Republic Wireless offering Moto E (2015) for only $129
An affordable carrier like Republic Wireless needs to offer equally accessible handsets. Smartphones really can’t get much cheaper than the Moto E (unless you want to ruin your experience). Looking to join the Republic? You may be happy to learn the carrier is now offering the Moto E (2015) for only $129!
We have reviewed the Moto E (2015) and we can only complain about a couple aspects of the phone: the display sports a low resolution and the handset has a sub-par camera. Let’s take you back to the price-point, though – this thing is only $129!
For that amount of money, you really can’t expect this phone to be the gadget of your dreams. And for what it’s worth, the phone does grant a fair performance, great battery life and a design which has become a signature for Motorola. You can read our review of the 2015 Moto E to get all the details.
Aside from the Moto E being among the best affordable smartphones you can get, keep in mind Republic Wireless is also one of the most affordable carriers around. The base plan costs only $10, which offers unlimited calling and texting. Data is priced at only $7.50 per 0.5 GB. And recently Republic Wireless followed Google Project Fi’s steps by refunding money for any data subscribers may have not used during the month.
The only caveat I see is that you will be at the mercy of Sprint’s network, which isn’t exactly the best everywhere you go. If that is not an issue, though, Republic Wireless does offer one of the cheapest deals for cellular service in the USA. They can accomplish this by harnessing the power of WiFi connections and routing all services through the internet, as opposed to using Sprint’s towers all the time.
Other phone options from Republic Wireless include the 1st-gen Moto E and the 2nd-gen Moto X, which are prices at $99 and $299, accordingly. Honestly, I would probably still opt for the Moto G, as it has a better screen and camera, but the Moto E includes 4G LTE support, which is a also a significant factor. Are any of you signing up for the Moto E (2015) on Republic Wireless? Hit the comments and let us know which phone you would prefer!
Buy Moto E from Republic Wireless
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Skype for Android takes the hassle out of signing back in
It might be safe to stay signed in to Skype these days, but that doesn’t mean you want to. Do you really want a video call from your parents when you’re out on the town? If not, you’ll be glad to hear that Skype is making it much easier to sign in and out. The Android app’s 5.5 update now remembers your login details after you log out, so hopping online again is just a matter of tapping a button. If you’re worried that someone will snoop on your conversations, you can still ask Skype to require your password whenever you back to business. Grab the new app today if you often find yourself eager for some quiet time.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Skype, Google Play
MKBHD gets first look at the OnePlus 2 camera, posts photo
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MKBHD is as big as they come in the technology news arena, so it’s no surprise that he already has his (frankly massive) hands on the upcoming OnePlus 2. OnePlus is obviously trying to leverage MKBHD’s massive (and relevant) Internet following to help tease their upcoming device, specifically the OnePlus 2 camera. MKBHD posted a photo on Google+ earlier today saying it was taken with the OnePlus 2, which has revealed a few details about said device’s camera – namely that it has a 13MP, f2.0 camera. Smartphone camera buffs will know that there’s nothing particularly special about those specs considering that many other flagships boast bigger and better camera sensors, but from the quality of the photo shown, we can’t really complain about it too much.
What we’ve also learned is that the model number of the OnePlus 2 is the A2001, though this detail in itself isn’t hugely useful. This camera tease is the latest in OnePlus’ marketing campaign which has revealed that the OnePlus 2 will have 4GB RAM (or at least one variant that will), be smaller than the OnePlus One, and will still be using an invite system (the word “improved” was used but we’ll reserve judgement).
What do you think about the OnePlus 2 camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Google+ via Droid-life
The post MKBHD gets first look at the OnePlus 2 camera, posts photo appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
PBS explains the magical math behind ‘No Man’s Sky’
No Man’s Sky is impressive. It’s a mind-bogglingly massive game and from what we’ve seen, it’s pretty to boot. But enough about that — let’s talk about math. Specifically, the math that makes this game possible. The YouTube channel PBS Game/Show has collected the numerical information that makes No Man’s Sky tick and presents it in a lovely, straightforward fashion for everyone to enjoy. No Man’s Sky lead Sean Murray makes a few appearances in the video, of course, and we got a one-on-one, hands-on demo of the game with him during E3. Suffice it to say, 10 minutes isn’t long enough to properly enjoy No Man’s Sky — but a lifetime probably won’t be long enough, either. See for yourself below.
iTunes Hasn’t Offered Free Songs Since Apple Music Launched on June 30
Outside of a one-month hiatus in January 2015, Apple has offered a wide range of songs through its weekly “Free on iTunes” program since April 2004, but for the last two weeks, the company has released no free tracks. The last free iTunes release was on June 30, 2015, as tracked by MacRumors forum volunteers, coinciding with the launch of Apple Music in over 100 countries.
Apple has since removed the “Free on iTunes” graphic from the iTunes Store homepage, and set prices on songs that were kept free even after their weekly promotions ended, leading to speculation that free songs may no longer be offered when unlimited streaming is now available through Apple Music for a fixed monthly price. Apple Music costs $9.99 per month after a free three-month trial period.
It would not be entirely surprising if Apple shuttered the program, whether temporarily or permanently, but no official announcement has been made. A link to the “Free on iTunes” section remains accessible on the righthand side of the iTunes Store, where Apple continues to offer other free content, including movies, TV shows, apps, books and podcasts, in the United States.
Thanks to MacRumors forum members Doctor Q and JamesMike!
‘Dead Island 2’ needs a new developer
Dead Island 2 is dead. For now at least. Publisher Deep Silver sent out an update today announcing that it’s no longer working with the open-world zombie-massacre/absurd-weapon-crafting simulator sequel’s developer, Yager, on the title. “With Dead Island 2, Deep Silver has always been dedicated to delivering the sequel that Dead Island fans deserve,” the statement reads. “After careful consideration, today we announce the decision to part ways with development partner Yager.” The email goes on to say that the publisher will “continue working towards bringing” its vision of the game to life and will have more info in the future. Deep Silver and Yager showed a very early version of the game off at E3 in 2014, but it wasn’t all that impressive and the game didn’t look anywhere close to the intentionally cheesy cinematic trailer that premiered during Sony’s media briefing, either.
Given what we know about zombies, the chances of this staying down for long aren’t likely. The first game sold incredibly well, but the subsequent spin-offs were pretty rough and didn’t do much to advance the series. This isn’t exactly the first time that Deep Silver has parted ways with a developer for Dead Island, either. Techland wasn’t called back to work on Dead Island 2 after finishing the first game, but did release an open-world undead game of its own earlier this year in Dying Light. Yager’s currently working on the big-budget, sci-fi, spaceship-to-spaceship combat game Dreadnought and before that the team worked on Spec-Ops: The Line. Should the studio shift gears and announce, say, a tie-in for the upcoming World War Z sequel, well you know when the work started.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
NASA probe phones home from beyond Pluto (update)
New Horizons has already sent back one of the clearest, closest photos of Pluto ever, but it has more in store for NASA and all space lovers. The agency is waiting to hear back from the probe by around 9PM today: it’s slated to beam back a series of status updates that will let NASA know if it’s in good health after the flyby, along with even more data and images. We’ll update this post ater the Pluto team releases more info, but you can watch NASA’s webcast to see the call happen live.
Update: The Pluto team has received confirmation that New Horizons has survived the flyby just fine! NASA will resume its webcast at 9:30PM — we’ve embedded the video stream below the fold. More details to follow.
LOCKED! We have confirmation of a successful #PlutoFlyby. pic.twitter.com/Krfo9qxxHw
– NASA New Horizons (@NASANewHorizons) July 15, 2015
[Image credit: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute]
Filed under: Science
Source: NASA (Google+)
AT&T HTC One M9 getting Android 5.1 Lollipop on July 15th
The Android 5.1 Lollipop update continues making its way to HTC One M9 devices across the country. The latest version to get the sweet treat was Sprint’s, on July 1st. Fast-forward just a couple weeks and we are finding out the AT&T version of HTC’s flagship handset is also ready to get its relative update.
According to HTC’s Mo Versi, AT&T’s One M9 just received technical approval on the Andorid 5.1 Lollipop software. The OTA update is set to start rolling out starting tomorrow, July 15th.
HTC One (M9) AT&T Owners! We have received technical approval on Lollipop OS 5.1 which includes camera improvements. OTA to start on 7/15!!
— Mo Versi (@moversi) July 14, 2015
This AT&T update will be very similar to the one we previously saw coming to the Sprint HTC One M9. It will include camera improvements, as Mo Versi mentions in his Twitter announcement, but users will also see a plethora of other upgrades come with this update. It should also provide better device protection, improved contact-specific notification options, stronger WiFi and more. You can always refer back to our detailed post on the Android 5.1 Lollipop software version to catch all the specifics.
All you have to do now is wait around for the update notification to show up on your smartphones. Of course, you can always check the settings and try to pull the update yourself, but remember these software downloads are usually rolled out periodically. Many of you may not even get it on the 15th, at all, but you should get your notification in due time.
Those lucky enough to get the update should definitely hit the comments section, though. Let us know how the update went and if it’s treating you well!
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The Commodore PET smartphone aims to use nostalgia to sell handsets
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Commodore is the kind of brand name that only gets mentioned once every few years, usually in sentences like “Remember, Commodore?” Today, the Commodore name is being dropped, but for actual relevant reasons (or perhaps irrelevant if you are a PC purist) as a new smartphone has been released with that iconic name splayed on its back cover. The Commodore PET smartphone, made by a UK company based in Italy and named for Commodore’s most famous PC, is a relatively ordinary mid-range device with specifications that include a octacore Mediatek processor clocked at 1.7GHz, 5.5-inch 1080p display, 13MP camera and 3,000mAh battery. In fact, the Commodore PET would be a very ordinary device if it weren’t for a number of very interesting pre-installed apps – namely, customized emulators which can play Commodore 64 and Amiga games.
It’s not entirely clear whether the company making the Commodore PET is the actual company currently holding the Commodore trademark, or whether it is a licenced deal, but we’re glad to see the Commodore name back, if fleetingly. If you’re hoping to get your hands on the Commodore PET smartphone, you’ll get first dibs on the phone if you live in Italy, France, Poland and Germany where the phone is going to be sold for around $300 USD for a 16GB variant, and $60 more for the 32GB version. However, the manufacturer says that it plans to bring the smartphone to more markets in the future – let’s hope.
What do you think about the Commodore PET smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Wired via engadget, Android Police
The post The Commodore PET smartphone aims to use nostalgia to sell handsets appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Connected cattle: how health trackers could change the beef industry
If you’ve ever road tripped across the United States, you’ve probably seen one: a feedlot, populated by hundreds (if not thousands) of cows. These animals are the lifeblood of the American beef industry, but caring for them is no small chores. Caretakers typically have to walk the fields and visually check the heard for obvious cues of sickness, heaststroke or fatigue. It’s hard, tedious work, but there are a few companies out there trying to make it easier. How? By building fitness trackers for cows, of course.
It’s not nearly as silly as it sounds. Equipping cows with devices that tracks their vitals (temperature, appetite, activity level, etc) and storing it in a local server could provide farmers with an easier way to identify sick animals. A cows temperature could raise enough to signal that it might be getting sick, for instance, but not enough to affect its behavior in a way that a ranch hand might visually notice something was wrong. It’s a solution that’s easier for feedlot owners, better for animal health and, ultimately, safer for consumers.
Two companies trying to connect cows to the internet right now are Quantified Ag, which presents a system focused on beef cattle and feed lots and Vital Herd, which seems better tuned for dairy cows.
Both firms are creating products that do similar things, but in different ways–Quantified Ag is building an external tracker that clips on to the animals ear, piggybacking on the cattle industry’s existing animal tagging and tracking system. This smart ear-tag has accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature and other sensors, and transmits vitals wirelessly to a centralized server. If a cow’s vitals fall outside of a recommended range, it’s flagged for a personal check up.
Vital Herd, on the other hand, offers a more internal solution–a smart-pill that can read temperature, stomach acidity, hormones, respiration and more from the inside of an animal’s gut. The pill stays in the cow’s stomach for the duration of its life. It’s more than just an early warning system, too. The Vital Herd system can potentially help farmers optimize cow diets for better milk production.
Not enough animal tracking technology? There’s more. Ranchers can equip their cows with GPS trackers and health collars that can notify breeders when an animal is in heat. Something to think about on your next road trip–those feedlots are a lot more complicated than you think.
[Image Credit: David Oliver, Flickr]
Source: Fast Company, Quantified Ag, Vital Herd
AIVAnet 