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Monday, July 13, 2015

Nexus 9 OTA Link for Android M Preview 2 Now Available

UPDATED:  Nexus 9 link added.


Now that the Android M Preview 2 is out, and Google has confirmed that they are sending these out over-the-air (OTA) for those already on Preview 1 who don’t want to flash factory images, we thought we may as well capture the .zip files for those interested. 

We will update the list as we have more.

Download Android M Preview 2 updates:

For instructions to sideload using adb, check here. For instructions on how to grab an OTA file, check here.

Nexus 6: Cheers burkett375!
Nexus 5: Cheers Samuel, Scott and Andreas!
Nexus 9:  Cheers Nick!

Nexus 9 OTA Link for Android M Preview 2 Now Available is a post from: Droid Life



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Reported Android Wear Update to Bring Interactive Watch Faces, Watch-to-Watch Communication

As reported by Phandroid, an update is coming to Android Wear, bringing with it a couple of highly notable features. First, a basic change in the UI will allow users to perform a single tap on the device’s display, resulting in windows sliding in from the right.

For example, inside of an app, a tap could bring up new dialog for users to consume, such as health info via Google Fit. On the home screen, certain watch faces that are not yet released would allow for interaction. If a watch face shows weather, you could tap on it, then it will display different time zones, battery info, or other information. 

More interestingly, this reported update would also bring a new watch-to-watch communication method. As you may be aware, the Apple Watch allows users to send doodles and heartbeats to one another, increasing, in a rather odd way, interaction between smartwatch owners. The update for Android Wear will also bring the ability to share doodles and messages to fellow Android Wear users, just like on the Apple Watch. Beyond just doodles, we could see sharable Stickers, Emoji, and Photos.

The below images were posted alongside the report from Phandroid, detailing what users can expect from the upcoming update. Currently, there is no timeframe for when we can expect this change.

Android_Wear_Interative_Watchfaces_2 Android_Wear_Interative_Watchfaces_3 Android_Wear_Interative_Watchfaces_1 Android_Wear_Interative_Watchfaces_4

Via: Phandroid

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Deal: $23 ChargeIt! USB Wall Adapter Charges 3 Devices at Once

How many times have you had to battle a loved one over an outlet or USB cable to charge your phone? With the ChargeIt! US wall charger, you can charge up to 3 devices at a time through a single outlet, with one grabbing juice through a built-in USB cable. The ChargetIt! should also be able to provide faster charging through its 2.4A port.

At $23, which is a solid discount from the full $50 retail price, you get a solid travel buddy that would be a solid charger for highly-trafficked areas in your home.

Deal Link 

Here are some of the specs and features:

  • Simultaneously charge three devices: two w/ USB & one w/ micro USB
  • Power your Android or micro USB-capable devices w/ the built-in 15”L cable
  • Benefit from a powerful 15 watt output
  • View charging progress on the status LED that glows red while charging & green when complete
  • Use any wall outlet to get charging
  • Protect your devices from electricity surges, overheating & more
  • USB 1 Output: 5V/1A
  • USB 2 5V/2.1A
  • Micro-USB cable output 5V/2.4A
  • Maximum power output: 3A, 15W

Deal: $23 ChargeIt! USB Wall Adapter Charges 3 Devices at Once is a post from: Droid Life



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ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 Hits Best Buy for $199, 64-Bit Intel Processor and “2K Display”

ASUS‘ shiny new ZenPad S 8.0 is available on Best Buy’s website this week, featuring a lovely price tag of just $199. With its 8″ QXGA display (1536 x 2048), this tablet is powered by an Intel Z3530 quad-core 64-bit processor and 2GB of RAM, with Android 5.0 “Lollipop” running on top. 

On the backside of the tablet, there sits a 5MP camera, while a 2MP shooter decorates the frontside. Other specifications include 32GB of internal storage, microSD slot for expandable storage, and front-facing speakers. Naturally, ASUS has a custom skin running on top of Lollipop, giving off a TouchWiz vibe, at least to my eyes.

A cheaper version of the ZenPad is also available, priced at just $99. It features a 7″ display (1024 x 600), 16GB of storage, a slower Intel processor, and 1GB of RAM. But hey, it’s only $99.

Both of these devices are now available on Best Buy.

Best Buy Link

ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 Hits Best Buy for $199, 64-Bit Intel Processor and “2K Display” is a post from: Droid Life



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Is This the Back Cover for a New Motorola DROID Phone?

Ready to get a peek at one of the new Motorola phones, maybe even a new DROID? According to HelloMotoHK, a group who stays close to the Motorola beat, the photo below is of a new Motorola DROID phone. That of course, also means a new Verizon phone. 

The phone part below is a shell or back plate of an unfinished or not-put-together phone, but we are seeing a design that looks like those leaked Moto G (3rd gen) renders from a couple of weeks back, along with a variety of other unconfirmed leaks. I think it’s safe to assume that Motorola is going with a design for 2015 that incorporates a vertical metal housing alongside its phones’ back plates that holds the camera, flash, and dimple.

This particular phone looks a lot like a combination of last year’s Moto X and a DROID Turbo. You can see a metal housing around the outside of the body, along with a covered branding at the bottom that looks a lot like where Motorola put the “DROID” logo on the Turbo (see top image for reference). The triangular design also sort of evokes that robotic or futuristic styling of the DROID brand.

motorola droid 2015 moto x 2014

New DROID (left) vs. Moto X (right)

No other details were provided with the image, but if you see something we missed, be sure to drop it in the comments below.

Otherwise, what do you think of the shape? Again, it looks a lot like the back of a Moto X, which has always been a joy to hold.

Via:  HelloMotoHK

Is This the Back Cover for a New Motorola DROID Phone? is a post from: Droid Life



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Unlocked Galaxy S6 Receiving Android 5.1.1 Update

The rollout of Android 5.1.1 to unlocked Galaxy S6 models picked up over the weekend. This update first started rolling out to unlocked models in India a week or so ago, but now is hitting devices in additional countries, like here in the US. At least that’s the case with my unlocked Galaxy S6 (SM-G920I). I would assume this is available for the Edge variant as well.

The update above, which ends up as G920IDVU2COF8, showed up as a whopping 609MB file that took some time to install. 

Overall, there isn’t much to the update outside of quicker exposure controls in the camera, alphabetical sorting in the app drawer, and the ability to remove those stupid S Finder and Quick Connect buttons in your notification shade. The the rest should be bug fixes and other improvements here or there.

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

Unlocked Galaxy S6 Receiving Android 5.1.1 Update is a post from: Droid Life



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Report: Galaxy Note 5 Confirmed to Feature 4GB of RAM, Exynos 7422 SoC

According to the good folks at SamMobile, a few specs for the Galaxy Note 5 have been confirmed by sources. As reported, the Note 5 will feature 4GB of RAM – aligning with the announcement of Samsung’s manufacturing of said memory – as well as Samsung’s new Exynos 7422 SoC.

A large amount of RAM is surely welcomed, but the Exynos 7422 should also have Note fans excited. This particular SoC features a single-chip solution, combining an Octa-core 64-bit CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and Shannon 333 LTE modem all into the same package. In terms of performance, the Galaxy Note 5 is lining up to be absolutely dominant in benchmarks. 

Additional reports declare that the Note 5 will feature a 5.67″ Super AMOLED QHD display, on top of a reworked design – much like we saw with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. As for the Note 5 not featuring a microSD slot or removable battery, that information is currently up in the air until we have official details from Samsung or a reputable leak happens. The truth is, until a phone is official, all potentially “confirmed” specs need to be taken with a whole salt shaker.

We are nearing the device’s unveiling, reported to be around mid-August, but in the comments section below, list out what would make the perfect Note 5 for you. Feel free to include ludicrous wishes, such as stock Android instead of TouchWiz.

Via: SamMobile [2]

Report: Galaxy Note 5 Confirmed to Feature 4GB of RAM, Exynos 7422 SoC is a post from: Droid Life



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HTC’s Grip Fitness Band, the One You Assumed was Cancelled, Might Almost be Here!

Everyone remember the HTC Grip? No? Vaguely? The HTC Grip was the fitness band that HTC introduced during their One M9 keynote at MWC. The band was made in partnership with Under Armour and should have launched at some point in the Spring. At least, that’s what HTC told us to expect and is still today what their website for the Grip says. Of course, we are in the middle of the Summer now, so it’s probably time for HTC or someone to update that.

I’ve got to be honest in saying that I assumed that this HTC Grip was either out already and no one knew, or it had been cancelled. Then again, Razer’s Nabu saw a year-long delay before eventually launching. Maybe fitness bands are hard? 

Anyways, I bring it up today because it appears to have stopped off at Bluetooth SIG for certification within the last couple of days. The product is a “fitness band” made by HTC that was created at some point around March 4, according to this listing. That certainly makes sense, since the HTC Grip was announced on March 1.

Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 9.38.32 AM

As a recap, the HTC Grip is a fitness band that connects to Android or iPhones via Bluetooth, has a built-in GPS, is powered by Under Armor Record (UA’s fitness and social platform), and should last up to 2.5 days on a single charge, but only 5 hours with GPS enabled. It could be a decent fitness band, assuming it isn’t two years late to the party.

Via:  Bluetooth SIG
Cheers Justin!

HTC’s Grip Fitness Band, the One You Assumed was Cancelled, Might Almost be Here! is a post from: Droid Life



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Huawei Watch Stops Off at FCC, Wonder If That Means It’s Finally Ready

The last time we heard about the Huawei Watch, one of the best looking Android Wear devices to date, we were told to not expect it until September or October. For a device first unveiled on March 1, that late of a release seems like a massive delay or push-back.

This weekend, the Huawei Watch stopped by the FCC, which could be a sign that the smartwatch is finally ready, maybe even a bit earlier than anticipated. 

As you can see from the FCC info screen and table below, Huawei isn’t even attempting to hide what this product is. This is most definitely the “Huawei Watch,” with FCC ID QISMERCURY and hardware version EB1MERCURYM. I think it’s safe to say that the codename for this watch was “MERCURY” at one point.

We aren’t learning anything new here, since the device was already shown to us back in March. These FCC docs do confirm that the watch still has a 300mAh battery and 802.11b/g/n WiFi, though.

Still interested?

Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 9.16.01 AM Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 9.19.59 AM

Via:  FCC
Cheers Justin!

Huawei Watch Stops Off at FCC, Wonder If That Means It’s Finally Ready is a post from: Droid Life



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Here Comes Motorola’s Next Line-Up of Phones All at the FCC

Last week, we told you about a new Motorola device that had stopped off at the FCC looking like the company’s next unlocked flagship phone. It featured a body bigger than the DROID Turbo, supported turbo charging, 802.11ac MiMo WiFi, LTE Advanced, and almost all of the US LTE bands outside of Verizon’s. We speculated that it is the rumored 5.5-inch QHD device currently hiding under codename “Kinzie.”

This morning, after looking through a couple of other recent Motorola FCC filings that could be new Moto G, E, or DROID line variants, we’re pretty sure we found the Verizon equivalent to the phone above. Well, it may be even better than that.

Let’s talk briefly about them all. 

Motorola “Kinzie” for all carriers (FCC ID IHDT56UC1)

The phone we covered last week fell under FCC ID  IHDT56UC2, so it would make sense that an identical phone could be UC1, which we are seeing here. This phone sports the same exact dimensions, LTE-A, MiMo WiFi, and turbo charging, but differs in that it also includes support for Verizon. What makes this phone really interesting, though, is the fact that it also seems to be ready for every single other US network, along with Verizon.

The “UC2″ we saw last week lacked Verizon, but this phone is ready for AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. That’s shocking because we tend to see phones with support for Verizon’s network lack bands for those from other carriers. The only Motorola device I can think of that currently works everywhere, is the Nexus 6.

I don’t know exactly what this phone is, but it sounds like this year’s flagship from Motorola, one that is fully unlocked and ready for whichever carrier you like.

Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 8.24.50 AM Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 8.24.35 AM

Moto G (3rd Gen) or new DROID? (FCC ID IHDT56UB1)

Dropping things down a notch, we also stumbled upon a phone that could either be a new Moto G (3rd gen) or new DROID Mini-like device on its way to Verizon. I say that because this phone must be a mid-ranger. It has all of the band support it needs for Verizon, but it doesn’t have 802.11ac WiFi, which almost all flagship phones have these days. It has a removable back, as well, which is a common feature for the Moto G and Moto E series, since Motorola likes to offer up some customization on those through interchangeable backs. The “UB1″ was not tested with a Turbo Charger. This phone is also smaller than the phone above, but is close to the Turbo in size, which could drop it in around the 5.2-inch range.

I’m guessing it could be some new DROID model, because it seems to big to be the new Moto G, which I’ll get to in a second. I’m not sure why Motorola and Verizon would team up for a mid-range DROID phone, unless again, it’s marketed like the DROID Mini was.

 Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 7.51.52 AMScreen Shot 2015-07-13 at 7.53.31 AM

Moto G (3rd Gen) for Sprint? (FCC ID IHDT56QG6)

Finally, a similar phone to the mid-ranger above appears to be headed to Sprint. This phone is smaller than both of those mentioned above and lacks 802.11ac WiFi, but does have a removable back. My guess is that this is most definitely the new Moto G (3rd gen). It’s dimensions match up almost identically to last year’s model.

Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 8.16.03 AM Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 8.16.36 AM

More FCC fun on the way!

Via:  FCC [2] [3]
Cheers Justin!

Here Comes Motorola’s Next Line-Up of Phones All at the FCC is a post from: Droid Life



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Comcast Intros Stream TV Service for Broadband Customers, Costs an Extra $15/Month

With TV streaming services popping up all over the place, it only seems natural that another ISP would want to get in on the action. This morning, Comcast announced Stream, an add-on package available to existing broadband customers, priced at an additional $15 per month. 

Inside, users can access live TV from roughly a dozen major networks, including all of the major broadcast stations. An HBO package can also be thrown in, for another $15 a month. Stream needs to be coupled with an Internet package, so whatever you pay for your Internet, tack on an additional $15 to $30 a month, and there is your price for Stream.

Stream can be watched via your smart device or laptop, but right now, it’s not quite ready for primetime. Comcast states Stream will first be available in Boston, MA by the end of this summer as a beta test, then will rollout to Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA. If all goes well, Stream will cover most of Comcast’s footprint in the US by early 2016.

As someone who has thought about cutting the cord, it is interesting, but I’m always afraid of missing out on my live sporting events that is included with my TV package.

Via: Comcast

Comcast Intros Stream TV Service for Broadband Customers, Costs an Extra $15/Month is a post from: Droid Life



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AT&T Galaxy S6 Active Gets First Update

The AT&T Galaxy S6 Active began receiving its first software update over the weekend. The update, which weighs in at 146MB and as software version G890AUCU2AOF3 (or “OF3″), only includes “Find My Mobile with Reactivation Mode.” That’s it. There could be some bug fixes in there as well, but AT&T isn’t telling us.

The update is still Android 5.0.2 and should be available if you cruise into Settings>About device>Software update>Check for updates. 

Here are the details, according to AT&T:

  • Android version: 5.0.2
  • Baseband version: G890AUCU2AOF3
  • Kernel version: 3.10.61-4969613 dpi@SWDD5615 #1
  • Build number: LRX22G.G890AUCU2AOF3
  • Upgrade file size: 146MB

galaxy s6 active update

Via:  AT&T
Cheers Scott!

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Sprint Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Get Minor Updates, Note Edge Gets Android 5.1

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, along with the Galaxy Note Edge on Sprint are all receiving updates this morning. The S6 and S6 Edge are only expected to see “various bug fixes and enhancements” in their minor bumps, but the Note Edge is jumping from Android 5.0 to 5.1.

After the update, the Galaxy S6 will land on software version G920PVPU2BOFE, while the S6 Edge will be on G925PVPU2BOFE. As for the Note Edge, you are looking at a software version of N915PVPU4COFE, post update. 

Sprint’s changelog doesn’t mention new features with the 5.1 update for the Note Edge, but on stock Android, we did see easier/quicker WiFi and Bluetooth management, plus HD Voice integration and device protection. Tough to say if any of that made it into this phone, since Samsung does as it pleases with Android.

To grab the updates, head into Settings>About phone.

Via:  Sprint [2] [3]

Sprint Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Get Minor Updates, Note Edge Gets Android 5.1 is a post from: Droid Life



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