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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Twitter Adds Auto-Play Option for Videos and GIFs

Soon, as you scroll through your Twitter feed, you will be welcomed by moving images and auto-playing videos as a part of Twitter’s continual drive to make watching videos easier than ever on their platform. The company announced today that this “more seamless video experience” has arrived on iOS, with Android expected to get the same experience before long. 

We are talking about auto-play of Vines, GIFs, and native videos, of course. Twitter is trying to find ways to reduce the number of taps it takes to get you to the content you need, so auto-playing them all seemed like the next logical step. Sure.

For those with sh*tty data plans that involve insanely overpriced data buckets, Twitter is building in controls to help you avoid running out of data and coughing up more cash to the evil wireless carriers of America. You will be able to turn off auto-play if you want, or you could tell it to only happen when on WiFi.

Oh, and what about audio? It won’t auto-play, but a twist of your device to landscape or a tap on the video will instantly kick on the tunes.

Again, the auto-play addition is available on iOS today, but is only “coming soon” to Android.

Autoplay_videos_on_Twitter

Via:  Twitter

Twitter Adds Auto-Play Option for Videos and GIFs is a post from: Droid Life



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HTC Device Owners, Prepare to See “Promotions” in BlinkFeed

Back in May, a report surfaced that HTC was attempting to implement paid promotions (aka ads) into BlinkFeed. Today, that news becomes official, as the company has announced the changes being made in a post on its website.

In the post, HTC goes over everything you need to know about what is changing inside BlinkFeed, but basically, users in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Taiwan, and China will see a limited amount of paid promotions from companies such as Yahoo!, Twitter, and HTC itself. These promotions will showcase useful and exciting applications you can download, as well as new accessories from HTC. 

As of right now, the rollout is in pilot mode, meaning HTC is just testing the waters. More importantly, HTC states they are working on an opt-out feature for those who are completely uninterested in seeing promotions. As stated in the company’s post announcing the promotions, “We will be implementing a way for you to opt out of receiving these promotions, but we hope that displaying native and limited promotions in this way will help you discover new and useful apps and/or products and services.”

There are worse things than a few promotions inside BlinkFeed, and given they are native, they should blend seamlessly into the service. You may not even notice them.

Thoughts?

Via: HTC

HTC Device Owners, Prepare to See “Promotions” in BlinkFeed is a post from: Droid Life



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Pushbullet Introduces Portal, an Awesome Way to Transfer Files to Your Devices

Say “hello” to the next app you are guaranteed to install. It’s called Portal and it’s from the creators of Pushbullet, one of our favorite apps. Portal has one goal, which is to make transferring files to your phone or tablet as seamless and easy as possible. After playing with it for two minutes, I can tell you right now that I will now use this multiple times throughout the day. 

So how does Portal work? It’s pretty easy.

Install the Portal app (Play link), connect your phone to the WiFi network your computer is on, and then head to portal.pushbullet.com. From there, you will see a QR code that needs to be scanned. To scan it, open the Portal app on your phone, scan it, and then your computer will be connected to your phone via WiFi.

To transfer files, simply drag and drop them into the tab you have open at portal.pushbullet.com. The files will then transfer quickly using your WiFi network and show on your phone in the Portal app instantaneously.

The Pushbullet team says they have been testing files as large as 1GB, so you shouldn’t really have any limitations here.

What else is awesome about Portal?

  • To find all of the files you have transferred to your phone, open the Portal app. Not only will they all be listed there, but you can tap on each to open or quickly share them via share button.
  • All of the files save into a Portal folder on your phone, so if you would rather find the files in your favorite file manager, you can do that too.
  • You can even move the Portal file to an SD card.
  • As an added bonus, Portal is integrated into Android, so you will find the files through the built-in Android file browser

Ready to take it for a spin? Watch the video below, then hit up the two links you’ll need to get going.

Portal Links:  Android App | Web App

Via:  Pushbullet

Pushbullet Introduces Portal, an Awesome Way to Transfer Files to Your Devices is a post from: Droid Life



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Need Money? Google is Now Paying Those Who Help Find Bugs in Android

This morning, Google introduced the Android Security Rewards program, aimed directly at making Android a safer platform for all users. As of this moment, Google is specifically looking for vulnerabilities affecting the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, and if you happen to find something, you could get paid quite handsomely. 

Unfortunately, you won’t become a millionaire overnight by helping Google find and squash bugs, but if you find a critical bug, you could see up to $2,000, and even more cash — up to $8,000 — if CTS tests and patches go through cleanly. That’s a nice little chunk of change.

Here are some details about the new Android Security Rewards program.

  • For vulnerabilities affecting Nexus phones and tablets available for sale on Google Play (currently Nexus 6 and Nexus 9), we will pay for each step required to fix a security bug, including patches and tests. This makes Nexus the first major line of mobile devices to offer an ongoing vulnerability rewards program.
  • In addition to rewards for vulnerabilities, our program offers even larger rewards to security researchers that invest in tests and patches that will make the entire ecosystem stronger.
  • The largest rewards are available to researchers that demonstrate how to work around Android’s platform security features, like ASLR, NX, and the sandboxing that is designed to prevent exploitation and protect users.

If you happen to work in the security field, follow the via link below to learn everything you need to know to get started.

Via: Android Rewards | Google

Need Money? Google is Now Paying Those Who Help Find Bugs in Android is a post from: Droid Life



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Google Adds Nutrition Info for Popular Restaurant Chain Items

In a behind-the-scenes update, Google recently added nutrition info for menu items on some of the most popular restaurant chains you frequently visit. From McDonald’s or Wendy’s to TGIFriday’s or Chipotle, all you need to do is search for the restaurant name and “nutrition” on your phone (“chipotle nutrition”) and Google will give you the restaurant’s entire menu, along with listings of items and a quick calorie count. 

If you want to see more info, like the fat breakdown, carbohydrate count, or sodium levels, simply tap on an item and Google will load it for you below the menu. Menus can be swiped through to access additional entries or you can tap on the “Full menu” dropdown to switch menu categories.

So there you have it, quick access to information that reminds you to go for a 5-mile jog, at your fingertips.

Via:  +Google

Google Adds Nutrition Info for Popular Restaurant Chain Items is a post from: Droid Life



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Sony Xperia Z4v is Coming Exclusively to Verizon This Summer With Solid Upgrades

It looks like a version of Sony’s new Xperia Z4 will indeed make its way to the US this summer as the Xperia Z4v, a Verizon exclusive.

The Xperia Z4v is a lot like its cousin, only it includes a slightly thicker body, slightly bigger battery, and wireless charging, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, since that’s exactly how the Xperia Z3v differed from the Xperia Z3. Oh, it also has an upgraded QHD display over the regular Z4’s FHD display. 

As for the rest of the specs, you are looking at a 5.2-inch Triluminos QHD display (2560×1440), Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, 32GB storage (with micro SD support), 3,000mAh battery, Quick Charge 2.0 support, wireless charging on both Qi and PMA standards, 20.7MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, and 3GB RAM. the phone runs Android 5.0.2 Lollipop.

The Xperia Z4v will arrive at Verizon “this summer” in black and white colorways. No pricing info was announced today.

sonyxperiaz4_1024-x-640Screen Shot 2015-06-16 at 6.16.12 AM


Experience the Freedom to Play with Sony’s Xperia® Z4v Smartphone Coming to the United States Exclusively on Verizon Wireless
Combines best-in-class entertainment and technology in a beautifully designed waterproof(1) smartphone ideal for PlayStation® Gaming

NEW YORK, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) and Verizon Wireless today announced that the Sony Xperia Z4v smartphone will be available in the United States this summer exclusively from Verizon Wireless. The premium Android™ 4G LTE waterproof(1) smartphone is here to give you the freedom to play – delivering unrivaled entertainment experiences and innovative camera technologies along with powerful battery performance(2).

“The Sony Xperia Z4v continues a tradition of high-quality smartphones that have the best of entertainment with Sony movies, PlayStation gaming, and in-demand features like a powerful battery, all on the largest and most reliable 4G LTE network in the United States,” said Jeff Dietel, vice president, Marketing for Verizon Wireless. “This combination of a great network and a great device makes it easy for customers to explore and enjoy what wireless connectivity can bring to them where they live, work and play.”

Designed to Perform

We know life can be tough on your smartphone. Designed with durability in mind, the slim-framed Xperia Z4v is dust-tight and waterproof, featuring tempered glass panels – so you won’t get held back by a slip or spill.

With impressive performance, Xperia Z4v powers through whatever life throws at it and keeps you up to speed with the latest in entertainment. From 4K recording to gaming, Xperia Z4v’s powerful, ultra-fast Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor with X10 LTE and 64-bit octa-core CPU lets you enjoy a universe of your favorite entertainment in an uncompromised, fluid, and lightning-fast experience. Need to do two things at once or find something online? This impressive processor helps to enable multitasking and fast-paced web browsing while delivering a seamless UI experience. With 32GB storage and up to 128GB SD storage, enjoy unlimited entertainment possibilities in the palm of your hand.

Best-in-class entertainment in a smartphone

For gamers, the Xperia Z4v allows you to break away from your TV and continue your PlayStation®4 (PS4) gaming anywhere in your home via PS4 Remote Play(3). Simply connect your Xperia smartphone to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi® and use your DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller(4) to play full versions of your favorite PS4 games directly on your phone. Additionally, users can stream Spotify while playing PS4 games without ever having to hit pause – simply control the music on your PS4 using your Xperia Z4v with Spotify Connect.

Hear the difference of the Z4v with your own ears. Discover the nuances of your favorite artists with studio quality sound captured by Hi-Res Audio and increase the sound fidelity of MP3 or AAC music tracks to near High-Resolution quality with the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX). Also equipped with LDAC support, the Z4v allows you to transmit your favorite Hi-Res Audio tracks over Bluetooth. Together with the Snapdragon 810’s Fluence™ technology, Sony’s rich audio expertise and first-on-market Automatic Headset Optimization, your Xperia Z4v automatically adjusts audio settings according to the headset style you’re using for the most immersive sound experience.

Xperia Z4v also brings movies to life in vivid detail with the 5.2-inch Full WQHD TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile featuring Live Color LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile, creating a wider palette of rich, natural colors and enhanced color depth and gradation without the risk of oversaturation. Additionally, you can maintain increased brightness and contrast with the Z4v’s power-efficient smart adaptive display.

Take your entertainment with you on-the-go with high-powered battery performance that helps you power through it all, with up to a full day of charge(2). Xperia Z4v features a high-density 3,000 mAh battery and a power efficient display with Memory on Display. Xperia Z4v also offers Battery STAMINA mode and Ultra STAMINA mode to enable efficient power consumption that maximizes battery life. For fast and easy charging, Xperia Z4v features Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 which offers re-charging up to 75% faster(5), embedded wireless charging with the latest inductive ‘Qi’ and PMA technology, and a capless USB port for added convenience.

“With the coming Xperia Z4v launch, we are delivering on our commitment to bringing the latest and greatest Sony smartphones to the US,” said Ravi Nookala, President, Sony Mobile Communications North America. “Our Xperia Z4v offers US customers the most fun mobile experience around with features that give them the freedom to play.”

Superior Camera Technology

Whether you’re snapping a group photo or taking a quick selfie, Xperia Z4v lets you take the perfect shot anytime, anywhere. Utilizing Sony Electronic’s Cyber-Shot® and Handycam® technologies, Xperia Z4v offers superior camera performance on both the 20.7 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras. With the high-sensitivity Exmor RS™ image sensor and high ISO, you can capture high-quality portraits, even in low lighting. Take full advantage of the front-facing camera’s 25 mm wide-angle lens to fit more into your selfie pictures – without distortion at the edges. With 4K video recording capability and SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode, you can document memories in brilliantly detailed high quality video.

Xperia Z4v continues to build on our previous generation’s already impressive camera experience by expanding the ecosystem of camera capabilities and empowering users to unleash their creativity with 15 preloaded Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift burst and Video, picture-in-picture, and self-styling portraits.

Availability

Xperia Z4v will be available this summer in black and white color options and as part of the Made for Xperia offering at Verizon, customers will have a selection of protective cases from leading accessories brands like Incipio®, Tech21, OtterBox®, and Case-Mate available for purchase in-store and online. Verizon customers can sign up online for more information about Xperia Z4v smartphone. For a full list of specifications, visit www.XperiaZ4v.com.

Sony Xperia Z4v is Coming Exclusively to Verizon This Summer With Solid Upgrades is a post from: Droid Life



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Monday, June 15, 2015

DEAL: Nexus 6 32GB for $440 on eBay!

Whoa. $440 for a brand new 32GB Nexus 6? You may want to jump on this deal at eBay before the “limited quantity” is gone. The deal has been live for a couple of hours, and with that price, it may not last long.

This is version XT1103, which is the US model that will work on every major carrier here. It comes in a factory sealed package and in midnight blue.

Free shipping is included.

EBAY LINK 

Cheers Scott!

DEAL: Nexus 6 32GB for $440 on eBay! is a post from: Droid Life



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