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Monday, January 4, 2016

ASUS ZenFone Zoom Launches February 1 for $399

This time last year, ASUS unveiled the ZenFone Zoom, a smartphone with its focus solely on being one of the best mobile cameras you could purchase inside of a smartphone. At the time, it was announced that the Zoom would launch sometime in Q2 of last year, but as 2015 pressed on, no Zoom ever launched. Now, in 2016, ASUS is back, announcing official availability set for February 1. 

Featuring a 5.5″ FHD display, 13MP rear-facing camera with a ton of fancy settings, genuine leather backside, 4GB of RAM, Intel Atom Z3590 processor clocked at 2.5GHz, the Zoom will launch with a price of $399, and will be an exclusive to B&H Photo.

As for the whopping camera on the backside of the device, it features dual flash, laser auto focus with 3X optical zoom, plus optical image stabilization (OIS).

Below, check out the full spec list on the device, as well as a video on the story of designing the ZenFone Zoom.

Specs

  • Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Intel Atom Z3590 Processor 2.5GHz
  • 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage w/ microSD card support up to 128GB
  • 5.5” FHD IPS (1920×1080) display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4
  • 3,000 mAh battery (non-removable)
  • 13MP Camera with f/2.7-f/4.8, dual flash, laser auto-focus with 3x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization
  • Single SIM with 2G/3G/4G support
  • Dimensions: 158.9 x 78.84 x 5 ~ 11.95mm
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, BT 4.0, and NFC

Via: MyZen ASUS

ASUS ZenFone Zoom Launches February 1 for $399 is a post from: Droid Life



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AccuWeather Gets Big Material Design Update, Improved Performance

Over the weekend, Accuweather began pushing out a big update to its Android app that only a few users were seeing. Today, Accuweather announced that it is available globally to all. The update introduces Google’s Material Design language to weather fans, but also includes performance improvements throughout.  

The new design of the app offers a “clean and organized interface, making the digital experience appealing, highly intuitive, and easy for users.” It has a card-forward UI, with colorful action bars, bright and modern colors where needed, and more.

As for the improved performance, users will find goodies like “enhanced location management, enhanced performance in dynamic radar and satellite animation, a new video experience for breaking weather and viral video content, as well as an all-new design for the AccuWeather ‘follow-me’ widget to provide instant, easy access to weather information on the go.”

Grab it today!

Play Link

Via:  AccuWeather

AccuWeather Gets Big Material Design Update, Improved Performance is a post from: Droid Life



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AT&T Introduces LTE Modules for IoT Devices

Our first Internet of Things story of CES 2016!

AT&T announced today that they will make 4G LTE modules available for those looking to get into IoT or the “Internet of Things.” With these modules, made by Wistron NeWeb Corp (WNC), connectivity in IoT gets access to AT&T’s ever-growing 4G LTE network. 

Off hand, I couldn’t exactly tell you of a personal use for 4G LTE IoT device, but the option allows you or companies to connect almost any device to AT&T’s network. This should make for smarter and more connected cities, trucks, cars, machinery, healthcare, and more.

In short, a 4G LTE IoT module gives almost anything a chance to become connected without the need for nearby WiFi.

The modules made by WNC will start for as low as $14.99 and will be available by Q2 of this year.

Via:  AT&T

AT&T Introduces LTE Modules for IoT Devices is a post from: Droid Life



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Ford’s 2016 and 2017 Models With SYNC 3 Get Android Auto, Apple CarPlay

After doing its best to ignore Google and Apple’s attempts to enter its cars, Ford is giving in and will add Android Auto and CarPlay to its 2016 and 2017 line-up of rides that are equipped with SYNC 3, their newest infotainment system. All of its 2017 cars will arrive with Android Auto and CarPlay out of the gate (again if they have SYNC 3 on board), while its 2016 models with SYNC 3 will have the option to upgrade. 

Ford is essentially admitting that you shouldn’t be choosing a $40,000 car based off of its infotainment system by going this route. In other words, even though they would rather you use their system, they needed to give in and add Android Auto and CarPlay, because that’s what some people are going to want and they (obviously) don’t want you ignoring them because their cars lack functionality of others.

Ford also announced today that many of their cars will have 4G LTE on board, which gives car owners features like remote start, unlocking of doors, fuel level checks, or parked vehicle locating via their smartphone.

Via:  Ford

Ford’s 2016 and 2017 Models With SYNC 3 Get Android Auto, Apple CarPlay is a post from: Droid Life



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LG Previews the K10 and K7 Smartphones Ahead of CES

Last year at CES, LG was one of the only major Android OEMs to announce a new device (the G Flex 2), and so far, they appear to be off to a decent start for 2016, too. This morning, the company announced the launch of two new devices for CES this week, the K7 and K10. The K line is the successor to the L line, borrowing premium features from more high-end devices, making them available in a more affordable package. 

The K7 features a 5″ FWVGA display, quad-core processor, 8MP rear-facing camera, LTE connectivity, 2,125mAh battery, 2.5D Arc Glass design, enhanced camera features, and will run Android 5.1 out of the box.

The K10, a more high-end device of the mid-range lineup, features a 5.3″ HD display, quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, LTE connectivity, 2,300mAh battery, 13MP rear-facing camera, and will also run Android 5.1 when released.

At this time, LG has yet to announce availability and pricing for the devices, but we may found out a bit more info once we get hands-on time with the units this week.


K SERIES SMARTPHONES FROM LG TO DEBUT AT CES 2016

Successor to L Series, Newest Mass-Tier Offering From LG Borrows Heavily From Premium Devices

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2016 ― This week, LG Electronics (LG) will unveil its K Series, a new line of smartphones with the advanced camera technology and UX features of LG’s premium models. The first two devices in the series, K10 and K7, will make their public debut at the 2016 CES in Las Vegas.

LG K Series smartphones will be the first to offer LG’s *glossy pebble* design language, a contemporary, stylish look with a curved, modern finish aimed at a younger audience. The glossy pebble design is complemented by LG’s new *2.5D Arc Glass* for a smooth and seamless style that could only be made possible due to the sides of K Series smartphones being free of button clutter. With design cues borrowed from nature, the K10 and K7 look far more expensive and exclusive than they really are.

The back cover features an intricate woven pattern for optimal grip and confidence when on the move. And because consumers on the move tend to enjoy an active lifestyle, the K Series is designed with multimedia creating and consumption in mind with a roomy display to show images and videos captured with the most advanced camera on a smartphone in this category ― 13MP on the rear and 8MP on the front in the case of the K10.

Featuring LG’s popular Gesture Shot and Gesture Interval Shot, taking selfies is easy and hassle-free. Gesture Shot enables users to take photos simply by raising an open hand in front of the lens and then clenching it into a fist. Closing one’s hand twice automatically leads to the Gesture Interval Shot and will produce four consecutive photos. Both devices are equipped with Flash for Selfie on the front to help users capture priceless moments whenever, wherever the need might arise, even in the dark.

“Our 2016 K Series is the latest example of LG applying it best mobile technology and premium design philosophy across numerous smartphone categories,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Customers equate the LG name with great smartphone imaging technology and we are committed to delivering on that flattering expectation.”

Visitors to CES 2016 will be able to see the LG K10 and K7 for themselves at LG’s booth in Hall #8204 of the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 6-9.

K10 Key Specifications:

  • Display: 5.3-inch HD In-cell Touch
  • Chipset: LTE – 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core / 1.14GHz Octa-Core, 3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core
  • Camera: LTE Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP, 3G – Rear 8MP / Front 8MP or 5MP
  • Memory – RAM: 2GB / 1.5GB / 1GB
  • ROM: 16GB / 8GB
  • Battery: 2,300mAh
  • Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • Size: 146.6 x 74.8 x 8.8mm
  • Network: LTE / 3G
  • Colors: White / Indigo / Gold
  • Others: 2.5D Arc Glass / Gesture Shot / Tap and Shot / Gesture Interval Shot

K7 Key Specifications:

  • Display:  5.0-inch FWVGA In-cell Touch (LTE) / On-cell Touch (3G)
  • Chipset: LTE –  1.1GHz Quad-Core, 3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core
  • Camera: Rear 8MP or 5MP / Front 5MP
  • Memory – RAM: 1.5GB / 1GB, ROM: 16GB / 8GB
  • Battery: 2,125mAh
  • Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • Size – LTE: 143.6 x 72.5 x 8.9mm, 3G: 143.6 x 72.5 x 9.05mm
  • Network: LTE / 3G
  • Colors – LTE: Titan, 3G: White / Black / Gold
  • Others: 2.5D Arc Glass / Gesture Shot / Gesture Interval Shot / Tap and Shot

Specifications/Features may vary depending on the market.

LG Previews the K10 and K7 Smartphones Ahead of CES is a post from: Droid Life



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Report: Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge to Feature SD Card Slots, Water Resistance, More

According to a new report out of Venture Beat, this year’s flagships from Samsung, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, should include a couple of features that were missing from the S6 and S6 Edge, features that were always a part of the long-standing draw to the Korean company’s phones. Yes, I’m talking about micro SD slots and water resistance. That’s not all, though, if the sources for this report know their stuff, we may have almost all of the major specs for these two phones.

The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge should both include micro SD slots with support up to 200GB cards, along with IP67 dust and water resistance. At IP67, we should have fully dustproof devices that are capable of being submerged in water. So, with expandable storage and a little toughness, are you ready for the S7 and S7 Edge?

Before you answer that, let’s talk about the rest of this report. According to VB sources, we should see a flat-front design on the regular S7 with a 5.1-inch display, while the S7 Edge will have the dual-curved design and a slightly larger canvas at 5.5-inches. Previous reports have suggested a similar setup.

In the battery department, we may see huge bumps to 3,000mAh for the regular S7 and 3,600mAh for the S7 Edge. After the incredibly disappointing batteries in last year’s S6 and S6 Edge, this is huge news. While they likely won’t be removable, those should be plenty juiceful for most users. And keep in mind that Fast Charging and Fast Wireless Charge will likely also be on board.

As for processors, Venture Beat sources suggest Samsung will use an in-house Exynos 8 Octa 8890 for some models, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 in certain markets. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the 820 shows up in the North American units. The phones should also feature 4GB RAM, along with 32GB and 64GB internal storage options.

Finally, the camera is said to be a 12MP sensor this year, which is down in resolution from the 16MP camera used in last year’s phones. That isn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, especially if this report is correct in stating that it should feature an f/1.7 lens. Hello, low-light shots.

Excited? This are starting to sound like solid upgrades, even if they do keep similar designs.

Via:  Venture Beat

Report: Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge to Feature SD Card Slots, Water Resistance, More is a post from: Droid Life



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Archos Announces Affordable Lineup of Cobalt and Power Devices

Archos announced four new devices this week, two in a “Cobalt” lineup and two in a “Power” lineup. The whole lineup is set to be quite affordable, while still offering decent specifications for everyday usage. Each device will launch with Android 5.1 “Lollipop,” as well as microSD support.

The Archos Cobalt 50 features a 5″ HD display, 1GB of RAM, MT6535P ARM processor, and 8MP rear-facing camera. Even though those specs likely won’t blow you away, the $99 price tag may have a few folks picking it up. Next in the Cobalt line is the Archos 55. It features a 5.5″ HD display, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 13MP rear-facing camera, and 2,700mAh battery. It is priced at $139. Both Cobalt devices are set to launch in April.

The 40 Power features a 4″ WVGA display, SC7731C processor, 512MB of RAM, 5MP rear-facing camera, and 1,900mAh battery. Priced at just $49, the 40 Power launches in May. Last up is the 50 Power, featuring a MTK6735 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 4,000mAh battery, and 4G LTE Connectivity. The 50 Power launches in May, priced at $119.

Check the full spec sheet and press release below.


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ARCHOS Unveils Cobalt and Power Smartphones at CES 2016 

Selection of colorful and extended battery smartphones on display at Westgate Las Vegas Resort, Suite 1910 from January 6th to 9th

Las Vegas – January 4, 2016 – ARCHOS unveils two new smartphone ranges at CES Las Vegas 2016, the colorful Cobalt and long lasting Power.  ARCHOS’ newest selection of smartphones will be on display during CES Las Vegas 2016 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort, Suite 1910 from January 6th to 9th.

“Our Cobalt and Power range of smartphones address two issues in the smartphone industry, the lack of customization and the absence of long-life smartphones,” says Loic Poirer, CEO of ARCHOS.  “Our Cobalt and Power lineup combines smooth performance, superior components and impressive affordability.”

Superior battery life

Equipped with enough battery power to last up to two days under regular usage conditions, ARCHOS’ Power smartphones feature quad-core processors and are available in two sizes, the 4-inch ARCHOS 40 Power and the 5-inch ARCHOS 50 Power.

A pocket mobile powerhouse, the ARCHOS 40 Power is ideal for on-the-go light users with 8 GB of internal storage and 1,900mAh of battery.  The ARCHOS 50 Power is 4G/LTE compatible, has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory, and highlights an ultra-large 4,000mAh battery with an IPS HD display and 13MP camera.

The ARCHOS 40 Power and ARCHOS 50 Power will be available in May for $49 and $119 respectively.

ARCHOS’ Cobalt smartphones comes in a variety of colors to add a splash of originality.  The Cobalt lineup comes with IPS HD display, are 4G/LTE compatible, are powered by quad-core processors, and are available in two sizes, the 5-inch ARCHOS 50 Cobalt and the 5.5-inch ARCHOS 55 Plus Cobalt.

The ARCHOS 50 Cobalt comes with 1GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage, and an 8MP front camera, while the ARCHOS 55 Plus Cobalt is powered by 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 13MP camera.

Both Cobalt smartphones comes with an expandable internal MicroSB card storage and will be available in April for $99 and $139 respectively.

For more information about ARCHOS’ entire selection of Connected Devices, Smartphones and Tablets, visit us atwww.archos.com or contact us through Facebook or Twitter.

Archos Announces Affordable Lineup of Cobalt and Power Devices is a post from: Droid Life



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January Android 6.0.1 Security Patch Factory Images Available for Nexus Devices

To kick off CES week, though this isn’t related to CES at all, Google has posted the January security update for its Nexus line-up as factory images of Android 6.0.1. This is still 6.0.1, but there are a variety of build numbers out there depending on the device. 

For the Nexus 6P, 5X, we have MMB29P. The Nexus 6 and Nexus Player have build MMB29T. The Nexus 9 LTE and WiFi, and Nexus 5 have MMB29S. Finally, the Nexus 7 (2013) is MMB29O.

For instructions on how to flash factory images, hit up this post.

If you want the full breakdown on what was patched, check out this post from Google, which is this month’s Nexus security bulletin.

Factory Images | Binaries

January Android 6.0.1 Security Patch Factory Images Available for Nexus Devices is a post from: Droid Life



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