The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is the star in Ariana Grande’s new music video
Ariana Grande has a new hit song called “Focus,” and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 is the star of the show in the music video.
Only seconds into the video, the Galaxy Note 5 makes an appearance. One could obviously infer that Samsung paid the artist big bucks for this because it’s not everyday you see smartphone features shown off in a famous artist’s music video. During the video, pop star Ariana Grande shows off some of the capabilities of Samsung’s new S Pen, such as the ability to take notes even when the screen is powered off. This is clearly a feature that Samsung is very proud of. Is this what it’s going to take to sell handsets? I’m not so sure that people will purchase the handset just from seeing it in Grande’s hands, but who knows. You can watch the music video of Ariana Grande’s new tune “Focus” down below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
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Google rolls out Android Pay update 1.1 with minor bug fixes
Google has just released an update for Android Pay that fixes certain bugs users have experienced while using the app. The update also makes it easier for users to know whether their bank supports Android Pay or not, and addresses an issue where users were not allowed to access their loyalty cards without having a payment card linked to the app.
You can now access a menu that will let you know which banks are currently supported by the service. Not a lot of banks are supported yet, however we expect that number to increase to encourage more users to use the app.
In addition, some users have complained that after setting up Android Pay on a first device, their loyalty and membership cards would not show up on the app from another device with Android Pay unless a payment card was associated with it. Loyalty and membership cards were suppose to show in the app regardless if a payment card is added on or not. Google has fortunately fixed this issue with the Android Pay v1.1 update. In case the update hasn’t been pushed out to your device yet, you can grab the APK from the link below and manually install it.
Via: Android Police (APK Download)
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iOS 9 Adoption Jumps to 66 Percent After iOS 9.1 Emoji Update
Since launching in September alongside the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iOS 9 has seen its adoption rate grow to 66 percent of active iOS devices, according to numbers on the Apple Developer Support page. Two weeks ago, iOS 9 adoption sat at 61 percent.
After 24 hours, iOS 9 adoption was in line with the adoption rate of iOS 8. However, in late September Apple announced that the newest version of iOS had the fastest adoption ever and was on pace to be downloaded by more users than any other version of the mobile operating system. iOS 8 only achieved a 64 percent adoption rate by December 23 and a 68 percent adoption rate by January 7, ending up with a high of 87 percent on the eve of iOS 9’s launch.
Apple released the first major update to iOS 9 two weeks ago with iOS 9.1, which featured a slew of brand-new emojis. Since that update, iOS 9 adoption has grown by 5 percent. Earlier today Apple seeded the second beta for iOS 9.2, the second major update to its newest mobile operating system.
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FreedomPop to launch its first phone in 2016, thanks to funding from Intel
FreedomPop, the budget-friendly wireless service provider, has announced its plans to introduce the first smartphone designed specifically to work on its network, thanks to a new deal with Intel. The device will be optimized for Wi-Fi use and will be powered by Intel’s cost-effective SoFIA Atom x3 processors. These will allow the device to take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots over cellular data connections wherever possible, even when when performing simple tasks like texting and calling. Similar to that of Google’s Project Fi, the upcoming FreedomPop phone will be able to seamlessly switch between cellular networks and Wi-Fi hotspots. Engadget reports that when it does connect to mobile data, however, it will supposedly be free.
See also: Intel unveils Atom x3, x5 and x7 SoCs for mobile
“We’ve upended the mobile market with free text, data, and voice services for any U.S. mobile user, and now we’ve formed a strategic alliance with Intel to bring cutting-edge, yet affordable, devices to consumers,” said FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols. “Intel’s investment shows the considerable opportunity we have to bring more mobile choice and value to consumers.”
Details on the phone itself – pricing, release date, which manufacturer will make the hardware – have yet to be revealed. We do know that it will launch sometime in 2016, and Stokols says the device will probably launch for somewhere under $200. He also says the goal with this new device is to bring as many high specs as possible while keeping the price down. Oh, and we also know that it will run Android, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.
We’ll be sure to let you know if we hear anything regarding this new device.
Uber carpooling experiment helps you commute between cities
Ridesharing services already have carpooling services that let you share a ride with strangers, but they’re designed for typical commuting distances, not the city-to-city jaunts that can define commutes in places like the San Francisco Bay Area. That’s where Uber hopes it can make a difference. It just launched a trial run for Pool to SF, an option that gets you from South Bay cities to San Francisco in the morning. You’ll usually pay between $20 to $26, but that’s potentially much cheaper than the fuel and parking costs you’d face with your own vehicle. If you have a friend tagging along, you can slap on another $10 and divvy up the fare later on.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Uber Newsroom
Sundance and Jaunt are looking for VR filmmaking visionaries
Sundance Film Institute has announced a six-month residency aimed at helping budding virtual reality filmmakers turn their ideas into dynamic projects. To make this a reality, the institute has teamed up with VR firm Jaunt, most likely because of the company’s “cinematic VR” platform which consists of a 360-degree camera and specialized tools for editing VR experiences. “We hope their unique voices, diverse perspectives and creativity will help define the potential of this new medium,” said Sundance Institute executive director Keri Putnam. This isn’t the first experience Sundance has had with VR, some directors have already shown completed projects to festival-goers. After giving rise to revolutionary filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Ava DuVernay, the institute is now looking to produce stories that are complex, visually stunning and also totally immersive.
Source: WIRED
Who needs stars? Twitter is changing its star icon to a heart
You can say a lot with a heart. “LOL, adorbs, hugs, wow, high five, yes!,” is why Twitter is switching to a heart icon for favorites in place of a star. The star was apparently confusing to new users of Twitter and a heart icon is much more universal.
The heart, in contrast, is a universal symbol that resonates across languages, cultures, and time zones. The heart is more expressive, enabling you to convey a range of emotions and easily connect with people. And in our tests, we found that people loved it. – Twitter
Twitter’s live video streaming service, Periscope, uses hearts to show how you feel. Twitter’s other service Vine is also swapping the star for the heart to keep things consistent across its platforms. If you haven’t seen the heart yet, open up your apps and check because the change occurred today.
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Pre-order the Meizu Pro 5 at Gearbest.com
The recently announced Meizu Pro 5 is available for pre-order at Gearbest.com now. This phone is a BEAST. The processor that came in Samsung’s flagships in 2015, the Exynos 7420(Note 5, S6, S6 edge, etc.)is the heart that powers the Meizu Pro 5 but comes at a much lower price. Other features in the Meizu Pro 5 are an AMOLED 5.7″ 1080p display, dual-SIM capability, 32GB or 64GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM respectively, a 21MP camera, Android 5.1 a non-removable battery and a gorgeous metal build.
Meizu isn’t well known in the U.S. to the general public yet, but with phones like this, they will be the next Huawei who built the latest Nexus 6P. This is a phone that is really worth checking out. This phone is unlocked and is designed to work on networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T.
If you want to pre-order the Meizu Pro 5 click this link to head on over to Gearbest.com. I’ll be putting in a pre-order myself for this phone. I love the 5.7″ inch AMOLED display and know the Exynos 7420 processor is a powerhouse as I experienced its speed in the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. To top it all off, the Meizu Pro 5 looks stunning in photos. If you’re into premium smartphones, check this one out.
Specifications:
 Basic Information
Brand: MEIZU |
 Hardware
CPU: Exynos 7420 |
 Network
Wireless Connectivity: 3G, A-GPS, GPS, WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth, GSM |
 Display
Screen type: Capacitive, Corning Gorilla Glass |
 Camera
Camera type: Dual cameras (one front one back) |
 Media Formats
Picture format: PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP |
 Other Features
I/O Interface: Type-C |
 Battery
Battery Capacity (mAh): 3050mAh Built-in Battery |
 Package Contents
Cell Phone: 1 |
 Dimensions
Product size: 15.67 x 7.8 x 0.75 cm / 6.16 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches |
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A4WP and PMA merger AirFuel Alliance will focus on standardizing wireless charging solutions
The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) have officially merged into a new combined organisation named AirFuel Alliance. This unification will allow the two groups to work synergistically to help develop advanced wireless charging standards and help push out the technology into the mainstream consumer market.
The AirFuel Alliance has the aim of increasing the commercialisation and growth of wireless charging technology, and the development of a shared wireless charging standard for the world. This allow consumers to have a better user experience when using wireless charging technology and reduce the confusion as to which standard to use for a specific device. More info can be found in the official press release below.
November 3, 2015 – The Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Power Matters Alliance (PMA), industry leaders in wireless charging technology, today announced a new combined organization and brand identity – AirFuel™ Alliance. Now with a unified vision, AirFuel Alliance further strengthens a commitment to improve user experience through the development of advanced wireless charging standards.
Following the A4WP and PMA merger announcement earlier this year, the new consortium continues to accelerate the impact of wireless power transfer technology through inductive, resonant, and future standards to benefit consumers, mobile network operators, consumer-facing commercial and retail brands, and the consumer electronics industry, including its semiconductor and manufacturing partners. With 195 leading member companies, and growing, the AirFuel Alliance brand will soon impact the future growth and acknowledgment of wireless charging.
“AirFuel technology is the next step in fast-tracking the commercialization of wirelessly charged products,” said Ron Resnick, President of AirFuel Alliance. “We embrace a new, inclusive ideal of wireless charging and those member companies within AirFuel Alliance are energized towards bringing wireless power products to consumers globally.”
After a suitable grace period, the brands associated with the former A4WP and PMA identities will be retired. From that point, certified products will carry the AirFuel name and logo, which will become synonymous with fast, convenient, and readily available wireless charging. The new brand allows for a clear, concise idea of what AirFuel Alliance envisions wireless charging to achieve – a better user experience through the development of shared wireless charging standards available on a global scale wherever consumers may go.
“The introduction of AirFuel is a clear step in the right direction for true wireless charging. AirFuel Alliance is committed to bringing to life technology that uses AirFuel while continuing to be open to further industry consolidation,” continued Resnick.
As inductive and resonant technologies advance, AirFuel Alliance continues to support the use of multimode systems – ones that operate with both versions of the standard. The alliance is also developing technologies that go beyond the use of magnetics via the uncoupled working group.
AirFuel Alliance, operating as a unified organization since July, has fully integrated its teams and committees. In October, the alliance hosted the world’s first joint inductive and resonant plugfest, where 14 companies tested over 40 receivers and transmitters to gauge compliance and commercial acceptance.
“AirFuel Alliance aims to unify the global consumer, always on the move with technology that shapes itself around mobility and convenience”, said Mani Parmar, VP Business Development, Duracell Powermat. “Duracell Powermat has supported wireless charging for a number of years. We see firsthand how such a simple, intuitive technology satisfies a wide range of needs for our customers. AirFuel is an ideal descriptor for what this organization promises today and in the years to come.”
“Intel has been a strong supporter of wireless charging technologies that deliver on our vision of removing all wires from client devices. Wires are a major consumer pain point.” said Sanjay Vora, Vice President of User Experiences, Intel. “We are proud to be a member of the AirFuel Alliance to help align the industry on a common wireless charging standard that will help accelerate adoption and availability of wireless charging enabled products.”
More information about the organization can be found at www.airfuel.org.
About AirFuel
AirFuel Alliance is an association dedicated to building a global wireless charging ecosystem based on best in industry inductive, resonant and future wireless charging technology. AirFuel Alliance’s mission is to bring a diverse base of interoperable products to the global market that deliver the best wireless charging experience for consumers. Further, the alliance continues to address future, non-magnetic technologies including RF, ultrasound and lasers that deliver power at a distance.The organization membership is made up of more than 190 leading technology and consumer electronics companies, including board of directors companies AT&T, Broadcom, Duracell, Flextronics, Gill Electronics, Integrated Device Technologies, Intel, MediaTek, ON Semiconductor, Powermat Technologies, Qualcomm Inc., Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Semtech, Starbucks and WiTricity.
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Buyable Pins are on their way to Android, Pinterest reveals
Pinterest today took to its blog to reveal that buyable pins are on their way to Android device after having launched on the iPhone and iPad earlier this summer. Buyable pins will enable users to to purchase specific products straight from the Pinterest mobile app.
In other words, you can purchase products without having to ever leave Pinterest! For some of you, this could be be a potentially alarming situation for your bank account. But, it’s still a neat and convenient feature to have for those that scour the web looking for a product they saw on Pinterest, but cannot actually find the company who makes it or sells it.
Pinterest says that they have over 60 million buyable pins available, meaning that there’s quite a wide range of products available for everyone. With this announcement also comes the introduction of a new digital storefront for the company, the Pinterest Shop. New collections will be added to the shop everyday, all of which are hand selected by the folks over at Pinterest. Here you’ll be able to easily find brands you love, whether that be Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and others.
Overall, it’s a nice addition to Pinterest, showing just how quick and convenient online shopping can be. Be sure to keep an eye out for the update rolling out over the next couple of weeks.
source: Pinterest
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