Verizon increases the price of unlimited data plans by $20 a month
If you’re still on a grandfathered unlimited data plan with Verizon, your bill is about to go up. On November 15th, the carrier confirmed to Engadget that it’ll increase rates for those customers by $20 a month. The company says that less than one percent of its customers fall into the category of still having the old unlimited plan and aren’t currently under contract. Verizon also says that any user currently under contract with unlimited data will not see the price hike until their agreement is up for renewal. This follows Sprint’s recent announcement about an upcoming rate increase. Of course, new customers aren’t privy to an unlimited plan on Verizon, as Sprint and T-Mobile are your only two options for that at $70 and $80 per month, respectively. As you might expect, the red-hued carrier is quick to remind that if you don’t need all of that data, you could save money by opting for a Verizon monthly plan with a data cap under the current pricing scheme (as this editor can attest). And you’re certainly going to see some savings when the new rate kicks in. The company’s full statement on the matter resides after the break.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh]
We continuously evaluate the price of our plans and service, so we’re increasing the price of unlimited data plans by $20 per line per month for customers no longer under contract with Verizon Wireless. At the same time, we’re also offering customers currently on our unlimited data plan the added benefit of purchasing a new phone using our monthly device payment plan, instead of paying full price up-front for the device. This option is available to all unlimited data plan users once their current contract period ends.
These changes will allow Verizon to continue to maintain the highest standards of network performance for all our customers. And it’s worth noting that Verizon does not manage the data connection speeds (often called throttling) for its customers – including those who have kept or plan to keep their unlimited data plans.
Most of our customers (99) are not on unlimited data plans, and for those who are, many could save money by switching to a Verizon Plan, based on their data usage. For the small number of customers still on unlimited data plans, they will see the increase in their first monthly bill after November 15.
Verizon will not increase the price on any lines with an unlimited data plan that is currently in a two-year contract until the customer completes that contract or enters into a new contract. This increase does not affect government or corporate accounts that have unlimited data.
6 technologies that will help humans survive on Mars
By Cat DiStasio
Planet Earth is abuzz with headlines about Mars. First, NASA announced the discovery of flowing water on the red planet. Then The Martian opened to rave reviews. We have so many questions about the mysterious frozen planet. Does liquid water mean there’s life on Mars? Will plants grow there? Can we turn the water into breathable oxygen so Mars could someday become a tourist destination? In order for humans to live there, a few things would have to happen. First off, its climate is inhospitable with an average temperature of minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. So, we’d have to find a way to mitigate that or change the climate entirely — which is what Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had in mind with his crazy plan to drop nuclear bombs on the poles. Beyond that, the first settlers would need shelter, food and breathable oxygen. Although nobody knows when a manned Mars expedition will launch, engineers are already working on technologies to address these needs and more. Slideshow-326602
DJI’s slick 4K hand-held gimbal is ready for action
The day has finally come. After our sneak peek at a prototype back in January, DJI’s first hand-held gimbal is finally arriving in its slick true form along with a new name: Osmo. This $649 device is designed to house the Zenmuse 4K range of detachable three-axis stabilized cameras, with the default one being the Zenmuse X3 which packs a 1/2.3-inch Sony Exmor R CMOS with an effective resolution of 12.4 megapixels. Together with the single-hand grip and the metallic phone clamp, the whole package is essentially a wingless Inspire 1 and its controller combined as one. Should you decide to jump on the Micro Four Thirds bandwagon, you can also pop on a Zenmuse X5 at an extra cost. Slideshow-327611 Slideshow-327609
We’ve yet to give our Osmo some proper hands-on time, but so far, we’ve been very pleased with its ergonomic design, and the relatively light weight of 201 grams (battery included) is a nice bonus. It certainly feels significantly better than most other competitors in the current market, though it’ll be interesting to compare this with the Aetho Aeon when it hits the market. On a similar note, the metallic phone clamp feels sturdy and should be able to handle screen sizes of up to around six inches. We also dig the included carrying case, partly because it can trick people into thinking you’re carrying a ukulele.
As with other DJI devices, the setup process is quite straightforward: Just install the DJI Go app, and then launch it after connecting your phone to your Osmo’s WiFi hotspot. That said, the app doesn’t appear to be fully optimized for the Osmo just yet, as we still see a lot of irrelevant features that only apply to drones, plus we’ve been seeing a lot of hiccup while attempting to stream video files from our Osmo. We shall let DJI smooth out these kinks while we dig deeper for our upcoming review. Alternatively, if you have $649 handy, you can simply head over to DJI’s online store and pre-order this cool-looking gimbal.
Designing Surface Pro 4: a chat with a Microsoft hardware lead
At first glance, Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 4 doesn’t look that much different than last year’s Surface Pro 3. But there are a slew of upgrades on the Surface Pro 4, as well as its accessories, that should make for an even better computing experience. It’s screen is slightly bigger, the Type Cover feels a lot more like a traditional laptop keyboard and using the Surface Pen now feels like actually putting pen to paper. At Microsoft’s huge device launch event in New York City earlier this week, we talked with Dave Mitchell, the senior director of program management for the Microsoft Devices Group, who gave us the lowdown on how his team went about improving on the already great Surface Pro 3. Check out the interview below, and be sure to take a look at our hands-on with the Surface Pro 4.
HBO Now is finally on the Roku
After its stint as a 90-day Apple TV exclusive had come and gone, it seemed like HBO Now would never end up on the Roku. But, if you’ve been pining for episodes of Veep on your set-top box of choice, your wait is finally over. Beginning today the app (or Channel as Roku calls them) is available for download on all Roku players and televisions introduced after May 2011. New users can sign up for a account directly within the app and for $14.99 a month can catch up on Game of Thrones, True Detective, Leftovers and The Wire (one of the greatest TV shows ever). New users get a 30-day free trial and current subscribers can just log in with their current account info even if they signed up via the Apple TV.
Source: Roku
Elephone’s P9000 will feature a side fingerprint scanner and razor thin bezels
Elephone has unveiled some new details about their upcoming P9000 smartphone, which we know will be one of the first to use MediaTek’s X20 CPU. Now we have some new information to sort through, including some news about the hardware and software.
The P9000 is expected to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but it’s not completely clear if that’ll be preloaded right away or if it will be a software update soon after launch. The hardware side of things looks extremely compelling, with a zero bezel design that makes for one of the best screen-to-body ratios we’ve ever seen on a smartphone, as you can see in the photos above.
The device is also expected to ship with a side fingerprint scanner, which is a little bit different than the rear-mounted scanners we’re frequently seeing on flagship Android devices. There’s also a USB type C port on board, and the internal hardware is pretty competitive with 4 GB of RAM, a 21 megapixel camera, and a 1080p display.
We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the actual launch of the Elephone P9000.
source: Elephone
via: GizChina
Come comment on this article: Elephone’s P9000 will feature a side fingerprint scanner and razor thin bezels
Sony bolsters its growing image sensor business by acquiring Softkinetic Systems
Sony may be considering the future of its mobile division, according the latest reports, but it’s image sensor business is a rising star, generating much-needed profits. It’s doing so well, that its even helping to cover Sony’s losses in its mobile and television divisions. It should come as no surprise then that the Japanese company is bolstering its image sensor business with the purchase of Belgian image sensor technology company, Softkinetic Systems.
Buying Softkinetic Systems will allow Sony to tap into the company’s ‘time of flight‘ technology, which measures the time it takes for light to bounce off an object before returning to the image sensor. Think of it as something akin to the Xbox Kinect system and you won’t be far off, in that it distinguishes human shapes and movements.
The news comes after Sony most recently announced an Android 6.0 beta test for Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact owners, a list of devices slated to receive the Marshmallow update and the Xperia Z5 range of smartphones.
Source: Reuters
Come comment on this article: Sony bolsters its growing image sensor business by acquiring Softkinetic Systems
Samsung’s Galaxy J3 pops up in benchmarks as the SM-J3109
Samsung recently released the Galaxy J2, but a newer version with a model number SM-J3109 has started appearing in benchmarks, which looks like the Galaxy J3.
Hardware looks mid-range, but offers some slight improvements over the Galaxy J2. There’s a 720p display on board, plus a 64-bit processor with 1 GB of RAM. The rear camera is an 8 megapixel shooter with a 5 megapixel front facing camera, and it looks like the J3 will run Android 5.1.1.
It’ll likely be a few months before the J3 becomes official, but expect it to fill out Samsung’s budget-friendly lineup like the J2 and J1 before it.
source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Galaxy J3 pops up in benchmarks as the SM-J3109
Review: The Incase x Parabellum Travel Folio Wraps Your Apple Watch in Expensive Bison Leather
Apple’s designed its Apple Watch to meet a wide range of tastes and budgets, offering the device at price points ranging from $350 to $17,000. Recently, the company also teamed up with Hermés for a unique designer Apple Watch collection that features Hermés bands.
Some accessory makers have taken a cue from Apple and have also partnered up with well-known fashion labels to create unique Apple Watch accessories. One of the latest companies to do so is Incase, through a partnership with luxury brand Parabellum. Together, the duo have created the Apple Watch Travel Folio, which is handcrafted in Los Angeles, California from full grain North American Bison leather.
Design wise, the Travel Folio has an impressive attention to detail and impeccable construction, and I would expect nothing less for its premium $250 price tag. The exterior is a high-quality textured leather while the interior is a soft suede to keep the Apple Watch safe from scratches. I am not an expert on leather, but the Bison texture looks nice and it should weather well with daily use.
I used the Incase x Parabellum Travel Folio in Pumpkin, which is a rich orange-tinged brown color that would match well with a Gold Apple Watch and is used for several other Parabellum products. The Travel Folio also comes in a classic black, but both are made from the same bison leather.
Parabellum is known for its style and quality, and while I’m also not a fashion expert, the Travel Folio matches the Parabellum aesthetic and is as stylish as the company’s range of popular bags, belts, and wallets. For someone who owns other Parabellum products, the Travel Folio would fit right in with a collection. Incase and Parabellum only made 150 of the Apple Watch Travel Folio accessories, so each one is a limited edition product.
A dust bag is included with the Travel Folio, and there’s a subtle Incase logo on the snap button (which is made of ceramic) that keeps it closed. An additional cord wrap is included, with a matching button with a Parabellum logo. Inside, the Folio is stamped with the Parabellum and Incase brand names.
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Deal: build robots, light sensors and more with the Complete Arduino Starter Kit & Course Bundle
Looking to build your own circuits and kickstart your new adventures building robots and IoT devices? Arduino is definitely the way to go, and the AA Deals Store has a sweet treat for those aspiring to learn the platform. The Complete Arduino Starter Kit & Course Bundle comes with everything a beginner needs to start manipulating buzzers, light and more. This course prepares you to then move on to making basic robots, mood lights and instruments. Exciting, right?!
We know some of those tech terms can be intimidating, but you have nothing to worry about. There’s absolutely no need for previous experience, soldering or other factors that may push you away from the awesome world of making your own gadgets. The bundle includes a board and all the components necessary for building your own circuits. It is ready to go, full with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
You want in? You have only seen the tip of the iceberg. There’s more goodies in this box. Aside from the starter kit, customers will also get some great courses to learn the know-hows of all this tech building. Let’s take a look at what you will be learning.
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- ARDX Arduino Starter Kit – Tackle 13 different projects with this fully-stocked beginner’s toolkit ($69.90 value)
- Arduino Step-by-Step ‘Your Guide to the Internet of Things’ Course – Explore the world’s friendliest electronics Prototyping Platform ($200 value)
- Arduino ‘Make a Remote-Controlled Car’ Course – Advance your skills & build a full-featured remote-controlled car ($150 value)
- Beginning Arduino ‘Make Your Own Environment Monitor System’ Course – Create a gadget that posts your environment data to a web logging service ($100 value)
OK, so how much will this adventure cost you? The whole bundle is priced at only $75.99, and considering the ARDX is priced around $60 on Amazon alone, this is a pretty good deal considering the extras you get like the step-by-step guide, the Make a Remote-Controlled Car course, and the Beginning Arduino Make your Own Environment Monitor System course.
Buy the Complete Arduino Starter Kit & Course Bundle for $75.99
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