Nexus 5X now available on Amazon and B&H Photo
After having an exclusive run on the Google Store, the Nexus 5X is now available to purchase at Amazon as well as B&H Photo. Both retailers are selling the devices in 16GB and 32GB storage models at their respective prices.
As a quick reminder, here’s the key specifications in this device:
- 5.2-inch Full HD (1920×1080) LCD display (Gorilla Glass 3 protection)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 12.3MP / 5MP cameras
- 32GB/64GB of internal storage
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g
- USB Type-C port
- Fingerprint scanner
You can pick the Nexus 5x up from Amazon right now in White, Black, and Mint at $379.99 for the 16GB model and $429.99 for the 32GB model. Price and colour availability are the same at B&H Photo.
Anyone picking one up?
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5X now available on Amazon and B&H Photo
Verizon Wireless is giving all active subscribers 2GB of free data
Verizon is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday by giving all active subscribers free data.
From now up until 11:59 Tuesday night, Verizon subscribers can claim 1GB of bonus data in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. The bonus data will be added right on top of your monthly plan and will be valid through the end of your current billing cycle. In addition, you’ll also get 1GB added to the following billing cycle. Verizon subscribers can claim the free data at the source link down below to Verizon’s website or by logging into the My Verizon application on your connected device. Verizon will also be holding a number of other promotions on November 25th, the day prior to the holiday, which can be viewed at the source link.
Well, what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose! Claim that data now!
Source: Verizon
Via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: Verizon Wireless is giving all active subscribers 2GB of free data
The challenges of running a modern VFX Studio
We’ve come a long way since the Harryhausen-era of special effects. Instead of countless hours spent adjusting claymation models, modern VFX require more computer processing power than the moon mission. But while they seamlessly blend into our storytelling, creating convincing special effects is still no easy feat. Just ask Shade VFX CEO, Bryan Godwin.
Hillary Clinton calls for cooperation on encryption
The debate over smartphone, app and data encryption rages on in the US. With the recent events in Paris only fueling the fire for those arguing for backdoor access, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke up on the need for cooperation this week. “We need Silicon Valley not to view government as its adversary,” Clinton explained in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. “We need our best minds in the private sector to work with our best minds in the public sector to develop solutions that will both keep us safe and protect our privacy.” While the debate has gone back and forth for sometime now, reports that the Paris attackers used encrypted messaging services to coordinate last week’s events resounded the call for legislation that demands access for law enforcement.
Source: The Hill
View your photos with RotoView Photo Viewer (app review)
At some point in our photo taking adventures, we have to zoom in to view all the details of our pictures. With RotoView Photo Viewer, you can now scroll your magnified pictures with a simple tilt of your screen.
Overview
RotoView Photo Viewer is an alternative photo viewer for your android phone. You can easily find photos stored on your phone to view, start slideshows, and easily zoom in and view the fine details. When zooming in on a picture, you can long tap the screen to start scrolling around the magnified picture by simply rotating your phone sideways, or up and down. You can also choose to show a map of your photo, allowing you to easily see where you are on the photo. Your videos will also show up in your picture albums, but require a separate video app to play them.
Usage
When opening the app, you are given several viewing options. You can either view your photos by the albums they are in, by date or time, people, or tags. It would be nice if they could add viewing of pictures in your cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. You can view each folder’s pictures as a grid or a filmstrip. I personally like the grid view more, as you can view more photos at once.
You can also select to view the folder as a slideshow. It’s a nice feature, but it displays the photos in order, with no option for shuffling. You can also rotate pictures left and right, delete or crop pictures, and easily set the photo as a contact photo or wallpaper.
The app also uses your phone’s accelerometer, for older phones, and the gyroscope, on newer phones, to allow you to rotate your screen for easy scrolling of the magnified picture. To use the smart scroll option, all you have to do is select the picture you want to view, zoom in, long tap the screen, then start rotating your phone in the direction you want to scroll. You can also shake your phone to start the smart scroll. If you don’t like rotating your phone, you can easily turn off this feature by tapping the picture and selecting the RotoView icon at the bottom left of the screen.
If you keep your finger on the screen, it gives you the option to easily control the scroll speed by moving your finger as you scroll. If you are like me and don’t like this option, you can use an alternative way to adjust the scroll speed. You just select the map icon, once scrolling, and drag it up or down to adjust the speed. I like this option more, but found it difficult, sometimes, to properly adjust the speed. You have to be rotating the phone in order to use this option, so it would be nice if there was an easier way to adjust the speed settings.
If you need help getting started, or remembering all the different functions, you can tap on a photo and select the “?” at the bottom left of the screen. This will walk you through everything you need to know.
What we liked
- Multiple viewing options of pictures
- Multiple options for scrolling magnified pictures
What could be better
- Easier speed control options for scrolling
- Shuffle pictures option in slideshow
- Integration of Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services.
Summary
This is a great alternative to your basic picture gallery you have preinstalled on your phone. With all the basic options covered, and the addition of new features, you will enjoy looking at your pictures even more.
Google Play Store: RotoView Photo Viewer
The post View your photos with RotoView Photo Viewer (app review) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Facebook has a cure for your broken heart: more Facebook
Your best friend, Facebook — you know the one who toyed with your emotions for personal gain; repeatedly brought up moments you’d rather forget; and refused to call you by your chosen name for, like, ever — really wants to help you get over your ex. That’s right, yesterday the good vibes social network that wears its thumbs-up on its sleeve, started testing a set of features for the recently estranged.
Facebook at Work rolls out a dedicated chat app on Android
Facebook at Work caters to businesses, allowing employees to communicate and share documents on private channels, and this week it adds a new mobile feature called Work Chat. Work Chat is a separate messaging app that operates similarly to the standard Facebook Messenger service, though it’s restricted to you and your coworkers only. It’s available to select companies on Android now, with an iOS launch in the works, TechCrunch reports. Facebook at Work is still in beta, though TechCrunch says about 300 companies use it daily, from Heineken USA to the Royal Bank of Scotland. When it launches for all businesses next year, it’ll use a “freemium” model, the site reports.
Source: TechCrunch
Kickass deals on accessories in prep for Black Friday/Cyber Monday
In the hunt for some new accessories? We’ve got some fantastic deals, promotions, and coupon codes to share with you in sight of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Let’s get to it!
Cases

Ballistic Jewel case

CM4 Q Card wallet case

Otterbox Defender case
- Ballistic cases will be 50% off site-wide from 11/27 – 12/1 with promo code: BLACKFRIDAY2015
- CM4 wallet cases 50% off via CM4 store on Amazon from 11/27 – 11/30 with promo code: BLACKFRI
- 10% off Site-Wide + Free Shipping at OtterBox.com
Speakers

Wren V5US speaker (Rosewood/Bamboo)

Scosche boomSTREAM

Roxon Waterproof speaker
- Wren Sound Systems are currently $50 to $100 off through 12/31.
- Scosche boomSTREAM Bluetooth speaker for $24.99 (75% off)
- Roxon Waterproof Bluetooth speaker for $39 (50% off)
Power banks

RAVPower 13000mAh power bank

Aukey 12000mAh power bank

ZeroLemon SolarJuice 10000mAh power bank
- RAVPower 13000mAh External Battery Pack – $24.99 (75% off)
- Aukey 12000mAh Portable Power Bank – $14.99 (73% off)
- ZeroLemon SolarJuice 10000mAh Battery Pack – $29.99 (40% off)
Headphones

Inateck Bluetooth in-ear headphones

MMOVE Bluetooth Earbuds

TRNDlabs Bluetooth headphones
- Inateck Bluetooth 4.1 in-ear headphones for $21.99 with promo code: R9VRAW4P
- MMOVE Sweathproof Bluetooth Earbuds for $29.99 (49% off)
- TRNDlabs Active Wrap Bluetooth headphones for $24 (38% off)
Keyboards

Inateck wireless keyboard

Bastron glass Keyboard

Mykeyo 6-in-1 keyboard
- Inateck Bluetooth portable keyboard for $18.99 with promo code: KO9P7QF3
- Bastron glass smart keyboard for $139.99 (30% off)
- “The Executive Restt” 6-in-1 keyboard desk organizer for $39.99 (27% off)
Site-wide markdowns

Griffin Wristbands for fitness trackers

Satechi accessories

Booq brief bag
- Griffin Technology promos: Select mark-downs, 30% off code on email sign-up, and free 2nd Day shipping.
- Select Satechi accessories will be discounted site-wide from 11/27 – 11/31 up to 50% off
- 20% off Booq accessories site-wide from 11/27 – 11/30 with promo code: THANKS20
Unique accessories

WITTI smart lights

Nuyu health devices
- 50% off WITTI smart notification lights (NOTTI and DOTTI) and free shipping from 11/27 – 11/30 with promo code: BlackFriday
- Get $250 off a Health O Meter Nuyu Sleep System and Activity Tracker bundle ($550 MSRP) from 11/20 – 12/5.
Bear in mind that some of these promotions don’t go into effect until next weekend. Happy shopping!
The post Kickass deals on accessories in prep for Black Friday/Cyber Monday appeared first on AndroidGuys.
All configurations of Nexus 6p back in stock at Google Store, shipping in 1-2 days
Going back to at least the Nexus 4, inventory shortages have been the name of the game when it comes to the release of new Nexus devices. Often it can take months or more of fighting and struggling before stock reaches a stable point, as was especially true with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5.
Keeping with tradition, the Google Store’s inventory for the Huawei-made Nexus 6p hasn’t been without hiccups, with shipping times slipping to a month or even slightly longer. There’s also been at least a few storage and color options that have seen “temporarily out of stock” notices since the phone’s release as well. The good news is that, at least for the moment, the Nexus 6p is now fully in stock with a shipping estimate of just 1-2 days for all colors and storage variants.
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Considering the fact the Nexus 6p hasn’t been on the market very long just yet, we wouldn’t be surprised if some of these configurations end up seeing more supply constraints in the weeks to come. In other words, if you really want a Nexus 6p without any unnecessary wait, now is the time to buy.
Is the Nexus 6p worth picking up? The answer to that question depends on what you’re personally looking for, though you’ll want to check out our full review to get a better idea of what to expect from the handset. As a quick refresher, the Nexus 6P is powered by a Snapdragon 810 processor with 3GB RAM. Other specs include a 5.7-inch QHD display, a 12.3MP rear camera, and special extras like a fingerprint scanner. The Nexus 6p also has the distinction of being the very first all-metal Nexus handset.
Anyone planning on picking this up now that it is back in stock? For those that already own a Nexus 6p, would you still recommend it to others?
Facebook makes its best effort at being a shoulder to cry on post-breakup
Anyone who has ever gone through a ‘Facebook official’ breakup understands that the current algorithm Facebook uses automatically shuffles all of your ex’s posts to the very top of your feed, bolds their name every time it occurs, and plays “Hurt” by Johnny Cash each time you log on.
Okay, some of that might be a matter of perception. Nevertheless, it sure seems like going through a breakup in the digital age basically guarantees that you’re soon to be bombarded by images of your ex having the time of their life. Facebook is looking to ease this transition.
See also: Facebook beginning to test Reactions, a much easier way to express yourself
Facebook Product Manager Kelly Winters made a post to the Facebook newsroom site explaining the changes. The way it works is that, after you change your relationship status from “In a relationship” to “single,” you’ll be presented with a kind of breakup navigation module. Facebook will ask you a series of questions and give you a handful of options to give you more control over how much you see of your ex.
You can choose to hide your ex’s posts from yourself, and when you go to tag someone, their name won’t appear in the list of suggestions. It works the other way too. You can arrange it so that your former lover sees less of you as well.
There are a few other options as well. These changes don’t completely block your ex and are temporary, allowing you to gradually come back around to being cool with each other. This is interesting to me, because it means that someone somewhere must have been tasked with coming up with some formula to approximate post-breakup healing time.
Facebook is rolling this feature out to US mobile apps, and based on how well it’s received, they’re planning on expanding it from there.