Moto Surround: earphones for the busy (Review)
Motorola recently refreshed many of their products, including their sound devices. Out of this came a set of headphones and a set of earphones: the Moto Pulse and the Moto Surround, respectively. I had a chance to use both, and I have already written about the Moto Pulse. So, it’s time to dive into the Moto Surround.
The Moto Surround was made for those who are active, or use their hands a lot, and don’t want their earphones to get in the way. Further, Motorola gave the Moto Surround the ability to take and make calls, as well as water/sweat resistant. Basically, this is the perfect set of earphones for those who want to be hands-free. Or are they?
Setup
Much like the new Moto Pulse headphones, setting up the Moto Surround earphones was a cinch. There was a little more haggling with Bluetooth switches with the Moto Surround than its cousin, but overall it was a much more pleasurable experience compared to most other Bluetooth devices.
Once your paired, just place the black band around your neck, and you’re set.
Usage
I must admit, I’m not the overly active type. So the benefits of a black band around your neck mostly allude me, but I’ll do my best to portray my experience for those who are active (don’t guilt me…).
The black band is fairly comfortable, and walking around my school and using them during the little exercise I do get in, I never found it to be in the way. Further, I sweat more than I’d like, but seeing as how the Moto Surround is water resistant, I never had a problem with controls are anything.
The band brought two benefits outside of keeping the earphones in my ears while moving:
- The controls are easy to get to, with most of what I used on the right side of the band at the very front. With other wireless earphones, the controls are usually on a tiny pad somewhere on the wire, which isn’t the most convenient. With the Moto Surround, you’re fumbling hands will almost always hit their mark.
- The Moto Surround has these neat magnets in the earphones themselves and the ends of the band, so that the outside of the earphone will attach to each button inside the blue circle. I’m a geek with magnets, so when I accidentally found this out, I was like a kid in a candy shop – giddy.
Going back to the controls, I found them very responsive. They are very tactile and clickable, making it easy to know if you’ve pressed a button. As I mentioned, most of them are housed on the right side of the band. On the bottom you have the power button, next to the charging port which is covered in case of rain (or sweat). Sort of on the side, or I suppose front-face of the band on the right side you have the play/pause button, with the answer/end call button on the left side. Then on the right side on the top you have the volume up/previous track button, and then the volume down/next track button.
Motorola claims 12 hours of playtime with the Moto Surround, and that’s probably accurate. I used them for about 15 hours before getting the low battery alert, but that was because I left them on accidentally for a couple of hours not playing anything. Still, it’s impressive that, again, the estimation Motorola gave seems to be rounding down instead of up.
Sound Quality
If you read my Moto Pulse review, I mentioned I am no audiophile – this still applies here. I didn’t become one overnight, sadly. However, I do have an ear that’s better than most when it comes to sound quality.
With the Moto Surround, the sound was good. Motorola claims their aptX technology allows superior sound through smaller speakers (read: earphones). I’m not sure how much the aptX technology actually applies, but I certainly enjoyed the sound I received. They got very loud, which is aided by the fact that the plug blocks any outside noise out very well. I had a coworker tell me he tried to say “Hello” as I was walking by (claiming he was shouting) him one day, and I never even noticed him.
Further, I could hear each instrument clearly during music, with distinct highs and lows. I found mids to struggle a little, but I think that had more to do with them being earphones than poor sound quality.
Basically, for $70 wireless earphones, the sound is good.
The Moto Surround is a great entry into the wireless earphones space. Not only do they offer good sound, but they allow free range movement with getting in the way. Plus, there is little to no fumbling around with them like you would with other earphones between the well-placed and tactile buttons, and the magnets on the ends of the band. Further, those who are active don’t need to worry about water/sweat ruining your earphones, as these are resistant to both! All of this for $70, which is a fair price compared to other options on the market.
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T-Mobile adds Lifetime Coverage Guarantee for JUMP! On Demand customers
T-Mobile is at it again and improving their customer service through a guarantee that you will be satisfied with their coverage. The eligible customers are the ones who are on the JUMP! On Demand plan – the plan where you sign up to pay for a device in installments but are allowed to upgrade 3X per year with no upgrade fees. All you have to do is trade in your device.
The Lifetime Coverage Guarantee not only helps keep customers happy who may move locations where T-Mobile’s coverage is not as good, but it also helps new customers try out T-Mobile with no financial risk. This is especially good for customers on AT&T and Verizon who are looking to save money, but fear having lesser service. As an AT&T customer myself, my fear is once I switch to T-Mobile, I may have lesser coverage which is more important to me than saving a few bucks.
So with T-Mobile’s new guarantee, if at anytime you are not satisfied with your coverage, and want to switch to another carrier, they will reimburse you for up to a full month’s service. In addition, they will unlock your qualified smartphone(which I’m guessing needs to be paid off), so you can use it at another carrier. If you happen to be a new customer, T-Mobile will completely refund you the cost of what you paid for your device on top of the month’s service.
According to the press release, here is how it works:
How it Works
- New or existing Simple Choice™ customers sign up for JUMP! On Demand with an eligible device.
- If at any time you aren’t completely satisfied with T-Mobile’s coverage and want to switch, we’ll reimburse up to a full month’s service and completely refund your device OR unlock it so you can use it somewhere else:
- If you aren’t satisfied with your service within 30 days, you can return your device for a full refund, and we’ll reimburse any service costs.
- After the first 30 days, if you want to leave and continue making interest-free device payments with JUMP! On Demand, you simply need to call us or visit one of our stores and we will have your device unlocked so you can keep it and use it elsewhere. And you’ll receive a refund of your current month of service.
- As not all devices may be fully compatible with other wireless networks, customers should consult with T-Mobile’s customer care or retail sales team to understand with which networks their device is compatible.
- You must call us or visit a participating T-Mobile store to enact your Lifetime Coverage Guarantee benefits before cancelling or porting service to another company
- Customers who cancel service and remain on a T-Mobile financing program will lose any promotional pricing credits and return to standard JUMP! On Demand pricing for their phones.
- FAQs
What phones are covered by the Lifetime Coverage Guarantee?- All phones included in JUMP! On Demand with Extended Range 4G LTE are covered.
Who can take advantage of the Lifetime Coverage Guarantee?
- All customers who purchase an eligible device on JUMP! On Demand can take advantage of the Lifetime Coverage Guarantee.
Is this available to T-Mobile @Work/business customers?
- Yes, absolutely.
How long does the guarantee last?
- The benefits of the guarantee are good as long you are using that phone on T-Mobile and current on your payments.
What happens if I want to leave in less than 30 days?
- You can cancel service and return your device for a full refund of service charges and device costs.
- If you’d like to keep your device with interest-free financing but cancel service and have it unlocked, you must have paid your first full month’s bill.
What are all the charges that T-Mobile will cover if I leave? Will you pay for me to switch back to my old carrier?
- T-Mobile will cover monthly service charges, taxes and fees.
- You are responsible for any 3rd party or incremental services or features that you’ve added to your phone.
- T-Mobile will refund your SIM starter kit cost and you will not be charged for restocking.
- All fees associated with start up at another carrier are not covered.
Will T-Mobile pay for any services/features I’ve added to my phone during the last month of service?
- You are responsible for any 3rd party or incremental services or features that you’ve added to your phone.
- T-Mobile will cover monthly service charges, taxes and fees.
What about handset insurance? Can I keep that through T-Mobile if I cancel service? If I don’t have it, can I sign up for it when I cancel service?
- If you did not initially sign up for handset insurance (PHP), then at time of cancellation, you will be able to sign up for PHP, when you call us or visit one of our participating T-Mobile stores, without a 3 point inspection.
How is this program different than T-Mobile’s existing remorse policy?
- This program enables you to return your device within 30 days and receive a full refund for your phone purchase and your monthly service. Additionally, beyond 30 days, you can cancel your service at any time, received up to a full month of service refund, have your iPhone unlocked and even keep your interest free financing plan. Our standard remorse policy for these devices allows for return and refund of phone purchases within 14 days.
Selfishly, I would love to see AT&T match this plan because where I live my service has worsened dramatically over the last 6 months and I’m looking for a change.
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The Wirecutter’s best deals: a 40-inch Samsung TV, 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.
Logitech K810 Bluetooth Keyboard
Street Price: $94; MSRP: $100; Deal Price: $74
The last deal on the K810 was a part of Logitech’s Back to School program, but even that deal only brought it down to $80. However, this price doesn’t include the Mac version of the keyboard, which is still around $100. The deal comes with free shipping.
The Logitech K810 Bluetooth Keyboard used to be our choice for the best Bluetooth keyboard, and in our updated guide it’ll still be a step-up pick. However, even with this deal it’s $30 more expensive than our future main pick. Kimber Streams said, “Logitech’s Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboards (Mac/Windows) meet all the requirements of a great Bluetooth keyboard: comfortable, well-spaced, backlit keys; correct layouts for both Mac and Windows users; a rechargeable battery; and the ability to switch between three different devices with the press of a button.”
Anker Premium Extended 3100mAh Battery Case for iPhone 6
Street Price: $60; MSRP: $120; Deal Price: $27 with code 289K7RHW
This is a pretty deep cut into the price of this battery case. The previous lowest price we can find was a drop down to $40. At its current price, using the code 289K7RHW during checkout knocks $43 off the price. The deal includes free shipping.
This is our runner-up pick for the best iPhone 6 battery case, and with this deal it’s $17 cheaper than our main pick. Nick Guy said this case is “the most efficient in terms of the percent of a full charge it provides per mAh. This one also wins in charging speed, delivering 1.11 percent of a full charge per minute. The rest of the battery cases clocked in right around 1 percent.”
Samsung UN40J5500 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV
Street Price: $450; MSRP: $750; Deal Price: $420
This just dropped $30 below the best price we’ve previously seen it at. For the first couple months we tracked this TV it was about $500, with a drop to $450 for most of August. The price should last until the 12th, unless it sells out earlier than that.
The Samsung UN40J5500 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV is our better picture quality pick for the best $500 TV. Chris Heinonen said, “If you prioritize picture quality over screen size, check out the $500 Samsung UN40J5500. Although it measures only 40 inches, this TV, like the Sharp, is a 1080p set with three HDMI inputs, but it also has more streaming features and a nicer design. According to Rtings, it provides great bright-room and dark-room performance. In addition, it offers slightly better contrast and viewing angles, and features more solid build quality than the Sharp, which has a budget feel.”
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Street Price: $60; MSRP: $100; Deal Price: $45
This matches the lowest price we’ve seen on this mouse. It’s been known to drop down to this price every few months as a Best Buy deal of the day, and hasn’t hit this price on Amazon since January, outside of some brief availability on Prime Day.
The Logitech Performance Mouse MX is our runner-up pick in our guide on the best wireless mouse. Kimber Streams said, “The Logitech Performance MX is our main recommendation if you have larger hands, but it’s too large for most people to use. We do like the superior Darkfield sensor that can track on glass and mirrors though.”
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.
Filed under:
Samsung
Tags: anker, ankerpremiumextended, k810, logitech, LogitechK810, partner, performancemousemx, premiumextended, samsung, SamsungUN40J5500, syndicated, thewirecutter, UN40J5500, wirecutter
BlueCross BlueShield hack may have exposed data for 10 million customers
Another week, another major institution falls victim to hackers. This time, it’s New York-based heathcare provider Excellus BlueCross BlueShield: the company says that more than 10 million personal records of its customers were exposed to hackers in an attack it discovered this past August. The company discovered the attack early in the month, but after doing more investigation it turned out that it actually took place way back in December of 2013. The investigation showed that the hackers could have accessed personal information including “name, date of birth, Social Security number, mailing address, telephone number, member identification number, financial account information and [insurance] claims information.”
While all of this information could have been exposed to hackers, the company isn’t sure exactly what may have been revealed. The investigation thus far hasn’t shown any evidence of what data was stolen and whether it was used in any nefarious way, but Excellus is still offering its customers the now-commonplace two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
Unfortunately, hacks against healthcare providers are hardly a rarity at this point. An attack on Premera, another arm of BlueCross, was revealed in March of this year, putting the data of 11 million customers at risk. And just a month earlier, Anthem was hacked — the database accessed in that breach contained the info of a whopping 80 million customers, though only a portion of those were believed to have been accessed.
[Image credit: Shutterstock]
Source:
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Democrat & Chronicle
Tags: BlueCrossBlueShield, hack, healthcare
AppleCare+ for iPhone 6s costs $30 more than iPhone 6 coverage
AppleCare+ covers your new iPhone in the event it breaks or is damaged, and for the iPhone 6, a year of service costs $100. AppleCare+ for the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, however, will set you back $130. Additionally, the charge for accidental damage is higher with Apple’s latest models, up from $80 for iPhone 6 or earlier versions to $100 for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.
Here’s how Apple puts it, as spotted by iClarified: “Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. AppleCare+ for iPhone extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee plus applicable tax ($79 for iPhone 6 or earlier models, $99 for iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus).”
During its event yesterday, Apple revealed a new iPhone upgrade plan that includes AppleCare+. In the program, customers can upgrade to the newest iPhone every year, starting at $32 a month for the 16GB iPhone 6s and topping out at $45 a month for the 128GB iPhone 6s Plus. After 12 payments, customers can grab the newest iPhone and start the program over again.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Misc, Apple
Via:
iClarified
Source:
Apple
Tags: apple, applecare, applecare+, iphone, iphone6, iphone6s, iPhone6SPlus
Ex-NBA player gets community service after stealing $15,000 from Apple Store
Former NBA player Rex Chapman has pleaded guilty to four felony counts of theft after being arrested for stealing more than $15,000 worth of merchandise from an Apple Store in Scottsdale, Arizona last year. Chapman reportedly used a store’s self-checkout system on seven different occasions but left without paying each time. He then allegedly sold the items for cash at a local pawn shop. He has been sentenced to a 28-day substance-abuse treatment program at the Brook Hospital in Louisville as well as 750 hours of community service. He’ll also be placed on probation. He will also be required to pay the Apple Store more than $15,000 in restitution and be liable for up to $10,000 more should the store discover any additional incidents of theft.
[Image Credit: NBAE/Getty Images]
Via:
SlamOnline
Source:
Kentucky Sports
Tags: apple, applestore, crime, crimeandpunishment, rexchapman, Scottsdale, Arizona, theft
Pebble Time firmware update released
Following on some updates to their software app for Android and iOS, Pebble has released a firmware update to version 3.4 for their Pebble Time and Time Steel smartwatch devices. The primary updates included in the new firmware cover some additional languages as well as improvements to notifications and some energy conservation updates.
Pebble Time and Time Steel users who prefer to use French, German or Spanish languages on their smartwatch will find those languages are now supported in addition to English. The new language settings will apply to menu items, incoming notification and messages for both voice and display.
Pebble added a new feature call Quiet Time that is part of the notifications settings on the device. Quiet Time gives users the ability to silence all notifications and vibrations. Several options are available including the ability to manually set the smartwatches in a quiet mode, to base it on your calendar so notifications are automatically silenced, to base it on the day and time of week, or to base it on the type of interruption by silencing all notifications or letting phone calls through.
The last major improvement is a new Stand-By Mode that Pebble says is technically still in beta. As such, this feature will be turned off by default once the device is updated. If enabled, Stand-By Mode will deactivate Bluetooth when the watch has been motionless for 30 minutes. Pebble says this can reduce power use by 50% when in Stand-By Mode.
Along with the new features, Pebble includes some bug fixes and stability improvements in the firmware update and they made improvements to the calendar and reminder details that appear on the timeline. To update a Pebble Time or Time Steel device, use the Pebble Time app on an Android device and go to Menu -> Support -> Update Your Pebble to start the process.
source: Pebble
Come comment on this article: Pebble Time firmware update released
Apple’s iPad Pro has an unclear message at a big price
People from around the world shifted their attention to Apple on Wednesday afternoon as the company unveiled its latest round of hardware and software. Products given spotlight at Apple’s event included the Apple Watch, the new iPad Pro, a revamped Apple TV, and the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. The iPad Pro is probably the most unique item shown in San Francisco that day. It has a large 12.9-inch display and is meant to be paired with a stylus and wireless keyboard. The company that typically plays it safe is entering uncharted territory that has already been discovered by others.
Apple has finally decided to follow the trend in increasing productivity with the Pencil and Smart Keyboard. But you’ll need to spend big to get the same productivity that can be had elsewhere for much less. These two accessories, both sold separately from the iPad Pro, are priced not even remotely aggressively. The Pencil and Smart Keyboard cost $99 and $169, respectively. And the stylus is one that requires charging. Now remember that Apple wants you to use the stylus and keyboard with the iPad Pro. Otherwise you might as well buy the smaller, more affordable iPad. Or perhaps you should look at another form factor.
Realize that the iPad Pro runs iOS. So your productivity efforts, despite the operating system being tailored for split-screen use, are still going to be limited. File management on an iOS device is laughable compared to Windows, OS X, and even Android. Think about what will happen when you need to open a ZIP file or something else that iOS jumbles to figure out. Designers and work-focused individuals are going to be a little hesitant to purchase the iPad Pro due to iOS’ limitations. The processing power and productivity available through the traditional desktop or laptop is much greater than what the iPad Pro offers.
Outside of design, the iPad Pro’s purpose is confusing. There is no real reason for anyone to choose this tablet over Apple’s very own MacBooks. The iPad Pro’s pricing ranges from $799-$1079. The MacBook Air, with its $899 starting price, brings a normal physical keyboard and an Intel Core processor. If having a stylus is that important, Microsoft and Lenovo are among the companies there to help. The Surface Pro 3 matches the iPad Pro’s starting price and comes with a capable stylus. Lenovo, too, includes styluses with many of its devices that have varying prices. In fact, Lenovo’s upcoming Miix 700 will cost less than the iPad Pro and come with a wireless keyboard. The Miix 700’s stylus is a separate purchase, one that will undoubtedly be cheaper than Apple’s Pencil.
Apple has priced itself out of a market before even entering.
The iPad Pro’s position is unclear. Who should be buying this tablet? Is it even a hybrid tablet-laptop? The form factor tells you this is a tablet; however, the accessories make it a hybrid. See the price and the confusion is furthered.
Apple is finally accepting your fingers coming off of the display despite the late Steve Jobs once saying “if you see a stylus, they blew it.” Just let it sink in, though, that using the iPad Pro the way that Apple wants you to will cost over $1,000 while not changing the fact that the product is limited.
Visit our friends over at iPhone Informer for regular Apple coverage.
Come comment on this article: Apple’s iPad Pro has an unclear message at a big price
Three more cities invited to welcome Google Fiber
Today, Google Fiber invites were sent to three more cities in the United States. City leaders in Irvine, San Diego, and Louisville will be asked to work with Google in planning for a potential launch of the service in their respective cities. Google and the city leaders must analyze topography, housing density, and existing infrastructure before anything becomes official.
Hit the break to see a map of Google Fiber’s progress.
Current status of Google Fiber
Google highlighted items that make the new potential Fiber cities appealing:
- Irvine: Entrepreneurs and companies are moving towards a collaborative environment.
- San Diego: The city is currently experiencing a resurgence in startup activity.
- Louisville: The Code Louisville initiative aims to meet programmers and software developers with employers.
Google Fiber brings gigabit speeds to homes for just $70 per month, a clear advantage over what many internet service providers (ISPs) currently offer customers. Television service can be included, too, for $130 per month.
Source: Google Fiber
Come comment on this article: Three more cities invited to welcome Google Fiber
T-Mobile introduces new Lifetime Coverage Guarantee initiative
T-Mobile has been growing like crazy over the past few years, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. Now the third-largest mobile service provider in the United States, T-Mobile has just announced a new initiative that will help more users test out its service. It’s called Lifetime Coverage Guarantee, and it will let you test out T-Mobile’s service with no strings attached.
Lifetime Coverage Guarantee is replacing T-Mobile Test Drive, and is only available to new or existing JUMP! On Demand customers. With the new program, if at any time you aren’t satisfied with the carrier’s coverage within 30 days of signing up, you’ll be reimbursed for everything you’ve paid and you can return your mobile device. If you want to leave after 30 days have passed, you can keep making payments on your device, and T-Mobile will unlock it for you so you can activate it on another carrier. If you happen to leave after 30 days, you’ll also be refunded for your current month of service.
It should be noted that since not all mobile devices are compatible with other carriers, you’ll need to check with your T-Mo representative to learn about which networks are compatible with your device. And before you cancel service or port your number over to another carrier, you’ll need to call T-Mobile to enact your Lifetime Coverage Guarantee.
All phones included in T-Mobile’s Jump! On Demand with Extended Range 4G LTE are covered, but we still strongly advise you to check with the carrier before going through with the program, just to make sure. For more information on this new promotion, head to the source link below.
AIVAnet 