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25
Sep

Trulia joins the Material Design party and harnesses Google’s Nearby technology


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Today, Trulia makes the transition over to a redesigned Android app that follows Google’s Material Design guidelines. The service which connects the various people of buying and selling real estate wanted to meet its already simple and intuitive mobile interface with Google’s way of demonstrating elegance while maintaining functionality.

Here is how Trulia is following Material Design:

In the updated app, you’ll see a new tab navigation and interaction patterns for better control over your searching. For example, we now have ripple effects for touch feedback, so you know exactly what you’re clicking on, and floating action buttons that make it easier to navigate within the app and perform actions, like contacting an agent. We’ve also added new animations – now, when you go from viewing home photos to pulling up details of the property and its neighborhood, the sections of information expand and contract from each other, making them easier to read.
It’s safe to say Trulia has a beautiful app after the Material Design overhaul. Check out how the Trulia app has evolved:

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Trulia’s transformation on phones

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Trulia’s transformation on tablets

Trulia didn’t focus on looks alone, though. The app takes advantage of Google’s Nearby technology so that users can invite others nearby to join a board (which now supports Android tablets). This means that in real-time two people can share and interact with the same property on separate devices.

Play Store Download Link

Source: Trulia

Come comment on this article: Trulia joins the Material Design party and harnesses Google’s Nearby technology

25
Sep

Video Review: Zagg’s Folio Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2


Apple has designed a keyboard for its larger-screened 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but for other iPads, such as the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4, customers looking for a keyboard solution will need to stick with keyboards created by third-party manufacturers.

Zagg is often a popular choice among iPad users who need a keyboard, so we went hands-on with the Zagg Folio Keyboard Case for the iPad Air 2 in our latest video review. The Folio is a thin case that has a built-in keyboard, turning the iPad into a mini laptop.

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We weren’t fans of the construction of the case. It’s made of plastic, with a leather texture added to the top and bottom, but its plastic design makes it fragile. We ended up cracking our review unit when attempting to get the iPad in and out of the case. While Zagg has a replacement program in place for faulty products, we wish this case was made of better materials.

The Folio allows the iPad to be angled into several different viewing positions, and it leaves all of the ports on iPad accessible. It includes a keyboard with backlighting, and while the keyboard is not full-sized, it doesn’t take long to adjust to the smaller keys. The keys felt similar to the keys on a MacBook Pro keyboard and weren’t too mushy or too clicky.

The Zagg Folio Keyboard Case for the iPad Air 2 can be purchased from the Zagg website for $99.

Note: MacRumors received no compensation for this review.


25
Sep

Review: Schuttenworks’ Ripple is the Perfect Apple Watch Dock for Nightstand Mode


With watchOS 2, Apple introduced a new feature called Nightstand mode, which lets the Apple Watch be used as a nighttime clock and morning alarm when it’s attached to the charger. Nightstand mode only works while the Apple Watch is placed in landscape mode on its side, rendering a lot of early Apple Watch docks and stands less useful.

Going forward, accessory makers will likely focus on making products that work with the new Nightstand feature, but small Apple Watch dock maker Schuttenworks has already developed a simple, high-quality watchOS 2-compatible Apple Watch charging stand called the Ripple.

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I’ve been using the Ripple on my night table for several weeks now, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It’s an attractive, low-profile stand that works with all Apple Watch models and all bands, both closed and open-loop, and at $54, it’s not a bad value.

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Like its predecessor the Wave, which we reviewed earlier this year, the Ripple uses a clever split design and magnet system to lock the Apple Watch charger in place and keep the cord out of sight.
Read more »

25
Sep

Schlage Sense HomeKit-Enabled Smart Deadbolt Now Available for Pre-Order


Schlage today announced that its HomeKit-compatible Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will be available for purchase beginning in November, with pre-orders that are kicking off today. Priced at $229, the Schlage Sense was previewed earlier this year at CES and is the first door lock that works with Apple’s HomeKit home automation service.

With HomeKit integration, the Schlage Sense will allow homeowners to control their door lock with Siri voice commands, and it has the built-in end-to-end encryption that Apple requires of all HomeKit-compatible products.

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The Schlage Sense is able to manage as many as 30 access codes through its accompanying app, which will let users create and delete codes at will, check the lock status, and view in-and-out activity. Unlocking the deadbolt can be done via the iPhone app, through Siri, or through a built-in touchscreen, and installing it can be done without professional help.

“We are thrilled to announce the release of the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt into retail. This launch has been highly anticipated, as we continue to reimagine and develop innovative keyless solutions that integrate smart-home technology,” said Steve Down, Allegion residential leader. “As a leader in technology and innovation, the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is the newest offering in our suite of electronic products designed to offer consumers the strength, style and convenience that they expect from our brand, and now that also includes support for Apple HomeKit technology.”

Schlage is selling the Sense Smart Deadbolt in two of its iconic styles, Camelot and Century, and it will be available in several finishes including Matte Black, Satin Nickel, and Aged Bronze, to match a range of home styles.

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The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, and Build.com for $229. It will ship out in November.


25
Sep

First iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Pre-Order Customers in New Zealand Begin Receiving Shipments


It’s just after 8:30 a.m. in New Zealand, which means the first customers who pre-ordered an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus are now beginning to receive their shipments. Soon, customers in Australia will begin getting their iPhones, and the first Apple retail stores in the country will open for in-store sales. New Zealanders have started sharing photos of their new devices on social networks like Instagram and Twitter.

iphone6snzImage via Instagram user Gyuriels
As September 25 hits around the world, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will be available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, and the United States. Retail stores in those countries will be opening at 8:00 a.m. local time, letting customers pick up reserved devices and purchase a new phone via walk-in.

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Walk-in purchases will not be available in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Oregon, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Alaska, to discourage purchases by scalpers. In these locations, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will be available only by reservation. Reservations are not currently available, but will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26.

A photo posted by @dianelee209 on Sep 24, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT

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Customers who ordered an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus for home delivery will also begin receiving their devices around 8:00 a.m. local time through couriers like UPS and FedEx. U.S. customers in New York and Pennsylvania should be aware of shipping delays that will prevent iPhone pre-orders from arriving on launch day in certain zip codes.


25
Sep

Fly around the skies in virtual reality with Just Cause 3: Wingsuit Tour


Just Cause 3 is an open-world adventure game that’s set to be released on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One on December 1st, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little glimpse of the title before then. Just Cause 3: Wingsuit Tour has just made its way to the Google Play Store, courtesy of Square Enix.

Just like in Just Cause 3, you’ll get to join Rico Rodriguez as he skydives and flies through the air with his wingsuit across the Mediterranean islands of Medici. Since this is a VR-based game, you’ll be able to tilt and twist your smartphone around as you watch Rico in the air while flying towards the ground. And when I say you get to “join” Rico in the skies, I mean exactly that. You don’t get to control him or blow anything up, but you can watch him do all of those things as you follow him around. Even though this is being marketed as a “virtual reality experience”, you don’t need a Samsung Gear VR or Google Cardboard headset to enjoy this title. There’s a VR mode for those who have compatible headsets. But for those who don’t, you can still watch the video in full-screen to get a similar experience.

To get a better look at this new title, be sure to check out the trailer attached above.

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Just Cause 3: Wingsuit Tour is now available in the Google Play Store for free. If you’re interested, head to the Play Store link below for the download.

Download Just Cause 3: Wingsuit Tour from Google Play

25
Sep

Apple Store App for iOS Gains Support for iPhone 6s, iOS 9


applestorenewiconApple today updated its Apple Store app for iOS devices to version 3.5, adding support for the new iPhone 6s and the iOS 9 operating system. Apple’s release notes for the update are vague, so there are no details on what new features the app might have for iOS 9 and the iPhone 6s.

It’s possible the Apple Store app update adds support for the 3D Touch feature built into the new iPhones, enabling Quick Actions that can be accessed directly from the Home screen, but it’s also possible this is a simple compatibility update that makes sure the app works properly with the new devices. We’ll update this post when we learn more about what’s new in today’s update.

What’s New in Version 3.5
– iOS compatibility update
– Adds support for iPhone 6s

The Apple Store app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]


25
Sep

Wirecutter’s best deals: Fujifilm’s X-T10 mirrorless camera, and more


This post was created in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read their continuously updated list of deals at TheWirecutter.com.

You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.

Fujifilm X-T10 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens

Street Price: $900; MSRP: $900; Deal Price: $800

This is the first good price drop we’ve seen on this camera, dropping it $100 below the street price. While this deal is available through Adorama, you can also get it from BuyDig or Beach Camera.

Our article on the best mirrorless cameras under $1000 is in the review stage of an update, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: the X-T10 is likely going to be one of our picks. Amadou Diallo, our camera writer working on the guide, told us, “The Fujifilm X-T10 is a smaller less expensive version of our top mirrorless pick, the Fuji X-T1, with a smaller viewfinder and no weather-sealing but with identical image quality.”

Dell P2715Q 27-inch Ultra HD 4K Monitor

Street Price: $525; MSRP: $700; Deal Price: $450

If you’re hard set on buying a 4K computer monitor, this deal from Adorama through their eBay store might be for you. We still recommend you wait for more third-party support for 4K, but this is the lowest price we’ve seen on this 4K Dell monitor.

The Dell P2715Q is our “if you must” 4K pick in our guide on the best 27-inch monitors. David Murphy writes, “We still think it’s better to wait, but Dell’s P2715Q is the 4K monitor to get if you must, thanks to its excellent picture quality, ample connections, adjustability, and built-in USB 3.0 hub.”

Tronsmart Dual Turbo Rapid Ports Car Charger

Street Price: $20; MSRP: $40; Deal Price: $11 with code VYWBJYI5

The best price we’ve seen on the only Quick Charge 2.0 car charger we tested with multiple ports. Make sure to use the code VYWBJYI5 during checkout to get the right price. Their three port charger is also available for $9 with the code 3DM7J6M6, but only one of the ports supports Quick Charge 2.0.

This was one of the few Quick Charge 2.0 chargers we’ve recommended so far in our best USB car charger guide. Nick Guy wrote, “Tronsmart’s Dual Turbo Rapid Ports Car Charger is the only model we tested that packs two Quick Charge 2.0 ports; most of the multiport chargers have just one Quick Charge port, with the rest supporting standard draws. When not being used with a Quick Charge device, each of the two ports can provide up to 2.4 Amps simultaneously. “

Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Street Price: $25; MSRP: $70; Deal Price: $15 with code 40OFFWOW

The code 40OFFWOW drops this little speaker down to match one of the best prices we’ve seen. We’ve previously posted deals at $17 and $18, so a couple bucks under our previous low is solid. This deal is available on 4 models, black, gold, blue, and silver.

This is our pick for a super-inexpensive and super-portable option in our best Bluetooth speaker guide. Brent Butterworth said, “It has more bass than you’d probably expect from a device of its size, and plays loud enough (and then some) for all the uses we outlined above. Battery life is rated at only 5 hours, but one of our testing samples played Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ for 14 hours at full volume, and the other lasted 13.5 hours.” He also gave it particular praise for its fit, finish, and features.

Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.

25
Sep

Sling TV shows off its improved guide for the Xbox One


As great as Sling TV is, the user interface isn’t the best. One of the biggest problems is that it isn’t easy to find the content you’re looking for, but the company’s well aware of this and has been working on a fix. Today, Sling TV announced the first of “several” planned updates to its UI, starting with the app for Xbox One. Aside from bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to the streaming quality, Sling TV is refreshing the guide on Microsoft’s entertainment console — which should make it less tedious for you to quickly come across the live and on-demand shows you want to watch. For example, when you’re browsing the guide and set on a channel, hitting up on the Xbox One controller’s d-pad or joystick now brings up all the content available for each network. You’ll also find better imagery throughout the app, with a focus on cast, crew and episode artwork.

Ben Weinberger, head of product at Sling TV, said in blog post that these changes are the direct result of customer feedback, noting that there are more on the way. For now, Xbox One owners who have a Sling TV account can expect to see this new interface this week.

Source: Sling TV

25
Sep

The new Gear VR is Samsung’s public bet that VR is consumer-ready


When Samsung announced the newest edition of its mobile virtual reality headset Gear VR, created in partnership with Oculus, it was less about hardware innovation and more of a statement: VR is consumer-ready. Yes, the headset’s overall weight has been significantly reduced and its touchpad’s been redesigned for easier access. But it’s the combination of its $99 price point, range of compatible (and current) Samsung smartphones and multimedia content like Netflix that could finally usher this new medium into households everywhere. “Virtual reality that’s accessible to consumers is still very young and so it was all about developing the ecosystem,” said Jim Willson, director of immersive products and VR at Samsung. “We had to make sure there was enough content, both in terms of video content … and on the gaming side.”

To Willson’s point, shortly after unveiling the new Gear VR on stage, a host of other content partnerships were announced. Consumers that pick up the headset in the fall will have access to Oculus Arcade for classic gaming experiences from Bandai Namco, Sega and others; over 100 movies from Fox accessible through the Oculus Cinema app; and, most importantly, Netflix. While other streaming services like Twitch and Hulu are planned to follow with respective apps in the coming months, it’s the availability of Netflix that could make the Gear VR enticing for consumers.

“We’re seeing a lot of, particularly on the video side and with Samsung Milk VR usage — it’s been a lot of binge usage, which is great,” said Willson. “It’s the same sort of thing you see in traditional media with Netflix. And now that Netflix is available on Gear VR…”

What Willson’s hinting toward is the captive audience an app like Netflix could provide for the Gear VR platform and the extended time those viewers might be willing to spend within its virtual world. By replicating behavior they’re already doing in their living rooms, VR becomes less alien and more familiar; more approachable. It also warms them up for other content experiences available on the Milk VR store, Samsung’s own content portal.

“For brands, there’s no other medium where you have the consumer’s undivided attention. When the consumer has GearVR on, that’s it… they’re not doing anything else,” he said.

As for access to premium video providers like HBO on GearVR, Willson wouldn’t comment directly. Though he did liken today’s content announcements to a domino effect, and indicated that further talks for additional video providers are in the works.