Apple’s public beta of OS X El Capitan arrives today
Just as it did with Mavericks, Apple is going to let the public try a beta version of OS X El Capitan. And that begins today, the Cupertino company has announced. Naturally, Apple wants people to know this is an early build of its latest operating system, so there might be some applications that don’t work as expected. You should probably back up your Mac too, in case anything goes wrong with the installation process or during the actual testing phase. If you’re feeling up for it, though, the El Capitan public beta is scheduled to roll out in about an hour — at which point, you can download it from Apple’s Software Program site.
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software, Apple
Source: Apple
Blackberry and Google form new enterprise-focused partnership
We’ve heard a ton of whispers as of late regarding BlackBerry’s potential foray into the Android world, and it seems as though these rumors are picking up steam. Just last week popular leaker @evleaks posted a photo online of what’s supposedly dubbed the BlackBerry Venice – an AT&T-bound Android device with a slide-out keyboard. Concrete details have yet to surface when it comes to the rumored Venice handset. However, we’ve just gotten word of a new partnership that may lead to further credence that BlackBerry’s rumored Android handset may actually come in to fruition.
On Tuesday, July 7th, BlackBerry Limited (formerly RIM) registered for two different domain names: AndroidSecured.com and AndroidSecured.net. Navigating to the .net domain results in an error, but if you head to AndroidSecured.com, it redirects you to a curious page announcing a new partnership between BlackBerry and Google.
The website features a header that reads “Bring Android to work”, along with some information showcasing the security features of Android Lollipop and the newly-updated BES12 platform. Additionally, the website explains:
BlackBerry and Google are working closely together to set new standards in enterprise mobile security for organizations deploying Android devices.
BES12’s update to 12.2 brings a number of notable features including the ability to manage devices using Samsung KNOX, as well as Android for Work integration that will offer enhanced security and simplified management options. The website goes in to more detail explaining new features that Android and BES12 can offer enterprise customers and that a 60-day free trial of BES12 is also available for interested customers.
Read more: 4 ways BlackBerry can be unique on Android
Although the slew of new security features being offered in BES12 are quite interesting, that’s not the most important thing here. We now know that BlackBerry and Google are working closely together on the enterprise front for organizations that would like to deploy Android devices to their employees. No, this doesn’t confirm nor deny the existence of an Android-powered BlackBerry device. But with a new partnership formed by the two companies and with Android Lollipop being showcased on the website’s forefront, this might be our first real evidence that we could see a BlackBerry-made device running Lollipop geared towards the enterprise.
After all, it’s clear that BlackBerry’s biggest selling points are its enterprise security features, and the company’s CEO even explained in an interview that BlackBerry is not opposed to building an Android device, as long as it’s secure. Perhaps the whole purpose behind the BlackBerry Venice is to showcase the security features BlackBerry has to offer, while also giving enterprise customers a more attractive OS and access to Google Play Services. BlackBerry doesn’t need to build an Android device to showcase what its hardware can do – the software is what matters, and that’s likely what we’re witnessing here.
Like I said previously, nothing is confirmed at this moment regarding the Venice. But this new partnership might be our first glimpse into what’s to come from the two companies. What are your thoughts? Do you have any speculation concerning this new partnership? Or do you think nothing will come of it? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
Check out One More Dash to waste some time – Game Review
If you are an avid Android gamer, you might consider worthy games that can be played in short periods a necessity. After all, most of us simply don’t have time to stare at our screens for hours, but would like a quick challenge while in the cafeteria queue or on the bus. One More Dash is particularly effective at this as it does not require Internet connection and consists of simple yet addictive gameplay.
The first time you open One More Dash, you are greeted by the main menu. It has a simple layout which provides easy access to a quick game. However there was no tutorial to begin the game with, but this was not an issue as you get the hang of it it quickly. Basically, you are a little ball in a circle that has to move to the next circle. The fact that you can be in that circle for a very short period of time and that the next circle most likely has rotating obstacles around it makes gameplay harder. Each circle has coins inside them that can be used to unlock themes.
Adverts occasionally popped up out of nowhere and, although rare, lag made me lose several times. These minor annoyances were partially solved by putting my phone in airplane mode. The developer, SMG Studio, has a similar game called “One More Line” which seems quite cool. Perhaps we’ll also check it out soon and compare to see how addictive it can be compared to One More Dash.
Overall One More Dash was satisfying enough to keep opening it. The negatives of the game do not outweigh the good of it and it is, like I said before, ideal for short periods of time. I especially like the fact that it isn’t too easy and there are 100 missions to complete to make sure you don’t bore. Let us know what you think about One More Dash and what other games you would like to see us take a look at here at AndroidGuys!
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Big Red announces new 4G Android smart projector with $50k contest
Verizon announced today the availability of the ZTE Spro 2™ Android smart projector. Along with the chance to win a conference room makeover worth $50,000.
Beginning today, offices across America can enter for a chance to win ZTE’s Ugliest Conference Room Makeover contest, worth $50,000. With inspiration of the Spro 2 Smart Projector’s sleek and multi-functional design, an office interior design expert will transform one conference room into what will undoubtedly impress visitors and bring new energy to meetings and more fun to office parties.Entrants must submit a photo or video of their ugly conference room, along with a description of how or why the makeover would benefit their office. Finalists and winners are selected by ZTE and popular vote! For full contest details and requirements, visit www.makeover.zteusa.com.
Key features of the ZTE Spro 2™ smart projector
- Projects up to 120”
- 200 Lumens
- autofocus
- Bulb Life of 20,000 hours
- Built-in 5″ HD true color touch screen
- Support up to 720P HD resolution
- Auto-focus & Auto Keystone
- Android OS w/Google Play
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Works as an independent Hotspot – Supporting up to 10 devices
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VZW’s 4G/LTE service for only $5 data charge per month
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HDMI
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USB
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64GB Micro SD card (card sold separately)
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Bluetooth
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16GB of internal storage
- 6300 mAh internal battery
This ZTE Spro 2™ will retail at $599 with no annual contract or $499 with a 2-year contract. What do you think? Is a smart projector on your radar? Let us know in the comments.
The post Big Red announces new 4G Android smart projector with $50k contest appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Cloud Buds wireless headphones, $29.99
We all know the frustration of our headphone cords looking like the Christmas lights that Chevy Case asks Rusty to untangle in Christmas Vacation. Or, even worse, enjoying the beat and feeling the music only to have your world rocked by catching the headphone cord on a doorknob and violently pulling the buds from your ears. What a mess. Good news! With the new Cloud Buds from TOCCs, Bluetooth headphones have never been more affordable.
Cloud Buds are a lightweight pair of Bluetooth headphones that employ both a noise-cancelling design with optional ear hooks and multiple sizes of earbuds. This ensures you’ll have a comfortable fit and be able to keep the music going from treadmill to office. With a built-in microphone and remote, these would be a great buy in the ballpark of fifty bucks — however AndroidGuys readers can take home a pair of Cloud Buds for just $29.99!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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‘Mobile without Borders’ is T-Mobile’s latest AMPED Uncarrier move
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At the end of June John Legere, the CEO of T-Mobile, announced that they were about to amp up the company’s Uncarrier offerings in a new campaign. The first announcement brought word of Jump on Demand that lets you upgrade to select devices up to 3 times a year based on a lease price. The next big move from Magenta has been unveiled this morning and is dubbed ‘Mobile without Borders.’ Like the name would suggest, it turns your coverage are from a U.S. based coverage area to a North American coverage area.
For the more geographically challenged this new set-up gives you Unlimited calls, Unlimited texts and 4G LTE data coverage in Canada and Mexico now. A simpler explanation is that on July 15th you will be able to call to Canada and Mexico for no additional charges as well as travel to Canada and Mexico without any roaming charges. That includes data use from your allotment of 4G LTE data bucket.
The option comes pre-included in all Simple Choice plans, yes, that includes the unlimited plan as well. You also still get all that unlimited music streaming from the list of providers that don’t touch your data bucket. As for the LTE coverage, it isn’t everywhere and there isn’t a map to show you where you specific details on the LTE coverage, but there is a list of cities that will give you the high-speed data.
All your major tourist destinations are on the list with Mexico getting the longest list of LTE coverage. You should still have service in other location, you just won;t get that fast data connection. In the fine print we see that this isn’t for long-term use i.e. you must be a U.S. resident and the majority of your use must be in the U.S. I would imagine there is a cut off, but I don’t see it listed. In a nutshell, don’t think you can get service with a U.S. address and move to Mexico or Canada and be given service all year-long. T-Mobile also won’t let you be tricky by keeping the phone in the states and setting the call forwarding to a Canada or Mexico number. Finally, your Data Stash won’t roll into action while in Canada or Mexico either. Meaning you can’t save up months of data for your trip and stream Netflix for the week. You only get access to your plan, but if your plan is the Unlimited offering, then you have nothing to worry about.
If you watched the video then you know that John also let everyone know that there are more AMPED moves to come with one potentially on the horizon next week.
The post ‘Mobile without Borders’ is T-Mobile’s latest AMPED Uncarrier move appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Microsoft Releases Office 2016 for Mac With Updated Versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and More
Following a beta testing period that began in March, Microsoft today announced the official launch of its next-generation office software designed for Mac users, Office 2016. The new Office 2016 software is the first major Mac release since Office 2011, and it brings new versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with redesigned, Retina optimized interfaces, new features, and a focus on collaboration and cloud integration.
If you already use Office on a PC or iPad, you will find yourself right at home in Office 2016 for Mac. It works the way you expect, with the familiar Ribbon interface and powerful Task panes. Mac users will appreciate the modernized Office experience and the integration of Mac capabilities like Full Screen view and Multi-Touch gestures. With full Retina display support, your Office documents look sharper and more vibrant than ever.
Office for Mac 2016 has adopted many elements previously found in the Windows version of Office and the mobile Office apps for better cross-platform familiarity. For example, Office for Mac now uses the Ribbon to organize tools and formatting options, plus there’s a task pane for improved graphics customization in all three of the main Office apps, along with new themes and styles.
The software includes a new Yosemite-style design that takes advantage of features like full-screen support, Retina displays, and multi-touch gestures, while cloud integration makes all Microsoft files available across a range of devices.
Word 2016 for Mac includes a new Design tab for quickly customizing layouts, colors, and fonts while working on a document, and the multi-author experience has been improved. There’s a sharing interface at the top right of the app that allows multiple people to work on the same document at once, with threaded comments to communicate.
Excel 2016 for Mac’s chart preview feature suggests the charts that best fit a set of data and it adds deeper data analysis functionality with PivotTable slicers for dealing with large amounts of data to find patterns. Shortcuts within Excel and the other Office apps have been updated to match their Windows counterparts, and there’s improved autocomplete and a better formula builder that makes it easier to create spreadsheets and add data.
PowerPoint 2016 for Mac includes an improved Presenter view that shows current slide, next slide, speaker notes, and a timer, much like the PowerPoint for iOS app. In the top left, the presenter sees exactly what the audience sees, including animations in real time, for a better idea of how a presentation is going. There’s also a new animation pane for designing and tweaking animations, plus new slide transitions.
Outlook for Mac, released last October, is also designed to work with the new Office apps, with push mail support, an improved conversation view, and message previews, as is OneNote for Mac, released in March of 2014.
According to Microsoft, several major changes like improved Mail Merge for Word, Propose New Time in Outlook, and support for External Data Connections in Excel were added based on user feedback during the beta testing program. Microsoft plans to introduce new updates to the software at least once per quarter going forward.
Office 2016 for Mac is available for all Office 365 subscribers users beginning today, and is officially supported on machines running the latest version of OS X, Yosemite. Office for Mac will also be available as a one-time purchase in September.
Office 365 Personal, which includes Office access for 1 computer, 1 phone, and 1 tablet, is priced at $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month. Office 365 Home, with access for 5 computers, 5 tablets, and 5 phones is priced at $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month. There are also Office 365 plans designed for students and businesses at different price points.
‘Trackbuster’ Service Aims to Strip Tracking Information From Incoming Emails
Trackbuster is a new service that’s designed to remove invisible tracking codes from incoming emails, preventing companies and marketers from tracking information like the time an email was opened, IP address of the recipient, which links were clicked, and more.
Many of the popular email marketing tools on the market include tools for tracking various metrics of emails that are sent out, embedding cookies and web beacons, which are tiny tracking images that let the sender know when an email has been opened. Links or attachments that are clicked within an email are also often tracked using tracking codes.
There are often few options for blocking trackers embedded in emails and these involve feature-limiting functions like removing all images, but Trackbuster plans to change that by working in the background to analyze and remove hidden tracking codes from emails to prevent users from unwittingly sharing information.
Trackbuster is currently in beta and limited to Gmail and email accounts managed via Google Apps. The Trackbuster service can be connected to a Gmail account, where it scans for specific tracking strings. According to the team behind Trackbuster, the service only scans for codes within email addresses and it does not store, host, or read the content of emails. No data is shared and no data associated with the email is kept by Trackbuster.
After an email account is connected to Trackbuster, the service will analyze the last 100 emails received and all new emails going forward. Incoming emails with tracking codes are filtered into a [Bustedbox] folder, the code is removed, an [Untracked] label is added to the email and it goes into a dedicated [Untracked] folder.
Because it works by connecting directly to a Gmail or Google Apps account, Trackbuster works in web browsers and with any mail software on any device, from Macs to iOS devices.
Trackbuster will be available today in a closed beta for a limited number of beta testers, who can sign up on the Trackbuster website. The company plans to continue adding additional beta testers throughout the summer.
T-Mobile’s Simple Choice customers will be covered in Mexico and Canada at no extra charge
On July 15, T-Mobile customers will be able to travel throughout three countries in North America and not be slammed with any roaming fees. The carrier announced Mobile Without Borders as its next step for being aggressive in the wireless industry, providing coverage to customers in Mexico and Canada in addition to the United States at no extra charge. Customers located in the former two countries will be able to place calls, send/receive texts, and utilize T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network just as they would in the United States.
The following is what T-Mobile CEO John Legere had to say about the launch of Mobile Without Borders:
“After spending billions buying up Mexican telecoms, AT&T’s CEO is promising ‘the first seamless network covering Mexico and the U.S.,’ something ‘unique’ that ‘nobody else will be able to do for the consumer.’ So much for that. They won’t be the first. And they won’t offer Canada for free. We’ve done this the Un-carrier way – reaching across borders, partnering with leading providers offering the best LTE networks, creating a simple solution right now – then not charging a penny more for it.”
Mobile Without Borders is an expansion to customers on Simple Choice plans. Those customers will not have to make any changes or opt-ins when it goes lives next Wednesday.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to see the full list of markets that fall under T-Mobile’s Mobile Without Borders expansion.
T-Mobile Introduces ‘Mobile without Borders’: Extends Coverage & Calling Across North America at No Extra Charge
Next in its series of Un-carrier Amped announcements, T-Mobile unveils a massive expansion of Simple Choice — adds calling, texting and 4G LTE data throughout Mexico & Canada
Bellevue, Washington — July 9, 2015 — T-Mobile [NYSE: TMUS] has unveiled the latest in its Un-carrier Amped announcements—and this one’s going to make history. The company today announced a massive expansion of its first industry-rocking Un-carrier™ move, Simple Choice™, extending coverage and calling across the U.S., Mexico & Canada for all Simple Choice customers at no extra charge. Called ‘Mobile without Borders,’ this first-of-its-kind move delivers calling to both land lines and mobile phones − as well as 4G LTE data straight from your plan − across all three countries at no additional cost. The epic upgrade makes Simple Choice the first and only wireless plan to span an entire continent.
The move eliminates a major pain point for U.S. wireless customers. Last year, a full 35% of all international calls and 55% of all international travel from the U.S. was to Mexico & Canada alone. Over 70% of international trips taken by small and mid-sized business travelers were to Mexico & Canada. And, the same year, the carriers raked in nearly $10 billion in global roaming charges at over 90% margins. Meaning the carriers are lining their pockets with billions of dollars in inflated roaming fees—for coverage the Un-carrier now includes at no extra cost.
“After spending billions buying up Mexican telecoms, AT&T’s CEO is promising ‘the first seamless network covering Mexico and the U.S.,’ something ‘unique’ that ‘nobody else will be able to do for the consumer.’ So much for that. They won’t be the first. And they won’t offer Canada for free,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. “We’ve done this the Un-carrier way − reaching across borders, partnering with leading providers offering the best LTE networks, creating a simple solution right now − then not charging a penny more for it.”
To hear more from Legere about Mobile without Borders, check out his latest video blog.
As with Simple Global, Mobile without Borders takes direct aim at the carrier practice of jacking up the cost and complexity for customers the moment you set foot over a border. The pain is real. AT&T and Verizon’s data rates jump an insane 120x or more when you leave the U.S. For example:
- Call or travel with AT&T to Mexico and Canada, and you have to navigate a maze of international calling and roaming packages that could ratchet up your monthly rate by an additional $30 to an astounding $245 per line per month.
- Even with the $30 “AT&T Passport” plan, add on your usage fees and AT&T could hit you with up to $285 in extra charges every week you use your phone in Mexico & Canada like you do at home.
- If you neglect to buy their costly, confusing add-on packages? You could rack up a ridiculous$10,000 or more in a single week just for using your phone like you normally do.
- And the insane charges aren’t limited to roaming—simply calling to Mexico & Canada can run up a huge bill.
- Last year, US wireless customers’ long-distance calls to Mexico & Canada totaled approximately 25 billion minutes.
- Assuming even half those minutes were mobile-to-mobile, the total pay-per-use cost could be as much as $7.5 billion. And, even if every customer paid for additional international long-distance (ILD) packages, the cost could still total up to $130 million.
By contrast, with T-Mobile, virtually everywhere you call or travel in Mexico & Canada is now just like home—at no extra cost.
One Big, Happy Continent
Mobile without Borders provides a simpler, saner way to connect—everything’s covered. Using your phone throughout Mexico & Canada is as easy as driving across the border. It’s simple and doesn’t cost you a penny more to talk, text and access your 4G LTE data just like home. Now, we’re all one big, happy continent.Beginning July 15th, calls to, from and between the U.S., Mexico & Canada − whether mobile or landline − are included in our latest plans at no extra charge. And, when you’re in Mexico & Canada, you’ll use 4G LTE data straight from your Simple Choice 4G LTE data plan. Now, wherever you call, wherever you travel in Mexico & Canada, your phone just works— like at home. It doesn’t matter whether you’re calling Mexico City from Toronto or Tallahassee—it’s now all part of your plan. Get off a plane in Puerto Vallarta, Poughkeepsie or Prince Edward, and you’ll have the same outstanding Un-carrier experience. Zero ridiculous calling rates, zero jacked-up data rates, zero hoops to jump through. And, as always, you get all the other Un-carrier benefits like Music Freedom and Wi-Fi calling and texting. You’ll be even able to tap into your Data Stash in Mexico & Canada starting later this year.
Everyone’s eligible, including Simple Choice postpaid and prepaid customers. Starting next Wednesday, every new Simple Choice customer will automatically get Mexico & Canada included in their plan at no extra charge. Current Simple Choice customers can simply opt-in online, by phone, or in-store by switching to our latest plans for free. Business customers can also add coverage and calling across North America to their Simple Choice plan at no extra cost for the first 10 lines and only $1 a month for each line beyond that.
“We keep giving you more without asking for more from you,” Legere said. “Now, wherever you call or travel in Mexico & Canada is just like home. This is the perfect complement to Simple Global, which led the way with free texting to virtually anywhere in the world and free roaming data in more than 120 countries and destinations worldwide. The Un-carrier goodness keeps on coming.”
For more information about Simple Choice and Mobile without Borders, check out t-mobile.com/3countries. For information about Mobile without Borders for business, check out t-mobile.com/3countries1price4biz.
Qualifying Simple Choice North America service req’d. Credit approval, deposit & $15 SIM starter kit may be req’d. For U.S. residents with primary use on T-Mobile’s U.S. network; not for extended international use. See T-Mobile.com/3countries for details.
About T-Mobile US, Inc.
As America’s Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company’s advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to approximately 59 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.
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T-Mobile continues carrying momentum in second quarter
Early Thursday morning T-Mobile announced second quarter customer addition numbers and they are very good. T-Mobile announced they have added 2.1 million total net customer additions which is a 41% increase year over year and the ninth consecutive quarter with over 1 million. In addition, the carrier had over 1 million branded postpaid net customer additions for this quarter. This makes the fourth consecutive quarter with over 1 million branded postpaid net customer additions. The company also had over 760,000 branded postpaid phone net customer additions which is up 31% since this time last year.
John Legere, T-Mobile CEO, commented on the carrier’s momentum:
“T-Mobile continues to win with the industry’s most valuable customer segment – postpaid phone customers. We attract phone customers with signature moves that resonate and with the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network.”
T-Mobile’s largest gain since last year came in the number of branded prepaid net customers additions. This quarter T-Mobile added 178,000 branded prepaid net customers additions which is a 75% increase year over year. The branded postpaid phone churn of 1.3% which is down 16 basis points year over year. These results are a good sign that T-mobile is ongoing improvements to it’s network.
As you all now, these are incredible numbers. It leaves us excited about what T-Mobile has in store store the future. And this is on the heels of the carrier’s announcement of Mobile Without Borders. T-Mobile’s quarterly full financial results will come on July 30th. We will bring you those numbers when they become available.
Source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile continues carrying momentum in second quarter
AIVAnet 