Nexus 6P has that black glass window to allow wireless signals to pass through
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Google officially announced the Nexus 6P earlier today, however much of the attention surrounding the device – for the Android faithful, at least – has been the black bar that appears at the top of the device. As it turns out, Google hasn’t lost its mind and the black bar – or rather black glass window – plays a very important role in ensuring the Nexus 6P continues operating optimally. Given that the Nexus 6P is all-aluminium, this makes it hard to get signals out of the body reliably as the aluminium acts as a reflector – enter the black glass window. By allowing a small portion of the device to be a different material – namely Gorilla Glass 4 – the various antennas, NFC and laser autofocus module all have an area to operate out of.
This information was confirmed by a designer at Google speaking with Android Police, so it’s probably true – or at least, as true as Google’s going to tell us. At the very least, it makes sense, so hopefully that makes a few of you look on the Nexus 6P a little less harshly.
What do you think about the Nexus 6P? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Police
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TiVo’s 4K-ready, commercial skipping Bolt hints at the future
This new Bolt DVR may not totally remake the recording technology TiVo is famous for, but it introduces a sharp departure in design and adds features customers have asked for since it started in the late 90s. Just like the leaks suggested, the Bolt is a funky arc-shaped white box that looks different from anything else near your HDTV. Despite being smaller than TiVo’s older DVRs — or whatever cable box you probably have — it’s eye-catching enough for visitors to stop and ask what you’re watching TV on. Looks aside, Bolt’s main claim to fame will definitely be its ability to bypass commercials with a new SkipMode (No more hidden 30 second skip! We’ve been asking for this since 2009). That’s actually an old trick, and while it’s appreciated, where I see evidence of TiVo looking towards the future is the way it’s connecting the DVR to Amazon’s Fire TV. Slideshow-324372
Let’s start with the new hardware. TiVo Bolt will replace the base Roamio (and eventually the Plus), as a 4-tuner DVR that also works for OTA or just streaming TV. For those who prefer six tuners and a larger built-in hard drive, the Roamio Pro will stick around, but it doesn’t have the Bolt’s 4K or new features. Bolt loses the old analog video outputs and offers only an HDMI port — no breakout cable either — which shouldn’t be a problem in 2015, but is worth knowing. It has the same integrated TiVo Stream features we dug on the Roamio, and it will work with the existing TiVo Mini boxes to extend the setup beyond your living room.
That funky arc shape isn’t just there to stick out visually however, as VP Jim Denney told us it also allows the smaller box to vent from the bottom. It’s a rather unique design, and in our short time using it the box stayed cool and quiet. The upgraded hardware is good for more than just pixel-pushing too, with apps and menus responding faster than ever. One tweak you’d almost miss? It still has the Roamio Pro’s tiny Remote Finder button on the back, perfect for times when the RF-connected control has slipped between couch cushions somewhere. In general, things are the same as they ever were, including stuff like CableCARD setups, and transferring your Series Recordings via TiVo’s sometimes-frustrating website. That’s definitely one aspect that could use a 2015-style makeover to resemble modernized platforms like iOS, Xbox or Spotify.
The biggest changes however, are in the software. With “SkipMode” TiVo drops in a feature featured its old competitor ReplayTV, and more recently by Dish Network’s “Auto Hop” DVRs. It works just like it sounds, when you’re watching a recorded program, a green icon will pop up and prompt you to hit the “D” button to skip commercials. Easy, right? Right, but there are some limitations. TiVo is managing this by basically having people watch the programs on certain networks (the top 20 or so most popular, between 4PM and midnight) and mark where the actual show begins and the commercials end. Your Bolt downloads the information, and is ready for skipping at will shortly after the shows are recorded. You’ll know which shows have commercials that can be skipped, because they’ve got a big green skip button in the guide now. The only bad news? SkipMode is not being ported back to older DVRs, but it should work on the Mini (as long as it’s connected to a Bolt.)
We tried it out and everything worked without a hitch. TiVo’s scheme covers the lions share of our primetime TV programming, and being able to easily skip commercials can make it easier to blow through shows quickly. In that same vein, TiVo is also adding QuickMode (unlike SkipMode, this will be available for the Roamio and Premiere), which lets viewers watch recordings sped up by 30 percent, but pitch corrects the audio so it doesn’t sound any different. Many of you told us you listened to the old HD Podcast that way, and we can confirm, if you’re bingeing on a series to catch up before the finale, it makes things go by faster without seriously compromising the experience.
What we didn’t get a chance to try was the Bolt’s Ultra HD chops, but according to TiVo it will have two 4K-ready apps at launch: YouTube and Amazon. Oddly, Netflix isn’t on that list, and for now, it doesn’t have a Hulu Plus app at all. They’re odd omissions, but we expect they’ll be corrected quickly, now that Bolt is going all-in on HTML5-based apps. The menu has been tweaked slightly, and while that change won’t be copied onto older hardware, Premiere and Roamio users can expect a guide update that adds more channel logos. Other software tweaks coming in a fall update will bring a personalized “What to Watch” section on iOS, better social sharing on Facebook and Twitter, and a slicker OnePass experience for TiVo Online — but those aren’t the features that piqued my interest.
Fall Updates
- Getting Personal – A Fall update will deliver new features to TiVo’s iOS app that will allow you to create a personalized ‘What to Watch’ screen by selecting categories based on your hobbies and interests. Content matching your interests will then populate your ‘My Shows’ folder.
- Share with Friends – TiVo is taking social sharing to the next level. This update will allow you to share a link to your favorite show with all your friends via email, Facebook, Twitter and more. Upon clicking on that link, TiVo will take your friends to a page on an iOS or Android device or on the Web indicating where they can watch that show.
- TiVo Online – Creating OnePass selections will be easier than ever on TiVo Online with OnePass Quick Select. Upon updating, OnePass will include default options highlighting your favorite programs with a single click.
I think the best news of today is that TiVo will finally extend itself to other connected TV boxes. Its iOS app has AirPlay so owners can stream TV to Apple’s box but most other devices are entirely left out. It would be better if TiVo created an app for the upcoming Apple TV, but there’s no word on that yet. Right now, TiVo says it’s working on an app for the Amazon Fire TV. It’s not out yet, but when it launches you should be able to watch easily recordings from anywhere else in the home. With a little hacking people have already been doing just that, but official support is a move in the right direction. Making TiVo work smoothly with other devices would make the ecosystem much more valuable, and I hope it’s just the start of a trend.
The Bolt goes on sale today online — check the usual sources like Amazon and Best Buy — and units should reach retail shelves in the next week or so. The only difference between the two versions offered are the size of the 2.5-inch HDD inside, at 500GB ($299) or 1TB ($399), and both come with the first year of TiVo service included. Is that enough to get buyers away from cable DVRs or custom setups? By including the first year of service TiVo is taking some of the upfront pricing pressure off, which is a big reason why I haven’t always recommended it right away. I’d like to see more work done on those apps for other connected devices (Roku, Xbox, PlayStation… Chromecast?) before making the switch full time, but if you’re in the mood for an upgrade, the Bolt is a great option right out of the box.
Andrew Tarantola contributed to this report
Google announces a new Chromecast, now more colourful and includes “Fast Play”
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We first heard about the new Chromecast in a series of horribly blurry, leaked photos, but thankfully Google has announced the real deal today, and we have to say it actually looks pretty good. If you’re wondering what could possibly have changed between the old and new Chromecasts, you’ll be able to stream high definition media faster than before. There’s also been the addition of a feature called “Fast Play”, which essentially loads content before you’ve started playing it. Of course, there’s also the elephant in the room which is that the new Chromecast is available in three colours this time around – black, red and yellow – and its design is more of a round attachment rather than a dongle.
To complement the release of the new Chromecast, Google is updating the Chromecast app with some nifty new features, such as being able to see which of your apps have Chromecast compatibility. However, the best news among all of this is that the new Chromecast will remain at its original $35 USD price, making it once again one of the best value media streaming options around.
What do you think about the new Chromecast? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: engadget
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Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P pre-orders in the UK on EE starts October 9
An earlier leak revealed that the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P would only be available to pre-order through Google’s online store. For the most part, that seems to have been the case. However, UK-based carrier EE says it will offer the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P for pre-order starting October 9.
Those interested in the Huawei-made Nexus 6P will be able to pre-order it for £36.99 or £39.99 per month on a 1GB or 2GB data plan, respectively. The LG-made Nexus 5X, on the other hand, will, as expected, cost less. However, there is a upfront fee of £19.99 on a £31.99 or £34.99 plan, which comes with 500MB and 1GB of data, respectively.
Both of these devices will be available to pre-order on October 9 in-store and online. Unfortunately, there’s no solid date when either device will see an official launch, and if there isn’t enough supply to fulfill the demand, consumers could be waiting some time. Let’s just hope this isn’t another Nexus 4 fiasco in the making.
EE TO OFFER GOOGLE NEXUS 6P AND 5X ON THE UK’S BIGGEST AND FASTEST NETWORK
29th September, 2015. London. EE, the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, today announced it will offer Google’s new flagship smartphones, the Google Nexus 6P and 5X, with Wi-Fi Calling* and world-leading 4G+ speeds on its superfast 4GEE network.
GOOGLE NEXUS 6P: Crafted from aeronautical-grade aluminium with diamond chamfers around the edges, the Nexus 6P sets a new standard for handset design. Powered by a 3,450 mAh battery, the handset has capacity to last all day. Combining a powerful octa-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 processor with a 5.7 inch WQHD AMOLED display, the Nexus 6P is perfectly suited to playing the most graphically demanding games, watching HD movies, and listening to audio in crisp quality.
The Nexus 6P will be available for consumer and business customers to pre-order on EE’s superfast 4G network via the EE online shop, EE telesales and EE retail stores on 9th October. From launch, the 6P will be offered on a range of 4GEE price plans, and will be £29.99 on a £36.99 per month, 24 month plan, which comes with 1,000 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of mobile data or alternatively get market leading 4G+ speeds, as well as 2GB of mobile data per month on a £39.99 per month plan.
GOOGLE NEXUS 5X: The Nexus 5X is a feature-packed smartphone with a bright 5.2 inch display, and robust hexa-core Snapdragon™ 808 processor, offering a premium mobile experience in a compact and lightweight handset.
The Nexus 5X will be available for consumer and business customers to pre-order on EE’s superfast 4G network via the EE online shop, EE telesales and EE retail stores from 9th October. The 5X will be available for £19.99 on a £31.99 per month, 24 month plan, which includes 500 minutes and texts, and 500MB of mobile data, or alternatively get market leading 4G+ speeds, as well as 1GB of mobile data per month on a £34.99 per month plan.
Both the Nexus 6P and 5X handsets will be shipped with the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS and boast impressive 12.3 megapixel rear cameras capable of 4k video recording. They have also been ergonomically designed to incorporate fast-reading, secure fingerprint scanners placed on the back the devices. A single touch of the fingerprint scanner will turn the phone on and unlock apps for easier access. Finally, customers purchasing the Nexus 6P or 5X on EE will also receive a free three-month trial of Google Play Music, Google’s music streaming subscription service with more than 30 million songs and specially curated playlists to suit a user’s mood.
Pippa Dunn, Chief Marketing Officer, EE, said: “The Nexus family of devices has established a very dedicated fan base, and we’re sure that the new Nexus 5X and 6P iterations will not disappoint with their great design and features. When partnered with the UK’s biggest and fastest network offering superfast market leading 4G+ speeds of up to 90Mbps, customers really will be able to make the very most of their Nexus experience.” EE’s superfast 4G service is currently available in over 600 major towns and cities across the UK, as well as approximately 6,000 smaller towns and villages, and was recently announced as the fastest and most reliable UK network by RootMetrics**. With EE, customers can also receive money back for their old handset by recycling it at an EE store or online at www.ee.co.uk/recycle. Alternatively, until 31st October, EE customers can hand their old device and take out a great value SIM Only plan starting from just £8 a month.
Pre-orders for the Google Nexus 6P and 5X on EE opens on 9th October.
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HTC confirms which devices are slated for a Marshmallow update by the end of the year
We know HTC is going to be updating a good chunk of their flagship devices to the newly unveiled Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but the company’s own Jason Mackenzie has taken to Twitter to clarify exactly which devices will be making the cut. The good news is that the company plans on the update to hit by the end of 2015 with the HTC One M8 and M9 due at the beginning of Q4.
Pretty much all of HTC’s advertised flagships and a few others have made the list, as you can see above. The M8 and M9 will very likely be the first to see the update, not accounting for any carrier interference. But hey, if you’re rocking an unlocked version or developer version, you can expect the 6.0 update in the next few months. Considering we’ve heard very little from any other manufacturer about their update plans, this is a quick and positive move for HTC.
source: Jason Mackenzie (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: HTC confirms which devices are slated for a Marshmallow update by the end of the year
Band 12 disabled in new Nexus phones
Although more smartphone manufacturers are going down the path of selling directly to consumers rather than through carriers, a move welcomed by many consumers, there are some pitfalls to be on the lookout for. One of those concerns band 12 LTE and use of these phones with T-Mobile. Following similar issues for the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition, T-Mobile indicates they have managed to get Google to disable band 12 in the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, at least until Google gets the devices certified for VoLTE.
Sources indicate the heart of the problem appears to be connected to areas where T-Mobile only has band 12 available. In those places, to place any kind of call including emergency calls, a device has to support VoLTE. Unfortunately, T-Mobile does not appear to be able to switch a device over to roaming in those situations.
Smaller manufacturers are unlikely to pursue certification due to the cost and time investment. Some think Google could do this, but despite their deep pockets, sales of Nexus devices is likely a very small contributor to their bottom line that does not justify the attempt.
source: Android Police
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Google’s updated Chromecast app is live in the Play Store
Google’s completely revamped Chromecast app is already live in the Play Store just hours after announcement. The app works with the newer iteration of Chromecast and the Chromecast Audio device that the company announced today, and it’s got a few extra features worth taking advantage of.
The biggest change you’ll see is the redesigned interface that goes hand in hand with Google’s newer vision of mobile operating systems. It’s clean and takes many of its cues from the Material Design guidelines that Google introduced with Android 5.0. There’s also a new section for browsing Chromecast-enabled apps which works significantly better than what was previously available, and cards with detailed information about devices, rooms, and content are everywhere.
The new app also has its own set of media control buttons, so you won’t need to jump into the Netflix or Play Music app to stop or skip episodes or songs. Pretty nifty. It also supports Facebook photos for Chromecast’s backdrop feature, so you’ll see your own photos instead of just the pre-supplied nature shots and the like.
Hit the link below to grab the update.
Come comment on this article: Google’s updated Chromecast app is live in the Play Store
BaconReader gets Material Design overhaul with version 5.0 update
BaconReader is one of the best available Reddit apps for Android, despite sporting a pretty dated interface. That changes today with a new update to version 5.0, bringing the app up to spec with a complete Material Design makeover.
The wide feature set on BaconReader hasn’t changed, although there are a few new tricks thanks to the latest design. Navigating the interface is a bit easier, and there are three themes to suit your preference, including a dark theme for night owls. There’s also a new view inspired by Google’s design cards, and the tablet view of the app is optimized for the extra screen space.
Like always, BaconReader is ad-supported with an option to drop two bucks on an ad-free experience.
Come comment on this article: BaconReader gets Material Design overhaul with version 5.0 update
Google adds new markets for Play Newsstand and Play Music
As the dust started to settle from today’s big announcements from Google, the Google Play division shared some new markets for the Play Newsstand and Play Music sections of the Play Store.
Joining existing markets, consumers in Japan, Malaysia and Thailand can now tap into Play Newsstand for the latest magazines and newspapers. Meanwhile, Play Music will now be available in Japan. This brings the number of markets with access to Play Newsstand up to 28 and 59 for Play Music.
source: Google Play (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Google adds new markets for Play Newsstand and Play Music
Apple Music and iTunes Movies hit China today
Folks in China don’t have access to the record-breaking iPhone 6s until October, but Apple’s making sure they they’ll be able to get their hands on iBooks, Apple Music and iTunes Movies ahead of that. Those services are available starting today, and Music in particular is getting some very region-specific special treatment. The streaming catalog includes work from Eason Chan, Li Ronghao, JJ Lin and G.E.M.. Apple writes that there will be a raft of movies from Chinese studios too, saying that this is the first time that its customers in the country will be able to jump into the ecosystem. There’s a three-month trial period, which gives way to a 10 RMB/month subscription. Family plans are part of the deal as well. And if you don’t own an Apple handset but still want in on its music service, Music will hit Android phones later this fall.
Source: Apple
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