Reminder: Apple Watch Pre-Orders Have Standard 14-Day Return Policy [iOS Blog]
While the wait continues for Apple Watch pre-orders to be processed and prepared for shipment, it is worth a reminder that the wrist-worn device has the same standard 14-day return policy as other Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple Watch Edition models can only be returned if they are determined to be in original condition after passing inspection at an offsite Apple facility.
The 14-day return policy applies to the date that the customer receives the Apple Watch, meaning that those who pre-ordered the device can rest assured that they will have a full two weeks to test the smartwatch before having to return it. Apple Watch pre-orders made online can be shipped back to Apple or brought to an Apple Store in the same country of purchase for a refund in the original form of tender.
A growing number of users have turned to the MacRumors forums to discuss about their Apple Watch pre-orders, with the conversation divided into three threads based on shipping estimates of 4/24—5/8, 4-6 weeks or June. Given that Apple Watch supply appears to be limited, it remains unknown how many customers will have their pre-order fulfilled by launch day on April 24. Choose your thread and share what you think.
Forum Discussion Threads
- 4/24—5/8 Delivery Estimate Discussion
- 4-6 Weeks (May 13—27) Delivery Estimate Discussion
- June Delivery Estimate Discussion
Apple Watch pre-orders began on April 10 at 12:01 AM Pacific in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and United Kingdom, and completely sold out in less than six hours on the U.S. storefront. While some early customers received a shipping estimate of 4/24—5/8 for certain Apple Watch models, many others were given a delivery estimate of 4-6 weeks or June.
Latest rumor says Sony Xperia Z4 to have metal chassis, fingerprint scanner
While we wait for April 20th to roll around to see whether Sony goes ahead and officially announces the Sony Xperia Z4 smartphone, a new rumor has surfaced with some new details about the device. According to sources, the Z4 will join the ranks of devices constructed of an all-metal body. If true, it is not clear what Sony will do for the back cover as the Z series of devices have had a glass back that Sony developed.
The other news that came out with this latest rumor is that Sony will be adding a fingerprint scanner to the device. For flagship devices hitting the market this year, a fingerprint scanner is not very unique, but Sony may be trying to make their solution a bit different. Reports indicate Sony plans to embed the sensor in the power button. Such a placement would be unique and in a thin smartphone like the Z4 will likely be a challenge to make happen. Putting the scanner in the power button may make it easier for users to access, although it would be interesting to see if it result in users inadvertently turning off their devices when they really intend to authorize something like a payment.
According to the source of this most recent leak, the Xperia Z4 will not be released until September. An updates Xperia Z3, known as the Xperia Z3 Neo will be the device released next week. This strategy is a bit at odds with previous statements from Sony that they follow a six month flagship release cycle instead of the annual cycle most other manufacturers follow.
source: @vizileaks
via: phoneArena
Come comment on this article: Latest rumor says Sony Xperia Z4 to have metal chassis, fingerprint scanner
Field Trip app updated with Android Wear support
Google’s Niantic Labs development team has been responsible for the Field Trip app that keeps you updated on important info about your surroundings. The team is updating the app today, bringing support for our favorite wearable tech platform.
Field Trip now how full Android Wear support, so instead of having to pull out your phone for local information, you can just glance at your wrist. The app detects when you’re near an interesting location and displays a relevant card on your Android Wear watch.
The app is good for finding out cool things like historical facts and info, but it’ll also update you on restaurants and shopping destinations. Definitely a handy app if you like to travel often.
source: Field Tripper
Come comment on this article: Field Trip app updated with Android Wear support
Certain Microsoft apps won’t be preloaded on the AT&T and Verizon Galaxy S6
Surprise, surprise. AT&T and Verizon are altering what software ships on the Galaxy S6, limiting some of the preloaded Microsoft apps available. When it was first announced, the S6 was supposed to ship with Skype, OneNote, and OneDrive pre-installed. No one likes bloatware, but Skype and OneNote are actually pretty useful apps, and Samsung and Microsoft were tossing in 100 GB of free space of OneDrive storage, so it wasn’t an awful deal. In fact, it was probably one of the better app/service partnerships we’ve seen on a device.
Unfortunately, Verizon has removed all three of those apps from their variant of the device, while AT&T has removed the OneDrive app. This means that S6 users on the two biggest networks in the US won’t get that free OneDrive space, and Microsoft loses a ton of visibility. The carriers said if customers wanted the apps, they were free to download them from the Play Store on their devices. Too bad that policy doesn’t apply to carrier apps, too.
Any AT&T or Verizon customers disappointed with their carrier’s decisions?
source: Wall Street Journal
Come comment on this article: Certain Microsoft apps won’t be preloaded on the AT&T and Verizon Galaxy S6
App indexing could help with driving app installs
With the amount of time and effort developers put into their apps, it would be a shame to have it not reach it’s full potential with installs. Google understands this and has your back as the company announced today that App Indexing will help bolster the number of people that may install an app by making it visible directly on Google.
When a developer uses App Indexing, his or her app will pop up to install when Google users search something on Google on Android devices and the app has relevant indexed content. From there, users are directed to the Play Store where they can download your app. If and when they do, that content they were searching for will load in the app.
To get started, developers should head here. After that, your app may just start popping up during relevant searches.
source: Google
Come comment on this article: App indexing could help with driving app installs
Recon Instruments’ Jet smart glasses starts shipping this week
This week, consumers that ordered the Recon Instruments Jet smart glasses are receiving shipping confirmations in their inboxes. Recon Instruments confirmed that their smart glasses have started to ship and will arrive on consumers’ doorsteps within the next few days. The Jet is built for those with active lifestyles and only displays information when necessary. It has a decent amount of useful features including point-of-view recording and navigation. Since the Jet will likely be used by cyclists and other people who move with great speed, Recon Instruments used durable materials to maintain its quality.
The Recon Instruments Jet is available in black or white for $699.
Source: Recon Instruments
Come comment on this article: Recon Instruments’ Jet smart glasses starts shipping this week
New Samsung Push Service update could help with S6 battery complaints
While the Galaxy S6 has been coveted as one of the best Samsung phones to date, there have been some complaints regarding the battery being less than awesome. Samsung seems to have pinpointed the issue has the company has rolled out an update to one of its apps.
The Samsung Push Service is now receiving an update that will reduce data usage and power consumption. Not only that, the update has fixed bugs reporter in previous versions. So, if all goes well, this update should give your S6 a bit more battery life. If you have a Galaxy S5, or a Note device, you should see the update as well.
Whether or not the update helps is up in the air. If you’re seen improvements, let us know. So far I haven’t seen much of a difference on my Note 4.
source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: New Samsung Push Service update could help with S6 battery complaints
LG G4 shows its leather back in new teaser image
Now the cat is out of the bag. On Facebook, LG Mobile posted a teaser image (seen above) that confirms the upcoming LG G4 will be available with a leather back. The leather material spans across the entire back panel with stitching going down the center vertically. The camera trim and rear button setup are highlighted with gold.
The copy of the Facebook post reads the following:
Always have authentic luxury in hand.
The brand new LG G4 with vegetable-tanned leather cover.
See the great, feel the great.
The LG G4 will be announced on April 28.
Source: LG Mobile (Facebook)
Come comment on this article: LG G4 shows its leather back in new teaser image
Apple Watch Accessibility Features: VoiceOver, Mono Audio, Grayscale, Taptic Engine and More [iOS Blog]
Apple has outlined the Apple Watch’s built-in accessibility features for vision and hearing on its website, with four of the primary assisitive technologies being VoiceOver, font adjustment, mono audio and the Taptic Engine. The accessibility features can be accessed using the Apple Watch directly or through the Settings app on a paired iPhone.
For the visually impaired, the Apple Watch features VoiceOver, a gesture-based tool that uses the device’s built-in speaker to communicate what is appearing on the screen. VoiceOver is compatible with built-in apps and available in 14 supported languages. Apple Watch users can also activate Larger Dynamic Type to adjust the size of the font or choose Bold Text to make the text heavier.
Apple outlines six other assistive technologies for the visually impaired: zoom, grayscale, extra large watch face, reduce transparency, on/off labels and reduce motion. Zoom is controlled using the Digital Crown on the side of the Apple Watch, while the other accessibility features must be enabled through settings.
Apple Watch also supports mono audio for people that are deaf or have hearing loss in one ear, enabling users to play both audio channels in both ears and adjust the balance for greater volume in either ear. Apple Watch also features the Taptic Engine for haptic feedback, giving your wrist a gentle tap every time a notification comes in.
A motorless flat antenna could solve horrible in-flight WiFi
The only thing worse than no WiFi on a plane is horrible WiFi on a plane. You cautiously throw down a few bucks hoping you’ll be able to surf the internet without seeing a “page not available” message in your browser. According to Kymeta CEO Dr. Nathan Kundtz, the reason your in-flight internet connection is so crappy is bandwidth allocation and antenna design. Kundtz told Wired that the FCC needs to open up more spectrum in the less crowded higher frequencies. While we wait for that to happen, Kymeta introduced a new low-profile antenna to take advantage of the spectrum that’s already available and actively track satellites for a speedier connection.
Unlike other tracking antennas that use a motor to track communications satellites, the mTenna uses “a holographic approach to electronically acquire, steer and lock a beam to any satellite, with no moving parts.” Because the device is thinner than similar antennas on the market, it produces less drag when mounted on the fuselage of airplanes. The drag reduction means less gas consumption, which would make airlines happy. The antenna is still in the testing phase, but if it works, in-flight WiFi might actually become useful.
Filed under: Misc, Networking
Via: Wired
Source: Kymeta
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