Droid Life

Google Home Looks Ready for Multi-User Access as It Ditches Google Keep Shopping Lists

Kellen — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 09:44:46 +0000

Should you open up your Google Home app this morning, you'll see a new card in the "Discover" tab telling you that "Multiple users now supported." That's big news for Home, since it's always been a bit awkward having it attached to a single Google account when multiple people are likely to use it within a household. As of now, we aren't actually seeing a way to attach multiple users to a Google Home, so it could be that this card showed up prematurely (EDIT: As I was typing this story out, the card disappeared.). And honestly, we don't even know how this will work. My guess is that you'll be able to say, "OK, Google, what's Kellen's day look like," or something similar to specify which user you want to check-in on. Or maybe Google will learn your voice and just let you know as it hears you speak to it. That would actually be a much better implementation. Either way, this feature will be important, especially as Google tries to turn Home into a both a shopping and personal assistant. Having different profiles within a unit could lead to better person-by-person control and maybe even a level of privacy that is currently lacking.

In related news to Google Home, Google has pulled the shopping list feature from Google Keep. They actually started doing this last week, but have only this morning posted to their support site about the change. The shopping list functionality won't be dead, though. Going forward, you'll have a dedicated "Google Shopping List," within Google Assistant or Express (Google's shopping service). The list will be accessible within Home or Express apps and you should be able to find it by swiping out the side menu and tapping the Shopping List option. From there, you can shop your list and check off or delete items.

Via: Google Support [2]

LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition to Receive Android Wear 2.0 Update in Early May

Tim — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 08:44:08 +0000

Following the news that Android Wear 2.0 is already making its way to the LG G Watch R and Watch Urbane, LG announced this morning that the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition will soon receive the update in early May. Detailed by LG, once the update is rolled out, 2nd Edition users will benefit from Google Assistant, as well as Android Pay support (thanks to the 2nd Edition having NFC). If you have yet to try out Android Pay from your smartwatch, or Android Pay in general, I can finally confirm, it's pretty dope. Once this update is rolling out in May, we'll let you know.

Via: LG

ZTE Quartz Smartwatch is Official, Arrives at T-Mobile April 14 for $192

Kellen — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 07:46:37 +0000

ZTE quietly announced their new Android Wear watch today, the Quartz. This new Android Wear 2.0-equipped watch arrives April 14 at T-Mobile for under $200. What do you get with the ZTE Quartz? You get a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 1.4-inch full circle OLED display (400x400), 500mAh battery, 4GB storage, 768MB RAM, GPS, IP67 dust and water resistance, and 3G connectivity (for calls, texts, etc.). It doesn't have NFC, unfortunately, but it does appear to be checking all of the other boxes, especially at $192. Again, the ZTE Quartz launches exclusively at T-Mobile on April 14. T-Mobile ZTE Quartz Link

Via: Businesswire

Google Reportedly Really Wants LG to Make Them OLED Displays for the New Pixel Phones

Kellen — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 07:21:48 +0000

On a recent DL Show, Tim and I talked about how frustrating it was that LG continues this slow (read: non-existent) move into OLED smartphone display panel production. We brought it up because Samsung moved into the space years ago and has become the king, yet LG, who makes and sells lots of OLED panels for TVs, continues to push LCD displays in smartphones. I don't want to call LCD technology the past, but smartphone makers outside of Apple (who is constantly rumored to be switching to OLED), HTC, and LG, are all onto AMOLED. LG may have new reason to fire up the ol' OLED production lines, though, according to a new report that claims Google wants to make a hefty $876 million investment. This morning, etnews is reporting that Google has offered or is at least very interested in investing close to $1 billion toward LG Display facilities that make flexible OLED displays. The investment will potentially give Google priority over LG-produced OLED displays, while also helping the industry keep up with growing demand, since OLED panels are in short supply. In fact, this report claims that the Pixel and Pixel XL have struggled to remain in stock and available for purchase because Google can't find enough OLED panels to put in them. This report specifically suggests that the money would go towards "flexible" OLED panels, which would make sense since LG Display produces Plastic OLED or P-OLED panels right now. They featured them in devices like the G Flex and G Flex 2, two devices that never really caught on or sold well. However, they do currently use their P-OLED displays in smartwatches or other wearables. etnews reports that we should see LG Display OLED panels on the new Pixel phones later this year.

Via: etnews

Weekly Recap: Where We Review the LG G6 and You Show Love to Cases

Kellen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 16:30:12 +0000

Since we're all just counting the days until the arrival of the Galaxy S8, what could possibly be worth highlighting from the past week? A lot, bruh! We reviewed the LG G6 in both written and video forms. (Spoiler: It's an awesome phone!) We watched as Comcast became a wireless carrier with decently priced unlimited plans, wondered why YouTube TV is available to so few people, and realized that you all really love some cases. As for Galaxy S8 news, we figured out how to remap the Galaxy S8's Bixby button and have confirmation of its display being the best ever. See, another fun week! If you missed anything, you'll find the goods below.

My power is probably out right now.

DEALS: Best Buy Hosting Sale on Lots of Smart Home Stuff

Tim — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 15:47:22 +0000

For a limited time, Best Buy is hosting a deal on select Smart Home items, such as an ecobee 3 smart thermostat, Luma mesh WiFi system, and even a Canary security system. The savings range, but there are four items in particular that caught our eye. For the ecobee 3 (which I personally use and love), you can save $50 on the MSRP, bringing the total to $199. For Luma, a great mesh WiFi option, the price is discounted to $299. That's $100 off the MSRP. You can also grab an all-in-one Canary system for $165. That's a $35 savings. Beyond what we list here, Best Buy has almost 20 things for your home on sale. There are routers, security systems, and much more. Best Buy Links

ecobee 3 w/ Room Sensor ($199, $50 off)
Luma WiFi 3-pack ($299, $100 off)
Canary all-in-one Security System ($165, $35 off)
Canary Connect 2-pack ($329, $50 off)

Have fun upgrading your home.

Google Search's Fact Check Label Rolls Out Everywhere

Kellen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 12:43:03 +0000

The internet is filled with a lot of garbage, more so than ever right now. Outside of everyone and their toe having a hot take, the real garbage I'm referring to is the wave of made-up-nonsense news that flooded places like Facebook during the previous election or has potentially been crawled by Google and placed into Search results. Because the world is a better place when purposely misleading trash is called out for being purposely misleading trash to help you laugh in the face of your scary middle-of-no-where extremist uncles and aunts as they go about sharing it, Google is making it clearer than ever when something has been fact checked. In Google News results, you'll now see clearly marked information about news articles that have been checked. The claim is highlighted, along with the person who made the claim, followed by a fact check on whether or not it's true. Take a look at the image above to see how this will look. Starting today, Google is rolling this out everywhere from News to Search. Of course, you won't see it in every result, but when you do, you'll hopefully be a more informed individual who isn't just screaming "FAKE NEWS!" because the information doesn't align with your whacked out beliefs. Facts are important. Correct information, whether we agree with it or not, is important. Don't be the sh*thead who isn't about a factual world. If you are a publisher and want to have your articles in this whole fact-checking thing, hit up the link below to get the instructions.

Via: Google

Friday Poll: Do You Use a Case on Your Phone?

Tim — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 09:57:58 +0000

With phones coming out with nothing but glass and super minimal bezels, we won't blame anyone for wanting to protect their investment from a destructive fall. Cases can be a very good thing, and case makers are probably loving the idea of smartphones becoming more and more fragile. It's great for business. The question is, do you or will you soon use one? With the Galaxy S8, it almost seems necessary considering how much glass covers that thing. One drop could be all it takes for your pretty, shiny new phone to be completely destroyed. And before you go spouting off about Gorilla Glass 5 or whatever, I can link you to plenty of YouTubers who are posting countless drop test videos, detailing that the Galaxy S8 is indeed quite fragile. Do I or will I use a case? Oh, God no, that's gross, but I won't blame you if you do. [poll id="449"]

Reminder: G6 Owners, It's Time to Redeem Your Free Google Home

Kellen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 09:40:13 +0000

Just a quick reminder, but don't forget to redeem your free Google Home if you purchased an LG G6. The redemption link just went live this morning! In order to receive your free Google Home, you'll need to register at the link below and fill out a form that asks you for name, phone, address, carrier, purchase date, retailer, IMEI, and some pictures to show proof. It won't take long, but it is a bit of work. I'm sure you are fine with that, though, since this is a free $129 Google Home. LG G6 Launch Promo Link

It's LG G6 Day: All the Videos You Need to be the G6 King, Right Here!

Kellen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 08:56:15 +0000

Sort of crazy to think that the LG G6 is just now launching around the globe, but that's where we're at! After being announced back in February, LG's best phone in years is finally available at all major carriers in the US. We've spent loads of time with the phone in recent weeks, putting together a pretty comprehensive set of videos that new owners of the phone might consider watching. Below, we've gathered the big ones, which include our full review, a set of tips and tricks, and the first 10 things to do when you fire up a G6 for the first time. If you want to get the most out of that new phone, this is the place to start. Also, for the dirty details on the phone, should be considering one, be sure to read our full LG G6 review. If you picked up an LG G6, let us know what you think! Buy the LG G6: AT&T | Verizon | Sprint | T-Mobile | Best Buy

LG G6 Review

[responsive_vid vid_url="ZurCTjg0Omk"]

Tips and Tricks

[responsive_vid vid_url="0BuYWBA1A-A"]

First 10 Things to Do

[responsive_vid vid_url="krf9nwZ43Us"]

Samsung Pushes Update to Gear S3, Offers Enhanced UI and Workout Features

Tim — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 08:49:12 +0000

An update is rolling out from Samsung for the Gear S3, with mention that one is also available for the Gear S2. Samsung labels it as a "comprehensive value pack" update, and honestly, I have no idea what that means. Samsung does list quite a few changes, such as sweet looking colorized graphs for post workout information. These graphs will detail heart rate zones, as well as heart rate ranges. Additionally, a new Stretching guide is activated after 50 minutes of inactivity and uses a counting sound to guide users through the activity. Accessibility has also been revamped on the Gear S3, offering more control over S3's display. For example, after activating "Direct access" inside of the Accessibility menu, you can enable "readability-focused" screen options, such as Dark Screen, Greyscale, and Negative Colors. Folks worried about losing their S3 can also use a Find My Gear function from the Gear Manger app. This function, "allows users to lock their lost device remotely to prevent unauthorized use, users may add personal contact information, such as an email address or phone number, to display on the smartwatch’s lock screen." For this update, head into the Samsung Gear app and check for the it.

Via: Samsung

Verizon Pixel Devices Getting Own 7.1.2 Build as NHG47K, Fixes a Whole Bunch of Stuff

Kellen — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 08:20:18 +0000

Earlier in the week, Google posted April's security patch for Android 7.1.1, while also rolling out stable 7.1.2 to select Pixel and Nexus devices. Then yesterday, Verizon updated its Pixel and Pixel XL support pages showing another unannounced update on the way as build NHG47K. We initially thought the "H" in there might be a typo, since the 7.1.2 builds expected were N2G47J and N2G47E. As it turns out, some Verizon Pixel owners have indeed starting seeing NHG47K and it is 7.1.2. Google hasn't posted factory images or OTA files for it yet, but it appears to be a Verizon-only update. A whole thread of users on reddit have seen it this morning. According to Verizon's changelog, there is actually some good stuff in the update, as you would expect from a quarterly maintenance release. And not that this is exclusive stuff to the Verizon unit - this should be general 7.1.2 improvements for all Pixel and Nexus devices:

Improvement: Better performance and connectivity for Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi
Improvement: Adds a new feature allowing you to back up and restore 1st-party apps such as Calendar™, Drive™ and Messenger
Improvement: Better Voice call performance
Improvement: Latest Android™ security patches
Bug fix: Certain HD Voice/Wi-Fi Calling options were missing after the phone's software was updated
Bug fix: In rare cases the phone was not able to receive text messages.

Head into Settings>About phone>System updates and let us know if you see it! UPDATE: The factory images and OTA files for this special Verizon build now available.

Via: Verizon

Android Distribution Updated for April 2017: Nougat Closes in on 5%

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:45:50 +0000

Google updated the Android distribution numbers today for the month of April, showing a rise in Nougat to almost 5% of the pie (4.9% to be exact). That’s a decent sized jump after last month's increase to 2.8%. In the grand scheme of things, knowing that Nougat has been out for seven or so months, 5% is pretty weak. As for the rest of the numbers, Marshmallow dipped to 31.2% (31.3%), just like Lollipop (32.0%), KitKat (20.0%), Jelly Bean (10.1%), Ice Cream Sandwich (0.9%) and Gingerbread (0.9%). Marshmallow and Lollipop are still king, as Nougat is on the rise. Did we mention Android O already being in preview? Ugh. Last month’s numbers can be found here.

Via: Android Developers

Android Wear 2.0 Update Hits LG G Watch R and Watch Urbane

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:19:37 +0000

Take a minute to cruise through the Android Wear subreddit and you'll find no shortage of posts from excited owners of the LG G Watch R and original Watch Urbane. Why are they so excited? Because the Android Wear 2.0 is arriving on their watches today. If you own either of these watches and aren't seeing the update, you can find the update files at the source links below. If you are new to Android Wear 2.0 and want to see what it's capable of, be sure to watch our Wear 2.0 video overview.

Via: reddit [2] [3]

Cheers Michael!

Video: LG G6 Review!

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:52:42 +0000

Just in case you happened to skip our written LG G6 review because you prefer the video format, we've got something for you today. Our LG G6 video review is here! In this video, we cover the same general thoughts as the written, but you will get my slightly tweaked opinion over Tim's. Overall, though, we both view this phone very similarly. We both think LG did a heck of a job by building an ultra-premium smartphone with solid cameras and few (if any) gimmicks. This is a redemption story after last year's G5 disaster, that's for sure. As Tim noted in the written portion, the Galaxy S8's arrival is going to make it tough on LG once again, but I'd argue that you should still give this some serious consideration. This phone doesn't really have any weaknesses, plus you get some added bonuses (dual cameras). Enjoy!

[responsive_vid]

#TBT: The Top 5 Android Phones of 2013 as Declared by Us

Tim — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 12:31:14 +0000

Each year we enjoy ranking the top Android devices. There's nothing scientific about it, it's just us providing our opinion, and each person has their own thoughts as to what device is best. This is the beauty of Android. Anyway, 2013 was an awesome year, one that I'd like to highlight with this week's #TBT. You see, Motorola was back and in a big way. With MotoMaker, Motorola was allowing folks to customize their own smartphone, complete with wood finishes, accent colors, and even boot animation text. This was unheard of and I'm almost certain it was universally praised by all. Not only was the hardware cool, but a complete abandonment of Moto's UI skin made the Moto X really stand above the competition. Instead of an ugly re-skin, Moto built in useful features such as Active Display. To us, it was a game changer, a feature that we still use to this day on other devices (Always-On). There were plenty of other devices we enjoyed, too, of course. There was the HTC One, a huge advance in terms of HTC's design language, the Nexus 5 from Google that featured LTE again after being absent in the Nexus 4, and one of the last Google Play Edition devices we used heavily, the Galaxy S4 variant. As you'd expect, folks had plenty to argue down in the comments, with many claiming the Galaxy Note 3 should have taken the top prize, let alone be left out of our Top 5 entirely. Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. Here's the Top 5 Android phones of 2013, declared by us.

Moto X
Nexus 5
Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition
LG G2
HTC One

Honorable mentions were given to the following devices.

Galaxy Note 3
DROID MAXX
Galaxy S4

Needless to say, 2013 was a solid year for Android. If you ask us, 2017 is also looking very good so far.

Yes, You Can Remap the Galaxy S8's Bixby Button to Google Assistant or Whatever Else You Want (Updated)

Tim — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:24:20 +0000

Future Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ owners, fear not, remapping the dedicated Bixby button to whatever you want is doable! In fact, it's so easy to do that all you need is a single app from Google Play - no unlocking, rooting, or hacking required. Ah, Android, it's a beautiful thing. Should you give Bixby a try, then find it's not exactly your cup of tea, anyone with the below linked app can change the dedicated hardware button's action to open up any other feature or app on the Galaxy S8. For example, you can set Google Assistant, Google Now, or anything else you might want quick access to. Now, the app you'll need is linked below, but we won't dive into the complete tutorial on how to use it. XDA has a fantastic tutorial for that, so check it out by following the via link below. Bye bye, Bixby! UPDATE: Scratch that, Samsung has killed the option through a software update. Play Link

Via: XDA

Cheers Nick!

Latest Pebble Update Removes Dependency on Cloud Services

Tim — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:10:59 +0000

When Fitbit announced it was acquiring Pebble, many Pebble owners likely had questions about what would happen to the hardware on their wrists. Once Pebble's servers go dark at the end of this year, will the watches just stop working? Well, an update from Pebble addresses these issues, one that should have all Pebble users breathing a sigh of relief. To sum it up, don't worry, your Pebble watches will continue to work, even after Pebble's servers are inevitably shut down. Specifically, the update removes the dependency Pebble hardware has to Pebble's cloud services. For example, apps can now be sideloaded easily onto the hardware, and users can even skip the login process entirely. While this is a good start in terms of allowing the Pebble hardware to live on after the servers are relieved of their duty, there are certain features that rely solely on those servers to operate. Things like weather, voice dictation and messaging all require access to those servers. It's possible Pebble will have yet another update in the future to address this. Pebble owners, I know you love your watch, but don't you think it's time to get something new? Go grab that update in the meantime.

Via: The Verge

Comcast Jumps Into Wireless Service With Xfinity Mobile Using Verizon's Network

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:58:54 +0000

This morning, Comcast announced its plan to enter the wireless arena with Xfinity Mobile. Yep, believe it or not, Comcast is now a wireless carrier, though they fall in the MVNO crowd rather than in direct competition with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and the rest of the bunch. Xfinity Mobile, when it launches later this year, will only be available to Comcast customers. As a Comcast customer, you'll have choices of unlimited or "By the Gig" plans. Depending on how much money you pay Comcast each month will determine how much you pay for Xfinity Mobile. To start, though, Comcast will just hand you up to 5 lines at no charge when you add Xfinity Mobile to your Xfinity internet service that include unlimited talk and text, plus 100MB of data. Comcast says that unlimited plans "with [their] best X1 package" will pay just $45 per line for unlimited data (throttled at 20GB). If you aren't taking out a second mortgage each month for the "best" Xfinity X1 package, the price will be $65 per month (up to 5 lines) for unlimited data. If unlimited data doesn't sound necessary, Comcast will offer a "By the Gig" plan that costs $12 per GB of data. There are no line access fees, so you pay what you sign-up for. As I mentioned, Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO or mobile virtual network operator. In other words, they are a prepaid network that uses another carrier's network for service. Oh, you want to know which carrier's network Comcast will use? Verizon's. Comcast will take advantage of "America's largest, and most reliable 4G LTE network." Not only that, but Comcast will use their own network of 16 million WiFi hotspots to boost connectivity for customers. That means you are looking at a Project Fi-like experience where you automatically hand-off from 4G LTE to WiFi as your phone finds a better connection. The transition should be seamless and not interrupt service. And that's really the best comparison of Xfinity Mobile; this service is very much like Project Fi. You get network-to-WiFi handoff, everything is managed through an app, and you can jump between types of plans or pay-as-you-go without penalty. As for phones, well, since this is Verizon's network you should have plenty to choose from. With that said, Xfinity Mobile will support the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. The "best devices" from Samsung and LG will also be available. To find out more, head over to Comcast's Xfinity Mobile site.

Via: Comcast

Sprint Adjusts Unlimited Freedom Plan Again, $120 for 4 Lines for the Next Year

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 06:46:51 +0000

Not that you can keep up, but Sprint changed its unlimited plan offerings once again. They do this every month or so by tweaking the pricing slightly and extending out the promotional period before your bill skyrockets. It's odd, but it's also very Sprint. Today, the company is simplifying their Unlimited Freedom plan, which I think just means dropping the price slightly. Starting April 7, Sprint's Unlimited Freedom for new customers starts at $50/month for the first line and then jumps to $80 for 2 lines, $100 for 3 lines, and $120 for 4 lines (prices with autopay turned on). The plan includes "unlimited" data, talk, and text, plus HD video (up to 1080p) and throttled gaming and music streams. Customers also get 10GB per month per line for tethering (2G after) and "high speed data for most everything else." Keep in mind that the price I mentioned (and below) is only good for about a year. If you sign-up tomorrow, the $120 for 4-lines deal lasts until June 30, 2018 and then jumps substantially. Once that day rolls around, pricing becomes: $60 for line 1 plus $40 for line 2 and $30 each for lines 3 and 4. So your $120 bill becomes $160/month. This is how Sprint is comparing its Unlimited Freedom plan to the other carriers:

I should also point out that Sprint is "retiring" its 50% Off plan and "moving away" from Better Choice. Their previous unlimited promotion $90 for 5 lines) ends tonight as well. Sign-up for Sprint Unlimited Freedom right here.

Via: Sprint

Twitter Rolls Out Twitter Lite, an Experience for Slower Data Connections

Kellen — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 06:09:55 +0000

Because there is a good chance that you may not have the best data connection every single day for the rest of your lives, Twitter is rolling out Twitter Lite to the mobile web. This Lite version was built to take up less space and load items more quickly, only without cutting the features you need. Twitter Lite can be accessed via the web (it's more of a web app than anything) at mobile.twitter.com. Once there, you'll still be able to access DMs, your timeline, trending items, your profile, media, and even get notifications. Oh, you could also save Twitter Lite to your home screen as a shortcut if you want (Menu>Add to Home Screen, in Chrome). If you need even more Lite-ness, feel free to toggle on the data saver mode found in the menu (see image above). This mode will show you previews of images before letting you decide which to fully load. Twitter says this can reduce data usage by up to 70%, which seems like a lot. For more on Twitter Lite, hit up this link. For more on the dirty background details of how it was built, hit up this link. https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/849854502433808384

Via: Twitter

Sprint's Galaxy Note 5 Gets Nougat Update

Kellen — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:46:21 +0000

Back in January, Samsung told us to expect Android Nougat updates on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5 to start rolling out within the first half of the year. Sprint appears to be first on the list to push that type of action, as Note 5 users there began receiving the update last night. The update is rolling out as a 1.4GB file, so be sure to juice up before trying to pull it. Once done, the update should land as software version N920PVPU3DQC5. As you can tell from the screenie below, this is Android 7.0. The update should include the newest version of TouchWiz, though, which is the version that Galaxy S7 units began receiving within recent months. We're talking about improved notifications, better multi window, and more. Sprint Note 5 owners, feel free to grab it.

Cheers Kevin and Paul!

Honor Beta Hits the US, Test Software and Maybe Even Devices

Tim — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:32:31 +0000

Honor is looking for a few brave folks to enter into the Honor Beta program, now available for customers in the US. With the Honor Beta program, Honor will be shipping out software that is not quite ready for public rollout. If and once your device receives this software, I imagine Honor would like to hear your feedback on any bugs or concerns, which can in turn help them create a better experience for everyone. More excitingly, this beta isn't only about software. According to the website, Honor will even send out pre-released hardware to select people, really putting participants on the bleeding edge of what's to come. Do you rock an Honor phone or want to see about testing new devices? You can sign yourself up by following the link below. All they want is your name, email address, zip code, and a brief explanation why you make a good candidate for the program. Good luck, brave people. Sign-up Here

Via: Honor Beta [Facebook]

Report: New Google Home Might Also be a Mesh Router

Kellen — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:54:34 +0000

Since Google's vision for taking over your home currently involves having a Google Home and Google WiFi in as many rooms as possible, it makes sense that company should consider combining the two into a single unit that does both things. According to a report out of The Information, Google is currently working towards such a product. While we don't have many details, the idea makes a lot of sense. Google Home is there to talk to, play music, and help you get things done, but you may as well tuck the guts of a Google WiFi inside to both strengthen the signal for Home and the rest of your devices. This combined product would help eliminate the need to for double the amount of smart devices throughout. Pricing might be difficult to predict, but we do know that Google Home and Google WiFi each cost $129. Would a combined product cost $250 or would Google find a way to reduce that? This is Google, so hopefully we're looking at something closer to the $200 range. Again, that's speculation. No other information is available. As this story unfolds, we'll be sure to keep you updated.

Via: The Information (subscription)

NFL, Amazon Ink Thursday Night Football Streaming Deal for Prime Members

Tim — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:14:07 +0000

The NFL and Amazon have inked a deal for Thursday Night Football streaming rights, one that will benefit every single Amazon Prime member in over 200 countries across the globe. Starting with this upcoming season, Prime members can watch 10 TNF games from the Amazon Prime Video app on their phone, tablet, gaming console, set-top box, or anywhere else you can access it. If you weren't aware, Twitter held these same rights in 2016, but Amazon outbid the social network with a $50 million bid to the NFL, which is $40 million more than Twitter paid last year. Here's the nitty gritty you need to know.

The Thursday Night Football games will be made available to the tens of millions of Amazon Prime members worldwide, on the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, game consoles, set top boxes and connected devices, which includes Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices and online. The TNF games will also be available to Prime Video members internationally in over 200 countries and territories.

NFL 2017 kicks off on Thursday, September 7.

Via: NFL | Business Insider

YouTube TV Launching in Just Five Markets, More to Come Soon

Tim — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:27:39 +0000

Reviews of YouTube TV are hitting the web, along with more details concerning the rollout of the service. As stated in the material, YouTube TV will launch in just five cities across the country, and while that may sound like a poor start, at least they are major cities. To start, the service will be available in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and Philadelphia. With that being said, the service will make its way to additional markets, but YouTube/Google is currently working out deals with local affiliates to make sure the service is as optimal as can be. If you need a refresh, here are the channels available at launch, with the price starting at $35/month. If you live in one of these areas, do you plan on signing up and giving it a shot?

Via: The Verge

Honor Unveils the 8 Pro With Laundry List of Great Specs, No US Launch Detailed Yet

Tim — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 09:08:26 +0000

Honor announced a new phone early this morning for European consumers, the Honor 8 Pro. If you've been paying attention, this is the same phone that has been reported on since February, but at that time, we suspected the device would be unveiled at MWC. As you can see, that was incorrect. First things first, is it coming to America? We don't quite know yet. Honor has provided zero plans for the US, but if the company is serious about the North American market, they should be heavily considering it. Now, as for the Honor 8 Pro itself, it's a beast. This is Honor's first attempt at going all out in a device, and if you ask us, it shows. The phone features a 5.7" QHD display, 6GB RAM, 4,000mAh battery(!), rear-facing fingerprint reader, dual 12MP rear-facing cameras, and EMUI 5.1 atop Nougat. In Europe, the Honor 8 Pro is priced in the €500+ range. Here's the full list of specs from Honor. Specs

5.7 inch 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display
Huawei EMUI 5.1 (Android Nought)
Kirin 960 processor
6GB RAM
64GB built-in storage
4,000 mAh battery
Dual 12MP rear-facing cameras
8MP front-facing camera
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4G/5G

Now, as mentioned, the Honor 8 Pro is being launched for European consumers, with no US launch hinted. However, if you are a US consumer and want something new from Honor/Huawei, the company's Tripod Selfie Stick is now available through its website, priced at $19.99. Is a selfie stick the same as a sweet new phone? Of course not, but it at least has a Huawei logo on it. If the Honor 8 Pro launched in the US for $550-$600 unlocked, would you be interested?

Via: VMall (UK Market)

AT&T Just Added HBO to Unlimited Plus Plan for Free

Kellen — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 06:39:47 +0000

Starting tomorrow (April 6), AT&T will hand out free HBO to current and new customers who are a part of their Unlimited Plus data plan. This news arrives on the heels of last month's offer that included a free year of HBO to DIRECTVNOW customers. Now, though, the DIRECTVNOW portion of the freebie is no longer a requirement. AT&T doesn't appear to be requiring much here, outside of being a subscriber to Unlimited Plus, which is the top tier unlimited data plan they offer. To get the free HBO, you'll simply need to "access your HBO content through the DIRECTV NOW and HBO Go apps." In other words, starting tomorrow, as an Unlimited Plus customer, you should just have access through those apps. AT&T hasn't said how long the free HBO subscription is good for, but unlike the DIRECTVNOW deal, they aren't limiting it to just 1-year at this time. As long as you are subscribed to Unlimited Plus, it sure looks like you've got free HBO for a while. To find out more, hit up AT&T's unlimited plan site.

Via: AT&T

Report: HTC U to Feature 5.5" WQHD Display, Snapdragon 835 and 'Squeezy' Gesture Goodness

Tim — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:01:50 +0000

Following reports that the HTC U was set for unveiling this month, specifications for the device are being outed by what appear to be official HTC documentation. You can choose to take the source material seriously or not, but things do seem to be aligning rather well for a U unveiling later this month. According to what is shown, the HTC U will be a pretty straightforward 2017 flagship, with exception to a few extra sensors that will allow users to input commands via the sides of the device, not just the touchscreen. As of right now, it's reported that the U will feature a 5.5" WQHD display, Snapdragon 835, 4GB RAM (6GB in select markets), 64GB/128GB storage options, 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, 3D Gorilla Glass 5, fingerprint reader, and Android 7.1+. Honestly, if you were designing your own phone, these specs are pretty much your starting point for a flagship in 2017. And to be clear, that's a good thing. Now, onto the more interesting stuff, which includes this thing called the Edge Sensor. As reported before and backed up by this latest intel, HTC is building in additional touch sensors into the edges of the phone. With these sensors built-in, the phone will be able to feel various types of squeeze and presses. For example, you can program a squeeze that prompts Google Assistant, or a squeeze that opens up your camera. The point is, no longer will you need to unlock your phone to begin certain actions; a few squeezes are all that's required. The below image is taken from the documentation that was leaked, detailing the setup wizard for the Edge Sensor.

We probably still have a bit to go before HTC confirms the existence of the U, then subsequently unveils it, so we won't spend too much time speculating as to what you might be able to accomplish with a phone you can squeeze in various ways. Frankly, it's odd to me, and I had initially expected just a touch-powered volume rocker or something along those lines - not actual sensors that can be squeezed. Odd. Let me know your take on the HTC U and its reported Edge Sensor. I'm dying to know.

Via: Android Headlines

This Icon Pack is Hot: Magme

Kellen — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:05:56 +0000

Need some icon freshness in your life? Take a look at Magme, an icon pack with a softness to it that also happens to be on sale right now for just $0.99. Magme features over 1,100 icons, including a whole bunch of alternatives should you not like the default color or styling. There are drawer and folder icons galore, a decent selection of 3K wallpapers (perfect for that G6 or Galaxy S8 in your life), a full dashboard of all icon pack happenings, support with almost any major launcher, and regular updates (it got one just yesterday). As for the design, they carry that Material style we are used to, but as I mentioned, with a softness to the color palette. Some do have a cartoonish flair here and there, though it's not enough to scare away those looking for a pretty standard icon setup. Most icons don't stray far from Google's vision, yet they still will give you a nice change-up. The pack is currently listed at 50% off, so jump on it. Play Link ($0.99)

Apple Music Gets All-New Design on Android

Kellen — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:42:01 +0000

Apple Music, an app we haven't written up in almost a year, received a big update today on Android! Typically, I would follow up that initial statement with jokes about Apple products being featured here on an Android site and how no one uses it and all that jazz, but the reality is that many of you may use this, should you be on a family plan or need all the Chance or Drake exclusives you can get in real-time. So yeah, Apple Music update! The update is v2.0.0 and features an "all-new" design with "greater clarity and simplicity." It looks like a lot of white mixed with dots and lines of Droid Life's pink color. Dare I say, it's hot? There is also new "Now Playing" feature that allows you to read lyrics as you listen to a song, a "Library" section with all of your goodies, and some other browsing tweaks and recommendation stuff. Play Link

Via: 9to5Google

Shocker: DisplayMate Awards Galaxy S8 With A+ Rating in Display Department

Tim — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:42:30 +0000

A year ago, with the launch of the Galaxy S7, DisplayMate said Samsung's 2016 flagship device had the best smartphone display available. Now, get ready for a shocker, DisplayMate is back, this time declaring that the new Galaxy S8 has the best smartphone display, awarding it an A+ rating. Thanks to a new 3K resolution (2960 x 1440 Quad HD+, 570 ppi), blue light filter, support for four different screen modes, plus being the first phone certified by the UHD Alliance for Mobile HDR Premium, Samsung packs a mighty display punch inside of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. As you might already know, DisplayMate doesn't go handing out A+ grades very often, so it's a big deal. Stated on their site, "The Galaxy S8 is the first in a new generation of OLED Smartphones that have a Full Screen Display design. It is the most innovative and high performance Smartphone display that we have ever lab tested, earning DisplayMate’s highest ever A+ grade." Below, DisplayMate detail everything that has been improved with regard to the display. Not too surprisingly, it's a long list. What's Improved

Higher Screen Brightness from 5% to 19%.
Larger Native Color Gamut with 113% DCI-P3 for better displayed Colors in High Ambient Light.
Improved Absolute Color Accuracy.
Improved Viewing Angle performance.
Enhanced configurable Edge Display for the curved side screens.
Enhanced Always On Display mode operated with IC hardware rather than App software.
Enhanced Personalized Auto Brightness Control.
Enhanced Image Processor for Adaptive Dynamic Brightness and Contrast Range Expansion.
Enhanced Performance Modes and Power Saving Modes.
Stronger curved Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the display.

Keep in mind, this list is only what's been improved, not what's new. That list is even longer and more detailed, so we recommend you go check it out on DisplayMate's site. The point is, the Galaxy S8 has a really, really good display.

Via: DisplayMate

Pinterest Utilizing Android Shortcuts for Quicker Entry Into Top Features

Tim — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:26:38 +0000

As some of you may or may not know, depending on which phone you're using, a long press on an app icon can reveal shortcuts into that select application. This is a feature widely used on Pixel devices, but has yet to saturate into the mass market of Android smartphones. Regardless, Pinterest is rolling out this feature to its app, allowing for quick entry into its most used features. Once updated and the Pinterest app is placed on your home screen, a long press will reveal several features from within the app: Lens, Explore, Search, and Saved. Once those options are shown, a simple tap will dive you right into that desired feature. Users can also can hold down on one of the options and drag it onto the home screen to be its own standalone shortcut. The above GIF details this perfectly. Do note, this feature is reserved for users running Android 7.1+, nothing older. In Pinterest's blog post, the company also states it is working with Samsung's Bixby to bring the Lens feature straight to Galaxy S8 owners. As you probably saw, Bixby can take a photo of something, then run that image across a database of products available for sale through select Samsung partners. Pinterest happens to be one of those partners. If you snap a photo of something available on Pinterest, you'll be led straight to it via the application. Pretty sweet, right? Play Link

Via: Pinterest

S Health is Now Samsung Health, 'Ask an Expert' Offers Online Doctor Appointments 24/7

Tim — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:19:27 +0000

A major update is rolling out to S Health, the same that was detailed on stage during the Galaxy S8 unveiling. Moving forward, S Health is now Samsung Health, which is sorta comical considering "S" was simply short for Samsung. I would've loved to be a fly on the wall during that super important meeting. Besides a name change, Samsung lists a new feature called Ask an Expert, powered by American Well. With this, Samsung device owners in the US can receive 24/7 online support from doctors at a time that best suits you. To sum up the experience, you enroll in the program, choose a doctor that works best for you, and then visit the doctor through your smartphone with live video. For all of the details on this, check out AMWELL's site. Samsung also notes support for six main types of health management under the Accessories section, ability to add a custom pace-setter that matches your own personal goals, plus a variety of bug fixes. Below is the complete changelog, followed by a Play Store link. What's New

S Health has changed its name to Samsung Health.
Ask an Expert lets you have online doctor visits 24/7 (US only).
Six main types of health management device have been added to Accessories (ACCU-CHEK included).
You can add a custom pace-setter that matches your goals and performance level.
Various bug fixes and improvements applied.

Play Link

Second Wave of Android Wear 2.0 Updates Goes Out to Nixon Mission, Polar M600, Others

Kellen — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 07:44:09 +0000

Google announced this as we were sneaking into the weekend, but we wanted to make sure you all saw it still - the second wave of Android Wear 2.0 updates is going out to a new batch of devices. This round of watches includes the Polar M600, Fossil Q Wander, Fossil Q Marshal, Michael Kors Access line, and Nixon Mission. For details, you'll want to hit up your watchmaker's site, but we are seeing some dedicated pages like this one from Nixon. Otherwise, for a really nice Android Wear 2.0 overview, you'll want to watch this video of ours.

Via: Google Product Forums

Cheers David!

DEAL: Samsung Gear IconX Earbuds for $75 (UPDATED)

Kellen — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:52:55 +0000

Samsung's Gear IconX wireless earbuds are currently a part of Daily Steals' batch of electronics that have been heavily discounted. The daily deal site is selling both black and blue models for just $79.99, which is a heck of a price. The Gear IconX can be purchased new for around $150 at the moment, so you are looking at a good $70 discount from those. Now, these earbuds are refurbished, but the listing states they arrive in retail packaging, with the wireless charging case, USB cable, connector, wingtips (S, M, and L), and eartips (S, M, and L). To learn more about the Gear IconX, hit up Tim's initial hands-on write-up. Deal Link UPDATE: B&H Photo now has the Gear IconX for just $75. That's cheaper than this deal, plus they aren't refurbished. Black or white models available. [DEAL LINK]

LG G6 Review

Tim — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:42:25 +0000

With the G6, LG is hoping to do something it was unable to last year -- sell some phones. While we must applaud the company's investment and willingness to try something new with the G5 (modularity), we've stressed multiple times that the implementation did not work. Through our LG G6 review, we try to decide if the quick flip-flop was the right move. In 2017, LG has scrapped the modularity entirely and is offering a completely redesigned smartphone. It has metal, glass, and a great 5.7" QHD display with hardly any bezel surrounding it. It's a night and day difference between last year's G5, but is it enough to get people excited and on board? That's what we're here to find out. This is our LG G6 review.

LG G6 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZurCTjg0Omk

The Good

Specs There has been a little bit of arguing among Android nerds (ourselves included) concerning the processor inside the G6. LG decided to ship this phone with a Snapdragon 821 processor, which is last year's high-end silicon from Qualcomm. It is argued that LG should have utilized the Snapdragon 835, the latest and greatest from Qualcomm for 2017 flagships. Basically, it was bad timing for LG, as the Snapdragon 835 was not being produced in high enough quantities, and then whatever was being made was already spoken for by Samsung for usage in the Galaxy S8. LG's desire to get out ahead of Samsung this year by sticking with the 821 was a gamble, but in my eyes, it's not as if you're getting a bad phone because it has last year's processor. The G6 has everything on its spec sheet minus the SD 835, so you can't knock it too much. Anyway, for complete specifications, we’re looking at a 5.7″ QHD+ “FullVision” display (18:9), dual 13MP rear-facing cameras, 5MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB RAM, 3,300mAh non-removable battery (Quick Charge 3.0), microSD support, IP68 certification, fingerprint reader, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 4.2, and Android “Nougat.” Now, don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have seen a Snapdragon 835 in here, but from my experience, the G6 hasn't suffered due to a lack of one. I'll get to performance in a little bit, but just know that this phone isn't really missing anything in the specs department, which is hard to say for all phones these days. The G6 is a complete package, one that I haven't regretted keeping in my pocket for almost a couple of weeks now. Display One of the marquee features for the G6 is this rounded, super immersive 5.7" QHD+ display. In pixel speak, that's a resolution of 1440 x 2880 (564 ppi). When you first get it in your hand, it's pretty incredible, as it seems like you're really just holding a big display with hardly any bezel surrounding it. Speaking purely on the rounded corners, they've grown on me quite nicely. It's not such a drastic thing once you get used to seeing them, and with the Galaxy S8 also sporting them, it seems like something we'll all need to get used to, at least for the time being. Now, as for the 18:9 aspect ratio, it may take some time for apps and media to get better acquainted with this, but again, once you get used to it, it's not bad at all. To help make your apps fit the screen better, LG offers a software tweak that will scale the app to whatever size necessary (16:9, 16.7:9, 18:9). Once you tweak this, the app will restart itself, but do note, not all apps will look perfect. Essentially, if an app is made for 16:9, switching it to 18:9 may make things look zoomed in or stretched. As an example, YouTube and Netflix look fine in 18:9. Super Mario Run looks a tad funky when scaled, but it's totally useable. All of these scaling settings can be found in the "App Scaling" section of the Display settings. The panel itself in the G6 is a LCD, so I do have the regular minor beef that is normal for these displays. There is minor edge bleed, colors aren't as saturated as I might like when compared to AMOLED, and usability in direct sunlight is not ideal. Summing it all up, though, the display on the G6 is quite the looker and has been most enjoyable to look at. If you're worried about rounded corners, don't be, you'll get used to it in no time at all. Design You can't help but notice the LG G6's design. To me, it's hot. Others may think it looks odd, at least the backside that is similar to a robot's "O-face." But hey, it is what it is. Most importantly, on the front, you have a huge display wrapped with minimal bezel, complete with the rounded corners. The entirety of the phone's edges are metal, then glass on the front and back. On the backside, you have the easily accessible fingerprint reader, plus the dual camera setup. As you already know, we enjoy having a fingerprint reader on the backside, as it's something we've become accustomed to for what feels like years now. We liked it on the LG G5, we liked it on the Pixels, and it's no different on the LG G6. Comparing it to the G5, it's crazy to think LG evolved in the design department so quickly in just one year. If we gave out Most Improved awards each year, my vote would be for LG this year. With the glass design, there are a few drawbacks, that being fingerprints smudging your phone and the idea that a single drop on the ground means the end of your phone's existence. Accidents do happen, so don't be ashamed if you plan on throwing your G6 in a case. Not only will it protect from drops, but light scratching, too. Going back to the big display in little body design, I am loving where smartphones are headed. We're getting these crazy big panels in a body that is easily manageable with one hand, and as someone who doesn't have weirdly big hands, it's very helpful when I only need one hand for operation. In the US, the G6 comes in Black or Platinum, but other markets get a White version, too. I'd have loved to see the White come to the US, but oh well. Each color has its own positives - The black looks better for the display, but it also picks up fingerprints like crazy. The Platinum is better for fingerprints, but can look odd at first with the rounded corner display. It's something you'll need to get used to, to put it plainly. Camera There's a few things to say about the G6 cameras, but let it be known, the camera(s) are good. There are dual 13MP (Wide: F2.4 / 125°, Standard: OIS 2.0, F1.8 / 71°) sensors on the backside, capable of producing the wide angle shots many may be looking for. Upon firing them up, you will notice that it takes a second for the camera to focus and snap its initial shot. I've noticed that this slight stutter could cause you to miss a shot, but as long as you're in no rush, you can easily create some fantastic images. There's also a manual mode included, so professionals should have no problems adjusting the values and all that good stuff for top of the line shots. The UI is straightforward enough, exactly what you'd expect on almost any Android device. There's quick access to settings such as which mode you want to shoot (Auto, Square, Manual Image and Manual Video), flash, filters, plus options for panorama, slo-mo, time-lapse, and 360 panorama. There's no shortage in features for camera, so don't worry about getting bored when trying to be creative.

Now, as for the Square Camera stuff, meh, it's pretty gimmicky. I get why LG would think its useful, but I'm not a huge fan. When on a cellphone, I tend to just point and shoot, without needing LG's guidelines (Guide Shot) for positioning shots. However, I do like the Grid Shot function, which is perfect for sharing four squared off images to Instagram. On the other hand, Instagram now allows for people to publish multiple images in a single post, so we may not see grid shots as much as we used to on social media. In terms of the camera's abilities, I'd say it's quite the capable shooter. My shots typically come out looking very crisp, with exception to when shots are taken in extreme low lighting, but that's nothing new for smartphone cameras. As I've said before, I'd appreciate a bit more saturation in the display, allowing for a bit more color vibrance when previewing shots, but the G6 gets the work done. The camera's manual mode is a huge benefit when dealing with lighting, and for the most part, I'd say you shouldn't come across a shooting opportunity not capable of being performed by the G6's dual sensors. With regard to the wide angle vs. standard shooting, I have loved having the ability to switch between the two. Below you will see a few shots that compare differences between the two. To me, it helps add context to certain photos. For example, if I need to show a big scene, but have no room to back myself up, I can simply throw it on wide angle, then get the entire scene without having to be too far away. Context is the word I'd like to stress when it comes to wide angle shooting. It's not great for all shots, but you'll find it comes in handy quite a bit.

I haven't spent a lot of time with the Galaxy S8 yet, but once I do, you better believe I'll be doing a massive shootout between these two devices. The below photos are samples from my time with the G6. They have not been retouched, only resized.

Wide Angle vs. Standard

Performance The G6 comes with a Snapdragon 821 and 4GB of RAM, but before you go grabbing your pitchforks over LG using last year's processor, do realize that the SD821 is good silicon. Heck, it's the same processor used in the Pixel and Pixel XL, and those phones operate just fine. What it comes down to is real world usage and from my experience, things have been fine. Opening up apps, playing games, then switching back and forth is no problem on the G6, and there hasn't been any real jank to complain about. Believe me, if there was something wrong in the performance department, I'd be the first to let you know. And for everyone who cracks a bootloop joke, don't bother, I have had zero issues concerning bootloops. The only real performance problem I can report on has to do with the camera, which I already touched on. It takes a second to load up and snap that first shot, but once that is completed, you can click the shutter and get to work just fine. Other than that, the performance has been fluid and let's hope it stays that way. Considering this phone is running a processor from 2016, it will be interesting to see how it holds up over time compared to the Galaxy S8 and the Snapdragon 835.

Somewhere in the Middle

Battery Life The battery life I experienced on the G6 is the definition of "average." It's not bad, it's not great. Just a run of the mill, average battery life. It's sized at 3,300mAh, which is pretty large I'd say for a phone this size. Even with that size, though, I wasn't pulling in two days or anything crazy, but rather a typical one day of usage. My day is usually 7:30AM to about 10:30PM and I was getting through that every day no problem. Sometimes I'd have some spare juice and sometimes I wouldn't. To be as helpful as possible, I'd say you shouldn't have a problem getting through your average day, so long as you aren't streaming HD video over a mobile network 2 hours a day during a commute or playing Pokémon GO for 5 hours. Then again, if you are running out of battery, the phone does have Quick Charge 3.0, so charging quickly should never be an issue.

Software While performance of the phone is fine, the software in general is another story. Again, it's not terrible, but it's not great, either. I'm not the biggest fan, but I've been that way regarding LG's skins for years now. It never seems to change drastically, which is what I think it needs. The phone comes out of the box running Android 7.0 "Nougat," which does indeed help the underlying Android experience. You've got your multi-window, better notifications, improved Doze features, and all that jazz. Of course, LG couples tons of other software bloat, such as Capture+ (screenshot and writing), theming, and KnockON.

The two features included that I absolutely could not live without on the G6 are KnockON and the ability to theme the UI. With KnockON, the same as it's been on countless LG devices, you just tap twice on the screen to turn it on and off. It helps when the phone is just sitting on your desk and you don't want to pick it up to check the time or notifications. LG, keep doing KnockON. The other aspect of the skin I don't hate is the ability to theme. This is a growing addition to many OEM skins and it's one that I adore. The standard skin out of the box is quite atrocious, but I utilize the "High Contrast" theme, which switches everything to Black and Orange. It helps that I'm a diehard SF Giants fan, so that's an added bonus. There are other themes to choose from and I can also decide on individual app icons I want displayed, so long as I use the supported home launcher LG offers. Now, to be completely real, I would recommend downloading a 3rd-party launcher, but I say that for every phone. Google Now Launcher and Nova Launcher are my go-to launchers, so if you aren't a fan of LG's own launcher, give one of those a try. You won't be disappointed. Take note that you can also change the color (Black, White) of the on-screen buttons. It can help if you're going for a particular look.

To conclude the software section, let's talk about updates real quick. LG is pretty middle of the road when it comes to updating phones, and a lot of it may have to do with carriers. Looking back recently, the G5 seems like a good sample for what we might expect of the G6. On T-Mobile, the G5 received Nougat in November, while the Verizon model got it in December. That's pretty good turnaround time. However, on AT&T, the G5 didn't receive Nougat until February. That's not awesome, but not terrible either. Point being, with the G6, you probably won't have the most insane update speeds ever (not like a Pixel), but you also won't be feening for too long, depending on which carrier you're with.

Pricing and Availability

We would typically list this portion under a specific section, but I can't be the judge of whether this pricing is right for you. All I can do is lay out the barebones pricing and promotional goodies, then let you make the decision. However, if you do need my opinion on the G6's pricing, it's solid. Compared to the Galaxy S8, which starts at $750, the G6 is priced rather competitively. When we throw in water resistance, dual cameras, and all of that, it's hard not to tip the hat to LG for making this phone so obtainable. No, it's not sub-$500, but LG probably could have charged more and justified it. Here are the current prices and promotions taking place for the LG G6. Prices

Verizon: $28/mo for 24 months; $672 full retail
AT&T: $24/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next; $30/mo for 24 months on AT&T Next Every Year
T-Mobile: $26 down and $26/mo for 24 months; $650 full retail
Sprint: $29.50/mo for 24 months

Promos

Free Google Home: Buy the phone from anywhere and then redeem your Google Home online at LG’s promo site.
Verizon: Giving away free LG 43-inch Smart TVs ($349 value) with a new line, device payment plan, and Verizon Unlimited. You can claim the free TV here.
AT&T: Giving away a 2nd LG G6 for free with 30 months worth of bill credits. They’ll toss in an LG Watch Sport for $49.99 on 2-year contract too.
Sprint: Giving away free LG 1080p TVs ($349.99 value).

Other Notes

Water resistance: IP68, capable of protecting your device in up to 5ft. of water for 30 minutes. Need some swimming pool shots? This phone has you covered.
External speaker: The single speaker on the bottom certainly gets loud enough, but does lack a but of oomph. You can't ask for much from a single speaker, so don't go in expecting a BoomSound-type experience.
Google Assistant: Thanks to Google making this available on all new Android devices, it's a lovely feature to have on the G6.
No Quad DAC in US: For us in the US, LG is not including a Quad DAC for the G6. While this is sad, we do get wireless charging in exchange, which is an option not offered outside of select markets. You win some, you lose some.
Call quality: I was running this G6 on AT&T's network and had no issues when it came to folks hearing me or me hearing them. Pretty typical call quality experience.
Girlfriend impressions: "Comfortable to hold and operate in one hand. I like the weight, it feels durable, and its not slippery like other phones. There's way less bezel than I'm used to, which makes the display look larger than what you'd expect from a phone this size. Really like the placement of the fingerprint reader on the back, and I like the way it doubles as the lock button. Makes the phone seem really sleek."
Wireless charging: If you have a wireless charger (I'm using one from IKEA), the G6 is totally compatible. Place it on the pad, let it do its thing, then you're good to go.
Headphone jack: It's got one! Courage!
Expandable storage: Yup, it's got that, too!
AT&T Bloat Count: Hella. Technically, there were 14 apps that I disabled. They include Firefox as the default browser (lolz), DirecTV, YellowPages, Amazon Shopping, Lookout, and others. Woof.

Videos

LG G6 First Look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey9PAxG9t6E 20+ LG G6 Tips and Tricks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BuYWBA1A-A LG G6: First 10 Things to Do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krf9nwZ43Us

Gallery

LG G6 Review: A return to form?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? Your Honor, we most certainly have. In the case of the LG G6, we hereby find the smartphone... fantastic! As I said before, you can't even compare the G6 to last year's G5. It's as if they were made by two entirely different companies. From the in-hand feel to the ability to customize LG's ugly theme, the G6 is a real winner in my book. Now, I don't have a Magic 8 ball or anything, but my belief is that the G6 story may not have a happy ending. We've touched on this during The Droid Life Show, but with Samsung and the Galaxy S8, the G6 might be a tough sell, with exception to the price. Is it acceptable to call the G6 a poor man's Galaxy S8? I'm not trying to be rude, but the argument has grounds. On paper, they are very similar devices, both featuring water resistance, rear-facing fingerprint readers, great cameras, and OEM skins that we all wish we could ditch for stock Android. Yes, there are other difference, but to your average American consumer, it might all be indiscernible. They got big screens, they got big cameras, and they both cost a lot of money. To wrap this all up, if you are a fan of LG and a free Google Home unit (and maybe even a free TV), the G6 is a solid deal. I've enjoyed my time with it very much, so it has my recommendation to anyone in the market.

Buy the LG G6: AT&T | Verizon | Sprint | T-Mobile | Best Buy

DEAL: OnePlus 10,000mAh Power Bank is Just $13.30

Kellen — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:19:35 +0000

Need a power bank in your life? OnePlus is currently selling their 10,000mAh power bank in black or white for just $13.30. That's a cool $6 or so discount. This isn't a fast charging or rapid charging power bank from what I can tell, but you can charge up to two devices at a time. With one device on you are looking at 5V/2A current or 5V/1A with two devices on. The power bank is available in white or black. OnePlus Links: OnePlus Power Bank ($13.30)

And Now Android 7.1.2 Appears to be Stable and Ready to Rollout, Images Posted

Kellen — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 10:51:28 +0000

The April security patch was posted just moments ago, yet here we are back again to tell you about the Android 7.1.2 update apparently going stable. That's right, the images for 7.1.2 just went live too! As of now, we're seeing files for the Pixel and Pixel XL (N2G47E, N2G47J), Pixel C (N2G47D), Nexus 6P (N2G47H), Nexus 5X (N2G47F), and Nexus Player (N2G47H). Note: Pixel and Pixel XL owners, the N2G47J is for Deutsche Telekom customers only. You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. Links: Factory Images | OTA Files

April's Android Security Update Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 09:51:23 +0000

Google just posted the Android security update for April 2017 and the files are already live for a number of devices. So far, we are seeing 7.1.1 files for Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27D), Nexus 6P (N4F26U), Nexus 5X (N4F26U), Nexus 6 (N6F26Y), and Nexus 9 (N4F26X). In other notes, the Nexus 6 is also seeing builds of NBD92F and NBD92G (7.0.0). You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. As more files arrive, we'll update this post. UPDATE: The OTA files are now up as well. UPDATE 2: Android 7.1.2 just went stable too! You can find those details and files here. UPDATE 3: Special Verizon images for the Pixel and Pixel XL as build NHG47K are now available. Links: Factory Images | OTA Files | Security Bulletin

44 Years Ago Today, Motorola Demonstrated World's First Cellphone

Tim — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:50:47 +0000

On this day in 1973, Motorola demonstrated the world’s first portable cellular telephone and system. That was the DynaTAC, if you aren't familiar. It weighed 2.4lbs, cost about $4,000, and the battery only lasted for about 30 minutes of talk time. Needless to say, 44 years later, things are pretty good in the cellphone realm. To celebrate this marker in time, Motorola released a graphic that we have posted below, plus a sorta cringey hip hop-flavored rap video (above). Both highlight the jumps we've seen in the cellphone industry. As you might already know, Motorola has been at the forefront of cellphone innovation, and that legacy continues today with its usage of Moto Mods. We still think Motorola has the best implementation of modularity available on the market, so you have to give credit where it's due. Plus, at the end of the day, if it wasn't for the "OG" DROID, one of Motorola's crown jewels, we may not be here today. Check out the graphic, then let us know when you jumped into the smartphone game. Was it way back in the day? For me, it was the LG Voyager, which was said to be the "iPhone Killer." Looking back, I can only shake my head for believing that crock.

Via: Motorola

Moto G4 (Standard and Amazon Prime Exclusive) Receives Nougat Update

Tim — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:13:29 +0000

Owners of the Moto G4 (the standard model and the Amazon Prime exclusive) began receiving a prompt for an update over the weekend, bringing them up to Android 7.0 "Nougat." If you'll recall, we actually reported on this update in December of last year, but that was basically an error, even though the changes are the exact same. According to one reader who emailed us, while the update is indeed Nougat, the security patch level is aged, listed as December, 2016. Beyond that, the Nougat update offers everything you'd expect - better replying, better notification management, multi-window view, Doze on the go, and much more. For a complete list of changes, follow the via link below. Moto G4 owners, go grab it!

Via: Motorola

Cheers Joshua and John!

Galaxy S8 is Official!

Kellen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 17:45:24 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we basically have one topic - the Galaxy S8. It's now official, reviews will be out soon enough, and we spent quite a bit of time with both the S8 and S8+ this week at the Unpacked event in NYC. We've got a lot to share because there was a number of mega-announcements out of Wednesday's fun. Should we have additional time, we'll talk about Android Wear 2.0, Verizon's AppFlash, and Andy Rubin's big tease Join us live at 11:00AM Pacific (2:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Weekly Recap for March 31, 2017: Gr8 Week for Samsung

Tim — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:00:08 +0000

At long last, after months of leaks and rumors, Samsung has announced the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Both devices are up for pre-order through all the major US carriers and even Best Buy, so if you've been waiting, this was a good week for you. Beyond Galaxy S8 stuff, we covered Simple Bank's new support of Android Pay, discussed why Android Wear 2.0 has yet to rollout to the vast majority of available watches, and reported on info that claims HTC's next flagship will be unveiled in April. Here's everything you won't want to miss.

WATCH: The Droid Life Show - Episode 138 "Galaxy S8" [Subscribe]
Video: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ hands-on.
Samsung announces the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.
Galaxy S8, S8+ pricing and availability.
Galaxy S8, S8+ specs.
HTC: HTC U reported to be unveiled in April.
Andy Rubin is teasing his new company's first smartphone.
T-Mobile: All T-Mobile customers getting free year of MLB.TV again.
IKEA enters the smart lighting game.
VZW: There's a new privacy scare concerning Verizon.
Moto: The Moto X 2017 has leaked.
Verizon HTC 10 received Nougat.
Bug holding back Android Wear 2.0 update.
Android Pay: Simple Bank now supports Android Pay.
This speaker with a built-in touchscreen, Alexa and "OK Google" has my attention.

Have a great weekend, folks!

DEAL: This Code Gets You 20% Off a Bunch of Galaxy S8-Ready Tronsmart Accessories

Kellen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:47:13 +0000

With Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ pre-orders open, you might be thinking about the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new phone when it arrives on April 21. The folks at Tronsmart think they've got what you need through a sale that will land you 20% off a bunch of Galaxy S8-ready accessories. We're talking USB Type-C adapters and cables to use with old chargers, Quick Charge 3.0 ~~car~~ and wall chargers, big ol' battery packs with quick charging, and even a fast wireless charging pad. At checkout, use code "TSM20OFF" and you'll see 20% taken off. Amazon Links:

2-pack USB Type-C adapters ($6.56)
2-pack USB Type-C cables ($9.99)
Dual Quick Charge 3.0 wall charger ($19.99)
5-port Quick Charge 3.0 wall charger ($26.99)
~~Dual Quick Charge 3.0 car charger~~ ($15.95)
10400mAh Type-C Quick Charge 3.0 battery pack ($26.99)
Fast Wireless Charging pad ($9.99)

Edit: The code doesn't seem to be working for the car charger. Apologies on that.

Google Gnome is Winning April Fool's Day so Far

Kellen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 12:28:48 +0000

Solid entry here from Google for April Fool's Day. Get out of here dumb energy drinks, no-thank-you onesies, and re-releases of Pac-Man in Google Maps. The Gnome is king. Don't @ me. Update: Oooh, Google Gnome has a website.

This $199 Speaker Has a 7" Touchscreen, Amazon Alexa and "Ok Google" Services

Tim — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:36:24 +0000

Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Many of you know how I feel about these sites (not a fan), but once in a while, there's some decently exciting stuff on there. One product that currently has my attention, and seems likely to actually launch, is Clarity Speaker. While there are no shortage of portable speakers on the market, Clarity offers a few nifty features. First, it has a 7" multi-touch display (HD resolution) and runs Android 6.0+ (Marshmallow). Because it runs Android, the makers are also able to offer access to Google's "Ok Google" voice assistance (not fully fledged Google Assistant), as well as Amazon Alexa. Think of it like an Android tablet in a speaker dock or Amazon Echo with a big touchscreen. With the digital assistance onboard, you'll be able to control your smart thermostat and lights, get weather updates, ask about recipes, and all of the other goodies associated with "Ok Google" and Amazon Echo. With the added touchscreen, it becomes way more of a hub for the entire setup, complete with access to Google Play for app downloads.

Specs wise, it features a quad-core processor, two 5-watt speakers for bumping tunes, a 2MP camera, 16GB of onboard storage plus expandable storage, near and far field mic capabilities, as well as a rechargeable 1600mAh battery for portability. The Clarity Speaker is said to ship in June, priced at just $199. However, an early bird price of $149 is available through to April 30 via Indiegogo. For $149, this all seems like a solid buy. As detailed on Indiegogo, the company set out for $50,000 in funding, but is currently sitting at over $220K. Please, crowdfunding Jesus, let this one be real. Indiegogo Link

Via: Clarity Speaker

Verizon's Use of AppFlash Software Sure Sounds Like Another Dirty, Privacy Invading Bloatware Bonanza (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 09:58:50 +0000

Earlier in the week, when no one was paying attention because Samsung was on the verge of announcing the Galaxy S8, Verizon quietly announced a new service it plans to begin pushing to its Android devices. AppFlash is its name and so far the service is raising some eyebrows over its collection of data, but also because it's another piece of garbage bloatware that no one was asking for that will be used to further line Verizon's pockets. AppFlash is gaining extra attention today because the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) is ~~straight up calling it spyware~~ (see update below). I don't know that I'm ready to go that far, but the EFF argues that this is yet another surface for hackers to attack in order to steal information about you. If AppFlash isn't secure enough, your device could be open to hackers snagging your "mobile number, device identifiers, device type and operating system, and information about the AppFlash features and services you use and your interactions with them." That quote was taken directly out of the AppFlash privacy policy as the items they want to know about you. UPDATE: The EFF is now backing down from calling AppFlash "spyware." They have now retracted their post that gained a bunch of headlines today. And that's probably the right thing to do, since this is really just garbage bloatware that has privacy concerns, not spyware. Either way, it's a bad service that Verizon should not include in their smartphones. Let's back up a second, though. What exactly is AppFlash and how will it get on your phone? The service was created by the folks who made Evie Launcher, a launcher that seems to be getting lots of play lately, thanks to Google recommending it. Evie Launcher is able to universally search within your phone, including within apps. It's a slick search tool, which Verizon sees value in likely as an advertising platform. Verizon plans to use this technology in a dedicated home screen panel that will allow you to search, potentially within your own apps, but also in order to help you discover additional apps while recommending others at the same time. Those last few parts are where everyone here outside of you makes money knowing everything about you. The images below show how this setup will look.

Through statements made to TechCrunch earlier in the week, Verizon made it sound like AppFlash was going to be a future piece of their Android phones. In fact, their director of product management, T.J. Vitolo, said specifically that his priority was to have AppFlash used by a mass audience. However, after today's bit of backlash following the EFF's assessment of AppFlash, Verizon might already be backing away from the service. In a statement to Engadget, Verizon said the following:

"As we said earlier this week, we are testing AppFlash to make app discovery better for consumers. The test is on a single phone – LG K20 V – and you have to opt-in to use the app. Or, you can easily disable the app. Nobody is required to use it. Verizon is committed to your privacy. Visit www.verizon.com/about/privacy to view our Privacy Policy."

So the spin now is that Verizon is only testing it and that AppFlash is on a single mid-tier phone at the moment. Of course, no where does that statement say that they aren't still planning to try and slap AppFlash on your next flagship phone and all phones in 2018. Thankfully, they are calling it an opt-in service that requires approval by you in order for it to track everything about your life. It better stay that way and it better not be through a single easily-skippable checkbox that no one pays attention to during initial setup. If Verizon starts loading this garbage on additional phones, we'll be sure to let you know. We'll also be sure to remind you over and over again that you should disable it. Finally, the folks at Evie Launcher likely want to sell this service to everyone because there are big bucks in sneaky advertising and privacy invasion with wireless carriers. Don't be shocked if this ends up at your carrier of choice.

Via: AppFlash Privacy Policy | EFF | TechCrunch | Engadget

Cheers John, Tim, and Michael!

Galaxy S8's Face Unlock Might be Just as Bad as Android 4.0's

Tim — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 09:17:18 +0000

On stage during the unveiling of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, Samsung detailed a security feature similar to one found in Ice Cream Sandwich - Face Unlock. With it, users simply hold their face up to the phone, the phone recognizes the user, then unlocks the phone. However, much like the original Face Unlock, Samsung's implementation might be just as easily tricked into unlocking the phone for an unwanted user. As detailed in a Periscope video posted by an attendee of this week's unveiling in New York City, a simple selfie photo on a separate device was able to fool Samsung's face recognition security feature and the phone was unlocked. Frankly, this is disheartening, considering the same technique was used to bypass Google's implementation more than five years ago. To help bolster the security measure, Google added in a liveness check, which required users to blink during the process. This meant that a still photo would not work. As of today, this security option is no longer present on Google devices. It should be noted that Samsung seems to know Face Unlock may not be the best option for fans of security. As Arstechnica details, it's the only biometric option that won't authorize Samsung Pay purchases. That's a good thing, since you wouldn't want a selfie of yourself charging amounts of money to your credit card. No one would believe a story like that. As we've always suggested, a simple PIN or password can be quite secure, or use the iris scanner and fingerprint. There's plenty of other options available on the Galaxy S8. To see a selfie fool the Galaxy S8, follow the Marcianophone link below, then skip to the 6:30 mark and watch it get performed repeatedly.

Via: Arstechnica | Marcianophone

Specs Comparison: Galaxy S8 vs. Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8+ vs. Galaxy S7 Edge

Kellen — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 07:34:55 +0000

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners are probably wondering if they should consider upgrading to the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+. That's going to be a tough decision to make, since those phones should still be holding up well after only a year. To hopefully help you with that decision, we've put together a specs comparison chart of the four phones to show you on paper how they all differ. On a basic level, you have upgrades in many of the key areas. For example, you've got Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 835 processor in the S8 line vs. last year's Snapdragon 820 in the S7. The displays are an upgrade as well, at least in terms of size without adding much extra bulk. The new Galaxy S8 phones also include a USB Type-C port, on-screen or virtual navigation buttons, a Bixby button, Iris Scanners, Bluetooth 5.0, and more internal storage out of the box. On the other hand, you have the same rear camera as is in the S7s, same or smaller batteries (S8+ battery is smaller than S7 Edge), and the same IP68 water resistance. So overall, the Galaxy S8 line shows solid upgrades that you expect from one year to the next, but the really big one is likely the wild new display setup. Is that enough to get you to upgrade? You tell us. [table id=63 responsive=scroll /] Notes: Those images are not at all a true or 100% correct size comparison. Also, we gave each phone Nougat since Samsung has updated most S7 models to Nougat at this time.

LG G6 Launched at Verizon Today, and You Can Still Get a Free TV With Purchase

Kellen — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:36:29 +0000

I know that world is still focused on yesterday's big Samsung Galaxy S8 event, but the LG G6 launched today at Verizon. And we're talking full launch, as in, you can walk into a Verizon store and buy one. Pre-orders are done, man. If the Galaxy S8 and S8+ didn't turn you on, the G6 is going to be an excellent option. It's got really good specs, a big ol' display with little bezel, water resistance, dual cameras, and a premium metal and glass design. It's easily LG's best phone in years. Outside of those thoughts, it's also a bit cheaper at $28/mo or $672 full retail and comes with a boatload of freebies, like a free TV and Google Home. Seriously, you can buy the LG G6 and Verizon will give you a free 43-inch LG Smart TV, "when you activate a new line of service on Verizon Unlimited and purchase an LG G6 on device payment," according to Big Red promo materials. The Google Home is redeemed from LG. Galaxy S8 haters, what are you waiting for? Verizon LG G6 Link

Official: Simple Now Supports Android Pay

Tim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 11:49:11 +0000

You read that right, Simple customers - the world's most tech-savvy bank (not official or backed up by actual data), Simple, now supports Android Pay. After a long, long wait, customers can now add their Simple debit cards to Android Pay and everything should work the way you'd expect it to. To set up your card, open up the Android Pay app, input the Simple card details and that's it. You're now ready to start paying like a real millennial. Should you run into problems, Simple already has a FAQ set up on its website, detailing the secondary verification process. You shouldn't need it, but just in case, it is available. Now, before you ask, I have already inquired about support for Samsung Pay. Currently, Simple has nothing to share, but they are working on it. These things take time, as you have likely already figured out. Anyway, Android Pay! Update: I just went through the process of enabling my card for usage on Android Pay, and it's not as easy as I expected. For the most part, it's straightforward. Once you request for usage and input a few identifier numbers (SSN, BD, etc.), Simple must process the request which can take a couple of days. It's not a complex process, but still something to take note of.

Via: Simple

Your Mentions Inside Replies No Longer Count Towards 140-Character Limit on Twitter

Tim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 11:00:30 +0000

With a single tweet on Twitter, you are given 140 characters to get across what you are trying to say. It's not the easiest thing to do at times, especially when you're trying to talk to multiple users at once. With a change for how mentions are handled within replies, things should be getting much better now. Moving forward, whenever you are replying to someone or to multiple people in a tweet, those mentions will be above the tweet, not a part of it. When you to compose a reply, you'll no longer see each user automatically listed inside the reply, taking up valuable characters you might need for a tweet. To edit who a tweet is going to, simply tap on the names you see above, then select who gets the tweet and who doesn't. Frankly, this feature should have been available years ago, but hey, it's here now. This move also goes nicely with images and video links no longer counting towards character limits, so things are looking pretty good for Twitter users. What's New

Who you are replying to will appear above the Tweet text rather than within the Tweet text itself, so you have more characters to have conversations.
You can tap on “Replying to…” to easily see and control who’s part of your conversation.
When reading a conversation, you’ll actually see what people are saying, rather than seeing lots of @usernames at the start of a Tweet.

The update is rolling out for everyone on every platform, so go enjoy. Play Link

Via: Twitter

ZTE Invites Axon 7 Mini Owners to Test Android 7.1.1 Update

Tim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:12:44 +0000

If you own an Axon 7 Mini from ZTE, the company is inviting you to test Android 7.1.1 ahead of public release. Getting started is easy enough. All you'll need to do is fill out the participation form (linked below), then be sure to follow the rules ZTE lays out. To sum up the rules, don't break the NDA, complete "assigned tasks and take surveys," and when requested, provide bug reports. It's that easy. This Nougat preview is conducted via ZTE's forum. If you are not already signed up in there, I recommend doing that, too. Here's what you'll need to do.

Strictly follow our Non-Disclosure Agreement
Complete all assigned tasks and surveys on time
When requested, provide a detailed bug report or feature request

Space is limited, so if you have the required device, have at it.

Nougat Preview Participation Form

Via: ZTE

Your Android Wear Watch Hasn't Received 2.0 Because Google Found a Bug

Tim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:16:13 +0000

Let's say you are wearing a Huawei Watch. You're probably thinking to yourself, "Gosh, am I ever going to receive the Android Wear 2.0 update?" Well, we might finally have an answer for why the update is taking so long, and it's all because of a bug. Detailed by Google, a bug was found in final testing for a range of devices (basically anything that's not a Fossil Q, Casio Outdoor, and Tag Heuer), and because of this bug, your update to Android Wear 2.0 is being delayed. We don't know exactly what the bug is, but apparently it's a big deal, so you'll just have to hang tight while Google fixes it. Here's the statement from Google that was provided to Wareable.

We have started rolling out the Android Wear 2.0 update to Fossil Q Founder, Casio Smart Outdoor Watch WSD-F10 and Tag Heuer Connected. For other devices, the update is currently being delayed due to a bug found in final testing. We will push the update to the remaining devices as soon as the issue is resolved.

Well, that sucks. Owners of the Huawei Watch, Moto 360 (2nd Gen), plus everyone else not running one of the aforementioned devices will just have to hang tight. Does that suck? Yes, incredibly, but what can you do? Once we hear this bug has been resolved, we'll let you know.

Via: Wareable

Samsung DeX Up for Pre-Order From Samsung for $149.99, Ships in April

Kellen — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:04:34 +0000

Samsung, with its DeX dock, is the latest electronics manufacturer to assume for some reason that you want your phone to double as a computer. Sure, the idea makes a bit of sense - that whole one computer with you all of the time to rule them all thing - but no one to date has had much success in the arena. Maybe that'll change this time around! If you are interested in Samsung DeX, you can currently pre-order a unit from Samsung's own shop starting today. It'll cost you $149.99 and devices aren't expected to ship until "late" April. What is DeX? Tim has a good write-up on it here, but you can also watch the video at the top of this post. The basics are that you hook up DeX to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, then dock a Galaxy S8 or S8+ in it. Once docked, your phone switches to DeX mode where you then see a desktop version of your phone's OS skin on the connected monitor. You can access email, calls, some apps, phone settings, and attempt to be more productive then you would be on just your phone. Samsung DeX Link

Reserve Your Next Yoga or Pilates Class Using Google

Tim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:59:06 +0000

In an attempt to make reserving fitness classes way more straightforward, Google has created Reserve With Google, made specifically for those on desktop or with Google Maps on their smart device. With this feature, folks looking to score a yoga class quickly can simply locate a studio they'd like to attend a class at, then if that studio is signed up, you can reserve a class directly from inside the Reserve With Google website or Google Maps application. You can also do a basic search on Google Maps, without knowing the name of a studio you like. For example, I can type in "yoga" on Google Maps, find a location close to me offering classes, then book my class right from the app. It's straightforward and there's a surprising number of studios already signed up around my area (Portland, OR). I can imagine there's even more studios in an area like San Francisco or New York City. For smaller towns, this may be a bit harder to use. Google specifies that it pulls real-time data and class inventory from existing providers, such as MINDBODY, MyTime, Genbook, Full Slate, Front Desk, and Appointy. As long as your favorite studio uses one of those, you will see it supported on Reserve With Google. Now, go forth and don't break your back doing some crazy Head to Foot pose. Reserve With Google

Via: Google

Samsung's Site has the Regular Galaxy S8 From T-Mobile in Silver for $650 ($100 Off) (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:15:46 +0000

I don't know if this is a typo or not, but Samsung's site currently has the regular Galaxy S8 in Arctic Silver for just $650. That's a $100 discount and the lowest price you'll find anywhere at the moment. However, it is only the Silver S8 from T-Mobile at Samsung's site. There is a good chance it's just priced incorrectly, but they do seem to be honoring it through checkout. If you want a $100 discount, plus the free Gear VR with Controller, hurry! UPDATE: Looks like it was a whoopsie and Samsung has now upped the price back to $750. Samsung Store Link

Cheers Eric!

Verizon HTC 10 Gets Nougat Update Today

Kellen — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:04:04 +0000

The HTC 10 on Verizon is receiving its update to Android Nougat today. It's almost April, so yeah, this seems like it might be a bit late knowing T-Mobile and Sprint variants have had this update since January and February, respectively. The unlocked US model has had Nougat since November. The update is rolling out as software version 2.41.605.12 Once updated, you'll have access to Nougat's multi-window feature, improved notification management (with bundles and quick replies), revamped Settings menu, faster app switching, and more. To grab the update, head into Settings>Software updates.

Via: Verizon

This is the Best Deal on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:05:11 +0000

Best Buy has it. Best Buy has the best deal on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ on almost all carriers. They don't sell T-Mobile, but if you are looking for either phone on Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint, this is the place to buy them. Best Buy is knocking off $50 from the Galaxy S8 and $100 from the Galaxy S8+ if you pre-order. They are including the free Gear VR and Controller as well. The pricing breakdown is as follows:

Verizon: Galaxy S8 ($27.92/mo - 24 months) | Galaxy S8+ ($29.83/mo - 24 months)
AT&T: Galaxy S8 ($23.33/mo - 30 months) | Galaxy S8+ ($25/mo - 30 months)
Sprint: Galaxy S8 ($29.16/mo - 24 months) | Galaxy S8+ ($31.25/mo - 24 months)

Best Buy Links: Galaxy S8 | Galaxy S8+ UPDATE: If you want the regular Galaxy S8, from T-Mobile, and in Arctic Silver, you can find it right now (maybe not for long) at Samsung's site for $650. $100 off!

Watch: Samsung's Galaxy S8, S8+ Intro Video Details Everything You Need to Know

Tim — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 14:03:10 +0000

Honestly, there's a lot going on with the Galaxy S8. There's a new design, new features, and plenty of stuff in between. Because we don't yet have the phone in the office, we can't exactly highlight all of the greatness ourselves, but in the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8's official introduction video, Samsung does a pretty darn good job. In this 3:34 minute long video, you will learn about Bixby, the rear-facing camera, Infinity Display, wireless charging, facial recognition, iris scanning, water resistance, and oh so much more. Basically, anything Samsung felt necessary to highlight on these phones, it will be in this easily digestible video. Yum yum. Naturally, once we get ours paws on these devices for the longterm, we'll provide our own thoughts on all of this stuff, but until then, here you go. Are you feeling the Galaxy S8 or S8+? I certainly am.

Best Buy is Selling the Unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ on May 9

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:32:14 +0000

On May 9, Best Buy is planning to sell unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Like last year's US unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge models, these phones will be sold without any sort of contract and will also work on all of the major US carriers. They are arriving with a solid $25 discount too. Best Buy will sell the unlocked Galaxy S8 in Midnight Black for $724.99 and the Galaxy S8+ in Midnight Black for $824.99. See, a $25 discount over most carriers. There are a number of us around here that would rather buy an unlocked version of a phone if given the choice. They typically lack unnecessary bloatware and carrier branding, leaving them feeling like a phone we actually own, rather than one we are renting from Verizon or AT&T or Sprint. Now, we can't post up unlocked news without pointing out the fact that Samsung has been slow (to put it nicely) to update the unlocked Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge from last year. That could change this year with the S8, but we don't have official word on that happening. Keep that in mind as you consider waiting for these unlocked phones to arrive. Either way, the unlocked models can be accessed at the links below. Best Buy Links: Unlocked Galaxy S8 ($724.99) | Unlocked Galaxy S8+ ($824.99)

Wednesday Poll: Buying the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+?

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:17:02 +0000

It's time to weigh in with your official vote over whether or not you plan to buy the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+. We know the price. We know the release date. We know the features. We know the specs. We know almost everything we can know without doing a full review. So tell us, are you buying the Galaxy S8 or S8+? [poll id="448"]

Samsung DeX Turns Your Galaxy S8 and S8+ Into a Desktop Computer (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:23:27 +0000

If you have ever wanted to turn your smartphone into a desktop experience (not just some janky lapdock thing), Samsung now has a solution for you. Called Samsung DeX, owners of the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ can plug into a DeX dock wired to a desktop monitor, then have a full desktop experience powered by a smartphone. To sum up what's happening, you will place your Galaxy S8 into DeX, which is then connected to a desktop monitor, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ provide a reworked UI once hooked up, similar to what you might see on a Windows or Chrome OS desktop. Once it's all connected, you can utilize a number of applications (web browsers, Adobe apps, etc) to get your work done, all with the Galaxy S8 and DeX. The DeX Station features two USB 2.0 ports, ethernet, USB Type-C power-in and a cooling fan. DeX Station also features Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) to charge your Galaxy S8 or S8+ while connected. According to Samsung's Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications Business, “Our collaboration with key partners such as Adobe and Microsoft was essential in the development of Samsung DeX, as they share our vision for building excellence in mobile productivity. With Samsung DeX, enterprise users can also be assured their smartphone and data are protected by the Samsung Knox security platform built into the smartphone. Samsung DeX redefines what a smartphone can do to keep mobile professionals productive.” Samsung has yet to provide pricing or a release date, but does mention DeX may be offered in select Galaxy S8 and S8+ bundles, depending on region. UPDATE: Samsung is currently offering up a pre-order for DeX at $149.99 through their own store. Shipping is scheduled for April. Interested?

Via: Samsung

Video: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ First Look and Tour!

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:11:43 +0000

We're back from the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ launch event and boy did we spend some time with each phone. The event had plenty of phones for everyone to take for a spin, so that's what you'll get here in this first look and tour video. We will have some deeper first impressions and thoughts later on, but I will say that the phones are quite surprising in hand. I say "surprising" because with their extra large displays, they do not in any way feel extra large. If anything, they feel like ultra-premium slim packages that might wow your mind with those Infinity AMOLED panels. Anyways, in the clip below, you'll see both the S8 and S8+, a quick look at the new Samsung software experience, Bixby, and a really obnoxious new take on Samsung's famed ringtone song in the background at ear-bleeding levels. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuzEKIgf1jQ

Samsung Announces New Gear 360, Offers 4K 360-Degree Capture and Live Broadcasting

Tim — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:43:58 +0000

Samsung not only announced the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ today, but also a new Gear 360. With it, Samsung is introducing 4K 360-degree video capture, plus the ability for users to live broadcast their videos straight to Facebook and YouTube. Thanks to two CMOS 8.4MP fish-eye cameras, the new Gear 360 can shoot in 4K resolution in 360-degrees, but will be limited to 2K when broadcasting to select social networks. That high resolution is also limited to just 24fps, but fps can be improved when using lower resolutions. For still images, the camera shoots 15MP in 360-degrees. For the broadcasting functionality, you will need to utilize the Gear Manager app, available for most devices on Google Play. Once your camera and phone are synced, you can livestream your 360-degree videos straight to Facebook and YouTube. Currently, Samsung has not provided an exact price or release date, but that info will surely come soon enough. Specs

Camera: Two CMOS 8.4-megapixel fish-eye cameras
Image Processor: DRIMe5s
Video: MP4 (H.265) - Dual Lens: 4096x2048 (24fps)
Image: JPEG - Dual Lens: 15MP
Audio: Codec: ACC, Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG
Memory: microSD card (Up to 256GB) – sold separately
Features: Shooting modes - Video, Photo, Time Lapse Video, Looping Video, Landscape HDR - IP53 Certified Dust and Water Resistant - Camera mode - Dual/Single Lens mode
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, (2.4/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v4.1, USB 2.0 (Type-C)
Dimension: 100.6x46.3x45.1 mm
Weight: 130g
Battery: 1,160mAh Li-ion

Gallery

Via: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ Pre-Order Info, Carrier Availability, Deals, Pricing

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:34:01 +0000

Where and when can you buy the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+? Soon! And at lots of places! The phone goes up for pre-order on March 30 (tomorrow!) and then arrives in stores on April 21 in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, and Arctic Silver. All of your favorite carriers will sell the device, including Verizon, AT&T, Cricket, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Straight Talk. Best Buy will also sell the device, as will Target and Walmart. Finding a place that sells the Galaxy S8 is not going to be an issue. If you pre-order, Samsung is tossing in some freebies. Should you decide to pre-order, you'll get a free Gear VR headset ($129.99 value) with the new Controller ($39.99 value). As for pricing, you are looking at: Verizon:

Galaxy S8 ($30/mo for 24 months or $720)
Galaxy S8+ ($35/mo for 24 months or $840)

AT&T:

Galaxy S8 ($25/mo for 30 months, $31.25/mo for 24 months, or $750)
Galaxy S8+ ($28.34/mo for 30 months, $35.42/mo for 24 months or $850)

T-Mobile:

Galaxy S8 ($30/mo + $30 down for 24 months or $750)
Galaxy S8+ ($30/mo + $130 down for 24 months or $850)

Sprint:

Galaxy S8 ($31.25/mo lease for 18 months)
Galaxy S8+ ($35.42/mo lease for 18 months)

Best Buy:

Galaxy S8 ($50 off Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint)
Galaxy S8+ ($100 off Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint)

Additional launch details for the US can be found below.

In the U.S., the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will be available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Arctic Silver. Pre-orders for both Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will begin at 12:01 EDT on March 30, 20173. AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Sprint, Straight Talk Wireless, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon Wireless will carry the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in stores beginning April 21. In addition, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will be available at all Best Buy stores as well as BestBuy.com, ShopSamsung app, Target and Walmart. Gear VR with Controller will be available beginning April 21, 2017 for $129.99. The Controller will also be sold separately beginning April 21, 2017 for $39.99. Consumers who pre-order a Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ will receive a free Gear VR headset with Controller and Oculus content4. A limited edition premium bundle which adds a 256GB memory card and Bluetooth headphones by AKG will also be available for $99. Additionally, consumers who purchase Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ will be eligible for Platinum Experience Status with Samsung Rewards5. These promotions will last for a limited time and only while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply. Visit samsung.com/us/promotions and samsung.com/platinumexperience for more information.

Via: Samsung

Samsung Announces the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, Arrives April 21

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:18:39 +0000

After countless leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were announced today. There aren't really any surprises, but that doesn't mean that Samsung isn't still doing everything they can to push the smartphone industry forward with next-level tech and design. With these two phones, that's exactly what we've got. Up front, you have a Galaxy S8 with a 5.8-inch QHD Super AMOLED "Infinity" display, while the Galaxy S8+ sports a 6.2-inch version. There are minimal bezels here, on-screen buttons, and Gorilla Glass 5. The design is quite stunning, even if we have seen it over and over again during the past few weeks. As for the other specs, you've got a Snapdragon 835 processor (10nm) in the US, 64GB storage (with microSD slot), 4GB RAM, 12MP Dual Pixel f/1.7 rear camera, 8MP f/1.7 front camera, USB Type-C ports, IP68 dust and water resistance, and fast wired and wireless charging. The S8 features a 3000mAh, while the S8+ has a 3500mAh cell. The full specs can be found here. Of course, specs aren't the only thing to talk about here. Samsung includes Bixby, a virtual interface that will help you interact with your phone by voice. Only supported apps allow for Bixby interactions and those apps are the Camera, Contacts, Gallery, Messages, and Settings. You also get Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and Samsung DeX, which is a desktop experience and dock for your Galaxy S8. Finally, the Galaxy S8 will arrive in stores around the global on April 21 in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold. Much more to come!

Via: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ Specs (Official)

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:04:24 +0000

Samsung's Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have gone official at its Unpacked events in New York City and London. That, of course, also means we finally have official official Galaxy S8 specs to share with you. Not that much of this is a surprise at this point, but it's all here for you to drool over. The Galaxy S8 sports a large 5.8-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S8+ will feature a 6.2-inch panel of the same resolution. Each phone also runs a Snapdragon 835 processor in the US with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. They'll feature 12MP (f/1.7) rear cameras, 8MP front cameras, USB Type-C ports, and the latest version of Samsung's skin on top of Android Nougat. The rest of the details can be had below.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Specs (Galaxy S8+ Too)

[table id=62 /] Buy Galaxy S8 / S8+: Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy S8 Unpacked Live Blog!

Kellen — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 05:49:58 +0000

You ready for it? Samsung's Galaxy S8 Unpacked event is finally here. We'll get all of the official goods from Samsung in a couple of hours at live events being hosted in both New York City and London. Tim and I are in attendance in New York, but we've got a live stream embed for you below to watch along with us, plus a chat since we'll be live blogging today's happenings. Our live blogs are always a good time, especially when a big Samsung event is the topic. The Unpacked event kicks off at 11AM Eastern (8AM Pacific). You can watch it below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuzEKIgf1jQ

Here is LG's First TV Commercial, and No, Jason Statham Isn't in It

Kellen — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:11:34 +0000

The Galaxy S8 unveiling is hours away, yet LG still has a few days to go before the G6 arrives in US carrier shops. To get out in front of the ridiculous wave of coverage and focus that is about to be laid upon Samsung, LG has dropped its first G6 TV commercial. It's a 30-second TV spot, and no, it doesn't contain Jason Statham. Enjoy.

Reminder: Samsung's Unpacked Galaxy S8 Event is Tomorrow!

Kellen — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 10:51:54 +0000

I know you haven't forgotten, but Samsung will announce the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ tomorrow at events in New York City and London. The happenings go down at 11AM Eastern (8AM Pacific) and will be live streamed for the world to see. We'll also be on hand for the fun, bringing you that hands-on, in-person experience you so crave. To watch the Samsung Unpacked event, you have a number of options, all of which are listed below:

Live video: http://www.samsung.com/galaxy
Live video: https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMobile
Apps: Android | iOS

If we get any additional links (like YouTube), we'll update this post. We'll also have a live blog and coverage tomorrow.

Via: Samsung

Google Home Adds Support for Wink, TP-Link, LIFX, August, and More

Kellen — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 09:24:56 +0000

Google Home received support for a handful of new smart products (up to 11 new ones) today, something we hope they continue to do as quickly as possible. After all, a smart home control hub is only as good as the products it can control, right? As of today, Google now supports Wink, TP-Link, LIFX, and Best Buy Insignia products. Below are examples from Google of the types of things you can do with these new integrations:

Cool down and “turn on the fan” with the Best Buy Insignia Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Set the mood for your dinner party and “change the living room lights to blue” with LIFX
Relax and “dim the living room lights” with TP-Link
Get comfortable and “turn up the heat” with Wink

According to CNET, Google is also adding support for August smart locks, Rachio sprinklers, First Alert smoke alarms, Vivent security products (coming in April), select Frigidaire products, Geeni's line of smart products, and Anova Precision Cookers. Google's announcement didn't mention any of these new integrations. On a related note, Google Home and Google WiFi arrive in the UK on April 6.

Via: Google [2] | CNET

Report: HTC U, With Fancy Edge Gesture Tech, Set for April Unveiling

Tim — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 09:15:28 +0000

The above header image is from an accidental spill of information that took place in September, 2016. Now, after what feels like forever, more information has come forth regarding the phone codenamed Ocean, aka HTC U. As reported on VentureBeat, the HTC U is the device it would seem many HTC fans and Android fans in general have been waiting for. It is said to feature a 5.5" QHD display and Snapdragon 835 processor, but beyond specs, the company is reported to have worked in a new gesture technology specifically for the U's metallic frame. If you recall the previous reports, then yes, this is the HTC phone you've been waiting for. Said to be known as Edge Sense, users can do a variety of things using sensors built into the phone's frame. As an example, instead of clicking on physical buttons to raise or lower volume, you simply slide your finger along the phone's edge. Or, maybe, instead of a press on your display to start and stop music, how about a double squeeze or tap of the edge to control playback? At this time, there is not much concrete information as to what users can do with Edge Sense, but the possibilities are very exciting. According to the report, HTC will unveil the U in April, with launch scheduled for May. As we learn more, we'll be sure to keep you in the light. While you won't hear us praise the HTC U Ultra too much, we hope to be singing a very different tune for the HTC U.

Remember the HTC Ocean? (https://t.co/q5ghm3vQ8Z) pic.twitter.com/GtpqowETjM
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) January 8, 2017

Via: VentureBeat

Facebook App Gains In-App Camera With Effects, Facebook Stories Too

Kellen — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 08:57:49 +0000

The Facebook app on Android and iOS is getting a new in-app camera that will give you all of the effects and filter fun you could ever ask for outside of Snapchat. Alongside the new camera, which begins rolling out this week, Facebook is getting Stories and Direct, two similar features to Instagram Stories that represent video and photo collages of your day that can be shared broadly or with select users. In the new camera, you'll not only get live, interactive filters for your photos and videos, Facebook is introducing "reactive effects" with "dynamic objects" and "style effects" that add things like falling snow or artistic filters as you take photos and videos. They'll also include masks to put on faces as you frame your shots, with selections representing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Power Rangers, and Wonder Woman as some of the options. Facebook says that you should expect fresh new choices often. As for Facebook Stories, well, you know what this is. Like Instagram Stories, you get to add photos or videos to a storyline throughout a day to tell...a story. The story lasts for 24 hours and then disappears forever. Like Instagram's version, you'll see quick access to your story at the top of the app, along with those you follow on Facebook represented by little circle icons.

Finally, Facebook is including a new Direct sharing option as well. This allows users to send photos or videos only to specific friends or family with precision. Once those photos or videos are viewed once, a person can reply or react before they disappear. Again, like Stories, this isn't a new idea. Look for these new features to slowly rollout over the next few weeks. https://www.facebook.com/facebook/videos/10155654381926729/

Via: Facebook

T-Mobile Offering Customers a Free Season of MLB.TV Premium

Tim — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 08:23:33 +0000

T-Mobile is offering customers a free season of MLB.TV Premium again this year, easily one of the best perks of being a customer. With this free season-long pass, you can stream all of your team's games via mobile or Android TV app, and even watch the 2017 Playoffs down the road. To claim this goodie, all T-Mobile customers (prepaid and postpaid) can grab the subscription on April 4 via the T-Mobile Tuesday app. With an MLB.TV Premium subscription, you will have access to At Bat Premium, so streaming or casting games from your phone to the TV in your living room will work just fine. At Bat apps are available on a variety of platforms, and from what we experienced last year, you should be able to gift the subscription code to anyone you choose once it's claimed. Just make sure to be connected to T-Mobile's network on April 4 when you attempt to claim. Details

So fans should definitely mark their calendars for T-Mobile Tuesday, April 4^th. Customers can claim their free subscription in the T-Mobile Tuesdays app until Wednesday, April 5^th at 1:59am PT. Then, they just need to sign up for MLB.TV Premium before April 11^th at 1:59am PT, and download the MLB.com At Bat app to start watching games live.

Thank you, T-Mobile. Let's play ball!

Via: T-Mobile

Supposed Moto X 2017 Leaks, Seems a Lot Like a Moto G5 With a Dual Camera

Kellen — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 08:04:19 +0000

Even though Motorola switched up the system last year with the release of the Moto Z as their new flagship line, we were told that the Moto X line could live on in some form. According to a leak from the folks at +hellmotoHK, we may have our first look at that reality. In the images below, we see a phone that certainly looks Moto-esque. Specifically, it looks a lot like the new Moto G5, only with a dual camera setup on the back and a rear casing that is almost OnePlus-ish. In other words, you've got a Moto G5 on the front (and internally), coupled with a OnePlus back panel and an awkward-shaped dual camera. We don't know the full set of specs, but a boot screen does reveal some details. This phone appears to run a Snapdragon 625 processor (same as the Moto G5), 3GB RAM, and carry 32GB storage. We can also see a fingerprint reader on the front, front camera with front flash, and a dimple on the back. Finally, the model number for this phone is showing as XT1801. Thoughts on this potentially being the new Moto X?

Via: reddit

T-Mobile Offering Two New Simply Prepaid Plans and a T-Mobile ONE Prepaid Unlimited Plan

Tim — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:29:59 +0000

T-Mobile is switching up its prepaid plans this week, introducing two Simply Prepaid options with set amounts of high-speed data, plus a single T-Mobile ONE Prepaid plan for those in need of unlimited data. For Simply Prepaid, there are two options, a $45/month option with 4GB of high-speed data and a 6GB option for $55/month. Both of these options come with unlimited talk, text, and data, but keep in mind that the data's speed will be highly limited once you exceed that initial 4GB or 6GB of LTE data. T-Mobile also offers International calling add-ons for the plans, starting at an extra $5/month. If you need something a bit larger, T-Mobile is also offering the ONE Unlimited Prepaid plan. With this, you pay $75/month, but receive unlimited high-speed data, unlimited Mexico/Canada calling, unlimited 3G mobile hotspot tethering, and ability to purchase a $3 a day HD video streaming pass. Without that pass, your streamed videos will be downgraded to 1.5Mbps. Should you be in the top 3% of data users (>30GB/mo.), T-Mobile reserves the right to throttle your speeds down with its network prioritization. Also, T-Mobile specifies that the One Prepaid option cannot benefit from an AutoPay discount or KickBack. If any of these options interest you, follow the link below. T-Mobile Link

Via: TmoNews

Verizon Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, and Moto Z Get Updates

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:12:47 +0000

Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Moto Z, or Moto Z Force on Verizon are all receiving updates to kick off the week. As far as we know, the updates are minor. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are seeing software version G930VVRU4BQA4 and G935VVRU4BQA4, respectively. The update is telling users that it includes "WiFi performance improvements." As for the Moto Z line, it's looking like only a security patch as software version NCLS25.86-11-4-6-8. The updates are live, so feel free to jump into settings to check for them. Verizon Links: Galaxy S7 | Galaxy S7 Edge | Moto Z

IKEA Introduces TRÅDFRI Smart Lighting System, Bulbs as Low as $11.99

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:09:56 +0000

If you have yet to jump into the world of smart lights, I certainly can understand. After all, these things (Philips products in particular) are pretty damn expensive. But what if IKEA offered up a solution that wasn't cheap, but also wasn't ridiculously expensive? Hopefully, that sounds appealing, because their new TRÅDFRI smart lighting system is on the way! The TRÅDFRI line will be available outside of the US in select countries on March 31, from what we can tell, but the US stores are gearing up for release too it seems. If you hit up that link below, you'll find all of the TRÅDFRI products already listed on the US IKEA site, with pricing, descriptions, manuals, etc. You can't buy them just yet, but I doubt the launch is far off. So far, TRÅDFRI products include a gateway kit for $79.99 that includes two smart lights, a dimmer switch, and the hub that all of your lights attach to. Single lights (E26) cost just $11.99, plus there are additional light options, remote control switches, motion sensor kits, etc. on the way. This new line works with ZigBee Light Link (ZLL), which is the same technology behind Philips Hue. Android and iOS apps will allow you to control the system. IKEA TRÅDFRI Link

Cheers Anon!

eBay's Android App Updated to Make Selling Easier

Tim — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:08:07 +0000

eBay announced changes for its mobile platform this morning, moving to make the selling process more simplified for those not on a desktop computer. With the changes, users will now search for the item they are selling, select it, which will then auto-fill your own listing. At that point, you can customize the listing how you see fit, with pictures, detailed description, and any other info you need. This will be helpful if you're selling mass produced goods, such as video games, sneakers, or something similar. For one of a kind items, the old fashioned way of selling is still your best route. Furthermore, the entire listing flow is placed on a single page in an easy-to-read format. According to eBay, this should allow for listing your items more quickly and efficiently. What's New

Enhanced cataloguing capabilities: search for the item you’re selling using eBay’s expansive catalogue of listings, and the listing flow will auto-fill product specifications, including title, stock image, pricing and shipping options, to help your items successfully sell on the marketplace. You can still make adjustments as needed – including adding a description of the item and more photos – before listing the item for sale.
More efficient listing flow: the new layout features all the details of your listing in an easy-to-read format on one page to make selling even simpler and faster.

This update is rolling out to Android devices first this week, followed by iOS a bit later. Play Link

Via: eBay

Unlocked Galaxy S7, Which Samsung Hates and Never Updates, Received March's Security Patch That Isn't Nougat

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 10:19:35 +0000

The unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are the absolute worst phones you could buy if you care about timely updates, current security patches, and fun new versions of Android that include new features and all that jazz. I say that because the US unlocked Galaxy S7 I have (and the S7 Edge I don't own) is ~~almost~~ always behind in updates, still doesn't have Android Nougat, and only today, received March's security patch. Samsung hates these phones and has since day 1. But hey, it did see an update to March's security patch today that weighs in as software version G930UUES4AQC1. That's all it is, though. To be fair to Samsung, they never did tell us to expect timely updates on these unlocked models. They simply said that they were unlocked and would work on all major US carriers. After that, it's been a quarterly-ish update cycle that is behind carrier variants and those from across the the pond. We're just annoyed by it since phones that lack a carrier attachment should (in theory) be easier to update. That either hasn't been the case here or Samsung just doesn't care. Anyways, your unlocked S7 or S7 Edge should have an update today and it's just a security patch. No Nougat for you. Also, we won't be recommending the unlocked Galaxy S8 until Samsung fully promises timely updates. And I'm not talking about a random email from a Samsung branch I've never heard of.

Andy Rubin Just Teased His Company's First Phone

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:48:59 +0000

Two days before Samsung will take the stage to show off the Galaxy S8, Android co-founder Andy Rubin just teased his new company's first smartphone. First reported on in December 2015 and then again only a few months ago, Rubin is said to have put together a team of former Google and Apple (HTC too) employees to create a smartphone to compete at the top. Today, we got our first look at it. The image was posted through a Tweet from Rubin that said, "I'm really excited about how this is shaping up," and that he is "Eager to get it in more people's hands." That's fitting, as the phone is in the hand of someone in the picture and looks promising, assuming you like phones with little bezel around a display. The picture (above and below) doesn't reveal a lot, other than a time, battery meter, and LTE signal that sure looks to be of an Android font. Then you have a power switch (or are there two buttons?), rounded corners, and again, pretty minimal bezel. The phone also looks quite small in the hand of this person, though previous reports suggested it might have a display 5.5-inches or larger. We've also heard that the phone will sport premium materials (maybe a ceramic back) and could have some sort of modular aspect too. Rubin's company is thought to be called Essential. Essential's goal will be to create an ecosystem of products, likely in an attempt to take over your whole home, not just your smartphone. I can't help but think Xiaomi when I hear this approach, since they make almost everything single tech product you could put in a home. Thoughts?

Facebook Messenger Now Has Live Location, Just Like Google Maps

Tim — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:17:27 +0000

In a recent update for Google Maps, users gained the ability to share a live location. In an update for Facebook Messenger, that same feature is now available. With the update, available for Android and iOS, users can share their real-time position on a map with a group of people or an individual person. This can come in handy when someone needs to know where you are or how much longer you'll take to arrive at a destination (ETA). Unlike Hangouts, which has a somewhat similar location sharing feature (but no real-time tracking), users can continue sharing their location for a select period of time. This can allow everyone to keep track of you while you make your way somewhere. How It Works

With today’s update, you’ll see a map of your current location and the option to tap a blue bar to share your Live Location.
For Android, tap the Location icon or tap the More icon and then select Location.
You’ll see a map of your current location and the option to tap a blue bar to share your Live Location for 60 minutes. Just like on iOS, you’ll have the option to stop sharing your Live Location by tapping Stop Sharing, and you’ll see how much longer you’re sharing your Live Location for via a small count down clock in the lower right hand corner of the map.
You’ll be able to see an estimate of how long it would take to get to others’ locations by car. (The ETA is seen by the person with whom the location is shared.)
You can stop sharing your Live Location at any time; just tap Stop Sharing.
A small clock in the lower right hand corner of the map will also let you know how much longer you’re sharing your location for.

While this feature is neat for Google Maps and Messenger, just make sure you are aware of when this feature is enabled and who you are sharing your location with. We don't want any stranger danger taking place. This update is available today for both iOS and Android. Play Link

Live Location in Messenger
Posted by Facebook on Sunday, March 26, 2017

Via: Facebook

Samsung is Going to Sell Refurbished Galaxy Note 7 Devices...Ugh (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 08:00:46 +0000

Samsung announced today that they plan to recycle returned Galaxy Note 7 devices "in an environmentally friendly way." In doing so, they also announced that they plan to sell some as refurbished. Seriously, not again. To recycle bad Note 7s properly, Samsung said that they will first determine if a phone can be used as a refurbished or rental device. After that, they'll look for salvageable components (think semiconductors, camera modules, etc.) before extracting precious metals (copper, nickel, gold, and silver) from remaining parts as the devices are then trashed responsibly. As for the refurbished idea, well, if that's really what Samsung wants to do, so be it. In their statement, Samsung states that "applicability is dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand." That sure sounds like a boatload of extra hoops to jump through to sell used models of a phone that was recalled twice before given the axe. Is it really worth the hassle or risk here, Samsung? But guys, the Note 7 is coming back! (Sort of.) UPDATE: Samsung told The Verge that it won't be selling refurbished Note 7 devices in the US.

Via: Samsung

Google Play Now Hosting "Free App of the Week"

Kellen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:41:41 +0000

Google has apparently jumped on board with the idea that you like free stuff every week. We'll see how long it lasts, but Google Play is now offering up a free app of the week. A new category for a weekly free app popped up over the weekend, showcasing a game called Card Wars - Adventure Time from the Cartoon Network. In order to grab this free item, all you have to do is hit up the link below, tap on the app, and then tap "Install," as the price of $2.99 should be slashed to nothing. We'll do our best to remind you of the free goodies as they pop up each week! Play Link

Android O!

Kellen — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 19:37:12 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're diving into Android O and its surprise unveiling this week as a developer preview. We'll share the biggest new features, which devices it's available on, what you should be excited about, and more. After that, it's time to catch up on Hangouts news (RIP, SMS.), the G6 and Galaxy S8 launches, our HTC U Ultra review, and all of the new Android Wear watches on the horizon. Join us live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Don't Miss These Android Stories: March 24, 2017

Kellen — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 15:29:01 +0000

We are only days away from the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ at this point. In fact, next Wednesday (March 29) is the day! After all these leaks, we're almost there and can finally give you the goods without question marks. I can't wait. Until then, another week in Android news went by and there was some good stuff to consume. Android O dropped in preview form, plus we unboxed the Huawei P10, questioned Google's messaging direction some more, and played a round or two of Super Mario Run. We also took a look at a whole bunch of new Android Wear watches.

WATCH: Droid Life Show episode 137 | Subscribe
Android O: What's new in Android O video! | List of changes | List of the little changes | Download
Download: Android O wallpaper
Android 7.1.2 beta update arrives for Pixel and Nexus
Huawei P10 unboxing!
Galaxy S8 stuff: More high-res images | Working unit on video | Next to iPhone 7 | Unpacked app
Galaxy S8's Bixby assistant gets announced and detailed
Hangouts is ditching SMS: Full details here | More info
Super Mario Run for Android is here! | Video first look
Moto G5 Plus arrives for $229 on March 31
Google Maps gets real-time location and trip sharing
New Android Wear watches: Misfit Vapor | Movado | Fossil | Guess
These Samsung Gear S3 concept watches are pretty sweet
The next wave of emoji could look like this
Google says that only about 50% of Android devices get security patches

LG G6 review incoming!

1Password Teasing the Magic of Autofill APIs on Android O

Tim — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 15:07:57 +0000

Android O was only announced earlier this week, now in the first stage of the developer preview, but 1Password is already hyped about the features baked inside. In a post published to its blog, AgileBits (the developers of 1Password), tease the magic of the new Autofill APIs found in Android O. As you'd imagine, the Autofill APIs are geared towards developers who handle passwords and other sensitive information. With Google's announcement of native autofill support for Android, any app that has users logging in and managing usernames/passwords can benefit from autofill. In a short time, the 1Password developers were able to whip up a look at what users should expect. Seen in the video below, a user can open up Twitter, with the system automatically recognizing that a username and password is required. At that point, 1Password is pinged, with a user needing to unlock 1Password's data, then all of the account details are automatically entered. So, instead of manually entering all of your info, just let autofill do the work for you. It's magic! Naturally, this is exclusive to Android O, so we've got a ways to go before everyone can start taking advantage. However, anyone running the Android O developer preview (plus those who wait for the public beta) should be able to utilize this feature once 1Password decides to bake this into their app. That shouldn't be too far away, but again, this is the development stage.

Via: AgileBits

Google Activates Server-Side Change to Somehow Address Pixel's Bluetooth Issues

Tim — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:01:32 +0000

According to a post on the Google Product Forums, a fix on Google's servers has been issued, one that will hopefully address the variety of Bluetooth-related issues reported by many, many Pixel device owners. If you haven't heard of this select issue, be you a Pixel owner or not, just know that many owners have reported the Bluetooth function on their Pixel device will randomly disable itself at any given time. There has been no set pattern as to why it automatically disables, it just does. The problem has been baffling forum members for a solid month at this point. This fix is aimed at addressing this particular issue. Now, if you are going to ask how a server-side change is going to fix your Pixel's Bluetooth issue, don't ask me, and apparently, don't ask the Google employees on the forum. According to Paul, who is a Googler, "I'm not an engineer so I'm not fluent on the technical details." All we know is that this server-side change is supposed to correct the issues. Given this is a server-side change, Pixel and Pixel XL owners don't need to download or change anything. However, a few Pixel owners already stated that they see no changes (Bluetooth still broken), but that a data wipe of the Google Play Services app from the Settings menu may essentially reset the connectivity and fix the problems. Provided we have had no issues on our Pixel phones, we can't test this to confirm its accuracy. Pixel owners who have experienced Bluetooth issues, let us know if you see any improvements!

Via: Google

Google Releases More Details on the Death of SMS in Hangouts

Kellen — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 10:22:51 +0000

After a surprise announcement made its way onto reddit last night, Google has spent a good chunk of the morning doing plenty of clarifying over what's actually happening with Hangouts and SMS integration. To be clear, though, last night's information is 100% correct and SMS within Hangouts is going away for most people, but Google has post in a variety of its product forums today to help answer any questions Google Voice, Project Fi, and general Hangouts users might have. Below, we've done our best to compile the important stuff. 1. Hangouts will lose SMS integration on May 22, 2017 (for the most part, depending on a handful of factors). Folks who use Hangouts for SMS with a carrier phone number (not a Google Voice or Project Fi number) will have to choose a new SMS app by that day. If you haven't chosen an app by that day, Google will switch your default SMS app to another that is already on your phone. Yes, you are being forced to use another app for SMS by May 22. 2. Will Google remind me about the change? Yes, you'll see a notification within Hangouts letting you know that SMS is going away and you'll need to find a new app. It looks like the image at the top of this post. 3. Streamlining: Google says that SMS leaving Hangouts is a streamlining effort that further enforces their commitment to Hangouts as an enterprise app. Whether you agree with the direction doesn't matter at this point, because that's what we've got coming. Google wants users to use Android Messages for SMS (or any other SMS app that isn't Hangouts). 4. Google Voice users: You aren't affected by this change at this time if you send SMS with your Google Voice number. You can still get SMS messages within Hangouts if you want and carry-on as if nothing has changed. With that said, if you are a Google Voice user who happens to send SMS with a carrier number instead of your Google Voice number, you will have to find another SMS solution, like Android Messages. 5. Project Fi users: You aren't affected by this change either. As I mentioned, Google has posted info about the upcoming change to a variety of its product forums. If the five bullets above don't answer the questions you have, be sure to find the correct link below and you should be able to find them. Sources: GSuite Blog | Project Fi Help Forum | Google Voice Help Forum | Hangouts Help Forum

Where to Buy the Moto G5 Plus in the US?

Kellen — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 09:28:33 +0000

The Moto G5 Plus is official for March 31 in the US. We already talked about the screaming deals on it you can get at Amazon if you are cool with some Amazon ads, but the phone is available at numerous other retailers. You'll be able to buy this new mid-tier value beast at places like Best Buy, Fry's, NewEgg, Target, and even Walmart. Just like at Amazon, the Moto G5 Plus starts at $229 with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, but you can double that goodness to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for $299. We'll review the Moto G5 Plus eventually, but on paper it sure looks like a heck of a value. For more, including specs, hit up this post. If you'd like to pre-order right away, there are plenty of links below. Moto G5 Links:

Here's the Movado Connect, Available This Fall

Tim — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 09:16:20 +0000

Movado, one of the other luxury brands entering the Android Wear market, has now detailed what the upcoming Connect smartwatch looks like. Spoiler alert, it looks like a Movado. Thanks to the Museum dial, a signature look seen on many Movado timepieces, the Connect screams Movado. With what appears to be a very sharp (in a good way) looking body, simplistic lug and wristband design, I find myself oddly attracted to this smartwatch. According to Movado, the Connect will come with, "over 100 fascinating dial variations," likely all just different color options with varying complications for the same ol' Museum dial. Not that that's a bad thing. Additionally, Movado states again that 5 men’s styles will be available, ranging from strap to bracelet designs. Now, one thing to note, the above header image is a bit sneaky. While you might think, "Wow, that watch has no bezel!," I'm here to wrangle you in and let you know that the Movado Connect does indeed have bezel. Lots of it, too. While there is no flat tire, I would argue that this design borderlines the Pebble Round. Remember that thing? Woof. Yes, the Movado Connect looks much better, I'm just pointing out that it's similar. Don't throw rocks at me. The Connect goes on sale this fall, with styles starting at $495. Cop or drop?

Via: Movado | @AndroidWear

T-Mobile Offers Scam Block and Scam ID, Fends Off Would-Be Scam Calls

Tim — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 08:42:47 +0000

Available to all T-Mobile customers with a compatible phone (any device capable of displaying caller ID), Scam Block and Scam ID will make sure you aren't picking up the phone when an unwanted solicitor or potential scammer is on the other line. The way Scam ID technology works is pretty darn simplistic. To sum it up, any time a T-Mobile customer is called, the caller's number is ran against a global database of tens of thousands of known scammer numbers. This list is always being updated, then analyzed by T-Mobile's Scam ID in real-time to ensure its accuracy. With this enabled on your line, the next time a scammer calls you, you'll know before you even pick up the phone. While having the scammer's number known is great, you're still getting called, which is where Scam Block comes into play. With Scam Block, “scam likely” calls get immediately blocked on the network so you don’t see them at all. It's basically a 1-2 punch to would-be scammers. Here's the specifics with regard to enrollment.

T-Mobile is enabling Scam ID and Scam Block on a rolling basis beginning with T-Mobile ONE customers. New T-Mobile ONE customers will automatically get Scam ID beginning April 5. T-Mobile postpaid customers can also enable Scam ID for themselves beginning April 5 by dialing #ONI# (#664#) and pressing the call button in their phone’s dialer. To turn on Scam Block, customers can dial #ONB# (#662#) or, to turn it off, dial #OFB# (#632#). To check whether Scam Block is on or off, customers can dial #STS# (#787#).

As you can see, select T-Mobile will automatically have this feature enabled, while others will need to set it themselves. However, anyone and everyone can decide to turn it off whenever they choose. Screw you, scammers.

Via: T-Mobile

Moto G5 Plus Hits US on March 31 for $185 With Amazon Ads, $230 without

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:18:23 +0000

The Moto G5 Plus arrives in the US on March 31, folks. When it arrives, it'll be available for as little as $184.99 if you order the Prime Exclusive version from Amazon, which means it includes Amazon ads sprinkled about. If you want the clean version, it'll run you at least $229.99. Those are just starting prices, of course, since the Moto G5 Plus comes in a couple of variations. The $185 and $230 models are the base setups and come equipped with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. If you want double the RAM (4GB) and internal storage (64GB), you'll be looking at $239.99 for the Prime Exclusive version or $299.99 for the clean version. To recap, the Moto G5 Plus sports a 5.2-inch FHD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 625 processor, 2GB/4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB storage with SD support, fingerprint reader, 12MP f/1.7 camera, 4G LTE on all of the US carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon), and Android 7.0. It does not contain an NFC chip. The Moto G5 Plus is available in either Gray or Gold here in the US. It's going to be a heck of a buy. And yes, we'll review it. Amazon Link [table id=54 /]

Rogue One is Now Available on Google Play!

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 21:12:18 +0000

March 24 was supposed to be the day and all parties delivered the goods - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is now available on Google Play. It's currently priced in HD at $19.99 and no rentals or 4K are there from what I can tell. Go get it! Play Link

Hangouts is Losing SMS Integration on May 22

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 20:58:01 +0000

With Google Voice back in action, Android Messages getting a major push as the RCS client of the future, Allo out here doing nothing but acting as a punchline, and Hangouts transforming into a 2-piece enterprise solution going forward, we have some clarity on Google's messaging direction for the first time in years. . . . . LOLZ. No we don't. We have no idea what Google is doing. What we do know is that Google appears to be making the situation worse these days by ripping SMS support out of Hangouts on May 22, at least according to emails being sent to GSuite (Google for Work) customers. I wish that was a joke, but it's not! The emails being sent state that by May 22, those who use Hangouts for SMS purposes with a carrier phone number will have to find a new solution. That means if you use SMS with Hangouts from your Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. phone number, that you won't be able to do so come May 22. You should see a notification by March 27 that tells you about the upcoming change. Of course, Android Messages is a perfectly good (if not borderline great) SMS solution and will do you right. Unfortunately, that means you'll now have to use separate applications for Hangouts and SMS, a task you probably want no part of after spending years with a single messaging application. Oh, we'd also imagine that you won't be able to send SMS through Hangouts on desktop either. Cool, right? Yikes. Pushbullet is an app that offers a solution there, though. There are others as well. As for Google Voice users who integrate with Hangouts, you are still good as long as you use your Google Voice number for SMS purposes. I should point out that this could just be for GSuite customers and that regular Hangouts users will be fine. But yeah, I wouldn't put my money on that. We'll likely have more to say in the morning. For now, grab a beer or some tequila and take in the letter below.

Hangouts SMS Death Letter

Hello Administrator, Last year, we announced several improvements to the most popular features of Google Hangouts, such as the new video meetings experience and better group chat messaging. As part of that ongoing effort, we will be removing carrier SMS text messaging from Hangouts on Android after May 22, 2017. Note: Google Voice numbers will continue to be supported after May 22. This change only applies to SMS text messages sent and received from carrier phone numbers. We will prepare users for this change by showing an in-app message beginning March 27, 2017. Here is what users will see:

For SMS users on Hangouts on Android (not including Google Voice) Users will be prompted to choose another default messaging app already installed on their phone. If none exists, they will be directed to the Google Play store to find a new SMS messaging app. Choosing a new messaging app will not impact existing SMS messages. All messages will be accessible in the new messaging app. For SMS users using Google Voice on Hangouts on Android Google Voice users who also send carrier SMS messages will need to choose another default messaging app. Their Google Voice messages will be unaffected and will still be available in Google Hangouts. For Google Voice users on Hangouts on Android Google Voice users who do not use carrier SMS text messaging will not be affected and no notification will be shown. For non-SMS users on Hangouts on Android No notification will be shown to users who do not have Hangouts enabled as the default SMS messenger app on their device. What you should do As a result of this change, you may receive questions from affected users. We've identified the users (copied below) who will be affected at your domain xxxxxx.com. You can share this Help Center article if users have any questions. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact G Suite support. Sincerely, The G Suite Team

Via: reddit

Nova Launcher Beta Update Introduces Dynamic Badges, an Alternate to Notification Counts

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:53:20 +0000

A new Nova Launcher beta (v5.1) arrived today with new addition worth talking about: Dynamic Badges. What the hell are Dynamic Badges? Glad you asked! They are a potential upgrade over your standard notification count badges that will show you more info outside of just how many unread messages or missed notifications you have. In the images included here, you can see what Dynamic Badges look like. They'll show in the lower-right of each icon and do replace the standard count badges if you want them to, so that you'll see images instead. Those images represent images from notifications to hopefully show you exactly what's in-store for that missed email or message. If you have apps in a folder that all have unread notifications, you'll see which apps have notifications on the outside of that folder, instead of a big number that means almost nothing. Again, the thought here is that numbers often don't mean much, but an image representing the info could help you manage your phone better. If this sounds like a terrible idea to you and you love numbers, don't worry, because you can switch between the different badge types. Grab the new beta below! Links: Play Link | APK File (v5.1)

Via: +Kevin Barry

DEAL: 3-Pack of USB Type-C to Micro USB Adapters is Just $6

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:54:18 +0000

Most phones come equipped with a USB Type-C port these days, so that means the included charger in the box will take care of your charging needs for the most part. But let's say you have a bunch of old chargers lying around that you'd like to get some use out of except they are microUSB. What would you do? Use USB Type-C adapters of course! Amazon has dozens of these little guys up for purchase. We've highlighted two options below, one that is a 3-pack of Type-C to microUSB for just $5.99, and another that is a 2-pack for $6.99. In order to use these, you simply attach them to your microUSB cables that are attached to a charging brick or computer, and then plug the Type-C tip into your phone. They are pretty brilliant and a super cheap way to get some extra mileage out of all of your old chargers. For those in the know, the 3-pack below has not been reviewed by Benson Leung (the Googler who reviews Type-C products to make sure they are safe), but has looked at the 2-pack from Anker. Either way, both are good deals and Amazon has been banning Type-C products that aren't spec-compliant for about a year now. You should be good here. Amazon Links:

Tiergrade 3-Pack USB Type-C Adapters ($5.99)
Anker 2-Pack USB Type-C Adapters ($6.99)

#TBT: When Your Calling Plan had a Weekend Schedule

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:24:30 +0000

The next time you see Tim or I or someone in the comments complain about their data plan and its 10GB bucket or the fact that they may see a bit of throttling after using a whopping 22GB of data in a billing cycle, remind them that only a few years back, things were much, much worse. Consider the fact that we used to have to manage minutes instead of data and were still doing so in 2009 and 2010. And not only that, but we had to manage them based on the time of day, whether or not it was a week day or weekend day, and if the call was between two mobile phones or a mobile and land line. Ahh, yes, when "Anytime" minutes were king. This Verizon "Important Plan Information" page is like a trip back in time should you ever need a good laugh, partly because it contains relevant info for today's plans, but also because there must be people who still fall under some of these old plan terms and Verizon needs to keep them active on their site. Check this out, though, and tell me your aren't having sweaty flashbacks as you recall having phone calls lasting longer than 5 minutes on a weekend or evening.

Like, come on, Verizon. You really forced us to

Facebook Messenger Update Brings Message Reactions and Mentions

Tim — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:31:24 +0000

An update is headed out for users of Messenger, bringing Reactions for messages, plus Mentions for when you're inside a group chat. Facebook wants to provide a more fun and useful experience inside Messenger, and with Reactions, that's what you will get. Once updated, should you or a friend post a picture of something, others can react to the photo with an emoji or thumbs up. For example, if it's a picture of a cute dog, long press on the photo, then select the "Love" option. The long press function will work on all messages, so reacting is universal. As another example, if someone shares specific dinner plans, you can quickly react with either a "yes" or "no" response. When these reactions go out, a little animation will play, and the sender (or viewer) can click on the emojis to see exactly who liked what and so on and so forth. For Mentions, any time you are in a group conversation, you can now mention a specific person inside that chat using the "@" symbol, followed by their name. This will highlight the message for that particular person, meaning they aren't likely to miss it in a group chat filled with hundreds of chat bubbles. Facebook states that this update will begin rolling out to all users today. Play Link

Via: Facebook

Here's What to Expect From the Next Big Emoji Update

Tim — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:17:27 +0000

Back in November, Unicode Consortium, who are the overlords that determine what new emoji will come to smartphones, detailed the next round of emoji that is set to launch in mid-2017. Thanks to Emojipedia, a site that makes and showcases emoji, we now have a better understanding of what to expect when these new emoji hit devices. To go along with Emoji 5.0, about 48 new emoji are being added. Some are cool, some are plain silly. A few of the better inclusions are a piece of meat, a woman breastfeeding, a puking smiley, a cursing smiley, a head explosion smiley, spectacle-rocking smiley, and even a T-Rex emoji. Now, what you see below will likely be revised heavily when brought to Android, as they are simply design mockups. Unicode Consortium sends out the names and guidelines for the various companies to twist and reimagine however they see fit. So for Pixel devices, these will come out differently than they will on Samsung devices and Apple's iOS devices. Just know that soon, we'll all be able to share breastfeeding emojis with the world. Do you have a favorite from the lot?

Via: Emojipedia | Unicode

Instagram Begins Blurring Sensitive Content, Makes 2-Factor Authentication Available to All

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 10:31:34 +0000

Instagram, like Twitter, is all about fostering a kinder, safer community. That means new tools or tweaks to the photo sharing service that will allow for better protection for your account and also the eyes of those not wanting to see something offensive. In the near future ("soon"), Instagram will start to blur content marked as sensitive. Why would it be blurred in the first place? Because someone flagged it as being sensitive and person from Instagram confirmed that it may not be suitable for everyone. This doesn't mean it violates any Instagram terms, it just means that not everyone will appreciate the substance. To access it, you'll simply need to tap on it. As for account protection, Instagram has now fully rolled out 2-factor authentication. You should use this if you aren't already. With 2-factor authentication, Instagram will require a code every time you login that is sent to you via SMS. It's an extra layer of security that makes it much more difficult for someone to access your accounts. You can find the setting for it in your profile settings. Play Link

Via: Instagram

Fossil Group Announces Many New Android Wear Watches for 2017

Tim — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:38:06 +0000

Android Wear news is flying out of Baselworld this week, with multiple companies announcing plans for new Android Wear devices. First up, we have Michael Kors, Fossil, and a couple of other Fossil Group brands introducing new wearable devices. For Fossil, it will launch the Q Venture and Q Explorist to its existing Q lineup this fall, Michael Kors will have the Sofie and Grayson, plus we'll even see Android Wear pieces from Emporio Armani and Diesel. Each device has a different timeframe for launch, but the general gist is that each will run the latest build of Android Wear, have a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, and range in battery and overall size. As you'd imagine, the Diesel On piece is insanely large, while a few of the more feminine watches have crystals and gold bodies. Whatever you'd expect from a particular brand is pretty much what they're delivering. As for pricing, we don't have too many specifics aside from a starting point for the Michael Kors pieces. According to the press release, they will start at $350. Below are the launch specifics, followed by a gallery of the new watches. Launch Specifics

Diesel – Diesel On will include its first touchscreen smartwatch available in five outsized styles (Holiday 2017)
Emporio Armani – Emporio Armani Connected will include its first touchscreen smartwatch (Beginning September 2017)
Fossil – Q Venture and Q Explorist are the brand's slimmest, most feature-packed touchscreen smartwatches to date (Fall 2017)
Michael Kors – Michael Kors Access Sofie and Michael Kors Access Grayson are two new introductions to the touchscreen smartwatch collection (Fall 2017)
Misfit – Misfit Vapor is powered by Android Wear™ 2.0 and includes heart rate monitoring, GPS, standalone music functionality, and is swimproof to 5ATM (Late-Summer 2017)

Do any of these interest you?

Via: Fossil Group | Michael Kors

Etsy Adds Android Pay to Checkout Options

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:26:30 +0000

Checking out through the Etsy app is now easier than ever, thanks to the addition of Android Pay as a payment option. Starting today, Etsy users will be able to checkout with a couple of taps through Android Pay rather than fumble around with credit cards and numbers. For those interested, you'll need to have Android Pay setup and a supported card attached. Once you have done that, the checkout process for Android Pay simply asks that you confirm your payment option with a fingerprint, PIN, password, or pattern. From my experience in other apps, Android Pay as a checkout option is about as good as it gets in terms of simplicity. Etsy sellers looking to take advantage of Android Pay will only need to accept payments through Direct Checkout. If you don't see Android Pay immediately, that's because Etsy is slowly rolling out the option. Play Links: Etsy | Android Pay

Via: Etsy

Samsung is Showing Off Some Pretty Cool Concept Watches at Baselworld, Including a Pocket Watch

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:05:54 +0000

Samsung is at Baselworld right now, the luxury watch tradeshow taking place in Basel, Switzerland* each year, where the world's top watchmakers (Rolex, Omega, and Patek Phillipe, on down to Oris, Seiko, and TAG Heuer) show off new pieces for the coming year. Why is Samsung at Baselworld? As a smartwatch maker, and a company who likes to dabble in the concept world from the time to time, they have some unique Gear S3 pieces to show off. For one, they are showing off a "hybrid pocket concept watch" of the S3. I have no idea what that means, but you can see an image of it below. It appears to sport a mechanical watch movement on its backside, along with a smartwatch on its inside. That's actually a pretty neat idea for pocket watch lovers. On one hand, you have the smarts of a smartwatch, but should that info not be needed or the battery die, you then have a mechanical watch to at least always give you the time.

Outside of the pocket watch, Samsung also put together a couple of Gear S3 designs that are powered by a Swiss mechanical movement. So these aren't smartwatches at all, but are concepts that show what a mechanical movement would look like inside their Gear S3 case. They are a skeleton-style watch, which I'm not personally a fan of. Who cares, though - they are concepts.

Finally, in actual news you might care about, since none of these concepts will ever be sold, Samsung announced that they are releasing a "Value Pack" update to the Gear S2 and Gear S3 lines. These new packs will feature new content, like apps from Spotify and Nest, plus they'll improve the alti/barometer, reminder capabilities, and S Health. Anyone interested in a Swiss-powered Gear S3? Maybe that concept pocket watch?

Via: Samsung

*Hah, that said Sweden for some reason earlier this week. Whoops.

Misfit Vapor Runs Android Wear After All, Arrives This Summer

Kellen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 02:00:21 +0000

Back at CES, Misfit announced their first full-blown smartwatch, the Misfit Vapor. At the time, they told us its specs and price tag ($199), but they refused to talk about which operating system it ran or whether or not they were working with some sort of custom wearable OS. Why? They were apparently concerned that people (read: iPhone owners) would steer clear of it if they knew it ran Android Wear. Well, here we are this morning with Baselworld in full swing and Misfit has officially announced that the Vapor runs Android Wear 2.0. With that out of the way, let's recap the device! The Misfit Vapor sports a 44mm case with touch bezel, 1.39-inch round AMOLED display (326ppi), Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 5ATM water resistance, 4GB storage, GPS, heart rate sensor, microphone, fitness tracking, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Since it runs Android Wear 2.0, that means it has access to Google Play apps whether you are on iOS or Android. You'll find watch faces galore, other fitness apps, etc. Misfit confirms the Vapor will ship in "late summer" for $199 in Jet Black or Rose Gold. [expand title="Misfit Vapor Press Release (click to expand)"]

Misfit Vapor + Android Wear 2.0

We’re excited to share that Misfit Vapor will be powered by Android Wear 2.0, the latest wearables operating system available from Google. Originally announced in January, Misfit Vapor is a design-forward touchscreen smartwatch that gives you everything you need to keep going right on your wrist, including built-in music and GPS, real-time location and activity tracking, and an optical heart rate sensor. Vapor will be powered by Android Wear 2.0 to provide an evolved, world class software experience to Misfit users. Our partnership means hundreds of your favorite apps will be available at launch, opening up a multitude of possibilities for Android and iPhone users alike. Misfit Vapor powered by Android Wear 2.0 enables: A useful, customized watch face You’ll be able to personalize your watch face with glanceable info from your favorite apps, so that you can check your next appointment, stock performance, fitness goals, and more. You can even customize your watch face with app shortcuts and well as thousands of watch face styles to fit your fashion. An enhanced fitness experience You’ll of course be able to see your calories, pace, distance, and heart rate for your runs, walks, and bike rides, and all of your stats and info will be compatible with Google Fit. On-board music functionality Leave your phone at home and listen to hundreds of songs on the go. Hundreds of apps at launch Whether you use an Android phone or iPhone, you’ll be able to use apps like Foursquare, Google Fit, Google MapsTM, Google PlayTM Music, Lifesum, Google Messenger, Runkeeper, Runtastic, Strava, Uber, and many more. Google Assistant built-in Android Wear 2.0 brings the Google Assistant to your wrist. Just a press of a button and say “Ok Google”. Get things done and find answers even when your hands are full. You can ask about the weather, navigate to a destination, remind yourself to call mom when you get home, or turn off the lights Misfit Vapor hardware includes:

A stunning 1.39” full round AMOLED display, accentuating a vibrant color palette in 326 pixels per inch
An accelerometer, altimeter, gyroscope, optical heart rate sensor, GPS, and microphone to deliver world-class fitness tracking and smartwatch applications straight to the wrist
A touch bezel allows users to seamlessly browse Vapor’s menu of watchfaces and applications, and respond to notifications, without obscuring content on the display
A Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 2100 processor and 4GB of memory as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Water resistance to 50 meters
A durable 44mm satin-finished stainless steel upper casing in Jet Black or Rose Gold

Priced at $199 Misfit Vapor will work with any phone running Android 4.3 or iOS 9 or higher and will ship in late summer. Android, Android Wear, Google, Google Maps, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.[/expand]

Best Galaxy S8 Pictures to Date: Show Grey, Gold, and Black in High-Res

Kellen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:44:25 +0000

This sh*t isn't exciting at all anymore, but that doesn't mean some of us aren't at least a little bit curious about some high-res renders of the Samsung Galaxy S8. Today, @evleaks posted up promotional material that features the device in black, gold, and ~~purple~~ grey. The photos are about as clear as we've seen to date and do give us a clean look at the device. OK, I don't know what else to say. I'm officially over Samsung Galaxy S8 leaks at this point and just want the phones to get here already, so that we can play with them, test them, and share actual thoughts that matter. Also, I don't care what the official color names are. These phones are black, gold, and ~~purple~~ grey. Edit: Apparently, that's grey, not purple.

Via: @evleaks

Video: First Look at Super Mario Run for Android

Tim — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:40:56 +0000

Well, the wait is over and Super Mario Run is finally available for Android devices. Will it be as big as Pokémon GO? Unlikely, but it's Mario, so it'll definitely hit the charts very nicely. In the below video, I try my hand at the game, but don't judge, it's my first time. You know, I'm not one of those fancy iPhone owners who has the luxury of playing games months before they're available on Android. As we now know, the complete game will run $9.99, just like on iOS. Is that expensive? Absolutely, but hey, it's Mario! Nintendo can likely charge whatever they want, and from the 5 minutes I have played, it does seem to be quite polished. Have at it, gamers. Play Link

Super Mario Run for Android

[responsive_vid]

Super Mario Run Available for Download on Google Play (Updated)

Tim — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:16:05 +0000

It's a day before Super Mario Run is supposed to be available for Android devices, so just in case it's an error, go grab it now! Play Link Update: We have officially taken the game for a spin! From what we now know, the full game costs $9.99, but does come with more Gold coins, a bit of multiplayer gameplay, and more. And yes, I still think Super Mario Run is like Temple Run. [responsive_vid]

Cheers Ryan and Matt!

Google to Streamline Android Security Update Platform Further, Only About 50% of Devices Get Patches

Kellen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:06:37 +0000

Google released its 2016 Android security report today, highlighting the progress they have made over the past couple of years in terms of protecting you and I from Potentially Harmful Apps (PHA) and also getting our phones up-to-date with the latest security patches. On a PHA level, Google is still doing a bang-up job on not letting through many bad apps that could do you harm, but the security patch situation still isn't great even after a solid year of improvements. For the year 2016, only about half of Android devices even received a security update. Woof. Before we get into the security update stuff, let's talk numbers for those worried about installing bad apps. If you only install apps from Google Play, Google found that only 0.05% of devices contained a PHA. That's down from 0.15% in 2015 and essentially means you have almost zero chance of downloading something bad from Google Play. Now, we know that some of you love to get in on some free .apk action outside of Google Play, so you might be a little worried about your chances of getting hammered with a PHA, right? Google says that just 0.71% of all Android devices had PHAs by the end of last year. That's a slight increase from 0.5% in 2015, but still a pretty small number. Thankfully, Google says that they are now "using improved tools" and have gained new knowledge that should help them further reduce that in 2017. OK, so about security patch updates - what's the deal with only half of devices receiving them? It's complicated! But yeah, Google said in its report that "more than 735 million devices from 200+ manufacturers received a platform security update in 2016." With 1.4 billion devices in the wild, that's not exactly a great number. Additionally, Google and its partners pushed updates for "over half of the top 50 devices worldwide" in the last quarter of 2016 alone. Again, that's fine, but we're still hovering around that 50% mark here. Of course, the monthly security platform program is still pretty new and there is work to do for phones outside of Nexus and Pixel. Google thinks it can improve upon the program as partners have invested "significantly" in regular updates and Google itself will be "streamlining" the process by making it "easier for manufacturers to deploy security patches." Google told TechCrunch that they have already cut wait time for security patches down from weeks to "just a few days" in some cases. Finally, if it makes you feel better, Google also says that 78% of flagship devices in North America were up-to-date at the end of 2016. As has been the case the past couple of years, it still sounds like Google has PHAs under control, but is still struggling to get manufacturers to buy into releasing security patches. How do they convince them that security is important? That I do not know, but these companies should probably jump on board before they regret having out-of-date phones and something serious happens. The full report can be read below or there is a 30 minute overview video down there too. Full report: Android Security 2016 Year in Review (PDF)

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Via: Google | TechCrunch

Video: Huawei P10 Unboxing and Hands-On

Tim — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:14:28 +0000

While the Huawei P10 won't be hitting the US any time soon that we know of, we still wanted to get our hands on one. With its 5.1" display, smooth metallic body and high-end specs, who could resist? Announced during MWC last month, the P10 is already available in select markets, priced at what equates to $700. That's not cheap. For that price, you get a 5.1" FHD display, Kirin 960 processor (same as Mate 9), 4GB RAM, dual Leica-branded cameras, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, 3200mAh battery, and EMUI 5.1 atop Android "Nougat." Now, for US buyers who are highly interested in the P10, I recommend holding off on importing this device. While the phone will work fine on GSM carriers, it is expected that Huawei's Honor brand will release something similar for us, rumored to be the Honor 8 Pro. We don't yet have specifics on launch or anything, but that phone should be worth waiting for. In the meantime, here's our unboxing of the P10.

Huawei P10 Unboxing [responsive_vid] Gallery

Google's Allo Gets File Sharing, While Duo Gets Audio Calling

Kellen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:01:43 +0000

Today in Brazil, Google held an event where they made a handful of announcements surrounding some of their newest and/or most popular products. Two that fall in the "newest" category that are receiving updates are Allo and Duo, the communications tandem that was first announced at Google I/O in 2016. Allo will see an update that includes the ability to send files to other users. The update (or availability of the feature) should start arriving on handsets across the globe where Allo is available. You'll find the option in a conversation by tapping the "+" in the chat box, then selecting the paperclip icon. The types of files OK'd to send are .pdf, .docs, .apk(!), .zip, and .mp3. As for Duo, Google is adding audio calling to the video chatting app, though it'll only be available in Brazil to start. The rest of the world should get it within the "coming days." As you can imagine, audio calling means calling without video and probably should have been there from day 1. Either way, it's here now! Play Links: Allo | Duo

Via: Google

OnePlus Announces OnePlus 3T Midnight Black, Available in Limited Quantities March 24 at Hypebeast

Kellen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:11:14 +0000

OnePlus is following up its special edition Colette Edition of the OnePlus 3T by releasing another all-black version here in the US. Sold exclusively at Hypebeast's online store on March 24 at noon Eastern, only 250 units will be available. What's special about this 3T? Well, it comes in matte black that is dubbed "Midnight Black." It sports 128GB storage and 6GB RAM while retailing for $479. Those are the only differences between this and the previous 3T models. Once those 250 units are gone, OnePlus says that they plan to sell additional Midnight Black units through their own store, though they aren't ready to share those details yet. Hit up Hypebeasts's store (HBX.com) for more info.

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Samsung Hyping Galaxy S8 Bigly, Launches Unpacked 2017 App

Tim — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:47:34 +0000

Samsung is sparing no expense for the Galaxy S8 announcement, launching an Unpacked 2017 app for both Android and iOS. The app will likely be your one-stop shop for all things Galaxy S8 come March 29. The app will grant access to Samsung's livestream the morning of the 29th, in case you didn't feel like watching it directly on YouTube or Samsung's website. Following that, the app will probably have all of the details regarding specs, availability and all of that. If you happen to be a member of the media, the app will be used to access the event in New York City. I have placed links to Google Play and iTunes below, just in case you're rocking an iPhone and are curious about a real smartphone. Play Link | iTunes Link

Google Maps Adds Real-Time Location Sharing, Including Trip Progress

Kellen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:04:58 +0000

Google Maps is getting a pretty awesome new feature on Android, iOS, and the web. How would you like to share your location with friends, family, or colleagues you are meeting up with? What if you could share the progress of a trip on any platform? It's coming. Real-time location sharing via Google Maps is on the way. Google would only announce today that location sharing is rolling out "soon," but they did share a fun little video that shows how it will work. You can watch it above to get the basics. Once live, you'll be able to open up Google Maps and choose to share your exact location with one or many people and even set how long the share lasts. If you take off for a trip with navigation, you'll also be able to share that trip with people, so they can see your exact progress along the way. As you arrive, the sharing will stop. There are reminders or icons within the app to let you know that you are sharing, plus you'll be able to stop sharing at any time. We'll let you know once it starts arriving on devices. Play Link

Via: Google

Amazon Alexa Now Rolling Out to Huawei Mate 9

Tim — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 06:00:29 +0000

At CES this year, Huawei held a press conference, announcing that Amazon's digital assistant, Alexa, would come to the Mate 9 via an OTA update. Today, that update is rolling out to all Mate 9 owners in the US. With Alexa on the Mate 9, users can essentially perform most of the same commands that you see on the Echo. For example, you can control certain home automation functions, plays games, add things to your Amazon shopping list, as well as receive rundowns of the news. Once the update is applied, you will see an Alexa application installed on the device. To use Alexa, open that app, press the mic button, then speak your commands. Currently, there isn't a hands-free trigger command for Alexa (like, "OK Google"), but Mate 9 owners can now benefit from having access to both Google Assistant and Alexa on the same phone. It's a free update, so there's not much to complain about. Here's a few of things you can expect to see with Alexa on the Mate 9.

Home Automation: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa makes it possible to manage your smart home even when you’re on-the-go by controlling lights, thermostats, locks, fans, sprinklers and more.
Games/Trivia: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa can make every trip more entertaining with games like Jeopardy, Magic Door and Twenty Questions.
Shopping: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa makes it easy to get more done using just your voice -- Quickly create lists, order items to be sent to your home, get food delivered or have your favorite coffee ready with Amazon voice shopping, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Amazon Prime restaurants, and more.

On top of those things, Huawei states we can look forward to better integration as time goes on. This update is only the beginning.

Alexa has more than 10,000 skills, and new Alexa skills are added all the time, delivering even more capabilities. However, not all capabilities will be applicable at this time, including Timer/Alarms, Music and Tunein (in flash briefing), but these abilities will come later this year.

If you rock a US Model of the Mate 9, check for that update. [expand title="Press Release: Amazon Alexa Now Available on Huawei Mate 9"]

AMAZON ALEXA NOW AVAILABLE ON HUAWEI MATE 9

Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa gives consumers access to Alexa Voice Service on-the-go

PLANO, TX – March 22, 2017 – Today, the highly-acclaimed Huawei Mate 9 includes Amazon Alexa. Delivering on a promise made at CES in January, over-the-air (OTA) updates will commence today, pushing the Huawei Alexa app to Mate 9 customers in the United States. “At CES we shared that Amazon Alexa would come to the Mate 9,” said Zhendong Zhu, president, Huawei Device USA. “With the new Huawei Alexa app, we add intelligent voice control to the rich features already available on Mate 9. We look forward to collaborating with Amazon to further develop more voice-activated mobile experiences.” “We’re excited to bring Amazon Alexa to the Huawei Mate 9, helping customers easily perform everyday tasks while on the go – using just their voice,” said Steve Rabuchin, vice president of Amazon Alexa. “From controlling their smart home and checking the news to shopping and listening to Audible content, we think customers are going to love interacting with Alexa while on the go. We can’t wait for customers to try this out.” Huawei Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa Using the Huawei Alexa app on Mate 9, consumers can bring Amazon Alexa with them, taking advantage of its natural user interface. Since Alexa was designed based on the assumption that users are not looking at a screen, it is a primarily voice-driven experience, ideal for people on the go. The Huawei Alexa app offers mobile access to features and scenarios consumers expect from Amazon Alexa including:

Home Automation: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa makes it possible to manage your smart home even when you’re on-the-go by controlling lights, thermostats, locks, fans, sprinklers and more.
Games/Trivia: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa can make every trip more entertaining with games like Jeopardy, Magic Door and Twenty Questions.
Shopping: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa makes it easy to get more done using just your voice -- Quickly create lists, order items to be sent to your home, get food delivered or have your favorite coffee ready with Amazon voice shopping, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Amazon Prime restaurants, and more.
Fitness/Health: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa helps travelers stay fit with access to skills like 7-Minute Workout, FitBit and Stop, Breathe & Think.
News: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa is a convenient way to stay informed with access to news anytime via Flash Briefings from NPR, CNBC, Reuters, Fox News, The Skimm, WSJ, AP, BBC, CNN, and many more.
Entertainment: Mate 9 with Amazon Alexa puts entertainment in reach with access to a wide array of podcasts and Audible content.

To use Alexa voice commands on Mate 9, users must first initiate the Huawei Alexa app. Once the app is launched, users can ask Alexa various things, including:

Get information by asking about famous people, dates, and places
Find a restaurant, movie or local business
Order from Amazon Prime
Control connected smart home features such as lights, temperature and appliances
Hear weather or traffic updates
Check your calendar
Hear the news through personalized Flash Briefings

Alexa has more than 10,000 skills, and new Alexa skills are added all the time, delivering even more capabilities. However, not all capabilities will be applicable at this time, including Timer/Alarms, Music and Tunein (in flash briefing), but these abilities will come later this year. [/expand]

Video: What's New in Android O!

Kellen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:12:59 +0000

If the two or three write-ups we have already done about the new Android O Developer Preview weren't enough, we now have a recap in video form. I know, I know, even though there doesn't appear to be a lengthy list of new goodies in Android O, we still managed to show you quite a bit of stuff in the clip below. Throughout this 13-minute journey, you'll see changes made to notifications (like snoozing!), the revamped Settings menu and the new placement of some of your favorite settings, a big change to Ambient Display, where you'll find Picture-in-Picture and Autofill settings when you have apps that support them, and whether or not the Easter Egg has changed (it hasn't). Let us know what else you are finding in Android O!

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What Else is New in Android O? A Recap of the Little Things

Kellen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:55:51 +0000

Android O is official today and available for those with supported devices to start poking around in. We've already shared the official changelog, gave you the new Android O wallpaper to download, and have a nice video overview on the way to show off most of the new stuff, but we also wanted to put together a post that touches on some of the smaller changes. These are the changes that Google won't highlight, yet you might find them really useful. These are the other changes to Android O.

(Also, we'll be updating this post regularly, so feel free to keep checking back.)

System UI Tuner gets navigation bar customizations, custom app shortcuts on lock screen.

Navigation bar tweaks.

Custom shortcuts on lock screen.

Notifications can be snoozed!

Status Bar shows more info when in notifications, Quick Settings tiles get extra touch points.

New "Device theme" option in Pixel. Does that mean themes are coming to the Pixel? (This setting isn't on Nexus 6P.)

The new Settings menu is basically exactly the approach Samsung just took starting with the Note 7. We've got categories now instead of everything just broken out. Plus, the slideout menu is already dead.

Autofill apps will be listed like Android Pay apps, under Default apps. Picture-in-picture settings in Special Access.

Default apps and Autofill.

Picture-in-Picture settings.

Factory reset, backup, and keyboard settings, all under System now. Plus, Moves are now under Languages & Input.

Unknown Sources is now Install Other Apps under Special Access in Notification settings. Instead of allowing all unknown apps to install, you grant specific permission to select apps to allow for the installation of apps not from Google Play.

Full video tour below with many of these changes.

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More coming!

Google News & Weather Updated With Way More Headlines

Tim — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:28:38 +0000

An update for Google News & Weather is set to roll out this week, centered entirely on bringing more headlines to your eyeballs. According to Google, they have added over 200 headlines of content to the home section of the app, meaning you have a lot of news to get through. After a bit of research, Google found that users were hitting the bottom of the page looking for more to read. To fix that, you guessed it, Google is packing in the stories. With many content publishers supporting AMP (including DL), stories and media load quickly through this app, meaning you can read all of the important info without waiting. As the app's name suggests, you can also check your weather forecast. If you need all those headlines, be on the lookout for the update to hit your phone this week. Play Link

Via: Google

Download: Android O Wallpaper

Tim — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:16:37 +0000

Wallpapers. Given they're our thing, we're always pumped to see new ones, especially from Google. For those concerned, Android O hasn't disappointed. Currently, there is only one new wallpaper for the developer preview of Android O, but we're sure that will change in the coming months. The wallpaper is a shot from what I assume is the ISS, but I could be wrong. A quick Google image search yields no results, so if you recognize this shot, please let us know down in the comments. Oh, and yes, this wallpaper is officially ???. To get it on your phone, you can simply save the image from below, or follow the link to a direct download. Download Link

Here's What's New So Far in Android O (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:49:47 +0000

Out of nowhere, Google released the first Developer Preview for Android O. Naturally, given this is just the first preview, it is pretty barebones, but still very exciting. If you are interested in what's new with Android O, this post is for you. According to Google's overview of this build, the Android team is approaching new ways for developers and users to interact with notifications (Notification Channels), a picture-in-picture mode, many battery usage improvements, adaptive icons, font resources in XML, plus a whole lot more. Let's get to it. UPDATE: Want to see all of the little changes in Android O? We're compiling those at this post. UPDATE 2: Google added another new feature to the list today called Smart Sharing. Details below.

Picture-in-Picture (PIP)

Exactly like you find on Android TV currently, PIP mode for Android O allows users to maintain a view on select media, such a video, while still doing other things. For example, you can be watching a video, then open up another app to get some work done, but still have a window with that same video open and playing. Essentially, it's a tweaked multi-window experience specifically for video-focused applications.

Notification Channels

For Android O, notification channels are app-defined categories for notification content. Sound sorta confusing? Don't worry, it's not. Basically, these channels will allow developers to provide users more control over different kinds of notifications. According to Google's changelog, "Users can block or change the behavior of each channel individually, rather than managing all of the app's notifications together." Android O also adds new visuals and grouping actions to notifications that make it easier for users to see what's going on when they have an incoming message or are looking at the notification shade.

Adaptive Icons

For Android O, icons are getting a big custom boost, perfect for those looking to set a particular look. Stated by Google, developers can create adaptive icons that the system can display in different shapes based on a mask selected by the device. We've seen implementations of this from companies such as Samsung, but with it being native to Android now, users should see much better control and options. Furthermore, the system (Android O) animates interactions with the icons, like in the launcher, shortcuts, Settings menu, sharing dialogs, and in the overview screen.

Background Limits

Google's mission to make better use of a phone's battery is continuing with Android O, with the implementation of additional automatic limits on what apps can do in the background. Specifically, three main areas are being worked on: Implicit broadcasts, background services, and location updates. According to Google, "These changes will make it easier to create apps that have minimal impact on a user's device and battery. Background limits represent a significant change in Android, so we want every developer to get familiar with them." For consumers, that simply means we may not need to worry about certain apps killing our batteries in the background like we have done over the years.

Autofill APIs

Android O is including platform support for autofill, the thing that lets you fill out data and transaction forms quickly. To start, you will select an autofill application, much like you would a keyboard application. That selected autofill app stores and secures your data (addresses, names, passwords, etc.), then when needed, users can select the proper autofill option when needed. Think of it like Chrome's autofill, but for your entire smartphone.

High-Quality Bluetooth Audio Codecs and Connectivity

Android O and audiophiles should be a perfect match, with Google detailing support for high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs, such as the LDAC codec. As stated by Google, "We're also adding new WiFi features as well, like WiFi Aware, previously known as Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN). On devices with the appropriate hardware, apps and nearby devices can discover and communicate over WiFi without an Internet access point. We're working with our hardware partners to bring WiFi Aware technology to devices as soon as possible." Furthermore, the Telecom framework is extending ConnectionService APIs to enable 3rd-party calling apps to integrate with the System UI and operate seamlessly with other audio apps. For example, apps can have calls displayed and controlled in different kinds of UIs, like vehicle head units.

NEW! Smart Sharing

Android O attempts to personalize your sharing preferences even more so than they did last year with a new Smart Sharing feature. Google describes it as Android better understanding each type of content and which apps they are right for. For example, if you take a picture of a receipt, Android would suggest you share it with an expense-tracking app. Or maybe you just took a selfie, so Android would offer up social media apps to share with. Make sense? More... As you might expect, there's a lot of little things baked into Android O, not necessarily meant to be seen by the average consumer. If you are interested in the entire list of changes, follow the via link below. If you are a developer or very frisky Android user with a compatible phone, you can find downloads for Android O here. Is there a feature you are most excited about so far?

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Via: Google

Android O Developer Preview Released and Now Available!

Kellen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:12:30 +0000

Google just released the first Android O Developer Preview! For real, though, it's here! Android O will introduce new features by way of background limits on apps (think battery life boost), notification channels (more control over notifications), picture-in-picture, adaptive icons, autofill in apps, and more. Full details on what's new can be found here. UPDATE: Want to see all of the little changes in Android O? We're compiling those at this post. The new version of Android will run through four preview versions, with preview 2 hitting in mid-May, preview 3 in mid-June, preview 4 likely some time in August, and then the final release in Q3. It's a similar schedule to last year's Android N preview program. The first Android O Developer Preview is available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Nexus Player. You can download the Preview 1 images right here. Instructions on how to flash a factory image can be found here. Android O is not a part of the Android Beta at this time because it's a hella-early developer build that probably isn't all that stable.

DEAL: T-Mobile LG V20 Price Drops to $480, Down From $770

Tim — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 09:10:27 +0000

For who knows how long, T-Mobile customers can pick up a LG V20 at a decently discounted rate, $480 down from $770. While this deal isn't quite as awesome as last month's mega deal where T-Mobile offered the V20 at $409 off, this is still saving you almost $300. You won't hear us complaining about saving money. As for checkout, picking this phone up at the discounted rate requires purchasing a SIM Start Kit, priced at $25. Your grand total will be $505, according to T-Mobile's website. In case you missed it, I've placed our V20 review down below. T-Mobile Link

Cheers enigmaco!

Google Search's Quick Shortcuts to Popular Tools Begin Rolling Out More Widely

Kellen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 08:58:43 +0000

This morning, Google announced that Google Search will soon (starting today) begin showing shortcuts to some of its most popular tools. This is the broader rollout of a feature that has been in testing for some time. In fact, we showed you these shortcuts back in early February. The shortcuts, once they start showing on your device, will be found just under the search bar as you load up the Google app or swipe over into Google Now in the Now Launcher. You can see exactly what this looks like in the image above. From there, you can tap an arrow to get into the full list of shortcuts to tools. I don't know for sure, but the arrangement of them at the top of the Google app should change as you use them or at least show those that you might want to use, rather than a random assortment of buttons. What are these shortcuts for? As I mentioned, they are shortcuts to some of Google Search's most popular tools. Want to know when sunset is? Tap on the Sunset shortcut. Want to see sports scores? Tap the Sports shortcut. Want to find bars, pharmacies, florists, or ATMs nearby? Tap those shortcuts. You can even quickly launch into an internet speedtest, turn your phone into a level, and of course, get the weather. Be sure you have the latest version of the Google app in order to get access to shortcuts. Play Link

Via: Google

And Now the Galaxy S8 on Video, Working...Briefly

Kellen — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 07:54:16 +0000

It looks big, like a Note 7, and curvy. Pretty cool overall design; my how far we have come. I'm just hoping that fingerprint reader isn't tough to reach and the phone can withstand a 4-inch drop. How about those on-screen buttons, though? (Will be looking to theme them and re-order them as step one out of the box, after setup.) Thoughts?

Guess is the Latest Fashion Watch Brand to Enter the Android Wear Arena

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 16:12:37 +0000

Guess, the "global fashion powerhouse" that also makes watches, is the latest to take a stab at smartwatches with the introduction of two Android Wear devices under its Guess Connect line. The watches run Android Wear 2.0 and will arrive for Fall/Winter 2017, according to a press release. The Guess Connect with Android Wear will come in two sizes, one for the ladies and another for me (their words, not mine). The ladies watch sports a "comfortably chic" 41mm case, while the man piece is a "sleek" 44mm. The ladies version of the Guess Connect will feature crystals, along with silver, gold, and rose gold variations. On the flip side, the men's option carriers a traditional sport styling. They both run Snapdragon Wear 2100 processors, feature circular AMOLED displays (390x390, 326ppi), and have cases that are just 11.85mm thick. Guess hasn't really said much more in terms of specs, so if they turn out to be the most amazing set of internals ever witnessed, we'll be sure to update this post.

Via: Globe Newswire

Here is a Picture of the iPhone 7 Next to the Galaxy S8

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 15:23:26 +0000

Via: weibo

LG G6 Pre-Orders on T-Mobile Start March 22

Tim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:42:44 +0000

While pre-orders for the LG G6 have already begun on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and at Best Buy, we have been waiting on word for when T-Mobile's would kick off. Well, we now have the answer. According to a recent tweet from the official T-Mobile account, pre-orders for the G6 will start March 22, with general availability still scheduled for April 7. As for promotions, T-Mobile doesn't seem to have one of their own, but LG is still kicking in a free Google Home unit for anyone who purchases a G6 before April 30. T-Mobile customers interested in the G6, mark those calendars.

@kstephenson93 We have you covered, Kyle! Pre-sale will kick off March 22! Hang in there with us. *JeremyJ
— T-Mobile? (@TMobile) March 20, 2017

Via: TmoNews

Save Your Live Videos From Instagram With Latest Update

Tim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 13:28:18 +0000

Before today, when a user went live on Instagram and then the video ended, there was no way to save that video onto your phone's storage. After today's update, that changes. With the latest update to the app, any time you go live on the service, at the end of the broadcast you will see a download button. When that button is pressed, your broadcast video will be saved to your device's memory. The save will not include comments, likes, or which people watched it. Essentially, it's just a way for you to save the video if something interesting happened. That's it, friends. Go grab it. Play Link

Via: Instagram

Android Beta Update Coming Today as Build NPG47I to Pixel and Nexus (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 12:04:52 +0000

A new Android beta update is arriving today, according to Googler Orrin Hancock. The update will arrive as build NPG47I for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Nexus Player. We aren't seeing the notes or files just yet, but you should be able to find the files here and the notes here, once they are live. To sign-up for the Android Beta program and not have to deal with flashing those files, sign-up here. We'll update this post as more info arrives. UPDATE: The update is live for a number of people, it seems. We have Nexus 6P and Pixel rollouts at the very least. Sign-up for the beta program or go hammer on that update button! UPDATE 2: Nexus 6P gets the fingerprint swipe for notifications!

UDPATE 3: The full factory images are now available.

Via: +Orrin Hancock

Cheers @QuantumFuse!

DEAL: Moto 360 (2nd Gen) Discounted to $169.99 at B&H Photo (Up to $210 Off)

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:44:59 +0000

Motorola's Moto 360 (2nd Gen) is all up in B&H Photo's Deal Zone at the moment. You can grab Motorola's Android Wear smartwatch for as little as $169.99 or at a $210 discount. That particular deal is for the all-gold with gold metal band, women's version that is 42mm in size, but most other models are discounted as well. For one, the all-black with black leather band, men's 42mm version is discounted to $179.99 ($120 off). You could also get into the 46mm version with gold case and black leather band for $199.99 ($180 off), 46mm black version with black metal band for $269.99 ($130 off), or 42mm with silver metal band for $199.99 ($150 off). There are others, so feel free to jump through that link below to find the model you always dreamt of. Also of note: these are brand new devices rather than the refurbished models we have seen through other deals in the past. Finally, remember that the Moto 360 (2nd Gen) is getting Android Wear 2.0. B&H Photo Link

Super Mario Run Hits Android on March 23

Tim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:30:30 +0000

All the way back in September, Nintendo stated Super Mario Run would come to Android in the future. It's the future now, and finally, we have a confirmed launched date for the game, not just a rough timeframe. According to a recent tweet from Nintendo America, Super Mario Run will launch on March 23, available for all Android users through Google Play. Up to this point, you've been able to pre-register for the game, an option that went live back in December. While some people may consider this game old news (it is), I'm still excited to try it out. Collecting coins and hopping on Goombas is what life is all about. March 23, folks. Play Link

Via: @NintendoAmerica

Want to See the Galaxy S8 is Black, Grey, and Silver? Here You Go. (Updated: Purple and Backs Too!)

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:30:05 +0000

Over the weekend, @evleaks shared new press renders of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in three colorways: black sky, orchid grey, and arctic silver. The pictures, outside of revealing some of the colors coming soon to a retailer near you, don't show any other really new tidbits. But that isn't shocking, since these phones are inching towards being the most leaked, now-almost-boring, we're-sick-of-seeing-all-of-this-stuff-before-launch, devices in history. Hey, how about some new side shots, though? Ooooh. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/843424632254468096 Evan did drop potential pricing for not only the new Galaxy S8 line, but new accessories as well. This is news, especially for those worried about how nuts Samsung is about to go with off-contract S8 and S8+ prices. https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/843448522657685504 Yep, they are going that nuts. UPDATE: And now we have purple and a look at the phone's back! (@evleaks)

AT&T Offers New DIRECTV NOW Customers a Free Year of HBO

Tim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 10:02:34 +0000

In a move that could potentially piss off a few existing DIRECTV NOW customers, AT&T is offering new customers a free year of HBO when you sign up for a select subscription. As announced, anyone who signs up for a Go Big or Gotta Have It plan (Note: These plan names are insanely dumb) will receive a free year of HBO. Additionally, if you prepay for 3 months of service, AT&T is still kicking in a free Apple TV. The same as when they launched, the Go Big plan costs $60/month, while the Gotta Have It plan is $70/month. Why is this a big deal? Well, for starters, the new Game of Thrones season is starting in July, so anyone getting a free subscription to HBO automatically wins the day. As for existing DIRECTV NOW customers, have you received a notification concerning free access to HBO or anything like that? Both offers expire March 30, so get on that quickly if you are interested. Update: We have already received a few tweets from readers, claiming they received the same promotion as a gift for being early adopters. Good on ya, AT&T.

Via: AT&T

DEAL: Buy Two Google Home Devices for $229 ($29 Off) - Multiple Retailers

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:55:21 +0000

Multiple retailers are currently hosting a Google Home deal that will save you close to $30 if you buy two. That's the thing, though - you have to buy two in order to get the discount. Best Buy, Verizon, and the Google Store are all hosting buy 2, save $29 promos at the moment. Why would you need two Google Home units? Because until NVIDIA releases their Spot, this is your only way to have Google Home and Assistant spread about your house to multiple rooms. For example, I have one in my living room, one in my office, and another in my master bedroom. That way, I have access to Home in the rooms I frequent the most. If you are new to Google Home, our review is there to catch you up. Deal Links: Best Buy | Verizon | Google Store

Fossil Announces Limited Edition 'Q x Cory Richards' Smartwatch

Tim — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 08:52:53 +0000

Fossil announced its first smartwatch collaboration this week, the Fossil Q x Cory Richards, with unveiling set for this year's Baselworld. If you have an Instagram account and enjoy photos of animals, people, and the planet Earth in general, it's possible you already follow Cory Richards. Richards is a photojournalist for National Geographic, capturing many awesome images, some of which you have probably seen online or in Nat Geo itself. To make a long story short, Richards has been wearing Fossil brand watches for some time, so the company decided to collaborate on a smartwatch with him. According to Fossil, the design takes cues from the Fossil Blue model, but there has been a few tweaks, of course. "Inspired by the aesthetics of the original watch, this smartwatch features customizable faces with light silver, blue and black dials, and splashes of orange on the second-hand and sub-eyes that can be customized with a swipe of your finger," is how Fossil describes it. Inside the box, buyers will have their choice of metallic or leather bands, plus fitness tracking support and all that. We don't have pricing yet, but this limited edition piece will go on sale starting March 27. [expand title="Press Release: The Limited Edition Fossil Q x Cory Richards Smartwatch"]

THE LIMITED EDITION FOSSIL Q x CORY RICHARDS SMARTWATCH

From Fossil Blue to Fossil Q: Fossil announces its first ever smartwatch collaboration with famed photographer and adventurer Cory Richards

Richardson, TX March 20, 2017 – Fossil announces its first ever smartwatch collaboration with Cory Richards—a *National Geographic* photographer, world adventurer, extreme climber and longtime Fossil enthusiast. This limited edition smartwatch launches globally March 27, 2016 and will be unveiled at the Baselworld watch fair in Basel, Switzerland. An adventurer, storyteller, and most importantly a true creative at heart, Richards was the exact partner Fossil hoped to work with for its first-ever Fossil Q collaboration. Richards clearly remembers his first Fossil watch, which is what made this collaboration so uniquely personal. He received a Fossil Blue watch in his early twenties and wore it everywhere, even while climbing in Yosemite. On that trip, he cracked the crystal but it still kept perfect time. On his first sea-kayaking trip to Australia, the watch filled with saltwater and rusted over. He still kept the watch, and even had it framed, as both a sentimental keepsake and also as a memento of the journeys it had been a part of. “The watch became a moving piece of art. It didn’t say what time it was but where I had been and what I had done,” said Richards. With this spirit of adventure in mind, Richards worked with the Fossil design team to create a wearable as a salute to his iconic original Fossil Blue watch. The limited edition Fossil Q x Cory Richards touchscreen smartwatch blends the best of smart performance and a striking design. With Android Wear powered functionality that connects to your phone and an always-on display, you’ll receive alerts right on your wrist, as well as timely information from Google Now (like traffic alerts, directions and weather updates) and notifications of incoming calls, texts and emails. The built-in activity tracker counts steps, distance and calories burned—whether you’re biking around the city or trekking to the top of a mountain. Inspired by the aesthetics of the original watch, this smartwatch features customizable faces with light silver, blue and black dials, and splashes of orange on the second-hand and sub-eyes that can be customized with a swipe of your finger. The unique case has been updated with a rugged topring to offset the streamlined silver-tone case and bracelet. An interchangeable leather strap complete with Richards’ signature tops off this one-of-a-kind design. “It’s a beautiful tribute to the original piece with the modern design features you’d expect in a smartwatch,” Richards said. About Cory Richards: A climber and visual storyteller, Cory Richards is on the Eddie Bauer athletic team and a National Geographic photography fellow—a designation reserved for only a handful of people described as those whose work “transcends the art of photography, taking them on journeys to the world’s most remote places and often placing them in great danger —in order to tell the stories that need to be told.” Richards aims to capture the spirit of adventure and the complex relationship we have with nature. His work has taken him to the extremes of our planet—from Franz Josef Land for a firsthand look at climate change and its immediate effects, to Antarctica, where he and a team of explorers would make a first ascent on the continent’s highest peak. He turns his lens on ancient mysteries and science, as well as the ongoing struggle between cultural traditions and a growing, warming planet.[/expand]

HTC's Spring Surprise was Nothing More Than a Sapphire Version of the U Ultra

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:52:53 +0000

When HTC Taiwan teased a Spring surprise for March 20, press couldn't help themselves but jump to the wild idea that HTC was going to unveil an HTC 11. Seriously, look at this. Forget the fact that we don't even fully know that an HTC 11 will ever show up because the U line is supposed to be the company's new, new going forward, but that's just absurd. The U Ultra just went on sale all of a week ago, yet HTC is going to unveil another flagship? Just, stop. Anyways, today is March 20, the day of the Spring surprise and HTC has revealed that surprise to be a sapphire version of the U Ultra. It's available elsewhere (not in the US) in limited quantities, features sapphire front glass, and includes 128GB of internal storage. That's the surprise. Surprise! Back to Galaxy S8 talk. https://www.facebook.com/HTCTaiwan/posts/1284545058260041

Samsung Announces Bixby, the Galaxy S8 Virtual Assistant They are Betting Big On

Kellen — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 07:34:49 +0000

This morning, Samsung kicked off the new week by announcing Bixby, the virtual assistant and interface that will be a big part of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Not only that, but Samsung has "thousands" of software developers working on making Bixby a core piece of their brand going forward, which means it'll be more than a phone assistant. In time, you'll be able to control almost all of your Samsung devices through Bixby, including appliances. Here's what we know about Bixby so far. For months, we had heard about Bixby, the supposed virtual assistant set to arrive with the new Galaxy line-up. Up until today, though, we've known very little outside of the name, a general idea of some of the things it'll do, and that we should be able to launch it with a dedicated button on the side of each phone. Through a post to Samsung's own blog, EVP and head of R&D at Samsung, Injong Rhee, walked us through the general concept of Bixby, while also providing some context around using Bixby on Samsung devices. For one, Samsung wants you to believe that Bixby is more than just another virtual assistant. Rather than another option that requires you to learn dozens of new specific commands, Bixby will learn to adapt to you and I as we use it in a natural way (Everyone says that about their assistants these days, by the way.) In Samsung's own words, they have "employed artificial intelligence, reinforcing deep learning concepts to the core of our user interface designs," leading to Bixby. What does that mean? A few things. For one, Bixby will work with applications, but they'll have to be "Bixby-enabled." That's right, this new tech isn't going to just work everywhere. In fact, on the Galaxy S8, Samsung has already said that only a "subset of preinstalled applications" will be Bixby-enabled on the Galaxy S8. We're more than likely just talking about the stock Samsung apps here, like phone, messaging, email, calendar, etc. We could certainly see that Samsung has worked with some 3rd party groups to show off the potential, as well. Either way, this is going to be a slow buildout of Bixby-enabling and will probably take years to be fully realized. Keep that in mind for a while. At some point Samsung will release an SDK to let developers get in on the Bixby action, but that time is not now, apparently. What can Bixby do within an application? Samsung says that when an app is Bixby-enabled, Bixby "will be able to support almost every task that the application is capable of performing using the conventional interface." In other words, anything you could do by touching the app, you should be able to do with your voice or Bixby. Bixby will be available at all times within an enabled app, while allowing "users to weave various modes of interactions including touch or voice at any context of the application, whichever they feel is most comfortable and intuitive." Samsung also thinks that Bixby won't be so intimidating to use, as it'll work through partial commands and won't hold users to such specific standards, like other assistants. How will you launch Bixby? Samsung's post today doesn't specifically state that you'll be able to bring up Bixby initially by voice, but they have confirmed that a dedicated button will launch the virtual interface. So in all of those leaked photos you saw that revealed an extra button on the Galaxy S8, we now know for sure that that will be held in place for Bixby. Tap the button, speak a command, and let Bixby do the hard-lifting is the thought here. To recap, Bixby is coming on the Galaxy S8 in limited form through a handful of preinstalled Bixby-enabled apps. Samsung will continue working to make Bixby the assistant of the future across all sorts of their hardware offerings (including appliances) and will eventually release an SDK to make it easier for developers to add Bixby to their own services. This sound like the assistant you were waiting for?

Via: Samsung

DEAL: LG Watch Style is Just $179 Right Now at Best Buy ($70-$100 Off)

Kellen — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 22:35:46 +0000

In our LG Watch Style review, we talked about how the watch's $250 price tag seemed a bit steep for what you were getting. As solid as the watch may be, the lack of NFC, GPS, or wireless connectivity, made it a hard recommendation. With that said, at $179.99, it's probably well worth a look. Best Buy has all three colors of the LG Watch Style priced at $179.99 at the moment. That's a $70 discount on the silver and black models, plus a $100 discount off the rose gold version. If you want to get into Android Wear, this would be a great opportunity to without breaking the bank. Best Buy Link

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: March 17, 2017

Tim — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:43:06 +0000

It's St. Patty's Day, so it's understandable if many of you are already a few Guinness beers deep. We don't judge here. Anyway, before you have too much fun, be sure to catch up on the latest Android news to take place this week. If you're interested in the HTC U Ultra, Galaxy S8 or LG G6, it was a good week for you. This week, we posted up our U Ultra review, learned a few possible specifics for the Galaxy S8, and the LG G6 went up for pre-order across the country. Beyond that, we've been keeping track of Android Wear 2.0 updates rolling out and exclusively reported on the potential of a third device from Google this year. My, oh my. Here's the good stuff.

Don't get too wild, folks!

Question of the Day: Do Mobile Payments on Android Wear Make it More Appealing?

Tim — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:07:49 +0000

With the launch of Android Wear 2.0, NFC support for mobile payments has been introduced. Does it make Android Wear more desirable as a wearable OS, though? Currently, only a small portion of Android Wear devices support NFC. The big names include the new Watch Sport, Huawei Watch 2, and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE. As time goes on, we will likely see more smartwatches come with NFC, but will it even matter? Is Android Pay a real draw to potential buyers? As an example, say the perfect Android Wear watch was announced. You like the looks and the price is right, but it doesn't come with NFC support. Is that a deal breaker for you? Again, here's the full list of watches with NFC.

LG Watch Sport
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45
Huawei Watch 2
Verizon24

So, the question is, does support for mobile payments make Android Wear more appealing to you?

DEAL: Unlocked Moto Z Drops to $449 at B&H Photo ($250 Off)

Kellen — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 11:05:39 +0000

The unlocked Moto Z is currently discounted at B&H Photo (Best Buy too!) to just $449.99, a solid $250 discount. This might be the lowest price we have seen to date and happens to put it around the same price as the mid-tier Moto Z Play. Yeah, I'd call this a really good deal. This particular model features 64GB storage (with SD support), Snapdragon 820 processor, 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, 13MP camera, and of course, Moto Mods support. While the current crop of Moto Mods aren't necessarily meeting our needs, Motorola has already told us to expect a dozen of them this year alone. The Mods seen is about to get good. As a reminder, this unlocked Moto Z already has Nougat too. Be sure to read our Moto Z review before hitting that deal link below. B&H Photo Link | Best Buy Link

LG G6 Pre-Orders Open on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon, Still No T-Mobile

Tim — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:01:17 +0000

In case you were hoping to get your LG G6 pre-order in this morning on a carrier other than Verizon, Sprint and AT&T have opened up their sales, too. For pricing, Sprint lists the G6 at $29.50/mo for 24 months, or $708 full retail. On AT&T, the phone is $24/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next or $30/mo for 24 months on AT&T Next Every Year. AT&T's full retail is $720. Each carrier has its own set of promotions going on, so revert to this post for more details. Basically, anyone who buys a G6 can get a free Google Home, or even a free TV. Once T-Mobile's pre-order is open, we will update you. Pre-Order Links

HTC U Ultra Review

Kellen — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 08:30:44 +0000

When HTC showed up in January with the HTC U Ultra, we were skeptical about the entire schtick. While the phone has a solid set of specs and is quite the looker, the unlocked sales pitch that included a 2-month pre-order period was odd. We actually called it an HTC Kickstarter project. Yikes. So here we are two months later and the phone is now available. We've had one in house for a little over a week and have a whole bunch to say about it in this lengthy HTC U Ultra review. To recap, the HTC U Ultra is an unlocked GSM phone that works on AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and costs $749 through HTC's online store. In the box, HTC is including some extra goodies, like a clear case and HTC USonic earbuds that create profiles of your ear by listening to them or using sound waves or something along those lines. You’ll find a Type-C cable too, as well as a quick charge adapter and a cleaning cloth, which you’ll most definitely need with black or blue models. There are no carrier partners, though you can find it cheaper at places like eBay. The U Ultra features 5.7-inch QHD LCD display with secondary ticker display, all of which is covered in Gorilla Glass 5. You get 64GB storage out of the box with SD card support, 4GB RAM, 3000mAh embedded battery with Quick Charge 3.0, USB Type-C port, fingerprint reader, HTC BoomSound with dual speakers, a Snapdragon 821 processor (same as is in the Pixel and G6), 12MP UltraPixel 2 camera at f/1.8, 16MP front camera, and Android 7.0 with HTC’s Sense on top. See, it’s all there for the most part. As for what's good about the U Ultra, you might be surprised to know that quite a bit of it is good. From the really, really nice LCD display to the external speakers with BoomSound and one of the best smartphone cameras around, there are some things to like. Unfortunately, there are just as many drawbacks, like the ridiculous size of the phone at a time when everyone else is shrinking bodies, how easy it scratches and smudges, the lack of a headphone jack (or a 3.5mm adapter), a smallish battery, and again, the lack of availability coupled with that high price and the limited connectivity. Let's dive into it!

HTC U Ultra Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfDLnveeowA

Verizon LG G6 Pre-Orders Now Live!

Kellen — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 19:02:33 +0000

We weren't expecting Verizon's LG G6 pre-orders to go live until tomorrow, March 17, but Big Red surprised us this evening with availability right now. That means you can head over to Verizon's site at the link below, drop in your pre-order, claim your freebies, and own one of the best phones of the year. As a reminder, if you pre-order from Verizon, you have a chance to walk away with a free 43-inch LG Smart TV ($349 value) and a free Google Home. Details on all of that can be found at this post. The LG G6 from Verizon costs $28/mo on a 24 month device payment plan or can be purchased at full retail for $672. Go get 'em. Verizon Pre-Order Link

Cheers tpags!

Google Voice Update Includes Conversation Delete Function, Web Calling for Desktop

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:46:52 +0000

Now that Google Voice is all new and cool, it seems that Google might stick to updating it and improving the experience. That's a good thing. In line with that, an update is rolling out today, bringing a few new features for desktop and Android users. According to the changelog, users on both desktop and mobile can delete entire conversations, while Android users specifically can apply a Do Not Disturb function, disable app notifications for text messages, plus archive a conversation quickly with an added shortcut function. Google details the changes more thoroughly on its product forum, so feel free to check that out by following the link below. In the meantime, go grab the update from Google Play. What's New

Delete Conversations
Calling on Web
Do Not disturb
Disable app notifications for text messages (Android Only)
Conversation archive shortcut (Android Only)
Gif image search (Gboard users only)

Play Link

Via: Google

Montblanc Intros $890 Android Wear Watch With No GPS, No NFC and No LTE

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 14:21:44 +0000

Another luxury watch brand is jumping into the smartwatch game: Montblanc. With its new watch called Summit, Montblanc seems intent on challenging TAG Heuer for the high-end smartwatch market, a space currently ~~owned~~ occupied by TAG. We can't exactly say TAG owns the space, given they don't really have any competition at this time. Montblanc's piece is similar in styling to a few of LG's Android Wear devices, most notably the Watch Urbane 2, but Montblanc stresses the use of premium materials in the watch's creation. The Summit is a big watch, sporting a 1.39-inch AMOLED display (400 x 400) and powered by a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 512MB RAM, as well as a 300mAh battery. Buyers will also have plenty of options, with Montblanc set to offer four different casings: Black PVD coated stainless steel, bi-color stainless steel case with a black PVD coated stainless steel bezel, stainless steel case with satinated finish, plus a grade 5 titanium case with a satinated finish. As for watch bands, there's plenty of those, too. There are rubber options in black, blue, green or red, plus a variety of calfskin leather color choices. As you might expect, the different options will result in a different price. Before we dive into pricing, let's discuss what the Summit is missing. According to Montblanc's spec sheet, the Summit will not feature GPS (no super accurate run tracking), NFC (no Android Pay), or LTE radios (no Inspector Gadget). It's a pretty barebones Android Wear device with premium materials. For this, the starting price is $890, with prices going all the way up to about $1,100. For just $550 more, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 grants all of the aforementioned omissions, and can even be changed to a standard timepiece should your wallet allow for such a thing. If you want Montblanc's Summit, they go up for sale starting in May. Thoughts?

Via: HODINKEE

Now Playing on Google Home: Beauty and the Beast Ads

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 13:12:14 +0000

Here's an interesting story pulled from reddit today, important to take note of by all Google Home owners. Apparently, an owner of a Google Home asked the standard, "OK Google, what's my day like?," which was met with the current weather and traffic conditions. All that is normal. However, at the end of that personalized snippet of info, what appears to be an audio advertisement for the new Beauty and the Beast movie began playing, and of course, people on the internet are upset. You can view what exactly happens below in the video, but to sum it up, Google Home goes on to say, "By the way, Beauty and The Beast opens in theaters today. In this version of the story, Belle is the inventor instead of Maurice. That rings truer if you ask me." Then, Google Home states you can ask followup questions pertaining to Belle. Cool, yeah, no thanks. In a statement to The Verge, Google clarifies that in its view, this isn't an ad. "This isn't an ad; the beauty in the Assistant is that it invites our partners to be our guest and share their tales." Now, some may label that as an ad, while others (only Google) say it is not. While it's not the worst thing ever, and we don't know if Disney actually paid for this audio spot on Google Home, it has rubbed a few Google Home owners the wrong way. I'll let you be the judge if this is a no-no by Google or people need to lighten up.

New Beauty & the Beast promo is one way Google could monetize Home. cc: @gsterling @dannysullivan pic.twitter.com/9UlukSocrO
— brysonmeunier (@brysonmeunier) March 16, 2017

Via: reddit

Womp Womp: No Google Assistant for Android Tablets

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 12:39:50 +0000

Google confirmed this week that Android tablets won't receive support for Google Assistant. With all the excitement taking place around many Marshmallow and Nougat-sporting smartphones, it seems no one really took the time to ask about Android tablets. Gee, shocker. Anyway, Google specifies that Google Assistant will indeed be on Marshmallow and Nougat phones with the updated Google Play Services, but this will not include Android tablets. Sorry to Nexus 9, Pixel C and other tablet owners. No reasoning is provided, which is odd, but it's just a move we'll have to live with. It should be noted that Google didn't completely close the door to tablets receiving the feature in the future, but who knows. Here's what Google said.

The Assistant will be available on Android Marshmallow and Nougat phones with Google Play Services, this does not include tablets.

Boo.

Via: Android Police

Report: Galaxy S8 Camera Capable of 1000 FPS Slow-Mo Video

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:29:12 +0000

Currently on my Pixel XL, slow motion video can be captured at up to 240 FPS (frames per second). That's not too shabby for a smartphone. However, according to a new report, the Galaxy S8 camera can shoot video at 1,000 FPS, practically blowing the doors off my Pixel. How rude. With a FPS rate at 1,000, your slow-mo videos should look pretty stunning, whether you shoot your kids running around or a hummingbird flaps its wings. Keep in mind, though, we don't yet know at what resolution the video can be shot. On the Pixel, when shooting 240 FPS, the resolution is limited to 720p, not even FHD. While the resolution is not yet know, we can at least hope for the best. Also included in the latest report is mention of the Galaxy S8's iris scanner. According to the source, an added 3.7MP RGB camera sensor will be included on the phone's frontside for scanning purposes, alongside an 8MP front-facing camera for general use. Below is a video example of 1,000 FPS, but not from a smartphone. It was captured on a Redlake N3. 1,000 FPS Video Example

Via: SamMobile

Talon for Twitter Receives Major V6.0 Update, UI Completely Overhauled

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 09:44:57 +0000

A massive update is headed out to users of Talon, at least, for users not already signed up for the beta. Version 6.0 is the label, bringing an overhaul for the entire UI, including the tweet viewer and profile viewer. As detailed in the changelog, new features include advanced filtering options, ability to view conversations on a tweet, viewing user lists (as long as they're public), and more. The update also brings a healthy portion of bug fixes and improvements, according to the developer. Listed on Google Play, the article viewer has been enhanced, fixes for the YouTube and Twitter video player are included, plus tablet users will see better support and layouts. If you would like to see these updates ahead of everyone else, and provide feedback to the developer, feel free to join the beta by adding yourself to this group on Google+. Below is the entire changelo(n)g. It's quite extensive. Play Link

What's New

Huge overhaul of the UI for the tweet viewer and profile viewer
Advanced filtering options for a user's profile. See all their tweets and interactions in one place and choose which types of tweets you want to see
View conversations on a tweet, instead of just the direct replies to the tweet
View a user's lists on their profile (if they are public)
Option to only show people you are following, when auto-completing a mention

Improvements

Improved drag-to-dismiss on the tweet viewer, profile viewer, image viewer, and article viewer
Article viewer: better quotes, faster image loading, and a black theme
Image loading: improved speed, consistency, and data usage
Fixes for the video and YouTube players
Simplified the in-line tweet expansion
Improved UI for replying to, and quoting, tweets
Better tablet support and layouts
Long clicking a chip on a user profile will de-select all the other filters
Twitter Moments links will always open to the Twitter webpage, since they don't make these available to third party apps.

Via: Klinker Apps

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 In-Store Availability Starts March 24, Priced at $599

Tim — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 08:53:04 +0000

Samsung announced complete availability and pricing details this morning for the Galaxy Tab S3. In the US, the tablet will go up for pre-order tomorrow for $599, with general in-store availability starting March 24. Unveiled at MWC, the Tab S3 features a 9.7” Super AMOLED QXGA, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, plus 6,000mAh battery. Should that not scream high-end Android tablet from the start, Samsung also included S Pen support, LTE, fingerprint capabilities and expandable storage. As for the overall experience you should expect, the Tab S3 has quad-stereo speakers for jamming your tunes, plus an "enhanced" S Pen that is bigger when needing to jot notes. For anyone needing more productivity, Samsung will also sell an attachable Pogo keyboard dock, priced at $129. Again, pre-orders will go live tomorrow, so follow these links at that time to get your order in. Pre-Order Links

Best Buy
Amazon (Not yet listed)
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Specs

[table id=58 /]

Via: Samsung

LG G6 Launch Info: Pre-Orders Tomorrow, In-Store March 30 at Verizon, April 7 at AT&T and T-Mobile (Updated)

Kellen — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:44:42 +0000

After a bit of a wait, we now know when we can pre-order the LG G6, when it'll arrive in stores, which carrier has good promos, and exactly how much it will cost at most carriers. Yes, my friends, we have LG G6 launch information! As far as pre-orders go, tomorrow is pre-order day for participating carriers. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint have both announced pre-orders for the early hours of March 17, so if you have been waiting, your chance to order the G6 is almost here. Now, launch days or in-store days are a bit different. Verizon has landed some sort of exclusive early release and plans to have the G6 in-store by March 30. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint will all carry it by April 7. What about pricing? We've got that too. LG G6 Pricing:

Verizon: $28/mo for 24 months; $672 full retail
AT&T: $24/mo for 30 months on AT&T Next; $30/mo for 24 months on AT&T Next Every Year
T-Mobile: $26 down and $26/mo for 24 months; $650 full retail
Sprint: $29.50/mo for 24 months

LG G6 Promos:

Free Google Home: As far as we can tell, everyone is participating in the free Google Home promotion. All you have to do is buy the phone and then redeem your Google Home online at LG's promo site.
Verizon: Giving away free LG 43-inch Smart TVs ($349 value) with a new line, device payment plan, and Verizon Unlimited. You can claim the free TV here.
AT&T: Giving away a 2nd LG G6 for free with 30 months worth of bill credits. They'll toss in an LG Watch Sport for $49.99 on 2-year contract too.
T-Mobile: No special promos.
Sprint: Giving away free LG 1080p TVs ($349.99 value).

We'll update this post once Sprint shares their details. UPDATE: Sprint info added throughout post. LG G6 Links: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Sprint

God Help Us: Googlers Made a Walkie Talkie App Fueled by Emoji

Tim — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 15:36:20 +0000

A new messaging app has hit Google Play, cooked up by the minds over at Google. The app is called Supersonic, an emoji-powered voice app that converts your speech into shareable emoji messages. Think of it as a walkie talkie app, but instead of realtime communication, the app listens to your message, uses its brain to change words into emoji characters, then shares the message with a single recipient or group of people. Now, before you lose your mind, this is not a Google-published application, but instead, is an Area 120 creation. Area 120 is a startup incubator for Googlers who want to work on new projects. What this means is, no, Supersonic isn't going to replace Hangouts or Android Messages or any nonsense like that. It's just a fun, unique way of communicating with your friends. As for using the app, it's actually pretty sweet. Once you download it, you will log into your Google account, attempt to get a few friends to use it with you, then start chatting away. To start a message, hold down on the mic button, speak your message, then the app will do its work in converting speech into emoji. Keep in mind, not every word is supported by an emoji, but the built-in bot states that over 5,000 words are supported. After your message is changed, it will be sent off to your friend. On their end, the emojis will be spoken aloud (a feature that can be disabled), which helps decipher all of the different emoji characters. You can always attempt to translate the emoji yourself, which could be fun. I chatted with the bot for a bit and it does seem to work quite well. If you have a friend that might enjoy using Supersonic with you, give it a try! Play Link

Google Intros Family Link, Offers Control Over Your Kid's Device Usage

Tim — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 13:25:47 +0000

For anyone who has kids, you may know the struggle that is keeping your children in line with their smart device usage. With tablets and smartphones, kids can access any number of naughty things, but Google's new Family Link would to like to solve potential issues. With Family Link, a parent is granted administrator level permission to a child's device. With this, parents can approve and disapprove application download from Google Play, set appropriate screen usage times, plus overview which apps a child is using. Making this process a breeze is Family Link's single application, downloadable straight from Google Play. Now if managing your child's smart device usage interests you, you can sign up for beta access, with launch taking place later down the road. From what we can see, anyone with a child under 13 years of age can be granted access. Once you are invited by Google, you will download the app, then get everything setup.

We’re just getting started, and we’ll be asking parents using Family Link for feedback about how to improve the experience before we make the app broadly available.

Google goes on to clarify that it is ultimately the parent's job to manage what their kids view on their device. As Google puts it, "[Family Link] can't make the apps or services on their phone that were designed for adults kid-safe." And yes, that is absolutely right. For an invite to Family Link, follow the link below. Family Link Sign-up | Play Link

Via: Google

Android O Treble

Kellen — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:57:04 +0000

Google May Have Third, Larger Phone in the Works Under Codename "Taimen"

Kellen — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:45:24 +0000

Yesterday, a report suggested that Google has codenamed the upcoming 2017 Pixel devices "muskie" and "walleye." Today, I'd like to expand that conversation by tossing out a third device under codename "taimen." The existence of the name and device comes to us via multiple sources, though the exact details of it are scarce. Here is what we know. First of all, our sources have confirmed "muskie" and "walleye" are correct internal codenames for upcoming devices. In fact, one pinged us in September of last year (just before the Pixel launch) with the name "muskie," which we of course sat on at the time. (Whoops.) As for the name "taimen," this is yet another fish or aquatic animal, just like the others and like almost all Google products that have arrived over the past 6 or 7 years that we've been keeping track of. It is a large, large fish in the trout/salmon family. The size is noteworthy (like "shamu" was) because one source tells us that the phone will have a bigger screen than "muskie" and "walleye." What does that mean? How big? We were told that "taimen" is a phone, specifically, so I'm not sure that we should jump to the idea of it being a tablet or hybrid notebook-like device. With that in mind, we are also under the impression that "taimen" is separate from "muskie" and "walleye" internally, which could be a sign that "muskie" and "walleye" are Pixel and Pixel XL follow-ups, while "taimen" is on its own. That's all pretty vague, I know. We are digging into some info on Android O at the moment, but wanted to share this bit first. Interested in an even bigger phone than a Pixel XL?

If You Buy an LG G6, You'll Get a Free Google Home

Kellen — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 11:04:03 +0000

When the LG G6 goes on sale some time in the next week or two (not fully confirmed on dates yet), LG is going to hand you a free Google Home if you pre-order or buy the phone by April 30. That's a free $129 gift for buying into what we already believe to be one of the best phones of the year. All you'll do once the LG G6 is on sale is take your your purchase information to the link below, fill out a form, and sit back to wait for your free Google Home to arrive. The promo is a limited time deal, so if you want the freebie, you'll want to order an LG G6 within the first few weeks. LG G6 / Google Home Promo Link

OnePlus is Releasing a Special Edition 3T That You Have Almost Zero Chance of Buying

Kellen — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 09:54:20 +0000

On March 21, should you happen to be in Paris to get in a little shopping, you may want to stop by Colette to try and snag a special edition of the OnePlus 3T. The "global startup" has partnered with the Paris fashion boutique to offer a OnePlus 3T Colette Edition that is limited to just 250 phones. The phones will be sold in a pop-up shop inside Colette and will cost EUR 479. What's so special about the Colette Edition? It's matte black. Oh, it comes in a sweet blue box with Colette branding, plus you'll find a "Colette" lower back tattoo on it too. This is the 128GB model, in case you were wondering. Colette is located at 213 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France. Sales start at 11AM (GMT +1) on March 21 and you might want to show up early. Previous OnePlus pop-up shops at Colette featured pretty big lines.

Android Wear 2.0 Now Rolling Out to Fossil Q Marshal, Founder and Wander

Tim — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 09:49:20 +0000

It's super official, Android Wear 2.0 is now rolling out to owners of the Fossil-made Q Marshal, Q Founder, and Q Wander. Yesterday, a tweet went out from Fossil stating this would be the case, but an additional email sent to all relevant press has doubly confirmed the move. Now, for everyone who will say, "What about my smartwatch?," you'll just have to remain patient. That includes you, Huawei Watch and Moto 360 (2nd Gen) owners. Fossil was kind enough to send along a changelog for Android Wear 2.0, so look it over, then grab that update. Standalone Apps

Both iOS and Android users can now benefit from third-party standalone apps with enhanced functionality.
Information at a glance is given a whole new meaning: users can customize their watch faces with the information they use the most and create app shortcuts to play music, call a car, or check their latest fitness goals.
Apps can now quickly be downloaded through the on-watch Google Play Store.
Android Wear 2.0 brings the Google Assistant* to your watch. Simply hold the power button on your watch or say “Ok Google”. Users can ask about the weather, play music, or ask for directions.

User Navigation & Design

Android Wear 2.0 features a new design from top to bottom including a more user-friendly navigation experience.
The user interface is now darker which makes it easier for the user to read and improves battery life.
Now, regardless of whether you have iOS or Android phone, users can customize the style (including exclusive Fossil Q watch faces) and information on their watch, and updates make it easier than ever for users to swipe from one watch face to another.
There are three new ways to respond to text messages. This update allows the user to be more conversational—you can see the whole text and respond with a variety of choices including a watch keyboard, handwriting, or Smart Reply.

Fitness

Android Wear 2.0 comes with an improved workout experience through Google Fit.
Track runs, bike rides, strength training (i.e pull-ups, push-ups), and more.
Users can now measure calories, pace, distance, and additional exercises based on settings.
As long as connection to cellular activity or Wifi-users can stay motivated while working out by streaming music right from your watch.

Samsung's Bixby Name Confirmed, 3D Touch-like Feature Reported to be Included

Tim — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 09:03:22 +0000

More details regarding the upcoming Galaxy S8 from Samsung have hit the web this morning, partially from the company's own website. According to a privacy page linked to on Samsung Italy's website, the name of Samsung's AI digital assistant is indeed Bixby (which has been reported before), with system-wide integration built-in. As stated directly on the webpage, "In addition, you can control all operations with the touch interface using voice commands with Bixby." So, with that being said, Bixby is more than for just quick web searches -- it's a system-wide assistant made to help with pretty much any task tied to the phone. On top of the Bixby development, South Korea's The Investor outlet has posted a new report, claiming a 3D Touch-like feature will be partially showcased on the Galaxy S8. To sum this up, think of the long press action you can perform on iPhone and Pixel devices to open shortcuts within an app. On the Galaxy S8, at least from what this report states, users can long press on the on-screen home button to open shortcuts to phone settings and more. Here is an excerpt from The Investor's report.

Samsung’s new flagship smartphone Galaxy S8 is expected to partly use the 3-D Touch technology for its “virtual home button” on the bottom of the display screen that allows users to open up menus and navigate the phone, while the fingerprint-scanning home button will be relocated to the back.

So, the first question I have is, what about Google Assistant? Typically, a long press on the home button is how you would access Google's digital assistant, a feature now showcased on many Android devices. Will Samsung allow for programming between these different features, simply not offer Google Assistant because of Bixby, or will they incorporate another solution? Unfortunately, we have more questions than answers at this time. March 29 is quickly approaching, thank goodness.

Via: SamMobile | The Investor | Samsung Italy

HTC is Teasing Some Mystery Fun for March 20

Kellen — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:39:30 +0000

HTC's Taiwan Facebook page posted a teaser late last night that told us to prepare for an "unexpected surprise" on March 20. We aren't sure what exactly that could mean, but an accompanying image with the text "Spring is coming" might give us another clue. Actually, it doesn't at all. I'm fully confused. So we've got an unexpected surprise, plus Spring is coming. OK! Does that mean an HTC 11 (even though that line is supposedly mostly dead) will arrive out of no where? Does that mean the Snapdragon 835 powered phone that HTC already told us was coming is ready? I have no idea. Guesses? https://www.facebook.com/HTCTaiwan/photos/a.166702686710956.33893.164709646910260/1278805075500706/?type=3&theater

This New Batch of Android Wear Devices is Not Good Enough

Kellen — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 15:25:40 +0000

Let's talk for a minute about Android Wear devices, particularly those that are new and should be feature-packed, checking all of the boxes of a 2017 smartwatch. And why are we doing this? Because as I was putting together all of the details of the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 this morning, I was reminded of a post I wrote up back in 2015 where I asked a simple question: Why do all of these new phones still contain a "but?" The "but" being a critical flaw, of course. While phones - the topic of that post - have all but fixed the issues I pointed out two years ago, smartwatches, now that they are going through a 2nd attempt at life following the Android Wear 2.0 update, still can't seem to get it all right. Like phones of years past, why do all of the new Android Wear watches seem to have a "but?" If we walk through the latest releases, I think you'll see what I'm talking about.

LG Watch Sport: This watch is absolutely packed full of every single specification one could ask for in a modern smartwatch. It has LTE, NFC for mobile payments, GPS, a big and beautiful OLED display, fun-to-use rotating crown, the newest Snapdragon Wear processor, lots of RAM, IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging, Android Wear 2.0, and a pretty damn sexy design. BUT, it's battery life is mostly atrocious, the overall size of the case is so ridiculously large I can't even begin to describe how silly it looks on everyone's wrist, and you can't even change the damn watch strap on it. LG Watch Style: This watch sports a clean, minimal case design that isn't offensive, along with swappable 18mm bands, a good-looking OLED display, latest Snapdragon Wear processor, wireless charging, IP67 water and dust resistance, Android Wear 2.0, and a bunch of color choices at a decent price. BUT, it's battery is small, one could argue that it's not the most attractive watch ever made, and it doesn't have GPS or NFC, which means it'll always need to be tethered to your phone and won't ever be able to make mobile payments. Huawei Watch 2 and Classic: These watches were arguably the most anticipated of the year when announced at MWC after the copious amounts of praise given to the original and they deliver for the most part. They feature decent-sized 45mm cases that aren't too thick, LTE, NFC, GPS, the latest Snapdragon Wear processor, 768MB of RAM, heart rate sensor, Android Wear 2.0, and solid 420mAh batteries. BUT, they certainly feature questionable design choices that have strayed way too far from the original Huawei Watch, along with materials that won't be classified as premium any time soon, according to some early reviews. At $300+, neither watch is cheap either. TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45: This watch might be the best Android Wear watch on the market, which doesn't surprise me since I dubbed the first one the best. It features an Intel chipset, big 1.39-inch AMOLED display, GPS and NFC, 5ATM water resistance, Android Wear 2.0, and is modular, so you can fully customize it depending on your budget. Sure, it has a striking design that won't be for everyone, though I'd argue that's part of its draw. BUT, it's completely out of reach for most people because it starts at $1,650 and goes up from there. While I'm sure that most would love a Connected Modular 45 on wrist, it's not a watch built for most on purpose and that's really too bad. Verizon Wear24: When this watch launches, it might be the best value and best option for most of us. it features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, NFC, 42mm case, classic design, LTE, IP67 dust and water resistance, Android Wear 2.0, and a sizable 450mAh battery. BUT, we don't know when it's coming, how much it costs off-contract (it's $299 on a 2-year deal), or if Verizon will offer much support to it. After all, they hired an ODM to make it, so it's not exactly a name brand here that gives us much history. New Balance RunIQ: The watch "made for runners by runners," has been on my wrist during runs for the past few weeks and it's OK. It features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, nice-sized 45mm case, 22mm swappable bands, GPS, heart rate sensor, 410mAh battery, 5ATM water resistance, and a minimal sporty design that won't offend anyone. BUT, it doesn't have NFC for mobile payments even as a watch that is barely a month old in 2017, it's not yet running Android Wear 2.0, plus the software and performance have been pretty bad in my testing (more on that in soon-to-be-posted review), leaving me wondering if this watch has much of a chance as a product from a company not known for making electronics.

I think it's safe to say that almost all of these watches have plenty of good features and highlights. But again, none are the complete smartwatch. We might make fun of the Apple Watch for its boring square case and terrible software experience, but it's got the features you want in a smartwatch (powerful processor, GPS, heart rate sensor, mobile payments, swappable bands, 5ATM water resistance, proper case sizes, etc.). And Apple was able to get the watch to that standard by gen 2, which Android Wear manufacturers are showing they are incapable of. I wanted to get excited about this new wave of Android Wear watches, I really did. Yet here I am once again making a real life shrug emoji (¯\_(ツ)_/¯) and hoping gen 3 will get it right.

New Google Pixel Phones Might be Codenamed "Muskie" and "Walleye"

Kellen — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 13:11:01 +0000

Google's hardware team(s), or the team(s) that work on making Nexus (and now Pixel) devices, are big fans of sea creatures. We know this because they always codename upcoming hardware products with fish or aquatic life names. Like this. This. This. You get the point. Even last year's Pixel phones were codenamed "marlin" and "sailfish." So it only makes sense that upcoming Pixel devices for 2017 would continue the trend, right? According to Android Police, the codenames for the next couple of Pixel devices are "muskie" and "walleye." We don't know which is which, but "walleye" did see a recent mention in AOSP, as if Google is well into testing the device. In fact, the mention suggests that the device boots. Hooray for booting devices! UPDATE: We've been told by a reliable source that "muskie" is the bigger 5.5-inch device, while "walleye" would be the smaller 5-inch device. There isn't really much else to share here. I'll let you guys try to figure out which is the bigger of the two, assuming Google gives us options again. http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/15/rumor-google-may-third-larger-phone-works-codename-taimen/

Via: AOSP | Android Police

Which Android Wear Watches Have NFC and Support Android Pay?

Kellen — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 11:56:50 +0000

Android Wear 2.0 is slowly rolling out to your favorite smartwatches, but it's also shipping on a new wave of devices. That new wave is pretty key to the success of one of Wear 2.0's biggest features: Android Pay. In order to use Android Pay from your wrist, your watch needs an NFC chip and none of the old guys have one. Thankfully, most of the new guys do. So for those curious about Android Wear watches that are capable of stepping into the card-less payment future we were promised years ago, we've put together a little list of the options. As time goes on, we'll do our best to update this, so don't be too depressed if it looks on the smaller side at the moment. We're fully expecting almost all new Android Wear devices to ship with NFC chips going forward. Android Wear devices with NFC:

LG Watch Sport: AT&T | Verizon | Best Buy | Google
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE: Verizon
TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45: TAG Heuer
Huawei Watch 2: Huawei
Verizon24: Verizon (No Android Pay)

Fossil Confirms, Android Wear 2.0 Rollout Begins Tomorrow

Tim — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:24:48 +0000

In late February, it was announced via Fossil's Twitter account that Android Wear 2.0 updates would roll out in mid-March. Well, Fossil will attempt to hit the nail directly on the head tomorrow, March 15, when updates are now said to begin. The below tweet was in response to a curious owner of the Q Founder, but in past tweets, Fossil specified that the Android Wear 2.0 update would be available for the entire Q lineup. That includes the Q Founder, Q Marshal, and Q Wander. Once the update is on your watch, you should find access to Google Assistant, a restyled user interface, plus other goodies scattered throughout. All in all, Android Wear 2.0 is a solid update, one that everyone should enjoy. Fossil Q owners, if you begin to see the update tomorrow, hit us up and let us know!

@SemperFiSig Android Wear 2.0 roll out to our devices begins March 15th. Stay tuned!
— Fossil (@Fossil) March 14, 2017

Gmail App Now Lets You Send and Request Money

Kellen — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:03:00 +0000

The Gmail app on Android could be your new payment hub, assuming you are a fan of Google Wallet and need to send cash to people on the regular through email. Just like you have been able to on the web for some time, Google is adding an option in the Compose menu to send cash without much work. Once the feature hits your Gmail account, you'll send money with Google Wallet sort of like you do an attachment. As you hit the option to "Send money," you'll walk through how much to send and with which account, before the task then attaches to the email you are sending. You can include memos, send cash to people who don't even have Gmail, and let the person receiving money direct the funds to their bank account, instead of Wallet. The two GIFs below show you exactly how this will work. Anyone get the option yet?

Via: Google

DEAL: T-Mobile Selling Gear VR for Only $50

Tim — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:36:35 +0000

If you still haven't picked up a Gear VR for your compatible Samsung device, T-Mobile is offering the SM-R323 model for just $50, down from its usual price of $100. While T-Mobile does not directly list it as the SM-R323 model, it does specify USB Type-C, meaning this is the same model that launched alongside the Galaxy Note 7. Versus previous iterations, it has the Type-C port plus adapters, an improved trackpad and field of view, plus changes to the cover and body to reduce glare. Do note, this headset does not include a motion controller, which was announced only last month during MWC. Have at it, VR fans. T-Mobile Link

Exxon Mobil Speedpass+ Updated With Samsung Pay Support

Tim — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:42:37 +0000

The Speedpass+ app from Exxon Mobil, which lets users pay for gas and other services at select gas stations using a smartphone, has just been updated to support Samsung Pay. With this added support, Samsung Pay users can now use the mobile payment service at 9,600+ Exxon stations that are Speedpass+ enabled. To use, simply link your Samsung Pay account in the Speedpass+ app, pull up to the gas station, then set yourself up. To give you a bit more detailed explanation of how it works, you will go to the gas station, open the app, select your desired pump number, confirm your payment with a PIN or fingerprint, choose the grade of gasoline you want pumped, then start pumping. Once you're filled up, drive off and never look back. I will say, the ratings on this app are downright abysmal. It's currently rated at 3.1 stars, with plenty of folks saying it just doesn't work or takes too long to load. If that's the case, I don't see why getting out of the car and paying for gas the old fashioned way wouldn't be more time efficient. But hey, you can always give it a try. Grab the update from Google Play right now. Play Link

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 and Its Modular Self Now Official, Available Right Now for Purchase

Kellen — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 07:12:40 +0000

Yesterday, we shared news of the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45, a part of the company's Carrera line and the latest smartwatch from TAG Heuer, one that takes on the modular trend of the moment in order to create a timepiece that is both techie and haute horlogerie. It's both a smartwatch and a mechanical watch. The watch, as a smartwatch, features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display powered by an Intel chipset and Android Wear 2.0 (with NFC). It also features GPS, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 5ATM water resistance, but doesn't carry the cellular component of watches like LG's Watch Sport. It's very much an updated model to the original TAG Heuer Connected. The Connected Modular 45 stands out because of that previously mentioned modularity. Instead of a 2-year swap-out program, like we saw with the original Connected, where owners get to trade-in their smartwatch to TAG Heuer, hand over another $1,500, and receive a mechanical watch replacement, the Modular 45 allows owners to do the swapping. The Connected Modular 45 can be turned into a mechanical watch by swapping out the Connected module for a traditional timepiece (sold separately), along with the lugs, strap, and buckle. The images below shows you some of the options.

As for options, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 comes in a variety of cases that feature rose gold, ceramic, aluminum, or steel. You'll find numerous strap, lugs, and buckles as well, with options like rubber or calfskin, titanium or PVD. If you head over to TAG Heuer's site, you can see all of the combinations that range in price from $1,650 to over $7,000. Finally, TAG Heuer is introducing at least 30 watch dials that pull from historical timepieces and other trends, while also giving owners the chance to create their own custom dials in the TAG Heuer Studio. You can buy the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 at TAG Heuer's site today or participating retailers. TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 Specs [table id=61 /]

TAG Heuer Will Unveil the Connected Modular 45 Watch Tomorrow, Starts at $1,650

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:13:25 +0000

Don't want to wait until tomorrow to find out the details on the new TAG Heuer Connected watch? Can't say I blame you! If the new Connected is anything like the original, it should be a heck of a smartwatch. Let's dive into what TAG Heuer plans to unveil tomorrow. UPDATE: You can buy it at TAG Heuer's site. The new smartwatch from TAG is called the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45, according to TAG's own website that has outed the device early. That's a mouthful, I know! The watch runs Android Wear 2.0 and features all of the specs you could want in a 2017 smartwatch, but it has an extra trick or two up its sleeve that allows the watch to become more than just a smartwatch. Yep, we're talking about the "modular" part in the name, along with its Swiss background. The Connected Modular 45 sports a 45mm case that allows an owner to swap out the Connected (smartwatch) module for a mechanical module (specifically a 3-hands mechanical module or a tourbillon), which is where the watch will gain its "Swiss Made" certification, a certification that was absent on the original Connected, since it was only a smartwatch. TAG Heuer will expand that modular idea further by offering watch owners a range of materials, colors and combinations. They'll also invite swapping of lugs, straps, and buckles. Some of the options include rubber straps (black, blue, red, white, yellow, green, orange, and electric blue), calfskin and rubber combo straps (black, grey, and light brown), ceramic straps, and titanium bracelets. The lugs will come in titanium, titanium with diamonds, titanium with 18K rose gold, and titanium with a matte black ceramic finish. Buckles will be available in PVD or titanium. To recap that idea, you'll be able to take your Connected Modular 45 smartwatch and turn it into a mechanical watch with the click or two of a button, along with the lugs, strap, and buckle. Kind of cool, right? Unfortunately, we don't have any good pictures to share at the moment, but here is this small shot:

On the smartwatch or Connected side of things, the Connected Modular 45 sports an Intel chipset, water resistance to 50 meters (50ATM), WiFi, GPS, NFC (for Android Pay), AMOLED display, 4GB storage, Android Wear 2.0 (with Google Assistant), ambient light sensor, and battery life that should last beyond 24 hours. For those who own the original TAG Heuer Connected, understand that your deal that allows you to swap out your smartwatch (plus another $1,500) for a special edition mechanical version two years after purchase still stands. You can't, however, swap out your original for the new Connected Modular 45. The new TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 will cost $1,650 in the US. We'll update this post as we have more. UPDATE 2: Everything is now official! See more images and details at this post.

Report: Galaxy S8 Fingerprint Reader on Backside Because Time Ran Out... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Tim — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:00:57 +0000

You've probably heard a few tech bloggers complain about the probable placement of the Galaxy S8's fingerprint reader -- It's supposedly on the backside, next to the camera. Even I have already complained about this, but no amount of complaining and logical reasoning can fix the reported reason behind Samsung's decision. According to Korea's The Investor, Samsung and Synaptics simply ran out of time with regard to developing the technology needed to implant a fingerprint reader into the Galaxy S8's massive front display. This same tech was detailed earlier by Synaptics last year, but as we can see, it's not quite ready for implementation. Dating back to last year, initial rumors were that Samsung would put the fingerprint reader inside the display. It was sort of a wishlist feature, but when Synaptics detailed its technology and we began seeing very rough device renders, it seemed in the realm of possibility. Now, as it supposedly turns out, it was Samsung's plan initially. As claimed by The Investor's source, "Samsung poured resources into Synaptics’ fledgling technology last year but the results were frustrating. With the production imminent, the company had to decide to relocate the fingerprint scanning home button to the back of the device at the last minute.” Now, on the bright side, while the Galaxy S8 may not have a bezel-less display with fingerprint reading tech built-in, it seems like a safe bet that we ~~should~~, ~~could~~ will see it in the future. If not from Samsung, though, then Apple. It is being reported that Cupertino is also working on this technology for use on the iPhone. In the meantime, enjoy dirtying up your camera while you attempt to locate your fingerprint reader.

Via: The Investor

Here is the Galaxy S8's Home Screen Setup With Launcher and Icons

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:33:26 +0000

I don't know about you guys, but I can only take so many more blurry cam shots of the front of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. While I'm all for a good leak or three, what I really want to see is the software or something unique about these new phones outside of their wild display setup. Today, we got that a bit thanks to a decent first look at the software setup we should see on the each phone out of the box. The images are official, as they come from inside the Samsung Smart Switch app that helps users migrate from an old phone to a new Samsung device. In the most recent update, a Samsung developer left behind images of the home screen setup with app drawer for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. The files aren't necessarily labeled as such, but look at these on-screen navigation buttons, buttons that have only ever been seen in S8 leaks.

So all of Samsung's icons are changing to match the on-screen navigation buttons. They all have slits cut out or missing pieces from their identifiers. I'm not sure how else to explain that, but I'll be nice and call it an acquired icon taste. In these screenshots, we also get to see the icon layout from one screen to the next, along with the app drawer open that includes a search (with voice) at the top. Pretty clean, right?

Via: SamMobile

Levi's Denim Jacket With Jacquard Tech Available This Fall, Priced at $350

Tim — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:15:44 +0000

Last Google I/O, the Google ATAP team announced a partnership with Levi's to bring Project Jacquard technology to a denim jacket. This past weekend at SXSW, it was announced that Levi's Commuter denim jacket with the Jacquard tech will be available this fall, priced at $350. Starting as a beta (yes, a beta for clothing), the Commuter with Jacquard will allow for wearers to see alerts for turn-by-turn directions (Maps integration), keep track of "meaningful destinations" along a ride, as well as receive select notifications. All of this is thanks to a pairing of your smart device with a tag attached to the jacket, which is hooked up to sensors woven directly into the fabric. Should you need to wash the garment, simply remove the tag, then you can treat it like any other garment in the wash. Taken directly from Google's ATAP site, "Jacquard allows wearers to control their mobile experience and connect to a variety of services, such as music or maps, directly from the jacket. This is especially useful when it might be difficult to use the smart phone, like when you are riding on your bike." For a good overview at what Jacquard will be on this Levi's jacket, check out the video below. Now, as I mentioned, the jacket will cost $350. To be one of the first to wear this thing around town, Levi's has an email signup you can enter, which will at least keep you in the loop regarding its availability. Is this on your Christmas list for 2017? Sign-Up Link

Via: Levi's

HTC Sense Companion App Now Available

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:48:53 +0000

When HTC first introduced the U Ultra, then talked a lot about the phone's AI smarts. The U Ultra was supposed to include an assistant of sorts, called HTC Sense Companion, that could help you throughout a day and potentially learn from you the more you use your phone. We poked quite a bit of fun at it that day, because HTC was all sorts of excited about a not-yet-ready "AI" app they had built that basically did things Google Now had been doing for years. I'm not kidding either, HTC Sense Companion is just an app that isn't baked into the phone and doesn't appear to be all that advanced. I say that because the app is now available to HTC customers and sure looks like a quarter-baked assistant application. On the HTC U Ultra sales page, HTC introduces the Sense Companion as an app that's "always learning from you and the things you do every day." They also mention that when "paired with built-in voice recognition," it'll be even more awesome. At this point, I have to assume they are talking about Google's Assistant or voice control, because I just installed Sense Companion on my U Ultra and there is absolutely zero voice interaction here. When you first install it, you'll connect it your HTC account and give it all sorts of permissions. From there, it'll then show you info cards for things like a reminder to charge your phone before a late night meeting or a weekly step count summary, and recommend restaurants as you embark on an adventure. So it's sort of a recommendation or suggestion app that attaches to your calendar and can count steps? Is that it? OK, then. If we discover another level to this app that we're just not seeing, we'll be sure to update this post. Play Link

Contest: Enter the DL Bracket Challenge 2017, Win an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro and $100!

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:02:19 +0000

Now that the brackets have been set and the NCAA men's basketball tournament for 2017 is ready to kick off, we're back with another DL Bracket Challenge! This is our 8th year doing the challenge, if you can believe that. We're officially an old tech site, I think. This year, we're giving away an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro unit (that's the 500GB model), along with $100 in Google Play credit to the winner! As was the case in past years, this is a winner takes all contest. For those new, just know that this is a pretty standard NCAA bracket tournament challenge. We run it through ESPN's Tourney Challenge, because they then do all of the hard work, like calculating scores and picking winners. We just use it to funnel thousands of you there to then give you awesome prizes. You fill out a bracket at ESPN's site by picking winners, submit it before the tourney kicks off, install an app or two to keep track, and then sit back and pray for upsets that match yours. It's pretty simple. Entry is free and you'll find all of the instructions below! You ready?

Contest

ESPN Group: Droid Life 2017 Password: droidlife Prize: Winner takes home an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro ($299.99 value) and $100 in Google Play credit. How to enter: 1. Entry is free. (Need to be in the US, where we can ship the prize.) 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 "Round of 64" games start Thursday morning (March 16). 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: On the morning following the NCAA Championship game, which takes place on April 3, we’ll contact the winner through the ESPN Tourney Challenge Group Chat. If you win, you’ll want to head there to see instructions. You can find the Group Chat here. 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)

Another Day, Another Look at the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

Tim — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 09:07:00 +0000

It's beginning to seem that each time we come back from a weekend, another Galaxy S8 leak has taken place. If this trend continues up to March 29, there may be nothing left for Samsung to unveil. Anyway, in the latest photo posted to Weibo, we see the Galaxy S8 (left) sitting next to the Galaxy S8+ (right). It's a shot we have seen before, but we are always happy to see new angles and colors. The S8 pictured appears to be a White model, while the S8+ looks to be Gold. It is reported that the phones will be offered in a variety of colors at launch: Black, White, Gold, Silver, Orchid, and Pearl Black. Availability will depend on which market you reside in. As we can plainly see, the displays are lit up, giving us another look at the home screen UI and on-screen buttons. While folks may be unhappy to see the "back" button on the right side, it is now believed Samsung will allow you to change up the order based on your preference. As for what else we see, there's a rounded Google Search bar (fancy), rounded square icons, plus access to Edge Display features. I don't know about you, but I am feeling that White pretty hard. Thoughts?

Via: Weibo

New TAG Heuer Connected Watch Will be Announced Tomorrow

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 09:00:37 +0000

The new TAG Heuer Connected Android Wear watch(es) will be unveiled tomorrow through a livestream on YouTube. The company announced its plans on Twitter under the hashtag #connectedtoeternity and without any other mention of what to expect. Thankfully, TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver already told us back in January that we should expect the new Connected to arrive in multiple sizes (smaller and larger), contain Intel chipsets, feature NFC chips for payments, and "more powerful displays." TAG sure thinks it can sell a bunch of the new watch, potentially upwards of 150,000 of them. Before you roll your eyes at that number, knowing these will be expensive (original Connected started at $1,500), remember that Biver already told us they sold close to 3x the amount of the original that they expected to (close to 60,000 of them). If you haven't already, check out our TAG Heuer Connected review. The livestream starts at 4AM Pacific (7AM Eastern). https://twitter.com/TAGHeuer/status/841304045323194371

Google Carrier Services Update Showed Up Today - What is It?

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 08:26:38 +0000

Let me guess, you got an update to Carrier Services on your Android phone today? You are not alone! Our Twitter feed and inbox are pretty filled up with a whole bunch of confused people. What is Carrier Services? Is this a CIA spy tool? What's with the 2009 screenshots in the app listing? What. Is. Going. On. Well, the app's "What's New" area doesn't tell us much other than the update includes "Lots of new features, and a couple bug fixes." But if you jump through to the description, Google reveals that Carrier Services "helps carriers provide mobile services using the latest networking capabilities." More importantly, Carrier Services "includes support for enhanced features in the Android Messages app." Ah, ha! As you all know, Android Messages is Google's messenger application that supports RCS (rich communication services). RCS is an advanced communications type that allows you send modern-day SMS or MMS to people. That means sending higher-resolution photos, read receipts, better group chat, etc. It's sort of the future of SMS through your carriers and Google is attempting to lead the charge on it with its Android Messages app. Sooooo, while Google hasn't specifically said how Carrier Services will work, that description mentioning the fact that this service not only helps carriers, but also adds support for "enhanced features" in the Android Messages app, I think it's safe to assume that it's going to allow for RCS to reach your phone. It should allow RCS features to be updated, allow carriers to get in on the action and potentially to decide which features are supported, and let apps like Android Messages continue to improve. Now, this doesn't mean that everyone seeing this update now has RCS support through Android Messages. Unless something changed in the last week, RCS comes via carriers and not all carriers are onboard with Google's RCS just yet. Carriers like Sprint and Rogers are, but AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have their own solutions. So far, mostly owners of Pixel and Nexus phones are seeing the update. Feel free to let us know if your phone has as well. Play Link

Google's #myAndroid "Taste Test" Will Help You Find a Launcher, Icon Pack, Wallpaper, More

Kellen — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:32:24 +0000

Over the weekend at SXSW, Google released a new customization survey called #myAndroid that attempts to help get you the ultimate custom home screen setup. Instead of spending hours sifting through Google Play pages for icon packs, launchers, and wallpapers, Google's new tool simply asks you a few questions before handing over up to 3 different setups you might like. They are calling it a "Taste Test" because the survey walks you through a set of questions where you are supposed to provide rapid fire answers before it shows you apps that should appeal to your tastes. You can visit the Taste Test at the link below After you get through the 20 or so questions about liking flat, abstract, vintage, muted, or colorful things, Google will then show you three setups that include a launcher, wallpaper pack, icon pack, widget, and keyboard. To get a feel for the types of setups they'll show, you can view mine right here. But you'll see Zedge Wallpapers, as an example, along with Nova Launcher or Smart Launcher 3 and some icon packs you may have never heard of. It's a pretty slick tool for those who just want someone to hand over a complete setup without much work. If you happen to be in Austin this week for SXSW, look for Google's #myAndroid truck. It's highlighting the new tool, but it also features "head-to-tire" LED lights that you can play with. #myAndroid Taste Test

This U Ultra Thing

Kellen — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 20:25:10 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we'll share some thoughts on the HTC U Ultra, now that we have it in house. This is HTC's first flagship for 2017, so even if it lacks any level of buzz, it's worth a quick look. Also, we'll talk about the current status of Hangouts, Google Assistant's rollout to more people, the Galaxy S8, and more! Join us live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Don't Miss These Android Stories: March 10, 2017

Kellen — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:57:16 +0000

We're still waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S8 to be announced, as you are well aware, but this week was packed again full of big Android stories. For one, we picked up an HTC U Ultra and have started fully testing it in preparation for a review. I told you how badly I miss the Moto Z Play and may have impulsed purchased one. We also got Android O rumors, Nest rumors, and gigabit testing by Sprint. It was a solid week of Android news! Be sure to catch up.

WATCH: Droid Life Show episode 136 | Subscribe
Galaxy S8 News: Stopped at FCC | New crystal clear photos | Launch maybe April 28
HTC U Ultra: Unboxing! | First 10 things to do!
Google Assistant is basically in full rollout at this point
Android O: The first rumored features!
March's Android security patch is ready for your Pixel and Nexus
Hangouts to become two separate enterprise apps
Google's Allo boss says Hangouts for consumers isn't going anywhere
I miss the Moto Z Play
Movado is ready to make a $500 Android Wear watch
AT&T is tweaking its GoPhone plans with a throttled unlimited option
Facebook adds "Day" to Messenger, which is basically Instagram Stories
Nest's next thermostat could be less than $200
FREE: A handful of free icon packs worth downloading
Poll: Which Twitter app do you use?
Sprint tested gigabit LTE this week and failed to reach gigabit speeds
Nougat Updates: Moto Z Play DROID and Unlocked | Galaxy S7 Active | Verizon S7
Poll: Is your phone rooted?

Big things in the works. We hope you like them!

Number of Icon Packs are Free on Google Play Right Now

Tim — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:47:22 +0000

Should you consider yourself a fan of custom icon packs, such as the one shown above (Griddy), you'll find a few developers are taking advantage of Google Play's new discount feature, offering various packs free of charge. Most of these packs range in the $1 to $2 range, and you'll never hear me complain about free icon packs. To use these icon packs, you'll need a launcher such as Nova Launcher, or any other launcher that supports 3rd-party icon packs. There are plenty of launchers to choose from on Google Play, so take your pick. As for the packs, they all range in look, offering anywhere from 600+ to 3500+ custom icons, all looking quite different and capable of aligning with whatever look you're going for. Check them all out and just download them. They're free! Free Icon Pack Links

Have at 'em!

Nexus 6's Android 7.1.1 March Patch is Back After Brief Pull

Kellen — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:38:08 +0000

On Monday, Google pushed out March's security patch to its Nexus and Pixel devices. Most of the updates pushed through without issue, except for the Nexus 6's Android 7.1.1 build that caused an issue with Android Pay. Well, an issue with Android's SafetyNet was likely the culprit behind Android Pay not working , so Google pulled the update for the Nexus 6. After a short break, Google just re-posted the the 7.1.1 update for the Nexus 6. The build hasn't change and is still N6F26U, in case you were wondering. Feel free to flash it and let us know if Android Pay is back to a functional state. Google Factory Images

Cheers Thomas and Mike!

Google's Allo Boss: Hangouts for Consumers Not Going Anywhere

Kellen — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:52:24 +0000

In case you were still scratching your head over yesterday's announcements from Google about the new direction for Hangouts, we have some additional info to offer that will save your scalp from bleeding. In short, Hangouts for consumers will still apparently be a thing (for now), while Allo is (for now) around for the "long, long run." The news comes via Amit Fulay, the head of product for Google Allo and Duo. Fulay was responding to plenty of people on Twitter yesterday who had questions about the future of Google's messaging apps. For example, in response to someone asking what the splitting of Hangouts into two enterprise apps meant for consumer users, Fulay suggested that consumer Hangouts is "not going anywhere." That, of course, doesn't tell us if we'll all be moving over to Hangouts Chat or if the current Hangouts is sticking around for a while. My guess is that Hangouts will remain and Hangouts Chat will be a separate, new app. https://twitter.com/amitfulay/status/840026350530392065 As for Allo and Duo, news of Hangouts becoming Chat and Meet is another sign that Google is distancing the former messaging champion from Google's newer consumer offerings. Allo and Duo are it for consumers, and Fulay all-but-admitted that even though Google kills off apps and services regularly without warning, that Google is "in Allo and Duo for the long, long run." https://twitter.com/amitfulay/status/840195989055012865?s=09 Responses like that prompted additional users to then probe him over a roadmap for Allo, because things like SMS and a desktop app seem like important additions if we are all going to get on board and switch from Hangouts. Fulay doesn't seem to want to commit to SMS, but he did say a couple of times that they are working on that desktop version of Allo that was teased not long ago. https://twitter.com/amitfulay/status/840236356378877953 So why the reluctance to get into SMS integration? The Tweet below could be a hint. While Fulay doesn't specifically say anything about SMS, his suggestion that they are building apps that "serve us towards 2020 not 2010," might be a jab at older communications tech like SMS. Then again, Google has also gone all-in on RCS, so who knows. https://twitter.com/amitfulay/status/840236304130428928 Either way, things shouldn't change much for the time being. This is Google, though.

Bethesda Bringing Elder Scrolls: Legends to Android Tablets Next Month, Phones This Summer

Tim — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:11:52 +0000

Bethesda's latest title for PC, Elder Scrolls: Legends, will soon make its way to Android devices. According to Bethesda, the game will launch in April for Android tablets, then later this year for mobile phones. The title itself is a strategy card game, with players needing to decide early on which attributes they want a character to have. For example, you can invest into Strength, Agility, or Intelligence, which will all play into how you attack certain situations in the game. As Bethesda explains, "Completed decks take on their own 'class' based on the attributes you chose. Combining Agility and Strength will give you an Archer deck – a powerful blend of lethal creatures, plus a myriad of items, weapons and support cards to help you conquer your enemies." The intro for the campaign can be watched below. PC players, go check it out and report back to me. Is it awesome? Future Platform Launches

iPad – March 23
Android Tablets – April
Mac OS – May
Mobile Phones – Early Summer

Via: Bethesda

HTC U Ultra Now Shipping in US, $749 Tho

Tim — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 09:24:15 +0000

The U Ultra from HTC is now available for those who were patient enough to hold out for the official US launch. The international model has been available on Amazon and eBay, but at long last, HTC's latest is available straight through its US website for $749. We have had the U Ultra in-house for nearly a week, and we do have plenty to say in our upcoming review. If you need to brush up on the specs, considering it was announced back in January, you're looking at a 5.7" QHD display with secondary ticker display, Snapdragon 821, 4GB RAM, 12MP rear-facing camera, no headphone jack, no water resistance, 3,000mAh battery, and a high $749 unlocked price. It does have sexy color options, though: Metallic Blue, White, and Black. As we mentioned, this device has been available through eBay and Amazon, sometimes for much lower than the $749 asking price. Since no variant offers Verizon or Sprint support, you might as well try and save as much as possible if the U Ultra is something you want. However, we do recommend getting it through HTC's site if you already have a device you want to trade in. HTC will give up to $250 towards the purchase of a U Ultra, depending on the device. That's decent savings. Not only that, but Uh Oh protection is only included if you purchase through HTC, which might be important for you. Are you picking one up?

AT&T GoPhone Now Offers $60 "Unlimited" Plan, 6GB Plan for $40 (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 06:54:23 +0000

AT&T introduced two new prepaid GoPhone plans today, one with unlimited data and another with 6GB of data. The unlimited plan is very much like the Unlimited Choice plan that was offered to regular AT&T customers a couple of week back, which is the nice way of me saying you'll want no part of it if you like downloading things in a hurry. The unlimited plan runs $60 per month as long as you sign-up for autopay. According to an AT&T press release, the plan includes unlimited data usage, but all of the data is slowed to just 3Mbps at all times. On top of that, your video streams will always stream at no higher than 480p and you'll potentially be slowed further should you use more than 22GB of data in a month. On a related note, AT&T added a 6GB plan to the GoPhone line-up that costs just $40 after autopay. With this plan, you get full 4G LTE speeds for that first 6GB, but will then see speeds drop to 128Kbps should you attempt to use more. That's exactly how their current 8GB and 4GB plans work, although we're assuming this plan is replacing that old 4GB plan. The new plans are supposed to go live today. Once that happens, we'll be sure to update this post with any additional details (like what their prices are without autopay). You can sign-up for AT&T GoPhone here. UPDATE: AT&T finally updated their prepaid page with the new plans. For those curious, the 8GB-$55 plan is now 100% gone, while the 4GB-$40 plan now has 6GB of data. The new "unlimited" plan that throttles everything seems to have taken place of the 8GB plan. We've reached out to AT&T to see if customers on the 8GB plan will be able to keep their plan or if they'll be forced onto one of these new plans. We'll update this post should we hear back.

Via: AT&T

Thursday Poll: Which App Do You Use for Twitter?

Tim — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:43:07 +0000

It's 2017 and there's still no shortage of 3rd-party apps for Twitter on Google Play. Leading up to this point, there has been drama, with some apps falling victim to the services's old hostility for 3rd-party development. Remember the finite amount of user tokens and all that crap? Yeah, thankfully, that all seems to be fading away. As for the choices, there are plenty of good ones, and we've written about pretty much all of them. You have the stock Twitter app (which has improved vastly over the years), Fenix, Flamingo, Falcon, Talon, and many others. Each has their own set of features, and you can't exactly go wrong with any of them. It's all user preference. So, the question is, which do you use? And before you go say, "I'm so cool, I don't use Twitter," get outta here with that. Twitter is amazing and if you aren't already, follow us, duh! [poll id="447"]

I Miss the Moto Z Play

Kellen — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:32:10 +0000

The timing of this might be odd, or maybe it's because the unlocked and DROID versions of the Moto Z Play both received Nougat updates this week, but man, I miss this phone. I haven't used a Moto Z Play since reviewing it in September, yet I'm incredibly close to buying the unlocked version and overnighting the damn thing. I can't recall the last time that I was this tempted to drop all phones and dive back into a mid-range phone that is already 6 months old. Actually, I don't know that I've ever wanted to do such a thing. So what is it that I miss so much? There are a few really important things. Battery life, my god. I know I hammered this point home during my review, but Moto Z Play battery life something you have to experience to believe. It's so good, it'll make you wonder why no other phone on the planet before or after it has been able to last this long on a single charge. It'll make you yell at your old phone's maker. It'll make you believe that there is a deep state of battery life controllers. It'll make you sad for your friend, the one who has to charge his phone twice in a day, while you haven't in over 36 hours. As Tim was sharing news of the unlocked Moto Z Play getting Nougat today, I was explaining to him my deep love for this phone. He wasn't buying it, so I dove back into the screenshots of battery tests I still had on hand. I initially told him that it was amazing because I was seeing 6 hours of screen on time over a 2-day period, with no charges in-between. As it turns out, that was a lie! I was actually getting more like 8 hours of screen on time. Look at this sh*t!

Man, talk about the time of my life. No charging in almost two days, plus record screen on time. Who wouldn't want that? Who wouldn't miss that? Whatever you did, Motorola, with the combination of the Snapdragon 625 and 3510mAh battery, you need to do elsewhere. Software is that Moto software we love, plus it has Nougat now! Battery life isn't the only thing I miss about the phone, though. The software is Motorola's clean take on Android, with Moto Display and the other Moto suite tacked on. That means you can twist your wrist to launch the camera, talk to Moto Voice (or Assistant now!), and check notifications with a swipe or movement of a hand, all while enjoying Android the way Google meant for it to be presented. Motorola's setup has always been one of my favorites, even if they aren't exactly killing the game in terms of software updates these days. The phone flies around and isn't held back by terrible skins or gross UIs. As I mentioned in my review, this is a phone that performs like a flagship even though it has a mid-range price tag. And yeah, it has Nougat now! So now, you get bundle notifications and direct reply, as well as multi-window, quick settings customizations, and all that jazz. While it is frustrating that it took this long for Motorola to push the update, it is there now to enjoy.

Even the camera is fine. The camera was one of the areas that I complained about back in September. I didn't call the 16MP (f/2.0) camera bad, but when you are coming from a Galaxy S7 or moving into a Note 7 (temporarily) like I was at the time, the Z Play's camera is certainly a downgrade. With that said, as I looked back through the samples I took during my review period, I can't say that I'm offended by many of the results. My verdict still stands there, in that pictures should look just fine (even really good) in decent lighting, but the quality will decline as lighting does. The camera isn't ultra quick, yet it'll get the job done in most of the situations I play in. If anything, the camera department is one of those areas I'm interested in revisiting to see if it's improved over the past half-year.

A whole bunch of Moto Mods are coming. Moto Mods were one of the other areas of the entire Moto Z line that I brushed off the first time around, but am starting to get excited about. The first batch that Motorola released just didn't grab my attention or meet any of my needs. We now know that Motorola is about to go nuts with Mods, though, and we should see handfuls of new options each quarter over the next year. I could use a Turbo Charger back plate Mod. I'll take one that adds wireless charging to the phone. Hell, I'd even be down to get an Alexa-equipped Mod at some point if it's not priced ridiculously high. If anything, it would be nice to have a Moto Mod-ready phone around the office for when the perfect Mod does show up. I miss you, Moto Z Play. Yep, think I'm going to order one. Yep, just did.

[responsive_vid]

Unlocked Moto Z Play Links: Amazon ($50 off) | Best Buy ($50 off) | Motorola Verizon Moto Z Play Links: Verizon ($10/mo) | Best Buy ($10/mo) | Motorola

Unlocked Moto Z Play Receiving Nougat Update

Tim — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 13:14:19 +0000

The Nougat update for unlocked Moto Z Play units is rolling out, according to at least a couple emails we have received from readers. The update is labeled as NPN25.137-24-1, similar to the Verizon model's update label of NDNS25.137-24-1-2. With this update, you can expect to find all of the Nougat goodies: Multi Window, bundled notifications, quick switching for apps, new emoji, and an updated UI for the settings menu. Unlocked Z Play owners, be on the lookout.

Cheers Joseph and Daniel!

Qualifying Verizon Customers Can Now Use FiOS Mobile App Without Using Your Data

Tim — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 12:26:51 +0000

For anyone on Verizon FiOS with an internet and TV subscription, plus a Verizon S, M or L plan, streaming anything from the updated FiOS Mobile app won't count against your monthly data. According to Verizon, those qualifying customers can watch anything saved to their DVR, all sorts of on-demand titles, plus 140+ live channels, all without a single bit counting towards your monthly limit. This should make your commute on the bus or train a bit more tolerable. Additionally, Verizon is taking this time to make sure folks know about a deal - Get up to $500 back when you sign up for Verizon Fios and Verizon Unlimited. If you are interested in that, see the details here. TV and internet customers on Verizon, go grab that update. Play Link

Via: Verizon

Google Goes All-In With Hangouts as a Business Tool, Breaks It Into Two Apps: Meet and Chat

Kellen — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:24:01 +0000

Hey, I've got Hangouts news for you! Will you like the news? That depends! Will you be 100% f*cking confused by it? That also depends! Let's talk about it! Exclamation point! Today, at Google Cloud's Next conference, the company announced the future of Hangouts. As you all know, Hangouts has basically been put on the backburner as a consumer product with Allo in the wild now. During the day's keynote, they tried to clean-up what is to come and that's Hangouts becoming two products: Meet and Chat. Ready for this fun? Hangouts Meet Hangouts Meet is Google's new collaborative video chatting or video meeting service. It went live a couple of weeks ago and confused a bunch of us, but now that we know Google's plan, it makes more sense. You can access Meet right here on the web or via Google Play.

Meet is supposed to be an ultra-fast, ultra-light, and ultra-easy video chatting service that takes little work to get into. In a way, it might be like Duo for business folks, only it supports at least 30 people at a time and can be put on your Calendar. Google explains it as:

With Meet, native, full-screen presenting makes it easy to showcase your team’s projects. And as Meet integrates directly with G Suite, information you need about each meeting is automatically pulled from Calendar. For our G Suite Enterprise customers, each meeting comes with a dedicated dial-in phone number, so team members on the road can feel connected and productive in meetings despite wi-fi or data issues.

If you want to get all-up in some Hangouts Meet, jump over to Meet's dedicated page and have at it. Meet is available today to Google's enterprise folks. Hangouts Chat As for Hangouts Chat, well, this is where Google turns Hangouts into Slack, the collaborative messaging tool that so many nerdy journalists and techies won't ever shut up about. In other words, Hangouts Chat is becoming more than just a messaging app and will soon allow you to fully manage projects, create groups or rooms, and include 3rd party services (like Asana, Box, Zendesk, Xero, and Zapier). Here, take a look at it:

Google says that Hangouts Chat has a smart assistant built into it, though it's not called Assistant, it's called @Meet. But you'll be able to call up @Meet to figure out good times for meetings, plus you can also message at the other apps you want to use like Asana, by messaging @Asana. You can assign tasks or add participants, whatever you might want from a modern collaborative messaging platform.

Hangouts Chat isn't quite ready for stardom just yet and is available for now only through Google's Early Adopter Program.

Wait, what? I know, right!? So if Hangouts is now two apps, what about the Hangouts we all currently use for communication? I don't know! I'm assuming we still use it today like we have been, and as Hangouts Chat rolls out, we might have to find something else or continue using regular Hangouts. Google hasn't said. Maybe they will soon, because yeah, we're confused about the future of the consumer side of Hangouts that still exists today.

Via: Google

Facebook's Messenger Day is Instagram Stories, But for Facebook, Which Owns Instagram

Tim — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 10:12:47 +0000

Facebook has a new feature for Messenger users this week, rolling out to all Android and iOS devices. Called Messenger Day, it allows users to share all their happenings into a Instagram Story-like roll of videos and photos. If this sounds odd, that's because it is. You see, Facebook owns Instagram and Instagram has Stories. The features of Stories and Day are basically identical. Users can snap a photo and add stupid stickers, or take a video and add stupid stickers or neon-colored text to that. Once you have something you think is worthy of sharing with friends, you post it to your "Day," which can then be viewed by anyone on your Facebook friends list. The real difference is the interaction FB hopes to take place between people, which is something not pushed by Instagram. While you can comment on a post via Instagram Stories, Messenger Day is about talking and meeting up with friends. Here's the complete rundown on how it works, should you be interested. How It Works

First make sure you’ve updated your Messenger app so you have the latest version.
Open Messenger, and tap on the camera highlighted with a sun to celebrate this launch. Doing so drops you right into the full-screen camera. Or, tap the “Add to your day” button at the top of your inbox to get started.
Snap a quick selfie or take a photo or video of what’s around you.
To add art and effects, tap the smiley face icon in the top right and then tap to add to your photo or video. You can also add text over your images by tapping the “Aa” icon, and you can overlay a drawing by tapping the squiggly line in the top right corner.
Once you have your photo or video the way you want it, tap the arrow in the bottom right corner. You can then add directly to your day, save it to your phone’s camera roll, and/or you can choose to send it to a specific person or group of people. The photo or video that you add to your day will be viewable for 24 hours.

To use Messenger Day, head on over to Google Play and make sure you have the latest version of Messenger. Play Link

Via: Facebook

Sprint Testing Its Gigabit LTE With Prototype Phone From Motorola

Tim — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:06:13 +0000

5G and Gigabit LTE, while not exactly the same thing depending on whose marketing department you ask, is coming. Maybe not tomorrow and maybe not until late 2017 or beyond, but it's definitely coming. Recently shown off by Sprint at a small event in New Orleans, the company is currently working with a prototype Snapdragon-powered Motorola device to bring Gigabit LTE to customers. The Gigabit LTE is based on 4x4 MIMO, 256-QAM, and three-carrier aggregation to deliver speeds in the 600Mbps range, but that was also during a high traffic NBA game at the Smoothie King arena. As you can see in the header image, the prototype Motorola device was able to reach 612Mbps down, but only a laughable 7.83Mbps upload. This low upload is likely do to the immaturity of the network tech, but once Sprint has the kinks worked out, it's sure to be much higher. Now, as for that Motorola device, let's call it what it is. This is prototype hardware with internal components that Moto has likely loaned to Sprint while they work with the Snapdragon 835 platform. It's not a huge mystery. However, with that said, we are approaching a timeframe when Moto leaks would begin to happen, and Moto has stated it would be on more carriers in 2017. All good things to keep in mind. All we can say is, bring on the gigabit speeds and more 2017 flagships! Our bodies are ready.

Via: Wireless Week

T-Mobile Increases Throttling Cap to 30GB

Kellen — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:58:48 +0000

Because wireless carriers don't trust their own networks, they set things like throttling caps in place on the "unlimited" data plans that they sell you. It's a way for them to have an excuse when they are worried that heavy data users will impact the connections that other users have on their networks. Those caps allow them to throttle your connection, should you eclipse them in a billing cycle. It's super weak, especially when every single one of them spends most of their days bragging about and trying to convince you that they have the best network. T-Mobile has always offered one of the higher throttling caps at around 28GB. As of yesterday, though, they increased it to 30GB. You'll see caps that start at around 22GB of usage in a month (Verizon and AT&T), so T-Mobile is certainly offering its users a chance to use more data before they might see "network management" take over their connection. That still doesn't help make their case for needing a cap in the first place. Is your plan unlimited or not? Can your network handle an unlimited amount of usage? If not, stop calling them "unlimited," because "unlimited" to me means WITHOUT LIMITS. But hey, T-Mobile customers, feel good about that extra 2GB on your "unlimited" plan.

Via: T-Mobile | reddit

Cheers Eric!

Gboard on Android Gets GIF and Emoji Suggestions, Improved Voice Typing, More

Kellen — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:04:44 +0000

Gboard on Android is receiving an update this week that introduces a decent list of new features. From emoji and GIF suggestions, to improve voice typing, and Google Translate within, Google's keyboard is turning into the little powerful input beast we always dreamed of owning. Once you receive the update, you'll start to see suggestions for emoji or GIFs in the prediction bar. In the GIF below, an example is a person typing out a response that includes "sushi" and seeing the sushi emoji there. It should work with GIFs as well. With new voice typing, Google says to expect a new interface that makes it easier than ever to get your message across by voice. Additionally, there are new backdrops (or themes) for your keyboard to help spruce up your daily tapping experience. Finally, Gboard now includes translation powers within itself. All you have to do is tap the Google icon in the keyboard, then choose the new translate option. From there, you can choose the translation you'd like, then start typing and send! (See the GIF below for visuals.) The update should be rolling out. Play Link

Via: Google

Unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ Hit FCC With Support on All US Carriers

Kellen — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 20:16:58 +0000

Samsung will announce the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ on March 29 at events in NYC and London. When the phones will hit stores is now anyone's guess, though, but current rumors point to anywhere from April 21 to the week following. As we get there, in order for the phone to go up for order, we need to see some things happen, namely a stop off at places like the FCC. For those keeping track of such procedures, we are happy to report that both phones did just that this evening. Two FCC filings in particular showed up today, one for a Samsung device under model number SM-G950 and another under number SM-G955. In case you haven't been paying attention, those are the long-rumored model numbers for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, respectively. Specifically, we are seeing model numbers of SM-G950U and SM-G955U. That's important because the U in this situation signifies the unlocked version of the S8 and S8+, which we know from last year's unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge that dropped in as SM-G930U and SMG935U. We haven't had a chance to fully dive into the FCC listings for each, but one thing is certain - these phones will work on all major US carriers.

See that chart above? We've got both CDMA (bands 0 and 10; Verizon and Sprint), plus all of the GSM connectivity one could ask for. Those sets of bands get us on every carrier as a base, but the real connectivity is the LTE side of things. If you don't want to try and pick each one out, here: LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 30, 41, and 66, are showing there. Not sure what those mean? Check out our US carrier LTE band cheat sheet. Not to drag this post out, but one thing to keep in mind here is the timing. Last year, Samsung didn't release a fully-unlocked US carrier-ready variant until June, which happened to be a full 3 months and change later than the phones were available for purchase at carriers. With no listings yet for carrier models (they would be SM-G950V or SM-G955A, for example), is there any chance that we see unlocked versions right away instead of having to wait for months? I don't know, but I'm at least liking the start here. I know there are plenty of us who would have rather forked out cash for the unlocked models over the carrier equivalents. Then again, I'll only make that purchase if Samsung tells us that they'll actually update the damn things regularly. We're gettin' there!

Via: FCC [2] | Blog of Mobile [2]

Allo Updated With Android Auto Support

Tim — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 15:50:25 +0000

Allo, that aggressively hyped Google-made messaging app, has been updated to support displaying messages inside of Android Auto. Previously, messages from the stock messaging app and Hangouts would display just fine, and with this update, Allo's messages will appear for users to interact with, too. On top of just receiving notifications, users can dictate messages through Android Auto straight into Allo, so you'll be receiving your messages and sending messages like a true Allo champ. The changelog also specifies Animated Emoji, but just to be clear, that has been included since the last Allo update. What's New

Animated emojis: Bring emojis to life. Just hold the send button and slide up to animate.
Android Auto support: Enjoy hands-free messaging when you're on the go.
Bug fixes: Performance improvements for a better chatting experience.

Play Link

Least Favorite Thing About Verizon: Phone Choice

Kellen — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:31:04 +0000

Wednesday Poll: Is Your Phone Rooted?

Tim — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 13:42:37 +0000

We have asked this question before, but as time has gone by, it's safe to say that rooted users have become the minority. That wasn't always the case, but with phones and the Android OS performing and behaving much better, the needs for rooting aren't as dire. Back in the day, you'd need to run custom kernel for overclocking just to make the OG DROID not be such a sloth. Sure, it killed your battery, but damn it, it was awesome having that much control over our hardware. So, are you still running root still or are you over it? [poll id="446"]

HTC U Ultra: First 10 Things to Do

Kellen — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 12:02:00 +0000

The HTC U Ultra is going to be a tough sell, I fully understand that. The phone is expensive, it's not sold through a single US carrier, and HTC already told us to expect another upgraded phone in the near future with a Snapdragon 835. Still, we know that some of you will go through with buying a U Ultra (hopefully at a discounted price) and we're here to help you out. After unboxing the device earlier in the week, we're now diving into the good stuff - the stuff where we help you get the most out of your new phone. With pre-orders of US models supposedly shipping, some of you may have devices on doorsteps within a matter of hours. For you, let's dive into the first 10 things to do with your HTC U Ultra. In the clip below, we'll walk through some basics, like tossing in a microSD card or setting up a fingerprint, but we'll also cover Motion Launch Gestures, take you through the secondary ticker display settings, and make sure you utilize the included USonic earbuds and get a proper audio profile setup. Let's do it!

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Facebook 360 App for Gear VR Launched, Your Place to Find 360-Degree Photos and Videos

Tim — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:40:46 +0000

Gear VR owners have a new app to play with, straight from the folks at Facebook. Called Facebook 360, the app provides a single place to find 360-degree content, including videos and photos, from folks on Facebook. Found inside of the Oculus app on Gear VR-compatible Samsung devices, you will find four feeds of content: Explore, Following, Saved, and Timeline. For Explore, you can discover interesting 360-degree content. Under Following, you will find your friends' 360-degree content they have posted, if they have posted any. For the Saved feed, you can access bookmarked content you've saved from News Feed on either desktop or your mobile device. And as for Timeline, you can "relive" your own 360-degree photos and videos. To use it, you will need a Samsung device and Gear VR headset.

Via: Facebook

DEAL: HTC U Ultra is Just $635.99 at eBay ($113 Off)

Kellen — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:38:03 +0000

Pre-orders of the HTC U Ultra in the US are apparently shipping from HTC's store, but look, you should probably cancel yours and just order one through eBay if this is the phone for you. eBay has been selling them for a good week or two now, with one seller dropping the price like crazy over the past few days. You can currently buy a brand new, unlocked U Ultra for as low as $635.99. That's an insane $113 discount on a phone that hasn't even technically launched yet. The specific model being sold is the one we're reviewing right now. It's dual-SIM, so you can travel like a boss with it, or just kick it on two carriers for the heck of it. It's unlocked and works perfectly on both AT&T and T-Mobile, just like the US model that you would overpay massively for at $749. Colors available are black, white, blue, and pink, though the blue may already be sold out. In the box, you get the HTC USonic earbuds, case, and cleaning cloth, just like you do in the US, as well. The charger included in the box is an international charger, but the seller is throwing in a US adapter. One downside is the lack of HTC's Uh Oh Protection. Since this phone is purchased through eBay, you won't get the free screen replacement or water damage coverage. Free shipping is included. Should you order today, you may even have the bad boy before US pre-orders arrive. eBay Link

Movado to Enter the Android Wear Game, Pricing Starts at $495

Tim — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:12:49 +0000

Announced this morning, Movado is partnering with Google to launch a lineup of Android Wear devices under the company's existing Connected moniker, with unveiling scheduled for Baselworld 2017. With prices set to begin at $495(!), the lineup of five styles will offer Android Wear 2.0, and as Movado describes, will consist of "incredibly designed timepiece[s], powered by the latest, cutting-edge technology platform." To help differentiate these watches from others on the market, the Movado Connect features five customizable dials inspired by the iconic Movado Museum dial. An example of an iteration on that dial can be seen above as the header image, which is the Movado Edge. Each dial design also includes 3-4 customizable elements, such as an array of complications, backgrounds, and watch hands. Not only that, but Movado also states Android Pay will be supported (that means NFC built-in), plus Google Assistant and fitness tracking. Once all specs are made official at Baselworld, we'll let you know. Snuck into the press release, two of the Movado Group's brands, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, will also partner with Google for smartwatches to launch this fall. Baselworld is scheduled for late March in Switzerland. Ready your wallets, folks.

Via: Movado

Report: Nest Readying Sub-$200 Thermostat, Home Security System

Tim — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 08:49:44 +0000

According to a report from Bloomberg that cites a source familiar with the matter, Nest is working on at least three new products: A Nest Thermostat that will cost less than $200, a home security alarm system, plus remote room sensors to go along with new and existing thermostats. In order to make a Nest Smart Thermostat that meets a sub-$200 price, the company is reported to be using less expensive components, with at least one prototype floating around not featuring a metallic ring along its outside. As of right now, Nest (3rd Gen) will cost you $250, so it seems Nest won't need to cut too much to hit $200. As for the security system, it is reported that it will consist of a digital doorbell and an updated indoor security camera. An entire solution is said to be in the works, complete with a keypad for entering codes (like a standard alarm system from back in the day), alarm sensors for doors and windows, plus a fob for your keyring. In terms of timing, we may be a ways off, with Nest not confirming anything at this time. As reported, the less expensive thermostat could launch by next year, while the alarm system and accompanying solution may launch later this year, sometime next year, or not at all. Who here needs more Nest goodies in their home?

Via: Bloomberg

Google Assistant in Full Rollout Now, Here are Some Tips to Get You Started

Kellen — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 07:33:16 +0000

Last week, Google Assistant started a slow rollout to all devices running Nougat and Marshmallow. Over the past several days, we've seen a number of you ask when you might actually see it arrive on your phones, as if that rollout might have been slower than normal. It's tough to say the exact schedule of these things, but I can tell you that Google seems to have pressed "GO!" either last night or this morning. Google Assistant is popping up everywhere! From friends of the site pinging us on Twitter and in our inboxes, to our own non-Google Pixel devices, I think just about everyone should have Assistant today. Because it's a new feature that is well worth taking advantage of, we wanted to share our Google Assistant tips and tricks video from a few months back to get you all started. In this clip, you'll see how to get up and running, plus it dives into more than just checking the weather. You'll get tips on finding places nearby, estimating travel time on your next trip, searching within results for related info, adding items to your grocery list, opening apps by voice, translating another language, setting reminders or alarms, playing games, remembering bike combos, etc. There is a lot you can do with Google Assistant. To get going, long-press that home button and then checkout the video below!

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Report: Google Cooking Up Smart Features for Android O to Show Off at Google I/O

Tim — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:49:52 +0000

This year's Google I/O is set to take place in May, but rumors are already hitting the web, detailing what we might see at the annual Google-tastic developer conference. According to a recent report from VentureBeat, attendees and online viewers can expect to see Android O announced, followed by Developer Previews and a Fall launch. While none of that really surprises us, specific details about what Android O brings to the table do, with Google reportedly focusing on heavily "smart features." What does that mean, though? Isn't Android already pretty smart, especially with Google Assistant rolling out to all Android M and Android N devices? Well, yes, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. As detailed by VentureBeat, one possible feature is Copy Less. For instance, you're having a chat with a friend about where to grab lunch. You open up the Yelp app, find a cool place, then want to share the address by copy and pasting. With Copy Less, you would simple locate the address, head back into your messaging app, then a suggestion from inside your keyboard with the address would be ready for you to import. Another possible feature detailed is the implementation of finger gestures, similar to what Huawei has implemented on past devices. For example, if you are on your home screen and want to open the camera, simply draw a "C" on the screen and the camera will open. The same can be done for any other app, so long as a gesture is associated with it. As I said, I/O happens in May, so we got a bit before Google drops Android O on us. There's still plenty of people out there not even on Nougat, so Android O teases are probably the last thing on their mind. What are your hopes for Android O?

Via: VentureBeat

Android Distribution Updated for March 2017: Whoa, Settle Down Nougat!

Kellen — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:31:51 +0000

Google updated the Android distribution numbers today, showing a rise in Nougat to almost 3% of the pie (2.8% to be exact). That's an historically massive jump from the 1.2% it sat at last month. It's probably the largest jump of a new Android version in history, period, both in person and around the globe. In all seriousness (not that any of this is that serious), Nougat did jump from 1.2% in February to 2.8% this month, while Marshmallow also saw an increase from 30.7% to 31.3%. Other friends at the table decreased: Lollipop 32.5% (32.9%), KitKat 20.8% (21.9%), and Jelly Bean 10.6% (11.3%). Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread were there too, but they only held strong at 1.0% each. Last month's numbers can be found here.

Via: Android Developers

GlassWire is a Free Android App That Helps You Monitor App Data Usage

Kellen — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:59:41 +0000

Should you consider yourself either an obsessive tech nerd or privacy freak, you may want to take a look at this new app called GlassWire. It just hit Android this week as a free app that helps you monitor the data/network usage of the apps on your phone. I know, that sounds boring as hell! But again, this is an app for obsessive nerds and privacy freaks who like to know everything that's going on behind the scenes of their phone. GlassWire as a company isn't exactly new and you may be familiar with their Windows offering that acts as a tool to give you pretty thorough monitoring over your network. From visual network monitoring to webcam or mic detection and remote/multiple server monitoring, GlassWire is likely a handy tool on the desktop. For the Android version, think of it as GlassWire lite for now. The GlassWire Android app keeps a running, live graph of network activity coming out of your phone, both on WiFi or mobile data connection. You can go back in time to see which apps were accessing what, easily check an app's permissions, set your data plan limit to get notifications as you inch closer to its cap, and get an instant notification every time an app accessing data for the first time. Also, GlassWire says that "Your GlassWire data usage and app usage information never leaves your phone," in case you were wondering. The only permission it requires is "Phone." I've been looking at GlassWire off and on for the past 24 hours or so and can certainly see how an app like this might be useful, especially over the long haul. I've already realized how much damn data a dude can crush on Twitter in a single day. Man. The app is free with no ads. Play Link

Playstation Vue Gets Multi-Channel Viewing as March Madness Approaches

Kellen — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:43:43 +0000

Today, Playstation Vue announced that it will introduce a new feature called multi-view that gives users the power to watch up to three channels simultaneously. At this time, the feature will only be available to subscribers who watch Vue through a PS4, but there is always hope that it'll rollout to Android TV or the web at some point. In fact, if you load up Vue on your Android TV today, it tells you all about the new goodness (see above). With multi-view, Playstation Vue is timing the launch as the NCAA men's basketball tournament starts. Since Vue includes the Turner channels (TNT, TBS, TruTV, and CBS), you could potentially watch a whole bunch of early round basketball at the same time. Or, you could watch any combination of news, sports, or your favorite shows too. To launch into multi-view, you would "press and hold X on any live TV program from the Guide or Live TV row of the home screen to open up the selection screen for multi-view." Also, these steps will help you navigate around multiple windows:

Press X to start any program. Press and hold X on any live program to start a multi-screen viewing experience. If you want to switch programs within the multi-view screen, press Square on your DualShock 4. To move a program to the main screen, just highlight the smaller screen and press Square.

Vue also said that they will soon rollout real-time sports scores, though they didn't provide timing. Should multi-view hit Android TV units, we'll be sure to pass that news along.

Via: Playstation

Tomb Raider Now Available on SHIELD TV Natively Via Google Play

Tim — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 10:27:48 +0000

The Tomb Raider title from 2013, which is the Lara Croft origin story, is now natively available on Android, exclusive to the NVIDIA SHIELD TV. This port of Tomb Raider consists of the same environmental puzzles, combat experience, and tombs to discover, but given it is now on Android, players can also expect to find Google Play Achievements and cloud saves with a Google Play Games sign-in. However, note that co-op and multiplayer modes are not currently supported. To play, you'll need a SHIELD TV, SHIELD Controller, plus 5.5GB worth of storage available on your drive. Oh, and $15. Got all of that? Then game on! The original trailer has been placed below. Play Link ($14.99) [responsive_vid]

Moto Z Play DROID Getting Android Nougat Update Today!

Kellen — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:44:26 +0000

The Moto Z Play DROID (our review) is the latest in Verizon's lineup to see an update to Android Nougat. The update originally started rolling out over the weekend to a select group, with Big Red setting today as the date for full rollout. According to at least two of our readers and a bunch of people hanging out at the Z Play subreddit, the update is now live. When Nougat arrives on your phone, you'll receive software version NDNS25.137-24-1-2. The update includes split-screen mode (multi window), quicker app switching (tap that app switcher a couple of times!), customizable quick settings tiles, notifications you can respond directly in, and more. To check for the update, which should be available immediately, head into Settings>System updates.

UPDATE: Verizon finally posted the changelog, which you can view through the link below. We've included some screenshots of the update as well, for those who like visual aids.

Via: Verizon

Cheers Eric and Cory!

Even More Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ Photos Hit the Web

Tim — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 08:37:34 +0000

We may still be a bit away from the official Galaxy S8 unveiling on March 29, but that doesn't appear to be stopping the leaks any time soon. The latest round of photos, straight from an unnamed screen protector manufacturer, detail the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+'s frontside, with the screen protector shamelessly sitting front and center. Looking past the potential plug, this may be some of the best in-person photos we've seen of these devices yet. What helps is both devices sitting next to each other, giving a good idea at just how large they will be. From past reports, we expect the S8 will feature a 5.8" display, while the S8+ will sport a whopping 6.2" display. Keep in mind, though, while the display sizes are increasing, bezels are being trimmed extensively, meaning overall in-hand size shouldn't increase all too much. In one photo, we see a closeup of the bottom, with the USB Type-C port in focus, along with the 3.5mm headphone jack (winning!) and external speaker. The topside is bare, with exception to the microSD and SIM slot. Give the photos a look, then share your thoughts below. Are these phones growing on you? Over it?

Via: Slashleaks

AT&T Galaxy S7 Active Getting Nougat Update Today

Kellen — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 07:34:46 +0000

We're only a couple of weeks removed from the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge at AT&T receiving updates to Android Nougat and now the Galaxy S7 Active is getting in on the action. As you'll see in the screenshot below, the update is live and weighs in at a cool 1.5GB. AT&T has yet to post a changelog, a practice they used to be really good at but have seemingly ditched over the past year. AT&T forums users are acknowledging the update, though. You should expect a similar (or exact) experience to the regular S7 and S7 Edge, which means notifications you can directly interact with, better multi-window, and a revised Samsung skin. It's a nice update. To check for it, head into Settings>System updates. https://twitter.com/jlanslide/status/839111945802276864

Google Play Turns 5, Here's a Few Top 5 Lists to Celebrate

Tim — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:56:31 +0000

It really only seems like yesterday when Google announced that Android Market was turning into Google Play. I specifically recall many criticizing the change, but now here we are, five years later and Google Play is celebrating its fifth birthday. In a blog post highlighting the birthday, Google writes, "In five years, we’ve grown to more than 1 billion active users in 190 countries. And with millions of apps, 40 million songs, 5 million books, and more movies than ever, there’s so much to explore." Anyway, as a look back, Google also provided various lists for the Top 5 in each category: Top Installed Games, Top Installed Apps, Top Selling Songs, Movies, Books, and Albums. Sadly, it doesn't look like we're getting any $0.05 app or movie deals quite yet. C'mon, Google, show the love!

Google Play's Top 5 US Lists to Celebrate Turning 5

Top Installed Games

Candy Crush Saga
Subway Surfers
Temple Run 2
Despicable Me
Clash of Clans

Top Installed Apps*

Facebook
Facebook Messenger
Pandora Radio
Instagram
Snapchat *Download only. Does not include pre-installed apps on Android devices.

Top Selling Songs

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Lorde - Royals
Taylor Swift - Blank Space
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Pharrell Williams - Happy

Top Selling Albums

Adele - 25
Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP2 (Deluxe)
Taylor Swift - 1989
Drake - If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Top Selling Movies

The Interview
Frozen
Deadpool
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Guardians of the Galaxy

Top Selling Books

Fifty Shades of Grey, by E L James
The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins
A Game of Thrones, by George RR Martin
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn

Here's to another fun five years, Google Play.

Via: Google

DEAL: Moto 360 (2nd Gen, Refurbished) Just $179.99 at eBay in Multiple Colors, Sizes

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:11:46 +0000

Should Android Wear 2.0 have you excited to finally dive into Google's wearable platform, you may want to peak over at eBay today, where you can find a deal on the Moto 360 (2nd gen) for as little as $179.99. That's a solid $120 discount. The watches they are selling are "manufacture refurbished," so keep that in mind. Still, a 40% discount isn't something you'll find often. Currently (and these seem to be going fast), you'll find both 42mm and 46mm case options, along with different colors combinations of case and band depending on the size you choose. As of right now, I'm seeing silver and cognac for the 46mm, plus black or rose gold options for the 42mm. Free shipping is included. eBay Link

Your LG G4 or V10 Could See the Android Nougat Update in a Few Months

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 12:44:09 +0000

Over the weekend, LG's official social news blog revealed the company's plans surrounding the G4 and V10 Android Nougat updates. The post makes it sound like they weren't initially sure that they would provide the update, but have now decided to move forward with it. The LG V10 will see Android 7.0 first when it the update shows up in Q2 of this year. The G4 will then receive the same support in Q3. Of course, those schedules involve Korean models, so if you own a G4 in the US, it could show up much, much later. In fact, knowing the age of the G4, I'd be surprised if some carriers don't push the update out as far as they can, if not ditch it completely. As carriers let us know their plans, we'll be sure to pass them along.

Via: LG

HTC U Ultra Unboxing!

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:50:52 +0000

The HTC U Ultra is supposed to arrive with the next week or so as an unlocked phone sold through HTC's site. HTC hasn't exactly shared the specific date with us, but has said that mid-March is the launch time frame. Since that could mean an arrival within a week, we decided it was time to start showing this device off to you, should you be one of the few interested. To kick off our review period, we're diving into an unboxing of the blue version of the HTC U Ultra (also comes in black, white, or pink). This is an international unlocked model, so just like the version sold through HTC's site, it won't work on anything in the US but AT&T and T-Mobile. As for specs, the U Ultra sports a 5.7-inch QHD display with secondary ticker, Snapdragon 821 processor, 64GB storage with SD support, 4GB RAM, 12MP UltraPixel 2 rear camera, 16MP front camera, 3000mAh battery, fingerprint reader, USB Type-C port, and Android 7.0 Nougat with HTC Sense on top. The phone was originally announced in January and will arrive very soon for $749 on HTC's store. No carriers have announced plans to carry the U Ultra. However, if you want to pick one up today, you can do so at places like eBay for substantial discounts. Seriously, the phone hasn't officially launched in the US, yet here is a listing for $650, a $100 discount. Anyways, onto the unboxing and then the review! Let us know if there is anything in particular you want us to dive into.

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Report: Galaxy S8 Launch Now Scheduled for April 28, Week Later Than Expected

Tim — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 09:59:12 +0000

Samsung's unveiling for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ is still scheduled for March 29, but according to new intel from VentureBeat, the global launch for both devices has been pushed back a week. It was previously thought that both devices would launch April 21, but with a delay of one week, that pushes the launch to April 28. Considering Samsung has never made a launch date official or even hinted at one, we can't exactly call it a delay. The launch date has simply changed and we'll just have to deal with it. Reasoning behind the reported change is not confirmed, but it's believed to center around yield issues of 10nm processors, specifically the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895. While Samsung and Qualcomm work to build up SoC numbers and get devices ready, this does give LG a bit more alone time for the G6 in the global market. Even though some may argue that using the Snapdragon 821 was a short sighted move by LG, at least the company won't run into these types of issues. Galaxy S8 hopefuls, adjust your calendars.

Via: VentureBeat | DigiTimes

March's Android Security Update Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 09:58:53 +0000

Google just posted the Android security update for March 2017 and the files are already live for a number of devices. We were expecting this in part because of Verizon's early acknowledgement of the update, but also because it's the first Monday of the month. So far, we are seeing 7.1.1 files for Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27B, NOF27C), Pixel C (N4F26T), Nexus 6P (N4F26T, NUF26N), Nexus 5X (N4F26T), Nexus 6 (N6F26U), Nexus Player (NMF27D), and Nexus 9 (N4F26T). In other notes, the NOF27C for Pixel and Pixel XL is listed as "Rogers Only," so the NOF27B build should be for everyone else. The Nexus 6P builds show NUF26N as "Verizon Only," so N4F26T is the file for rest of you. The Nexus 6 is also seeing builds of MOB31T (6.0.1), NBD92D (7.0.0, AT&T only), and NBD92E (7.0.0). UPDATE: Nexus Player update now available. You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. Links: Factory Images | OTA Files | Security Bulletin

Lightroom Mobile Updated With Raw HDR Capture, Supports Only Pixel and Galaxy S7 Devices For Now

Tim — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 08:55:57 +0000

Announced today, the Lightroom app from Android now features a raw HDR capture mode, bringing the power of a DSLR or mirrorless camera right to your smartphone. This HDR mode is a bit more comprehensive then what we've seen on Android up to this point. According to Adobe's blog, when an image is about to be snapped, the scene is scanned, then the correct exposure range is determined. Following that, three images (DNG files) are captured, then automatically aligned, merged, deghosted, and tonemapped. The end result is a 16-bit floating point DNG, with all of the editing benefits of both an HDR and raw photo. Essentially, this is close to what Android users have had with built-in camera software for a while now, but with raw format and Lightroom, the editing portion and tweaking ability is limitless. More on the editing capability, for Creative Cloud users on Android, the Radial and Linear Selection tools are now also available, providing even more control over edits. The below image provides an idea of what's happening during the raw HDR capture.

Stated by Adobe, only a few Android devices support this feature currently. If you own a Pixel, Pixel XL, Galaxy S7, or Galaxy S7 Edge, you're in luck. If you own a different device, which is probably a lot of you, you'll have to remain patient as Adobe continues to add more devices. The update can be found by following the Google Play link below. If you want to see this feature in action, check out Adobe's overview video below. Play Link

[responsive_vid]

Via: Adobe

Google Pixel Update Arriving Today as Build NOF27B, Should be March Security Patch

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 07:09:38 +0000

Verizon says that the Pixel and Pixel XL are due for an update today as build NOF27B. Since this is the first Monday of the month (when Google always releases security patches), that would make a lot of sense. Secrets revealed! The update is listed as being a security patch, but also as a fix to increase "reliability of sending and receiving calls with the Honda Bluetooth Carkit." Bluetooth fixes, kids, Bluetooth fixes. Be on the lookout for the update, while we sit back and wait for Google to post the new images. That all should go live between 9 and 10AM Pacific.

Via: Verizon [2]

Verizon's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Get Nougat Updates Today!

Kellen — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 06:53:24 +0000

That time has finally arrived, Verizon Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners. Your Android Nougat update is here. The update should start rolling out today, according to Verizon support pages. Specifically, the Samsung Galaxy S7 will see software version G930VVRU4BQA2, while the Galaxy S7 Edge will get G935VVRU4BQA2. Verizon hasn't said how big the update is, but it'll likely be large. Make sure you have plenty of battery and data remaining on your account before you download this guy over 4G. So, what should you expect from the update? A lot! For the most part, this is the update that brings the newest version of Samsung's TouchWiz that was on the Galaxy Note 7. It's easily Samsung's best skin to date, a skin that Verizon is labeling as "a fresh, simple user interface." It's a Samsung skin, so it's not that simple, but it does look a heck of a lot better.

Outside of the fresh new skin, you'll see a new battery management feature, upgraded multi-window functionality, an option to add an image to Always On Display, and more. Oh, Verizon is also removing go90 (!). The full changelog can be found at the links below. To check for the update, head into Settings>System updates.

Via: Verizon [2]

G6 in the Building

Kellen — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:24:50 +0000

On this fresh, fresh episode of the Droid Life Show, we're recapping a massive week in Android. MWC ran throughout the weekend and much of the week, leading to big announcements around the LG G6, plus new products from Moto, Huawei, Blackberry Mobile, and Sony. We also got a confirmation on the Galaxy S8 unveiling from Samsung, Google Assistant on a bunch of phones, and YouTube TV. Oh, we have been testing the G6 in-house for the whole week too, so that's awesome. Join us live at 12:00PM Pacific (3:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Don't Miss These Android Stories: March 3, 2017

Kellen — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:57:59 +0000

What a week, right? Not only did we get all sorts of into the LG G6 (tours, tips and tricks, first 10 things, etc.), we got Google Assistant on a lot more phones, know when to expect the Galaxy S8, and can make YouTube our new TV provider. We also got confirmation on a new Pixel phone, found out that Motorola is back to being itself again, and answered a bunch of your questions in a new Q&A session. There is a boat load of mega-news in this week's recap, so you'll want to take your time. Everything below is well worth a look, especially as we get ready for the launch of this year's first round of top-tier smartphones.

Cool picture, eh?

DEAL: Buy Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge for $100 Off on Best Buy, Receive $100 Gift Card, Wireless Charger, and 256GB SD Card

Tim — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:37:52 +0000

For a limited time, Best Buy is hosting a deal for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge buyers, offering the devices at $100 off their typical prices (S7 for $562, S7 Edge for $692), plus throwing in a $100 e-gift card, wireless charger, and 256GB microSD card. In order to claim this deal, much like other deals of this nature, you will have to sign up for service, plus a device payment plan through either AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. If you were already in the market, it's a good deal, especially when you include all the free goodies and $100 gift card. If you were hoping for an unlocked deal, this isn't it. As I mentioned, your service can be purchased from AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. There's also a variety of color options available. Well over $300 worth of free stuff? Not bad, Best Buy. Best Buy Link

Amazon's New Alexa-Powered Devices Could Act as a Home Intercom System

Kellen — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:16:44 +0000

If Amazon has their way, devices like the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot will become the ultimate home communication system of the future. According to a report out of Recode, Amazon is not only working on new Alexa-powered devices that should be able to make phone calls, they'd like multiple units throughout a house to act as an intercom system as well. Their report is based on multiple sources, who expect new Alexa devices in the coming months. This news follows-up a report from the Wall Street Journal in February suggesting that Amazon and Google were both working on adding phone functionality to their home assistant tech. The thought was that you could initiate phone calls using your voice and an at-home speaker assistant. Recode's report suggests that Amazon is indeed going forward with this functionality while adding on the intercom stuff too. We still don't know how Amazon will implement a phone feature. Will they let you use your current phone number? Will they have to create a Google Voice-like system that provides a single master phone number? However they do it, consider me interested.

Via: Recode

DL Q&A Sessions: Volume 45 Answers

Tim — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 10:39:57 +0000

This past Monday, we ask you to submit questions for Volume 45 of the DL Q&A Sessions. Naturally, you delivered, so now we're here to provide you with our answers. This week, questions ranged in topic, covering what we expect from Google I/O this year, at what price the LG G6 is a good buy, and if Android Wear 2.0 has reinvigorated our love for Google's smartwatch platform. Oh, we also got asked about beer, too. Awesome. Let's get to it. Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim.

What are your expectations for I/O this year?

K: Google Assistant everywhere. My guess is that Google Home will see a bunch of new features too, or we’ll see partners build Assistant into other products like Home. In other words, Assistant will be opened up on some level because Google will have to if it ever wants to try and catch Amazon. I also think we might see this merging of Chrome OS and Android in some form. Google can keep denying it all they want, but it makes a lot of sense to have the wealth of Android apps available to Chromebooks and not in this super janky beta state we have had since last IO.

T: Well, not to downplay anything that took place last year, but it was on the boring side. The biggest things announced were Google Home, Android Wear 2.0, and Google Assistant. To me, Google Home is awesome, but it relates directly to Google Assistant. The same for Android Wear 2.0. What makes that update special is support for Google Assistant. Even Allo, for example, has Assistant, too! To sum it up, I/O 2016 was about a digital assistant. For me, I'm ready for something bigger and better.

The LG G6 looks like a good phone. At what price point is it a good buy?

K: Well, Google is still selling the Pixel from $650, yet the G6 features so much more like IP68 water resistance, a bigger higher-res display, dual cameras, and an ultra premium design that isn’t an iPhone clone. I’d say it’s probably worth at least $650, probably even more. I know that some will complain about the Snapdragon 821, but that chipset isn’t really that old. I doubt Qualcomm has offered some massive discount on the 821 to OEMs. It’d be nice to get it at $600, I just don’t think LG can do that.

T: Reports from Korea say that its G6 model will be priced at 899,800 KRW, which converts to about $780. To me, that's bad news for LG. You're asking folks to pay Samsung and Apple prices for something they may not be sure about. If it was up to me, which it isn't, I'd shoot for $599. However, considering the features it has (IP68, wireless charging, dual cameras), I don't see LG being able to meet such a competitive price. When you offer high-end specs and features, you have to charge reasonably for it. Does LG have the marketing power to convince US consumers to spend nearly $800 on their smartphone? We'll find out soon enough.

What's your go to beer at the moment?

K: Block 15 Sticky Hands. Best IPA in the business in my opinion.

T: Occidental's Hefeweizen. Yum yum!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

K: I don’t know that I’ve ever really thought about it, but probably some place warm that doesn’t rain 800 days per year like Portland. While I love Portland, living on a beach and seeing the sun most days would be a solid life.

T: I'd love a spot in the woods. Northern California, probably. My original home.

Thoughts on the return of the Nokia 3310?

K: Couldn’t care less.

T: There's a reason it's not coming to the US. It's dumb.

Name a movie that you hate but everyone else seems to love.

K: Avatar.

T: I can't think of a movie right off, but I can give you a TV show: Westworld. It's cool enough, but I'm not in love with its storytelling the same way others appear to be.

What's your take on bezel-less displays? Gimmick or awesome?

K: After using the LG G6 for most of the week, I think this is a smart way to do it. The phone has almost all display that’s flat, but there are still bezels that allow you to not accidentally press the side of a display every time you grab the phone. I’m actually worried about the Galaxy S8 and am assuming that its curved, zero-edge display is going to be a nightmare for accidental presses.

T: The G6's display and design is no gimmick. It's actually quite nice. Provided there's no curving going on, it makes handling the phone very easy. I share Kellen's concerns about Samsung's implementation on the Galaxy S8. I shall reserve judgement, though.

Thoughts on Android Wear 2.0? Enough to bring you back?

K: Outside of the UI changing a bit upfront, it’s really not a huge change overall. Everything still works mostly the same. NFC in some watches for payments will be a nice addition, but there still isn’t a lot there to get people on board, I don’t think. The big complaints we still have are mostly around battery life and charging. Wear 2.0 certainly doesn’t fix that. T: I have yet to see a smartwatch that gets me excited about Android Wear again. The last time I felt good about it was the Huawei Watch and Moto 360 (OG and 2nd Gen). The new Huawei Watch looks pretty terrible and the Watch Sport is just too big. The OS itself is fine for me, it's cool, but the hardware needs to be even better. C'mon, OEMs, you can do better!

Check out our previous Q&A posts!

This Updated Play Store UI Sure Seems to be Rolling Out

Kellen — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 10:25:03 +0000

Google appears to be rolling out a slightly tweaked Google Play UI today that should make updating individual apps an easier task. You should be able to see what I'm talking about in the image above, where apps that have updates show with a new "UPDATE" box for quick-tap updating. In the current Play store UI, the installed apps page will show you if apps have updates, but in order to update them individually, you have to tap on the app, go to app's page, and then tap on "Update." You could tap "UPDATE ALL" to update everything, of course. However, one less tap to control the individual update experience isn't something I'm about to complain about and fully welcome. I feel like we saw this change in testing a while back, but a new wave of people are seeing the update this morning. Let us know if you are as well. The change is likely a server-side thing, so feel free to hold off on the Play .apk begging.

Via: @Hack1nt0sh3r | @L_Hershy | reddit

We're Getting Another Google Pixel This Year in the "Premium" Category

Kellen — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 07:46:24 +0000

Just in case you had any doubts about the future of Google's newly introduced line of premium Pixel devices, Google senior VP of hardware, Rick Osterloh, has put them to bed. During a quick chat with the crew at AndroidPit, Osterloh confirmed that they'll be back with a "successor" to the original Pixel and that it will stay in the "premium" realm of smartphones. Not that we weren't expecting another round of Pixel phones this year, but there was nothing wrong with holding out hope that Pixel would take on Nexus-level pricing again for round 2. Osterloh did specifically say, "Pixel stays premium," so yeah, get used to top-tier pricing, like you would get with a Galaxy S or iPhone. As for launch timing, Osterloh would only say that there is an "annual rhythm" to the smartphone industry and that we should expect them to "follow it." In other words, a new Pixel phone should arrive around the time the last Pixel arrived, which was in October of last year.

Via: AndroidPit

DEAL: Samsung Gear Fit2 is Just $99 at Verizon ($80 Off), TurboPower Type-C Charger at $19.99 ($20 Off)

Kellen — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:16:10 +0000

Heads-up, deal hunters. Verizon is hosting some solid discounts on a bunch of accessories this week. I don't know what the occasion is, but you can find steals on items like the Samsung Gear Fit2 for just $99.99 ($80 off). They also have discounts on SanDisk microSD cards, including the Ultra Plus 128GB card for $59.99 ($40 off), or Motorola's USB Type-C TurboPower charger for $19.99 ($20 off). Finally, and it appears to be out of stock now, but they were selling the Samsung Gear 360 for just $99.99 (!). That's a $250 discount on Samsung's 360-degree camera, so you may want to keep an eye on it just incase they re-stock. Verizon Links:

Samsung Gear Fit2 ($99.99, $80 off)
Samsung Gear 360 ($99.99, $250 off)
SanDisk 128GB Ultra Plus microSD ($59.99, $40 off)
SanDisk 64GB Ultra Plus microSD ($39.99, $10 off)
Motorola TurboPower USB Type-C wall charger ($19.99, $20 off)

Exchange Tasks Now Supported in Gmail App

Tim — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:20:52 +0000

Announced today, the Gmail app for Android users now supports Exchange Tasks, meaning no more fumbling between multiple apps to stay on top of the work you need to get done. As detailed by the Gmail team, this new feature will synchronize your tasks with Exchange, regardless of whether you're on WiFi on mobile data connection. Users can create a task, edits date or priority, as well as flag an email as a to-do for getting to it later. Considering most people should be familiar with Gmail and its UI, the goal is that users won't need to relearn anything to work it. Exchange users, enjoy. Play Link

Via: Google

Thursday Poll: What Flagship Are You Leaning Towards Currently?

Tim — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 13:08:59 +0000

It's already March and the US market has yet to see a major flagship launch from the larger Android OEMs. While a couple have been announced (LG G6 and HTC U Ultra), there are another couple scheduled for unveiling on March 29, those being the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ from Samsung. However, thanks to various leaks and reports, it's possible many potential buyers have already made up their minds on which phone they're leaning towards. To sum up what we have so far, the LG G6 is a huge change up from last year's G5, featuring water resistance and a 18:9 QHD display. Pricing and exact availability is not yet known, but expect it in April. The Galaxy S8, at least from what we've seen, has a very interesting hardware design with hardly any bezel around its display. It also seems like a safe assumption that it will be water resistant and have a crazy-good camera, too. As for the U Ultra from HTC, it was announced mid-January and we're still waiting on an exact launch date for the US. For specs, it has a secondary ticker display, no water resistance, Snapdragon 821, no headphone jack, and a large 5.7" QHD LCD display. Pricing is confirmed, though, unlocked starting at $749. Let us know which way you're leaning! [poll id="445"]

Motorola is Back to Embracing the Name "Motorola" Again

Kellen — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 12:45:44 +0000

Remember at last year's CES when Lenovo confusingly tried to tell the world that it was phasing out the Motorola name as it moved towards "Moto by Lenovo" branded phones? Yeah, well, Lenovo (and Motorola) has decided that that was probably a mistake and is now willing to re-embrace Motorola as a brand. According to a story by CNET, Motorola chairman and president Aymar de Lencquesaing said during a conversation that his company now has "clarity on how we present ourselves." That means we should get the Motorola batwing back in action, a heavy push of the Moto Z brand with Moto Mods, and expanded distribution to carriers outside of Verizon. Beyond that, CNET is reporting that Lenovo will eventually bring Motorola phones to almost all regions they currently sell phones, though it could take a while. Obviously, the US and Brazil are big Motorola markets already, but they see other places, like in Russia and China where Lenovo is big, that could prove to be beneficial. De Lencquesaing also mentioned some interesting bits about the Moto Z and how it has seen much more success as it has aged than most phones. As you probably imagined, most phones sell well right out of the gate and then fizzle as they get older. But according to de Lencquesaing, the Moto Z has picked up more sales, likely because of the big marketing spend they are going through to re-brand themselves, but also because of the Moto Mods that people have apparently fallen all over. That's big news for Motorola, especially as we get ready for a new Moto Z this year, along with a whole bunch of new Moto Mods. On a related note, he also talked about Motorola's lack of a 3rd gen Moto 360 or new smartwatch. According to the Motorola exec, his company doesn't simply want to be "in the business doing a product for the sake of doing a product," and that he sees too few practical uses in smartwatches for them to build another one. I can't say I disagree there, especially knowing that the majority of our readers were fans of the Moto 360, yet he all-but-admitted theirs never sold well. To recap, Motorola is back and that whole "Moto by Lenovo" stuff is likely on the way out. If I'm understanding de Lencquesaing correctly, we should all prepare for a big Motorola push back onto your favorite carriers this year. That's an exciting thought for fans of this iconic brand.

Via: CNET

DEAL: That Aukey Dash Cam We Featured is on Sale for $54 With This Coupon Code

Tim — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 10:59:21 +0000

I recently went over a bit of my "favorite tech stuff," and in that post, I featured the Aukey Dash Cam. I'm still using it, and since writing it up, I actually had an experience where it came in handy (awful Oregon drivers!). Because of this, and due to the fact that it is on sale through Amazon with the help of a coupon code ($54, down from $90), I'm here to highlight it once more. The Dash Cam itself is pretty barebones, but that's what I like about it. The camera is capable of shooting up to 1080p footage (night recording is solid), recording interior audio, with all storage managed by a removable microSD card. Once you have footage you want to share, all you do is pop the SD card into your desktop or smartphone, then upload it to wherever you'd like. As I have stated, dash cams in general -- not just the Aukey -- are a clutch accessory for your car. You never know when you'll need it, but when something happens and you do have it, it's reassuring. Yes, there are plenty more fancy and high-res dash cams out there, but for $55, the Aukey seems like a steal. To get the $54 price, enter the coupon code - AUKCAR54. Amazon Link Check out my fun encounter below that I captured on the Aukey. Person just blows through their stop sign, apparently forgetting you're supposed to look both ways before accelerating into a two-way. [responsive_vid]

Allo Update Brings Animated Emoji, One Tap Launching of Google Assistant

Kellen — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 09:35:48 +0000

Allo, Google's messenger application whose target audience is the size of Rhode Island, is receiving an update today that makes it easier to launch Google Assistant. The update will also add animated emoji and make GIF searching more fun. I say "fun" because there are swipes involved. Swipe are fun, right? I could now take some time to talk about how all of that works, but Google created these fancy GIFs that do it better. Ready for hot GIF action on a Thursday morning? Here we go. New GIF search:

Animated emoji:

New Assistant button:

Cool. The update starts rolling out today. Play Link

Via: Google

Google Assistant Rollout to Android M, N Devices Starting Today

Tim — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 08:19:58 +0000

As detailed this past weekend at MWC, Google is launching Google Assistant for all phones running Marshmallow and higher (Nougat). When that was announced, Google said rollout would begin sometime this week. Well, today is the day! In a video posted to YouTube, Google says the rollout of Assistant begins today, first going out to English users in the US, followed by English users in Australia. Here's what Google previously sad about devices receiving Assistant.

The Google Assistant will begin rolling out this week to English users in the U.S., followed by English in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as German speakers in Germany. We’ll continue to add more languages over the coming year. The Google Assistant will automatically come to eligible Android phones running Nougat and Marshmallow with Google Play Services.

To sum it up, be on the lookout for a Play Services update via Google Play on your device. That's how Assistant will come. What's the first thing you'll do with your Assistant?

The LG G6's Wallpaper Took Months to Create

Tim — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:03:09 +0000

As I always say, a flagship phone is only as good as its default wallpaper (Editor's Note: I don't actually say that, but I should). In the case of the LG G6, it's pretty darn good. As it turns out, LG took a couple of months to create the image, relying on physical mediums for its creation, not digital renders as you might expect. In the below film that briefly chronicles the adventure, we can see the designers utilizing paper, acrylic, plus a variety of paint to deliver what ended up being the final design. With a little guidance from Pantone, LG's wallpaper for the G6 is undoubtedly vibrant, textured, and plenty colorful. As I have said, the wallpaper is great, but still, two months seems like an awfully long time. [responsive_vid]

Should You Ditch Your Verizon Grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan for Verizon Unlimited? I Did.

Kellen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:37:39 +0000

Now that Verizon has a new unlimited plan available after spending years trying to force you off of your grandfathered unlimited plan, it might be time to figure out if those old digs are worth hanging onto. In my opinion, it's probably worth making the switch, unless you fall into a pretty narrow category of grandfathered unlimited users. I'm not trying to sell you on the idea, but we have had a handful of people ask - both in comments and via email - for our take on the situation. So in order to do that, let me walk through my scenario, because I did indeed cancel my grandfathered unlimited plan for Verizon Unlimited. The biggest reason for changing was the cost. Verizon has spent the past couple of years raising the price on unlimited data users not in contract, while also taking features away. In 2015, they began a 3-phase process to increase the price of grandfathered unlimited data users by $20. That meant a $49.99 per month charge in order to use an unlimited amount of data at Verizon, plus whatever minute package you were locked into. For me, that meant a monthly bill of around $145. That's a large bill for a single line and "unlimited" data use that hasn't been truly unlimited in some time. Verizon Unlimited costs just $80 per month for my single line. I'm sure you can do the math there, but over a year we're talking about enough of a difference in cash to cover the cost of another flagship phone purchase. And let's say my wife decided she was done with AT&T and wanted to come back to Verizon. She could do that and we could both have unlimited data for $140 total (plus taxes and fees). In other words, we could both be on Verizon Unlimited, both with tethering and "unlimited" usage, and be right around where my single-line grandfathered plan was. No plan is truly unlimited anymore anyway. Last year, Verizon set a mystery cap on grandfathered unlimited data users using an "extraordinary" amount of data and threatened to kick them off if they hit that cap. We thought at the time that the cap was 100GB of usage in month, but it could be closer to 200GB. Either way, grandfathered users were given a warning by Verizon. "You can no longer use an unlimited amount of data or we will shut your ass down and force you onto something else," is the message they sent. So for me, as someone who wasn't using 400GB of data in a month, switching over to Verizon Unlimited made quite a bit of sense. If I needed to use 15GB or 40GB or 60GB I could. Sure, once I move past the 22GB soft cap, Verizon could throttle me. However, I live and work in a rural suburb of Portland that likely won't see much network congestion, so the chances of being throttled regularly are pretty slim. For you, that might not be the case and as a heavy data user, 22GB may just not be enough with that ongoing thought of throttling in your mind. But again, in my situation, saving $65 per month and still having "unlimited" data seemed worth the switch. I need tethering. Somewhere in the middle of their price-raising on grandfathered unlimited data, Verizon also took away the $29.99 per month add-on for unlimited tethering. As someone who travels for work and needs to be able to tether when hotel internet is spotty or there just isn't a good open WiFi network around, this move by itself almost forced me off. With Verizon Unlimited, I at least get 10GB per month of 4G LTE tethering to use. That's not a ton, but I wasn't getting any previously, after they took the option away from grandfathered unlimited users. If anything, it at least gets me a decent amount of use for the few days a month we do travel. I'll have to be careful when uploading big videos, but again, I'll take the 10GB and be careful rather than try to deal without the option altogether. Those 3 reasons were all I needed to switch. So you can see, the switch wasn't a very difficult decision for me. I'm someone who, depending on the month and the carrier I'm using each day, can use quite a bit of data. However, I'm not the 400GB per month data user. My guess is that on heavy months, I'd jump over the 22GB soft cap, but maybe not by much. I also need tethering and like saving money each month. So why shouldn't you switch? Well, if you are locked into a contract and use massive amounts of data per month, plus you happen to still be able to tether at an unlimited tick, it might be worth hanging around on a grandfathered plan. You won't be throttled at 22GB and Verizon shouldn't be able to run you off the plan until your contract is up. Also, if for some reason your plan cost isn't much more than a single line or multi-line Verizon Unlimited account, it certainly makes sense to stay where you are. Finally, Verizon Unlimited doesn't allow for many employer discounts, as far as I can tell, so the price Verizon is advertising is the price you'll end up paying. But that's all my scenario and how I made my decision. We'd love to hear from you as well on whether or not you made the switch to Verizon Unlimited or stuck with your grandfathered plan. Don't forget to tell us why, also. You can learn more about Verizon Unlimited here.

LG G6 Tips and Tricks: 20+ to Make You a G6 Pro

Tim — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:15:17 +0000

We're still a ways from the official launch of the LG G6 in the US, but if you want to master that phone straight out of the box once it's available, we've got just the video for you. Below, you'll find our LG G6 tips and tricks showcase. The G6 brings a plethora of changes over the G5, including water resistance, a funky-yet-cool 18:9 aspect ratio, plus a set of changes for LG's custom skin. With all that said, there are a lot of settings that you will want to enable and disable, plus shortcuts you will want to learn to help become the best G6 owner out there. In the below video, we go over customizing your lockscreen, all of the various camera options, setting up Smart Lock, utilizing LG's secure folder settings, plus a whole lot more. In total, there's a solid 20+ LG G6 tips and tricks. For this one, grab some popcorn, sit back, and let's go.

LG G6 Tips and Tricks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BuYWBA1A-A LG G6 Deal: Best Buy

OnePlus 3 and 3T Get Android 7.1.1 Open Beta That You Can Install Right Now

Kellen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 11:00:17 +0000

OnePlus dropped a new beta update on OnePlus 3 and 3T owners this morning in the form of Android 7.1.1. Oh yeah, it's 7.1.1 Nougat update time, child. The build is available as an "open" beta, which means we can all update to it right now without much work. You see, OnePlus makes updating incredibly easy as long as you have a file to flash. With these open betas, that's exactly what they provide. Do keep in mind that this is a "beta," so there could be bugs and issues. At the source links below, you'll find lists of changes and bugs that are known. Be sure to dig through those before flashing the update in order to avoid any frustrations. Also, betas are just that, betas. They aren't supposed to be a fully stable build and may have issues that aren't listed. Proceed with some caution. Instructions In order to update, all you need to do is download the file to your phone. You'll find it at a link at the bottom of this post. Once on your phone, make sure it's in the root directory of your storage (that just means it's not in any folder). Once that is complete, head into Settings>System updates. Once in there, tap on the Settings icon in the top right corner and choose "Local upgrade." If the file you downloaded is in the proper folder, it should show up there. Tap on it and begin the update process. It's seriously that easy. What's New

Upgraded to Android 7.1.1
New Shot on OnePlus wallpaper option
Gallery Improvements
- New photo editor with watermark and photo straightening options
- Newly added media will be highlighted in Photos section
- Image location will be displayed on grid view
- Media can be grouped by month and year
- Folders and individual media can be hidden
General bug fixes

Links: OnePlus 3 File and Instructions | OnePlus 3T File and Instructions

Via: OnePlus [2]

Samsung Galaxy S8 Leak Floodgates Now Open

Kellen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:46:24 +0000

You could argue that Samsung mostly skipped Mobile World Congress this year. Sure, they announced a fancy new tablet and VR headset with controller, but we're so used to them showing off their new Galaxy S phone for the year that it was hard to pay close attention. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in 28 days or so, though, which means we'll now see a new leak for the phone every 5 minutes. Yes, the Galaxy S8 leak floodgates are now open. Last night, Evan Blass posted up an official-looking render of the device, giving us the cleanest, non-blurry view of it yet. The image is up top, and it shows the black model with its tiny bezel, all-display front and lack of traditional home front button. It reveals three side buttons, including a volume rocker (left) and power button (right), along with a mystery button we have not seen before. Rumors suggest that will be a dedicated button for launching Samsung's new Bixby assistant. Finally, we get to see a dual-edged display, what is likely an iris scanner up top next to the front 8MP camera, and beautifully rounded corners. But that's not the only leak. This morning, the crew at BGR showed off a handful of photos of a device in the wild that aren't just blurry-cam shots. Here are a couple of them:

The photos don't reveal anything we haven't already seen a time or two, but they are cleaner shots than usual. You get a nice view of the all-display front with virtual navigation buttons (that we're told by multiple sources are customizable), shots of both sides, and a look at the bottom with headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and speaker. The whole phone looks very much like a Galaxy Note 7, only with the display stretched to all corners of its front. And that's a pretty cool thing, since the Note 7 was one of the best phones in terms of size, shape, and design. Well, if you take away that whole battery situation. What do you guys think?

Via: @evleaks | BGR

Cricket Drops Unlimited Plan to $55 With Autopay

Kellen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:13:44 +0000

Starting today, Cricket Wireless is dropping the price of their unlimited data plan offering to $60 per month, including the monthly taxes and fees. If you sign-up for autopay, you could drop the monthly bill to $55 per month. The unlimited data plan from Cricket was previously priced at $70 per month, so customers will now see a solid $10 decrease in their monthly bill. Cricket's unlimited option appears to be replacing the "Pro Plan," which includes 12GB of high-speed data. That plan is still available, from what I can tell, but I'm not sure why you would pay $60 for that and 12GB of data when you can pay the same price for unlimited use. Earlier this week, we pointed out a change to Cricket Wireless' unlimited data offering that would impact some of its heaviest users. Come April 2, Cricket plans to institute a 22GB soft cap on usage, which would leave them the opportunity to throttle use depending on the network situation. That move still stands even though the price has dropped. If you are a Cricket customer, be on the lookout for that price drop.

Via: Cricket Wireless

Google has No Plans for Another Chromebook Pixel Right Now

Kellen — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:04:50 +0000

Even though we spotted a job listing last year that hinted at the possibility of a new Chromebook Pixel in the works, Google squashed any hope of that becoming a reality today, during an interview at MWC. According to TechCrunch, Google's hardware boss, Rick Osterloh, said that the company has "no plans to do one right now." That's unfortunate, as the Chromebook Pixel line was always looked at as a Chromebook innovator that provided a vision for a better Chromebook future. Even if the devices were ridiculously priced and not something most should consider buying, they often were the first to incorporate technologies, like USB Type-C and touch screens. They also featured high-end hardware and design that most Chromebooks frustratingly lack. Of course, this news also puts a bit of a wrinkle in the building storyline over "Andromeda," the rumored Android-Chrome merger operating system. Previous reports suggested that Google may use a new Chromebook Pixel to showcase the rumored OS, but with no plans to make another, you have to wonder if Andromeda is still so heavily in the works that it won't be arriving this year or if Google will just choose one of its many Chromebook partners to release it with. Either way, RIP, Chromebook Pixel line.

Via: TechCrunch

Google Announces YouTube TV Streaming Service, Starts at $35/Month

Tim — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 13:26:06 +0000

At an event in Los Angeles today, Google unveiled YouTube TV. The service, which is not yet available or even ready to be demoed by press, is a live TV streaming service, similar to what you see from AT&T's DIRECTV NOW and Sony's PlayStation Vue. In addition to live TV, though, it offers access to the entirety of YouTube Red Originals, meaning its not exactly short on digital content. Priced at $35 a month, each account is granted up to six users, all of whom receive a catered viewing experience. At launch, YouTube TV will offer ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as about 30 cable channels. Not only that, but the service offers cloud DVR with no storage limits, support for using it on a variety of devices (Chromecast, tablet, Android, iOS, desktop, etc), all capped by no contracts or service agreements. Channels Offered at Launch

Above you can see the channels offered at launch. You will notice a few major omissions, including an HBO add-on (but you can already buy that separately), but maybe more importantly, a set of channels provided by Viacom and Turner Broadcasting, Without those, you won't find access to Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, TBS, TNT, AMC, as well as A&E. While they won't be part of the initial rollout, it's still possible they will come at a later time, but who knows. For sports fans, YouTube TV will indeed offer ESPN, plus regional sports networks like Fox Sports and Comcast SportsNet. That will be good for watching local NBA and MLB teams. YouTube adds that it has partnered with local TV stations, too, allowing viewers access to local sports and news based on where you live. As for where it will be available, YouTube and Google gave no specifics. Currently, "YouTube TV will be available soon in the largest U.S. markets and will quickly expand to cover more cities across the country." So, yeah, not much help there. If you'd like to sign up for updates regarding YouTube TV, follow the link below. For additional details, follow the via link. YouTube TV Link

Via: YouTube

DEAL: Buy Google Home, Get a Free Chromecast or Chromecast Audio

Kellen — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 11:28:23 +0000

Google's latest deal for Google Home, which lands you a free Chromecast or Chromecast Audio in addition to your Home purchase, is live at numerous electronics dealers. The deal is about as straight forward as it gets too. All you have to do is add Google Home and a Chromecast device to your cart and the $35 price of the Chromecast will be dropped from the final total. The Chromecast Ultra is not a part of the discount, just FYI. If curious about Google Home, be sure to checkout our review. Deal Links: Best Buy | B&H Photo | Target | Walmart | Google Store

Waiting for Android Auto in Your BMW? Don't Bother

Tim — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:35:27 +0000

In a recent interview between TechCrunch and BMW's Senior Vice President of Digital Services and Business Models, Dieter May, the German automaker declares Android Auto will not be offered as an option. For anyone keeping track, Apple's CarPlay was given the green light last year and is already available in select Bimmer models. In May's own words, "We believe the changes that are coming to the inside of the car and the user experience — like self-driving cars — you have to control the customer interface. That’s part of the brand experience and for that, I don’t want to have an Android screen and I especially want to be able to deeply integrate these systems." While those words may sound disrespectful to Android Auto, don't take it personally. May backs up his statement with a view that each service has its own set of strengths. While Google masters search, Amazon commands e-commerce, and Cortana handles Skype, BMW wants a more integrated and safer platform for its drivers. Focusing on Apps 2 Auto (A2A), part of BMW's ConnectedDrive platform, more control over development allows BMW to offer apps that are better connected to the vehicle itself. Not only that, but by basing the platform in the cloud, owners can take their data and presets from vehicle to vehicle, should they be fortunate enough to own multiple BMWs. Essentially, instead of focusing on offering each and every infotainment service available, BMW wants a streamlined, refined experience. For that, we can't blame them. If you need Android Auto that badly, you can always get a Hyundai.

Via: TechCrunch

LG G6: First 10 Things You Should Do

Kellen — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:14:20 +0000

The LG G6 doesn't have a firm launch date just yet, but once it does show up at your local carrier store, we want you to know exactly the types of settings to consider as you unbox and then begin setup. As we have done with top-tier phones for some time, we've put together a video list of the first 10 things we think you should do to help get you on your way to getting the most out of your new phone. In this clip, we aren't taking you on a tour of the G6, since we already did that here. Instead, we cover things like, where the SIM and SD card tray is, how to tweak the lock screen shortcuts and quick settings tiles, whether or not you should choose a new launcher right away (spoiler: you should), and what the quickest way into the camera is as you pull the phone out of your pocket. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krf9nwZ43Us

Google I/O Hopefuls Are Beginning to Receive Confirmation Emails

Tim — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:54:10 +0000

No picture depicts pure joy like that of this man wearing LG's Tone Studio collar, so we felt it was appropriate for this post. Anyway, as the headline states, confirmation emails for those who entered for a chance to attend Google I/O 2017 are rolling out, which means, go check your inbox! To make it this far, you will have had to put down a deposit of over $1,000 (unless you have a valid .edu email address, then its $300+), meaning there's plenty of people who probably didn't even bother. That's quite a chunk of change to spend a few days in the scorching sun of Mountain View, CA. However, if you did want to go, you'll be bumping shoulders with thousands of developers, Googlers, tech bloggers, and the latest Android tech. It's quite an experience. We have our fingers crossed for anyone and everyone who entered! If you are attending, let us know! We'll be in attendance and would love to grab beer, you know, because of the heat and all.

Cheers Kenneth (and congrats)!

Fossil Q Lineup to Receive Android Wear 2.0 Mid-March, ZenWatch 2 and 3 in Early Q2

Tim — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:41:07 +0000

While Android Wear 2.0 has been available from Google for a couple of weeks now, device makers seem to be taking their sweet time in rolling out the update. Not that having to wait surprises us as Android users, but this week, Fossil and ASUS have at least updated users on their rollout intentions via Twitter. According to Fossil, its entire Q lineup (Q Founder, Q Marshal, etc.) should receive Android Wear 2.0 in mid-March. As for ASUS, it states that the ZenWatch 2 and ZenWatch 3 will receive the update in early Q2, meaning sometime after April 1. Of course, once Android Wear 2.0 does hit these devices, users can expect to find Google Assistant, a revamped UI, plus an overhauled fitness tracking experience. For an overview of Android Wear 2.0 on the LG Watch Sport, be sure to check out our video. If you own a different Android Wear watch and are curious if you will also receive the update, here's the complete list of watches that are to receive the update.

Via: @Fossil | @ASUSUSA

SanDisk Introduces Even Faster 256GB Extreme A1 Rated MicroSD Card

Kellen — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 15:33:24 +0000

In January, SanDisk introduced us to one of the first A1 rated microSD cards, the Ultra 256GB beast of a card that's A1 rating meant it was able to run apps properly. Today, SanDisk is taking their 256GB offering up a notch by introducing the Extreme version of the same card. With the new Extreme 256GB A1 rated card, you get transfer speeds of up to 100MB/s, instead of the 95MB/s we saw in the previous card. The big deal is the A1 Application Performance Class rating, though, as the card should work quite well for those who wish to take advantage of Android's Adoptable Storage. This card was built to run apps and will probably be a great match for your new LG G6 or Galaxy S8. The new Extreme 256GB microSD card from SanDisk will cost $199.99 when it arrives in March. If you need a 256GB A1 rated card today, you can order the Ultra 256GB from SanDisk over at Amazon for a newly discounted price of $149.99.

Via: BusinessWire

Want to Recreate the LG G6's Rounded Display on Your Phone? There's an App for That!

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 15:07:39 +0000

The LG G6 introduces a display with rounded corners, something we aren't exactly used to seeing on many Android devices. With that said, I've been using the G6 as my daily driver for the past 2 days, and so far, I'm digging the round corners. Now, for everyone else who has to wait until the G6 is launched in the US, I have an app for you that can reproduce the G6's rounded display look. The app and its concept are not new at all, but considering the positive feedback on the G6 I have been seeing, I figured I'd share it for anyone looking to recreate that rounded look. The app is called Cornerfly, and essentially, it rounds your display's corners, regardless of which phone you use. When you open the app, it works instantly, but permission for drawing over apps will need to be granted. Other than that, setup is easy. Settings for Cornerfly include a persistent notification for adjusting the corners (can be disabled), as well as customizing the size of the corners. If you want massive corners, that's fine, or you can take the subtle route, which also looks good. The app is free to download and use, but for even more control over the effect, you can pay $0.99. That price also removes all of the ads from within the app. Not too shabby. Also, for anyone who says it looks bad, don't judge it by these photos. It looks pretty good in person on my Pixel XL, and should look even better on phones with a black front, not white. Play Link

There's New Games to Pre-Register for on Google Play, Plus Exciting Daydream Games Coming Soon

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:06:22 +0000

The annual GDC (Game Developers Conference) has kicked off in San Francisco, and considering how mobile gaming has become such a large part of the overall gaming industry, it's only fitting that Google be in attendance and make a few announcements. Most importantly for consumers, there are three new games coming to Android soon, all three of which are available for pre-registration on Google Play. These titles include Transformers: Forged to Fight, Battle Breakers, and Injustice 2. We don't have exact launch dates, but considering the pre-registration, we should be close. There is also a list of Daydream VR titles coming soon, all from various development houses. There titles are Virtual Rabbids, Beartopia, Virtual Virtual Reality, and Along Together (trailer below.) To celebrate these upcoming titles, Google is hosting a sale on three other VR games starting March 1, including 50% off Need for Speed: No Limits VR. That's typically a $15 game, so be sure to check it out once the sale kicks in. As these titles hit Google Play (especially the Daydream ones), we'll let you know. Daydream Games 50% Off Starting March 1

To pre-register for the aforementioned titles, follow the link below. Google Play Pre-Registration Link

Along Together Trailer

Via: Google [2]

T-Mobile Thanking Customers With 2 Lines With Free 3rd Line

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:11:59 +0000

T-Mobile announced its latest thanking for customers this morning, being a free line of service for anyone already using at least two lines on a Simple Choice or T-Mobile ONE plan. The way it works is pretty straightforward. Should you already be paying for at least two lines through T-Mobile ONE or Simple Choice, you can get a 3rd line with the same data plan for free after bill credits. As detailed on T-Mobile's website, "The free line will match your current paid voice line data, i.e. T-Mobile ONE customers will receive a FREE T-Mobile ONE line and similarly, Simple Choice customers will receive a FREE Simple Choice line. If your lines have varying amounts of data, the free line will match the line with the least amount of data." Additionally, the line can be used however you see fit. If you'd like a new phone line, that's doable, but you can also use the 3rd line for your smartwatch, tablet, or even use it for your vehicle with T-Mobile's SyncUp Drive (WiFi hotspot in your car). This promotion kicks off March 1 and will only last for limited time, but the amount of time you keep this free line has no end, so long as your account stays in good standing and you maintain the qualifying service with line count. All the fine print and details can be found on T-Mobile's website.

Via: T-Mobile [2]

Huawei P10 and P10+ Official at MWC, If Only They'd Come to the US

Kellen — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:55:38 +0000

I know we're slow on this, but what can you expect when we're about to talk about phones that will likely never arrive here in the US. Or if they do, they'll be super late, priced too high, and a tough sell. Either way, Huawei did announce the P10 and P10+ at MWC this weekend. They look great. You have 5.1-inch FHD and 5.5-inch 2K displays, Kirin 960 processors, 4-6GB of RAM, 32-256GB of storage, dual camera setups with Leica branding that feature monochrome and color shooters, Android 7.0 Nougat with EMUI 5.1, big batteries (3200mAh and 3750mAh), and a whole bunch of fun colors to choose from. If I were in Europe, I'd most definitely consider one of the two as my next phone. I'd sit here and attempt to add more to the story, but that's hard when we'll probably never touch one. Ummm, so yeah, Huawei has new phones that look really great if you don't live in the US. We're a US-focused site. Who wants to import one?

Huawei P10 and P10+ Specs

[table id=60 /]

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 45

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:36:21 +0000

Thanks to MWC and all of the announcements that have taken place, it's completely natural if you have questions about some of it. With the Q&A Sessions, now is the perfect time to get those questions in, and we'll do our best to answer them as well as provide our own perspective. As for what we can help you out with, we've got the LG G6 in-house, so any questions about that we can handle. We can also discuss the latest Android Wear devices and if it's even worth picking one up. And of course, your questions don't need to only be about Android, we can talk about anything so feel free to let loose. We'll close the comments on Friday morning, round up your questions, then have your answers shortly thereafter. Let's see what you got.

LG Mobile Chief Confirms March 10 Launch for G6 in Korea, LG Pay in June

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:48:30 +0000

During an interview at MWC with LG's mobile chief, Cho Juno, the Korean launch date for the G6 was confirmed, plus details concerning LG Pay and why LG opted to keep its logo on the frontside of the newly announced device were discussed. Confirmed by Juno, the G6 will launch on March 10 in Korea, but he gave no exact date for the US. Previous reports claim we can expect it in early April, and to back that up, Verizon states it will be available on its network this spring. Pricing was also mentioned, with the Korean price starting at 899,800 won, which converts to roughly $795. Not exactly cheap, but IP68 and hardware design such as this has a tendency to do that. Juno also discussed LG Pay, the company's own take on mobile payments. Stated by him, LG intends to launch the service in June, but gave no specifics on where it will first be available or how exactly they intend to implement it. Here in the US and other Asian markets, there is already a bit of competition (Android Pay, Samsung Pay), so our guess is LG wants to be sure it has a solid service before giving it the green light. Regarding the LG logo on the G6's bottom frontside, Juno shares that in its consumer surveys, "The US consumers, in particular, showed affection for the logo. So we decided to retain the logo this time." However, that may not always be the case, with Juno adding, "With the screen getting larger and larger, it is a matter of time before we remove it." As more details concerning the G6's launch in the US are made known, we'll keep you updated.

Via: The Investor

Sony Announces Xperia XZ Premium, With 4K Display and Snapdragon 835

Kellen — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:49:23 +0000

Sony, as is typically the case during Mobile World Congress, unveiled a range of new Xperia smartphones. This year, they gave us the Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZs. The XZs is supposed to appeal to the budget crowd who still wants decent specs, while the XZ Premium is attempting to be as premium as it gets, with 4K display and Snapdragon 835. The XZ Premium is designed with front and back glass panels, along with a thin premium body and a classic Sony design with IP68 water resistance. This phone will certainly look familiar to anyone familiar with Sony's phones. In a way, it's much of the same from Sony that we see year after year, which I'm not sure is the best thing for a company struggling to sell phones. Let's move on before we digress too deeply. The XZ Premium does feature a whole bunch of goodness, once you get past the design. You've got that 4K display I mentioned, along with a Snapdragon 835 and a new 19MP Sony Exmor camera that supposedly captures stuff the eye can't see. It does super slow motion at 960 frames per second in 720p and has 19% larger pixels. Sony included high resolution audio playback as well, along with quick charging. Sony's XZ Premium will launch in black or chrome in "late Spring." I hate to be a downer again, but Sony's phones almost always launch incredibly late here at incredibly high prices. If we're talking "late Spring" for a global launch, that probably means a late Summer launch in the US. This phone does have high-end specs that should carry it through the year, but in 5 or 6 months, will you care?

Sony Xperia XZ Premium Specs

[table id=59 /]

Via: Sony

Video: Functioning Galaxy S8, S8+ Get Brief Hands-on Time

Tim — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:44:46 +0000

We are nearly a month away (March 29) from the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, but as we draw closer to that date, we're likely to see more leaks and intel regarding the devices, simply because that's how this industry tends to work. In the latest development, two hands-on videos have hit the web, giving us pretty solid looks at what we can expect from Samsung. In both videos, what seem to be separate individuals take us on a tour of the devices, with one diving slightly more into software and the other detailing the surrounding hardware. While we do get good looks at both phones, do note that in the first video embedded below, both devices are wearing cases. From what we can see, both devices look rather tall and skinny, but given the frontside has nearly no bezel, that effect is what Samsung is going for. When the phones are twisted and we get a look at the backside, the placement of the fingerprint reader appears to match that of previous reports, so everything seems to be lining up pretty well. I will say, it's pretty unfortunate that we are getting these types of leaks a month out from unveiling. If there's an entire month of high quality leaks for the S8 and S8+, there won't be much excitement left when Samsung does make them official. Check out the videos, then share your thoughts below.

Cricket Wireless Sets 22GB Data Cap on Unlimited Data, Will Begin Throttling Their Throttle on April 2

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 21:52:04 +0000

For years, Cricket Wireless plans have been some of the best bang-for-your-buck plans in the entire industry. Their $70 unlimited offering, for example, which costs $65 after a $5 autopay credit, has always been truly "unlimited" without a cap or the "network management" we see on other carrier plans. Couple that fact with Cricket's use of AT&T's nationwide network and you see exactly why their plans are tough to beat. Unfortunately for Cricket unlimited plan subscribers, I have bad news to share on this front. That all changes on April 2. This weekend, Cricket began notifying its unlimited data plan subscribers that they will soon be subject to "Congestion Management," which is a fancy way of saying that unlimited customers who use 22GB of data in a billing cycle, could be throttled. This change becomes extra crazy when you consider the fact that Cricket already reduces speeds of its customers to 8Mbps at all times. Cricket plans to throttle their throttle. Think about that. Like with other carriers, the 22GB cap resets each billing cycle. It also doesn't mean you'll be throttled at all times, only when you have eclipsed the 22GB limit and are on a congested network. After you leave a congested area, you should be able to resume your previously throttled 8Mbps experience. On a related note, Cricket will rollout a new feature on April 2 called Stream More. It's a video throttling service that sounds as if it'll be turned on automatically for all customers. You can turn it off or back on as you please, but Stream More does drop video content to 480p. If April rolls around and you are wondering why your video streams look terrible, this is why. You'll find the option in your MyCricket app. And finally, Cricket announced this weekend that they plan to introduce Voice-overLTE (VoLTE) and WiFi calling within the year.

Via: Cricket [2]

Cheers Patrick!

AT&T Introduces Two New Unlimited Plans, Plus and Choice

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 21:17:25 +0000

When AT&T took the DirecTV requirement off of their unlimited data plan a couple of weeks ago in reaction to the rest of the US carriers all making unlimited moves, I can't say that people exactly warmed to AT&T's offering. Nothing was really different about the plan, other than the fact that anyone could buy it. It still didn't include tethering and wasn't really that cheap when compared to others. Come this Thursday, AT&T is giving in a bit and mixing it up with two new plans called Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Choice. Below, you'll find an image that breaks down each plan, but as the names suggest, Plus is the better of the two in terms of features. Unlimited Plus starts at $90 for the first line, includes HD video (I'm assuming at whatever the content provider provides), 10GB per line of tethering per month, and full 4G LTE speeds. AT&T is looking to sweeten the deal further, though, if you are interested in DirecTV, DirecTV NOW, or U-Verse TV subscriptions. As long as you sign-up for one of those services, they'll toss in a $25 "monthly video credit." The big advertised deal is going to be Unlimited Plus, along with DirecTV for $115 after the credit. That should mean $90 for your wireless plan + $50 for DirecTV service - $25 credit. If you don't want DirecTV, they are doing a similar deal for DirecTV NOW that could get you into both Plus and NOW for $100 per month. The Unlimited Choice plan is a bit different. This plan starts at $60 for a single line, does not include tethering or the TV credit, features SD (480p) video "streamed at max 1.5Mbps," and capped overall data speeds at 3Mbps. Yes, this is fully throttled wireless service. But hey, $60 isn't bad...I guess? In other notes, just know that you'll need autopay and paperless billing in order to get advertised pricing, plus AT&T can throttle you at 22GB of usage on a line. Sign-up for AT&T unlimited plans here.

Via: AT&T

Samsung Introduces New Gear VR at MWC With a Controller

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 20:58:27 +0000

Alongside the Galaxy Tab S3, Samsung also unwrapped a new Gear VR at MWC that should excite VR fans. The new Gear VR is officially called Gear VR with Controller, because well, it comes with a controller. Think Google Daydream, but for Samsung phones. The new Gear VR with Controller features 42mm lenses with 101-degree field of view (FOV) and "advanced distortion correction technology to minimize motion sickness." Like the previous gen model, it also lets you swap between microUSB and USB Type-C depending on your phone's port. As a new feature, since it has a controller, Samsung added in a special strap to hold the controller when not in use. The new Gear VR works with the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+, S6 and S6 Edge. As for the controller, you get a device with back, home, volume, trigger, and touchpad buttons. It's powered by two AAA batteries that will get you up to 2 hours of daily use for 40 days. The controller, like with other controller-controlled VR systems, gives users the ability to point and drag and drop and tilt and shoot, and all of that other fun stuff you always wanted in VR, but couldn't because you had to use a dumb touchpad on the side of your headset. It should make the Gear VR instantly a must-have for VR fans who own a Galaxy device, but also for those looking to get into VR for the first time. Samsung hasn't said when the new Gear VR with Controller will be available, but my guess is that it will launch with the Galaxy S8 in just over a month.

Via: Samsung

Samsung Makes Galaxy Tab S3 Official at MWC With Refined S Pen

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 20:46:58 +0000

Samsung may not have announced the Galaxy S8 at MWC today, but they did show off their new Android-powered tablet, the Galaxy Tab S3. We knew this bad boy was coming, so let's run through the official details. To start, Samsung isn't saying how much this tablet will cost or when you can buy it. Weird, I know, but that's the situation we are in. Should they make that info available, you'll get a high-end tablet in a world that isn't filled with many tablets anymore. The Galaxy Tab S3 features a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display (2048x1536), Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage with microSD expansion, 13MP rear camera, USB Type-C port (USB 3.1), fingerprint sensor, WiFi/LTE/Bluetooth, 6000mAh battery with Fast Charging, and Android 7.0 Nougat underneath Samsung's skin. See, pretty decent specs for a tablet. Samsung is pushing this tablet as both a media and productivity device. On one hand, they expect over 12 hours of video playback on it, 4K support, and quad-stereo speakers that have been tuned by AKG by HARMAN (who Samsung now owns). On the other, you have a "refined" or "enhanced" S Pen that is bigger and more comfortable to use when getting creative or getting work done. The Tab S3 comes in silver or black, WiFi or LTE models. Again, we have no idea when this thing is showing up or how much it will cost.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Specs

[table id=58 /]

Via: Samsung

Samsung Teases the Galaxy S8, Unpacked Scheduled for March 29

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 10:52:27 +0000

If you are anything like us, you may have been watching Samsung's MWC press event just to get a possible peek at what the company is planning for the Galaxy S8. Well, the teaser has hit the web, and we now have an official date for when we'll see the entire thing. In the below video, Samsung doesn't exactly show off the Galaxy S8, but it does hint at the front design that we have seen here and there. From what we can gather, the rumors and leaks have been spot on - the Galaxy S8 will feature a massive screen-to-body ratio. At the end of the video, a March 29 date is set for Galaxy Unpacked. That's a month away. Get hyped, folks.

This is the #GalaxyS8 teaser Samsung will be showing in a few moments. Galaxy UNPACKED will be held on March 29, 2017. #MWC2017 pic.twitter.com/6kYY4G1LSZ
— Faryaab Sheikh (@Faryaab) February 26, 2017

Watch Samsung's MWC 2017 Press Conference Live!

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 09:38:24 +0000

Samsung's Mobile World Congress 2017 press event kicks off in minutes. While we aren't expecting it to be the showcase for the Galaxy S8, Samsung should still have plenty of stuff to talk about, including a new Galaxy Tab S3. But if you really just came hoping to see the Galaxy S8, Samsung might show off a couple of minute teaser for the Galaxy S8 at some point during the event. So yeah, you should probably watch it. The show kicks off at 10AM Pacific (1PM Eastern).

Motorola Announces Moto G5 Plus for US, Starts at $229

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:43:45 +0000

Motorola has gone ahead and announced their new G series phones, the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus. I'd love to sit here and act like we're surprised, but as you know, these phone leaked in full a couple of weeks ago. Today, is really just a formality before we're able to buy them. We're going to focus on the Moto G5 Plus here because it's the only model coming to the US. It'll start at $229 and be available in the "Spring" with connectivity on the four major US networks. As expected, the G5 Plus gets you a 5.2-inch FHD display, Snapdragon 625 processor, 2GB/4GB RAM or 32GB/64GB storage depending on the model, 12MP f/1.7 camera with Dual Autofocus Pixels, 3000mAh battery with Turbo Charging, fingerprint reader, and an all-metal body. You can get a preview of the phone in the video below. Once the phone launches in the US, we'll be sure to take a deeper look at it. You can see more on the Moto G5 Plus at Moto's site.

Moto G5 Plus Specs

[table id=54 /]

Via: Moto

Moto Unveils New Moto Mods, Including an Amazon Alexa Mod

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:26:54 +0000

Motorola took the stage at Mobile World Congress this morning to announce not only the Moto G5 and G5 Plus, but a bunch of new Moto Mods too. By our count, there are at least six new Mods that do things like add Amazon Alexa to your Moto Z. The big announcement of Mods is that Amazon Alexa Mod that brings Alexa with you everywhere. With the Alexa Mod, you can control your smart home, get news bits, add items to your shopping list, set your home's temperature, or order an Uber. Again, it's Alexa, only in portable form attached to your Moto Z. In related news, Motorola says that Alexa integration is coming to their phones later in the year, likely in a similar way to what we're expecting from Huawei and their Mate 9. Along with the Alexa Moto Mod, Motorola will introduce a Moto Power Pack, that "instantly adds 50% more battery to your phone, without adding bulk." The new Power Pack arrives in March for $49. Motorola also showed off a wireless charging Moto Mod that will allow you to wireless charge your device on a charging pad, a Turbo Power Moto Mod (likely to quickly charge your phone), and a charging adaptor that should let you charge your Mods when they aren't connected to your phone. Finally, Motorola has worked on a Gamepad Moto Mod that will arrive this summer. It adds gaming controls to the ends of the phone to give you a full gaming experience. https://twitter.com/profitkz/status/835883440771825664

Via: Moto

LG G6 Coming to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 06:48:33 +0000

The LG G6 is official as of today, but the question now becomes - when will it be available? Unfortunately, we have no idea at all. LG won't say, nor will its carrier partners. What we do know is that all of the major US carriers plan to carry the phone when it does arrive. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular have all said that they will carry the G6. Verizon and T-Mobile mentioned that it will show up in the "Spring." If we look at a calendar, then that tells us not to expect the phone before March 20, right? March 20 is the first day of Spring. Previous rumors suggested that the G6 might launch in Korea as early as March 10, but then not in the US for another month. If "Spring" is the current timeframe for launch, then yeah, we might be waiting a while.

Huawei Watch 2 and Watch 2 Classic Announced, Available in April

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 06:04:42 +0000

Huawei took the stage this morning at MWC, announcing the Huawei Watch 2 and Watch 2 Classic. To sum it up, for anyone that was scared Huawei was completely ditching its stylish Android Wear hardware for something more sporty, don't worry, the Classic is for you. Let's talk about the Huawei Watch 2 first, shall we? Sporting a plastic body and rubber straps, the smartwatch features a 1.2" full circle display, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, plus a 420mAh battery powering the unit. The Watch 2 also brings NFC with Android Pay support, an LTE model, and two physical buttons. For the most part, the Watch 2 Classic is the same device, but instead of plastic, it's metal. While specs and overall design are the same, the Classic will apparently lack LTE connectivity. It has the same 1.2" circle display and 420mAh battery, though. Huawei also designed a hybrid strap of sorts for the Classic, with one side being leather and other side being a rubbery material. This will help protect your fancy strap from sweat. Additionally, both Huawei Watch 2 models have IP68 certification.

Concerning battery life, Huawei states that both should handle 2 days of usage without running dry. On top of that, Huawei is introducing a new mode for the device that will have the battery last up to 25 days, but it does essentially kill most of the "smart" features of the watch. Called "watch mode," all features except for the clock and step counter will be disabled. Huawei announced that the watches will be available in April here in the US, but no exact word on pricing yet. In other markets, the Watch 2 starts at 329 €, which is around $350 in the US. Thoughts on the Huawei Watch 2? [expand title="PRESS RELEASE (click to expand)"]

The Complete Smart Fitness Watch Arrives with HUAWEI WATCH 2

Barcelona, Feb. 26, 2017 - Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) today defined a new category of wearable technology with the HUAWEI WATCH 2. Using the latest research result and developments from technology innovator Huawei, the watch combines the connectivity of a smartphone, the smarter living applications of a premium smartwatch and the detailed performance coaching and tracking of a leading sports tracking device, all in the form of a stylish classical wristwatch. HUAWEI WATCH 2 inherits the classic design of the original HUAWEI WATCH while introducing new innovations in every category to better empower users' spirit of exploration and help them enjoy an active lifestyle. The watch will go on sale in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Germany and China this March, priced from 329 € depending on the design and features being chosen. It will become available in additional countries including the US, the UK, Russia and Australia from April. For full details on release schedule see notes to editors below. In a world where technology has become more and more integrated into our lives, the HUAWEI WATCH 2 is a product for those who yearn for the freedom to explore while staying connected, without having to be glued to a smartphone. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100 processor HUAWEI WATCH 2 (4G supported version) has independent connectivity, allowing users to send messages or make calls independently of a mobile phone. It also features compatibility for the latest smart living applications. Featuring support for cellular networks and running on the new Android WearTM 2.0 ensures connectivity for both AndroidTM and iOS users and means the HUAWEI WATCH 2 embodies the spirit of openness and exploration for all. Independent connectivity to suit your exploration With HUAWEI WATCH 2 (4G supported version), users can leave their mobile phone at home and go running, cycling or just exploring while staying connected. Thanks to independent mobile connectivity and a built in GPS chip, users can respond to calls and text messages, use independent apps like Uber, Foursquare and Telegram. The innovative design means that this extra connectivity comes with no sacrifice on quality. VoLTE support and dual-mic noise elimination help ensure a stable and clear telephone experience while the integration of the antennae on the upper watch case for dual 4G, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC in the device significantly strengthens connectivity, allowing HUAWEI WATCH 2 to stay compact while ensuring good signal reception. Besides the SIM version working with mobile network carriers worldwide, the HUAWEI WATCH 2 also provides an eSIM version (available to limited countries). What's more, some carriers feature a one-number-multi-SIM service. There's no need for a new number, as the watch and your mobile phone can share the same number. Going far beyond being just a partner to a smartphone, the HUAWEI WATCH 2 (4G supported version) provides the flexible connectivity required in a modern active life and gets everything controlled by one hand. The complete health and exercise partner HUAWEI WATCH 2 is also a high specification fitness device that uses multiple sensors with advanced algorithms to provide fitness solutions and make working out more efficient and effective. Built-in smart sensors collect comprehensive data on user activity, including distance, speed, steps, heart rate, heart rate range, calories, gait, route and more. With one click on the crown HUAWEI WATCH 2 opens the workout App to start training in an instant. Quick start running modes "fat-burning run" and "cardio run" allow runners to start quickly and the watch will guide your speed to stay in the correct heart rate zone. Running with HUAWEI WATCH 2 enables you to get real time guidance including notifications on distance, target completion status and racing heart warning and based on calculated workout plans, HUAWEI WATCH 2 can also dynamically notify you to either accelerate or decelerate to guide you through every stage of your run. With the support of HUAWEI WATCH 2's GPS and heart rate detection system, HUAWEI WATCH 2 measures your VO2max after each run. After a valid run the watch automatically generates a report that advises on recovery time and training effects. Other supporting elements include the built in GPS that tracks your exercise route. HUAWEI WATCH 2 also allows you to add music to your workout through the Google PlayTM Music app. Users can download songs, stream music and access their playlists. Beyond just exercise, HUAWEI WATCH 2 promotes healthy living all day. The Daily Tracking App accurately tracks users' daily steps, record time taken for medium to high intensity exercises, and detect the number of times you stand up after long sedentary periods. All this information is reported via progress bars to encourage a healthier and more active life. Continuous heart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate in the background and reports your heart rate of the last six hours in a curved line. HUAWEI WATCH 2 also measures your Resting Heart Rate, which is recorded in the activity monitor app. Chronograph watch design The HUAWEI WATCH 2 has a classical wristwatch design that integrates its smart features and sport functions while maintaining a stylish look. Made from sophisticated materials, a dual crown design delivers a premium feel. While honouring the classics, the watch is adaptable to the wearer's personality, with both classical and sporty design options. The high-definition display is customisable with multiple face designs, allowing users quick access to their favourite and most frequently used apps. In addition to a chronograph design, HUAWEI WATCH 2 features a ceramic bezel that provides a fine quality while offering a comfortable wearing experience. The watch is also designed for comfort and fit during exercise, meaning it is curved to sit perfectly against the wrist. It is smaller and more compact than the previous generation HUAWEI Watch with its parts on one side accounting for 88% of the total area of the watch. A smarter experience With a new smart OS and intuitive controls, the HUAWEI WATCH 2 is a personal assistant that brings convenience without infringing on daily life. Running on the new Android Wear 2.0, the on-watch Google Play Store allows both iOS and Android users to benefit from a vast library of compatible applications. Touch control, intelligent speech recognition and voice instructions enable users to quickly interact with the HUAWEI WATCH 2 and reply to complex messages. The Android PayTM* app and NFC technology allows for convenient and secure payments. The battery is smarter too thanks to an optimized battery with greater density and longer life. The battery lasts for up to two days with regular use, up to 10 hours in "training mode" and up to three weeks in "watch mode". Porsche Design HUAWEI Smartwatch Technology innovator Huawei and premium lifestyle brand Porsche Design extend their partnership with the announcement of the new Porsche Design HUAWEI Smartwatch. Complementing the Porsche Design HUAWEI Mate 9, which was launched in November 2016, the product further enriches the user experience. Again, the collaboration brings together the latest innovations in technology with the most functional design, creating an equilibrium of aesthetics and function. It combines the latest activity tracking and fitness management functions with the connectivity and smart technology of a leading smart wearable device. For those who demand style and substance, the Porsche Design HUAWEI Smartwatch delivers professional standard fitness tracking, the latest smart functions and sophisticated design - all from the wrist. The innovative smart watch is the first ever to be created by Porsche Design and part of a continuous roll out of smart devices, which will be released in the upcoming months. Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group said of the launch: "In today's fragmented information age, the real function of technology is to provide convenience and connectivity without intruding on your daily life. We wanted to make a product that suits those individuals who wish to explore the limits of their own expression, while still being bound by a need to stay connected. With this product there is no need to stay glued to your smartphone. The independent connectivity and smart applications that can be used from your wrist mean you can go for a run or a cycle and leave your phone behind with the freedom of knowing you won't miss an important message. Health and wellbeing are vital for the modern consumer, but traditional monitoring devices are overly complicated and often get used for a while and then cast aside. We wanted to bring in all the most up to date monitoring technology into a stylish and smart package, making this the tool that doesn't just keep you healthy, it is also stylish and helps make your everyday life easier." [/expand]

Google Assistant Coming This Week to All Phones Running Nougat and Marshmallow

Kellen — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 05:33:14 +0000

Starting this week, Google is bringing Google Assistant to all Android phones running Android 7.0 Nougat and 6.0 Marshmallow. That's a cool 30% of Android devices, according to the most recent distribution numbers. Google made the announcement this morning during Mobile World Congress, stating that it would arrive automatically on your phone through the latest Google Play Services update. The rollout may take some time, but many of you are about to gain access to Google Assistant very soon. Specifically, Google says Assistant will arrive "this week to English users in the U.S., followed by English in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as German speakers in Germany." Previously, Assistant was an exclusive to the Pixel phones. However, in the non-phone world, you can already find it in Google Home, in Allo, and on Android Wear 2.0. To see Google Assistant in action, be sure to checkout the video below.

Via: Google

Huawei P10, Huawei Watch 2 MWC Livestream!

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 04:48:03 +0000

Hang onto your butts, the day is starting to get heated up. If the LG G6 wasn't enough for you, Huawei is about to unveil the P10, P10 Plus and Huawei Watch 2 at MWC. Teased, leaked, and rumored, the P10 and Huawei Watch 2 are followups to very popular devices from Huawei. While it's reported the Huawei Watch 2 is going to take a more sporty approach to wearables this year, the P10 is believed to continue a path of delivering high-end specifications for a very affordable price. The livestream will kickoff at 5AM PST, 8AM EST. Here we go.

LG Announces the G6, Available This Spring in the US

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 04:36:07 +0000

The G6 has arrived. Well, not exactly, but it has been announced. Unveiled by LG this morning at MWC, the G6 is the company proving it can let go of not-too-successful ideas (modularity) and push its hardware in a new direction. And if I'm being frank, we dig it. Featuring a long list of high-end specs, let's try and get through this together. The G6 features a 5.7" QHD+ FullVision display (18:9 ratio), Snapdragon 821 processor (same as the Pixel), 4GB RAM, 32GB base storage, microSD support (2TB), dual 13MP rear-facing cameras, fingerprint reader, IP68 certification, USB Type-C, 3300mAh non-removable battery, plus Android 7.0 "Nougat." For software, LG has baked in Google Assistant, with the G6 being the first non-Pixel smartphone to offer Google's digital assistant. In addition, LG has provided a set of features to take advantage of the G6's 18:9 ratio, such as Square Camera, as well as formatting tweaks you will find in 3rd-party apps. As for when and where, plus how much, that's all in the air at the moment. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have confirmed that they will carry it, but no exact timing or pricing has been announced. All we currently know is, "Spring time." For a complete hands-on with the LG G6, look here.

[expand title="PRESS RELEASE (click to expand)"]

LG UNVEILS NEW G6 WITH A LARGE FULLVISION DISPLAY TAILORED TO FIT IN ONE-HAND

Flagship Smartphone Features Bold New Screen Aspect Ratio, Ergonomic Excellence, Minimalist Design and Superb Durability

BARCELONA, Feb. 26, 2017 ― LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled the G6 smartphone, the newest smartphone that features a bold new display format complimented by a cinematic viewing experience, exceptional screen to body ratio, wide angle camera and more. Designed in response to consumer feedback and user opinions, the G6 is a back-to-basics approach to premium smartphones, with a focus on the features consumers want, most notably a big screen that actually fits in one hand. The Big Screen That Actually Fits in Your Hand The LG G6 comes with a 5.7-inch QHD+ (2,880 x 1,440 resolution) FullVision display, and for the first time ever in a smartphone, an 18:9 screen aspect ratio. Compared to conventional 16:9 aspect ratio displays, the 18:9 format offers more viewing space and a more immersive experience when streaming videos and playing games. In a G6 Game Collection promotion for G6 buyers, in-game content with a retail value of up to a total of US$200 for six games - Temple Run 2, Spider-Man Unlimited, Crossy Road, SimCity BuildIt, Cookie Jam and Genies & Gems - on Google Play, are offered for free. The games take full advantage of the G6’s immersive FullVision display and single-handed ease of use. More to See, Less to Hold Even with the large screen featured on the G6, the smartphone is easy to hold. And unlike other phones with a similar screen size, the LG G6 fits comfortably in one hand, giving you a big screen experience without the inconvenience of a big phone. In fact, ergonomics research teams led by Dr. Andris Freivalds at Pennsylvania State University and Dr. Ji Yong-gu at Yonsei University tested the LG G6 for stability when holding the phone, comfort in various postures and actions, as well as muscle fatigue when using the smartphone for long periods. The LG G6 received the highest marks in all test categories. Attractive and Mostly Screen Sculpted from aluminum and glass, which comes in black, platinum and white, the LG G6 features a minimalist design that’s sleek all-round and perfectly smooth to the touch. The metal frame that wraps around the perimeter of the phone imparts solidity in style with a soft matte finish and the back is perfectly flat, with no camera bump to avoid or protect. Complimented by narrow bezels, the upper bezel was minimized by rearranging the camera, sensor and speaker in a row on the front upper side. The rounded corners of both the body and display not only unify the design but also dispersing the impact if the phone is dropped. Transform Your Mobile Viewing Experience with Dolby Vision The LG G6 is the first smartphone to feature Dolby Vision technology. But not only does it support Dolby Vision, the G6 also supports HDR 10, both of which are standards for High Dynamic Range (HDR), the picture quality technology which allows for a wider range of color and luminosity, wherein both the darkest and the brightest areas are more vivid, revealing greater detail for a truly immersive viewing experience. With smartphone screen sizes getting bigger and the speed of the Internet becoming faster, LG decided to support two HDR standards for viewers to have access to as much content as possible. With HDR content from Netflix and Amazon on the rise, watch popular shows in stunning HDR quality on the LG G6. Amazon will also increasingly create 18:9 content for a cinematic viewing experience on the 18:9 QHD+ display. Get More In, Leave Nothing Out With the LG G6, you don’t need to ask people in the picture to reposition, cram together or find another place to stand in order to get everything in, simply choose between standard and wide angle settings. And with dual 13MP rear cameras, including a 125-degree lens on the wide angle, the LG G6 captures panoramic shots that regular phones cameras can’t. The G6 delivers an outstanding and unique camera experience by creating seamless transitions when zooming in and out between the wide-angle and standard camera lenses even during 4K video capture. The G6 also comes with an expanded 100-degree field of view with its 5MP front camera, which means users can take selfies or wefies without the need for a selfie stick. Plus, the wide angle camera reduces edge distortion, which makes for more natural images. Square Up and Share And to view selfies, wefies, wide angle pictures and even the ones in the new Square Camera Mode, recent LG G6 photos appear in one window in film mode which means users don’t need to move to their gallery to review them. The G6 provides a Square Camera function which divides the 18:9 ratio display into two identical squares. The LG G6 can also take perfectly square photos in 1:1 ratio, ideal for Instagram, Snapchat and other social media apps. Users can also choose other ratios, such as 4:3, 16:9 and 18:9. Users can also take pictures in 1:1 ratio in one window, while checking, editing and uploading pictures in another window immediately after shooting. What’s more, users can create GIFs by combining between 2 and 100 photos from the gallery. Built for the Unexpected The LG G6 can go just about anywhere without worry thanks to its IP68 water and dust resistance that makes it safe to be immersed in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes. And you can worry less about accidental drops and other rough environments during everyday use because the LG G6 has been designed and built to be dependable even when the going gets rough. And the LG G6 not only meets international testing standards but also endures further tests for high temperatures and nail penetration and uses a proprietary technology that dissipates heat via an internal heat pipe, the first in an LG smartphone. And to further disperse heat inside the unit, LG engineers positioned the components most prone to overheating as far from each other as possible. A Helping Voice with the Google Assistant The LG G6 has Google Assistant built-in. LG worked closely with Google to make sure the Google Assistant experience is great right out of the box and that’s why the LG G6 has Google Assistant built-in. It works seamlessly and intuitively with LG apps, empowering users to get fast answers, manage everyday tasks, enjoy the best music and videos and search the G6 more quickly and efficiently than ever. And with the remote after-service utilizing artificial intelligence, the more Google Assistant is used, the more personalized it becomes because it knows more about the user. “The LG G6 offers users new visual and manual experiences, as it marries an expanded screen with the convenience of one-handed use,” said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG will continue to lead smartphone innovation with a focus on convenience and reliability in order to exceed consumer expectations.” Key Specifications: * [table id=56 /] # # #[/expand]

Via: LG | Verizon

Video: LG G6 First Look and Tour!

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 04:00:34 +0000

Even though we weren't able to attend LG's unveiling of the G6 in Barcelona during MWC, we were invited to take a sneak peek ahead of the unveiling here in the US. In-hand, the G6 feels great, with its 5.7" display feeling very manageable in one hand thanks to extremely thin bezels. Comparing the G6 to last year's G5, it's quite the evolution that LG's flagship has gone through. On the backside, LG has included dual 13MP shooters, capable of those wide-angle shots LG claims its customers have been wanting. For more details on the specs, look here. Below, we take you on a quick tour of the G6, showing off the cameras in action, Google Assistant, plus that crazy cool display. Watch the video, then share your thoughts on the G6 below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey9PAxG9t6E

LG G6 Specs (Official)

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 03:59:13 +0000

The LG G6 is now official, meaning we have the complete list of LG G6 specs. To highlight a few, we're looking at a 5.7" QHD+ "FullVision" display (18:9), dual 13MP rear-facing cameras, Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB RAM, 3,300mAh non-removable battery, microSD support, IP68 certification, and Android "Nougat." On the software side, LG has revamped its UX, included Google Assistant, and threw in an interesting Square Camera mode that takes advantage of that somewhat unorthodox 18:9 aspect ratio. It should be noted, the G6 is made in three colors: Black, Platinum, and White. However, the White model will not be available in the US. Check out the complete list of specs on the G6 below.

LG G6 Specs

[table id=56 /] Buy LG G6: Best Buy

LG G6 Day Live Stream!

Tim — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 02:50:17 +0000

If you are awake to catch it, LG is about to unveil the G6 during MWC in Barcelona. Many reports, rumors, leaks, and teases have led up to this point, but finally, the phone will become official. As for what you should expect, we already know quite a bit. The phone should have a crazy screen-to-body ratio, water resistance, dual rear-facing cameras, redesigned hardware, plus a whole lot more. The show starts at 6AM EST, 3AM PST. Enough waiting, let's do this.

[responsive_vid]

Blackberry "Mercury" Goes Official as the KEYone for the Physical Keyboard Lovers

Kellen — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:01:18 +0000

In a couple of hours (10AM Pacific), Blackberry Mobile will make their new phone, the KEYone, official at Mobile World Congress. You may remember this phone from CES as the "Mercury," the throwback-style keyboarded Blackberry that also runs Android. The phone, with its entire specs list and feature set, was posted to Blackberry Mobile's site hours ago, which was hours before the phone was actually announced. Because of that, well, we have all of the details for you now. The Blackberry KEYone looks like quite the premium device in terms of build quality, but TCL (the new maker of Blackberry Mobile phones) has gone somewhat mid-rangey on specs. On one hand, you have an aluminum body, with soft touch back and elegant design. On the other, you have a Snapdragon 625, 3GB RAM, and a 1080p display. By no means is this a low-end device, but it's also not competing with the G6 or Galaxy S8 on paper. As for the rest of the story, you've got Android 7.1 Nougat under a 4.5-inch FHD display, 32GB storage with microSD expansion, 3505mAh battery with quick charging, USB Type-C port, 12MP "Large Pixel" camera (same exact camera as is in the Google Pixel), and of course, that physical keyboard. The keyboard's keys can be programmed to quick launch apps, plus it acts as a touch pad, and incorporates "Flick Typing," a gesture used for predictive texting. Hopefully, they'll give you that Blackberry feel of old, too. On a connectivity front, the phone will support AT&T and T-Mobile here in the US. It's a GSM unlocked phone, so you won't get that Verizon or Sprint connection unless TCL convinces those carriers to sell the phone.

Blackberry KEYone Specs [table id=57 /] [expand title="PRESS RELEASE (click to expand)"]

CL COMMUNICATION (TCT) UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF THE NEW BLACKBERRY MOBILE AS PART THE COMPANY’S PRODUCT PORTFOLIO EVOLUTION UNVEILED AT CES 2017

Expanded TCL Communication portfolio takes an industry-first approach to addressing the new mobility market

LAS VEGAS – January 4, 2017 – At CES 2017, TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited (TCT), the fourth-largest handset manufacturer in North America, is today sharing plans for an industry-first brand portfolio business model, which now enables the company to offer an entire suite of mobility products, including new BlackBerry smartphones. This brand pillar approach focuses on multiple facets of the company’s product portfolio: the entry-consumer, best-in-class enterprise, connected (IoT) and emerging segments – all leveraging the success of the TCL Communication manufacturing, R∓D and operations along with the legacy of some of the industry’s most iconic brands, including Alcatel and BlackBerry. “Our industry is in the midst of an evolution, where consumers are now demanding greater functionality and value from their mobile devices than ever before,” said Steve Cistulli, President and General Manager for TCL Communication (TCT), North America. “To meet these growing demands, both carriers and retailers need a more diverse product offering, requiring portfolio efficiencies that were previously unavailable from a single manufacturer – until now. We’re boldy evolving our business, offering end-to-end efficiencies from sales, through R&D, manufacturing and logistics. This business evolution will provide greater value to our customers in the premium post-paid and affordable no-contract tiers.” Offering carriers and retailers exceptional quality and value, backed by TCL’s world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the TCL Communication portfolio will be anchored by the Alcatel and BlackBerry handset brands while continuing to evolve in 2017. This will include additional mobility offerings to be announced in the first half of the year that will allow the company to further address consumer demands. Among the first products in this portfolio is the latest BlackBerry smartphone, focused on three core features: security, productivity and reliability. Previewed at CES, the smartphone draws on unparalleled mobile security and software expertise to offer the most complete end-to-end smartphone security available on Android. “We look forward to unveiling details around this distinctly different and impressively designed BlackBerry smartphone around the Mobile World Congress timeframe next month,” continued Cistulli. For more information about TCL Communication (TCT), please visit www.TCTUSA.com. [/expand]

Via: Blackberry | reddit

DROID Turbo 2 Gets Its Android Nougat Update

Kellen — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 07:22:06 +0000

After a few days worth of soak tests, Verizon and Motorola started pushing the update to Android Nougat to the DROID Turbo 2. The update is arriving as software version 25.11.10. The update sure appears to be live for just about everyone, as our inbox filled up nicely yesterday afternoon with emails from excited Turbo 2 owners. To check, head into Settings>About>System updates. In Android 7.0 Nougat, you'll get multi-window access for running two apps at once, bundled notifications, quick replies within notifications, customizable quick settings, and more. To get the full changelog, hit up that Verizon link below. Everyone see the update?

Via: Verizon

Cheers Elwin, Flipapotimus, Mike, J, J, T, and D!

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: February 24, 2017

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:55:14 +0000

While today is technically the end of the work week for many of you, tomorrow is when stuff will begin to get exciting with regard to MWC. On early Sunday morning (DL coverage will kickoff at 3AM PST on Sunday morning), LG will host its press conference, followed by Huawei, Moto, and Samsung. It's going to be a very busy weekend! In the meantime, be sure to catch up on everything you missed from this week. News includes our posting of LG Watch Sport and Watch Style reviews, teases from Huawei and LG for upcoming products, plus a whole lot more. Here's your weekly recap.

We'll see you soon for MWC coverage!

Google Spaces Doesn't Last a Year, Shutting Down on April 17

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:33:00 +0000

Google Spaces launched in May of 2016, and as detailed this week by Google, the platform will be deleted (along with all of its content) following a complete shutdown on April 17. Launched as a place for groups to share content, including links to stuff online, documents or even YouTube videos, both the app and web client will become read-only on March 3. That means you won't be able to open up a new Space or add new content to existing Spaces, plus new members won't be able to join. Here is what's posted to Google's support page, detailing the closure.

A few important details: Spaces will be read-only on March 3rd: This means you can't create new spaces, posts or comments. Also, new invitations can't be sent, and new members can't be added to spaces. Between now and April 17th, you can:

See, save, print, and delete your content.

Delete any spaces you created, leave any spaces you joined, and remove people from your spaces.

Report abuse in Spaces, and block other Spaces users.

After April 17th, 2017: Spaces and their content will be deleted. Our goal with Spaces was to create a better small-group sharing experience, and we’ll use what we’ve learned to improve other Google products and services. Thanks again for your support. Sincerely, The Spaces team

RIP, Google Spaces.

Via: Google Support

Pixbar Brings Pixel-Like Buttons to Phones With On-Screen Buttons, No Root Required

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:36:13 +0000

Pixbar, from the developer who brought us nowPaper, is available on Google Play for those looking to recreate the look of the Pixel's on-screen buttons on non-Pixel devices that feature on-screen buttons. As you may notice, the on-screen buttons for the Pixel and Pixel XL are a little different from the ones you will find on other devices. Essentially, the triangle (back) and square (recent apps) are colored in, while the circle (home) is only partially shaded in. With Pixbar, you can get this same effect on almost any other device with the stock (Lollipop and above) on-screen buttons. Not only can you shade them in, but you can color them differently, too, adding more personalization to your device. For example, if you have a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X, your buttons can look like the Pixel buttons. If you have a Moto Z, this app will work for you, too. Currently, only devices using the stock buttons will work, but the developer plans to introduce support for differing designs of on-screen buttons in the future. That includes phones such as the LG G5, HTC 10, and others. Below is a quick overview of how the app works straight from the developer. If Pixbar interests you, it can be purchased for just $0.99 on Google Play. Play Link ($0.99) [responsive_vid]

DEAL: eBay Hosting $10 Off $50+ Orders Flash Sale With Code

Kellen — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:00:06 +0000

For the next six hours, you can save $10 off any orders of $50 or more at eBay. The online shopping destination is hosting a flash sale that started promptly at Noon PT and runs until 6PM PT. In order to get the discount, simply enter in "CFEBFLASH10OFF" as you checkout. Pretty simple, right? eBay Link

US Cellular Makes Unlimited Data Official With New Total Plans

Kellen — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:47:31 +0000

A couple of days ago, we told you in an exclusive report that US Cellular would be introducing their own unlimited data plans come Friday. Well, it's Friday and US Cellular has made them official as the Total Plans with no hidden fees. You can see the full details below or in our initial report, but the basics are this. For $60 per month (with auto pay), you can get into a single line that includes unlimited data, talk, and text. You can add additional lines and get discounts on those lines as you add more. For example, a 2-line unlimited account would cost $115, while a 3-line account would be $160. There are also 2GB and 6GB plans, but the big focus will be on unlimited. As is the case with most "unlimited" plans these days, there are a whole bunch of asterisks here. For one, you only get standard definition video streams. If you want up to 720p streams, you'll have to pay extra for an Unlimited Plus plan, which US Cellular doesn't seem to want to advertise. Also, there is a hard cap set at 22GB per "unlimited" line, so should you get to 22GB, US Cellular will throttle you to 2G speeds and that's not just when on a congested network - they will throttle you the rest of the billing cycle, no matter what. Tethering isn't included either. Again, the press release is below, or you can hit up our initial report which dives deeper in. [expand title="PRESS RELEASE (click to expand)"]

U.S. CELLULAR INTRODUCES UNLIMITED DATA OFFERING AMONG ITS NEW TOTAL PLANS WITH NO HIDDEN FEES

CHICAGO (Feb. 24, 2017) – Straightforward wireless plans that eliminate the confusion of hidden fees are now available. U.S. Cellular® has introduced new Total Plans with No Hidden Fees – no activation fees, no monthly device connection charges, no phone upgrade fees and no data overage fees. And because you can’t get more straightforward than unlimited, consumers and small businesses can now get unlimited data with U.S. Cellular for as low as $40 per line for 4 lines or just $60 per month for a single line with autopay/paperless billing enrollment. “We want to be forthright with customers by knocking out hidden fees once and for all and showing wireless users exactly what they are paying for. Our new plans allow families and small businesses to customize their plans for each individual’s needs, from 2GB of data to unlimited, all with simplified pricing and discounts,” said Grant Leech, vice president of brand management at U.S. Cellular. “We also know that in order to deliver a great wireless experience, we need to have a reliable network that keeps up with the data demands of our customers, so we provide a fast 4G LTE network that works when and where our customers need it.” U.S. Cellular’s new Total Plans with No Hidden Fees include unlimited talk and text with buckets of 2GB, 6GB and unlimited data, and they include family discounts that reward customers when they add additional lines. The data is not shared, so customers can pick the right data amounts for each person on the account. There are no data overage fees, so customers can feel confident that their wireless usage charges will be the same every month. U.S. Cellular’s unlimited offering includes video streaming, hot-spot capability and free calling to Mexico and Canada. These plans are available to new and current customers, and those purchasing new devices can take advantage of the monthly payment option that best meets their needs – from 20, 24 or 30 months. U.S. Cellular’s New Total Plans with No Hidden Fees:

Taxes and charges such as USF and RCRF apply. *Auto Pay/Paperless Billing required. Unlimited data plans will stream at standard definition speeds and will automatically shift to 2G when each line reaches 22GB. 2GB and 6GB data plans will stream at high definition speeds and will automatically shift to 2G when each line reaches the plans high-speed allotment. Things we want you to know: Total Plan and Retail Installment Contract for Smartphone and basic phone purchases or Customer Service Agreement with a 2-yr. initial term (subject to a pro-rated $150 early termination fee for modems and hotspot devices and a $350 early termination fee for Tablets) required. Credit approval also required. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (currently $2.02) applies; this is not a tax or gvmt. required charge. Additional charges, taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas may apply and vary by plan, service and phone. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. 4G LTE service may be provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. See uscellular.com or Associate for details. ©2017 U.S. Cellular [/expand]

Samsung Releases Secure Folder App for Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:21:24 +0000

Secure Folder, a feature available on the recalled Galaxy Note 7, is making its way to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Available through Galaxy Apps, anyone with one of those two devices running Android 7.0+ can have secured access to device folders. The basic rundown of Secure Folder is having a separate, secured space for select applications on your Galaxy phone. By placing apps in the Secure Folder, they are protected by Samsung's Knox security platform, and access is only granted via a fingerprint, passcode, or pin. Secure Folder doesn't only keep data on your phone safe, though. In addition, the app grants users the ability to perform cloud-based backups and restores when switching devices, with the only person allowed entry being the original Samsung account holder. If you rock a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, and your device is running Nougat (which it should be now, sorry, Verizon S7 owners!), you can find Secure Folder in Galaxy Apps. [responsive_vid]

Via: Samsung

Google Allo Web Client for Desktop Users in the Works

Tim — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 08:42:14 +0000

Allo, that messaging service from Google that a few folks might use, may have itself a fancy web client for desktop users here pretty soon. According to a Googler by the name of Nick Fox, VP of communication products, the client is still in early development, but it is coming. With Allo coming to desktop, one could be quite excited to have access to Google Assistant via their computer, plus the idea of multi-device access. Currently, whenever you sign into Allo on a new device, you are logged out on the previous device. With the building of a dedicated web client, those days could soon be over. It should be noted that Allo was introduced at last year's Google I/O, almost a year ago. Provided how much hype and stage time Google gave the app, it seems odd that it has taken this long to get a desktop client. Allo on desktop - have you been waiting for it?

Still in early development, but coming to a desktop near you... #GoogleAllo #SneakPeek pic.twitter.com/f7QNFH7IHO
— Nick Fox (@RealNickFox) February 24, 2017

LG Watch Style Review

Kellen — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 07:34:56 +0000

MWC is here and that means we should get a new wave of Android Wear devices over the coming weeks that tempt us into parting ways with hundreds of dollars for the honor of being attached at the wrist level to our phones. Ahhh, the future. Before we get there, though, we wanted to wrap-up our coverage of the first two Android Wear 2.0 devices that LG and Google introduced to us a couple of weeks ago, the Watch Sport and Watch Style. Tim has already posted his review of the LG Watch Sport, so be sure to check that out. Today, I've got the LG Watch Style review for you, a watch that is certainly on the cheaper end when compared to the Watch Sport, but supposedly equally as important. To recap, the Watch Style starts at $249, features Android Wear 2.0, and has typical smartwatch specs, like a 1.2-inch POLED circular display, 512MB RAM, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 240mAh battery, and interchangeable 18mm strap. It also features a rotating side button (or crown), charges wirelessly on a little pad, should fit nicely on most wrists with its 42mm case that is just over 10mm thick. Below, you'll find our full video review of the Watch Style and that verdict over whether or not you should buy one.

LG Watch Style Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EluJvniWm1I Buy LG Watch Style: Best Buy

TL;DW For those who don't want to spend the next 7 minutes of their life with me, basking in the sun in a Portland park, panning and touching and spinning and caressing a smartwatch on video, let's just dive into the bottom line. Should you buy the LG Watch Style? Eh, probably not. Now, that doesn't mean this isn't a good smartwatch, because it actually is. It's simple, yet unoffensive looking, for one. It's also an incredible size for a smartwatch and lays very well on the wrist. It has interchangeable bands and pretty decent battery life, unlike the Watch Sport. It's as smooth in the software department as any watch I've ever used too. Unfortunately, at $250, this watch is missing some pretty key features that may turn a number of you off, especially if you already own a smartwatch. On one hand, it doesn't include NFC, so this won't be a watch you'll ever be able to make payments with. On the other, you won't find any of the connectivity bonuses you see on the Watch Sport, like GPS or LTE, which means this is a WiFi only device that will mostly need to be paired to your phone. In the end, the Watch Style is just any other Android Wear watch that doesn't really do anything special or new, but it also lacks NFC, leaving it without a portal into the future. There are other watches coming, maybe within the next couple of days. Your best bet is wait and see who can top this. My guess is that most will.

Google Renames Messenger to Android Messages

Kellen — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 07:06:04 +0000

I promise that we aren't purposely trying to confuse you all of the time about Google's messaging strategy, but we have an update today. If you head into Google Play and check the apps you have available with updates, you'll probably notice one called "Android Messages." No, no, no, it's not a brand new Google messaging app, it's just the good ol' Google Messenger with a fresh new name. That's right, the new Android Messages app on your phone, which will show in the app drawer as just "Messages," is the new name of Google's Messenger app. Confused? Don't be! It's just a name change. Nothing else has changed here. In fact, Google actually updated the changelog for it as the name switch began - something that almost deserves its own press release (that would be the Google updated a changelog part) - throwing out the following tagline of, "A new name! Messenger is now Android Messages, the messaging app built for Android." Cute. Again, nothing will change, but this is the Android messaging app that Google will push as the default on Android devices. It's RCS-equipped, so it should be able to handle the future of wireless carrier messaging. It does all of the fancy RCS things if you are on the right carrier (read receipts, high-res photo sharing, better group chats, etc.) and is already being adopted by some, including Sprint. So yeah, grab that update to Android Messages, your new messaging app "built for Android!" Play Link

LG Watch Sport Review

Tim — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 15:49:24 +0000

Android Wear 2.0 has finally arrived, and the first two devices to feature it are the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style. Kellen is handling our Watch Style coverage (his review), so it's my duty to walk you through our time with the LG Watch Sport review. With a solid list of high-end watch specifications, highlights include NFC for use with Android Pay, IP68 certification, LTE connectivity, and access to Google Assistant. To sum it, using the Watch Sport feels like having a smartphone attached to your wrist, and given its size, you might believe that's the case at times. I would say more, but I don't want to spoil anything for you. We have a complete video review below. For anyone without 9 minutes to spare for the video, below the video is a TL;DW version.

LG Watch Sport Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZEj4NerAPs Buy LG Watch Sport: Best Buy

TL;DW Priced at $350, the Watch Sport is a nice package LG created to deliver Google's vision for Android Wear in 2017. However, while the hardware looks good, it's not the most comfortable watch on the market. While I can usually wear another Android Wear smartwatch all day and have no issues, I can't do it with the Watch Sport - it's too damn big and clunky. If the hardware does not scare you away, the Android Wear 2.0 experience is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to Google Assistant and Android Pay support, wearers have plenty of new features to sink their teeth into. Now, if only my lame bank would support mobile payments. The big downside, other than the not-so-comfy feel, is the battery. With such a large battery (430mAh), I must admit that I expected better. In my typical day, the watch was dying in the middle parts of the evening (7:30-8PM). Once I disabled wrist gestures, the always-on display, as well as LTE connectivity, I saw much better battery life. Should doing all of that be necessary to make your smartwatch last all day, though? That'll be up to you to decide. To conclude, the Watch Sport is a good vessel for Android Wear 2.0, but simply too big for needs.

Here's the Redesigned, Much Sportier Huawei Watch 2

Tim — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 11:38:38 +0000

Internet, I hate you. Seriously, can't a guy enjoy a surprise every once in a while? Apparently no, at least not with @evleaks on duty, as the Huawei Watch 2 has been unofficially unveiled ahead of the official announcement set for this weekend at MWC. In comparison to the original Huawei Watch, we can clearly see that Huawei has a new approach for wearables -- Fitness. Unlike the OG Huawei Watch that was more catered to the fashion side of watch-sporting folk, the Huawei Watch 2 looks to be designed for runners and athletic types. With removable rubber straps and hefty looking bezel, the Huawei Watch 2 appears to also feature physical buttons at the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions. As we can see in the renders, the straps are completely removable, actually being necessary to remove in order to access the device's SIM slot (Yup, LTE connectivity onboard). The backside also shows a heart rate monitor, so yeah, another fitness smartwatch for 2017 confirmed. The renders also show off three colors: Black, Orange, and Black/Yellow with White spotting. We don't have specifics on specs, pricing, or availability yet. Guess you'll have to wait until the actual unveiling for those details. Don't worry, it's just a few days away now. Thoughts?

Via: VentureBeat

Korean Media Also Says LG G6 Goes on Sale March 10, Galaxy S8 on April 21

Kellen — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 10:34:29 +0000

When will the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 go on sale? According to ETnews, the G6 will arrive on March 10, while the Galaxy S8 and S8+ will hit stores April 21. Those two dates match-up nicely to previous reports for the most part. As for other specifics, today's word out of Korea suggests that after Sunday's announcement of the G6, LG will wait a few days before putting it up for pre-order on March 2, giving customers a solid week leading up to that March 10 arrival. Keep in mind that March 10 is likely just the Korean launch day. In the past, LG has announced phones, made them available in their home country, and then waited over a month before the same phones arrive in the US and elsewhere. At least one report has already suggested that the G6 won't hit our shores until early April. The Galaxy S8 launch rumor of April 21 is certainly not new. We've heard this in the past, along with word that Samsung will announce the S8 line on March 29. ETnews is on the same page, but did toss out a previous pre-order date that was set as April 6. However, that was supposedly for Korea only and may no longer be on the table as Samsung sets up for a global simultaneous launch on April 21. So not a lot of new info today, but with Korean media jumping on board with those dates, it's probably safe to assume that you can lock them in on your calendars.

Via: ETnews

Samsung's 10nm Exynos 9 8895 is Now Official and Ready for the International Galaxy S8

Kellen — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 09:09:16 +0000

When the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are announced next month, there will more than likely be a couple of different variants. We'll get the models for the US, otherwise known as those powered by Qualcomm's 10nm Snapdragon 835 processor. The others, mostly international models not built for our shores, will be powered by a Samsung Exynos processor. Today, we know that processor to officially be the 10nm Exynos 9 8895. Last night, Samsung Semiconductor announced the new chipset, noting that it is already in mass production. It's in mass production because Samsung needs them for the Galaxy S8 line that should go on sale as early as April. In processor nerd speak, the Exynos 9 8895 is built on that 10-nanometer FinFET process I mentioned above, which allows for "up to 27% higher performance while consuming 40% less power" than 14nm chipsets. It has an embedded gigabit LTE modem with support for five carrier aggregation, download speeds that could hit 1Gbps, and upload speeds that top out at 150Mbps. The new Exynos 8895 also runs a Mali-671 GPU to help it power 4K VR experiences and 3D graphics. For those of us in the business of importing overseas Galaxy phones, this should be a good one.

Via: Samsung Semiconductor | Samsung

Qualcomm Intros Virtual Reality Dev. Kit Based on Snapdragon 835 Platform

Tim — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:54:30 +0000

Much news coming from Qualcomm this morning, all focused on the company's drive to get better VR experiences into the hands of users across the globe. Announced today, Qualcomm has Virtual Reality Development Kit (VRDK) units for select content makers. Based on the Snapdragon 835 platform and featuring Head Mounted Displays (HMD) consisting of a WQHD AMOLED display, six degrees of freedom (6DoF) Motion Tracking cameras, plus integrated trackpad, these headsets require no fans and no cables. Not only will developers have access to new hardware for creating exciting VR content, but Qualcomm also announced that it is working with Leap Motion and its embedded hand tracking technology. With this, instead of users needing to use a trackpad or controller to interact with the VR world, they can simply use their bare hands. This is thanks to the integrated cameras and an array of other sensors in the HMD. While all of this stuff is great for developers, there's reason for general consumers to get excited, too. Announced today, Qualcomm has the HMD Accelerator Program, made specifically for OEMs interested in the VR space. Detailed by Qualcomm, "This virtual reality industry-first program is designed to help manufacturers reduce engineering costs, decrease the time it takes to create and ship new products, and provide means for OEMs to validate performance metrics." Essentially, Qualcomm will build the reference hardware, supply it to OEMs, who can then build and test their own units. This should greatly cut down the time it takes for average consumers to get this technology into their hands. According to Qualcomm, these VRDK units will be available Q2 of 2017. Should you be a developer, make sure you are signed up in Qualcomm's developer network for a chance to receive one. We're counting on you to make our VR experiences awesome.

Via: Qualcomm [2] [3]

Eero Drops 3-Pack to $399 Permanently to Better Compete on Price ($100 Off)

Kellen — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:31:39 +0000

Eero, the mesh whole home WiFi router system that I dubbed my favorite tech purchase of 2016, will see a permanent price drop today. Why? Because Eero has a whole bunch of competition these days, after initially ushering in the era of whole home WiFi systems. And competition means price points that Eero has been well above for some time. Starting today, Eero 3-packs will drop to $399 (from $499) and 2-packs will drop to $299 (from $349). Single Eero units will still cost $199. Even with these new prices, Eero is still on the higher-end of the spectrum. While I would argue that it's well worth the price, there are so many options today that a price reduction was probably 100% necessary if Eero wants to maintain its status as a whole home WiFi leader. For example, the Luma Home system starts at $399 for a 3-pack, but can typically be purchased for $299. Google WiFi 3-packs are $299 with single units only costing $129. Linksys' Velop 3-packs do run close to $499 without a deal, so Eero is undercutting them. Either way, Eero is a fantastic product as a whole home WiFi solution. You'll find it at the retailers below. Eero Links: Best Buy | B&H Photo | Amazon | Eero Store

Via: Fast Company

Samsung Galaxy S8+ Packaging Specs List Arrives, Claims 6.2-Inch QHD Display

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:21:02 +0000

According to an image that looks exactly like the specs list graphic you would see on packaging for a Samsung flagship phone, we now have a really good handle on what to expect from the Galaxy S8+. The image was posted by @evleaks and it calls the phone the "Galaxy S8+" while talking through some of the most important specs, like the size of the display, amount of RAM, camera, etc. You can see it all for yourself in the image below, but the list says the Galaxy S8+ will feature a 6.2-inch "full rectangle" display, or 6.1-inch when factoring in the rounded corners. Yep, rounded corners, just like on the LG G6! As for resolution and type, we're looking at a Quad HD+ and Super AMOLED. The "+" and "full rectangle" there are likely in reference to the 18:9 aspect ratio. As for the rest, the listing mentions 4G LTE, 12MP "Dual Pixel" camera, 8MP front camera, IP68 dust and water resistance, Iris Scanner, Samsung Knox security, 64GB internal storage with microSD support, 4GB RAM, Samsung Pay, and wireless charging, along with headphones "tuned by AKG." AKG is an acoustics and headphone company owned by Harman, which Samsung bought last year. The regular Galaxy S8 is rumored to feature a 5.8-inch display and matching specs to what we see here. For those worried about the size, keep in mind that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ shouldn't have much in terms of bezel on their fronts, so even though 6.2-inches is a lot, the overall footprint of the device shouldn't change much from last year. Excited or nah?

Via: @evleaks

Huawei Announces Honor VR Camera, Another 360-Degree Video Product

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:21:02 +0000

Because shooting video in 360 degrees is apparently the rage right now, it seems many manufacturers are hurrying to place a product on the market to meet demand. The latest is Huawei, with the company introducing the Honor VR Camera this week ahead of MWC. The Honor VR Camera does just what you'd expect: shoot 360-degree video and very high-resolution stills (3K). Made in partnership with Insta360, the device features two cameras with wide angle lenses, but exact shooting specifications are not yet known. We don't know the exact sensor size, resolution of video, or anything like that just yet. What we do know is, Huawei does intend to market this specifically for the Honor brand, and the camera will offer a seamless livestreaming experience. From looking at the camera ball itself, on the bottom, there is a USB Type-C plug. This plug goes directly into the port on your device, with all controls being done from within an application. Pricing and complete specifics regarding specs should be known this weekend, and once it's all announced, we will let you know. Have you used a 360-degree camera yet? Are you even in the market?

Via: Insta360

Lenovo: Current Moto Mods Will be Compatible for Next 3 Years of Phones, 12 New Ones Coming

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:49:54 +0000

Lenovo already told us to expect a whole bunch of new Moto Mods in 2017, potentially upwards of 4 new ones per quarter. Last week, though, during the company's re-launch into Pakistan, an executive doubled-down on that promise, saying that they plan to release 12 Moto Mods throughout the year. He also discussed the longevity of a Moto Mod, something we had not yet heard from the company. Sharay Shams, Lenovo's general manager of smartphones for the Middle East, told reporters in Pakistan that they will "introduce 12 Mods this year, which will remain compatible with phones to be introduced by the company over the next three years." As fun as those new 12 Mods sounds, I can't help but give a slow clap to Lenovo for sticking to compatibility for that long. This essentially means that if you bought a Moto Z and some Moto Mods last year, you'll be able to take those expensive Mods with you to the next Moto Z, followed by the next one or two after it. Not that I was fully expecting Moto and Lenovo to not make compatibility that universal for the foreseeable future, but we're talking about Moto Mods support outlasting software support. Nice. Of course, this also means that the shape or general design of the Moto Z family might not be able to change dramatically during that time. Still, as we see companies like LG and Samsung issue phones that are almost all-display on the front, Motorola could do that to provide a more immersive experience that keeps retro-Mods compatibility intact.

Via: The Express Tribune

Verizon's 5G Broadband Goes Into Testing by Mid-2017 in 11 Markets

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:21:32 +0000

Verizon announced this morning that it will deliver 5G broadband connectivity to select customers later this year on their "newly built 5G network." In total, 11 markets will gain access as a part of this pre-commercial pilot. Verizon's initial goal will be to offer 5G to pilot customers in Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Bernardsville (NJ), Brockton (MA), Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Sacramento, Seattle, and Washington, DC. They are calling this pre-commercial 5G, as they work to fully commercialize broadband (or fixed) wireless 5G connections to both homes and businesses. While not wireless in terms of being a 5G connection directly to your phone like you have through LTE today, this implementation of 5G should help take us steps closer to that reality.

[responsive_vid]

Via: Verizon | Samsung

US Cellular Getting Into the Unlimited Data Game on Friday, Plans Starting at $60

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:28:23 +0000

US Cellular won't be sitting out the new unlimited data plan trend that has taken over the US wireless industry. According to a reliable source, US Cellular will introduce its own unlimited data plan(s) option this Friday with a starting price of $60 for a single line. To be precise, an entire new line-up of single line/non-shared plans will arrive in a couple of days under the title, Total Plans. There will be 2GB ($40) and 6GB ($50) options to go along with the Unlimited plan and its higher-definition friend, Unlimited Plus. You can see a pricing chart below, but the Unlimited Total Plan will start at $60 for a single line, with Auto Pay and paperless billing enabled. The Plus option starts at $80. The new plans are being billed as "Total Plans with no hidden fees," so you shouldn't expect activation fees, upgrade fees, monthly connection charges, or data overage charges. Taxes, regulatory fees, and any other additional subscriber services (like protection plans) will still be charged. In other words, this isn't the flat rate T-Mobile method. US Cellular's version of unlimited data is similar to that of other carriers, in that they offer "unlimited" to a certain extent, but their plan is filled with asterisks. According to training documents reviewed by us, US Cellular's Unlimited plan "will have the ability to stream video on a small screen, stream music, check email, use GPS, and browse the internet with a quality data experience." What does "quality data experience" mean? Well, the Unlimited Total Plan will show "standard definition" streams (480p), so in order to get "high definition," they'll have to upgrade to an Unlimited Plus plan. "High definition" to US Cellular means a cap at 720p. The 2GB and 6GB plans get to stream at "full network speed," though. Here is the pricing breakdown by line with Auto Pay:

To kick off these new plans, US Cellular is also tossing in an extra promotional discount depending on the number of lines. This is a discount to go along with the Auto Pay discount. Here are those numbers:

As far as other notes to be aware of with these new plans:

US Cellular is suggesting that they'll throttle the Unlimited plans at 22GB of data to 2G speeds. And I'm not talking about only when on a congested network; I'm seeing that it's a hard throttle at 22GB. I'm not sure how that is unlimited, but OK.
US Cellular will apparently not advertise the Plus option.
Plans 6GB and up will include unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.
Stretch Data and Shared Connect plans will still be available.

Again, these new plans go live on Friday. UPDATE: US Cellular made the plans official today. Press release is below. [expand title="PRESS RELEASE (click to expand)"]

U.S. CELLULAR INTRODUCES UNLIMITED DATA OFFERING AMONG ITS NEW TOTAL PLANS WITH NO HIDDEN FEES

Here's the Huawei P10 in Black

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:12:50 +0000

Let's face it, there's no such thing as a surprise in this business. If you had hoped to not see what the P10 from Huawei looks like before its unveiling at MWC this weekend, you may want to click away right now. As you will see below, this is the Huawei P10 in black. Posted up to Twitter, courtesy of @evleaks, this is our first really good look at renders of the device. We can see the frontside, backside with dual rear-facing cameras, plus a shot of a sweet red-colored power button on the side. Seriously, that looks super slick. We have seen colored renders before, but this provides a lot more detail. While no specifications have been made official from Huawei, there are a few tidbits floating around. According to unofficial reports, the P10 will sport a 5.2" QHD display, Kirin 960 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB and 64GB storage options, and EMUI 5.0 on top of Android Nougat. Thinking a bit harder, the P10 aligns pretty well with the recently announced Honor V9, which might see a rebrand in the US as the Honor 8 Pro. All of this and more should be detailed at MWC this weekend. You feeling the P10?

Via: @evleaks

Google I/O 2017 Registration is Now Open!

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:18:14 +0000

Google I/O 2017 registration is now open, Google fans! The registration runs from today through February 27 at 5PM Pacific, so you have a few days here to get your application in. Like in previous years, Google is once again doing a lottery or drawing to decide who gets to come. Since thousands upon thousands of developers, geeks, and corporate techies want to attend, Google has decided that this is the fairest way, rather than opening the floodgates to a few-minute-long barrage of entries. On February 28, Google will choose attendees at random. In order to submit an application, you'll want to hit that link at the bottom of this post. Once you do that, the following requirements must be met:

To submit your application: You’ll need to sign in with a Google account or Gmail address of your choosing. If your current email address isn’t a Google account, you can associate it to a Google account here. You’ll be asked to provide payment details and a payment pre-authorization will be made on your card. But don’t worry, we’ll only charge you if you’re selected on February 28th. If you’re not selected, the pre-authorization will be automatically released after a maximum of 7 days. The order in which applications are received has no bearing on the outcome. Only one application per person is allowed.

How much does Google I/O cost? For regular attendees, it's $1,150. If you are an "active full-time student, professor, faculty or staff at a high school or higher education institution," then the cost is $375. Google I/O Registration Link

DEAL: T-Mobile Hosting Mega-Phone Sale - $360 for Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, V20

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:41:07 +0000

For some reason (and we're not about to complain), T-Mobile is hosting a mega-phone sale today that includes most Android devices, even of the flagship variety. We're talking hundreds of dollars off the Samsung Galaxy S7 ($313 off) or Galaxy S7 Edge ($419 off) or LG V20 ($409 off). In fact, you can have any of those phones for just $360 total, or $15 per month for 24 months. As far as we can tell, there isn't a bill credit involved here. Instead, T-Mobile is just giving you a straight up mega-discount on those three phones in particular. In order to get the deal, though, you do have to have a "qualifying" plan, ~~which means T-Mobile ONE~~. But because of the discounts on the phones, a customer could potentially get into the Galaxy S7 Edge in any color for $85 per month ($15/mo phone + $70/mo plan). That's a pretty damn good deal. EDIT: T-Mobile ONE may not be a requirement at all. Depending on your plan, if you want one of these phones at the discount, you'll just need to try and see if you get the deal. In the comments, we've already heard that Simple Choice plans seem to be eligible. According to the offer sheet, you owe zero up front for the phone. However, should you cancel wireless service at any time during, the remaining balance will (obviously) be owed. To shop all of the phone discounts, hit up that link below. T-Mobile Link

Cheers JJ!

DEAL: Groupon Hosting 'Super Samsung' Event, Save Big on Chargers, Headphones, Phones and Much More

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:31:59 +0000

Groupon's major Super Samsung event is up and running, presenting deals on a range of new and manufacturer refurbished products. For example, if you need a 55" curved 4K TV, you can get one for $650. Want a replacement charger for your Galaxy S7? They have them for $10. There's even the Gear IconX Bluetooth earbuds available for $99. There are about 60+ products available, all of which are related to Samsung (naturally). There are refurbished Galaxy S7 devices for $499, refurbished Galaxy Note (3, 4, and 5) phones starting at $260, Gear 360 VR camera for $190, Galaxy Note Tablets starting at $250, Gear S2 smartwatches for $135, Bluetooth speakers for a range of prices, wireless chargers, as well as the Gear Fit 2 for $90. Seriously, there's a ton of stuff to look through. From what I can tell, the sale will end in about 2 days, so you best hurry if you are interested. Groupon Link

DEAL: Spend $50 at Amazon Today, Get $8.62 Off With Code

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:11:48 +0000

For the 2nd year in a row, Amazon ranked #1 in a poll about their corporate reputation. Normally, we don't care about stuff like this, but when that ranking turns into a discount for you, we are happy to acknowledge the accomplishment. Good job, Amazon. OK, so that ranking has Amazon in the rewarding mood, which means a discount on any order you place today over $50. The discount is $8.62, which is Amazon thanking customers for their record 86.27 rating in the Harris Poll I mentioned above. Cool, right? In order to get the discount, simply enter in "BIGTHANKS" at checkout. That's it. Now, go shopping. Amazon Link

Instagram Rolling Out Ability to Share Multiple Photos and Videos in Single Post

Tim — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:41:12 +0000

Inside version 10.9 for Android and iOS devices, Instagram is ready to allow regular users, and not just paying advertisers, to bunch multiple photos and videos into a single post. Just as we reported on February 1, this change is essential for those who have multiple photos or videos they want to share, but don't want to spam your followers' timeline. As you scroll through your gallery, you'll notice a new icon that indicates a multi-photo (or video) option. Once you have the photos picked out, make sure they're properly filtered, then post away. It's simple and effective.

When uploading to your feed, you’ll see a new icon to select multiple photos and videos. You can tap and hold to change the order, apply a filter to everything at once or edit one by one. These posts have a single caption and are square-only for now. On your profile grid, you’ll notice the first photo or video of your post has a little icon, which means there’s more to see.

As Instagram states, your photos will be limited to a square view, for now. I have been loving the portrait-style photos, so hopefully that change is implemented somewhat soon. Have at it, friends. Oh, and don't forget to follow DL on IG! Play Link

Via: Instagram

The LG G6 Press Render You Have Been Waiting for is Here

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:38:26 +0000

Thanks to Evan Blass, we now have what appears to be an official press render of the LG G6, showing almost all angles, outside of the top and bottom. So what should we take from this? Quite a bit, actually. On the sides, we have volume rocker, SIM tray (likely doubles as SD card tray too), and a metal frame. That's all good, but nothing ground breaking. However, you get an expanded view of the overall design and minimal bezel on the front, which is sure to be a selling point for LG to push. The 5.7-inch QHD+ LCD display with its 18:9 ratio, does appear to take up almost all of the front, just like we saw in leaks. There is still some bezel, which I actually appreciate as someone who hates the idea of unwanted touches happening as I grip a phone that lacks all side-bezel. As for the back, you can see the double-camera setup that LG announced as dual-13MP shooters. The fingerprint reader is there as well, and it should double as the power button, just like the past half-dozen or so LG devices. Finally, you'll notice that the camera housing is flush to the body, unlike the V20 and G5 from last year. Again, this looks like all of the leaks that have popped up over the past month or so. Thoughts?

Via: @evleaks

Video: Checkout the LG G6 Square Camera Mode

Kellen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 07:41:39 +0000

As a part of a teaser for the new UX we'll see in the upcoming LG G6, LG talked a lot about squares and the fact that the phone's 18:9 display ratio allows for perfect 1x1 viewing of content. For example, this sizing would allow for a camera to shoot 1x1 squares (for things Instagram), while viewing the shot in a matching 1x1 square panel next door, almost in real-time. To visualize to us how this works, LG uploaded the video you'll see below. It shows the G6 UI, with "Square" camera mode opened. As the video runs through snapping photos in a square viewfinder, you get to view the shots taken immediately after in a second, matching square viewer. That's obviously a pretty cool trick for those who want that instant preview without having to tap a thumbnail that opens up a gallery or Photos app. You can decide right there if another shot is needed, if it's framed well, or if you need to adjust anything before snapping another. Oh, and yep, those are rounded UI corners.

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Survey Shows Samsung Has Long Road Ahead in Reputation Department

Tim — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:50:03 +0000

This may not come as a shock to anyone paying attention, but Samsung, with the Galaxy Note 7 recall and now this massive political scandal, has lost major reputation points around the globe. Now, if only there was a consumer survey that could put this so-called perception into actual data. Oh, wait, there totally is, the Reputation Quotient report from The Harris Poll. The Reputation Quotient is a survey that evaluates public perception across twenty attributes which are then classified into six dimensions of corporate reputation. With it, we can place an actual ranking system on how companies, such as Google and Apple, are perceived by consumers. The aforementioned dimensions include social responsibility, vision and leadership, financial performance, workplace environment, emotional appeal, and products & services. Pretty straightforward, right? With the help of around 2.3 million US consumers, the latest Reputation Quotient report is available, with participants taking the survey between the dates of November 29 and December 16, 2016. With the rankings now available, we can safely say that Samsung has a lot of work to do in order to restore its reputation. To give you some perspective, in 2015, Samsung ranked number 3, even ahead of Google and Apple. Last year, Samsung ranked at number 7. This year, the company has fallen to 49 out of 100 companies surveyed. That's a slide of over 40 spots. Ouch. This is obviously unpleasant news for Samsung and fixing this reputation could take some time, but it may not be as hard as you'd think. According to Suh Yong-gu, a professor of marketing at Sookmyung Women’s University, "Samsung has to overcome its tarnished reputation by rolling out a better gadget, and use Lee’s arrest as a chance to enhance transparency by cutting off collusive links between business and politics.” While I won't get into the political side of Samsung's business (it's a big side, with the company believed to account for about 15% of South Korea's GDP), I can talk about Samsung's ability to launch a better gadget. The Galaxy S8 is believed to be completely unveiled in March (with possible teases this weekend at MWC), with launch scheduled for April. With what is sure to be plenty of great tech and what we hope is a safe battery, I don't think we will see a huge abandoning of the brand here in the US. The company will surely continue its heavy marketing budget, so it's not as if awareness of Samsung's next flagship won't be there. Once the Galaxy S8 is adopted and there aren't reports flying around about exploding batteries (seriously, we hope those days are over), Samsung can get back on track with shipping more Android devices than any other OEM. What's your take on Samsung's reputation? Does the company need to earn your trust after what happened to the Galaxy Note 7?

Via: The Korea Herald | The Harris Poll

Tuesday Poll: A Phone's Back Button Belongs on the Left or Right?

Kellen — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 14:11:31 +0000

My mention of Samsung's navigation button order being "wrong" in the previous post seems to have sparked quite the conversation over which order people prefer. Of course, when that happens, a poll must follow, thus the existence of this follow-up post. So let's decide once and for all! Do you prefer the back button to be on the left, where Google, creator of the platform that all Android phones are built upon, has placed it and where almost everyone other Android OEM places it, or should the back button go on the right, where Samsung, king of smartphone makers who (rightfully) laughs at all who question its decisions, puts it? Left or right. You must choose. [poll id="444"]

Deal: Good Time to Buy a MicroSD Card, SanDisk 64GB for $16 and Samsung 128GB for $48

Tim — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:58:54 +0000

With what seems like more devices than ever supporting expandable storage, we are always on the lookout for deals on microSD cards. The latest we've spotted is on Amazon -- $16 for a 64GB card from SanDisk or $48 for a Samsung 128GB . The SanDisk card is usually priced at $40, so you are saving yourself quite a bit on this purchase. Should you need any additional storage (no judgement), you can get a 256GB card from SanDisk for $135. Those usually run $199, so as I stated in the headline, now's a good time to buy. For the Samsung 128GB microSD card, the standard price is $103. Now at $48, you are saving yourself over 50%, and for that much storage, you'll thank yourself later. Samsung also has a range of different sizes available. Amazon Links: SanDisk 64GB | Samsung 128GB

If These are the Galaxy S8 On-Screen Buttons...?

Kellen — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:18:43 +0000

Earlier today, a bunch of photos of a live Samsung Galaxy S8 showed up on Twitter, one of which gave us a first look at how Samsung may implement on-screen buttons for the first time. We only got a single look at the back button, not the other two buttons, so the shot left open some questions. Shortly after, though, the folks at Android Police got their hands on what they believe to be images from a system dump from the upcoming Galaxy Tab S3 that may back-up the previous report. In the images below that were pulled from this Tab S3 dump, we see cropped images of a phone that matches up to previous leaks and reports of the Galaxy S8. In the image directly below, you'll see what we believe to be a first look at the full set of on-screen buttons from Samsung. They sure are...something. Here, take a look.

For one, the order of them is still wrong, but that isn't going to surprise anyone. Samsung has screwed up their button order for years and doesn't seem to care that Google has turned almost every other OEM onto the back button being on the left. Outside of the order, the appearance is, well, it's an appearance. Like, is Samsung just not quite done working on them? Here, let's fix them with some amateur Photoshop work.

Better? Better. Other than that potential mess, the system dump gave us images of the top back of the phone, which could be showing that ~~terribly~~ oddly placed fingerprint reader. See it there to the right of the camera? Woof.

And finally, the dump also gave us a shot of DEX, which is said to be Samsung's desktop experience when a Galaxy S8 is docked. Think of it like you would the DROID Bionic and its Lapdock. OK, no, don't; that was a terrible experience. Think of it like Microsoft Continuum, but likely running Android. In other words, you'll drop your phone onto a dock that is hooked up to a monitor (and maybe keyboard and mouse too) through HDMI to give you a desktop experience full of big desktop apps and that sort of desktop thing. It could be good, but really, most of these experiences haven't been in the past. We'll try to withhold full judgement until Samsung tells us and shows us it all.

And yeah, that's pretty much it in terms of this leak. We get to see the questionable on-screen button design, what may be a second confirmation of the badly placed fingerprint reader, and a look at how the Galaxy S8 desktop experience could look. Mmmhmm, them bezels, though. Thoughts?

Via: Android Police

Honor V9 Made Official for China, Insane Specs for What Should be Competitive Price

Tim — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 10:57:46 +0000

It's official, the Honor V9 is headed to China. Why are we so excited? Because the Honor V9 has been reported to be rebranded as the Honor 8 Pro for the US and other markets, bringing with it an awesome set of specifications for what should be an affordable price. Posted up the Honor website, the V9 brings the heat, featuring a 5.7" QHD display, Kirin 960 processor, 4GB and 6GB RAM configurations, 64GB and 128GB storage options, microSD support, fingerprint reader, 4,000mAh battery, dual rear-facing cameras, USB Type-C (USB 2.0), plus EMUI 5.0 atop Android Nougat. In the past, I might've argued that Honor was simply an avenue for Huawei to sell budget-friendly smartphones, but on paper, this is easily the brand's most high-end device, one that I can't wait to get my hands on. As you can see, the phone comes in four colors: Blue, Black, Red, and White/Gold. We don't know if all of these colors will be available in every market, but here's hoping that Red will make it to the States. Now, for the most important factor, pricing. According to multiple Chinese online retailers, the device varies in pricing depending on RAM and storage configuration. The starting price is ¥ 2999.00 to ¥ 3499.00. When directly converted to USD, that's only $435 to $500. Considering it's possible that Honor will only make a single configuration available for the global unlocked market (I'd assume the 4GB/64GB option), we're looking at a price in the low $425-ish range. Looking at the specs and this hardware, that seems like a steal to me. The V9 aka Honor 8 Pro's competition is the OnePlus 3T, which is a great phone, but one could argue that Honor has a better track record of having devices on-hand for sale better than OnePlus. There's also a big difference in marketing and buyer awareness to take into consideration, but maybe if buyers don't want the extra software customization options that OxygenOS offers, the Honor could be a good buy. We expect complete availability and global pricing to be made public at MWC this weekend. We will also reach out directly to Honor and Huawei to see about the company's plan for the US market. Please, share your opinions down below.

Via: Honor

Sprint HTC 10 and Galaxy S7 are Getting Their Nougat Updates

Kellen — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 10:04:21 +0000

Android 7.0 "Nougat" arrived back in late August. I point that out because we have seen numerous devices over the past week receive an update to it. I also point that out because you should be shaking your head at these companies for finally getting around to giving your high-end phone a taste of a version of Android that isn't even close to being the most current. But for those waiting, and who own the HTC 10, Galaxy S7, or Galaxy S7 Edge on Sprint, your time has come. That's good news, even if we are becoming increasingly frustrated at the long wait times for major updates to hit these phones as carriers continue to provide an unnecessarily long barrier between you and Google. The HTC 10 update on Sprint is rolling out as software version 2.42.651.6. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge updates might just be hitting previous beta users at this time, with a more general rollout to follow. Sprint isn't showing a changelog for the update, but we do have some screenies for it from Twitter.

Be on the lookout!

Via: Sprint | @tobias_devilla [2]

Functional Galaxy S8 Pictured, On-Screen Buttons Are a Go

Tim — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 09:33:23 +0000

While there has been little shortage in leaks and rumors surrounding the Galaxy S8 from Samsung, actual photos have been somewhat limited. That all changed yesterday, though, with an account on Twitter posting up four pictures of what appear to be the 2017 flagship. From this set of photos we can gather quite a bit of intel, something we can't always say. First up, in the photo that has the device's display lit, we can see an actual on-screen button on the bottom of the front. So, yes, on-screen buttons on the Galaxy S8. Hype. Also concerning the display, we can see that an always-on option is available, seen in a couple of these photos. This feature is not new to the Galaxy S line by any means, but it does look to be coming back on the S8. Moving along, on the top frontside, get a load of the sensors and camera(s?). Flanking the top speaker are six holes, all filled of different gizmos. Does this confirm that Samsung will equip the Galaxy S8 with an iris scanner? Technically, no, but considering the company probably has thousands of modules sitting around from the Galaxy Note 7, it does seem likely. We also have to note that the top frontside aligns pretty well with what the Galaxy Note 7 featured.

The last bit of detail I can see concerns the display. Looking it over, it seems quite clear that the Galaxy S8 could feature rounded corners, just like the LG G6. Samsung is no stranger to this curved display design, so it should be interesting to hear its possible explanation as to why they are just now wanting to implement this change. Naturally, this photo dump doesn't include a shot of the backside, meaning we are still curious about the exact positioning of the fingerprint reader. We're still pretty nervous about it. Look over the photos, then share your thoughts below.

Via: @UniverseIce

LG G6 Videos Tease Water and Dust Resistance While Site Confirms Metal Body

Kellen — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 08:04:48 +0000

The LG G6 will be made official in a couple of days, yet LG isn't showing any signs of easing up on the teasing. Over the past two days, the company has revealed even more information about the upcoming 2017 flagship, including a confirmation on its full metal body and the fact that it should be water and dust resistant. A teaser site for the G6 in the US is responsible for the confirmation on the metal goodness, stating in fine print that we'll soon "learn more about its amazing features, like the sleek, full-metal body, state-of-the-art fingerprint scanner and other premium design details." Not that leak after leak haven't shown us that sleek, full-metal body, but this mention certainly seals the deal. As for water and dust resistance, one of two new teaser clips posted to LG's YouTube channel hints at water protection through the use of a woman swimming, noting that if you are taking a day off by the pool, you can just relax with the G6. The other clip outlines a G6 above a pile of flour suggesting that no dust (or flour) particles will be entering this phone. Getting excited for the G6 this weekend?

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Via: LG

Qualcomm Brings Its 4G LTE Smarts and Snapdragon to Android Things

Kellen — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 07:46:08 +0000

Android Things, the connected device or Internet of Things (IoT) platform from Google, now has the support of Qualcomm and its work with 4G LTE, the chipmaker announced this morning. Specifically, Qualcomm is making their Snapdragon 210 chipset, with integrated 4G LTE, available to Android Things devices, which could be anything from retail solution to smart home assistants. Qualcomm will show off Snapdragon 210 for Android Things at MWC this weekend, where they'll display to manufacturers interested in the platform that they can "quickly create and commercialize a variety of connected devices." And that's sort of the point of Android Things - to allow anyone to create an IoT device with the help of Google and its partners. The Snapdragon 210 not only features integrated 4G LTE, but it supports media up to 1080p (FHD), runs a quad-core CPU and Adreno 304 GPU, up to 8MP cameras, and hardware-based security. While not the most exciting end-user type of news you probably wanted to start your day with, the big deal here is the fact that Qualcomm's inexpensive Snapdragon line is ready to power your home or other connected devices through Google's new IoT platform.

Via: Qualcomm

DEAL: Unlocked LG V20 64GB for $499 on B&H Photo ($300 Off)

Tim — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 14:07:03 +0000

For a few more hours, buyers can pick up an unlocked LG V20 in 64GB for only $499 on B&H Photo, down from its usual price of $799. Part of the site's Deal Zone, it's a very limited time offer, and you may not see this low of a price again for quite some time. If you missed it, we reviewed the V20 not too long ago, coming away impressed with the device's hardware and "stuff and things," but not too fond of the overall size. It's quite a large device. As for carrier compatibility, the listing states GSM and CDMA support, meaning it should work on any major carrier you're on. If the V20 with its Quad DAC and dual rear-facing cameras has been calling your name, now is the time to grab it. B&H Photo Link

Cheers Eric!

AT&T LG G5 Getting Nougat Update Today (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 13:57:38 +0000

It might be late February, but we're finally starting to see Android Nougat updates rollout to last year's flagship phones. At the end of last week, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge on T-Mobile and AT&T got the love. Today, AT&T's LG G5 is also in on the action. At least three of our readers have seen the update already, so if you own the AT&T variant, it's time to check for yourself. We don't have the dirty details as of now, but the update supposedly weighs in at around 1.5GB. For those keeping track, AT&T is a solid 3 months behind Verizon's G5 in the Nougat department. However, AT&T is out in front of the S7. Carriers. UPDATE: It's looking like Android 7.0, January's security patch (ouch), Android version NRD90U, and software version H82020j. (Cheers again, @DustyHats!)

Cheers T and @DustyHats!

Here's the First Trailer for Alto's Odyssey, Summer Launch Set

Tim — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:10:22 +0000

An actual trailer for Alto's Odyssey, from the folks behind Alto's Adventure, has gone up onto YouTube. The video provides us with our first, albeit short look at what is coming later this year. The trailer features a bit of tasty music, coupled with about 4 seconds of what appears to be gameplay. And by gameplay, I mean a character doing a little hovering action and then boarding away. While it's not a lot to take in, I will say, it does appear that this scene is set in a desert, not a snowy mountaintop. It seems like a safe bet that with Odyssey, players may be seeing a few new locations. On top of the trailer, Alto's Adventure is turning 2! To celebrate, the game has been put on sale for just $1.99 on iOS (its free with ad support on Android), down from its usual price of $4.99. If you own an iOS device and are interested, do note that the deal ends tomorrow. Alto's Odyssey is scheduled to launch this summer.

AT&T Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge Receive Nougat Update

Tim — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:29:29 +0000

Late last week, Friday to be exact (same day as T-Mobile), AT&T began rolling out the Nougat update to owners of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. From what we have seen, the update weighs in at roughly 1.5GB, putting it on the very large side of OTA updates. Inside, users can expect to find the typical changes that are included with Nougat, such as a revamped notification system and improved battery life, but Samsung's own TouchWiz UI also receives a few changes with the update. If you are on AT&T and own a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, you might've already seen the notification pop up. If you still haven't received it, you should be very soon. With carrier models receiving Nougat, maybe we'll finally see Android 7.0 make a dent in the Android distribution chart.

Via: AT&T

Cheers everyone who sent this in!

Verizon Adds 2GB-$40 Plan to Prepaid Lineup

Kellen — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:24:36 +0000

Verizon isn't done tweaking its plan offerings, even after the introduction of Verizon Unlimited. Today, the company announced a new addition to its prepaid line-up, a 2GB plan for $40 per month. The plan joins their 5GB for $50 and 10GB for $70 plans, which Verizon says is simplifying their offerings. I don't know how adding a third option is simpler than just two, but it's not about to be something to stress over. If anything, people have more choices now and that's a good thing. The new plan includes Always-On Data, unlimited international texting, and carry over data that you don't use, just like the other prepaid plans. The new 2GB prepaid plan will be available starting tomorrow.

Via: Verizon

LG G6 Dual Camera to Include 13MP Wide-Angle Shooter

Kellen — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:14:14 +0000

LG revealed some new camera details about their new phone, the G6, over the weekend. According to a post on their Korean blog, Google translations basically leave us expecting dual cameras on the back (not surprising), with both wide-angle and standard shooters weighing in at 13MP. That differs from last year's G5 and V20, where we saw dual camera setups that included a 16MP standard shooter coupled with an 8MP wide-angle lens. The change to 13MP in the wide-angle camera is welcomed, for sure, because pixel counts are something we do care about in this Ultra HD world of ours. Not that 8MP photos are small by any means, but the lack of detail in the wide-angle shots from previous LG phones was noticeable to my eye. At 13MP in both cameras, you also get matching photo sizes no matter which camera you use, instead of dealing with a couple of different sizes. LG's blog post does state that the new 13MP wide-angle camera shoots at a 125-degree angle of view, which has dropped slightly from the 135-degree angles we got in their previous 8MP shooters. This angle supposedly captures more accurately to what the human eye sees, so we're not about to complain. I would hope that the photos would look less wide and unnatural with the reduction in angle as well. Finally, we should expect a wide-angle front camera as well, which will lead to a 360-panorama mode using cameras on the front and back. The LG G6 arrives this weekend!

Via: LG

SHIELD TV Receiving Upgrade 5.1, Amazon Video Enhancements and Rumble Support for GeForce NOW

Tim — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:57:20 +0000

NVIDIA is rolling out Upgrade 5.1 to SHIELD TV owners (2015 & 2017), bringing with it enhancements to the Amazon Video experience, plus rumble support for select titles streamed from GeForce NOW. According to the changelog, NVIDIA states you can test out the rumble support on games such as Tomb Raider, ABZÛ, and LEGO Star Wars The Force Awakens. As for the Amazon Video changes, NVIDIA lists "enhancements for surround sound as well as remote control responsiveness." Check out the full list of changes below, then have at it. What's New

Rumble Support for GeForce NOW -- GeForce NOW joins GameStream with support for dual vibration feedback with the new SHIELD controller. Try it out today in games like Tomb Raider, ABZÛ, and LEGO Star Wars The Force Awakens.
Amazon Video enhancements for surround sound as well as remote control responsiveness.
Support for encrypted VP9 with subsampling.
Enhanced system performance and stability.

Via: NVIDIA

Unlimited is Back!

Kellen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:30:25 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we're talking unlimited data on unlimited data on unlimited data. That's right, unlimited is back at all four major US carriers, although not exactly like in the past. There are some asterisks here and we have all of the details for you. Other than that bit of news, we'll talk the latest in MWC rumors, Google Home, and Android Wear happenings! Tim and I each have some new wrist candy this week that you'll want to see. Join us live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Don't Miss These Android Stories: February 17, 2017

Kellen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:37:41 +0000

We're one week from Mobile World Congress and the unveiling of major 2017 smartphones and gadgets from companies like LG, Huawei, and Motorola. We're expecting the G6 and its rounded display corners, the P10 and pee green, the Moto G5 that we know everything about, and a Blackberry device with a keyboard that will only excite...honestly, I don't know who. It's going to be a busy few days, but first, you need to catch up on the week we just finished. Over the past few days, we saw the return of unlimited data to all of the major US carriers and provided you with a big comparison chart of each plan. We also unboxed the new LG smartwatches, ordered things through Google Home, and said goodbye to the ZTE Hawkeye, a phone we never knew. Enjoy!

WATCH: Droid Life Show - Episode 134 | Subscribe
Feature: Unlimited Data Plan Comparison
New Unlimited Data plans: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Sprint
Unboxing: LG Watch Sport | LG Watch Style
Video: Android Wear 2.0 mega-overview
Google Home adds payments for voice-activated shopping
Google Home and Amazon Echo becoming home phones?
Tim's favorite tech stuff!
LG G6: Gets a Quad DAC | UX preview too | New images
Moto G5: Everything you need to know about it
Have feedback on the Google Pixel design? Share it here
Honor 8 Pro might have made its first appearance
Huawei P10 looking nice in that puke green | Huawei Watch 2 coming to MWC
RIP, ZTE Hawkeye
Galaxy S8 should mean the official death of MicroUSB
Pokemon GO just got 80+ new pocket monsters

Aaron Gordon will walk all over the dunk contest.

Another Look at the LG G6, Always-On Display Shown

Tim — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:17:32 +0000

Two new images of the LG G6 have hit the web, originally posted up by 9 to 5 Google. In the latest pictures, we get a great shot of the device's backside, plus a look at the always-on display in action. As we can see, this G6 sports a somewhat metallic Silver look, similar to what we've seen from Samsung in the past. However, instead of a glass back with heavy reflections, this looks more like a brushed metal approach. We also see the G6's dual rear-facing cameras, along with the fingerprint reader. On the front, the Always-On display looks to be in perfect working order, and yes, it appears we are indeed getting rounded display corners. It's certainly different, but I'm always down to try something new. It should also be noted that the bottom chin appears to be a tad bit larger than the top bezel, with minimal side bezel surrounding the display. Take a gander at the photos, then share your thoughts below.

Via: 9to5 Google

Report: Honor 8 Pro Unveiling at MWC, 5.7" QHD Display and 3,900mAh Battery

Tim — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:39:28 +0000

Plans of Honor, Huawei's global e-brand, are making the rounds ahead of this month's MWC in Barcelona. According a report from Russia, China's Honor V9 will be branded as the Honor 8 Pro in markets like the US, bringing a flagship-worthy set of specifications for what should be an affordable price. As reported, the Honor 8 Pro will feature a large 5.7" QHD display, Kirin 960 processor, 4GB RAM (6GB in other markets), 3,900mAh battery, SD card support, dual rear-facing cameras, fingerprint reader, plus EMUI 5.0 on top of Android 7.0. If these specs are indeed accurate, we must say, Honor could have a serious contender here. Rumored to launch in late March, there is no concrete price floating around, but with MWC so close, that info should come shortly. One thing we do know, Honor tends to price its devices competitively, leading us to believe that even with a list of specs such as this, it should be obtainable for all. As for my claim that it could be a serious contender here in the US, I'm telling you, EMUI 5.0 is nice. I have used it quite a bit on the Huawei Mate 9 (similar specs to this reported Honor 8 Pro) and I never ran into any issues on the software side. Heck, even the Mate 9's hardware was top notch, so consider me excited about this Honor 8 Pro. What's your take on Honor so far? Willing to give them a shot?

Via: Hi-Tech @ Mail [Translated]

DEAL: LG V20 is 50% Off at AT&T

Kellen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 10:02:40 +0000

LG is days away from unveiling the G6, their first 2017 flagship phone. However, if you aren't liking what you are seeing there from leaks and would rather jump into the LG V20, a feature-packed phone for audiophiles, creatives, and the ultimate power user, AT&T has a 50% off deal going at the moment you might want to check out. The deal comes via bill credits, plus you have to sign-up for either AT&T Next or AT&T Next Every Year, their two device payment plans. Depending on the plan you sign-up for determines the bill credit you get back. If you go AT&T Next, the monthly payment is $27.67 minus the $13.84 bill credit for 30 months. If you go AT&T Next Every Year, the monthly payment is $34.59 minus the $17.30 bill credit for 24 months. The deal is a limited time offer. AT&T Link

ZTE Hawkeye Kickstarter Campaign Shut Down

Tim — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:53:10 +0000

After gathering a little over $36K of the $500K needed, ZTE's Hawkeye campaign on Kickstarter has been shut down. This move follows a frantic request by the company's Project CSX team to discover what would make this phone more attractive to potential buyers. As we can see, that didn't work out too well. It was at CES in January when ZTE made the Hawkeye official, coupled with the idea that the device would be placed on Kickstarter as a way for interested parties to order the device. However, per Kickstarter's rules, only campaigns that reach a set goal are awarded the funds. With ZTE's goal placed at $500K, and with very little interest in the device from the general public (possibly thanks to extremely modest specs), it never stood a chance. The Hawkeye had two unique features going for it, one being eye-tracking software that allowed folks to use their device without touching it, and the other being a self-adhesive backside. In theory, with the adhesive, users could place the smartphone down without having to worry about it slipping and sliding. It's not exactly groundbreaking, but we haven't ever seen that on a device, as it's typically saved for 3rd-party cases. Anyway, ZTE doesn't plan on ditching the Hawkeye completely. Here's what might be in store for the Hawkeye later down the road.

You requested that the winning Project CSX idea – an eye-tracking, self adhesive phone – be implemented on a higher spec’d device than what we initially proposed through Kickstarter. We’ve heard you loud and clear as we are reevaluating the device features that are implemented in to the device. Based on your feedback we have determined it is best to push back the date of the release in order to deliver a higher spec’d device. While we are still finalizing the new date, we will continue providing updates and collaborate with the community throughout the entire process.

If you are looking to stay informed on the Hawkeye, ZTE requests you check out their Z-Community forum.

Via: Kickstarter

Google Product Lead Requesting Customer Feedback for the Pixel, Ideas to Improve

Tim — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:29:05 +0000

Over on Google's product forum, a product lead for the Pixel team is requesting honest feedback. More precisely, Krishna Kumar wants to hear what folks like about the Pixel's design (hardware), as well as what folks don't like. To cap it off, Kumar is also looking for ideas on how they can improve upon the Pixel. If you ever thought you could have your voice heard directly by the folks at Google, now would be the time. If you want water resistance, say it. If you want dual stereo speakers, yell it. Whatever you want to see, let your opinion be heard. So far, looking through a bit of the feedback, it appears many wanted a water resistant Pixel. Who can blame them? Additionally, folks want improved availability (LOL, good luck), better speakers, more color options, and smaller bezels. Have anything you want to add to the list? Follow the via link below.

Via: Google

T-Mobile Rolls Out Nougat Update to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

Kellen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:12:01 +0000

T-Mobile issued a sweet treat to owners of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge this morning in the form of an update to Android Nougat. The update may have actually begun rolling out last night to those participating in the Nougat beta, but it now seems to be rolling out to non-beta testers. The update arrives as software build UVU4BQB1 and weighs in at a cool 1.5GB. If you are wanting to download this bad boy right away, make sure you have plenty of battery juice. Once updated, you'll actually get a fresh new interface in many areas. The notification shade is cleaner, the settings menu is completely re-done, and you'll even get to choose the screen resolution displayed (Tip: It likely defaults after updating to FHD, so be sure to bump to QHD if that's how you roll.). If you owned the Note 7 at any point during its short life, then this UI will be very familiar. It's Samsung's best ever, in my opinion. Outside of the new UI changes, this is Android 7.0 Nougat, so you get Nougat fun like responding to notifications from within notifications, improved multi window functionality, quicker system updates, and more. To check for the update, head into Settings>Software update.

Cheers Mark!

#TBT: Google Unveils Gmail Tap Keyboard, Powered By Dots and Dashes

Tim — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:29:57 +0000

Each year for April Fools' Day, Google enjoys announcing fake products. Provided the company has what seems to be an unlimited budget for creating these silly, non existent products, they are always coupled with announcement posts and even product videos. Thinking back a few years, I can recall one of my favorites, Gmail Tap. The idea behind Gmail Tap is pretty basic - replace your standard keyboard with Tap, a keyboard with two buttons. There's a button for a dot and a button for a dash (Morse Code). In theory, it's a lovely idea, but what sends it over the top is the concept of having two of the Tap keyboards working simultaneously, allowing for twice the amount of input at any given time. I'm not sure how much training you would need in order to make this keyboard actually useful, but my guess is quite a bit. All jokes aside, I'd probably use Gmail Tap before I try 8Pen again. Do you remember a good Google April Fools' Day video? Share it below!

Unlimited Plan Comparison: Verizon vs. AT&T vs. T-Mobile vs. Sprint

Kellen — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:25:09 +0000

So it's 2017 and unlimited data is officially back at all of the major US carriers. (Don't even try to tell me that you saw this coming.) It seemed like just days ago we were paying a hundred dollars for 2GB and 4GB of data and having our grandfathered unlimited data plans ripped from our cold, crusty, fingers with the shadiest of moves. But hey, we're not about to complain that we can all get back on unlimited data for some decent prices. As you know, T-Mobile kicked off this new unlimited wave a few months ago with T-Mobile ONE before Sprint jumped in with their own take. Both plans had some pretty major issues out of the gate, a couple of which T-Mobile has attempted to address. And then, this weekend, Verizon said, "We're bringing unlimited back!" Their plan, as it turns out, was more or less a better implementation than what T-Mobile and Sprint had done, so those two have now copied Verizon's idea in a matter of days. Finally, AT&T decided it couldn't be left out, so it has announced that it will remove a single requirement from its lesser-known unlimited plan to make itself competitive in this new age. There is a lot to consume concerning the four offerings from these carriers, so we decided that we would attempt to put together a simple chart that lays out the basics. Below, we attempt to breakdown the pricing in simple terms and even layout some of the asterisks of each feature. Keep in mind that we didn't factor in network, as that is for you to decide. UPDATE: On February 26, AT&T introduced two new unlimited plans to better compete. We've updated the table below to include details on those plans.

UPDATE AUGUST 29: We've updated the chart below to reflect changes to Verizon's Unlimited plan offerings. See the updated chart at this post.

Have fun. [table id=55 responsive=scroll /]

Sign-up for unlimited service:

AT&T Makes Unlimited Plan Available to All Tomorrow

Kellen — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 13:25:19 +0000

Now that Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint have all done something in the unlimited data plan industry this week, AT&T didn't want to be left out. Starting tomorrow, they will expand availability of their unlimited data offering to all customers. Previously, AT&T's unlimited data plan was only available to those with DirecTV accounts, but come February 17, all AT&T postpaid customers can get in on the action. The expansion goes live tomorrow and includes unlimited talk, text, and data. Customers looking for 4 lines can get into a package that costs $180. Assuming this unlimited plan is just like the previous plan, only without the DirecTV requirement, that would mean $100 for the first smartphone, followed by $40 per line thereafter. While that brings the bill to $220 for 4 lines, AT&T says that after 2 billing cycles, they will credit you back $40 each month, dropping the price to $180. Tethering was not included in the previous plan and AT&T is not specifying here if it is or not now. We've reached out to AT&T for clarification on that. EDIT: AT&T confirms to us that tethering is not included in this plan. In terms of throttling, AT&T sets a per line limit at around 22GB. Should a line hit that number, they could throttle you for the remainder of a billing cycle, should you attach to a congested network. Also, AT&T doesn't throttle video, but customers can choose a "Stream Saver" feature that drops quality to conserve data. And that's the newish AT&T unlimited plan, which really isn't new, it just doesn't require that you get a DirecTV subscription.

Via: AT&T

Deals: Grab an Aukey 20,000mAh Power Bank for $30, 5-Port Charger for $22

Tim — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 12:56:11 +0000

Aukey is hosting a sale for those with coupon codes on a number of products, three of which feature Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 technology. On sale is a 20,000mAh power bank with Quick Charge 3.0 ($30), a different 20,000mAh power bank ($22), an even larger 30,000mAh power bank with USB Type-C and Quick Charge 3.0 ($40), plus a 5-port charging station with Quick Charge 3.0 ($22). The coupon codes will save you anywhere from $7 to $20, perfect for anyone who needs a good amount of portable power. Amazon Links

Quick Charge 3.0 20000mAh Power Bank with Lightning Input ($30 w/ code QCPOWER2)
20000mAh Power Bank with Lightning Input ($22 w/ code AIPOWER2)
Quick Charge 3.0 30000mAh USB-C Power Bank ($40 w/ code QCPOWER3)
Quick Charge 3.0 5-Port Charging Station ($22 w/ code AUKPAT15)

Have at it.

Here's the Huawei P10 Again Ahead of MWC Unveiling

Tim — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:31:26 +0000

It was only just yesterday when we caught our first potential glimpse at the upcoming Huawei P10, but already, we're getting more images. Today, @evleaks posted up another look at the device, showing off the colors we can expect the P10 to launch in. As shown in the below photo, the P10 may launch in three unique colors: Blue, Gold, and Green. While we have seen gold and blue phones before, green is a color not often used. It's not even a very dark green, either. It's more like a Lime Green if anything. Is it okay if I'm turned off by this? In these images, we also see the front-facing fingerprint reader, matching up nicely with the renders we saw yesterday. On the backside, we also spot the dual rear-facing cameras, a staple of pretty much all new Huawei devices. Take a look for yourself, then let us know, are you interested in the P10?

Via: @evleaks

You Can Now Shop With Google Assistant on Google Home

Tim — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 09:09:01 +0000

It's official, you can now shop with Google Assistant on your Google Home. The process of setup and executing a purchase is very straightforward. Once your payment and shipping options are selected via your smartphone (either inside the Home app or Assistant settings menu), simply tell your Assistant what you want (ex. "OK Google, order paper towels"), and you're done. Your delivery will arrive via Google Express. As for which stores you can order from, here's an image that overviews the top supported retailers.

According to Google's announcement post, there are no fees or service charges through April 30, 2017. It seems that Google wants to get folks familiar with using it for a bit, and can maybe then begin charging for the convenience.

Through April 30, 2017, when you shop via Google Home, you don't have to worry about additional service or membership fees. And set-up is easy! To get started, go to the Google Home app, navigate to “More settings” and then scroll down to “Payments.” From there, set your default credit card and delivery address, and you’re ready to shop.

To make sure your billing and shipping info is all in order, here's what you are looking for inside the Google Assistant settings. Because Google tends to double up on things, you can also find these settings by opening the Home app > More Settings > Payments.

Via: Google [2]

And Now Sprint Caves in to HD Streams and Tethering With "Best Unlimited HD Plan Ever" For 1 Year

Kellen — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:32:47 +0000

In reaction to T-Mobile's reaction to Verizon's reaction to the unlimited craze that has once again swept the wireless industry in the US, Sprint has another new unlimited plan to share with you today. This one is dubbed "Best Unlimited HD Plan Ever" and includes the same style of unlimited plan that Verizon introduced on Monday, which T-Mobile already had to match. It includes HD streaming and tethering without the extra up-charge. So here's the deal on this new unlimited (Sprint seriously just announced a $90 unlimited plan last week). You get unlimited talk, text, and data, HD-quality streaming (that's up to 1080p, so no 4K for you), and 10GB of mobile hotspot per month per line (drops to 2G after 10GB). For a single line, that's $50 per month. If you want 2 lines, that's $90 per month. If you want 3 or 4 lines, Sprint says that will still be just $90 - but only for the next year, and with autopay turned on. That's right! Like last week's unlimited plan from Sprint, this one is only good until March 31, 2018. At that time, your price will go up substantially. The first line will jump to $60 per month, second will be $40 per, and lines 3 and 4 will be $30 each. Care to do the math there? In a year, assuming you have 4 lines, your bill will jump from $90 per month to $160. You cool with that? In other notes, Sprint is still throttling gaming at "up to 8Mbps" speeds and music at "up to 1.5Mbps" speeds. You'll get high speed data "for most everything else," though. Whatever that means, I guess? If interested, you can sign-up here.

Via: Sprint

LG's New UX for G6 is All About That Rounded Corner, Square Life

Kellen — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 07:31:24 +0000

Last night, LG unwrapped a teaser for the UX that will accompany the launch of the G6 in a week. While the teaser may not show us a revamped UI and software design that we all have begged for, LG is planning to take advantage of the G6's 18:9 display, which "almost entirely fills the front of the smartphone," to go full-square mode. That might be confusing, so let me explain. Below, you'll find a short video preview of some of the thoughts behind the new UX, but the basic idea is that the 18:9 display ratio allows for two square windows to sit side-by-side for multi-tasking. That means a dual-view square camera mode for shooting 1x1 photos, while previewing them at the same time in a 2nd window. That means more of your calendar in a top window while you view more of your Messenger conversation in the window below. Full squares! It also means more viewing of all content in general, thanks to that widened 18:9 look. You'll get more on the screen when browsing or when accessing almost any other app. Oh, and rounded corners are here too. You'll see them a lot in the short video below. So we get squares, longer rectangles, and rounded corners all over. Nice. The LG G6 will be announced in just over a week! [expand title="PRESS RELEASE"]

LG G6 OFFERS ULTIMATE USER CONVENIENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY WITH FULLVISION DISPLAY

Unique 18:9 Screen Aspect Ratio and Complementary UX Enables Unparalleled Consumption of Mobile Content

SEOUL, Feb. 16, 2017 ― LG Electronics (LG) will feature its new mobile UX 6.0 in its upcoming G6 smartphone specifically customized to maximize the advantages of the device’s expansive FullVision display. LG G6 will feature a 5.7-inch QHD+ FullVision display (2,880 x 1,440) with an 18:9 screen aspect ratio that almost entirely fills the front of the smartphone. The dimensions of the phone are ergonomically designed to ensure maximum comfort and compatibility with existing and upcoming digital content. The phone’s new UX maximizes the benefits of the FullVision display, providing the user with the ultimate convenience and advances, such as: Differentiated experience for viewing content such as video clips and web surfing Improved camera UX that maximizes the extra real estate provided by the 18:9 format display Smartly designed GUI (Graphical User Interface) that enables the opening of two perfectly square windows side by side, delivering a more productive, better multitasking experience A Differentiated Experience The FullVision display in the LG G6 provides users with a new viewing experience. The large screen features an expanded top and bottom that allows users to view more information when surfing the web, or while reading e-books and provides a more immersive experience when users view videos or play games. The LG G6 is expected to kick off an era of premium smartphones with 18:9 screen aspect ratios, which is why such a wide variety of films, apps and games tailored to the 18:9 aspect ratio is sharply rising. The smartphone includes a feature that allows users to view existing 16:9 ratio content easily in 18:9 format. Enhanced Camera UX The camera UX has been considerably enhanced thanks to the expansive 18:9 screen aspect ratio display in a way that increases the convenience and the fun. The expansive screen enables users to take and review photos simultaneously. LG UX 6.0 provides a Square Camera feature which divides the 18:9 display into two identical perfect squares. With this, users can shoot images in 1:1 format - a popular format on social media apps such as Instagram - and review them in the adjacent window. There is also new shooting mode called Food Mode that delivers high color quality and saturation ideal for, well, food. Users can create GIF files by combining anywhere from 2 and 100 pictures in a loop. Advanced Multi-tasking The LG G6 takes advantage of the expansive 18:9 display in many ways. Open a call reception window next to the calendar app or the photo gallery at the same time as the message app. Multiple square photographs can be connected together and viewed as a Collage Wallpaper on the lock screen. Type a memo on one side while surfing the web on the other. Inside the calendar app, turning the G6 horizontally will display the calendar in the left window while a detailed schedule will appear on the right. The combinations are endless. “The LG G6 with FullVision was inspired by the philosophy of experts in the movie industry who believe that an 18:9 ratio screen would be the best solution for viewing both old and new cinematic content in the digital age,” said Juno Cho, president of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We’ve not only embraced that philosophy in our newest smartphone but taken it to a whole new level by incorporating the 18:9 format in many other ways. I think users will appreciate the many ways we’ve made the LG G6 more productive.” The LG G6 with UX 6.0 will be introduced to audiences worldwide at MWC 2017 in Barcelona, Spain on February 26. Click here for a video preview of the new LG UX 6.0.

# # #[/expand]

Most Underrated Galaxy S8 Launch Happening: Death of MicroUSB

Kellen — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 14:04:43 +0000

Alright, so it won't be a full death, because there are thousands and thousands of gadgets that still sport microUSB ports, but when the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus are announced next month at an event in New York City, we'll welcome in the official era of USB Type-C. That's something we should all applaud, even if it's not a moment you had given much thought to. You might be thinking, "Ummm, Kellen, almost every phone last year launched with USB Type-C, so why does the Galaxy S8 get credit?" Because the Galaxy S7, a phone that sold in massive amounts in 2016 and crushed sales of the phone you are holding right now, had microUSB. Even if the LG G5 and V20, Google's Pixel, the HTC 10, the Moto Z family, OnePlus 3 line, and almost any other phone that launched had USB Type-C, it doesn't really matter. The king of Android phones (in terms of volume) is the Galaxy S line and it still featured the older, more frustrating plug. So when the Galaxy S8 shows up with a USB Type-C port, the hundreds of accessory makers around will be all-in as well. They'll have to be. We'll fully take that next step towards Type-C saturation, where everything in your life can be the same plug (again). Only this time, it'll be a cable that you can plug-in in the dark without looking, that'll charge your stuff fast, and transfer data faster. When you head to the wireless carrier to buy a new phone in 2017, you'll get to choose from phones that should all have the same USB Type-C port (unless you buy one of those app jukeboxes that lacks innovation). From the S8 to the G6 and Pixel or Moto phone, it'll be Type-C. But maybe more importantly, your house gets to become USB Type-C. I sort of bring this up today because my wife gave up on her Galaxy S7 hours ago (probably because I had it running beta software and the bugs weren't exactly providing a lot of love) and switched over to a Google Pixel. That means our house is now 100% on the same charger and cable. I cannot express to you how great this moment is. When we pack for a trip, we no longer have to cover all charger types or make sure each other has a charger for each other's phone. Nope, now we just grab whatever charger is there and go because it'll work with either of our phones now that microUSB has been removed. In the car, we no longer have to sift through cables to find the correct type. In the bedroom, office, or kitchen, that cable lying there just works. That battery pack only needs one cable ever attached to it going forward. Good lord, it's glorious. Right now, you might not think that this is that big of a deal. Trust me, by the end of the year, assuming you and whoever else you live with bought new phones, you'll think back, toss a nod this way, and join us in pouring some out for our old friend, microUSB. The end is near, buddy.

Tim's Favorite Tech Stuff Right Now

Tim — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 13:54:54 +0000

Before I got into Android, I wasn't an overly tech-centric person. I had a few gaming consoles back in the day for playing GTA and other various titles, but to my point, I've never had a water-cooled PC called "n00b st0mp3r" or even a real smartphone until 2009. This can all be attributed, at least from what I can tell, to where and how I was raised as a child. I'm originally from a county in Northern California where trends can take years to reach, but given the internet age we currently live in, it's getting much better there and more connected to the outside world. Anyway, fast forward to 2017 and I'm on the front lines of innovation *laugh*, hanging out at CES, discussing industry buzzwords like IoT and getting to play with all of the latest and greatest toys available on the market. Needless to say, I'm now more attune to what's taking place in the tech space and I very much enjoy the connectedness of it all. So, now that I'm all in love with technology and have implemented much of it into my life, I wanted to share my favorite pieces of tech I currently use and maybe inspire you to do the same in the comments below. Not all of it is related to Android, but just tech in general. Here we go.

Propel's Star Wars Battle Drone

While we have yet to implement aerial drone footage in our video reviews (don't think it'll ever happen), I still enjoy playing with drones during my personal time. Recently launched are the Star Wars Battle Drones from Propel, right up my alley as a Star Wars nerd. While these drones are designed to essentially battle each other with built-in lasers (laser tag style), I enjoy flying mine around solo. According to the tech specs, these drones can reach up to 35MPH, but I haven't gotten quite comfortable enough to bump the controls up to Mode 3. It would also be helpful if we caught a bit of decent drone-flying weather up in Portland, so I may be waiting until summer time to really let her loose in the field. If you go onto YouTube and check out other peoples' flights, you will see that the entire unboxing and setting up experience is a blast. Everything, including your flights, are paired with Star Wars music and voices, perfect for fans who suffer from severe nostalgia. Even the process of putting batteries into the controller is met with voice guidance from a Rebel Commander. Below is what you experience when first opening the box. If you happen to be into Star Wars and into drones, this purchase is a no-brainer. Only downside is that it'll cost you $199 for one, and technically, they're much more fun when you have two (laser tag multiplayer battles). That experience starts at $400, making it not the cheapest drone you can find. However, buyers do have their choice between a 74-Z Speeder, T-65 X-Wing, and TIE Advanced X1. May the Force be with you. Propel Link ($199)

Aukey Dash Cam

I have been thinking about installing a dash cam in my car for quite some time, and what really inspired me to do so are all of the videos on YouTube of people capturing amazing incidents on camera. In reality, I don't think anyone really needs a dash cam until something actually happens to you or in front of you, so I see it as more of a "better safe than sorry" type of investment. To put that into perspective, what I'm saying is, 99% of the footage you capture will probably be quite dull, but then there's that 1% that will kick ass or come in handy if an accident is involved. Speaking purely about the Aukey Dash Cam, which Aukey provided for me to check out, it does its job and it does it quite well. It can record in up to 1080p with a 170° FOV (field of view), and its storage capacity it based solely on the size of microSD card you supply. Should you want a ton of footage, you can throw a 128GB card in the slot. If you don't think you do that much driving, a 32GB should suit you just fine. For me, I use a 32GB and can get plenty of footage. When I have a clip I want to share, I simply stick the SD card into my phone and can either upload to Google Drive or YouTube directly. It's a pretty straightforward experience. The Dash Cam is also capable of recording your vehicle's interior audio, but I did notice the mic is somewhat weak. At least for me, my car doesn't provide the best insulation from road noise, so that's also part of the problem. Below is a bit of not-so-interesting test footage I've taken of both day and night driving, some with audio enabled and some without. I suppose it's a good thing it's uneventful, but you never know when having a dash cam might come in handy. If you have also been looking to get a dash cam, the Aukey product is on sale through Amazon, priced at $70 down from $90. Amazon Link ($70)

Google Home and Amazon Echo

I get asked quite a bit by family and friends if they should choose the Google Home or Amazon Echo. Honestly, I enjoy them both, and the only reason I stick with Google Home is because of my subscription and music library being synced with Play Music. If that wasn't the case, maybe I'd rock an Echo. Point being, you can't go wrong with either of them, and both will only get better as time goes on. While I will be the first to admit that I probably don't use the Google Home to its full potential, I will say, having such a fancy music speaker slash kitchen timer is quite nice. When fully hands-on in the kitchen, it's good not having to lift a finger when in need of setting a timer for when that apple pie needs to be removed from the oven. There's another part of me that also enjoys the look on a guest's face when they hear a woman's voice coming from an unoccupied part of the house. "What the f@#%," is usually their reaction and then I have to explain what Google Home is. By the time I'm done explaining everything it can do, they usually seem likely to buy one for their own home. I love that feeling. Anyone reading this probably knows about Google Home, so I won't dive too deep into the experience (we also have a complete review of the thing), but if you have been on the fence about either a Home or Echo, just go for it. They're a blast. Google Home: Google Store Link ($129) | Amazon Echo: Amazon Link ($179)

Google WiFi

I have had Google WiFi hooked up for nearly a month now, and seriously, it's fantastic. I'm new to this whole mesh network thing, but so far, it's been great. While I have been noticing much improved connection and speeds where I have placed the access points, it's the smaller things I have enjoyed immensely. In the past, whenever guests would come over, I'd typically have to provide them with my main WiFi password. This would then allow them access to cast their crappy music or YouTube videos to my media system. I'm sorry, but your taste in music sucks and I'm so burned out on James Corden and Carpool Karaoke. Needless to say, with Google WiFi and the super easy process of setting up a Guest network with its own name and password, they can get their Instagram and Snapchat on, while still not being able to access my treasured network of goodies. On top of that, the idea that I can see each and every device that is drawing data on the network, complete with names and which point they are connected to, makes network management seem so painless. It's as if the standard modem and router option seem archaic in comparison. I know the IT guys will start a war down in the comments about mesh networks vs. conventional routers, but you know what, I enjoy controlling everything from an app on my phone and everything just working. It makes life much less stressful, and honestly, I haven't experienced a single hiccup during my time with Google WiFi. While the initial investment of $299 for a 3-pack might seem pricey, I think it's worth the plunge if mesh has been calling your name. Amazon Link (Out of Stock) | Google Store (Out of Stock)

ecobee3 Smart Thermostat

I used to think that smart thermostats were a dumb idea. What, people are too damn lazy to change the dial themselves? However, now that I have been living with one, the ecobee3 to be exact, I take it all back. Me likey the smart thermostats. Essentially, while one can change the dial up on their smartphone or tablet, there are other advantages to installing one. For me, I enjoy having a forecast and weather information available right from where I set my heat and cooling, allowing me to know just what to expect when setting my temperatures. On top of that, back to the ease of use concept, whenever I head upstairs for bed time and realize I forgot to turn off the heat, I can do so just from my phone. No more dragging my lazy bones downstairs and manually setting it. With ecobee3 (the standard version, not the Lite), users also get a separate room sensor. That additional room sensor is nice if you live in a house with multiple floors, allowing the thermostat to get a better understanding of how to heat the home. For example, is the downstairs staying cool while the upstairs is getting too hot? These are things that the thermostat should know in order to adjust itself to find the perfect balance between all of the floors. I hear a lot of the same positive feedback from owners of the Nest (Kellen uses a Nest in his home), and really, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I originally purchased a Nest to install, but due to a wiring issue I really didn't want to deal with, I went with the ecobee3. There was a bit of wiring I had to get through, but it's not hard at all. I can also vouch for ecobee's customer service, which was top notch when I was knee deep in the installation process. Amazon Link ($248)

There you have it, a short, yet detailed list for a few of my current favorite tech things. Have your own favorite tech toys you want to share with me? I'm always interested in trying new things, so share them below!

Google Home and Amazon Echo Could Become Your New Home Phone

Kellen — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:13:07 +0000

The push for home speaker assistants in your house could lead to the extinction of your home phone, assuming Google and Amazon have their way in the near future. According to a report out of the Wall Street Journal, both companies are looking at ways to integrate a home phone service into products like Google Home and Amazon Echo. On a basic level, Google and Amazon would hope that after you look-up an item (ex: a restaurant) or want to have a more direct hands-free conversation with someone, you could then tell your home assistant speaker to place a call. The call would then allow you have a speakerphone-like call through your speaker. The idea makes a lot of sense if you don't mind placing calls over speakerphone regularly. As today's report notes, there are some issues there, though, that need to be worked out. For one, how would you end a call? Would you use a hotword? Maybe, but that could be spoken during the call and cut someone off. What about privacy and the fact that these speaker assistants tend to record bits of audio throughout a day? I can't imagine any of us would be OK with our phone conversations being recorded by either Google or Amazon. Would Google have to launch a new voice service, or somehow integrate Google Voice? What would Amazon do since they don't even currently have a voice service solution? At this point, it sounds like both companies are still working all of that out, but could still launch voice-related products through Home and Echo before the end of the year. The best guess is that each will place calls using VoIP, with Amazon even considering handing out phone numbers to your Echo. Another idea suggests that we could see a Google Voice-like scenario where calls ring on your phone and speaker, so you can decide where you want to take them. Or maybe Amazon and Google will simply allow you to connect Skype or another service, rather than launch their own. Thoughts?

Via: Wall Street Journal

Report: Samsung to Announce Galaxy S8 Unveiling Date at MWC

Tim — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 10:52:57 +0000

According to Korea's Hankyung outlet, Samsung will most definitely announce the unveiling date for the Galaxy S8 during this year's MWC in Barcelona. While we already have a pretty solid grasp on Samsung's plans for H1 in 2017, none of the information is confirmed or official. If the company does in fact announce an full unveiling date, plus a "teaser" for the device, MWC should be pretty exciting for Galaxy fans. With that said, though, all intel we currently have points to a late-March unveiling, followed by a mid-April US launch. As of today, the general belief among Android bloggers is that Samsung will have two versions of the S8: The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. Both devices could potentially feature fancy AMOLED "Infinity" displays, Snapdragon 835 processors, plus plenty of other bells and whistles. MWC is right around the corner. Can you contain your excitement?

Via: Hankyung [Translated]

Here is the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus: Pics, Specs, and Everything Else

Kellen — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 09:48:40 +0000

So um, Motorola is hosting a press event at MWC in a week to unveil a new product or two. We're pretty sure those new products will be the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus. We are assuming that because leaks for each are starting to flow with regularity, but also because retailers are posting up entire listings for the devices, fit with pictures, specs, and everything else you might need to know. Seriously, we basically have it at all, thanks to electronics dealer K-Tronix. The listings in particular we have today are for both the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus. Below, we might as well walk through each, right? At a basic level, you have two mid-range phones with decent sets of specs set in "precision-crafted metal design" bodies. They feature 1080p displays, 2GB RAM, fast charging, fingerprint readers, microSD slots, and will come in grey or gold colorways. They differ a bit in size in a few areas. For example, the Moto G5 has a 5-inch FHD display, 32GB storage, 2800mAh battery, and Snapdragon 430 processor. The Moto G5 Plus, on the other hand, has a 5.2-inch FHD display, 64GB storage, 3000mAh battery, NFC chip, and Snapdragon 625 processor. I wouldn't be shocked if there is a 4GB RAM version of the G5 Plus as well, but this listing doesn't mention it. We don't yet know pricing or a release date, but going off of last year's Moto G4 line, you shouldn't expect them to break the bank. Also, if electronics dealers are already posting full details, launch should be soon. OK, so with that out of the way, how about full specs lists and the promo material for each!

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus Specs

[table id=54 responsive=scroll /]

Moto G5 Plus

Moto G5

Pretty solid sounding phones, I'd say. Any takers?

Via: Ktronix [2] | reddit

Pokémon GO Adds 80+ Gen 2 Pocket Monsters, New Evolutions and Encounter Gameplay

Tim — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 09:02:06 +0000

This week is huge for remaining fans and players of Pokémon GO. In an announcement posted this morning, the game is receiving a massive update, one that includes 80+ new Pokémon, new evolutions, plus updated encounter mechanics. Set to rollout later this week, players will have the opportunity to catch Pokémon Gen 2 creatures, as well as utilize new berries for capturing the aforementioned monsters. According to the press release, there are now Nanab Berries and Pinap Berries. As described, "Giving a Pokémon a Nanab Berry will slow its movements, making it easier to catch. The Pinap Berry doubles the amount of Candy you’ll receive if your next catch attempt succeeds." As for the updated encounter gameplay, Niantic details that players will notice different behaviors when a Pokémon encounter begins. While the developers don't go into great detail here, they also specify that you will, "notice the addition of new item carousels that allow you to select Berries and Poké Balls directly from the encounter screen." Here's the basic rundown of what's new, plus a video trailer for the update below. For more detailed information, follow the via link below, then head to Google Play and get ready for that update. What's New

Additional Pokémon
New Evolutions
New Encounter Gameplay
New Berries
New Avatars and an Expanded Wardrobe

Play Link

Via: Pokémon GO

HTC is Officially Planning Some Sort of Mobile VR Unit That Isn't Just a Phone in a Headset

Kellen — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 08:05:14 +0000

HTC, a VR company finally admitting to being a VR company, is planning to go mobile with its VR division this year, according to CNET UK who spoke with HTC CFO Chia-lin Chang during an HTC U Ultra event this week. During the brief interview, Chang confirmed that his company would launch a headset that would blend mobility and VR, though you shouldn't expect it to be another Gear VR. The thought here is that HTC's Vive VR unit is a high-end, PC-powered product, but there is a huge opportunity to create a similar experience that is more mobile-friendly. HTC says they have a "good plan" to combine the mobile world with VR, but Chang made it clear that their version of this idea won't be a "phone slapped onto a headset." That's really all Chang would say, other than they plan to launch this product before the end of the year. So brainstorming a bit here, does that mean we're not slapping a phone into a headset at all, or will we do the phone-to-headset thing, but add on something extra to make the experience more powerful? Maybe he's suggesting they'll have real controllers that take interaction beyond what even Daydream can do? Or maybe we're talking about wiring a phone to a headset, or using the phone as the controller, as it's wired to the headset? I don't know! One thing I do know is that HTC Vive is a pretty awesome VR experience because of the freedom of movement it allows in an environment. If HTC is cooking up a mobile VR product and you are at all interested in VR, you should probably be excited about this.

Via: CNET

T-Mobile Says It Will Kill That Stupid Daily HD Video Streaming Toggle

Kellen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:46:01 +0000

Yesterday, T-Mobile gave in and tweaked some parts of its T-Mobile ONE plan to better match the new unlimited plan that Verizon introduced that lacked some of the same annoying nuances. That means T-Mobile will no longer have customers pay extra for HD video streams or high-speed tethering (to a certain extent). But even with those changes, one little issue still remained - T-Mobile was going to continue to require you to toggle HD video streams on each day through the T-Mobile app rather than just give you high-quality streaming without the extra step. Today, the company has apparently caved in on this annoyance as well, according to The Verge. Starting Friday, when T-Mobile ONE customers switch over to/activate the newest version of the plan, they'll only need to toggle HD streaming on once and it'll stay on going forward. Instead of having to remind yourself to turn on the high-quality streams each day, you will be able to do so a single time and (hopefully) never look back. A T-Mobile spokesperson told The Verge that "The HD video will stream at whatever is provided by the content provider," which is exactly how Verizon put it to us. That's actually a nice clarification, since it means you won't just get 720p or "HD." Instead, you could get up to 4K or whatever the service you are using provides. Cool.

Via: The Verge

Android Wear 2.0 Overview on LG Watch Sport

Tim — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:54:39 +0000

Unlike Kellen, I didn't flash a Developer Preview of Android Wear 2.0 on one of my smartwatches as they were rolling out. I figured I would just wait for it to publicly launch and experience it with a fresh pair of eyes, and I'm happy I did that. Android Wear 2.0 is a large change over the last version of Google's wearable OS, looking more polished and thought out, at least from my 15+ hours of usage. As for a basic list, Google threw in Google Assistant, support for Android Pay (not available on Watch Style), plus this rotating crown design and implementation has me totally mesmerized on the LG Watch Sport. If you are in the same boat as me and have never laid eyes on Android Wear 2.0, the below video was made with you in mind. During the video, I go over changing watch faces, tweaks to the settings menu, using Google Assistant, as well as customizing actions for the two buttons that flank the crown. Got any questions about Android Wear 2.0 or the Watch Sport? Hit me up in the comments below.

Software Overview on LG Watch Sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT763tUehoQ

DEAL: Chromecast Ultra is $10 Off

Kellen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:50:04 +0000

Depending on where you shop for electronics, you may find a $10 off sale on Google's newest Chromecast, the Chromecast Ultra. As of today, you can buy the 4K-spitting streaming device for $59, the lowest price to date that I can recall. What makes the Ultra different from the regular Chromecast? Well, it has the capability to stream in 4K and HDR, so it's the Chromecast that is built for the future. Assuming you own a 4K TV and want to get the most out of your streaming services as they enable 4K, this would be the Chromecast to buy. Links: Best Buy | Google Store

Our First Potential Look at the Huawei P10

Tim — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 10:32:22 +0000

Huawei intends to unveil the P10 at MWC this year, but it wouldn't be a proper launch if the internet didn't go ahead and provide a few renders of what we might see. According to renders posted to 91mobiles, the P10 will be somewhat similar to the P9 in terms of overall looks, but there will be at least one major change in 2017. As we see in the renders, the fingerprint reader will be placed on the bottom frontside, instead of being on the backside -- similar to the OnePlus 3T and other devices. On the back, we still see dual rear-facing cameras, plus what's either phase detection or some type of laser auto focus. On the bottom, the P10 appears to sport USB Type-C, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack. Last year, we absolutely adored the P9's hardware, but the software made it nearly impossible for us to use it over the longterm. This year, we are hoping to see the much better EMUI 5.0 skin atop Nougat. Fingers crossed. What are your initial thoughts on the renders?

Via: 91mobiles

Video: LG Watch Style Unboxing and First Look

Kellen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:53:08 +0000

What, you thought we'd unbox the LG Watch Sport and not do the same for the Watch Style? Silly, you. Because these are the first two Android Wear 2.0 watches and because Google teamed up with LG to make them, they deserve a bit of special attention. While these are no means Nexus-like devices, it is obvious that Google and LG worked closely together to help usher in the era of Android Wear 2.0 with this launch. That's a big deal. To recap, the LG Watch Style is the cheaper-less-equipped of the two. It doesn't have NFC or LTE or a heart rate monitor, it does have the 1.20-inch circular POLED display, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, wireless charging, and rotating crown. It also has IP67 dust and water resistance, a stainless steel 42mm case, 240mAh battery, and easily changeable 18mm watch bands (full specs). At $249.99, it costs $100 less than the Watch Sport, but you can see why. It's missing important pieces of tech, like NFC. I'll have much more to say in the full review of the Watch Style, but I think it's safe to say out of the gate that this watch feels like a missed opportunity for LG and Google. The lack of NFC makes this just another Android Wear watch that does what all of the other Android Wear watches do, instead of a watch that showcases the future of wearables. That's fine if all you want is a smartwatch that does the basics. That's not fine if you want more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUsazvUkCBM

OnePlus Erroneously Claims OnePlus 3T 'World’s Most Lickable Smartphone'

Tim — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:07:04 +0000

OnePlus has been in the spotlight before when it comes to offensive campaigns, and instead of shying away completely from areas of possible offense, the company has said screw it, opting to go down the somewhat humorous road with its latest #LickOfLove campaign. In the video above, we see folks talking to what we assumed were other humans, alluding to what we think is sex talk. "You just don't quit, all night and the next day," followed by, "I'm in love with your sleek body." I mean, this is stuff that you might say to your lover around Valentine's Day. Not, OnePlus, though. This is the type of shit they say to their smartphone, the OnePlus 3T. For this new campaign, which has the company giving away a pair of personalized OnePlus 3T units, the company claims the device is the "world's most lickable smartphone." However, after extensive research and a trip to Maury, the lie detector determined that was a lie. From my findings, I have determined that in order to be accurately labeled as the world's most lickable phone, you need to have a base water/moisture resistance of IP53. In the case of the OnePlus 3T, it's not even IP certified, meaning this claim from OnePlus is completely baseless and possibly misleading. If any phone was going to take the award for "world's most lickable," it'd probably be the Galaxy S7 or any other phone with an IP67 or above rating. Now those are phones you'll want to be licking, trust me. Just so we're all clear, I'm joking and OnePlus has themselves a somewhat gross, mediocre ad for a Valentine's Day campaign. If you want to win two free phones, though, be my guest. Enter Here

Nest App Gets Better Notifications, App Shortcuts on Android

Kellen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:56:33 +0000

Today, Nest will push a new app update to Android and iOS that should improve the notification experience from your cameras. It'll also add app shortcuts on Android, for those running Android 7.1 Nougat. As Nest notes in its blog post about the new app update, some times you don't want notifications for everything. To help cut down on unwanted notifications, Nest Aware (the paid service of Nest cameras) will be able to automatically detect doors and create activity zones around them. That means you'll only get motion notifications when something happens with that zone or doorway. Additionally, if you are running Android 7.0 and higher, Nest says that as your Nest Cam notices activity (and you are subscribed to Nest Aware), your notification will show an animated preview of the action, so that you may not even need to enter the app to check on it. For Nest Protect owners, Nest is also introducing a warning for carbon monoxide that automatically pops up live video from all of the Nest Cams in your house. And finally, when long-pressing Nest app on Android 7.1+, you'll have access to app shortcuts for cameras and other Nest products. If you want, you can drag those to your home screen for quick shortcuts, or just access them each time with a long-press on the icon. Play Link

Via: Nest

Video: LG Watch Sport Unboxing and First Look

Tim — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 15:15:26 +0000

The Watch Sport from LG went up for sale last Friday and it has now arrived at the DL offices. Before we can provide you with a complete review, though, we are obligated by DL law to provide you with an unboxing. No, it's not an actual law, I made that up, but we do very much enjoy unboxing things. To put it lightly, the Watch Sport is the largest Android Wear device I have ever put on, right up there with the TAG Heuer Connected. The Watch Sport features a 1.38" Circle POLED display, Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, 4GB of internal storage, 768MB of RAM, and even LTE connectivity thanks to a SIM port on the backside of the device. Other specs include NFC for use with Android Pay, a heart rate monitor, barometer, wireless charging, IP68 (water and dust resistance), and a 430mAh battery. For all of that, the price is set at $349. Provided the size, I will say, in comparison to the TAG Connected, that device has a 1.5" display and a 410mAh battery, but a $1500 price tag. Here's the unboxing video so I can hurry along and get to reviewing this thing.

LG Watch Sport Unboxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awSgVWfnD6g Galley

T-Mobile Tries to Match Verizon's Unlimited Plan, Caves in to HD Video and High-Speed Tethering (Updated)

Kellen — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 13:05:35 +0000

This afternoon, because this is how John Legere works, the T-Mobile CEO has reacted to the new Verizon Unlimited plan by tweaking his company's own unlimited offering known as T-Mobile ONE. What are the tweaks? Well, let's just say that since Verizon's unlimited plan offered a plan that bested his, he's gone ahead and matched Big Red (in a way). He's also throwing in a 2-line promo as well. OK, so what changed? According to a tweetstorm from Legere (hopefully, a press release is on the way), come Friday, the base T-Mobile ONE plan includes HD video and 10GB of high-speed hotspot data at no extra charge. That's it. So instead of having to pay for individual HD video passes each day, you'll now be able to just toggle them on at will, like you would in the Plus plans. At least, we're assuming they are still using that ridiculously obnoxious daily toggle for video that isn't throttled to 480p. Keep in mind that Verizon does not require a toggle and instead just serves you up high-quality streams. Also, with the hotspot data, you now no longer get just 3G streams with the base T-Mobile ONE, but can use 10GB at full 4G LTE speeds. That's a nice addition, for sure. The question now becomes, what good is T-Mobile ONE Plus with these changes? Part of the reason people upgraded to Plus plans was for the unlimited HD streaming and/or hotspot. Sure, T-Mobile ONE Plus International still has unlimited hotspot, but with 10GB in the regular ONE line, how many really need to pay $25 extra per month to upgrade? Also, what's the point of the ONE Plus regular, since it doesn't include tethering, yet does include HD video at an extra $15 per month? I'd imagine that will just go away on Friday and there will only be one Plus option. Additionally, Legere says that they'll also launch a $100 plan for two lines (was $120), and that's "ALL IN," meaning taxes and fees are included. As you know, Verizon's unlimited offering is $80 for a single line, but jumps to $140 for 2 lines. You can check out his whole tweetstorm below. As we get definitive clarification on all of this, we'll be sure to update the post. UPDATE: The press release is now out, but it doesn't cover anything we didn't mention here. It does avoid talk of the Plus options, though, so we'll have to wait until Friday to see how/if those change. UPDATE 2/14: According to a report, T-Mobile will remove the need to toggle on HD streams each day. Going forward, you should just need to turn HD streaming on once and it will stay. In the end, one has to ask why Legere didn't just start with all of this setup this way instead of having to always react? Why wait until your competitors do it, John? Are you the wireless Batman who puts customers first or not? https://twitter.com/JohnLegere/status/831239592820871169

Huawei Eyeing Launch of Huawei Watch 2, P10 at MWC 2017

Tim — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:36:12 +0000

A teaser video for the P10 and teaser image for the Huawei Watch 2 are floating around this morning, meaning big things are coming from Huawei at this year's MWC. In a somewhat vague video for the upcoming P10, Huawei states the device is coming to Barcelona, along with the line, "Change the way the world sees you." I'm not going to dive into what that could possibly mean, but along with that, we also see a hashtag followed by two circles with human eyes inside them. Dual front-facing cameras? Who knows, but we will see it on February 26 at MWC. Maybe a bit more interesting for US consumers (and fans of Android Wear), a teaser for the Huawei Watch 2 has been posted to Weibo. The image details a man looking at a smartwatch on his wrist while doing a pose that oddly reminds me of the Heisman. Honestly, it looks more like a Nike ad than a smartwatch ad.

We have heard from previous reports that the Huawei Watch 2 will be more focused on athletics and fitness than fashion and sophistication. Not that Huawei can't handle finding a good balance for all of that, but it's possible we shouldn't expect an $800 Rose Gold variant in 2017. MWC, hurry up and get here!

Huawei P10 Teaser

Via: Weibo

Cheers Topher!

New Google Maps Lists Feature Starts Rollout to Everyone Today

Kellen — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:22:25 +0000

Starting today, when you use Google Maps to pull up a soon-to-be-visited restaurant, or maybe one you want to add to a list of favorites, you'll be able to do so in a much more organized way. Google Maps is getting a proper lists feature that allows you to create new lists, share them with others, and even follow those from your buddies. This feature was first introduced back in August of last year to Google's Local Guides program. Today, though, it comes to everyone else. You'll get a good feel for how it works in the video above, but the basics are this. As you look-up a restaurant or other location and perform a swipe up on the listing, you'll be treated to a "Save" button in the middle of the screen. By tapping that, you'll then get to choose where to save the place to. You could go with pre-made lists for Favorites, Want to go, and Starred spots, or you could create your own custom lists. I'm thinking lists like, "New Beer Spots" or "Burger Places in NYC I Need to Visit That May Leave Me in a Coma." To get back into your lists, a swipe out of the side menu followed by a tap on "My places" will get you to them all. From there, you can edit lists or share them with another person through a variety of options. Let us know as you see the new feature go live! Play Link

Via: Google

Report: Galaxy Note 8 is Codenamed 'Baikal'

Tim — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 08:56:12 +0000

If the Galaxy Note 7 hadn't been recalled, we may not be as interested in early rumors and possible codenames for the Galaxy Note 8, but dang it, we miss that phone, so any potential information floating around always catches our ear. The latest, reported by SamMobile, regards a codename for the aforementioned, unconfirmed phablet device from Samsung. Posted on sites like Weibo and shared through Twitter and Instagram, the codename is reported to be Baikal, a reference to Lake Baikal in southern Russia, just north of the Mongolia border. After five minutes of research, I can tell you that Baikal is considered to be the deepest lake in the world (5,314 ft.), while also being one of the world's clearest bodies of freshwater. As of last year, Lake Baikal housed 20% of the world’s total unfrozen freshwater reserve. So, yeah, it's a massive and beautiful lake in Russia. It's a bit too early to say what Baikal could mean for the potential Galaxy Note 8, but SamMobile reports we can expect to see a 4K display (super clear resolution, just like the lake?), as well as internal batteries that are sourced directly from LG. While that move is not yet confirmed, it certainly would be an interesting plot twist, considering Samsung has been highly self efficient with regard to manufacturing its own parts for devices. We will continue to report on interesting Galaxy Note 8 developments as they take place.

Via: SamMobile

LG G6 Gets a Quad DAC Too, Improved Over the V20

Kellen — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 08:24:54 +0000

LG is bringing its serious take on mobile audio to its G line of phones this year. Last night, the company announced that it will feature an "upgraded" Quad DAC in the LG G6, similar to what we saw in the V20. The Quad DAC (digital to analog converter) is made by ESS, the company who created the DAC in both the V10 and V20. Customers are expected to experience "exceptional sound balance" that "provides a sense of depth." The DAC will also help get rid of (or reduce) noise and allow for finer controls over left and right earphone audio. With this new DAC, LG also states that the "path for transmitting sound signals inside the chip has also been widened" and that high-volume 32-bit HiFi sources won't see interruption. I'm hoping that all means something to you audiophiles. Either way, LG is proving once again that it is the go-to phone choice for those serious about audio.

Via: LG

Verizon Unlimited: Everything You Need to Know

Kellen — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 21:12:43 +0000

Verizon is bringing back unlimited data, in case you missed that bit of explosive news on a weekend. From everything we have learned from several sources, plus some direct feedback from Verizon, we think we've got the details pretty dialed in on what this new Verizon Unlimited plan is all about. In this post, we'll try to walk through everything you need to decide whether or not this is the new plan for you.

What is Verizon Unlimited?

In the basic sense, it's a familiar new-school "unlimited" data plan to the ones we first saw from T-Mobile and Sprint last year. The plan is technically unlimited, in terms of straight up usage, but there are some asterisks and features that don't exactly make it fully unlimited. You get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus unlimited calling and text to Canada and Mexico. When in Mexico and Canada, you also get unlimited talk, text, and data, but only the first 500MB of data are at 4G LTE speeds. You get tethering with the plan, as well, but you don't get unlimited high-speed tethering with it, only 10GB per month before dropping down to 3G speeds. You also may run into a 22GB per month cap that would give Verizon the power to throttle your connection. On a related note, there are actually two Verizon Unlimited plans to choose from. On one hand, you have the single line plan, which is like the 5GB-$55 and 7GB-$70 plans that Verizon introduced just last month. These are called single line plans because they serve just a single person. On the flip side, you also have a multi-line (Account Level) version that allows you to add more than one person, up to 10 lines. The single line plan costs a flat $80, while the multi-line plan starts at $100 with $20 line access fees per line. Sign-up here. Alright, so that's the very basic explanation of Verizon Unlimited, now let's dive further into this.

Everything included in Verizon Unlimited

Unlimited talk, text and data.
If a line uses 22GB of data in a billing cycle, Verizon can throttle that line within the rest of the cycle should it attach to a congested network location.
10GB per month per line of 4G LTE tethering; drops to 3G after first 10GB.
Unlimited calls and text to Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Only first 500MB of data at 4G LTE speeds; 2G afterwards.
"Full-quality HD video," which Verizon says comes at you the way the partner sends it. It's not throttled to 480p like T-Mobile and Sprint do. Technically, that should mean you get 4K streams, 1080p streams, and whatever else is sent to you from a partner (the app you are streaming from). There isn't a toggle on or off - you just get HD and above streams if the partner is sending that level of stream.

Single Line Unlimited Plan: $80

If you are only buying Verizon Unlimited for yourself and won't ever need to attach another person (or smartphone), the single line version is for you. This version costs $80 per month and that includes the $20 line access fee. In order to get that $80 price, you need to sign-up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing. If you don't sign-up for those two items, Verizon will charge you an extra $5. In an odd move, Verizon's Auto Pay forces you to use either a checking account or a debit card. A credit card won't be accepted should you want the discount. Keep in mind that the $80 plan fee does not include your monthly phone payment, assuming you have a device payment plan currently active. With single line plans, Verizon also lets you attach additional devices to your plan that aren't smartphones, up to 2 devices. That could be a smartwatch ($5/mo), tablet ($20/mo), or other internet device ($20/mo). With an internet device (ex: 4G LTE hotspot), you get 10GB of monthly usage at 4G LTE speeds before it drops to 3G.

Multi-Line Unlimited: $100 + $20 per line

If you would like Verizon Unlimited and need more than a single smartphone attached to your account, you would go for this multi-line version. With this version, you can attach up to 10 lines, along with up to 20 connected devices. The multi-line version starts at $100 as the account fee and then jumps up by $20 per line needed (or $40 for lines with smartphones that are subsidized - on 2-year contracts). For example, if you have a family of 4 who needs Verizon Unlimited data, your cost is $180 per month ($100 account fee + $20 x 4 lines). If you need just 2 lines, that would be $140 per month ($100 account fee + $20 x 2 lines). If you want 8 lines, that would be $260 per month ($100 account fee + $20 x 8 lines). That make sense? Like the single line plan, you have to sign-up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing. If you don't, your bill jumps by $10. Also like the single line plan, the connected device pricing is the same at: smartwatch ($5/mo), tablet ($20/mo), or other internet device ($20/mo). And finally, don't forget to factor in your monthly phone payments, depending on how many phones you have on device payment plans. Above, we talked about the plan pricing, but your bill could obviously be much higher if you have multiple phones on monthly payment plans.

How does this affect grandfathered unlimited plans?

A whole bunch of you wondered this shortly after Verizon's announcement and all I can tell you is that it shouldn't affect anything because this is a separate plan. This isn't a replacement plan for you; it's just a new data plan called Verizon Unlimited. If you want to give up your current grandfathered unlimited plan for this new Verizon Unlimited, you can. If you don't want to, you don't have to. Just keep in mind that if you do give up a grandfathered plan, you won't be getting it back again.

What about business and government accounts?

Yep, the new Verizon Unlimited plan is available to consumer, business, and government customers starting February 13.

What about discounts?

The new plan is "Not eligible for ELEU/CLEU discounts, except military and veterans."

What's the catch with HD video streaming?

There doesn't appear to be one. As I mentioned above, Verizon tells us that they push through whatever quality of stream that the partner (app or service) pushes through. That could mean a 4K stream or 1080p stream or 720p stream or lower. This isn't like T-Mobile and Sprint, who purposely throttle your video streams to 480p. Verizon is instead just serving you video. The specific wording on Verizon's site at this moment is "Stream your favorite videos and shows in the highest quality with Americas best network." Another area that Verizon Unlimited differs with video is the fact that Verizon isn't treating video streams differently in terms of your data plan. Some asked if your video streams count against the 22GB unlimited cap and the answer would be, "Yes." Verizon appears to be treating all data the same.

Other notes

The $70-7GB individual plan is going away, as is the 12GB promotional multi-line plan.
If you don't want Verizon Unlimited, they'll still offer S (2GB), M (4GB), and L (8GB) plans.
The XL and XXL options in the Verizon Plan won't be advertised, but if you want them, Verizon will still sell them to you.
In case you didn't notice, tablets and hotspots have jumped up to $20 per month. Before Verizon Unlimited arrived, they were $10 per month.

When is it available?

Again, the new Verizon Unlimited plan is available starting February 13. Sign-up here. Once it goes live, we'll update this post with any new bits of information. Also, if you have additional questions, be sure to drop those in the comments or head to this original announcement post for the new plan. The comment section there is filled with people answering questions you may have.

Verizon Brings Back "Unlimited" Data Plan Starting Tomorrow for $80 (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 14:31:07 +0000

Because weekends are always an opportunity to introduce something huge (?), Verizon today took the time to announce that unlimited data is coming back to their network. Nope, this isn't a joke - Verizon unlimited is back in modern form, which means "unlimited" with some asterisks. The plan goes live tomorrow, so lets talk about it. UPDATE 2/13: The new Verizon Unlimited plan is now live. Sign-up here. Starting tomorrow, February 13, Verizon is offering a new unlimited data plan to customers. It starts at $80 for a single line, but they are offering a family of four the chance to get in for ~~$45 per line~~ $180 per month. These are introductory prices and both require Autopay. EDIT: The original breakdown said $45 per, but that's not how it works. It's actually a $100 account level price for unlimited, plus $20 per line from there. So an account with 4 lines is $20 per line, plus the $100 for the unlimited account. The unlimited plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text. Should a customer hit 22GB of data used in a month, Verizon says that they may throttle you if you are connected to a tower or area experiencing congestion throughout the rest of the billing cycle. It's called "network management," and they have been doing this for years. The rest of the plan features HD video streaming, 10GB of data for high-speed tethering (3G after 10GB used) per month, calling and texting to Mexico and Canada, and up to 500MB per day of 4G LTE data roaming in Mexico and Canada. UPDATE: Verizon reached out to point out that even though their press release states "HD" video streaming is included, that this isn't a throttle to 720p. In fact, they specifically said that they deliver across the network "whatever the content provider gives" them and that there is no manipulation to the data. I should point out that a source of ours also relayed some of the training materials for the new Verizon Unlimited plan and it does say that "Full-quality HD Video" is included. I would assume that means as Verizon is telling us, that they are delivering whatever the highest quality is that the provider sends. That's a big change! You'll notice I said "HD video streaming," and that's because Verizon is also throttling video streams just like T-Mobile and Sprint do. They are giving you HD (720p), though, instead of the 480p streams that the others hand out. While we're never fans of a carrier throttling anything, 720p is better than 480p. What we don't know just yet is whether or not Verizon will let you upgrade to get out of video throttling or not. If you don't want to sign-up for a Verizon unlimited plan, they will still offer S, M, and L Verizon plans. Thoughts? UPDATE 2: We put together an Everything You Need to Know style post. You'll want to cruise through it as we continue to add all of the little details you may have questions about.

Via: Verizon

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: February 10, 2017

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:08:42 +0000

We're getting deeper into February, inching closer to MWC at the end of this month. To keep us busy, LG and Google announced the Watch Sport and Watch Style this week, alongside Android Wear 2.0. We should have both smartwatches in-house early next week, so get ready for plenty of content surrounding those. This week, we also posted up our complete Huawei Mate 9 review, learned that the LG G6 may not launch in the US until April (bad move, LG), and sat down to record Episode 133 of The Droid Life Show. It was quite a busy week. Here are the stories you won't want to miss from this week.

Watch: The Droid Life Show - Episode 133 [Subscribe]
Review: Huawei Mate 9.
Android Wear: LG Watch Sport and Watch Style announced.
Specs: LG Watch Sport, Watch Style.
Android Wear 2.0 launched, here's what's new.
Verizon also introduced an Android Wear 2.0 device.
Complete list of watches receiving Android Wear 2.0 update.
LG Watch Sport and Watch Style hit the Google Store.
Watch Sport and Watch Style also available at select carriers, retailers.
Bad News: LG G6 may not launch in US until April.
Google rolling out Instant Tethering for Pixel and Nexus devices.
Android distribution charts updated for February, Nougat barely over 1%.
Samsung: Samsung SDI facility up in smoke after faulty batteries ignite fire.
Honor 8 getting its Nougat update.
OnePlus 3T with 128GB now up for pre-order.
T-Mobile bringing back free pizza for T-Mobile Tuesdays.
Nougat: NVIDIA pushing Nougat update to SHIELD Tablet, SHIELD Tablet K1.
Chromebook Plus now up for pre-order.

Have a great weekend, folks!

Samsung Chromebook Plus Up for Pre-Order, Available Next Week for $449

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 15:23:50 +0000

The Chromebook Plus from Samsung is now listed in the Google Store, as well as other retailers, but isn't quite ready for purchase. If you can hold out just a couple more days, though, it should be available starting February 13, priced at $449. For specs, the Chromebook Plus features a 12.3″ LED touchscreen display (2400×1600), ARM OP1 hexa-core processor (designed specifically for Chromebook machines), 4GB LPDDR3 Memory, 32GB e.MMC hard drive, 39Wh battery (around 8 to 9 hours of life), 720p webcam, two USB Type-C ports, SD card support, S-Pen stylus, and access to Google Play for using all of your favorite Android apps. Should you want to wait for the Chromebook Pro and its Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 ($549), you will have to hang tight as Samsung hasn't yet confirmed an exact release date. If waiting to order on the Google Store is no good, you can also preorder the device through various retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and others. Who is picking one up? Google Store Link | Amazon Link | Newegg | Best Buy

Bethesda Pinball, From Zen Studios, Now Available on Google Play

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 14:09:02 +0000

Bethesda Pinball, probably the set of tables I've been most excited to play, is now available on Google Play from its makers at Zen Studios. Inside the app, players will find tables based on Fallout 4, DOOM, and Skyrim. Upon first opening, players will be asked to select just one of the tables to play on. Provided I love me some Fallout, I opted for that one. To start, you only get a single free play (100 coins), and to play as a single player any further, you have to earn more coins. To earn more coins, you have to dive into head-to-head action, called Multiplayer Matchup. As you continue to play and increase your skills, you can unlock improvements and upgrades for your tables. It's actually quite the process and much more than a basic pinball game. While I'm not huge on having a coin system for the game, it does make it free to download and play, so long as you have time to earn more coins. If you're interested, a Google Play link is below. Play Link [responsive_vid]

Sprint Announces 5 Unlimited Lines for $90 Promo Plan That Only Lasts a Year

Kellen — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 13:55:14 +0000

Sprint announced a new promo plan today that gets customers into 5 lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for $90. While that sure sounds like a good deal up front, you should know that that price only lasts for about a year before your bill will increase pretty dramatically. Sprint says that with this $90 deal, you get the first line for $50, the second line for $40, and lines 3 through 5 are free (with autopay). Nice, right? Well, that's nice until March 31, 2018 rolls around. On March 31, 2018, the first line jumps up to $60 per month, second line stays at $40, and lines 3 through 5 all jump to $30 per month each (with autopay). Anyone want to do that math? So you sign-up today for a plan that costs $90, but come next year, your bill skyrockets to $190, assuming you have all 5 lines still active. Yikes. If interested, you can sign-up at Sprint's site.

Via: Sprint

Google Rolling Out Instant Tethering to Nexus and Pixel Devices

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 13:02:34 +0000

Instant Tethering, a feature created by Google to make the act of tethering two devices somewhat magical, is officially rolling out to a select number of devices. According to Google's Omri Amarilio, the feature utilizes Bluetooth to establish a connection quickly between two devices signed into the same Google account. For example, if you have a Pixel C tablet with no data, plus a Pixel with active data, you can establish a data connection to the Pixel C in just moments. As Amarilio describes, "When you unlock a tablet such as the Pixel C, it will notice if there is no internet connection available, and will ask your Pixel phone if it has internet and battery life. If it does, we will give you an option to enable a secure hotspot and pair automagically, without even taking your phone out of your pocket." Listed on Google's support page for Instant Tethering, the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1 and up can run as "host" devices. A receiving device will need to be a Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, or Nexus 9 running Android 6.0 and up. Of much importance, Google highlights that certain carriers have their own limitations when it comes to tethering.

Some cellular carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your carrier.

If your cell plan is green lighted for all sorts of tethering, and you have the required hardware with the latest Android build (and we know that's not many of you), enjoy it. To find it, head to: Settings, Google, Instant Tethering.

Via: Google [2]

T-Mobile Tuesdays Bringing Back Free Pizza, This Time With Papa John's

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 11:17:31 +0000

This year's Valentine's Day happens to fall on a Tuesday, meaning T-Mobile is treating it as if it's the biggest T-Mobile Tuesday holiday to ever happen. And with the announcement that the company is bringing back free pizza, maybe it is. In a press release sent this morning, T-Mobile announced that starting February 14, customers should be on the lookout for a free pizza from Papa John's inside their T-Mobile Tuesday app, not Domino's. If you don't recall, the last time T-Mobile offered free pizza, Domino's literally backed out of the deal because they couldn't handle the increase in volume. To improve the experience for everyone involved, Papa John's included, things will be done differently. This time, customers will be provided a single code (more if you have multiple lines) over the course of four weeks. The week you receive your code will be random, so you will need to make sure you check the T-Mobile Tuesday app each week to see if it's your turn for free pizza. Once you have your code, you have a week to redeem it online via the Papa John's website. Doing it this way ensures everyone gets their free pizza and Papa John's doesn't have to close its doors due to running out of toppings or dough.

When you see the free pizza in your app, just claim it that Tuesday, and then you’ll have a whole week to order online and redeem your free single-topping large or pan pizza for carry out from Papa John’s. Don’t forget to check the app each week, because, if you miss your free pizza, it won’t come again!

There's nothing like free pizza to get America excited, am I right?

Via: T-Mobile

LG Watch Sport and Watch Style Now Available at the Google Store

Kellen — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:13:08 +0000

And now the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style are available at the Google Store. They appear to be in-stock and ready to ship, with expedited shipping expecting delivery by Monday or Tuesday. Get them orders in! For the Watch Sport, you are looking at a $349 price and your choice of either titanium or dark blue. For the Watch Style, the price is $249 for the silver or titanium models and $279 for the rose gold. Links: LG Watch Sport | LG Watch Style

HTC Valentine's Day Deals Include $150 Off HTC 10, $200 Off One A9

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:00:55 +0000

HTC Hot Deals are back for this year's hottest holiday - Valentine's Day. Starting today through Friday, February 17, folks can pick up a number of HTC devices, all with big savings attached. As listed, you can grab a HTC 10 for $150 off ($549), One A9 for $200 off ($299), or a One M9 for $250 off ($399). On top of that, all accessories are 50% off, so long as you spend a $100 minimum. And for audio lovers, you can grab a set of JBL Reflect Aware C headphones for 50% off, bringing the total to just $99. To go along with these deals, HTC also has a little V-Day promo.

Every phone order will receive FREE shipping, FREE Uh Oh protection & a special Valentine’s Day gift (everyone will get a notepad or travel water mug PLUS a few lucky people will get power chargers & free phones) from HTC to show our love.

If your romance calls for the metallic, smooth body of a HTC device, you are in luck. Follow the link below to check out the deals. HTC Link

OnePlus 3T 128GB Model Now Up for Pre-Order

Kellen — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 09:16:29 +0000

Had you been holding off on purchasing the OnePlus 3T because you really wanted the 128GB model? If so, we have good news to share today. The 128GB model is now up for pre-order and says it'll ship within the next 8 days. The 128GB model comes in Gunmetal and costs $479. The jump to 128GB of storage from 64GB costs an extra $40, in case you were wondering. That actually seems like a pretty decent price when you consider the fact that Apple or Google would probably ask that you fork over another $100 for the added capacity. Be sure to check out our OnePlus 3T review if you haven't already. You can buy the OnePlus 3T right here. https://twitter.com/oneplus/status/830003171636293632

Honor 8 Getting Nougat, EMUI 5.0 Update on February 11

Tim — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 08:46:12 +0000

According to the Twitter account for Honor US, Honor 8 owners can expect a massive update coming to their phones quite soon. As announced, EMUI 5.0 on top of Nougat will begin rolling out tomorrow (February 11, 2017) to all Honor 8 devices. Happy days, indeed. Provided its the same Nougat we know and love, the standard feature set will be available, including a split-screen mode and better notification management, but in addition, the update brings EMUI 5.0, the much improved version of Huawei/Honor's custom skin. With the change, expect to see a better Settings area, notification shade, plus improved overall look. Having just recently played with EMUI 5.0 on the Mate 9, I can confirm that it is quite the improvement. It's even got an app drawer option! Honor 8 owners, ready thy devices, for updates are coming.

EMUI 5.0 is coming to Honor 8 from Feb 11th! Check out the new App Drawer on EMUI 5! Excited? https://t.co/aH8oKwqOK6
— Honor USA (@Honor_USA) February 9, 2017

LG Watch Sport Now Available at Verizon and AT&T, Watch Style at Best Buy (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 07:59:07 +0000

LG's new smartwatches, the Watch Sport and Watch Style, are now up for purchase at Verizon, AT&T, and Best Buy. That's right, today is February 10! As of this morning, AT&T appears to have the watch available and in-stock, maybe even for in-store pick-up. To buy from AT&T, I'm currently seeing options of $249.99 on a 2-year contract or $349.99 with no contract. They were also supposed to offer a $17.50 per month/20-month installment plan option, which could be there for current customers, I'm just not seeing it on my end. As for Verizon, they are allowing customers to order the Watch Sport for $329.99 on a 2-year contract or $379.99 without one, but the ship date shows as 3/16/2017. That's over a month away and seems odd. We'll keep an eye on it, to see if it changes. If you are interested, you may want to call your local store to see what their in-store stock is like. (UPDATE: Verizon is apparently only taking pre-orders today.) At Best Buy, you can buy the Watch Style, but it doesn't appear to be ready for in-store pick-up at many (or any) stores today. We were told by a source that Best Buy wouldn't have stock until February 12, yet orders would open up today. So far, that seems to be holding true. Either way, you can order the Watch Style today and get it within a couple of days. Listings are not live yet at the Google store. Once they go live, we'll let you know. UPDATE: Now available from the Google Store too! They sure seem to be in-stock as well, unlike at the carriers where they may just be pre-orders. Watch Sport Links:

Verizon
AT&T
Google Store

Watch Style Links:

Best Buy
Google Store

LG's Got New Watches

Kellen — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 20:36:51 +0000

We're back for another episode of the Droid Life Show! On this week's Thursday edition, we're diving headfirst into LG and Google's newly announced Android Wear watches, the Watch Sport and Watch Style. While we don't have either device in house just yet, we do have plenty of thoughts to share. Once we wrap up that, we'll cover the latest in LG G6 launch news, talk Android Wear 2.0, run through Tim's Huawei Mate 9 review, and more. Join us live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Google I/O Ticket Application Window Opens February 22 at 10AM PST

Tim — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 15:50:50 +0000

In past years, whenever Google opened up registration for Google I/O, swarms of people would blitzkrieg the website, typically leading it to crash. Thankfully, for the past couple years, Google implemented a lottery system -- not a first-come, first-served basis. While I'm not huge on my chances of winning a lottery, it's still better than what Google had before. Needless to say, Google has made available the time at which the application window will open: Wednesday, February 22 at 10AM PST. At that time, anyone can enter for a chance to win a spot to attend Google I/O 2017. Whether you are first to enter or last to enter, you have an equal chance of winning a spot. And don't forget, Google I/O 2017 takes place May 17 through 19 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. Mark your calendars, hopeful attendees.

Via: Google

Ready Your Daydream Headset, VR-Enabled Sites Up on Chrome

Tim — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 12:13:53 +0000

Following up on December's story that Google wanted to make Chrome a better place to find virtual reality content, sites are already going up to support the initiative. This week, there are a handful of websites that offer VR-supported content, such as light gaming, interactive documentaries, and more. When on these sites, users need only browse a "VR Experience" they want to try, choose to enter VR, then put the Daydream-supporting phone inside a Daydream View headset. That's when the magic happens. For what's available, there is a space teleporting experience, helicopter ride-along, story about releasing a bear back into the wild, Matterport access (large library of VR exploration experiences), plus more.

As for the future, Google says it will work to offer more users a chance to try out these VR-enabled sites.

We want to bring VR to everyone on any device, and in the coming months we’ll add support for more headsets, including Google Cardboard.

Below are links to different sites with the unique VR experiences. Have at 'em! Links: Bear 71 | Matterport VR | Within | Sketchfab VR | PlayCanvas

Via: Google

#TBT: TSF Shell and SBP Mobile Shell Were the 3D Launchers of the Future

Tim — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 10:54:27 +0000

2011 through early 2012 was a time when "3D Launchers" were getting a lot of attention, but don't ask me why. They seemed janky, never running completely smooth on our underpowered Android smartphones, and for the most part, they were ridiculously expensive. Regardless, though, people seemed to enjoy them and at one point, there was no shortage of options to choose from. There was the incredibly hyped TAT Home launcher (snatched by RIM, so it never launched), TSF Shell, as well as SBP Mobile Shell. Each 3D launcher had their own unique set of features, but one thing they all seemed to have in common was the price. At launch, TSF Shell cost nearly $17, so it's hard to say if it ever saw a ton of adoption over a standard launcher. SBP Mobile, the one Kellen takes for a test drive in the old-ass video below, cost $15.

Looking back, I suppose it's easy to see why a few Android folk would be hyped for such a thing. I mean, the graphics and animations look dope, but once you finally got it on your phone, performance surely took a massive hit. If you are interested, TSF Shell is still available on Google Play. [responsive_vid]

Strava, Runkeeper, and the Polar M600 All Get Ready for Android Wear 2.0

Kellen — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 10:34:03 +0000

Now that Android 2.0 is official and ready to be rolled out to devices and for developers to update their apps with support, a handful have already let us know their plans. Strava and Runkeeper are both receiving updates today with 2.0 support, plus Polar is sharing information on the M600's impending 2.0 update. Polar expects to push the Android Wear 2.0 update to the M600 at some point this Spring. I know that seems like we have months to go, but I'd imagine they want to get it just right, since this is a serious training watch and all. Once it does show up, users will get access to the Google Play store on the watch, new indoor swimming metrics, Google Assistant, new watch faces, and improved battery life (up to 36 hours). The full details on the update can be found in the press release below. For Strava, the big news is that you don't necessarily need a phone connected in order to get Strava on your watch and recording your activities. You'll need a phone handy to get Strava setup initially, but that's it. As you know, Google Play now comes with Android Wear 2.0, so you can install Strava straight to a watch to track activities with GPS, then record and upload them all wirelessly. As for Runkeeper, the idea is similar. With Runkeeper for Wear 2.0, you get a standalone GPS experience, plus higher display contrast, a new activity summary screen, and improvements that get rid of the accidental stops and pauses mid-run. Grab the updates! Play Links: Strava | Runkeeper

[expand title="Polar M600 Press Release"]

Polar Announces Polar M600 Android Wear™ 2.0 Update and New Swimming Metrics

KEMPELE, FINLAND – Feb. 9, 2017 – Polar, the leader in wearable sports technology, introduces Android Wear™ 2.0 compatibility and indoor swimming metrics to their Polar M600 smartwatch. Available soon, the latest Android Wear update enables both Android and iOS users to access the Google Play store via the watch, download apps and operate them directly on the Polar M600. A sports watch at its core, Polar M600 now offers new indoor swimming metrics such as distance and pace, as well as strokes per minute and strokes per pool length. Polar M600’s latest metrics will even determine whether a swimmer is swimming freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Recently named an International CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Fitness, Sports and Biotech product category, Polar M600 is built for serious training while also boasting a sleek design for a connected lifestyle. Polar M600 features Polar’s proprietary 6-LED optical heart rate technology and industry-leading heart rate algorithms. These advanced technologies deliver incredible accuracy, stability and reliability that distinguish Polar from every alternative on the market. Polar M600 also offers integrated GPS, 24/7 activity tracking and Polar Smart Coaching features. With Android Wear 2.0, Polar M600 has Google Assistant** built-in. Users can access also customize watch faces, receive calendar notifications, read and reply to texts, scroll through social media feeds and access even more apps via Google Play™. The latest update also includes an improved user interface, a newly designed watch face and additional languages including Vietnamese, Turkish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish. The newest update will be available to all Polar M600 users this Spring. Polar M600 is available now in Charcoal Black and Powder White for $329.95. Interchangeable wristband accessories are available in Red, White, and Black for $29.95. * Android, Android Wear, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc. **Google Assistant is not available in all languages

##[/expand]

[expand title="Strava Press Release"]

Strava Available Now for Devices Powered by Android Wear 2.0

Athletes can record and upload activities on Strava via Wear 2.0 watches, untethered from their Android and iOS phones. SAN FRANCISCO - February 9, 2017 - Strava, the social network for athletes, announces its Android Wear 2.0 app. Athletes can now take full advantage of an enhanced, untethered experience that includes built-in GPS and wireless connectivity, as well as the performance analysis Strava athletes desire such as time, distance, pace, laps and split times, and heart rate, all from their wrist. “We welcome the highly anticipated release of Android Wear 2.0,” said Mateo A. Ortega, Head of Integration for Strava. “Wear 2.0’s standalone model is forward thinking and innovative, and pushes the limits of what we thought was possible. This platform introduces many features that benefit Strava athletes, such as the option to record and upload activities independent of their phone.” Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches join more than 100 other GPS devices that work seamlessly with Strava. Athletes can install Strava for Android Wear 2.0 by visiting the Google Play store on their Wear device. The athlete only needs their iOS or Android phone for initial setup; they can then record and upload activities to Strava free of their mobile phone. Strava makes it easy to connect and engage with other athletes. Download Strava for iOS or Android and upgrade to Strava Premium to access the latest features such as Beacon and Live Segments. To learn more about Strava, visit www.strava.com.

##[/expand]

Verizon Protection Plan Open Enrollment Starts Today, Now Offers Same Day Cracked Screen Replacement

Kellen — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:06:51 +0000

Verizon's open enrollment period for their mobile protection plans kicks off today and ends April 9. For those not familiar, this is the chance each year to enroll your phone in a protection plan should you have passed on the option at the time of purchase, but now want some coverage. Currently, Verizon offers five different types of coverage, including Extended Warranty, Wireless Phone Protection, Total Equipment Coverage, and the big guy, Total Mobile Protection. They also offer a "Tech Coach" plan, should you need a friend in the business to talk to about phones on the regular. I don't want to dive into each (you can found out more here), but did want to point out a new feature to Verizon's Total Mobile Protection. Verizon tells us that with Total Mobile Protection, you can now receive same-day repairs for cracked screens either in-store or thanks to a technician stopping by your house. There are apparently 220+ repair locations around the country with more on the way. Here are the phones currently available for same-day repairs:

Apple iPhone SE, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus
Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, and S7
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and 5
Motorola DROID Turbo and DROID Maxx

Additionally, the Total Mobile Protection plan gives you cracked screen repair for a $79 deductible and up to 3 claims per year. For pricing of each plan, you have the following:

Total Mobile Protection: $11.00/mo
Total Equipment Coverage: $9.00/mo
Wireless Phone Protection: $7.15/mo
Extended Warranty: $3.00/mo
Tech Coach: $7.00/mo (lolz!)

To get signed-up for a protection plan, hit up this Verizon link.

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet, Tablet K1 Receiving Nougat Upgrade

Tim — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:00:03 +0000

NVIDIA announced big news this morning, the shipment of Upgrade 5.0 (aka Android 7.0 Nougat) out to owners of the SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Tablet K1. Inside this large update, users will find added support for the new SHIELD Controller (2017), Split-Screen mode (Nougat base feature), a double tap option to return to your last opened app, as well as notification improvements. Also listed is a SHIELD Rewards Program. Essentially, it's an exclusive loyalty program for SHIELD owners. Once you have the update booted up, you will see the following message.

As a member, we’ll be providing you the latest news for apps, games, and products for the NVIDIA SHIELD, as well access to premium rewards. Goodies like free games, discounts, chances to win great prizes and more. Stand by for more details to come.

You want the full changelog? You can't handle the full changelog!

SHIELD Controller (2017) Support

Updates to SHIELD controller support

New Multitasking Features

Split-screen: Run two apps side by side* in Portrait or Landscape modes
Quick switch: Double tap the Overview button to quickly switch back to the last opened app

Improved Notifications

Multiple notifications from the same app are now bundled for a streamlined experience
Reply to messages directly from within the notification*
Tap and hold on a notification to quickly silence or block notifications from the app

Improved Power Consumption

Doze on the Go: Doze is now smarter & kicks in even when the device is being carried around

Emoji

Includes all-new Unicode 9 emojis

Usability Improvements

Display & Font size can now separately adjustable to improve readability or screenspace
Quick Settings can now be customized directly from the menu by tapping “Edit”
The top Quick Setting tiles can now be accessed with a downward swipe from the lock screen
Settings now includes a Navigation Menu & Suggestions to improve usability
The “Clear all” option in Overview have been relocated to the top right

System wide improvements including

New Data Saver: when enabled, limits access to Cellular data for background apps
New JIT compiler: improves the speed of App & System updates
Update to Android Security Patch Level December 1, 2016

SHIELD Rewards Program

Introducing SHIELD Rewards, the exclusive loyalty program for SHIELD owners

Have at it, SHIELD Tablet owners!

Via: NVIDIA [2]

DEAL: Fossil Android Wear Watches 25% Off, Q Founder as Low as $123

Kellen — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 08:26:13 +0000

Fossil is currently hosting a 25% off sale for all of their Android Wear watches, the Q Founder, Q Wander, and Q Marshal, all of which are scheduled to receive the update to Android Wear 2.0 in the near future. At 25% off, you are looking at smartwatches for as little as $123. That's, um, pretty nuts. The Q Founder 1.0 is actually on sale right now, but Fossil is including sale items in the 25% off discount, and that's why you can get one for barely $120. If you want a newer watch, though, the Founder 2.0, Q Wander, and Q Marshal are all 25% off and as low as $206. If you ever wanted to get in on the smartwatch thing, discounts like these are the ones to jump on so that you aren't too heavily invested if you decide this life ain't for you. You also get free shipping on most as well. To get 25% off full price items, use code "LOVEQ25" during checkout. For discounted or sale items, use code "MORELUV." Fossil Links:

Q Founder (brown leather): $123.74
Q Founder (stainless steel): $131.24
Q Founder 2.0: $206.25
Q Wander: $221.25
Q Marshal: $221.25

LG Watch Sport and Watch Style Specs (Official)

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:26:46 +0000

I know that Google announced LG's new Android Wear smartwatches hours ago and that most of you don't seem interested in either, but we thought you might at least like to look at the official specs for each. Below, you'll find the table we put together for all of the big device launches to break it all down for you in the simplest terms. As a recap, the LG Watch Sport is the bigger of the two with the extra big specs list. It has a 1.38-inch circular POLED display, Snapdragon Wear processor, 768MB RAM, 4GB storage, LTE, NFC, GPS, heart rate sensor, three buttons, Android Wear 2.0, and a big ass 45mm case. It's made of brushed 316L steel and comes in blue or titanium. The LG Watch Style is similar in that it has a 1.20-inch circular POLED display, Snapdragon Wear processor, 4GB storage, and Android Wear 2.0, but that's about where the similarities end. This watch doesn't have LTE or NFC or GPS or a heart rate sensor. It does have a smaller 42mm case, though, with interchangeable bands and case colors of titanium, silver, and rose gold. Both watches go up for sale on February 10. [table id=52 /]

Wednesday Poll: Are You Buying the Watch Sport or Watch Style?

Tim — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:12:41 +0000

We have two new smartwatches from LG hitting the market this week, the Watch Sport and Watch Style. Both come with Android Wear 2.0, but each carries quite a different design -- one is more sporty (hence the Sport name), while one is, forgive my choice of words, but generic looking. The Sport is rather large, featuring a 1.38" Circle POLED display with silicone band, while the Watch Style is a tad smaller, measuring in with a 1.2" Circle POLED display and also coming with a range of different silicone and leather bands. Unlike the Sport, though, users can swap bands very easily on the Style, thanks to Google's MODE bands. Both watches feature a Snapdragon Wear processor, with the Sport coming with 768MB of RAM and the Style having 512MB. Battery sizes also differ - Sport features a 430mAh battery and the Style features a 240mAh battery. Also of note, the Sport comes with NFC and LTE connectivity, while the Style does not. A full list of specs can be viewed here. For price, the Sport will cost you $349 through Google (varies at carrier stores), while the Style is $249. So, which one are you picking up? [poll id="443"]

Verizon Might Have Introduced the Best Android Wear 2.0 Watch Today

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 12:06:06 +0000

Here's something I didn't expect to say coming into today: Verizon may have introduced the best Android Wear 2.0 watch today. It's OK if you think I'm crazy while also not knowing what I'm talking about. You see, Verizon, mixed in with its announcement for the LG Watch Sport, announced its own Android Wear 2.0 watch to be released in March. The device sounds really, really promising, especially if you wish LG and Google had found a better middle ground between the Sport and Style. The device is called Wear24. It's LTE-equipped, ~~has NFC for Android Pay~~, and costs less than the Watch Sport at $299 with a contract. It also features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display (290ppi), 450mAh battery, IP67 dust and water resistance, and a 42mm case with 13.5mm thickness. NOTE: According to Verizon's site and sales reps, this watch doesn't have NFC. We were initially told by Verizon that it did, but no longer believe that to be the case. So it has the same display size (lower resolution, though) as the Watch Sport, bigger battery, similar water and dust resistance, and a much more manageable 42mm case size that won't look like this on your wrist. Verizon is including a special watch face that you can setup to automatically change based on where you are, as well. The device also looks quite elegant instead of sporty, with its classic design. If you don't want a watch with extra pushers and buttons that fits on your wrist properly, yet still features the latest in wearable tech, this Wear24 device could be something to consider. It certainly seems like it could be a good fit for those disappointed in the Watch Style and its lack of features, but aren't willing to go behemoth mode with a Sport. For those wondering, Verizon made the device in partnership with Quanta, an original device manufacturer. Again, Verizon tells us to expect the Wear24 in March at $299 on a 2-year contract.

Via: Verizon

List of Watches Receiving Android Wear 2.0

Tim — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:45:05 +0000

For anyone who already owns an Android Wear watch, you're likely wondering if and when your smartwatch will receive Android Wear 2.0. I don't blame you. The latest build of the smartwatch OS features Google Assistant and access to Google Play, sure to be a good step forward for the platform. Currently, while we do have a list of each and every smartwatch that will receive the update, we have no timeframe from each maker on when to expect it. As time goes on, we will be sure to post updates when we have word from each OEM. Here's the list.

Full List

ASUS ZenWatch 2
ASUS ZenWatch 3
Casio Smart Outdoor Watch
Casio PRO TREK Smart
Fossil Q Founder
Fossil Q Marshal
Fossil Q Wander
Huawei Watch
LG Watch R
LG Watch Urbane
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE
Michael Kors Access
Moto 360 2nd Gen
Moto 360 for Women
Moto 360 Sport
New Balance RunIQ
Nixon Mission
Polar M600
TAG Heuer Connected

If this list changes, we will update it.

AT&T's LG Watch Sport Costs $17.50 Per Month, Also Arrives February 10

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:47:01 +0000

AT&T also confirmed its plans to sell the LG Watch Sport this coming Friday, February 10. Their device is the same as you'll find anywhere, but it also includes their NumberSync, which allows you to leave your phone at home and still stay connected by "bringing your number with you" on your watch. At AT&T, the Watch Sport will run $17.50 per month on a 20-month installment plan. If you want a deal, though, you can grab one for just $49.99 if you buy an LG G5 or V20. Full specs and other Watch Sport details can be found at this post. AT&T Link

Via: AT&T

Android Wear 2.0 Officially Launched, Here's What's New

Tim — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:32:58 +0000

After months of developer previews, Android Wear 2.0 is now ready for launch. Officially unveiled this morning by Google, the list of changes is quite large, so let's dive into it and go over the features you can expect to find once your smartwatch is updated or you purchase one of those fancy new LG devices. Things like Google Assistant and Android Pay support are included, but beyond that, the way users interact with message notifications and even downloading apps from Google Play has changed. It's quite the OS overhaul, so get ready to do a bit of reading. Let's dive in.

Google Assistant Google Assistant is now available inside Android Wear 2.0. With it, folks can ask about the weather, hail an Uber, or even make a reservation for dinner, all while "hands free." To begin, simply press down on the device's power button, which will bring up Assistant, then speak your inquiry or command. While it seems hard to label something as hands free when you have to actively press on a button, that's the way Google describes it. Better Message Response Handling In Android Wear 2.0, responding to messages is easier than ever. When a notification comes in, be it from Facebook Messenger, Glide, Google Messenger, Hangouts, Telegram or WhatsApp, users can swipe down on the notification and indicate how they'd like to respond. You can choose between dictating, typing, handwriting, or even drawing an emoji. There is also "Smart Reply," which instantly suggests different responses based on the received message. Better, More Useful Watch Faces Users on Android Wear 2.0 can now personalize the always-on watch face with information and actions from partner applications. For example, you can order an Uber ride via a watch face shortcut, start a workout, or get in contact with your partner in crime, all from a single click on the watch face. Throughout the day, if you need different actions for a certain task, different faces can hold different shortcuts and actions, meaning you can have different setups for home, the gym, and the office.

Using Apps in New Ways Inside the latest build of Android Wear, users will find access to Google Play, allowing for the quick download of new applications. Additionally, if you have cellular connectivity on your watch, you can make calls and use your watch apps without the need of being connected to your smartphone, such as paying with Android Pay, using Google Messenger, AccuWeather, Play Music, and Uber. To sum it up, Android Wear 2.0 should offer a much improved app experience for users

Complete list of watches set to receive Android Wear 2.0: ASUS ZenWatch 2 & 3, Casio Smart Outdoor Watch, Casio PRO TREK Smart, Fossil Q Founder, Fossil Q Marshal, Fossil Q Wander, Huawei Watch, LG Watch R, LG Watch Urbane & 2nd Edition LTE, Michael Kors Access Smartwatches, Moto 360 2nd Gen, Moto 360 for Women, Moto 360 Sport, New Balance RunIQ, Nixon Mission, Polar M600 and TAG Heuer Connected. Make the most of every step

[responsive_vid]

For even more details on Android Wear 2.0, be sure to check out Google's complete blog post by following the via link below.

Via: Google

Google and LG Introduce Watch Sport and Watch Style, Available February 10

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:31:03 +0000

Google and LG officially unveiled the Watch Sport and Watch Style today after weeks of leaks. The devices are very much what we expected: one is a fully-featured sport-style connectivity and Android Pay, while the other is more fashion-focused. The Watch Sport is "Android Wear's most powerful watch yet," according to Google. It features GPS, NFC for payments, a heart rate sensor, and cellular connectivity with AT&T and Verizon. It's body features three buttons, including a rotating power button that helps you navigate the watch and comes in dark blue or titanium. As for other specs, you are looking at a 1.38-inch circular POLED display, 430mAh battery, 4GB storage, 768MB RAM, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear processor. The Watch Style is "thin, light, beautiful to look at, and comfortable to wear," says Google. It comes in silver, rose gold, and titanium, and features that same rotating power button as the Sport for navigation. It does not include a GPS, NFC, heart rate sensor, or cellular connectivity. But hey, it does let you swap out watch bands quickly, unlike the Sport. For other Style specs, you have a 1.20-inch circular POLED display, 240mAh battery, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear processor. The LG Watch Style will be available at Best Buy and the Google Store for $249, while the LG Watch Sport will sell at AT&T, Verizon and the Google Store, as early as February 10. Pricing on the Watch Sport varies depending on carrier, but Google will sell it for $349. [table id=52 /]

Via: Google

Reuters: Fire Breaks Out at Samsung SDI Facility, Faulty Batteries to Blame

Tim — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Ever wonder what Samsung was doing with all of the faulty batteries from the Galaxy Note 7? Well, apparently, many of them were being housed inside of a Samsung SDI plant in China. According to recent reports, a fire broke out at said facility, located in Tianjin, but has been extinguished with no casualties reported. The fire is said to have started in a part of the facility that houses waste, including the faulty batteries. As stated by the local fire officials, 110 firefighters were on the scene, bringing with them 19 firetrucks to extinguish the blaze. Stated by the fire officials, "Material that caught fire was lithium batteries inside the production workshops and some half-finished products." As the Blendtec Blender guy would say, "Li-ion battery smoke, don't breathe this!" We're just happy no one was seriously injured.

Via: Reuters

Here is Verizon's LG Watch Sport, Priced at $329 on Contract or $379 Full Retail (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 08:45:47 +0000

Want to know all about the LG Watch Sport before Google (likely) unveils it here in a couple of hours? You can thank Verizon, as they have pre-maturely posted the watch to their site. According to Verizon's listing, the LG Watch Sport will cost $329.99 on a 2-year contract or $379.99 at full retail and comes in the color "Titanium." The device features a Snapdragon Wear 2100 (MSM8909W) processor, 4GB storage, 430mAh battery, 1.38-inch Circle POLED display with a 480x480 resolution, and Android Wear 2.0. It's a connected device, so it'll attach to Verizon's LTE network (bands 2, 4, 5, and 13), giving you the power to leave your phone at home and still receive calls and texts. It has Android Pay as well, and will be one of the first Android Wear devices that can make payments. It should also contain GPS, but Verizon's site isn't listing that for us just yet.

UPDATE: It's all official now. More details at this post. Verizon will sell the device on February 10. Who wants one? Verizon Link [table id=52 /]

Android Distribution Updated for February 2017: Nougat Explodes Past 1%

Kellen — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 07:55:32 +0000

Google updated the Android distribution numbers last night for February and they show a massive jump for Nougat to over 1%! In fact, the jump was even more significant than that, if you count the extra 0.2% on top of that, which brings Nougat's cut of the pie to 1.2% and counting. Man, this is big. Really big. Yuge even. All sarcasm aside, Nougat did jump from 0.7% to 1.2% in a month. Cool. In other numbers, we have Marshmallow jumping from 29.6% to 30.7%, while everyone else fell. Lollipop now sits at 32.9%, KitKat at 21.9%, Jelly Bean at 11.3%, and Ice Cream Sandwich at 1.0%. Gingerbread rounds out the platform versions with a solid 1.0% of the pie, almost as much as Nougat controls. Last month's numbers can be seen in full right here.

Via: Android Developers

Android Pay App Listing Now Shows Screenshots for Android Wear Payments

Kellen — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:05:46 +0000

Tomorrow or the following day is supposed to be the launch day for Android Wear 2.0, according to a couple of reports. If so, that would mean the official introduction of Android Pay to the platform outside of a developer preview. Of course, you'll need an NFC-equipped device in order to get in on this payment action, but either way, we think the time is near for payments with an Android-powered watch. To add to that idea, a reader pointed out that Google added Android Wear screenshots to the Android Pay app within the past day (our friend the Wayback Machine seems to confirm). We've included those shots below, but you can see them at the Android Pay app listing by scrolling through the shots all of the way to the right. Is this proof that the Android Wear 2.0 launch is tomorrow? Well, no, but it certainly does match up nicely with timing, right? Why else would Google add Android Wear screenshots to Android Pay the night before we expect Wear 2.0 with NFC-payment support to go live? Google also told us to expect the final Android Wear 2.0 build in "early February," so they need to hurry if they plan to land in that time frame. Everyone ready for Android Wear payment action? Yes. Everyone ready for new NFC-equipped watches to make those payments with? Yes. Play Link

Cheers Nick!

YouTube Rolls Out Mobile Live Streaming to Channels With at Least 10K Subscribers

Kellen — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:27:47 +0000

YouTube started rolling out its new mobile live streaming feature today to channels that have at least 10,000 subscribers. Don't worry, though, the rest of the YouTube community will have it soon. To start mobile live streaming, once it's enabled on your account, you'll do so with a live button that sits in the bottom right corner of the YouTube main screen. Tap that, decide to "Go live," name it, and then be on your way to interacting with the world live. YouTube says that live streams via mobile can be found in search or in playlists and as recommendations, plus they should be fast and reliable, thanks to "YouTube's rock-solid infrastructure." Along with the mobile live streaming, YouTube is also enabling Super Chat, which allows people watching your streams to pay to have their comments seen by you. It sounds weird, but hey, whatever it takes to get creators to notice you and make some cash along the way.

Via: YouTube

Here's the ZTE Quartz, Company's First Android Wear Watch

Tim — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 11:46:25 +0000

We are supposedly one day away from the launch of Android Wear 2.0, and with that, it's possible we will be seeing a few new smartwatches from the list of various manufacturers. Recently detailed by @evleaks, it appears ZTE is ready to enter the Android Wear arena, soon to the hit the market with the Quartz. According to a report from Venture Beat, the Quartz's specifications aren't known quite yet, but thanks to a previous stop for Bluetooth SIG, it's believed the device features both WiFi and cellular connectivity. From what we can see in the image of the reported smartwatch below, we have a metallic casing, coupled with what looks to be a silicone band. We also have a button at the 2 o'clock position, probably for interacting with apps and device functions. To hypebeast just a tad, since it doesn't appear that the ZTE Quartz is launching anytime too soon, the date shown on the watch's face is May 31. Is that just a placeholder date for the render? A potential date of significance? Who knows! Good luck in the Android Wear game, ZTE.

Via: @evleaks | Venture Beat

Google Play Testing Card Style, Swipe-Powered UI

Tim — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:12:56 +0000

Google seems to always be A/B testing various versions of Google Play. The changes can be somewhat minimal, with not many people noticing them, while others are quite a breakaway from what we have publicly. The latest test, spotted by a user on reddit, brings a card UI to the app section, allowing a user to swipe through the various charts of Google Play. As you can see in the GIF below, the landing looks rather normal, but once you dive into "Top Charts," the UI morphs into cards, with the interface powered by a user swiping through the various apps. The UI's backdrop is the primary color of the app's icon and header image, proving to be a very immersive look. I checked on a couple phones and I don't have this UI, and your phone probably won't have it either. These tests are typically quite limited, and as I mentioned, unless you're actively looking for this stuff, you may never see it. Personally, I quite like this UI - It's colorful and the idea of swiping through the Top Apps could be cool. However, just seeing a big list for easy skimming seems more efficient. Thoughts?

Via: reddit

LG G6 MWC Event Invite Shows Exactly the Phone We Expect, One With Minimal Bezel

Kellen — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:15:34 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, LG sent out their official MWC event invites to the press (above), confirming again that they will reveal the LG G6 on February 26. LG is so excited, they are calling the day, "LG G6 Day." And look, the G6 will be the biggest unveiling of MWC, so they should go all out and seize the day, especially knowing that Samsung will only be around to show off a tablet and tease the Galaxy S8. The teaser image also reminds us once again that the G6 will have a big ol' 5.7-inch QHD display and a body that won't contain much bezel. Now, I know that select press are already running around spouting off that the phone won't have any bezel or that it'll be bezel-less. Hey, hype it, playa! But folks, come on, we know what this phone looks like. It has bezel. It looks like this. And this. And this. Outside of pictures, LG already told us about the display's bezel (and its 18:9 ratio), noting that the QHD+ LCD panel used "has reduced bezel width by 0.2mm (20 percent) on top, and by 0.54mm (10 percent) on the left and right sides, compared to conventional QHD LCDs." See, it has bezel! It has reduced bezel, but it has bezel. We are fully expecting shrunken chin and forehead bezel, along with razer-thin side bezel. It should look great. Mark your calendars - February 26 is LG G6 Day.

Twitter Takes Additional Steps to Stop Abuse and Harassment

Kellen — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:50:37 +0000

Back in November, likely because with the election in the US wrapping up, all humans here wanted to destroy each other, Twitter introduced new tools to help you report or silence abuse and harassment on their social service. Today, they are taking this initiative a step further to help shutdown the keyboard-warrior troll kings of grandmothers' basements who viciously attack people online as a means to compensate for their penile insecurities. With today's update, Twitter has announced that three changes are happening across the platform to curb online abuse. For one, Twitter will take extra steps to "identify people who have been permanently suspended and stop them from creating new accounts." They haven't exactly said how they will go about this, but I'd imagine that a stricter or more stringent sign-up process would help. Additionally, Twitter is "working on" a safe search that removes Tweets with "potentially sensitive content and Tweets from blocked and muted accounts." And finally, a new collapsing function in replies that identifies "potentially abusive and low-quality" items should help clean-up the nasty conversations you might want to avoid. Here is an image of how that might look:

These new changes should all start rolling out in the days and weeks ahead.

Via: Twitter

ZTE Axon 7 Getting Nougat OTA Update, Daydream Support

Tim — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:40:40 +0000

ZTE is done baking the Nougat update for the Axon 7, and now, will begin shipping it across the globe. According to ZTE, not only will users find themselves running the latest release of the Android OS, but will also find support for Google's Daydream VR platform. Naturally, the Nougat changelog is much like other Nougat changelogs: Multi Window apps, battery improvements, new emoji, plus visual changes. Thanks to ZTE not running much of a skin on top of the Axon lineup, there shouldn't be anything too hidden inside the settings menu. As for Daydream, well, I guess it's time you grab a Daydream View headset from Google, yeah? Plus, they're on sale for $50 for a limited time. As someone who can't stand VR at times, believe me, the View is actually a solid experience. The little hand controller really helps the View stand apart from similar VR headsets. Changes

Run two apps side by side
Save even more battery power while on the go
Access to all-new emojis
Immerse themselves in a powerful audio and visual VR experience

Go forth and get that update, Axon 7 owners!

Via: Google

Motorola Shares Some of the Moto Mods Ideas Its Hackathon Participants are Building

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 15:57:12 +0000

Back in November, Motorola introduced a series of hackathons that they hoped would help bring new ideas for Moto Mods to the world. The thought was that there are brilliant minds all over who might have the next great idea for a Mod, but lack the funding or visibility to get it discovered. With these hackathons, Motorola is giving people the opportunity they need to potentially take a Moto Mod idea from concept to store shelf. Today, Motorola gave us an update on the hackathon series after a successful couple of events in San Francisco, New York, and Buenos Aires. Developers put together Moto Mods that can do things like monitor baby sleep to let you know when the sleep conditions aren't ideal for a child. They also created Mods that can test blood sugar levels while on the go, act as a breathalyzer when you think you might have had one-too-many, display LEDs either in patterns or to help those who are visually impaired, and even charge a Moto Z with solar-power. To check out the latest in Moto Mods ideas, hit up that video above.

Via: Motorola

Unlocked Moto Z in US Receiving Android 7.0 "Nougat"

Tim — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:47:08 +0000

According to at least one reader, the unlocked variant of the Moto Z here in the US is receiving Android 7.0 "Nougat" via OTA update. Listed in the changelog, the new version is labeled as NPL25.86-17-3, and while updates are always good (especially big Android OS ones), the security patch level is only listed as November, 2016, meaning owners are missing out on a couple months of security patches. Of course, all of your standard Nougat stuff should be inside, including support for Multi Window, "efficient notifications controls," as well as battery improvements. Unlocked Moto Z owners, has it hit your phone yet?

Via: cfinch5

Cheers @cfinch5!

AT&T Mobile Insurance and Protection Plan Prices Increasing in April

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 13:53:42 +0000

According to a reliable source, AT&T is preparing to increase prices of their device protection programs on April 21 of this year. The increases aren't substantial, but they are still increases across the board. Customers will be notified of the change starting this week. For the Mobile Insurance protection option, AT&T will introduce a $1 increase from $7.99 per month to $8.99. The Mobile Protection Pack will also see the same $1 increase, which changes the price from $10.99 per month to $11.99. Finally, the Multi-Device Protection Pack will jump $5 from $29.99 to $34.99. If subscribed to any of AT&T's protection plans, you have a couple of months before you see the increase. To get an overview of each plan and what it covers, hit up AT&T's site.

Here are the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style User Guides

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 12:33:26 +0000

LG and Google may announce two new Android Wear watches this week, the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style. Even though these are LG devices, packaging hints at these being influenced (at least in terms of design) by Google. I don't know that I would call them "Nexus" watches, but you get the feeling that LG and Google teamed up to create what they believe to be the ultimate Android Wear devices as a way to launch Android Wear 2.0. While we wait for LG and Google to fully unveil these new wearables, we wanted to add to the pre-launch story today by sharing the user guides for each watch. The guides don't necessarily share the full specs, but they do offer up additional imagery of the shapes and designs of each watch, plus they dive into functionality, like making payments over NFC with the Sport or easily changing bands on the Style. They also talk about using the rotating side button to navigate each, taking advantage of Google Assistant from your wrist, and placing calls on the Sport, since it'll feature a SIM card.

A few things that stood out after browsing through each:

Buttons: Each device does indeed featuring a rotating crown button that allows you to navigate apps lists and notifications with a twist. The Watch Sport features two additional pushers that let you launch apps. The top defaults to the Fit Workout app and the bottom defaults to Android Pay. You can customize them, though, to whatever you want. They also control volume up or down during calls.
Sensors: The LG Watch Sport will feature a heart rate sensor, GPS, and a barometer, while the Watch Style won't have any of those.
Charging: LG Watch Sport will come with a charging cradle that you drop the device in for charging, while the Watch Style will use a flat-lying charging pad.
SIM card: With the Watch Sport, you'll replace the SIM card it uses to connect to wireless networks with a tool that helps you remove the bottom plate of the watch. The user guide available at this time is for the AT&T model, but I'd be shocked if there isn't a Verizon model sold at or around the same time.
Watch bands: The user guide shows that you can easily change the watch bands out on the Watch Style, which would make sense as a more fashion-forward timepiece. The Watch Sport, on the other hand, doesn't look like it'll be quite as easy. You can't just swap out MODE bands like you can on the Style, but you may instead of have to deal with watch pins and tools.

If you want, you can download each at LG's site through the link below. If that sounds like hell, we've captured some of the goodies below to prepare for this week's potential launch.

LG Watch Sport (LG-W280A, AT&T model)

LG Watch Style (LG-W270)

UPDATE: It looks like LG pulled the docs. We, of course, kept them in anticipation of this. Dear other Android and news outlets who didn't credit us on this story, here you go! Enjoy the free goodies! (Download links: Watch Sport, Watch Style)

Via: LG

Report: LG G6 Might Not Launch in US Until April 7

Tim — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 12:00:45 +0000

According to a report from Venture Beat, LG might be doing something poorly advised -- waiting too long to launch the G6 after announcing it. Claimed in the report, LG will launch the G6 on April 7 in the US, which is a month after a possible March 9 launch in South Korea. It'd also be a month and a half after unveiling it on February 26 during MWC. If accurate and this is LG's idea of hitting the market before Samsung's Galaxy S8, they're clearly approaching this "phone launch" thing all wrong. You may hear us often stress that when companies such as HTC, LG, and Samsung announce flagship devices, but then wait weeks and even months (see HTC U Ultra) to make the device available, it's hard to keep consumers interested. You have to ride that hypetrain and get the phone into buyers' hands as soon as possible. While the G6 has a lot going for it, potentially including a water resistant build and insane display-to-bezel ratio, announcing it and then holding off launch this long could hurt sales. By that time in April, it's seem definite that the Galaxy S8 will have been announced with pre-orders already available, leading a lot of potential customers to hold off on the G6 and waiting just another couple of weeks for the Galaxy S8 (reported to hit retail on April 21). To sum it up, LG, you might be blowing this. Will you wait for the G6 if announced in February then launched in April? Will your current phone make it that long?

Via: Venture Beat

LG Watch Style Packaging Spotted, Launch Now Reported to Take Place February 8

Tim — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 11:10:31 +0000

Over the weekend, there was a bit of development in the Android Wear category, with packaging for the LG-made Watch Style getting spotted inside what appears to be a retail store. Not only that, but previous reports suggesting LG and Google intended to unveil the device (and the Watch Sport) alongside Android Wear 2.0 on February 9 have changed, with the latest intel claiming that the launch has been bumped up one day, now scheduled for February 8. As for the packaging, "Oh, cool, a box with a smartwatch pictured on it." There really isn't much to say, except we get a great look at the Watch Style in an all black getup, possibly named Titan, as the box suggests. It does look quite nice and strikingly similar to what we've already seen, though. The box also details, "Designed with our friends at Google." While there's plenty of small print and FCC ID numbers on the box (LG-W270), there are no specifications labeled.

So, two new Android Wear watches, plus the Android Wear 2.0 launch on February 8. Mark your calendars.

Via: GSM Arena | @evleaks

Huawei Mate 9 Review

Tim — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 10:18:54 +0000

With CES long gone and us currently in that few week period between last year's news and this year's upcoming excitement, it's time we take a good long look at Huawei's latest product for the US, the Mate 9 smartphone. On paper, the Mate 9 fits the bill perfectly for ex-Galaxy Note 7 owners who had to return their phones due to the recall. With a large 5.9" FHD display, coupled with an insane 4,000mAh battery, there's no reason owners shouldn't see a solid two days of battery life. With all of that battery, users can take advantage of the Leica-branded dual cameras on the backside, dual stereo speaker setup for bumping tunes, as well as flying through apps thanks to tweaks I completely love inside of EMUI 5.0 on top of Android "Nougat." For all of the other info you might need on the Mate 9, check out our complete video review below. Too Long; Didn't Watch If watching a video isn't on your schedule today, don't trip, I can sum up the Mate 9 very easily for you. At $599, it's a crazy-good buy, considering the hardware build, monstrous 4,000mAh battery, fantastic camera experience, and useful software tweaks that Huawei bakes on top of Android "Nougat." I'd say it's one of the best deals in smartphones today. If you find yourself enjoying overly large displays, two days of battery life, and dual stereo speakers, you shouldn't look anywhere else. Huawei killed it with the Mate 9.

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February's Android Security Update Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:54:25 +0000

Google just posted the Android security update for February 2017 and the files are already live for a number of devices. So far, we are seeing 7.1.1 files for Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF26V, NOF26W), Pixel C (N4F26O), Nexus 6P (N4F26O, NUF26K), Nexus 5X (N4F26O), Nexus 6 (N6F26R), Nexus Player (NMF26X), and Nexus 9 (N4F26Q). The Nexus 6 also got new 7.0.0 builds of NBD91Y and NBD91Z. In other notes, the NOF26W for Pixel and Pixel XL is listed as "Rogers Only," so the NOF26V build should be for everyone. Also, we finally have a 7.1.1 build for Nexus 6P Verizon users as NUF26K. You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go. Links: Factory Images | OTA Files | Security Bulletin

DEAL: Google Home + Chromecast Bundle is $15 Off, Home Bases 50% Off, Chromecast are $5 Off

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:13:52 +0000

Probably because Google just spent millions on a Super Bowl ad for Google Home and people could potentially be flooding their online shop (at Best Buy too) to purchase one, they are hosting a couple of discounts on Google Home and its related products. For one, you can snag a $15 discount on Home when you purchase it with a Chromecast product. Also, the Home bases that add some color to your home assistant are 50% off. Additionally, regular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices are $5 off almost everywhere. To get the $15 off deal, you can combine your Google Home purchase with any of the Chromecast devices, including the Audio and Ultra. As for the bases, you'll find them as cheap as $10, but the higher-end metal versions are now $20 instead of $40. And finally, the $5 off Chromecast deal is pretty straight forward. Links:

Best Buy: Google Home + Chromecast Deals | Chromecast ($5 off)
Walmart: Google Home + Chromecast Deals | Chromecast ($5 off) | Chromecast Audio ($5 off)
Google Store: Google Home | Google Home Bases ($50% off) | Chromecast ($5 off) | Chromecast Audio ($5 off)

Google Maps Gets Real-Time Commute Info in New Bottom Toolbar

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 08:20:08 +0000

An update is rolling out to Google Maps users on Android today that provides real-time information as you make your morning and afternoon commute. It's a new toolbar with 3 tabs that is accessed with a swipe to show you nearby places, details on your travel time, and a transit tab, should you choose not to drive. You can see the tabs display in the image above, in case that description didn't make sense. You have a tab for nearby places, one for your commute as a driver, and one for transit. The places tab gets you into choices like "best dinners," "cheap eats," or "business dining," along with shortcuts for ATMs or grocery stores or gas stations. The driving tab displays your work and home addresses, along with ETAs, so you can quickly figure out the best way to get to work or home or when you might need to leave. And finally, the transit tab gives recommendations for which bus or train you should take to get to your next spot. Again, the update with this new commute bar is rolling out today. Play Link

Via: Google

Here is the Google Home Super Bowl Commercial

Kellen — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 07:40:55 +0000

Yesterday's Super Bowl LI was one for the ages, especially those last few minutes. From the massive lead that was eventually squandered to the ridiculous Julio Jones catch that we all already forgot about because Julian Edelman made an even more ridiculous catch minutes later, to the sack taken by Matt Ryan that pushed the Falcons out of field goal range, allowing Tom Brady and the boys to send the game into the first ever Super Bowl over time. It was everything a football fan can hope for, as long as you aren't the ultimate Patriots hater. But before we got to all of that craziness, there were Super Bowl LI commercials to be consumed. This was actually a pretty good year for commercials as well, at least I thought. Google's spot for Google Home (our review) happened to be the first (right?) out of the gate and it delivered in familiar Google Home commercial fashion. In case you missed it, it's embedded above. Any other commercials that stood out as good?

More LG G6ness

Kellen — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:03:16 +0000

On this episode of the Droid Life Show, we'll dive once again into the week that was in Android by not only recapping the latest in Galaxy S8 and LG G6 rumors, but we'll also share some 3-month thoughts on the Google Pixel (yep, we're both still using one), Android 7.1.2 and the phones it leaves behind, AT&T's first "5G" markets, and more. Join us live at 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Don't Miss These Android Stories: February 3, 2017

Kellen — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:21:08 +0000

Hey, another week is over, so that means another week closer to MWC and the beginning of 2017's first flagship season. WE. ARE. READY. FOR. NEW. PHONES. The LG G6 is up first, and boy did we have a bunch of leaks on that front this week. We also got Android 7.1.2, re-reviewed the Google Pixel, found out when to expect the first "5G" markets from AT&T, and are wondering if Razer is going to build a smartphone. Below, you'll find the biggest Android stories of the week. Be sure to catch up!

WATCH: Droid Life Show Episode 132 | Subscribe
Super Bowl LI: Watch it in VR |
LG G6 Leaks Everywhere: Prototype images | In shiny black | Pretty brushed metal
Google Pixel Review: 3 months later, it's the phone for me
Android 7.1.2 Released | Factory images | Beta goes live
Nexus 5X gets fingerprint swipe for notifications in 7.1.2
No Android 7.1.2 for Nexus 6 or Nexus 9
Opinion: Samsung, your rumored Galaxy S8 fingerprint location sucks
AT&T's first "5G Evolution" markets launch this year
RIP, Google Now Launcher?
Poll: Does your phone have Nougat yet?
New Balance RunIQ watch now available
Instagram was testing multi-photo posts on Android
Plex now controlled by Amazon Alexa
Poll: Do you use your fingerprint reader?
Razer bought Nextbit and the Robin is done for
Samsung's MWC event invite teases a new tablet

Patriots goin' down. Probably not, but it's what the world wants. And that means something in 2017.

Friday Poll: Has Your Phone Been Updated to Nougat?

Tim — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:02:54 +0000

Looking over January's Android distribution chart, with February's sure to drop any day now, Nougat is not being used by a ton of people. 0.7%, to be exact. As you may realize, though, DL readers are not just average consumers. They are on the bleeding edge of Android technology, always striving to run the latest Android build from Google. In this poll, we want to know just how bleeding edge you are, so let's see if your phone has been updated to Nougat yet. If you bought a Pixel, then you're automatically a winner, so props to you. If you don't have Nougat yet, let us know in the comments which phone you are using. Let's hear it! [poll id="441"]

More Possible LG G6 Photos Hit the Web, Continue to Excite Us

Tim — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 11:12:41 +0000

From the same folks who delivered one of our first potential looks at the upcoming LG G6, underKG's source is back again, this time delivering a complete overview of the hardware. In the previous look we got, a closeup of the G6's rounded corner display was center focus. While it's a bit different, something new is always tantalizing. In this new batch of photos, we see a great shot of the G6's backside, as well as the bottom and top. We have the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and bottom-firing speaker. On that back, we still see LG's dual-camera setup, fingerprint reader, and a very metallic body. Overall, the hardware looks exceptional, so it has us very curious about LG's plan for the software. Look over the photos, then share your thoughts below.

Via: UnderKG

Google Now Launcher May Retire in a Few of Weeks

Kellen — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 10:24:34 +0000

The Google Now Launcher, a launcher that runs on Nexus devices and is often one of the first we install on devices that feature terrible skins (LG and Huawei's phones come to mind), may be put to bed here in the coming weeks. According to an email sent out to Google's GMS partners list and obtained by Android Police, Google plans to unlist the Now Launcher at the end of Q1 and will also no longer allow partners to include it in their phones after March 1. The email states that because Google's Google Search Launcher Services library is now out of testing and available to be used by OEMs, the Google Now Launcher no longer needs to be around. For those curious, the Google Search Launcher Services library is essentially the swipe over into Google Now that you get on the Google Now Launcher to access Now cards. Google has opened up this action to OEMs, which could mean Samsung or LG or Huawei could bake it into their own launchers. Sony previously helped Google test it. Companies like Motorola, who use the Google Now Launcher (GNL) out of the box, will have to find another solution. That could mean using AOSP's Launcher3, which now works with the Search Launcher Services library. If you use a DROID phone on Verizon, you likely have Launcher3, though it likely doesn't have Google Now integration yet. Wait, so what about Nexus phones? Well, Nexus phones are dead, at this point. In other words, it's not like we have new Nexus phones on the horizon that will need the Google Now Launcher. Going forward, as Google fully retires the Google Now Launcher, they could always switch the Nexus 6P or 5X over to Launcher3 or something if needed. Then again, by the end of 2017, those phones will be through their 2-year support period for major updates and they could just sit on Google Now Launcher. Google did state in the email that current GNL users will continue to see support through the Google Search app (Search app actually powers GNL, which is mostly a shell). Or, there is the Pixel launcher, but that so far has been reserved for Pixel phones. In the end, if the Google Now Launcher is done, that's a bit of a sad story. It's a great launcher for those who want access to Google at all times. It's great for those who like a light launcher without a bunch of fluff. And it's free and sees decent support. If you want in on the Google Now Launcher before the listing goes away, you can download it at the link below. Play Link

Via: Android Police

Chrome and Android About to Take Progressive Web Apps Seriously

Tim — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 09:18:30 +0000

Announced this week, a new version of the Chrome Beta app will soon roll out, taking steps to bring Progressive Web Apps to the forefront of the Android experience. As of right now, web apps are essentially applications that run directly on a webpage. They can be simple utility tools or even complex games. With the change set to take place, the Chrome team will allow users to place shortcuts to these web apps directly on their home screen, as well as add a shortcut to the inside of the app drawer. Once these changes take place, these progressive web apps will run on your phone as if they are installed directly onto your device's internal memory. Here's the rundown from Google's Chromium blog.

In the next few weeks we’ll be rolling out a new version of this experience in Chrome beta. With this new version, once a user adds a Progressive Web App to their Home screen, Chrome will integrate it into Android in a much deeper way than before. For example, Progressive Web Apps will now appear in the app drawer section of the launcher and in Android Settings, and will be able to receive incoming intents from other apps. Long presses on their notifications will also reveal the normal Android notification management controls rather than the notification management controls for Chrome.

Not only is this cool news for Chrome users, but the team also stresses that it is committed to bringing these experiences to all browsers available on Android. That's good news for everybody. Below is a GIF that represents the upcoming experience of progressive web apps.

Via: Chromium Blog

New Balance's RunIQ Android Wear Watch is Now Available

Kellen — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 08:40:25 +0000

The New Balance RunIQ Android Wear smartwatch is now available for purchase. First announced at last year's CES before becoming a real product at this year's CES, the watch is supposedly "made by runners for runners." It starts at $299, comes in black, and features everything you would want in a modern smartwatch made for runners. You've got Strava support built-in, heartrate tracking, GPS, and water resistance at up to 5 ATM. New Balance says to expect about 24 hours of use or 5 hours with continuous GPS and HR monitoring. That's not next-level battery life, but it sounds about right for an Android Wear watch. The watch is also powered by an Intel processor and a round display. If interested, you can buy one at New Balance's shop. Amazon should have it soon as well. As a runner, I do plan to pick one up. Just a heads-up for those looking for a review, I'll see what I can do. New Balance Link | Amazon Link

This is Probably the LG G6 in Shiny Black

Kellen — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:58:51 +0000

Earlier in the week, we gave you the first real images of the LG G6, though they happened to show the phone very much in prototype form. Today, thanks to an image obtained by Business Insider, we may have a first look at a finished model, looking all sorts of shiny black. The image shows an LG G6 that features a finish similar to that of the Galaxy Note 7 or iPhone 7. It's glossy, shiny, and very black. In a way, it looks like the finish on the LG G2, only we hope this feels much more premium than that. We get another shot of the dual camera setup that will continue LG's trend of offering up two photo experiences - one for standard shots, one for wide-angle shots. You can also see the rear-centered fingerprint reader and G6 logo. And that's pretty much it. This image doesn't show much else, but is a reminder that corduroy pants always look comfy to wear. Maybe I'll wear some today. OK. The LG G6 will be unveiled on February 26.

Via: Business Insider

#TBT: "We Got Samsung'd" Ad Highlights Galaxy S2 Over Boring iPhone

Tim — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 12:41:51 +0000

A few years ago, Samsung brought the heat with its brand of television commercials. Aimed directly at Apple and finding unique ways to interest Cupertino's customers, Samsung launched the "We Got Samsung'd" campaign. Basically, cut to one of those ridiculous lines where religiously-devoted Apple customers wait in line for days in order to snag the new iPhone. Throw in a Galaxy S2 owner, showing off all the sweet stuff he can with his Android phone, and boom, you got Apple buyers wishing they weren't stuck getting the same ol' boring iPhone. These days, Samsung takes a bit more traditional approach to advertising, highlighting the Galaxy S7's weather resistance, expandable storage, and support for Gear VR. While there's nothing wrong with traditional, it certainly carries no comedic value.

As a special bonus, and with the Super Bowl coming up, here's another great piece of marketing from Samsung. Featuring Bob Odenkirk, Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen, this one's a classic.

[responsive_vid]

Chrome 56 Intros Long Press for Suggested Article Downloads

Tim — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 11:08:22 +0000

Chrome 56 is official, rolling out to all of the various platforms Chrome resides on. For the changelog, the Chrome team lists three notable additions (one of which doesn't really seem new) on top of the various bug fixes and improvements that go into these updates. As for the changes, users can now "quickly use" emails, address, and phone numbers on web pages by tapping on them, easily access downloaded files and web pages from the "New Tab" page, plus download articles from your suggestions by long pressing on them. Regarding the tapping on phone numbers and emails part, this functionality has been baked into previous Chrome versions, but it's possible that "quickly use" could mean something a bit different. On my build of Chrome 55, tapping on a phone number that is not a hyperlink opens directly into the dialer, while some email address just bring up a Google Search option. It's a bit unclear what the Chrome team means by listing this feature and we will look for clarification. Here is the list of changes for Chrome 56.

Quickly use emails, addresses, and phone numbers in web pages by tapping on them
Easily access downloaded files and web pages from the new tab page
Long press article suggestions on the new tab page to download them

Go get it. Play Link

Via: Chrome

Plex Can Now be Controlled Through Amazon Alexa

Kellen — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:44:11 +0000

Plex, the personal media collection service that allows you to stream your movie, music, and photo collections from anywhere, received integration with Amazon's Alexa today. Thanks to new voice controls through an Echo, Echo Dot, or other Alexa-supported device, your Plex experience is ready to step into the future. To get setup, you'll need to enable the Plex skill, which you can do through the Amazon Alexa app on your phone. Once done, you can then ask Alexa to open Plex and get to streaming. The Amazon and Plex experience together means asking for new music or a suggestion on what to watch. You can also specify movies or episodes and seasons of your favorite shows. For the full overview of Plex and Alexa as best friends, watch the video below. Play Links: Plex | Amazon Alexa

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Via: Plex

Android 7.1.2: You Can Now Choose Where to Set Live Wallpapers

Tim — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 09:53:00 +0000

Android 7.1.2 has been out for a couple of days and we are still digging through what appears to be a pretty small, incremental update. However, we have stumbled upon one small change, pointed out by a reader who sent us a tweet. With live wallpapers from inside the Google Wallpapers app, such as the Live Earth and Live Data options, users running Android 7.1.2 can now select where to set these papers. On previous Android builds, you didn't have any options when you went to set them - they were automatically applied to both the lock screen and home screen. Now, on Android 7.1.2, you are met with both "Home screen" and "Home screen and lock screen" options. For anyone who wants that fancy wallpaper just on their home screen and a stagnant paper on their lock screen, this small change is right up your alley. If you own the necessary hardware and are wanting to try Android 7.1.2 for yourself, here's where to start.

Cheers @el_frisi!

Samsung Intros 'Samsung Pay Mini' for Q1 in Korea, Available to All Android Users

Tim — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Samsung is set to begin expanding its mobile payments and shopping platform with the introduction of Samsung Pay Mini, an extension of Samsung Pay that will launch in Korea this Q1, but won't be exclusive to just Samsung devices. According to the press release, any Android user with a compatible smartphone can use Samsung Pay Mini, which is focused more on mobile app shopping than mobile payments. Specifically, any phone with Android "Lollipop" and a HD display can utilize the app. Inside this shopping app, users will find access to goods from well-known Korean retailers, as well as a Rewards program for loyal shoppers. To sum it up, the more you shop and rewards you earn, the better discounts and deals you may find. A Samsung Pay Mini "pre-event" is set to take place on February 6, ahead of the official launch. Anyone with a Samsung Card will be able to download a trial version of Samsung Pay Mini directly from Google Play, but again, this is a Korean exclusive, meaning US shoppers likely won't find it.

Via: Samsung Korea [Translated]

Here is T-Mobile's Super Bowl Ad With Justin Bieber

Kellen — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:34:41 +0000

Yesterday, we shared Sprint's Super Bowl commercial. Today, we bring you T-Mobile's. It has Justin Bieber and Rob Gronkowsi and Terrell Owens. There is some dancing involved, a few touchdown celebrations, etc. It's...yeah. Oh, they also talk about unlimited things like T-Mobile ONE and attempt to tie that into dancing or unlimited moves or something. What else is going on today? Everyone good?

Nexus 5X Gains "Swipe for Notifications" Move in Android 7.1.2

Kellen — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 07:26:17 +0000

The Android 7.1.2 Beta image and over-the-air update arrived for the Nexus 5X last night and users who updated immediately started looking for new goodies. The first found is the newest addition to "Moves," which are the physical actions Google has added to Android that allow you to quickly open the camera or check notifications on your display without waking your phone, for example. The newest steals directly from the Pixel, though. That's right, "Swipe for notifications" is there! With this new Move, you can swipe down on the fingerprint reader to access your notifications shade and then swipe back up on it to hide it. It's a neat trick that is more than just a trick. Like the "Jump to camera" action, swiping your finger across a fingerprint reader to access a hard-to-reach area on a phone is pretty brilliant. If you update to Android 7.1.2, you'll find the option in Settings>Moves. It should be right at the top, as you can see in the image above. So wait, does this mean the feature is coming to the Nexus 6P? I'd say, probably. I can't imagine that Google would introduce the fingerprint swipe to the 5X, yet leave it off the 6P. I don't want to make you any guarantees, but this is a good sign, no?

Via: reddit

Google Ending Hands Free Pilot on February 8

Tim — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:51:23 +0000

In an email we just received, Google announced it is shutting down the Hands Free pilot, which has been active since March of last year. Scheduled to shut down on February 8, 2016, Hands Free is was Google's effort to get people to pay with their smartphone inside select retailers without ever lifting a finger. If you never heard of Hands Free or never used it, don't worry, it was limited to the South Bay (Bay Area, California) area. As stated by Google, "Based on all the positive feedback, we’re now working to bring the best of the Hands Free technology to even more people and stores. To focus our efforts, we’ll be shutting down the Hands Free app on February 8." Once Hands Free is shut down, Google goes on to say that all of your personal information will be deleted, so as to protect your privacy. While it doesn't appear that Google is closing down Hands Free forever, and instead is just regrouping for what could be a bigger launch, the team encourages users to continue using Android Pay. RIP for now, Hands Free. [responsive_vid]

Verizon's Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, and Note 5 All Updated With New Security Patch

Kellen — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:30:24 +0000

Just a quick heads-up, but to those of you on Verizon who own a Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, S6 Edge, or regular S6, you should be on the lookout for a new update. In fact, the updates were posted yesterday and may have already arrived on your device. If so, just know that they are security patches and nothing more, according to Verizon's support site. Below, you'll find software versions for each update in case you were curious as to whether or not you were on the current build.

Galaxy Note 5: N920VVRS3BQA1
Galaxy S6 Edge+: G928VVRS3BQA1
Galaxy S6: G920VVRS4CQA3
Galaxy S6 Edge: G925VVRS4CQA3

If you own one of these devices and received the update, feel free to drop in the comments which month's security patch this is. We would love to add that info to the post.

Via: Verizon [2] [3] [4]

Wednesday Poll: Do You Use Your Phone's Fingerprint Reader?

Kellen — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 14:03:36 +0000

Just over a year ago, we asked you all if you were using the fingerprint reader on your phone. Thankfully, a solid 60% of you said "Yes!" that you are. Unfortunately, the other 40% either did not have a fingerprint reader on their phone or just flat out said, "No." That's disappointing, only because fingerprint readers offer convenient security, in that they enable you to lock down your phone should you misplace it, yet still easily access its contents in seconds. It's one of those features that is a no-brainer in terms of using. So now that another year has passed and most phones seem to have launched with a fingerprint reader on either a front chin or backside, we wanted to ask again. Do you use the fingerprint reader on your phone? If not, please, please, please explain why. [poll id="440"]

AT&T Will Launch 5G Evolution in Austin and Indianapolis This Year

Kellen — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 11:56:58 +0000

AT&T is ready to bring a "5G" connection to your smartphone within the next year, assuming you live in Austin or Indianapolis. At an event in San Francisco today, the wireless carrier announced their new Network 3.0 Indigo platform that includes "5G Evolution" connectivity at the two cities I just mentioned. What is 5G Evolution? Think of it as 5G Lite, in a way. I say that because AT&T is claiming that these 5G Evolution markets (Austin and Indianapolis) can expect to see peak speeds of 400Mbps or higher. However, real 5G is currently expected to be at 1Gbps speeds should it ever see official standards set. AT&T said today that they will launch in those two cities within months, but that you will need a compatible device in order to connect at 5G Evolution. At this time, I don't know that AT&T has announced devices, though my guess is that most modern flagships will be compatible (like the upcoming Galaxy S8). I'll update this post with additional information on that. Additionally, AT&T will launch 2 new 5G testbeds in Austin. These testbeds will be updated as 5G standards continue to develop, which means these will eventually allow you to hit those full 5G speeds. Who lives in Austin or Indy and has AT&T service? I'm jealous.

Via: AT&T

Samsung Announces MWC Event With Teaser Image That Isn't the Galaxy S8 (Updated!)

Kellen — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 10:05:44 +0000

Last night, just as we were signing off for the day, Samsung sent us an invite to their Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 press event. The event is scheduled to kick off in Barcelona on February 26 and will likely feature a new Galaxy tablet. Wait, not the Galaxy S8? Nope. Samsung already confirmed to press that the Galaxy S8 line will not show up at MWC and will instead show up later, as they attempt to “regain consumer trust." OK, so what about this tablet then? According to reports, we should see the Galaxy Tab S3 at MWC. The Tab S line from Samsung has been their higher-end line for the past couple of years and current leaks show a tablet that won't disappoint. As of now, we are expecting two models, one with LTE (SM-T820) and one that is WiFi-only (SM-T825). Other specs include a 9.6-inch display (2048x1536), Snapdragon 820 processor, 12MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, and 4GB RAM. The event will be live streamed on February 26 at 19:00 CET. I think that's 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern. UPDATE: Ooh, ooh, potentially big news. According to Korea Herald, Samsung will tease the Galaxy S8 at this event with a 1-minute clip.

Via: Samsung

Watch Sprint's Super Bowl Commercial, Contemplate Choice Between Faking Death or Switching to Sprint

Tim — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 09:51:55 +0000

It's Super Bowl commercial season, the time of year where Americans put aside their petty differences and decide which company releases the best TV spot during the big game. Man, I love America! Well, Sprint is throwing its hat into the ring this year, basing this somewhat morbid commercial on the claim we've all heard via the "Can You Hear Me Now?" guy, that its network reliability is just 1% under Verizon's. Insert extremely small text here that indicates these findings are based on 3rd-party research of voice and data in the top 106 markets. In the commercial, we see a man fake his own death by strapping a dummy into the driver's seat of a SUV, then pushing it over a cliff. As a young child points out, this is illegal, but hey, it's funny. Because this man is not a smart criminal, he doesn't look to see if there are potential witnesses, namely a dude walking around in a bright ass yellow jacket who just happens to know everything about Sprint's network reliability claim. Needless to say, the thought of having to now kill the witness rushes through the man's head. He can't help but think that if only he had switched to Sprint in the first place, he wouldn't be in this possibly homicidal predicament. If you can't tell, I made up this last part. Bring on the Super Bowl commercials!

Instagram Testing Multi-Photo Albums in Version 10.7.0

Tim — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:47:27 +0000

Somewhat hidden inside version 10.7.0, which is trickling out to users on Android, Instagram appears to be testing the ability to showcase multiple photos in a single post. You have probably seen this feature enabled for advertisers on your timeline, but if testing goes well, it seems that normal folk will be able to use it, too. To give you the basic rundown, once this feature works properly, users can select up to 10 photos from their galley, slap on filters to each photo they choose, then upload the photos as an album to your timeline. From your followers' perspective, they will see the album and can then slide through the various shots, liking photos as they go. Currently, while we can select photos to place into an album, the photos will not post to the timeline. The feature is simply not working in its current state, but that's probably why it's being sent out as a test and not being advertised by the good folks at Instagram. Once the feature is announced and made totes official, we will update you. In the meantime, check to see if your IG app needs an update and give it a whirl. Maybe you will have more luck then us. Play Link

Cheers @m4au312!

3 Months Later: It's Still the Google Pixel for Me

Kellen — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:21:02 +0000

The few months in between the end of the holiday season and the end of February the following year are some of my favorites. Because new flagship phone releases almost always come to a stand still during these times, we often get to settle in to a phone and truly get to know it. Instead of jumping from one phone to the next to get the next review out, this is a time where we get to become somewhat of a consumer. It's kind of fun, actually! As you can tell from the title, the Google Pixel (the regular, smaller one) has been in my pocket, by my side since I reviewed it back at the end of October. This is the phone that most fits my needs. In the video review below, I dive into those needs, what I still like about the Pixel, and why it's the phone for me at this time. Things like the size, software experience, camera, and ability to use it on any carrier are the highlights. But that doesn't mean there aren't still some issues. For example, the design isn't impressing me yet, the choice to go with 32GB storage was probably a bad one, and the rapid charging just isn't as good as the solutions from companies like OnePlus. How about you? How has the Pixel or Pixel XL held up for you the past few months?

[responsive_vid]

T-Mobile Might be Testing RCS Inside Google Messenger (Update)

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 16:27:33 +0000

According to a number of reddit users and a tweet we have received, T-Mobile appears to be testing RCS (Rich Communication Services) inside of the Google Messenger app with those who signed up with DIGITS. Announced back in early December, DIGITS is T-Mobile's answer to AT&T's NumberSync which allows users to utilize a single phone number across multiple devices. To sum up the latest development, though, a small number of folks who enrolled in that service are seeing a RCS option pop up in Google's Messenger app. RCS brings quite a few features that go beyond your standard SMS experience, and when enabled, users can utilize read receipts, typing indicators, plus enhanced media (pictures, videos, etc.) sharing. However, T-Mobile already offers a feature called Advanced Messaging that is built on the RCS standards, so it's not as if T-Mobile customers don't have access to something that offers this. Currently, Google has Sprint and Rogers enrolled to use Messenger for RCS messaging. The testing going on could be a sign that T-Mobile may soon join the ranks. If you are on T-Mobile and are using DIGITS, check to see if the RCS option is available for you in the Google Messenger application. Update: Thanks to additional digging done by 9 to 5 Google, it appears that this "testing" was nothing more than a bit of hypebeasting by users on reddit. Currently, it doesn't appear that T-Mobile is working to enable RCS inside of Google Messenger and is sticking to Advanced Messaging for the time being. If any of this changes, we'll let you know.

Via: reddit | @thematigus

Cheers Connor!

Google Updates Snapseed Photo Editing App With Curves, Face Filter Tweaks

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 14:35:51 +0000

Snapseed is receiving its first big update for 2017 and it's a pretty good one. Inside, the development team has added in curves, granting additional control over brightness levels and color, ultimately leading to more comprehensive power over how your photos appear. Additionally, Snapseed also details that it has improved its face detection in the Face filter, as well as updated controls governing multiline styles. With that change, you can now choose where to wrap lines of text. Snapseed's breakdown of Curves.

Curves gives you precise control over brightness levels and colors to shape the look of your photos. If you are familiar with Curves from desktop applications, you should be able to get started right away. If you are new to Curves, take a look at the many presets that come with the tool to help you stylize your photo.

Lastly, Snapseed has updated the grain quality in the Black & White filter. Have at it, mobile photographers. Play Link

Via: +Snapseed

Want to Watch Super Bowl 51 Alone and in Virtual Reality? There's an App for That

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:58:22 +0000

Whether you are alone this weekend with plans to watch the Super Bowl, or maybe you are hosting a party and want to show friends and family the genius of virtual reality technology, FOX will offer a stream of Super Bowl 51 in VR this weekend, available directly from the FOX Sports VR application. Once booted up and placed inside your Cardboard, Daydream, or Gear VR (separate app available for Samsung users) headset, the VR experience will grant you access to your own private VR suite for viewing the game. According to FOX, there will be a half dozen different viewpoints to take in the game, and if any of the views offer an option for muting Joe Buck, then that's the view I recommend. The big day of sports ball is coming, so get ready to cheer for your sports team as they sports their way to a championship title! Play Link

Android 7.1.2 Beta OTA Rolling Out to Enrolled Users

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:41:14 +0000

For anyone not down with flashing builds manually, it appears that Google has green-lighted the OTA update rollout for Android 7.1.2. Keep in mind, this OTA is only available to those with a compatible device (Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus Player, and Pixel C) and who are enrolled in the Android Beta program. If you aren't signed up, you can do so here and instantly download the beta. And for anyone with a Nexus 6P, don't worry, access for you should be made available soon. According to the changelog, the download weighs in at 827.9MB, which is quite the size for what is described as an incremental update. Be sure to hop onto WiFi before you begin downloading. Go get it, beta peeps!

Android 7.1.2 Beta Images Now Available for Download as Builds NPG05D and NPG05E (Updated)

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:30:33 +0000

Google has now posted the factory image files and release notes for the Android 7.1.2 beta that was announced yesterday. As of this moment, Google has posted builds NPG05D and NPG05E. Currently, we are seeing files for the Pixel C (NPG05D), Nexus Player (NPG05D), Pixel (NPG05E), and Pixel XL (NPG05E). Of course, the Nexus 5X is supposed to be a part of the initial update, while Google has already told us that the Nexus 6P would be a bit later. We aren't seeing the 5X image yet, but will update this post as things change. UPDATE: Nexus 5X image now available as build NPG05D. You can grab each device's 7.1.2 beta build at the link below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. Android 7.1.2 Beta Link So what's new? Google hasn't exactly said just yet, but did post the following release notes:

This public beta release may have various stability, battery, or performance issues on supported devices.
Some apps may not function as expected on this public beta release. This includes Google’s apps as well as other apps.
This public beta release is Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) approved on supported devices. Apps that depend on CTS approved builds should work normally on these devices (Android Pay, for example).
This public beta release is available on these supported devices: Pixel and Pixel XL, Nexus Player, and Pixel C.

Should we find other goodies, we'll be sure to share.

Via: Android Developers

This is Probably an LG G6 Prototype

Kellen — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 10:38:40 +0000

LG will unveil the G6 with its 5.7-inch QHD+ display at a press event in Barcelona on February 26, that much we know. What we don't know, outside of a single leaked image of the top half of the device, is exactly what the device will look like. Sure, we've seen CAD renders, but today, we believe we have images of a prototype that may show more of the device in the flesh for the first time. As you can certainly see from the shots below, this phone is by no means a finished product. However, it does reveal that metal exterior LG is expected to use, with nice chamfer all of the way around its frame. We also can see the screen-to-bezel ratio on the front, which is quite minimal. From these pictures, it is tough to tell if the display has rounded corners, as a previous leak suggested, but if you closely enough in the bottom right, it does appear to have just that. Or maybe that's my eyes playing tricks on me. On the backside, well, this is not going to be the finished back material. This is a shell being used to aid in testing. With that said, you can see the dual-camera setup that has been present on the past couple of LG flagships. We once again have a centered rear fingerprint reader as well. Other things to note are the bottom USB Type-C port with single speaker, along with a top-mounted headphone jack.

So not the most incredibly exciting images, since these are not of a finished product. However, they certainly help paint the picture as we inch towards an official unveiling. I know that Samsung is going wild with the Galaxy S8, but you have to be impressed so far with what LG is doing to the G6.

HTC Global VP Jason Mackenzie Departs After 12 Years (Updated)

Tim — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:54:53 +0000

HTC is losing a top executive this week, Jason Mackenzie. Announced via Mackenzie's Twitter account, not much is revealed about the departure, but he does say, "It was a great run and I feel blessed." Mackenzie has been a part of HTC for 12 years, well before the company made it big in the Android game. Currently, HTC has not announced plans to insert an individual into Mackenzie's role. Update: This post has been updated to reflect Mackenzie's role change that took place one year ago. Mackenzie has been a HTC Global Executive Vice President for the past year, a promotion from his former role as HTC America President. Regardless, we wish him the best. Here is Jason's tweet.

After 12 amazing years, today is my last day @htc. It was a great run & I feel blessed. Thank you Peter Chou, @cherwang, & TeamHTC.
— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonBMac24) January 31, 2017

Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 Won't Get 7.1.2 Update, But Will Still See Security Patches

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:53:42 +0000

You may have noticed that today's announcement for the Android 7.1.2 update didn't mention the Nexus 6 or Nexus 9. Well, that's because neither will see the update, even as it goes final in a couple of months, Google confirmed to us this afternoon. That's not super shocking, since each device is past the 2-year time frame for guaranteed version updates. Do keep in mind that both will still see security patches going forward for close to another year. If you are hanging on to these devices, they will remain secure, they just won't see big feature updates going forward.

Nextbit Joins Razer, Will Act as Independent Mobile Division

Tim — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:35:13 +0000

Nextbit, the company behind the cloud-centric Robin smartphone, has officially joined Razer. To say this is a surprise would be an understatement, but not necessarily regarding the idea of Nextbit being acquired. While financial details have not been made public, Nextbit's CEO Tom Moss wrote a brief post to Nextbit's forum stating, "Nextbit will operate as an independent division inside Razer, focused on unique mobile design and experiences." Essentially, Nextbit will remain the same, but will be, "bigger and better." With this move, the sale of Robin has officially ceased, but Nextbit stresses that this does not mean the end of support to current owners. Stated in another post by Nextbit's community manager, the company will be, "continuing the support we promised everyone since the beginning of our Kickstarter campaign." Specifically, "We will continue to fulfill warranties for 6 more months. And as promised, we will continue to provide software updates and security patches through February 2018. Now, in the beginning of this post, I hinted that the idea of Nextbit getting acquired probably shouldn't surprise anyone, but Razer being the buyer is quite a shock. While we don't have sales figures to go off of, we do have a specific number of backers from the original Kickstarter campaign. That number is 3,611. In terms of the Android market, that number is insanely low, potentially low enough to keep potential investors away from a Robin 2. However, the Robin does have something very promising onboard (and most importantly, off-board), that being its cloud storage software. Thanks to this unique concept, Nextbit does have something worth value, not just a well-designed shell with mid-range specs inside. If Razer, a company pretty focused on gaming, sees value in a feature such as this, more power to them. We're excited to see what the Nextbit team cooks up next.

Via: Nextbit [2]

Android 7.1.2 Announced, Public Beta Rolling Out Today!

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:41:34 +0000

Ready for the next Android maintenance release? I know, you just got Android 7.1.1, officially, but we are now ready to start preparing for Android 7.1.2! Google just announced that the first public beta is rolling out as early as today to supported devices. At this time, we don't know much about Android 7.1.2, only that it's an "incremental maintenance release focused on refinements, so it includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users." Yep, that's all we know until that beta shows up. Devices supported out of the gate for the Beta include the Pixel and Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. The Nexus 6P will join the party "soon." The final release won't be here for a "couple of months." NOTE: Google confirmed to us today that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will not see the 7.1.2 update. If you want to be a part of the Android Beta program, sign-up here.

Via: Android Developers

Opinion: Potential Galaxy S8 Fingerprint Reader Location is Dumb

Tim — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:35:22 +0000

When news got out that Samsung was likely to scrap its familiar Home button from the front of its new Galaxy S8, I was very excited. Rumors and tech announcements dating back to last year talked of device makers implementing fingerprint reading technology into a screen, which sounded futuristic and awesome. Considering Samsung typically finds itself at the forefront of innovations such as this, it didn't seem like a crazy idea to expect something similar out of South Korea. As time passed, though, we have learned that Samsung may instead place the fingerprint reader on the backside of the phone (not yet confirmed by Samsung), the same as we see on the Pixel devices, phones from LG and Huawei, plus many others. However, it appears Samsung isn't content with doing what every other company is doing, and instead, is placing the fingerprint reader in the most ridiculous location they can to possibly help differentiate the Galaxy S8 from its competition. I mean, they don't actually think this placement is intuitive, right? Thanks to leaked images and unofficial renders based on said images (seen below), it looks like Samsung could place the Galaxy S8's fingerprint reader on the backside of the phone, but instead of placing it below the camera or at least in the middle of the backside (as we see on other devices), it would be installed directly next to the camera towards the top right corner.

Now, why is this a bad thing? Well, the first obvious objection I have is the potential for the accidental placing of your dirty fingers on the camera's glass covering. As you take the phone from your pocket and attempt to find the reader, you will likely swipe across your camera a few times, undoubtedly leaving streaks on the glass. It's not like everyone is wearing white gloves as they handle their smartphone. You're gonna be seeing Cheeto dust, grease, and whatever else is on your finger smudged directly on your camera. That is, unless you turn the phone around and are consistently aware of where your finger is going. In my mind, though, that will hardly ever be the case. On my Pixel XL, for example, I basically just feel around the device's backside until I find the indentation for the fingerprint reader. Now that I have used the phone for months, it's just second nature of where my index finger should go. I expect the same to happen on the Galaxy S8 over time with usage, but at least in the time I spent learning where my finger goes on the Pixel XL (or any other device that has similar placement), I don't risk dirtying my camera with icky fingers. One could argue that the root of this problem is dirty hands. Wash your hands, people! Another potential issue concerns left-handed users. While I'm not left handed, I'm sure someone reading this might be, and this placement does not seem all that swell for you. In an attempt to get a feel for what Samsung's potential implementation might feel like, I lifted up a Galaxy S7 in my right hand, placing my index finger on the backside where the fingerprint reader is described to be. While this placement feels good, taking into account that the index finger has to travel across the width of the device to be placed directly on the reader, I then attempted it with my left hand. Because the index finger no longer goes across the phone and instead travels up and towards the thumb (towards the left), it almost felt like a strain to my finger. As if my finger doesn't typically bend that way so it was slightly uncomfortable. That kinda feeling. It'd be the same sensation for right handed users if Samsung opted to place the reader on the left side and not the right side, but hey, thank goodness that right handed people are the vast majority of the world's population.

Left Handed vs. Right Handed

My point is, placing the fingerprint reader in the middle of the backside makes so much more sense. There's no stretching of fingers required and it works the same for both righties and lefties. Nothing wrong with making a phone designed for everyone, right? In essence, a fingerprint reader placed in the middle takes the guessing work out of where your finger should go. As if a user was attempting to balance the phone on their index finger, it seems more natural for the fingerprint reader to go in the middle, instead of to a side or towards a top corner. It's basic ergonomics in my mind. Thinking more about it, with Samsung also expected to include its heart rate monitor on the backside, maybe the company wanted to keep the design symmetrical, with a heart rate monitor and fingerprint reader flanking the camera. Of all people, I can appreciate that approach to design, but isn't this taking it a bit far? Once and if Samsung makes this design for the Galaxy S8 official, we'll be sure to reach out to the company's design team and pick their brain about this placement of the fingerprint reader. I'm dying to know their thoughts, if this is in fact what Samsung intends to release.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments below, I'd be happy to argue with you.

DEAL: Grab a Honor 8 and Doctor Strange Gift Box for $289, Save Yourself $110

Tim — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 10:41:25 +0000

For what could be a limited time, or possibly a sign that something bigger and better is coming, B&H Photo is offering the Honor 8 for just $289, down $110 from its usual price of $399. Not only that, but the price also includes a bundled clear case, as well as a Doctor Strange Gift Box. For specs, the Honor 8 features a 5.2″ FHD display, Huawei-made HiSilicon Kirin 950 octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB built-in storage, dual camera system on the backside, glass and metallic body, and rear-facing fingerprint reader. As detailed in my review, the Honor 8 is one of the better in-hand devices, with a compact feel and smooth exterior hardware. My only real complaint concerned the software, which is currently EMUI 4.1. On the upside, with EMUI 5.0 on the way soon (February), the experience on this device is only going to get better. If you somehow missed it, check out our Honor 8 review. On top of the device you are getting at a discounted rate, B&H is also throwing in two other items: 1 clear case for those who want to protect their device, plus a "Doctor Strange Gift Box." Inside this gift box, there are two Doctor Strange comic books, as well as a Doctor Strange case designed for the Honor 8. If you are the biggest Doctor Strange fan ever, you can't go wrong here. A link to B&H Photo has been placed below. B&H Link

DEAL: Google Daydream View is Still Just $49, Now at Best Buy Too

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:12:04 +0000

Just a reminder that Google's Daydream View is still discounted to $49 at the moment, a $30 discount. The deal on Google's VR headset is good until late in February, but we thought we'd point out the fact that Best Buy has finally joined in on the fun. Originally, only Google and Verizon had dropped the price. While only a few devices are Daydream-ready as of today, you should expect that most in 2017 will be. Taking advantages of deals like this ahead of time is never a bad idea. Then again, others likely have their own similar headsets on the way as well. Our Daydream View review could help with the decision. Daydream View Links: Best Buy | Verizon | Google Store

High-Res Imagery of LG's New Watch Style Arrives

Kellen — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 06:15:26 +0000

Over the weekend, high-res imagery of the new LG Watch Style found its way onto Twitter, thanks to Evan Blass. Supposedly, this is the smaller of the two new LG watches said to arrive within the next couple of weeks, a watch that we have seen before only in low-res form. What do we learn from these new photos? A couple of things. For one, we now have a picture of the silver variant, alongside a better look of the rose gold model. As you can tell, there is no heart-rate monitor or extra embellishment with this watch - it's really just about the simplest, classic design of an Android Wear device we have seen in some time. It also appears to be quite thin, with angled lugs that should allow for a comfortable fit when on wrist. We are getting a good look at the crown as well. This crown is supposedly able to help you navigate the watch, similarly to how the Apple Watch's Digital Crown works. That should mean spinning it to jump up and down your timeline, while pressing the button in for additional actions. It sticks out a bit much, in my opinion, but if Google wants our little stubby fingers grabbing it, that's probably necessary. A report out of Android Police pegs this watch at around $249. Both watches look very simple, which may not be a bad thing. If previous reports are true, you could be buying one by next week.

Via: @evleaks | Android Police

DEAL: Aukey's Quick Charge 3.0 Products for as Little as $6

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:27:45 +0000

Before we head into the weekend, here are a handful of good deals on Aukey's Quick Charge 3.0 products. We have discounts (thanks to coupon codes) that take some of these down to as little as just $6 or with $8 reductions. Depending on your needs, you'll find single or dual port chargers for both wall outlets and cars. In the dual port options, we're talking about both ports being equipped with QC 3.0. To get the exact specs, hit up those links below. All come with Prime shipping as well. Amazon Links:

Aukey Dual Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger - $9.00 (Code: OHBVOTE9)
Aukey Single Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger - $6.02 (Code: QQFNSS6L)
Aukey Dual Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger - $11.04 (Code: 74SG8U5I)

Google Opinion Rewards Update Makes It Easier to Not Miss Free Cash Opportunties

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 11:47:48 +0000

Google Opinion Rewards, the app that every single one of you should have installed if you like free cash to pay for your Google Play spending habits, received an update today. In the update, Google added a slideout menu to modernize the app a bit, but they also added the option to receive a notification sound when a new survey is available. You should probably turn that on. The update appears to be live for all to download right now. Play Link

Verizon Updates This Week: Moto Z Family, G5, G Pads, and Tab S2 (Updated)

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 09:58:53 +0000

Verizon pushed out a whole bunch of updates to its phones and tablets this week. Since most are minor, but a number of you have emailed us wondering what they are, we thought a post that gathers them all would be helpful. If you own a Moto Z, LG G5, one of the G Pad tablets, or a Galaxy Tab S2, jump below. Verizon software updates this week:

Moto Z / Moto Z Force: Software version NCL25.86-11-4-6 - "The default notifications volume level has been increased to match the volume level used in the original software release."
Moto Z Play: Update expected today, but info hasn't been updated yet.
LG G5: Software version VS98727A - Just a security patch.
LG G Pad 8.3: Software version VK81039A - Just a security patch.
LG G Pad 10.1: Software version VK70027A - Just a security patch.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2: Software version T818VVRU1AQA3 - Just a security patch.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Update expected today, but info hasn't been updated yet.
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge: Update expected today, but info hasn't been updated yet.
Samsung Galaxy S5: Update expected today, but info hasn't been updated yet.

UPDATE: Verizon is also planning to update the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy S5, and LG G4 today. We do not yet have changelogs or correct software versions yet, though. We'll update this post when we do.

Via: Verizon [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Friday Poll: Is a Snapdragon 821 in the G6 or Any Other 2017 Flagship a Dealbreaker?

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 09:05:25 +0000

Word has slowly slipped out through media channels that Qualcomm's newest Snapdragon 835 processor may not make it into the first wave of flagships for 2017. In fact, an HTC exec already said in an interview that we shouldn't expect any of the phones coming to Mobile World Congress at the end of February to have the 835, but that they are all likely to have the slightly older Snapdragon 821 from the end of 2016. Multiple reports have now suggested the same for LG's G6. We talked quite a bit about this topic on yesterday's DL Show, but wanted to address it here as well. Basically, we want to know if the lack of a Snapdragon 835 in a new 2017 flagship is a dealbreaker for you? To me, I don't know that it is because the 821 is very good and the 835 may not even be offering that big of a performance boost, though we are fully expecting Samsung's new Galaxy S8 line to launch with an 835. That's a problem for other companies struggling to rise to former glory. It's hard enough to compete with the marketing budget of Samsung, but nerds often care about the finer details like specs, and processor seems to rank up there as an important one. So you tell us - is the lack of a Snapdragon 835 in a 2017 flagship a dealbreaker? [poll id="439"]

Sprint Introduces Promo $50 Unlimited Plan for the Next Four Days

Kellen — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:19:09 +0000

Sprint reacted to Verizon's new $55-5GB individual plan this morning by announcing a $50 unlimited plan that is only available for the next four days. The new plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, plus gives you the opportunity to add-on additional lines for a discount. If you just need one line, you'll pay $50 and get the unlimited talk, text, and data. Sprint's version of "unlimited" data, of course, means a throttled experience for certain items, like watching "optimized" streaming video (480p resolution), playing online games (2Mbps connection), and listening to streamed music (500kbps). Outside of those downgrades in experience, Sprint does let you then consume as much data as you want per month. If you need more lines, you can add a second for $40 extra. If you need even more, they'll be just $30 a pop after the first $50 and $40 lines. I should point out that the fine print reads, "After March 31, 2018, pay $60/mo." So this promo price isn't a life guarantee and Sprint fully expects to up the price to $60 in a year. If interested, you can get more information at Sprint's site. The promo ends on January 30.

Via: Sprint

Flagship Rumor Season

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:36:53 +0000

On this Thursday episode of the Droid Life Show, we're running through the latest in flagship rumors and leaks, because that's the time of year we currently live in. No one has new phones to talk about, so that leaves us with what's next. And what's next is some pretty big stuff, like the LG G6 and Samsung's Galaxy S8 line. Also, we have a whole bunch of Android Wear rumors to catch up on, plus our NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017) review, a Google Voice update, and more! Join us live at 10:00AM Pacific (1:00PM Eastern) for the fun. If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well and will be chatting it up over at the YouTube page for the show. You can find it here.

Want to See Another LG G6 Picture?

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 16:20:39 +0000

Not bad, not bad. I'm liking the metal. I'm liking the minimal bezel up top. I'm even liking those weird rounded corners. I could get down with this. You?

Via: UnderKG

#TBT: Flappy Bird was so Addictive the Developer Killed It, Then Brought It Back

Tim — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:54:16 +0000

To celebrate the launch of a new game from the creator of Flappy Bird, this TBT is a tribute to one of the most popular games to ever launch for Android. Even though Flappy Bird was outrageously popular, a vast amount of users seemed to hate the game, creating a phenomenon we had never quite seen before. In 2013, Flappy Bird was launched on Android and iOS, making its way to the top of the app charts around winter time of 2013/2014. Shortly thereafter, the developer opted to pull the game, stating he, "cannot take this anymore." Oh, and if you're interested, here's the trailer for Ninja Spinki Challenges, the new game from Dong Nguyen.

Latest Version of Chrome Improves Page Reload Efficiency Dramatically

Tim — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:45:45 +0000

A new version of the Chrome browser will soon be in the hands of users across the globe. According to the Chrome team, this update focuses on dramatically increasing the efficiency of webpage reloads. While this might sound a bit boring, the implementation can be quite powerful for users on a slow data connection. Detailed by the team, changes to page reload behavior produce reloads that are 28% faster, resulting in a much snappier experience for anyone on a not-so-great data connection. Furthermore, the change will also result in Chrome consuming less bandwidth and power. As the team explains, "To improve the stale content use case, Chrome now has a simplified reload behavior to only validate the main resource and continue with a regular page load. This new behavior maximizes the reuse of cached resources and results in lower latency, power consumption, and data usage." So, yeah, there's an explanation in plain English for you. Below is an example of the change in action. Note, this example is with a ~~slow~~ terrible mobile connection. For an example of what it will be like on a fast connection, speed the video up to 1.5x or 2x and you will see the added benefits. Be on the lookout for the newest version of Chrome to begin rolling out shortly. Update: Title previously stated this was Chrome 54. However, the Chrome team did not specifically state which version of Chrome this is. We believe it is to be Chrome 56, not 54. [responsive_vid]

Via: Chromium

Cricket Wireless Adds Data to $40 and $60 Plans Without a Price Hike

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:02:52 +0000

Cricket is giving more data to two of its most popular plans today, yet isn't adjusting the price. That means more data without paying a dime extra. Cool, right? You'll see Cricket's new plans in the image below, but the two changes target the $40 and $60 plans. The $40 plan now comes with 3GB of data per month instead of 2.5GB, while the $60 plan jumps to 12GB (from 10GB). Also, back in October, Cricket supposedly temporarily upped their $50 plan from 5GB per month to 8GB, but has now locked that in permanently. Just an FYI, but Cricket still throttles all of their download speeds at 8Mbps at all times. Still, there is quite a bit of value here, especially since Cricket uses AT&T's network and their plans can be discounted by signing up for autopay.

Via: Cricket

Fender Releases Its Own Guitar Tuner App and It Works Very Well

Tim — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:30:50 +0000

Fender is a name that has been in my family for a long time. Back when I was just a wee little person, I'd see my older brother play on his Fender Stratocaster, doing his best to keep up with the greats like Jimi Hendrix and others. When I got older, he passed that same guitar down to me, and I still have it to this day. There's no reason to replace a solid piece of wood. Anyway, point being, a name like Fender carries much weight with guitarists, and players will be happy to learn that the company has released an official guitar tuner application for Android. Looking past the name, the tuner works quite well on the phone I tested it on (Pixel XL). I strapped on a few of my axes and got them tuned up, really enjoying the visual aid the app provides with regard to whether a note was flat or sharp. It also did a great job at automatically recognizing which string I was plucking, making the process take just a few seconds. Beyond your Standard E tuning, the app also allows for alternative tunings, such as Drop tunings (D, C, C#, and B, perfect for all you metalheads), half step down and full step down tunings, plus Open tunings (C, D, E, F, G, and A). Most importantly, the app is completely free and features no advertisements. Major bonus. Play Link

Relive 1993 With Myst, Now Available on Android for $6.99

Tim — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:50:26 +0000

Nothing will transport you back to 1993 quite like Myst can. For everyone who was rocking this game way back in the day, the title is now available on Android for $6.99, thanks to publisher Noodlecake and the studio team at Cyan. With realMyst, you can expect to find the same puzzling adventure you had in '93, but this time, navigational controls have been switched up to better accommodate touch screens. With the new controls, players will touch and hold the screen to move, then swipe around to change direction. It takes a solid minute to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you will be navigating the maps in no time. If touch controls aren't your thing, the game offers Bluetooth controller support, including SHIELD support. If you are like me and never got around to completing Myst because a few of the puzzles were simply too hard, this release has a built-in Hint Guide, just in case you find yourself stumped. However, please, attempt to solve them yourself, it's much more rewarding. Here's the full list of features, plus a Google Play link below. Features

All of the original Myst Ages and bonus Rime Age content
Bluetooth controller support for Android phones and tablets, including NVIDIA Shield
Dynamic 3D environments and sounds
Simple navigation - touch and hold to move, swipe to turn
Advanced navigation - run, move backward, invert look
Bookmark feature to save and restore progress
realMyst Hint Guide in case you get stumped

On top of this news, Riven is also planned to arrive on Android "soon." Heck yeah. Play Link ($6.99)

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Here is the Galaxy S8...Damn

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:35:25 +0000

A new report out of Venturebeat has provided what we believe to be the first live picture of Samsung's new flagship, the Galaxy S8. According to this new report, we should see an unveiling of a pair of Galaxy S8 devices on March 29 before they hit stores on April 21. We'll talk about the design of the phone here in a minute, but we have more specs to report that match up to previous leaks. For one, the Galaxy S8 will come in two sizes, one with a 5.8-inch display and another with a 6.2-inch display. They will both weigh in at QHD and utilize Super AMOLED display tech. Don't worry if those sound like extra large displays, because the panels will reportedly take up 83% of the front of the devices, leaving little bezel on sides or the top and bottom, which means no traditional Samsung navigation buttons either. The screen ratio may also change with these to 18.5:9, a move that LG is also making. In terms of other specs, they should be as follows:

Display: 5.8-inch QHD AMOLED | 6.2-inch QHD AMOLED
Processor: Snapdragon 835 or a new 10nm Exynos chipset (depending on market)
Battery: 3000mAh | 3500mAh
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB with microSD support up to 256GB
Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Camera: 12MP rear (f/1.7), 8MP front (f/1.7), Iris Scanner included
Fingerprint sensor: Rear mounted

Venturebeat is also under the impression that Samsung will introduce a desktop experience called DeX. It's an optional HDMI dock that allows you to hook up your Galaxy S8 and receive a desktop view of Android through a connected monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals. This news was first reported earlier in the week. And again, the new Galaxy S8 will supposedly be unveiled at a New York City event on March 29. The in-store launch could then happen on April 21. Alright, so let's talk about this picture below.

Obviously, the phone looks very much like a Galaxy Note 7. The big change is the display and the fact that it's supposed to take up 83% of the front. It's tough to tell from this picture if that is truly the case, but that idea has been reported on countless times at this point. Also, you'll notice that the front is incredibly clean with no logos at all or a physical home button with capacitive buttons flanking it. Yes, that would mean Samsung is going on-screen buttons. As for other notable items, the fingerprint reader appears to be located to the right of the camera housing. Honestly, that is a terrible location. While my opinion on that could change, moving that out of a center position just means more hunting in order to unlock. I'm sure Samsung will try to sell me on the eye-burning Iris scanning capabilities, but I'd rather just use the old-fashioned fingerprint reader, one that isn't in a terrible off-centered, ultra-high position. Finally, the shape and style match very much up to the last handful of Galaxy phones and certainly look familiar. At this point, we just want them in hand to know how easy (or frustrating) it may be to interact with an "Infinity" display. Thoughts?

Via: Venturebeat

New Report Adds to the LG G6 Specs List

Tim — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:59:31 +0000

We are a solid month away from the LG G6 unveiling at MWC, and as we inch closer, you will begin to be presented with what should be a complete picture of what the G6 is shaping up to be. Currently, we have seen what the top half of the device looks like, what the entire body may look like, and today, we've got a pretty solid understanding of the important specs we should expect to see. According to a report from CNET, LG's big push is to make the G6 available ahead of Samsung's Galaxy S8. To do so, will incorporate a Snapdragon 821 processor, unable to wait for the Snapdragon 835 to be available in mass quantity. According to the source, LG would have to hold off the G6 launch until April if it wanted to use the Snapdragon 835, but in order to beat Samsung to market, it's going ahead with the SD 821. (Editor note: LG, just wait a month, bro!) While the news of LG using an "old" processor is not too exciting, it is apparently confirmed via CNET's source that Google Assistant will launch on the G6, making it the first device available with Assistant that isn't a Google Pixel. This could help LG on the marketing side, which is never a bad thing. Additionally, with the move away from modules (LG Friends), LG is to incorporate water resistance in the G6's design. This isn't the first time we have heard about the G6 possibly sporting the ability to take a dip in the pool, but provided we are a bit closer to MWC, everything is starting to feel a bit more official. While LG has not come out and confirmed any of this news, we feel confident that you can pencil in most of these specs and features. February 26 is G6 day, folks. Are you ready?

Via: CNET

Google Maps Adds Parking Difficulty Indicator in 25 Cities

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:35:04 +0000

Depending on where you live, Google Maps will now show you a parking difficulty icon as you use the app to travel to your favorite spots. Google has been slowly rolling out the feature in recent weeks, but today it becomes official in 25 metro areas. The thought here is that traveling to locations in cities is often multi-layered when you start factoring in the total time. Not only do you have to worry about traffic and the route you take, you may also have to worry about finding a parking spot once you get there. How many times have you thought you had made it on time to your meeting or dinner, only to circle block after block looking for an open parking spot? This new feature could help alleviate that pain. As you open Google Maps going forward and search for a location, you'll now see a "P" icon next to the distance and time estimated for your trip. That "P" icon will say whether or not parking is limited, medium, or easy. Google has based the range on "historical parking data," in a similar way to how they figure out Popular Times and Visit Duration. As of today, parking difficulty is in the following cities:

San Francisco
Seattle
Miami
Atlanta
Boston
Charlotte
Chicago
Detroit
Los Angeles
Minneapolis/St. Paul
New York City
Orlando
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
San Diego
St. Louis
Tampa
Washington, DC
Cleveland
Dallas/Fort Worth
Denver
Houston
Phoenix
Portland
Sacramento

The new feature is live now.

Via: Google

NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015) Getting Nougat Update Today, For Real

Kellen — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 07:45:53 +0000

Let's try that again, shall we? The original NVIDIA SHIELD TV is now set to receive the update to Android Nougat (and SHIELD 5.0) as early as today. After a bit of a mix-up with notes being posted to the wrong SHIELD TV page a couple of weeks back, we now believe this to be the real deal. It's Nougat time! In this update to Android 7.0 Nougat, original SHIELD TV owners are getting the big software update that the 2017 SHIELD TV receives out of the box. It brings the Amazon Video app, NVIDIA Games app, upgrades GeForce Now performance, adds GameStream 4K HDR, access to the Nest app, and Nougat, of course. New Nougat features include a double-tap on home to open a recent apps menu, new settings menu, and picture-in-picture support. The full details can be found below and at the source link. The update is dated 1/26/2017, so it really should start rolling out today.

What's New - SHIELD Experience Upgrade 5.0

Amazon Video Stream thousands of popular movies and TV shows in up to 4K HDR. Watch exclusive Amazon originals like The Grand Tour with an Amazon Prime Membership. NVIDIA Games App NVIDIA Games is the new way to find and play a huge library of amazing games on SHIELD. Here, you can access GeForce NOW games, exclusive Android games, and NVIDIA GameStream games. Plus, all the games that you install or play will now show up in the games row on the SHIELD home screen. NVIDIA Games replaces the former SHIELD Hub app and its associated home screen tiles (SHIELD games, GeForce NOW, and GameStream). This update will be a staged rollout and will happen over the next few weeks via app update on the Google Play Store. GeForce NOW Performance Upgrade Now, you can instantly play on-demand PC games with performance up to GeForce GTX 1080 gaming graphics in the cloud. GameStream in 4K HDR NVIDIA GameStream has been upgraded to provide 4K HDR, as well as smoother, lower-latency streaming. Play your library of PC games and enjoy direct access to Steam Big Picture from the Steam app. Nest View live video from your Nest Cams with the new Nest app on SHIELD. With Nest Aware, you can even watch each camera’s video history. More Apps SHIELD welcomes the NFL app, the new Twitter for TV app, Comedy Central, Vimeo, and Viki. Android 7.0 Nougat Upgrade

SHIELD just got upgraded to Google’s latest Android 7.0 operating system. Enhanced features include:
Recent apps page: Double-press the home button to quickly access recent apps.
Picture-in-picture support: Try it out today in supported apps like Live Channels.
New settings menu: Enjoy quicker navigation with the new right-side vertical settings menus.

Other Enhancements

Added Pause/Play button functionality on the SHIELD remote by double-tapping on the volume slider.
Added ability to write to attached USB or SD card storage.
Added 4.1, 6.1, and 8.1 speaker configurations for Plex.
Enabled cast for HBO GO.

Via: NVIDIA

Google Opens Up Daydream App Development to All

Tim — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:25:24 +0000

Since Daydream's official launch for developers back in September, 2016, Google has limited access to the platform to seemingly those it trusted to make good content. Today, those limitations have apparently been lifted, with access for publishing Daydream apps available to all Android developers. On a webpage posted to the official Google Developers website, Google highlights the steps necessary to take in order to create good VR applications (it's a long list), plus the process of getting them published onto Google Play. Most importantly, Google reminds all developers that, "you must opt-in to Daydream from the Pricing and Distribution section of the Developer Console." If you happen to develop apps for Android and have been waiting to get your feet wet in the world of virtual reality, have at it! We can't wait to see what you create.

Via: Google Developers

A New Google Contributor is on the Way

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:21:42 +0000

Anyone remember Google Contributor? If not, I'll try to catch you up because a new version is incoming. Contributor was a service that allowed you to pay a flat monthly fee (up to $15) to Google to get rid of some ads on some (or all) of the sites you visited across the web. The thought was that internet ads are terrible and spammy and everywhere these days as websites (like this one) try to continue to provide free content and still make a living. Contributor would take the fee you paid and then distribute it around to websites you visit, while also showing friendly placeholders in ad spots. It was a decent idea, assuming you could get enough people to pay for an ad-free experience on the web and still support publishers you enjoy. Unfortunately, Contributor never caught on or publishers weren't making enough money or Google found some other flaw in the system, so they killed it. Well, they killed that original form. To learn more about how the original Contributor worked, you can read this full guide we put together. In somewhat good news, though, we are expecting a new Contributor to arrive at some point in the near future. Google's Contributor site (here) now just shows a placeholder talking about a "new and improved" version that will be here some time in early 2017. It also includes a sign-up link to be notified when that time comes. What could they change? I honestly don't know. I'm certainly interested as both a consumer of loads of online news and a publisher who would love to give readers an ad-free experience.

President Donald Trump Still Uses an "Old, Unsecured Android Phone"

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:45:09 +0000

According to the New York Times, President Donald Trump still uses an "old, unsecured Android phone" regularly. While we don't necessarily have on-the-record proof of this happening, we do know that all of the Tweets you've seen from him since being sworn into office all appear to have come from the official Android Twitter app, hence the "Twitter for Android" we see attached to those pictured below. Why do we care? Well, the President of the United States should probably not be carrying around an unsecured phone. In this position, you are one of the biggest targets in the world. An older phone without current patches leaves itself open to being compromised. A compromised phone could be used to monitor his position, record audio of conversations, or access imagery or video taken with the device, just to name a few of the bad things that he is welcoming in. Edit: As some have pointed out in the comments, the President was supposedly given a new "secure, encrypted device" that was approved by the Secret Service last week. We don't know if that phone was given Twitter access or if it was indeed an Android phone. Today's report, from the same outlet that reported his secure phone is under the impression that he is back to using an "old, unsecured Android phone." All clear? But hey, it's not like there are any hackers around who like to mess with politicians and their aides by releasing their private emails and other goods. I'm sure he'll be fine. Sure. For f*ck's sake, can someone take his god damn phone away already.

Via: New York Times | IMAGE

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Tips and Tricks

Tim — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:27:40 +0000

If you have already gone over our SHIELD TV review and are thinking about picking one up, or you already own NVIDIA's latest set-top box, here's a list of Tips and Tricks that will have you feeling like a pro SHIELD user. With your basic Android TV box that you can find for $99 or less, there's not much to know. You basically plug in a HDMI cable and you're off to the races. With a SHIELD TV, though, it's an entirely different beast. There is major gaming and sharing aspects, plus the added IR controls to consider. It's a lot to take in, but don't worry, holding hands is our speciality. Here's a few tips to make you a master SHIELD TV owner.

Sharing and Broadcasting

On top of the Android TV system, NVIDIA has baked in a few features designed to cater towards those who not only love playing video games, but sharing their experiences, too. Thanks to the inclusion of the ability to broadcast gameplay directly to Twitch while you play a game, you can have friends or just random strangers watch you play video games online. Additionally, if you want to take recordings of your gameplay, then edit it and upload it to YouTube, recording video with audio enabled is also available. To begin the process, fire up whatever game you want to play. Once loaded, long press the Home button on your SHIELD Controller (circle button). From here, you will see a popup window with varying options. Should you already have your Twitch account linked up, you can press "Broadcast." If your connection is solid and all systems are go for launch, you will see a green dot pop up, letting you know that you are live. Inside the Settings for this feature, users can change up the quality levels, which is great for those without the best internet connection. On my connection, I was able to stream in 1080p at 30fps just fine, but others may find better performance at 480p. At this time, "Ultra" quality is not available for streaming, but you can record in the best quality, then share the file via YouTube or other services. Thanks to the SHIELD Controller's built-in microphone, recording your audio during streaming or recording is made easy. I will say, the quality isn't top notch, and there's no direct way to adjust audio levels (gameplay vs. mic levels), but you can manually adjust the mic's level to suit your needs. Additionally, with the controller's built-in headphone jack, plus the support of audio passthrough, you can hook up a quality headset to the controller, which is what I did while recording the below DOOM 2 session. With the headphones plugged in, the game's audio plays through the headset, with the audio being taken from the headset's equipped microphone. Again, sadly, there's no awesome way to adjust audio levels, but with a game's built-in audio settings and mic level settings, you should be able to create a nice mix for streaming and recording. Now, watch me stumble through some DOOM 2 (never played this expansion pack) and laugh at me.

Sharing Files To and From SHIELD TV

Over Local Network. Learn those words. Love those words. Cherish those words. As you may or may not know, file manager applications for Android TV are garbage. In fact, after downloading five different apps for Android TV in an attempt to move a few files from one folder to another, I could not do it. What I was attempting to do was move screenshots from the SHIELD TV's local storage onto a USB Drive, then get those files onto my computer for usage in my review. Ultimately, that simple task proved too difficult for my brain. While I could have gone through the process of remote debugging the Android TV and doing some ADB magic to transfer the files, ain't nobody got time for that, especially while you are busy trying to write a full review. Instead, after an hour of struggling, we remembered the simplistic process of accessing a device's storage "Over Local Network." Seriously, the answer was sitting in front of my face for a solid hour before I realized it would solve my problem. When enabled, the SHIELD TV broadcasts a username and password, accessible by a computer on the same network. All I had to do was simply open up the Finder app on my Mac, select the broadcasting "SHIELD" drive, then input the username and password that SHIELD TV provided me with. Once entered, I had access to all of the device's files from right on my desktop. For all of you networking and IT wizards, you probably knew about this, but for average folk like me with zero networking background, it was a complete miracle and I awoke this morning with a sense great accomplishment. Now, as I stated in the previous tip, you can use this trick to gather your video recordings from SHIELD TV onto your desktop for editing and uploading. Seriously, don't mess with cables or file managers, use Over Local Network!

Using IR Blaster on Remote and Controller

Both the SHIELD Remote and SHIELD Controller come with an IR blaster, unlike the 2015 models. Since everyone seems to love blasting IR all over the place, this was a great move by NVIDIA. So long as you have what I'd call a mainstream television, setting up and using these blasters should be super painless. Personally, I use a Vizio in my living room, which the SHIELD TV automatically recognized, making setup a breeze. Should you be in the same boat as me, simply head to "Power Control" under the Display & Sound settings menu. In this section of the menu, you will see an option for "Setup IR for TV" and "Setup IR for Receiver." Once clicked, SHIELD TV will ask you to confirm your type of television, then proceed to set itself up by lowering and upping the volume of your TV. For me, all went well and I confirmed that the volume did rise and lower. Once complete, you can go ahead and control the volume of your TV or sound bar, allowing you to set aside one of your other remotes. Seriously, the over cluttering of coffee tables with remotes is a problem.

Adoptable Storage

I mentioned the deal with the base model's 16GB storage capacity in my review, and to followup on that, one of the first things you should do with your new SHIELD TV is slap on a USB stick to up its storage capacity. With all of the apps and games you're probably going to download, anyone with a 16GB model will be running out of space very quickly. To help solve this problem, Android has Adoptable Storage, which allows USB drives to be adopted as local storage. It's a gorgeous, miraculous feature. To do it, we will want a USB 3.0 unit, provided we need as much speed as possible. Once you have that, stick the USB drive into the SHIELD TV's USB port closest to the fan. Once inserted, head into Settings and click on the inserted USB drive under the "Device Storage" option in the Storage & Reset menu. From here, click on Format and Adopt, which will then take you through the steps of formatting the USB drive and adopting it as local storage. Before doing so, make sure you don't have any important data on your USB drive, then go for it. The process of formatting may take a few minutes, but once complete, SHIELD TV will ask if you'd like to transfer any app, photo, or video files over to the USB drive. You can choose to do that now or later, but just know that moving forward, you will have more space to store all of your goodies.

Rearranging Home Screen, Switching Between Apps

With Nougat, ways of rearranging application shortcuts on your home screen has not changed much, but the process does seem to be a bit more fluid. Additionally, with Nougat, switching between these applications with a dedicated switcher has been implemented. To change up the order of your apps, hover over the row you want to customize, then long press on one of the shortcuts using the A button. Once it becomes highlighted, you can rearrange the shortcuts however you'd like with the SHIELD Controller's thumbstick or SHIELD Remote's D-pad. This process will lead to quicker access of the apps you use the most. For example, if you use Netflix and YouTube more than other apps, you can make sure they are at the front of the row, so no more scrolling through to access them. Pro tip: You can use this same process to quickly uninstall applications you no longer use. Simply drag the shortcut to the bottom of the screen where you see the "Uninstall" option. For switching between apps, double press the Home button (circle button) on your remote or controller. Once clicked, all of your recent applications will be in front of you. To access, simply navigate to the one you'd like to open with the D-pad or thumbstick, then click on it with the A button. It's quick and easy, just the way we like it.

There you have it, a few tips to get you started. If you have your own tips for SHIELD TV, let us know in the comments so we can check them out!

Verizon Intros New $15 Unlimited Plan...for Calling Internationally

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:21:32 +0000

Place a lot of calls to other countries? Verizon has a new Unlimited Together plan that will give you all the international calling you can handle for $15 per month. The new Unlimited Together World option gives customers "unlimited minutes to landline phones in over 70 countries and mobile phones in nearly 40 countries." If the country you want to call isn't in those 70 or 40 country groupings, Verizon says that the plan also offers "discounted" calling to 160+ countries. Verizon also offers an Unlimited Together North America feature for $5 per month that allows you to call Mexico or Canada as many times as you want. The full list of countries included in these Unlimited Together features can be seen here.

Via: Verizon

HTC Isn't Making an Android Wear Watch, Will Have Another Flagship When Snapdragon 835 is Ready

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 11:44:18 +0000

Were you hoping that HTC was currently working up to the release of their first Android Wear watch? Were you curious why their recently announced U Ultra lacks a Snapdragon 835? If you answered "yes" to both of those questions, we may have some answers, thanks to an interview Tbreak Media posted today with HTC's Chialin Chang, their president of smartphone and connected devices. During the brief interview, Chang touched on a number of subjects, but the two I mentioned above stood out as noteworthy. In terms of an Android Wear watch, Chang says that HTC is "not going to have an Android watch." Even though we have seen imagery of prototype HTC or Under Armour watches floating around in recent weeks, Chang sure makes it sounds like we won't see a watch any time soon if at all. He mentions the fact that even Apple's watch sales don't seem to be growing as enough reason they won't even bother "in the short term." Now, that doesn't mean that Under Armour won't make one with fitness features in mind and ask HTC to build it and brand it with UA logos, similarly to how Google did with the Pixel. As for the missing Snapdragon 835, Chang said that the U Ultra runs a Snapdragon 821 because the decision to go that route was made months ago. He also suggested that it's the "best CPU out there," which it currently is. So why not hold out and wait for the 835? According to Chang, the 835 is simply not ready and he doesn't even expect any of the MWC flagship phones that are sure to be announced to have it (that would mean no 835 in the G6). We're almost positive that Samsung's new Galaxy S8 line will have the 835, but then again, those phones aren't coming at MWC and may not arrive until April. Chang did suggest that when the 835 is ready, HTC will have another flagship phone to show off. His exact comment was, "When the new CPU comes, HTC will have another flagship." That's great news for those not exactly impressed by the U Ultra. Finally, because we couldn't not point this out, but as Chang talked more about their new U Ultra in the interview, he made sure to share his displeasure with a particular publication who had never touched their newly announced U Ultra, yet wrote a scathing reaction to it:

There's an online article in a very reputable publication talking about our new phone and it was not positive at all. I asked internally who the person that wrote the article was and nobody knew. Nobody from our company had briefed him and the phone hasn't gone on sale so he had not seen the phone. I wondered why and if there is any motive behind such articles. You come and see the phone, compare and then comment.

I wonder who he could be referring to? Hmmm. HMMMMMM. If you are talking about us, Mr. Chang, we would love to check out your phones. We've been asking for years for the opportunity to do so with our fellow members of the press. We can always be reached right here. UPDATE: Hey, he supposedly wasn't talking about us!

Via: Tbreak

Google I/O Returns to Shoreline Amphitheatre for 2017, Dates Set at May 17-19 (Updated)

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:37:50 +0000

Google I/O dates and location seem to have been set. Thanks to a "save the date" page and the work of a bunch of nerds on a cryptic Tweet from Google, we are expecting Google to announce that I/O 2017 will be held May 17-19 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. Google held last year's I/O at the exact same location, which just so happens to be across the street from Google's campus. While the location is great for Googlers attending the event (because they can walk or bike to talks and presentations), I can't help but wish Google was looking to return to downtown San Francisco for 2017 where lodging and transportation to and from are much simpler. Last year, the layout was kind of a mess, it was 125-degrees every day, lines for talks exceeded room limits without attendees knowing until they were shutdown at the door after waiting, and the whole thing just didn't work that well, at least in my opinion. But hey, a new year could mean better planning! I'll stop complaining now. The keynotes were at least fun, on the huge amphitheatre stage, right? Either way, mark your calendars. Before long, we should know when tickets will go up for sale and how you'll go about purchasing one. UPDATE: Google has now confirmed the date and location.

Via: 9to5Google

AT&T Customers Who Switched to T-Mobile for Free Year of DIRECTV NOW to Also Receive Free Year of Hulu

Tim — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 08:49:54 +0000

In mid-December, T-Mobile offered AT&T customers who switched to the Uncarrier a free year of the DIRECTV NOW streaming service. As it turns out, DIRECTV NOW kinda sucks, so to make it up to those specific customers, T-Mobile is granting them a free year of access to Hulu, "an awesome streaming service that actually works." In the announcement, T-Mobile cites a few publications that have said DIRECTV NOW is not that great of a service in its current form. Considering it's quite possible that a few AT&T customers switched on over to T-Mobile to take advantage of the free year for DIRECTV NOW, T-Mobile wants to do right by them. Stated by John Legere, “It turns out DIRECTV NOW is barely watchable, but we’ve got our customers’ backs! So, every former AT&T customer who took us up on our offer now gets a free year of Hulu on us. Even I can’t believe AT&T spent $67 billion on DIRECTV and still couldn’t roll out a streaming service that worked!" If this move affects you, T-Mobile details that you will receive a notification on your phone in the coming weeks, containing a unique code that will grant you the free year of Hulu access.

Via: T-Mobile

DEAL: Asus OnHub Wireless Router is Just $99 Today ($90 Off) - Works With Google WiFi!

Kellen — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 08:05:58 +0000

Best Buy's deal of the day is a $90 discount on the Asus OnHub wireless router, dropping it to just $99.99. If you are at all in the market for a router, you should strongly consider this deal, especially when you consider the fact that it works with Google WiFi to help create a mesh network in your home. As a wireless router, the Asus OnHub is an AC router with 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, works with 802.15.4 networks, sports Bluetooth, and has 7 antennas. It also has fun stuff like a proximity sensor to locate nearby devices. The router is all controlled through the Google WiFi app (formerly OnHub app), giving you access to everything on your network, including pausing access or providing a boost to specific devices. And of course, the big feature here is that Google WiFi connectivity. You can use OnHub with WiFi units to expand your network throughout your house, blanketing it all in WiFi juice. Considering this just for that functionality makes a lot of sense today because Google WiFi units run $129 a piece, yet this Asus OnHub unit can be had for just $99. Best Buy Link ($99.99)

NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017) Review

Tim — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 15:12:50 +0000

We've said it before, but in case you somehow missed it, we have been using SHIELD TV in our homes since 2015 and we love it. Back then, if you were looking for an awesome Android TV experience, plus a sweet gaming experience, there was no better choice. Now, in 2017, NVIDIA is back with an updated set-top box, looking to reclaim its own thrown in the Android TV ecosystem. The updated SHIELD TV package includes updated box hardware (looks identical, but in a smaller package), ~~eerily similar~~ the same internal specifications, but also major design changes for the SHIELD Controller and a minor change for the SHIELD Remote. Overall, NVIDIA has created what it believes is the best Android TV package on the market, so for the last week, I've been using it non-stop and I'm ready to share my experience. Here we go.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Review (2017 Edition)

The Good

Specs Specs on the SHIELD TV (2017) include a Tegra X1 processor with 256-core GPU, 3GB RAM, 4K and HDR support at 60fps, Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound pass through over HDMI, 16GB of built-in storage (base model), dual USB 3.0 ports for expandable/adoptable storage and data transfer, 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, gigabit ethernet, HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 and CEC support, and Android 7.0. On paper, the SHIELD TV (2017) features the same specs as the original SHIELD TV, but let it be known, that's not a bad thing. The 2015 model of SHIELD TV was easily outperforming any competition it had and it continues to do so. According to NVIDIA, even with using the same specs this year, the SHIELD TV (2017) outperforms its current competition by 3x, at least in their own benchmarks. To me, as an average dude who cares more about real world usage than benchmark performance, I can attest that the SHIELD TV (2017) performs great, especially with the addition of Android 7.0 "Nougat." It's a fast and smooth experience, pretty much the only thing I'm really concerned with. As long as I'm not seeing any jank when switching between apps or playing games, you won't hear any complaints from me, and so far, all is well in the jank department. Hardware An aspect of the original SHIELD TV I quite admired was the design. It wasn't some plain, boring box with a HDMI port slapped on the backside. Instead, it was an angular, alien-like design complete with NVIDIA's green colored light that would shine whenever the box was powered on. If we were judging devices based purely on looks, SHIELD TV was an easy winner. With the updated box, NVIDIA did not shy away from its ambitious hardware design, keeping it nearly identical in terms of appearance and shape. However, NVIDIA was able to take the same components of 2015's box and jam them into a much smaller vessel, allowing owners to place the SHIELD TV in much smaller confinements. While having space for the original SHIELD TV was never an issue for me, I'd imagine that having a set-top box with a more compact footprint could be beneficial to some. As it stands, the SHIELD TV remains my choice as the best designed set-top box on the Android TV market. There's simply nothing that comes close. SHIELD Controller Redesign Beyond the smaller box hardware, NVIDIA appears to have focused immensely on the SHIELD Controller, one of the two ways buyers have of interacting with the SHIELD TV. In fact, when speaking to one NVIDIA representative, they stated that they were somewhat embarrassed by the original SHIELD Controller, with its rather bulky body. The updated controller is around 20% smaller than the original, and if I do say so myself, it feels absolutely terrific in-hand. I have been using the SHIELD Controller almost exclusively to navigate the SHIELD TV's menus and play games, coming away extremely impressed with its battery life, lack of latency when playing games, and just the overall feel of the buttons and triggers. When I first saw the updated controller, I wasn't quite sure about the triangle-heavy design, but once you pick it up and hold it, it's a completely different story. It's as if each little ridge was designed to perfectly match up with the shape of a human hand, leading to what was hours of gaming with zero hand fatigue or soreness. Even when I go hard on my Xbox over the weekends (Call of Duty, Battlefield, etc.), my hands can be sometimes sore afterwards, so the fact that I wasn't experiencing any issues after long gaming sessions had me praising the work NVIDIA has done. On top of that, for both the SHIELD Controller and SHIELD Remote, NVIDIA added in an IR blaster, allowing users to change settings on their TVs and receivers. Because everyone seems to love IR blasters, this was a good move, but I haven't found myself using it just yet. As I have already written, if you already own a SHIELD TV (2015) and don't think it necessary to purchase an updated box, just get a new SHIELD Controller. You won't regret it. Gaming and Performance For testing the gaming aspect of the new SHIELD TV, I played a few different things. My most playtime went to No Man's Sky, though, as I had never played it before and I really enjoy the "I'm all alone" aspect of exploring and mining new worlds. It has its relaxing moments, but also has intense space battle moments, too. Considering that the game was being streamed from NVIDIA's GeForce NOW west coast servers, and it actually is quite the process intense title, I came across zero performance issues. While the game itself does have a few bugs (random crashes, slight frame rate drops when entering new star systems), none of that I can attribute to SHIELD's performance. I also downloaded and played a few games locally from Google Play, such as Alto's Adventure, Never Alone, and Resident Evil 5. During that time, everything was buttery smooth and I came across no issues. This is no shock to me, though, as I played the same exact titles on my older SHIELD TV in the past and never had any problems. Provided they run the same Tegra X1 processor and 3GB RAM, I wasn't expecting to have any issues in the first place. In theory, while some may think NVIDIA didn't do enough to upgrade the specs found in the SHIELD TV, it's still one of, if not the best performing Android TV box you can buy.

With purchase of a SHIELD TV, gamers will find access to GeForce NOW, NVIDIA's paid subscription game streaming service. This is what I used to stream No Man's Sky, which is not a free game to play. Beyond NMS, there are loads of other gaming titles, with others being added all of the time. For me, it's hard to say whether GeForce NOW is a great investment, considering I typically stick to only one genre of gaming, being FPS. I'm a big Call of Duty and Battlefield guy, both of which I play with friends on the Xbox One. Because my online friends are there and I'm already invested in Xbox's ecosystem with my library of games, I don't know if adding another monthly expense for access to GeForce NOW would be a good thing. However, if you don't own a PS4, Xbox One, or dedicated gaming PC, GeForce NOW makes a lot of sense. With a subscription, you get free access to a large number of titles, plus the ability to buy other AAA titles and simply stream them from the cloud. If you want to game, but don't have a money tree in your backyard for new consoles and physical games, it seems like a good buy. Regardless of whether I think it worth it or not, I can say that streaming games on the SHIELD TV has been my favorite thing to do so far and it works flawlessly. Software Included on the SHIELD TV is the latest build of Android TV, based on Android 7.0 "Nougat." This has been my first experience with the updated Android TV, and so far, there's much to like. There's an updated app switching option you can access by double-pressing the Home (Circle) button, plus NVIDIA has built in its beloved Share menu. With Share, experienced SHIELD device owners will know what I'm referencing, but it allows users to share broadcasts of whatever is taking place on your screen. For example, if I'm in a gaming session and about to take on a boss level, I can start streaming the action straight to Twitch via a linked account. If entire gameplay sharing isn't your cup of tea, this Share UI is also where users can snap screenshots, all accessed by long pressing the Home button. Users can also save recorded videos for later editing and uploading to be done.

Beyond that, Android TV is still pretty barebones. There's a slide-out system for accessing the Settings menu, allowing users to go through all of the basic options you'd expect to see. From here, you can tweak your network settings, account settings, storage settings, and everything else. In my view, Android TV has gotten much better, thanks to a less is more approach. Once you boot up, you're met with suggestions for YouTube videos and games you can play, plus a list of already-installed applications. I mean, really, what else do you need? From what I can tell, Nougat has helped smoothen up the experience, so I'm grateful for that. Price and Availability The newest SHIELD TV package starts at $199 for the base 16GB model, with a PRO model also available at $299. The PRO model differs in a single way, being that the SHIELD TV comes with 500GB of storage, aimed at those who may like to have their own media server for streaming purposes or just really need a ton of local storage for games and apps. You should also note that the PRO model doesn't go on sale until late January, but is available for pre-order at all participating retailers. For the average person, though, the standard model should be just fine, coupled with the ability to utilize USB 3.0 ports for additional storage needs. Summing up the overall package, $199 is a killer deal. While the SHIELD Remote used to be a $50 accessory, it is now bundled in, giving more value to the package. On top of the sweet pricing, you can pretty much pick this box up wherever you'd like. It's available on NVIDIA's website, Amazon, Newegg, Fry's, Best Buy, B&H, plus others. Updates NVIDIA has a good track record in updating its devices. From my experience, the SHIELD TV has been no exception, with a major update sure to come at some point this year, being the update that brings Google Assistant integration and NVIDIA SPOT support. From what I can tell, NVIDIA truly cares about having the latest and greatest software in the hands of its users, and that is evidenced by the company's transparency whenever updates are made available. There is a dedicated webpage to track what software is available and what it contains, unlike other OEMs that just push updates without going into detail with what's inside. To me, this is what all consumers should demand. If you opt to purchase a SHIELD TV, you can rest assured that NVIDIA has your back with the software updates.

Somewhere in the Middle

Storage 16GB of onboard storage is all you get with the base model of SHIELD TV, which in 2017, does seem a little small. 32GB, like smartphones, should be the bare minimum these days. Considering the SHIELD TV is strictly a media consumption device, with users downloading plenty of apps and games, it just seems natural to up that base storage a bit. For anyone who feels this way, though, your sentiments have been addressed, technically. Thanks to adoptable storage on the Android OS, users can simply throw in a USB flash drive and up that storage to a more suitable capacity. Of course, high capacity USB drives are not free, so that is an added expense that some may not want to pay. On the other hand, portable storage has become much more affordable, with NVIDIA recommending a Samsung 128GB flash drive that costs just $33 on Amazon. That's not bad at all. Point being, in what could just be a move to keep the price down, NVIDIA thought it fine to include a small amount of storage on the SHIELD TV. While there is a way to increase storage, it requires an extra step by the user, which could have been avoided by simply upping the base capacity just a little bit. While I could easily fill up 16GB of storage, it would be a bit more difficult to fill up 32GB. I don't play that many games. Keep in mind, too, that the 2015 base model featured a SD slot for extra storage, something that was removed (probably due to lack of space) on the new model. Again, this is not a deal breaker issue, provided there are solutions (buy a flash drive or buy a 500GB PRO model), but something I felt necessary to address. Unfinished Product? This is an interesting notion that I have been throwing around, and maybe the most important point I have to make on the new SHIELD TV. At it stands, the SHIELD TV (2017) is essentially the same exact experience I had with my 2015 model. Yes, the new one has Nougat and a new SHIELD Controller, but once the 2015 model receives the same 5.0 Upgrade, it will again be identical. As a consumer, I can also purchase a new SHIELD Controller and then I really have the same experience across both models. The only time this will change is when Google Assistant is made available for the 2017 model. At that point, owning the new SHIELD TV will be like owning a new product. My point is, I really like the new SHIELD TV, but it doesn't exactly offer anything different over the last one, especially once the 5.0 Upgrade is available for older units. On top of that, NVIDIA and Google have clarified that Google Assistant will come to all Android TV boxes at some point, so when all is said and done, there should be nothing here to make current SHIELD TV (2015) owners upset. This can be seen as a very good thing in the eyes of old SHIELD owners, but then there's nothing truly exciting about the new one. It really is just a smaller box with a battery controller. In my eyes, since the 2015 and 2017 model are so similar, I wonder why NVIDIA didn't opt to wait to release the newer model until Google Assistant was ready for rollout. It would have given everyone a reason to pick up the new box immediately and take advantage of those sweet new features. Why not wait for NVIDIA SPOT to be ready for release, too? If they had waited until then, you really have something to excite potential buyers. Instead, NVIDIA used this ready-to-ship hardware and the concept of NVIDIA SPOT to make its CES keynote a bit more exciting. While I can understand the move, it just makes this SHIELD TV launch seem a little underwhelming to me. It's not that the underlying hardware and software is lackluster, it's that you can find the exact same thing in a model from 2015. Am I the only person who finds that odd? Even more funny, while the specs from 2015 are being used in this new hardware, it's still a better experience than anything else on the market. Things like this make me appreciate NVIDIA's willingness to completely overdo it with SoC performance and GPUs.

The Not-so-Good

Replaceable Battery for SHIELD Remote In an attempt to find something wrong with SHIELD TV, I will say that NVIDIA's move to go with replaceable batteries on the SHIELD Remote is pretty silly. According to NVIDIA, a fresh battery on the SHIELD Remote should last about a calendar year of average usage. Out of the box, my SHIELD Remote appears to be at about 75%, meaning I've got about 3/4 of a year left of life. That's weak. Furthermore, NVIDIA doesn't go out of its way to explain what type of battery you need, or how to open the battery slot on the bottom of the remote. For anyone who asks, you'll need CR2032 batteries, two of them. To replace, press a pointy object (pen, SIM removal tool, etc.) into the bottom of the SHIELD Remote and the tray will pop out. I'll admit, this issue is a nitpick, but microUSB charging seemed just fine to me on the 2015 model.

Videos

Unboxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4izMMfI_IE

Gallery

Verdict

Writing a verdict for the new SHIELD TV is pretty darn easy. It's the best Android TV box on the market. Period. It's got the gaming performance, exciting new features coming, fantastic controller, and NVIDIA backing it up with speedy updates. As a consumer, you can't ask for a better experience. While one could argue that releasing the box without its upcoming Google Assistant feature is a lame move, the fact is, it's coming, and in the long run, that's all that matters. If you are in the market for a beautiful Android TV and gaming experience, you would be crazy not to pick up a SHIELD TV.

Makers of Alto's Adventure Have a Skateboarding Game in the Works

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:53:09 +0000

The crew who brought us Alto's Adventure, a game that we still can't get enough of as we eagerly await its sequel, have created a new skateboarding game called Skate City that will release on both Android and iOS. They are teaming up with Agens, a gaming outfit who has created previous skateboarding games, most notably Skate Lines. In today's announcement for the new game, Built by Snowmen (developers behind Alto's Adventure) waxed poetic about their love of skateboarding and also that when they saw the work of Agens on Twitter (likely the sequel to Skate Lines), they had to get to work on Skate City with them. With this game, both hope that Skate City "will capture the the nostalgia, artistry, and experimentation we love most about skateboarding, while taking players through iconic skate locales from around the world." The game looks very much like an improved version of Skate Lines in that its a side-to-side skating experience. You could also compare it to Alto's Adventure because it appears to play like a never-ending runner type game, where you jump obstacles and perform tricks as you take on new environments. They've gone ahead and posted a trailer (below) and created social media accounts to help keep fans up-to-date on the game's progress. If the trailer doesn't give you enough gameplay, you'll want to cruise over to their Instagram feed, where they have already posted multiple clips. At this point, no release date has been announced. Skate City's website can be found here.

Via: The Snowman Blog

Report: Huawei Watch 2 Incoming, Will Feature Cellular Connectivity and Sportier Look

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:11:55 +0000

The original Huawei Watch is still one of our favorite Android Wear watches of all time. It features a classic design, gorgeous display, and enough different variants to fit most of our fashion needs. It also happens to be a part of the Android Wear developer preview program, which is a bonus. But even though we still find ourselves happy with the original, I think it's safe to say that we all want a follow-up. According to a report out of Venturebeat, we may have a follow-up by Mobile World Congress in a month. The report claims that Huawei hopes to show off a new Huawei Watch at the mobile-focused event in Barcelona, though the timing of an unveiling is not yet set in stone. The watch will feature a "sportier" look than the original, feature a 42mm case, 1.4-inch display, and either leather or stainless steel straps. Additionally, two models may be available - one with cellular connectivity and one without. The cellular connected version would likely work with your favorite carrier of choice to give you access to calls, texts, etc. while away from your phone. Today's report also suggests that this will be an Android Wear device, even though rumors swirled last year suggesting that Huawei may have been looking at Samsung's Tizen as an alternative for wearables. Honestly, I don't know that any of us bought into the idea that Huawei would ditch Android Wear for Tizen. Or maybe that's just me. How does a Huawei Watch 2 sound?

Via: Venturebeat

Report: Galaxy S8 Coming in Two Sizes With "Infinity" Display, Desktop Mode With Dock

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:28:38 +0000

Last week, we recapped the latest in major Galaxy S8 rumors in an attempt to catch everyone up on the latest happenings, as they seem to continually change as we approach the phone's unveiling. Today, The Guardian has chimed in with information from its own sources, a whole bunch of which matches up to what we previously shared, including the sizes and shapes of the displays used, base storage amounts, and more. They also added some new details, like the fact that you may be able to dock the Galaxy S8 to gain a desktop mode. According to The Guardian, the Galaxy S8 will come in two sizes, both with an "infinity" display that is curved on each side, just like the previous Edge versions of phones in recent years. The displays will weigh-in somewhere around 5-inches and 6-inches, though there will be minimal bezel, so the size of the phones shouldn't change much from past years. This report doesn't mention names, but we are currently expecting the phones to be called Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. As for other specs, we'll see a 3.5mm headphone jack, Iris scanners (like we saw on the Note 7), rear-mounted fingerprint reader, similar "duo pixel" camera to the Galaxy S7 with "incremental" improvements, 64GB base storage with microSD slot (up to 256GB), and USB Type-C ports. The phones will also run processors based on Samsung's 10nm process, which we expect to be the Snapdragon 835. In somewhat new news, The Guardian is under the impression that the personal assistant (currently referred to as Bixby) on the Galaxy S8 will use the phone's camera for object recognition (think Google Goggles). Additionally, Samsung could introduce a new line of accessories with the S8, one of which would be a desktop dock that allows the phone to present an Android desktop experience through a computer. This dock would be able to connect to a monitor, keyboard, and other accessories called DeX. We're talking about a similar experience to Microsoft's Continuum dock for Windows Phone. Today's report suggests a March announcement for each phone, followed by availability "on or around" April 21.

Via: The Guardian

Netflix Update on Android Adds SD Card Storage of Offline Content

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:06:20 +0000

Netflix pushed an update out to Android devices today that gives you some flexibility in where you store your offline content. Adding to the November release that allowed you to download shows for later viewing, Netflix is now letting you choose whether you want them stored internally or on an SD card. The update also fixes some bugs. It should be live for all right now. Play Link

Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview 5 Released, Adds NFC HCE Support for Payments

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:47:52 +0000

In the final Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview that was just released, Google is preparing the wearable OS for its stable release in early February. This is preview 5 and it includes iOS support, along with NFC Host Card Emulation to prepare it for users to make payments with NFC. By adding iOS support, developers have gained the ability to distribute apps to iPhone-paired watches, since as you know, Wear 2.0 has its own Play Store. For those who were previously curious as to why Android Wear needed its own store, this is probably reason #1. Previously, the Android Wear experience on iOS devices was mostly limited, but this opens it all up, as long as Wear app developers flag their apps as "standalone." With NFC Host Card Emulation (HCE), Google has laid the foundation for wearable payments on Android Wear. HCE is Google's work-around for the secure elements required by some operators for mobile payments over NFC. HCE emulates a secure element, in a way, providing almost anyone with an NFC-enabled device the power to perform a secure transaction. The preview is out right now for those with a Huawei Watch or LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition. If interested in flashing the newest preview 5, you can find the files and instructions right here. Current reports suggest that February 9 will be the launch of stable Android Wear 2.0, as well as the launch of new Android Wear watches, like these made by LG.

Via: Android Developers-

Google Home Gains Belkin Wemo and Honeywell Support Today

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:28:27 +0000

Google Home gained new product support today by adding in Belkin Wemo and Honeywell to its list of partners. These new additions mean you can control Honeywell thermostats with your voice and the "OK, Google" command, plus you can check on the status of electronics plugged into Belkin Wemo outlets. To setup your Honeywell and Belkin Wemo products, open the Google Home app, slide out the side menu, choose "More Settings," tap on "Home Control," and then hit the "+" button the lower right corner. You should then see the new additions. Just be aware that each will ask you to connect your accounts to Google. In the grand scheme of things, support like this continuing to roll out is what Google is going to need for Home to be successful. Obviously, Amazon and its Alexa software have become integrated into everything, thanks to a substantial headstart, so chipping away at that lead by Google needs to happen regularly. Also, can we get the ability to set a damn reminder already, Google? Be sure to watch our Google Home review if you haven't already.

Via: Google

Adobe Optimizes Suite of Android Apps for Chromebooks

Kellen — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:17:38 +0000

Shortly after Google announced that Android apps and the Google Play Store would make their way to Chromebooks, I talked about the importance of this move, even calling it the end for tablets. Tablets are all but dead on Android, yet Chromebooks seem to be getting more popular by the day, especially now that they have touchscreens and can essentially act like a tablet. The problem, though, since that launch, has the been the fact that most apps just aren't really fine-tuned to work on Chromebooks. Today, that changes a bit as Adobe has announced that it will release a suite of their Android apps that have been specifically optimized for Google's Chrome OS. Over the coming weeks, Adobe plans to released optimized versions of Photoshop Mix, Lightroom Mobile, Illustrator Draw, Photoshop Sketch, Adobe Comp CC, and Creative Cloud Mobile. These apps will be available for free to all Chromebooks that support the Play Store and Android apps. This is a pretty big move for students and creators, because they can now access their work or edit and add to it through optimized apps on Chromebooks. Up until this point, many of these apps worked on Chromebooks, but the experience wasn't exactly optimal or even enticing. Will it lead to additional companies doing similar things to their apps? One can hope if we ever want to see Chromebooks and Android apps fully realize the future I talked about months ago.

Via: Adobe

Here's the Top Half of the LG G6

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:34:31 +0000

If there's one company that can never seem to keep its excitement bottled up, it would be LG. Whenever there's a a big announcement coming up, they always have to talk about aspects of the upcoming thing, such as the display it will feature or camera. Point being, LG cannot wait for MWC to arrive, with what appears to be an official image of the device now making the rounds. In this image distributed to The Verge, LG has obviously been taking design notes. According to the source, the device will indeed sport a 5.7" display with 18:9 aspect ratio (2:1 for math peeps), plus a 90% screen-to-bezel ratio. That's almost Mi Mix level, folks. Additionally, it is reported that the G6 will feature a headphone jack (no courage!), be made completely of metal and glass, feature LG's dual-camera system on the backside, rear-facing fingerprint reader, and no removable battery. That last part will undoubtedly irritate a few LG fans. Look over the image and then share your hot take below.

Via: The Verge

Giveaway: Win a SHIELD TV 16GB With Stand, $25 Google Play Credit

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:14:18 +0000

I love playing video games. They're a nice escape from the unbearably mundane reality that is life sometimes. If you also enjoy playing video games, this latest giveaway is right up your alley. We have a NVIDIA SHIELD TV up for grabs, plus a stand accessory and $25 of Google Play credit to put towards whatever you want. It's a sweet little prize pack. The SHIELD TV is the 16GB model, recently released to very positive reviews. Our own review will be up this week (been too busy playing games and not writing about it), but so far, I can tell you that there is no better Android TV set-top box currently on the market. If you'd like to own one yourself, let's get to it.

Giveaway

Prize 1 (one) NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017) 16GB with Stand accessory, $25 Google Play credit. How to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner We will select our single winner on Wednesday at 10AM Pacific.

Are These Google and LG's Upcoming Android Wear 2.0 Watches?

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:50:50 +0000

Earlier this month, info spread across the web, detailing a supposed partnership between LG and Google to create two flagship Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches. Known as the Watch Sport and Watch Style, we apparently have an actual rendered picture of the watches now, still rumored to be unveiled at an event on February 9 alongside the official release of Android Wear 2.0. As you may see in the image below, these watches look very similar to a previous render that was floating around. On the left is the supposed Watch Sport, while the Watch Style is on the right. Other rumored details include a few specs, with the Watch Sport reported to ship with a 1.38" (480 x 480) round display, 430mAh battery, plus 768MB. On the other wrist, the Watch Style is said to feature a 1.2" (360 x 360) round display, 240mAh battery, 512MB of RAM.

Looking over the images myself, I'm not overly excited. They look like basic Android Wear devices to me, so hopefully Android Wear 2.0, with its possible inclusion of Google Assistant, really brings something new to the table. Fingers crossed. If you glance at a calendar, you'll notice that February 9 is right around the corner. Are you ready for the rebirth of Android Wear?

Via: Techno Buffalo

T-Mobile ONE, With Included Taxes and Fees Rolled Into Price, Goes Live

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 13:49:10 +0000

At CES, T-Mobile said it was going all-in on T-Mobile ONE plans. That meant they would only offer T-Mobile ONE plans starting January 22, which was yesterday. To confirm that they followed through on that promise, the wireless carrier sent out a press release this morning to remind us of the date. By going all-in, T-Mobile ONE plans have some changes. For one, all of the taxes and fees are rolled into a flat rate price going forward. That means if you sign-up to pay $40 per month on T-Mobile ONE, that's what your bill total actually should say, rather than $40 plus $6.47 in taxes and fees or something along those lines. In the long run, this should actually save you some cash and make your bill much cleaner. I should point out that you need to sign-up for autopay in order to get this flat rate pricing with the taxes and fees rolled in. I'm not sure what T-Mobile is charging you without autopay, but they make it clear in the fine print that it is a requirement.

Additionally, T-Mobile ONE plans include "KickBack," which is a way for customers to get up to $10 back per line that uses 2GB or less data per month. If you are on another plan, like a legacy Simple Choice plan, you can still keep your plan. However, if you come in as a new customer, T-Mobile ONE plans are your only choice now.

Via: T-Mobile

OnePlus New Year's Resolution: Ship Phones More Quickly to Buyers

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:27:35 +0000

OnePlus has big plans for the start of 2017 regarding its ability to ship phones to buyers as soon as a purchase is made. With OnePlus, typically, you order your new phone and then maybe receive it in a few weeks. This is due to high demand of its smartphones, which is completely understandable, but folks don't tend to enjoy waiting too long for their purchases. According to OnePlus' latest announcement, 2017 will be a year of "immediate dispatch," starting January 24 when a batch of OnePlus 3T units in 64GB configuration will be immediately available for shipping following purchase. Should you purchase a OnePlus 3T on that date or shortly thereafter, your unit should be in your hands quite quickly, meaning no more waiting around for OnePlus to get its hands on supplies and then shipping to you. Here's what OnePlus said.

We’re happy to announce that starting on January 24th our latest batch of OnePlus 3T Gunmetal 64GB will be available for immediate dispatch in EU and North America regions! At this point, we can't guarantee that this offer will be permanently available, but that is one of our goals.

As noted, this offer may not be around forever, but it's a solid start for the growing company. Are you going to take advantage of this?

Via: OnePlus

Instant Apps Go Into Initial Live Testing!

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:17:51 +0000

Back at Google I/O last year, Google introduced Instant Apps with the expectation that we would see access to them later in 2016. Google missed that timeline, but did announce today that Instant Apps have gone live in a limited test and with select partner apps. What are Instant Apps? Google was looking for a way to "help users discover and run apps with minimal friction," so it created technology (they "modularized" apps) that would allow you to run an app without every installing it. An example of when this would be useful would be as you search for something on Google and find a result that happens to be within an app. Instead of then tapping a link to open the Google Play store listing for the app, installing it, and then letting it load up the content you searched for, Instant Apps would let you load that app instantly without installing to get the content you need. That's just the basics of Instant Apps. If you want to know more, we have a full write-up on them here. With today's announcement, Google says that Instant Apps from BuzzFeed, Wish, Periscope, and Viki are available in a limited test. There is probably a good chance you won't have access, but Google is hoping to expand Instant Apps to more of you in the near future after collecting user feedback and pushing forward improvements.

Via: Android Developers

ZTE Admits That Crowdsourcing Hawkeye Was a Bad Idea, Asks Customers to Solve Its Problem

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:48:44 +0000

A week ago, ZTE's Project CSX unveiled the complete spec sheet for the crowdsourced Hawkeye smartphone. For a $199 introductory-priced smartphone with eye-tracking software and a sticky backside, the specs seemed fine, considering the low cost. Highlights from that spec sheet are a Snapdragon 625 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB of storage, 5.5" FHD display, and rear-facing fingerprint reader. As it turns out, though, this phone is exciting nobody, with ZTE currently sitting at $35K of the $500K goal they need to reach by February 18. In a post that went up over the weekend, ZTE's Jeff Yee states that the company acknowledges that a mistake was made. During the time members of the community were voting on what they would like to see, many had hoped for a smartphone with flagship specifications. Obviously, those submissions did not win the voting, leading ZTE to begin creation of an affordable, mid-range handset that could be accessed by many across the globe. Because of this move, everyone who had hoped for something a bit more powerful was left in the cold, which appears to be everyone except for the 180+ backers the phone currently has on Kickstarter. In an attempt to boost excitement for the Hawkeye, because if ZTE doesn't reach $500K in 26 days they get no money from the campaign, the company is now crowdsourcing ways to make Hawkeye a more exciting $199 smartphone.

If you had to choose one or two things to improve the specs of the Hawkeye phone to make it more attractive, what would it be? Before you answer that question, remember that asking for every potential flagship feature is cost prohibitive now that price is set, so let's try to focus truly on the things that all of you care the most about.

As Yee explains, specs for an upcoming device can change, but because a price has been set via Kickstarter, albeit a very affordable one, that cannot change. Now, ZTE has a limited device budget to work with and likely can't deliver something extraordinary for a $199 price, even though the idea of an eye-tracking and self-adhesive phone should have been exciting enough. You done goofed up, ZTE. From our point of view, the fact that the company is again asking its community of customers to offer solutions to their problem is rather comical. While I can appreciate the sentiment, why not just address the problem yourselves (I'm assuming Project CSX knows its own budget) and not leave it up to the people? This so-called launch is getting ridiculous.

Via: ZTE | The Verge

PSA: All 2017 Chromebooks and Beyond Will Have Access to Android Apps

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:00:03 +0000

In a post to the Chromium Project website, Google clarified that all Chromebooks set to launch in 2017 will gain access to Android apps via Google Play. Looking past 2017, the company also states that all Chrome OS-powered laptops will receive Android app support. Currently, there is a massive list of Chromebooks already available that are set to receive access to Google Play. A few of the big names include the Dell Chromebook 13, Samsung Chromebook 3, Lenovo Thinkpad 13, and many more. To see the entire list of soon-to-be-supported devices, look here. To sum it up, if you intend on purchasing a new Chromebook in 2017, you can look forward to eventual Android app support, or the device will simply launch with access to Google Play. Either way, Chromebooks are getting better. Are you using a Chromebook with Android apps? Do you like it?

Via: Chromium

Google Voice Gets Major Updates on All Platforms Today (Updated: APK Download)

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:05:07 +0000

Big time updates (first big ones in five years) for Google Voice are arriving as early as today on all platforms, Google just announced. We first learned of incoming updates a couple of weeks back, thanks to a teaser notification in the Google Voice web portal, but Google wasn't ready to reveal anything at the time. Well, now they are, so here we go! Google is updating Voice on Android, iOS, and the web to a "cleaner, more intuitive design that keeps everything organized." It's a new column-styled layout with tabs for messages, calls, and voicemails. Conversations should actually take on a modern continuous thread look, plus Google tossed in actual support for group and photo MMS (in-notification replies too). Google notes that voicemail transcription in Spanish is arriving as well. Google plans to introduce even more updates and features to Google Voice over time, which is them saying that the Hangouts and Voice merger failed and you should probably consider getting yourself back on Voice only. Maybe. Either way, the updates are rolling out as early as today, but they will likely be staged. If you got that update, hit us up in the comments with an .apk. UPDATE: You can download the .apk right here - DOWNLOAD LINK (5.0.144897884, Cheers Joey!) Play Link

Via: Google

OMG: Star Wars: Episode VIII is Called 'The Last Jedi'

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:10:36 +0000

I was going to say this is not Android related, but if you think about it, this news most certainly is. Announced via the official Star Wars website, Episode VIII will be called "The Last Jedi," still set to hit theaters December 15, 2017. We won't go ahead and break down the title for you, as plenty have already begun to do that, but we'll at least stress the fact that Jedi can be both singular and plural, so don't go about your day thinking there's only a single Jedi left in the galaxy far, far away. I recall there was a lot of naysayers when they announced Episode VII was to be The Force Awakens, but I think everyone can get behind The Last Jedi. I mean, that sounds ridiculously badass, am I right? Sucks we have to wait an entire year for it to hit theaters, though.

Via: Star Wars

Sprint Acquires 33 Percent of Tidal, Doesn't Offer Free Access to Customers

Tim — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 08:50:25 +0000

Announced this morning, Sprint has acquired 33 percent of Tidal, and with that move, will grant Sprint customers who subscribe to Tidal "unlimited access" to exclusive artist content from the service. According to Sprint, "Tidal and its artists will make exclusive content that will only be available to current and new Sprint customers." More news on exclusive content will be made available at a later time, but for now, the gist is that Sprint customers can access exclusive content on Tidal, just as long as they are subscribed.

The formidable pairing of Sprint and TIDAL will grow customers on both platforms by offering exclusive access for customers who subscribe to TIDAL.

In terms of the business, Sprint's CEO, Marcelo Claure, will join Tidal's Board of Directors, while the "artist-owners" (Jay-Z, etc.) will continue to run the service. Free access and streaming that doesn't count against your monthly allotment might've been nice, but this is cool, too, I guess.

Via: Sprint

We're Getting a Galaxy Note 8, Folks.

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 08:30:39 +0000

Samsung is prepared to "bring back a better, safe and very innovative Note 8," the company told a group of reporters at the end of last week. The message was shared as Samsung prepared to announce the findings of months of investigations into why the Galaxy Note 7 was recalled. In case that isn't settling in just yet, let me repeat it - THE GALAXY NOTE 8 IS COMING. Samsung wouldn't reveal any other details about the Galaxy Note 8, but if they follow a similar Note release schedule, it should be here in the fall. Then again, with the Galaxy S8 potentially launching later than usual, maybe the Note 8 will be pushed a bit as well. Of course, there is some risk in keeping the Note line alive and not switching the branding to something else. After a massive recall like we saw with the Note 7, due to manufacturing issues, there is going to be a level of trust there that Samsung has to regain. They also have to know that the industry is going to use a Galaxy Note 8 launch to re-hash the Note 7 troubles, talk a whole lot about whether or not this new one is safe, and pass around dozens of the were-never-really-that-funny Note bomb jokes. Samsung doesn't seem to be worried, though. They told reporters that at least 10,000 people have already signed up on a list to be notified about future Note plans. They also feel confident in the idea that Note customers are loyal customers and want a new Note. Samsung isn't about to kill this successful brand. Yeah, you are excited, right Note guy? I know we are.

Via: CNET

Samsung Won't Unveil the Galaxy S8 at MWC

Kellen — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 07:51:54 +0000

For years, Mobile World Congress (MWC), the mobile-focused tech show that takes place at the end of each February in Barcelona, has been the king of smartphone unveilings. We've seen companies like HTC, LG, and Sony use it as a launching platform for upcoming flagships. We've also seen it used time and time again by Samsung to unveil the next in the Galaxy S line. This year, though, that won't happen. Samsung confirmed after its Galaxy Note 7 investigation press conference that the Galaxy S8 won't be shown off to the public at MWC. Instead, Samsung will use the extra time to "regain consumer trust," Samsung mobile chief Koh Dong-jin told reporters. Rumors in recent weeks have suggested that Samsung may host a special event in either March or April to launch the Galaxy S8. None of that has been confirmed and likely won't be for weeks. To catch-up on the latest in Galaxy S8 rumors and leaks, hit up this post.

Via: Reuters

Samsung Announces Root Cause of Galaxy Note 7 Battery Issue and Recall (Updated)

Kellen — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 17:08:13 +0000

Samsung is currently announcing why they recalled the Galaxy Note 7, live on YouTube. You can watch the happenings here. In the mean time, we are pouring over all of the material they just released with regard to the investigations and will be updating this post with their findings.

UPDATE: Alright, so we have some worthwhile information up front to share. In the infographic below, Samsung shares the fact that there were two separate battery issues from recall 1 to recall 2 that investigations have identified. In the first recall ("Battery A"), there appears to have been a battery flaw where a "negative electrode was deflected in the upper-right corner of the battery," plus the "tip of the negative electrode was incorrectly located in the curve" of the battery cell. You can see what an abnormal battery looks like (the ones that caught fire) and what a normal battery looks like. They likely caught this issue initially, which essentially then led to issue 2. In the 2nd recall ("Battery B"), Samsung lays out that manufacturing issues, one situation where the insulation tape of the battery was damaged, plus another where the insulation tape was missing, are the causes of additional battery failures. You can see those described in the infographic below as well. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported these exact causes, for the most part: 1) there was a flaw in the original batteries used; 2) the rush in manufacturing after the 1st recall led to badly made batteries. So like we described on Friday, Samsung ran into a situation where they identified the initial issue and cut out that manufacturer, but then likely shot themselves in the foot by asking another battery manufacturer to ramp up production, leading to poorly made batteries.

UPDATE 2: Hey, here are some photos of the numerous tests that Samsung issued! Pictures are fun, right? Samsung says that they tested more than 200,000 fully assembled devices and more than 30,000 batteries to find these two battery issue conclusions.

UPDATE 3: And now we have a pretty basic overview explainer video. Samsung has also added the following note about the investigations that took place:

In addition to our own investigation into these incidents, we also retained independent industry expert organizations, including UL, Exponent and TUV Rheinland, to provide objective, unbiased analysis. Our investigation, as well as the investigations completed by three independent industry organizations, concluded that the batteries were found to be the cause of the Note7 incidents. Nonetheless, we provided the target for the battery specifications for the innovative Note7, and we are taking responsibility for our failure to ultimately identify and verify the issues arising out of battery design and manufacturing process prior to the launch of the Note7.

UPDATE 4: OK, so that's all good and well, but what about the future? What is Samsung going to do to ensure that phones are safe going forward? They have a new 8-Point Battery Safety Check, of course! Check it out below.

Not only will they use this new 8-point battery check, they are also introducing additional safety measures to the planning stage of a product. You can see those new measures below.

UPDATE 5: Want to see some of the dirty details from the independent investigations? You can download the slides here. Goodnight.

Via: Samsung

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: January 20, 2017

Tim — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:11:14 +0000

If you've been too busy following all of the political stuff happening here in the US, it's quite possible you missed a few awesome Android stories. But hey, that's why we have weekly recaps! This week, we learned that it is likely to be LG teaming up with Google to launch two "flagship" Android Wear smartwatches, the G6 will probably be unveiled on February 26 at MWC, and we finally got a NVIDIA SHIELD TV in-house, no thanks to Portland's Snowpocalypse. Here's the good stuff in case you missed it.

Video: SHIELD TV (2017) Unboxing.
Note 7: Batteries were apparently irregularly sized and poorly made.
Q&A: Volume 44 answers.
MWC date set for LG G6 unveiling.
LG and Google working on two Android Wear watches.
Android Wear 2.0 reported to launch on February 9.
Galaxy S8: Here are the latest leaks and rumors.
The LG G6 may include Google Assistant.
Verizon: Carrier ready to take action to get Note 7 devices returned.
AT&T is raising its upgrade and activation fee.
Verizon intros $55, 5GB individual promo plan.
Android One: Google to bring Android One to US later this year.

Stay safe, folks!

Report: LG G6 May Include Google Assistant

Tim — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 13:33:09 +0000

According to Business Korea, LG is working with Google to include Google Assistant with the launch of the G6. If this move does take place, LG could be the first OEM to include Assistant on its devices, outside of the existing Pixel and Pixel XL from Google. Not only is LG reported to be looking at incorporating Google Assistant on the smartphone side, but the report also mentions work the company is doing with Amazon's Alexa. We aren't quite sure whether this alludes to smart fridges or washer and dryers, but it does appear that LG is working with multiple companies to broaden its usage of IoT and digital assistants. In the long run, this hopefully leads to only good things for consumers. Beyond the G6, the report also mentions the potential collaboration we will see between LG and Google to create a couple of smartwatches, none of which is new news. However, it is nice to see this info reverberating outside of the US in the market that LG is based. We are expecting to see the G6 unveiled at MWC in late February.

Via: Business Korea

Galaxy Note 7 Report Finds Batteries Were Irregularly Sized, Then Poorly Made

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 11:37:36 +0000

On Sunday night, Samsung is going to tell us what a handful of investigations determined was the cause of the Galaxy Note 7 recall. But before we get there, news outlets are doing their best to out the news ahead of time. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Samsung found two issues with batteries used after at least three quality-control and supply-chain analysis firms investigated. The conclusion is said to be two fold: 1) that batteries used were irregularly sized, which led to overheating; and 2) some just had manufacturing problems. The batteries used for the Note 7 included those from Samsung SDI Co, another affiliate, or Amperex Technology, according to the WSJ. Initially, Samsung thought the battery problems came from their Samsung SDI affiliate, which may have been correct. The batteries there were found to ship with an irregular size that caused overheating. However, as they killed their own battery maker and switched to Chinese battery makers after the initial recall, the ramp-up in production caused manufacturing issues that led to the second recall. Woof. So the basics are this: Samsung found a battery issue with the batteries being produced by its own affiliate, nixed them at the first recall, and then told another battery maker to ramp-up production, leading to poorly made batteries that forced them to kill the phone entirely. Talk about a rough situation.

Via: Wall Street Journal

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 44 Answers

Tim — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:45:12 +0000

We have gathered your questions from over the course of this week and are ready to provide you with our answers for Volume 44 of the DL Q&A Sessions. Y'all submitted a ton of great questions, ranging in topic from where we get our tech-related news, who will win the IoT race, what we expect to see from Google's "flagship" watches in 2017, and much more. In case you've never seen one of these, the Q&A Sessions is your chance to ask us, DL, whatever is on your mind. It can be Android-related or about anything else you would like. Want to talk sports, beer, or love advice? We can answer all of that! Here we go. Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim.

Where do you go for other tech news and reviews (not Android)?

K: Mostly just YouTube. If I want to know more about a product, it’s so easy to find dozens of reviews from regular people on there that often look at the same things I do or answer questions I may have had. The Wirecutter is also fantastic if you are looking for in-depth reviews on just about anything you are considering buying. T: If I'm researching a potential purchase, I usually head to YouTube first. Whatever I'm looking for, I will slap it into the search bar and toss "review" at the end. As long as the YouTuber doesn't mention they're being paid to advertise the product, I'll take what they say seriously. We've found lots of good stuff thanks to YouTubers, like camera lenses and different tripods. Lots of good info on there!

Who do you think will win the race in the smart home & IoT competition?

K: I actually think we’ll get to a point where everything just works no matter what your platform is. What I mean is that the smart home product makers, the guys who build light bulbs or thermostats or cameras, they’ll have to make everything work with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s HomeKit, in order to succeed. I can’t see where a whole bunch of companies tell Google to “F” off because they are only doing Apple. Maybe that’s too optimistic though. T: In a perfect world, I'd have a standard created by a group of companies, all investing into the same ecosystem. We currently have something sorta like that, with products from different companies working together, but there's still areas that can improve. For example, my ecobee thermostat works with Apple's HomeKit, but not any of Google's stuff. As a consumer, it's annoying that you constantly have to ensure your future purchases work together. To answer your question, I feel that Google and Amazon are poised well to dominate the space.

What are you hoping to see with Google's flagship smartwatches this year?

K: I really just wish they would figure out battery life. They won’t because battery tech sucks, but that’s the thing that really drives me nuts about smartwatches - the charging every day part. Other than that, I just hope the watches are minimal, silver or a more subtle brushed metal, and aren’t huge. I’m fine with Android Wear (I wear my TAG Connected quite a bit), but I don’t want the watches to look terrible, like most do. T: I'm not overly excited for any of it. While I think it's cool, Android Wear has not been something to consistently have a place on my wrist. I just don't see myself needing it. There are plenty of people who can benefit from a smartwatch, though. However, if Google does want to excite me, give me a watch I don't have to recharge every single night, and don't tout one's ability to draw text or emoji on a tiny-ass display. That's not cool, that's stupid. Give me premium materials, too. I miss the Horween leather days of old. Ugh, there I go getting depressed thinking about Moto again.

What do you think the next trend in mobile tech should be?

K: I think Google and Samsung want it to be VR. Apple seems to have hinted more at AR. I just think I’d like to see our phones be more than app controllers that do email and text and take pictures. My vision for a phone is a piece of tech that is the ultimate hub for controlling my life. We are getting there because of the tie-in to things like Google Home. But I just think it could all be more seamless. T: While huge innovations are taking place in the realm of quick charging, I just want batteries that last longer. More importantly, I would also like to see advancement in the recycling of smart devices, with a lot of waste being created from our gluttonous tendencies to consume technology and discard it once it is deemed "old." Not to get all hippy dippy, but we've only got one Earth, so I'd appreciate keeping it nice and clean for future generations. Long story short, advance programs that improve the recycling of technology.

Who's your favorite character on Game of Thrones (living or not)?

K: Sandor Clegane, aka The Hound. Dude is so mean, yet so loving, all while chopping people’s heads off. He went from being one of the most evil characters, to this giant teddy bear over night, but if he needs to crush someone’s skull, he will. T: Impossible question. Each episode it was someone new, so this is really tough. If I had to name one character, though, I guess it'd have to be Jon Snow. I mean, he's sorta important and awesome. I also love, love, loved Hodor. And all of the Direwolves, they're awesome.

What does the future hold for Google Home? Will it ever beat Amazon Echo?

K: I sure hope it continues to compete. It plays better with all of the services I use than Echo does. Amazon has such a head start, though, that it’s going to take a while. Plus, Google needs to get to improving it already. For example, I still can’t have Home set a reminder. That’s some basic sh*t that should have been there from day 1. Forget casting dumb YouTube trailers to a TV - I want to set a reminder. T: It's young, give it time. Google is currently playing catch up and is likely working with countless developers and 3rd-party companies to improve the offering. It's already pretty solid, so I'd imagine it will only get better over time. That stuff takes a while, though. Now, do I think it will ever beat Echo? It's possible, but in my mind, the hardware offering from Amazon seems much more robust. For example, Alexa heard me much better than Google Home. Whether that's a software or hardware thing, who knows, but Echo seems to have much better mic technology onboard. Echo is louder, too. At the end of the day, most importantly, Home has access to Google Play Music. Instant winner for me.

What is your New Years resolution?

K: Don’t think I’ve ever set one. I have goals that continue every year, like keep running, try not to get too fat, continue drinking great beer, and plan some actual vacations in warm places (rarely happens). T: I'm attempting to walk my dogs even more than I already did, which sucks. They're big monsters and all they want to do is pull, sniff, and pee on every bush/tree/rock they see. It's pretty rough. That was my personal resolution. For work, my goal is to create better video content, such as phone reviews. I had a lot of fun creating the last ones, so I just want to improve on that front and deliver excellent, fun to watch content.

Why do so many people think Android tablets should die?

K: I think the media thinks they should die, I don’t think actual consumers do. Media, we like to complain about things we have to cover because they might be painful to cover or less and less people may be interested in them, thus reducing the need for us to invest a lot of time covering them. Consider that the next time a media person is telling you what’s dead or terrible. Because in the big picture, who cares if it’s terrible or if fewer people are using it. The origin of that stance is probably because that media person is pissed that they have to write about it. T: What can a tablet do that my phone can't? Sure, it's got a larger screen, but that's it. And personally, I don't need a big screen. Maybe others do and that's fine. I can admit that not every product was made just for me, so I don't think tablets should straight up die. I just think Google/Apple or whoever can come up with other uses for tablets besides being big content consumption machines.

Will the Warriors win it all this year?

K: Yes. T: Probably.

T-Mobile is Letting You Gift T-Mobile Tuesday Freebies Next Week

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 08:53:35 +0000

Next week for T-Mobile Tuesday, T-Mobile is letting participants gift their freebies to friends and family. That means you'll receive two free FandangoNOW movie rentals and two Shell $0.25 per gallon discounts, so that you can share with a loved one. Also, the free $15 Lyft ride that T-Mobile almost always gives away is gift-able too. To get the T-Mobile Tuesdays app and learn more about the freebie service, hit up this link.

Via: T-Mobile

DEAL: Unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge for $425, Moto X Pure 64GB for $250 at Best Buy

Kellen — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 08:12:38 +0000

Best Buy is hosting some sort of 2-day sale right now that happens to include a couple of good prices on unlocked phones. For one, you could get yourself into a gold Galaxy S7 Edge (unlocked and refurbished) for $425 or the getting-close-to-being-old Moto X Pure Edition for just $250. For the unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge, you are looking at the official unlocked model for the US. That means it works on all carriers here, including Verizon. This discounted phone is "Geek Squad Certified Refurbished," though, so just keep in mind that it isn't brand new. Still, that's a hell of a deal. For the Moto X Pure Edition, well, you know the drill on this phone. It was one of Motorola's last fully unlocked phones that works on all carriers, sports a QHD display, dual front speakers, metal frame, and comes with that lovely clean Android experience. This particular phone has 64GB storage and features a bamboo back. If neither of those sounds enticing, Best Buy is also suggesting that they have the Moto Z DROID for $0 with a monthly bill credit. It's still showing to me as $9.99, but that could change later in the day. Finally, the unlocked Galaxy S7 with full US carrier support is also on sale for a staggeringly low price of $309.99, but it's mostly sold out. If you can find one at a store near you, you might want to consider it. Best Buy Links:

Galaxy S7 Edge (unlocked, gold, refurbished) - $424.99
Galaxy S7 (unlocked, gold, refurbished) - $309.99
Moto X Pure Edition (64GB) - $249.99
Moto Z DROID - Free

Samsung Will Reveal Galaxy Note 7 Recall Findings on Sunday Night

Kellen — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 15:35:34 +0000

On Sunday night, Samsung will host a live streamed press conference to discuss the findings of "several months of comprehensive investigations" into why the Galaxy Note 7 was catching fire. The event will be streamed to the world on Samsung's website. In a press note posted to its press room this afternoon, Samsung confirmed a previously rumored date and time of the live stream. They also said that the press event will include their "quality enhancement plan" for the future, though, to show the types of "new measures Samsung has implemented in response to the incidents." The excitement will begin January 22 at 8PM ET (5PM Pacific). Like I'm going to leave the Steelers-Patriots game to learn about battery fires...OK, maybe I should. See you then, friends!

Via: Samsung

DEAL: Ip Man Trilogy Available in HD For $3 on Google Play

Tim — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:46:28 +0000

Martial arts fans, prepare your Google Opinion Rewards money. For a limited time, anyone can grab the Ip Man trilogy on Google Play for just $3, down from its typical price of about $40. Yes, all three Ip Man movies, in HD, for $3. If you have seen the name thrown around, but have yet to check it out, this is a golden opportunity. The first Ip Man movie follows the life of Yip Man, a grandmaster of Wing Chun and teacher of Bruce Lee. Throughout the first film, as well as the second and third, you will see enough martial arts action to fulfill all your needs, thanks to the incredible Donnie Yen (of Rogue One fame and countless other films in the genre). In the overall realm of martial arts, these are some great flicks. Seriously, it's $3 in HD, go grab it. Play Link