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Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Chromecast Gets an Ethernet Adapter for Those Spotty WiFi Rooms in Your House

You know how your Chromecast is tucked behind your TV, in a basement family room, far away from your wireless router, and so its connection typically isn’t the best? Google wants to fix that with a power source for the Chromecast that doubles as an ethernet adapter.

The accessory popped up today on the Google Store, but has since sold out (or was pulled by Google). Assuming it shows up again with stock, Google wants $15 for it. That’s not a terrible price for a power/ethernet adapter, but it seems a bit crazy knowing that the actual Chromecast unit runs just $35.

Anyone interested? If so, we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s back in stock.

Google Store Link

chromecast ethernet adapter1

Chromecast Gets an Ethernet Adapter for Those Spotty WiFi Rooms in Your House is a post from: Droid Life



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HTC Vive Experience Hits the Road, First Stop is San Diego July 9-12

For fans of virtual reality, HTC is sending its Vive VR headset on tour across the country, with its first stop planned to be San Diego on July 9 through 12. When the Vive truck rolls up, you can play with Vive, and see what all of the fuss has been about. 

Coinciding with Comic-Con, which is also taking place during this time in San Diego, HTC invites anyone to come see a few Vive demos, and experience the platform first-hand.

We don’t have an official address for where the truck will be, but we can safely assume it will be somewhere around the Comic-Con event.

Also, HTC Vive now has a Twitter account so you can stay up to date on everything Vive.

HTC Vive Experience Hits the Road, First Stop is San Diego July 9-12 is a post from: Droid Life



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Google Messenger, Google’s Good Messaging App, Got New Features Today

Google’s Messenger application, the messaging app with an modern UI that they actually update regularly with awesome features (looking at you, Hangouts), received an update today that, well, introduces awesome new features. In the update, which drops in as v1.4.044, you will find stickers (plus sticker pack add-ons) and the ability to share your location. 

You will find both the stickers and location sharing options through the attachment button. A swipe up in the sticker screen will expand your sticker selection to a full screen experience that gives you the opportunity to add on additional sticker packs. If I’m being honest, I can’t help but give Google a thumbs up for these – most are well done and just silly enough to make them useful and fun. The stickers send as MMS with animations.

Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-11-42 Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-11-54 Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-12-05

As for the location sharing, Google is letting you quickly share your exact location or you can swipe up to an expanded map view with search and location selecting. The locations share as an MMS with a clickable images of the map, plus a link that will open the location in Google Maps.

Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-14-27 Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-13-27 Screenshot_2015-07-08-13-13-55

You can update through Google Play or via .apk below.

Play Link | Download Link (apk)

Google Messenger, Google’s Good Messaging App, Got New Features Today is a post from: Droid Life



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Verizon Galaxy S5 Gets Minor Update

Verizon’s Galaxy S5 variant is receiving an update today to version VRU2BOE1. The update is minor, as the title of this post suggests, only bringing with it the Galaxy Apps store (bloat!) and fingerprint scanner unlocking for Microsoft Exchange accounts. That’s it!

The update appears to be live for most, so feel free to check for it in Settings>About phone>Check for updates. 

You will find the official update document below, but we should point out that this document is dated 6/29/15, while a document of an older build (VRU1BOD5) that your phone might already be running is dated 7/7/15. Who knows what Verizon is doing there. In the end, BOE1 seems to be the version hitting phones today.

Screen Shot 2015-07-08 at 12.24.57 PM

Via:  Verizon
Cheers Jake, Mike, and Max!

Verizon Galaxy S5 Gets Minor Update is a post from: Droid Life



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T-Mobile’s Next Uncarrier “Amped” Announcement Arrives Tomorrow Morning

T-Mobile will continue its Uncarrier Amped! initiative with a new announcement tomorrow morning at 9AM Eastern (6AM Pacific). The carrier is hosting a call for media who want to join CEO John Legere and COO Mike Sievert in a Q&A session. If you follow them on Twitter, you can also hear the news as it is announced. 

The media alert that we just received doesn’t give any hints as to what we can expect, only that it is “industry-rattling.” Oooooh.

After adding to their JUMP! program with JUMP! On Demand, I would imagine this will be another previously announced Uncarrier move, only with a twist.

Stay tuned for more.

Via:  T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s Next Uncarrier “Amped” Announcement Arrives Tomorrow Morning is a post from: Droid Life



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Sony Launches Live Screen Sharing App for Select Devices, Stream Live to Twitch and YouTube

A new app called Live Screen Sharing for select Sony devices is now available on Google Play, granting users the ability to livestream gameplay from mobile games directly to Twitch and YouTube. Why is this cool? Because who knows, maybe you could be the next PewDiePie. 

Upon running the app on top of a game, you will see a hovering control board for getting your livestream going. Depending on whether you opt for Twitch or YouTube, the layout will change. Overall use is simple — there is a Broadcast button, Record to Device button, Mic button, Video button to enable the front-facing camera to capture your beautiful mug, and a Settings button.

In order to get your livestreams up and running on YouTube, make sure you enable your account to do so right here. If your account is in good standing, you should have no issues.

The only other problem stems from Sony’s device requirements, which currently sits at just the Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4, unreleased Xperia Z4v, and Xperia Z4 Tablet. Boo.

If you own a compatible device, check it out, then report back to us.

Play Link

Via: Sony

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The Force is Strong With This One: Official Star Wars App Released to Google Play

Disney, masters of the Star Wars universe, launched an official Star Wars app for Android onto Google Play this morning. Inside, Star Wars fans can track franchise news, watch official videos, play with a Star Wars soundboard, and so much more. 

As you can see from the above header image, I became pals with Yoda thanks to the Selfie feature in the app, but I could also hang out with Vader or a Stormtrooper, on a variety of different Star Wars locations. In addition to selfies, you can browse a complete catalog of Star Wars-related GIFs, perfect for any moment you may come across. These GIFs can be shared via the app, naturally.

The Star Wars app also features a mini game-like Force trainer where you can hone your Jedi skills. Users can select a color scheme for the app, too, with options between Droid Blue, Empire Red, or Rebellion Green.

Overall, the app is perfect for any Star Wars fan, so go ahead, download it you must!

Play Link

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Verizon’s Galaxy Note 4 has a 2GB Update Available Through Kies

If you own a Galaxy Note 4 through Verizon and feel like grabbing an update a bit early, feel free to plug in to a PC and get busy in Kies. According to readers of ours, a massive 2GB update is available as build N910VVRU2BOF1. It’s still Android 5.0.1, though, so don’t go in thinking this is a magical excursion into 5.1.

So far, we aren’t seeing anything notable after updating. In other words, we have no idea what the hell the 2GB is coming from. 

As we get an official changelog, we’ll update this post and pass along the good word. If you see the update and notice anything new, let us know.

You can grab Kies from Samsung here.

Cheers Justin V!

Verizon’s Galaxy Note 4 has a 2GB Update Available Through Kies is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: Grab a 18mm Champagne Gold Moto 360 From Best Buy for $199

Over the next 15 hours, or until supplies run out, you can pick up a 18mm Moto 360 in Champagne Gold for just $199 on the Best Buy website. Do note, with its 18mm bands, this watch is designed for those among us with petite wrists. If you need something bigger, look for a smartwatch with 22-24mm bands.

Regularly priced at $229.99, buying one for $199 is $30 in savings, which may not equal much, but it’s a solid deal for those in the market for a smartwatch — especially a Gold one. However, with a new Moto 360 likely right around the corner, it may be best to wait for one with updated internals.

Head on over to Best Buy to grab the deal.

Best Buy Link

Cheers Brandon!

Deal: Grab a 18mm Champagne Gold Moto 360 From Best Buy for $199 is a post from: Droid Life



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AT&T Moto X (1st Gen) Android 5.1 Lollipop Update is Rolling Out Today

We told you yesterday that the Moto X (1st gen) on AT&T was primed for a soak test of Lollipop at some point this week, with invites arriving in the inboxes of our readers. You may as well forget that we had that conversation, as AT&T updated its support pages for the device this morning, stating that Android 5.1 Lollipop is rolling out to all today. Well, it could just be in small batches with a greater rollout happening over the next few days, but because AT&T is now talking about the update publicly, we tend to believe that it’s ready for everyone. 

After the update, you are looking at system version 222.26.1, which weighs in at 701MB. It’s a big one.

In order to try and pull the update, head into Settings>About phone>System updates.

If you are new to Lollipop, be sure to check out this tour of Android 5.0 on a Moto X (2nd gen). While not the same phone, the update and experience are largely the same.

Via:  AT&T

AT&T Moto X (1st Gen) Android 5.1 Lollipop Update is Rolling Out Today is a post from: Droid Life



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Fleksy Keyboard is Now Free, Time to Give It a Try

Fleksy, a keyboard that relies on prediction and gestures to speed up the typing process, dropped its price tag today and is now free. If there was ever a time to give it a shot, now would be it. For those who already bought it, Fleksy says they are gifting $8 in free themes and extensions to thank you. 

We showed all sorts of love to Fleksy a couple of years back. In fact, I was using it as my daily keyboard for a very long time, but eventually found myself more comfortable with Google’s keyboard as they continued to improve its look and accuracy. But Fleksy is back on my phone for now, just to see if it has improved or if the experience better fits me now.

What is Fleksy? As I mentioned in the opening, it relies on prediction and swiping gestures to get work done. You can blindly type out words, then swipe to the right as Fleksy autocorrects. If it autocorrects wrong, a swipe up or down will get you to another suggested word. Two swipes to the right get you a period, but a swipe back fully deletes a word.

Confused? Trust me, it’s not that bad. Once you walk through the tutorial and use it for a day or two, I think you’ll get used to it. That’s not to say that it doesn’t take quite a bit of getting used to, but it can be a really solid keyboard once you do. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have gesture/swipe/trace typing.

It also has one of the cleanest styles you will find in any keyboard. I’d actually argue that it’s the best looking of any Android keyboard out there. It has themes too, plus “extensions” like a GIF keyboard or number row add-ons.

Play Link

Via:  Fleksy

Fleksy Keyboard is Now Free, Time to Give It a Try is a post from: Droid Life



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