Google Wallpaper Art extension will make your Chromebook look gorgeous

Life in the tech side can get a little bit repetitive. Sometimes we make things a bit more interesting by switching the wallpaper in our computers, but other times we are way too busy to feel that drive. Google wants to take that load off your back and beautify your wallpaper with an extension that will do all the work for you.
This Chromebook extension goes by the name of Google Wallpaper Art. It is a very simple concept, but it’s one that will improve your mood and get you out of the daily digital routine. This extension takes images from the Google Cultural Institute and makes them your wallpaper. Images will be refreshed every single day, so your Chromebook will always feel refreshed and inspiring.

But just what the heck is the Google Cultural Institute? We know many of you have never even heard this department mentioned. The Google Cultural Institute is in charge of digitizing art, images and other content from museum exhibitions. Their goal is to bring high art to the masses and making influential content available to the public, online. By the way, this does include both classic and contemporary art. One day you may be rocking a Monet, while the next you’ll marvel over Banksy’s stencils.
If you happen to find interest in any of these wallpapers, just open the app and find out more information about it, as well as the Google Cultural Institute. This does only work with Chrome OS devices, though. Trying to download it from another operating system will not work.
Android Wear no longer limited to Bluetooth and WiFi; cellular support on board

Android Wear works amazingly as a secondary device, but these wearables have never been self-sufficient enough. It’s the main reason why options like the Samsung Gear S and Omate TrueSmart were so enticing to some of you; these things can run on their own. But with the release of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, Google takes things to another level.
This happens to be the first of a new breed of Android Wear products that will need no connection to WiFi or Bluetooth. Just leave your phone at home, because Android Wear can now handle cellular connectivity, which allows it to use data, as well as sending or receiving both calls and texts. Of course, these is aside from all the usual Android Wear features.
Mainly, the Search Giant wants you to know LG’s option won’t be the only one coming.

Google doesn’t have much else to say about the topic, but this is actually pretty huge news. It’s something we have been begging for, as taking your phone everywhere is not always convenient. I would love to go on my crazy adventures without having to worry about taking my phone with me, for example. But there are better advantages to this new feature than my silly weekend craze.
Workout clothes happen to be quite limited in terms of pockets and storage. Imagine being able to leave to the gym or take your morning jog without carrying around a bulky phone? These are only a couple scenarios – the point here is that we are really looking forward to seeing these new cellular-connected Android Wear smartwatches taking off. Are you thinking of buying one?
HTC Releases first One A9 Marshmallow kernel source files
Now that the HTC One A9 has been released, HTC has made open source kernel files available at the HTC Developer Center. Unfortunately, the only models supported are the Austria, Germany, Spain, Turkey, and Arabic-speaking nations, with no US support as of right now. There will almost certainly be US support added in the near future, just as there was for Lollipop on the previous HTC models.
The size for the download is 205 MB for all models. There’s no code for the Google Play edition of the M8, despite the fact that the update has already been released. These kernel source code files will allow developers to modify the HTC stock OS to make their special ROMS that we all know and love.
Source: HTC Dev
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Check out these hot deals on action cameras from Gearbest.com for less than $100
Interested in a GoPro but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars for an action camera? Luckily there are many alternatives that offer nearly identical functionality at a fraction of the price. At Gearbest.com there are plenty of action cameras for less than $100 that can more than suit your demands. All of these cameras are warehoused in the U.S. and with free shipping you should get your order within one week after placing your order. If you aren’t satisfied with your product for any reason, Gearbest.com offers a 45-day money back guarantee.
Check out the hot deals on the action cameras listed below.
XiaoMi Yi 1080P Ambarella A7LS WIFI Sports Action Camera $73.86 – LINK
The Xiaomi Yi 1080p action camera is one of Gearbest.com’s best sellers. For less than $75, you get a full 1080p camera that shoots at 60fps for super smooth recording. It can record for up to 80 minutes at a time on a single charge and can support up to a 64GB microSd card. It also comes with built-in WiFi for sharing content with ease. This is a heck of a deal.
If you’re interested in adding a waterproof case to bring the Xiaomi Yi action camera into the pool or ocean with you, check out this link here.
Main Features:
72 Grams and made from PC + ABS and metal composite materials
Ambarella A7LS Processor
Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS 16 million pixel sensor
155 degree (Mobile Phone 89 degree) wide angle lens
3D noise reduction
WiFi connectivity (up to 100 meters), easily transfer video and photos to your smartphone
BLE ultra-low power consumption
WIFI and remote App control
4 Operating modes include: Photo, time-lapse photo, timed photo and video
Share to social media within 10 seconds using the smartphone APP
High-definition digital motion video recording device
Ultra compact and lightweight design
Support micro SD card up to 64GB (not included)
Detachable battery that is easy to replace and prolongs your cameras service life
Perfect for outdoor sports, extreme sports, home security, car DVR, etc.
A9 HD 1080P MJPEG 2 inch LCD IP68 30m Waterproof Sports Action Camera DVR $35.51 – LINK
If $75 is still too much money, the A9 HD is a great alternative to the Xiaomi Yi. At a bargain price of $35.51, you still get a full featured 1080p action camera that can do it all. The A9 already comes with a waterproof case, supports up to a 64GB microSD card, has a 2″ display, and has a 900mAh battery.
Main Features:
1080P MPEG
IP68 30m waterproof
1.3MP camera
2 inch LCD
Video resolution supports 1920 x 1080 / 15fps ( MPEG ), 1280 x 720 / 30fps ( MPEG ), 640 x 480 / 30fps ( MPEG )
Support micro SD card (not included)
Built-in 900mAh battery
Input / output: Micro USB
Super wide angle lens: 140 degrees
Multi language support
About 4 hours charging time
SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi IP68 Waterproof 1080P FHD 1.5 Inch LCD Action Camera Sport DV $68.99 – LINK
The SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi Sports DV / Car DVR offers 70 minutes of video recording at full 1080p HD resolution. This edition continues the strength and stability of the first version. This camera also has built-in WiFi which makes it much easier to share precious moments. The SJCAM SJ4000 is fully compatible with iOS and Android.
Main Features:
● 1.5 inch High Resolution LCD capturing HQ 1080P FHD video
● With WiFi Function
● 4x Digital Zoom keeps you close to the action
● High-definition digital motion video recording device
● Ultra compact and lightweight design
● IP68 waterproof up to 30m for capturing water action
● Multiple video formats: 1080P, 720P and WVGA
● Multiple photo modes: Single shot and Snapper
● Video recording while charging
● Crystal clear HDMI output and Motion Detection
● Supports microSD card up to 32GB (not included)
● Package includes waterproof case, helmet mount, bike mount and more
● Perfect for outdoor sports, extreme sports, water sports, home security, car DVR, diving, etc
The post Check out these hot deals on action cameras from Gearbest.com for less than $100 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Airbnb promises to work more closely with cities on home rentals
To say that Airbnb’s relationship with cities is sometimes confrontational would be an understatement. At times, it’s practically contemptuous. The home rental service is trying to offer an olive branch, though — it just posted a Community Compact that promises a better relationship with the cities where it operates. Airbnb is promising to communicate with each city on a case-by-case basis, and make sure that it pays its “fair share” of taxes. It’s also vowing more transparency, and to encourage “responsible” home sharing (such as discouraging people who turn homes into permanent hotels).
Via: Mashable
Source: Airbnb
Verizon introducing $20 activation fee for installment plans?
Mid-November is definitely not looking to be an exciting day for Verizon users. That is, unless you happen to be a masochist and like paying more to your carrier. We reported last month that grandfathered unlimited data plan subscribers will soon have to pay an extra $20 for their limitless internet. To make matters even more cumbersome, Verizon is rumored to also be introducing a $20 activation fee for installment plans.
This fee is said to go into effect starting November 15th, according to Droid-Life’s sources, so you should get your new handsets before Sunday if you want to avoid paying extra. You know, just in case this rumor ends up being true. This means any customer getting a phone under a device payment plan will pay $20 on top of the full price of the device’s full price (which would be extended over 24 monthly payments.

Is this a new thing? While activation fees were always present, these were waived for those getting a phone under an installment plan. The only difference is that the carrier will now stop doing that and join the likes of AT&T.
This does seem a little unreasonable, as buying a phone on an installment plan is similar to bringing your own. Will they start charging for switching SIM cards next? OK, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and go back to focusing on the current issue. What do you guys think about this $20 fee that is said to be introduced? Will it sway you away from Verizon’s powerful network?
Acer’s Predator 8 up for pre-order from Newegg
At IFA 2015, Acer inserted itself into the conversation as a go-to for mobile gaming. The company’s Predator 8, like NVIDIA’s SHIELD Tablet, is all about maximizing gaming on a tablet. With an 8-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display, Intel Atom processor, and four front-facing speakers, Acer believes it has a winning formula. But like any mobile device, price is very important. Acer seems to have appropriately priced the Predator 8, with the 32GB model going for $299. And starting today you can pre-order that model of the tablet from Newegg.
The online electronics retailer will be the exclusive seller of the Predator 8 for these next two weeks. Newegg doesn’t have the 64GB model listed on its site at the moment.
[Newegg]
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Verizon will introduce a $20 activation fee on all device payment plans
Verizon has today announced that it will introduce an activation fee on all device payment plans taken out after Sunday, November 15. This means that customers will not only have to pay the full retail price for their shiny new smartphones, albeit over 24-month period, but will also have to fork out an additional $20 to have it activated.
What’s pretty peculiar, however, is that if you’re already a current Big Red subscriber, you can simply pop your SIM into a new device and start using it as usual, but you will still have to pay the activation fee.
Anyhow, that’s all the details we have for now. Stay tuned for more information.
Source: Droid-Life
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Google launches Nexus Protect insurance service in Canada
Google has revealed that its Nexus Protect insurance service is now available in Canada. The service costs an additional $69 for the Nexus 5X and $89 for the Nexus 6P, which covers up to two incidents of accidental damage over a 2-year period. When a claim is made, customers are required to pay a $79 excess towards the repair.
If you’re based in Canada and have just picked up a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P and would like to secure a little more protection for your handset, hit the source link below to subscribe to Nexus Protect.
Source: Google Store
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Sprint is offering $200 trade-in credit to put towards the LG G4
If you’re in the market for an LG G4 and don’t mind switching to Sprint’s Easy Pay program, then you may want to listen up. Earlier today, the operator launched its latest trade-in scheme. All you have to do is send in a perfectly functioning smartphone in good condition, and you will receive a minimum of $200 credit towards the G4.
To get in on the trade-in action, simply head over to sprint.com/buyback and enter the promo code 200LG. You’ll then receive instructions on how to send in your old smartphone. Once it’s been received and evaluated by Sprint, they will provide you with a quote. If you’re happy, click Accept and the store credit will be added to your account. If not, hit Decline and it will be returned to you.
Just in case you need a refresher on its specifications, the G4 is a beast of a device packing a 5.5-inch qHD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 octa-core processor, an Adreno 418 GPU, 3GB of RAM, a 16MP rear-facing camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter and a 3,000mAh removable battery.
Source: Sprint
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