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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Deal: Steelie Magnetic Smartphone Car Mount for $13, Free Shipping

If you find yourself not having a good spot to put your smartphone in the car, may we recommend the Steelie Magnetic Car Mount? Currently listed on the DL Deals Store for just $13 (plus free shipping), down from its usual price of $35, this little bugger not only looks good, but should do its job brilliantly in your vehicle. 

With this mount, you secure it to your car’s dashboard, then simply place your phone on the mount whenever you are in the car. It features a swivel for quick change into landscape or portrait mode, offering any functionality you may need at the time. Of course, thanks to its magnet, you can stick the phone anywhere that is made of metal.

Been on the market for a car mount? Check it out.

Features

  • Securely dock your phone to your dashboard
  • Enjoy a simple & easy to use interface
  • Keep your phone stable w/ fumble-free design
  • Swivel your phone on ball mount to alternate between landscape & portrait modes
  • Attach your phone to any metal surface w/ phone socket: refrigerator doors, filing cabinets, etc.

Deal Link

Deal: Steelie Magnetic Smartphone Car Mount for $13, Free Shipping is a post from: Droid Life



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Here is Your Cute Little Android 6.0 Marshmallow Debug Icon

Curious what the Android 6.0 Marshmallow debug icon will look like when finalized? Probably like the icon you are seeing above. The crew over at myce first discovered the little guy, thanks to a screenshot posted to the Chromium Issue Tracker by a Googler that featured the unfamiliar icon. It certainly looks like a mini Marshmallow and most definitely is not the “M” logo we have seen since the first preview. 

Cute.

Oh, and here it is in an actual screenshot:

screen

Via:  myce | Chromium Issue Tracker

Here is Your Cute Little Android 6.0 Marshmallow Debug Icon is a post from: Droid Life



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JAWBONE Announces Redesigned UP2, Updates Platform With Automatic Sleep Tracking, More

Jawbone, one of the many fitness tracking companies of the world and the one which I seem to be attached to, announced a bunch of stuff related to its UP platform this morning. First, the UP2 has been redesigned with a new clasp, because well, the previous clasp design was 100% garbage and had a hard time staying on wrists. Second, the UP3 now comes in a bunch of different colors with varying designs on their touchpads. Finally, their apps have all been given updates that allow for automatic sleep detection (with no need for tapping) and passive heart rate monitoring (UP3 and UP4 only). 

The new UP2 introduces a new rope-like strap that looks very much like a stylish bracelet, if you will. A new clasp design is threaded through a hoop on the rope bracelet, then latched over a metal post, which should make the process of taking off and putting back on an UP2 easier. It should also help the fitness tracker not fall off as easily as it does now.

As for the UP3, Jawbone gave it a bunch of new color options, along with different designs. The new colors and designs for both the UP2 and UP3 can be found below.

youtube-1024x576

On the software side of things, Jawbone is trying its best to give you the best representation of your heart rate, thanks to passive heart rate monitoring that periodically captures your HR throughout the day when you are still. That piece of the fun is only available on the UP3 and UP4, of course, because those are the only bands with heart rate monitors built-in.

That’s not all, though. The UP2, along with the the 3 and 4, is getting automatic sleep detection, which means you no longer have to do anything to get Jawbone’s products to track your sleep. That’s especially awesome since this also means you no longer have to touch their often-unreliable touchpads to get your UP to sleep or wake. Yay.

Here are the highlights of today’s update:

  • Automatic Sleep – UP will automatically track and log your zzzs. Understand the duration, quality and stages of sleep without switching to sleep mode.
  • No More Tapping – Say goodbye to the hassle of switching modes. You can still dismiss alarms and alerts, but band-side mode switching is a thing of the past.
  • Passive Heart Rate (UP3 and UP4 only) – See a more complete picture of your heart health. UP will now measure your heart rate throughout the day when your body is still.

The app update is rolling out slowly on Android. The new colorful models of the UP2 and UP3 are all already available in the Jawbone store.

Via:  Jawbone [2]

JAWBONE Announces Redesigned UP2, Updates Platform With Automatic Sleep Tracking, More is a post from: Droid Life



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Video: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Tips & Tricks

In case you did not check out our complete Galaxy Note 5 review, you should at least know that the device features a ton of built-in features, going way beyond what stock Android software currently offers consumers. Some people love this, others do not.

For every major flagship device, we like to point out these features — sometimes hidden — in a tips & tricks video. This video should help any potential or existing Galaxy Note 5 owner in getting the most out of their investment. Besides, who has time to go through the million options inside of a TouchWiz settings menu, right?

Check out what the Galaxy Note 5 has to offer in the video below. 

Video: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Tips & Tricks is a post from: Droid Life



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DEAL: 60% Off SanDisk Storage – 200GB SD Card for $149, 32GB for $11

Amazon’s deal of the day happens to be another massive discount on SanDisk storage products. We’re talking up to 60% off on everything from microSD cards to thumb and flash drives to solid state hard drives. These happen every so often, but they are always worth a look. Whether you have a new phone that needs additional storage or are building a computer and need a new-school hard drive, these deals offer great values.

Our favorite deals of the bunch are the deeply discounted 200GB microSD card for $149, 32GB class 10 microSD card for $10.99 (!!!), and the 960GB solid state drive for $255.

These deals are only good for today.

Amazon Link

DEAL: 60% Off SanDisk Storage – 200GB SD Card for $149, 32GB for $11 is a post from: Droid Life



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DL Q&A Sessions: Volume 32 Answers

Will the new Nexus devices run on Verizon? Which Android Wear device should I get? Do Android flagship devices totally suck this year? These are a few of the questions we were asked last week, but with all of the IFA excitement going down, we were not able to post them on Friday. Now that we are back from the holiday weekend, it’s time to answer all of these fantastic inquiries.

Down below, the DL team gives their answers to your questions. Check it out.

Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim, R is Ron. 


Is it just me, or was 2015 a really pathetic lackluster year for Android flagships?

K:  I’d argue the opposite actually. 2014 was probably the worst year in recent memory. This year, we saw a revamped Samsung deliver unmatched phones that will be unmatched for a while. Motorola finally decided to care about a camera. Google is giving us two Nexus phones. Sony’s new Xperia Z5 line-up sounds incredible. Prices are dropping rapidly. 2015 has been awesome.

T:  What? Pathetic? How dare you, sir. 2015 totally kicks ass! We have the Galaxy S6 (sexy), Galaxy Note 5 (fantastic phone!), Moto X Pure Edition, plus multiple Nexus devices on the way! Your question is baseless and absurd. I would argue that 2015 is the best year we have ever had for Android flagship devices.

R:  I thought it was a great year so far. We still have yet to see what Google has for us, but Samsung put out some great devices and Motorola’s new Moto X looks like a stellar device with a decent camera this time around. The perfect phone still doesn’t exist, but I think this year was far more exciting than last.

Now that Android Wear is available on iOS, do you see Wear devices outselling the Apple Watch?

K:  Probably not. But, if Google or its manufacturer partners can promote iOS benefits properly, it should certainly help boost sales quite a bit. Android Wear watches just look so much better than the Apple Watch, that watch people who use iPhones should be excited.

T:  While the idea that iOS users can now access additional options, Android Wear does not offer as many features as an Apple Watch on iOS. I think consumers will see that and will opt to continue purchasing an Apple Watch if a smartwatch is something they truly want. Android Wear for iOS is basically worthless, in my opinion, when compared to the Apple Watch.

R:  I don’t think so. If you have an iPhone the Apple Watch still makes more sense to get because it integrates with the ecosystem so much better. Maybe if you have a large investment in Google services it would make sense? The problem with Android Wear not selling isn’t because it needed iOS support. The problem is most people don’t need or want a smart watch and Google has yet to advertise a compelling use case for most people.

nexus 6-2

Will the upcoming Nexus devices work on all major US carriers, including Verizon?

K:  I’m guessing so. These phones are almost guaranteed to work with Project Fi and that’s part of the deal with Fi, is that you have a radio that can attach to almost any network. Plus, if Motorola can sell an unlocked phone that works on Verizon, I can’t see why Google would stop.

T:  My guess is that the new Nexus devices will work on Fi, meaning they should feature enough radios to allow for compatibility on Verizon. So, yeah, Verizon will hopefully support the devices. I hope we are past the days of Google vs. Verizon.

R:  You never know. I was just talking about this with a friend. The Nexus One was supposed to come to Verizon and never did (although they did have test units out there), the Nexus S didn’t (but did work on Sprint), the Galaxy Nexus did, the Nexus 4 didn’t, the Nexus 5 didn’t (but again, did work on Sprint), and the Nexus 6 did (although official support was delayed). So out of six Nexus devices two have been on Verizon. That’s not a great track record, although the chipsets have made it much easier for OEMs to support all carriers out of the box even if a certain red company doesn’t tend to do so without making users jump through some hoops.

How long do you guys recommend keeping a device/upgrading?

K:  All depends on your budget. If you have cash to blow and love new things, get them as often as you want. If you aren’t made of money, then thankfully, phones these days can probably get you through 2 years.

T:  If you can afford it, I would recommend upgrading your smartphone once a year. In my opinion, this allows you to have the latest and greatest version of Android, latest specs, and best hardware.

R:  Everyone is different. If you have a Nexus you could in theory use it for three years or more since you know you’ll get updates. Outside of that it’s hard to recommend using a device for longer than two years given that most devices don’t receive updates longer than that. Obviously you can keep using a phone on older software, but if you’re reading this website then you probably don’t want to do that.

Huawei Watch

What new Android Wear device are you most looking forward to?

K:  Huawei Watch right now. But Moto 360 (2nd gen), the more I see it, is starting to get me excited as well. But I just love that both Huawei and Motorola are trying to really make nice looking watches that also do Android stuff. Watches should look like watches first, then do the smart stuff.

T:  Huawei Watch, Moto 360 (2nd Gen), Gear S2 – in that order.

R:  I think the Huawei Watch looks the best from a hardware perspective, but I think Android Wear needs another redesign to make it really useful and easy to navigate for new users.

Why are you so bitter about the new Blackberry?

K:  Hah, guessing this question is directed at me. I don’t think I’m bitter, I just don’t understand the excitement. I get that people have this history with physical keyboards, but at this point, virtual keyboards are so much better and faster. I’ll give people a week with the Venice and I bet they all go “I don’t even use the slide-out keyboard…it’s slow and not smart enough.” Also, this is Blackberry we’re talking about. They make shitty phones. Not once have they give us a phone with a touchscreen that is good. Never once in their entire history. Why would anyone want one?

T:  Because why does this need to exist? It seems that every argument I see in favor of a BlackBerry device has holes in it, and really, it boils down to personal preference. Why so many people feel the need for a dedicated QWERTY keyboard in 2015, I don’t know. Seems redundant to me. Back when I had a LG Voyager, the touchscreen was so garbage that using the physical keyboard worked better, but display technology is so good, and I love swiping, that a physical keyboard is not something I need. But hey, this is America, the greatest country on Earth, a place where you can purchase any device you want. USA! USA!

R:  I can’t wait to play with the Venice. It looks gorgeous and deep in my heart I know it will probably be disappointing, but the Pre fanboy in me needs to try that thing. Portrait sliders for life!

DL Q&A Sessions: Volume 32 Answers is a post from: Droid Life



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Android Distribution Updated for September 2015 – Lollipop on 21% of Devices

Google updates its Android distribution numbers for September 2015 this morning, showing a jump for Lollipop (Android 5.0+) from 18.1% to 21%. While no where near 50% or a number that would make Apple and Tim Cook angry, we are closing in on the quarter mark. Hey, it’s something!

As for the rest of the Android versions, KitKat sits at 39.2%, Jelly Bean 31.8%, Ice Cream Sandwich 3.7%, Gingerbread 4.1%, and Froyo 0.2%. 

Last month’s Android distribution numbers can be seen here.

Via:  Android Developers

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2015 DL Football Eliminator Challenge is Open! Winner Takes Home a Phone of Choice

It’s time! The DL Football Eliminator Challenge is now open for the 2015 season! For the 5th year in a row, our winner will walk away with a phone of their choice.

For those new to NFL eliminator challenges, they work like this. You pick one winner each week out of all of the games being played. If your team wins, you move on to the next week. Just keep in mind that you can only choose a team one time per season, so there is some strategy involved. With that said, by no means are these challenges as intense as fantasy football or weekly pick’em challenges. This is the simplest form of an NFL challenge you can participate in.

The season kicks off this Thursday (yes, in 2 days), so you will want to sign-up now. We will try our best to remind you throughout the next couple of days to sign-up, though.

There is no cost to you, yet you can win a phone of choice. Ready to sign-up? 


Join the group:  Droid Life Eliminator
Password:  droidlife

Simple rules for those new to eliminator challenges:

1.  Join the league up above.  Create an entry for yourself.  Get ready to pick winners.
2.  Since this is an eliminator challenge, you only have to pick 1 winner each week.
3.  Remember though, that you only get to use a team one time and cannot pick them to win again.
4.  If you choose correctly each week, you continue to advance.
5.  If you choose incorrectly, you are out.  There are no mulligans in football or this league.
6.  If that didn’t make sense, check out the full “How to Play” rules here.
7.  If we run into a tiebreaker, we will decide a winner based on these rules.

Prize:

Once again, we are giving away a phone valued at up to $650 to the winner. Once week 17 wraps and the winner is picked, we’ll use a series of contact points to verify the winner via email. The winner will first be contacted on the ESPN Eliminator page. Then, it’s up to them to choose a phone.

Reminders:

We’ll try to remind folks to make their picks each week, but cannot guarantee that we’ll remember.  If we do though, it will be on Twitter, so be sure to follow us there. Week 1 starts this Thursday, with the first game between the Steelers and Cheaters Patriots on September 10.

Good luck!

IMAGE

2015 DL Football Eliminator Challenge is Open! Winner Takes Home a Phone of Choice is a post from: Droid Life



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eBay 4.0 for Android Brings Streamlined, Personalized Buying and Selling Experience

The eBay app on both Android and iOS is receiving an update this morning, bringing it up to version 4.0. Inside this version, eBay states buying and selling on mobile has never been easier, as a streamlined process has been built-in for listing and purchasing items. 

Thanks to a more “browsable design,” finding eBay’s top deals and listings is easy, making sure you are always saving as much cash as you can purchasing goods. In total, if you use eBay often, the experience should feel more personalized, streamlined, and simplified than previous versions of the app.

Even though it may look a bit different when listing an item, the basic concept remains the same – you will type in what you are selling, add pictures from your gallery, set a price, and that’s it. You now also have the ability to communicate more easily with buyers or potential buyers directly through the app, which is always important.

Go check it out.

Play Link

Via: eBay

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Verizon 5G Goes Into Field Testing in 2016

I understand that your phone finally has a stable 4G LTE connection that doesn’t destroy its battery in four hours, but it’s time to look beyond and into 5G. Verizon 5G is almost here, sort of. The company announced today that it will begin field testing its 5G technology with key partners come 2016.

Companies like Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm and Samsung are already on board and working to “ensure an aggressive pave of innovation.” These companies (along with others over time, I’d assume) will take to Verizon’s Innovation Centers to collaborate and share ideas in order to help get 5G ready for you and I. If they can make enough progress, Verizon will begin field testing 5G in 2016. 2016 is next year, by the way. 

Verizon describes the benefits of 5G as “50 times the throughput of current 4G LTE, latency in the single milliseconds, and the ability to handle exponentially more Internet-connected devices to accommodate the expected explosion of the Internet of Everything.” Yes, the IoT needs 5G, apparently.

Ready for 5G?

Via:  Verizon

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DEAL: Nexus 6 Drops to $349 at Best Buy Too

On Friday, Amazon cut the price of the Nexus 6 across the board by $150, dropping it to $349 for the 32GB model and $399 for the 64GB model. I think it’s safe to assume that this is an inventory clearing move as we approach the launch of the nexus Nexus or two. We were curious why no other retail outlet did the same, though. Well, they are now following suit it appears.

Best Buy dropped the price of the 32GB Blue model over the weekend to $349, matching Amazon’s price. At this time, the 64GB Blue and White versions have not seen further discount.

Still a phone on your radar, even with replacements incoming?

Best Buy Link 

nexus 6 deal

Cheers Nate!

DEAL: Nexus 6 Drops to $349 at Best Buy Too is a post from: Droid Life



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Nexus 4, 5, 7 (2013), 6 and 9 All Getting Updates to Build LMY48M Today

According to T-Mobile, Google is going to push another update today to many of its Nexus devices, including the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus 9. The update will arrive as build LMY48M and will contain bug fixes and “Android security enhancements.”

It appears that this is one of the scheduled monthly security updates that Google promised after the big Stagefright extravaganza. 

Be sure to grab those over-the-air (OTA) URLs for us if you can.

Don’t be surprised if factory images arrive soon as well.

Via: T-Mobile [2] [3] [4] [5]

Nexus 4, 5, 7 (2013), 6 and 9 All Getting Updates to Build LMY48M Today is a post from: Droid Life



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