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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Android Wear can switch to LTE, works without your smartphone
Your next (or first) Android wearable needs not for Bluetooth or Wifi. Android Wear’s cellular support has finally arrived, just as the first compatible watch starts to ship. LG’s Watch Urbane 2nd Edition crams an LTE radio beneath its circular 480 x 480 screen, with models that’ll work on AT&T and Verizon — carriers that are both selling the watch in the US this week.
Source: LG, Official Android Blog
The Xbox One Windows 10 update starts rolling out at 3AM ET
After months of teasing, beta testing and announcements, the Xbox One’s big update for Windows 10, an all-new UI and backwards compatibility with some Xbox 360 games will arrive tomorrow. According to Major Nelson, the new software will start rolling out at 3AM ET, although we wouldn’t advise waiting up for it for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a staged rollout, so you may not get it right away. Second, the ability to play Xbox 360 games (here’s the list) won’t switch on until 3PM ET, so you’ve got some time to get ready. Finally, assuming your Xbox is setup for “Instant-on” it should automatically grab the update and install it without you needing to do anything at all. The new Xbox One dashboard has a completely refreshed layout, but there’s a lot of info available to help you get used to it.
Source: Major Nelson
BlackBerry’s second Android phone might look like this
BlackBerry is reportedly working on another Android phone after the Priv, and CrackBerry has gotten its hands on renders of what it could look like. The publication calls it “codename Vienna,” and if these images do indeed depict its final form, then the device is dropping the Priv’s slide-out keyboard for BB’s typical candybar form, with a large screen and a textured body. This could just be an early design, though, and the phone might end up looking like something else entirely. Nothing’s certain at this point other than what BlackBerry has confirmed: it’s developing a range of new products, so expect to see more devices fresh out of the company formerly known as RIM.
[Image credit: CrackBerry]
Source: CrackBerry
Apple Releases Third OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan Beta to Public Beta Testers
Apple today seeded the third beta of OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan to public beta testers, just a day after releasing the third beta to developers and two weeks after seeding the first OS X 10.11.2 public beta. Today’s update comes three weeks after the public launch of OS X El Capitan 10.11.1.
Those who have signed up to participate in Apple’s beta testing program can download the third OS X 10.11.2 beta using the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store. Non beta testers who want to participate can sign up on Apple’s beta testing website.
The first two OS X 10.11.2 betas did not appear to offer any obvious outward-facing changes, and the minor .2 update likely includes bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements to address issues discovered since the release of OS X 10.11.1. Apple’s release notes for the developer betas asks testers to focus on Graphics, Wi-Fi, Calendar, USB, Notes, Photos, and Spotlight, giving some insight into areas where improvements might be made.
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Android Wear gets cellular connectivity, here comes LG’s Watch Urbane 2 LTE
Every Android Wear device released up until now has required a Bluetooth and WiFi connection to operate. When LG announced the Watch Urbane 2 LTE in September, people awaited Google’s immediate announcement that Android Wear could support smartwatches with ceullar connectivity. Without that support, LG’s newest smartwatch would be pointless. But Google never announced Android Wear’s official support for cellular connective. Both companies decided that tonight, oddly, is the right time to make a move.
Google’s platform for smartwatches now officially supports cellular connectivity while LG is ready to sell its Watch Urbane 2 LTE in the United States and Korea.
Here’s Peter Ludwig, Product Manager of Android Wear, commenting on the usefulness of cellular connectivity:
“With calling, messaging, and thousands of apps right on your wrist, you’ll always be able to stay in touch and on track. Say goodbye to bulky pockets and awkward armbands: cellular support for Android Wear lets you wear what you want.”
The Watch Urbane 2 LTE has a P-OLED display with 480×480 resolution, a built-in heart rate monitor, and a fancy cellular radio that allows you to use the smartwatch without a Bluetooth or WiFi connection nearby. This is the most powerful Android Wear device yet; however, battery life could be rough if the cellular radio gets demanding.
Starting right now, you can purchase the Watch Urbane 2 LTE online from AT&T. The carrier’s stores will join in selling the smartwatch on November 13. Verizon, on the other hand, will begin accepting just pre-orders on November 12 and has not named a date for when customers can expect to see their Watch Urbane 2 LTE ship. AT&T’s two-year contract price on the smartwatch is $199, but forgoing that type of commitment raises its price to $299. Verizon will likely follow that same pricing or maybe even hike it a bit.
Source: Google
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE Launching Now In United States
First Android Wear Smartwatch with Cellular Connectivity on Sale at AT&T and Verizon, Kicking Off Global Rollout
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature cellular connectivity, will begin rolling out to customers worldwide starting this month in the United Statesand Korea. AT&T has announced the start of online sales and will be offering the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE in-store on Nov. 13. The new Watch Urbane will be available for pre-order online at Verizon beginning tomorrow.
Compatible with both Android smartphones – like the all-new LG V10 – and iOS devices,* the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE allows users to answer calls and check messages. They can receive and respond right from their smartwatch, even when they are not carrying their mobile phone. LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE owners can feel confident that they won’t miss out on important calls or updates when out for their morning jog, or when the smartphone is accidentally left at home.
“Staying connected is of the utmost importance to consumers today. With the introduction of the second edition Watch Urbane LTE, consumers have options when it comes to their devices and we are excited to bring the latest to the wearables category,” said Morris Lee, senior vice president and head of North American sales and marketing, LG Mobile Communications Company.
The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE features a classic timepiece design consisting of a hairline-etched stainless steel body and a full-circle 348ppi P-OLED display. The three buttons on the right side of the smartwatch provide quick access to shortcut settings, LG Health and other apps. Its high-capacity 570mAH battery and Power Saving Mode support the second edition smartwatch’s “on-the-go” wearable capabilities.
“Keeping people connected to the world is our business and the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition was designed specifically to meet the needs of customers who want to communicate anytime, anywhere,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The wearable category is still in its infancy and we plan to continue introducing exciting devices that appeal to a diverse audience.”
Key markets in Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States to follow in the months ahead. Price and purchase details will be announced locally at the time of availability.
* Cellular enabled features will vary across Android and iOS. Android Wear compatible with Android smartphones running 4.4 or higher or iOS smartphones running 7.0 or higher.
About LG Electronics MobileComm USA, Inc.
LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the U.S. sales subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc. a global innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG’s consumer-centric products — including the flagship premium G Series models — incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
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Google’s “about me” page places all your information in one place
Do you ever wish you could update all your Google information from one place? Well, now you can with Google’s new “about me” page. The changes that you make there will show up across all Google services like Drive, Photos, Google+ and more.
Before, only on Google+ could you control this information, but now you can control it for all Google services on the “about me” page. Also, you will still be able to change your information on Google+, or you can make changes from the “about me” page, either one works.
The “about me” page lets you change basic information like your name, photos, gender, birthday, and occupation. However, there is a “plus” button in the lower right corner that allows you to add work contact info, personal contact info, education, work history, places, and sites.
Source: Google (about me)
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IoT to benefit from next year’s Bluetooth enhancements
The body of companies leading Bluetooth technology’s growth will be making a push to bring huge advancements next year that are meant to benefit the functionality of the Internet of Things. For those unaware, the IoT is general name of the network of devices that have sensors to collect data and share it with others. The Bluetooth SIG announced that Bluetooth connections in 2016 will have longer range and faster speeds. Specific growth for those two areas is enormous. Range should increase by four times while speed doubles. It will also gain ‘mesh networking’, a method that connects devices to form networks covering buildings big or small.
The Bluetooth SIG is targeting the Internet of Things because of its market potential sitting at as much as $11.1 trillion by 2025.
Bluetooth Technology to Gain Longer Range, Faster Speed, and Mesh Networking in 2016
Bluetooth SIG focuses 2016 technology roadmap on enhancements for IoT
KIRKLAND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is previewing highlights from its 2016 technology roadmap. Planned enhancements for the technology are focused squarely on increasing its Internet of Things (IoT) functionality. Key updates include longer range, higher speeds and mesh networking. The host of Bluetooth advancements coming in 2016 will further energize fast-growing industries such as smart home, industrial automation, location-based services and smart infrastructure.
“There is significant demand from our members and the industry at large to enhance Bluetooth with the new capabilities we’re announcing today,” said Toby Nixon, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. “Current projections put the market potential for IoT between $2 and $11.1 trillion by 2025. The technical updates planned for Bluetooth technology in 2016 will help make these expectations a reality and accelerate growth in IoT.”
Announced updates will provide a variety of benefits for the growing number of IoT applications. For example, the range of Bluetooth Smart, set to increase up to 4x, will transform smart home and infrastructure applications, and will deliver an extended, more robust connection for full-home or outdoor use cases. A 100% increase in speed, without increasing energy consumption, will enable faster data transfers in critical applications, such as medical devices, increasing responsiveness and lowering latency. And mesh networking will enable Bluetooth devices to connect together in networks that can cover an entire building or home, opening up home and industrial automation applications.
“The Bluetooth technology roadmap is a powerful expression of our mission to continue as a catalyst for industry innovation,” said Mark Powell, executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth has been adopted by countless developers and manufacturers as their connectivity solution of choice for the IoT. The new functionality we will soon be adding will further solidify Bluetooth as the backbone of IoT technology.”
Bluetooth SIG member tools, like the recently launched Bluetooth Developer Studio, and training programs will be updated to ensure strong developer support for these new IoT features. Additional features and profile updates contained in the 2016 roadmap will be previewed in the coming months.
About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart technology, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, creates new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With nearly three billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 27,500 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.
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