What's in my Bag CES 2017! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Saturday 31 December 2016
VR is fun, but it's not quite "there" yet
As I get older, I find I can be crotchety about change and adopting new technology sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes. When I started writing for PhoneDog back in 2012 there wasn’t much more than smartphones and some basic accessories to talk about; if you wanted to get really fancy you could talk about Bluetooth headsets and docking stations. Not too long after, though, the winds of change were a-blowin’ in the mobile industry as wearables were just about to become a hot commodity.
I liked the idea of wearables, but I didn’t think I needed one. I mostly admired them from afar. I purchased my first wearable this past fall, a $40 secondhand Pebble (RIP) Time smartwatch. I felt the price was right for a product that I still wasn’t sure I really needed, but I did want to try it out. I’m happy with the purchase. I found the smartwatch to be more useful than I thought it would be, but calling it a “necessity” is a stretch. 3 months later and I still use it on occasion, but not often.
I was able to add to my growing list of experiences with wearables this past week as I received a 2016 Gear VR to use with my Galaxy S7. I can honestly say that the idea of virtual reality hasn’t particularly appealed to me, but I did get a serious kick out of the concept when I used a free cardboard VR contraption a while back. I was amazed by how it worked, but it wasn’t something I ended up using more than two times after I wrote that article.
The Gear VR, however, has proven to be very different from my cardboard VR experience. For one, the assembly was more complicated. You have to hook up and adjust the straps to the headset and adjust the phone area to fit your specific Galaxy variant. It's not super complicated, but it isn't something I would consider hassle-free.
However, that added complication was for a good reason. I had to hold the cardboard viewer up to my face constantly, but the straps and connections with the Gear holds things in place for me. There’s also a very nice cushion mask that makes the large device almost comfortable. Heavy, but comfortable. I find that not holding the headset to my face helps with immersion.
And, oh my God, the immersion of VR is cool. And weird. But cool.
Along with the Gear came a bundle of VR “experiences” and a couple of movies. Some of the experiences included exploring space or the deep sea and relaxing on the beach. There was also a horror experience called AFFECTED – The Manor, and for some reason I decided that would be a good one to dip my toes in.
Honestly, I didn’t think it would do anything for me. I enjoy horror games and movies, but I don’t usually get that scared from playing or watching them. My biggest issue is the threat of being touched, like in haunted house attractions, which obviously isn’t an issue here. I assumed that a VR experience would largely be the same as any other video game, but I was very, very wrong. VR only takes horror games to the next level. Despite the cartoon-ish graphics and mediocre resolution of the game, I’m a little ashamed to admit that I straight up pulled the headset off because I was so startled at one point.
After accepting my new life as a total weenie, I decided to spend the rest of my time with more relaxing VR experiences like exploring the sea with Ocean Rift (which was actually kind of freaky in its own way, especially when you go looking for the great white shark), space exploration with Star Chart, and a visit to the beach. My time spent with these experiences were much more pleasant. Not too long after visiting the beach, I started to feel a little dizzy and decided it was time to take a break.
In the end, here are my thoughts on VR: It’s fun and the technology is remarkable. However, I don’t think that VR will catch on for a while. As much fun as it is, most headsets are still very expensive (the Gear VR itself is pretty cheap, but you need a Galaxy S6, S7, or Note 5 to run it, so it’s actually quite expensive) and they’re just so bulky and heavy. Currently I would say they’re nothing more than a novelty, but overall I would say this experience showed me that VR technology is an amazing feat, and I anxiously await the day that it becomes an all-around excellent experience.
VR is fun, but it's not quite "there" yet originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Top 10 iOS Apps of 2016!
We've compiled a 'Top 10' list of our favorite iOS apps to hit the App Store in 2016. The apps highlighted in this video include MSQRD, Music Memos, Service, Word Flow Keyboard, Beme, Opera VPN, Gboard, Pokemon Go, Duo and Google Allo. Which app is your favorite?
Top 10 iOS Apps of 2016! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T receiving Android 7.0 Nougat today
OnePlus previously committed to updating both the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T to Nougat before the end of 2016, and the company is just sliding in under that deadline.
OnePlus today announced OxygenOS 4.0 updates for the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T. These updates include Android 7.0 Nougat as well as status bar icon options, optimizations, and more. Here’s OnePlus’s changelog for both updates:
Upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat
- New Notifications Design
- New Settings Menu Design
- Multi-Window View
- Notification Direct Reply
- Custom DPI Support
Added Status Bar Icon Options
Improved Shelf Customization
These over the air updates will roll out incrementally starting tonight. That means that it might take a few days for the update to hit your device, so don’t fret if your OP3 or OP3T doesn’t get its helping of Nougat tonight.
Strangely, OnePlus also released an OxygenOS Open Beta 1 update for the OnePlus 3T today. The changelog listed for this update is the same as the OxygenOS 4.0 update, complete with Android 7.0, and so it’s kind of weird that this Open Beta 1 is being released on the same day as the full OxygenOS 4.0 update. But if you’ve got an OP3T and want Nougat this very second, you can now sideload the OxygenOS Open Beta 1 release.
OnePlus is definitely cutting it close, but it’s good that the company is keeping its word and releasing Nougat for the OnePlus 3 and 3T before the end of 2016. It can sometimes be tough to make software release deadlines because of unforeseen issues that crop up, and there likely would’ve been some frustrated OP3 and OP3T owners if OnePlus missed this deadline. The good news is that that doesn’t matter, because OnePlus barely made its self-imposed deadline.
Be sure to let us know when your OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T gets Nougat!
OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T receiving Android 7.0 Nougat today originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Pros and cons: Our quick verdict on Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro
Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro has a mouthful of a name and a somewhat bland design. But what might seem like a forgettable phone really isn't: This massive 6.4-inch handset is the first available phone with Google's "Tango" 3D mapping technology. But while Tango feels magical when it works, bugs and hiccups periodically dampen the experience. Indeed, as is the case with many first-generation technologies, you're better off waiting for refinements -- that is, unless you're the sort of early adopter who needs to be on the bleeding edge. (And if you are, the $499 asking price is reasonable considering how much flagship phones typically cost.)
The problem is, once you set aside Tango (which itself isn't perfect), you're left with one lackluster phone. Though well-constructed, the design isn't memorable, while the cameras and custom software are downright lousy. The possibly too-big screen will also be a deal-breaker for some. Basically, then, as cool as Tango is, you're better off waiting for the technology to improve, and for a wider variety of devices to support it.
Pros and cons: Our quick verdict on Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Friday 30 December 2016
What are your hopes for smartphones in 2017?
2016 was kind of a weird year for mobile. We had some great new additions like the Google Pixel; we saw the Galaxy S line go from good to better between the S6 and the S7; the HTC 10 was a remarkable improvement over the HTC One M9; both LG and Lenovo had some creative ideas with their modular G5 and Moto Z, respectively; even Apple had a pretty solid year with the release of the iPhone SE and the iPhone 7. However, we’ve had some blunders as well. The Note 7 is probably the most notable, and recently reports have been surfacing stating that some Google Pixel and Nexus 6P devices have been mysteriously shutting down at 30-40% battery life. There’s also that weird phenomenon where manufacturers seem to think that removing the 3.5mm headphone jack is a good idea, but I would argue that most consumers don’t feel the same way.
Thinking about the things I would like to see happen in 2017, I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s really not a whole lot on my list that I’m hoping for. I’m actually quite impressed with how far smartphones have come in such a seemingly short amount of time and feel that I really don’t have much of substance to complain about. Still, nothing is perfect, and there are still a couple of things that I would be happy to see come to fruition in 2017’s smartphone lineup.
Better battery life
I don't think I’ll ever feel like battery life shouldn’t be improved upon. The longer I can go without having to plug in my phone, the better. At this point I’m just happy that I can last an entire day (and often more) without absolutely needing to plug in my phone, but I would love to safely go a few days or longer without having to worry about charging my phone at all.
The 3.5mm headphone jack stays
Although more and more OEMs seem to be hopping on board with the idea – or are at the very least rumored to – I still don’t consider the move beneficial at all. I’m hoping this situation ends up like microSD cards; maybe it is old and outdated technology, but a lot of people still find it convenient and useful.
USB-C for iPhones
I’ve always harbored a resentment towards Apple for their chargers. Apple has always had different chargers even after smartphone manufacturers agreed to streamline their proprietary connectors to one universal connector, micro USB. I saw the usefulness in Apple’s chargers, but as somebody who frequently switched between iOS and Android it was somewhat of an annoyance to have to carry around two sets of chargers, and then later replace an entire collection of 30-pin connector accessories with Lightning.
Fortunately, Apple seems to be embracing the new standard that the rest of the tech world is heading towards using, USB Type-C, as evidenced with its presence in Apple’s MacBook laptops. A Type-C port existing in MacBooks make me think that it’s possible for Apple to ditch Lightning in favor of Type-C in iPhones eventually, although probably not in 2017.
No more glass backs
Aside from aesthetically, I never understood the appeal of designing a phone with glass fronts and backs. It’s bad enough when you drop your phone and it lands face down and you spend a moment or two praying to your deity of choice that the glass didn’t shatter, but it’s kind of dumb when you do the same thing for the back of your phone as well. I didn’t understand it with my old iPhone 4S and I don’t understand it with the Galaxy S7. Glass is breakable, slippery, and a fingerprint magnet. It’s just not a good material to use on the backs of phones.
I’m excited to see what 2017 brings us, but I really hope to see some of these ideas implemented as well – particularly better battery life and keeping the 3.5mm headphone jack around. Readers, what do you want to see from smartphones in 2017? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
What are your hopes for smartphones in 2017? originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Samsung will likely bring Chromecast-like functionality to its TVs
Samsung's Smart View app has let users pipe movies and photos on their device to a nearby TV for years, but the latest version's App Store page has screenshots suggesting it's expanding into the streaming market. Similar to Chromecast and Roku, this could funnel YouTube, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video straight to a screen, suggesting that users will be able to use the feature with its next generation of smart televisions and control it with their smartphones.
Via: Variety
Source: App Store
Samsung will likely bring Chromecast-like functionality to its TVs posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
SanDisk 200GB microSD card on sale for $63
If you’ve got a smartphone with a microSD card slot, you may want to point your browser to Amazon.
Amazon is now selling SanDisk’s 200GB microSD card for $63.14. While that’s not quite the lowest price we’ve ever seen on this card, it’s only a few dollars off that mark.
Also worth noting is that this SanDisk 200GB microSD card ships from and is sold by Amazon, so Prime subscribers can get free two-yea shipping with their order.
While SanDisk’s 200GB microSD card isn’t the largest microSD card around, it still offers a substantial amount of storage space. So if you’re lucky enough to have a microSD slot on your smartphone or tablet, Amazon’s deal is definitely worth a look.
SanDisk 200GB microSD card on sale for $63 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Encrypted chat app Signal sidesteps censorship in Cuba and Oman
Signal, the messaging app that prides itself on circumventing government censorship, has a few new places where its flagship feature works. Last week it was Egypt, and now users in Cuba and Oman can send messages without fear of them being intercepted and altered by lawmakers. As VentureBeat reports, the domain fronting feature is only available on Android now, but, like the Egypt update, it should arrive on iOS shortly thereafter. Given Cuba's penchant for censoring what its citizens see, and its launch of state-sponsored home internet service, the timing is perfect.
Via: VentureBeat
Source: Google Play
Encrypted chat app Signal sidesteps censorship in Cuba and Oman posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Top 10 Android Apps of 2016!
We've compiled a 'Top 10' list of our favorite Android apps to hit the Google Play Store in 2016. The apps highlighted in this video include Prisma, Backdrops, Hopper, Boost+, Beme, FX File Explorer, Pokemon Go, Duo, Google Allo and Android Auto. Which app is your favorite?
Top 10 Android Apps of 2016! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
The iPhone 7 may not be selling as well as Apple hoped
Traditionally, new iPhones sell pretty well in their first few months -- often outperforming the previous model's sales during the same quarter. That might not be the case with Apple's latest handset: according to Nikkei, sluggish sales are forcing the company to cut back production of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus devices. Based on data received from suppliers, Nikkei expects Apple to slow stock production by about 10 percent.
Via: AppleInsider
Source: Nikkei
The iPhone 7 may not be selling as well as Apple hoped posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Moto X (2017) renders reportedly leak out
Days after images that claim to show the LG G6 leaked out, renders of another upcoming Android device have purportedly leaked.
New images of what may be the new Moto X (2017) have surfaced. Shared by @OnLeaks and Android Authority, the images depict a device that looks a bit like the Moto Z, complete with a round rear camera housing and front-mounted fingerprint sensor.
This Moto X is said to feature a 5.2-inch display and measurements of 150 x 73.8 x 8.4mm. We can also see what looks to be a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the phone, and it’s said to include a microUSB port rather than USB Type-C.
One other detail about this Moto X that’s worth noting is that it doesn’t have the pogo pin connectors found on the back of the Moto Z. This suggests that it won’t support the modules available to the Moto Z family of devices.
There’s no word yet on when Lenovo might officially announce the Moto X (2017). Now that the Moto Z and Moto Z Force are on the market, though, the X looks like it could be more of a mid-range device rather than a flagship like previous X devices were. That said, if you’re interested in a new Moto phone without all those swappable modules, this could be a phone to keep an eye out for.
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Moto X (2017) renders reportedly leak out originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Samsung Galaxy S7 Nougat beta coming to an end, full release expected in January
Ever since early January, Samsung has been running a beta test of its Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Now that test is wrapping up, and Samsung has revealed when the rest of us might get the S7’s Nougat update.
Samsung is aiming to release the official Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in January. In a message to beta testers, Samsung said “We would do our best to distribute the official version in January as soon as possible.”
Of course, while Samsung is aiming to release Nougat for the GS7 and GS7 edge in January, that doesn’t mean that all models of those phones will actually get the update in January. That’s especially true of the US carrier versions of the GS7 and GS7 edge models, which could be waiting a bit longer as carriers put the updates through extra testing before releasing them to customers.
Images of Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Nougat update previously leaked out, giving us a preview of what to expect.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Nougat beta coming to an end, full release expected in January originally posted at http://phonedog.com
The Engadget Podcast Ep 20: I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
It's the last episode of the year and host Terrence O'Brien is closing things out with managing editor Dana Wollman and reviews editor Cherlynn Low. After looking at the biggest winners of 2016 last week, the crew is taking on the biggest losers. That means exploding phones, shady medical startups and trolls galore. Plus the standings for Flame Wars are finalized ahead of CES, so get ready 'cause things might get real weird next week.
The Engadget Podcast Ep 20: I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Crowdfunded laptop dock for Android phones misses launch date
The Superbook, a device that converts your smartphone into a laptop, is the latest high-profile Kickstarter project to delay shipping to backers. The $99 device, basically a screen and keyboard shell powered by your smartphone's processor and memory, raised nearly $3 million after garnering pledges from 16,732 backers. However, the company has announced that it will postpone shipping from February 2017 to June 2017 because design changes and supplier issues.
Source: Kickstarter
Crowdfunded laptop dock for Android phones misses launch date posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Thursday 29 December 2016
Android users, are you going to buy Super Mario Run?
Way back in September, the legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo took the stage at what would eventually be an iPhone unveiling, and took the wraps off their first real major push into the mobile world. It's not their first app for mobile devices, but it is their first real game. (Miitomo had some mini-games in it, but it's really just a social app with Mii's in it.)
At the time, Apple, and Miyamoto-san, hyped it up as an Apple exclusive, with a release date pegged for some time in December.
All things considered, it was a pretty big deal for not just Nintendo, but also Apple. The Cupertino-based company snagged a huge exclusive, and Super Mario Run brought in a ton of cash for Nintendo in a very short period of time. It's also probably a pretty good indication that, in the future, Apple will be the exclusive launch destination for future Nintendo games.
But, as we've seen today, it doesn't mean that iOS devices will be the soleplatform for Nintendo games. While it's never been a secret that Super Mario Run would find its way to Android eventually, Nintendo has been relatively quiet on a release date. They still are, technically. But, at least we're one step closer to an official launch, as the game now has a landing page in the Google Play Store, and Android users can pre-register to get notified when it becomes available to buy.
There isn't a price tag associated with the game right now, but it stands to reason that it will have a similar launch and price tag as the iOS version. That means it will be free to download and try, but, after the player reaches a set period of play, they will have to fork over $9.99 to unlock the full game.
Pricing for apps and games on our mobile devices continues to be a hot button topic for many people, as finding that sweet spot for a price is still messy. That's one reason why the free-to-play model has done so well. Paying nothing up front, but giving the player options to pay as little, or as much, as they want down the line to unlock what they want works.
People aren't afraid to pay for digital content -- it's that initial price tag that seems to hold them up, though.
But a $9.99 price tag for Super Mario Run makes sense, because this is Nintendo we're talking about. And if the iOS release is any indicator, Android is just another opportunity for Nintendo to make buckets of money.
Will it work out that way, though? Android users actually have a bit of a break here, because there are actual reviews of Super Mario Run out there to check out, and see if the game is any good before they buy it. iOS users, while reviews started to trickle in ahead of launch (and Apple held demos of the game at retail stores) basically had to go in blind.
If you're an Android user, do you plan on buying Super Mario Run when it launches? Or is the $9.99 price tag keeping you away from the game? Let me know!
Android users, are you going to buy Super Mario Run? originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Sprint LG V20 sale cuts price in half
Got some holiday cash burning a hole in your pocket? If so, Sprint’s got a smartphone deal for you.
Sprint is now offering the LG V20 for 50 percent off. That means that Sprint’s V20 is available for $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $16.50 each, or $396.
To take advantage of this deal, you’ll need to activate a new line or have an eligible upgrade. Sprint’s LG V20 offer will run from December 29 through December 31.
The LG V20 is one of the newer flagship smartphones on the block, having launched at Sprint in October with Android 7.0 Nougat in tow. It’s got a high-end feature set that includes a 5.7-inch 2560x1440 display with secondary display above it for notifications, recent apps, and more; dual rear cameras with 16-megapixel standard and 8-megapixel wide angle sensors; and a Hi-Fi Quad DAC for premium audio.
Other highlights of the V20 include a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, microSD slot, 64GB of built-in storage, and a removable 3,200mAh battery.
To see the LG V20 in action before pulling the trigger on it, you can check out our unboxing and hands-on video right here.
Sprint LG V20 sale cuts price in half originally posted at http://phonedog.com
ZTE Blade V8 leaks out with dual rear cameras, Android 7.0
There’s sure to be a several new phones announced at CES next month, and it looks like ZTE will be responsible for at least one of them.
A new ZTE phone named the Blade V8 has leaked out. An official announcement for the device briefly appeared on ZTE’s own website before being pulled down, but because this is the internet, a cached version is still available.
ZTE’s announcement confirms that the Blade V8 offers dual rear cameras, with one 13-megapixel shooter and a second 2-megapixel camera for capturing depth information. This will help you to add bokeh effects to your images, and ZTE touts that the Blade V8 can also capture 3D photos that can be viewed through 3D glasses.
Other confirmed features of the ZTE Blade V8 include a 5.2-inch 1920x1080 display with 2.5D glass and a fingerprint sensor below that display. Inside the Blade V8’s 7.7mm-thick metallic body lives an octa-core Snapdragon 435 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and NFC.
On the software side, the Blade V8 runs Android 7.0 Nougat below ZTE’s customer MiFavor 4.0 user interface.
At the same time that ZTE leaked its own device, Russian site Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru posted hands-on photos of the device. The images give us a better look at the Blade V8’s metallic body, include the 3.5mm headphone jack up top, and what appears to be a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
We’ll have to wait until CES 2017 kicks off until the ZTE Blade V8 is officially official, but so far it looks like an interesting device. While it may not have the most high-end specs, it does offer premium features like a metallic body, fingerprint reader, and dual rear cameras, and so the Blade V8 could be a good option for folks that want higher-end features at an affordable price.
ZTE Blade V8 leaks out with dual rear cameras, Android 7.0 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Best Budget Smartphones of 2016!
Narrowing down the best budget smartphones of 2016 was no easy task. In this video, we highlight the smartphones that give us the most bang-for-our-buck. The devices mentioned in this video include the OnePlus 3T, Huawei Honor 8, iPhone SE, ZTE Axon 7, Moto G4 Plus, LeEco Le Pro3 and Alcatel Idol 4s. Which budget smartphone is your favorite?
Best Budget Smartphones of 2016! originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Samsung enters the smart inbox fray with 'Focus'
Samsung's Focus (no, not the Windows phone from ages ago) wants to be your Android productivity app of choice. The latest update brings the application out of beta and fixes a deleted email sync issue, according to patch notes. But, when Google Play says that up to this point Focus has only been installed between 10,000 and 50,000 times, chances are you haven't heard of the Samsung-exclusive app.
Source: Samsung, Google Play
Samsung enters the smart inbox fray with 'Focus' posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
DirecTV Now introductory offer of 100 channels for $35 will end January 9
Remember when AT&T launched DirecTV Now and touted its limited time deal that offered the $60 per month package for $35? At the time, AT&T didn’t say when that deal would expire, but now we know.
AT&T has revealed that its introductory DirecTV Now deal will end on January 9, 2017. The deal will get you the “Go Big” package with 100 channels for $35 per month, down from its regular price of $60 per month.
AT&T has said that customers that sign up for this introductory deal can keep it for as long as they keep the service.
If you’re looking for a new television streaming service, this DirecTV Now deal certainly seems like it’s worth a look. Not only are you getting 100 channels to watch, but you’re getting them for nearly half their normal price. It’s also worth noting that DirecTV Now is currently offering a seven-day free trial to new users, so you can give the service a try for one week before committing and still have time to sign up for this deal.
Have you tried DirecTV Now? If not, does this deal have you thinking about giving it a shot?
DirecTV Now introductory offer of 100 channels for $35 will end January 9 originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Maybe it's time for Samsung to use that S Pen case patent
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 fiasco will undoubtedly go down as one of the biggest smartphone blunders in history. The ill-fated incident, along with its arguably more unfortunate resolution, left many disappointed as proper Note alternatives in the industry are limited. Whether we will see a new Note emerge in late 2017 or not is a question that only time will tell, but consumers may not have to wait until next fall to experience a “new” Galaxy Note experience. According to a new rumor from SamMobile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 may support the S Pen as an external accessory.
As an “external accessory”, the S Pen allegedly wouldn’t have a dedicated pen slot like it does on the Note series. This, of course, sounds like a recipe for disaster as the pen slot has always been handy for keeping styluses from getting lost. However, dragging up a patent from early 2016, we know that Samsung placed a patent on an S Pen case for non-Galaxy Note devices. While I don’t think this is quite the reason Samsung had in mind to implement such a thing (assuming they ever planned to use it in the first place) the idea might just come in handy now that people are itching for a Note replacement.
I feel like the S Pen as an external accessory would actually be a good idea if it ends up being true. It may be more of a hassle than a built-in pen slot, but at least it would be an option. I assume that such a case would only be for the larger S8 variant as well, particularly since it’s rumored to have up to a 6-inch display, but I think it would be double rad if Samsung could make such an accessory available to the smaller Galaxy S variant as well. I still prefer smaller phones, which are falling more out of fashion by the year. I don't really consider the 5-inch display of the Galaxy S7 "small" except by comparison. I think the S Pen would still be useful in the smaller Galaxy S variant.
To be quite honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing Samsung merge Galaxy S and Galaxy Note completely. At this point, their differences are so minimal that there’s not much need to keep the two completely separate. The larger Galaxy S variant could adopt the S Pen with pen slot, and the smaller variant could support the active digitizer that allows the S Pen to work, but sell it as an external accessory with a case.
I wouldn't mind it, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think that this would simply be a compromise; those who were interested in the Note 7 could get a new flagship with Note-like features, and Galaxy users would have the option of turning their Galaxy S into a Note if they really wanted to. If it flops, Samsung could brush it off as a temporary solution until the next Note. If it succeeds, who knows? At the end of the day, it just seems like Samsung doesn’t have much to lose by making it an option at this point.
Readers, what are your thoughts on this rumor? Do you hope that the S8 comes with an external S Pen accessory, or would you rather just wait for a new, proper Note? Let us know in the comments below!
Maybe it's time for Samsung to use that S Pen case patent originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Wileyfox to offer 'enhanced' Android experience after moving away from Cyanogen
With the end of Cyanogen, the companies that've released smartphones running Cyanogen OS must now find another way to support their devices. Today Wileyfox has revealed its plans.
Wileyfox says that it plans to release a “purer” and “enhanced” Android experience to its devices that are currently running Cyanogen OS. This software will be released via an over the air update to all Wileyfox devices.
No other details of Wileyfox’s software plans have been revealed, but the company says that it plans to begin updating all of its devices to Android 7.0 Nougat by the end of the first quarter of 2017.
This is all good news for anyone that’s already got a Wileyfox phone or has been thinking about picking one up. It’s no surprise that Wileyfox is planning to move away from Cyanogen, but it’s good to get some concrete information from the company itself, especially with the news that Android 7.0 Nougat updates are right around the corner.
Now we just have to wait for Wileyfox’s “purer” and “enhanced” version of Android to begin rolling out so that we can learn exactly what it entails.
Wileyfox to offer 'enhanced' Android experience after moving away from Cyanogen originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Find out when you can download 'Super Mario Run' on Android
If you've been staring wistfully at the many iOS folks who are playing Super Mario Run on your commute, wondering when your Android gizmo could get in on the action, maybe stop doing that. First up, it's a little creepy and, secondly, soon enough you'll be able to play on your own device. To find out exactly when, you can pre-register for the app via Google Play and be alerted as soon as the download is ready. Precisely when that is isn't clear, but hopefully the gap will be shorter than it was between announcement and availability on Apple's mobile OS -- a month.
Via: Android Police
Source: Google Play
Find out when you can download 'Super Mario Run' on Android posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Super Mario Run for Android pre-registration goes live
Super Mario Run is coming to Android, and today it took one step closer to launch.
The official Super Mario Run page is live in the Google Play Store. Because the game isn’t yet available, you can only pre-register to be notified when the game does launch on Android.
We’ve known for a while now that Super Mario Run is coming to Android, but it’s still good to see the app’s page officially launch in the Play Store. It’s also a smart move by Nintendo, as it could help to cut down on the number of people downloading all of the fake Super Mario Run apps that’ve popped up lately.
Are you looking forward to playing Super Mario Run on Android?
Super Mario Run for Android pre-registration goes live originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Did you upgrade to the OnePlus 3T?
It's been over a month since OnePlus released their latest flagship, the OnePlus 3T. It's a device that shares quite a few similarities with its, technically speaking, predecessor, the OnePlus 3, but makes a few key changes to warrant its existence. The question for many owners of the OnePlus 3, however, was maybe if waiting, on either side of the spectrum, would have been a better idea for the company.
Back in June, OnePlus made a big deal about the OnePlus 3, this year's flagship handset. At least that's what most people expected to be the company's flagship. It has all the right specifications, of course, and the OnePlus price point to make it worth a second look, even if it doesn't have the big brand name as other devices do.
And then, just a few months later, OnePlus hyped up something new -- but not nearly to the same extent it did with the original handset. The OnePlus 3T was teased almost as much by Qualcomm, the company that had its Snapdragon 821 processor featured inside the upcoming device.
The question of whether or not OnePlus should have simply waited, either waiting to just launch the OnePlus 3T this year, or waited to launch the OnePlus 3T (with a different name and other tweaks to the specs) until early next year are all valid. OnePlus opted not to wait, though, and the OnePlus 3T launched less than six months after the first of the company's flagships arrived on the scene.
The main draw of the OnePlus 3T is the aforementioned Snapdragon 821 processor, which not only bumps up performance, but it also makes it compatible with Google's Daydream virtual reality platform. Which is a good thing! A little more future proof. But is there any real hurry there? Daydream isn't going anywhere, probably, so launching an entirely different phone, only a few months after your previous flagship, seems hasty. (There is a change to the front-facing camera, too, and a bigger battery, just for the record.)
Especially considering the company simply removed the OnePlus 3 from its stores, replacing it with the OnePlus 3T.
The question I have at this point, has to do with resetting the OnePlus launch timeline. Is that the case from this point on? Is OnePlus going to focus on launching its flagship device later in the year from this point on? Or will we see the OnePlus 4 (or whatever it's called) launch in June of next year? Just seven months after the OnePlus 3T's launch?
What I'm really curious to find out, though, is whether or not the OnePlus 3 owners out there actually forked over even more cash to get their hands on the OnePlus 3T. Did you upgrade to OnePlus's newest flagship, after already purchasing their first 2016 flagship? Or did you simply hang onto the OnePlus 3? Let me know!
Did you upgrade to the OnePlus 3T? originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Duolingo's clubs make language learning a competition
Duolingo debuted chat bots to help you learn a new language back in October, but now the company is looking to offer a bit more human interaction. Today, it introduced a new feature called Language Clubs so you can band together with friends and other users who are attempting to tackle another language. Think of it like how you compare accomplishments with your friends in fitness apps and you'll get the idea.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: App Store
Duolingo's clubs make language learning a competition posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
2016 was a hard year to be an Apple fan
Tim Cook and the rest of Apple's leadership will probably not look back fondly on 2016. iPhone sales declined for the first time, and Apple's profits followed suit. There are still bright spots, like the company's growing services business, and the company is still making insane amounts of money. Even so, the stalled growth has to be concerning to both the company and its investors.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to pity Apple. I'm here to commiserate with its fans, the ones who Apple shafted this year. Particularly those of us who waited all year long for a substantial update to the Mac lineup only to be offered a pair of intriguing but compromised new laptops. Or those of us who bought an iPhone 7 and can't use the headphones included with it in our new MacBook Pro, or even those of us trying to figure out which iPad to buy.
Across the board, Apple has confusing product lineups with weird and unnecessary compromises. And if you believe the wailing of aggrieved fans across the internet, it seems like plenty of loyal Apple supporters might be contemplating life outside the company's ecosystem. How did we get here?
2016 was a hard year to be an Apple fan posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
LG announces a Bluetooth speaker that you wear around your neck
In addition to making smartphones and tablets, LG sells mobile accessories like Bluetooth headphones. Today the company introduced its latest Bluetooth wares, and they’re a pretty interesting pair of products.
The LG Tone Studio is a Bluetooth speaker that you wear around your neck. The unit has four speakers, two full range on the top and two vibrating speakers on the bottom, that LG touts will “give a personal surround sound experience.”
Also included with the Tone Studio is a Hi-Fi DAC (digital to analog converter) that LG says will help to more accurately recreate audio content, as well as a Dual Play feature that’ll link up two LG Tone Studios so that you can share your music with a buddy.
Announced today alongside the LG Tone Studio is the LG Tone Free. This device includes two totally wireless earbuds as well as a neckband that can give you a place to store the ‘buds when not in use. The neckband can charge the earbuds, too, and give you vibration alerts for incoming calls and texts.
LG isn’t saying when the Tone Studio or Tone Free will be released or how much they’ll cost when they do. The two devices will be at CES next month, though, so perhaps we’ll learn more about their availability then.
The LG Tone Free isn’t a huge surprise from LG, as the company has made wired earbuds that connect with a neckband before. What’s interesting about today’s announcement is the LG Tone Studio. Sure, it could make for a nice personal listening experience without requiring you to cover up your ears, but using the Tone Studio in public seems like it could become a nuisance to those around you. Maybe if the volume is low enough, it wouldn’t bother the people nearby? We’ll just have to wait and see.
LG announces a Bluetooth speaker that you wear around your neck originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Wednesday 28 December 2016
Trump isn't responsible for Sprint bringing 5,000 jobs to the US
President-elect Donald Trump said he was contacted by Sprint executives today and told that the company was making an investment in domestic jobs, according to Reuters and Bloomberg. "Because of what's happening and the spirit and the hope I was just called by the head people at Sprint and they're going to be bringing 5,000 jobs back to the United States," Trump said outside his Mar-A-Lago resort in Florida. "Masa [Son] and some other people were very much involved with that."
Source: Reuters, Bloomberg, Sprint
Trump isn't responsible for Sprint bringing 5,000 jobs to the US posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Gionee M2017 packs 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 7,000mAh battery
If battery size is an important feature when you’re shopping for a new smartphone, you may want to turn your attention to the Gionee M2017.
Gionee’s new M2017 includes two 3,500mAh batteries that combine to give you a whopping 7,000mAh capacity. The good news is that Quick Charge 3.0 is included, too, which will help you recharge those 3,500mAh batteries in a hurry.
The batteries aren’t the only “dual” feature that the M2017 has on offer. Also included is a 5.7-inch 2560x1440 AMOLED display with dual curved edges, dual 12-megapixel and 13-megapixel rear cameras, and dual SIM slots.
Also included with the M2017 is 6GB of RAM, 128/256GB of storage, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for all of your selfie needs, a fingerprint reader, and a USB Type-C port that doubles as your headphone jack since there’s no 3.5mm jack to be found here. Gionee has chosen to include an octa-core Snapdragon 653 processor with the M2017, too.
The M2017 is powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow and runs Gionee’s custom Amigo 3.5 UI.
Gionee will sell the M2017 in China at a starting price of ¥6999, or $1006 USD, for the 128GB model. There will also be a step-up model with 256GB of storage and an alligator leather back that’ll sell for ¥16,999, or $2,444 USD.
The Gionee M2017 offers a pretty impressive spec list that, save for that Snapdragon 653 processor, checks most of the boxes for a new Android flagship in late 2016. That 7,000mAh battery is one of the most interesting features, though, as battery life is something that can always be better, and that large battery would presumably give you some solid battery life.
The downside is that, at least for now, it looks like the M2017 will only be available in China. Would you pick one up if it were available in your country?
Gionee M2017 packs 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 7,000mAh battery originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Periscope launches live 360-degree video streaming
Three hundred and sixty degree video is still a fairly new technology, but Twitter and Periscope have decided to embrace them.
Persicope today announced support for live 360-degree videos. Just as you’d expect, this feature lets you view 360-degree videos as they’re being live streamed.
Live 360-degree videos are launching today on Periscope and Twitter, and they’re marked with a special “LIVE 360” badge. When you’re viewing a 360-degree live stream, you can move your phone or tap and scroll around the screen to change your point of view.
360 Sunset in Florida. First ever #Periscope360 with @Brandee_Anthony https://t.co/AZWbnnT15S
— Alex Pettitt (@Alexpettitt) December 28, 2016
At launch, 360-degree videos are only available to select partners, with more users getting added in the coming weeks.
Live Periscope streams are a good way to show people what’s happening around you, but live 360-degree videos take that a step further by letting the viewers see everything around you. While we wait for the feature to be rolled out to more Periscope users, you can check a replay of the first 360-degree Periscope in the tweet above.
Periscope launches live 360-degree video streaming originally posted at http://phonedog.com
LeEco Le S3 Unboxing and First Impressions
For $250 off-contract, the LeEco Le S3 features a 5.5-inch 1080p LCD screen, octa-core Snapdragon 652 processor with 3GB RAM, 16MP rear and 8MP front cameras, 3,000mAh battery, IR blaster, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. How do you think it stacks up against the competition?
LeEco Le S3 Unboxing and First Impressions originally posted at http://phonedog.com
More LG G6 renders leak out, no module support to be found
Days after we got what may be our first peek at the LG G6, more renders of the upcoming Android flagship have leaked out.
Several renders that claim to show the LG G6 have been shared by @OnLeaks and GearIndia. The device in these images look similar to the render that appeared earlier this week, though these new renders also give us a peek at the G6’s front.
The renders suggest that the LG G6 will look similar to the G5, but with less-rounded corners. There are dual rear cameras with a fingerprint reader below them, just like on the G5, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack up top and what looks to be a USB Type-C port on the bottom.
One of the most notable tweaks with the LG G6 is its lack of modularity. There appears to be no pop-off piece on the bottom of the G6 like there was on the G5, which supports the rumors that the LG G6 won’t support the swappable modules found on the G5.
Other rumored features of the LG G6 include a 5.3-inch 2560x1440 display, dual rear cameras with different focal lengths, dual LED flash, and glossy and matte finishes.
It’s rumored that LG could introduce the G6 earlier in the year than previous models, with a launch happening as soon as the end of February. We’ll have to wait until then to find out exactly what LG has in store for the G6, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the device abandon the modularity of the G5. Those modules just never really seemed to gain traction with consumers, and LG has only released a couple of them to date.
What do you think of this alleged LG G6 design?
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More LG G6 renders leak out, no module support to be found originally posted at http://phonedog.com
Amazon plans a big digital-only sale for December 30th
You can call Amazon's Prime Day an excuse to clear out slow-moving products, but there's no question that it was a success -- and now, the internet retailer is hoping to replicate that success for online-only sales. It's launching a Digital Day sale on December 30th at 3AM Eastern that will offer discounts of up to 50 percent on apps, e-books, games, movies and music. The extent of the bargains isn't clear, but it's already teasing a few of the items on sale. You'll get breaks on games like Destiny: Rise of Iron, Rocket League and Titanfall 2, multiple Amazon music and video titles, comic books at Comixology, numerous productivity apps and some mobile titles.
Source: Amazon
Amazon plans a big digital-only sale for December 30th posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Pros and cons: Our quick verdict on the OnePlus 3T
Usually phone makers refresh their flagship models on schedule, once a year. In a break with tradition, though, OnePlus didn't even wait six months: The 3 came out in June, with the 3T arriving not even six months later. While people who bought the OnePlus 3 this summer might be annoyed to see it made obsolete so quickly, those in the market for a new phone will be pleased to find that the similar-looking 3T brings a faster, top-of-the-line chip, an improved camera setup and much longer battery life. While it still has some tradeoffs compared to traditional flagships (see: it's relatively low-res 1080p display), it's still a great deal for $440.
Pros and cons: Our quick verdict on the OnePlus 3T posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
LG's next headset is a wearable surround sound speaker, too
Sometimes you want to listen to music without having something in or on your ears. That's the desire LG hopes its new Tone Studio wearable speaker will address. The new horseshoe-shaped unit features two full range speakers up up and a pair of vibrating ones, a digital to analog converter and DTS 3D surround sound. If you're feeling generous, you can even pair two of the devices together and share audio from a single source.
Source: LG
LG's next headset is a wearable surround sound speaker, too posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Tuesday 27 December 2016
VW's latest acquisition helps you pay for parking by phone
Volkswagen wants to turn itself into more of a mobility company than a pure automaker, and it just made an acquisition that should help make that a reality. It's snapping up PayByPhone, a Canadian company that lets you pay for parking through smartphone apps, calls and text messages. The terms of the deal are hush-hush, but PayByPhone handles about $300 million in transactions per year across major cities that include Boston, London, Paris, San Francisco and Seattle.
Source: Wall Street Journal
VW's latest acquisition helps you pay for parking by phone posted first on http://ift.tt/1tUdcCk
Google Pixel XL Review: Two Months Later
The Google Pixel XL is a smartphone that features incredible software, but subpar hardware. The question is whether or not the software experience makes up for the lack of hardware related features.
Google Pixel XL Review: Two Months Later originally posted at http://phonedog.com
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