T-Mobile offering a free tablet with purchase of a 1GB or higher data plan for a limited time
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, T-Mobile is bringing back their “Tablet on Us” deal. The carrier is offering their most popular tablet, the Alcatel Onetouch Pop 7 to anyone who buys a postpaid data plan 1GB or higher between Thursday, February 12th and Monday, February 16th. Well, the tablet is almost free.
T-Mobile will give qualified customers the tablet for $0 down and $0 monthly payments. All you need to do is pay the sales tax. Since all states vary in sales tax rates, there isn’t a set number as to how much you’ll pay, but we couldn’t see it costing more than $10 or $15. The device costs around $7 per month regularly, so that total will be added as credit on your monthly bill. Moreover, if you decide to cancel your data plan at anytime before two years, you’ll likely have to pay the remaining balance leftover on the tablet. The carrier’s data plans start at $20 per month for 1GB and range all the way up to $70 per month for 11GB. So, you’re still paying more for this deal than if you were to buy the Wifi-only version of the tablet, so keep that in mind before you run out and grab one.
The Alcatel Onetouch Pop 7 has a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution, a dual-core 1.3GHz Cortex-A7 processor backed by 1GB of RAM, a 3240mAh battery and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The tablet only has 8GB of internal storage, though it does support MicroSD expansion up to 32GB. This clearly isn’t the best tablet on the market, but it might not be a bad option for someone looking for a cheap tablet and an inexpensive data plan.
Is anyone interested in T-Mobile’s Valentine’s Day promotion?
Google I/O 2015 set for May 28-29 in San Francisco
It seems like every year Google alternates between May and June with Google I/O. Last year it was June so this year it must be May right? You got it. Google has scheduled their biggest event of this year for May 28 and 29 in San Francisco.
Registration begins March 17 at 9:00am PT and ends March 19 at 5:00pm PT. They will be doing the same system as last year in which you will need to fill out an application in order to be eligible to buy a ticket. Then Google will randomly select from all applicants, thus eliminating the crazy rush.
It isn’t too soon to speculate what we will see this year is it? Will we see an updated Google Glass? A new version of Android? Let us know your predictions.
source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google I/O 2015 set for May 28-29 in San Francisco
Electronic Arts believes that console-level gaming will reach tablets by 2018
The power of tablets has developed tremendously within the last two years to the point where some are questioning when it will match console-level gaming. To Electronic Arts CFO Blake Jorgensen, that time will be here by the end of the decade. Jorgensen spoke at the 2015 Technology, Internet & Media Conference and expressed the belief that console-level gaming on tablets would be possible by 2018.
Jorgensen had the following to say about the potential of console-level gaming on tablets:
“What gets us the most excited is the power, the computing power, of mobile devices and the speed at which that’s growing. What that might mean is that a tablet, three or four years from now, has more power than what a typical console has. And that will open up a whole new set of people to console-style games that are much more immersive, much deeper, much more character-driven than simply a static mobile game that you might play for a small burst of time while you’re waiting for the bus.”
Console gaming is here to stay of course. Sony and Microsoft released the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2013, respectively. Those two consoles with earn the attention of developers for the next six or seven years; therefore, it may be even longer before enough is invested into this expected strength in the future of mobile gaming.
Source: GameSpot
Via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: Electronic Arts believes that console-level gaming will reach tablets by 2018
Google IO 2015 gets scheduled for May 28-29
Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O will return to San Francisco on May 28-29. As evidenced by the newly launched website, the two-day event will take place at the familiar Moscone Center West.
Google I/O is for developers—the creative coders who are building what’s next. Together we’ll explore the latest in tech, mobile & beyond.
Registration takes place between March 17 and 19 so there’s enough time for developers and interested attendees to sign up. Google will randomly select applicants from the pool; it matters little when you get online to sign up. Like last year, this should alleviate the strains of racing to register in the mad dash for first come, first served.
Given that the site has just shaken to life there’s no indication as to what developer tracks will take place nor do we know what sessions are on the agenda. We ought to expect those sort of things to surface in the final weeks leading up Google I/O.
(function() var script = document.createElement(‘script’);script.src = ‘https://stacksocial.com/widget.js?publisher=androidguys&type=editorial_post_widget_preferences’;script.async = true;var entry = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0];entry.parentNode.insertBefore(script, entry);)();
http://www.androidguys.com/pubgalaxy/728×90.html
The post Google IO 2015 gets scheduled for May 28-29 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Speaking Live at 2015 Goldman Sachs Technology Conference
Apple CEO Tim Cook is speaking at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference today, with the session kicking off at 3:30 PM Eastern / 12:30 PM Pacific. Cook’s presentation is being broadcast on Apple’s website and MacRumors will be updating this post to summarize Cook’s comments.
Cook has spoken at the annual conference a number of times over the years, although he did not appear in 2014. While Cook has not made any major announcements at the venue in the past, he has at times offered an interesting perspective into Apple’s business, so it generally worth paying attention to his comments.
Cook will almost certainly be asked about Apple’s blockbuster iPhone sales and earnings in the last quarter, the company’s strategy for managing cash and capital return to investors, company philosophy and more, and he is generally fairly open and thoughtful in sharing his ideas on many topics. The company’s future product plans are not, however, something he has shown willing to discuss, maintaining a long tradition of secrecy for the company.
Google I/O 2015 scheduled for May 28-29 in San Francisco!
Google’s just announced that this year’s developer conference will be May 28-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Registration will start at 9 a.m. Pacific time March 17 and run through 5 p.m. Pacific time March 19.
Like last year, Google says applications will be selected at random, so there shouldn’t be that first-minute-and-done crush.
Skype for Android version 5.2 update brings photo sharing with offline contacts
The Skype app for Android is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family across the country. A big downside to using the app, though, is not being able to share photos with offline users. Not everyone can be online at all times, so this can be very frustrating. But in the update to version 5.2, Skype will now let you send pictures to both online and offline users. The Skype team explains:
With this update, you can now send photos to your Skype contacts at a time that’s convenient for you, regardless of your contacts’ online status. When they are back on Skype, photos you shared show up beautifully inline in the chat history, whether or not you’re online – allowing you to easily carry on the conversation.
In addition to the new photo sharing updates, conversations will now load much faster, especially when opened from a notification. Call quality is also getting some improvements for users with low bandwidth. The update to version 5.2 is rolling out in the Google Play Store as we speak, so head to the link below to grab the update.
Download Skype from the Google Play Store
Samsung to begin producing and selling authentication chips for Samsung and third-party accessories
The Korean blog, DDaily, is reporting that an insider has given them some information detailing Samsung’s attempt to create an accessory ecosystem not unlike what we see with Apple’s.
These NFC-equipped “authentication chips” will allow Samsung to give both its blessing to particular accessories, as well as allow itself and third-parties to design smarter accessories that exhibit a greater connection to Samsung’s devices.
Samsung and other sources have indicated that, unlike in the past, these authentication chips will be manufactured and sold by Samsung directly. The hope is that these new lines of accessories will create an ecosystem that advances the appeal of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6.
DDaily’s source said, “The decision to mount authentication chips to accessories aims to differentiate the functions of original products.” They go on to say that consumers will see the first round of authentication chips being used in accessories like flip covers.
Samsung notes that this does not, in any way, prohibit third-parties from manufacturing accessories without the authentication chips; rather, it is merely an additional design element that could be included in those products. Plus it will give consumers the peace of mind in knowing that they are purchasing an accessory that comes with Samsung’s approval.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of accessories debut with these new NFC-equipped authentication chips and what features they could bring to the table. Will Samsung be able to catch up to Apple’s established dominance in the accessory game or will it always be a step behind? Will third-parties look kindly to the authentication chips or will they see this as an additional financial burden before bringing products to the market? Give us your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: DDaily
Come comment on this article: Samsung to begin producing and selling authentication chips for Samsung and third-party accessories
Paramedics use Google Translate to communicate with Congolese woman while delivering baby
When you think of Google Translate, you might thinking that it’s great for finding the nearest restroom or where you can grab a cup of coffee, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Paramedics Gerry McCann and Shane Mulcahy were on route with a Congolese woman to Cork University Maternity Hospital in Ireland when there was a sudden change in plans. The baby wasn’t waiting any longer, but she spoke Swahili, and very limited English.
Well quick thinking Gerry fired up Google Translate on his phone (hopefully an Android) and was able to communicate with her. The woman told him that she felt that she needed to push, and five minutes later she said she definitely needed to push. A few minutes later a very healthy baby girl was born in the back of the ambulance at 6:23 am on February 2nd.
Gerry asked the Mother if she had picked out a name for her new child, but she said she hadn’t. He told her that since it was St Brigid’s Day, she should name her Brigitte. She seemed keen on it, but we don’t know for sure. However, we do know that the Mom and her new baby girl are home and doing well.
sources: joe.ie / The Corkman
Come comment on this article: Paramedics use Google Translate to communicate with Congolese woman while delivering baby
Google is testing Hangouts-based customer service
Google plans to use the Hangouts infrastructure as a means of customer service.
Its purpose is to provide a live video chat service for potential buyers of Google products, including smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks (but not Nest devices) who can talk to Google Device Experts before purchasing. This will be a free service unlike Helpouts.
OnBRM reported that TechCrunch got information from people working directly on the project. Google, meanwhile, has confirmed a few of those details.
The Hangouts service was started quietly in November and is still being run as a test through the Devices channel of Google Play. The company is thinking of using in other places, whether virtual or physical. A source told OnBRM that it’s like a virtual version of Apple’s Genius Bar.
FEATURED POSTS
(function() var script = document.createElement(‘script’);script.src = ‘https://stacksocial.com/widget.js?publisher=androidguys&type=editorial_post_widget_preferences’;script.async = true;var entry = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0];entry.parentNode.insertBefore(script, entry);)();
http://www.androidguys.com/pubgalaxy/728×90.html
The post Google is testing Hangouts-based customer service appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 