T-Mobile posts its third quarter earnings, adds 2.3 million customers in Q3 2015
T-Mobile has some great news today with its third quarter results for 2015. In releasing its financial results, T-Mobile also added a whopping 2.3 million new customers this time around.
Finances were just as impressive, with revenue up by 7 percent from the same quarter last year. T-Mobile also recorded a net income of $138 million for this quarter, compared to a loss of $94 million during the same period last year.
As far as sales go, T-Mobile sold 8.9 million devices, 8.1 million of which were smartphones. From T-Mobile CEO John Legere:
“We’ve had 10 quarters in a row with over 1 million net new customers, 5 with over a million branded postpaid customers and a total of 2.3 million new customers this quarter alone, our momentum is strong and our incredible customer growth is translating directly into solid financial growth which makes it crystal clear that putting customers first is just good business.”
As you can see, these results are nothing close to giants’ results in the market like AT&T and Verizon. However, expect some good things from T-Mobile going forward, as the carrier is truly shaking up the business with competitive programs and pricing. T-Mobile has given consumers all the right reasons to jump ship and join the Un-carrier, but its coverage remains a problem for many.
The carrier has good coverage, but only in some markets. Not nearly as many as AT&T or even Verizon. T-Mobile realizes this, planning to take part in the upcoming FCC auction and the company even plans on rolling out Extended Range LTE in 350 markets or more by the end of the year.
source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: T-Mobile posts its third quarter earnings, adds 2.3 million customers in Q3 2015
Garmin introduces a new Vivosmart wearable and more
Garmin has had a busy fall. The company just announced an upgrade to its Vivosmart wearable along with the company’s first ever smart scale.
The new Vivosmart HR fitness band has a touchscreen and offers extended battery life while maintaining all of your fitness records throughout the day. It includes a built-in heart rate monitor for checking your heart rate during exercise and can also receive notifications from your connected smartphone. It can be paired with either your Android or iOS enabled device via Bluetooth and must be connected to the Garmin Connect application in order for various functions to work properly. Some include receiving calls, text messages and emails right on your wrist. The band can also be used as a playback controller for music. And to top it all off, the wearable is water-resistant and can be submerged up to 50 meters. It’ll be available this November in black, blue and purple.
Garmin’s new Index Smart Scale can do all sorts of things. It can calculate your weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, water percentage and even one’s muscle and bone mass. It can store information for up to 16 different people at a time and link with your compatible smartphone through your home’s Wi-Fi connection. It will hit shelves this November in black and white color options. Pricing has not been specified.
Come comment on this article: Garmin introduces a new Vivosmart wearable and more
Some Nexus 5X devices have a display malfunction, Google will happily replace it
A new post on Reddit states that some Nexus owners are experiencing a yellow hue on their display. 6P owners have nothing to worry about, this seems to only be an issue with the 5X. However, good news is Google will willingly replace it if you have the issue.
If you’re experiencing a yellow tinted overlay on your Nexus 5X, you may want to contact Google’s customer service team as soon as possible. Not all Nexus 5X devices have the issue, but many do. The problem may be hard to notice at first, but when put next to a smartphone without the associated issue, you’ll immediately notice the difference. So if you have a Nexus 5X, put up something white and check for the hue. Some have been able to shake off the hue over time, but it’s strongly recommended to get a replacement from Google.
Come comment on this article: Some Nexus 5X devices have a display malfunction, Google will happily replace it
‘Uncharted’ borrows from cinema to sidestep clunky game design
Developer Naughty Dog’s games have always had a flair for the cinematic and that’s due in large part to their presentation. The studio takes a minimalistic approach to how it delivers information to the player, eschewing ugly on-screen means of directing you where to go by using filmic techniques like smart scene composition and color to subtly guide the players from one area to the next. In the video below, YouTuber Mark Brown explores Uncharted 3‘s opening, breaking down how Naughty Dog pretty masterfully keeps players on the right track during the rooftop chase sequence without it feeling claustrophobically linear.
Source: Mark Brown (YouTube)
Research shows brain waves sync to the music we’re listening to
Many of us naturally tap our feet when we want to keep in time with a tricky piece of music. However, researchers at New York University have discovered that this physical technique is but one example of our how our bodies naturally interpret tunes. Deep inside our skulls we have two types of low-frequency brain waves, delta and theta, that automatically synchronise with the music we’re listening to. These cortical brain rhythms help us to process the piece — they perform a similar function in conversation, breaking down syllables, words and phrases so that we can understand what someone’s trying to tell us.
Via: NewScientist
Source: New York University
‘Uncharted’ borrows from cinema to sidestep clunky game design
Developer Naughty Dog’s games have always had a flair for the cinematic and that’s due in large part to their presentation. The studio takes a minimalistic approach to how it delivers information to the player, eschewing ugly on-screen means of directing you where to go by using filmic techniques like smart scene composition and color to subtly guide the players from one area to the next. In the video below, YouTuber Mark Brown explores Uncharted 3‘s opening, breaking down how Naughty Dog pretty masterfully keeps players on the right track during the rooftop chase sequence without it feeling claustrophobically linear.
Source: Mark Brown (YouTube)
A paperweight made from every ‘collectible’ element on Earth
Is your paperweight made of too few elements? Do you even have a paperweight? (No, not this.) We’d excuse you if you didn’t, frankly. If you’re in the market, though, the Element Cube is likely the one you want. As the name suggests, this is no vanilla flowers-in-glass affair. The maker claims it contains every “collectible” element on the planet (not the same as the 90-plus “natural” ones, many aren’t available in practical quantities). That’s 62 in total, distilled into an alloy.
Via: Mental Floss
Source: Kickstarter
AT&T gives you extra data in return for taking surveys
Do you find yourself perpetually running just over your phone carrier’s data cap, and wish you could get a little more breathing room without paying a lot more? AT&T might have the answer. It just launched a Data Perks app for Android and iOS that adds precious megabytes to your plan for a given month in return for taking surveys and completing shopping offers. Think of it like Google’s Opinion Rewards, only you’re earning internet access instead of store credit.
Via: TalkAndroid
Source: AT&T, App Store, Google Play
AT&T gives you extra data in return for taking surveys
Do you find yourself perpetually running just over your phone carrier’s data cap, and wish you could get a little more breathing room without paying a lot more? AT&T might have the answer. It just launched a Data Perks app for Android and iOS that adds precious megabytes to your plan for a given month in return for taking surveys and completing shopping offers. Think of it like Google’s Opinion Rewards, only you’re earning internet access instead of store credit.
Via: TalkAndroid
Source: AT&T, App Store, Google Play
Kinivo URBN: A premium Bluetooth headset
If any of you read my review of the Kinivo BTX450, you know that Kinivo has completely blown me away with the quality of their audio equipment.
To give a quick recap on that review, what the BTX450 lacked in sound quality, it made up in power. It sounded good enough, but the volume was ridiculously loud. Great small outdoor get-togethers or to pump music throughout the entire house.
Well, Kinivo gave me the pleasure of test driving their new Kinivo URBN premium headset. They really wanted you to know that these things were premium with it being written clearly on the bottom of the packaging.
Kinivo has promised a premium product; they haven’t disappointed. Enough of the background flub, let’s get into the review.
The Good
Why should I consider the Kinivo URBN?
Style
They look great. Some claim that this isn’t a big part of audio equipment, but we are all influenced by visual stimulus. The URBN are aesthetically pleasing and don’t look goofy on someone’s head.
The Moto Surrounds that I have been playing with are great in their own way too, but they lack in the visual department. Their design seems a little silly in practice. Not going to lie, they make me feel a little self-conscious when I am using them in public.
With the URBN, there is no such feelings. I love the way they look, and despite them being louder in design, I am perfectly fine with someone noticing me while wearing them.
Actually, I was sent the Candy Apple Red version which is very loud, and there is no way that someone wouldn’t notice me wearing them.
Sound Quality
Looks aside, how do they sound? The URBN blew me away with their sound. The first song that appeared on my Spotify playlist was Bang Bang from Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. Okay, maybe I selected that as my first song. You aren’t allowed to judge; you know you turn up the radio whenever it hits the airwaves.
Everything was crisp and loud. At max volume, the sound gets blown out, but that is to be expected from any speaker or headset. At a low to moderate volume, everything sounds amazing. It is clear that Kinivo spent a lot of work into creating the best Bluetooth headset that they could.
Controls
One of my complaints with the BTX450 was the lack of controls over media playback. Well, that is no longer an issue with the URBN! On the right side of them, you will find volume controls as well as playback controls. While they don’t always work depending on the media player you are using, they work very well with major apps like Google Play Music and Spotify.
There is about a second delay between pressing the button and action taking place, but it is better than nothing and the same issue is apparent on every Bluetooth headset I have ever tried.
One thing worth mentioning is that the URBN’s volume control is separate from the playback device’s volume control. Each device can have its own volume level, so if you think your music is a bit quiet, but the headphones won’t let you raise the volume, check your phone to make sure that the volume there is at an appropriate level.
The Okay
Where does the URBN fall between good and bad?
Build Quality
While they look great, Kinivo’s URBN doesn’t particularly feel great. They are made out of plastic and creak when adjusted. Now, this is completely normal, but I really wish that they didn’t creak with head movement interrupting the amazing sound quality.
I don’t feel like they are going to break on me, but that is always a thought that comes when you hear creaking. They feel sturdy enough, and I have fallen asleep in them multiple times now with no issues. They still look brand new and function just as they should.
Comfort
As I will mention later, the on-ear design isn’t the best for my personal use. I can’t wear them for too long. About two episodes of Arrested Development is my limit with these headphones. That is actually pretty good since I can usually only last 30 minutes with on-ear headphones, so these are rather comfortable and exceeded my expectations there.
The reason that this isn’t a good thing is because they still aren’t great for long usage. Despite the 20-hour battery life they can get with these headphones, I can only wear them for about one to two hours before needing to take them off for a breather.
The Bad
What should I be aware of before making my purchase?
The Fit
Now, this will vary by head size, but these things will NOT stay on my head. If I don’t keep my head upright, they will just slip right off my head. When I bend over to pick something off the floor, I always have to pick up my headphones too if I forget to grab a hold of it before I bend down.
Once again, this may be due to my smaller head size, but it is something to note before dropping $99 on a headphone. The good news is that they are adjustable as most headphones are and will accommodate larger heads just fine. Just, these may not be the best for a child with a small head.
On-Ear Design
This one is 100% opinion based, but I hate on-ear headphones. I find that I can only get half an hour of comfortable wear out of them before my ears need to breath. However, there is a good amount of people who like on-ear headphones, and that is why they keep making them.
A good thing to note is that sound doesn’t leak out of these as badly as they do with my JLab Bombora headphones. In fact, at a moderately loud volume, someone sitting next to me could only faintly hear my music in a quiet environment.
The Noteworthy
What else does Kinivo offer with their URBN headphones?
Features
- NFC pairing
- Hands-free calling (built in mic)
- Stereo playback
- 20-hour battery
- Wired and Bluetooth connection
In the Box
- URBN Premium Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
- Micro USB charging cable
- Quick reference guide
- 3.5m cable
- Carrying case
The Conclusion
Buy buy buy! These headphones are by far my favorite right now in my arsenal of audio equipment. They would be great as a gift, Christmas is coming up you know, and they would be even better for your own personal usage.
If $99 is just a bit out of your price range, you can get a $30 discount thanks to Kinivo with the code URBN2015. Just apply it at checkout at either Kinivo’s website or Amazon.com.
Amazon Links
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