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Monday, November 2, 2015

Monday Poll: Which New Phone Did You Buy?

How many amazing phones have been released within the last three or four months? Seriously, think about it for a second. We got the Moto X Pure Edition, Galaxy Note 5, and the new iPhones around the same time. Then Google introduced the Nexus 6P and 5X, before LG could show off the V10. And even more recently, Motorola gave us two new DROIDs in the Turbo 2 and MAXX 2, plus the HTC One A9 snuck in there. There are amazing choices for phones everywhere you look, from every major manufacturer.

So in today’s poll, we are keeping it simple. Which of the new phones introduced in recent months did you buy or are considering buying? If you want, feel to tell everyone why, as we get asked constantly which phone we would recommend. Because we trust the reader voice, we would appreciate your feedback as a place to direct readers from time to time.

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

Monday Poll: Which New Phone Did You Buy? is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: 2-Pack of Monster Digital Super Speed OTG Flash Drives, $25

Through a deal taking place on the DL Deals Store, you can grab a 2-pack of Monster Digital Super Speed OTG 32GB and 64GB flash drives for just $25, down from their MSRP of $85. On Amazon, this same pack is available for $27, so why not save a couple extra bucks? 

Featuring a data transfer speed of 80MB a second, owners can utilize the OTG aspect of these drives, hooking them up to Android smartphones for insanely quick data transferring or for external drives. They feature metal exteriors, as well as protective caps so no pocket lint gets caught inside.

Oh, did I mention you can buy them in either black or pink? Pink!

Features

  • Ultra-fast 80 MB/s data transfer speed
  • Plenty of storage: 64GB & 32GB drives
  • 32GB OTG drive allows you to plug in, transfer or stream content to & from your Android device
  • External drive for Android smartphones & tablets
  • Speedy transfers without cables, computers or Wi-Fi
  • Sleek, metal exteriors to protect against impact
  • Protective caps
  • Windows, Android & Mac compatibility
  • Advanced error correction for data security
  • Slim design
  • Streaming functionality (plug-in & stream videos directly from the stick)

Deal Link

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Deal: Save $50 on the Huawei Watch When You Buy the Nexus 6P From Huawei

Were considering the Nexus 6P from Huawei, but also might be in the market for an Android Wear watch? If you buy your Nexus 6P directly from Huawei, they will slash $50 off your purchase of a Huawei Watch too. Yep, if you buy your 6P from Huawei, they are willing to discount their own watch, as long as you don’t want the gold version.

The discount will be automatically applied once both items are in your cart. The deal also appears to be a US-only thing, and as I just mentioned, doesn’t include the gold version of the Huawei Watch. 

Huawei Store Link

Note:  Ugh, the shipping estimates from Huawei’s site say “early to mid-December.” That’s a bit unfortunate.

Cheers Tony!

Deal: Save $50 on the Huawei Watch When You Buy the Nexus 6P From Huawei is a post from: Droid Life



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ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Announced, Available Today Starting at $199

ASUS has a new device for sale this week, the ZenFone 2 Laser, starting at just $199. For that low price, buyers will get a 5.5″ Full HD IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 3GB of RAM, 13MP rear-facing camera with “laser” auto focus, 16GB of storage 3,000 mAh battery, and Android 5.0 “Lollipop.” For $50 more, priced at $249, you can purchase a 32GB model. 

Other noteworthy features of the ZenFone 2 are a removable battery, scratch-resistant screen, and dual-SIM slots that both support LTE. More importantly, you won’t need to wait a long time to purchase this phone, as listings are already up on the top online retailer websites, including B&H, Amazon, and Newegg. From what we are seeing, the device is not quite live yet for purchase, but should be very soon.

For $199+, this is not a bad option for anyone looking to purchase an unlocked device they can use for travel, thanks to the advantage of dual LTE SIM support. Even with the Snapdragon 615, the benefit of 3GB of RAM should become apparent when handling multitasking, although ASUS still bakes in quite a heavy skin on top of Android 5.0+.

If you would like to buy this phone, follow one of the links below.

Purchase Links: Newegg Link | Amazon Link | B&H

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Via: ASUS

ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Announced, Available Today Starting at $199 is a post from: Droid Life



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New Marshmallow and Lollipop Factory Images Posted for Most Nexus Devices

Google just posted a whole bunch of new factory images for its line of Nexus devices, likely as November’s monthly security update (Yep, here are the details.). We have both Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop images, depending on the device, of course. 

This is what we are seeing as new:

  • Nexus 6P:  MDB08L, MDB08M
  • Nexus 5X:  MDB08L, MDB08M
  • Nexus 6:  LMY48Y, LYZ28N
  • Nexus Player:  MRA58N
  • Nexus 9 LTE:  LMY48X, MRA58N
  • Nexus 9 WiFi:  MRA58N
  • Nexus 5:  MRA58N
  • Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi:  MRA58V
  • Nexus 7 (2013) LTE:  LMY48X
  • Nexus 10:  LMY48X

Note:  Any build with an “L” at the front is Lollipop; “M” builds are Marshmallow.

You can download all of the new builds at Google’s factory image page.

If you need instructions on how to flash factory images, here you go.

New Marshmallow and Lollipop Factory Images Posted for Most Nexus Devices is a post from: Droid Life



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Google: Chrome OS Isn’t Being Phased Out, $85 Chromebit Launching in Couple Weeks

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Google would soon fold Chrome OS into Android and unveil a single operating system to rule them all within the next two years. Google, since the report first stole headlines, has come out to deny such claims. Well, they have at least said that they have “no plan to phase out Chrome OS.”

In a blog post penned today to the Chrome Blog, SVP of Android, Chrome OS, and Chromecast, Hiroshi Lockheimer, states that they are certainly working to bring together the best of both operating systems, but that’s about as far as he would go. He also didn’t exact deny much, other than the quote above about not phasing Chrome OS out. 

Instead, the blog posts talks about the success of Chrome OS, it’s scheduled updates, how it is transforming classrooms and that 30,000 new Chromebooks are activated every school day. He even announced that “dozens” of new Chromebooks would arrive in 2016. In general, it sounds like Chrome OS is here to stay, for the time being. As that original WSJ report mentioned, 2017 is the frame for things to get fun, though. The next 12 months or so will be key to watch if you are still buying into one operating system from Google going forward.

On a related note, the ASUS Chromebit, which is a full computer in the shape of a candy bar, will launch in the next couple of weeks or $85. You may remember this device from an announcement back in March. It’s basically an HDMI dongle that plugs into any monitor to give turn that screen into a computer. Cool, right?

So that’s the news. Chrome OS isn’t being phased out…for now…or something.

Via:  Chrome Blog

Google: Chrome OS Isn’t Being Phased Out, $85 Chromebit Launching in Couple Weeks is a post from: Droid Life



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Deal: Buy a Moto X (2nd Gen) on Amazon for Only $199

For those in need of a good deal, you can grab a Moto X (2nd Gen) on Amazon for just $199. There are currently three options available to purchase – 16GB with Black Leather back, 16GB with Black Soft Touch back, and 16GB White front with Bamboo wood back. The devices are new, meaning you won’t open the box to find a used, refurbished phone inside. 

Each model available is Unlocked, so they will work just fine AT&T and T-Mobile networks. As for the $199 price, it’s not bad for a phone that we declared was Phone of the Year in 2014. It features a solid 5.2″ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, 13MP rear-facing camera, and 2,300mAh battery.

One thing to note, these models do not appear to be “Pure Editions,” meaning they could be unlocked AT&T models. If this is the case, you may not see an update for Marshmallow, as Motorola has yet to announce plans to update carrier branded models of the Moto X (2nd Gen).

Follow the link below if you are interested in picking one up.

Amazon Link

Deal: Buy a Moto X (2nd Gen) on Amazon for Only $199 is a post from: Droid Life



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T-Mobile Introduces CellSpot, a Free In-Home 4G LTE Tower

Regardless of which carrier you are on, there is no doubt you have found a spot where you lose signal. If that place happens to be your home, then that’s no good, but if you are on T-Mobile, the UnCarrier now has a complete solution for you. Announced today, customers on a Simple Choice plan can receive a 4G LTE CellSpot free of charge, for use in your home or business. 

For anyone who has an Internet connection and lives within T-Mobile wireless spectrum, the CellSpot is essentially a tiny LTE tower that lives inside of your home, powering up to 16 calls simultaneously. And this is not a watered down version of T-Mobile’s network, either. It’s the full experience, offering VoLTE, Video Calling, HD Voice, and Advanced Messaging. According to the specs of the CellSpot, it has enough juice to deliver signal across 3,000 square feet.

The CellSpot is completely free to operate for those already on a Simple Choice plan. To get one, all you need to do is place a $25 deposit, then hook it up. Again, all you need for it to work properly is a broadband Internet connection, and live within T-Mobile’s operating area.

Customers can pick up one of these towers at participating T-Mobile locations on November 4. For additional information, look here.

Via: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Introduces CellSpot, a Free In-Home 4G LTE Tower is a post from: Droid Life



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Gear S2 and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE With NumberSync Available November 6 at AT&T

November 6 is shaping up to be a big day for AT&T. Not only are they launching the HTC One A9 and Blackberry Priv, but they are also kicking off sales of two connected wearables, the Samsung Gear S2 and LG G Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE. These two watches will be the first to utilize AT&T’s NumberSync, a service that allows you to “keep your mobile number with you even if you phone isn’t.” 

The Gear S2, Samsung’s round smartwatch that runs Tizen and has a rotatable bezel (our hands-on), will cost $15 per month for 20 months ($0 down) or $199 with a 2-year contract. You can add service to it for $10 per month. The Gear S2 will be available in-store on November 20.

The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE (holy shit with the ridiculous name, LG), the massive LG watch that has a 570mAh battery and LTE connectivity (more here), will cost the same at $15 per month for 20 months or $199 with a 2-year agreement. The same $10 monthly service charge is also a part of the deal. The Watch Urbane LTE will be available in-store on November 13.

As a recap on NumberSync, this is AT&T’s new service that aims to sync all of your devices together. So with wearables, you can leave your primary phone at home, but stay connected through a connect wearable, almost as if it were your phone. You can text, receive calls, and do a variety of other tasks that would relate to your phone number without having your primary phone handy.

NumberSync will be available “first on the Samsung Gear S2, and then the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition in early 2016.”

Interested in either watch?

Via:  AT&T

Gear S2 and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE With NumberSync Available November 6 at AT&T is a post from: Droid Life



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OnePlus Intros Warranty Program for Europe and India, Coming Soon to North America

Announced this morning, OnePlus is “taking the next step” to improve customer care and services. Official for Europe and India, OnePlus is set to release a warranty/insurance program for device purchasers, allowing them to cover breakage, liquid damage, cracked screens, and accidental damage. 

The insurance program, backed by simplesurance, must be purchased alongside your shiny OnePlus device, which means, all existing owners are out of luck. For those is supported regions, if you purchased your device in the past 15 days of the insurance program availability, you can still opt-in to receive the protection. To be clear, pretty much anyone who has already purchased a OnePlus 2 or OnePlus One is not eligible for this program.

At the time of this announcement, OnePlus does not seem to be quite ready for a warranty program in North America, but the company does say, “stay tuned,” as they are partnering with an “esteemed brand” for a US launch. For those here hoping to purchase a OnePlus X this month, hopefully OnePlus has something for you by the time invites start rolling out.

At a glance, pricing for Europe breaks down like this – 12 months at €39.99 and 24 months for €64.99.

As soon as OnePlus announces its plans for North America, we shall update you.

Via: OnePlus

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Blackberry Priv Arrives at AT&T on November 6

If you were turned off at the unlocked price of the Blackberry Priv when it went up for pre-order a couple of weeks ago, I can’t say I blame you. After all, this is Blackberry’s first real Android device and we all have a right to be a bit skeptical at the execution here from a company whose struggles have been well-documented in recent years. So if you were instead waiting for some official carrier attachment to hopefully help cut that cost, we now have it. 

AT&T announced this morning that it will be the first US carrier to carry the Priv, starting this Friday, November 6.

The Priv will cost $249 with a 2-year contract or you can buy it one of AT&T’s various Next plans, with monthly payments starting as low as $24.67.

As a recap, the Blackberry Priv sports a 5.4-inch QHD curved AMOLED display, Snapdragon 808 processor, 18MP camera with OIS, 3410mAh battery (with Quick Charge 2.0 and wireless charging), 32GB storage with micro SD slot, 3GB RAM, Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, and that slideout keyboard that you all seem to want so badly. The full specs can be seen here.

We don’t know yet when the Priv will come to other carriers. As of now, this appears to be a short-term AT&T exclusive.

Via:  AT&T

Blackberry Priv Arrives at AT&T on November 6 is a post from: Droid Life



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HTC One A9 Available Today From AT&T

The new HTC One A9 can be purchased today from AT&T’s online shop before arriving in retail stores this Friday, November 6. The new “flagship” from HTC in either Carbon Gray or Opal Silver runs $99.99 with a 2-year contract or starts for as low as $0 down with monthly payments of $17.34.

As a recap, this is HTC’s iPhone 6 clone that has a 5-inch 1080p display, 13MP camera with OIS, Snapdragon 617 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage with micro SD card support, 2150mAh battery, fingerprint reader, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow underneath HTC’s Sense. 

We recently reviewed the the One A9 and came away mostly impressed by the overall package. If you take away the “abysmal” battery life, you might be looking at HTC’s best phone in years, one that may even compete for phone of the year.

The phone is also now up for pre-order at Sprint.

Pre-order Links:  AT&T | Sprint

Via:  AT&T

HTC One A9 Available Today From AT&T is a post from: Droid Life



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