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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

This is the Nest Cam and the New Nest App for Android

You know that story from earlier today that suggested Nest may unveil a new wireless camera at next week’s event? This is the camera. This is the Nest Cam.

As you can see from the image above, it looks quite similar to a Dropcam, which would make sense, since Nest now owns Dropcam and has access to their hardware, molds, etc. The Nest Cam, according to our sources, has been in testing for months in disguise as a Dropcam Pro, only with Nest branding on the front in place of the word “Dropcam.” You can see an image of a test unit here.

The new unit appears to have been slimmed down quite substantially to a much more modern and sleek body that should fit quite nicely on a shelf. Dropcams were never the most beautiful piece of technology in your house, but the Nest Cam certainly changes that some.

Nest has been slowly rolling out new features to test units, like full 1080p video streaming (likely recording too) and a simpler setup process that involves Bluetooth and QR codes. As you may recall from the FCC filing we saw this morning, the new Nest wireless camera does indeed have Bluetooth, which we suggested would be used to setup new cameras. There could also be other new unique features to Nest Cam that we haven’t been made aware of.

Here is another look at the Nest Cam.

new nest camera1

On a related note, the Nest app is about to receive a major overhaul that also brings together Dropcam and Nest products. The new app is getting a UI makeover that looks quite modern, has a slide-down menu (yes, down), and a new button-heavy interface. But maybe more importantly, the new Nest app has the ability to show you Dropcam cameras and their status. The app will also (of course) let you control your Nest Thermostat and Protects, making the Nest app a hub for controlling all of their products.

new nest app2 new nest app3 new nest app1

We don’t know anything about pricing or availability.

Next week should be fun, though.

This is the Nest Cam and the New Nest App for Android is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: 128GB Lexar MicroSD Card With USB 3.0 Reader is Just $73

Looking for a fresh deal on a 128GB microSD card for your non-Galaxy S6? Amazon recently dropped the price of the Lexar 128GB UHS-1/U3 card that is coupled with a USB 3.0 card reader. The combo runs just $72.99, which is a steal. Both Samsung and SanDisk’s 128GB cards cost more than $73, and neither comes with a USB 2.0 reader.

If you don’t want the full 128GB card, they also have a 64GB combo that is only $42.99.

Prime shipping is included.

Amazon Link 

Cheers Scott!

Deal: 128GB Lexar MicroSD Card With USB 3.0 Reader is Just $73 is a post from: Droid Life



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HTC One M9 Global Software Update Brings Camera and Battery Life Improvements

HTC announced today that it has a global software update rolling out in select territories and markets for the One M9, bringing a gang of fixes for the device. As of right now, HTC states this update is rolling out in European markets, so we Americans will need to wait a bit longer. 

Inside a blog post, HTC details fixes they are bringing for the rear-facing camera, including a greater auto-exposure balance algorithm to improve overall dynamic range. This means images should appear more detailed and balanced, especially in bright lighting conditions. These same fixes will be applied for shots taken in darker light as well, with HTC promising more detailed and truer-to-life colors.

As for the battery, the company states that they are working to lower the outer temperature of the device while it is charging. And lastly, overall performance increases for the battery are featured, plus optimizations when certain power-hungry apps are active, such as Facebook and Hangouts.

These updates tend to take a bit of time to reach the states, as they must go through carrier approval and testing. HTC has not given any type of promise or 90 day guarantee, but you can rest assured that they are working hard to get it out to everyone as soon as possible.

Via: HTC

HTC One M9 Global Software Update Brings Camera and Battery Life Improvements is a post from: Droid Life



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Hangouts 4.0 Leaks, May be the Major UI Update We Have All Been Waiting For

Google Hangouts, one of the most disappointing and frustrating apps of Google’s to use over the years, might finally be getting the UI overhaul we have all been waiting for. According to Android Police, who claims to have received Hangouts v4.0 a wee bit earlier than Google more than likely had hoped, the new user interface is quite improved. After looking at the screenshots they grabbed of the app, I would tend to agree. 

As you all know, Hangouts in its current state is a disaster. It’s frustrating to use at best. There is this really awkward 3-column layout as your main screen (if you have Hangouts Dialer installed) that seems all sorts of unnecessary, an odd way to create conversations (especially group conversations), and a painful amount of steps are required to do certain simple tasks, like change accounts.

So what’s new in Hangouts 4.0? The UI is now much more polished than ever before. You now have a single-screen that shows you a list of conversations, along with a FAB that allows you to quickly create new ones (with recently contacted folks too), launch video calls, or create a group chat. Inside conversations, messages now have rounded corners, you have dedicated buttons for attachments like emoji, pictures, camera, stickers, and location sharing, and you can even set your status.

It looks miles better in v4.0 than it does in v3.3, which is what you all have now.

We have no idea when Google will release this, but hopefully, it’s soon.

hangouts 4-2

Via:  Android Police

Hangouts 4.0 Leaks, May be the Major UI Update We Have All Been Waiting For is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: Mpow 3-Port Intelligent Car Charger for $14, Free Shipping

Plan on taking a road trip with the clan, but worry about someone’s phone running out of juice? Well, you can pick up a Mpow 3-Port Intelligent Car Charger for just $14 on the DL Deals Store, allowing you to charge three smart devices simultaneously. 

What makes this little charger “intelligent” is its ability to identify connected devices, then charge them at full speed. No, it’s not Quick Charge 2.0 compatible, but better than other car chargers you might find at Best Buy. And as you can see on Amazon, this little charger is rated quite nicely, priced at about $16.

If this little gizmo would be useful for your car, have at it by following the link below.

Features

  • Supports both 12V &18V input for optimized charging for smartphones & tablets
  • Identifies connected devices & charges at full speed
  • Fits snuggly into most cars’ sockets
  • Crafted in a compact .5″ design
  • Charge 2 tablets & 1 smartphone at the same time

Deal Link

Deal: Mpow 3-Port Intelligent Car Charger for $14, Free Shipping is a post from: Droid Life



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Gmail Update Brings Oauth Support for Yahoo and Microsoft Accounts

An update for Gmail is shipping out via Google Play, bringing added security for users loading up their Microsoft and Yahoo email accounts through Google’s client. 

This support allows users of Yahoo and Microsoft to take advantage of security features such as two-step verification and account recovery. For those of you who are conscious of security, this is big news.

To grab the latest update, head on over to Google Play.

Play Link

Via: Google

Gmail Update Brings Oauth Support for Yahoo and Microsoft Accounts is a post from: Droid Life



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Google Wants Your Thoughts on Google Voice in This Survey to Help Them “Prioritize Features”

Over two years ago now, Google told us that Hangouts was the future of Google Voice. I don’t know what kind of future they envisioned at that time, but Google Voice is still functioning today almost exactly as it was then – as is Hangouts. Now we also have Project Fi added to the whole equation, so the “future” is still mostly uncertain for one of Google’s services that is arguably one of its most innovative, even if the company has neglected it for years. 

According to a survey that was made available to all Google Voice users today, it seems that maybe Google still isn’t sure where they should take Voice. Through this survey, which can be accessed by logging in to your Google Voice account (or through this support thread), Google is trying to figure out “how people use Google Voice,” so that they can “improve Google Voice and prioritize features.”

The questions in the survey focus on how your Google Voice is setup, if you use it for SMS and/or calls, where you access it from, what you like and dislike about it, and which features are the most important.

Google says that the survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete. If you take the survey, you will have the chance to win a free Chromecast, as well.

You tell us, how can Google improve Google Voice?

Cheers Nick!

Google Wants Your Thoughts on Google Voice in This Survey to Help Them “Prioritize Features” is a post from: Droid Life



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The Droid Life Show: Episode 84

We are still alive! Well, you know that because we keep posting all that is happening in the world of tech, but if you are a fan of the DL Show and have been wondering what happened to the actual show, then you might have thought that we were kidnapped, or something. Today, though, we are back!

On the show, we actually have like 1,007 topics to cover because we haven’t been on air since before Google I/O. Kind of crazy, right? We also had Apple’s WWDC this week and a whole bunch of stuff in between. We’ll try to hit on the biggest events of the last month, so that you aren’t overwhelmed and/or bored.

At 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern), we will be live.

If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below.   

Subscribe | iTunes | Stitcher| Show Page

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Android Auto to Launch Inside Later 2016 Cadillac Models

Later in the 2016 model year, Cadillac intends to launch Android Auto inside its vehicles, while having Apple’s CarPlay ready right at launch. These vehicles should be at dealerships this summer, including the all-new Escalade, plus CTS and XTS vehicle lineups. 

Even though CarPlay is getting the initial love, Android Auto brings great features to drivers, set on top of Cadillac’s own CUE infotainment system. Google’s OS for vehicles is mostly centered around Google Maps and Google Play Music, with additional apps launching all of the time. As of this moment, most of the apps available are catered towards listeners of podcasts and things of that nature.

On top of the Android Auto implementation, set for later in the 2016 model lineup, Cadillac is improving its own CUE system, with a faster processor allowing for quicker start-up times and improved voice recognition.

As time goes on, we can expect to see plenty more carmakers begin to implement these systems directly into purchasable vehicles. For consumers, that kicks ass.

Via: General Motors

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Nest May Introduce a New Wireless Camera at Next Week’s Event

Nest has an event planned for next week, but up until today, a potential focus for the Google-owned smart home product maker was mostly unknown. Sure, we all assumed that a new product of some sort would be on hand, but no one was sure if it would be a new thermostat, something from Dropcam (a company Nest owns), or the introduction of a new product category altogether.

According to an FCC filing from “Nest Labs Inc.,” we may see a new camera. 

An FCC listing under ID ZQANC11 that was posted May 28, specifically mentions that Nest has a new wireless camera in the works. This is an IP camera that appears to work over both WiFi (802.11b/g/n) and maybe even Bluetooth as well. Bluetooth could just be for connectivity for setup, though.

Screen Shot 2015-06-10 at 10.49.48 AM

Pictures of the product aren’t revealed in the filing and won’t be until November of this year. That means we should see this product publicly at some point between now and then, likely at next week’s event.

With that in mind, take a look at the FCC label placement (below) for the product, which is “located on the bottom of the device.” That sure looks like a perfectly round circle to me. Dropcam cameras have perfectly round bottoms. Will Nest give us a new Dropcam product? They haven’t since they bought Dropcam a year ago. Maybe now is the time?

Screen Shot 2015-06-10 at 10.50.51 AM

What do you think? Are we getting a new Dropcam product? Maybe something else too?

Via:  FCC | 9to5Google
Cheers Steve!

Nest May Introduce a New Wireless Camera at Next Week’s Event is a post from: Droid Life



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theScore eSports App Receives Update That Counter-Strike Fans Will Love

theScore’s standalone app for eSports received an update this morning in Google Play, bringing live scoring and stats for all of your favorite Counter-Strike: Global Offense (CS:GO) teams. 

Notifications for when your team or favorite player is about to play are available, in addition to notifications when a match has ended with a final score. If you follow CS:GO on the competitive level, it doesn’t get much sweeter.

On top of the CS:GO action, general performance enhancements have been added in, making the app more stable and reliable.

If you love Counter-Strike, go grab the update.

Play Link

theScore eSports App Receives Update That Counter-Strike Fans Will Love is a post from: Droid Life



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Huawei Watch Delayed Until September or October…Ugh

The Huawei Watch, a wearable that most considered the darling of MWC (which was in February, by the way), is now delayed until September “at the earliest.” We may not see this round beauty until October, according to He Gang, the head of Huawei’s smartphone division. 

Why the delay? There have been problems with Android Wear, or maybe better put, Huawei figuring out a way to create a watch that can work in both China and the rest of the world. As you know, Android Wear is completely controlled by Google, but Google and its services aren’t exactly available in China, which is the issue. At least that’s the issue that a report out of China is suggesting. It’s not clear if that means Huawei is going to create separate versions for China and the rest of the world, or if they are finding a way to make a single watch work everywhere with some work-arounds.

I can’t help but think that a delay for this watch, which again, was first unveiled in February and now won’t lunch until September-October, is going to make it a difficult sell. We should see a new Moto 360 and Samsung’s round watch before Huawei can get their watch out the door.

Via:  Want China Times

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LG G4 on T-Mobile Also Receiving Surprise Automatic-Installing Update Today

Just yesterday, the AT&T LG G4 received an update that automatically installed itself without user permission. As you can imagine, that pissed some people off, especially those who assume the update is nothing more than a root killer. Today, a similar situation appears to be in the works for the T-Mobile variant of the LG G4. Readers of ours, as well as those in various forums, are reporting that a mysterious update is automatically installing and rebooting their phones. Not good. 

The update, according to T-Mobile, is “mandatory” and “improves software stability.” It rolls out as build H8111Oh and is apparently a hefty 174.10MB in size.

There isn’t a changelog other than the mention of it being mandatory and improving stability.

Anyone else see this update without your approval?

Screenshot_2015-06-10-06-17-56

Via:  T-Mobile
Cheers David!

LG G4 on T-Mobile Also Receiving Surprise Automatic-Installing Update Today is a post from: Droid Life



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Want to Win a OnePlus 2? Here are Two Contests to Enter

OnePlus is giving three grand prize winners an all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong, while also hand delivering an all-new OnePlus 2 if you have the skills needed to win. In two separate contests, you either create and publish on YouTube a detailed video about your “OnePlus Story,” or share the best photo you can on Instagram taken on a OnePlus One with no editing whatsoever.  

Two grand prize winners will be selected from the video contest, while just one is chosen from the photo contest. To sum up the video contest rules, you will need to publish a video shot in landscape mode with a resolution of nothing less than 1080p. Although, OnePlus states 4K is preferred. The OnePlus team will choose 10 finalists from the group, then forum members will vote who wins the grand prize.

For the Instagram contest, you need to take the best shot you can using no editing or filters. Just pure digital photography skills. Do note, you can use your OnePlus One’s built-in settings adjusters; just no coloring filters. You will be asked to send in the original file if chosen as a winner. 10 finalists will be selected based on popularity aka “likes” on Instagram. Then, forum members will choose a grand prize winner. So, if you don’t have a OnePlus One or don’t think you can get enough friends to “like” your photo on Instagram, you may be screwed.

If you win either of the contests, your calendar will need to be clear on or around June 28, 2015. That’s when you fly out to Hong Kong.

Think you have what it takes? Best of luck.

Via: OnePlus [2]

Want to Win a OnePlus 2? Here are Two Contests to Enter is a post from: Droid Life



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Google’s New Location-Aware Search is Rolling Out and Awesome

Ever been in front of a restaurant and wondered when it opened, but didn’t want to bother with pulling out your phone, searching for its name in an app, then scrolling through information to find out its business ours? Or maybe you were standing in a park, looking at a monument and wondering just how tall that statue was? What about that lake in front of you, how deep is it? Google can answer questions like these for you, even if you don’t know the name of the restaurant, park, monument, or lake. With their recently launched (and unannounced) location-aware search, you can ask Google things about items nearby and based on your location, will give you answers. 

Danny Sullivan of Search Engine Land was at a conference in Paris yesterday where Google was showing off the new location-aware goodness and captured some of the examples in videos that were posted to Twitter.

Here are some of them:

How cool is that?

Google has yet to officially announce any of this, so all of the details surround it are somewhat of a mystery. Still, feel free to give it a try today as you move about your town or city.

Via:  Search Engine Land

Google’s New Location-Aware Search is Rolling Out and Awesome is a post from: Droid Life



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