APK BRO™ - Download APK Android Apps: 03/31/16

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Verizon’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge Marshmallow Updates Start Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, the Verizon variants of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge will begin receiving their updates to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Verizon posted support documents for each phone’s update this evening, but dated availability as beginning April 1.

The update will arrive as software version VRU4CPC2 for each phone, along with Android build MMB29K, which is Android 6.0.1.

Once updated, the S6 and S6 Edge will be able to experience Google Now on Tap, longer battery life through Doze, and finer controls over app permissions. Verizon and Samsung have also improved live broadcasts, added a search button to the app drawer, tweaked the notifications panel, made WiFi Calling improvements, and pre-loaded Big Red’s Go90 video service.

To check for the updates in the morning, head into Settings>About phone>Software updates>Check for updates.

Let us know once you see the updates go live!

Via: Verizon [2]

Deal: Aukey Wireless Charging Pad for $12, 10,400mAh Portable Battery for $15

Over on Amazon, you can pick up a few charging accessories from Aukey, discounted with the help of a couple promo codes. On sale for $12 is the company’s wireless charging pad, compatible with the latest devices from Samsung, LG, and even the Nexus devices that support the feature. The charger uses the Qi Standard, meaning any device that supports that standard will be compatible.

On the other hand, if you need a bit of mobile juice, Aukey is also selling the 10,400mAh portable battery for $15. This portable power bank will provide days of charge for your phone with that much capacity. The power bank features support for Quick Charge 2.0, allowing you charge your devices very quickly. Thanks to built-in safeguards, your devices will be protected against over-current, overcharging, and overheating.

In order to take advantage of these prices, simply add the items you want to your cart on Amazon, then plug in the coupon codes provided below.

Amazon Links: Wireless Charging Pad (Code: VA2NRJDZ)| 10,400mAh Portable Battery (Code: HAP8IYBO)

#TBT: When Verizon Wanted to Charge You $2 to Pay Your Own Bill

If you thought today’s confirmation from Verizon over their plans to charge you an extra $20 for the right to buy a new phone from them was off-putting, let me take you back to 2011, where the same company considered adding a special “convenience” fee onto your bill each month that was eventually abandoned after a massive online uproar.

What was the “convenience” fee all about, you ask? Well, Verizon thought you should pay an extra $2 each time you paid your bill at the end of the month. Why? I can’t give you an answer to that with a straight face, especially knowing that it was referred to as the “convenience” fee, but my best guess is that there are fees involved in processing bill payments and Verizon thought you should be responsible for those going forward.

Verizon wanted to charge you an extra $2 if you paid your monthly bill by phone or on My Verizon. We’re not talking late fees or for any other reason where you should be penalized, they just wanted you to pay extra if you were the type to manually pay your bill each month. However, if you signed up for Autopay, that $2 fee was waived. Ohhhh, that must be the “convenience” portion.

Of course, Verizon eventually killed the fee before it was ever added to a customer’s bill. We try not to brag too much around here (there are other sites in this field that do enough of that already), but Verizon killed the fee within two days of us breaking the news on their plans. See, sometimes we are capable of doing good in this world.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Available for SHIELD Android TV at $15

For owners of a SHIELD Android TV from NVIDIA, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is available for purchase on Google Play, priced at $14.99. The latest addition to the Borderlands franchise is not the same FPS you might expect, but instead, is an RPG shooter featuring new character classes, vehicles, and weapons.

The Pre-Sequel covers the story of Handsome Jack, a man trying to do good, only to end up lusting for power, fortune, and infamy. During this story, you travel across to different worlds, including one of Pandora’s moons in a low-gravity gaming experience. Playable characters include four new vault hunters, each with their own set of unique skills. In addition, players will even have a chance to suit up at Claptrap. As you progress, upgrading your character will be necessary via the skill branch.

The game also features cloud saves, dynamic co-op gameplay, a gazillion weapons to use against opponents, and much more.

Priced at $15, the game is available right now on Google Play.

Play Link ($14.99)

Google Confirms End of Google Wallet Card on June 30

Monday’s report of the Google Wallet Card reaching end-of-life status is now confirmed. Moments ago, Google sent out emails to Google Wallet Card owners, notifying them of the June 30 stoppage, which will result in their physical Wallet Card no longer working.

Google notes that the Google Wallet Card will work up until June 30, but that users won’t be able to load any new money on it after May 1. If another user sends you money after May 1, you’ll still see that cash, though.

If you loved your Google Wallet Card and need a new option, Google has teamed up with American Express Serve and Simple to offer customers who switch a special bonus. Wallet Card owners who switch to Serve will get a $20 gift after a third direct deposit of $500 or more. Simple seems to just be handing you $20 for signing up. More info on the bonuses can be found here.

20 Customer Responses to Verizon’s New $20 Upgrade Fee

You’ve heard the news. On Monday, April 4, Verizon is planning to tack on another probably-non-necessary $20 fee because it’s expensive when people give them money. I almost can’t type that with a straight face, but I don’t know any other way to put it.

What am I referring to? The new $20 upgrade fee that Verizon will charge customers who buy phones on a monthly payment plan, through Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, or at full retail, without any sort of agreement. In other words, if your phone costs $650, you’ll pay $670 for it. Jesus. I seriously can’t type this stuff without spitting up.

I’m going to stop now and instead direct your attention to our readers reactions to ideas like this, many of which are Verizon customers. In just the short amount of time since the news broke, this is what 20 of the best responses were to Verizon’s $20.

Because paying to pay is a thing.

Verizon may have been wearing white Vans today.

@droid_life DAMN @verizon! Back at it again with the shitty fees!

— TankRizzo (@TankRizzo) March 31, 2016

Charging extra fees to customers without a contract, probably good for the customer retention numbers. /s

@droid_life Not bound to a contract or device payment is the easiest time to switch carriers. Not the best time to stick with fees.

— Larry (@TheDS) March 31, 2016

SIM swapping is expensive, guys.

Shhhhh, don’t tell them their prices are “cheaper.”

@droid_life i like verizon's off contract prices because it's mostly cheaper compared to other networks. I'm not sure now.

— MR_07 (@r_mr07) March 31, 2016

It’s OK, Verizon, I’m sure your sales staff needed a lighter load.

Some support the change…wait.

Some just liked the presentation.

Final straw?

@droid_life Verizon use to care about its customers but not anymore. That's why I am switching my my contract is up. Getting to expensive

— Robert Sinwell (@SecureRob) March 31, 2016

Validation.

Or maybe Lowell just needed a new aquatic toy.

Welp.

Samsung Updates Samsung+ App for Superb Customer Service

One of the benefits of purchasing an iPhone is that you know there is always someone who can take a look at your device in-person at an Apple store. Samsung, or any other Android OEM at this time, does not currently offer that level of customer service, but the company is hoping to change that with an update to the Samsung+ app.

Samsung has offered desktop support in the form of live chat and email, as well as phone support, but there has not been much face-to-face support, which many customers benefit from. Thanks to changes rolling out for the Samsung+ app, available on Google Play, Galaxy device owners in need of help will have access to one-on-one help from actual Samsung representatives.

With the Samsung+ app version 3.0, users can quickly access a video chat option to troubleshoot issues, but not only that, you can grant access to the Samsung rep to control your device from their remote location. This is essentially TeamViewer, but for phones. Additionally, a Device Diagnostics feature will run tests to check the health of your phone’s battery, security, and data.

If asking Samsung for help is not your cup of tea, the app has a built-in FAQ of answers to many popular questions. If you think your problem is pretty basic, it is likely the answer is already placed inside of the app for you to find.

Version 3.0 is rolling out right now to Google Play. If you own a Samsung device, you should have it installed.

Play Link

Via: Samsung

Nintendo’s Miitomo Social App Now Available on Google Play

Nintendo’s Miitomo app is available on Google Play, bringing the fun of building your own Mii directly to your smartphone. Once a Mii character is built, you can socialize your Mii with your friend’s Mii, sharing photos and even asking questions.

To get started, you need a Nintendo account, then link your account to the Miitomo app. Once linked, you will begin to create your Mii. To do so, snap a quick selfie, and the app will generate a basic Mii character for you. You can then further customize your character to make it look just like yourself. Once your character is all set, it’s time to socialize.

In order to socialize, you will need friends. If Miitomo is an app you want to have fun with, you better get your friends to sign up. Now, I don’t expect anyone over the age of 18 to enjoy this app, but if you are a younger person, the app could be fun. Your Mii character will ask you questions, and answers will be shared to your friends. When you answer questions, you earn coins. These coins can be used to buy new clothes and other goodies.

The app is completely free to use, but there are IAPs for purchasing more coins and basic items.

Play Link

Report: Verizon Plans to Add $20 Upgrade Fee to Off-Contract and Device Payment Phone Purchases

According to a leaked document obtained by MacRumors, Verizon is going to introduce a new upgrade fee on April 4 for device payment plans, full retail upgrades, annual upgrades, and the iPhone Upgrade Plan at Apple Stores. The fee will be $20 for each situation because Verizon needs “help” covering “increasing support costs associated with customers switching their devices.”

Before April 4, the only fees you had to pay when getting a new phone at Verizon were during initial sign-up or when signing a new 2-year contract. If you bought a phone on a payment plan or at full retail, they spared you the activation or upgrade expense. Spared you…hah.

But now, even if you buy a phone at full retail, which means spending around $650 on a new phone, Verizon is going to slap you with an extra $20 fee because apparently, people like to switch devices on a regularly basis, and that is expensive…to Verizon. Another way of putting that is, they are charging you $20 extra because their automated systems need to automate an IMEI switch on your account that is automatic when you, yourself, put your currently activated SIM in your new phone and sit back as the automatic process completes.

For comparison’s sake, AT&T charges $15 for upgrade fees, Sprint (according to Verizon’s document) charges $30, and T-Mobile doesn’t charge a thing.

We’ve reached out to Verizon looking for confirmation and will update this post.

Via: MacRumors

Sprint Offers Amazon Prime Add-on for an Extra $11 a Month

Sprint is offering an Amazon Prime add-on to any current wireless plan, costing an extra $10.99 a month for those interested. When enabled on a plan, users can immediately gain the benefit of Prime, including free 2-day shipping on many items, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and much more.

Interestingly, when doing the math, 12 months of this Amazon Prime add-on will cost you $132 annually, while an annual subscription to Amazon Prime directly purchased from Amazon is priced at $99. That’s a little over $30 extra you would be paying.

It is possible that many customers can’t afford the upfront cost of $99, and would instead want to receive the benefits of Prime on a monthly payment basis. But again, in the long run, you are actually paying more and receiving no extra benefits if you buy it through Sprint.

If you are on Sprint and would like to take advantage of this Amazon Prime add-on, you can visit your local Sprint retailer or sign-up online through Sprint’s website.

Via: Sprint

AT&T Will Give You a “Free” 48-Inch Samsung TV if You Buy a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge and Their TV Service

AT&T is hosting another deal this week that sounds great in a headline (“FREE TV!”), but isn’t really going to be an option for most. Take a look at this “deal.”

Here is the headline from AT&T’s press release:

Well, you don’t say, AT&T. That sounds awesome! I buy one of the two best phones on the market today and you’ll give me a free 48-inch TV? What’s not to like about that?! I’ll even jump into your Next thingy and pay monthly because man, free TV! Also, thank you for not pushing me into one of your TV services, since I’m a cord-cutter and all. You know, I wear selvage denim, dangle my keys from a bet loop, and drink $8 pour-overs.

Enter first paragraph:

Starting tomorrow, AT&T wireless and DIRECTV customers can get a free 48” Samsung Smart TV. To qualify, buy a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge on AT&T Next, activate a new AT&T wireless line or new DIRECTV service, and submit an online offer claim. Plus, earn 1,000 Plenti points with your Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge purchase when you first activate the offer on plenti.com and activate a new a new line of wireless service.

But wait, I’m already an AT&T subscriber and haven’t actually cut the cord on DIRECTV yet, I just tell people that! Give. Me. TV.

Bottom line, if you want to buy a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, but aren’t using an upgrade with existing DIRECTV service in place, yet are willing to sign-up for DIRECTV service, you can probably get a free TV, assuming they aren’t already out of stock.

Sponsors

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Via: Verizon [2]

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Because paying to pay is a thing.

Verizon may have been wearing white Vans today.

Charging extra fees to customers without a contract, probably good for the customer retention numbers. /s

SIM swapping is expensive, guys.

Shhhhh, don’t tell them their prices are “cheaper.”

It’s OK, Verizon, I’m sure your sales staff needed a lighter load.

Some support the change…wait.

Some just liked the presentation.

Final straw?

Validation.

Or maybe Lowell just needed a new aquatic toy.

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Via: Samsung

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Via: MacRumors

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