LG unveils new White Gold Edition G4 in South Korea
Earlier today, LG unveiled a gold and white variant of its former flagship smartphone, the G4. The company believes that the addition of the latest on-trend colorway will bring a new lease of life to the handset by pulling in more sales from women and younger customers. However, it will only launch in South Korea.
Barring the white back and front with gold trim anodization, the rest of the handset remains the same, packing a 5.5-inch QHD display, a Snapdragon 808 processor, an Adreno 418 GPU, 3GB of RAM, a 16MP rear-facing camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter and a 3,000mAh removable battery.
With regards to pricing, the device will retail for KRW 699,600 ($606), which is rather a lot to pay for a seven-month-old smartphone. If you are considering picking up this variant, though, you may want to add an extra battery to your basket as the G4 is renowned for having an atrocious battery life.
For more information, hit the source link below.
Source: LG
Come comment on this article: LG unveils new White Gold Edition G4 in South Korea
AT&T starts rolling out Android 5.1.1 OTA for the Galaxy S5 Active
AT&T is currently rolling out a new update for its carrier-branded variant of the Galaxy S5 Active. In terms of added functionality, the upgrade brings the latest build of Lollipop (5.1.1) to the handset, along with a multitude of security fixes and a much-needed patch to enable Ultra Power Saving Mode on handsets using On Device Encryption.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- Upgrade to Android 5.1.1
- Android for Work
- Security updates
- Fix to Ultra Power Saver mode for devices using On Device Encryption
To see if the update is ready for your device head into Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification prompting you to install the upgrade.
Source: AT&T
Come comment on this article: AT&T starts rolling out Android 5.1.1 OTA for the Galaxy S5 Active
Cyanogen OS apps now officially available to Cyanogenmod users
Cyanogen OS is the commercial version of the software that ships on some phones from partners like OnePlus. It’s a forked version of Android that relies heavily on Cyanogen’s version of some applications, while still keeping the features from Cyanogenmod.
Unfortunately, up until now, Cyanogenmod hasn’t had access to Cyanogen OS’s core apps like its email client, theme store, and dialer, among other things. But today Cyanogen has released a package of Cyanogen OS apps that CM users can install on their phones to have those few extra features they’ve been missing.
Interested in the full list of apps in the package?
- Theme Chooser with per-app theming
- Theme Store
- AudioFX
- Cyanogen Accounts
- Gallery
- Dialer with TrueCaller integration
- Email powered by Boxer
If you’re interested, hit the link below to grab the apps package.
source: Cyanogenmod
Come comment on this article: Cyanogen OS apps now officially available to Cyanogenmod users
Instagram profile tracking app harvests your usernames and passwords
Just because an app has passed iTunes’ verification procedure doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe. Take this Instagram client called “Who Viewed Your Profile — InstaAgent” for example, which was available on both iTunes and Google Play until an iOS developer found out that it harvests usernames and passwords. It’s not very popular in the US, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of it, but in a nutshell, it’s an app that monitors your Instagram profile views. Peppersoft developer David L-R took a close look at the app and revealed on Twitter that it’s been sending log-in credentials (unencrypted and in cleartext, to boot) to remote server instagram.zunamedia.com. Despite that address, it’s in no way connected to Instagram itself.
Via: Apple Insider
Source: David L-R (Twitter)
10 best video calling apps for Android
Video calling is becoming a bigger deal. Let’s face it, have you seen a futuristic movie or TV show where video calling wasn’t the standard? As it turns out, that change is happening right now and you can get in on it anytime you want. Let’s take a look at the best video calling apps for Android! Please note, all of these allow you to make video calls for free.
See also: 10 best alternatives to FaceTime on Android
Facebook Messenger
[Price: Free]
Facebook Messenger has really grown up since its earliest days and one of the features that came along the way was video calling. This is accessed by using the phone icon and then by selecting to make a video call. In our testing, the calls were pretty decent and we didn’t have any real problems. Facebook users are already essentially married to this app even if it’s a bit bloated. That means many of your friends probably already have it installed.
Get it now on Google Play!
Hangouts
[Price: Free]
Hangouts is Google’s answer to Apple’s FaceTime but it comes with far more features. Hangouts is primarily a messaging service but you can also use it to send SMS messages. On top of that, you can also make voice and video calls at your leisure. Video calls can have up to ten participants and it also works cross-platform so you can call someone on your phone and they can answer on their computer. It’s also totally free and pre-installed on many Android devices.
Get it now on Google Play!
ICQ
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
ICQ has been around for a very long time. So long, in fact, that it was a competitor to AOL Instant Messenger before being bought by AOL in the late 90s. These days, ICQ is a fairly solid video calling application that also has a built-in messenger service. The video calling works rather well and the messaging side of things is also good. It brags about being able to work over 3G web connections and even comes with a password lock for security.
Get it now on Google Play!
KakaoTalk
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
KakaoTalk is a very popular messaging service that boasts more than 150 million users worldwide. It’s also a decent video calling app. The majority of the app is free to use and that includes messaging and video calls with add-ons being the only thing available for purchase. It also comes with voice filters, group chats, and even Android Wear support. You can also add friends using their Blackberry PIN if they have one.
Get it now on Google Play!
LINE
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
LINE is another immensely popular messaging platform that claims to have an astounding 600 million active users around the world. As it turns out, it also does video chatting. Much like Hangouts, there is cross-platform support so you can make calls using your computer or your cell phone. Along with that, you’ll get instant messaging, social networking features, group chats, and a lot more.
Get it now on Google Play!
ooVoo
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
ooVoo is a messaging service that is getting more and more popular. The hallmark feature of this app is the ability to share video conferences with up to 12 participants which is more than pretty much all of these other apps. Along with the video calling, you’ll get a built-in messaging service that includes group chats, free voice calling, cross-platform support, and much more. It’s a solid option worthy of consideration.
Get it now on Google Play!
Skype
[Price: Free]
Of course, everyone knows about Skype. It’s among the most well-known names in video calling out there and as you’d expect, it has an Android app. It boasts a user base of 250 million people which is quite good. The app has undergone plenty of positive changes over the last couple of years as well. It features a decent texting service and voice calls along with the video chatting capabilities. It’s also cross-platform so you can use it pretty much anywhere.
Get it now on Google Play!
Tango
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Tango was one of the first really good video chatting apps available on Android. Over the years, it’s been added to and improved which has resulted in a full-fledged messaging service complete with video and voice calling. This one also has a discovery feature that lets you find new people to talk to if you’re bored or lonely. There are also a host of group chats you can enter to talk to people about similar interests. It’s unique and fun to use.
Get it now on Google Play!
Viber
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Originally, Viber was a unique application that was billed as a great app for making free phone calls. It has since improved and been added to and, much like Tango, has turned into a full-fledged messaging service complete with voice and video calls. You can also buy Viber Out credits to make calls to non-Viber users on regular phone numbers if you’re looking for a way to do that. It also has Android Wear support, social media support, and cross-platform support.
Get it now on Google Play!
WeChat
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Last and certainly not least on our list is WeChat. This is another very popular messaging service with over 100 million installations to date. It features the standard stuff we’ve come to expect from apps on this list, including solid video and voice calling along with messaging. WeChat also lets you find new friends using a location-based feature called the Friend Radar and it comes with a desktop application.
Get it now on Google Play!
Wrap up
If we missed any great video calling apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments! If you want to stay up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below.
To see our complete list of Android apps and games lists, click here!
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AT&T will provide BLOCKS smartwatch with US cellular connectivity
BLOCKS, the first modular smartwatch, has announced that they will be partnering with AT&T for cellular connectivity in the US. It should be no surprise that AT&T wants to partner with BLOCKS as they absolutely smashed their Kickstarter goal.
Also, BLOCKS has a few new modules they are working on like a heart rate monitor with a tri-LED pulse sensor and a fingerprint reader module. Finally, BLOCKS will be adding some style to each module with customizable covers made by British luxury jeweller, Tateossian.
Press Release:
BLOCKS modular smartwatch announces agreement with AT&T for a connected smartwatch
Having reached $1.2 million on Kickstarter, the company announces collaborations with major technology companies to build more modules for its open modular platform
London — November 9, 2015 – Today, Blocks Wearables announces a number of agreements with leading technology companies:
- Cellular connectivity will be provided by AT&T in the U.S.
- Advanced heart rate monitoring module with Pixart Imaging, a leading provider of optical sensors, with inbuilt tri-LED pulse sensor
- Biometric Authentication via fingerprint module to be made available with BioConnect Entertech Systems, a pioneer in intelligent identity management
- Easily customizable and removable covers for each module with British luxury jeweller, Tateossian
Open Hardware Platform
BLOCKS is an open platform, meaning that any company or individual can develop modules for its modular smartwatch. Access to the platform will be opened in two stages; the first wave of module development with large consumer and enterprise companies opens today, with stage two opening up public access for the development of a variety of modules after first shipment in May 2016. BLOCKS anticipates modules to be built for gaming, sports, healthcare, the workplace, or even experimental ones for advancing academic research.
“BLOCKS open platform provides companies with a fast, low cost, low risk entry into the wearable devices market; and even more choice of features for its users. ” Serge Didenko and Alireza Tahmaseb, founders of Blocks Wearables
“A dedicated wireless connection allows people to enjoy the full features of their wearable, independent of a smartphone, providing the ultimate freedom and flexibility.” said Chris Penrose, Senior Vice President of Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Organization, AT&T Mobility. “BLOCKS is a great example of wearable innovation, working to provide people with a customizable smartwatch experience with an independent wireless connection through AT&T.”
Open Software Platform
BLOCKS smartwatch runs on modified Android OS, built by a spinout company of Android Wear developers at Google, Cronologics, allowing anyone to build connected apps for the watch. With over 1,500 individual developers already signed up, BLOCKS will be releasing their Software Development Kit (SDK) to their community in April 2016.
Open Design Platform
The company has gone one step further in its design to continue modularity in both functionality and visual appearance. BLOCKS is also partnered with Tateossian, a British jewellery and accessories brand, to create luxury covers for each module, allowing a mix of different colours, textures and materials. Users can now not only choose functional modules, but also easily customize the appearance of their watch with removable covers to suit individual tastes.
About BLOCKS
BLOCKS Kickstarter campaign, launched on 13 October, has reached it’s funding goal of $250,000 in just 56 minutes and $1million in just one week.
In partnership with one of the world’s largest manufacturers, Compal Electronics, and supported by ARM & Qualcomm, BLOCKS smartwatches will ship to backers in May 2016.
The core module – the watchface – is a fully functioning smartwatch on its own and has all the features of a standard smartwatch, such as phone notifications, activity tracking and voice control. The additional modules make BLOCKS unique. Using the space around the wrist, users can build a smartwatch that suits their lifestyle by combining modules. Blocks Wearables announced 5 modules during its campaign: extra battery module, GPS module, Heart Rate Monitoring module, NFC contactless payments module and Adventurer module (barometric pressure sensor/external temperature).
Come comment on this article: AT&T will provide BLOCKS smartwatch with US cellular connectivity
Facebook lets you know when celebrities are streaming live video
No, Facebook isn’t opening up its live streaming feature to the hoi polloi just yet, but it does have the next best thing. It’s rolling out a subscription feature to Facebook Live that lets you know the next time your favorite celebrity starts a stream. You’ll have to tap the button on a live video (seriously, shouldn’t this always be available?), but it’ll keep you in the loop the next time a star has a big announcement or Q&A. Clearly, Facebook isn’t worried about competing directly with Twitter’s Periscope right now — it’s more interested in boosting the profiles of its best-known users than giving everyone a chance to share their lives on camera.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Facebook Media
Tumblr starts rolling out instant messaging
Tumblr now has a legit private messaging feature you can use to chat with friends. It’s a lot more basic than other messaging applications, so don’t expect emojis or a way to paste gifs or attach files. A Tumblr rep told us, however, that the social network will be introducing more features, such as the ability to share posts and media, in the future. The bad news is that it’s initially available to only 1,500 accounts, but you can easily activate yours by asking lucky friends who can already access the feature to send you a PM. They activate your messaging by doing so, and you can, in turn, help propagate it by contacting other users. Take note that if you don’t want to receive IMs from random strangers, you can always switch your blog’s settings to receive only messages from people you follow. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone who can help you turn messaging on, though — Tumblr says it will be out to all users by early December.
Source: Tumblr
BlackBerry Priv shows up on Amazon for $699.99… even if only for a bit
The BlackBerry Priv has a lot of us going nuts over that sweet, sweet keyboard. The only issue is not all of us can enjoy it quite yet. It’s now on AT&T, BlackBerry’s website and some other retailers, but we know some of you prefer sticking to Amazon, which wasn’t an option until today. Well… at least it was for a while.
BlackBerry‘s first Android smartphone showed up on Amazon today, tagged with a $699 price, which just so happens to be the same price you can get it for elsewhere. The benefit here is that the phone is completely unlocked, so you can use it with whichever carrier of your preference. Oh, and Amazon Prime member get that awesome free 2-day shipping!
More BlackBerry articles
- It’s official: Android-powered BlackBerry Priv coming this year
- I’m excited about the BlackBerry Venice, are you?
- BlackBerry Priv: wireless charging or not?
What’s the issue? Well, the phone became “currently unavailable” very quickly after it went online. Not so private after all, huh? But it sure seems to be a privilege to own it. Are people busting through digital doors to get the Priv? Is there simply not enough devices to meet demand? It’s hard to tell at this point, but at the very least we know Amazon is on board with the keyboard-clad handset.
Just in case you need a memory refresher, the BlackBerry Priv has everything most users could need in a smartphone. Aside from the iconic design, solif build quality and amazing keyboard, this phone sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an 18 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front shooter and a generous 3410 mAh battery.
Keep in mind there is also a Verizon version in the works, so this phone will be everywhere very soon. There’s nothing like buying it unlocked, with no compromises, though. Is Amazon your retailer of choice?
This week’s Xbox One update deletes dashboard Kinect gestures
When the New Xbox One Experience hits consoles on November 12th, it will remove Kinect gestures from the dashboard entirely, platform head Mike Ybarra confirmed to Windows Central. The update is poised to be massive, overhauling most of the Xbox One interface in part to work better with Windows 10. Kinect isn’t mentioned at all on the Xbox One update page, though voice controls get one shoutout. “With gestures, the reality was the usage was very, very low,” Ybarra told the site. “So for now, we’ve cut that from the New Xbox One Experience.”
Via: Motherboard
Source: Windows Central
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