1byone pocket sized folding mini Bluetooth keyboard [Review]
1byone’s foldable keyboard is a grand little device. With portability in mind, the keyboard connects to a wide variety of devices including most Android, iOS and Windows devices. In fact, the keyboard has three dedicated modes for these three popular operating systems.
Setup
The keyboard is really simple to set up. By unfolding the keyboard, the keyboard will automatically turn on.
Once the keyboard is on, you just have to hit Fn + c to enter pairing mode. You will know that you have successfully entered pairing mode when the left light on the top of the keyboard flashes blue.
After you enter pairing mode, you just have to enter the Bluetooth menu on the device you want to pair and complete the pairing by selecting the 1byone keyboard.
Functionality
The keyboard has buttons that allow the user to switch between three modes, Android, Windows and iOS.
These modes provide functionality specific to these systems. For an example, the Android mode gives you a home button and media controls via the ‘Fn’ key.
The same key combinations would provide function keys when you are in the Windows mode.
Usability (Typing)
The keyboard layout is smaller than a standard keyboard. This was most likely in an attempt to keep the keyboard as small and portable as possible.
The result is a compact keyboard with slightly unnatural feeling keys. I often find myself hitting the wrong key or hitting the up arrow instead of the right shift button.
While this does cause some frustration, it is a lot better than trying to type a lot in one sitting with an on-screen keyboard.
Ignoring the smaller keyboard size, the keyboard has a nice feeling when typing. The keyboard reminds me of the keyboard on the HP Chromebook 11, one of my favorite keyboards on a laptop.
There is a bit of a learning curve as you get used to the condensed layout, but the keys are nice and responsive and have a lovely sound to go along with they typing.
Portability
The small form factor and the ability to fold the keyboard um into a third of its full size allows for unparalleled portability.
The folded up size of the keyboard allows you to just slip it into a backpack or any other bag. There really are no limitations to where you can take this keyboard.
The small size makes it perfect for times when you just want to grab a tablet and keyboard without having to lug around a full sized laptop.
You don’t even have to grab a tablet. It works great for typing up something on a phone/phablet if the need arises.
Build Quality
They keyboard is very well built. The folding feature is really nice, but I was afraid that it would result in a flimsy keyboard that wouldn’t be able to withstand the demands of portability.
The two hinges that allow the keyboard to fold up are sturdier than I expected.
While they are made out of plastic (just like the rest of the keyboard), the hinges don’t leave anything to be desired. Except for the fact that they squeak and creak quite a bit.
The entire rest of the keyboard feels nice and strong. It is a gadget that I wouldn’t mind throwing into a bag and dragging around town for those cases when I just need a physical keyboard.
Wrap Up
The 1byone Bluetooth keyboard is a great little device for on the go typing. For those who prefer tablets over laptops, this keyboard would be a great typing solution for you.
The keyboard offers great portability and works really well. It is great for me because I can now just throw it into my bag without worrying about damaging it and use it with my tablet to get work done on the go.
If you are looking for a way to be more productive on the go, this keyboard is a great way to do it by pairing it to your tablet. Boom, instant workstation on the run!
For under $40 on Amazon, I would go ahead and give this guy a go if you are in the market for a similar type product!
Be sure to check out 1by0ne’s other products like the 4 port USB 3.0 hub that I reviewed earlier this week or check them out on Amazon.
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Moto X ’15 and Moto G ’15 leaked in the wild
There is yet more supposed leaks of the upcoming Moto X 2015 and Moto G 2015. This time, they were spotted in Brazil and Mexico, where photos of each device were taken.
First up is the Moto X 2015. There’s only one photo and of the back, no less, which appears to have the Kevlar Motorola is known for using in its other flagships, like the Droid Turbo and Droid Razr Maxx. Phandroid noticed a small hole at the bottom, which suggests that the back could be removable and replaceable.
Lastly, we have three photos of the Moto G 2015, one of the back, another of the top, and one more of the front of the alleged device. It appears to be made of plastic on the sides with textured finish on the back. The phone’s front shows a screenshot of it running Android 5.1.1.
Whether these devices are genuine remains to be seen. However, there are plenty of rumors of either device. Some of these include a sport version of the Moto X and leaked press renders and images. Still, Motorola does have an event on July 28th, and Lenovo’s CEO hinted the new Moto G would be released this month. In no more than two weeks, we’ll know exactly what the company plans to unveil.
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Fallout Shelter puts $5.1M in Bethesda’s vaults in just 2 weeks
Half of all the Fallout fans around the world were ecstatic when Todd Howard, Game Director at Bethesda Game Studios, announced that along with Fallout 4, Bethesda had developed a free mobile Fallout game called Fallout Shelter. The other half were bummed to find out that the game was only available on iOS devices. Of course, he also announced that an Android version was coming, and later Pete Hines, Vice President of PR/Marketing at Bethesda tweeted that the Android version should be out next month.
@kolos_kovacs coming along nice. haven’t announced a date, but should be out next month. we’ll let you know when we have specifics
— Pete Hines (@DCDeacon) July 1, 2015
No one could have imagined at that point that this free game, originally developed as a way to market Fallout 4, would become such a cash cow, but according to Superdata Research, Bethesda’s Fallout Shelter has made $5.1 million in it’s first 2 weeks on Apple’s App Store. This is especially impressive when you consider that the only things you can buy in the game are lunchboxes. The lunchboxes contain upgrades, weapons, and various items to use in the game.
Superdata speculates on the reason for its strong success.
“The game’s success further underscores the value of a strong franchise in the otherwise crowded mobile games market.“
Hopefully, this open cash register will encourage Bethesda to hurry up and finish the release of the Android version. We want the opportunity to buy lunchboxes as well. Are you excited for Fallout Shelter? Let us know in the comments.
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FCC decides to delay decision on rules for 600 MHz auction
The FCC commissioners met today with a goal of establishing rules for an auction of 600 MHz spectrum scheduled to take place in 2016. The auction is shaping up to be one of the more complex actions undertaken by the FCC as they try to move spectrum from use by television broadcasters to use by mobile carriers. This change is compounded by the FCC’s desire to not see the large wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T use their deep war chests of funds to buy up the available spectrum. Today the FCC announced they have delayed a decision on the final rules until at least their next meeting on August 6th.
FCC chairman Tom Wheeler issued the following statement regarding the delay,
“In the spirit of cooperation that has marked our work together on the incentive auctions, I am today postponing Commission consideration of this order and the related reconsideration of the mobile spectrum holdings order until the Commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting on August 6. I believe that even with this delay we will be able to stay on course for the first quarter of 2016.”
Sources believe part of the reason for the delay is some new data produced by the Incentive Auction Task Force made available after their latest round of computer simulations predicting the results of the auction. The National Association of Broadcasters issued a response to the simulations expressing concern as to whether it was done properly. Earlier this week T-Mobile lobbyist and former representative Henry Waxman had proposed some compromise rules for consideration. Waxman was one of the architects of the legislation authorizing the auction when he was a member of Congress.
source: Android Headlines
Come comment on this article: FCC decides to delay decision on rules for 600 MHz auction
SwiftKey and ‘PIXELS’ team up to bring retro game keyboard themes
SwiftKey is teaming up with PIXELS, the new Adam Sandler movie, to bring five new keyboard designs. The five retro gaming themes are Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Q*bert, Centipede, and Space Invaders. The best part is all the new themes are totally free! I’m sure many retro gaming fans will be excited to give them a shot, but if you don’t like them at least you aren’t out anything. Head to the SwiftKey store to try them today.
Come comment on this article: SwiftKey and ‘PIXELS’ team up to bring retro game keyboard themes
Telltale Games’ fifth episode of its ‘Game of Thrones’ series coming on July 23
The fifth season of Game of Thrones came to an end last month and people are now left waiting until Spring 2016 for anything new. But that’s only for the television series. Telltale Games has a video game series of its own for the wildly popular franchise and the fifth episode is coming next week. On July 23, the developer will release A Nest of Vipers for Android devices.
Here is how Telltale Games describes the fifth episode:
In this penultimate episode, the actions of every Forrester are vital to the survival of the house. Rodrik’s alliance with House Glenmore, and his defiance of the Whitehills, has drawn the ire of an even greater threat: Ramsay Snow. Far across the Narrow Sea in Essos, with Meereen now a free city, Asher is close to securing the army he desperately needs to return home, and save his family. In King’s Landing, Mira’s activities at Tommen’s coronation have not escaped the attention of Margaery Tyrell, and Cersei has realized that the handmaiden may prove useful in her political games. Finally, beyond the Wall, Gared’s unlikely allies are reluctant to help in the search for the North Grove… but this far into the frozen wilds, Crows and Free Folk have a common enemy; and winter is coming.
A Nest of Vipers will be succeeded by the sixth and final episode coming later this year.
Telltale Games, in addition to working on Game of Thrones, produces titles with The Walking Dead and Minecraft franchises.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Telltale Games
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Mark Cuban-backed ilumi starts a new Kickstarter for even smarter light bulbs
Mark Cuban and ilumi solutions aren’t new to the smartbulb market, but they’re back for a second Kickstarter round, offering smarter light bulbs with updated performance, improved features, and more. The bulbs are $29 on Kickstarter as an introductory price, but they’ll most definitely cost more once official on the market.
Here’s what ilumi is doing different this time around:
- Both bulbs feature Bluetooth SmartMesh technology, which provides a range of more than 150 feet (unlike competitors that only reach 33 feet) and allows users to connect and control more than 50 bulbs
- iOS and Android app has 10 features and settings to personalize the smart bulbs and create new lighting experiences
- Proximity controls turn lights on and off by detecting the presence of a connected smart device
- Suggestive lighting automatically provides the right lighting for every room in a home, acting as a personal interior designer
- Rise & Shine wakes users up with a simulated sunrise for a peaceful start to their day
- Vacation Setting prompts lights to automatically turn on at night while users are away, providing peace of mind that their home is safe
- The A19 is packed with more than 800 lumens at a category best efficiency of 10 watts of power. The BR30 delivers more than 1100 lumens at an efficient 15 watts of power
- ilumi’s Smartbulbs last up to 20 years and uses a fraction of the energy or a normal incandescent
If this new Kickstarter project gets fully funded, consumers will begin getting their smartbulbs in September. Additionally, the smartbulbs should be available through major retailers in September as well.
If you want to get in on the $29 introductory special, you’ll need to act fast, as there’s only a few left!
source: Kickstarter
ilumi Announces new LED Smartbulbs: Simplest, Brightest & Smartest Light Bulbs on the Market
DALLAS – (July 14, 2015) – ilumi solutions, a market leader in app-controlled and custom smart LED lightbulbs, launches its second generation Smartbulb series on Kickstarter for an introductory price of $29. After distributing thousands of its original LED Smartbulbs to customers around the world, the Mark Cuban backed ilumi is excited to showcase its second generation of smart, bright, efficient and entertaining Smartbulbs – the new ilumi A19 and BR30 Flood Smartbulbs. Watch the product video here: https://youtu.be/QfxcEniMfs8.
ilumi’s new energy efficient and user friendly A19 and BR30 Smartbulbs both feature improved Bluetooth® Smart mesh wireless connectivity, which provides a first of its kind long-range wireless connection that combines speed, reliability and simplicity. With ilumi’s Bluetooth Smart mesh, users can connect more than 50 ilumi Smartbulbs wirelessly with a potential range of more than 150 feet, enough to cover large homes or commercial installations. This allows the ilumi Smartbulbs to provide a commercial grade lighting control and automation system that can be setup in seconds without a hub.
The A19 and BR30 boast an updated beautiful industrial design that marries elegance and class. The A19 features a natural dome structure for a wider dispersion angle to fit everyday standard lamps, pendants, fans or general lighting fixtures. It is also packed with more than 800 lumens (equivalent to 60W incandescent) at a category best efficiency of 10 watts of power. The BR30 similarly adds a larger diffusion area for seamless use in overhead, recessed and track lighting and delivers more than 1100 lumens (equivalent to 85W incandescent) at an efficient 15 watts of power. Additionally, the A19 and BR30 include ilumi’s patented HyperLux® LED technology that delivers high brightness in variations of white and vibrant saturated colors.
The Smartbulbs also feature an upgraded companion app design that provides users with a guided and simple personalized setup featuring new and exciting experiences, such as:
- Suggestive Lighting – automatically provides the right lighting for every room in a home and any occasion
- Wellness Lighting – tunes the body’s natural rhythm by replicating the sun’s daily color cycle
- Presence Detection – integrated proximity control automatically turns lights on and off when a user’s phone is detected without hitting a switch
- Nightlight Shake – ideal for when users need to get out of bed but the lights are off, users can shake their smartphone to activate a dim nightlight
- Rise & Shine – wakes users up with a simulated sunrise, creating a peaceful environment to ensure an energizing start to the day
- Vacation – prompts lights to automatically turn on and off at night randomly while users are away, providing peace of mind that their home is safe
- Routine Lighting – schedules the exact lighting users prefer based on their own personal schedule
- Music’s New Best Friend – sync the Smartbulb’s colors with the beat of music to pump up dance parties
- Integrations – Use your ilumi Smartbulbs with IFTTT, your Nest products, and much more to enjoy an even better connected experience
“We wanted to provide more than just a Smartbulb that has a million color options,” said CEO and cofounder Corey Egan. “With ilumi, consumers unlock the power of lighting in ways they have never thought of. Our enhanced features provide a transformational experience, allowing users to be a Michaelangelo of their own home.”
The A19 and BR30 are available now on Kickstarter for an introductory price of $29 and $35 respectively and will retail for $59.99 and $69.99 when fully available. The company is already far along in development, and Kickstarter orders will begin shipping by September 2015.
For more information, please visit ilumi.co and follow ilumi on Facebook and Twitter.
About ilumi solutions:
ilumi solutions, inc. transforms ordinary things into extraordinary experiences, beginning with light. The company first launched the ilumi Smartbulb in 2014 after collecting more than $200,000 via crowdfunding and a $350,000 investment from billionaire Mark Cuban through an appearance on Shark Tank. Based out of Dallas, Texas, the company holds five issued patents and multiple patents pending covering a wide variety of smart lighting, advanced wireless networks and other unique technologies and was recently named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s top 100 most brilliant companies of 2015.
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Plex gets updated with new features, bug fixes, and Material Design makeover
Plex for Android has received a major update today, bringing with it the Material Design makeover and a handful of new features. Plex is one of many Android apps to see the move to Material Design as of late.
Here’s the full change log of features from Plex’s forums:
- [Android TV] Add the ability to filter and sort items within a library section
- Update quality selection to allow selection of “Original” quality, as well as only showing valid qualities during video playback.
- Detect and warn about buffer underflows during video playback.
- Improve playback of MP4s when using the Experimental Player.
- Add the ability to select a specific version of a video, if multiple different quality versions are available.
- Add support for multi-part video playback.
- [Chromecast] Add ability to change quality and audio/subtitle during playback.
- [Android TV] Enable support for searching channels.
In addition to features, Plex has knocked out a handful of bugs and performance issues plaguing the app. There’s been a lot of fixes to Android TV issues, along with some issues resolved where the app would crash during certain actions. Users experiencing these bugs should see a noticeable difference. You can check out the full change log of features and bugs here.
Plex migrated to a single app and updated its music platform to be your “go to” music player earlier this year.
If you haven’t received the update yet, scan the QR code or hit the download link below. Alternatively, you can grab the APK straight from Plex here.
Come comment on this article: Plex gets updated with new features, bug fixes, and Material Design makeover
US Cellular guaruntees lower bill than AT&T and Verizon, or a $50 gift card
In a bid to poach customer from other networks, US Cellular has launched a promotion that guarantees lower bills to new customers who move from Verizon and AT&T. In case, it fails to deliver on the aforementioned promise, US Cellular will give you a $50 gift card absolutely free.
However, to be eligible for this promotional offer, customers are required to port their number from Verizon or AT&T and choose one of U.S. Cellular’s Shared Connect plans with installment pricing. The guarantee applies to the monthly recurring price of the plan only and not the installments.
The trend of customer poaching is not new in the United States cellular network war. Earlier, we witnessed a similar campaign by Sprint that tried to lure Verizon customers with promises of lower bills.
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) is so confident that it provides the best value in wireless that beginning today, the company is offering a guarantee that it can offer a better plan than Verizon and AT&T or it will give people $50. Consumers and businesses can bring their current Verizon or AT&T bill to any U.S. Cellular retail store, and if their current plan can’t be outdone, they will receive a $50 promotional card.
“At U.S. Cellular, we’re confident that we offer the best shared data plans available for a wide variety of customer needs, so we wanted to go a step farther and guarantee it,” said Joe Settimi, vice president of marketing for U.S. Cellular. “When you combine these unbeatable plans with our high-quality network that offers national coverage along with the finest devices available, the customer experience we provide is second to none.”
To qualify for the guarantee, customers must port their number from Verizon or AT&T and choose one of U.S. Cellular’s Shared Connect plans with installment pricing. The guarantee applies to the monthly recurring price plan only. With U.S. Cellular’s $0 down, 0% APR installment pricing, qualified customers pay tax on a new device at the point of sale, and then make 20 monthly payments that are conveniently added to their wireless bill. Customers can upgrade this device in as little as 12 months if they trade it in for the latest model. They can also choose to pay off the full balance of their device anytime they want.
In addition to the plan guarantee, U.S. Cellular is also offering an unlimited contract payoff, which covers customers’ early termination fee or remaining device balance with their current carrier, no matter the cost. Anyone who ports their number from another carrier, chooses a Shared Connect plan with installment pricing and Device Protection+, turns in their current working device, and sends in their final bill with the early termination fee or remaining device balance on it will receive a prepaid debit card for that amount.
New Retail Installment Contract, Shared Connect Plan, $25 Activation Fee, and credit approval required. Guarantee: Must port-in number from Verizon or AT&T on comparable Shared Data Plan. $50 U.S. Cellular Promo Card issued by Metabank® member FDIC. Valid for purchase in-store or online. Contract Payoff: Customer must register for My Account, Device Protection+ and turn-in all active devices from former carriers plan. Customer will be reimbursed for the ETF or remaining device balance reflected on the final bill. Reimbursement in the form of a U.S. Cellular MasterCard® Debit Card issued by MetaBank® Member FDIC, pursuant to license from MasterCard International Incorporated. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant location that accepts MasterCard Debit Cards within the U.S. only. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Valid for up to six Consumer lines and 25 Business lines. Other restrictions apply. See store for details.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities. Currently, 94 percent of U.S. Cellular customers have access to 4G LTE speeds, and 98 percent will have access by the end of 2015. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
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[Deal] Acer 11.6″ Chromebook Laptop 2GB 16GB for only $109
There are many different types of Chromebooks out there all with different features and price points. Today Amazon is having a great sale on the Acer 11.6″ Chromebook Laptop 2GB 16GB for only $109.99. They are certified refurbished from Acer and also sold directly from Acer. Anyone worried about refurbished products will be happy to know they offer a 90 warranty free of charge.
At this price you really can’t go wrong. Regular price is listed at $199 making this a 45% discount. I have never seen a Chromebook sold for so cheap before. It would be great as a second computer or something to let your kids play around with. Get it while supplies last.
The specs are not great, but also pretty good just to run Google Chrome at this price:
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This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
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Intel Celeron processor N2830. Features a 2MB L2 cache and 2.16GHz processor speed with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.41GHz.
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An HDMI output with HDCP support enables simple connection to an HDTV or other high-definition display for expansive viewing options.
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11.6″ LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display With 1366 x 768 resolution and an antiglare finish showcases visuals in crisp, easy-to-see detail, even in direct sunlight.
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Google Chrome operating system preinstalled.
Source: Amazon
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Acer 11.6″ Chromebook Laptop 2GB 16GB for only $109
AIVAnet 