ZTE Axon Pro now on sale through Amazon, Ebay, and NewEgg for $449
After being announced and put up for pre-order earlier last month, ZTE’s new flagship device, the Axon Pro is now on sale. If you are anxious to get your hands on this device, and are looking for a new GSM phone, you can get the Axon Pro from Ebay, Amazon, or NewEgg today.
Sporting a 5.5″ QHD LCD display with the SnapDragon 810 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 3,000 mAh battery, the Axon Pro is an intriguing device, if you’re in the market. The Axon Pro also comes with a dual rear camera (13MP + 2MP depth sensor) and Android 5.1 Lollipop, this really could be a “flagship killer” of sorts. ZTE is also touting the Axon Pro as the “first true high-fidelity phone available in the US” which is intriguing for those audiophiles out there, or those who are just tired of the crappy speakers in some phones today.
If you’re looking to pick this up, Amazon is only selling the Pththalo Blue model, eBay has all three models, the Pththalo Blue, Ion Gold, and Chromium Silver for sale. At this time, NewEgg was offering the all three models, but have sold out and those devices are currently on back-order. Regardless of where you purchase these devices from, all three retailers are selling the Axon Pro for $449.98, which is a pretty good deal for what you get with this device.
Let us know in the comments below, whether you are interested in what ZTE is doing with the Axon Pro.
Source: Android Central
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Roving Rovers Floating Launcher Roves around your screen (app review)
When Facebook debuted its chat head system with Facebook messenger in 2013 it was an instant hit. So much so, that when they axed SMS and MMS messaging from the app, it caused quite the uproar. The Paranoid Android ROM makers would soon pick up the mantle and integrate chat head style notifications into their custom baked ROM.
Rovers Floating Launcher is the latest app to feature a floating “chat” head. Except it’s not a chat head, but a floating launcher of sorts. The call them rovers. In this review, we’ll examine what makes this launcher unique.
Rovers Floating Launcher overview
The nice thing about this launcher is that you don’t have to get rid of your favorite launcher to use this. Rovers Floating Launcher works on top of your existing launcher and applications. It is also highly customizable.
The app is free on Google Play, but there are 3 in-app purchases that will unlock certain features of the app. First, you are limited to 10 Rovers. By purchasing this upgrade, you’ll be free to add as many rovers to the launcher as you please. Second is more colors. This will allow you to change the color of the individual Rovers. Third is more settings. This will allow you to customize the trigger’s color, alpha, offset, and size. Each upgrade is $0.99 or you can opt for the complete package for $2.49, save $0.50 in the process and get any other paid upgrades that will be released in the future.
Rovers Floating Launcher setup
When the app first launches, you are greeted with a 5-page tutorial. You’ll find that the tutorial is fairly easy to comprehend. All the basics are there. One only needs to configure the app.
Configuring the launcher is fairly easy to do. There is a plus icon that allows you to add another item that you wish to launch. You can select from apps, shortcuts, actions, and folders.
The folder option is very handy as it allows you to group certain apps, shortcuts, and actions together. Once you select a new folder, you can customize the icon and color scheme of the folder. This is handy as there are no text elements to the launcher and the customizable icons will help you recognize which folders contain which items. One feature that I would like to see is the ability to move already existing Rovers in and out of the folders simply by dragging them. The only way to accomplish this is to remove the Rover from its current location, navigate to the folder, and select the + icon and re-add the Rover. This is a little complicated for my taste.
The apps option is fairly obvious. It allows you to add an app to the launcher.
The shortcut option gives you the ability to direct dial or direct message a contact. You can also connect to bookmarked web pages, Gmail labels, Playlists, and any other shortcuts supported by individual apps.
The action option allows you to open an app drawer, turn on your flashlight, go home, go to your last used app, open your recent apps, open Google search, view battery level, voice search, go to settings, and direct-dial your contacts. You can also clear your ram. I found this feature to be especially helpful as my Asus Padfone X, when docked and undocked, clears out the running apps from your task switcher, but it doesn’t clear it out the ram. So with Rovers I can clear out all available ram with just one click.
Who will enjoy Rovers Floating Launcher?
What I liked about Rovers Floating Launcher is that it is always on top of whatever app you are using and you can toggle settings, launch apps, etc… all without having to leave the application your are using. This is also a small annoyance at times. I sometimes found myself having to frequently move the trigger around so that it was not in the way of my keyboard. You can also hide and show the trigger at will via the notification tray.
If you are looking for a new launcher but aren’t quite ready to get rid of your current launcher, Rovers Floating Launcher is a good place to start. I recommend that you purchase the upgrades as they greatly increase the functionality of the app.
What we liked:
- Floating trigger
- Extreme customizability
- Multifunction Rovers
What could be better:
- Easier folder management
- Automatic trigger movements, like in the case of the keyboard popping up. It would be handy if it would automatically move off of the keyboard area.
Overall
Rovers Floating Launcher is a little bit novelty and a little bit utility, but the utility is drastically increased by purchasing the upgrades. If not for the upgrades I’m not sure that I would keep the app installed on my phone. As it is, I find it a great companion app to my Asus PadFone X.
The post Roving Rovers Floating Launcher Roves around your screen (app review) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
India blocks hundreds of sex sites in the name of ‘decency’
India’s government has been threatening to crack down on porn in the country, and it looks like the administration has made good on its word. The Department of Telecommunications has blocked 857 sex sites (including everything from Fleshbot‘s blog through to hookup site Adult Friend Finder) in the name of “decency.” While the restrictions may not affect everyone — some mobile users report unfettered access, for example — they’re definitely noticeable on at least some landline internet providers. Officials claim that India’s IT Act grants them the authority to block content if it preserves “public order” and prevents sites from inciting crimes.
Whether or not the government actually has that power isn’t so certain. Legal experts believe that the Department may have to provide evidence that the block is truly necessary. Also, the nation’s Chief Justice has contended that banning porn at home would violate personal liberty rights. It won’t be shocking if the courts eventually overturn the censorship move. As it stands, there are questions as to whether or not the ban will be effective. It should be relatively easy to find a workaround (such as using a proxy or virtual private network), and it’s doubtful that there will be a truly comprehensive list of forbidden web pages. Some sites (and some people) are bound to slip through the cracks.
[Image credit: AP Photo/ Bikas Das]
Filed under:
Internet
Via:
The Independent, Legally India
Source:
Center for Internet & Society
Tags: censorship, civilrights, freespeech, india, internet, isp, porn, sex
Xiaomi retakes the smartphone lead in China as Apple slips
It looks like Apple’s time at the top of China’s smartphone heap was short-lived. Researchers at Canalys estimate that local brand Xiaomi has once again become the country’s smartphone market share leader, snagging 15.9 percent of shipments during the second quarter of the year. In fact, Apple is down to third place — one of Xiaomi’s fastest-growing rivals, Huawei, claimed the runner-up spot with 15.7 percent. Samsung and Vivo rounded out the top five.
It’s not certain what tipped the balance for Xiaomi, although big phones like the Mi Note (shown above) likely helped. That leadership might not survive for much longer, however. As IDC warned earlier, the days of a rapidly expanding Chinese phone market appear to be over. Vendors are mostly trying to poach customers from each other, rather than enticing first-timers who are finally well-off enough to buy a smartphone. In a volatile climate like that, it might only take one hit phone (or a spectacular flop) to shake things up.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu]
Filed under:
Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung
Via:
CNET
Source:
Canalys
Tags: android, apple, china, huawei, iphone, marketshare, mobilepostcross, q22015, samsung, smartphone, vivo, xiaomi
New OnePlus smartphone slated for a release around Christmas
OnePlus is gearing up for the release of the OnePlus Two, but there’s still one more device on the horizon this year for the company. There have been plenty of rumors about a second device, so this isn’t a huge surprise, but we’re finally getting some details directly from OnePlus about it.
OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei didn’t divulge anything specific about what’s up their sleeve, but he did say that the next handset they release will probably be out in time for Christmas this year. We’re already in August, so that’s just a few months off. I think a higher-end version of the OnePlus Two is pretty unlikely (unless they fill in some of the blanks on its feature list) but a mini model could happen.
Pei also talked about the future of the company and about how the landscape of mobile phones will evolve over the next few years. He believes that within five years, there will only be room for three smartphone manufacturers, and he thinks that’ll be Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus. Other companies will die off or leave the market due to being unable to keep high enough margins to make any profit. He then followed that statement up by clarifying that OnePlus barely broke even with the OnePlus One. But for some reason, that won’t affect OnePlus’s ability to continue making smartphones.
I’ll let you think about that for a bit.
source: USA Today
via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: New OnePlus smartphone slated for a release around Christmas
New studies analyze growing use of sapphire glass in smartphones
Some new studies by RnR Market Research take a look at the global market for sapphire glass and how manufacturers are responding for demands for supply from smartphone manufacturers. According to one analyst, manufacturers are considering the use of sapphire glass for use in high-end smartphone displays and even Corning is considering adding sapphire glass properties to their Gorilla Glass line of screens.
The research indicates production capacities for sapphire glass are growing around the globe with China and the U.S. leading the way. Interestingly, it appears smaller organizations are finding the most success thus far in spinning up new production capabilities, although bigger manufacturers are coming on as well.
One dynamic identified by the researchers is the impact of the high cost of production of sapphire glass, partly due to limited supplies. This results in the glass really only being appropriate for use in high-end devices. The problem that is looming is the downward price pressure in the high-end smartphone market which works against inclusion of higher-end components like sapphire glass.
On a related issue, RnR Market Research also studied the market for non-glass capacitive sensors. This market is projected to grow by 14.3% from 2014 to 2020. The study notes costs for these non-glass touch screens tend to be five to seven times higher than glass. Despite those high costs, these materials will be incorporated into more devices and applications in the coming years as device manufacturers move into new form factors and add capabilities to traditional smartphones and tablets.
source: RnR Market Research (PR)
Come comment on this article: New studies analyze growing use of sapphire glass in smartphones
[TA Deals] ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20,000mAh battery for $49
Everyone needs an external battery simply because of how demanding mobile devices have become. When your phone or tablet’s battery is dead while away from a wall outlet or car charger, an external battery can save the day. Right now on Talk Android Deals, you can purchase a massive and durable external battery from ZeroLemon with 50% savings.
The SolarJuice 20,000mAh is encased in a body that is both shockproof and water resistant, offering two-full size USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously. But the power and durability of this external battery may not even be the best part. It’s actually capable of drawing its own power from the sun. ZeroLemon included a solar panel on the SolarJuice 20,000mAh to ensure that it is ready to charge your devices at all times.
So how much does the ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20,000mAh battery cost? Only $49 with free shipping. That’s 50% off of the normal $100 price.
Come comment on this article: [TA Deals] ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20,000mAh battery for $49
Huawei Honor line of smartphones lead huge surge for company in 2015
Huawei has announced that their Honor line of smartphones have been selling at a phenomenal rate during the first half of 2015. Thus far, revenue has increased to $2.63 billion on 20 million devices produced during the first six months of the year. For the six months, Huawei Honor has already exceeded the totals for all of 2014 and Huawei expects to double the 2015 results before the end of the year.
Huawei managed to grow their market share by 39 percent despite the global smartphone market only growing by 7 percent compared to the first half of 2014. Out of that growth, the company’s flagship Honor smartphone accounted for 40 percent of the 48.2 million smartphones shipped by Huawei.
Huawei vice president in the Middle East, Chris Sun Baigong, said:
“As a bold and brave new brand, which was launched globally as recently as the end of 2013, we have already received highly positive feedback in comparison to other brands. We are excited to be entering the Middle East market and see huge potential to grow by offering something unique to our new dynamic customers.”
Huawei has already entered 74 markets around the globe and continues to expand.
source: Arab News
Come comment on this article: Huawei Honor line of smartphones lead huge surge for company in 2015
More ‘iPhone 6s’ Display Assembly Photos and Renderings Revealed
Following the release of several photos of a claimed display assembly for the “iPhone 6s” over the weekend, Macfixit Australia has shared additional images of what appears to be the same display assembly, further suggesting the leaked images to be real internal parts for the next-generation iPhone.
One of Macfixit’s photos includes a quality control label showing a pass date of July 29, which, if legitimate, would put the assembly in a correct time frame for Apple’s traditional September iPhone launches. The image also appears identical to those released over the weekend by repair company GeekBar, with the same possible cutouts for a taptic engine to fuel Force Touch and a slightly thicker frame.
A few possible third-party case manufacturer design renders have also been shared by uSwitch and Nowhereelse.fr‘s OnLeaks channel, backing the theory that this year’s iPhone line will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Theories that support Apple’s reasoning behind increasing the iPhone’s thickness — other than the inclusion of Force Touch — include attempts to avoid another “Bendgate” controversy from last year with a stronger body. Height and width of the iPhones shown in the renderings are also marginally larger than the measurements for the current lineup.
While the iPhone 6 came in at 6.9mm thick, the iPhone 6S is 7.1mm, according to our source.
The iPhone 6S Plus, which was the model most often cited in the so-called ‘bendgate’ scandal, has also been body-building. It’s gone from 7.1mm thick to 7.3mm, we were told.
The renders also suggest that the “iPhone 6s” could be missing the slightly protruding camera found on the current lineup, perhaps made possible by the slightly thicker body. The “iPhone 6s Plus” renderings, however, continue to show a protruding rear camera. uSwitch does note the renders could simply be incomplete, so Apple’s plans for rear camera designs remain unconfirmed. Otherwise, the site notes an overall similarity between generations, with a home button, volume rockers, lock switch, and screen size that make the new phones “largely indistinguishable” from last year’s models.
Even with the possibility of a thicker frame, the size increase of the so-called iPhone 6s would be small enough to allow most accessories and cases to function with both generations of the device. News and rumors regarding the “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” have begun to proliferate in the past few weeks, and will no doubt continue to do so as we head into the iPhone launch season.
Apple Reportedly Considers Becoming a Mobile Carrier by Leasing Network Capacity in U.S. and Europe
Apple is currently in early talks to launch its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in both the United States and Europe, according to information gathered by Business Insider. A few sources close to Apple suggest that the company is testing the service right now in the United States, with early negotiations beginning in Europe to bring the MVNO service overseas.
If completed, Apple would essentially become its own network carrier, freeing the company and iPhone users from any particular current carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T, and allow users to pay for the usual data, calls, and text services directly from Apple. The MVNO would allow Apple to lease space from network carriers already in the business of providing data to customers, with the Apple SIM card — already included in the cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 — picking up and switching between carriers on the fly for the best service possible.
As Business Insider points out, the testing of the MVNO service doesn’t guarantee its eventual arrival for customers using an iPhone in the United States and Europe. But, if the company does intend to eventually become a carrier itself, it would be a fairly long-term goal of five years or more to be fully implemented.
If Apple is testing the service then there’s no guarantee that it will launch, and if it does, it’s not going to roll out anytime soon. Telecoms sources say that Apple is looking long-term with its MVNO, and could take at least five years to fully launch the service. Apple has been in talks with telecoms companies for years over its MVNO plans, and it’s an “open secret” amongst carriers that a virtual Apple network is on the way.
Speculation surrounding Apple becoming its own wireless provider has been swirling for a decade now, resurging in various rumor and patent stories every now and again over the years. With Apple rumored to be in “advanced talks” with mobile standards organization GSMA in the production of a standardized mobile electronic SIM card — which would allow customers to avoid being locked into a dedicated network carrier — the company appears to at least be positioning itself for the possibility of a future MVNO launch.
AIVAnet 