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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

LG Also Announces the Watch Urbane (2nd Edition) With LTE

Along with the new LG V10, LG unwrapped a new smartwatch this evening called the Watch Urbane (2nd Edition). This watch is unique in that it’s the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature cellular connectivity, with an option to connect via 4G (LTE), 3G, WiFi or Bluetooth. Why anyone needs LTE on their watch is beyond me, but that’s where we are at in 2015. 

The watch itself sports upgraded specs over the previous generation Watch Urbane with 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400, 1.38-inch POLED display (480×480, 348ppi), 4GB storage, 768MB RAM, 570mAh battery, GPS, and IP67 dust and water resistance. That resolution and battery capacity are both kind of nuts for a watch. Good job there, LG.

Unfortunately, that giant battery means a watch that is a whopping 14.2mm thick. For reference, the new Moto 360, Huawei Watch, and original Urbane were all 11mm and under. 14.2mm is…woof that’s thick.

So why all of the cellular connectivity? Well, you can make calls with this Watch Urbane, supposedly leave your phone at home if you’d like, and also workout with GPS tracking.

The new Watch Urbane (2nd Edition) will be available at some point in the near future in the US and Korea. After that, it will head to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Press Release


FIRST CELLULAR ANDROID WEAR SMARTWATCH PREVIEWED AT LG EVENT

Newest LG Watch Urbane is Tether-Free and Compatible with Both Android and iOS

SEOUL, Oct. 1, 2015 ― At the event to introduce the V10 smartphone, LG Electronics (LG) provided a sneak peek of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition, the first Android Wear device to feature cellular connectivity. With the option to connect via 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, LG’s newest wearable device works seamlessly with Android smartphones or can go it alone, when carrying a smartphone isn’t practical or convenient. Cellular enabled features will vary across Android and iOS.

The latest LG Watch Urbane delivers the highest resolution display of any smartwatch currently on the market today. With a resolution of 480 x 480, the new LG Watch Urbane delivers 348ppi on its 1.38-inch full circle P-OLED display. With a diameter of 44.5mm, the smartwatch resembles a classic timepiece with its hairline-etched stainless steel body and durable hypoallergenic TPSiV™ elastomer band. And to live up to the original LG Watch Urbane’s great battery life, the 2nd Edition features a high-capacity 570mAh battery and Power Saving Mode to last throughout the day and more.

Three buttons adorn the right side of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition to provide quick access to shortcut settings such as contacts, LG Health and apps list. Ambient mode can now be enabled or disabled with a simple press of the crown button. In addition to the 16 included watch faces, fitness-related features such as heart rate tracking, workout tips and stress level monitoring are also offered.

“The wearable sector continues to evolve and we’re playing an active role in that by bringing to market various devices that appeal to various consumers,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “At LG, we don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all wearable device. This second edition of our Watch Urbane aims to be a must-have smart device for active individuals who want to stay connected to the world, whether they’re at work, at home or on the tennis court.”

The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition will be available first in the United States and Korea, followed by markets in Europe, CIS, Asia and the Middle East. Details including price and date of availability will be announced locally at a later date. To see the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition in action, go to https://youtu.be/FdRymDRtPJA .

Key Specifications:

  • Chipset: 1.2GHz Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 400
  • Operating System: Android WearTM (Cell-connected Version)
  • Display: 1.38-inch P-OLED Display (480 x 480 / 348ppi)
  • Size: 44.5 x 14.2mm
  • Memory: 4GB eMMC / 768MB LPDDR3
  • Battery: 570mAh
  • Network*: Bluetooth 4.1 / Wi-Fi / LTE / 3G
  • Sensors: Accelerometer / Gyro / Compass / Barometer / PPG / GPS
  • Color*: Space Black / Opal Blue / Luxe White / Signature Brown
  • Other: Dust and Water Resistance (IP67)

# # #

lg watch urbane 2nd

lg watch urbane 2nd-2

LG Also Announces the Watch Urbane (2nd Edition) With LTE is a post from: Droid Life



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LG Announces the V10, a Smartphone With Lots of…Things

This evening, LG announced a brand new flagship called the V10. As you know from the couple of leaks we have seen of the device, this phone sports a secondary display, dual front camera setup, and an interesting textured backside. That’s not all, though. LG worked in all sorts of random things – seriously, this phone is full of stuff upon stuff upon stuff – to help try and differentiate this phone from the pack. Because this phone comes off on paper much like a G4, it needed all of these new things and stuff to do that. 

First, let’s talk specs. The LG V10 features a 5.7-inch QHD IPS LCD display with a secondary 2.1-inch IPS display (160×1040) above it. Inside, you will find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (with microSD slot), 16MP f/1.8 rear camera with OIS, 5MP dual lens front shooter(s), removable 3000mAh battery, LTE Cat.6, 802.11ac WiFi, and Android 5.1.1. See, it’s kind of like a G4, only with an extra display and a secondary front camera.

As for the things I mentioned, this is what I’m talking about. It has that secondary display for showing notifications, weather, battery status, etc. when the phone’s screen is off. But once you turn the phone on, it turns into an app shortcut area or a place for notifications when you are in an app and don’t want to be bothered. We have seen others attempt this concept before and it didn’t go well. Think Samsung Continuum and Note Edge.

LG V10

LG V10-3 0921_LG V10 KV_Second Screen_ON

The V10 has dual front cameras for this world’s ridiculous selfie addiction. With the two, you can either take normal 5MP shots or wide-angle photos. With the rear camera, LG is introducing a manual camera mode for the first time in a smartphone, with settings for shutter speed, frame rate, ISO, white balance, and focus. Within that new video mode, there are all sorts of steady/quick/share/etc. options.

The phone has a fingerprint sensor as well, along with 32 bit Hi-Fi audio, a Dura Guard steel frame, and Dura Skin on its back. LG says that they did a bunch of 3rd party drop tests with the phone and it performed quite well. Yay for drop tests.

See, it’s all just stuff and things.

The LG V10 launches in Korea this month and will then reach the US, China, and other key countries later on down the road.

Press Release


LG UNVEILS V10, A SMARTPHONE DESIGNED WITH CREATIVITY IN MIND

LG’s Latest Phone Features Many Firsts: Second Screen, Dual Front Cameras, Manual Video Mode

SEOUL, Oct. 1, 2015 ― LG Electronics (LG) today took the wraps off its newest smartphone featuring multimedia capabilities never before seen in a mobile device. The first of its V Series phones, the LG V10 was designed to provide a rich multimedia experience ― both consumption and creation ― for today’s social network savvy consumers. Distinctive new features such as a Second Screen, Dual Front Cameras and Manual Video Mode differentiate the LG V10 from the competition. All this comes wrapped in a design that utilizes high-grade stainless steel and a durable silicone skin to make the V10 one of the rare smartphones to pass drop tests for shock conducted by an independent third party.

Second Screen
Always pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation, LG is introducing a Second Screen as an inset display above the main 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display on the V10. Working independently, the Second Screen can be set up as an “always on” display to enhance the V10’s productiveness all without impacting battery life. Set the Second Screen to display the weather, time, date and battery icon when the main display is off. With the main display on, the Second Screen can be set to convert to a dedicated launching area for shortcuts or your favorite apps. What’s more, when you’re enjoying a movie or game on the V10, the Second Screen will notify you discreetly without blocking your view when a call or text comes in. Ignoring the notification won’t distract you from your enjoyment or you can pause whatever you’re doing to respond.

Dual Front Cameras and Multi-view Recording
Wide angle images usually require a large, heavy lens which can distort the corners of photographs. The LG V10 features 5MP Dual Front Cameras with two separate lenses to capture standard 80 degree selfies or perfect wide angle selfies of 120 degrees, without the need to pan the smartphone which increases the likelihood of camera shake. For the wide angle shot, the V10 employs a sophisticated software algorithm to combine images from the two separate lenses which are just far enough apart to provide two different points of view. The ability to take group selfies without a selfie-stick has never been easier. Multi-view Recording can capture different angles utilizing all three cameras on the V10. Select and insert the version that looks best in your masterpiece.

Video and Audio Capture Capabilities
As the LG G4 did with photography, the LG V10 offers users the ultimate in video capturing, editing and sharing. The V10 is the first smartphone to offer manual mode for video. First introduced for still photographs on the G4, the technology has been enhanced to handle video recordings as well. With Manual Video Mode, budding directors can easily create professional-quality videos by adjusting options such as shutter speed, frame rate, ISO, white balance and focus while recording. Videos can be recorded in three resolutions ― HD, FHD or UHD ― and two aspect ratios ― 16:9 standard or 21:9 cinematic.

In addition to its impressive professional-level video and audio capabilities, the LG V10 offers these additional features that video content look and sound their best:

  • Steady Record: utilizes electronic image stabilization (EIS) optimized for recording video to neutralize shake, helping to capture sharper video footage when in motion
  • Snap Video: create one video by combining many shorter videos
  • 15 Sec. Auto Edit: create a short video highlight clip by automatically eliminating blurred frames and static scenes
  • Quick Video Editor: easily trim or change the frame rate and add after-effects, such as colors and background music
  • Quick Share: when finished recording, a pop-up appears on the display showing options of popular social networks to make video sharing even easier and faster
  • Audio Monitor: adjust the sensitivity of the three microphones during video recording and directly monitor and control audio input, including directional recording capability to highlight sound from one particular location
  • Wind Noise Filter: eliminate external wind noise for high-quality sound when shooting video outdoors

The V10 carries on LG’s tradition of providing alternative storage options with a microSD card slot. Compatible with cards of up to 2TB, V10 owners can shoot as much 4K video as they want. And with the 3,000mAh removable battery, you can always be ready with a second or third replacement battery to pop in if you ever run low on power while shooting. And with Qualcomm Quick Charge™ 2.0 technology built-in, it only takes 40 minutes to get a 50 percent charge.

Durability and Design
The LG V10 was designed to be taken places other phones normally wouldn’t feel at home. The resilient Dura Guard frame firmly secures the display to protect the phone from hard bumps and tumbles. The V10’s frame is composed of SAE grade 316L stainless steel, the same tough, hypoallergenic material used to make surgical tools and high-end watches. Because the edges and corners are the most vulnerable areas of a phone, the extra protection provided by the Dura Guard frame ensures maximum durability.

On the back and bottom of the display, resilient but soft Dura Skin offers added protection from direct impacts to the device. Dura Skin is soft to the touch but also is highly resistant to nicks and scratches. What’s more, the back grid pattern was designed specifically to offer a more secure grip, even when you’re on the go. Independent testing and certification firm MET Laboratories tested the LG V10 by dropping it from height of 48 inches repeatedly at different angles and found it to be “MIL-STD-810G Transit Drop Compliant” for shock.

Great Sounding Music and Voice
As an advanced multimedia smartphone, the sound in the V10 has been designed to be best-in-class. The V10 features 32 bit Hi-Fi DAC by ESS Technology, designers of high-performance audio products for professionals. The LG V10 automatically detects connected devices and provides sound control options which can be customized. And the LG V10 is the first commercial device to utilize Qualcomm Technologies TruSignal™ antenna boost technology designed to intelligently optimize signal strength at all times for fewer dropped calls, faster data and better call coverage, no matter how the phone is held.

Access and Security
Along with the popular Knock Code, the LG V10 features a new fingerprint sensor to unlock the smartphone and turn on the display simultaneously. The sensor also works with Android Pay in the United States to make purchases as quick and easy as possible.

“The LG V10 was designed from the ground up primarily as a multimedia smartphone for the sharing ecosystem,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We heard from many customers that until the G4, they weren’t comfortable going on vacation or outings without a separate camera. With the V10, we hope to do for video what the G4 did for photographs.”

The LG V10 will be available in Korea starting this month followed by markets such as the United States, China and key countries in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Information regarding additional markets and launch dates will be announced locally in the weeks to come.

Key Specifications:*

  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 808 Processor
  • Display: Main) 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 513ppi) Secondary) 2.1-inch IPS Quantum Display (160 x 1040 / 513ppi)
  • Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 RAM / 64GB eMMC ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
  • Camera: Rear) 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0  Front) 5MP Dual Lens (80o Standard Angle / 120o Wide Angle)
  • Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
  • OS: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
  • Size: 159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm
  • Weight: 192g
  • Network: LTE-A Cat. 6
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1 / NFC / USB 2.0
  • Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue

# # #

LG V10-4

LG Announces the V10, a Smartphone With Lots of…Things is a post from: Droid Life



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Video: Google Now on Tap Tour!

Google Now on Tap is finally live and available to use for those running the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow preview. It will also be live when your new Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P arrives, or if your older Nexus is due for next week’s update to 6.0.

To recap, Google Now on Tap “anticipates what you need in the moment.” By long-pressing on your phone’s home button, “you can get cards with useful information and apps that feed your need to know.” Think getting quick information about a movie you are having a conversation about through email or being able to book a restaurant a friend just mentioned in Hangouts. It could even be a need for more information about an athlete you are reading about or artist you are listening to.

To get a better feel for the power of Google Now on Tap, check out the video below. 

Video: Google Now on Tap Tour! is a post from: Droid Life



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Google Photos App Receives Update With Chromecast Support

Yesterday at the Nexus event, Google announced a few changes for the 4 month old Photos app, and today, a few of those changes are hitting Google Play in the form of an app update. Inside the update, the Photos app now supports Chromecast, allowing users to bring their shots to big screen to share with those around you. No more slides and projectors of family trips, even though I don’t think people do that anymore. 

In addition to Chromecast support, users can create labels for people inside of albums, which will remain completely private. Only you will know what you call your friends when they are not around. To use these labels, you will scroll through photos, basically tagging anyone you want to easily find in the future via the search feature found in Photos. It makes for easier discovery in the future.

Lastly, we have shared albums. This feature won’t be ready until later this year, but with it, anyone with a camera and Google account will be able to upload photos to a shared album; perfect for big family trips or weddings. When users sign on to the album, they will receive notifications of new photos uploaded. Google gave an example of parents sharing photos and videos of grandkids with grandparents, allowing the older folks to stay on top of young Johnny’s little league game highlights.

To hear Google speak about these changes, fast forward the below video to the 39:30 mark.

The update for Chromecast support and people labels is rolling out now to Google Play.

Play Link

Google Photos App Receives Update With Chromecast Support is a post from: Droid Life



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New LG V10 Render Hits the Web, Looks Quite Rugged

LG is hosting an event tomorrow on October 1, where we believe they will announce the V10 smartphone. Thanks to @evleaks, we have a new render of the device, this time detailing a more rugged, DROID Turbo-like design.

The backside appears to feature a textured plastic, reminiscent of kevlar or carbon fiber. The body itself looks pretty shock resistant, but that could just be the backside giving off that vibe. Before this leak, we had only seen the frontside of the V10, with its secondary display at the top for quick access to apps and shortcuts.

We have yet to learn how LG intends to market that secondary display, but the device also appears to feature dual front-facing cameras. That could be good for your selfie game.

What’s  your opinion? Does it look cool or super gimmicky?

LG V10

Via: @evleaks

New LG V10 Render Hits the Web, Looks Quite Rugged is a post from: Droid Life



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Nexus 5X and 6P reddit AMA Highlights: Name Meaning, USB 2.0, No Qi Charging, and More (Updated)

Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer, David Burke, Krishna Kumar and Sandeep Waraich are currently live for a reddit Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) to discuss the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The conversation has only just begun, but we wanted to start putting together the highlights of the event for those who can’t keep up with each answer and for those who miss it completely.

AMAs like these always offer up extra information about naming, specs, and specific choices in design or features that you may not see/hear during a presentation or in a press release. For example, we already found out the reason for the “X” and “P” in the names of each phone.

Below, we’ve done our best to put together the answers the team has provided. (We’ll continue to update as well.” 

  • Display in the Nexus 6P:  “It has a Samsung WQHD AMOLED panel. We have spent a lot of time tuning the white-point and color gamut for these panels – hope you will enjoy the accuracy of the display.”
  • Type of storage in each phone:  “Both 6P and 5X use eMMC 5.0.”
  • Not US 3.1:  “Nope! Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P supports USB 2.0”
  • Why only 2GB RAM in the Nexus 5X: “We like to think we’re striking a strong balance between premium features/experiences and affordability.”
  • Why no wireless (Qi) charging: “We added Qi wireless charging starting with N4 because plugging in USB micro B was such a hassle! (Which way is up!?) With this year’s Nexii, we support USB Type-C which has a reversible connector so there’s no more guessing. AND it charges incredibly swiftly: 1% to 100% in 97 mins on the 6P for example (the first ~45 mins of charging is especially fast). Meanwhile, wireless charging adds z (thickness). So, ease of plugging in + fast charging + optimizing for thinness made us double down on Type-C instead of wireless!”
  • 16GB option for the Nexus 5X: “The idea here was to strike a balance between premium features/experiences and affordability.”
  • Same cameras in each phone?: “Yes. Both devices have the same camera – a 12.3MP camera, with a large 1.55um pixels, which works great in all conditions – especially low light. And both have LDAF for fast auto-focus.”
  • More on cameras:  “Yea, same sensor (IMX377) and F/2.0 optics. But 6P has more CPU/GPU horsepower so has a few additional features like 240fps slomo (vs 120fps on 5X), Smartburst, and EIS.”
  • Why partner with LG and Huawei?: “5X: We wanted to bring the LG-Google band back together. So many N5 fans, we couldn’t possibly disappoint! 6P: Always nice to work with new players — we have a history of working with a bunch of folks: HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Asus and now Huawei!”
  • On naming: “X for the core of the Nexus brand (plus it sounds cool!), P for premium.”
  • T-Mobile band 12:  “We’re hard at work with T-Mo to get Band 12 on Nexus devices by ship date.”
  • Security with fingerprint scanners: “Fingerprint features are securely encrypted on the device, and processed in the secure Trustzone protected area of memory. The Android 6.0 fingerprint APIs do not provide any access to the fingerprint material to apps. Fingerprint features never leave the device and are not shared with Google (so for example if you setup a new phone, you need to re-enroll your fingers). If your phone is ever lost or stolen you can easily find, lock, and erase your phone using Android Device Manager.”
Via:  reddit

Nexus 5X and 6P reddit AMA Highlights: Name Meaning, USB 2.0, No Qi Charging, and More (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life



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We Now Know What the “X” and “P” in Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Stand For

Why Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P? What could the “X” and “P” stand for in each name? We’ve all been asking those questions over the last few weeks, since we confirmed the final names. During yesterday’s event, Google didn’t mention anything specifically about the meaning behind the names, but did so today in an AMA going on over at reddit. 

According to Hiroshi Lockheimer, the “X” in Nexus 5X is in reference to the “core of the Nexus brand.” It apparently also sounds cool to Google. The “P” in Nexus 6P stands for premium.

There you go.

Via: reddit

We Now Know What the “X” and “P” in Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Stand For is a post from: Droid Life



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BlackBerry Posted Official Images of Priv Yesterday

The Priv from BlackBerry, aka Venice, has been the target of many leaks over the past month, and it seems BlackBerry, a company that touts their security, has had enough. In a blog post, the company released three official images of the device, leading fans of BlackBerry to either embrace the upcoming device, or express their distaste for its usage of the Android OS. 

Two of the released photos show the profile of Priv (below), while the other is an angled shot of the frontside (top). It is certainly an interesting device, and BlackBerry states we will soon know more information, including when and where you can purchase it.

The images do not offer anything too new, but we do get a good look at the Priv’s side button configuration, which is unique to say the least. It appears a power button sits between the volume up and down buttons, possibly leading to a bit of confusion. Other than that, it’s a slider phone with a full QWERTY running Android, made by BlackBerry.

Once availability and pricing is known, we will be sure to let all of your slider fans know.

Still intrigued by the Priv?

Priv 2Priv

Via: BlackBerry

BlackBerry Posted Official Images of Priv Yesterday is a post from: Droid Life



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Here are a Bunch of Nexus 6P Camera Samples From Google’s Romain Guy

Google spent a really long time yesterday talking about the 12.3MP cameras that it put in the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. They are excited about their potential, even without optical image stabilization (OIS), thanks to the Sony sensor used that captures large 1.55 micron pixels. Google mentioned that the Sony sensor here was originally intended for use in a traditional point-and-shoot scenario, but they managed to cram it into a phone (well, two phones). That’s something to brag about, for sure. 

If you want to go back and see the chat about the new Nexus cameras – and you should – here is a direct link on YouTube.

But what about actual real-world results? Since we don’t have review units yet, we are left to rely on Google and Googlers with the phones in order to see what we can expect. Googler Romain Guy, the man who seems to put every single Nexus camera to work, posted some shots yesterday that were taken with the Nexus 6P (a few of which were featured during the Google event) from a variety of indoor situations. Some are low-light, while some are just typical indoor lighting situations. If anything, they should give you an idea as to what you can expect from either new Nexus phone.

Are they the best indoor photos ever taken with a smartphone? I don’t know that I would say that. I’m not necessarily seeing random blue, green, or red hues dominating anything, so that’s good. My eyes might be spoiled by the amount of detail captured by the Moto X Pure’s 21MP camera still, so these do lack some of those fine moments of text that I enjoy with the MXPE. But overall, they are passable indoor photos.

After all, DxoMark did rank this camera 2nd for smartphones only to the Galaxy S6.

You tell us – thoughts on these samples?

IMG_20150928_220754

IMG_20150928_195733 IMG_20150928_222621

IMG_20150928_222131

IMG_20150928_220703 IMG_20150928_221255

IMG_20150928_193947

Via:  +Romain Guy

Here are a Bunch of Nexus 6P Camera Samples From Google’s Romain Guy is a post from: Droid Life



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NVIDIA Renames GRID to GeForce NOW, Launches October 1 for $7.99 a Month

NVIDIA’s game streaming service known as GRID, available on most NVIDIA-made devices for the past year or so, including SHIELD, SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Portable, will now be known as GeForce NOW and include a monthly subscription price of $7.99. This subscription nets you access to 50+ gaming titles, all stored on NVIDIA’s cloud servers. So, essentially, it’s Netflix for Gaming

For those who have played with GRID before, GeForce NOW will act the same way, but the ability to purchase select titles is also included for instant cloud access. Much like Netflix or Spotify, you will open the GeForce NOW app on your device, select a title you want to play, and that’s it. Games are streamed via your home’s network in up 1080p 60fps, bringing a first class gaming experience directly to your HDTV, no Xbox or PlayStation needed.

Set to launch tomorrow (October 1), NVIDIA states that the first three months of service will be absolutely free, allowing gamers a chance to try the service out before you have to pay a dime.

As for the titles you will find for streaming, there will be plenty of Batman games, LEGO titles, Dead Island, racing games, and a few RPGs. There will be something for everyone and NVIDIA will also bring new titles to the service as time goes by. For a complete list of games to stream and games to purchase, check here.

Would you pay $8 a month to stream video games via the cloud?

Via: NVIDIA [2]

NVIDIA Renames GRID to GeForce NOW, Launches October 1 for $7.99 a Month is a post from: Droid Life



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Samsung’s Gear S2 and S2 Classic Available October 2, Priced at $299 and $349

Samsung announced this morning that its new round smartwatches, the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic, will be available for purchase on Friday, October 2. The Gear S2 retails for $299 and the Gear S2 Classic drops in at $349. You will be able to buy each at select retailers including Samsung.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy and Macy’s. 

To recap, the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic are Tizen-based round smartwatches from Samsung that are arguably (OK, they are for a fact) the best looking Samsung watches to date. The regular Gear S2 sports a cleaner, more minimal aesthetic, while the Classic attempts to emulate a traditional timepiece. Both look quite nice.

The big selling feature for each is a rotating bezel that allows you to navigate their UI. To see a demo of that in action, check out our hands-on video below.

They also have solid specs (1.2-inch AMOLED displays, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, dual-core processor, NFC, WiFi, and wireless charging), 2-3 day battery life, are water resistant, and will have a whole bunch of big name apps available to them at launch (Bloomberg, CNN, ESPN, Nike+ Running, Samsung Milk Music and Yelp).

Buying?

Samsung’s Gear S2 and S2 Classic Available October 2, Priced at $299 and $349 is a post from: Droid Life



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TAG Heuer’s $1,800 Android Wear Watch Arrives November 9

Ready for TAG Heuer’s luxury Android Wear watch? It’s coming November 9, according to its CEO, who spoke with CNBC yesterday. The watchmaker is planning some sort of unveiling event at its LVMH building in New York at 11AM Eastern on that day. 

Biver said that the watch will cost around $1,800, which is up about $400 from the last time we heard a price attached to the product.

Can you see yourself paying $1,800 for an Android Wear watch, even if it is made by a company like TAG Heuer?

Via:  CNBC

TAG Heuer’s $1,800 Android Wear Watch Arrives November 9 is a post from: Droid Life



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AT&T Moto X (1st Gen) Gets Android 5.1 Lollipop Update…Again

The AT&T Moto X (1st gen) is getting Android 5.1 Lollipop again. I say again because we tried this once before back in July, but an issue arose and the update was suspended. AT&T apologized for having to pull the update and assured us that the update would be ready again as “quickly as possible.” Well, quickly as possible turned into the last day of September, more than two months later.

A new update is now ready for that original Moto X on AT&T. 

The update rolls out as system version 222.26.7 and weighs in at about 735MB. It’s Android 5.1 and it’ll change your life. OK, not in a “I won the lottery!” way, but a, “Whoa, this is what a modern smartphone UI looks like…” kind of way.

To get a feel for it, check out this video we put together back when the 2nd gen Moto X first got Lollipop.

Via:  AT&T

AT&T Moto X (1st Gen) Gets Android 5.1 Lollipop Update…Again is a post from: Droid Life



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