Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Tech Lovers
Whether it is your first or fiftieth Valentine’s Day together, the pressure is on to plan a wonderfully romantic day for that special someone. While we’re not going to make recommendations on which restaurants feature the best mood lighting, if you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift with less than a week to go for Valentine’s Day, we’re here to help you out. If your significant other loves technology as much as they love you, you should definitely check out our roundup of the Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for tech lovers!
Android Wear Smartwatches
With phones becoming larger and larger, needing to take it out of your pocket every time you get a notification can get annoying. That is where a smartwatch comes in handy, allowing you to receive and respond to notifications quickly and easily, with some also offering some type of activity and fitness tracking as well. It’s not just about function over form anymore either, with some beautifully designed smartwatches currently on offer, and a whole lot more to come. A smartwatch is a great gift for the special day that is coming up this weekend for any tech lover. Below are a couple of the best currently available, and you can also check out our roundup of the best Android Wear smartwatches for a more comprehensive list.
Moto 360
The Moto 360 was one of the first Android Wear smartwatches announced, and the device, the first to feature a circular form factor, has certainly been well received. It comes with a heart rate monitor and other fitness tracking capabilities, along with all the Android Wear goodness we all know about. Featuring a sleek brushed metal build and several replaceable bands, the Moto 360 will look good in just about any occasion.
Read more
- My first 30 days with the Moto 360
- Moto 360 review: probably the best Android Wear smartwatch yet
- Moto 360 unboxing and initial setup
LG G Watch R
The next choice is another smartwatch with a circular watch face, the LG G Watch R, which comes with a full circular display, without the “flat tire” found on the Moto 360, which can be a turn off for some. It is a great looking watch, but with a design language similar to sports watches, the G Watch R is more a gift for him than it is for her. It is also the more expensive of the two, which is another thing to consider.
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Buy Now from Amazon for $299.99
Android Tablets
If you find your partner glued to their smartphone for hours on end watching videos or playing games, you might want to keep their mobile device away from them this Saturday. After that though, you can help them enjoy their media consumption or gaming experience even more, by getting them an Android tablet. Not only will the larger screen enhance the experience, but the bigger batteries that tablets usually come with means that they can spend even more time playing their favorite games or binge watching tv shows and movies. Below are a few of the best Android tablets currently available, and if you’re looking for more options, a more comprehensive list can be found here.
Nvidia Shield Tablet
If a great device for gaming is what you need, look no further than the Nvidia Shield Tablet. Powered by the Tegra K1 processor and featuring Nvidia’s TegraZone portal, you get access to dozens of Tegra-optimized Android games, with a processing package that can handle even the most graphic-intensive of games with ease. The Shield Tablet is more than just a gaming tablet though, and is also a perfect media consumption companion with its stereo front-facing speakers. The Shield Tablet is definitely a great gift choice if you’re on the lookout for a tablet.
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Google Nexus 9
The brand new Nexus 9 from Google and HTC offers everything you’d expect from this particular collaboration, with HTC’s penchant for great design and build quality bringing with it the latest iteration of Android on-board. HTC’s signature BoomSound front-facing speakers also make their way to their device, making an enjoyable media consumption experience on the high resolution display even better. And of course, the biggest selling point is the stock version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, with the guarantee of quick and timely updates.
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Nexus 7 (2013)
Despite showing its age, the Nexus 7 (2013) is still one of the best tablets you can buy, especially with its unbeatable price tag. This tablet can still handle even processor-intensive activities with ease, features one of the best displays in this size category, and you get a great software experience, helped along by the guarantee of timely updates. If you’re on a budget and looking for a great tablet, the Nexus 7 (2013) should definitely be considered.
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Android Smartphones
Every Android fan would love to be at the cutting edge of what the smartphone world has to offer, but that is not the most feasible, or affordable, routes to take. If you’re significant other is stuck using an old device and has been eyeing an upgrade, here’s your chance to surprise them with an upgrade. There are some fantastic smartphone options available to us, which you can find here, but given the more intimate nature of this occasion, the two options we have selected is because of the customization they offer, allowing you to make this otherwise general gift truly personal and meaningful.
Motorola Moto X (2014)
The Moto X (2014) is well equipped on the inside with its flagship specifications and features, but it’s the level of customization offered that really sets it apart from all the other Android phones out there. Motorola lets you choose your own combination of colors and materials, as well as engrave a special message on the back. Other big selling points are the near-stock interface and Motorola’s proven commitment to bringing fast updates to it, putting it at par with the update cycle of Nexus devices. If you’re looking for a great smartphone that allows for a more personal touch, the Moto X (2014) is the device for you.
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Buy unlocked from Amazon for $399.99
Moto G (2014)
The second generation Moto G doesn’t offer nearly the same level of customization you get with its flagship sibling, but you do have the ability to pick and choose from a range of colorful shells and covers that allows for a personal touch. As is the case with the Moto X, the Moto G is also one of the first devices to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop, a trend that should continue with future updates as well. This is a great option for those on a budget, with the Moto G (2014) proving that a low price point doesn’t always translate to low quality.
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Buy now from Amazon from $179.99
Headphones
Everyone is on the lookout for a great pair of headphones. Be it to entertain yourself during a long commute, while working out, or just relaxing and listening to music or watching videos at home, headphones are a must have for most people, and not just tech lovers, which makes them a perfect gift for any occasion.
SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Air Wireless On-Ear Headphones
On the road or roaming the home, Tracks Air delivers wired sound wirelessly from your device, with an impressive range of up to 150 feet. Powered by wireless A2 Sound Engines, these headphones provides powerful sound with clear highs and detailed deep bass. For a more personal touch, you also get interchangeable PowerTrack headbands, so you can swap the color of your headbands with ease. You can seamlessly switch from playing your tunes to talking to your friends with the crystal-clear noise reduction dual microphones, and it easy very easy to pair the headphones to your device via Bluetooth or NFC.
Buy Now from Amazon for $198.36
Sony MDRXB950AP/H Extra Bass Smartphone Headset
Sleek, lush comfort, balanced audio response with unmistakable bass, and a configurable Smartphone App add-up to an unforgettable audio experience, while a flat, tangle-proof cord in conjunction with the in-line remote control ensures a seamless on-the-go mobile experience. Large, 40 mm driver units deliver dynamic and balanced sound with unmistakable bass response for an exceptional listening experience, and the in-line remote with microphone allows for simple control to answer calls or control your music.
Buy Now from Amazon for $119.14
Creative WP-450 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The Creative WP-450 Wireless Headphones features precise Neodymium drivers that have been meticulously tuned and crafted to produce accurate and dynamic sound. The built-in invisible microphone with the ClearSpeech Engine suppresses external noise and digitally enhances speech clarity, allowing you to chat clearly over your mobile phone. When you’re done talking, resume listening to your favorite tunes automatically, and because it has Bluetooth connectivity with apt-X, it delivers high-fidelity wireless audio from compatible Bluetooth devices.
Buy Now from Amazon for $77.99
Bluetooth Speakers
If you’re planning a romantic getaway for this weekend, the right music is always a nice touch. That said, our smartphones or tablets aren’t going to cut it on the audio front, and no one wants the hassle of having to deal with wires. Luckily, there are some great wireless speakers available for you, which can also double as your gift for your significant other.
Creative Sound Blaster Roar
The Creative Sound Blaster Roar SR20 is absolutely packed with features. Of course, t plays music over Bluetooth, but it also has a built-in microSD card slot that allows it to function as a standalone music player, a 6000 mAh battery that can charge your mobile devices, and a voice recorder function. We’ve never seen a speaker that boasts this many features, and sounds good to boot. It’s even got an internal EQ that can be adjusted by plugging it into a computer.
Buy Now from Amazon for $149.99
Bose SoundLink Color
The Bose SoundLink Color offers an audio experience that you may not expect from such a compact device. It’s small, durable and simple to use, and comes in a spectrum of colors to match almost any style. The Sound Link Color speaker has a range of about 30 feet, so you can enjoy your music out loud, without wires. It pairs with your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, and the speaker remembers the last eight devices you connected to it, making reconnecting to it very easy.
Buy Now from Amazon for $129.99
The Oontz XL
The OontZ XL Bluetooth Speaker turns any phone, tablet , mobile device, or PC into a high-end portable boombox sound system. Now you can play music, movies, and games and fill even the largest spaces with amazing sound. The OontZ XL produces high-quality sound and powerful volume, all for a budget-friendly price point.
Buy Now from Amazon for $99.98
SHARKK Boombox Speaker
If you’re looking for a great audio experience on a budget, it doesn’t get much better than the SHARKK Boombox wireless speaker. The sound quality is fantastic, the large battery allows for audio playback for as long as 18 hours, and you also have the ability to answer calls directly from the speaker, and also boasts an impressive, low price point to boot.
Fitness Trackers
The good part about it being early in the year is that a lot of our new years resolutions, especially with regards to health and fitness, are still running strong, but it may not be long before that motivation runs low. If that is the case for your significant other, a useful morale boost may be the gift of a fitness tracker. The ability to set daily goals, track your activity all the time, and the knowledge that every step makes a difference may be just the thing he or she needs to get their fitness needs back on track. There are a slew of fitness trackers in the market today, and below are a few of the best ones.
Fitbit Charge HR
The Fitbit Charge HR is a high-performance wristband with automatic, continuous heart rate and activity tracking right on your wrist. See your heart rate all day and during workouts to get more accurate calorie burn, reach your target workout intensity and maximize training time. Track steps, distance, floors climbed, sleep quality and more, and stay connected with Caller ID and time of day on display. Charge HR also wirelessly syncs to your smartphone and computer so you can monitor your trends and get the motivation you need to push yourself further.
Jawbone Up24
The Jawbone Up 24 works in conjunction with the the UP fitness application using Bluetooth and helps track calories burned and activity intensity, food and drink intake, and hours slept. The UP app’s Insight Engine ties information all together to help the user find hidden connections between eating, sleeping, and activity. The device is also waterproof, which means you won’t have to take it off before a shower or swim.
Buy Now from Amazon for $92.87
Misfit Flash
The Misfit Flash is one of the best affordable fitness bands around, and comes with features comparable to its more expensive counterparts. Flash tracks walking, running, cycling, swimming, tennis, yoga, dance, and other sports. The Misfit app then takes all of your hard work and turns that data into easy to read charts. Flash’s long-lasting battery, which you need to change only once in six months, and automatic wireless syncing means you’ll worry less about charging and more about staying active.
Buy Now from Amazon for $37.83
Miscellaneous and Novelty Tech Gifts
While all the gifts above can hold some meaning, they’re not particularly romantic in nature. To fix that, here are a few novelty gift ideas that may not be as practical, but certainly bring out the intimate nature of the day it is meant for.
QR Code Necklace
A QR Code Necklace, as the name suggests, is a necklace with a QR code on the pendant, that will hold a personal message. There are quite a few options available, with one where the front side features a delicate floral design and heart, with the word “Love,” and scanning the QR Code on the reverse side of the pendant links to an online inspirational quote.
Buy Now from Amazon for $29.99
Another option, if you’re willing to splurge, is the Miriam Merenfeld QR Messages Collection. With prices starting from $150, you get the choice of various pendant designs and sizes, and have the ability to personalize the message that the person sees when the QR code is scanned. You can check out the collection here.
Valentine’s Day Cases
These durable plastic cases are lightweight are don’t add much to the thickness of the device, while keeping your device protected from minor bumps and scratches. Of course, that is something you get with any slim fit case, but what makes these cases stand out is the picture they hold on the back. Choose from a large collection of cute “Love” images, including multiple him and her pairs, and you also have the option to email the makers your own picture to print on the back of the case. You can find the full collection of options for various smartphones here, and for the Nexus 5 below.
Buy Now from Amazon for $14.69
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Android Authority!
Android tablets just got a little more useful with Microsoft Office, Dropbox integration
When it comes to productivity, users are always looking for ways to cut out unnecessary steps in their workflows. On mobile devices, one way developers address this need is to integrate apps with each other so the end user is not forced to jump around between different apps. An example of this is the integration between Microsoft Office apps and Dropbox which was rolled out to some mobile devices last fall. A piece that was missing, integration on the Android tablet versions of these apps, has been eliminated with an update that was announced today.
The integration of Microsoft Office apps Word, Excel and Powerpoint with the Dropbox app meant users could view and edit documents from with Dropbox, but using the Office tools. This is a handy feature for sure, especially for users who have not been able to transition to some other integrated solution like Google Drive and Google’s office apps. However, the ability to edit documents on a platform no larger than a smart phone is still a bit limiting.
The extension of the integration to Android tablets means users can now work unfettered on larger devices. If a user takes advantage of this integration and adds in a larger tablet with a keyboard, they will be bordering on laptop territory, but in a much more convenient form factor.
source: Dropbox
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Microsoft Office and Dropbox integration makes its way to tablets
Back at the tail end of the last year Dropbox and Microsoft rolled out an integration solution that would allow users to edit Microsoft Office documents directly in Dropbox. It also let users go the other direction and access Dropbox files within Microsoft Office apps. It was pretty a pretty big thing for many where […]
The post Microsoft Office and Dropbox integration makes its way to tablets appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Apple Working On Project That Will ‘Give Tesla a Run for its Money’ Says Employee
Following last week’s news of a mysterious Apple-leased vehicle roaming the streets of Northern California, an Apple employee has given some details to Business Insider, suggesting Apple is working on a project that will “give Tesla a run for its money.”
After writing about how the van could be used for a self-driving car, we got an unsolicited email from an employee at Apple about “vehicle development” at the company. […]
“Apple’s latest project is too exciting to pass up,” the person said. “I think it will change the landscape and give Tesla a run for its money.”
According to the site’s source, who was verified to be an Apple employee, Tesla employees are “jumping ship” and choosing to work at Apple because of this unidentified project.
Last week’s pictures unveiled a van that appeared to have multiple cameras on the top, similar to the vehicles Google uses for mapping. Given the van’s similarity to other mapping vehicles, rumors have suggested that it is likely for an unspecified mapping project. Apple has been working to improve Maps in recent months, and it’s possible the company is working on a feature that would compete with Google Street View.
Photo of Apple van via Claycord
Other speculation has ranged a bit more towards the fantastical, suggesting that Apple is perhaps working on a self-driving car, but this seems unlikely due to Apple’s tendency to focus on just a few products at a time. “We have zero issue coming up with things we want to do, said Tim Cook last January. “We must focus on the very few that deserve all our energy.”
As Business Insider suggests, one probable project that could pique the interest of former Tesla employees is CarPlay. CarPlay, which brings an iOS-style interface to in-car infotainment systems, is still very much in the early stages. In the future, CarPlay, which is being built directly into many cars, could expand to offer a Tesla-style feature set. With the Tesla iPhone app, Tesla owners can turn on heating, lock and unlock doors from afar, flash the lights, and more.
Deeper integration between iOS and in-car systems is also easily imaginable, given Apple’s desire to allow users to transition easily from device to device, as with its new “Continuity” iOS 8/OS X Yosemite feature. In October, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at an expansion of Continuity and suggested it would be incredibly important going forward. “Use your imagination and think about where Continuity goes,” he said.
Statements from Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, have directly contradicted this Apple employees suggestion that Tesla employees are tempted by what Apple has to offer. In a report outlining the many employees Tesla has poached from Apple, Musk told Bloomberg that “very few people” had left Tesla for Apple, despite Apple’s offer of a $250,000 signing focus and 60 percent salary increase.
Microsoft updates Photos app for Windows 10 Preview with requested changes
Microsoft has quietly pushed out an update for their new Photos app on Windows 10 Technical Preview. The update actually went out on Friday, meaning most of you likely already have it installed. The difference is now the app’s improvements have been detailed via the Insider Hub app, which keeps users updated on OS happenings.
Version 15.130.1615.0 of Photos should either be already on your system or the update ready in the Store (beta). As to what’s new, Microsoft has given some detail.
Deal Alert: Refurbished Beats by Dre Over-Ear Headphones from Daily Steals only $119
Refurbished products are a great way to save some cash on expensive products. Right now, Daily Steals is offering a refurbished pair of 1st Generation Beats by Dre Over-Ear Headphones in White for only $119. These headphones usually run for about $299 from the Beats website and around $200 on Amazon, so this is definitely a steal. The headphones feature noise cancellation technology, soft and breathable ear cushions to keep your ears cool and comfortable and a foldable, compact design. You can control the headphones directly from the cord, and there’s also a mute button on the ear cups.
Before you go out and buy these, just remember that this is a re-certified product. These headphones are restored to original factory specifications, so you may want to take a look at these, even if you are turned away by refurbished products.
These headphones have received great reviews across multiple different retailers, and have a 3.8/5 star rating on Amazon. Given their attractive price, this is quite the deal. Head to the link below if you’re interested in picking up a pair for yourself.
Buy the Beats by Dre Over-Ear Headphones in White for only $119 from Daily Steals
Enjoy these lovely Valentine’s Day themed wallpapers for your Android
Looking to change up your Android home screen? It doesn’t get much easier than swapping out the wallpaper; it’s one of the quickest ways to breath new life into the mobile experience.
What you’ll find here is a collection of Valentine’s Day themed wallpapers to spruce up your Android this season.
Please note that we do not claim ownership of any of these images. If you see something here that should not belong or is your own work, please let us know. We don’t want to get anyone in trouble and will be happy to swap the image out for something else.
Click here to see our other wallpaper articles.
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LG to give away a plastic version of Google Cardboard to G3 owners
With Samsung offering the Gear VR, many are wondering what LG, or even other Android manufacturers will do. LG is joining the party, but they are doing exactly the opposite of Samsung in that they are embracing Google, which is something Samsung never does.
LG VR is going to be based on Google Cardboard, except it will be tailored for the G3 and it will be made from plastic. LG VR will utilize the same ring magnet found on Cardboard, and it will work with the G3 magnetic gyroscope to scroll through applications and menus. However, this VR will also leverage the rear volume rocker layout and the G3′s 1W speaker for better sound.
LG will offer the VR for free to G3 buyers in select markets soon, but didn’t specify when or what requirements you must meet in order to obtain the device if you already own the phone. They did say that users will also be able to download Roboliteration for free using a QR code from within the VR packaging.
LG G3 AND GOOGLE CARDBOARD BRING MOBILE VIRTUAL REALITY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
More Consumers Get Access to Affordable and Powerful VR Experience with LG’s VR for G3 Giveaway
SEOUL & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 10, 2015 — LG Electronics (LG) and Google are making virtual reality (VR) more accessible to mainstream consumers. LG today announced a free VR for G3 giveaway for customers who purchase new LG G3 smartphones. LG’s VR for G3 works with Google Cardboard and enables G3 owners to experience a variety of VR-compatible apps and games that they can download on the Google Play store.
Unlike other head-mounted VR devices that are designed with their own processors and displays, VR for G3 takes advantage of the visual and sound capabilities of G3 to offer a lighter and more convenient solution. Thanks to the LG G3’s class-leading Quad HD display, VR for G3 is able to provide users with much sharper image quality for a smoother, more realistic VR experience.
VR for G3 features a unique design that leverages the G3’s signature Rear Key layout, compared to other smartphones where the volume rockers are located on the side of the phone. This unique design also means VR for G3 takes full advantage of the flagship phone’s 1W speaker with Boost AMP to provide richer, clearer sound effects that complement the rich visuals. For a more personal experience, VR for G3 can be combined with a Bluetooth headsets such as LG Tone Infinim™ for wireless enjoyment.
The design of VR for G3 is based on the blueprint for Google Cardboard, available online for home DIY fans. The neodymium ring magnet on the side of the VR for G3 works with the magnetic gyroscope sensor in the G3 to select applications and scroll through menus without touching the display. VR for G3 requires no assembly other than inserting the phone in the viewer.
“While still in its infancy, this is just the beginning of the virtual reality movement which until recently was expensive and inaccessible to everyday consumers,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications at the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “By leveraging Google Cardboard, not only are regular consumers able to participate in the VR experience, we’ll be able to introduce this technology to future developers who may one day show us how VR can be used to improve our lives.”
“With Google Cardboard, we wanted to create more immersive and delightful experiences for anyone on their mobile devices,” said Andrew Nartker, Product Manager for Google Cardboard. “We are excited about VR for G3, and the rich ecosystem of developers and manufacturers who are innovating with Google Cardboard and making VR more easily accessible.”
The VR for G3 promotion will roll out this month in select markets. Purchasers of LG G3 buyers can also download a free VR game, Robobliteration, using the in-box QR code.
Come comment on this article: LG to give away a plastic version of Google Cardboard to G3 owners
Offensive tweets from Jeb Bush’s CTO remind us the internet is forever
This is Ethan Czahor. Ethan is the new chief technology officer at Right to Rise, a political action committee formed by former Florida governor and presidential hopeful Jeb Bush. He also happens to have a track record of saying some pretty shameful shit on Twitter and no amount of digital spring cleaning will be able to cover his virtual tracks. Czahor, a co-founder of Hipster.com (which was eventually purchased by Engadget parent company AOL) never seemed to realize that what you say online can and will haunt you for the rest of your life. Like those times he referred to women as sluts… repeatedly.
Back when Ethan was a fresh-faced engineer and co-founder of a startup that would eventually sell for millions of dollars, he apparently didn’t think that what he said in the public sphere mattered. This led him to post things like:
New study confirms old belief: college female art majors are sluts, science majors are also sluts but uglier.
and:
When I burp in the gym I feel like it’s my way of saying, “sorry guys, but I’m not gay”
Until recently, digging up these pretty offensive missives required nothing more than going far enough back through Czahor’s Twitter history. Today though, you won’t find the tweets in question. They’ve been deleted as he and his new employer, Bush, try to whitewash his online past. The problem is, nothing online ever really goes away. And, even though you won’t find them in his timeline, they’ve been preserved for posterity in the form of screenshots. (Thanks BuzzFeed News!)
Almost as troublesome as what Czahor actually said, are the obvious implications. Either Bush’s team didn’t dig enough into Ethan’s past to discover these problematic posts. Or, just as likely and more disturbing, the people vetting Czahor for the position found the offensive messages, but were unperturbed by them. They simply figured they’d delete them before anyone noticed. Obviously, it’s too late now, he’s already let the world know he thinks things like:
I know Lindsey Lohan is supposed to die soon, but I’d sure like to sleep with her before that happens
Filed under: Internet
Source: BuzzFeed News, Time
Apple’s Share of Mobile Phone Profits Rises to 93% on iPhone 6 Launch [iOS Blog]
The latest numbers from Canaccord Genuity reveal that Apple accounted for 93% of mobile profits during the fourth quarter, leading the financial services company to raise its price target on Apple shares from $135 to $145. The firm also predicted that iPhone adoption could grow to 650 million users through 2018 as more smartphone owners upgrade to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Barron’s shares Canaccord Genuity analyst Mike Walkley’s note to investors:
We believe the strong iPhone 6 replacement sales should continue during C’15, as we estimate only 15% of the current estimated 404M iPhone installed base has upgraded to the new devices. We also anticipate continued strong share gains for the larger screen iPhones from high-tier Android smartphones during C’15 driving strong growth in the iPhone installed base and model the iPhone installed base growing to 487M subscribers exiting C’15 up 20% Y/Y.
Apple and Samsung combined to capture all profits in the mobile industry during the fourth quarter, as competitors including Microsoft, BlackBerry, HTC, Sony, LG and Lenovo either broke even or faced a loss in value share during the three-month period. Apple captured 79% of mobile profits for the entirety of 2014, with a margin of 37% on operating income of $44.6 billion.
