MasterCard Offers Apple Pay Users Free Public Transit in London Starting Today
In an effort to increase adoption of contactless payments, major credit card issuer MasterCard has launched a limited time “Fare Free Mondays” promotion, offering free public transit to Apple Pay users in London on Mondays between November 23 and December 14, 2015.
Starting today, and on the next three Mondays, MasterCard customers using Apple Pay to touch in and out on London’s public transit network will have up to £27.90 in daily fares refunded by MasterCard. The promotion is valid for travel on the Tube, buses, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London.
Mark Barnett, president of MasterCard UK&I:
“The move by TfL last year to accept contactless cards and devices on London Underground has been a phenomenal catalyst to the growth in contactless payments across the UK. Now that Apple Pay has arrived we want to encourage travellers on London’s transport network to try it out and give them another convenient option to pay for their travel. What better way to do this, than to offer MasterCard customers using Apple Pay the chance to travel for free over the next four consecutive Mondays.”
MasterCard competitor Visa today also unveiled a new Apple Pay “Ready” campaign in Europe, including two TV ads from agency Saatchi & Saatchi that highlight how fast, easy and reliable using a Visa card in Apple Pay is in everyday situations such as paying to use the Tube or in a cafe.
Apple Pay expanded to the U.K. in July and is accepted at more than 250,000 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The iPhone-based mobile payments service recently gained support for Tesco Bank and TSB in the country alongside over 90 new U.S. issuers.
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MasterCard Offers Apple Pay Users Free Public Transit in London Starting Today
In an effort to increase adoption of contactless payments, major credit card issuer MasterCard has launched a limited time “Fare Free Mondays” promotion, offering free public transit to Apple Pay users in London on Mondays between November 23 and December 14, 2015.
Starting today, and on the next three Mondays, MasterCard customers using Apple Pay to touch in and out on London’s public transit network will have up to £27.90 in daily fares refunded by MasterCard. The promotion is valid for travel on the Tube, buses, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London.
Mark Barnett, president of MasterCard UK&I:
“The move by TfL last year to accept contactless cards and devices on London Underground has been a phenomenal catalyst to the growth in contactless payments across the UK. Now that Apple Pay has arrived we want to encourage travellers on London’s transport network to try it out and give them another convenient option to pay for their travel. What better way to do this, than to offer MasterCard customers using Apple Pay the chance to travel for free over the next four consecutive Mondays.”
MasterCard competitor Visa today also unveiled a new Apple Pay “Ready” campaign in Europe, including two TV ads from agency Saatchi & Saatchi that highlight how fast, easy and reliable using a Visa card in Apple Pay is in everyday situations such as paying to use the Tube or in a cafe.
Apple Pay expanded to the U.K. in July and is accepted at more than 250,000 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The iPhone-based mobile payments service recently gained support for Tesco Bank and TSB in the country alongside over 90 new U.S. issuers.
Discuss this article in our forums
Awaken your Light or Dark side as Google plays Jedi mind tricks with your favourite apps
So. Star Wars. The new film (The Force Awakens) is being released next month, and the excitement is ramping up quite nicely. As I was never a fan of George Lucas’s sequel prequels, I can’t wait to see the old (and I do mean old) gang back together. There’s tons of merchandising available already, along with games on all sorts of platforms (check out Brad’s review of Star Wars: Uprising here), and now Google is getting in on the act allowing fans to choose the light, or go over to the dark side.
Regardless of which side you choose, your favourite Google apps such as Search, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, etc. will take on a Star Wars theme. From the Gmail loading animation changing into a light sabre to the background image on your Gmail account showing the landscape from Planet Jakku.
Clay Bavor, Google’s VP of Product Management, has said that this is just the beginning of the tie-in with Disney for Star Wars, with a virtual reality Millennium Falcon just one of the goodies to look forward to before The Force Awakens hits cinemas next month. The ability to Google Translate Wookie Speak and other Star Wars languages maybe also become a reality in the coming weeks.
You can choose your side by visiting google.com/starwars, and if you aren’t sure which side to join, the Light side would appear to be a little light (bad pun) on numbers. Come on, how many of you haven’t dreamed of piloting the Millennium Falcon with Chewy roaring by your side?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Awaken your Light or Dark side as Google plays Jedi mind tricks with your favourite apps
How to set up Nexus Imprint on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X
One of the standout features from Android 6.0 Marshmallow is the fingerprint API. It allows Android devices to take advantage of built-in fingerprint scanners have a higher level of authentication for purchasing apps, submitting transactions, and securing a phone or tablet.
The Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X are the first two handsets to feature Nexus Imprint, Google’s term for such technology. Although we’ve seen manufacturers include fingerprint scanners of their own, this is the first time Google is officially them for Android.
First off, you’ll want to head into Settings and locate Security. The process will be the same whether you have a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X. If you’re in the correct place, the fifth option from the top should read “Nexus Imprint.”
Once you select that option, your device will make you agree to the terms that follow. Then you’ll be asked to provide a backup password, PIN, or pattern. The next step is when you’ll scan your finger. For both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, the sensor is mounted on the rear side of the device in a little circle just below the camera. On-screen prompts will help you to locate it. Now you’ll have to place and lift up your fingertip on the sensor multiple times while varying your finger placement slightly each time. This ensures the device captures the best possible image so that you can scan your finger quickly and accurately without any issue. For me, the fingerprint scanner on the Nexus 5X seems to register correctly almost always and has been more reliable than the majority of competitors.
Once you’ve added your fingerprint you’ll be good to go! You’ll also have the option to repeat the process and add another finger (but no more than five) and even give a name to each finger added. You’ll notice the addition right away on your lock-screen. Near the bottom you’ll see a small fingerprint icon indicating that your device can be unlocked with your fingerprint. You can also use your backup password, PIN or pattern at anytime by swiping up from the bottom of the lock screen. Google occasionally asks for your backup security method (the password, PIN or pattern) when booting up your smartphone for the first time.
One of the best things about Nexus Imprint is that you won’t even need to touch the power button prior to unlocking your device. When the device is on standby, you can wake it by placing your finger on the sensor to bypass the lock screen altogether. Google says that everyone’s fingerprint is secure and not shared with anyone; therefore, your data is kept safe at all times.
Click here to view the embedded video.
If you got lost in the process or have any questions regarding Nexus Imprint, please feel free to drop a comment down below and we’ll do our very best in assisting you.
Come comment on this article: How to set up Nexus Imprint on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X
[Deal] Kick off Black Friday week by saving 15% off of ALL drones
The deals are really starting to roll in now. We featured a special deal this past Saturday where you had an opportunity to save a few extra dollars over at the AndroidGuys Deals page. Today, we are kicking off the most popular shopping week of the year with a great deal.
Drones are starting to become all the craze, and now’s as good of a time as ever to jump on the train. From miniature drones, to full-fledged ones, there are plenty of various drones available via the AndroidGuys Deals page. Today’s deal is to save you an EXTRA 15% off of any drone that you can find.
The two featured drones that are the focal point of this awesome deal are:
Snowflake Stealth Drone – $34.99
- 6-axis gyro technology for smooth & steady flight
- High-speed mode for outdoor racing
- 4 multi-color LED lights to navigate the night’s sky
- 2.4 technology to avoid multi-drone collision
- 4 safety-protected propellers for crash recovery
- 4CH digital proportional RC system for indoor & outdoor flight
SKEYE Hexa Drone – $45
- Ready to fly (RTF) out of the box
- Fits in the palm of your hand
- Easy to use: go pro pilot in no time
- Provides a three-level adjustable controller sensitivity for beginners, mid-level users & experts
- Includes a six-axis flight control system & adjustable gyro sensitivity
- Includes aerobatic functionality for flipping through the air
- Made of durable, lightweight plastic
- Protects against crashes w/ propeller bumpers
- Navigates through the night w/ bright LED lights
Each of these drones offer a unique experience, and are great for the first-timers, and those who have more experience in the art of flying drones. Now, you’re already saving a load of money with either of these drones, however, you’ll be able to save an extra 15% this week.
All you’ll need to jump on this deal is head over to the AndroidGuys Deals page, select your favorite drone, enter the coupon code “DRONE15“, and you’re ready to go. Your holiday shopping has kicked off, and you’ve saved a bunch of money in the process. Drop us a line below and let us know which of these drones you’re eyeing up this holiday season.
If you like this deal, and want to see more of these, let us know in the comments below. 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 Deals: SKEYE Hexa Drone & Snowflake Stealth Drone
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Nexa3D needs your cash to make its ‘ultrafast’ 3D printer
Not long ago, we saw a new kind of super-fast 3D printer that works by “growing” objects from resin, rather than laboriously depositing the print material in layers. Another company called Nexa3D has launched a product on Kickstarter that’s similarly quick, claiming that you’ll be able to print objects at a speed of around 1-inch every 3 minutes. That’s around 25-100 times faster than a regular 3D printer, and objects can be made to around 120 microns of detail, fairly close to the resolution of a Makerbot Replicator 2. Like the Carbon 3D printer we saw earlier, this new system works by using light to harden a photo-curing resin that is gradually extruded from a tank.
Via: Designboom
Source: Kickstarter
‘Futurama’ will be resurrected as a mobile game
If the TV show that you love gets axed before you’re ready to let it go, then there are a couple of things you can hope for. For instance, a streaming service could step in to fund a new season of the show, or people can turn to Kickstarter and do it themselves. But it turns out that there’s another route towards salvation in the form of a mobile game, which is how Futurama is going to make its auspicious return. 20th Century Fox has signed a deal with German game developer Wooga to create Futurama: Release the Drones. The story will see the Planet Express crew take on MomCo in a delivery war, with players asked to connect groups of drones to solve puzzles.
Source: Wooga
Deal: Samsung and SanDisk 128GB microSD cards for just $45, and more
Memory cards, and in particular microSD cards, are one of those items that are discounted regularly on Amazon and other major retailers. That said, not all deals are created equal, and today we have a particularly generous one.
Amazon has a promo on Samsung and SanDisk microSD cards that cuts their price by more than half, compared to the list price.
Samsung’s microSD cards can be had for as little as $6.99 for the 16GB model, up to $44.99 for the spacious 128GB version. That’s almost as cheap as the Sony deal from November 10, which saw the 128GB microSD going for $43. Also, it’s the lowest ever price for the Samsung 128GB microSD, which has been available for around $60 over the past months.
- Get the Samsung 16GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC with Adapter up to 48MB/s for $6.99
- Get the Samsung 32GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC with Adapter up to 48MB/s for $9.99
- Get the Samsung 64GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC with Adapter up to 48MB/s for $17.99
- Get the Samsung 128GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC with Adapter up to 48MB/s for $44.99
If you prefer SanDisk products, the deals are just as good. You can get an 8GB model for $5.99, though for just $4 more you can get a 32GB model. The 128GB version is also $44.99, and if you need even more space, $134.99 gets you the 200GB model.
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 8GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $5.99
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 16GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $7.99
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 32GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $9.95
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 64GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $17.95
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 128GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $44.99
- Get the SanDisk Ultra 200GB Class 10 Micro SDHC Memory Card Up To 48MB/s for $134.99
This is not a Deal of the Day, but there’s no telling how long it will last. Happy shopping!
Nexus 6P is finally available in Google Stores across Europe
Weeks after the Nexus 6P was offered for sale in the United States, Google is finally making it available to customers across Europe.
Per several Reddit reports, and our own checks via VPN, the three configurations of the Nexus 6P are now listed in the Google Store in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
As for the price, it’s as high as we initially thought. The base 32GB model is €649, the 64GB model 699€, while the 128GB model is 799€. The €649 starting price translates to $690, compared to $500 in the US. That’s a big difference that can’t be explained solely through exchange and tax differences, but that’s the price we Europeans have to pay for staying on the Nexus edge.
It appears that the 128GB model is not yet available for sale, while the availability of the other storage and color combinations may vary from country to country.
Get the Nexus 6P from the Google Store
Europeans have been able to able to purchase the LG-made Nexus 5X from the beginning of November.
Is the Nexus 6P a good deal? It definitely is, in the United States. In our review, Josh was thoroughly impressed with the premium build, great performance, and excellent camera. But it remains to be seen whether Europeans will be able to stomach the engorged price of the Nexus 6P.
So, EU readers? Will you shell out €649+ for the privilege of rocking a Nexus?
Theme all of the Google things in preparation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
We are now 24 days away from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Google is jumping in on all the craze. If you navigate to Google.com/StarWars, you’ll be given two choices, the Light Side or the Dark Side. Once you’ve selected which side of the force your loyalties lie, all of your Google associated applications will be themed.
Google is really going all in here, with a promise for more goodies to follow, but it’s awesome to see everything you use in the world of Google, getting themed. The following applications and services will be themed depending upon which side you choose:
- Android Wear – Get the Star Wars app and you’ll get an awesome watch face.
- Google Calendar – Star Wars events will appear on your calendar.
- Google Chrome – Through the installation of an extension, you will see images from Star Wars: The Force Within every time you open a new tab.
- Chromecast – Get an awesome Star Wars themed background.
- Gmail – The entire Gmail application will be themed, including a lightsaber loading screen.
- Inbox for Gmail -The entire Gmail application will be themed, including a lightsaber loading screen.
- Google Maps – Easily locate where you are at with an X-Wing or TIE Fighter symbol.
- Google Search – Too early to tell
- Google Translate – Too early to tell
- Waze – C-3PO will now be your voice guidance for your travels.
- YouTube – Your progress bar for videos will now be in the form of a lightsaber.
What makes this even more awesome is that once the Force has been chosen, all of your Google products will be themed within a few hours. That includes your mobile applications, and even if you’re on iOS. This is a great move for Google, and an even better way for MORE Star Wars advertising to get out there, not like we really need anymore (just kidding).
If you’ve been corrupted and want to change sides, Google has made it really easy to betray your fellow members of the Force. Just head back to Google.com/StarWars, and you can change to whichever side you’d like. For those who are in another galaxy, you can opt back out of these awesome goodies but going to the Star Wars page, and selecting the middle option, which will remove everything.
As someone who LOVES Star Wars, and can’t wait for The Force Awakens, this an awesome addition to my Google arsenal, and one that I actually hope sticks around even after the movie is already out. In the meantime, drop us a line and let us know which side of the Force you’ve chosen.
Google – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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