Samsung Galaxy S6 coming to Cricket Wireless on April 24th
Cricket Wireless has announced that it will also be selling the Samsung Galaxy S6. The handset will be made available in stores and through its retail website on April 24th.
Cricket Wireless’s no-contract model sees the upfront cost come in at a hefty $649.99, although this is still cheaper than some other US carrier one-off costs. If that’s a bit steep, Cricket’s new Phone Payment Plans allows customers to grab a Galaxy S6 for $19.99 up front with a smartphone plan and an approved credit card. Alternatively, Cricket’s 90 day same-as-cash option sets the price at $49.99 upfront without the need for a credit check.
For a limited time, customers moving from T-Mobile, Metro-PCS, Sprint, Boost, or other carriers, over to one of Cricket’s $50/mo or $60/mo Smart and Pro plans will receive one month of free service. This offer ends at the end of April.
There’s no news on whether or not Cricket Wireless will also be offering the Galaxy S6 Edge at some point.
More Galaxy S6 coverage
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Apple Now Awarding Up to 350 WWDC Scholarships for Students
Apple will award up to 350 students and developers belonging to select STEM organizations that promote diversity with scholarships to attend its recently announced Worldwide Developers Conference next June 8 to 12 in San Francisco, as spotted by Re/code. The company previously limited WWDC scholarships to 200 students and developers at past conferences, and is raising that limit in an effort to promote diversity within the developer community.
WWDC scholarships are available to students aged 13 or older and members of participating organizations around the world that promote science, technology, engineering and math education for young women and other ethnic groups. Apple awards selected students with a free WWDC ticket, normally $1,599, and may cover travel and accommodation costs at its discretion. All other expenses incurred during the trip must be covered by the student.
WWDC scholarship submissions, including a Mac or iOS app, can be made April 22 at 10:00 AM PDT through April 26 at 5:00 PM PDT, and all applicants will be notified about their selection status by May 8. Apple specifies that developers between 13-17 years of age must have their submission completed by their parent or guardian. Eligible students can read Apple’s WWDC Scholarships page and WWDC Scholarship Guidelines and Terms for more information.
‘Glide’ Update Brings Video And Text Messaging Service to Apple Watch [iOS Blog]
Every day more and more companies announce Apple Watch versions of popular iOS apps. The trend continues today, with video and photo messaging app Glide confirming a companion app on Apple’s new wearable will be available to its users when the Watch launches on April 24.
The Glide iPhone app allows users to send and receive live video messages from friends – up to five minutes long – even letting its users watch someone live as they record a Glide video, or catch up later if they missed anything.
The Apple Watch version will act as a companion to its iOS counterpart, notifying users of live Glides, missed messages, and allow them to peruse the app and watch videos right on their wrist. The wrist-worn app will only allow users to preview full video messages, however, pointing them towards the iPhone to view the full-length versions.
The app, like Apple’s own Messages, will also allow users to send truncated text, emojis, or use speech-to-text to dictate a response to someone’s Glide video. It will also support Handoff, so users can go from watching a video on the Watch to an iPhone without missing a single beat.
Although impossible with the current Apple Watch hardware, Glide CEO Ari Roisman looks to the future to envision Glide and future iterations of the Apple Watch – with a front-facing camera – working together to provide incomparable video chatting services to users right on their wrists. Speaking to VentureBeat, Roisman believes that live video messaging, via wrist-worn devices, will become the most widely used way in which to catch-up with friends and family, possibly even without a paired smartphone.
“We are very bullish on the Apple Watch and believe that live video messaging from your wrist will rapidly become the easiest way to keep in touch with friends and family on the go,” said Glide CEO Ari Roisman in a statement.
“We are going to be communicating with computers using natural language, in the same way we communicate with humans,” Roisman said. “What that feels like is what we’ve been dreaming up in the world of science fiction for years. This is nothing short of epic, and the Apple Watch is just the first, tiny little half-baked manifestation of that, but it’s here.”
Roisman’s hopeful future is no doubt far away, but it’s still interesting to note how current app developers, with their own skin in the Apple Watch game, view not only the device’s current state but its long-term future, as well.
Glide can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Coppertino Launches New VOX Music Player for iOS, LOOP Music Locker With Limited Time Discount [Mac Blog]
Last month we shared news of Coppertino’s upcoming VOX Music Player for iOS and its new LOOP music locker, and some MacRumors readers helped beta test the new products. As of today, Coppertino is launching the new LOOP music storage service, updating its Mac app, and releasing its new iOS app.
Coppertino has had a VOX Music Player app for the Mac since 2013, but today’s iOS app release marks the company’s first expansion to Apple’s mobile devices. Like the Mac app, the iOS app is designed to play any type of music file, including high-quality FLAC files.
VOX for iPhone’s key features include:
– Support for nearly all lossless (FLAC) and lossy (MP3) file formats;
– Full quality playback with no downscaling or converting;
– Proprietary BASS engine delivers crystal clear audio and even makes and MP3 sounds amazing;
– Easy iTunes integration including playlists;
– Soundcloud, Last FM and other third-party integration.
Along with the iOS app, Coppertino is also debuting its cloud-based music locker service, LOOP. LOOP is built into both the VOX Music Player for Mac and the new iOS app, offering users unlimited cloud-based storage for all of their music files. Songs stored in LOOP can be streamed in full quality to any device using the VOX Mac and iOS apps, and songs can be cached for offline playing.
Unlike many popular music lockers like iTunes Match and Google Play Music, LOOP is able to support any type of audio file, including FLAC, playing songs natively through the VOX apps with no transcoding. VOX Music Player for iOS and Mac are free, but using the LOOP cloud music storage service requires a subscription that’s priced at $49.99 per year or $4.99 per month.
Key LOOP features include:
– Infinite storage space for nearly any audio file, from FLAC, CUE, WAV, MP3 and more;
– High-quality playback on iPhone or Mac;
– Manage, organize and play your entire music collection on iPhone or Mac;
– Unlimited offline playback and cache for music on the go.
MacRumors readers who beta tested the LOOP music service have the option to purchase a subscription at the discounted price of $34.99 to thank them for their help, but Coppertino is also providing all MacRumors readers with a $10 discount. Any MacRumors reader who subscribes to the LOOP music service between 10 a.m. Eastern Time and 5 p.m. Eastern Time on April 15 will be able to get a year of LOOP service for $39.99 instead of $49.99.
VOX Music Player for Mac can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free. [Direct Link]
The new Vox Music Player app for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free and should be rolling out now. [Direct Link]
AiAiAi’s TMA-2 modular headphone lets you design the perfect pair
AiAiAi makes headphones (mostly). Historically, the Danish company has struck a good balance between understated cool, and audio quality (for the price of admission). The popular TMA-1 series spawned a few variations aimed at different use cases, such as a DJ model, and a Studio pair (and some special editions). Today, AiAiAi introduces The TMA-2. This isn’t a sequel though, it’s a rethink: break all the different editions up into parts; let buyers combine the bits they want to create their perfect set.
Modular headphones have been tried before, but often with more focus on cosmetic components. The TMA-2 system (literally) breaks headphones down into four configurable elements: headbands, cables, speaker units and earpads. If you loved the TMA-1 DJ edition, but wanted the snuggly earpads that came with the Young Guru model, with TMA-2 you can. The system launches with four different driver units (“all-round, punch, warm and vibrant” — no open back options yet) and five earpads (microfiber and PU leather in on- and over-ear styles, and velour on-ear), for a total of 20 different sound profiles. Fortunately, AiAiAi has made a list of every combo, with a synopsis of how it should sound.
This configuration gives a very open and detailed sound with focus on mids and highs. The bass has a slight roll off. Wide sound stage and medium isolation. (S01 – E03)
To make things easier, AiAiAi sells four “starter” presets that are, essentially, the varieties of TMA-1 you could get before (DJ, Studio, Young Guru and “all-rounder). From there, you can mix and match as you see fit (or just build your own set from scratch). The cost of each component varies, with speaker units starting at $65, and pads and bands around the $35 – $50 mark. How many variations you need is up to you, but be careful, there’s definitely scope for the “collector’s itch” to kick in, and the next thing you know you’ve got them all. Crafty AiAiAi. The good news is, if you already own the TMA-1, the new components will upgrade your current set, too.
From a design point of view, TMA-1 is so understated (every component is black, the core materials aren’t flashy chrome, wood or leather) that your configuration choice is almost entirely based on comfort and sound. It’s nice for the focus to be on fit and function first. New colors wouldn’t be difficult to introduce later, but the launch is all about functionality. AiAiAi hopes TMA-2 will be a way to easily introduce new features quickly and affordably.
I tried two configurations that closely resemble the DJ ($200) and Young Guru ($260) presets. A deliberate choice given I had exposure to both of these headphones already. Assembly is simple, cables twist and lock in, ear pads clip on, and cups and headband slide easily into place. Dare I say it, it’s weirdly satisfying, like building flat pack furniture. The two sound profiles created by the different ear pads and speaker units are easy to tell apart, and match AiAiAi’s (admittedly broad) description. On a personal level, I find the DJ preset pleasing, but lacking in the mid-high frequencies. But that’s okay, because I also have the speaker unit that’s more of an all-rounder. Goal achieved.
Right now, the choice is limited to closed-back, on- and over ear headphones. But, there’s no reason why this couldn’t expand into the whole gamut of headphone types (in ear, sports, wrap-around and so on). Or, even more advanced configurations (angle of the driver etc.) if the idea catches on.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Source: AiAiAi
The Galaxy S6 is more durable than the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Galaxy S6 Edge, and even the Galaxy S5
SquareTrade already started a swarm of speculation that the Galaxy S6 Edge is more bendable than the iPhone 6 Plus, but this new video is a little more positive for Samsung.
It pits the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 plus against each other to find out how they compare as far as durability. The Galaxy S6 took 1st place overall, which is surprising in that I would have figured that the S5 would win this one. The S6 was found to be the least bendable at 110 pounds of pressure, and all three Galaxy phones survived the drop test with flying colors.
The S6 came in with a Breakability Score of 4, which is considered medium risk. Here’s the complete rundown of the results….
- Galaxy S6 4.0
- Galaxy S5 4.5
- iPhone 6 4.5
- Galaxy S6 Edge 5.0
- iPhone 6 Plus 6.0
Check out the video below showing the above mentioned tests as well as a slide test and dunking test, in which each phone was submerged in water for 10 seconds.
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: VentureBeat
Come comment on this article: The Galaxy S6 is more durable than the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Galaxy S6 Edge, and even the Galaxy S5
Mario Kart 8’s super-fast 200cc class almost made me puke
It could’ve been the latent heatstroke setting in from the three days I spent tut-tutting millennials under my breath at Coachella, or the five coffees I’d drunk to sustain some form of consciousness. But when I finished playing a demo of the new 200cc level in Mario Kart 8 with some folks from Nintendo on Monday, my eyes felt looser in their sockets and a barely containable feeling of nausea lingered in my gut for about an hour. It was as if I’d come off a roller coaster — like one of those daring, metallic serpents from Six Flags or Busch Gardens in the ’80s that jolted you just a bit too much and gave the impression you’d nearly avoided whiplash.
All of which is to say, 200cc is not for the weak. It is stupid fast and stupid good.
I’m a die-hard fan of the original WipeOut, the futuristic racer that helped catapult the PlayStation to success. Fans of that game will probably remember how frustrating and undeniably thrilling it was to play in Rapier class, that game’s unlockable ultra-fast mode. Mario Kart’s 200cc mode (which arrives as a free update on April 23rd) is like that. It’s maddening in a way that somehow makes you smile. And it requires an essential mastery of sliding, and in-depth knowledge of each track’s every nuance to avoid repeatedly running your cart off the track or slamming into walls. You’ll also have to carefully consider how you weight your racer — i.e., cart style, wheels and glider — to make those deft turns.
It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-all-the-things level of pandemonium. And I can’t wait to play it (and nearly puke) again.
[Image credit: Nintendo]
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European Commission launches antitrust investigation into Android
Following three years of scrutiny, the European Commission is to formally investigate claims that Google is abusing its Android operating system to unfairly gain market share for its services and software.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications, excessively bundled its apps with other essential services or APIs, and if the company has illegally prevented manufacturers from running modified versions of the open-source Android operating system.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications
One of the key causes for the commission’s concern is Google’s controversial approach to controlling its operating system. By preventing forked versions of Android from running its software, Google locks them out of important services like the Play Store.
There are also an increasing number of pre-installed Google services that ship with new devices, which may unfairly disadvantage competeing applications. Chrome, Hangouts, and Youtube are just a handful of the Google owned applications found pre-installed on smartphones these days, and the commision wants to know if manufacturers are being forced or incentivised to exclusively pre-install Google’s apps.
In its defence, Google has responded by suggesting that Android has helped offer users more choice than was available before. Google cites carrier and manufacturer choices to pre-install rival services, such as Facebook or Microsoft’s Office, and its anti-fragmentation agreement, which stipulates that apps work across a range of different Android devices, as part of its rebuttal.
Google says that Android has helped offer users more choice
Google is also keen to point out that it ships far fewer Google apps on Android phones than Apple does on iOS devices. However, the two have rather different business approaches.
Furthermore, the European Commission has formally accused Google of breaching antitrust laws. Specifically, by abusing its dominant position in the search engine space to promote its own services ahead of more relevant results from its rivals.
The EU regulator states that it is “concerned that users do not necessarily see the most relevant results in response to queries—to the detriment of consumers and rival comparison shopping services, as well as stifling innovation.” A final decision regarding the search case could be made before the end of the year. If supported, the commission may impose large fines and injunctions against Google that would affect its European business.
Again Google has already responded, showcasing a selection of the most popular shopping and travel sites in Europe, with Google’s own services ranking among the lowest. Google claims that innovation and competition has increased in these markets, not slowed, and believes that it has a very strong case against these charges.
As for the investigation into Android, Google will be discussing the commission’s concerns in the coming months and any decision could take a considerable length of time. Do you think that the European Commission is right to try and keep Google in check or might these claims unreasonably hamper Google’s ability to offer high-quality services in Europe?
Retina MacBook Teardown Reveals iPad-Like Battery Connector, Details Force Touch Trackpad
After Apple revealed the new 12-inch Retina MacBook at its March “Spring Forward” event, the performance and speed of the sleek-but-slightly-underpowered machine came into question by many. Unlike the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, the Retina MacBook comes with an Intel Core M Processor and provides only a single USB-C port to double as an accessory and charging port.
Today, iFixit answered some of those early questions in its teardown of the new MacBook, revealing a few unsurprising details of the base model MacBook, which includes a 1.1GHz processor, 12-inch Retina display, 256GB of flash storage and Intel HD Graphics 5300. What the company did find that was surprising was a battery connector hidden under the logic board, just one of a few internal comparisons to Apple’s iPad line made with the new MacBook.
Next, iFixit looked at Apple’s new method of tapered battery cells, finding the glued-down cells particularly challenging to remove and replace. Finally emerging from the MacBook’s innards, the company discovered a 7.55 V, 39.71 Wh, and 5263 mAh battery, what iFixit calls “just a hair more” powerful than this year’s 5100 mAh 11-inch MacBook Air.
Lastly the teardown focuses on the MacBook’s much-touted Force Touch trackpad, which iFixit calls a “slimmer, daintier version” of the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s trackpad. Delving further, the repair website found a Broadcom BCM5976 touchscreen controller, ST Microelectronics 32F103 ARM Cortex-M based microcontroller, and Linear Technology LT3954 LED Converter with Internal PWM Generator as the main trio of chips running the new trackpad.
All of iFixit’s breakdown resulted in a repairability score of 1 out of 10 for the new MacBook, a 10 being easiest to repair. The company points to Apple’s proprietary pentalobe screws surrounding the outside case, the tricky-to-remove tapered batteries, and the processor, RAM, and flash memory being soldered to the double-sided logic board as main reasons for the score.
iFixit’s full teardown is worth a read, showing intricate details of the Retina MacBook’s double-sided logic board and new USB-C connection port. The 12-inch Retina MacBook went on sale on Apple’s online store last Friday, April 10, along with pre-orders of the Apple Watch.
Although the base 1.1GHz version of the MacBook appeared to many as an underpowered machine, recent benchmarks of the 1.2GHz model showcased decent speed and power boosts over its entry-level counterpart. No doubt more will be known when consumers begin receiving their MacBooks in the mail, especially regarding the 1.3GHz model, currently at a mid-May dispatch date due to its made-to-order upgrade parts.
AIVAnet 