Last chance: Noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones for under $25
I can’t think of anything more trivially infuriating than my ear buds being ripped from my ears after getting snagged on a doorknob or crowded subway passenger’s arm. The Feather Buds from TOCCs are a perfect fit for folks looking to cut the cord from their wired earbuds without dropping beaucoup bucks for the Bluetooth upgrade.
These headphones are lightweight and tangle-free so you won’t be encumbered by heavy tech on your head nor will you have to worry about unwinding a tangled heap of cord. The Bluetooth transmission is rated for 30ft and we’ve heard feedback of roughly 5 hours active-use, 50 hour standby, battery life. Three sizes of comfort-gel earbuds are included to ensure a perfect fit. There’s also a built-in mic and remote to make calls and control your phone’s audio playback.
AndroidGuys readers can snag these awesome earbuds today for just $24.99 (free shipping) over at our deals page. I’ve had a good experience with the Plantronics BackBeat GO 2 but am certainly going to snag these TOCCs. At this price, grabbing a few pairs for gifts might not be a bad idea.
Check this deal out, and many others at deals.androidguys.com!
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Cyanogen will include Microsoft apps in its Cyanogen OS
In what can only be described as an interesting turn of events for the Android ecosystem, Cyanogen today is reporting that they will be partnering with Microsoft to bring and integrate the tech giants many apps and services right into Cyanogen OS. This would include services like Bing, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook and Microsoft Office. What this means exactly is not yet known, but hopefully Cyanogen OS will remain true to its Android roots and not steer towards becoming another version of Windows.
While it’s no secret that Cyanogen and Google have had a strained relationship over the years, it is still odd to see Microsoft directly investing in one of its competitors. Who knows, maybe it will pay off for everyone in the end. For now, we can only sit back and ponder. For more information regarding the partnership, you can follow the link below.
Source: Digital Journal
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The ‘texting thumb’ injury is becoming more common thanks to increased smartphone usage
Smartphones and tablets have so many uses, from texting to playing games on them, using them as e-readers or sat-nav devices, and sometimes, just sometimes, we even make phone calls on them. A well-known side-effect of these electronic devices is that people can often become more interested in what is on the display they are holding and not what is going on in real-life. But the side-effect we are going to discuss today though is where smartphones and tablets are impacting on our thumbs and wrists, as explained by Dr. Dori Cage, an orthopedic surgeon in San Diego.
The condition is called ‘texting thumb’ and it is the result of spending too much time tapping on a smartphone or tablet display. The repetition of the tapping action takes its toll on our thumbs and wrists, leading to a repetitive stress injury (RSI). Dr. Cage says that she first saw the injury in a patient with a suspected torn tendon in the hand. The cause of the injury was spending too much time playing Candy Crush Saga.
“Any action…you do over and over again, you can overdo it.” Dr. Cage said.
There’s no need to pick up the pitchforks, this isn’t some anti-technology rant ending with the advice that we go back to knitting or perhaps whittling a piece of wood. The fact is that this isn’t a new type of injury at all. It’s just becoming more common because most of us use smartphones and tablets in our daily lives. Repetitive stress injuries have been seen throughout the ages in people doing old-fashioned tasks such as needlepoint, knitting, tailoring, sending telegraphs and yes, even whittling pieces of wood. The injury can occur anytime that you are using your hands to perform a repetitive action.
How can we tell if we already have signs of this ‘texting thumb’ or repetitive stress injury? If you have noticed that your hands are painful, your thumb feels strangely weak/numb or your wrist is in discomfort, you should probably put the device down for a while or at least swap hands. Just as an example, my other half has recently discovered that her thumb is quite sore, the result of holding her tablet for extended sessions whilst reading. Now she is having to hold her smartphone and tablet differently to give her strained thumb a well-deserved breather.
One way to minimise the risk is to try to hold your devices differently, either change hands or rest the device on your knee or another surface. Another method is to change how you interact with your device, i.e. if you usually tap with your thumb, why not try tapping with your index finger for a while. Basically, you need to change things up, alternate the actions to lower the risk. Another method is to use a virtual assistant such as Samsung’s S-Voice or the Ok Google command on your Android device, although I’m unsure how it will help when playing Plants vs Zombies…
It should go without saying that if your thumbs, hands or wrists give you pain while using your device, then you should probably make an appointment with your doctor to see what avenues of treatment are available to you. In the meantime, let’s be careful out there people. It might be interesting to count how many times you tap the display during the day and then see if you can use your other hand or fingers to lighten the load on your dominant hand or thumb.
Source: U-TSanDiego
Via: Engadget
Come comment on this article: The ‘texting thumb’ injury is becoming more common thanks to increased smartphone usage
Cyanogen OS will now come with Microsoft apps pre-installed
Remember when it was rumored that Microsoft was investing in Cyanogen? That turned out to be untrue, but they were obviously working together since they just announced a new partnership.
The Cyanogen OS will now include Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
Why is Cyanogen doing this? They are trying to separate themselves with Google by offering phone manufacturers a complete software package so they don’t need to hire a development team. This makes it easier for manufacturers in developing countries to manufacture a phone much quicker. Cyanogen doesn’t want to offer Google app on these phones, so they have gone to Microsoft for a deal that brings people similar services.
It’s a win win since Cyanogen now has a more “complete” OS and Microsoft gets more exposure for the apps since nobody is buying Windows phones.
Microsoft has been going other similar deals in that they are lowering their patent licensing fees they charge to other Android manufacturers in exchange for pre-installing some of their apps.
Full Press Release
Cyanogen Announces Strategic Partnership With Microsoft
Cyanogen Open OS Platform to Offer Microsoft Services Later This Year
PALO ALTO, CA–(Marketwired – April 16, 2015) – Cyanogen Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced a partnership to integrate popular Microsoft services across the Cyanogen Operating System. With offices in Palo Alto and Seattle, Cyanogen is a leading mobile operating system company that is evolving the Android platform to create a more open, level playing field for third-party developed apps and services.
Under the partnership, Cyanogen will integrate and distribute Microsoft’s consumer apps and services across core categories, including productivity, messaging, utilities, and cloud-based services. As part of this collaboration, Microsoft will create native integrations on Cyanogen OS, enabling a powerful new class of experiences.
“People around the world use Cyanogen’s operating system and popular Microsoft services to engage with what matters most to them on their mobile devices,” said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. “This exciting partnership with Microsoft will enable us to bring new kinds of integrated services to mobile users in markets around the world.”
“We aspire to have our tools within arm’s reach of everyone, to empower them in all aspects of their lives. This partnership represents another important step towards that ambition,” said Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Microsoft Corp. “We’ll continue to deliver world-class experiences across productivity and communications on Windows, and we’re delighted that Cyanogen users will soon be able to take advantage of those same powerful services.”
The distribution arrangement includes a number of Microsoft services: Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
About Cyanogen Inc.
Cyanogen is reimagining mobile computing, giving power to the people to customize their mobile device and content experiences. The CYANOGEN® operating system is built on Android and known for its revolutionary personalization features, intuitive interface, speed, improved battery life, and enhanced security. With a rapidly growing global user base and a vibrant community of developers, we’re intelligently connecting smartphone and tablet consumers to people, apps, and things they love. For more information, visit Cyanogen’s website, Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Here’s how much a battery replacement for the Galaxy S6 will set you back
Earlier today, Samsung announced that a replacement battery for the new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will cost $45. Whilst that may seem a little on the cheap side, customers will also have to cover the cost of shipping, which is currently unknown, but not likely to be inexpensive seeing as you’ll have to pay to have the value of your handset protected by insurance, too.
According to a Samsung spokesperson, “the Galaxy S6 battery has a one-year warranty. If its maximum capacity drops below 80 percent of its initial level during that year, your replacement is free (although you still have to pay for the shipping.)”
The replacement will take one business day from the date the company receives your device. However, if you’re situated in Los Angeles or Plano, Texas, and don’t feel like waiting, you can head over to a Samsung walk-in repair centre where they’ll swap the battery while you wait.
Source: PC Mag
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The MergeVR will go on sale this fall for just $129
Merge Labs has published a press release detailing availability information for its upcoming mass-market virtual reality player, the MergeVR. The Texas startup intends to launch its virtual reality goggles and motion controller in the United States for $129 starting this fall.
“We want to give people the opportunity to experience things they never thought possible, whether it’s flying through space, exploring a fantasy world, watching favorite musicians perform live in their own living room, or connecting with a loved one in a new way,” said Franklin Lyons, the founder and CEO of Merge Labs.
The full press release can be seen below:
MergeVR today announced it’s bringing the immersive experience of virtual reality to millions of Android and iOS smartphone owners this fall. The world’s most comfortable VR Goggles and proprietary VR Motion Controller will be available in the U.S. at a consumer friendly MSRP of $129.
“The combination of mass consumer price point and downloadable apps could make this technology accessible to a really large audience, which we haven’t seen to date,” notes John Taylor, President of Arcadia Investments, and industry analyst. “I look forward to seeing this integrated with games and other entertainment apps.”
MergeVR Goggles are compatible with millions of Android and iOS smartphones, including larger sizes like the iPhone 6+. In addition to MergeVR’s own exclusive experiences, the MergeVR Goggles are compatible with VR apps and 360-degree video already on Google Play and in Apple’s App Store, making them the most comfortable option for enjoying the rapidly expanding amount of content already available.
The Merge Goggles are uniquely different than any other product in the marketplace. Designed from a high-end, durable, soft, and flexible foam, the Merge Goggles have a friendly feel, and fit comfortably on anyone’s face. The proprietary foam formulation is hygienic and has a smooth surface that can be easily cleaned. Designed with everyday use in mind, Merge Goggles are meant to be stuffed into a backpack, tossed on the sofa, and taken on the go.
Handheld Motion Controller For Mobile VR
The MergeVR Controller, a wireless handheld motion controller specifically designed for mobile virtual reality, lets users navigate virtual worlds with the click of a button, as well as enable new gameplay and controls never possible before in mobile VR. The wireless 9 input (8 buttons plus a thumbstick), 9-axis motion controller is a long awaited solution to the industry’s search for a simple, easy way to enhance the amazing potential of virtual reality for the everyday consumer.
“What we’ve created is fun, easy to use, and affordable,” says Andrew Trickett, Cofounder of MergeVR. “We’ve designed a truly consumer friendly, ground breaking product. We’re confident that MergeVR offers the best experience in mobile virtual reality.”
MergeVR is partnering with top game and app developers to build virtual reality experiences, the vast majority of which are being developed with leading game engine Unity 3D. Developers can contact MergeVR for more information about its Launch Partners Program, which is well underway.
“Merge has been very savvy in leveraging the power of Unity, making it easy for the community of Unity developers to create and port VR apps for its platform,” says Pete Moss, Software Engineer and “VR Ambassador” at Unity Technologies. “Merge is creating a very attractive entry point for consumers to experience VR and AR, likely using smartphone hardware which they may already own today.”
Come comment on this article: The MergeVR will go on sale this fall for just $129
Android 5.0.1 update for the Galaxy S4 now rolling out in Canada
If you own a Galaxy S4 and reside in Canada, it’s your luck day as Bell, Virgin Mobile, Telus, Koodo and Sasktel has just begun pushing out the much-anticipated Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update to all unlocked variants of the handset located in the region.
All the changes you’d expect to find are bundled into this upgrade, including support for multiple accounts, improved notifications, a smoother multitasking experience and the recently-announced Material Design guidelines.
As is customary with all manufacturer updates, the upgrade is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device, you can search for the update manually. To do so simply follow the four steps below:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”
- Hit “System Updates”
- Tap on “Check for update”
Come comment on this article: Android 5.0.1 update for the Galaxy S4 now rolling out in Canada
Samsung looking for partners to design themes
One of the more recent additions to Samsung’s Touchwiz interface is the ability to load themes. Themes go beyond changing the wallpaper as related assets like buttons, some interface colors, fonts and icons are also updated. In addition to adding this new feature to their UI, Samsung is also working on opening a “theme store” where users can grab new themes to match a mood or look that they may be interested in loading. To help populate that store with content, Samsung is reaching out to designers and inviting them to partner with Samsung.
A new splash page on the web site for the forthcoming Galaxy theme store is asking designers to submit references and a portfolio of work, along with a brief introduction, for review by the tech giant. Once reviewed, and if approved, Samsung indicates the designers, which could include characters, brands, and others, may see their content made available through the theme store.
This new store will be another option for users to theme their device as Samsung has previously indicated they have plans to release an app for anyone to create their own theme.
source: Galaxy Theme Store
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‘iPad Pro’ Cases Increasing in Quality Ahead of Rumored Fall Launch
From design mockups to purported case leaks, the much-rumored “iPad Pro” has been steadily building steam for the past few months. Today, several new cases apparently designed for Apple’s iPad Pro have been leaked, and one in particular is far more detailed than any previously released (via SonnyDickson.com).
The notable new case leaked today is the first to feature a tri-fold design with a fabric cover, marking a substantial increase in complexity over the simple soft plastic cases seen previously. This increased complexity could be a sign that case manufacturers are increasingly confident in the iPad Pro’s design specs and thus willing to invest in more expensive case designs such as this even months ahead of the expected launch.
Recent rumors point towards the iPad Pro’s screen measuring between 12.2- and 12.9-inches, with the expected array of cutouts for the volume rockers, back-facing camera, lock button, and a charging port. The newly leaked cases have cutouts for all of these features, including what appear to be speakers at both the top and bottom of the device, in line with previous rumors surrounding the tablet.
The new cases also include the mysterious cutout on the left side of the device. Some previous rumored cases have included the cutout, with rumors variously suggesting it could be for a SIM-card tray on cellular models, a second Lightning port, or perhaps a USB-C port. The Wall Street Journal previously claimed Apple is indeed considering including USB on the iPad Pro.
As is always worth pointing out, these early case designs could still be far off from the actual design of whatever the iPad Pro turns out to be, due to case manufacturers creating molds off of leaked or unsubstantiated design elements. But while there have been some notable misses over the years, case designs have generally proven accurate indicators of upcoming product designs.
The latest rumors peg the iPad Pro as perhaps having a triple-core A8X processor, 2 GB of RAM, Touch ID, and possibly shipping with a first-party Apple manufactured stylus accessory. Release date rumors have fluctuated significantly as Apple as reportedly pushed back its internal timeline several times. The latest rumors suggest production could begin in September, perhaps setting up for an October launch alongside a refresh of the existing iPad lineup.
Daily Roundup: Surface 3 and Alcatel OneTouch Watch reviews and more!
In today’s Daily Roundup, find out what we think about Microsoft’s latest laptop / tablet hybrid, the Surface 3. You can also read our review of the Alcatel OneTouch Watch and see a high definition video of SpaceX’s attempt at landing a rocket on its drone barge.
Surface 3 review: Finally, a cheap Surface you’d actually want
Once again, the third time’s the charm for Microsoft’s Surface lineup – for the most part. Last year’s Surface Pro 3 was the software giant’s most compelling implementation yet of its hybrid laptop/tablet concept. Now we have the Surface 3, the third entry in its cheaper Surface lineup. And while it may look similar to its predecessors, it’s actually a completely different beast. It’s a $499 Surface tablet that can actually run all of the Windows programs you’re used to, not just Windows 8 apps.
Alcatel OneTouch Watch review: No beginner’s luck here
The Alcatel OneTouch name doesn’t exactly conjure up images of premium, fashion-forward devices, but that hasn’t stopped the company from dreaming big with its first smartwatch. To add steam to the Alcatel OneTouch Watch hype train, the company’s design brass went as far as telling our own Richard Lai that the company’s gunning to be the Zara of the wearable world. Not a style guru? Essentially, Alcatel’s been trying to cook up a fashion-forward smartwatch without a price tag that’ll make your wallet groan.
Here’s video of SpaceX’s rocket landing, and the explosion
Yesterday SpaceX made another unsuccessful try at landing a Falcon 9 first stage on a barge in the ocean, but the fuzzy Vine clip posted cut off right before things got exciting. Today, the company posted a longer, higher res video. Now, you can see exactly what happens when one of those 200-foot tall rockets misses the mark.
The beautiful cyberpunk game that turned two brothers into developers
Tim and Adrien Soret, brothers from Paris, were quietly developing a Studio Ghibli-inspired dark fantasy game when the Cyberpunk Jam digitally rolled into town in early 2014. They took a break from their existing development schedule to build a completely new experience, a pixelated, neon-infused, sci-fi homage to some of their favorite childhood titles – Another World, Flashback and Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee.
Huawei’s flagship P8 smartphone is all about the fancy camera
Huawei’s come a long way since it shook its ODM label and started making devices for consumers, too. It’s now the fourth biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world, and in the past year, we’ve seen the company unveil new phones big and small, as well as new wearables including an Android Wear smartwatch. Aside from a few special-edition variants, though, the Ascend P7 has remained Huawei’s flagship product for almost a year, so it’s high time for a successor to take that mantle.
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.
Chess champ’s high-tech cheating scheme involved an iPod touch
Georgian chess champion Gaioz Nigalidze has been kicked out and banned from the Dubai Open Chess Tournament after he was caught cheating. What exactly did he do, you ask? Well, he got help from a chess app running on an iPod touch. His opponent, Armenian grandmaster Tigran Petrosian, grew suspicious as Nigalidze literally ran to the toilet a few times (remember, a match can go on for hours) and visited the same cubicle.
Filed under: Misc
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