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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Deal: Get a Bayit Smart Wi-Fi Socket for Just $40, Free Shipping Included

Over on the DL Deals Store, you can currently pick up a fancy new Bayit Smart WiFi Socket for just $39.99, down from its usual price of $55. As shown off during this year’s CES, the Smart WiFi Socket allows owners to place timers on individual home appliances, hopefully leading to less energy used, saving you money in the long run.

In case you were curious about what appliances are compatible, the answer is simple — any and all appliances. If it plugs into the wall, Bayit works. Setup is relatively quick and painless, taking roughly 2 minutes to connect the device to your WiFi connection at home. Once set, you can program schedules and timers for your appliances to turn on and off automatically.

If this interesting little gizmo strikes your fancy, follow that link below.

Features

Use with fans, heaters, lamps, TV’s—any home appliance
Set up quickly w/ intuitive, 2-minute process
Set schedules & set timers to turn devices on-and-off automatically
Cut your energy bill by setting your devices to turn off when you’re gone

Deal Link

Deal: Get a Bayit Smart Wi-Fi Socket for Just $40, Free Shipping Included is a post from: Droid Life

This Supermassive Black Hole Live Wallpaper Looks Sick

If you are a bit of a space nut like myself, and find yourself thinking about black holes and different dimensions, might I suggest you check out this Supermassive Black Hole live wallpaper from Maxelus? This is the same team of developers who released other well-known live wallpaper apps such as Planet Packs, Tornado 3D, and Asteroids Pack.

Once applied, you can choose from quite a few different preset scenes, including Inferno Clouds, Pegasus Galaxy, Banelord Nebula, and Sandstorm Galaxy. Each has its own set of characteristics that change color and show different forms. Of course, none of that matters, as you see it all sucked down into the black hole. The app also features a gyroscope, allowing you to see different angles when you tilt your device. Although, I disabled this setting because I found it distracting.

This wallpaper only costs $1.95, but does ask for an IAP permission. However, after looking through the app, I don’t see anywhere to make a purchase, so who knows why that permission is asked for. If you buy the app, you get full access to settings and themes. And before you ask, I am using it on a Galaxy S6 and I am not noticing any crazy changes in battery life. This isn’t 2011, people.

Check it out.

Play Link ($1.95)

This Supermassive Black Hole Live Wallpaper Looks Sick is a post from: Droid Life

Cartoon Network Releases Blamburger for Android, a Game Centered Around Clarence

Clarence, the lovable young boy who turns even the darkest of times into happy thoughts on Cartoon Network’s show of the same name, is the star of his very own mobile game now. In the game, titled Blamburger, you are tasked with creating yummy hamburgers for Clarence and his friends to eat.

While you can go ahead and make any type of burger you want, there are special recipes you can follow to get bonus points, unlocking new ingredients and recipes for you to try. However, be careful to watch for falling sticks of dynamite. If you get hit, you get no points for your current burger.

The overall goal is create mile-high burgers made of specific ingredients. There are also shiny ingredients that speed up the fall of objects, including dynamite, which you will need to watch out for. Although, if you don’t get hit by a boom stick, you get a 4x bonus for 5 seconds.

The game is fun, and if Clarence happens to be one of your guilty pleasures (I’m guilty of this), then go check it out on Google Play.

It is free on Google Play and features no IAPs.

Play Link

Cartoon Network Releases Blamburger for Android, a Game Centered Around Clarence is a post from: Droid Life

Tuesday Poll: How Often Do You Upgrade Phones?

It’s 2015 and almost all of your options for upgrading to new phones while keeping unlimited data through places like AT&T or Verizon have been killed off. I would imagine that in order to upgrade these days and not fork out $600 up front, many of you have decided to give up on unlimited and either sign a new contract or go with a device payment plan. This is the unfortunate and sad world we live in.

Because of this potential change, there is a chance that many of you are upgrading at much different intervals than you have in the past. When we asked you two years ago how often you upgraded, the majority of you said, “Every 2 years.” Then last year, we asked the same thing and you either all won the lottery or decided that smartphones were worth spending cash on and said “whenever I see a new phone.”

Today, we want to see if anything has changed. Are you still upgrading whenever you want or are you waiting for your specific upgrade dates through payment plans or contracts?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Tuesday Poll: How Often Do You Upgrade Phones? is a post from: Droid Life

Here is Your Reference Guide for Building Material Design Into Apps

Material Design strikes me as being intimidating as hell. From understanding its varying concepts to actually building them out in app form through complex transitions and layers doesn’t seem like the simplest of tasks, even for the most advanced developer and designer. Then again, I’m not an advanced developer or a designer, so it could be that Material Design is a breeze to figure out and implement and it’s just way above my pay grade. Whatever the case may be, Google wants to help everyone understand Material Design concepts and ideas through an Android version of Topeka, which is like a reference design of many Material Design implementations in an app.

Topeka was previously a web app that showcased Material Design, but this new Android version that is open-sourced on GitHub should get you all familiar with Google’s vision for MD.

If you are a developer, you should head over to the source link below to see more on Topeka and how you can use it to better your apps. you will find recommendations for transitions, animations, and FAB placement, three things I’m not sure any of us can say we have seen presented consistently by anyone over the last year.

Via: Android Developers

Here is Your Reference Guide for Building Material Design Into Apps is a post from: Droid Life

dbrand Unveils New Bamboo Skin, Celebrates With Store-Wide 25% Off Sale

For those of you who may want to change up the look of your smartphone, dbrand has a fancy new skin for you to check out, which could turn your plastic or metal smartphone into a elegant, wooden piece of art. dbrand has partnered up with 3M to get the look and feel of real bamboo made into a skin, with buyers able to apply it to many different smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.

To celebrate the launch of the bamboo skin, dbrand is hosting a site-wide 25% off sale on everything. No coupon codes are needed, but if you are interested, you only have 24 hours to get in on the sale.

For most smartphones, the skin is priced at $18 for the entire device. That’s front, back, and side skins. If you only want a single piece, it’s about $5 a pop for whatever phone you have.

To take advantage of the sale, or to check out what your phone would look like bathed in bamboo, follow the via link below.

Via: dbrand

dbrand Unveils New Bamboo Skin, Celebrates With Store-Wide 25% Off Sale is a post from: Droid Life

BitTorrent Launches “Shoot,” a Phone-to-Phone Photo and Video Sharing App

How often have you been with friends or at a party or with someone else who wants a copy of the picture you just took on your phone? And how often have you cringed at thinking of a quick way to get that photo to them? There is email or a social network or Android Beam (lulz!), none of which are really all that quick or efficient, especially when sending multiple files. BitTorrent wants to be your option with their new app called Shoot.

With shoot, which will need to be installed on each device, you get to be either the sender or receiver. As the sender, you get to choose which photos or videos you want to send through a simple, modern app gallery UI. As a receiver, all you need to do is tap a receive button and then scan a QR code from the sender. The video explains it better, but basically, the sender taps a big “Send” button, selects photos/videos, and then confirms the selections. Once complete, a QR appears on the sender’s device, which the receiver can then scan. Once scanned, the photos or videos should start transferring immediately from sender to receiver.

Simple, right?

The app is free to use for the most part. Senders can perform 3 sends for free, but are then charged a 1-time $1.99 fee to unlock unlimited sends. For receivers, the app is always free.

Play Link

Via: GetSync

BitTorrent Launches “Shoot,” a Phone-to-Phone Photo and Video Sharing App is a post from: Droid Life

Cortana Beta App to Launch in July for Android as Companion to Windows 10 PCs

The Cortana Beta app for Android users is set to launch in early July, according to the latest word from Microsoft. The app will be released as a companion app to owners of Windows 10 PCs, allowing users to ask Cortana to set reminders and get answers to questions.

As far as we know, anyone and everyone will be able to signup, as Microsoft says nothing about a private or closed beta. Think of it like Microsoft’s Hyperlapse app. It will be a fully working app, but some features may not work properly.

Now, Microsoft’s post doesn’t exactly state that you will need a Windows 10 PC to operate the app, but we doubt it. Instead, you might be limited in terms of what you can do with Cortana, but she will still likely be able to give you reminders about calendar events and give you answers to your search inquiries.

Ready to go hands-on with Cortana? As soon as it’s available, we will let you know.

Via: Windows

Cortana Beta App to Launch in July for Android as Companion to Windows 10 PCs is a post from: Droid Life

Twitter Adds Auto-Play Option for Videos and GIFs

Soon, as you scroll through your Twitter feed, you will be welcomed by moving images and auto-playing videos as a part of Twitter’s continual drive to make watching videos easier than ever on their platform. The company announced today that this “more seamless video experience” has arrived on iOS, with Android expected to get the same experience before long.

We are talking about auto-play of Vines, GIFs, and native videos, of course. Twitter is trying to find ways to reduce the number of taps it takes to get you to the content you need, so auto-playing them all seemed like the next logical step. Sure.

For those with sh*tty data plans that involve insanely overpriced data buckets, Twitter is building in controls to help you avoid running out of data and coughing up more cash to the evil wireless carriers of America. You will be able to turn off auto-play if you want, or you could tell it to only happen when on WiFi.

Oh, and what about audio? It won’t auto-play, but a twist of your device to landscape or a tap on the video will instantly kick on the tunes.

Again, the auto-play addition is available on iOS today, but is only “coming soon” to Android.

Via: Twitter

Twitter Adds Auto-Play Option for Videos and GIFs is a post from: Droid Life

HTC Device Owners, Prepare to See “Promotions” in BlinkFeed

Back in May, a report surfaced that HTC was attempting to implement paid promotions (aka ads) into BlinkFeed. Today, that news becomes official, as the company has announced the changes being made in a post on its website.

In the post, HTC goes over everything you need to know about what is changing inside BlinkFeed, but basically, users in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Taiwan, and China will see a limited amount of paid promotions from companies such as Yahoo!, Twitter, and HTC itself. These promotions will showcase useful and exciting applications you can download, as well as new accessories from HTC.

As of right now, the rollout is in pilot mode, meaning HTC is just testing the waters. More importantly, HTC states they are working on an opt-out feature for those who are completely uninterested in seeing promotions. As stated in the company’s post announcing the promotions, “We will be implementing a way for you to opt out of receiving these promotions, but we hope that displaying native and limited promotions in this way will help you discover new and useful apps and/or products and services.”

There are worse things than a few promotions inside BlinkFeed, and given they are native, they should blend seamlessly into the service. You may not even notice them.

Thoughts?

Via: HTC

HTC Device Owners, Prepare to See “Promotions” in BlinkFeed is a post from: Droid Life

Pushbullet Introduces Portal, an Awesome Way to Transfer Files to Your Devices

Say “hello” to the next app you are guaranteed to install. It’s called Portal and it’s from the creators of Pushbullet, one of our favorite apps. Portal has one goal, which is to make transferring files to your phone or tablet as seamless and easy as possible. After playing with it for two minutes, I can tell you right now that I will now use this multiple times throughout the day.

So how does Portal work? It’s pretty easy.

Install the Portal app (Play link), connect your phone to the WiFi network your computer is on, and then head to portal.pushbullet.com. From there, you will see a QR code that needs to be scanned. To scan it, open the Portal app on your phone, scan it, and then your computer will be connected to your phone via WiFi.

To transfer files, simply drag and drop them into the tab you have open at portal.pushbullet.com. The files will then transfer quickly using your WiFi network and show on your phone in the Portal app instantaneously.

The Pushbullet team says they have been testing files as large as 1GB, so you shouldn’t really have any limitations here.

What else is awesome about Portal?

To find all of the files you have transferred to your phone, open the Portal app. Not only will they all be listed there, but you can tap on each to open or quickly share them via share button.
All of the files save into a Portal folder on your phone, so if you would rather find the files in your favorite file manager, you can do that too.
You can even move the Portal file to an SD card.
As an added bonus, Portal is integrated into Android, so you will find the files through the built-in Android file browser

Ready to take it for a spin? Watch the video below, then hit up the two links you’ll need to get going.

Portal Links: Android App | Web App

Via: Pushbullet

Pushbullet Introduces Portal, an Awesome Way to Transfer Files to Your Devices is a post from: Droid Life

Need Money? Google is Now Paying Those Who Help Find Bugs in Android

This morning, Google introduced the Android Security Rewards program, aimed directly at making Android a safer platform for all users. As of this moment, Google is specifically looking for vulnerabilities affecting the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, and if you happen to find something, you could get paid quite handsomely.

Unfortunately, you won’t become a millionaire overnight by helping Google find and squash bugs, but if you find a critical bug, you could see up to $2,000, and even more cash — up to $8,000 — if CTS tests and patches go through cleanly. That’s a nice little chunk of change.

Here are some details about the new Android Security Rewards program.

For vulnerabilities affecting Nexus phones and tablets available for sale on Google Play (currently Nexus 6 and Nexus 9), we will pay for each step required to fix a security bug, including patches and tests. This makes Nexus the first major line of mobile devices to offer an ongoing vulnerability rewards program.
In addition to rewards for vulnerabilities, our program offers even larger rewards to security researchers that invest in tests and patches that will make the entire ecosystem stronger.
The largest rewards are available to researchers that demonstrate how to work around Android’s platform security features, like ASLR, NX, and the sandboxing that is designed to prevent exploitation and protect users.

If you happen to work in the security field, follow the via link below to learn everything you need to know to get started.

Via: Android Rewards | Google

Need Money? Google is Now Paying Those Who Help Find Bugs in Android is a post from: Droid Life

Google Adds Nutrition Info for Popular Restaurant Chain Items

In a behind-the-scenes update, Google recently added nutrition info for menu items on some of the most popular restaurant chains you frequently visit. From McDonald’s or Wendy’s to TGIFriday’s or Chipotle, all you need to do is search for the restaurant name and “nutrition” on your phone (“chipotle nutrition”) and Google will give you the restaurant’s entire menu, along with listings of items and a quick calorie count.

If you want to see more info, like the fat breakdown, carbohydrate count, or sodium levels, simply tap on an item and Google will load it for you below the menu. Menus can be swiped through to access additional entries or you can tap on the “Full menu” dropdown to switch menu categories.

So there you have it, quick access to information that reminds you to go for a 5-mile jog, at your fingertips.

Via: +Google

Google Adds Nutrition Info for Popular Restaurant Chain Items is a post from: Droid Life

Sony Xperia Z4v is Coming Exclusively to Verizon This Summer With Solid Upgrades

It looks like a version of Sony’s new Xperia Z4 will indeed make its way to the US this summer as the Xperia Z4v, a Verizon exclusive.

The Xperia Z4v is a lot like its cousin, only it includes a slightly thicker body, slightly bigger battery, and wireless charging, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, since that’s exactly how the Xperia Z3v differed from the Xperia Z3. Oh, it also has an upgraded QHD display over the regular Z4’s FHD display.

As for the rest of the specs, you are looking at a 5.2-inch Triluminos QHD display (2560×1440), Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, 32GB storage (with micro SD support), 3,000mAh battery, Quick Charge 2.0 support, wireless charging on both Qi and PMA standards, 20.7MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, and 3GB RAM. the phone runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop.

The Xperia Z4v will arrive at Verizon “this summer” in black and white colorways. No pricing info was announced today.

Experience the Freedom to Play with Sony’s Xperia® Z4v Smartphone Coming to the United States Exclusively on Verizon Wireless
Combines best-in-class entertainment and technology in a beautifully designed waterproof(1) smartphone ideal for PlayStation® Gaming

NEW YORK, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) and Verizon Wireless today announced that the Sony Xperia Z4v smartphone will be available in the United States this summer exclusively from Verizon Wireless. The premium Android™ 4G LTE waterproof(1) smartphone is here to give you the freedom to play – delivering unrivaled entertainment experiences and innovative camera technologies along with powerful battery performance(2).

“The Sony Xperia Z4v continues a tradition of high-quality smartphones that have the best of entertainment with Sony movies, PlayStation gaming, and in-demand features like a powerful battery, all on the largest and most reliable 4G LTE network in the United States,” said Jeff Dietel, vice president, Marketing for Verizon Wireless. “This combination of a great network and a great device makes it easy for customers to explore and enjoy what wireless connectivity can bring to them where they live, work and play.”

Designed to Perform

We know life can be tough on your smartphone. Designed with durability in mind, the slim-framed Xperia Z4v is dust-tight and waterproof, featuring tempered glass panels – so you won’t get held back by a slip or spill.

With impressive performance, Xperia Z4v powers through whatever life throws at it and keeps you up to speed with the latest in entertainment. From 4K recording to gaming, Xperia Z4v’s powerful, ultra-fast Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor with X10 LTE and 64-bit octa-core CPU lets you enjoy a universe of your favorite entertainment in an uncompromised, fluid, and lightning-fast experience. Need to do two things at once or find something online? This impressive processor helps to enable multitasking and fast-paced web browsing while delivering a seamless UI experience. With 32GB storage and up to 128GB SD storage, enjoy unlimited entertainment possibilities in the palm of your hand.

Best-in-class entertainment in a smartphone

For gamers, the Xperia Z4v allows you to break away from your TV and continue your PlayStation®4 (PS4) gaming anywhere in your home via PS4 Remote Play(3). Simply connect your Xperia smartphone to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi® and use your DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller(4) to play full versions of your favorite PS4 games directly on your phone. Additionally, users can stream Spotify while playing PS4 games without ever having to hit pause – simply control the music on your PS4 using your Xperia Z4v with Spotify Connect.

Hear the difference of the Z4v with your own ears. Discover the nuances of your favorite artists with studio quality sound captured by Hi-Res Audio and increase the sound fidelity of MP3 or AAC music tracks to near High-Resolution quality with the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX). Also equipped with LDAC support, the Z4v allows you to transmit your favorite Hi-Res Audio tracks over Bluetooth. Together with the Snapdragon 810’s Fluence™ technology, Sony’s rich audio expertise and first-on-market Automatic Headset Optimization, your Xperia Z4v automatically adjusts audio settings according to the headset style you’re using for the most immersive sound experience.

Xperia Z4v also brings movies to life in vivid detail with the 5.2-inch Full WQHD TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile featuring Live Color LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile, creating a wider palette of rich, natural colors and enhanced color depth and gradation without the risk of oversaturation. Additionally, you can maintain increased brightness and contrast with the Z4v’s power-efficient smart adaptive display.

Take your entertainment with you on-the-go with high-powered battery performance that helps you power through it all, with up to a full day of charge(2). Xperia Z4v features a high-density 3,000 mAh battery and a power efficient display with Memory on Display. Xperia Z4v also offers Battery STAMINA mode and Ultra STAMINA mode to enable efficient power consumption that maximizes battery life. For fast and easy charging, Xperia Z4v features Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 which offers re-charging up to 75% faster(5), embedded wireless charging with the latest inductive ‘Qi’ and PMA technology, and a capless USB port for added convenience.

“With the coming Xperia Z4v launch, we are delivering on our commitment to bringing the latest and greatest Sony smartphones to the US,” said Ravi Nookala, President, Sony Mobile Communications North America. “Our Xperia Z4v offers US customers the most fun mobile experience around with features that give them the freedom to play.”

Superior Camera Technology

Whether you’re snapping a group photo or taking a quick selfie, Xperia Z4v lets you take the perfect shot anytime, anywhere. Utilizing Sony Electronic’s Cyber-Shot® and Handycam® technologies, Xperia Z4v offers superior camera performance on both the 20.7 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras. With the high-sensitivity Exmor RS™ image sensor and high ISO, you can capture high-quality portraits, even in low lighting. Take full advantage of the front-facing camera’s 25 mm wide-angle lens to fit more into your selfie pictures – without distortion at the edges. With 4K video recording capability and SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode, you can document memories in brilliantly detailed high quality video.

Xperia Z4v continues to build on our previous generation’s already impressive camera experience by expanding the ecosystem of camera capabilities and empowering users to unleash their creativity with 15 preloaded Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift burst and Video, picture-in-picture, and self-styling portraits.

Availability

Xperia Z4v will be available this summer in black and white color options and as part of the Made for Xperia offering at Verizon, customers will have a selection of protective cases from leading accessories brands like Incipio®, Tech21, OtterBox®, and Case-Mate available for purchase in-store and online. Verizon customers can sign up online for more information about Xperia Z4v smartphone. For a full list of specifications, visit www.XperiaZ4v.com.

Sony Xperia Z4v is Coming Exclusively to Verizon This Summer With Solid Upgrades is a post from: Droid Life

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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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