Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge repairs look hopeless
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Thinking about buying a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge? Are you really into repairing your own devices? If so, you may want to rethink the S6 Edge as your next device. iFixit recently gave Samsung’s dual-edge curved glass flagship a 3 out of 10 repairability score. The S6 has had a lot of buzz attached to it. It’s an incredibly sexy device. Samsung reported that out of the 20 million pre-orders for the S6 family of phones, about a third of them were for the S6 Edge. With demand being high for this phone, it only makes sense that the demand for repairs will also be high. Samsung has reportedly had issues with the production of the curved glass of S6 Edge.
This is where the issues start when you try to repair the S6 Edge. Glass on both the front and back of the device has made it very easy to crack the device when you begin to tear it down. According to iFixit, replacing the glass without completely wrecking the display components is nearly impossible. Now you’re probably thinking, what about the battery? That too is connected to the display. In fact, it is directly glued to it. Replacing the battery without affecting the display seems like a no go; moreover, this is not your only issue with the battery. iFixit also reports that the battery is “buried beneath the midframe and the motherboard.” Yikes.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the S6 Edge. The two positive takeaways for a DIY repair have to do with most components; they are modular. Unlike other Galaxy variants you can replace parts individually. Also, unlike other Galaxy phones, you do not have to remove the display to replace/repair the system board. What do you think? Will this low repairability score keep you from making the S6 Edge your next device?
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Google may be working on a service that could easily connect you with a local handyman
If you need flight information or car insurance quotes, Google makes it very easy to get that info at a moment’s notice. But what if you’re interested in a service that’s much more localized than that? As of now, plumbers, electricians, roofers and other home-service providers really only offer business hours and contact information through Google Search, though that may change sometime soon. According to a new report, Google may be working on a service that will allow you to easily connect with a handyman in your area.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, unnamed sources explain that local service providers will be able to upload their scheduling information to Google, giving users the ability to sign up for appointments directly through their search results. Unlike signing up for car insurance or flights, the new service aims to provide an easier way to get in contact with folks in your area. But that doesn’t come without a few hurdles.
Google has been able to implement these services for airlines, hotel chains and insurance companies mainly because they have more employees and nationally-known businesses. The problem with getting local businesses involved is the lack of manpower to feed Google the correct scheduling information in a timely fashion. The service might get off to a rough start, but once a good number of local businesses sign up, it’s easy to see that it has the potential to be quite convenient.
The report suggests that this new service will be unveiled at Google’s annual advertiser summit in May, so we might not have to wait too much longer to get more information.
Facebook owns three of the top four most regularly used apps
The Google Play store is full of app these days, but not all of them manage to retain active users over a long period of time. To do so requires offering a uniquely useful service, and Facebook owns three out of the four most long term popular apps, according to data collected from Quettra’s study of 75 million Android phones and published by The Information.
Before we delve into the data, it’s worth noting the geographic distribution of the devices. Half of results came from the Asian market, while the rest were evenly distribution through other territories.
The data found that Facebook, Blackberry Messenger and WhatsApp users stay very active after the first 90 days, while the average app loses close to 70 percent of its user base after the first three months. Instagram came in fourth with around a 50 percent retention rate after 90 days, followed by WeChat, Snapchat and Twitter propping up the bottom of the list with a 31 percent rating.
http://embed.chartblocks.com/1.0/?c=552542fdc9a61d7257597bc3&t=41e65dc2cc3f5bd
Facebook owns Instagram, WhatsApp, and of course its own social platform, along with its own Messenger service, which did not rank nearly as highly. Interestingly, BlackBerry Messenger is proving particularly popular in Asia’s emerging markets, possibly because of its preload deals with manufacturers in these regions. Western favourites, such as Snapchat, Skype and Twitter, lose most of their active users within weeks in the Asian market.
The apps which tend to retain users appear to be the ones which see the most interactions per day and some apps are better at encouraging continual use than others. The results suggests that multiple features and larger contact pools help to prolong activity, while usage of more specific and limited apps, such as Snapchat, fade with time.
Love it or hate it, Facebook definitely has an eye for services and features that keep users coming back for more.
Cricket now offering payment plans, including a ‘no credit check’ option
Probably one of the biggest deterrents for those considering going with a prepaid service is that you no longer get subsidized pricing or payment plans, instead you pay the full price for devices upfront but are rewarded with cheaper monthly service plans that you can walk away from at anytime thanks to freedom from contracts. But what if you want your cake and eat it too? Cricket has your back.
Prepaid AT&T-owned Cricket is now introducing payment plans, giving three different options for those that can’t or don’t want to pay the full price of a device upfront. The first two “tiers” require credit checks, but for those with less than perfect credit, the third option doesn’t, instead letting you “rent-to-own” your new phone over the course of 90 days.
Here’s the official breakdown of each of the tiers:
Tier I: Finance your device with an initial loan payment of $19.99 and 0% interest for 24 months. This option requires approval through a standard credit bureau check, and accessories and tax may be included in the loan.
Tier II: Finance your device with an initial loan payment of $19.99 and six-month deferred interest offer and 29.99% APR for an 18 month term. Customers pay no interest if the purchase amount is paid off within 6 months. If the loan is not paid off within 6 months, all accrued interest from the date of purchase is billed to the account. Monthly payments for this option are determined by the amount of the loan. This option also requires approval through a standard credit bureau check. Accessories and tax may be included in the loan.
Tier III: This rent-to-own leasing option is equivalent to 90 Days same as cash. That means, a customer can purchase a premium device with $49.99 initial rental payment, pay the remaining balance in installments over a 90-day period, and not incur any interest at all – just like you paid for your device upfront. This option requires no credit check, but a third party may be used to verify financial information.
Keep in mind that your device must cost at least $199.99 in order to qualify for any of these financing plans. Furthermore, the official press release suggests you’ll need to walk into a physical Cricket store in order to get financing. A final consideration is the rather limited amount of premium devices that Cricket offers, though the Galaxy S5 is currently on offer and the Galaxy S6 is expected in fairly short order. Who knows, maybe if there’s enough interest in the payment plans, Cricket will expand its lineup of devices.
What do you think of Cricket’s new financing options? Anyone planning to take advantage?
Reviews for current and expected Cricket devices
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Cricket’s Phone Payment Plans give consumers some of the most flexible pay options in the industry. Walk into any participating Cricket location and, if qualified and approved, walk out with the phone you want for as little as $19.99 down, plus taxes and fees, and a payment plan you can afford.
Tier I: Finance your device with an initial loan payment of $19.99 and 0% interest for 24 months. This option requires approval through a standard credit bureau check, and accessories and tax may be included in the loan.
Tier II: Finance your device with an initial loan payment of $19.99 and six-month deferred interest offer and 29.99% APR for an 18 month term. Customers pay no interest if the purchase amount is paid off within 6 months. If the loan is not paid off within 6 months, all accrued interest from the date of purchase is billed to the account. Monthly payments for this option are determined by the amount of the loan. This option also requires approval through a standard credit bureau check. Accessories and tax may be included in the loan.
Tier III: This rent-to-own leasing option is equivalent to 90 Days same as cash. That means, a customer can purchase a premium device with $49.99 initial rental payment, pay the remaining balance in installments over a 90-day period, and not incur any interest at all – just like you paid for your device upfront. This option requires no credit check, but a third party may be used to verify financial information.
“At Cricket, we know consumers want to get the latest devices – either for themselves or as gifts – but aren’t always sure if they can fit it in their budget,” said Janna Ducich, vice president and chief marketing officer, Cricket Wireless. “The Cricket Phone Payment Plans were created to simplify financing and make it quicker and more affordable to get the premium devices you want and need, when you want and need them.”
Any phone from Cricket priced at or over $199.99, including the upcoming Samsung S®6, and the popular ZTE Grand X Max+, qualifies for the new Phone Payment Plans. A maximum of five devices may be financed per account and customers can also add accessories to their plan after the purchase of a qualifying device.
Switching is Easy Too
For a limited time, Cricket is also offering customers who switch from T-Mobile, Metro-PCS, Sprint, Boost, and others 1 free month** of service after completing two months of service. This applies to customers who select the $50 or $60 monthly rate plan.
Cricket offers its customers more generous high-speed data access allotments, apples-to-apples, than other prepaid carriers. This makes Cricket’s wireless plans more affordable so customers can spend their hard-earned money on things that matter to them. Cricket’s Basic, Smart, and Pro plans are $35, $45 and $55 each, after a $5 monthly Auto Pay credit. Plus, unlimited calling and messaging to Mexico from the U.S. is included on the Smart and Pro plans.
Samsung shows off the toughness of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in its own droptest video
Every time a new smartphone is released, there are always a spate of drop-tests conducted by various sites and individuals. Samsung has apparently had enough of seeing its babies being put through the ringer and has produced its own video showing that both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge handsets are pretty tough cookies. The results are all the more impressive considering that the front and back of the handsets are made from glass, albeit Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4.
Since its unveiling, the Galaxy S6 Edge in particular has come in for some decidedly rough treatment; being put through 3 point pressure tests, repeatedly thrown on to the floor and even being drowned in a bowl of water before receiving a partial resuscitation. You can see in the video below that both the S6 Edge and its more convention sibling, the S6, survive the drop tests with aplomb and with their dignity intact.
Samsung says that the S6 and S6 Edge handset survive drops thanks to a combination of the Gorilla Glass 4 and because the frame, glass, bracket and other components are structured in such as way to spread the shock from the first and second impacts. Another contributing factor is the 6013 aluminum metal frame that is designed to make contact with the floor before the glass does, even on the Galaxy S6 Edge. Perhaps now the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge can be pardoned from further vicious treatment. Do you also cringe when you see expensive gadgets being mutilated in these tests?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Samsung Tomorrow
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New test reveals that BBM users stick around longer than Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp
In a recent test carried out on 22 messaging apps, including Instagram, Kik, Snapchat, Twitter and WhatsApp, BBM retained the second most amount of users after 30 days.
According to the data, 93% of all people who registered at the beginning of February, continued to use the BBM application through March. That’s pretty astonishing for an app that most would consider to be dead.
Here’s what BlackBerry had to say:
“As reported by The Information and CNBC, BBM held onto more than 93% of its users after 30 days, more than double the 43% average user retention after 30 days for all apps measured. After 60 days, 89% of BBM users remained loyal, and 82% after 90 days. Only Facebook Messenger ranked higher than BBM.”
If you’d like to see the full report over on BlackBerry’s website — hit the source link below.
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: New test reveals that BBM users stick around longer than Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp
The HTC Desire 626G+ launches in India with 5-Inch 720p display and Octa-Core processor For Rs. 16,900
HTC’s Desire 626 has been available in Taiwan for a while now, and today it has announced that a version of the handset will go on sale in India. The Desire 626G+, as it will be known in India, is a solid mid-range smartphone with a 5-inch 720p display.
As is normal for smartphones aimed at the Indian market, the Desire 626G+ sports Dual-SIM functionality although LTE is not supported. The Desire 626G+ is available in either Blue Lagoon or White Birch dual tone colour schemes, as seen in the images above. We have the full list of specifications below for you to browse. The HTC Desire 626G+ is set to go on sale at major retailers and mobile operators for around Rs. 16,900 ($270). If you are in the market for a new mid-range smartphone, does the Desire 626G+ suit your needs?
Full Press Release:
HTC DESIRE 626G+ DUAL SIM
Perfect for the sleek and stylish individual
New Delhi, 08 April, 2015 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, has announced the HTC Desire 626G+ dual sim, with its sleek, bold, vibrant colours and impressive features, placing great value in the hands of the consumers. It comes with a sharp 12.7 cm HD screen, a 13MP camera combined with HTC’s Sense user interface for a rich and enticing viewing experience.
“We are excited to share with our customers about the HTC Desire 626G+ dual sim, a truly capable high speed mobile experience for all”, said Faisal Siddiqui, President, South Asia, HTC.
Bring unforgettable moments into focus with a brilliant 13MP main camera and a 5MP front facing camera and see it all on a big bright 12.7cm screen. With its sleek and colourful design, keeping you in style, the powerful octa-core processor delivers smooth multimedia experience. Be informed with the latest news and social updates with HTC BlinkFeed.
See more do more
The HTC Desire 626G+ dual sim comes with a sharp 12.7 cm screen with stunning clarity allowing you to see more and do more. Paired with an impressive 13MP rear camera and 5MP front facing camera to take the best moments in life. With built-in self-timer and unique HTC software to create those fun and crazy snapshots to share with your family and friends. It also supports Full HD (1080 p) video recording for both the rear and front cameras – perfect for those special occasions.
Speeding away
When you watch your favourite video or playing a game, switching between tasks smoothly is effortless on the HTC Desire 626G+ dual sim. Thanks to the Octa-core 1.7GHz with Android and HTC Sense, gives you a great smooth multimedia experience. The dual sim 3G feature allows you to also do more on your favourite network giving you the freedom to speed away.
Availability
The HTC Desire 620G+ dual sim comes in Blue Lagoon & White Birch and will be available at an MOP of Rs.16,900/- with leading mobile operators and major retailers in India.
– Ends –
Come comment on this article: The HTC Desire 626G+ launches in India with 5-Inch 720p display and Octa-Core processor For Rs. 16,900
New patent application reveals possible Samsung smartwatch form for a new generation
As the smartwatch market has exploded over the last few months, one of the characteristics of the devices hitting the market is their resemblance to a wristwatch. Whether square-faced or round-faced, the devices share a common inspiration with traditional wristwatches in having a small display held in place by bands. A recently revealed patent application submitted by Samsung back in September 2013 reveals the company may have plans to break out of that mold with a wearable device that is much larger and wraps around the wrist.
The invention described in Samsung’s patent application makes use of a “wide display” sitting on a segmented base. The use of the segmented base means the device could lay flat or it could be curved, like around a wrist or forearm. This ability to support both an “annularly bent state” and a flat state is a key component to Samsung’s application. With even this limited ability to morph into different forms, the Samsung device could function not only as a wearable device providing several communication and information services, it could also function as a multimedia devices for watching images if laid or held flat.
Samsung also made sure their patent application described how a flexible display and flexible touch input layer could be incorporated into the device. This means the display and touch interactions could function properly regardless of whether the display was flat or curved.
The idea of segments being strung together, with a display laid on top, is something we have seen from Samsung before, most recently in a patent application for a flexible phone. This new patent application shows how the same concept could be used for other devices.
source: Patently Mobile
Come comment on this article: New patent application reveals possible Samsung smartwatch form for a new generation
AirDroid V3.0.4.2 Beta Release notes posted online
The folks over at AirDroid have just published a set of release notes for a beta update they plan to start rolling out soon. The upgrade will bring two new features to the app, together with a whole host of bug fixes, stability improvements and speed optimizations.
The first new feature is called “Nearby” and allows users to scan for devices that are using AirDroid on the same Wi-Fi network. Once a handset is found, they’ll easily be able to transfer files.
The second is “Friend”, which is essentially an extended feature for Nearby. If you’ve sent files to a Nearby user, you’ll have the facility to add them as a friend, so you can easily send them content when they’re not nearby.
Tap the link below to find out more about becoming a Beta Tester.
Source: AirDroid
Come comment on this article: AirDroid V3.0.4.2 Beta Release notes posted online
Apple Releases OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 With Photos for OS X App, Emoji Updates
As expected, Apple today released OS X Yosemite 10.10.3, the first significant feature-rich update the operating system has received. OS X 10.10.3 was first seeded to developers in February, and was provided to public beta testers in March.
The OS X 10.10.3 update can be downloaded through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store. OS X Yosemite Recovery Update 1.0 is also available to improve the reliability of Yosemite Recovery when restoring from a time machine backup.
The OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 update
includes the new Photos app and improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.
The update also includes the following improvements:
– Adds over 300 new Emoji characters
– Adds Spotlight suggestions to Look up
– Prevents Safari from saving website favicon URLs used in Private Browsing
– Improves stability and security in Safari
– Improves WiFi performance and connectivity in various usage scenarios
– Improves compatibility with captive Wi-Fi network environments
– Fixes an issue that may cause Bluetooth devices to disconnect
– Improves screen sharing reliability
Earlier Yosemite releases, including OS X 10.10.1 and 10.10.2, brought mostly under-the-hood bug fixes and reliability improvements to the operating system, but OS X 10.10.3 includes major new features, like the Photos for OS X app.
Designed to be a replacement for Aperture and iPhoto, Photos for OS X was first announced during the 2014 Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple promised it would see an “early 2015″ release. The Photos for OS X app takes on Yosemite-style design elements, with an emphasis on flatness and translucency, and it integrates with both iCloud Photo Library and the Photos for iOS app.
Reviews of the Photos for OS X app have suggested that while it’s a suitable replacement for iPhoto, with speed improvements and better tools than were found in iPhoto, it lacks many power features that professional users have become accustomed to in its current incarnation, like plug-ins, a loupe, brushable adjustments, and custom metadata fields.
Along with the new Photos for OS X app, OS X 10.10.3 brings a new emoji picker that consolidates emoji into a single scrollable page with clear labels, new diversified emoji and emoji skin tone modifiers, additional flag emoji and updated emoji for the iPhone, iMac, and Apple Watch.
There’s also support for Google 2-step verification when setting up accounts in System Preferences, doing away with the need for app specific passwords, and there are Force Touch APIs for developers, which will let them incorporate Force Touch gestures into their apps.
AIVAnet 