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11
Nov

Google rolling out an update that simplifies Hangouts video calls on the web


hangouts-video

Today in a Google+ post, Google software engineer Eduardo Fernández announced that Hangouts users on the web would be getting a new update that seeks to improve the overall quality of video calls while simplifying the interface.

Fernández claims that the goal of this update is to help make users less concerned with navigation, allowing them to focus on the conversation at hand. Hangouts on the web will load calls faster, have a more intuitive UI, and the team has made adjustments to the way Hangouts renders video so as to make image quality sharper and cleaner. Google has been using this updated version of Hangouts for some time now, but Fernández cautions that these changes are still in their infancy. We can probably expect some further tweaking somewhere down the line.


Google Hangouts web AARelated: Google introduces a new central location for Hangouts on the web12

For those frightened and unsettled by change, Google has added the option to revert to the old interface. To do so, simply click the menu at the top right of Hangouts on the web and select “Original version.”

So far, these changes are not available for those using Google Apps for Work. Only a small number of Hangouts users have received this update so far, but Google plans to expand the scope of the update in the coming days. Keep an eye on your Hangouts interface over the next week or two, and see if you like the changes the team has been working on.

11
Nov

Pinterest’s redesigned profiles make it easier to find pins later


If you’re an avid pinner, finding items on your Pinterest boards can sometimes be quite the chore. Thanks to today’s update, though, you should spend less time hunting for what you’re after. The online repository updated user profiles to show the items you’re most likely looking for first. Recently pinned items and boards are now shown first, as Pinterest says users search for items they’ve added in the last month most often. You can also browse by topic from your profile or from any board. If you’re perusing that “Healthy eats” board pictured above, for example, you can tap “salad” to narrow the results. You can also sort your boards according to which ones were to pinned to recently or in alphabetical order. The new features are rolling out on Android and iOS starting today, so you should see the tools soon enough.

Source: Pinterest

11
Nov

Chrome will stop supporting XP, Vista and early OS X this year


Google Chrome

It seems like Google is looking to do a little spring cleaning. In an announcement on the official Google Chrome blog, the company noted that it will no longer support browsers on Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8 devices. Google had alluded to the discontinuation of support back in April and reasoned that these older — and in XP’s case, almost prehistoric — operating systems can no longer offer the crucial security updates the web browser needs to keep malware at bay. This means that older operating systems running Chrome browsers will still be fully operational, though they won’t be eligible for new updates and features.

Source: Google Chrome Blog

11
Nov

ARM’s latest design brings 64-bit processors to smartwatches


ARM Cortex-A35

It’s no longer hard to find 64-bit processors in smartphones. In smartwatches, though, they’re still a rarity — and ARM wants to change that with its new Cortex-A35 processor design. The architecture promises the most energy-efficient 64-bit mobile chips yet, sipping 32 percent less power than the mid-range A53 even as it outruns the Cortex-A7 it’s meant to replace (6 to 40 percent faster). It’s extremely scalable, too. You can build full-fledged quad-core chips for entry-level smartphones, but you can also strip things back to make tiny chips for watches and activity trackers.

Via: AnandTech

Source: ARM

11
Nov

Playdate: We’re giving away the ‘Fallout 4’ Pip-Boy Edition!


The Fallout 4 Pip-Boy Edition proved insanely popular, so much so that developer/publisher Bethesda Softworks had to apologize when it couldn’t meet demand for the plastic wrist-computer. You know who isn’t saying sorry? Us at Engadget. That’s because we’re giving away the PlayStation 4 premium edition of this fall’s most anticipated game during our Twitch broadcast today. All you need to do is hit the contest widget after the break. Join Sean Buckley and myself as we stream two hours of irradiated galavanting around the Boston Commonwealth starting at 6PM Eastern / 3PM Pacific. Sean’s playing the PC version and you can watch us here on this very post, the Engadget Gaming homepage, or Twitch.tv/Joystiq if you’d like to participate in chat. How many hijinks will we get into? You’ll just have to tune in and find out. So go grab a Nuka Cola Quantum and settle in. Oh, and good luck!

11
Nov

Twitch rewards you for watching ‘Tomb Raider’ on the Xbox One app


Live-streaming platform Twitch is handing out in-game points to people who watch Rise of the Tomb Raider via the Xbox One app. Plus, viewers on any platform have the ability to mess with their favorite Tomb Raider streams when the game is in Expedition Mode: Once prompted, people in chat can vote to activate one of two cards, which alter gameplay in specific ways. Some cards remove health regeneration, add armor to enemies, grant players more melee damage or enable “Big Head Mode,” for example. Voting rounds appear every six minutes or so, and this only works if the streamer uses the Xbox One Twitch app to broadcast the game. Now, let’s talk about those rewards.

Source: Twitch

11
Nov

Kickass deals on smartphones, accessories, and more (November 10)


In the hunt for some new accessories for your smartphone? We’ve got some incredible promotions, deals, and coupon codes to share with you. Moreover, we’ve also got some great bargains for Android smartphones from a variety of outlets. Let’s hop right in!

Unlocked Android Smartphones

No-Contract/Prepaid Android Smartphones

Moto_E_Black_Front

Smartphone Accessories

sam28-galaxy-s6-edge-plus-dt-3

Apps, Games, Services, and More

Super Smartphone Deals T Mobile

 

The post Kickass deals on smartphones, accessories, and more (November 10) appeared first on AndroidGuys.

11
Nov

[Deal] Get the Huawei SnapTo and 1 Month of service for only $99


We know that it can be a pain finding a good combination of the right plan, and a device that doesn’t break the bank. Today’s deal hits both of those nails on the head, and has a little extra bonus on top of it.

Today’s deal from AndroidGuys and StackCommerce is for a month of free Unlimited Data from GIV Mobile, and the Huawei SnapTo. Now, the SnapTo isn’t going to hold much of a candle to it’s big brother the Nexus 6P, but it’ll do the job.

Now, the best part of this deal isn’t the unlimited data, or the great device that won’t break the bank. GIV Mobile is doing something that nobody else is, and something that’s absolutely amazing. Every time you pay your bill (which will only be $30), you’ll also be donating 8% to a charity of your choice. So not only are you going to be helping your wallets, but you’ll be helping those in need at the same time. How can it get better than that?

  • Giv Mobile $30 Unlimited Plan:
    • Unlimited talk and text
    • Unlimited data (1st 1 GB at 4G LTE speeds, speed reduced to 2G thereafter)
    • Unlimited global SMS
    • $5 free bonus international dialing credit
  • Huawei SnapTo Smartphone
    • Enjoy a long-lasting battery life
    • Capture photos quickly by pressing the lower volume button twice
    • Save battery life w/ the endurance power-saving mode

Normally, this deal would run you a little over $150, but the Huawei SnapTo and a month of unlimited data can be yours for only $99. That’s a savings of 35%, and you get a great deal and help out those in need at the same time.

Drop us a line below and let us know what you think about this great deal, and whether you signed up for it or not. You can find this, and many other great tech bargains through our Deals page. Backed by StackCommerce, there are daily promos, giveaways, freebies, and much more!

AndroidGuys Deal: HuaweiSnap To and One Month of Unlimited Data from GIV Mobile

 

The post [Deal] Get the Huawei SnapTo and 1 Month of service for only $99 appeared first on AndroidGuys.

11
Nov

T-Mobile Un-Carrier X unveils Binge On video freedom, Simple Choice Amped, and more


If you’ve been keeping up with T-Mobile’s barrage of punches on the mobile network industry, we have a new act today on that Un-Carrier movement. The big Magenta’s outspoken CEO, John Legere, took center stage to shake things up once again with Un-Carrier X.

So what’s T-Mobile’s latest radical move? The main announcement revolved around Binge On – which is essentially Music Freedom but for video streaming. T-Mobile customers will now be able to stream movies/shows while they’re out and about, with no count against your data plan.

tmobile-binge-on

Right now, there are 24 video services available, but any service is open to joining. Here’s the current list:

Binge On service list

  • Netflix
  • HBO NOW
  • HBO GO
  • Hulu
  • Sling TV
  • Sling Box
  • ESPN
  • Showtime
  • Starz
  • Movieplex
  • Encore
  • T-Mobile TV
  • Vevo
  • Vessel
  • Univision Deportes
  • Major League Baseball
  • Go90
  • DirecTV
  • Fox Sports
  • Fox Sports GO
  • NBC Sports
  • Crackle
  • VUDU
  • Ustream

Since video is a bit more complicated to stream, T-Mobile said it did some work to optimize it over the network. In an effort for efficiency of the stream, the carrier is stating “DVD or better quality” output (DVD quality is 480P). The Magenta team said that the set quality is sufficient for video watching on a mobile device and for now, they’re sticking with it.

A caveat is that you have to be a customer receiving Data Stash, which means having a minimum of a 3GB Simple Choice postpaid plan. Customers with less than that will still get the optimized video stream, but the data will count against you.

Binge On wasn’t the only thing announced today, there were several significant updates to T-Mobile data plans. In a movement called Simple Choice Amped, T-Mobile is doubling the data of all Simple Choice plans across the board. The current option layout is 1GB, 3GB, and 5GB (for $50, $60, and $70/month, respectively) – so those will increase to 2GB, 6GB, and 10GB.

Along with this, T-Mobile expressed how much it hates data sharing on family plans. Therefore, a campaign called Family Match was launched. It amps the previous family promo – four family plan members can now get 6GB each for $120/month (for a limited time).

tmobile_family_match

T-Mobile Unlimited customers weren’t left out either. Their hotspot tethering limit will increase from 7GB to 14GB. And Binge On will be available while tethering for those customers.

The new Simple Choice plans will initiate on Nov. 15th, and will roll over to existing T-Mobile customers on Nov. 19th. If you’re a Sling user, a promo will kick off with Binge On to get 30% off a Sling subscription.

What do you think about T-Mobile’s new features? Is Binge On something you’ll really benefit from? Sound off in the comments below!

Source: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Press Release

T-Mobile Unleashes Mobile Video with Binge On™

Video now streams free at T-Mobile for HBO, Hulu, Netflix, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, STARZ subscribers without using up their high-speed data – 24 total services included initially with more to come

Biggest-ever update to Simple Choice doubles your data at no extra cost when everyone in the family gets extra data

Los Angeles, California — November 10, 2015 — At an event held today in the entertainment capital of the world, T-Mobile [NASDAQ: TMUS] announced its landmark 10th Un-carrier move and responded directly to Americans’ surging demand for mobile entertainment by—of all things—unleashing mobile video. Beginning this Sunday, video streams free at T-Mobile for subscribers of HBO, Hulu, Netflix, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, STARZ, WatchESPN and more—with more streaming services on the way—without ever burning up customers’ high-speed data. And it’s available to all current and new Simple Choice customers on qualifying plans—at absolutely no extra cost.

On top of that, the Un-carrier today also amped up its flagship Simple Choice plan—in the biggest update to Simple Choice ever—by doubling the data at every level and cutting the cost of extra gigs. On top of that, families can now get twice as much high-speed data as before—at no extra cost— when everyone gets extra 4G LTE data. And that’s all on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network, now reaching 302 million Americans and counting.

Taken together, today’s moves give Un-carrier customers far more data that lasts far longer – prompting T-Mobile President and CEO, John Legere to declare today “Data Day” – the day the company took its Un-carrier movement to the next level.

“Un-carrier X marks the next step in this revolution, and it is massive,” said John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile. “Today, we’re not only doubling your data in Simple Choice, we’re making your data work a lot harder for you! With Binge On, video streams free from 24 streaming services to start, and more to come! Only T-Mobile would find a way for customers to watch unlimited HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV and more…without eating into their LTE data, while the Duopoly is squeezing consumers with overage fees and over-buying! T-Mobile is un-leashing entertainment and giving customers exactly what they want!”

Binge On − Watch your shows, not your data With Binge On, video now streams free for viewers and subscribers of Crackle, Encore, ESPN, Fox Sports, Fox Sports Go, HBO Now, HBO Go, Hulu, MLB, Movieplex, NBC Sports, Netflix, Sling TV, Sling Box, SHOWTIME, STARZ, T-Mobile TV, Univision Deportes, Ustream, Vessel, Vevo, VUDU—with more streaming services on the way—without ever touching their 4G LTE data on Simple Choice plans with extra data. T-Mobile is also including Verizon’s Go90 and AT&T’s DirecTV streaming services in Binge On, so even the Duopoly’s video services stream without fear of overages.

Binge On is open to any streaming video provider who meets the technical requirements, which are available online at http://www.t-mobile.com/bingeon. And it’s completely free for video streaming providers to join.

“With Binge On, no one pays—not the customers, not the video streaming services—and everyone wins,” said Legere.

Powered by new technology built in to T-Mobile’s network, Binge On optimizes video for mobile screens, minimizing data consumption while still delivering DVD or better quality (e.g. 480p or better). That means more reliable streaming for services that stream free with Binge On, and for almost all other video, it means T-Mobile Simple Choice customers can watch up to three times more video from their data plan. And, as always, T-Mobile has put customers in total control with a switch to activate or deactivate Binge On for each line in their My T-Mobile account. Binge On is all about customer choice.

In addition, T-Mobile is celebrating the launch of Binge On with an exclusive offer of 30% off a full year’s subscription to Sling TV’s “Best of Live TV” package available to all Simple Choice customers. And those T-Mobile customers with Unlimited smartphone LTE get a free streaming movie rental every single month in 2016 with Binge On.

With mobile video now the #1 way Americans use smartphone data, Binge On is the Un-carrier’s answer to what today’s customers clearly want most from wireless. Customers are using nearly two-and-a-half times more of their wireless data for mobile video in the last two years. But that’s nothing compared to where we’re headed. According to forecasts, mobile video usage is poised to surge more than 400% by 2020.

The old carriers are trying to exploit this trend − and their customers − to line their pockets. For carrier customers, the surge in wireless video has translated directly into an unprecedented surge in overages. Together, the carriers are projected to rake in a record $2.4 billion this year from overage penalties—up a staggering 60% from $1.5 billion just last year. Roughly one quarter of AT&T and Verizon customers say they’ve been hit by overages in the last 6 months – that’s twice as many Verizon customers getting billed for overages compared to just two years ago. Worse still, the carriers’ overages scare customers into buying more data each month than they need—only so Verizon and ATT can repossess it after 30 or 60 days. American wireless customers waste an estimated $45 billion annually overbuying wireless data they don’t use.

With T-Mobile, on the other hand, Binge On now unleashes customers to watch what they want, when they want and on any device they want—without watching their data.

Simple Choice − Now with double the data With this explosion in data usage, a few gigs is just not enough anymore. So, in the biggest update ever to the company’s wildly popular Simple Choice plan, T-Mobile is giving families and businesses what they want most by doubling their high-speed 4G LTE data when everyone gets extra data.

Simple Choice customers still start with one line at just $50 a month for unlimited data, talk and text on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. But you’ll now get a full 2GB of 4G LTE data—twice the previous amount—on each line. As before, customers can still add a second line for $30 a month−but now with 2GB of 4G LTE data. Additional lines up to 12 are still only $10 per month—but each now come with 2GB of 4G LTE data.

Of course, Simple Choice customers can add even more 4G LTE data. And now, when everyone in the family gets extra 4G LTE data, families can save even more with T-Mobile’s new Family Match. Everyone will get twice as much data as before at absolutely no extra cost. They can add an extra 4GB of 4G LTE data (on top of the 2GB included), including mobile hotspot data, for just $10 more a month on each line, up to a total of 10GB per line. For families who’d rather customize their data by line, extra data is just $15 a month for each 4GB—compared to $20 a month for 4GB before—a savings of 25% per GB of high-speed data vs. before.

While the Duopoly continues to punish customers on their legacy unlimited LTE plans, the Un-carrier announced it is doubling down on Unlimited Smartphone LTE data by doubling the amount of tethered data included from 7GB to 14GB. And with Binge On, streaming video from participating services won’t eat into that tethered data.

For businesses, the pain is even worse. Nearly two-thirds of small businesses (63%) say they’re now being charged overages, and more than half (52%) of small business limit their employees’ smartphone usage to prevent overages. With the Duopoly, giving employees a smartphone is like creating an open-ended tab where employees can run up insane overages the company has no choice but to pay. With the new Simple Choice plan unveiled today, businesses get double the LTE data at no extra cost at T-Mobile, up to a thousand employees. An average small business with T-Mobile can save 40% compared to AT&T and a full 50% compared to Verizon for similar services.

And, as always, Simple Choice customers have no annual service contracts, no domestic overages and no sharing, and they get all the Un-carrier value the company keeps pouring into the plan – from Simple Global, Music Freedom and Data Stash to Mobile Without Borders, Wi-Fi Un-leashed and Binge On.

To celebrate today’s news, T-Mobile is making the fourth line free. Now, for a limited time, a family of four can get four lines for $120 with 6GB per person (24GB total) – no sharing – at just $30 per line. That’s an incredible four times the high-speed data you get at Verizon who’ll charge you $20 more, and almost five times the data at AT&T where you’ll pay $30 more—$150 for just 5GB your whole family’s gotta share. And now with Binge On, T-Mobile customers don’t just get 6GB each, they get unlimited video streaming from popular sites as well.

Binge On and the new Simple Choice plan will be available starting Sunday, November 15. Existing T-Mobile customers will get Binge On starting Thursday, November 19. For more information on Binge On, see http://www.t-mobile.com/bingeon. For more information on Simple Choice, see http://www.t-mobile.com/SimpleChoiceplan or for Simple Choice for business, see: http://www.t-mobile.com/BusinessSimpleChoicePlan.

Video streams at DVD quality (480p+) with Binge On. You may disable Binge On at any time, but will lose Binge On benefits. Limited time offers on qualifying plans. Taxes/fees add’l. Video streaming from included services does not count toward full-speed data allotment on our network. Third party content and subscription charges may apply. Once high-speed data allotment is reached, all usage slowed to up to 2G speeds until end of bill cycle. Up to 30% off selected subscription; may appear as bill credit or 3rd party discount. Free movie: one SD rental/mo. on selected service via 30-day promo code; must be in good standing on qualifying Unlimited LTE plan. Streaming services’ terms and conditions apply. See T-Mobile.com for details.

The post T-Mobile Un-Carrier X unveils Binge On video freedom, Simple Choice Amped, and more appeared first on AndroidGuys.

11
Nov

Malicious App ‘InstaAgent’ Sends Instagram Passwords to Unknown Server, Posts Spam in Users’ Feeds


InstaAgent, an app that connects to Instagram and promises to track the people that have visited a user’s Instagram account, appears to be storing the usernames and passwords of Instagram users, sending them to a suspicious remote server.

An app developer from Peppersoft downloaded InstaAgent — full name “Who Viewed Your Profile – InstaAgent” — and discovered that it reading Instagram account usernames and passwords, sending them via clear text to a remote server – instagram.zunamedia.com.

passwordzunemedia

InstaAgent is also using the credentials to log into accounts and post unauthorized images. Instagram does not permit third-party apps to upload photos to user accounts.

instagramunauthorizedposting

While InstaAgent isn’t particularly popular in the United States, it is currently the number one free app in both the United Kingdom and Canada, with thousands of downloads that puts a huge number of Instagram users at risk of having their information stolen. In the Google Play store, the app had between 100k and 500k users, and the install numbers could be similar for iOS.

topapps

Google has removed the InstaAgent Android app from the Google Play store, but InstaAgent is still available in the iOS App Store for the time being. Anyone who has downloaded InstaAgent should delete the app immediately and change their Instagram password.

http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsPasswords for other sites and accounts that were the same as the Instagram password should also be changed as a precaution. We also highly recommend a password management app like 1Password, which can generate unique complex passwords for each and every site or service. Instagram also advises against installing third-party apps that don’t follow its Community Guidelines.

There are dozens if not hundreds of third-party apps that promise to provide Instagram users with followers and other perks, and these kind of apps should be avoided. According to Instagram, these apps are “likely an attempt to use your account in an inappropriate way” as InstaAgent does.

Tags: Instagram, InstaAgent

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