NewEgg Black Friday deals: Nexus 6 for $288, S6 Edge for $549, ZTE Axon $200
Black Friday is almost here, and while we’ve already rounded up some of the best deals on offer for the infamous shopping day, there’s plenty more surfacing each day leading up to Friday. Some of the best deals to hit this week come from NewEgg. The popular tech retailer is selling a number of unlocked smartphones at extremely aggressive price points, including the Nexus 6, Galaxy S6 Edge, and ZTE Axon.
Starting with the Nexus 6, NewEgg is offering the 32GB white version of the handset for just $288.99, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for the handset. While the Nexus 6 is a year old and has been usurped by the 6p, it’s still a heck of a phone, especially at sub-$300 pricing. As a recap, the Nexus 6 comes with a big 5.96-inch AMOLED display, a 2.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 13MP rear-facing camera. It also already has an upgrade ready for the latest version of Android, 6.0 Marshmallow, and will be among the first devices to receive software updates from Google for a few more years.
For more details on the Nexus 6 specs and performance, you’ll want to check out our full review.
Next on the list, the Galaxy S6 Edge G925i is going for just $549, with your choice of color: white, black, gold, or green. Considering the GS6 Edge is valued at around $700, this is a great price, and the cheapest we’ve seen to date.
As a recap, the Galaxy S6 Edge packs a 5.1-inch QHD (2560×1440) Super AMOLED display, an Exynos 7420 processor, 3 GB of RAM, an industry-leading 16 MP camera, a 5 MP front shooter and a 2600 mAh battery. For more details on the Galaxy S6 Edge, be sure to check out our full review on it as well.
Lastly, is the ZTE Axon. At first glance, this deal sounds amazing, as you can get the phone for $200 after inputting promo code “EMCKKNR25” at checkout. Unfortunately, this isn’t the ZTE Axon as those in the US states know it. When the ZTE Axon first arrived, it came with a Snapdragon 810 in tow, but this particular model trades out that chip for a Snapdragon 800.
While it’s not nearly as great, that’s still a pretty good price for what equates to a solid entry-level device. Processor aside, the rest of the specs include a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, a 13MP rear cam, 8MP front cam, a 3000 mAh battery, and Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box.
What do you think of NewEgg’s smartphone deals? Planning on picking up one of these above-mentioned devices? Share your thoughts in the comments.
New Star Wars VR experience coming to Google Cardboard December 2
Can’t get enough Star Wars? Good, because it’s everywhere nowadays. Following yesterday’s big Star Wars announcement from Google, Disney has just announced another partnership with Google and Verizon that will bring content from The Force Awakens to virtual reality. Beginning Wednesday, December 2nd, you’ll be able to experience a new virtual reality story based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens through your Google Cardboard headset. Disney says the VR experience will “tie directly into” The Force Awakens’ opening. We’re not entirely sure what that means at this point, so it’ll be interesting to see what the company is talking about. The new experience will be available in the official Star Wars app for Android.
The VR experience was created by ILMxLAB, a lab for immersive entertainment from Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. Check out the video below to get a good look at what ILMxLAB is capable of.
See also: Choose a side in Star Wars and Google’s apps will follow your path
Also, four custom Google Cardboard viewer designs that feature popular Star Wars images will be available exclusively in Verizon stores beginning on December 2nd, as well. No pricing details have been disclosed regarding the VR viewers quite yet.
Unlock your door with your phone: The Quicklock Doorlock review
We live in the mobile age. Our phones are now like swiss army knives. They can do just about anything. You can watch TV, monitor your home, change your thermostat, call people, etc… So why not lock and unlock your doors? The Quicklock Doorlock allows you to do just that.
The Quicklock Doorlock overview
The Quicklock Doorlock is a replacement door handle and lock. It forgoes the traditional key and keyhole approach and brings the lock setup into the modern age. It uses RFID and Bluetooth technologies to unlock your door from the outside.
In order to use The Quicklock Doorlock with Bluetooth, you’ll need an Android or iOS device that has Bluetooth 4.0. Simply push the open the app and press the button on the front and your in. It uses a security code that allows you to connect via Bluetooth. You’ll need to input the security code the first time you connect.
Once connected you can change the security code and look at the access log of all the times the device has been accessed and by who. The downside is that anyone who has the code can change the settings of the device. So anyone could potentially lock others out of Bluetooth access. I’d love to see a guest mode that would allow for a guest code to be created.
The RFID is much simpler. Press the button on the front and wave the RFID tag in front of the reader and the door will unlock. The downside here is that any RFID tag can be programmed to the lock using the correct procedure. Of course, you need an RFID tag that’s already been programmed in order to make it work. The key here is to make sure that only people you trust implicitly have access to the RFID tag.
What I’d love to see here is to initiate the programming via Bluetooth. I think this will solve the problem.
The Quicklock Doorlock setup
The Quicklock Doorlock is fairly easy to set up. According to their website you can do it in less than 10 minutes. I would say that is pretty close to accurate. It may take a little longer for someone who is not used to installing door knobs.
I found that it was fairly easy. If you can use a screwdriver and you can follow instructions, then you can install the Quicklock Doorlock. Once you have inserted the batteries and installed the door lock you can connect your device via Bluetooth and change the security code to something more secure than 12345678.
The included RFID fobs and cards will work automatically without the need to program it.
The Quicklock Doorlock usage
One area where the Quicklock absolutely shines is the build quality. Once fitted together everything feels very solid. Opening the door has a satisfying feel to it and the lock and unlocking functions have a satisfying sound.
Using the RDID tags is the easiest way to use the device. Opening the device via Bluetooth is easy as well, but it takes the extra steps of unlocking your phone and launching the app. One nice feature of the app is that you can have the door automatically unlock when you open the app.
One unique feature that takes a little getting used to is the unique design of the door handle. Instead of the traditional knob and lever designs, Quicklock uses two loops that are shaped somewhat like a deadbolt turner. The loops also have to be turned a little more to the right or left to open the door than a traditional door handle would need to be turned. In my case, this was advantageous as I have 2 small children. My 4-year-old figured it out after showing him how to use it, but it is still a little much for my 2-year-old.
The lock runs on 4 double A batteries. According to Quicklock, the batteries will last for about one year. I’m sure that is dependant on how often you use the lock, but still a year is quite a long time. The lock will start to warn you when the batteries get to 30% so you should have ample time to change out the batteries. You can also view the battery levels through the app’s interface.
The app itself is the one area where I would like to see some improvements made. With a few improvements and tweaks, they could make the whole experience much better. I mentioned a few already in the overview section. I’d like to see a home screen widget for locking and unlocking the door.
What we liked
- Bluetooth capability
- RDID reading
- Access logs
- Build quality
What could be better
- Guest access mode
- More features in the app
4.13 out of 5 stars
Overall the Quicklock Doorlock is an interesting piece of technology. I think with a few small software changes and improvements would make this product flawless. I was very impressed with the build quality and feel of the Doorlock. It just makes sense. You can purchase the Quicklock Doorlock on Amazon for $149 with free shipping.
The post Unlock your door with your phone: The Quicklock Doorlock review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Reminder: Apple’s Extended Return Policy in Effect Until December 25
With the holiday shopping season underway, it is worth a reminder that Apple’s annual extended return policy is now in effect on the Apple Online Store and at Apple Retail Stores in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and other countries.
Most products and accessories purchased between November 1 and December 25 of this year are eligible for return until January 8, 2016, including the new Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPad Pro, iPhones, Macs and more. See a list of ineligible items.
Apple products can be opened and used prior to the return date, but must be returned undamaged with the original packaging and all other items included in the box, such as charging cables, wall chargers, headphones and regulatory information.
When making a purchase at an Apple Retail Store, it is recommended that you ask for printed and emailed copies of your receipt. The printed receipt will indicate the return date for each product, which may vary depending on the product, store or location.
Apple also lists the return cutoff date on emailed receipts and under the Account section on the Apple Online Store. Some products purchased with Personal Pickup may not list a return date, in which case contacting Apple is recommended.
Apple’s holiday policy allows returns until January 8, 2016 (Image: MacRumors/iPhone1)
Apple has not officially posted its holiday return policy online, so we cannot guarantee its availability everywhere, but we can confirm an iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard purchased November 12 in Canada are eligible for return until January 8, 2016.
All purchases made before November 1, 2015 or after December 25, 2015 are subject to Apple’s standard 14-day return policy.
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Review: The Nanoleaf Smarter Kit Features Smart HomeKit-Enabled Light Bulbs With a Unique Look
Nanoleaf, a company that specializes in energy efficient LED-based lighting, got its start on Kickstarter in 2012 with a unique set of light bulbs that looked more like art than traditional lighting with individual LEDs mounted on origami-folded printed circuit boards.
Nanoleaf has since expanded from simple lightbulbs to home automation with the introduction of its Nanoleaf Home Smarter Kit. Consisting of two of its signature dimmable bulbs and a geometric hub, the Nanoleaf Home Smarter Kit integrates with Apple’s HomeKit home automation platform, allowing users to control their lights both through Siri and through an accompanying Nanoleaf app.
Design
When it comes to the hardware, the Nanoleaf Smarter Kit is undeniably attractive. The two Ivy bulbs it ships with are some of the nicest looking bulbs you can find, suitable for use in both closed and open-style lamps and light fixtures. The hub, which connects the bulbs to the Internet, is stylish enough to sit out on a shelf or an entertainment unit without looking like an eyesore. It’s without a doubt the most visually appealing HomeKit product I’ve tested so far.
Because the bulbs that the Smarter Kit ships with are black, you’ll need to take that into account with any lights where the bulbs are visible. The distinctive design is nice, but it’s also not going to match with every decor. Keep in mind the hub is going to need to be plugged into the router via ethernet because this is a Zigbee setup.
For the record, the Ivy bulbs are standard bulbs that are going to fit in any E26 or E27 lamp and they function like any normal bulb, with one small exception. There’s a neat built-in feature that lets the bulbs be dimmed physically through the light switch (even one that doesn’t support traditional dimming) rather than through an app or voice command. Flipping the light switch on and off a couple of times activates the dimming, and another couple of flips sets it. It’s a handy feature if you don’t have a smartphone nearby.
Best Buy Offering Up to $100 Off Apple Watch Today Only in Pre-Black Friday Sale
Best Buy is hosting an early access online-only sale today that includes significant discounts on the Apple Watch and the iPad Air 2 ahead of the traditional Black Friday shopping holiday.
Customers can get $50 off the Apple Watch Sport and $100 off the stainless steel Apple Watch, dropping entry-level prices to $249 and $449, respectively. The discount applies to all Apple Watch models that Best Buy sells and is available online only.
To get the discount, enter the code AWSPORTDEAL when checking out with an Apple Watch Sport or AWDEAL when checking out with the stainless steel Apple Watch.
Best Buy is also offering up to $125 off iPad Air 2 models. The 16 and 64GB iPad Air 2 models can be purchased at a $100 discount when using the promo code IPADAIR2DEAL at checkout, while 128GB models can be purchased at a $125 discount with the promocode IPADSAVE125DEAL.
Best Buy’s Early Access sale will end on 11/24/15 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. That translates to 9:59 p.m. Pacific Time and 12:59 a.m. Eastern Time.
When Black Friday rolls around, Best Buy will be offering additional discounts on the Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and a selection of MacBooks. Several other retailers are also offering similar deals, all of which can be found in our dedicated Black Friday roundup.
Discuss this article in our forums
NASA tests Orion spacesuit in low-gravity environment
Since NASA modified its old “pumpkin suit” for future missions aboard the Orion spacecraft, it has to undergo testing to ensure that it’s tougher and more mobile than its predecessor. These days, NASA has been testing it aboard a C9 aircraft, which can fly in parabolas to simulate weightlessness. The agency even built a mock-up Orion cabin inside in order to see if astronauts will be capable of performing various tasks while wearing the suit. Since the Orion capsule is meant for deep space missions, the Modified Advanced Crew Escape Suit is being developed to be able to sustain crew members in case of emergency and to protect them during spacewalks. Unfortunately, it’ll take almost a decade before we see it used for an actual trip to space, as Orion’s first manned mission won’t happen until 2023.
Source: NASA
Bing Maps’ traffic cam views let you preview your commute
When you switch on the traffic layer in Bing Maps, you’ll now get a lot more info than color-coded route details. On top of letting you know how bad (or good) traffic is along your route, Bing allows you to see where traffic cameras are for a look at that commute. You can also check multiple cameras at the same time if you want to take a glance at the places where you typically encounter delays along the way. Like Google Maps and other navigation apps, Bing Maps already let you know if you should expect a backup, and now you can take a look at the congestion, or lack thereof, for yourself with this latest addition.
Source: Bing
Security system watches over your home without cameras
You don’t have many great choices for home security systems right now. Conventional systems are expensive and effectively fixed in place, while connected cameras are conspicuous and carry the risk (however small) that someone might spy on you. Xandem thinks it has a better way, however. It’s crowdfunding a security system that uses motion-detecting wireless mesh networking (previously the stuff of research) to alert you to intruders. It only requires plug-in nodes to work, and the resulting radio frequency web can both travel through objects and follow subjects. If all goes well, you’re getting more complete coverage that stays hidden and reduces the chance of a false positive — you can even track motion in apps or the web to see if it’s a burglar or just a family member who got home early.
Source: Indiegogo
Three Techie Ways to Watch The Sports You Love
Who says geeks and sports don’t mix? Well, whoever it was, they’re wrong! Sports are for everyone. It doesn’t have to involve hitting a ball, catching a pass, or even running. Yes, bowling is also a sport worth playing and watching, as are billiards and car racing. There are more varieties of sports than can fit in one post. And there is something for everyone.
But make no mistake about it: geeks also love full-contact sports just as much as the next person. Just because you know your way around a circuit board doesn’t mean you don’t know your way around a gridiron. The difference between geeks and civilians is mostly how they watch their favorite sport. Here are 3 techie ways to watch the sports you love:
TV
It is easy to forget how high-tech TVs have become these days. They haven’t just become thinner and lighter. They have better screens that display better picture quality. If you like, you can watch 3D movies at home. Better still you can watch it in 4K. And that is just the beginning of why a newer TV is a sports geek’s best friend.
Long ago, we traded in rabbit ears for set-top boxes. And those set-top boxes have dramatically improved. DIRECTV offers a set-top box that can record 6 shows at once. While other boxes can manage this feat, they can’t touch DIRECTV NFL Sunday Max, a sports package that gives you all the out of market NFL games played in a season. Additionally, you get the Red Zone channel, which summarizes all the games at once while they are happening, and the ability to watch up to 8 games on the same screen.
Choosing the right tech for your TV is crucial for sports fans. It’s past time you dump the cable box that came with your service into the same trash bin as you dumped that VCR. If you are going to watch sports on your TV, don’t watch like an animal from the pre-historic period. Watch like a geek.
Smartphone
Being away from home for work or play is no reason to miss the big game. The techie doesn’t have to worry about that because they know about all of the ways to enjoy their sports on the go. All of the major sports leagues have some type of paid service that allows fans to watch all the out of market games on Internet connected devices through apps.
The NFL offers a service that is only available for Verizon customers. However, DIRECTV’s app makes the games available through their Sunday Ticket app. Major League Baseball has one of the best app implementations with their MLB At Bat app for iOS, and just about every other platform you can think of.
It gets a 4.3 out of 5 on both iOS and Google Play. That’s one thing on which both iPhone and Android users agree. The NBA offers basketball fans perhaps the most versatile viewing package. And the NHL is the least expensive by far. They all have something going for them. And they keep the techie in the game when others are trying to check the scores.
At the Sports Bar
Even tech geeks like to get out of the house and be with friends from time to time. During your favorite sports season, those outings might just take you to a sports bar. It is a great way to socially enjoy your favorite sport. The problem is that the TV’s are either silent, or the one playing sound is not the one you are interested in.
Fortunately, there is an app called Tunity. Aim your phone at the TV that is showing the game you want, and the app picks up the sound and sends it directly to your smartphone. There is a little more to it than that, but very little. It works with pretty much any nationally broadcast show. With this app, your sports bar experience just got an upgrade. You’re welcome.
Not only do techies know tech, they also know sports. When it comes to jocks and geeks, there will be peace in our time.
AIVAnet 