAG Heuer booth. Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watch Division LVMH Group and CEO of TAG Heuer, David Singleton, Director of Engineering for Android Wear, and Michael Bell, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s New Devices Group, joined each other on stage. Together, these companies will create a product that is both luxurious and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life—a culmination of innovation, creativity and design from Silicon Valley in California and the Watch Valley in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. "Swiss watchmaking and Silicon Valley is a marriage of technological innovation with watchmaking credibility. Our collaboration provides a rich host of synergies, forming a win-win partnership, and the potential for our three companies is enormous," said Jean-Claude Biver. Guy Sémon, General Manager of TAG Heuer added: "The quality of Swiss watches is renowned worldwide. When this is allied with the creative technology and global power of two companies like Intel and Google, using the Android Wear platform and based on Intel technology, we can see the launch of a technological revolution in our industry, of which I am proud to be a pioneer today with TAG Heuer." David Singleton noted, “By fusing beauty with technology, the Swiss watch has inspired generations of artists and engineers alike—including us at Google. So we’re thrilled to be working with TAG Heuer and Intel to bring a unique blend of emotion and innovation to the luxury market. Together, and using the Android Wear platform, we can imagine a better, beautiful, smarter watch.” “As we work to enable technology experiences that provide greater utility and value to people, Intel is confident that a collective approach will inspire new innovation in wearable technology. The collaboration with TAG Heuer and Google brings us closer to realizing the vision of wearable technology with a distinctive smartwatch that elevates the category,” remarked Michael Bell.
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Lenovo's CEO May Have Just Outed the New Moto 360

Kellen — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:24:10 +0000

Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing may have just outed the brand new Moto 360. It's tough to tell if he did so on accident or if he was trying to show the smartwatch world what he thinks a real smartwatch should look like. Either way, in a post to his Weibo account that was quickly deleted, Yuanqing gave us an image of a smartwatch in a variety of sizes and colors - a watch he specifically referred to as the "Moto 360" - along with a bunch of different watch bands. The quote from the post, captured by MyDrivers, translates roughly to, "Moto 360, matching the arrival of the era of freedom, our store in the future to increase the function of the watch shop." That doesn't tell me much personally, but the image itself does. In the image above, you can see a watch that looks similar to the original Moto 360 except it now has lugs attached to its round body that hold watch bands. The original Moto 360 has no lugs and instead hosts watch band attachments underneath the body of the watch. Adding lugs does help the watch look much more like a classic timepiece, which is what Motorola claims they were going for with in the original. The original Moto 360 may have the round body of a classic watch, but the hidden watch band attachments give it a much more modern feel. This on the other hand, does indeed look like a refined timepiece. We are seeing new classic gold and dark grey colors alongside the current colors of silver, black, and champagne gold. It seems that Motorola may also be making making each in varying sizes. As you know, the current Moto 360 only comes in one body size, but has optional thinner bands. With the Moto 360 (2nd gen), it seems we are getting both big and small watch bodies. Is that the dreaded Moto 360 black bar I see? The flat tire? Did Motorola really bring that back? Each watch seems to be featuring components towards their bottom chins that would lead me to believe that the flat tire is there once again. Now, we know Motorola does this to control screen brightness automatically, but you and I know the mixed reaction given to the area on the original. Finally, it looks like we may get a traditional gold watch band to go with the new gold color as well. Thoughts?

And here is the original image that Yuanqing posted.

Via: HelloMotoHK | MyDrivers

Cheers Erick and Antony!

Google Docs Receives Update, Focuses on Reviewing Documents Before Editing Them

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:08:14 +0000

An update for Google Docs is currently rolling out through Google Play, enabling users to focus more on reviewing documents before jumping in and editing them. To be more clear, as you scroll through an opened document, editing icons will vanish to the top, allowing you to focus more on what is in front of you. If you need to edit something, simply double tap the screen, or press the blue pencil action button. The update just hit my device, so you can sleep well tonight knowing it should hit your device soon if it has not already. Go grab it. Play Link

Via: +Google Docs

Deal: ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20000mAh Battery for $49

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:55:52 +0000

For the next six days through the DL Deals Store, you can pick up a massive 20,000mAh ZeroLemon SolarJuice battery pack for $50, perfect for charging all of your smartphones while you hang out on the beach, or in the backyard while getting down on some BBQ. Not only can this monster charge your devices, but it integrates a solar panel which allows it to be recharged by any lighting condition. The battery is capable of 1000+ recharge cycles over the course of its life, and features 4 LED indicator lights for displaying charging and discharging processes. If this portable powerhouse interests you, be sure to check it out by following the link below. Features

Top Grade A cell, built-in 20000mAh Lithium Polymer battery charges via a powerful 1.2W monocrystalline solar panel
Dual output allows for simultaneous charging of multiple devices at high speeds
Anti-explosion, lightweight, compact, and reliable
1000+ recharge cycles over the life of the battery
Solar charging capabilities with any light condition
4 LED indicators reflecting charging & discharging process
Fast charging 2.1 & 1A power output for maximum iOS & Android charge rates (more than 7x charge for iPhone 6)
Ultrabright LED flashlight

Deal Link

Motion Tennis Cast Lets You Play Tennis in the House Thanks to Chromecast

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:33:46 +0000

If you own a Chromecast, or any Cast supporting device, while also happen to enjoy a bit of tennis, you should check out Motion Tennis Cast on Google Play. Using your phone like a Wii Remote, your tennis swing motions are sent through the phone, putting you in matches against bots and time attack trials. Thinking back to the days of Nintendo's Wii, Motion Tennis can have you running around the living room, getting a nice little workout in while you do it. In fact, the game is powered by Edison Award winning Rolomotion technology that "converts raw data from a smartphone's multiple built-in sensors into precise natural gestures." This technology also helps calculate the number of calories burnt while playing the game, which helps you keep fitness on your mind. As stated in the video, support for Android Wear devices is currently in the works, which could make for very realistic tennis motions being made in your house soon. Could be fun, right? Check it out on Google Play. Play Link

TAG Heuer to Launch Smartwatch, Reported to Partner With Google and Intel

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:14:57 +0000

With all of the major smartphone OEMs deepening themselves into the smartwatch market, it was only a matter of time until the high-end, established watchmakers would want into the growing game. In an interview with Bloomberg, TAG Heuer's Chief Executive Jean-Claude Biver stated it will look to partner with Silicon Valley to produce the technology side of its soon-to-be-announced smartwatch, but will keep the watch's quality and design aspects purely Swiss. "We’re not in the communications industry, Switzerland is not, we don’t have the technology,” Biver said in the interview. "If you don’t have it, you can’t innovate." However, what Swiss watchmakers do have is a rich history of premium timepieces, positioning them to be a true competitor right out of the gate if the product is priced somewhat affordably. It is reported that TAG's upcoming smartwatch, said to be unveiled this week, will be made in partnership with Google (Android Wear) and Intel (mobile processors). When speaking to Reuters, Biver spoke of the upcoming Apple Watch, stating, "Apple will get young people used to wearing a watch and later maybe they will want to buy themselves a real watch." While that may seem like a jab, Biver himself does plan on wearing one. "It’s a fantastic product, an incredible achievement,” he said. “I’m not just living in the tradition and culture and the past, I also want to be connected to the future. The Apple Watch connects me to the future. My watch connects me to history, to eternity." To break down the watch, Biver states, "The hardware and the software will come from Silicon Valley. But the watch case, the dial, the design, the idea, the crown, that part of the watch will, of course, be Swiss." Hypothetically, if TAG was to produce a luxury smartwatch running Android Wear, then priced it at $1000 to $2000, would you even be remotely interested? Keep in mind, TAG is a luxury brand, so expecting them to release a $300 piece of technology seems like an unlikely route. Thoughts?

Via: Bloomberg | Reuters

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HTC Updates Dot View Case App, Intros Live Themes and Games

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:53:09 +0000

An update is available for users of the Dot View case from HTC. Made specifically for the One M8 and One M9, this case displays dots as a screensaver of sorts, which is also customizable by the user. However, in an update pushed out this week, live themes have been added to choose from, as well as a playable Dot Breaker game. For live themes, bright colors can now streak across your display, giving off cool vibes and even rocket ship takeoffs. As for gaming, the Dot Breaker game is not all that bad. I tried it out for 10 minutes, but hoped the controls would not be so stiff. Regardless, if you want some extra fun out of your Dot View case, it's a neat trick. If you own a One M8 and Dot View case, go grab the update in Google Play right now. What's New

Play games on Dot View
Display a scrolling message on Dot View
Try the new animated themes
Receive a special surprise from Dot View on your birthday
Turn on your speaker during a phone call
Control the flashlight and voice recorder
Snooze alarms
Enjoy more notification icons

Play Link

Microsoft Pushes Update to Outlook, Improves People and Calendar Features

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:05:43 +0000

Microsoft is shipping out an update to Outlook this morning, its service which handles email, calendar events, and contacts. In the update, the People feature has been given improvements, including a sync feature for address books located on your smartphone. On top of that, details have been improved for contacts, allowing for more info to be displayed. In addition, improvements are also present for the Calendar feature, with a new 3-day view available for when you flip your phone into landscape mode. Also included is improved performance. To get the update, head on over to Google Play.

What's New

Major improvements to the "People" feature!

We now sync your address books, as well as show the contacts that are on your phone.
View improved details for your contacts.
Call or email your contacts with a single tap.

Major improvements to the Calendar!

You can now view a 3-day view by turning your phone to landscape.
Improved performance.

Performance and stability improvements. Play Link

T-Mobile Announces Un-carrier Plan for Businesses, Also Unveils the Un-Contract for Customers

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:24:22 +0000

T-Mobile announced 3 major moves for the wireless industry this morning at its Un-carrier 9 event - Un-carrier for businesses, the Un-Contract, and Carrier Freedom. For businesses, T-Mobile is offering lower rates for business users, increased pricing transparency, and a "our best price is our only price" motto. To start, businesses will pay $15 per line. For businesses that need more than 1,000 lines, the price is lowered to $10 a month. Each line comes with unlimited talk, text, and up to 1GB of LTE data. And no access fees. But what if you need more data for your business? T-Mobile states in the press release that, "For phones, add another 2GB of 4G LTE high-speed data for $10 a line or go with unlimited 4G LTE data for $30 a line. Or go with a pooled data option that’s nothing like the other guys’ shared data schemes − where you’re punished with outrageous overage penalties when you need more data. At T-Mobile, you always get the same low rate whenever you need more. In addition to great pricing, T-Mobile is also offering businesses a free domain through Go Daddy, which allows them to optimize their customers' experience on the desktop and mobile web. For regular customers, T-Mobile introduced the Un-Contract and Carrier Freedom. To start, T-Mobile will now lock the amount of data you receive and the price you pay, meaning your rates will never be upped while you are a customer. However, the price may go down, which is an added bonus. For folks who became customers during a promotional period, your exact rates and plans will not change, which is part of T-Mobile's new Un-Contract initiative. As for Carrier Freedom, T-Mobile is working to "free" the 29 million people currently locked in to a device payment plan or lease through other US carriers. As John Legere states in T-Mobile's announcement, "The carriers will do everything they possibly can to lure you in − then screw you out of every possible penny while you’re locked in. Now, the millions who feel stuck with AT&T Next and Verizon Edge can jump to T-Mobile at no risk. Carrier Freedom is the next phase in bringing more choice and flexibility to this broken industry." To take advantage of Carrier Freedom, customers will need to port their current number to T-Mobile's Simple Choice plan, trade in their smartphone, buy a T-Mobile phone, then get their trade-in value right away. Also, a prepaid card with the balance of additional outstanding phone payments after the trade-in value will be distributed when customers submit their carrier’s bill to T-Mobile - up to $650 total per line on up to 10 total lines. To get more info on all of the announcements, check out T-Mobile's site below.

Via: T-Mobile [2]

T-Mobile's Un-Carrier 9 Announcement is Being Streamed

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 09:51:28 +0000

This morning, the press events keep on coming. Now, T-Mobile is about to kick off its Un-carrier 9 event in NYC, detailing how the company is "rewriting the rules of wireless." We don't quite know what they plan on announcing, but as long as John Legere will be there to speak, it should be a good time. To watch, simply follow the link below, as T-Mobile has yet to provide an embeddable player for the livestream. The event kicks off at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern.

HTC One M9 US Availability Begins April 10

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 09:21:09 +0000

During this morning's "Uh-Oh" event from HTC, availability for the One M9 was somewhat disclosed for US customers. According to HTC's Jason Mackenzie, the device will start becoming available on April 10, but specific carrier release dates are still unknown. Mackenzie states that HTC will partner with US carriers and retailers to determine exact dates based on pricing and availability. Globally, the Galaxy S6 also launches on April 10, so HTC does seem to want to compete directly with Samsung's latest flagship. Ready to pick one up?

DROID Turbo to be Updated Straight to Android 5.1

Tim — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 08:17:01 +0000

According to Luciano Carvalho, an engineer at Motorola, the DROID Turbo on Verizon is to receive an update straight to Android 5.1, bypassing all versions of Lollipop before it. Not to waste resources, the reasoning to skip other builds is stated to be Verizon's urge for the device's software to highlight VoLTE (HD Voice), which is native to Android 5.1. Beyond that, no other reason is listed. As Turbo owners should already know, the device received an update last year which brought Advanced Calling 1.0, which is VoLTE. However, with native support built into Android 5.1, bugs pertaining to the service could be limited, meaning less resources spent by Verizon and Motorola to fix anything that might arise. Even with this apparent good news, no timeframe has been given by Motorola or Verizon as to when Turbo owners can expect this update. For now, I would not hold my breath for too long, but at least rest assured that something is in the works and will come eventually. Ready for 5.1, Turbo owners?

Via: +Robert Alexander

Awesome Deal: Verizon Moto X (2nd Gen) in Bamboo for Just $259

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 07:30:15 +0000

Whoa, talk about a semi-insane steal. An ebay daily deal just popped up for the Verizon Moto X (2nd gen) 16GB in bamboo at just $259. That would be the without-a-contract price. Oh, it ships for free too. The device is "manufacturer refurbished," so it's not brand new. However, many would argue that when you give a manufacturer a chance to refurbish their own product, that they often times then have a chance to work out any kinks that you may find in a brand new one. Either way, $259 for the phone that took the crown for 2014 Android phone of the year? That's almost impulse buy territory, right there. You should read our Moto X (2nd gen) review if you haven't already. ebay Link

Cheers Cory!

HTC Announces "Uh Oh" Protection for the One M9, One-Time Phone Replacement for Cracks, Water Damage, or Carrier Switching

Kellen — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 05:54:45 +0000

Unfortunately, HTC didn't announce US availability of the their new flagship One M9, this morning, like we were hoping. But, they did announce a new protection plan that comes with the device for free and will likely come in handy during your time of ownership. It's call HTC Uh Oh Protection. What is HTC Uh Oh Protection? It's similar to the cracked screen deal from HTC Advantage that came with the One M8, except along with the one-time screen replacement that Advantage offers, Uh Oh Protection also protects against water damage or if you decide to switch carriers. Plus, if you don't need use the Protection within the first 12 months of ownership, HTC will give you $100 to spend towards a future HTC One. In other words, if you drop your phone and crack the display or it ends up in a bucket of water and no longer works, HTC will replace it for free within the first 12 months of ownership. The kicker here is if you switch carriers. While HTC hasn't provided any details yet, it sounds like if you were to switch from Verizon to AT&T, that HTC will swap out your Verizon One M9 for the AT&T variant. That's pretty cool. According to HTC, in order to initiate an Uh Oh Protection swap, all you need to do is call 1-(866) 449-8358, provide some info about your phone, and allow a $299 hold to placed on a credit card until HTC receives the damaged phone (or send your damaged phone back first). HTC will then overnight you a replacement phone. To learn more about HTC Uh Oh Protection, HTC will be holding a Q&A session at 9AM Pacific (12PM Eastern) that can be seen here. You can visit the Uh Oh Protection site here.

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HTC LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-LEADING UH OH PROTECTION WITH THE ALL NEW HTC ONE M9 TO ENSURE THE WORLD’S BEST LOOKING SMARTPHONE STAYS THAT WAY

Innovative program covers cracked screen or water damage for 12 months, or provides $100 off the next HTC One.
Bellevue, WA —March 18, 2015 — Because bad things happen to good smartphones, HTC America Inc. unveils UH OH Protection, a new industry-leading initiative that protects U.S. customers who purchase the new HTC One M9 against life’s uh-oh moments. UH OH Protection includes one free replacement within the first 12 months for a cracked screen, water damage or if you decide to switch carriers. HTC UH OH Protection provides consumers who damage their new HTC One M9 with an untimely fall onto the pavement or into a toilet with a free phone replacement within 12 months of purchase. Consumers who don’t take advantage of UH OH Protection within the first 12 months will receive $100 towards the purchase of a future HTC One. “With the HTC One M9, we didn’t stop with creating an award-winning smartphone and amazing user experiences. We created an innovative new program that ensures the best phone on the market stays that way,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas. “We want our customers to have the confidence to use their new HTC One and the peace of mind that HTC has your back if something unfortunate happens to it.” Based on a Google Insights Survey conducted in March 2015 with individuals that had damaged their smartphone:

69% of respondents said they have damaged their phone in the past 12 months, and

47% of those that have repaired their phone spent $100 or more, while

25% are currently using a damaged phone

“While other smartphone companies look at uh-oh moments as a way to profit off of you, we are focused on adding value to owning an HTC One. If you don’t need UH OH Protection, we are going to give you $100 off your next HTC One,” said Mackenzie. “If something does happen, we’re going to take care of you – quickly.” How UH OH Protection Works UH OH Protection is automatically provided with HTC One M9, which will be going on sale soon. With a call to HTC Care at 1 (866) 449-8358, an HTC Care team member will arrange to overnight a replacement phone. It is a simple and hassle-free process. For more information, visit www.htc.com/us/uh-oh-protection.
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Question of the Day: Why Aren't You Buying the HTC One M9? Why are You?

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:05:30 +0000

The day after HTC and Samsung each took the stage at MWC to announce their new phones, we asked which of them you would most likely buy. The poll could not have been clearer - only a quarter of you are at all interested in picking up the HTC One M9. Today's question of the day wants to know why that is. Why aren't you buying the HTC One M9? And if you were one of the 25% who is planning to, what are you seeing in the M9 that convinced you that it should be in your pocket? Is it the safe play with the phone's design? Did HTC fail to address your concerns from the One M8? Are you worried about the Snapdragon 810? Maybe HTC didn't need to change anything from last year's phone? Maybe, just maybe, HTC improved enough on the M8, a phone that you already thought was the best phone ever made? Or perhaps it all has to do with Samsung blowing your mind with the S6 and S6 Edge? You could also just really love your current phone and don't need to upgrade. You tell us.

Deal: VOXOA HD Wireless Stereo Headphones for $70

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:31:59 +0000

Over the on the DL Deal Store, you can grab a pair of VOXOA HD wireless stereo headphones for $70, down from their usual price of $150. Over on Amazon, they are rated a solid 4 stars, priced at $87, so you can at least rest assured these are a quality product. And no, they are not a $200+ Audio-Technica product, so audiophiles probably won't need to pick these up. As for features, the headphones have Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, embedded NFC for pairing, HD Voice, echo cancellation, and microphone for making calls. According to the listing, the VOXOA HD features a long-lasting rechargeable battery, as well as a ultra-comfortable design. If this headset interests you, be sure to follow the link below. Features

State-of-the-art speakers for airy highs, smooth midranges & full-bodied bass
Wireless streaming with Bluetooth 4.0
Embedded NFC for effortless pairing/connection
AAC decoder to play from iPhone, iPad, YouTube & more
AptX codecs for real-time, CD-quality streaming
HD voice, echo cancellation & microphone for hands-free calls
Long-lasting rechargeable battery
Ultra-comfortable design

Deal Link

Newest Humble PC and Android Bundle Contains $100+ Worth of Titles

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 14:38:57 +0000

Available through the newest Humble Bundle, PC and Android gamers can grab $100+ worth of titles for whatever price they want, with extra goodies added in for paying a minimum of just $4.30. Included in this bundle are the titles Tetrobot and Co, Titan Attacks!, Inner World, VVVVVV. Buyers can pay whatever they want for these first four titles, gaining access to PC downloads, as well as Android apps. Additionally, if you pay a minimum of $4.30, you also get Costume Quest and Ironclad Tactics. For those who pay $10 or more, you get Shadowrun Returns in addition to everything else. As always, more games will be added soon, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for new titles if you decide to pay over the minimum. Go check it out. Humble Bundle Link

LG G Flex 2 Review

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:45:41 +0000

This isn't normally the way I like to approach a review. (Was that an "Uh oh" I just heard?) I say that because this review of the LG G Flex 2 is going to be short and sweet and we're just going to get it out of the way, so that we can move onto the HTC One M9 and the Galaxy S6. This phone, in my week or so with it, hasn't done anything to get me excited and it certainly hasn't pushed me anywhere close to recommending that anyone go out and buy it. That sounds harsh, but that's the reality I am dealing with here. The G Flex 2 was supposed to be...shit, I don't even know what it is or was supposed to be. Was it supposed to distract us from the M9 and Galaxy S6 until LG could get the G4 ready? Was it another chance to introduce us to curved displays, so that the G4 or some other ultra-premium LG device could curve all the things without confusing us? I don't know. What I do know is that this phone hasn't told me why I need a curved phone, its performance is the worst I have seen on an Android phone in three or four years, and it's not premium enough to even be considered with what we know is on the horizon from Samsung. This isn't the worst phone ever made by any means, it just is not good enough to compete with today's top of the line phones. This is my LG G Flex 2 review, and we are keeping it short.

The Good

Specs LG crammed in a whole bunch of really nice things into the G Flex 2, all of which are fitted with a bunch of fun keywords. This phone features a 5.5-inch curved P-OLED ("P" for plastic) display with a 1080p resolution, 3,000mAh battery, 13MP camera with Laser Auto Focus and OIS+, 4G LTE radio, Snapdragon 810 64-bit processor, 32GB of storage (with microSD expansion), and Android 5.0 Lollipop. That all sounds great on paper. I'll say that again - that all sounds great on paper. Display The P-OLED display on the G Flex 2 isn't bad at all. In fact, I am currently leaning towards it being good for the most part, outside of one little issue that I'll touch on in a minute. It gets plenty bright, has excellent viewing angles, shows colors with punch that aren't necessarily overdone, and has a high enough resolution this time around that the pixel density is plenty high. LG included three screen modes of Standard, Vivid, and Natural, that show you their differences on the fly, so that you can decide if you want more muted colors or those extra vibrant, punchy tones typically associated with an OLED display. It also weighs in at 5.5-inches, giving you an immersive video playback or gaming experience, but thanks to its curve, doesn't feel that big in hand when you are using it. I tend to run really vibrant wallpapers on my phones and so, they all look really great on this phone. My only complaint so far has been its brightness level at its lowest setting. If you are the type who uses your phone in bed at night or in the morning and also doesn't want to light up the entire room while doing so or burn your eyes out, this will be an issue. The lowest brightness setting is so bright, that I had to stop using the phone in any sort of dark situation (putting my son to bed, checking emails in bed in the morning, etc.). You could potentially install an app that would allow you to drop the brightness levels lower.

Somewhere-in-the-Middle

Curve I'll give LG this - the G Flex 2 looks cool. That banana shape is great for photo shoots. Outside of that, they have yet to convince me why I need a phone that is shaped this way. It contours to my face during calls? Who makes calls anymore? It hugs my leg when in my pocket? Well, the phone is butt-shaped, not leg-shaped, so that's not true. The video experience is similar to that of a curved TV? Well, I guess, except that I have no need for a curved TV because it makes absolutely zero sense from a viewing perspective. So what's the point? Like the original G Flex, this is LG's chance to show off their Plastic-OLED technology and try to sell the world on why they need it in their lives. Again, I'm not sure they have done that at all. The only reasons I can see that make a curved screen beneficial are that it allows for a bigger display to feel less big, and it snuggles nicely into your hand. That's about it.

Build, Design, Feel As unapologetically plastic as the G Flex 2 may be, it feels mostly nice in hand. Well, sort of. There is a decent amount of weight to it, but it's not exactly heavy, which means it doesn't feel cheap. The roundness to both its body and edges allows it to lay nicely in your palm. The back is a pretty gross, glossy plastic, but it does self heal from minor scratches and isn't exactly as big of a fingerprint magnet as you might think. The button placement on the back for power and volume adjustment is LG's trademark, and I'd say that it neither bothers me nor gets me excited. It is what it is. It works. All of my thoughts towards the "feel" of this phone may change shortly when HTC and Samsung release their new phones. Actually, my feelings are starting to change as I type this. LG is still using plastics on plastics on plastics. They are one of the last to do so, and that's not really OK. That's not to say that phones need to be made of pure metal. I actually don't really like the way the HTC One series feels more often than not, but when you use nothing but plastic that is glossed up, you lose any ability to convince me that you are premium. When you buy a phone and are investing in it for a couple of years, you want to go in knowing that you spent your money well. When everyone else is using premium materials like metal and leather and wood, LG has a tough sell here. Battery Life My history with phones barely lasting throughout a day is slowly becoming well-documented with each passing review, so if a phone can get me into the late evening, I'd consider that to be a success. The G Flex 2 comes close to getting me there on its 3,000mAh of juice without needing a charger at any point. For me, that means 12-14 hours of use with 2-3 hours of screen on time. I should also point out that I left WiFi off almost the entire time that I reviewed this phone because with WiFi on, it failed to properly sync any of my important apps (more on that later). So to see it get 12-14 hours of use is actually quite solid. I did expect a bit more from a battery this size, but I'll take a full day.

Camera The 13MP camera on the G Flex 2 is capable. I think that's the best way of phrasing it. In good light, with its Laser Auto Focus, it does just fine. In low-light, or indoors, it's average at best. It won't embarrass you if you need to share some photos, many of which will be just fine for sharing on Instagram or Facebook. This isn't Galaxy Note 4 level camera work, but for the most part, it'll get the job done when you need it to.

Thanks to a minimal approach to camera software, snapping pictures with the G Flex 2 is quite easy. You can quickly capture with a tap-to-shoot mode that leaves the screen open for nothing but picture taking, or you can step it up a notch and bring in your typical shutter button, with options for flash, mode switching, and a couple of other settings. There aren't full manual settings here, though, so if you want that advanced camera experience, you'll have to download a third party app. Over the last couple of weeks, during testing, I can't say that I was ever in a situation to shoot a bunch of impressive photos. I took plenty here and there of my son, some of food or beers, and then a handful around my house. At no time did I say, "Wow, this camera is blowing my mind!" But at no time did say, "Wow, this camera is awful!" either. Again, it's plenty capable for most situations.

Full resolution: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The Not-so-Good

Performance, Software, and the Reason This Phone is Bad Now that you have read about all of the decent pieces of the G Flex 2, it's time to dive into why this is a phone I couldn't recommend to anyone, at least in its current state. But before we get into that, understand how I approached this phone. I set it up just like I would a personal phone, with a 3rd party launcher, all of my own apps, an icon pack, a lock screen alternative, apps syncing in the background, my own AT&T SIM, etc. You see, I know LG's software and skin, which means I know how bad they almost always are, so I tried to make this phone as personal as possible to hopefully get the most out of it and to see if it could be a phone I would be interested in buying. Even with all of the personal tweaks I made, it just never got there. There are far too many issues here.

Lollipop and notifications The phone ships with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Unfortunately, LG did little to adopt Google's Material Design style along with Lollipop, so their software essentially just looks like an older LG skin that happens to run the newest version of Android. They didn't even bother to include many of Google's new Lollipop features, like new notification handling, adaptive brightness, or the new quick settings area - they instead managed to break some them. And this is where things start to go south for me. In Lollipop, Google introduced notifications to the lock screen that can be interacted with. LG decided they weren't ready for that, so not only can you not interact with notifications on the lock screen, but you can't expand them either, which essentially makes a notification on your lock screen a complete waste. It gets worse when you swipe down your notification shade to hopefully find a more robust notification experience, only to realize that they gimped this area as well with an inconsistent experience on notification expansion and interaction. This is a major pain point that can't be overlooked. Notifications act as the hub for how you interact with your phone and get things done. If that experience is completely broken, you become instantly less efficient when using your phone. Performance is unbelievably terrible I could potentially overlook some of the missing Lollipop features and broken system tools (that's a lie, I probably couldn't), but the level of jank and lag in this phone is something you just can't avoid. I don't know if LG had to throttle the hell out of the Snapdragon 810 to keep it from melting all of this plastic and so it just can't keep up, or if Lollipop's memory leak is to blame, but what I do know is that this phone is the worst performing phone I have used in probably four years. It stutters while swiping between screens. It also needs to be rebooted multiple times per day to function properly. It gets so bad some times that it can't even load websites properly in Chrome without completely freezing up. I can't even tell you the number of times that I got so frustrated that I went from hammering on back, home, and app switcher buttons to try to kill current tasks, to being moments away from throwing the phone against a wall. It simply cannot be understated how terrible this phone is to try to complete anything on. LG's software suite adds little LG also includes their suite of add-ons, like QuickMemo+, which isn't really any good without something like the S Pen you get with the Galaxy Note 4. They have a multi-window functionality built-in, but it's pretty bare bones and works with roughly 11 apps, limiting its usefulness. I like their KnockOn and KnockCode lock screen features for the most part, but found that I needed to install AcDisplay to give me an experience similar to Motorola's Moto Display. Speaking of that experience, LG included a lock screen peak functionality where you can pull down from the top of the display to see a sunrise-like view of the clock and if you have any notifications. Unfortunately, the feature is useless if you do actually have notifications to interact with, partly because of my previous gripes about LG's handling of them, but also because you can't do anything within that peak feature other than peak at info.

WiFi... As I mentioned earlier, I had major issues with WiFi on this phone and ended up just turning it off in order to get the phone to function properly. Mailbox failed to sync consistently with WiFi on and connected, Hangouts messages would often never show up or notify me minutes later from other devices, and I almost always felt as if another important app was going to stop sending me the information I needed. An unreliable WiFi connection is completely unacceptable, especially in a day filled with small data buckets. So here is the deal - LG can fix all of this stuff. At least they should be able to. This is all software-related and could be wiped clean with a massive update. Just keep in mind that LG is one of the worst when it comes to updating their phones, so should you buy the G Flex 2, it could be months and months before any of this stuff is finished annoying you. Availability The G Flex 2 is currently available at Sprint. That's it. It will be available at AT&T and US Cellular at some point, but by the time it arrives at each, you will more than likely be able to buy the HTC One M9 or one of the Galaxy S6 variants instead. And trust me, you will buy those over this phone if it stays in this kind of shape going forward. Verizon and T-Mobile wanted nothing to do with this phone, probably because like me, they don't understand why it exists.

Other Notes

Rear speaker: I thought that rear speakers were going extinct in 2015, but LG went ahead and brought them back for another year. Thankfully, the speaker in the G Flex 2 is quite good. It gets plenty loud and produces perfectly acceptable audio. This isn't BoomSound-level audio, but it'll do the trick.
Not waterproof: This phone isn't waterproof. That doesn't bother me, as I stay far away from water at all times, but it could be a deal breaker for some.
Has a form of quick charging: The LG G Flex 2 is supposed to support Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 technology, a technology we absolutely love. LG claims that it can only be quick charged with the charger that comes in the box, though, which is odd. However, I was able to get some pretty quick charges while using a 3rd party Quick Charge 2.0 adapter.
Headphone jack on the bottom: Your phone may be a janky piece of hot mess, LG, but that headphone jack on the bottom is a thing of beauty.

Gallery

Video

Unboxing

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The Verdict

If it wasn't already obvious, then I guess I'll say it again - I won't be recommending that anyone go out and buy the LG G Flex 2. There is certainly potential here, but until LG proves that it can optimize software or not ruin some of the best features of Android by enforcing its own skin, then you would be better served looking elsewhere. This was a decent second attempt at trying to convince the world that it needs a curve in its life, but it failed miserably in the area that matters most - software.

Facebook Introduces Payments in Messenger, Available in "Coming Months"

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:31:26 +0000

Facebook introduced a new feature for Messenger users this morning - the ability for you to pay friends directly through the messaging service. Say your friend needs you to pay him/her back for the lunch they bought you yesterday. Once the service is available, you can link up a Visa or MasterCard to your account and quickly pay them back. Facebook states that this feature will be rolling out in the coming months, while the company tests it to make sure everything goes smoothly. As for the security of your information, Facebook states in its announcement, "Incorporating security best practices into our payments business has always been a top priority. We use secure systems that encrypt the connection between you and Facebook as well as your card information when you ask us to store it for you." If you are ready to hand your credit card and bank info over to Zuckerberg, be on the look out for a Messenger update over the next month or so.

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Via: Facebook

Deal: Nexus 9 16GB on Sale Through Best Buy and Amazon for $349

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 11:59:48 +0000

In the market for an Android tablet? Well, Amazon and Best Buy are both selling the Nexus 9 16GB for $50 off its list price of $400, marking it at just $349. For Best Buy, the deal applies to just the White model, but Amazon has both White and Black for the $50 off deal. The Nexus 9 is a great tablet (review here), featuring a 8.9" QXGA display, Tegra K1 processor from NVIDIA, 8MP rear-facing camera, and of course, runs Lollipop straight out of the box. Interested? Follow the links below. Best Buy Link | Amazon Link

Cheers Ruben!

OnePlus Announces Lollipop Update Release Dates, OxygenOS Scheduled for March 27

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 11:19:09 +0000

OnePlus One owners, the wait for Lollipop may soon come to an end. In a post on its forums, OnePlus has finally set official dates for the updates, including a release timeframe for its own OxygenOS. According to OnePlus, the official CyanogenMod 12S OTA update for the OnePlus One will be released on or before March 30, 2015, and the company's in-house OxygenOS will be available for download on or before March 27, 2015. OnePlus feels so confident that they will hit these deadlines that if they in fact do miss them, they will give away five phones to their fans through the forums. Personally, I don't think any current owner cares about them giving away free phones; they just want the update in a timely manner. Here's hoping our OnePlus One owners get their update soon.

Via: OnePlus

HTC to Stream Tomorrow's 'Uh-Oh' Event at 9am PDT

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:45:50 +0000

Kicking off tomorrow morning at 9am PDT, and that's 12pm for all you East Coast readers, HTC has an 'Uh-Oh' announcement for US customers. Thankfully, HTC will be streaming the event, so everyone and anyone can tune in and see what they are up to. As to what we anticipate, we believe HTC will announce availability for the One M9, coupled with immediate availability on T-Mobile. T-Mobile also has an event planned for tomorrow, so it being a coincidence seems unlikely, but anything is still possible. Last year, as soon as HTC unveiled the One M8, they made it available on Verizon, and that seemed to spark quite a bit of excitement among buyers. The ability to announce a product, then have it immediately available does help in terms of a Blitzkrieg-type marketing approach. If availability on T-Mobile starts tomorrow, will you be picking one up?

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Deals: $50 Google Play Credit When You Buy Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or Android Wear Device - $50 Off Sony Smartwatch Too

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:22:40 +0000

From today through March 31, should you buy a Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or an Android Wear device through the new Google Store, Google will hand you $50 in Google Play credit to spend as you please. If you choose the Sony Smartwatch 3, you will save another $50, as the GPS-equipped watch's price has been slashed from $249 to $199. According to the terms, you will receive your Google Play credit once your device ships, but you must claim it by April 20, 2015. The credit is then good through September 1, 2015. Who wants to go shopping? Google Store: Nexus 6 | Nexus 9 | Android Wear | Smartwatch 3 | Deal Terms

Rhapsody Subscribers Can Now Share Full Songs Through Twitter

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:04:10 +0000

Starting today, Rhapsody subscribers can now share full songs directly through Twitter, thanks to audio cards. Through sharing, any user on Twitter can enjoy the song, then share it to their friends, repeating a vicious cycle of Katy Perry and Taylor Swift tracks. If you are a Rhapsody user, to share a song, simply hit the Twitter icon that appears next to a track. From here, you will need to log into your account. Once done, you can get to sharing. As stated in Rhapsody's blog, the company wanted to emphasize the act of making streaming more social, while also promoting that music is not free. "Our goal with this launch is to not only help make streaming more social, but also to reinforce that music isn’t free – every song played is accounted for and fully paid up," said Ethan Rudin, chief financial officer, Rhapsody International. If you rock Rhapsody, go get to sharing your favorite tracks.

Via: Rhapsody

Google I/O 2015 Registration is Now Open

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 09:29:09 +0000

UPDATE: GOOGLE I/O REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. REGISTER HERE.

If you had plans on attending this year's Google I/O, getting registered is easily the hardest part of the process. In previous years, you would have to be quick on the draw, hoping to snag one of the tickets before they sold out. However, Google took a different route last year, and it seems to have worked very well. Now, anyone can register during a predetermined amount of time, but a lottery is held to see who will actually attend. It may sound different, but it helps the overall fairness of the limited space situation. Anyway, registration goes live tomorrow morning at 9am PDT (12pm EDT). To register, make sure you have a Google account - I assume most of you do - then follow the instructions Google lists. I do believe Google will ask for your Google Wallet information, which helps them weed out people who are not serious about attending. Pricing is not listed on the site yet, but last year, general admission cost $900, and academic tickets were $300. So again, if you do plan on attending, make sure all of your information is in order, and you have a credit card on file through Google Wallet. Best of luck to you all! Register Here Tomorrow Morning

Tips to get ready Make sure you have a Google account. You'll need to sign into your Google account to begin the registration application process. Don't worry, there's no rush. You'll have plenty of time to submit your registration application. Applicants will be selected at random to receive the opportunity to purchase one ticket. The order in which applications are received has no bearing on the outcome and remember, only one registration application per person is allowed.

Deal: Buy a Moto X From Motorola, Get a Free Moto E (2nd Gen)

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 09:20:13 +0000

We know how tough it is to consider buying a phone right now with new flagships from HTC and Samsung arriving in days, but Motorola continues to toss out decent deals that should at least make you look. Through March 24, if you buy a Moto X (2nd gen) through Moto Maker, Motorola will toss in a Moto E (2nd gen) 3G for free ($119 value). While that deal would have been even sweeter if the free Moto E was the LTE model, a free phone is still a free phone. It appears as if the deal is good whether you go for an unlocked version or an on-contract Moto X. Motorola Link

Android 5.1 Factory Images Available for Nexus Devices (Updated: New Nexus 6 Build LMY47E)

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:41:30 +0000

Updated March 12: Nexus 6 factory images added. Updated March 17: Google just added a new Android 5.1 factory image for the Nexus 6 as build LMY47E.

Instructions for flashing factory images can be found here.

Latest Leak Provides Best Look Yet at Reported Sony Xperia Z4

Tim — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:38:41 +0000

According to the latest leaked press renders, we may have our best look yet at the upcoming Xperia Z4 from Sony. From what we can tell in the images, the Xperia Z4 will not be the device Sony uses to branch out artistically from past Xperia devices, and instead, will feature an almost identical look to every other phone that they have made for the past few years. Beyond the design, specs for the Xperia Z4 are reported as follows: 5.2" Full HD display, Snapdragon 810 processor, 3 or 4GB of RAM, 21MP rear-facing camera, Adreno 430 GPU for heavy duty graphics, and should run Lollipop out of the gate. As of right now, Sony has yet to announce a reveal date, but with high quality renders like this floating around, we can't imagine the company will wait too long, if the device is ready. TL;DR version - The upcoming Xperia Z4 looks like the Xperia Z3. What are your thoughts? Interested?

Via: No Where Else

Google is Now Reviewing Apps Before They are Published on Google Play

Kellen — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 07:36:46 +0000

Google Play may no longer be the wild west of app stores. In fact, it hasn't been for quite some time, we just didn't know it. This morning, Google announced that several months ago, they began reviewing apps through a "team of experts" who are responsible for identifying violations of their developer policies "earlier in the app lifecycle." So far, the change hasn't seemed to impact the time-to-market for developers' apps, something I'm sure all developers will now be somewhat concerned about. After all, Apple's app store review process is widely known as being painfully slow, often taking days or weeks to get apps processed and available for download. Related to the new review process, Google said that they would be more transparent with developers when it comes to the publishing status of their apps, but also why an app has been rejected or suspended. Developers should now be able to fix and resubmit apps for minor violations much more easily. In the end, assuming Google can keep up their current speedy approval schedule, this benefits all of us. Not only should this improve the quality of apps and experience on Google Play, but it helps protect you and I from potentially downloading something dangerous. The new review process isn't all that Google announced today, though. Going forward, Google Play will now include an age-based rating system for apps and games. The idea here is that depending on where you are on this wonderful planet, people will have different views on what is appropriate for kids, teens, and adults. With this new system, developers should be able to better label and categorize their apps, so that they reach the proper audience and are easier to find. The new content rating system includes "official ratings from the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) and its participating bodies, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), Pan-European Game Information (PEGI), Australian Classification Board, Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) and Classificação Indicativa (ClassInd)." Starting today, developers should complete a new content rating questionnaire for each of their apps. If the questionnaire isn't complete, apps may show up as "Unrated," which could be a bad thing depending on the country. Big news, right?

Via: Android Developers

Shocker: Saygus V2 "Superphone" is Delayed Until May 22

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:27:08 +0000

The Saygus V2 "superphone" is delayed. You aren't surprised at that. I'm certainly not. A small company promising the world out of the gate to drum up buzz, who just before their original targeted shipping date arrives goes silent only to chime in at the last minute with news of a delay? Where have we heard that before? Oh, only with every single crowd-funded tech campaign that has launched within the last couple of years. And let's not deny what the Saygus V2 is - a crowd-funded smartphone. The news isn't all bad, though. Saygus, through an email to customers who pre-ordered, has apologized for the delay. Not only that, but they will give everyone a complimentary SqGl headset valued at $229, in "exchange for your patience." Saygus said that they have had some delays in production "due to imperfect components and an antenna design issue." They are also seeing delays in the "integration of the industry leading cameras" they are using in the phone. The new shipping date has been set at May 22, 2015. If you would like a refund, they "will support you in a refund request." Here is the full letter:

Dear Saygus V² Customer, We sincerely thank you for your patience with us as we drive the creation of this world leading V² smartphone and with our delayed communications. We are working to provide more timely updates and plan to reward your great loyalty in supporting us. Saygus has been in the business of developing mobile device technology for more than a decade. Our commitment to the highest quality smartphone is our focus. We are currently working out our final hardware and software integration efforts. This email is to address the shipping plans including the VAT in varied countries for the V². First, we would like to address some of the recent developments that are exciting but that also have caused us to push back the date when we initially expected to begin shipping the V² super smartphone.

We have had some delays in production due to imperfect components and an antenna design issue and we refuse to use inferior components in our smartphone.

We are working to finalize some key distribution partnerships that may alleviate some of the VAT costs.

The integration of the industry leading cameras we have in the phone has taken a little longer than anticipated.

We officially announce our shipping date as May 22, 2015. In exchange for your patience, and to say thank you, we will offer all of our current customers an added bonus. Customers will receive a complimentary SqGl (pronounced “Squiggle”) headset—a $229 retail value—as a FREE accessory. Building the V² is like conducing a symphony with all its parts coming together in harmony—we want it to be perfect. As an additional note, the antenna engineering issues have been addressed and we are now preparing to move into mass production soon. We understand that some of you may be concerned about this updated status and want you to know that we will support you in a refund request, if that is your preference. Although, we hope you will stay with us to benefit from the savings and receive our high-end SqGl earbuds. We value your support and continue to appreciate your patience as we approach the shipping date of this remarkable world-leading smartphone! Sincerely, The Saygus Team

You Can Finally "Send a Hangouts Message" With Your Voice in Google Now

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:50:34 +0000

That title isn't clickbait. I'm not even kidding with this one. You can say "send a Hangouts message" in Google Now, with your voice, and it will actually send a message in Hangouts with your voice. I don't know when this went live, but it's live. It will ask who you want to send it to, then what your message is, before confirming that you want to send. We aren't talking SMS here - this is legitimate Hangouts messaging with your voice. You still think I'm joking, I know. I get why you would think that I'm joking. Seriously, though, go try it. You can finally send a Hangouts message with your voice in Google Now.

Cheers Cameron!

CF-Auto-Root is Already Ready for the T-Mobile Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 15:39:01 +0000

If you buy (or at least plan to) a Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge through T-Mobile and want to ~~hole up in your parent's basement with a case of 22oz Mountain Dew Kickstart and a Costco-sized plastic bin of cheese poofs with Skrillex playing in the background~~ root and begin tinkering straight out of the box, we have good news for you! Chainfire, creator/keeper/hax0r of the root, posted on his Google+ page today that his CF-Auto-Root tool is primed for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge under model numbers SM-G920T and SM-G925T. According to his post, CF-Auto-Root was tested on a real device and it rooted it. That's it! Oh, he is worried that if you root, you may trigger Samsung KNOX which could cause problems with mobile payments. That's not confirmed, but be warned that something could happen on that level.

Via: +Chainfire

HTC Shows Off One M9 Features in Some Really Awkward Videos

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 15:05:53 +0000

When HTC isn't reminding the world that the "Ultra Melt Your Face Off Mode" found in the new HTC One M9 is only an included feature because current handsets in the wild are running software that isn't final, they are putting together promo videos to you know, promote their new flagship handset. Through a series of clips released over the weekend, HTC walks us through the headline features of the One M9, which includes things like the new Blinkfeed, more personalization in home screens, a smart widget, ~~advertisements~~ suggestions for restaurants, the best low-light selfies (low-light selfies are a thing!), sleeveless jean jacket dance parties with the crew, and fairy dust sound effect-filled magic tricks with the moon. At least watch the first one. Tell me the song isn't both the most annoying tune on Earth and one that you can't stop listening to over and over again. Someone make it stop. Now I know it's truuuuuuuue, because of you!

[responsive_vid vid_url="AJtxmFNZSMg"]

[responsive_vid vid_url="0nXtBkzO57k"]

[responsive_vid vid_url="c73JDJboZ7A"]

[responsive_vid vid_url="v1UTrDriNXs"]

Motorola Gallery Receives Update With Material Enhancements, Highlight Reel on More Devices

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:34:49 +0000

Motorola pushed an update to its Gallery app this afternoon that includes a number of Material Design enhancements, along with a new icon. The update also improves the camera roll view sorting, introduces a "simplified design of Highlight Reel," adds quicker access for cropping a photo, and should be more stable, on all supported devices. The update should be live on Google Play. What's New

For all devices:

Improved Camera Roll view with sorting by event and time
New app icon and material design enhancements
Quicker access for cropping a photo
Stability and performance enhancements

For Moto X (1st Gen.), Moto X (2nd Gen.), DROID Ultra family and DROID Turbo only:

Highlight Reel now available for Moto X (1st gen), Moto X (2nd gen) and Droid Ultra
More free music downloads to personalize Highlight Reels

Play Link

Via: +Motorola

Deal: Add a Waterproof Jive Jumbo Bluetooth Speaker to Your Life for Just $23

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:15:05 +0000

I can think of a number of situations where I may want some music to be playing but wouldn't need (or want) the best sounding, most expensive Bluetooth speaker on the market. There are those times - like say, at the beach or a friend's BBQ or while camping or when in the shower - where you would be better off using an incredibly durable Bluetooth speaker that is waterproof, sounds good enough, yet doesn't break the bank. For those times, you may want to consider something like the Jive Jumbo waterproof Bluetooth speaker, which is available for a limited time in the DL deals shop for just $22.95. This is one of those speakers that suctions to a variety of surfaces, carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, and works with pretty much any device equipped with Bluetooth. You could drop this thing in a pool, rinse it off in a sink, probably let your dog chew on it for a minute, and then toss it in the bottom of the bag for use at the next summer gathering that involves too much booze. This isn't the best speaker on Earth, but it is an affordable option that could come in handy in a pinch. Deal Link

Verizon Nexus 6 Orders are Already Shipping and Arriving

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:57:17 +0000

Verizon's Nexus 6 became available for purchase last Thursday with an estimated ship or arrival date of March 18. If you took the plunge and ordered last week, you may receive your phone well-before the 18th. A number of our readers pinged us within the last day because they had received shipping notices for their orders. Most were showing an expected arrival time of March 17, but at least one reader says he received his phone today. Some times it does pay to pre-order. Other Verizon Nexus 6 orderees, have you received your orders? What's your current shipping time frame looking like?

Cheers Jared, Khamisi, Kyle, MIke, and @mixpix405!

Smartwatches Aren't Smart Enough

Ron — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:00:44 +0000

Smartwatches are back in the news again thanks to Apple's latest event, and it has me thinking about a topic that I am tired of thinking about. It's not necessarily that I don't want a smartwatch or that I can't see their prospective usefulness, but rather, much of the press seems to be going through the motions of gazing out at the distant future and hoping it appears on the latest wearable. Almost everyone seems to agree that Apple failed to provide a story for the product, or the ideal reason why we should want an Apple Watch, which has led to some people remaining skeptical until they try it and others waxing on about how it, unlike Android Wear, is going to change everything. It's that second group that I'm growing weary of. I keep hearing stories about how the Apple Watch is going to save so much time, and how it will enable us to be more personable since we won't be looking at our phones anymore, and how it will remove friction from our lives when we use our watch for everything. Are smartwatches really the thing that will make us better conversationalists, use our phone less, and get more work done? Let's take a look at some of the promises we have been hearing about smartwatches and examine just how viable they are.

My Smartwatch Saved My Conversations

Here's the scenario: You are getting breakfast with an old friend when your daughter shoots you a text reminding you to pick her up from school at 1 instead of 3. If you look at your wrist, that signals that you are short on time at best or bored at worst. Even in a world where glancing at your wrist doesn't mean you have somewhere more important to be (I think the gesture of glancing at your wrist will continue to mean that for at least one more generation), it at least indicates that you found the conversation to be at enough of a lull that you could be distracted. In what way is looking at your wrist less distracting to the conversation than pulling out your phone? Both of you are distracted, and worse yet, if you pause to interact, you are signaling even more that there is something more important going on than what is in front of you. It might be true that something more important is happening on your wrist, but it's important to realize that looking at your watch instead of pulling out your phone is not a solution to the problem. The watch does not know how to prioritize notifications based on importance; only humans do. The solution is not to have a watch that predicts how you might want to respond to texts quickly; the solution is to put the technology down or submit to the reality that everyone is now distractible at any moment. The watch can't solve this problem; if anything it makes it easier to be distracted sooner than it used to when you had to pull your phone out of your pocket or purse. All a smartwatch can do is move that distraction from your phone to your wrist.

My Smartwatch Helps Me Use My Phone Less

There have been multiple reports of people who have been using the Apple Watch saying that they started using their phone less thanks to the Watch. There are instances where we can use smartwatches to quickly do something like skip that song we don't want to listen to or quickly check in on Foursquare or dictate a reply to a message, but smartwatches cannot replace our phones just like smartphones did not replace computers. I think gaming is a great example for this. There are plenty of games that simply work best on a smartphone with a touch display, but the most successful games for phones are usually arcade games that don't have much depth. There are exceptions, of course, but for the most part, in-depth games are still the domain of computers and consoles. While smartwatches might be able to become the default medium for the instances where we want to quickly do something, we are not going to be replying to long emails or playing complicated games or watching videos or reading long articles on our watches. All of that is still better suited on the phone where you have a larger display, a keyboard, better speakers, a better processor, more battery life, etc. I've been saying this for a long time: the smaller display means you need smaller interactions and you have smaller capabilities. Smartwatch makers should not be trying to replace your phone - they should be trying to use that tiny space on your wrist for the important and quick things.

The Smartwatch Isn't Smart Enough Yet

Smartwatches just aren't smart enough yet. This shouldn't be surprising, because our phones are not all that smart yet either. We are getting closer every day to truly helpful personal assistants (mostly thanks to things like Google Now, which makes me think Android Wear has a better shot at giving us a truly smart watch), but we are still very far away. What we really want is for our watch to only ping us when it's really important. When you are getting breakfast with an old friend and your daughter texts you a reminder to pick her up, do you need to see that and reply right away? Maybe she just needs a read receipt to know that you got the message and your watch can set a reminder. That kind of an assistant would be truly powerful and helpful, but it requires two things: predictive services that guess what you might want to see at certain times and lots of personal information. It's that second one that makes me think Apple won't ever be able to take their watch beyond a hub for notifications and apps unless they abandon their privacy goals. Even Android Wear is limited by Google Now, but if Google can continue to learn how to predict people's behaviors, and users can learn to trust some of those actions, Android Wear might be able to get closer to that future sooner. Share your thoughts on the possible future of smartwatches below, and please feel free to tell us what you love and hate about them in their current state.

Reminder: Google I/O 2015 Registration Opens Tomorrow at 9am PDT (Updated)

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:11:13 +0000

UPDATE: GOOGLE I/O REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. REGISTER HERE.

Tips to get ready Make sure you have a Google account. You'll need to sign into your Google account to begin the registration application process. Don't worry, there's no rush. You'll have plenty of time to submit your registration application. Applicants will be selected at random to receive the opportunity to purchase one ticket. The order in which applications are received has no bearing on the outcome and remember, only one registration application per person is allowed.

You May Need to Buy Oven Mitts With Your HTC One M9

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:55:34 +0000

According to overseas site Tweakers, it appears the HTC One M9 and GFXBench don't mix. GFXBench is a popular benchmarking app, which is run on most flagship devices, just for the simple gratification of comparing devices to one another. Unfortunately, as seen in the thermal image below, the One M9 runs insanely hot in comparison to other devices running the same exact app. As seen in the image, the One M9 peaked at 55.4 degrees Celsius, which equals over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. To the human touch, that could easily be enough to leave a mark. If you compared regular bath water, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be scalding, enough to damage human tissue.

Inside the One M9 is a Snapdragon 810 processor, which has been reported countless times as having overheating issues. While even OEMs claim the processor does not overheat, the image above could be explained by excessive testing, unfinished software, and the Snapdragon 810. Even though the One M9 looks like the sun when compared to last year's M8, LG G3, and Galaxy Note 4 in the image below, it needs to be noted that the device is likely running non-finalized software. Tweaks can easily be made to the device to not allow temperatures to reach these heights, however, Tweakers reports that no internal mechanism was in place for the device to shut itself off when these temperatures were met. At the time of release, we do hope HTC has fixed this issue. If I could make one suggestion, it would be to wait for sites to get their hands on finalized products, then wait for reviews to see if this phone is right for you. If you purchase any device on day one, then run into an issue such as this, you would not be a happy consumer.

Via: 9 to 5 Google | Tweakers

Motorola Begins Testing Lollipop Update for Moto X (1st Gen)

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:42:45 +0000

After a long wait, it appears Motorola is finally shipping out soak test invites for Moto X (1st Gen) owners, bringing them up to Android 5.0.2. According to Motorola's Luciano Carvalho, the company has no current plans to bring Android 5.1 to the device, but that could change at any time. Considering that the original Moto X runs nearly stock Android, it has surprised many owners that the company has not been quicker about pushing out Lollipop. A reason for this delay has not been acknowledged by the company, but with many other OEMs seemingly having troubles with bugs and other misc. issues inside Lollipop, it is possible Motorola had to tweak quite a few things before pushing it to the public. Regardless of the wait, soak tests could take a few days, weeks, or even longer depending on if more issues are found. Once the update begins rolling out across carriers, we will let you know. OG Moto X owners, be on the lookout.

Via: +Luciano Carvalho

Contest: Enter the Droid Life Bracket Challenge 2015, Win a Nexus 9 and More

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:22:44 +0000

Here we go! The Droid Life Bracket Challenge 2015 is now live and read for your entry. This year (which is our 6th year of doing this contest, if you can believe that), we are giving away a Nexus 9 32GB ($479 value) and $100 in Google Play gift cards to the winner. For those new, each year for the past six years we have put together a massive NCAA men's basketball tournament bracket challenge through ESPN's Tourney Challenge service. It works just like your office bracket pool, except this one is free and is massive. Last year, we had almost 4,000 entries and gave away a Nexus 5 plus $100 in Google Play gift cards. It's loads of fun, even if you aren't a college basketball fan. In fact, this is easily my favorite sports period of the entire year because everyone can get involved, talk about upsets, and brag about their perfect brackets. In order to play, you don't need to know a thing about college basketball. All you need to do is fill out a bracket through ESPN, which you can do based on the color of each team, who has the cuter point guard, which mascot would win in a battle to the death, or maybe, should you actually watch college basketball, based on which team you think might actually win. You could even just pick Kentucky to win everything, and then fill in the rest with randoms and you might end up doing pretty well. I really don't care. Just pick and submit. You ready?

Contest

ESPN Group: Droid Life 2015 Password: droidlife Prize: Winner takes home a Nexus 9 32GB from Google Play and $100 in Google Play gift cards. How to enter: 1. Entry is free. 2. Join the Droid Life group from above (create an ESPN account if you need to). 3. Fill out your bracket and submit before the "2nd" round games start Thursday morning (March 19). 4. There are games tomorrow and Wednesday, but you still have until Thursday before you need to be entered. 5. Winner with the highest total points following the NCAA Championship is our winner. 6. We use ESPN and their scoring system, along with their tiebreaker system. 7. This is a “winner takes all” competition. Two rules: 1. We use the “Locked” setting, which means you can’t swap out brackets once the competition starts. 2. We also only allow 1 entry per person. Winner: Our winner will be messaged the morning following the NCAA Championship game, which takes place on April 6. Feel free to invite your friends and family members – the more competition, the more fun we have. Good luck, all! Apps: ESPN Tournament Challenge (manage your brackets) | NCAA March Madness Live (watch all games live)

More Third Party Apps Coming to Google Now Thanks to Open API

Tim — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:58:59 +0000

Currently, the Google Now API is open to a limited amount of third party service providers, but according to Aparna Chennapragada, Director of Product Management for Google Now, an open API is in the works for Android. An open API means any developer with an app can work in support for Google Now, allowing Now to pull in important data for users to see at any given time. What makes Now important is its ability to display data at just the right moment. For example, eBay, which is one of the currently supported third party apps, can display ongoing auction info right on your Now wall, making sure you are staying on top of your selling habits. Aparna states that Google Now will track usage of applications, making sure the service displays information from the apps you use the most. Say you have two competing applications that you use, Google Now should only display information from your favorite app, making sure you are not doubling up on the same info. As for release, there is no timeframe set, but Google I/O is right around the corner. That seems like a good time, right?

Via: The Next Web

Sony Starts Rollout of Lollipop to Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:09:15 +0000

Sony announced this morning that the official rollout of Android 5.0 Lollipop updates to its Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact has started. The update will begin in the "Nordics and Baltics" before continuing on to the rest of the world in a couple of weeks. The update is "blending" Lollipop with Sony's own skin, which means "goodies" are involved. I just hope that really means Sony is ditching their incredibly dated and painful-to-use Android skin. If the first bullet point below that talks of "fresh, streamlined looks" is any indicator of things to come, I may just get my wish. Here is the list of what we can all expect to see in the update:

Fresh, streamlined looks – based on Google’s material design, but retaining our minimalistic approach to interface and application design
New look notifications and lock screen – with fully customizable settings, so you only get the information you really need
Multi user profiles and guest mode – making it easy for family and friends to use your device, or the creation of dual environments for work and play…
Android for Work – not only are business-ready Xperia smartphones and tablets unique devices for work – with waterproof form factors, great battery life and productivity features – they will now also be part of the Android for Work ecosystem
Better storage control and customisation – with the option to easily move applications from internal memory to SD card – giving you more control over your content, particularly useful for devices with slightly less space

That actually sounds great. Sony's skin really has been one of the worst for a number of years now and is one of the reasons their phones have been difficult for us to fully get behind. If we can get an updated, "fresh" look, this could be a huge deal, especially looking forward to the next Xperia flagship.

Via: Sony

Deal: SanDisk MicroSD Cards as Cheap as $12.99 Today at Amazon

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:53:38 +0000

Samsung may have flipped the bird to microSD cards, but that doesn't mean most of the rest of the industry is fully in support of them. HTC is. LG is too. Sony loves SD cards. So that, my friends, means you should still be interested in deals like today's over at Amazon. SanDisk flash storage - including microSD cards - has been slashed by up to 40%. You can grab a UHS-1 Class 10 32GB microSD card for as little as $12.99. Maybe you need more storage? Jump to 64GB for just $24.99. Even SanDisk's Extreme PRO cards with speeds up to 95MB/s have been discounted by 20%. And if you simply do not need another microSD card in your collection, you can also buy regular SD cards or thumb drives on the cheap. Amazon Link

Cheers Robert!

AT&T Just Announced the Galaxy S5 Mini...Available March 20...What?

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:31:43 +0000

The date is March 16, a significant piece of information to note, knowing that AT&T just announced that they will carry the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini on March 20. Again, today is not April 1. You also did not just read "Galaxy S6 Mini" or "Galaxy S6" or "you won't believe this because it makes absolutely zero sense, but we are about to carry the mini version of last year's flagship from Samsung." Yep, AT&T is ready to sell you the Galaxy S5 Mini come March 20. You can buy it for $99 with a 2-year contract (what?) or buy it on one of AT&T's Next monthly device payment plans. You would probably be better off buying the new Moto X (2nd Gen) or Galaxy Alpha at that same price, but then again, choices are never a bad thing. OK, that's not always true. In this situation, simply adding a choice to add a choice isn't benefiting anyone - why on Earth would you want the Galaxy S5 Mini in 2015? This phone's existence made sense in 2014; it doesn't in 2015, especially with the Galaxy S6 a few weeks from launch. As a recap, the Galaxy S5 Mini sports a 4.5-inch HD display, 8MP rear camera, 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 16GB of storage (with micro SD slot for expansion), and still runs Android 4.4.4 Kit Kat. Today is not April 1.

Via: AT&T

HTC has a "BIG" One M9 Announcement on Wednesday for US Customers

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 07:13:35 +0000

Come Wednesday, HTC plans to get "BIG" with its One M9. No, that doesn't mean a bigger variant of the One M9 that was announced at MWC, it likely means a date of availability for the US. And actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it has something to do with T-Mobile, potentially even immediate T-Mobile availability on Wednesday. As a reminder, T-Mobile's next big Uncarrier event is also on Wednesday and their invite mentions the word "ONE" within it. To back up for a second, we are talking about Wednesday because HTC America's US president said in a Tweet this morning that it's going to be an "exciting week" outside of the NCAA tourney because HTC has something in store for US customers related to the HTC One M9. You have to imagine that we are talking about availability because well, we haven't been given a date yet on this phone that was announced a couple of weeks ago. The end of March was always thought to be a launch time frame, so with an event on March 18, the timing is right. I bring up the idea that T-Mobile might work in some sort of immediate availability on Wednesday because HTC did something semi-similar last year with Verizon. You may remember that when HTC announced the One M8, they had limited inventory of the handset ready for purchase in-store at select Verizon shops. It was a cool move in an industry that is constantly criticized for announcements that often do not include dates of availability, or if they do, aren't for weeks if not months later. Who is ready to buy a One M9? https://twitter.com/JasonMacHTC/status/577459893277302784

T-Mobile Brings Data Stash to Prepaid

Kellen — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 06:57:37 +0000

Starting March 22, T-Mobile will bring its Data Stash, which is a fancy name for rollover data, to its prepaid customers. According to the press release with details on the announcement, T-Mobile plans to include an initial 10GB "Starter Stash" before starting to roll forward unused data each month that is good up to a year. This is how it works - on March 22, T-Mobile will give "every single one" of their prepaid voice customers "with a qualifying Simple Choice plan" a starter stash of up to 10GB of extra data, before rolling over their monthly data to the next month. I'm assuming they actual mean "Simply Prepaid" plan, since Simple Choice is the name for the regular plans. Either way, customers will have an extra 10GB of data in a "stash" that can be used once their prepaid allotment runs out for the month. Once that initial 10GB is gone, they will start rolling over any unused high-speed data from their prepaid plan to the next month that can be accessed for up to a year. More data is good data, right? Anyone else been taking advantage of Data Stash on their Simple Choice plan?

Via: T-Mobile

We Aren't Afraid of Friday the 13th

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 22:12:26 +0000

How should you end your week, a week that features the always-fun Friday the 13th? With the Droid Life Show episode 80, of course. On this week's show, Ron re-joined Tim and I for a chat for the first time in a couple of months, which is enough reason in and of itself to watch. If you need more, well, know that we talked about Android 5.1 updates, the Apple Watch at length, my experience with the G Flex 2, and if anyone actually cares about VR outside of manufacturers making VR headsets (spoiler: nope!). We ran a little long, but the conversation warranted it.

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: March 13, 2015

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:30:39 +0000

Apple sort of stole the show earlier this week with the new MacBook and Apple Watch, but Android news started coming right back, thanks to Google's release of Android 5.1, as well as leaks regarding the LG G4 and Galaxy S6 Active. Beyond leaks and rumors, we asked a serious question - do you really give a sh*t about VR? Seriously, do you? In addition, images and OTA files of Android 5.1 are now available for Nexus devices (linked below), and we learned Microsoft's Cortana is headed to Android. You better believe it. To catch up on the best Android news of the past week, we have a collection of stories for you below.

Watch: The Droid Life Show - Episode 80 [Subscribe]
Android 5.1: Images available for Nexus devices, plus OTA update files.
A look at what's new in Android 5.1.
Google opens the Google Store, no more device sales through Google Play.
Galaxy S6 Active specs reportedly confirmed.
Serious: Do you give a sh*t about VR?
The Nexus 6 is finally available directly from Verizon.
Huawei Watch pricing leaked.
Microsoft's Cortana is headed to Android.
HaX0r: DROID Turbo receives root.
Galaxy S6 display tested, said to be the best ever.
Awesome: YouTube now supports 360 degree videos.
USB Type-C is coming to Android phones in the near future.
Could this be the G4 from LG?
Ron: How do you choose the best smartphone camera?
Apple announced the Apple Watch, we giggled.

Have a fun filled weekend, folks!

DROID Turbo Drops to $149 at Verizon, $549 Off Contract

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:02:19 +0000

You didn't buy the DROID Turbo yesterday when the new Sapphire Blue ballistic nylon version dropped, did you? If so, you may want to ask Big Red for a price adjustment, because the price was cut this afternoon by $50 to $149 on-contract. The off-contract price dropped as well, from $599 to $549. As a recap, the DROID Turbo is the first DROID in years that hasn't brought shame to the brand. Motorola did everything they could to maxx out this phone by tossing in high-end specs like a 5.2-inch QHD display, Snapdragon 805 processor, 20MP camera, massive 3,900mAh battery, and then covered it in Ballistic Nylon, which is awesome, by the way. Be sure to read our DROID Turbo review if this phone is on your list. At $149 with a 2-year contract or $549 without one, you are looking at a deal worth considering even with the Galaxy S6 on the way. Verizon Link

Cheers Aaron!

DAT DEAL: Brand New Nexus 7 (2013) for $149 From Groupon

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:46:24 +0000

I still don't get how Groupon has this many brand new Nexus 7 (2013) tablets lying around their warehouses, but they do, even after all these months. We are talking about a tablet of Google's that is almost two years old and hasn't been sold by Google in I don't even know how long. We wrote up a similar deal from Groupon two months ago, yet here we are in mid-March, telling you about the same discounted tablet of Google's. But hey, the tablet is still solid for an Android tablet! Why not buy one? The deal is this - a brand new 16GB Nexus 7 (2013) for just $149. This tablet originally sold for $229, so that's a decent $80 discount. It's already running Lollipop, has a solid high-res display, and is compact enough that you may even be able to toss one in your JNCOs at Marilyn Manson shows. Still need an Android tablet, but don't want to dent the bank account? Here you go. Deal Link

Deal: It's Back, Grab a BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer for $85

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:02:46 +0000

The BACtrack Mobile Breathalyzer is back on the DL Deals Store, priced at $85. Regularly set at $200, the BACtrack allows users to blow directly into the device, then get an accurate reading of their blood alcohol content. Whether you use it as a party toy or utilize it to make sure you have a safe night out at the bars, the point of the device is to monitor your alcohol consumption so you can choose to live a healthier lifestyle. Along with instant readings, the device features ZeroLine Technology to estimate how long it will take for your BAC to return to zero, as well as enables users to share their results via text, social media (seriously?), and email. Syncing with a smartphone application, users can track and save BAC readings, input data to remember what they had to drink, and much more. If this device interests you, go check it out. Features

Input & save BAC results, including what you drank and where
Receive accurate results due to internal air pump
See real-time BAC results from other users across the globe
Uses ZeroLine Technology to estimate how long until your BAC returns to 0.00%
Easily share results via text message, social media, and more
Live a healthier lifestyle by monitoring consumption
Clearly view how your body processes alcohol

Deal Link

Star Walk 2 and Star Walk Kids Hit Google Play, Your Ticket to a Space Adventure

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:56:38 +0000

Star Walk 2, the follow up to Vito Technology's original Star Walk, is now available on Google Play. Featuring an enhanced user interface, navigating through the app's countless features has been made more simple, allowing you to spend more time looking up into the night sky. If you have not heard of Star Walk, picture it as a highly detailed and feature rich Google Sky Map, which was that old app you could point out star, planets, and constellations on. With Star Walk, you get the same experience, but exploring the galaxy is made more fun thanks to facts about stars and richer graphics. Most of the original features that made stargazers fall in love with Star Walk are still present, such as detailed planetary tours, constellation outlines (with 3D graphics), and complete information for star systems and astrological phenomena. On top of this more info-heavy app, the same company also published Star Walk Kids. As you can guess, this app is more kid friendly, with cartoon-like graphics and stories. Star Walk 2 is priced at $2.99, and SW Kids is also $2.99. If you enjoy stars, planets, nebulas, and the wonders of space, give it a look. Play Link ($2.99)

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Google Messenger Updated With GIF Support and a Widget

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:27:07 +0000

Google's Messenger app, a new-ish SMS app that exists outside of Hangouts even though Hangouts was supposed to be the future of messaging for Google, received an update this week that introduces GIF support and a widget. Oh, it also should perform better and have less bugs. That's it! Is anyone using this app? Clearly, a few of you are, as our inbox was tipped a handful of times with news about the update. I'm just wondering why you aren't using Hangouts? Is it because Hangouts is mostly terrible or does Messenger just work better as an SMS app? Would love to know! Play Link

Cheers Julian, Zach and everyone else!

YouTube Now Supports 360 Degree Video

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 11:57:15 +0000

As announced through the YouTube Creator blog, YouTube now supports the uploading and watching of 360 degree videos. Watchable on Android phones and coming later to iOS devices, you can now fully immerse yourself in other worlds right from the existing YouTube app. On your phone, you can view all of the angles in a 360 degree video by twisting and tilting your device. If you have a VR headset, controlling the video is all done with your head, of course. As of right now, there are only a handful of videos in 360, but more are sure to come. YouTube states that they worked with select device makers to make sure creators are able to take advantage of this new feature immediately. What are you waiting for? Go check it out.

[responsive_vid]

Via: YouTube Creator

Root Achieved for DROID Turbo, But Don't go Rushing to the Forums Quite Yet

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:50:30 +0000

According to various posts on XDA and videos on YouTube confirming the news, root appears to have been achieved for the DROID Turbo on Verizon. So, what does it mean for average Turbo owners? At this point, not much at all. Down the road, if files and instructions are released by developers, root can be used for apps such as Titanium Backup and possibly even Xposed tweaks, but we are not there yet. For now, our guess is that developers will need to confirm a few times that this process is doable by the average Joe, then if deemed safe enough, will be released onto forums all across the place. This process could take quite some time as root achievement is confirmed by those within the rooting community. As this progresses, we will be sure to keep all of our Turbo owners in the loop.

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Via: XDA [2]

Google VPN Shortcut Discovered in Android 5.1, Not Yet Available for Use

Tim — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 09:03:33 +0000

While digging through settings and apps after installing Android 5.1, the folks at Pocketables discovered an interesting app called Google Connectivity Services. When linked to from any shortcut maker app (we used Nova Launcher), it reveals a setup dialogue for Google VPN. While the service does not appear to be live or available for use, it appears that Google may soon allow Android users to connect to a VPN while on open public WiFi networks. A virtual private network (VPN), allows users to connect to an unsecured WiFi network, without having to fear for their data. Through the use of encryption as well as other various security protocols, and we imagine these would be Google's own servers, Android users should have no fear when linking up to that open Starbucks WiFi network. Again, the service does not work currently, and we may just be waiting for Google to flip a switch. On the other hand, Google may never offer this to the public, and instead, Google VPN is just a setting for Googlers to use while they are out and about. But again, with Google said to launch its own MVNO, a VPN may come in handy if heavily utilizing WiFi access points is still the company's game plan. Thoughts?

Via: Pocketables

Report: Microsoft's Cortana is Coming to Android

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 08:12:44 +0000

According to a report out of Reuters, Microsoft is preparing to bring its personal assistant over to both Android and iOS. We are talking about Cortana, of course, the smart assistant named from the Halo character that is currently a Windows Phone exclusive feature. The plan is to release Cortana onto the desktop when Windows 10 is released later this year, then move it onto other platforms, like the one we talk about on the daily. Why bring Cortana over to Android and iOS? Because Windows Phone is a massive failure and they have this really neat personal assistant that they spent millions to create and don't want it to go to waste. Ok, that's not fair - the real reason is likely because Microsoft wants you to use its software everywhere, with the hope that you will grow to love Windows again and buy PCs and use Outlook and...Bing. Seriously, though, why not? Personal assistants are all the rage these days, so they might as well, rather than let all of that hard work go to waste on Lumia devices. For those new to Cortana, think of it like Apple's Siri, only on Windows Phone. Cortana has a personality, can be asked questions, will give answers, and tries to analyze and then adjust things like traffic during your commute. You can ask her for sports scores, to be quiet while sleeping, and to cheat on trivia night with Bing. Here is a quick video on the things Cortana can do:

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Do you need Cortana in your life? I don't know, do you? We have Google Now, which is like a silent assistant that does things without you having to ask. But maybe you want a more personal experience instead of an automated one, where you actually talk to someone (read: your phone) throughout the day and they answer back. Siri is popular, I think. Maybe this could be your Siri on Android, since Google doesn't seem to see the need for one. No time frame was given for a potential launch of Cortana on Android. Do you want a personal assistant on your phone or is Google Now enough?

Via: Reuters

Sprint Will Now Cover All Costs When You Switch Over From Your Current Carrier

Kellen — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 07:47:08 +0000

Sprint, Sprint, Sprint, I don't know how you are ever going to make any money, but you don't seem to care at this point. Bring over all the customers and you will figure it out later, right? This morning, Sprint, who may or may not have given up their "3rd largest US carrier" title within the last couple of months, has another reason for you to switch from your current carrier and come to the land of WiMax...err Spark...err...~~Wiz Khalifa~~ black and yellow. If you switch to Sprint from your current carrier, Sprint will reimburse all the costs associated with the move, which means your early termination fees and any remaining payments on a phone installment plan will be covered. "No matter what is owed," the press release reads. How does it work? Like this.

Bring your number from any other carrier with an early termination fee or phone installment plan balance.
Activate a device on Sprint Easy Pay, iPhone for Life Plan, Sprint Lease or pay full retail price with a new line of service2.
Complete an online registration www.sprint.com/joinsprint and upload a bill that shows applicable charges for reimbursement within 60 days of activation.
Customers are required to turn in competitor phones (in good working condition) tied to the bill they submitted. To make this simple and hassle free, customers will receive a prepaid return kit in the mail.
Award is paid via American Express® Reward Card after online registration.

Tempted? According to RootMetrics' most recent report, Sprint has the 3rd best performing network among the big US carriers. They are clearly improving. Still, this would be a tough recommendation to make. Sprint customers - how is life with Sprint?

Via: Sprint

Wunderlist App for Android Receives Material Design Treatment

Tim — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:49:56 +0000

An update has been pushed to the Wunderlist app on Google Play, bringing all of the Material Design joy that we have seen from countless other apps now. Not only does the app look and behave differently, but the company states it has been rewritten from the ground up, allowing for easier use and greater performance. "With the built-in Add to Wunderlist sharing widget; Android Wear & Google Now support; and Widgets, Wunderlist for Android Lollipop will help you be more productive than ever before," the company stated in a blog post announcing the update. Additionally, according to the changelog, the update is full of hand-crafted animations, as well as "bright bursts of color that match your background." Couple that with new Lollipop transitions and it sounds like Wunderlist might be pretty fun to use. As you may have guessed, the update is now available for download in Google Play. Go grab it. What's New

Folders, Lollipop and a brand new design are here!
If you’re a list-lover and sometimes find your Sidebar resembling an episode of Hoarders, you can now organize them into Folders by long tapping, selecting your lists and then hitting the Folders icon. Boom! Your Sidebar is now super organized.
From bright bursts of color to the fun new animations, Wunderlist for Android is now 100% Lollipop Certified™. Plus everyone gets a brand new and colorful Home View design.

Play Link

Via: Wunderlist

Giveaway: Win a Nexus 6 From dbrand, Outfitted With Their Pink Carbon Fiber Skin

Kellen — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:43:49 +0000

You know that pink carbon fiber skin for the Nexus 6 from dbrand that we just reviewed? You can win it. Not just the carbon fiber skin either, you get to win the Nexus 6, the carbon fiber skin, another six black skins with varying cutouts, and a whole bunch of colored M logos. So not only can you win a brand new Nexus 6, but you also get a limited, hard-to-find carbon fiber skin of dbrand's and a bunch of alternatives in case carbon fiber isn't your thing. That's a pretty solid prize pack. In order to enter to win this contest, all you need to do is follow the two instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below. dbrand only asks that you follow them on Twitter and Instagram to enter. You can do that, right? The contest runs from the time of this posting until Monday, March 16 at 2:30PM Pacific. Ready? a Rafflecopter giveaway