APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: 09/29/15

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Samsung’s GM of Samsung Pay Claims Verizon Owners Might Have Access in the “Next Week or So”

According to a tweet sent out recently from Will Graylin, Samsung’s Co-GM of Samsung Pay, Samsung device owners on Verizon will be able to download Samsung Pay directly from Google Play. As mentioned in the tweet, Waylin says it should be available, “in the next week or so.” This is great news for new Galaxy device owners on Big Red, but excuse us while we question Mr. Graylin’s statement.

I could be completely off base here, but the tweet sounds very iffy to me. Not only has Verizon not given any inclination that they are ready to announce support for Samsung’s mobile payment service, but Graylin claims that the Samsung Pay app will be downloadable via Google Play. As most Samsung device owners should know, this app is not available via Google Play for anyone, or even from the Galaxy Apps application. The app comes preinstalled on the newest Galaxy devices, and is not available via 3rd-party stores anywhere, at least right now.

Is it possible that Samsung Pay could hit Google Play? Sure, there is nothing stopping that from happening, but with Samsung in love with their own ecosystem, it seems unlikely.

And again, the last we heard, Verizon was still “evaluating” the service altogether, and Verizon seems more key on promoting Android Pay to their customers than acknowledging the whereabouts of Samsung Pay.

For all Verizon customers who own a new Galaxy device, here is hoping the two companies can work this out, and Mr. Graylin is correct when stating that you should be able to download it in “the next week or so” directly from Google Play.

Although, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Via: @WGraylin

Cheers Tony!

Google Now on Tap is Working Again on the 6.0 Preview

Two weeks ago, an update to the Google app briefly activated Google Now on Tap for those running a device with the Android 6.0 preview. For all of eight hours, owners of a Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 could take advantage of Google’s new service that allows you to pull up relevant information within apps, so that you don’t have to leave what you are doing to get answers.

But because the Now on Tap service wasn’t exactly ready for prime time or someone accidentally pressed “GO!”, Google killed it. We have been waiting for it to return and were wondering if today would be the day, now that Android 6.0 is super duper official.

According to a handful of our readers (and our own Nexus 5), Google Now on Tap is back live again!

If you are still trying to figure out the service and why you need it, check out a couple of the screenshots below that show Now on Tap pulling up information through a variety of situations.

As a reminder, Now on Tap is an Android 6.0+ feature, so if you want to use it, you will still have to be using a device with the latest 6.0 preview, like the Nexus 6, Nexus 5, or Nexus 9. If you are running any of those, long-press the home button when in apps and watch the magic happen.

Cheers Hamid and Brick!

Tuesday Poll: Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P?

It’s time to decide after seeing each’s official unveiling from Google – are you going Nexus 5X (specs) or Nexus 6P (specs)? Are you going smaller, less-powerful Nexus 5X or are you going full-on flagship Nexus 6P? Are you ready to make the all-around champ a part of your life again or is it time to give a new player, like Huawei a shot?

Tell us.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are the Next Project Fi Phones

Thanks to their stellar network interoperability, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, unsurprisingly, are the next phones to be compatible with Google’s Project Fi. That means you can give even more to Google by not only buying their new phones, but by making them your wireless carrier too.

As a recap, Project Fi is Google’s pay-as-you-use wireless service. It uses both T-Mobile and Sprint networks, only charges you for exactly the data you use, starts at $30 per month, and is all controlled through a simple Project Fi app. Fi tries to always find you the best connection possible, so it will jump from T-Mobile to Sprint to WiFi without you even noticing, for the most part.

With the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P joining Fi, that also means you can purchase each through Fi with a payment plan. The exact payment amounts are below.

You still need to request an invite to be a part of Project Fi, so if having Google as a carrier interests you, as do their most recent Nexus phones, hit up the link below.

More: Project Fi

Video: Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X First Look and Hands-on

If hands-on photo galleries are not enough for you, how about some video action? Kellen was on-hand for this morning’s Google event, where two Nexus devices were announced, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Both offer something quite different, and it seems our community is pretty torn on which to pick up.

The Nexus 6P is the larger, more premium-priced device, running a starting price of $499. It features a 5.7″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 processor, and fingerprint reader. The Nexus 5X starts at $379, which is more of an updated Nexus 5 device with a body comprised of plastic. It features a smaller 5.2″ 1080p display and Snapdragon 808 processor.

Hands-on videos for both devices can be viewed below.

Nexus 6P Hands-on

Nexus 5X Hands-on

Nexus 6P Hands-on Photo Gallery

For anyone not too interested in the Nexus 5X, here is a photo gallery of the Nexus 6P in-hand. As mentioned earlier, it features an all-metal, more “premium” build quality. Featuring a 5.7″ QHD display, pricing for this model starts at $499 with pre-orders now live on Google Play.

Below, we have a gallery of the Nexus 6P in each color that is offered for pre-order. There is the “Aluminium,” Graphite (Black), and Frost (White). Why companies insist on making new names for basic colors, I will never understand.

Again, keep it locked right here while we get these Nexus hands-on videos rendered and uploaded.

Which Nexus device are you leaning towards? X or P?

Nexus 5X Hands-on Photo Gallery

Kellen is live from Google’s Nexus event, and thankfully, they have units on-hand for him to take photos and videos of. While we wait for hands-on videos and first impressions, here is a gallery of the Nexus 5X in-hand. No more renders!

From what he has said, the device is light, definitely giving off a plastic vibe, unlike the Nexus 6P with its all-metal build. Keep it tuned here for hands-on videos of both devices soon.

Now, revel in its Nexus-ness beauty.

HTC Hosting Virtual Event on October 20 to Announce Marshmallow-Powered ‘One’ Device

As soon as Google’s morning event wrapped up, an email hit our inbox, claiming HTC is going to unwrap a brand new, Marshmallow-powered One device on October 20 via a “virtual event.” What is meant by virtual event, HTC states, “This is not your traditional smartphone so we aren’t hosting a traditional launch event.”

The event is set to kick off at 12pm EST on October 20, which is 9am PST for those on the west coast.

As to which device HTC is referring to, we assume they are speaking of the One A9, a device that has been leaked left and right, but we would not exactly put money on that. The timing matches up well, given it was reported we would see the One A9 launch this November, however, nothing is ever confirmed until it is announced and official.

If HTC does announce the One A9, the device is reported to feature a 5″ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 617 processor, 2GB of RAM, microSD card slot, 2,150 mAh battery, 13MP rear-facing camera, and an UltraPixel camera along the frontside. If it also comes running Marshmallow, that is most impressive.

The live event will be streamed right here.

Excited?

Google Announces Pixel C Tablet, Launch Set for Holiday Season at $499+

This morning, Google announced the Pixel C, the first tablet designed and built by Google alone. It’s not a Nexus, it’s a Pixel. The Pixel C delivers a first-class tablet/laptop-like experience, featuring a 2560 x 1800 display, Tegra X1 processor from NVIDIA, Maxwell GPU, 3GB of RAM, USB Type-C, and a keyboard attachment for those who need to handle work on-the-go.

Set to launch in time for the holidays, the Pixel C is priced starting at $499 for the 32GB model, and $599 for the 64GB. The keyboard attachment is priced and sold separately for $149.

The tablet runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box, and if past Pixel devices were any hint, you can expect this device to feel exceptional in-hand.

What do you think? The ultimate Xmas gift?

Google Confirms $15/Month Family Plan for Play Music, Available in a Few Weeks

Just as reported earlier this week, Google announced a Family Plan option for users of Google Music, one which will allow a family of up to six to rock out to all of the great tunes available through All Access, priced at just $14.99 a month.

Each account will have the ability to store 50,000 songs in the cloud, accessible from any device. In addition, each account will receive the benefits of recommended playlists and streaming options, bringing a tailored feel for each user in your family.

Google states this Family Plan option will be available “in a few weeks.” Once available, we will let you know.

Who is ready to sign up for this?

Google Announces New Chromecast Dongle, Chromecast Audio Dongle

At this morning’s event, Google announced two new Chromecast devices, an updated Chromecast HDMI dongle for your HDTV, and a Chromecast Audio dongle, capable of turning any regular speaker into a smart speaker.

The updated Chromecast dongle features a retooled design, allowing for easier plugging into television units. Essentially, it acts the same as the older Chromecast, albeit with updated features, but the hardware inside the unit has changed most. Inside, we have dual-band WiFi, with a smart connection that allows for the fastest WiFi connection, all of the time.

Google decided to price the Chromecast dongle the same at $35, available for purchase today.

Chromecast Audio is basically the same thing, but for music. Instead of hooking it up to a TV, you hook it up to a sound system or Bluetooth speaker. This allows you to save battery on your smartphone. You and friends can set a queue of music for a playlist, and the hardware even allows for multi room support.

Chromecast Audio is also priced at $35.

To use these devices, Google is releasing an updated Chrome app, bringing a gang of new software features for this updated hardware, as well as the same content for 1st Gen Chromecast owners. Be on the lookout for this to hit Google Play soon. More info and exact specs can be found on their respective product listings through Google Store.

Have at it.

Chromecast Buy Links: Google Store

Chromecast Audio Buy Links: Google Store

Nexus 5X Specs (Official)

As you now know, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are official. Google has fully announced each device at an event in San Francisco, putting to bed any last remaining questions.

LG has indeed made the 5X, a phone that is very much a return of the “all-around champ.” It’s the smaller of the two Nexus phones and should be a great option for those who want something much more manageable with a single hand, something that isn’t whale-like.

Below, you will find the official spec list as presented to us by Google.

Nexus 5X Specs (Official)

Display	5.2-inch IPS LCD (1920x1080, 423ppi), Fingerprint and smudge-resistant oleophobic coating
OS	Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 1.8 GHz hexa-core 64-bit, Adreno 418 GPU
Camera	12.3MP rear camera (f/2.0), IR Laser assisted Auto focus, 4K video capture (30fps), CRI-90 dual-flash; 5MP front camera (f/2.2)
Battery	2,700 mAh, Fast charging - up to 3.8 hours of use from only 10 minutes of charging
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB or 32GB
SIM	Nano
Dimensions	147.0 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm, 136g
Model	LG-H791, LG-H790
Colors	Quartz White, Ice Blue, and Charcoal Black
Ports	Micro USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack
Other	Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO, dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz), LTE cat. 6, Fingerprint reader, Sensor Hub, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient Light sensor, Hall sensor, Android Context Hub
Project Fi Ready	Yes
Included	Phone, charger, earphones, quick start guide

Nexus 6P Specs (Official)

As you now know, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are official. Google has fully announced each device at an event in San Francisco, putting to bed any last remaining questions.

Huawei has indeed made the 6P, a phone that is largely thought to be the more premium of the two. It features a metal body, higher-end processor, is bigger, and more expensive. Some would consider the 5X to fall into the mid-range category, while the 6P is by all means a true flagship.

Below, you will find the official spec list as presented to us by Google.

Nexus 6P Specs (Official)

Display	5.7-inch WQHD AMOLED (2560x1440, 518ppi)
OS	Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1, 2.0 GHz Octa-core 64-bit, Adreno 430 GPU
Camera	12.3MP rear camera (1.55 μM, f/2.0), IR Laser assisted autofocus, 4K (30 fps) video capture, Broad-spectrum CRI-90 dual flash; 8MP front camera
Battery	3,450 mAh battery, Fast charging - up to 7 hours of use from only 10 minutes of charging
RAM	3GB
Storage	32/64/128GB
SIM	Nano
Dimensions	159.3 X 77.8 X 7.3 mm, 178 g
Other	USB Type-C, Fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Hall sensor, Android Sensor Hub
Colors	Aluminium, Graphite, Frost

Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Pre-Orders Now Live!

Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X pre-orders are now live on the Google Store! Go! Go! Go!

Store Links: Nexus 6P | Nexus 5X

Pre-Order New Nexus 5X or 6P, Get Free Google Play Music and $50 Play Credit

If you pre-order the new Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P, Google is tossing in some freebies.

All Nexus 5X and 6P orders include a free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music, but if you pre-order, they are also handing out a $50 Google Play credit.

The devices aren’t live yet on Google Play, so stay tuned.

Google Announces Nexus Protect, a 2-Year Protection Plan for Your Phone

Along with its announcement of the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, Google unveiled a new protection plan for each called Nexus Protect.

The plan runs $69 for the Nexus 5X and $89 for the Nexus 6P. With Nexus Protect, you get 2 years of coverage for mechanical breakdown on your phone, 2 years of protection from accidental damage, and you get replacements as early as the next business day.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Rolls Out Next Week to Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013), 9, and Player

So, when is your current Nexus getting the update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow? Next week, actually. Google announced today that the update will arrive over-the-air (OTA) to the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9, and Nexus Player.

Sorry, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 (2012) owners.

Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Pricing and Availability Announced

It’s official – pre-orders for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P open today and will ship later this month.

The LG Nexus 5X is priced at $379 (16GB) and $429 (32GB). The Nexus 6P is priced at $499 (32GB), $549 (64GB), and $649 (128GB).

Google Store is the place to order, but Google did mention that they will have additional retail and carrier partners down the road.

Google Announces the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P

We’re at Google’s event in San Francisco and they just got done announcing the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. We’ll have more on them shortly, like full details and official specs, but as of now, nothing has been a surprise.

The Nexus 6P is the big guy and the flagship, while the Nexus 5X marks the return of a previous Nexus champ.

Google is excited about their cameras, and even said they left out OIS on purpose because the cameras are so good in low light that they don’t need stabilization. We’ll have to put them through tests to see if that was a good decision or not.

More coming!

Nexus 5X

Nexus 6P

Live: Google’s Nexus 5X and 6P Event!

The day has finally arrived! It’s time for Google’s big Nexus and Chromecast event, where we should be officially introduced to the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, a new Chromecast, and a whole bunch more.

We are in San Francisco to attend the event, which kicks off at 9AM Pacific (12PM Eastern).

Because this is such a big event, we will have a live blog of the happenings for you below, but Google also has plans to stream the event live for the world to see. Once we have a direct feed for that, we will embed it below along with the live blog.

Ready to join us and finally get the official scoop from Google?

Sponsors

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Via: @WGraylin

Cheers Tony!

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