October 20 is the day HTC and Tidal will host their very first charity concert with popular artists
Later this month, HTC and Tidal will hold a charity concert in Brooklyn, NY including some of the world’s most poplar artists.
On October 20, HTC and Tidal will hold their very first music event in order to help raise awareness and collect donations for charity. According to The Verge, the event is the company’s first Tidal-affiliated philanthropic music event. All donations and ticket sales will be put towards charities through the New World Foundation. Artists such as Jay Z, Beyoncé, Prince, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne any many more are set to make an appearance.
In addition to supplying money for a great cause, the event is said to celebrate the success of Tidal which recently added its millionth subscriber to the service. The music service is facing some fierce competitors such as Spotify and Apple Music, which have already generated so much success.
Subscribers of Tidal can purchase a ticket to the concert beginning this afternoon. If you’re not a subscriber, you’ll have to wait until Friday to purchase a ticket. In addition, HTC will be live-streaming the event on their website as well as on Tidal open to everyone.
Source: The Verge,
Come comment on this article: October 20 is the day HTC and Tidal will host their very first charity concert with popular artists
Xiaomi’s Mi Note 2 might be the company’s first all-metal smartphone
All-metal smartphones seem to be the trend now, although many manufacturers have jumped on that ship before everyone else. Still, it’s pretty rare to see a company that doesn’t offer some kind of premium, metal device, and it looks like Xiaomi will be bolstering their lineup with a metal Mi Note 2.
Xiaomi’s Mi4 is made of metal, but it isn’t a completely metal design like what you’d see on an HTC flagship or an iPhone. The Mi Note 2 will change that, ditching the glass rear panel of the current Mi Note.
Other specs of the device will match the premium build, with a 2K 5.7-inch display, a Snapdragon 820 CPU with 4 GB of RAM, and potentially Qualcomm’s ultrasonic fingerprint technology that will integrate fingerprint security into the screen, eliminating the need for a physical button on the device.
The Mi Note 2 will likely be announced in early 2016.
source: Mobile Dad
via: GizChina
Come comment on this article: Xiaomi’s Mi Note 2 might be the company’s first all-metal smartphone
Samsung Pay is the most accepted contact-less payment service in the United States
Just this week, Samsung put out a TV advertisement stating its new Samsung Pay service is the most widely available contact-less payment service in existence. As it turns out, the company wasn’t lying.
Samsung Pay went live in the United States this past week and has generated a lot of publicity over recent months. Unlike many existing contact-less payment services such as Android Pay and Apple Pay, Samsung Pay does something different. With the ability to support magnetic strip payments in addition to those through NFC, Samsung Pay is acceptable at any retail store that supports MasterCard. Making it by far the most widely available contact-less payment service one could use. But unlike Android Pay, it only works on select Samsung flagships. These include the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+. Those willing to try out Samsung Pay will even receive a free wireless charging pad or wallet case of users preference directly from Samsung, brand new for your recently purchased Samsung Galaxy handset.
To use Samsung Pay, all one has to do is run through a few on-screen prompts initially when setting up and you’re good to go. Once at a cashier, all one has to do is unlock their phone, hold it up to the card reader, swipe their finger for verification and you’re done. The payment will seamlessly go through and you’ll receive a notification of your purchase details soon-after. More on Samsung Pay can be seen here.
Source: Venture Beat
Come comment on this article: Samsung Pay is the most accepted contact-less payment service in the United States
Lunar Xprize hopeful pins plans on experimental rocket
The company does have a few things in its favor. It’s already claimed over $1.5 million in milestone prizes from Google and NASA after testing its MX-1 lunar lander in terrestrial flights (below). Rocket Lab is funded in part by Lockheed Martin, has launched a “sounder rocket” into space and recently inked a launch deal with NASA. Moon Express has booked no less than three rides on its Electron rocket, with CEO Bob Richards saying “landing on the moon the first time would be fantastic, but we want to have some backup plans and to be able to try it again and then try it again.”
The Electron rocket’s design is simpler than regular rockets, as it uses battery-powered motors instead of turbopumps. In addition, the entire motor can be built in three days thanks to the use of additive manufacturing, a type of 3D printing. The company is selling flights for payloads up to 330 pounds starting at $4.9 million, a price well below that of any other launch company. Still, the rocket has only been fired on a test bed and has never actually flown, so two years isn’t a lot of time for flight certification, as Elon Musk and other folks certainly know.
Moon Express is one of 16 companies vying for the Lunar Xprize, but one of only five that recently received milestone money from Google and Xprize. It’s now the first to set a specific launch date, a key requirement for the competition to continue. Other teams that want to stay in it now have until the end of 2016 to announce their own launch contracts, and the mission must be completed by the end of 2017. Moon Express might be rolling the dice with Rocket Lab, but with those deadlines, it can’t afford not to be optimistic.
Via: Moon Daily
Source: Google Lunar Xprize
Tune in to our Microsoft event liveblog tomorrow at 10AM ET!
First Apple, then Google, now Microsoft. Over the past month, we’ve seen some of the biggest tech companies either hold hold keynotes or just straight-up announce a ton of stuff. Now, rounding out the list, Microsoft is about to put on a big press event of its own, where it’s promising several new devices running Windows 10. We’d say a refreshed Surface Pro is a safe bet, given that it hasn’t received an update in a year and a half. This would also be a good time for Microsoft to officially launch Windows 10 Mobile and indeed, we’ve seen leaks for a number of handsets, including the 5.2-inch Lumia 950, the 5.7-inch 950 XL and the lower-end Lumia 550. We also want to know when we can buy HoloLens, but we’re less confident that Satya Nadella & co. will address that this week. In any case, all will be revealed tomorrow — bookmark our liveblog link and check back at 10AM Eastern for full coverage.
Spotify’s Android app now works with MirrorLink in-car systems
If you’ve been looking for another way to access Spotify playlists in your car, you might be in luck. MirrorLink-compatible in-car systems play nice with the music streaming service thanks to a hand from an app called RockScout. The MirrorLink platform lets you access content on your phone using your car’s dashboard controls, especially those rotary knobs and touch interfaces. While it may not provide fewer distractions, it might keep you from futzing with your phone to change songs while heading down the highway. Working with MirroLink’s entertainment systems means Spotify will be available for even more in-dash systems as it’s already available on CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re looking to give it a go, you’ll need to download the RockScout Android app as that piece of software allows “participating Android apps” work with MirrorLink.
Source: Business Wire
ASUS’ ZenWatch 2 launches in the Google Store
Want a brand new Android Wear smartwatch while sticking to a tight budget? It’s your lucky day. The Google Store has started carrying ASUS’ ZenWatch 2, which offers the latest Android experience while starting at a very frugal $149 US. You don’t have the full selection of straps or case colors — sorry, no Milanese band here. However, you can pick from either a moderately-sized 45mm silver body with an aqua blue rubber strap, or a large 49mm gunmetal case with a wristband in navy blue leather. Either wearable will give you a heart rate sensor, improved weather resistance and as much as 66 hours of use between charges. The ZenWatch 2 isn’t as posh-looking as the new Moto 360 or the 2nd Edition LG Watch Urbane, but you probably won’t mind when you’re going to save a wad of cash.
Via: TechnoBuffalo
Source: Google Store
Laurene Powell Jobs Tried to Kill New ‘Steve Jobs’ Film, Friends Object to Portrayals
With the release of Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs starting in just a few days, a new report from The Wall Street Journal states that a handful of Steve Jobs’ “allies,” centering on his widow Laurene Powell Jobs, attempted to shut down the movie before its release. Going so far back as to when it was in the hands of Sony, she lobbied the various production companies the script passed through — ending with the movie’s distributor, Universal Pictures– in attempts to prevent its eventual release.
The report describes the objections of Powell Jobs and others to the new movie and several others as depicting Jobs as “cruel and inhumane” with scripts and stories that “play down his accomplishments” in preference for entertainment over accuracy. Among those speaking out against the films is Jobs’ close friend Bill Campbell:
“A whole generation is going to think of him in a different way if they see a movie that depicts him in a negative way,” said Campbell, a longtime Apple board member and friend of Mr. Jobs. Mr. Campbell hasn’t seen the film.
“If they want to make a drama, they shouldn’t do it at somebody else’s expense,” said Mr. Campbell. “He’s not there to defend himself.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook has also spoken out against the new movies, calling them “opportunistic” during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin objected to Cook’s characterization, stating Cook “had a lot of nerve” making such an assessment when Apple has “a factory full of children in China assembling phones for 17 cents an hour,” but he quickly apologized for the statement.
Steve Jobs producer Scott Rudin said that the crew behind the film offered a chance for Powell Jobs to be included in the film’s production and on set, but her dislike of the Walter Isaacson biography — from which Aaron Sorkin based his script — prevented her from becoming involved.
“She refused to discuss anything in Aaron’s script that bothered her despite my repeated entreaties,” producer Scott Rudin said in an emailed response to questions from The Wall Street Journal. He said Ms. Jobs “continued to say how much she disliked the book, and that any movie based on the book could not possibly be accurate.”
She has, however, apparently yet to see the film, as she declined an offer to screen the film in advance under a non-disclosure agreement.
The film still has a few supporters from Apple’s corporate past, including Steve Wozniak, who was paid $200,000 to consult on the film. Wozniak states that since the movie is about “Jobs and his personality,” he believes that the filmmakers “did a great job.” Although there were a few bumps in the road leading up to filming, Steve Jobs is earning largely positive reviews from a few early screenings, even generating Oscar buzz for star Michael Fassbender and his portrayal of Jobs.
Check out these 7 great cases for your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is a beautiful phone. The newly designed Galaxy S line has gotten praise from reviewers and customers for it’s beautiful looks and premium feel. But the S6 Edge is one of the most breakable phones out there. The curved screen and glass backing need protection. Here are 7 options to protect your S6 Edge that all have free shipping from Amazon.
Urban Armor Gear
This is the case I currently have on my Note 5 and I swear by it. Urban Armor Gear focuses on making military grade protection, but they’ve done it in a way that doesn’t add much bulk or weight to your phone. The case cradles your phone to prevent scratches and damage and the corners are built up further than the rest of the case for impact protection. It’s weighs only a hair over an ounce and measures 5.8 inches x 0.52 inches x 3 inches, which adds next to no bulk to the phone.
You can pick up the Urban Armor Gear case in one of two colors for $25.99 with free Prime Shipping
Product Link: Urban Armor Gear
Samsung Protective Cover
The Samsung Protective Cover comes straight from Samsung so you know it’s going to be designed perfectly for the phone. It’s a hard plastic case that covers the back and corners of the phone with a nice accent color. You can choose Gold, Green or Black or you can choose the clear back option that has a see through backing with an accent color of Black, Gold, Green or Silver on the side. Since the sides are open, you have access to all your buttons and ports and this is about as lightweight as you can get.
You can pick up the Samsung Protective Cover in one of seven color combinations for only $12.99 with free Prime Shipping.
Product Link: Samsung
Fashion Case Real Cherry Wood with Laser Engraved Designs
This is definitely the most unique case on the list. Fashion Case is the company and they’re offering for pre-order four different designs of their Cherry Wood Laser Engraved Case. The cases are, as the product name suggests, real Cherry Wood and have designs of Buddha, a flower, grass or an hourglass etched into them. This 100% real natural rosewood case is made natural eco-friendly wood materials and is hard polished and sprayed with two layers of coating to protect the etching. And your case will be unique. Because of different grain patterns, no two cases will look exactly the same.
Amazingly, these cases are only $15.99. You can pick one up for pre-order in one of the four designs we mentioned and it’ll ship for free in December with Prime Shipping.
Product Link: Fashion Case
Obliq Dual Poly Bumper
The Dual Poly Bumper case by Obliq reminds us a lot of the Spigen Neo Hybrid case. And that’s a good thing. The Neo Hybrid is one of the most popular cases on the planet right now due to its light weight, strong composition and great price. The Obliq Dual Poly Bumper matches the Neo Hybrid in looks protection and beats it in price by $5. It has a dual layer case to protect from drops and scratches and comes with three different bumper frame colors to suit your mood.
You can grab the Obliq Dual Poly Bumper one of three combinations: Gold, Silver, and Black, White, Pink and Blue Topaz or Green Emerald, Pink and White. It’ll run you $14.99 with free Prime Shipping.
Product Link: Obliq
Caseology Customization Fusion Hybrid Cover
The Caseology Fusion Hybrid Cover is a hard plastic case that covers the corners of your phone to protect them from falls, but also has a clear back. Clear backs are great so you can see that beautiful glass back of your phone but Caseology lets you personalize your case. There’s DIY case customization instructions to help you perfectly place the design or picture you desire on the back of the case to give it a design that can’t be replicated. Even if you decide not to customize the case, it looks great out of the box.
It comes with five colors, Gold, Pink, Silver, Metallic Black and Turquoise Mint and will only run you $12.99 with free Prime Shipping.
Product Link: Caseology
Poetic Affinity Series
If you’re looking for more protection for your Galaxy S6 Edge, this is the case for your. The Poetic Affinity Series provides excellent drop protection with a hard back shell that won’t easily be damaged and a fortified, dense TPU bumper that disperses shocks throughout the body. There is a raised lip to also protect your screen from face down falls and the molded edges help you hold onto your phone to prevent drops. The frosted back glass still gives you a glimpse at your phone while the bumper on the side comes in one of three accent colors.
You can pick up the Poetic Affinity Series for $14.95 in Black, Gold or Grey with free Prime Shipping.
Product Link: Poetic
SQdeal 4200mAh Battery Case with Kickstand
And finally this week we’re going to end with a battery case. The Galaxy S6 Edge doesn’t get the best battery life in the world so it’s useful to have one of these around. The SQdeal case comes with a battery capacity of 4200mAh, which will charge your phone from 0 to 100% with a little bit left over. There’s also a kickstand to keep your phone propped up when viewing media on the gorgeous Quad-HD display. And at $15, you can’t go wrong!
You can pick up the SQdeal 4200mAh Battery Case with Kickstand from Amazon for $15.99 with free shipping.
Product Link: SQdeal
Did we miss the case you’re currently rocking? Let us know down in the comments what YOU think the best case for the Galaxy S6 Edge is and if you’re going to pick up anything from the list.
The post Check out these 7 great cases for your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Photoshop Fix brings some of Adobe’s powerful editing tools to iOS
Remember that tease Adobe gave us during the recent iPad Pro reveal? It was a brief demo of the so-called Project Rigel, and now the creative software company is ready to make the big reveal just before its annual Max design conference starts. The finished product goes by Photoshop Fix, and it’ll reside in Adobe’s mobile arsenal alongside Photoshop Mix, Photoshop Draw, Illustrator Sketch and the rest of the company’s recent releases. You may have noticed there’s more than one mobile app with Photoshop in its name. Well, there’s a reason for that: productivity. Photoshop Fix will help you take care of retouching photos on that trusty iOS device, and it really works quite well, partially due to the fact that it doesn’t try to do too much.
What’s the difference between Photoshop Mix and Photoshop Fix? Well, Mix primarily handles grabbing portions of an image you want to use elsewhere or get rid of entirely — a bird or a car, for example. While Mix is more of a composition tool, the new Fix app is focused on retouching photos. Fix is handy for tasks like removing flyaway hairs from a portrait, power lines from a landscape image or logos from a sign or vehicle. Two popular tools from the desktop version of Photoshop, the Healing Brush and Liquify, handle some of the editing duties here.
In the examples above, the Spot Healing feature leverages Adobe’s Content Aware technology to remove those unwanted items. Selecting power lines is as easy as swiping across them with a finger or stylus, and you’ll have them out of the way in a few short minutes. There’s a color mask that you can quickly toggle on/off to see which items you’ve grabbed at part of the selection. It’s a handy way to keep track of things, and if you’ve spent time with Photoshop on the desktop, this will feel familiar. For the Liquify tool, it can be used to apply subtle adjustments to facial features if one of the hundreds of shots you likely have from a photo shoot just won’t do the trick. Liquify can make that smile just a hair bigger or apply changes to the subject’s eyes, for example.
You can also employ features that handle duties like adjusting color and defocusing a portion of an image, too. I focused on Spot Healing and Liquify because they might garner the most attention, but the tools you’ll need to tweak color and more are here was well. If you don’t like an edit that you just made, you can undo them with the Restore tool. And when it comes time to make the jump to the desktop, Fix saves all of your work in layers so you’re not just left with a flat image.
Why wouldn’t Adobe just pack all of the tools in one piece of software and call it a day? The company says that it’s focused on creating workflow-specific apps when it comes to its mobile offerings. That goal is easy to see when you take a quick survey of the options that are already available. You don’t have to spend time searching for tools in the newer Adobe apps keep the functionality simple. Adobe knows that you’re probably not looking to complete a project on your phone or tablet, but there are specific tasks that can be completed on a mobile device while you’re away from your desk. That being said, you don’t want to waste time pecking around an app for the right features, and with Adobe’s library of mobile software, you won’t have to.
As you might expect, Fix plays nice with Creative Cloud so you can nab stored photos and save edits for use on the desktop in more robust design apps like InDesign. It also takes advantage of Adobe’s CreativeSync tech that, as the name suggests, syncs all of those design assets (files, photos, fonts, colors, etc.) across desktop and mobile apps via Creative Cloud Libraries. That means all of your stuff is in one place, accessible on your iPad while on the go and it’ll be ready for you to pick up right where you left off when you get cozy at the office. CreativeSync also allows you to select a photo what you’re working on in Lightroom mobile, send it to Fix for some quick retouching, then bounce back to finish the task.
For now, Photoshop Fix is only available on iOS. However, Adobe promises that an Android version is on the way, but wouldn’t elaborate on a time frame for its arrival. The app is free to download, but in order to make the most of it across Adobe’s entire suite of apps (and CreativeSync), you’ll need that Creative Cloud membership.
AIVAnet 