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Monday, May 4, 2015

Video: Android Wear 5.1.1 Tour on the Watch Urbane

We are still waiting for the big Android 5.1.1 update to rollout to your favorite Android Wear watches (like the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R), but before that happens we can still show you what to prepare your brains for thanks to the LG Watch Urbane, which is already running it. Yes, for whatever reason, LG and its Watch Urbane got first dibs on one of the biggest Android Wear updates to date

So what’s new, other than WiFi connectivity, a wrist gesture, and always-on apps? Quite a bit actually. You can now add a secure lock screen to your watch, swipe away individual stacked cards (like individual emails in Inbox instead of a whole stack), receive notifications when Android Wear apps or watch faces are installed, change the font size, draw emoji, launch apps quickly through an app drawer, send quick messages to your starred contacts, and more.

The video below takes you through it all!

Video: Android Wear 5.1.1 Tour on the Watch Urbane is a post from: Droid Life



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

The monthly Android Distribution numbers have been updated for the month of May, this time showing a nice chunk of growth for Lollipop. Last month, Lollipop grew to a little over 5% of all devices, but in just a month, it is now nearly at 10%. Keep in mind, as more and more devices are released in 2015 that run Lollipop out of the box, that will help the build’s growth. 

As for Kit Kat, the big dog on campus, it currently sits at 39.8%, which is a slight drop from last month’s 41.4%.

The rest of the versions of Android all dropped, just like they have been for months. Jelly Bean is down to 39.2%% (from 40.7%), Ice Cream Sandwich to 5.3%, and Gingerbread to 5.7%. Froyo is still alive on a few devices, sitting at 0.3%.

Last month’s numbers can be viewed here.

Via: Android

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

According to a tweet from Motorola’s official Twitter account, if anyone was planning on picking up a Moto X tomorrow, they can save up to $225 and get a memory upgrade straight through their site. 

Unfortunately, Moto doesn’t exactly post or link to details on what they are offering. It could be a percentage off of the device’s final price, as well as a price cut on memory. Or possibly free material upgrades to leather backs and memory upgrades, which could amount to $225? We just don’t know yet.

Tomorrow, when the deal goes live on their site, we shall break it down for everyone to make sure you can all take advantage of it if you want a Moto X.

Tempted to see what Moto has going on?

Via: @Motorola

Save Up to $225 and Get a Memory Upgrade When You Purchase a Moto X Tomorrow is a post from: Droid Life



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LG Watch Urbane: Unboxing and First Look

The LG Watch Urbane is in the house! The premium Android Wear device from LG, which was first unveiled at MWC in February, is now available on the Google Store for a whopping $349, in case you were interested.

We picked one up to take it for a first spin and share some thoughts on the latest in smartwatches running Google’s wearables platform. With its premium stainless steel body and polished finish (in either silver or gold), along with a P-OLED display, water resistance, heart rate monitor, and genuine leather strap, this is arguably the best yet. Well, that all depends on your taste in watches, of course. The Moto 360, even after all these months, is still the best looking of the bunch, in my opinion. 

Outside of the premium nature of the Watch Urbane, this is also the first Android Wear device running Android 5.1. That’s a big deal and we will have more on that shortly.

For now, here is a quick unboxing and tour of the device before we get into some deeper impressions.

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LG Watch Urbane: Unboxing and First Look is a post from: Droid Life



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

Humble Bundle, the service that lets you pay what you want for apps and games, is back with number twelve in the Mobile category. In this series, users can grab a few awesome titles, including Monument Valley, Spaceteam, and Blek.

To get access to all of the titles offered, you must pay the average price, which is currently set at a very affordable $3.67. Once the amount you want to pay is decided, you choose how it is divvied up between the app developers and charities of Humble Bundle’s choosing. 

As always, more games are sure to be added to the bundle, so get in on this good deal while it is up. And seriously, if you have yet to try Monument Valley, get on it.

Humble Bundle Link

Latest Humble Mobile Bundle Features Monument Valley, Spaceteam, and Blek is a post from: Droid Life



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Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 29 Answers

We were not quite able to get to this last Friday, so here we are on Monday, posting up the Answers portion to Volume 29 of the DL Q&A Sessions. With Google I/O right around the corner, it is no surprise that many questions focused on what we can expect Google to announce.

Of course, whenever I/O gets brought up, people also want to talk Nexus phones, so we provided our hopes and dreams for the next Nexus smartphone below.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.


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

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

K:  Not really. The Nexus program didn’t and people thought it would. In fact, Google basically just gave into the carrier way with the Nexus 6, so I can’t see Fi doing much better. It also uses the two worst networks in the US, coupled with WiFi, so a big portion of the wireless population won’t even consider it. Its pricing scheme isn’t all that affordable, or at least isn’t game changingly low. It’s a cool idea, and I hope their auto-switching technology catches on with other carriers, but that may be the only thing we see the rest of the industry adopt.

T:  Google has great ideas, but the execution sometimes falls short. People were all hyped for insanely low monthly prices and tons of data, but that’s not what we got. Instead, we’re limited to using the Nexus 6 on T-Mobile and Sprint, which is an opportunity I’m not paying anyone for. If you just become a T-Mobile customer, you get all of their initiatives, like a free year of Netflix, MLB At Bat, and Music Freedom. Plus, their prices are very competitive against the big boys like AT&T and Verizon. Either way, most folks who actually rely on their phones use AT&T and Verizon, because they need service wherever they go. So at this time, Project Fi isn’t doing much besides getting a few folks excited to try WiFi calling.

R:  Nope. I think it’s a decent option for people with good T-Mobile and Sprint service, but it can’t have meaningful impact because it’s very limited in terms of compatible devices and network footprint.

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What are you hoping for in the next Nexus?

K:  Be small or at least normal, and get the price back down to where it used to be with the Nexus 4 and 5. The Nexus 6 really is a whale and no one apparently wanted it. Google said as much in their last earnings call, that Nexus 6 sales were pretty disappointing. Gee, Google, I wonder why? You ditched the affordable price that everyone loved and then created a phone so big it became a niche player.

T:  Hmm, I would like a Galaxy S6 running stock Lollipop. That’d be the hotness. But alas, that will never come straight from Google. I guess I would like to see a smaller phone than the Nexus 6, with a great display and an awesome camera, but knowing the Nexus program, the camera will probably suck. Call me a weirdo, but I don’t get excited for Nexus devices anymore. The Nexus 6 is by far the most boring out of all of them. Just an oversized Moto X. I want revamped Nexus 5. That’s what I want.

R:  I’d love to see a Nexus that is designed for normals to hold, not just basketball players. Besides that, the usual stuff we never get: excellent camera, available from all carriers on day one, and actually free from bloat on the carrier versions. I’d also like a Nexus that has a fingerprint reader. It’s way past time to make that a standard on Android.

Do you have any predictions for Google I/O?

K:  Tough to say, actually. New stuff for Wear (new Moto 360?), maybe a big update for Lollipop? This is one of those years where I haven’t really thought that much about it, because Lollipop still feels so rough around the edges that we have been dealing with it since late last year. You have to wonder if all the time Google has had to spend fixing Lollipop, that maybe some of their new endeavors will be pushed until later this year and I/O will be somewhat boring?

T:  Oh, I know exactly what’s coming at I/O. It’s gonna be all Internet of Things! That’s a joke. Seriously, we will probably see a little bit about Android, and more on Android Auto. Google will talk about all of the partners they have lined up for Auto, plus all of the TV makers that are integrating Android TV. Both subjects are rather snooze worthy, but I/O always has something surprising for everyone. Just like every other year, I’m sure it will be a good time.

R:  I’m hoping Photos gets a lot of attention and finally breaks free of Google+. I’m also hoping to see some new Android Wear stuff.

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

K:  Probably not much. Apple and Google look at wearables completely differently. Apple thinks watches should run apps and be their own little mini phones while Google just thinks watches should give you glance-able info from apps on your phone. The Apple Watch UI is also pretty terrible and not at all done well. It’s like a confusing throwback to bubbles and blackness from the original iPhone. Google really wants Android Wear to remain simple, which is the way it should be.

T:  Both companies have different takes on what wearables should do, so I don’t see much being taken from Apple Watch and being put into Android Wear. I like that Wear is just a glorified place to see notifications. I don’t want to spend a lot of time looking at my watch, since I still have to lug my phone around. Like Ron always says, I don’t think I have been completely convinced that anyone actually needs a smartwatch, but they do look cool.

R:  I think we’ll keep seeing luxury versions to compete with Apple Watch and Edition. Outside of that I haven’t seen a lot from Apple Watch that should make Google worried other than a need for much better awareness and advertising. Everyone knows what Apple Watch is; I can’t say the same about Wear.

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

K:  I’m fine with it, but people may freak a bit about it because of China. Thing is, Google partners with OEMs for Nexus companies for hardware manufacturing, but they really control it all. So the chances of a Chinese Nexus spying on anyone is almost slim to none. Google isn’t going to let that happen. And look, Chinese companies are making high-end phones at rock bottom prices. So if that means ditching the Nexus 6’s ridiculous price and getting back to affordable Nexus phones that look great and perform great, then bring it on.

T:  Average consumers in America probably don’t know what the Nexus program is. Average consumers in America probably don’t know what Huawei, Meizu, and Oppo are. Really, the only people possibly freaking out are the tech nerds like us, so I don’t see it being a big deal. My money is on either Huawei or LG producing the next Nexus, and at this moment, I’m leaning LG. But again, this goes back to my previous answer, being that I am not all that excited for a Nexus device.

R:  I think it’s totally possible. Chinese manufacturers appear to make great devices (I haven’t used one personally so that’s just based on the reviews I’ve seen) and I think it’s in Google’s best interests to bring them into the Google fold quickly. In terms of reactions, I think people will treat it like every other Nexus device – a niche product mostly made for developers.

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What’s your favorite meme?

K:  I’m seriously the least meme-knowledgable person on the planet. I don’t even have an answer…I know, I’m lame.

T:  I’m a big Doge fan. Any Doge meme is fine by me.

R:  This.

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

K:  I would have said Cavs vs. Warriors, but with the Cavs now missing Love for the Playoffs (and Smith for 2 games), they may lose to the Bulls. I actually hope it’s the Bulls and Warriors. The Hawks are just too damn faceless and boring for me to pull for them.

T:  I’m hoping for Cavs and Warriors, with the Warriors winning it all. However, Cavs have a few injuries to deal with, so it could be the Bulls. And if it is the Bulls, that would also be happy. As long as the Rockets lose, I’m happy.

R:  I didn’t know the NBA was in season until 2 weeks ago.

To see previous Q&A Sessions, click here.

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 29 Answers is a post from: Droid Life



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

Google just announced that it has acquired Timeful, an iOS-only calendar app that tries to help “organize your life by understanding your schedule, habits, and needs.” The announcement came via the Gmail blog, but Google mentioned that they plan to integrate the technology behind Timeful into Inbox, Calendar, and “beyond,” so you could see it help tie together all sorts of Google services. I can’t see anyone arguing with better service-to-service integration. 

Since Timeful has only ever been available on iOS, I can’t say that I’m all that familiar with it. With that said, it sounds like it is basically a one-stop shop for you to-dos, meetings, events, and habits. For example, you could tell it to remind you to “call the bank by next Tuesday” or that you want to “exercise three times per week” and it will attempt to find the time and spots for you to get these things done, based around your habits and other happenings. According to its iOS listing, Timeful uses “sophisticated algorithms to suggest the best times” to schedule things throughout the day, based on your available time, location and most productive hours.

Here is the full feature list:

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

Below is the “basics” video of information about Timeful the iOS app, which should help give you a better understanding of the potential for its features to be integrated into Google services.

And again, this move doesn’t mean we are getting a Timeful Android app, it means that the tech is going to be used to improve current Google products.

Via:  Gmail Blog

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Samsung to Release ‘Iron Man’ Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge

According to news sources close to Samsung, the company is set to release an Avengers-themed ‘Iron Man’ Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, made in direct partnership with Marvel. Set to release around the end of May or beginning of June, this phone looks to continue the endless amount of hype this blockbuster has received. 

The phone pictured above is not the actual device consumers may see, but Samsung did confirm the phone will be red. Other specific details, such as the gold trim, are still being discussed with Marvel.

While an Iron Man phone would be cool, I think I would be happy to see a Hulk Galaxy S6. All purple and green.

Do you think this is cool?

Via: SamMobile | Korea Times

Samsung to Release ‘Iron Man’ Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge is a post from: Droid Life



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Samsung Working With Samsonite to Create GPS-Enabled ‘Smart Luggage’

In the future, when you travel through airports, you will know where your luggage is at all times, even after you hand it off at the ticket counter. Luggage-maker Samsonite is reportedly teaming up with Samsung to create Smart Luggage, equipped with microchips and GPS, with the main goal being to alert owners when it has been unloaded from planes and is about to hit the carousel. 

Not only will the Smart Luggage be able to send you its location at just the right time, but if you already have your luggage back, and say you happen to stray too far from it, you will receive a notification on your smartphone, prompting you that leaving your baggage unattended is not such a good idea. Now, there are already Bluetooth accessories for the latter, but the next idea that Samsonite has for luggage is even more legit.

When UK’s Daily Mail spoke with Samsonite’s chief executive Ramesh Tainwala, he states that in his company’s utopian world, there will be self-propelling luggage. Imagine your luggage following just behind you at about six inches, never straying too far out of reach, all on its very own. Better yet, this is something they are already working on, with prototypes already being tested.

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

So, yeah, Smart Luggage. It’s coming.

Via: Daily Mail

Samsung Working With Samsonite to Create GPS-Enabled ‘Smart Luggage’ is a post from: Droid Life



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Collections Feature Going Live Right Now on Google+

Google+ Collections, the social community’s new topic-based feature that we first broke news on a couple of weeks back, seems to be going live to the general public right now. Our own Droid Life G+ page has been given access to Collections, which you can see above.

To check to see if Collections is live for you, head into Google+ and slide open the dropdown menu on the left side and look for “Collections” grouped in with Communities, Events, and Hangouts.

Collections Feature Going Live Right Now on Google+ is a post from: Droid Life



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T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note Edge Gets Lollipop Today

According to T-Mobile, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is getting its update to Lollipop starting today. As build N915TUVU1COD7, this update weighs in at roughly 1.1GB and will require at least a 50% charge on your battery and WiFi. 

T-Mobile didn’t provide any sort of changelog, but we do know the Android version is 5.0.2. Because this is another of Samsung’s phones from last year, we are imagining the update will leave your phone just like it left the Galaxy S5 and Note 4 on Lollipop, which we detailed in this video. You will see Material Design elements throughout, newly skinned Samsung apps, and not a whole lot else. Well, there may be all sorts of bugs, though, we hope they have been reduced from 5.0 and 5.0.1 builds.

To grab the update, head into Settings>About device>Software update.

Via:  T-Mobile

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