APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: December 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Deal: Score Big Savings on Aukey Charging Accessories With These Coupon Codes

For a limited time, you can grab a supply of Aukey charging accessories through Amazon at a highly discounted price, thanks to a few coupon codes. At the discounted pricing, Aukey has a 5-port USB charger, regularly priced at $30, available for only $19 with the use of the coupon.

Other accessories include a 10,000mAh external battery pack for only $20, and a turbo wall charger for $6.50. As you will find out, each accessory is compatible with Quick Charge 2.0, making them exceptionally valuable if you have a device capable of quick charging.

For the 5-port charger, use code HR8OMICZ. For the 10,000mAh external battery charger, use code AIF2TWAM. Lastly, for the turbo wall charger, use code V4R8BK3J.

Amazon Links: 5-Port Charger | 10,000mAh Battery | Turbo Wall Charger

Square Enix Bringing Final Fantasy IX to Android in 2016

Announced this morning, Square Enix is making Final Fantasy IX available on PC, iOS and Android smartphones. While the official release date for the US is currently unknown, Square Enix claims it is “coming soon” on their website, which is fantastic news for fans of the Final Fantasy franchise.

Much like past releases for modern gamers, Square Enix will likely change and update a few features, claiming, “high-definition graphics, newly added achievements, auto-save, high speed mode, and several game boosting features.”

As soon as we learn the release date or it pops up on Google Play, we will let you know.

For now, watch the trailer below and get pumped.

Via: Square Enix | Kotaku

User Receives Test Build Update for Huawei Watch, Brings Speaker Support

It appears that soon, once testing is complete, Huawei will send out an update to owners of the Huawei Watch, bringing with it full audio speaker support. According to one user on reddit, his Huawei Watch, which is apparently enrolled in a special user test group, received an update to Android Wear build 1.4.0, running on Android 6.0.1. Once updated, he confirmed that the device’s speaker is now fully functional, as well as the ability to place and receive phone calls.

This added ability is no shocker, as Google announced support for speakers and phone calls back in mid November. However, the one Android Wear smartwatch that was scheduled to launch which offered these features, the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, was canceled.

The redditor notes that users can choose ringtones for incoming calls, enable text-to-speech (which they found quite annoying), and will continue digging to see if there are any more hidden goodies inside of the update.

We have no idea as to when this update will roll out to all Huawei Watch owners, but if it is in testing already, then we must be close.

Via: reddit

BlackBerry Priv Reported to Hit T-Mobile Network on January 26

According to a leaked image, the BlackBerry Priv will hit T-Mobile’s network on January 26, bringing an official end to the current exclusive AT&T holds on the device. If the image is to be believed, then not only can BlackBerry fans pick up the device through T-Mobile, but Verizon also confirmed last month that it will also carry the device, “soon.”

After spending quite a bit of time with the device for our complete review, we walked away impressed by its display, overall design, keyboard functionality, and BlackBerry’s attempt to offer a more secure model of the Android OS. Overall, for anyone who wants a keyboard on their device, there is probably no better option currently on the market.

While the idea of someone photoshopping the below image seems unlikely, I will say that having the device named “BlackBerry Venice” on the calendar seems a little odd. By now, everyone in the industry knows that the Venice is the Priv, but who knows, maybe T-Mo enjoys using codes from time to time.

Do we have any T-Mobile users here who can’t wait to pick up the Priv?

Via: Phone Arena

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

AT&T Acquires Assets of Carrier iQ, the Company Everyone Hated in 2011

Many moons ago, when Android was still relatively young, there was once a company called Carrier iQ. The company was contracted to place software on devices for carriers that tracked which apps you opened, places you went, texts you received, and a whole lot more information that was then handed over to carriers to help better the customer experience.

However, while all of this information was being exchanged, the customer never knew about it until one day in 2011, a security analysis was being ran on an HTC device. Once folks were made aware of what was taking place behind their back, the company and carriers involved received major backlash, and since then, it’s been somewhat smooth sailing in terms of privacy policies and carrier transparency with regard to data collection.

Now that you are caught up on the backstory, it was announced today that AT&T has acquired certain assets of Carrier iQ, along with select personnel. In a statement given to TechCrunch, an AT&T spokesperson says, “We’ve acquired the rights to Carrier iQ’s software, and some CIQ employees moved to AT&T. We use CIQ software solely to improve the customer’s network and wireless service experience. This is in line with our Privacy Policy and provides a great benefit to users of our network.”

Agenda wise, AT&T will apparently license a few of CIQ’s technologies to other companies, such as Nielsen, but no figures for the deal have been revealed just yet. It is reported that since AT&T did not acquire the company completely, they will not be liable for any “outstanding litigation or settlements against CIQ.”

Honestly, going into 2016, I forgot Carrier iQ was a thing.

Via: TechCrunch

Deal: Mobile Gamers, Check Out the ScreenStick Joystick for $17

Does your mobile game feature on-screen buttons, maybe like the ones you might find on an old school arcade machine? Or are you possibly having troubles with your fingers getting in the way of gameplay? Don’t worry, we might have a solution. On the DL Deals Store, you can try out a ScreenStick Joystick for $17, a simple attachment for your smart device that could help bring back a sense of physically playing a video game with a controller.

Using suction cups, you place the little joystick over the top of the on-screen controls, and boom, you are ready for action. Any game that uses an on-screen joystick or d-pad is workable. This can be a variety of platform and fighter games, such as Mortal Kombat or Sonic.

Is it incredibly silly? Yes. Can it help you use a mobile device for playing a few arcade games? Absolutely.

Features

Game like you’re at home even when you’re on the road
Get a whole new mobile gaming experience w/ this 2-in-1 gaming & simulator stick
Attach the stick to your phone w/ 2 suction cups
Play almost any game w/ an on-screen joystick or d-pad
Use it for years to come: made w/ high-quality, light & durable alloy

Deal Link

LG G5 Reported to Feature Secondary Ticker Display, Snapdragon 820, “Magic Slot”

As we draw closer to 2016, rumors and reports concerning upcoming devices from all of the top OEMs will only increase, so buy your tickets for the hypetrain right away. While there is never a shortage of Samsung rumors for the Galaxy S7, it should be noted that LG is also cooking up the G5, a followup to this year’s LG G4. According to the latest report, the device is said to bring an array of features from not only the G4, but the LG V10, too.

Stated by “sources,” the G5 will feature a metal enclosure (aka body), bringing an end to LG’s long run of plastic-based flagships. Not only can potential buyers expect a better in-hand feel thanks to metal, but it is said that the LG G5 will feature a secondary “ticker” display, along with the 5.3″ primary display, identical to what is found on the V10. This secondary display is used for quick access to settings, apps, and for glancing at notifications when your primary display is turned off.

The G5 is reported to feature Qualcomm’s latest and greatest SoC, the Snapdragon 820 along with 3GB of RAM running the latest build of Android available from Google. For those concerned about expandable storage, there is currently no information on whether the G5 will feature a microSD slot.

There is also reference of a “Magic Slot,” which is said to allow the device to additional hardware modules. This could be for things such as a detachable keyboard, VR headset, and other various accessories. No exact details are known for what LG intends to use this Magic Slot for, but it does sound interesting.

We are likely only a few months away from an unveiling. Are you excited for a possibly all-metal G5 with secondary display?

Via: Venture Beast

AT&T is Killing 2-Year Contracts on January 8

AT&T won’t offer 2-year contracts to existing or new customers come January 8. The news comes via internal documents sent to Engadget, but we can independently confirm the change as it was relayed to us over a week ago from a source.

According to leaked documents that have gone out to AT&T employees, AT&T Next and full-retail purchases will be the only options for upgrading to new devices going forward. And again, this is for both current and new customers. AT&T is only saying that this is a “simplification effort.”

The change has both good sides and bad. For one, this gets you out of contracts and in more control over your service because you can pay off devices quicker if you’d like and move on from AT&T, should their service not be up to your standards. But this isn’t good for those who enjoyed grabbing new phones for a one time price of $99 or $199, instead of taking on a monthly payment plan.

AT&T first killed 2-year contracts with its 3rd party outlets back in June, which was news we first reported, so it only makes sense that their official stores follow along.

The documents do not say if wearables and tablets will switch over to similar payment plans, but our source thinks they’ll still have contract options. We’ll have to wait for AT&T to confirm that.

Via: Engadget

LG Announces the SmartThinQ Hub, Basically an Amazon Echo

Set to be shown off at the upcoming CES in Las Vegas, LG has unveiled the SmartThinQ Hub, a core for your smart home. Much like an Amazon Echo, which can be connected to other smart things in your home, the SmartThinQ Hub is designed to connect to washers, dryers, as well as other smart appliances to deliver notifications to you. Not only does it handle your appliances, but the Hub can also stream music, display upcoming calendar events from your datebook, and so much more.

One difference between Amazon Echo and SmartThinQ Hub is LG’s placement of a 3.5″ color LCD display on the device itself. This is where, if audible notifications are not your thing, you can view a readout of what’s going on in your home. You will see calendar events, what music is playing, and notifications of that nature. Much of the control and communication with the device can be done via a smartphone application, just as it is done on the Echo.

If your home is filled with mismatching brands, don’t fret, as the SmartThinQ Hub is compatible with a number of devices from other manufacturers and service providers that support the AllJoyn Alliance open source framework. This means you can connect smart devices from other OEMs to the same hub.

LG has yet to announce a price or release, but again, it will be on display during CES.

Via: LG

Our Favorite Android Devices of 2015

With apps and games out of the way, you may be curious what our favorite Android devices of the year are? No? That’s rude and we are going to tell you anyway because 2015 is coming to a close in a matter of hours it seems and we like to look back and reflect on these types of things.

The phone of the year battle probably won’t shock you, since we recently released a list of the Android phones you should consider buying. The tablet, though, that may surprise you a bit once you jump below. We also tackled our wearable of choice for 2015, should you be in the market for some wrist candy.

Now are you ready to see what our favorite Android devices of 2015 are? Well, here you go.

Phone: Nexus 6P

No shocker here, right? A month ago, we told you that Google’s Nexus 6P was the best Android phone you can buy today. Since nothing else has come out since then that can take its spot and the phone hasn’t exploded or punched either of us in the face, it remains our favorite Android phone of 2015.

There is just so much to like here and very little to dislike. I don’t want to get into the “perfect phone” conversation, but this phone really is about the closest we have seen to one. If you can handle its size, I don’t know that you will find another fault.

For me, the Nexus 6P has almost every thing I look for in a phone. It has looks, a premium feel in hand, a fantastic camera (seriously, it impresses me more every day), the purest version of Android, the newest version too, a beautiful display, outstanding battery life, fast charging, connectivity on every carrier, and a price that is quite good, especially when you start to consider it to be the best phone you can buy today. Google did something really right with the Nexus 6P.

Runner Up: Galaxy Note 5

Again, no shocker here, as this was our runner up in the best Android phone you can buy post from a month ago, but I also need to say again that this was one of the closest battles I can think of in recent years. And look, if the Galaxy Note 5 had Marshmallow already, it may have jumped past the 6P.

With the Galaxy Note 5, you get the best phone Samsung has ever built. It’s big, but it doesn’t feel big thanks to its incredible design. It has premium materials on top of premium materials, and doesn’t skimp anywhere. It has fast wireless charging (it’s the first to do so), tons of RAM and Samsung’s most powerful processor, access to Samsung Pay (a true mobile payment game-changer), and one hell of a camera. But it also includes an S Pen, solid battery life, fast wired charging, and the best display in any mobile phone. The only issue with this phone is its software, which just isn’t as good as what Google is doing with stock Android.

Tablet: NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet K1

In terms of overall value, I don’t think any tablet offers what the SHIELD Tablet K1 from NVIDIA brings to the table. Whether you are working on documents while mobile or want to crush a bit of gaming, the SHIELD Tablet K1 offers a good mix of performance and aesthetic appeal. Priced currently at just $199 ($59.99 extra for SHIELD Controller if you need one), you would be hard pressed to find a better deal on a top notch Android tablet.

Not only can the tablet play your favorite games from Google Play, but NVIDIA brings GeForce Now support to the device for the more hardcore gamers among us, and with the company’s track record for updating devices, we would say this tablet might be one of the best investments, after the Nexus and Pixel devices from Google.

Runner Ups: Dell Venue 8 7840 and Google Pixel C

In the tablet category, after the SHIELD Tablet K1, two other devices come to mind when we are talking best of. That would be the Dell Venue 8 7840 and the Google Pixel C. The Venue 8 7840 was released in early 2015, so it is hard to say how much longer the device will receive support, but at this moment, I would say it is easily the best looking Android tablet ever produced. With a gorgeous display and strikingly thin design, you will be turning heads with this device. You can purchase this device straight from Dell for just $299.

Recently, Google released the Pixel C, a completely in-house designed and produced tablet, carrying quite a hefty price tag. Looking past the numbers, the Pixel C is a great tablet, full of power, and it features a gorgeous build. Being made solely by Google, you can expect it to receive very timely updates, and will likely be one of the first devices to support Android’s native multi-window feature that is rumored for next year. As for tech investments, the Pixel C would be a good one for tablet lovers. The only downside, if it could be labeled as a downside, is the price. The Pixel C starts at $499, and to complete the experience, you will need the Pixel C Keyboard, which is another $149.

Wearable: Moto 360 (2nd Gen)

We were big fans of the original Moto 360, so it’s no surprise that we are once again fans of this year’s smartwatch from Motorola. The Moto 360 (2nd gen) gives you almost everything you could ask for in a wearable at this point – a round case, style for days, custom designs, so many damn options, different sizes for different wrists, performance, battery life, and a price point that won’t break your Android bank.

Value and personality seem to come to mind when I think of this Moto 360, even though it isn’t cheap by any means. I think value and personality because you get to make a watch yours with little extra cost. No other smartwatch allows for to make a watch just as you would envision it. From the color and size of the case, to the texture of the bezel and material of strap, Motorola lets you do you. Thanks, Moto.

Runner Up: Huawei Watch

For being Huawei’s first dive into the Android Wear category, the Huawei Watch is a fantastic device. For features and functionality, it is essentially on par with everything the Moto 360 (2nd Gen) can do. The only reason it did not score higher marks with us is because Moto Maker is just too clutch with regard to customization. In addition, Huawei’s pricing, for an Android smartwatch, is a bit steep. While the company came out of the gate claiming that its device was not made for the early adopting techies, given its higher retail price and fashion-first appeal, then who did they expect to purchase it in the first place? If Huawei can come back next year and deliver the same quality with a cheaper price, the Huawei Watch could beat out the Moto 360.

Those are our Android devices of the year. What are yours?

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Google Will Switch to OpenJDK in Android N

When Android N rolls out at the end of next year, Google will have switched over to OpenJDK, the open source Java Development Kit from Oracle, instead of the proprietary JDK that Google currently uses for its Java APIs. According to VentureBeat, who confirmed the change with Google after Hacker News first noticed a big code commit to OpenJDK, Google is going with this open source JDK because Android is an “open-source platform” and so it makes sense that they go this route to not only simplify code for developers to build apps, but it also allows them to make “more contributions to the OpenJDK project.”

Mmmhmm.

For you and I (the non-developers in the building), this all probably doesn’t mean much or won’t affect much of how we use Android. But one has to wonder if this doesn’t have something to do with the ongoing litigation between Oracle and Google over Java. As far as we know – unless the two sides have settled out of court without telling anyone – this battle is still very much as hot as ever, so the move to OpenJDK could be a sign of what Google sees as a long-term out or option. The sooner they get into an open-source Java scene, the better.

OpenJDK, though!

Oh, and here is that big ol’ commit of an “Initial import of OpenJdk files.”

Via: VentureBeat | Hacker News

My Favorite Android Games of 2015

We already delivered our Favorite Apps for 2015, and now it is time for the games. Oh yes, the games. How far we have come over the past few years, seeing the release of major titles for mobile devices that were once the pinnacle of console gaming. For example, the Grand Theft Auto series is available on Google Play for virtually any Android device with enough storage to hold them, and that series was the biggest thing to hit consoles ever. Now, they are merely apps on our phones. Pretty mind blowing, if you ask me.

In 2015, we saw the launch of many great titles, a few of which are currently limited to select Android TV units. While, yes, DOOM 3 and Never Alone are fantastic, run on Android, and deserve a spot here, this list will focus solely on games that can be downloaded via Google Play by any Android device.

Without further ado, here are my favorite games from the year 2015.

Fallout Shelter

While this list is not in order or anything like that, if I was to give a gold medal to one of these games, it would be Fallout Shelter. Somehow, during the time of developing and releasing Fallout 4, Bethesda found the time to create Fallout Shelter and release it onto Android for all of us fiends of everything Fallout.

In the game, you act as an overseer for a vault that has survived the nuclear apocalypse. To begin, you must bring in a few dwellers, create jobs for them, and then protect them from Raider and Death Claw attacks. As you advance, you must manage resources and know when to send dwellers out into the Wasteland for supplies. To put it simply, I spent hours and hours playing this game.

For anyone who plays Fallout or likes the idea of an apocalypse, I recommend it.

Play Link

Lara Croft GO

If I’m not mistaken, Hitman GO was in my top games list from 2014, so of course, Square Enix had to surprise me and make another great game based on the same turn-based gameplay. This time, we follow Lara Croft of Tomb Raider fame, a well-known explorer who always finds herself in crazy situations.

Much like Hitman GO, everything is based on single movements. When you move, baddies move, and if you are spotted, you die. Lara Croft GO brings another dimension, as you can now travel up (vertical), instead of just left, right, forward, and backward. It makes a few levels quite the challenge, but with fun music and sweet graphics, it makes up for any frustrations you might have when not beating a level.

Play Link

Sunburn!

When I needed a quick gaming fix and didn’t feel like dealing with Death Claws or something from Fallout Shelter, I played Sunburn! This game is quick to pick up, but the story is also quite touching. You are the commander of a crew that is lost in space, and with no resources, the best thing you can hope for is a quick and somewhat painless death. So, what better way to die than by flying yourself directly into a burning star?

To play, you fly around in a little jetpack collecting your crew members, and then fly everyone into a nearby star. This game does not feature any happy endings, but again, that’s what I liked about it. It’s very morbid.

Play Link

Does Not Commute

From the same folks who gave us Granny Smith, Does Not Commute easily makes this list. In this game, which leads me to never want to drive ever again, you direct traffic in a world full of unruly road warriors. Everyone has somewhere they need to be, and it is up to you, the player, to get everyone to their destinations in one piece.

As you progress, you must deal with a growing amount of vehicles to manage, and quite quickly, you will find that your timing needs to be extremely impeccable if you are to succeed. Considering it’s Mediocre (the game studio), it plays and looks incredibly good on mobile devices. Although, side note, we need a Granny Smith 2 really bad. Maybe next year?

Play Link

Limbo

Limbo is by no means a new game, but for Android users, it launched in February. This game takes place in a shadowy world of dreams, featuring large spiders, puzzles that will leave you boggled, and characters deaths that may have you laughing pretty hard.

The game is your basic platformer, but it’s all about the mood and atmosphere that the game sets for the players. It’s a dark, scary world, and you never know what is hiding underneath that rock or behind that tree. The game was a major success on multiple platforms, which has me hoping for a sequel badly.

Play Link

Mortal Kombat X

I don’t think Mortal Kombat X needs an introduction or explanation as to why its kicks ass — it just does. I have been playing Mortal Kombat since I can remember, and in fact, it may be one of the first video game experiences I ever fondly cared for. I would plead with my father to give me quarters so I could head down to the local laundromat to play the arcade version they had. Since then, Mortal Kombat has always delivered a sense of enjoyment whenever I would rip someone’s spine from their body. Oh yeah, bloody times.

In this release for mobile devices fashioned after the console version of the same name, you can play all of your favorite characters, and perform all of the moves you love. You kick, punch, and kill. That is the point after all of Mortal Kombat.

Play Link

There you have it, my top games of 2015. Share yours below.

2016 Samsung Smart TVs Will be SmartThings Hubs for Your Home

CES is next week, so you may want to apply an internet filter for the terms “IoT” and “Internet of Things” if you don’t care for a world that is connected. With smartphone sales slowing and tablets and wearables not exactly blowing up the charts, companies are turning to your homes in hopes of finding the next big thing. This really started last year at CES where you couldn’t run faster from the word “IoT,” but it’ll be even more of a focus this year as IoT platforms are starting to evolve into actual products you can buy. Samsung will be at the forefront of it all, thanks to their SmartThings line-up and new Smart TVs for 2016.

Samsung announced today that all of their 2016 SUHD TVs will have IoT hub technology, which just means that the TV itself can act as the controller of your smart home. Of course, you’ll need to be invested in a smart home powered by Samsung’s SmartThings or SmartThings compatible devices, but that was to be expected.

Samsung tosses around scenarios that could occur, like a person that you know approaches your home. Through your new Samsung Smart TV, you could see them coming via camera and then unlock the door. You could even receive pop-up notifications on your TV that relay motion detected outside from a sensor.

If you are invested in Samsung, SmartThings, and are considering picking up one of their new 2016 TVs, your phone or tablet will no longer have to be the controlling hub of your home.

Via: Samsung

DEAL: Just $49 for a VPN Land Lifetime Subscription

Heading into 2016, you should probably consider securing your internet connections on both mobile and desktop. With a service like VPN Land – which today’s deal gets you a lifetime subscription for just $49.99 – you get just that.

VPN Land gives you access to over 400 servers across the globe that allow you mask your IP when browsing, limit opportunities for your information t be stolen, avoid geo-location blocks of things like Netflix and Hulu, access other blocked websites, and even use VoIP apps like Skype. But again, the big thing with a VPN service like VPN Land is to get you browsing securely.

This deal, which would cost $599 at full retail, is good at the $49.99 lifetime price for the next few days. VPN Land works on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX.

Deal Link

DEAL: $3 Off TechMatte 5-Foot and 3-Foot USB Type-C to Type-A Cables (Benson Leung Approved)

Still getting used to life with USB Type-C in it, even though you have owned a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X for a couple of months now? Or maybe you haven’t at all and are completely new to the idea of having to buy new cables, because you just received the phone over the holidays? Either way, we thought we should point out a couple of nice deals on TechMatte USB Type-C to Type-A cables that are fully approved by Googler, Benson Leung.

The discounts are on the 5-foot and 3-foot models, with $3 coming off of each after code has been applied. That discount takes the 5-foot from $9.99 to $6.99 and the 3-foot from $8.99 to $5.99. Not bad for cables that are up to spec and also apparently of the quality of Google’s own Type-C cables.

At checkout, use code “4N4GQVAL” for the 5-foot or “X63CJZ9D” for the 3-foot.

Amazon Link | Benson’s review

Cheers Scott!

AT&T Says It has More Than 27 Million VoLTE Subscribers, Does Carrier-to-Carrier VoLTE Exchange

AT&T announced today that its voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) service is king, at least in terms of subscribers. According to their numbers, their VoLTE covers more than 295 million Americans, even if only 27 million of them are actual signed up for it, which is tops in the US. That’s a lot! Good for them.

There may be bigger news than numbers out of this announcement, though, and that’s a two-sentence, end-of-paragraph mention in their news release about carrier-to-carrier VoLTE exchanges.

AT&T said that they “saw” the first VoLTE exchange between their customers and those on another carrier. This is only available in “limited, select areas,” but is a huge deal for those of you wanting a better calling experience to everyone you know, not just those on AT&T. AT&T didn’t specify which carrier was on the other end. It could have been Verizon, since Big Red announced at the end of last year that they would be working with AT&T to make this cross-carrier interaction happen.

As you know, VoLTE allows you to place calls over LTE, which means HD Voice (clearer voice alls) and video calling in better quality. It’s the future of calling, assuming any of us call people anymore. I’m kidding, of course…sort of.

Anyone placed an HD Voice call lately? Notice a difference in quality?

Via: AT&T

Samsung to Launch Samsung Pay for Online Shoppers in 2016

In a recent interview, Thomas Ko, global co-general manager of Samsung Pay, stated that online payment support via Samsung Pay is coming soon to those in the US. Right now, Samsung Pay is limited to the latest high-end handsets from Samsung, but in 2016, the company will look to offer support for Samsung Pay to mid-range devices as well as desktop users, greatening the amount of users the service can pull in.

While other mobile payment services are still struggling to get their foot in the door, mostly thanks to businesses being slow to adopt updated credit card terminals with NFC, Samsung Pay is the most widely accepted solution in the US. This fact is due to MST, which we have detailed many times before. Samsung Pay users with a supported device can walk into virtually any business with a credit card terminal, swipe their phone, and be on their way. If you have ever seen Samsung Pay in action, you would agree, it’s a superior experience than to using Android Pay or Apple Pay.

With a move to online support, Samsung could see higher user retention across multiple platforms, which helps to build a habit in using the service.

Are you using Samsung Pay? If so, do you completely love it or is it mostly hype?

Via: Reuters

Monday, December 28, 2015

Cher Wang: HTC Will Never Disappear, Big Plans for 2016

In 2016, HTC desperately needs a hit. Industry analysts have been predicting the company’s death, with one columnist going so far as to say the company is headed for extinction next year. Speaking with the press, HTC’s CEO and chairwoman, Cher Wang, says the company is not going anywhere and will continue to have a presence in the smartphone market.

Back in June, Wang conceded that the One M9, along with the company’s overall performance over the past few years needed an overhaul. From that talk with shareholders, it was learned that HTC would make significant “improvements in innovation and design” for their flagship phone for next year. In the most recent meeting, Wang stayed on track, stating that 2016 will be a big year for HTC.

As for what consumers in the US can expect in 2016, we should have a new flagship One device, the One M10. While we have no details as to what HTC is cooking up, we can at least hope the company has learned from past mistakes and will make the One M10 a device suitable to going up against Samsung’s 2016 lineup. In addition, it is reported HTC will continue its trek to offer premium low and mid-range devices for all budgets. Not only is HTC hoping to release a blockbuster smartphone, but the company has invested heavily in virtual reality, with the HTC Vive scheduled to see a public release in April of next year.

If HTC delivers a killer One M10 device, would you be in line to check it out?

Via: Focus Taiwan

Google Glass for Enterprise Passes Through FCC Testing

I can’t decide if it feels like it has been years or weeks since Google announced the first Google Glass Explorers Program at I/O 2012 by jumping out of a blimp above the conference that was going on. Such drama. Such excitement. Google’s latest model of Glass passed through the FCC recently and the news just seems, not as exciting.

To be sold in the United States with a WiFi and Bluetooth radio inside, this FCC stop is fairly routine. It needs to pass regulations, which is the cause for all the boring measurement photos of the device. Rumors of this upcoming device say that it’s going to feature 5GHz WiFi capability, increased battery life and some other improvements, but Google hasn’t officially announced anything yet. Luckily for us, stops like this by the men and women at the FCC usually mean a finished product isn’t too far down the line.

What’s surprising to us is the mundane feeling this Glass news brings. Such a fall from where it started in 2012 with the extreme sports entrance into a live crowd during Google I/O. Is this the niche that Glass has been relegated to so it can make a profit? Enterprise and business customers? Business is business I guess. After re-watching that entrance into I/O, I’m trying to imagine what could have been if Glass didn’t cost $1,500 to try.

Via: Verge | FCC

Deal: Pay What You Want for the Android Expert’s Coding Bundle

For just two days more, you can pay what you want for the Android Expert’s Coding Bundle on the DL Deals Store. Inside, you will find essential guides for learning to code for Android, including Marshmallow app development and java programming, totaling more than 75 hours of content.

If you pay below the average, you will receive the first three courses, but should you pay more than the average, currently set at $11.58, you will unlock all 5 courses. Of the price you pay, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Save the Children.

If interested, follow the link below and become the development master you always wanted to be.

What’s Included

Master Marshmallow App Development Using Java
Java Programming for Beginners
Java Essentials for Android
Build Android Apps with the Marshmallow Studio Course
Learn to Reskin Android Apps for Fun & Profit

Deal Link

My Favorite Android Apps of 2015

I’m starting to think that this mobile ecosystem that we play in every day has matured. I say that because I haven’t dramatically changed the way I use my phone from 2014 to 2015. I still use many of the same apps as I did last year (most can be found in this list), though some have improved greatly and a few have been replaced. I don’t know that that’s a bad thing, I think it just shows that it’s become harder and harder to standout with new apps or services. Or maybe people aren’t even attempting to make new products or services because the standard options are so good? Whatever the case may be, I do feel as though I’m more efficient than ever and am also able to accomplish more with the apps I continue to use on a regular basis. So that’s a good thing.

In this post, I thought I would share those apps that I continued and/or started to use in 2015. I’ve found a pretty good groove this year in terms of getting the most out of my smartphone and these apps all seem to be aiding in that.

These are my favorite Android apps of 2015.

Inbox by Gmail

A lot of you want nothing to do with this app and I get why – it’s kind of crazy different than most email apps. That just happens to be what I love about it. I use Inbox for so much. It allows me to easily push emails to later dates, set instant reminders for some, create stand-alone reminders that work across Google, pin important items, and answer some emails without ever typing a word. It also smartly bundles all of my trip emails together for quick access when I’m traveling and maybe more importantly, lets me crush all of my morning inbox in a matter of seconds thanks to bundles of PR garbage that arrive each and every day. Inbox is awesome.

It makes this list because I couldn’t really start using it full-time until February of this year when Google opened it up to Google for Work accounts. Up until that point, I was using both Gmail and Inbox, but the minute Google gave Gapps support, I ditched Gmail for good. I haven’t even considered returning, either, which is something I never thought would happen. Inbox is the exact type of forward thinking, productivity-focused, email app that I needed and I don’t see any reason to ditch it.

Play Link

Samsung Pay

If there is an award for biggest game-changer on Android, it might be Samsung Pay. While mobile payment solutions are a dime a dozen these days, this is the only one that does something different. Well, not just different, but does something all other payment apps should be envious of and that’s Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST).

With Samsung Pay, you can walk into almost any retailer and pay using your Galaxy phone. It doesn’t have to be outfitted with an NFC terminal; all you need is a credit card swiper and a new Galaxy phone from 2015 and you can pay. With MST, Samsung Pay emulates a credit card swipe, allowing you to pay almost anywhere. This is the first step towards society being able to ditch physical credit cards. Forget what Apple and Google are doing with their payment solutions, because it’ll be years and years and years before we get NFC terminals everywhere.

Unfortunately, Samsung Pay only works with four phones at the moment (Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, and Note 5) and a pretty limited number of credit cards. I was fortunate enough to meet all of the requirements and had at least a couple of moments where I walked up to a cashier who tried to tell me I couldn’t pay using my phone because they “Didn’t have that thing here.” Of course, their mind was a bit blown when my phone worked anyway.

Play Link

Google Photos

This year, Google gave us their new Photos app. It’s f*cking awesome. Not only do you get unlimited storage for life, a slick UI, auto-awesome for photos (including animations), and availability on all platforms, but Google keeps adding incredibly useful features to it, like rediscovering photos from years ago and creating quick shared albums that others can join and add to.

My whole family and anyone else I talk to about mobile photos has been turned onto this service by me. It’s too good to not recommend over and over again. If you aren’t using Google Photos, you probably should be.

Play Link

Tapet

Tapet isn’t a new app at all, but thanks to some updates that were pushed this year, this has become my go-to wallpaper app on most days. It’s so cool and so addicting that you could spend hours on it creating wallpapers, saving them, applying them, and then doing it all over again.

We’re big into customization here, but this sort of takes all of that to a new level. With Tapet, you get to automatically create wallpaper after wallpaper with the touch of a button. They all adhere to Google’s Material Design styles, but you can also limit the output to feature colors and designs that fit your taste. It works with Muzei, is all generated on phone (no internet slow downloads here), gets frequent updates with new designs, and isn’t a live wallpaper (don’t worry, battery nerds).

Grab this app now if you are at all a fan of wallpapers.

Play Link

Google Keep

I don’t think I could even count the number of to-do list or note taking apps on Android if you asked me to. Most are pretty good too, but I keep settling on Google Keep. Actually, I’ve just stayed with it ever since Google introduced it, even as it struggled as a bare-bones app without many features during the early days. This year, though, it got easy sharing of notes (November 2014 actually), the ability to set labels and reminders, Android Wear support, quicker note taking, and drawing! It’s that first feature that keeps me coming back. My wife and I share lists and things multiple times per week.

Keep isn’t ever going to be the most robust note taking app, but it now has enough features to play with some of the big boys, while remaining minimal and quick. It also works well with other Google services, which is a big plus for someone like me.

Play Link

LastPass

I’m actually a little ashamed to admit that I finally got into LastPass during this past year. You know what I’m now using it for the most? Setting up new phones. Why didn’t someone tell me about this before? I know that use-case isn’t exactly a reason most would use it, but it has allowed me to setup new phones in minutes rather than an hour or so because I don’t have to type out login information. Plus, with fingerprint validation support built-in, you can access your LastPass locker without having to remember your ridiculously hard LastPass master password.

Sure, many will shy away from password lockers because there is always going to be an uneasiness about giving one entity control over all of your secure life, but I have found it to be a major efficiency improver on my phone. We now have to change passwords far too often with all of our online accounts because of constant threats, so a service like this that can create impossible-to-remember options that are ultra-secure, is something to consider.

Play Link

So there are my favorite apps of 2015. Feel free to share yours.

GIVEAWAY: $250 in Google Play Gift Cards Up for Grabs!

Did you know that you can email Google Play gift cards to people in $10, $15, $20, $25, $50, and $100 increments? Well, you can! And because you can, we decided it is once again time to give a bunch away to you. In fact, we’ll hand out a total of $250 in Google Play gift cards within the next 24 hours. Sound good?

As always this type of giveaway is as easy as it gets. We have a Rafflecopter widget below that you must enter through in order to win. There are three simple instructions for you to follow in order to enter. You don’t have to do them all, but if you do, your chances of winning go up. Once you have entered, sit back and wait for names to be drawn tomorrow morning. 16 will be drawn.

Go!

Giveaway

Prizes:

We are giving away $250 in Google Play gift cards to 16 people. Six (6) people will win $25 gift cards and ten (10) people will win $10 gift cards.

How to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners:

We’ll choose winners tomorrow (December 29) at 10AM Pacific. We’ll contact each through the email they used in the Rafflecopter widget. Once they confirm where they want the gift card sent, we’ll send over prizes.

Report: Upcoming Galaxy S7 Could Come in Two Screen Sizes

The new year is just days away at this point and with numerous reports mentioning a January announcement from Samsung detailing the Galaxy S7, you can expect to start hearing more and more leaks. The latest information points to two different screen sizes for the Galaxy S7 and rumored Galaxy S7 Edge.

Previous rumors made the not-outrageous assumption that the S7 would be using the same screen size as the Galaxy S6 Edge+. But if the latest report is to be believed, there will be two versions of the S7; a 5.2″ model with a flat screen and a 5.5″ curved-screen model for the S7 Edge.

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge were different screens, but of the same 5.1″ size. After those two launched, the S6 Edge+ was announced a few months later. This new strategy, if true, would be something different for Samsung. It does seem that we have reached the pinnacle of enormous cellphones and are backing down toward more manageable screen sizes.

Are you interested in two separate models of the Galaxy S7?

Via: Verge | ET News

Google Play Offers Up Free, $0.99, and Other Discounted Albums

Google is currently offering up “The Year’s Best Music Deals” through a promotion on Google Play that features a handful of free or $0.99 albums, along with dozens of others that are $10.

The free and super cheap ($0.99) list includes everything from country to hip hop, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding something you’ll like. Carrie Underwood Greatest Hits is on there, as is Future’s DS2, Skrillex and Diplo’s Jack U, G-Eazy’s These Things Happen, and Jana Kramer’s thirty one. The less-than-$10 list includes artists like Michael Jackson, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Bieber, Billy Joel, Kenny Chesney, Lauryn Hill, and others.

The sale on all of this goodness is likely only temporary, so don’t hesitate.

Play Link

DEAL: NVIDIA SHIELD TV With Free Remote and Game for $175 [$25 Off]

Assuming you have any holiday cash to burn through after the long weekend and you are interested in the best Android TV box, take a look at the deal that Gamestop is hosting for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV. For $175, you get an NVIDIA SHIELD TV box, SHIELD Controller (gamepad), and a free SHIELD Remote, which typically retails for around $50 on its own. This bundle normally sells for $199, though, so you are getting a $25 discount at that $175 price. Oh, Gamestop is also tossing in a free game called Battle of Sol, which would cost you $10 on its own.

Not a bad deal for those looking to get into an Android TV box.

Gamestop Link

Verizon is Handing Out Up to $650 Per Line if You Switch Over From Another Carrier

To end the year, Verizon appears to be ready to pay for your business in a way that almost all of the other carriers have tried over the past couple of years. Big Red, the one wireless carrier who has tried to avoid this type of promo, has either given in to the new battle for wireless customers or wants to try and crush them all with through their LTE fingertips. Whatever the case, this is what’s going on in a new $650 per line switching deal that the company kicked off this morning.

Verizon says that if you are “stuck on the wrong network” and decide to switch over to their network, they will give you “up to $650 to get unstuck.” The promo is a per line deal, though, so if your family of four were to switch, you could theoretically get up to $2,600.

The deal is sort of simple, in that you just need to port over your number to Verizon, purchase a 4G LTE smartphone on a device payment plan, and then trade-in your old device from the carrier you are leaving. Once you do that, Verizon does this combination calculation of the either your early termination fee (ETF) or device payments owed from your previous carrier, less the device trade-in and sends you a VISA prepaid card 8 weeks later for the balance.

For example, they’ll pay up to $350 on an ETF, minus the value of your device trade-in (let’s say $130), and would then send you a $220 gift card. If you have a device payment to be paid out, they’ll pay up to $650 minus the device trade-in (let’s say $325), which would get you a $325 gift card. Sort of make sense? So you know, they are giving you account credit for the device trade-in, which I’m assuming can then be used toward whatever you want on your new Verizon account.

In order for all of this to hold, you’ll need to keep your new lines active for a minimum of 6 months. Otherwise, expect to pay back whatever the value of that VISA prepaid card was.

If you want to switch to Verizon, hit up the source link below and squint for the fine print.

Via: Verizon

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Samsung Announces the Galaxy A9 for China, 6″ Display and Octa-Core Processor

Samsung has a new device for the smartphone market in China, the Galaxy A9, part of the Galaxy A family. Set to release in China later this month, the phone features a premium exterior of glass and metal, much like we have on the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 here in the US. One major difference, though, is the Galaxy A9’s larger 6″ Super AMOLED display, as well as a 4,000mAh battery.

Other specs include a Snapdragon 652 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 13MP rear-facing camera, 8MP front-facing camera, 32GB of storage, microSD cart slot support for up to 128GB of storage, and will run Android 5.1 upon release.

As we have seen on recent Galaxy devices, the Home button on the frontside of the device will double as a fingerprint reader, and in addition, the device will launch with Samsung Pay compatibility.

At this time, it is unknown whether Samsung intends to offer this device in markets outside of China. Maybe we will learn more at CES, though.

Via: Engadget [Chinese Version]

NVIDIA Announces 12 Days of SHIELDsmas, Deals on Games for SHIELD

If you are looking for additional games to keep you busy over the holiday week and weekend, NVIDIA has announced the 12 of SHIELDsmas. During this time, owners of the SHIELD Android TV, or any other SHIELD-powered device will find a ton of discounted games through SHIELD Hub and GeForce Now. If you don’t have a Tegra-powered device, don’t worry, all of the games listed for the Google Play portion of this promo will be discounted for you, too. The deals are set to begin tomorrow, Christmas eve, and run until January 4.

Soon to be listed as discounted for SHIELD Android TV is The Battle of Sol, Never Alone, Pure Pool, Pix the Cat, Killing Floor: Calamity, and more. On GeForce NOW, folks will find The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt available at 50% off, Sublevel Zero at 25% off, and others. Lastly, part of Google’s holiday deals taking place on Google Play, folks can grab Leo’s Fortune, Goat Simulator, Joe Danger, and plenty of other great titles available at discounted prices.

All of the links and details for each game are below.

50% Off Native SHIELD Android TV Games (12/24-1/4):

GeForce NOW Games (12/24-1/4):

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – 50% off (12/24-12/28 only)
Oceanhorn: Monster of the Uncharted Seas – 50% off
Sublevel Zero – 25% off
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power – 50% off

Additional SHIELD Hub Games Discounted as part of the Google Year-End Deals (12/22-12/29):

FINAL FANTASY III – $6.99
Goat Simulator – $0.99
Joe Danger – $0.99
Leo’s Fortune – $0.99
Minecraft: Story Mode – $0.10
Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour – $0.99
NBA Jam – $0.10
Pac-Man CE DX – $0.99
Rayman Fiesta Run – $0.25
Riptide GP 2 – $0.49
This War of Mine – $4.49

Samsung Requesting Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Marshmallow Beta Testers in UK

Across the pond in the United Kingdom, Samsung is looking for volunteers to beta test a Marshmallow update for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, meaning folks here in the US must be getting awfully close to seeing the update themselves.

Entering the beta seems easy enough, as all that is required is an unlocked model of the aforementioned devices. If you have that, all must do is sign-up for a Samsung account, install the Galaxy Care application from the Samsung Galaxy Apps app, and then complete the Galaxy Beta Program registration process.

We have yet to see exactly what Marshmallow includes for Samsung devices, but of course, there should be Doze, Now on Tap, and other various additions Google baked into Android 6.0.

Fingers crossed that once the beta goes smoothly in the UK, folks here in the US can get their hands on Marshmallow soon after.

Via: @SamsungMobileUK

Searching “Bubble Level” on Your Phone Brings Up an Interactive Bubble Level

I was recently hanging photos and posters in my house, constantly trying to find my handy dandy bubble level. If I would have known about this trick in Google Search, I might saved a bit of time. As posted onto reddit, if you search “Bubble Level” via Google, an interactive bubble level will hit your screen, perfect for your leveling needs.

While there are plenty of apps available for free on Google Play, this trick will allow you to save a bit of storage on your device, as running it through the search results does not require many resources. If you enable your device to go into landscape mode, the length of your phone should be just fine for most leveling jobs, such as picture frames.

I gave it a shot, and while a phone is probably not the ideal solution for leveling everything in your home, it certainly does the trick.

Give it a try.

Sponsors

Thursday, December 31, 2015

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