APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: February 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

About That Google Maps Video With the Missing App Drawer…

UPDATE 2/29: Google reached out to confirm to us that this Google Maps video is an inaccurate (read: bad mock-up as we suggested below) version of their UI and that this is not a hint or preview of what’s to come, as has been rumored over the previous couple of weeks.

Yesterday, Google posted a tweet through the Google Maps Twitter account that has Android enthusiasts going a big nuts, all because the video included shows a Nexus 6P without an app drawer. Seriously, lots of people are freaking out because this phone doesn’t have an app drawer. I don’t know that I’m ready to freak out just yet without knowing the full story, but it is worth talking about.

First of all, here is the tweet that’s to blame for this weekend’s fun.

Run Forrest Run! Or walk, or drive, or bike. #MapsAtTheMovies https://t.co/GocsZtDx9L https://t.co/4iOFYbDkl0

— Google Maps (@googlemaps) February 26, 2016

If you blink during the first 2 seconds, you’ll miss it. See it? If not, just look at the image at the top of this post.

Why are people making a big deal of this? For a couple of reasons. First, it has been rumored off and on for a couple of months that the next version of Android may not have an app drawer. Assuming this video isn’t just a bad mock-up that wasn’t meant to confuse the world, yet is, then we could be looking into the future here.

Second, Android has had an app drawer since day one, so potentially killing it off in favor of Apple’s really shitty app jukebox approach where all of your installed apps get spammed onto home screens, is a big deal. It would be terrible, if I’m being honest. The app drawer has always provided a form of organization that was used to easily jump into specific apps. In fact, the app drawer that arrived around the time of Marshmallow, that included recently used apps at the top, search, vertical scrolling, and quick scrolling between letters is an awesome implementation of the app drawer.

Is that what we’re seeing here, a disappearance of the app drawer? Since we get to view a screen on a phone without an app drawer icon for all of 2 seconds, we really have no idea what the full story is here. But for fun, let’s say that this isn’t just a bad Google mock-up and is pointing to what’s to come. What we are seeing is the Google Now Launcher up and running with only icons in the home screen’s dock for phone, contacts, and camera. If you have used the GNL, you know that the app drawer icon can’t be moved or removed – it’s locked to the dock at all times.

Does that mean that an update is coming to the GNL and Android that will leave us Apple’s incredibly shitty app jukebox approach? We don’t know. If Google is killing the app drawer as we know it, hopefully, they have something else in store that will help you quickly get to the apps you need without just scrolling through pages of apps on your home screen or by forcing you into foldering it all up. Maybe the app experience will become contextual or based on favorites or most used or recently used. Maybe there will be a swipe-out panel of some sort.

There better be something, dammit. We are not iOS users.

It’s also worth noting that this home screen setup is showing a Google app icon with the word “Search” underneath it. I don’t know about your phone, but mine sure doesn’t say “Search” under the Google app, it says “Google.”

Consider the idea that this maybe isn’t pointing towards Android N at all and is just a preview of an update to the Google Now Launcher and Google app.

What do you think?

Screenshot Mockups Detail Notification Shade and Quick Settings in Android N

Google is likely to introduce Android N at this year’s Google I/O, but since when have Android users ever been patient? In the latest mockups produced by Android Police, based on information provided by sources, these screenshots might be what Android N looks like when released.

According to what those who made these mockups have seen, Google will bring back quick toggles in the notification shade. There appear to be toggles for WiFi, Cellular, Battery, Notifications, Flashlight, and a dropdown button to unveil all of your system toggles. Below these quick toggles are your notifications. If these screenshots are close to what we can expect, Google is removing the card effect, leaving a very thin line in between your different notifications. The Clear All button is still present on the bottom righthand side.

As for the settings panel, when you likely drag down twice or by tapping the dropdown arrow, you access settings for Airplane Mode, GPS, Bluetooth, and everything else. This same look is essentially what we already have with Marshmallow.

The quick settings toggles above the notifications is pretty much like older versions of Android, such as Gingerbread. They are quite usable, but we do hope that in the public version of Android N, Google finds a way to better break up the look. Maybe by implementing better borders or with the use of shadows. As for the complete toggle pulldown, it looks nearly identical to Marshmallow, with the exception of the “page dots” on the bottom. Apparently, you will be able to have plenty more toggles than what you can fit on one page.

You might notice, one of the screenshots shows off an app drawer. As far as folks familiar with the matter are concerned, Android N will have an app drawer. As stated, Google will unveil Android N at Google I/O in May. That’s pretty darn soon.

Take a look over the screenshots, then share your thoughts below.

Via: Android Police

Waze Announces Version 4.0 With New, Cleaner Design

Through an upload to the Waze YouTube channel, the community-based traffic service announced version 4.0 for its Android app. This version leaked out of an alpha group a few weeks back, so you may have heard of this version already. If not, this is what’s new.

According to Waze, we’ll see a “new, cleaner design for easier navigation, reporting and sharing.” That means you’ll see a minimized number of steps for navigation, items like map, menus, and road reporting, designed for higher visibility and clarity, plus less clutter overall. Waze users will also see brighter buttons and color-coded pins to round out this “head to toe” revamping.

Waze didn’t announce when the update would be rolling out to all, but I’d imagine it’ll be soon. We will let you know when that happens.

Play Link

Google Now Selling Cardboard and Other VR Headsets on Google Store

From Cardboard and the Mattel View-Master VR headset, to the latest Google Tech C1-Glass VR Viewer headset, the Google Store now has everything you need for virtual reality. Starting at $15, users can pick up a Google Cardboard headset, which is your standard hands-on VR experience. Google thinks its cutting you a deal if you buy two Cardboard headsets, pricing them at $25 for the pair.

The View-Master from Mattel is priced at $29.99, while the Google Tech C1-Glass VR Viewer is priced at the same $14.99 as Cardboard. While the name sounds fancy, it looks anything but. Featuring plastic, and no type of strap for your head, this unit needs to be held up to your face, which at times makes it hard to really immerse your brain into the believability of VR. If you don’t mind that, though, then it’s another design for you to try out.

Hit the link below to check out all of Google’s current options.

If Google’s options don’t suit you, Google also lists a ton of 3rd-party folk who sell products made to work with Cardboard. You can view those makers here.

Google Store Link

Watch: Samsung’s “Why?” Commercial Featuring Weezy and Other Celebs

If you caught the Oscars last night, you might have seen Samsung’s latest commercial for the Galaxy S7. Featuring celebrities and kitties, Samsung details the big features of the device, including water resistance and expandable storage, as well as the ability to use it for virtual reality.

Samsung spared zero expense for the piece, with appearances from many celebrities. Off the top of my head, Samsung included Lil’ Wayne, Wesley Snipes, James Harden, Doc Rivers, and William H. Macy. It was star studded, indeed.

For a commercial, it’s rather enjoyable. However, it doesn’t come close to topping the latest Android piece.

DEAL: Moto G (3rd Gen) 16GB Drops to $199 at Motorola for Limited Time

The Moto G (3rd gen), a phone that at its price point is almost impossible to beat, is now cheaper than ever, thanks to a short-term deal over at Motorola’s store. From today through March 7, you can buy the Moto G (3rd gen) for $199 without a contract. The deal includes the 16GB version that has 2GB RAM and normally carriers a price of $220. So yeah, you get a $20 discount.

We reviewed the 3rd gen G and told you to run to Motorola’s site as fast as your little virtual legs can go and buy it if your budget is $200. It’s a heck of a value that features top notch performance, excellent battery life, and custom options through Moto Maker. Even after almost a year, it still should be a solid budget option, unless you have another $70 or so to push towards a Nexus 5X. Ooh, decisions.

Motorola Link

Report: Samsung in Talks to Acquire Jay Z’s TIDAL

According to a source of the New York Post, Samsung may be in talks to acquire TIDAL, the Jay Z-owned music streaming service for ~~spoiled~~ musicians, by ~~spoiled~~ musicians. The source didn’t offer much from what we can tell, but did say that after being in on-and-off again talks with TIDAL, “Samsung is re-engaging; they are working on something really big, and they’re keeping it very quiet in case it leaks.” Sooooo, that could mean a partnership or acquisition or free Rihanna t-shirts for company executives or vacay with Jay and Bey, chillin’ on a big yacht. In other words, we have no idea, but that’s the word on the NY Post’s streets.

Does an acquisition of TIDAL even make sense for Samsung? Possibly. You may recall the 2013 release of Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, where Samsung essentially bought 1 million copies that it handed out for free to its Galaxy phone owners. Samsung recently did something similar with Rihanna’s new album. Rihanna, of course, is signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation record label. Samsung clearly has a good relationship with Jay Z and that relationship could help put the two even closer together with an acquisition of TIDAL.

Still, does a friendly relationship mean you should buy a friend’s potentially lukewarm music service? No, unless you are Samsung and think that owning a major music streaming service is a way to bolster your brand, add to the Galaxy experience, and compete with Apple and Google’s own music streaming services. Remember, Samsung has Milk Music, which is arguably a solid music option for quick-listening, but it isn’t exactly a full-blown streaming service.

Everyone involved declined comment (shocker).

On a related note, Complex is reporting that TIDAL may be delinquent on some royalties payments to artists only a year after it re-launched as the streaming service that would take care of artists and pay them the highest royalties of any other streaming service. That’s certainly not a good look when you friends at Samsung may be considering buying you out.

Via: New York Post | Complex

Fallout Shelter Update to Bring Item Crafting, Dweller Customization, and More

An upcoming update for Fallout Shelter is bringing a lot of new features, a few of which should add plenty of exciting gameplay opportunities. The big change – item crafting. Junk, exactly like the kind you would find in Fallout 4, can be used to craft new armor and weapons. Dwellers exploring the Wasteland with a high level of Luck can find junk, and you will be able to receive junk from Lunchboxes. To craft items from the junk, two rooms have been added into the game; Weapon and Armor crafting rooms.

Also included in the update is the ability to customize the look of every dweller inside of your vault. This can be done be creating a Barbershop. Also in the realm of customization, new outfits and weapons have also been added into Lunchboxes.

Fallout Shelter is also including new pets for your dwellers, so be on the lookout for parrots, plus new cats and dogs. Additionally, new pet bonuses have been added.

The update is set to rollout to iOS and Android devices later this week.

What’s New

Turn worthless junk into useful items! Introducing… crafting!
New Rooms! Build the new Weapon and Armor crafting rooms and use them to create your own items in game!
Lunchboxes now contain a bonus 5th card: Junk! Trust us – it’s more useful than it sounds. Lucky wasteland explorers may also find junk on their adventures.
Take the Overseer role to the next level. Build the new Barbershop and customize the look of any Dweller.
Keep up with the latest fashions! Find new Outfits and Weapons straight from Fallout 4 in lunchboxes, or craft them yourself!
Because four-legged companions bring overwhelming happiness, we’ve added new Dogs and Cats, and are introducing… Parrots! Plus, new Pet bonuses!
Time of day is now properly reflected. Because authentic Vault simulation is our #1 goal!

Play Link

Via: Bethesda

LG Posts Minute-Long Look at G5 in Gold, Details Features Again

We still have half of a month to go before pre-orders begin for the LG G5, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get a little hyped up for the device. In a new video posted to YouTube, LG gives a detailed look at the features and look of the G5 in Gold, which in my opinion, might be the best looking color offered of the device.

During the minute-long video, LG shows off the modular design, in addition to the accessories that are available so far. If you don’t already know, there is the LG CAM Plus and HiFi Plus with B&O Play. We did a walkthrough with each of these accessories at a recent LG press event, so you can read up on those here.

LG also highlights features like the Always-On display, Friends Manager (which is the accessory management tool), and has their green fat cat play with the Rolling Ball accessory.

March 18 is coming up. Will you be pre-ordering?

DROID Turbo 2 Marshmallow Update Starts Tomorrow, We Think for Real This Time

On February 12, Verizon posted information to its DROID Turbo 2 support pages suggesting that the phone was set to receive the update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Within a couple of hours, they pulled that info as if someone had pulled the trigger on that information a bit early. Then on Friday, a number of our readers notified us that they were taking part in a soak test for the update through Motorola’s Feedback Network, which is typically a sign that we are actually close to an update rollout. Today, Verizon has once again posted details of the update, along with a March 1 date of availability.

The update should rollout in two parts. The first will arrive as software version 23.31.24, before the big dog 24.14.10 shows up. It’s the second update that takes you to Marshmallow.

Assuming nothing bad happens in the next 24 hours, we should start seeing the update hit non-soak testers tomorrow. If our readers start seeing those updates, we’ll be sure to let you know.

In the mean time, feel free to head into Settings>Software updates to check.

Via: Verizon

Android’s New “Rock, Paper, Scissors” Commercial is Another Great Spot

Who is doing commercials better than Google at this point?

Oh, and look at this Tweet that relates to this commercial. See any Android N hints?

We’d like to thank…everyone! Be Together. #NotTheSame http://pic.twitter.com/qoToo9ANam

— Android (@Android) February 29, 2016

HTC Vive Now Up for Pre-Order

Ready to step into the world of room-takeover VR? The HTC Vive is now up for pre-order (we think, but HTC’s site is dying).

For $799 (plus $30 in shipping), you get the newest version of the HTC Vive headset (consumer edition), two wireless VR controllers, room scale movement sensors, and two VR titles. Just remember that for that price, you don’t get the powerful PC required to power the Vive. So, not only do you need to spend $800 (plus $30 in shipping) for the headset, controllers, and sensors, but you’ll need a Windows PC to push pixels to it or have to buy one. HTC has some recommendations here, which include this $1000 machine from HP.

Orders will ship to the US in April.

Ready to pre-order? Hit that link below.

HTC VIVE LINK

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Shipping Notices Arrive for T-Mobile Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Pre-Orders

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge opened up earlier in the week across the US at all major carriers on February 23. Both phones are expected to arrive by March 11, which Samsung has dubbed as the official launch day. But since we have seen pre-orders ship early in the past, we have been on the lookout for early shipping notices, especially from those through T-Mobile. You may recall last year’s pre-order period where T-Mobile shipped their orders almost two weeks early. Well, folks, it looks like that may be happening again.

A couple of our readers, along with a handful at reddit, have received “It’s on the way!” emails from T-Mobile, which means that orders are about to ship. At this time, we don’t know that any orders have actually made their way onto a truck, but if notices are going out, T-Mobile’s overnight deliveries could be upon us. Just keep in mind that shipping notices could mean that a label has been created and that these orders won’t physically ship for a while. Then again, look at what happened last year.

Anyone else receive a shipping notice?

@droid_life I got this email this morning… http://pic.twitter.com/ZJRQ5Tj3Bw

— Riggs Royena (@RIGGSMAGIC) February 27, 2016

Cheers Scott and @RIGGSMAGIC!

This Google Maps Video Shows Android Without an App Drawer and People are Freaking Out

First of all, here is the tweet that’s to blame for this weekend’s fun.

Run Forrest Run! Or walk, or drive, or bike. #MapsAtTheMovies https://t.co/GocsZtDx9L https://t.co/4iOFYbDkl0

— Google Maps (@googlemaps) February 26, 2016

If you blink during the first 2 seconds, you’ll miss it. See it? If not, just look at the image at the top of this post.

There better be something, dammit. We are not iOS users.

Consider the idea that this maybe isn’t pointing towards Android N at all and is just a preview of an update to the Google Now Launcher and Google app.

What do you think?

Friday, February 26, 2016

Don’t Miss These Android Stories: February 26, 2016

It was a big week in Android, but you should probably already know that. With MWC taking place, Samsung announced the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, and LG announced the G5. We were fortunate to get hands-on time with all of the phones, with videos of each encounter available for viewing.

Beyond Galaxy S7 and LG G5 news, we might have gotten our first look at Android N thanks to the Android development team, Verizon has begun field testing its 5G network, NVIDIA started rolling out Marshmallow to the SHIELD Android TV, and HTC started teasing the One M10 on Twitter. As you will see from the recap list of Android news, this week was bonkers.

If you missed any of it, all of the biggest Android stories are linked below.

Watch: The Droid Life Show – Episode 103 [Subscribe]
Video: Galaxy S7 Tour | Galaxy S7 Edge Tour
Video: LG G5 Tour
Video: Galaxy S7 vs. Galaxy S6 vs. Galaxy S5.
Video: LG G5 vs. LG G4 vs. LG G3.
The Galaxy S7 is definitely water resistant.
Everything you need to know about Galaxy S7 availability.
Verizon begins field testing 5G network.
Pre-Orders: Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge pre-orders went up this week.
LG G5 pre-orders go live on March 18 at Best Buy.
This might be our first look at Android N.
Google: Expect another “standard” in mobile messaging.
Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have microSD, but skip Adoptable Storage.
NVIDIA: Marshmallow rolling out to SHIELD Android TV.
Here’s why the LG G5 should be your next phone.
Here’s why the Galaxy S7 should be your next phone.
One M10: HTC beings teasing the One M10 on Twitter.
Quick Look: Carved wood case for the Nexus 6P.
Samsung announced 256GB UFS 2.0 mobile storage.
LG: Don’t expect a Nexus from us in 2016.
DisplayMate says the Galaxy S7 has the best mobile display.
OnePlus: OnePlus 3 said to launch before end of Q2.
Huawei and Leica announced a smartphone photography partnership.

Have a great weekend, folks!

The Droid Life Show: Episode 103 – Let’s Talk S7 and G5

On today’s episode of the Droid Life Show, we’re talking LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 (S7 Edge too) for a good hour or so. These are the biggest phones of 2016 (thus far), so since we’ve spent time with them all and I’d imagine you are all considering one of the three as your next phone, we’d love to share our thoughts. Of course, reviews will arrive shortly, but pre-orders are already up for the taking.

If we wrap on those three phones, we’ll have the usual updates on general Android news and maybe even an app or two.

Join us at 1PM Pacific (4PM Eastern) for the fun.

If you miss us live, feel free to subscribe to us by following one of the links below. We have a video embed as well, along with an IRC chat. Also, we’ll be chatting through the YouTube feed too.

Subscribe | iTunes | Stitcher| Show Page

Friday App Sales: DuckTales Remastered, Castle of Illusion, eRadar HD, and More

It’s Friday, meaning you may need a few new apps and games to spend your time on. Luckily for you, there are a ton of apps currently on sale through Google Play. A few of the highlights are Disney’s Castle of Illusion and DuckTales: Remastered, as well as the Fresh icon pack that we claimed is “hot” not too long ago.

Other titles on sale include Ballistic SE, multiple Toca titles, JoyJoy, Fast Burst Camera, Dungeon Raid, and plenty more.

Check out the full list below.

Friday App Sales

Ballistic SE ($0.99)
Bombcats: Special Edition ($0.99)
Fireball SE ($0.99)
Fluid SE ($0.99)
Inferno 2 ($0.99)
Super Crossfighter ($0.99)
Inferno+ ($0.99)
JoyJoy ($0.99)
Slydris ($0.99)
Toca Builders ($0.99)
Toca Pet Doctor ($0.99)
Toca Nature ($0.99)
Calls Blacklist PRO ($0.99)
Doomdark’s Revenge ($1.49)
Fast Burst Camera ($0.99)
Dungeon Raid ($0.99)
eRadar HD ($0.99)
Fresh – Icon Pack ($0.99)
Castle of Illusion ($4.99)
DuckTales: Remastered ($4.99)

Go support those developers!

DEAL: Nexus 5X 16GB is Just $269 Today at eBay ($80 Off)

Wow, you can buy the Nexus 5X with 16GB of storage for just $269 over at eBay today. The deal is running through a daily deal, so don’t expect it to last long.

The Nexus 5X may not be the flagship Nexus that the 6P is, but it’s still a very capable Android phone that will see updates faster than almost any other phone and should only get better as Google pushes bug fixes to it. To read up on all there is to know about the 5X, our review can be found here.

The deal includes a couple of colors (for now) along with free expedited shipping.

eBay Link

Latest Inbox Update is All About the Snooze

An update is rolling out to Inbox, filled with useful tweaks for the Snooze functionality inside of the app. Once updated, users will be able to select between two new snooze times, Later This Week and This Weekend. With these times added in, this should cut down on time spent choosing custom snooze times for your email.

Additionally, exactly like how you choose a preferred morning time to receive email, you can select which days are your weekend. For example, if your weekend falls on a Thursday and Friday, you can select that option. If you only want to receive the email on a Sunday, you can choose that option.

Google states that these changes will roll out over the next week on Android.

Play Link

Via: Gmail Blog

TAG Heuer Connected is Available Again for Purchase Online

Back in December, TAG Heuer announced that its luxury smartwatch, the Connected, was in such high demand that they were not only upping production, they were also killing off online sales to let stores have first crack at inventory. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that we were all a bit shocked by this news, but hey, that’s good news for the smartwatch industry, especially those considering entering the luxury smartwatch segment.

Today, though, the TAG Heuer Connected has returned to TAG’s online shop. Either demand has cooled or they’ve finally caught up on production, so for those with $1,500 to spend on a smartwatch that TAG Heuer already admits will be outdated in two years, you can buy without ever having held the device in hand or on wrist. TAG will even toss in free “regular” shipping, just not overnight or expedited on that $1,500 purchase.

If you really are interested in the Connected, which I still think is about the best Android Wear watch on the market in terms of fit and performance (just maybe not overall value), you should read our TAG Heuer Connected review.

TAG Heuer Link

Facebook Live Rolling Out to Android Over Next Week

Facebook announced that it is bringing Facebook Live to Android users in the US over the next week. With Facebook Live, users can stream live video when they are chilling at home or out and about, allowing friends and family to watch the video right from their News Feed. In a way, think of it like Periscope, with the exception that it is not a standalone app and is a feature built-in to the main FB app.

When you are ready to start a live recording, tap on the “What’s on your mind?” section at the top of News Feed. You will then see a Live Video icon. Before you begin, you can choose your audience, as well as type out a description of the video. When streaming, you will see in real time who is watching, and can also respond to incoming comments from viewers. Again, just like Periscope.

When you are all done, the video will be saved to your Timeline, which you can then delete or keep forever.

As soon as this feature goes live on Android devices, we will let you FB fanatics know.

Via: Facebook

Galaxy S7 Gets Android 6.0.1’s Emoji, Skinned Like Only Samsung Can

With Samsung releasing the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge running Marshmallow, each phone gets to take advantage of the new emoji that arrived as a part of the Android 6.0.1 update. That means that Samsung had to create new emoji that represents all of those new to Android items, because Samsung doesn’t just use Google’s version of emoji, they like to express each through their own take. And that, of course, means we get some weird versions.

In general, the new emoji include a lion head, unicorn, chipmunk, turkey, taco, burrito, popcorn, middle finger hand, and upside down smiley. It’s most of what you thought you were going to get. But because this is Samsung, stuff like this happens to the eye-roll face.

Is that a sideways looking smirk? I don’t know…how…that…represents an eye-roll.

Samsung also didn’t include any of the flags, so your country pride is forever diminished while on your S7 or S7 Edge.

But the weirdest of all, is the fact that they skipped out on emoji modifiers for diverse skin tones and just made everyone white…except for the police officer and dancer, who are black. OK, then!

Below is a video of the emoji. You’ll find the full details at the source link.

Also, these emoji will come to the rest of Samsung’s phone that receive Android 6.0.1.

Via: Emojipedia

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Question of the Day: Do You Use Google Now on Tap?

At Google I/O last year, one of the highlights of the entire show was without a doubt the demo for Google Now on Tap. During the brief performance, if you will, Google showed that Google Now had grown into an on demand-like service that was capable of doing more than just anticipating your day. Instead, Google Now had grown to be able to analyze a current screen and then provide relevant information in a matter of seconds.

What kinds of information? For one, it can read an email asking about a restaurant or movie suggestion before providing you with shortcuts to IMDB or Flixster or OpenTable or Yelp. It can bring up more information about a person mentioned in a text message. It is also able to understand vague questions based on current conditions, like it could tell you the lead singer of the band whose song is playing, simply by asking, “Who’s the lead singer?”

Google Now on Tap is a Marshmallow-only feature, so at this time, there aren’t a lot of people with access to it. With that said, for those who do have access to it, we’re curious if any of you are using it. Can you share some examples of when or why you brought it up? Are you using it daily or is more of a here or there type of action? Is it now a feature you can’t live without? Or are you like me, and have yet to use it in a real world situation?

Wake Up to the Radio or YouTube Videos With PocketBell Alarm Clock

PocketBell, a radio alarm clock, may be my new favorite thing. For years it seems, I used Timely, then after that team “joined” Google, I used the stock Android alarm app. It works fine, but if you might be looking for something a bit more fancy, PocketBell is for you.

When setting an alarm, you can choose what type of audio you want to be awoken to. You can set it as a standard alarm ringer that is already installed on your phone, a music file you have, radio station, or even a YouTube video. If you look at the header image above, you can see I set a Droid Life Show episode as an example of this feature. If the buzzers and ringers that come with your phone suck, this app is your answer.

Going beyond different buzzers, PocketBell has a ton of different settings to capture the perfect alarm clock settings for each person. Listed in the app are settings for Bluetooth speakers, WiFi connectivity, energy savings, acoustic feedback, night mode, as well as motion control. Seriously, for an alarm clock app, PocketBell has it all.

The app is free to download on Google Play, but a Pro version is available for $1.99. The Pro version enables the ability to set snooze schedules and unlimited alarm durations.

Check it out.

Play Link

Moto X Pure Edition Receives Update With Security Patches

If you own the Moto X Pure Edition, feel free to jump into your Settings menu and check for an update in the About phone section. You should one there in the form of system version 24.201.3, which is still Android 6.0, but does include February 1, 2016 security patches.

The update is just over 6MB in size.

As far as we know, that’s it for the update. Should we find new goodies, we’ll be sure to update this post.

Cheers Chris and Chris!

Microsoft Kills Astoria, Its Android-to-Windows App Porting Tool

At last year’s Build conference, Microsoft announced four ways for application developers to bring their apps over to Windows 10. They called them the four “Bridges,” which included tools for porting over apps on the web, Win32, iOS, and Android. For whatever reason, since that initial announcement, rumors and other signs from Microsoft have pointed to the Android bridge – codenamed “Astoria” – being killed off in favor of the iOS bridge – codenamed “Islandwood.” Today, Microsoft confirmed that “Astoria” is indeed dead.

Why would they kill off their Android Bridge? According to Microsoft, “feedback” told them that having two Bridge technologies to bring code over to Windows from mobile operating systems was “unnecessary, and the choice between them could be confusing.” Hah, seriously? So instead of supporting the largest mobile operating system on the planet, Microsoft chose the next in line. To add insult to injury, Microsoft has suggested to Android developers that they should “look at the iOS Bridge” as another solution.

I wonder how Microsoft would feel if someone cancelled Windows apps tools and instead told them to look at the tools for OSX apps instead? I’m sure that would go over real well.

Either way, there are still tools available for Android developers to use to bring their apps to Windows 10. Microsoft bought Xamarin, a cross-platform tool for building apps for Windows, iOS, and Android. Microsoft is suggesting it as an alternative as well.

Via: Microsoft | Arstechnica

DEALS: $15 Off Amazon Fire TV, $14 Bluetooth Ear Buds, and Aukey’s Line-Up of QC 2.0 Products

On most days, Amazon’s rolling list of daily deals includes few tech-related products that are worth looking at. If you dig hard enough, you’ll typically find a decent discount on a charger or TV or pair of headphones, they just don’t typically show up in bundles. Today, though, the retailer has a bunch that may be worth a glance if you are interested in spending some cash on gadgets.

If you want to take your non-smart TV and make it somewhat smart, you can pick-up Amazon’s own Fire TV for $15 off. That discount is on either the regular Fire TV or the Fire TV Gaming Edition, which includes a gamepad, 32GB microSD card, and two games.

As for other deals, TaoTronics’ Bluetooth sport headphones (ear buds) are down to just $13.99. While these aren’t going to be on the quality level of something like a Jaybird product, they would make for a decent low-priced Bluetooth headset for on-the-go travels or the sweat-filled workout. They have a 4-star rating with almost 1,600 reviews.

Finally, Aukey’s line of Quick Charge 2.0 products has all been steeply discounted. You can grab a single port wall charger with QC 2.0 for $9.49, 5-port QC 2.0 charging station for $17.99, or a 4-port QC 2.0 car charger for $9.99.

Amazon Links:

Amazon Fire TV – $84.99 ($15 off)
Amazon Fire TV Game Edition – $124.99 ($15 off)
TaoTronics Bluetooth Sport Earphones – $13.99 ($56 off)
Aukey Single Port Quick Charge 2.0 Wall Charger – $9.49 ($30.50 off)
Aukey 5-Port Quick Charge 2.0 Charging Station – $17.99 ($42 off)
Aukey 4-Port Quick Charge 2.0 Car Charger – $9.99 ($25 off)

Giveaway: Win a Carved Wood Case for the Nexus 6P or Galaxy S6 Edge+

We just showcased two cases from Carved, and now, it’s time to give them away. We have two cases, one for the Nexus 6P and one for the Galaxy S6 Edge+. These cases are not yet available for purchase and won’t be for a couple of months, according to Carved, so if you win one, you will have something pretty exclusive and special. Legit, right?

These cases will be priced at around $50, which is pretty steep for a smartphone case. However, for that price, you are getting a unique piece of art that doubles as protection for your phone. It’s a win-win.

Let’s get to it.

Giveaway

Prizes

One (1) Nexus 6P Carved case.
One (1) Galaxy S6 Edge+ Carved case.

How to Enter

Since we only have one case for the Nexus 6P and one for the Galaxy S6 Edge+, please only enter if you own one of these devices.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners

We will choose our winners tomorrow (February 26) at 10am Pacific.

#TBT: That Time TAG Heuer Made a Smartphone

The marketing pitch was something along the lines of, “When Swiss watchmaking heritage meets avant-garde technology.” And then TAG Heuer introduced a phone with a a 3.5-inch display (800×480), 256MB RAM, 8GB storage, 5MP camera, and Android 2.2 at a price of $6,700. With those specs, I don’t think we could have been further from “avant-garde.”

I think we called it the “world’s most unneeded piece of Android technology.” Ahhhh, vision.

One of you owns this, I know it. Show us the proof.

Quick Look: Carved Wood Cases Offer Unique, Earthy Protection for Your Phone

Carved, a company out of Indiana, is creating cases for smartphones, but these are not your average plastic covers or skins. Using real wood and a mixture of colored resin swirls, Carved is able to produce true pieces of art that not only protect your phone, but look fantastic while doing it.

The Satellite Series (pictured above and below), accentuates the knots and burls in the wood, creating a unique look with each case. Since real wood is being used, in addition to the fact that they are all hand made right here in the good ol’ US of A, no two cases are the same. Carved also offers a variety of different wood traveler case options for Android devices, as well as full wood cases and wood skins for iPhone owners.

As for the casing itself, besides the beautiful backside, the siding is a hardened gel-type material, complete with textured siding for added grip. Button usage is not hindered at all while the case is on, and thanks to raises on the side, differentiating the buttons for Power and Volume is made easy. The case does add quite a bit of thickness, but for anyone who uses a case daily on their phone, you will be used to that. Taking a look around the phone, no ports, microphones, or buttons are covered up, so the device and its features should all act normally. If you have a device with a fingerprint reader, such as the Nexus 6P, a cutout is made for your finger to access it.

Right now, Carved’s device selection is somewhat limited, offering cases for a range of Samsung Galaxy devices (Galaxy S6, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6 Edge, etc.), plus protection for a gang of Nexus devices. We were sent two cases to share our opinion on, one for the Nexus 6P and one for the Galaxy S6 Edge+. At this time, the Carved website does not showcase these options, but we expect that it will soon.

For pricing, this Satellite Series starts at $49 all the way to $54, depending on the style of wood you want. The one I was sent is the Richie style, priced at $49. Again, Carved offers a wide variety of options for Android, as well as the ability to send in custom designs for them to create.

If you wouldn’t mind getting your hands on one of these cases, particularly the ones I have, be on the lookout for a giveaway shortly.

You can check our Carved’s full range of cases and skins on their website.

Assassin’s Creed Identity to Launch on Android This Spring

Launched this morning for iOS, Assassin’s Creed Identity will soon make its way to Android this Spring. Developed by a Ubisoft game studio, Assassin’s Creed Identity brings the classic Assassin’s Creed parkour gameplay to mobile devices, with the game’s story taking place during the Italian Renaissance.

Injected with action-RPG elements, players will customize their own Assassin, then embark on a mission to solve a mystery known as The Mystery of The Crows. You will travel to settings such as Santa Croce in Firenze and the Colosseum in Roma. As you continue to play and complete objectives, your Assassin will level up and grow from novice to a hooded bad ass.

On iOS the game is priced at $4.99, and right now, Ubisoft has not given an official price for the Android version.

As soon as it hits Google Play, we will let you know.

Is This Our First Look at Android N?

Two screenshots provided in an Android Developers blog post that details Support Library 23.2 may be showing us our first look at Android N. At first glance, not much has changed from Android 6.0 “Marshmallow,” but what you will see is an added Hamburger button on the left top hand side of a Settings page. Hamburger buttons are a shortcut that brings out a sliding menu usually filled with categories, and in this context, is probably being used to quickly access the entirety of the Settings menu for access to them within a settings page. In short, it’s Settingsception.

In the post Google did not state whether we are looking at Android N or just a developer build of Marshmallow, but Android Police has confirmed that this is what Settings will look like on Android N.

Considering we already have a back button that would bring us to the complete list of settings, it’s not quite clear how the Hamburger will quickly benefit users, with the exception of somewhat quicker settings menu navigation.

Google I/O is coming up in May, so we don’t have too much longer to wait to find out.

Thoughts?

Via: Android Developers | Android Police

Huawei and Leica Partnership to Create “Reinvention of Smartphone Photography”

Well now, do we have some camera news for you this morning that I don’t that any of us saw coming. Huawei, current darling of Android enthusiasts thanks to their product of the Nexus 6P, has teamed with “iconic” premium camera manufacturer, Leica, to “create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography.” This could be huge news.

For those not familiar with Leica, just know that their cameras are insanely expensive, yet also really good. They are a German outfit who uses “world-class optical lenses” and creates luxury cameras with what really is an iconic design that features their “red dot” branding. As someone who has never owned (and probably never will) a Leica camera and isn’t a photog, I can’t explain the desire to own one, but people lust after these things. If you want to see a review of their Leica Q, along with a bunch of beautiful photography, check out this review.

What does this mean for Huawei and their smartphones? Neither company has necessarily announced a new product, but Leica’s hope is to “introduce its proven optical expertise into a new product segment and to unlock exciting business areas in the field of mobile devices.” Huawei is getting even more poetic in stating that with this partnership they are “combining innovation and design, enhancing the user experience and continuing to inspire amazing advancement in human technology through exceptional premium imaging quality.”

In other words, expect Leica to help design, consult on, and possibly brand the next camera in Huawei’s upcoming flagship phones.

Huawei and Leica Camera Announce Long-term Technology Partnership for the Reinvention of Smartphone Photography

LONDON, February 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ —

Leaders in the smartphone and photographic worlds come together to create a premium visual world renaissance

Today Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) and Leica Camera AG are delighted to announce the start of a strategic partnership, a co-operation with shared premium ambitions and spirit, which will see both technology and photography brands combining their shared ethos in a long-term commitment to the art of craftsmanship, meticulous engineering and the spirit of winning collaboration, to create a powerhouse in the reinvention of smartphone photography.

In 2012, Huawei became the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer and was the first Chinese company to sell more than 100 million mobile phones in one year in 2015. The first Chinese brand to appear on the prestigious Interbrand Best Global Brands list in 2014, Huawei soared to number 88 in 2015 whilst launching the globally critically acclaimed Huawei Watch and Huawei P8. In 2016, Huawei looks to build on its success with Leica Camera: a mutually beneficial collaboration with the most iconic name in the photographic world to bring joint superior excellence to consumers.

For over 100 years, premium iconic camera manufacturer Leica Camera has been creating lightweight cameras favoured by street photographer pioneers and world-class optical lenses, fulfilling the passions of its community. With ingenious optical engineering and formidable craftsmanship, Leica cameras, recognisable by their ‘red dot’ branding, are German engineering at its best, and continue to attract new generations of consumers who aspire to achieve “the Leica look” and own these masterpieces of design. In addition to making precision-crafted masterpieces, Leica supports prominent photographers and emerging new talent around the world.

Richard Yu, CEO of the Huawei Consumer BG said: “We choose our partners carefully, and with this extraordinary collaboration we are offering our wide customer base and consumers the best elements of two expert brands in harmony: combining innovation and design, enhancing the user experience and continuing to inspire amazing advancement in human technology through exceptional premium imaging quality. Leica is a legend in the world of photography; we believe no other manufacturer has revolutionised the industry as much as them. We, Huawei, take the utmost pride in exceptional quality and Leica is in a class of its own in its sector.”

Oliver Kaltner, CEO of Leica Camera AG said: “The strategic alliance between Huawei and Leica Camera demonstrates the desire of two rapidly growing and globally active brands to continuously push the envelope of the technologically possible. In addition to innovative strength and premium standards, our two companies are united by the commitment to uncompromising quality. The technology partnership with Huawei offers Leica Camera an excellent opportunity to introduce its proven optical expertise into a new product segment and to unlock exciting business areas in the field of mobile devices. Smartphones make a very important contribution to the world of photography and open an important door for Leica to new target groups and fields of application.”

“The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of innovation, highest precision and craftsmanship. I’m pleased and convinced that the traditional German medium-sized company Leica Camera will bring its values and comprehensive expertise in optical engineering to the long-term partnership with Huawei in order to achieve the best possible imaging results in the field of smartphone photography – and to take it to the next level of quality”, emphasizes Dr Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the supervisory board of Leica Camera AG.

More details on the culmination of Huawei and Leica’s partnership, which will span research and development, design, co-engineering, user experience, marketing and retail distribution, will be shared as the partnership continues.

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Monday, February 29, 2016

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Cheers Scott and @RIGGSMAGIC!

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