Amazon’s Unlocked program will make paid apps and games free
Amazon will reportedly kick off a new program for their App Store soon, called Unlocked. The Unlocked program essentially takes paid apps and games, and ones with in-app purchases, and makes them completely free. Free to download, free to buy things in-game, and free to unlock extra features without spending a dime.
An internal presentation showcasing some of the functionality was leaked, showing off how users can sort out to only see Unlocked apps, and how it’ll look when users buy apps or make in-app purchases. This will all have to be done on Amazon’s own App Store, of course, but getting that installed isn’t too tough, even if Google yanked it from the Play Store.
This program takes the free app of the day promotion that Amazon currently runs and takes it one step further by creating a catalog of apps and games, plus extending it to include the in-app purchases. There’s only one small catch to the whole deal; once an Unlocked app leaves the Unlocked program, those in-app purchases are no longer free. Anything you’ve bought or used won’t cost you anything, and you can continue using the app, but if you’re hooked in the middle of a mobile game and want to keep buying extra lives or power-ups, you’ll have to pony up the cash for it. It’s not the most direct way of bringing in revenue and users, but it’s clever, and it might pay off for Amazon.
Unfortunately, other details about the program were a little scarce, like if it’ll cost anything extra per year, if it’ll be offered as part of Amazon Prime, and when it’ll launch. It looks like Amazon has the program ready to go fairly soon, though, so I’d expect to hear something sooner rather than later.
source: TechCrunch
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Xbox One April update preview brings party chat improvements, game hub links, more
Microsoft‘s Larry Hryb (otherwise known as Major Nelson) has just announced the rollout of a new update preview for the Xbox One.
Unlike previous preview releases, the April update preview will be released in two stages, with the first rolling out today. Each wave will add new features, with today’s update bringing some improvements to party chat, the game hub, and achievement notifications.
The Talk Show 114 with Serenity Caldwell
Two of the smartest Apple minds I know on The Talk Show this week: Serenity Caldwell and John Gruber. They talk MacBook, Photos for Mac, the PowerBook Duo, and (of course) the Apple Watch.
Special guest Serenity Caldwell joins the show. Topics include last week’s “Spring Forward” Apple media event; the new Force Touch Trackpad for MacBooks, and the prospects for force touch in future iOS devices; and of course, Apple Watch.
You can grab a beverage and stream it now via the dingus above or, better still, subscribe to it via Daring Fireball.
Google begins testing new ad-targeting service for Fiber TV in Kansas City
Google has announced today that it is beginning to test local ads with mobile-like ad-targeting for its Fiber TV service in Kansas City.
HTC One M8 owners apparently not feeling the urge to upgrade to the HTC One M9
With every flagship release from smartphone manufacturers, those loyal to the particular manufacturer will often switch from last year’s flagship to the latest model. However, it looks like the HTC One M9 might be the exception to the rule as it’s been suggested that owners of the older HTC One M8 flagship aren’t feeling the […]
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7 common problems with the Motorola Droid Turbo and how to fix them
The Motorola Droid Turbo, a device exclusively available from Verizon, takes everything you may love about the Moto X, and pushes it to a whole other level. With a higher resolution display, better camera, a larger battery, and a more powerful processor, it’s no wonder that consumers have been looking forward to the latest addition to the Droid line. That said, just like any other smartphone available today, this device is not without its issues. Today, we will be focusing on some of the most common problems that Droid Turbo users have been experiencing, while providing some possible solutions on how to fix them.
Disclaimer: Not every user of the Droid Turbo will face these issues, and it is quite likely that you won’t come across any of the problems listed below.
Problem #1 – Data leakage issues
A number of Droid Turbo users have commented that their phones seem to be eating up data, or using data faster than they thought possible. In some cases, the phone shows that a certain amount of data has been used, while Verizon indicates a different amount entirely.
Potential Solutions:
- Go to Settings- Wi-Fi then tap the menu option. Go to Advanced and check that Wi-Fi is set to be kept on during sleep “Always”, and turn off mobile data.
- Look at the different applications on the device and try to find out which one is using the most data. Google Maps can utilize a lot of data if it is accidentally left open.
- It is stated that the data level recorded by the device may be different from what the carrier bills, but be sure to contact Verizon to clear things up if there is a large discrepancy.
Problem #2 – Bluetooth sound problems
Some users have suggested that when they go for a walk or run with their Droid Turbo, they struggle with choppy sound that cuts in and out. This only seems to be a problem when the phone is in motion.
Potential Solutions:
- Turn off all Moto Active settings
- Even if you are outdoors with no Wi-Fi connection, make sure that it is turned off so the device is not continuously searching for a signal. If there is a Wi-Fi connection, switch the band on the device from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
Problem #3 – Voice command doesn’t work
A number of users have experienced issues when trying to use the voice command to call someone on their phone. Often, this problem occurs when attempting to use Bluetooth and results in a “Didn’t catch that” response.
Potential Solutions:
- Try switching to a different voice command application, such as Cyberon
- Create nicknames for names that do not register properly. In People edit the contact by tapping add another field – choose nickname.
- Use the launch phrase for Moto Voice, followed by the dialing command, without using Bluetooth.
Problem #4 – Low Volume
Users of the Droid Turbo have found that the volume appears to be incredibly low when making and receiving calls. Playing music and videos generally works okay, but even at max volume, calls sound quiet.
Potential Solutions:
- Hold the volume all the way down to low, and then raise it back up.
- Go to Settings – Sound Settings – Audio Effects and turn of the equalizer for the phone speaker.
- Turn off Audio effects and “Voice Privacy.”
- Try using the Slider Widget application to gain better control over all available volumes. Some are automatically turned off by default.
Problem #5 – Erratic Battery Stats
A number of Droid Turbo users have reported erratic readings on their battery stats, from readings of 100% for hours, to suddenly dropped percentages and more. Some people have commented that when they attach their phone to the turbo charger, it immediately reads at a 100% charge.
Potential Solutions:
- Save all important data and perform a hard reset.
- Drain the battery, then leave it plugged into the turbo charger for a couple of hours, before turning it back on. Do this twice.
- Turn the phone off and charge it with the turbo charger overnight. This should re-calibrate the battery meter.
- Try using an application such as Advanced Battery Calibrator to reset the battery file.
Problem #6 – Issues with restart
Sometimes, the Droid Turbo thinks it’s upgrading every time a user attempts to turn the phone off and back on. This means that it takes a long time to start the device back up, as it is constantly re-optimizing all applications.
Potential Solutions:
- If you switched to ART runtime, return to Dalvik.
- Try booting into Recovery mode and clearing the cache partition
- Backup any important data and perform a factory reset.
Problem #7 – Difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connectivity issues are a common problem with smartphones today. Many Droid Turbo users have complained that they struggle to maintain a Wi-Fi connection, even when in a particularly good connectivity area.
Potential Solutions:
- Go to Settings – Wi-Fi and ensure that Wi-Fi is set to stay on during sleep mode.
- Ensure all firmware is updated. On both the router and the phone.
- Make sure the phone is updated through Settings – About Phone – Software Updates.
- Make sure the MAC address for the phone can be recognized by the router.
- Factory reset the phone.
So those were some of the most common issues that users have been experiencing with the Droid Turbo. If you’ve experienced any different issues, or had success with some of the solutions that we’ve offered, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.. We’ll be doing our best to keep this list updated in the future.
SEE ALSO: Motorola Droid Turbo Review
Here are the guides on how to factory reset the Droid Turbo, and how to clear the cache partition.
Factory reset:
- From your home screen, tap Apps – Settings
- In Personal, tap Backup & Reset
- If you want to check whether an issue is caused by an application, uncheck the box marked “Automatic Restore”
- Select Reset phone
- Enter the passcode or pattern.
- Select “Erase Everything”
- The device should reboot
Clear the Cache Partition:
- Turn the phone off and press the volume down key for three seconds, followed by the power key, then release.
- The device should display “Boot options”. Use the volume down key to move to “Recovery” and tap volume up to select.
- You should see the Android logo with a red exclamation mark.
- Hold the volume up key for fifteen seconds, then tap and release the power key.
- Use the Volume down key to move to “wipe cache partition” and the power key to choose this option.
- The device should reboot automatically and start the power-up sequence.
Daily Roundup: Google manipulated search results, Windows 10 upgrades for pirates and more!
Happy Friday, readers! In today’s edition of the Daily Roundup, you can read about an FTC report that revealed how Google manipulated its search results, Microsoft clarified its Windows 10 upgrade policy for pirated copies and what Popcorn Time is doing to prevent a shutdown. Get the details on these stories and more below.
FTC report reveals how Google manipulated its search results
A few years ago, the FTC decided not to pursue an antitrust lawsuit against Google despite finding that its search algorithm really was biased. Now, we finally know the details of that lengthy investigation, thanks to a report written by FTC staffers that recently surfaced due to an open-records request. According to the 160-page report, the employees found evidence that Mountain View was demoting its competitors and placing its own services on top of search results lists, even if they weren’t as helpful.
Microsoft clarifies Windows 10 upgrade process for pirated copies
Yesterday, we heard that Microsoft planned to give people with pirated copies of its software a free way to upgrade to Windows 10. According to Reuters, Microsoft’s goal with this plan was to combat piracy in China, though the idea was to expand said offer beyond that country. Well, as it turns out, it won’t be that simple — and, frankly, is anyone really surprised?
Movie piracy app Popcorn Time thinks it can thwart a shutdown
About a year after Popcorn Time’s death and resurrection show, comes news that the app is taking even more of the legwork out of watching pirated movies online. To further stretch the meaning of “legal,” the service is moving to a peer-to-peer streaming system so that its user base (which is apparently growing by 100,000 downloads per day) hosts the requisite data, according to Wired.
This personal flamethrower is somehow legal in 49 states
The XM42 from Ion Productions is every pyromaniac’s dream come true: a personal, portable flamethrower that’s (amazingly still) legal everywhere except California. You’ll be able to get your own flame on for as little as $700 when the company launches its IndieGoGo campaign on March 23rd.
Google hopes these offers make you want a Chromecast
Google isn’t just using Chromecast Offers to reward existing users, the company’s also loading it with freebies in an effort to more households to get one. For instance, if you buy a Chromecast from March 20th to April 19th, you’ll get $80 worth of rewards. Namely, three months of subscription to Play Music, one month of Qello Concerts, three months of DramaFever, three months of Sesame Street GO and a free movie rental from Play Movies.
Total solar eclipse coincides with supermoon and spring equinox
The end is nigh, Engadget readers: a triumvirate of celestial events is happening simultaneously. Okay, that might be a bit of an overstatement, but until we hit the other side of today’s supermoon, spring equinox (yay!) and total solar eclipse, we just won’t know. As The Wall Street Journal tells it, this sort of thing is “extremely unusual.” Total solar eclipses — where the moon plays middleman and blocks the sun from our view — happen about once every year-and-a-half. Supermoons and the equinox? A handful of times per year and once annually, respectively.
You can buy your own ‘Tron’ light cycle (if you’ve got 40 grand)
If you’ve ever watched Tron: Legacy and wished that you could own your own light cycle, then May 2nd could be your only chance. Car collectors the Andrews Family is selling the bulk of its vehicle haul that includes a custom replica of the two-wheeler from the film.
Filed under: Misc
ASUS is preparing an ultra-affordable Chromebook with a Rockchip processor
Chromebooks are already incredibly affordable, but ASUS looks like they’re preparing to undercut the competition even further with a cheaper model. The ASUS C201 is listed in an education ordering brochure and mentions specs like a Rockchip processor and an 11.6″ inch screen with 4 GB of RAM, and the catalog mentions that it’s the “cheapest Chromebook ever.”
While the brochure divulged the hardware, it didn’t give a clear cut price, so there’s no telling exactly where ASUS wants to try to land this thing in terms of price points. Chromebooks routinely launch for about $199 right now, so anywhere around the $149 – $189 range would probably be a safe bet.
Maybe we’ll see it dip below $100? Not likely, but we can hope. Keep an eye out for some official news from ASUS in the coming weeks.
source: OMG Chrome
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Is LG going to make the next Nexus smartphone? Visits from Google engineers point to “Yes”
The Nexus 6 has barely been out for 6 months and rumours are already swirling around who is going to manufacturer Google’s next Nexus smartphone. While Huawei appeared to be the leader in the early going, attention has shifted to LG, who allegedly had Google engineers visit their headquarters and factories in Korea this month. […]
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Amazon wants to give paid apps away for free
Downloads from Amazon’s Appstore almost assuredly aren’t the raging success that the company’s ventures like Prime are, but the retail juggernaut isn’t giving up on it yet. In fact, the former looks like it’s getting an injection of the latter’s DNA with something called Unlocked. According to a leak obtained by TechCrunch, Bezos and Co. are experimenting with the idea of offering paid apps and in-app purchases free of charge. It apparently isn’t limited to games either, as Monument Valley and Sonic Dash sit alongside productivity apps like OfficeSuite 8 + PDF Converter.
The presumed plan is to give Unlocked a big push from within the main Amazon mobile app and make it easier for users to find applications without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of those available. To do this, it’ll favor algorithms rather than “human touch,” and a filter’s planned to keep Unlocked apps separate from others. Amazon already offers plenty of free app promos, so this isn’t exactly unprecedented but it does raise a number of questions. Is this another feature that’s locked behind the Prime paywall? Probably. Will it actually be worth taking advantage of? That remains to be seen. We’ve reached out for further details and will update this post should we hear back.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile, Amazon
Source: TechCrunch
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