APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: 08/18/15

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Android Auto Updated to Version 1.2, Includes Slightly Tweaked UI for Home Screen

An update to version 1.2 for the Android Auto application on Google Play will result in users seeing an updated UI on head units, one which lends a bit more functionality to those who listen to music or use navigation from the Home screen.

Following the update, an arrow icon will appear on your Navigation card on the Home screen, and a Pause or Play button will appear on Music cards. Basically, if you are using those apps, but are currently on the Home screen, these will allow you quick access to features within the application. In addition, the cards for these apps have been slightly enlarged.

In the changelog, Google also states the update includes “bug fixes and improvements.”

If you rock Android Auto in your vehicle, go grab the update.

Play Link

Deal: Get a Secondary, Private Phone Number With Added Security for $50

On the DL Deals Store, you can pick up your very own secondary phone number, offering much more than just an alternate line for people to contact you. With a Hushed Private Phone Number, priced at $50, you can place calls and send text messages from a private number without any monthly fees, keeping yourself off the books completely.

During setup, users can choose from 100’s of different area codes from the US and Canada, and apply a custom voicemail. From inside the application, your contacts can be managed, or set up call forwarding settings.

The goal of this service is to allow you the ability to talk to whoever you want, with no one else knowing about it. If that is your type of thing, then by all means, check it out. Although, if a secondary number is all you are after, then Google Voice is always a solid option.

Features

Use included credits towards a combination of 1100 SMS or 500 phone minutes per year (North America 365 Plan)
Make calls & send texts from a private phone number without monthly fees
Choose from 100’s of area codes across the US & Canada
Manage your communication from a single app
Access one lifetime number per account
Customize your voicemail
Set up call forwarding settings
Utilize Wi-Fi or data while you chat so you don’t incur service charges

Deal Link

Moto X Play Hits Canada on Friday, Looks All Sorts of US Compatible Though

The Moto X Play, Motorola’s battery beast that is avoiding the US like Sepp Blatter after an election, arrives in Canada this Friday, August 21! That’s noteworthy for US customers because it appears – at least according to Motorola’s spec sheet for the phone – that the X Play will work perfectly on your favorite US GSM networks.

Here are the supported bands:

XT1563
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 900, 1700 (AWS), 1900, 2100 MHz)
4G LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28)

See, we have all of the correct GSM bands, but we also have T-Mobile’s LTE bands of 2, 4, and 12, along with AT&T’s of 2, 4, and 17.

Priced at around $299, this is one of those phones that you might want to strongly consider, assuming we can find a way to get it across that border. With its 5.5-inch 1080p display and massive 3630mAh battery, this phone should go and go and go without needing to be charged. Couple those two specs with a new 21MP camera, 16GB of storage (with SD slot), Turbo Charger-readiness, water resistance, and a sleek Moto-esque design, and you have one heck of a budget-minded phone that doesn’t skimp (hear that, OnePlus?).

Stay tuned as we try and figure out a way for you to be able to buy this phone, without paying ridiculous import pricing. Also, remember to avoid the UK and European models, as they don’t support US LTE bands at all. You want model XT1563 of the Moto X Play.

Give me.

Via: @Motorola_CA | Motorola

Humble PC and Android Bundle Nets You Seven Playable Mobile and Desktop Games

The latest Humble Bundle available is a mixture of PC and Android games, titled the Humble PC and Android Bundle. Inside, users who pay more than the average price — currently set at just $2.70 — receive seven playable titles on both desktops and Android devices. After about a week, more games will become playable as they are announced.

For games, this collection is offering Crimsonland, Neverending Nightmares, Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians, FOTONICA, TinyKeep, Crowntakers, and Monster Loves You.

In total, the collection is valued at over $100, all currently redeemable for a little under $3. And do note, you can have your money funneled directly to two different charities, the American Red Cross and Electronic Frontier Foundation. It’s a win-win.

If the bundles feel good to you, follow the link below.

Humble Bundle Link

Verizon Galaxy S4 Gets Stagefright Patch, Bunch of Bug Fixes in Update

Stagefright patches continue to rollout to most of Samsung’s phones, with older models now getting in on the party. Verizon’s Galaxy S4 is the latest, thanks to an update that also includes more bug fixes than I can even list out.

The update will land on your phone as build VRUGOF1 and can be pulled by heading into Settings>About phone>Software updates>Check for updates>Download now.

The full changelog can be viewed at the link below.

Via: Verizon

Fossil Intros Intel-Powered Android Wear Smartwatch

Today at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), Fossil announced a new Android Wear smartwatch, powered by an Intel mobile processor. Fossil kept details, such as specs and availability tightly guarded, but the public can expect to see the device launch around the holiday season.

The watch appears to be similar to the Moto 360 in overall design, with the exception of the lugs. A power button looks to be in the same 3 o’clock position, and sadly, a black bar rests at the bottom of the display, the same as is seen on the Moto 360. Other than that, buyers can expect leather bands, with Silver or Gold bezel and bodies.

Fossil’s want to release a wearable is no shocker, as they were announced as an early partner of Android Wear, but that was back in March of 2014. We certainly were not expecting to wait this long for an actual device.

With TAG teasing their device, and now with Fossil launching their own, are you excited for a new lineup of fashion-first Android Wear devices?

Via: Engadget | Gizmodo

Video Comparison: Galaxy Note 5 vs. Galaxy Note 4

With our Samsung Galaxy Note 5 unboxing out of the way, we’re moving onto a Galaxy Note 5 vs. Galaxy Note 4 comparison, since I’m sure many Note 4 owners are contemplating an upgrade to the new beast. While the Note 5 has some significant changes from the Note 4 (both good and bad), I would argue that the overall package is quite impressive compared to any phone.

As you will see in the video and images below, these two phones still look quite similar yet are very different at the same time. They have their large QHD displays, S Pens, and Note-clusive software packages, but they differ in that the Note 5 is very much a large take on the Galaxy S6. It features plenty of glass, as well as a full metal frame. It also has a truly ergonomic feel to its backside, thanks to subtle curves on each edge. Gone is the faux leather, in is an ultra premium build.

Of course, we can’t talk about the Note 5 without mentioning its missing SD card slot, lack of a IR blaster, and non-removable battery. Those three things missing might be dealbreakers for some.

Here is our Note 5 vs. Note 4 comparison.

RootMetrics: 4th Consecutive Overall Network Performance Award Goes to Verizon

RootMetrics, a 3rd-party independent researcher, released its findings for the first half of 2015, detailing a pretty big win for Verizon. For the 4th consecutive time, Big Red has earned top honors across the nation for overall network performance, topping the charts in 47 states across the United States.

In total, Verizon walked away with 110 awards, with AT&T grabbing 68. Bringing up the rear is T-Mobile with 27 and Sprint with 7. These awards are based on various categories, such as Network Reliability, Network Speed, and Data in differing markets across the country. On the RootMetrics site, you can view detailed reports from each part of the country that was tested, as well as who the best carrier is within that general area.

Verizon’s Chief Network Officer wanted to share the news personally, posting a video onto Verizon’s blog, and even took a little dig at T-Mobile. You can watch that below.

Via: RootMetrics | Verizon

Deal: Moto 360 With Metal Band Just $149 at Best Buy

A few weeks ago, Motorola and its retail partners dropped the Moto 360 to its lowest price yet at $149 for leather band models and $199 for metal band models. Today, Best Buy took it a step further and dropped metal band versions to $149 as well. That’s a pretty substantial discount, especially when you consider the fact that Motorola is still charging $199 for metal variants.

Keep in mind that a new Moto 360 could be here any day. We’ve seen it cruise through the FCC and show up accidentally on Motorola’s Instagram account.

But if you want a great deal on what is still the best looking Android Wear watch on the market, now would be the time.

Best Buy Link

Cheers Marc!

Google and TP-LINK Intro OnHub WiFi Router for the Home

This morning, Google announced a partnership with TL-LINK, introducing the OnHub WiFi router, made specifically for residential homes. The router is no ordinary box with blinking lights, usually needing to be reset every now and then due to unresponsiveness. Instead, this is a “smart router,” featuring over-the-air updates, an app to control it, and much more.

Inside the OnHub application, users can view how much data their home uses on how many devices, plus, the master of the house can set Priority devices, potentially leading to fewer dropped signals for your most used devices. In addition, the OnHub router features a circular built-in antenna for better signal coverage inside any given space.

For specs, the OnHub features 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and includes “next-generation technologies” like Bluetooth Smart Ready, Weave, and 802.15.4. This essentially future-proofs the router, meaning you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. And with OTA updates and 4GB of onboard storage, your router will come out of the box, and remain smart.

The OnHub is priced at $199 and comes in either Blue or Black. Pre-orders are now live on a long list of retailers.

Will you be picking one up?

Via: Google

Samsung’s Fast Wireless Charger Costs $70

Samsung’s new fast wireless charger that was introduced alongside the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ will cost $69.99, according to Samsung’s online store. The chargers aren’t yet available and are listed as “coming soon,” but they will be available in either black or white once the company has them in stock.

That price is kind of insanely expensive for a wireless charger, but I can’t say that I’m shocked to see it given that this is the first time we are seeing fast wireless charging in a phone and charger. Still, when you can head over to Amazon and buy a fully capable Qi wireless charger for $20, you have to wonder if the tech behind this fast charging is really worth over 3x the price.

Any takers? I’m certainly interested. Fast charging has been one of my favorite tech introductions in recent years, so it seems only logical that I consider making the move to fast wireless charging. Then again, I would need to make the Note 5 or S6 Edge+ my daily phone. Choices are tough…and expensive.

Via: Samsung

Cheers Derek!

FYI: Project Ara is Delayed Until 2016, Might Arrive in US First

Back in January, the folks behind Project Ara, Google’s modular smartphone platform, told us that they planned to launch in 2015 in Puerto Rico out of a food truck of sorts. Well, it’s mid-August and those plans have changed. Last week, the Project Ara Twitter account awoke after a couple of months of silence to announce that they were “recalculating” their launch out of Puerto Rico.

Then yesterday, they Tweeted that they will likely arrive in the US instead, with new locations being announced “soon.” As it turns out, “soon” will be 2016. Why? Because “Lots of iterations…more than we thought.”

So while there aren’t many details, the basics are there. Project Ara is delayed until at least 2016, won’t launch in Puerto Rico after all, and will probably end up in the US to kickstart the modular phone revolution.

We’ll keep you updated as we have more.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Android Auto Updated to Version 1.2, Includes Slightly Tweaked UI for Home Screen

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Deal: Get a Secondary, Private Phone Number With Added Security for $50

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Moto X Play Hits Canada on Friday, Looks All Sorts of US Compatible Though

Via: @Motorola_CA | Motorola

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Humble PC and Android Bundle Nets You Seven Playable Mobile and Desktop Games

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Verizon Galaxy S4 Gets Stagefright Patch, Bunch of Bug Fixes in Update

Via: Verizon

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Fossil Intros Intel-Powered Android Wear Smartwatch

Via: Engadget | Gizmodo

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Video Comparison: Galaxy Note 5 vs. Galaxy Note 4

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RootMetrics: 4th Consecutive Overall Network Performance Award Goes to Verizon

Via: RootMetrics | Verizon

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Deal: Moto 360 With Metal Band Just $149 at Best Buy

Cheers Marc!

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Google and TP-LINK Intro OnHub WiFi Router for the Home

Via: Google

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Samsung’s Fast Wireless Charger Costs $70

Via: Samsung

Cheers Derek!

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FYI: Project Ara is Delayed Until 2016, Might Arrive in US First

Via: @ProjectAra

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