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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Tip: Save Yourself 2 Minutes of Hell by Skipping the Android Wear Intro Tour

If you own an Android Wear device, you know how finicky the device can be, especially if you have even considered switching it to a new phone. In fact, every time I try to attach an Android Wear watch to another phone (or attempt to trick it into pulling an OTA), I have to factory reset it. It’s a massive pain in the ass to me, but then again, most people probably won’t be switching their watch over to another phone as regularly as I do.

But let’s say you do switch more often than any normal human should. You probably can’t stand the tutorial that pops up each and every time you reset your watch, right? You know, the frustrating-to-navigate tour that includes confusing swiping instructions and a random temperature screen that still isn’t even a real thing. Guess what? You can skip it! 

Google isn’t exactly up front about telling you how to skip the tutorial, but the option to is certainly there. When you see the first card show up that says “Swipe up to get started,” don’t swipe up. Swipe to the left instead and you should see a big ol’ “Cancel Tutorial” button. Tap that and move on with your life.

You’re welcome.

Tip: Save Yourself 2 Minutes of Hell by Skipping the Android Wear Intro Tour is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: Lifetime Subscription to 1TB of Dripbit Online Backup for $55

In need of 1TB of online backup space? Well, taking place on the DL Deals Store, you can pick up a lifetime subscription to Dripbit Online Backup for just $55, valued at $480. 

With this lifetime subscription, you have access to private, military-grade AWS 256 encryption, perfect for storing all of your precious files. To access these files, there is no need to download them, as a built-in editor allows you to make whatever changes you need while established to a secure connection.

For folks on the go, an Android mobile app lets you access your goods wherever you are, and any web browser can be used for access.

If 1TB of lifetime cloud storage interests you, for just $55, click that link below.

Features

  • Access & edit your files without re-downloading them from the cloud
  • Keep your files private w/ military-grade AWS 256 encryption
  • Enjoy super fast connections
  • View & download your files from any web browser
  • Use on the go w/ iOS, Android & Windows apps

Deal Link

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Nest 5.0 App for Android is Now Available, Will Replace Your Old Nest App

During today’s Nest event, Tony and the boys announced that a new Nest 5.0 app would arrive on both Android and iOS. If you are at all a Nest fiend like me, then you have been checking constantly since the event wrapped for an update to the app. As it turns out, all of that checking for an update was a waste of time, because you actually have to install a brand new Nest app. Let me say that again – the old Nest app can be uninstalled and you will need to install the new Nest app. I know, this isn’t typically how big updates go, but that’s what we’re working with here.

The new Nest app is now just called “Nest” instead of “Nest app” like the original. The new icon for it also has a bit more gradient and shadow, for those paying attention. 

As a recap, the new Nest 5.0 app is a big deal. Not only does it feature a brand new UI and support for the Thermostats and Protects, but it brings in your Dropcams as well (the new Nest Cam too). So now, all of your Nest products live under a single app.

Here is the list of new features:

  • Home Screen – Each Nest Thermostat, Nest Cam or Dropcam has its own spot, while all your Nest Protects roll up into one icon. You can also see live video previews of all your Nest Cams on the home screen so you can get a quick glance of different rooms.
  • Nest Learning Thermostat – It’s now easier to get to and use popular thermostat functions like Energy History, Heat/Cool mode and schedule.
  • Nest Protect – Provides access to Safety Checkup, which lets you test all your alarms from the app, and App Silence lets you hush false alarms from your phone.
  • Nest Cam and Dropcam
    • Nest app offers new enhanced features for phones, including zoom and enhance, which adjusts to give you a sharper view.
    • Talk and Listen is now easier to use. Just hold down the icon and start talking, just like a walkie-talkie.
    • If you have a subscription to Nest Aware with Video History: The Nest app provides a summary of captured events, making it easy to spot moments in your Video History when your camera sensed motion or sound. You can easily skip among events or jump 30 seconds at a time.
    • Dropcam Pro and Dropcam HD can now be accessed from within the Nest app.
    • If you have a Nest Cam and Nest Protect in the same room, you’ll see a camera button when you get a smoke or CO alert on your phone. Tap the button and you’ll immediately be taken to a live view of your home, so you can see what’s going on. Nest Cam will also record a clip of what happened, even if you don’t subscribe to Nest Aware with Video History.

Again, this is a brand new app that requires a full install. The old Nest app, well, feel free to get rid of it.

Play Link

Nest 5.0 App for Android is Now Available, Will Replace Your Old Nest App is a post from: Droid Life



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AT&T Slapped With $100 Million Fine From FCC for Throttling Data Speeds and Not Telling You About It

Announced this morning, the FCC is coming down hard, like, really hard on AT&T. For “misleading consumers about unlimited data plans” and “violating transparency obligations,” the FCC is fining AT&T to the tune of $100 million, the single largest fine ever tossed out by the commission. Ouch. 

During the period of the FCC’s investigation, it is alleged by the commission that AT&T severely throttled the data speeds of customers with an unlimited data plan. Not only that, but AT&T did not notify customers of what was taking place on the backend. According to the FCC, the slowing down in data speed rendered applications unusable by device owners.

Here is a small excerpt from FCC’s press release announcing the fine for AT&T.

In 2011, AT&T implemented a “Maximum Bit Rate” policy and capped the maximum data speeds for unlimited customers after they used a set amount of data within a billing cycle. The capped speeds were much slower than the normal network speeds AT&T advertised and significantly impaired the ability of AT&T customers to access the Internet or use data applications for the remainder of the billing cycle.

To sum up the transparency section, the FCC is charging AT&T with violating the 2010 Open Internet Transparency Rule by “falsely labeling” these data plans as unlimited and by failing to inform customers of what the maximum speed they would see under the carrier’s Maximum Bit Rate policy.

Of course, AT&T came out and announced they will fight these assertions vigorously.

We will vigorously dispute the FCC’s assertions. The FCC has specifically identified this practice as a legitimate and reasonable way to manage network resources for the benefit of all customers, and has known for years that all of the major carriers use it. We have been fully transparent with our customers, providing notice in multiple ways and going well beyond the FCC’s disclosure requirements.

$100 million is a ton of money, even for a major player such as AT&T. But hey, if you attempt to screw the consumer, you best be prepared to pay the price.

Via: Engadget | FCC

AT&T Slapped With $100 Million Fine From FCC for Throttling Data Speeds and Not Telling You About It is a post from: Droid Life



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Obnoxious Feature-by-Feature Rollout Begins Now: OnePlus Confirms Snapdragon 810 V2.1 for OnePlus 2

Last year, as OnePlus prepared to launch their first phone, the OnePlus One, the company announced a new feature or two on a weekly basis to try and stir up a constant stream of press. It was an obnoxiously smart move for a company who likely has the tiniest of marketing budgets. The idea is that you announce a new feature each week, hypebeast the hell out of it on forums and social networks, and then watch as all of the little tech blogs cover it, helping spread the word to the masses. The strategy proved to be a success, as the company sold a million phones last year without spending much if anything.

With the OnePlus 2 almost upon us, prepare yourselves for round two. The (t)rollout of features has already begun with a confirmation of the phone’s processor. 

In a post penned by CEO Pete Lau on the OnePlus forums, Lau announced that their new phone will run Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 v2.1 processor (MSM8994-v2.1). The v2.1 is a slightly newer version of the controversially warm Snapdragon 810, which is said to run cooler and has been featured in devices like the Xperia Z4 and Xiaomi Mi Note Pro. Unfortunately for talk of a this being a cooler version of the 810, I should point out that the Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z4 have already seen plenty of heat-related drama.

OnePlus claims that they worked closely with Qualcomm’s engineers to get this right. They also mentioned that their OxygenOS skin has been optimized to “work beautifully” with the 810.

As a recap on the Snapdragon 810, this is Qualcomm’s flagship 64-bit processor for 2015. It’s featured in the G Flex 2 and HTC One M9, but was passed on by Samsung in the Galaxy S6 because of those oft-referenced overheating issues. The processor supports 4K streaming video, allows phones to snap incredibly fast photos, and games like a beast (when it’s not overheating) thanks to its Adreno 430 GPU.

Get ready for more features…one by one.

Via:  OnePlus

Obnoxious Feature-by-Feature Rollout Begins Now: OnePlus Confirms Snapdragon 810 V2.1 for OnePlus 2 is a post from: Droid Life



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Moto 360 is Finally Getting Its Android Wear Update to Android 5.1.1

According to Googler Wayne Piekarski, a developer advocate who focuses on Android Wear, the big Android 5.1.1 update for the Moto 360 is finally ready. The update will start rolling out to units today, but as you are all well aware, these updates take time to reach everyone. The update will hit only a handful of devices today before gradually increasing its reach over the next few days or weeks. 

After hearing a couple of weeks ago that the update was still in testing as Google and Motorola tried to improve performance, we weren’t sure how much longer we would all have to wait. So, yeah, this is great news!

As a recap, here are some of the big new features:

  • Always-on screen, always-on apps: Most Android Wear watches include an always-on screen—no tapping, twisting or shaking required to see what time it is. Now we’re expanding this option to apps, so they can stay visible as long as you need them, instead of disappearing when you drop your arm. Perfect for running, navigating, or grocery shopping!
  • New launcher & Wrist gestures: Now you can access your apps and contacts by simply swiping left from the watch face. Android Wear also now responds to specific navigation gestures so you can scroll between cards with a simple flick of the wrist. Learn more with our YouTube video.
  • Draw emojis: In response to texts, instant messages, or emails, you can now send emojis to your contacts by drawing them on your watch screen. The watch will recognize the emoji you drew and send it via whichever messaging app you’re using. Give it a try by selecting “Draw emoji” whenever you’re replying to a message!
  • Heads-up notifications: Incoming notifications like text messages will now appear on-screen even when you’re looking at something else on your watch, like directions or fitness stats, so you won’t miss anything important.
  • Switching watches made easier: The Android Wear companion app now lets you pair your phone with more than one watch at a time – ideal for swapping watches to match your style.
  • Change your font size: Want to see more text on your watch screen? Or less? You can now adjust the font size from your watch’s settings.
  • Lock your watch’s screen: Want to lock your watch’s screen when you’re not wearing it? Turn on the new “Screen lock” feature from your watch’s settings. When enabled, if your watch detects you’re not wearing it (or it loses the connection to your phone) for a period of time, then your specified swipe pattern will be required to unlock it.

To see a tour of the new Android 5.1 features, check out the video below.

Let us know if you see the update!

Via:  +Wayne Piekarski
Cheers Carsten!

Moto 360 is Finally Getting Its Android Wear Update to Android 5.1.1 is a post from: Droid Life



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Android 5.1 Soak Test Rolls Out for Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen) in Select Markets

In a recent post to Google+, Motorola’s David Schuster states that soak tests for Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen) devices are currently rolling out in select markets, and that if all goes well, a broader rollout should come next week. 

In his post to G+, Schuster lists each market the soak is available in, and currently, North America is not listed for either device. Of course, unless you have an Unlocked model, you will have to wait for carrier testing and certification anyway, so we may still have a ways to go before official updates begin to hit devices.

If you are curious about which exact markets are seeing the soak tests, here are the lists.

Moto X (2nd Gen) – Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Singapore and Sweden.

Moto X (1st Gen) – Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and United Arab Emirates.

As more info comes in, we will be sure to share it with all of you eager Moto X owners.

Via: +David Schuster

Android 5.1 Soak Test Rolls Out for Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen) in Select Markets is a post from: Droid Life



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Nest Cam and 2nd Gen Nest Protect Now on Google Store

The new Nest Cam and Nest Protect (2nd Gen) are live on the Google Store. For those interested, the Nest Cam can be purchased for $199, and the Nest Protect for $99.

For additional details on each product, read our writeup here.

Note: The original Nest Protect has been discounted to $79.99 on the Google Store.

Google Store Links: Nest Cam ($199) | Nest Protect 2nd Gen ($99)

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Nest Introduces New Protect and Cam, Updates Software for Thermostat and Apps

Nest just exited the stage at their scheduled press event for today, announcing all sorts of new stuff that Nest fans will most certainly enjoy. They refreshed their entire product line, in case you were wondering. That means they showed off the all new Nest Cam, a 2nd generation Nest Protect, new software for the Thermostat, and a brand new app for Android and iOS.

I’ll try and recap the big stuff, but I highly recommend you dive into the press release below, because there is more stuff in there than I can even talk about without spending my entire day on Nest. 

First, we get the Nest Cam, which you know a lot about, thanks to us. It’s a slimmed down, upgraded Dropcam that also has a magnetic base with tripod attachment hole, full 1080p video, improved motion alerts and night vision. With Nest Aware, Cam owners can subscribe for a monthly fee to gain access to video history, alert summaries, clips & timelapses, special activity zone configuration, and advanced motion sensing.

With the new Nest Protect (2nd gen), we get a new design that is 11 percent smaller than the original, split-spectrum sensor, 10-year product lifetime, ability to silence via application, safety checkup via app, automatic sound check of the Protect’s horn once per month, and easier installation. Hopefully, they fixed all of the false alarm issues they had with the original.

The new Nest Thermostat 4.5 software will start rolling out to customers today, with new features like safety temperature alerts (if your home gets too hot or cold), alerts from your Nest Protects, an emergency shutoff, and improved support for multi-zone homes.

As for the new Nest 5.0 Android and iOS app, you get a new home screen and UI that shows your Thermostat, Protects, and Dropcams or Nest Cams. Yes, cameras in the Nest app!

The Nest Cam is available today for $199, along with the Nest Protect (2nd gen) for $99. The Android app should be available today on Google Play.

To dive deeper into the products and the features I just mentioned, hit up the press release below.

new nest app android


Nest Refreshes Entire Product Line

Nest Cam and Nest Protect Completely Redesigned, Nest Learning Thermostat
Gets Software Update and New Features, One Nest App for All Products

Home Insurance Companies Offer Discounts for Nest Customers

Palo Alto, California — June 17, 2015 — Nest Labs, Inc. ( www.nest.com ), architect of the thoughtful home, today announced sweeping refreshes and redesigns across the company’s entire product portfolio with the introduction of Nest Cam, the second generation Nest Protect, new features for the Nest Learning Thermostat, and a brand new app.

  • Nest Cam – With full high-definition (1080p) video quality, a versatile stand, and improved motion alerts and night vision, the new Nest Cam allows people to keep an eye on what they care about from anywhere. And beginning next month, Nest Cam will be available in Europe.
  • Nest Protect – The second generation Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is the first residential alarm to offer a custom, Split-Spectrum Sensor that uses two wavelengths of light to look for different types of fires. Also, Nest Protect alarms can now be silenced from your phone.
  • Nest Learning Thermostat – The best-selling Nest Learning Thermostat is getting even better, now notifying customers when temperatures drop to help avoid frozen pipes and adding new integrations with other Nest products.
  • Nest app 5.0 – The redesigned Nest app 5.0 brings together all three Nest products, across multiple platforms, for the first time, making it easier to access and control Nest products.

“At Nest, we always wanted to build more than a thermostat,” said Tony Fadell, Nest chief executive officer. “Our vision was to create a thoughtful home – a home that takes care of itself and the people in it. Five years later, all the pieces are in place. We’ve built a portfolio of best-in-class products that each stand on their own while doing more together. More than 9,000 developer partners are using the Works with Nest developer program to help seamlessly integrate everything from washers and dryers to cars with our thermostat, smoke alarm and camera. And we’re working with energy and insurance partners to bring more value to our shared customers. Nest products are used in 190+ countries, across multiple platforms, and available wherever people shop. The result? Energy saved, lives spared, and countless memories recorded and shared.”

Nest Cam
With live video streaming to a phone or computer, Nest Cam gives people peace of mind and the ability to stay connected to the things they care about. The all-new Nest Cam builds on the Dropcam features customers love, adding better video quality and a new design to make it even easier to keep an eye on your home. Nest Cam will be available for the first time in Europe, specifically in Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands and the U.K.

New Features:

  • New design – The new stand’s magnetic base can stick to metal, be mounted to the wall or screwed onto a universal tripod. It can twist around, bend at an angle, or be mounted upside down. The stand incorporates a rare-earth magnet and ¼ inch, 20-screw mount, so you can securely place it in even more locations. Its body design provides three degrees of freedom so customers can capture the view they want.
  • Video quality – Nest Cam delivers crisp 1080p HD over Wi-Fi so customers can see the finest details across the room.
  • Secure streaming – Stream and store video content with a unique 2048-bit RSA key and securely transmit using a 128-bit SSL connection.
  • Improved Night Vision – Eight high-powered infrared LEDs and new algorithms improve Night Vision and motion detection. Other home cameras give you a spotlight view at night, but Nest Cam lets you see the entire room. And because Nest Cam’s sensors know the difference between a flashlight and sunlight, Night Vision won’t get confused and switch to day mode every time a bright light passes in front of the camera. That can be hugely helpful if an intruder turns on a flash light, or if headlights flash across your window.
  • Nest Aware with Video History – Customers can subscribe for an additional monthly fee to gain access to:
  • Video History – Scroll through 10 or 30 days of content depending on your subscription choice so you have extra time to see what happened and save the stuff you want to remember.
  • Alert Summary – If something happens, you don’t have to dig through hours of video to find it. Nest Aware with Video History highlights the moments when there is motion or sound and shows you what happened.
  • Clips & Timelapses – Make, save and share up to three hours of clips.
  • Activity Zones – Create custom Activity Zones around areas of interest – such as a door – so you can be alerted of any activity in a specific area.
  • Advanced motion sensing – Nest Cam uses the power of the cloud to provide more accurate alerts and detect areas where common false alarms occur, like ceilings.

Nest Cam + YouTube Together with YouTube, Nest is piloting the ability for YouTube creators to stream directly to YouTube Live from Nest Cam, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite personalities. Initial participants include:

  • Unbox Therapy – Lewis Hilsenteger has built a subscriber base of more than two million by sharing the unboxing process of a wide range of consumer electronics products. Lew will use Nest Cam to set up a live stream of his production studio.
  • Devin Supertramp – Devin Graham is an American videographer who produces adventure and extreme sports videos. His channel has more than three million subscribers. Devin will use Nest Cam to give his viewers a live look at the preparation that goes into his amazing stunts.
  • iJustine – Justine Ezarik is a techie, gamer, vlogger and a top personality on YouTube with more than three million subscribers across her channels. Justine plans to use Nest Cam as a way to live stream some of her special events.

“I bought a Dropcam a few months ago and used it to set up a public live stream of my office on my website,” said Lewis Hilsenteger, the creator of Unbox Therapy. “The response was overwhelmingly positive – my audience loved having a behind-the-scenes view of my production studio. And now, being able to stream directly from the new Nest Cam – in full HD – to my YouTube channel means that it will be even easier for Unbox Therapy subscribers to get that inside look without having to leave YouTube.”

In addition, Nest has enabled some of the most popular camera feeds to stream directly to Nest’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/nest) so people can see live video of everything from puppies to scenic landscapes – all in one place.

Nest Protect
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), 60 percent of fire deaths in the U.S. happen when there’s no smoke alarm or the smoke alarm failed to operate. The second generation Nest Protect has new features to help people know the alarm is working and running safely, and it now has up to a ten- year product lifetime. Like the first generation Nest Protect, it does more than just sound an alarm. It speaks to you, telling you what and where the problem is.

New features:

  • New design – The second generation Nest Protect is 11 percent smaller and sits more flush against the ceiling or wall. It has a stainless steel screen with tiny hexagonal holes designed to let in smoke for assessment while keeping everything else out. And the light ring now shines even brighter for a better Pathlight.
  • Split-Spectrum Sensor – Inside the new smoke chamber, Nest Protect uses two wavelengths of light to look for both fast- and slow-burning fires.
  • App Silence – Nest Protect warns you of danger, but if everything’s under control, you might not need that sound anymore. Now you can hush false alarms from your phone or tablet using the new Nest app.
  • Up to 10-year product lifetime – Nest Protect’s updated sensors provide customers with a new, longer product lifetime of up to 10 years before the device needs to be replaced.
  • Safety Checkup – The NFPA recommends you test your alarms once a month. Now, you can test the sensors, power, Wi-Fi connection, horn and speaker on all your alarms, right from your phone.
  • Sound Check – Once per month, Nest Protect automatically tests the speaker and horn – quietly and quickly – using a built-in microphone.
  • Easier installation – A redesigned backplate helps get Nest Protect level when placing it on your ceiling or wall, and an easy-to-open battery door makes battery replacement easier than ever. Nest Protect also includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to improve pairing during setup.

New feature for both first and second generation Nest Protects:

  • Whole Home Nightly Promise – Nightly Promise shows you Nest Protect’s sensors and batteries are working with a quick green glow after you turn off the lights, or a yellow glow if Nest Protect needs attention. Now, instead of only indicating the status level of the Nest Protect in the room you’re in, Nightly Promise will indicate the status of all Nest Protects throughout the home so you can sleep safe and sound.

Safety Rewards: Save money by being safe
Just like a car alarm can reduce your car insurance premium, having a Nest Protect can reduce your home insurance premium. Building on the success of Nest’s energy partner program, Nest is partnering with forward-looking home insurance companies to help people stay safe while saving money on their insurance policies. Four out of five firefighters would trust Nest Protect to protect their homes, and insurance companies know that Nest Protect can keep families safe from smoke and carbon monoxide. They’re working with Nest to give eligible customers a Nest Protect for less – or even at no cost. Additionally, through Nest Safety Rewards, a participating Nest insurance partner may give you a discount on your annual premiums.

Customers who elect to participate in Safety Rewards can share basic summarized information with participating insurance companies to verify that their Nest Protects are working. Specifically, once a month, Nest will tell a participating customer’s insurer if:

  1. Nest Protect’s batteries are charged
  2. Its sensors are working
  3. Its Wi-Fi connection is good

These monthly reports do not include whether the alarm went off, and even if a customer’s Nest Protect temporarily loses power or Wi-Fi connectivity, it won’t impact the benefits Nest’s insurance partners offer through Safety Rewards. And of course, customers can opt out of Safety Rewards at any time from within the Nest app or by contacting their insurance company.

American Family, a multi-line insurer based in Madison, Wisconsin that operates in 19 states, and Liberty Mutual Insurance, the third-largest property/casualty insurer in the U.S, are the first insurance partners to provide offers as part of Nest Safety Rewards. Customers can enroll with American Family in Minnesota starting today and with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin starting this summer. Both American Family and Liberty Mutual Insurance are exploring plans to expand the program to additional markets.

Visit http://ift.tt/1L02NRP to sign up for Nest Safety Rewards or to learn more.

Nest Learning Thermostat software 4.5
The Nest Learning Thermostat is adding new features to both first and second generation products, and also has a new integration with Nest Protect to help keep Nest customers safer and more comfortable.

New features:

  • Safety Temperature Alerts – Nest now sends a message to your phone if your home gets too hot or too cold. So you’ll get a notification if your pipes could freeze or a pet could overheat. When the temperature returns to normal, Nest will let you know.
  • Nest Protect Emergency Alerts – If you have a Nest Protect at home, you can now see smoke and CO alerts right on your thermostat. The more places you see an alarm, the more chances you have of catching a problem early.
  • Nest Protect Emergency Shutoff – Some heating systems can be a source of CO leaks. Others can make a fire worse by spreading smoke throughout your home. Now your Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect can work together to turn off your forced air heating/cooling system in a smoke or CO emergency.
  • Improved multi-zone homes – Control up to 20 thermostats, per home, from within the app. The thermostats will work together to save energy and coordinate Auto-Away.

Nest app 5.0
For the first time you can control all of your Nest products from a single app. The fifth generation Nest app for your phone, tablet and computer has a new look and added features that make it easier to control all your Nest products, and your existing Dropcams. Customers can use the Nest app in any browser and on both Android or iOS devices (iOS 8.0+, Android 4.0+).

Key Features

  • Home Screen – Each Nest Thermostat, Nest Cam or Dropcam has its own spot, while all your Nest Protects roll up into one icon. You can also see live video previews of all your Nest Cams on the home screen so you can get a quick glance of different rooms.
  • Nest Learning Thermostat – It’s now easier to get to and use popular thermostat functions like Energy History, Heat/Cool mode and schedule.
  • Nest Protect – Provides access to Safety Checkup, which lets you test all your alarms from the app, and App Silence lets you hush false alarms from your phone.
  • Nest Cam and Dropcam
  • Nest app offers new enhanced features for phones, including zoom and enhance, which adjusts to give you a sharper view.
  • Talk and Listen is now easier to use. Just hold down the icon and start talking, just like a walkie-talkie.
  • If you have a subscription to Nest Aware with Video History: The Nest app provides a summary of captured events, making it easy to spot moments in your Video History when your camera sensed motion or sound. You can easily skip among events or jump 30 seconds at a time.
  • Dropcam Pro and Dropcam HD can now be accessed from within the Nest app.
  • If you have a Nest Cam and Nest Protect in the same room, you’ll see a camera button when you get a smoke or CO alert on your phone. Tap the button and you’ll immediately be taken to a live view of your home, so you can see what’s going on. Nest Cam will also record a clip of what happened, even if you don’t subscribe to Nest Aware with Video History.

Availability

  • Nest Cam is available for purchase today with a suggested retail price of $199. It will begin shipping this month.
  • Nest Aware with Video History can be purchased as a 10-day or 30-day subscription for $10 or $30 per month, respectively.
  • Nest Protect is available for purchase today for a suggested retail price of $99. It will begin shipping next month.
  • Nest app 5.0 is available now in the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
  • Nest Learning Thermostat software 4.5 will begin rolling out today and will take up to two weeks to reach all Nest customers.

Nest Cam and the second generation Nest Protect are available for purchase now at www.nest.com, as well as from a range of retail partners, including Amazon, Best Buy, Google Play, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target in the U.S. The Nest Aware with Video History subscription is available exclusively at www.nest.com or through the Nest app.

Nest Protect, Nest Cam and the Nest Aware with Video History subscription will also be available in Belgium, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands and the U.K. this summer.

Finally, starting today, customers in markets where Google Fiber is available – Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Provo, Utah – who sign up for Fiber can purchase up to three Nest Thermostats for $200 (regularly priced at $249) with installation included. Visit http://ift.tt/1N3hnqS for more information.

About Nest

Nest’s mission is to create a home that’s thoughtful – one that takes care of itself and the people inside it. The company focuses on simple, beautiful and delightful hardware, software and services. The Nest Learning Thermostat™ and Nest Energy Services keep you comfortable and address home energy consumption. The Nest Protect: Smoke + Carbon Monoxide™ alarm helps keep you safe while Nest Cam™ keeps an eye on what matters most in your home. Nest products are sold in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands and are installed in more than 190 countries. The Nest Learning Thermostat has helped save three billion kWh of energy to date. The Nest Developer Program, Works with Nest, makes it possible for Nest devices to interact with other products in your home to do even more. For more information, visit www.nest.com.

Nest Introduces New Protect and Cam, Updates Software for Thermostat and Apps is a post from: Droid Life



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Razer Forge TV Now Available on Google Play for $149, Includes Game Controller

Forge TV, Razer’s own Android TV-powered set-top box is now available through the Google Store. Priced at $149, buyers get the actual Forge TV box, coupled with a Serval Gaming Controller. 

The Forge TV is a rather small unit, featuring just a single HDMI port, gigabit ethernet port, and USB port. When compared to something like the SHIELD from NVIDIA, it’s lacking just a little bit in the hardware department. However, the included Serval controller can be attached to smartphones, providing mobile gamers a new way to enjoy their playtime while on the go.

The Forge TV bundle is priced at $149, the same as it is over on Amazon. If you have been meaning to pick one up, but were just waiting for the right moment, go for it.

Google Store Link ($149)

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Samsung Updates Game Recorder+ App to Allow for Game Audio Recording

Fancy yourself a gameplay commentator? Well, thanks to this new Game Recorder+ app from Samsung, made specifically for high-end Galaxy devices, you can record your mobile gameplay, with your beautiful face and voice on top, then upload it directly to YouTube.

The app was published to Google Play last week, but thanks to a quick update available now in Google Play and the Galaxy Apps store, users can record audio directly from the game, not just audio taken from the device’s microphone. So, if you hate your voice, no worries there anymore. 

Surprisingly, I never even knew this app hit Google Play, and honestly, it kinda kicks ass. There are a ton of games I have wanted to record myself playing, and now, that task is super easy with this app. For example, I can play scary games, give walkthrough tips on puzzler games, and even provide me comedic talents to games that totally suck.

Samsung states that every game is compatible, as long as it is downloaded from Galaxy Apps and Google Play. But no, no applications are recordable, only games. If you don’t see a game you have installed listed in the Recorder+ app, you can manually set it yourself. When running, the app boosts the memory allotment for apps, making sure you don’t experience any jank or lag during your gaming session.

As for what devices are supported, Game Recorder+ is supported by the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S4. As of right now, no Galaxy S6 Active or any tablets.

Play Link

Via: +Samsung Mobile | Samsung

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Nest Cam Will Cost $199, Up for Pre-Order Now at Best Buy

Not that you doubted our exclusive report on the Nest Cam, but it’s all now confirmed prior to today’s Nest event, thanks to Best Buy.The Nest Cam will go up for pre-order today at $199 at places like BBY. We would assume that Amazon, Google Store, and Nest’s own store will sell them as well. 

Like the Dropcam, which Nest owns and seems to have based this device on, this is a wireless IP camera (for security or spying on pets, etc.) that comes with a free companion app, so that you can view footage from your mobile device. It sends out notifications to your phone for motion or sound detection, records in 1080p, lets you see at night with infrared night vision, has 8x zoom, 130-degree field of view, allows you talk two-ways, and includes wall-mounting hardware. Nest Cam owners will also have the option of adding cloud recording, so you can go back and really see the dirty things your pets are up to.

As you will see in the images below from Best Buy’s website, the new Nest app we first showed you is indeed on the way. You will be able to add your Dropcams and this Nest Cam to it, so your days of managed both Nest and Dropcam apps will soon be behind you.

Best Buy Link (Model: NC1102ES)

Screen Shot 2015-06-17 at 9.37.50 AM

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Cheers @htowngator!

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Report: Huawei Employee Confirms Nexus Plans, to Launch Later This Year

Even though alleged specs have been floating around for what seems like months, any type of actual confirmation regarding a Huawei-made Nexus device has been rather limited. However, we have new information this week, as a Huawei UK employee has anonymously reached out to the International Business Times, reportedly confirming the company’s partnership with Google in creation of a Nexus smartphone. 

Previously known as codename ‘angler,’ the device is said to launch later this year, featuring a 5.7″ QHD display. Unfortunately, the unnamed employee did not give any exact details about the device, minus the exception that it is indeed, a real thing.

As stated by the source, through the release of a Nexus phone, Huawei can set its sights on the western market, as it already claims the number one spot in China in terms of smartphone makers. Introducing a new company in the US by way of the Nexus program would not be a bad idea at all, at least in our opinion. Sure, Huawei is known well among the tech geeks here, but most general consumers in the US may be unaware of the company.

Still, with timeframes like “later this year” and other ambiguous info floating around, we probably still have a few months to go before we see any real details.

If the rumors become true, and Google releases two Nexus smartphones — one from LG and one from Huawei — which company would you be leaning towards if you were to be in the market?

Via: BGR | IBT

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I Need a New Zooper Widget, Got Anything Good?

Yesterday, I spent a good hour looking through the world of Zooper widgets featured by users on Google+ in hopes that I would find something to occupy my home screen and also share with you. Let me tell you right now that I don’t recommend any of you attempt this. It’s painful. Google+ was once a great place to share your home screen setups, but now you get the same handful of users sharing their same creations in 25 different communities, rendering G+’s search functionality almost worthless.

Instead of creating that level of headache for a second straight day, I figured I may as well just ask the greatest Android community on the planet for their help. Yes, I’m talking about you. And yes, I’m using you…in a way. But look, this is me using you for the greater good of the personalization community. By me asking for you to recommend Zooper widget skins in the comments, you all get to see all of the awesome recommendations that each other recommend (if that makes sense). This is all sorts of win-win for all of us. You give me inspiration through your awesomeness, and we all benefit from the awesomeness of each other’s awesomeness. 

So, got any good Zooper widget skins that you would recommend? Feel free to drop them in the comments!

(On a related note, I’m currently using Ana Zooper skin and the newly released Glif icon pack.)

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Say It Ain’t So: Deutsche Telekom Wants to Sell T-Mobile to Comcast (Updated)

As a T-Mobile customer, try to think about the worst thing that could ever happen to the company you pay each month for wireless service? Oh, come on, that’s easy – the worst company on Earth could buy T-Mobile. And that’s the news today, according German outlet Manager Magazin. Sources suggest that Deutsche Telekom, the company that owns T-Mobile US, wants Comcast to buy T-Mobile. Ugh. UGH. 

Deutsche Telekom is apparently in talks with several potential buyers, one of which is Dish. They consider Comcast to be the most “attractive buyer,” though, because they are financially stronger or some garbage. All I know is that Comcast is evil and the thought of them owning T-Mobile is a tough one to swallow.

Everyone declined to comment or was not reachable, of course.

Meh.

Update:  A “source familiar with Comcast’s thinking” told ArsTechnica that Comcast is not interested in buying T-Mobile.

Note:  That clickbait image is from Kim’s T-Mo Super Bowl commercial. It’s related, sort of.

Via:  Reuters
Cheers Rashad!

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About All This 600 Million+ Samsung Owners and Swiftkey Users Security Flaw Stuff

Yesterday, a report stole headlines with talk of 600 million+ Samsung devices being vulnerable to a security flaw. The security flaw was tied to Samsung’s use of Swiftkey’s keyboard technology in most of their phones, including the recently launched Galaxy S6. The headline certainly looks scary, but understand that the chances of your phone being hacked are pretty damn slim. This also isn’t a Swiftkey issue, in case you were wondering, it’s a slow carrier update rollout or Samsung issue. 

So the security vulnerability goes something like this. Your Samsung phone goes through a language update for its stock keyboard (which again, is powered by Swiftkey). During this process, a sneaky little hacker looks over your shoulder, notices that you are dumb enough to attach yourself to an insecure (or “rogue”) WiFi network that he/she likely setup to do hacker things on, and then starts doing hacker things that involve “modifying upstream traffic” while you update to gain access to your phone. Assuming all of those steps align and are timed precisely as you update, this hacker could then access your GPS, camera, or microphone, install malicious apps, eavesdrop on calls, and attempt to access your pictures and text messages.

Not to downplay the security bug, but man, that sounds like a lot of sh*t aligning at once (a perfect storm of sorts) in order for someone to hack your phone. Still, it’s an issue.

So who is at fault and is anyone going fix this crap? Probably everyone, and yes.

Samsung was apparently notified of the issue months and months and months ago by NowSecure, the group who identified the vulnerability, and claims to have sent patches to carrier partners. Of course, carriers are slow at rolling out updates or Samsung is lying through their teeth, so phones as recently as last week were tested and exploited. That’s not good. We can only assume that updates are coming. They should be coming. Please, Samsung, just come out and say that they are coming.

What does Swiftkey have to do with this? Not much, actually.

Swiftkey, in a statement posted this morning, says that Samsung is really at fault here for the way they have implemented Swiftkey’s keyboard technology in their phones. Still, they are working with Samsung to fix this issue, assuming Samsung hasn’t already fixed it. As for the consumer apps from Swiftkey, you have nothing to worry about. This issue has nothing do with the Swiftkey keyboard apps on Google Play or the App Store – it’s a Samsung keyboard part.

Wrap-Up

First off, people not familiar with Swiftkey are reporting all over the place that the “Swift keyboard” on Samsung phones is vulnerable. Just know that these fools mean Swiftkey, except that we just told you Swiftkey isn’t the problem, it’s how Samsung integrated their tech into their stock Samsung keyboard.

Second, there is an issue here, but it would be insanely difficult for your phone to get hacked. Carriers supposedly have a fix, though, so we can only assume they will now push this bad boy through faster now that it has made headlines for two days.

Finally, until you get a security patch (which we will do our best to post about as it rolls out), stay off of insecure, “rogue” hacker-friendly public WiFi hotspots and networks. Seriously, why would you want to hop on one of those anyway? And if you do, don’t update the language pack on your Samsung phone.

All good?

Via:  Swiftkey | Wall Street Journal | NowSecure [2]

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