Dotti is a cute LED block that does notifications using pixel art
Let’s face it: There’s always a part of us that can’t resist a good bit of pixel art — be it on bank notes, in games or even in the form of sculptures. For those who are seeking something more interactive, you may want to check out the Dotti by Hong Kong startup Witti. What we have here is a little eight-by-eight LED block with Bluetooth radio and a battery — up to 720 hours on standby or 5 hours of continuous display. When paired with its iOS or Android app, Dotti serves as a pixel art canvas (you’ll be able to upload your own work), a clock, an icon-based notification display, a music visualizer and even a virtual dice. Simply swipe along the top side of Dotti to toggle between these modes, as shown in our video after the break. Want one? It’ll arrive just before the holidays for $99.
Filed under: Misc
Lenovo is building a new smartphone brand to compete with Xiaomi
Samsung and Apple may be the two biggest names in smartphones in the western world, but in China it’s all about Lenovo and Xiaomi. The two companies are among the most recognizable brands in the region, but Lenovo wants more: it’s about to create a new smartphone company for the Chinese market. While the new brand name hasn’t been announced, Lenovo says that it will officially open for business in April of 2015, and will focus on branded applications, consumer engagement and, like Xiaomi, selling devices online. The company’s core brand isn’t out of the running, though — Lenovo phones will still be available through local carriers and retailers.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo
Source: Wall Street Journal
The entire ‘Friends’ series is coming to Netflix next year
Look, folks, Netflix is (kind of) in the business of making you happy. So, what better way to do just that than by adding Friends to its content portfolio, right? Well, thanks to a new deal with Warner Bros., Netflix announced today it is bringing all 10 seasons of the popular series to its streaming service next year, on January 1st, 2015. The bad news, though, is that the Friends episodes will only be available in the US and Canada when it debuts on the platform, and there’s no word on whether this will change anytime after the fact. For the rest of you, it’s only a matter of time before you can reunite with Chandler, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel and Ross — you know, in case you haven’t already.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Source: Netflix
Carrier details on the Nexus 6 “When is my carrier getting the Nexus 6?
Today Google announced Android Lollipop, and with it a round of new devices including the Nexus 9, Nexus Player, and Nexus 6. While they announced information on when you can preorder the Nexus 9 and Nexus player, they didn’t have any firm information regarding the Nexus 6. However, it seems that this is because it’s up to the carriers.
This page will provide all the updated information we have about the carriers and the Nexus 6, so check back to see updated info regarding Google’s newest handset.
T-Mobile announced on their newsroom page that they will carry the Nexus 6 starting November 12 for 0$ down, and then an equipment installment plan payment of $27.08 for 24 months.
AT&T announced on their newsroom page that they will carry the Nexus 6, noting it’s the first one ever. However, no information is given regarding availability or price at this time.
Sprint announced on their newsroom page that they will be carrying the Nexus 6 available on their Sprint $60 unlimited plan or their Sprint Family Share Pack. There are no specific dates, just that it will be available before the “before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear”.
US Cellular says “To follow up on the announcement that Google made earlier today, U.S. Cellular will carry the Nexus 6 in November. We are looking forward to bringing the next great Google device to new and existing customers, and we will share additional details as soon as we can”.
No word yet from Verizon, however Google mentioned them in their announcement of the devices here. We’ll be sure to update this when we get that info.
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Messenger is introduced while Hangouts is hanging on
When new devices are officially announced, the Android fans go wild. It doesn’t matter which manufacturer they like the most, or what they can afford. Any device announcement is met with open and embracing arms. While most enthusiasts just look at the form of the device, there are those who examine every part of the picture.
Upon closer examination, one might notice a major change. Hangouts has been replaced with a mysterious new app on the home screen. This icon has been discovered to be called Messenger thanks to the video here.
A Google spokesperson commented on the new app stating that:
Messenger and Hangouts offer users choice, each have their own benefits. Hangouts work great for cross platform (web, iOS, Android) and cross medium communications (video, voice,messaging, SMS). Messenger will be specially designed to be a quick and easy way to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on Android; more to come (Nexus 6 will come with both apps).
Judging by the wording of the above statement, it is safe to say that the Hangouts central hub of communications didn’t work out too well for Google. So far, what has been gathered is that Messenger offers purely SMS and MMS functionality that will operate at a higher level than what Hangouts currently has.
The note “more to come” most likely means that more information will follow, but there is a possibility that they could be hinting that more features will be added to this new Messenger app.
What is clear is that Hangouts is not completely replacing a standalone SMS/MMS app. I personally am interested to see which one is set up for use as default. I am certain that it is the Messenger app, but one is never sure with Google. For those getting the new Nexus 6, be sure to let us know what you think about Messenger and the device as a whole when it is finally in your possession!
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Android Lollipop features “Factory Reset Protection” to stop thieves from wiping stolen phones
Security and device encryption are hot topics lately, and Google is staying ahead of the game by building a ton of useful new features into the latest version of Android. We already know that Lollipop will feature device encryption by default, but it looks like Google is taking an extra step towards making sure that a stolen phone can’t be wiped and re-used.
This new feature is called “Factory Reset Protection,” and it essentially prevents a thief from performing a factory reset on a stolen device. By default, Android will ask for a password before wiping itself, which will probably be the phone’s main Google account password. Couple this feature with Android remote lock feature and you can almost guarantee that a stolen phone won’t do anyone any good.
The only drawback here is waiting for devices to see an update to Lollipop, which, as we all know, can take some time depending on the phone, manufacturer, and carrier. But it’s still good to see Google implementing new security features that will eventually make their way to user devices.
source: The Verge
Come comment on this article: Android Lollipop features “Factory Reset Protection” to stop thieves from wiping stolen phones
Messenger application will not replace Hangouts on Nexus 6
On many of the press shots of the Nexus 6, there’s a new application in the phone’s dock next to the phone icon. The app is called Messenger, and at first glance, it makes sense to think it’s something that could replace Hangouts and finally merge everything into one single application. However, according to Google, that’s not the case. Not yet, at least.
When asked about whether the new app would handle all communication on the phone, including Hangouts and SMS/MMS, a Google spokesperson had this to say:
Messenger and Hangouts offer users choice, each have their own benefits. Hangouts work great for cross platform (web, iOS, Android) and cross medium communications (video, voice,messaging, SMS). Messenger will be specially designed to be a quick and easy way to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on Android; more to come (Nexus 6 will come with both apps).
As of right now, that looks like Google isn’t going to try to force the two apps to converge, even though Hangouts is in the process of adopting Google Voice’s features. We might still see everything come together as one app in the future, but for right now, Google is keeping it separate. Of course, we’re still anticipating Google announcing their own messaging service soon, so Messenger could be the foundation for that.
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Messenger application will not replace Hangouts on Nexus 6
Google posts Android Lollipop Statue Unwrapped video
Unless you have been living under a rock all day, you are well aware that Google announced that Android 5.0 will officially be called Lollipop. Per tradition, a statue was added at the Googleplex. However things are a little different this year in that the statue is usually erected well before the release of the SDK. Maybe they waited this year because of the leaked Nexus 5 from last year’s KitKat statue video?
Who knows, but Google did release a video of this year’s unwrapping of the Lollipop statue, well after all Nexus devices have been announced. Let us know if you see next year’s Nexus in it.
You can hit the break to see it.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Google posts Android Lollipop Statue Unwrapped video
T-Mobile starts pre-sale for Sony Xperia Z3 today with free PS4 game, DRIVECLUB, offer
In non Nexus related news, T-Mobile stayed true to a previous announcement are beginning to take pre-orders for the new Sony Xperia Z3. The Xperia Z3 offers a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor clocked at 2.5GHz, has 3GB of RAM, a 3,100 mAh battery, 32GB internal storage with SD card slot, 20.7MP rear camera, 2.2MP front shooter, Wi-Fi calling and is waterproof IP65 and IP68 rated. The Xperia Z3 from T-Mobile will set you back a monthly payment of $26.25 for 24 months.
The camera is one of the biggest selling points in my opinion, at least from a hardware standpoint. The Z1s/Z2 cameras took some really stunning photos. The real push behind this device over the competitions is PS4 Remote PLAY software though. That is what gives current Playstation 4 owners the ability to continue laying their games on their phone’s screen using a PS4 DUALSHOCK controller. It is that specific function that is also allowing for a rather interesting pre-order perk from Sony and T-Mobile. If you pre-order the Xperia Z3 between today and October 28th, the day before it official releases in stores, then you will get a free PS4 copy of DRIVECLUB.
The title is showing up on the Playstation Network for $49.99 to download, so it isn’t all that terrible of a free perk if you plan to buy the phone anyways. To get your pre-order on, head over to T-Mobile.com.
Source: T-Mobile
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Android Lollipop and the Nexus 6 Officially Announced! – ManDroid Daily
What a day Androidians. Definitely a good day when it comes to new technology created by Google. The Motorola Nexus 6 becomes officially, and pre-orders are already underway. Android L has now been officially named Android Lollipop, and we cannot wait to get the new builds on our phones. If you missed anything today, I have all the articles linked below, and go ahead and check out the ManDroid Daily to here my thoughts about all the news today. Enjoy!
Android News
Nexus 6 official
Nexus 9 official
ASUS Nexus Player
Andorid Lollipop official
Motorola phones getting Android Lollipop
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