Skip to content

Archive for

20
Jul

Podcast 024: Prime Day, Shmimeday


AAYT Art

With Andrew Grush out with his family and Joe Hindy nursing a little illness, we have a panel including Nirave Gondhia and Jonathan Feist for this week’s Android Authority Podcast! The guys talk about Prime Day and how much it pretty much sucked (but Amazon Prime is still amazing), how awesome the Huawei Nexus might be because it means more than just the device itself, and how mad Josh is about the new Galaxy A8.

It’s another great episode of the Android Authority Podcast – discussing topics in Android every single week.

Links to Podcast

RSS Feed
iTunes
Stitcher
SoundCloud
Direct Download

Relevant Links

Amazon Prime Day
Huawei Nexus: it’s more than just a smartphone
Samsung Galaxy A8

Follow our Hosts


Joshua Vergara
Twitter | Google+


Joseph Hindy
Twitter | Google+


Andrew Grush
Google+


Jonathan Feist
Twitter | Google+


Nirave Gondhia
Twitter | Google+

Recorded on July 17, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara

20
Jul

Time for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus to get the leak treatment




<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

There are two Samsung devices that are allegedly going to be announced in mid-August – one is the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, the latest entry in the illustrious Note series, and the other is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, expected to be a larger Galaxy S6 Edge. Today, we get our first look at the physical Gaalxy S6 Edge Plus, and yes: it looks exactly like a bigger Galaxy S6 Edge. Lined up next to last year’s Galaxy Note 4, the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus (or more correctly the Galaxy S6 Edge+) is just as tall and just about as wide, implying that the screen size will be about 5.7-inches, give or take a few decimals for the screen curvature.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge PlusThe rumoured hardware specs of the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus are still disputed at this point – some rumours have pointed to the same Exynos 7420 in the Galaxy S6 Edge while others have suggested a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip will be used. Whatever the case, all of this is expected to be Samsung’s effort to try and counter the new iPhones that will be announced in September – only time will tell if releasing both the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Galaxy Note 5 at the same time is a masterstroke or a dud move.


What do you think about the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: All About Samsung via engadget

The post Time for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus to get the leak treatment appeared first on AndroidSPIN.

20
Jul

Tiny brain implant delivers drugs with a remote control


Mice are being used in stem cell research at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Researchers are hoping to regrow

An implant, the size of a human hair, can deliver drugs to the brain with the click of a button. A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Illinois have demonstrated the wireless technology in mice. While a previous iteration of the device delivered LED to neurons that respond to light, the latest experiment successfully introduced pharmacological agents directly to the brain. A drug was first sent to one side of the brain that made a mouse move around in a circle. Next, shining a light onto cells that cue the release of dopamine rewarded the mice with happy feelings. When the rodents came around for more, the researchers used a remote control to interject with a drug that put a halt on the dopamine effect.

Previous experiments required that drugs or other compounds be delivered while the animals were tethered to tubes. But the mice in this particular demonstration roamed free (in a maze) while the drugs were carried wirelessly to the brain. “We’ve designed it to exploit infrared technology, similar to that used in a TV remote,” Jordan McCall, a graduate student at the lab said in a statement. “If we want to influence an animal’s behavior with light or with a particular drug, we can simply point the remote at the animal and press a button.”

This remote-controlled technology, for now restricted to lab animals, has a specific purpose. Over time it might be used to treat depression or epilepsy by directly targeting specific parts of the human brain with therapies. The soft implant is designed to fit in with the rest of the brain tissue so it can stay lodged for a long time without causing inflammation or damage.

[Image credit: Lyn Alweis via Getty Images]

Comments

Source: Business Insider

20
Jul

Incipio offGRID case brings microSD card support and extended battery to Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge


incipio-offgrid-1

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are stunning smartphones. These handsets perform like champions, have one of the best cameras in the market and are armed to the teeth with the best specs. Additionally, they happen to be Samsung’s masterpieces, at least in terms of design. Only a couple factors plague this otherwise amazing device – its non-removable battery and lack of expandable storage.

These are arguably the two main complaints about the Samsung Galaxy S6, so it’s no surprise to see a case manufacturer like Incipio putting together a case that can solve both issues for the popular smartphone. The Incipio offGRID comes with a 3700 mAh battery and microSD card support for up to 128 GB of expandable storage. And yes, it does support both versions of the device.

#gallery-1
margin: auto;

#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 25%;

#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;

#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;

/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

In terms of battery capacity, this is a big step up over the Galaxy S6’s 2550 mAh battery (2600 mAh for the Galaxy S6 Edge). This would translate to a combined amount of 6250-6300 mAh from both the phone and the case. The storage also receives a huge upgrade – the highest option for internal storage on the Galaxy S6 is 128 GB, meaning this case can double it.

The sacrifices

Any downsides? Of course there is one, and it may ruin all the improvements Samsung made with the Galaxy S6 series. This case is not thin at 0.6 inches, which is much thicker than the Galaxy S6’s 0.27-inch profile. The case will also make your phone significantly taller and wider. We have seen bigger cases before, but this is still something to consider.

incipio-offgrid-2

Another issue is that, while the case can expand both battery and storage, it can’t do both at the same time. You have to choose between charging and storage modes by flipping a toggle on the side of the case. This may be inconvenient, but definitely something you can get used to. You just can’t charge while using the microSD card.

A full-featured case

incipio-offgrid-4Otherwise, the Incipio offGRID case won’t affect your phone’s functionality. The cover is compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, Samsung Fast Charging Technology and even uses an NFC pass-through coil to keep contact-less payment support on board.

This may be the case many of you have been waiting for, as it could be the solution to your main Galaxy S6 issues. Will this change the way you look at Samsung’s latest flagship? I can tell you I would be more likely to buy it now that I know I can get the Incipio offGRID case. I say it’s a good deal at $89.99! What do you think?

Buy Incipio offGRID battery case from the official site

.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;

.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;

.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;

@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;

@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;

body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;

body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;

20
Jul

Motorola’s third generation Moto G shows up on eCommerce site


Motorola is set for an event on July 28th. People are expecting a third generation Moto X and Moto G and are hoping for a second generation Moto 360.

There has even been talk that there will be two Moto Xs reveiled at the event. A smaller 5.2-inch phone and a 5.7-inch phablet. Additionally, it would appear that only the larger Moto X will be available on Verizon’s network along with a new Droid that could also be announced on at the event.

Moto G leaks and rumors have been running around the internet lately. Here, we have some press renders and here a video leaked some time ago.

All of our information has lead to the following spec sheet.

  • 5-inch 720p display
  • 1.4 GHz quad core Cortex A53 CPU(Snapdragon 410)
  • 1GB RAM and 8/16GB of internal storage
  • 13MP rear-facing camera
  • 5MP front-facing camera
  • micro-SD card slot
  • 2,470 mAh battery

However, this new eCommerce page from fnac claims 2 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 610 in tow according to Techdroider.

moto-g-2015

 

Would you purchase the Moto G if Motorola finally brings it up to 2 GB of RAM? In my experience with both generations previous, the 1 GB of RAM was the only thing keeping it from being able to be my daily driver.

What do you think? Would you get the new Moto G after the announcement on the 28th? Or will you opt for the Moto X?

The post Motorola’s third generation Moto G shows up on eCommerce site appeared first on AndroidGuys.

20
Jul

Drum sensor helps you play digital beats on analog skins


Sunhouse's Sensory Percussion add-on

You can certainly use drum machines and electronic drums if you want to add a digital kick to your music, but you typically lose the intuitiveness and subtlety of playing old-school skins in the process. Why can’t you have the best of both worlds? Sunhouse thinks you can. It’s crowdfunding Sensory Percussion, a sensor that translates your acoustic drum sounds into electronic beats. You can map different samples to different parts of your drums, and the add-on will even recognize various playing styles. The effect is a bit surreal, as you’ll hear in the video below — you can produce beats that you’d rarely hear in the studio, let alone at a live concert.

Be prepared to pay up if you’re aiming to become the tech world’s Neil Peart. It’ll take a $595 or larger pledge to get one Sensory Percussion unit, and you’re realistically looking at $1,330 to put sensors on a full drum kit. The hardware isn’t expected to ship until January, either, so it won’t come in time to liven up those late summer music festivals. All the same, it’s easy to get excited by the potential. Drummers may soon add a dash of electronic music to their band’s sound, or even switch genres outright, without having to abandon their finely-honed skills.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/127149874/introducing-sensory-percussion/widget/video.html

Filed under: ,

Comments

Via: The Verge

Source: Kickstarter

20
Jul

Get a free Samsung Galaxy S6 with the purchase of select 4K TVs (US only)


samsung galaxy s6 review aa (4 of 45)

Whether you are looking for a new TV, a new smartphone or both, Samsung’s latest offer is not one to ignore. The Korean manufacturer is now offering a 32 GB Samsung Galaxy S6 for free with the purchase of select 4K SUHD television (18+ age, US only).

We have seen the Samsung Galaxy S6 being discounted as low as $500 on eBay, but Samsung’s new bundle offer is by far the best deal on the flagship phone so far. The only downside is you have to be willing to buy a TV to get the phone, and the list of applicable 4K TVs shows no affordable options. Regardless, those who were already looking to get a high-end television will see a great opportunity in this.

samsung-tv-galaxy-s6

All you have to do is purchase one of the SUHD TVs listed in the offer’s page. These include the JS9500, JS9100, JS9000, JS8500, JS850D and JS8600. You can enter your submission after having purchased the TV. All you will need to have in hand will be a scanned copy of your receipt and the TV serial number. The offer must be redeemed by September 1, 2015 at 11:59:59 PM ET, so you have plenty of time.

There’s no doubt some of you would prefer getting the luxurious Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. There is also an option for you – you can pay $400 to get some them curved edges everyone loves so much. That is still a good discount over the original price, which costs almost $800. You will be able to make your choice of device and carrier during the submission process – for now let’s worry about these TVs.

samsung galaxy s6 vs s6 edge aa (11 of 39)

What is SUHD?

We know many of you are wondering this – SUHD is not really a known term. The truth is this is not really an industry standard like UHD, otherwise referred to as 4K definition (4096x2160p). SUHD is Samsung’s marketing strategy for categorizing their own high-end televisions.

The new naming scheme relates to Samsung’s traditional practices. Inprevious flagship, “game-changing” products, names usually include the letter “S”. One obvious example would be the Galaxy S smartphone series.

samsung-suhd

SUHD TVs are a bit different than Samsung’s other panels, though. These specific units are characterized by their better color, brighter picture, unique designs and Tizen-based operating systems. Otherwise, they are pretty much just Samsung’s best TVs for 2015, and moving forward.

Which TVs can I buy to get a free phone?

Now that you know all the details, it’s time to make a decision. That is, if you are still willing to fork out the cash for a new Samsung high-end SUHD TV. Here are the options:

As you can see, none of these will be cheap. The most affordable one comes with a $1,497.99 price point. The TV is worth it, as are all the others, but we will continue to stress that you shouldn’t go out and buy a new TV set just to get a free Samsung Galaxy S6. This deal is only worth it for those who were already considering buying a high-end television.

.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;

.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;

.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;

@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;

@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;

body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;

body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;

Are any of you signing up?

20
Jul

Apple Debuts New ‘Amazing Apps’ iPhone Ad


Ten days after releasing its first two iPhone ads using the new tagline of “If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone,” Apple today debuted a third ad in the series. The new ad, entitled “Amazing Apps” focuses on the array of apps available in the App Store.

This is an iPhone. And it comes with something amazing: an App Store with over one and half million of the best apps available. That’s over one and a half million hand-picked, awe-inspiring, just plain surprising, who knew a phone could do that apps. If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone.

The latest campaign is the third series of ads for the iPhone, following an initial set from Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake and a more recent “Shot on iPhone 6″ campaign that focuses on the phone’s camera capabilities.


20
Jul

Deal: JBL Micro Wireless speaker now only $28.99 from Amazon


jbl-micro-wireless-4

Even mobile devices with the best in-class sound quality pale in comparison to most Bluetooth speakers. This is especially the case with JBL audio products, which offer great sound while staying relatively affordable.

Today’s Amazon Gold Box Deals comes to you from the Woot store and further sweetens JBL’s offers by giving you a 55% discount on the JBL Micro Wireless. This ultra-portable speaker usually costs $60-$70, but today you can have it for only $28.99.

#gallery-1
margin: auto;

#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 50%;

#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;

#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;

/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

It’s not easy to beat this deal when you consider JBL is well-known for its quality products. One of its Bluetooth speakers made it to our Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2014 list (which you can always refer to if this option doesn’t convince you). Though we haven’t tested this specific unit before, we are sure it can provide more than enough bang for your buck.

.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;

.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;

.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;

.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;

.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;

.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;

.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;

@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;

@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;

body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;

body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;

The JBL Micro Wireless comes with an integrated bass port, said to generate a thump that’s “superior to comparable portable products”. And if one of these is not enough for you, you can even connect multiple of JBL Micro Wireless speakers to generate a much fuller sound. Battery life should average at about 5 hours of playback, which is definitely not bad tiny speaker like this one.

jbl-micro-wireless-3

Interested? You best sign up for this deal now, as Amazon’s Gold Box Deals only last for one day. You can opt between three colors: black, red and white. The only downside is it doesn’t include Prime shipping, but you can get free standard shipping for orders above $35. Who’s buying?

Buy JBL Micro Wireless Speaker for $28.99

 

20
Jul

Stephen Colbert dares you to ‘Escape From a Man-Sized Cabinet’


The beard might be gone, but Stephen Colbert has a new way to entertain you ahead of his debut with The Late Show this September. Game-playing folks of a certain age with pretty fond memories of text-adventure Zork will surely get a bang out of Escape From the Man-Sized Cabinet where you venture into an office cabinet, choose from various text prompts ranging from euphemistically waking up a centaur to continuously standing inside the cabinet until… well, I’m not going to spoil the surprise for you. The writing is pretty funny throughout and clicking through the story is actually a pretty excellent way to get a few laughs before the weekend starts. Want to make your own and maybe add in a Grue? Well, considering that Escape is a Twine-made title, that probably isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Via: Stephen Colbert (Twitter)

Source: Colbert Late Show