Jimmy Iovine Criticized After Making Controversial Comments About Women
Apple recently debuted a new Apple Music ad, starring singer Mary J. Blige and actresses Taraji P. Henson and Kerry Washington, during the 2015 Emmy Awards.
In the one-minute spot, focused on Apple Music playlists, Washington says that Apple’s curated playlists are like having “a boyfriend who creates you a mixtape — in your laptop.”
Jimmy Iovine, who joined Apple in 2014 following the company’s acquisition of Beats Electronics, has made headlines today following controversial comments he made about women on CBS This Morning today in relation to the ad.
CBS has made the video clip unavailable to viewers outside the U.S. — Mirror
In particular, when asked to explain his thinking behind the Emmy ad, Iovine said that “women find it very difficult at times — some women — to find music, …and [Apple Music] helps makes it easier with playlists curated by real people.” He proceeded to mention the problem of girls “sitting around” and “talking about boys.”
The Verge transcribes:
“I just thought of a problem, you know: girls are sitting around, you know, talking about boys. Or complaining about boys, you know, when they’re heartbroken or whatever. And they need music for that, right? So it’s hard to find the right music, you know. Not everybody has the right lists, or knows a DJ or something.”
Iovine’s comments have been widely criticized on Twitter and in several media outlets.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
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Horizon Chase is a retro arcade racer that’s now available on Android (Updated)
The developer has been notified of this issue, and we’re waiting for a response.
Original post: Every once in awhile a mobile game comes along and gives you a refreshing blast from the past, and that’s the exact story behind Horizon Chase.
Horizon Chase is a simple racing game that brings a twist to the classic 16-bit graphics we’ve all grown to love. The visuals in this game are no doubt better looking than what you’d find on SEGA’s OutRun or Daytona USA, featuring a smooth polygonal aesthetic and retro color schemes. In the game you’ll race around the world through 32 cities, 8 cups and a total of 78 different tracks. Although it does have a few modern racing title elements thrown in such as upgrading car parts, this is still a pretty retro racing game through and through.
Perhaps the best part of this game is the soundtrack – it was done by Barry Leitch, the same musician behind the soundtracks of classic arcade games like Lotus Turbo Challenge, Top Gear (SNES) and Rush. It has a pretty upbeat/techno feel to it, which will definitely help bring you back to days of sitting in your local arcade wasting quarter after quarter to get the high score on your favorite racing title.
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The game currently costs $2.99 on iOS, but Android users can try the first 5 tracks for free before buying the full version. It also comes with support for 7 different input methods including Bluetooth controller support, though there’s no multiplayer mode here. If you’re interested, head to the Play Store link below for the download.
Best Android gifts under $50 (2015 holiday gift guide)
It’s hard to imagine that 2015 is almost at an end, and with the anticipation of the holidays comes the stress of holiday shopping. If you’re looking to get a head start on your gift purchasing this year, we’re here to make things a little easier, in an upcoming series of guides that accommodate various budgetary constraints.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best Black Friday deals of 2015, and here is a look at some of the best Android gifts under $50!
Media players
Chromecast 2015
Along with their flagship smartphone offerings, Google unveiled an updated Chromecast HDMI dongle, featuring a new look, faster performance, and improved functionality courtesy of a better companion app. The setup process remains as simple and minimal as ever, and the impressive list of services and apps that are compatible with Chromecast continues to grow. Priced at only $35, the latest edition of the Chromecast remains of the easiest, and cheapest, media streaming solutions around. You can check out our full review of the Chromecast 2015 here.
Buy now from the Google Play Store
Chromecast Audio
Chromecast Audio essentially features the same concept behind the Chromecast, but is an audio-only device, which can be plugged into almost any set of speakers that are lying around, to be then used as a full-fledged audio streaming service, giving new purpose to any old, regular speakers that you may have. Unlike when your smartphone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker, there are no interruptions here, with you being able to use your device normally. Chromecast Audio is a niche product, but with it also priced at $35, could be incredibly useful for some, especially if you are looking to re-purpose a set of speakers. You can check out our review of Chromecast Audio here.
Buy now from the Google Play Store
Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick offers the same functionality as the Google Chromecast, and also features a slew of services, applications, and games that users can enjoy. It comes with a dedicated remote to use with it, instead of having to depend on your smartphone or tablet, and there is also a remote that comes with voice control, that requires an additional $10. While a touch more expensive than the Chromecast, the Amazon Fire TV Stick offers a lot of functionality, and makes a lot of sense, especially if you are an Amazon Prime subscriber. The Fire TV Stick is priced at $39.99 with a standard remote, and $49.99 for the device and remote with voice control.
Gaming controllers
POWER A MOGA Pro Power
The POWER A Moga Pro Power bluetooth controller is a must-have accessory for an serious mobile gamers out there. It is essentially a full-sized controller with a size and button layout similar to the Xbox 360 controllers, so if that is something you are familiar with, you will be very comfortable with this device. An arm extension helps keep your smartphone locked in place, and works with even large smartphones, and also included in a sturdy stand to prop up your tablet. Connecting to your mobile device via Bluetooth, the controller features a lag-free gaming experience, and as an added benefit, also packs a 2,200 mAh battery to let you charge your device while it is in the dock. You can check out our review of the MOGA Pro Power controller here.
MOGA Mobile Gaming System
If you are looking for a more compact, and far cheaper, alternative to the MOGA Pro Power controller, the MOGA Mobile Gaming System could be what you need. It is very compact and portable, and while it doesn’t offer console-style control, since it is missing buttons like the shoulder buttons, the good news is that there an app, called MOGA Pivot, that lists all the games this controller is compatible with. The arm extension to dock the phone allows for devices up to 3.2-inches wide, so while large phones like the Galaxy Note 5 will be okay, the Nexus 6 falls just outside that limit. The MOGA Mobile Gaming System is priced at just $9.95.
Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad
Unlike the MOGA Pro Power, which is primarily intended for use with your smartphone or tablet (even though it may be compatible with other devices), if you are looking for a true cross-platform controller, the Mad Catz C.T.R.L Mobile Gamepad is the one for you. This full-sized console-grade controller features near-universal compatibility with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even devices like Fire TV and NVIDIA Shield, and you can toggle between PC mode, GameSmart mode (for Android), and Mouse mode, to use the controller for navigation. The device also comes with media controls integrated into the controller. To use with your smartphone, an attachable arm extension is available as well, that clips on to the controller.
SteelSeries Free
Like the MOGA Mobile Gaming System, the SteelSeries Free gaming controller is compact and ultra-portable, and while not as packed with capabilities as some of the others in this section, what it offers is a solid build quality and cross-platform compatibility. This controller is estimated to have roughly 10 hours of nonstop play time, as well as a battery saving mode that shuts the controller off after 3+ minutes of inactivity. It also has up to a 20-foot range, so you can sit back in your favorite chair and play your game from across the room.
iPega Telescopic Game Controller
If you are looking for a fully-capable game controller at a cheaper price than the MOGA Pro Power or the Mad Catz controller, look no further than the unique looking iPega Telescopic Game Controller. While it features PC compatibility, it’s unique design means that this controller is intended mostly for your smartphones and tablets, with the telescopic stand able to accommodate all devices that fall within the 5-inch to 10-inch size range, but does means that smaller smartphones will not fit. It supports the vast majority of Android games and simulators, and offers impressive battery life, with up to 20 hours of gaming possible on a single charge.
Tablets
Kindle Fire 7-inch Tablet
The Kindle Fire 7-inch tablet features a beautiful 7-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, and a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, to keep things running smoothly while you enjoy content on this device. The latest Fire OS version is designed for quick access to your apps and content, plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites, and you also get to take advantage of the all-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free. Only 8 GB of storage doesn’t sound like much, but expandable storage via microSD by up to 128 GB is available, and you also get free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Priced at just $49.99, the Kindle Fire 7-inch tablet could be a great media-consumption device for a lot of people.
Virtual Reality
View Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack
The View Master VR headset will remind you of the View Master 3D from your younger years, and given its kid-friendly nature, actually comes with a similar reel as well, with additional Experience reels available separately. For VR, all you need to do is plug your smartphone into place, and download and run any compatible app, including Google Cardboard apps, to launch yourself into 360-degree immersive environments.
Google Cardboard V2 by D-Scope Pro
The D-scope Pro includes everything needed to transform your phone, including 2 biconvex lenses which offer a 37 mm adjustable focal length for stunning, lifelike HD images. Rather than trying to print and construct the glasses yourself, the Kit includes precise machine cut, clearly numbered parts, which allow you to assemble the glasses within minutes and with minimal hassle. The device comes with QR codes for fast access to a slew of VR experiences, including games and scenic tours, and of course, you can also download more on your smartphone or tablet. The device compatible with most smartphones up to 6-inches in size.
Headphones
Shure SRH145m+
The Shure SRH145m+ Portable Headphones provide deep, rich bass with full range sound, and integrated controls. The closed-back, on-ear design provides external noise isolation, while the lightweight, collapsible design with adjustable ear cups and padded headband ensure long-lasting comfort and ergonomic fit. There is also a version of the device that comes with a remote and mic, priced at an additional $10.
Sennheiser HD 203
The HD 203 studio stereo headphones are the ideal partner for home recording. The rugged lightweight headphones have a secure fit that blocks out ambient noise and keeps your music and monitoring cues from leaking out to adjacent microphones or other people. This headphone is versatile enough for use with portable audio devices like MP3 players but also the latest audio interfaces and home recording gear, making it great for everything from casual music listening and gaming to studio applications.
Skullcandy Method
The Skullcandy Method sweat resistant earphones are the perfect fitness companion, featuring sweat resistant earbuds that offer a super secure and comfortable fit. Fix, Off-Axis and Stickygels tech boost the performance of these earbuds when you’re covered in sweat, and means that it won’t budge once they are in your ears. Pureclean ear gels prevent build-up of germs keeping the earbuds fresh and clean. there is also a specially constructed low profile, sweat-proof remote with a single button in-line remote with mic that will help you stay in control of your music. You can take/make calls, play/pause music and cycle through tracks.
SOL REPUBLIC RELAYS Sport
Like the SkullCandy Method, the RELAYS Sport is lightweight and sweat resistant, and will stick with you for your entire workout and won’t fall apart. These earphones deliver full sound from a compact design, with balance and details that bring out the best in all types of music, and comes with a mic and 3-button remote allows you to control your phone calls as well as your music.
Fitness trackers
Xiaomi Mi Band
The Xiaomi Mi Band is a fantastic low-cost fitness tracker that lets you monitor your activity levels, track walking distance, and calculate calories burned. It also measures the length and quality of your sleep, features incoming call alerts by vibrating, can be used as an alarm, and also allows you to unlock your smartphone without needing to input a password or code. Its IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water means that you never have to take it off, and with a battery rated for up to 30 days of use, charging it isn’t a regular requirement. All of this for just $20, the Xiaomi Mi Band is a great choice.
Misfit Flash
The Misfit Flash is one of the best affordable fitness bands around, and comes with features comparable to its more expensive counterparts. Flash tracks walking, running, cycling, swimming, tennis, yoga, dance, and other sports. The Misfit app then takes all of your hard work and turns that data into easy to read charts. Flash’s long-lasting battery, which you need to change only once in six months, and automatic wireless syncing means you’ll worry less about charging and more about staying active.
Battery packs
Anker 2nd Gen Astro 6,700 mAh power bank
The Anker 2nd Gen external battery bank is a portable battery pack that is perfect device to have when in a pinch. It doesn’t offer the highest capacity, but 6,700 mAh should be more than enough to charge most smartphones up to two times comfortably. Like all current Anker battery banks, this also comes with Power IQ technology that detects your device to deliver the fastest possible speed, up to 2A. The Anker 2nd Gen Astro 6,700 mAh battery bank is currently priced at $19.99.
Lumsing 10,400 mAh Harmonica Style power bank
The Lumsing battery bank offers a very high 10,400 mAh capacity, which should be enough to charge your smartphone multiple times, and you can charge two devices simultaneously as well. 4 LED indicators are present to show how much charge the device still holds, and there are protections available to avoid overcharge, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. Despite the capacity this device offers, the Lumsing battery bank is currently priced at just $19.99.
RAVPower 20,100 mAh power bank
Apart from featuring a massive 20,100 mAh capacity, this RAVPower power bank features compatibility with Qualcomm QuickCharge 2.0, allowing you to take advantage of a compatible device’s fast charging capabilities without needing to plug into a wall charger. Further, this power bank is also one of the first to feature a USB Type-C port, allowing you to charge on the go one of the new smartphones to adopt the latest standard, such as the current generation Nexus devices. Further, the “regular” charging port features iSmart technology, that detects your device and provides the fastest possible charging speed, up to 2.4A. The battery bank itself charges very quickly, requiring just around 5 hours to fully charge. If you have smartphones and tablets that fit the various features this power bank offers, the RAVPower battery pack is a great choice, albeit slightly expensive, priced at $47.99.
Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 10,000 mAh power bank
The Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 battery bank is very portable, and offers a high 10,000 mAh capacity, which should be enough to charge your smartphone multiple times, and you can charge two devices simultaneously as well. 4 LED indicators are present to show how much charge the device still holds, and there are protections available to avoid overcharge, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. Like all current Anker battery banks, this also comes with Power IQ technology that detects your device to deliver the fastest possible speed, up to 3A. The Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 10,000 mAh battery bank is currently priced at $21.99.
Wireless speakers
JBL Clip+ Splashproof Bluetooth speaker
The JBL Clip+ is an ultra-light, ultra-rugged, and ultra-powerful portable speaker. This splashproof upgrade to the JBL Clip+ provides 5 hours of playtime. Stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth, or plug it into any smartphone or tablet with its integrated audio cable, and there is also a speakerphone to make clear, noise and echo free phone calls. The JBL Clip+ earns its name with its built-in carabiner, clipping to your clothes or backpack so you can enjoy the device on the go, and with it being splashproof, you don’t have to worry about damage in the rain. You can also wash the device under running water, and as long as it isn’t submerged, it will continue to work well.
Anker Classic Bluetooth speaker
While Anker is a fairly recognizable brand name, the company has its hands in so many areas that you might not know them for the audio products. It may not stand toe to toe with the other Bluetooth speakers on this list, when it comes to sound quality, given the tiny size and low price, the Anker Classic is definitely worth a mention. While the heavy-duty look and small size might not be for everyone, the price certainly is, and the 20 hour battery life is another plus, and priced at just $26.99, it’s a no-brainer.
SoundBot SB571 Bluetooth speaker
The SoundBot SB571 features a stylish design, is very compact and portable, and offers solid performance, courtesy of crystal clear 6W + 6W HD loud speakers and 40 mm premium drivers that allow for crystal clear deep bass. While featuring universal compatibility for all smartphones, tablets, and audio devices with Bluetooth capabilities, the speaker also comes with a 3.5 mm audio line in to plug in devices directly, or for those that don’t have Bluetooth. The SoundBot SB571 Bluetooth speaker is priced starting at just $19.99.
Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 2
The OontZ Angle 2 offers high quality sound with the features that are great for a portable Bluetooth speaker, including IPX5 water resistance to make it splash proof, a passive subwoofer, crystal clear stereo sound, and a battery that can play all day with up to 15 hours on a single charge. The two precision audio drivers provide distortion-free stereo music even at maximum volume. Connects in seconds to any Bluetooth device, and non-Bluetooth devices also work, courtesy of the included 3.5 mm audio line in, and there is also a built-in mic to allow the device to function as a speakerphone. The OontZ Angle 2 is priced at $23.99.
Bluetooth car kits
iClever Himbox HB01 hands-free car kit
The Kinivo Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit is designed to provide a simple hands-free solution for answering and receiving calls while on the go, along with the ability to stream music from your smartphone. The Car Kit features an understated design and can be mounted anywhere, and includes easy to use music controls and a built-in microphone to answer calls. The included USB charger also lets you charge two devices simultaneously. Keep in mind that audio is provided through your 3.5mm input in Car Stereo when playing music and answering phone calls, and requires a car stereo with a 3.5 mm AUX input. The Himbox HB01 is priced at $29.99. There is also another version, the HB01+ priced at an additional $10, that allows for CD quality audio streaming with support for the aptX codec.
Belkin hands-free car kit
The Belkin Hands-Free Bluetooth Car Kit is made to be small so that it doesn’t get in the way, and works the same way as most other car kits, by plugging it into the power outlet in the car, and then placing the unit on the dashboard. You can now play music and answer calls, all while using Bluetooth. Also, the cigarette plug power source adapter has an extra USB input, so you can charge your phone without having to worry about unplugging the Car Kit first. Remember, the audio will play out of your car speakers, so it requires a car with a 3.5mm audio jack input. The Belkin hands-free car kit is priced at $29.99.
SoundBot SB360 hands-free car kit
The SoundBot SB360 provides an instant solution to turn car stereo system into a Bluetooth wireless environment for hand free calls on the road and access to the music on mobile devices. On-board 3 control button functions for answering/ending call, skip/volume up,backward/volume down. The device features echo and noise reduction technology for crystal clear calls. The included high-performance car charger also lets you charge two other devices simultaneously. The SoundBot SB360 car kit is priced at $18.99.
Wireless chargers
Samsung Wireless Qi Charging Station
The latest wireless charger from Samsung is an official accessory of the Galaxy S6, but of course, works with any Qi charging enabled device, and is very easy to setup and use. This sleek charger leaves a small footprint, requiring minimal space. Properly aligning the device on the charging pad is needed though, and the built-in LED indicator light will alert you if the device is not properly aligned and when a good charge alignment is acquired (LED lights up blue). The Samsung Wireless Qi Charging Station is currently priced starting at $28.90. Don’t forget to check out how the Samsung Wireless Charging Station works in our comparison of the best wireless chargers here.
Anker Ultra Slim wireless charging pad
The Anker Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Pad holds true to its name and is about the same size and thickness of a coffee cup coaster. Proper alignment is required, and a LED light indicates charging status. This charger also comes with a power efficient idle mode to prevent overcharging your device. Charging devices with a case on is possible, but like most other chargers, will see a reduction in performance if the case is thicker than 5 mm. The Anker Ultra-Slim Wireless Charging Pad is available for $19.99. Don’t forget to check out how this wireless charger works in our comparison of the best wireless chargers here.
RAVPower wireless charging pad
The RAVPower Portable Qi Wireless Charger is a wireless charger that is comparatively larger than most, and comes with a soft touch rubber finish, with a power button design on the center to indicate where the charging chip is located. There is an handy LED indicator to show how much of the battery life is left, and another to show when the device is charging. The RAVPower wireless charging pad is currently priced at $24.99. Don’t forget to check out how this wireless charger works in our comparison of the best wireless chargers here.
CHOE Stadium Qi wireless charger
f you need a wireless charger that’s a bit bigger, this one may be for you. The CHOETECH Stadium Qi Wireless Charger is big enough to fit your entire phone, almost eliminating the need for you to move the device around until it’s connected. It works with any Qi-enabled device, and can also be used on any device with a Qi-receiver. The device doesn’t come with a wall charger, so most people have an extra one lying around to use with this. However, it does feature a blue LED light to ensure that your device is charging. The CHOETECH Stadium Qi wireless charger is currently priced at $27.69.
MicroSD cards
SanDisk Ultra 64 GB microSD card
The SanDisk Ultra microSD card features up to 30 Mbps transfer speeds, and it allows for Full HD video recording and playback. The microSD card is temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof, and magnet proof, and there is also the Memory Zone app, that lets you auto-manage media and memory for peak phone performance. The SanDisk Ultra microSD card starts at price point of $10.39 for the 16 GB version, up to $29.95 for 64 GB.
Samsung EVO 64 GB microSD card
The Samsung EVO microSD card features up to 48 Mbps transfer speeds, and also allows for Full HD video recording and playback. The microSD card is temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof, and magnet proof. The Samsung EVO microSD is also the cheapest option on this list, with a price starting at $7.64 for the 16 GB version, up to $19.79 for 64 GB.
Lexar high-performance 64 GB microSD card
The Lexar high-performance microSD card is the premium memory solution for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones. It uickly captures, stores, plays back, and transfers media files, including 1080p full HD, 3D, and 4K video, with a transfer speed up to 95 Mbps. The card also comes with a USB 3.0 memory card reader. While comparatively a bit pricey, with the 16 GB version priced at $17.99, going up to $37.87 for 64 GB, this is ideal for use with devices like GoPro Hero 3 and others.
PNY high-performance 128 GB microSD card
The PNY microSD card features up to 60 Mbps transfer speeds, and also allows for Full HD video recording and playback. The microSD card is temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof, and magnet proof. The Samsung EVO microSD is also the cheapest option on this list, with a price starting at $10.99 for the 16 GB version, up to $49.09 for 128 GB, making it the only 128 GB microSD card under $50.
Google Play gift cards
Google Play Gift Cards are a great gift choice for an Android user. They are available from numerous retailers like Walmart and Target, and also from some online retailers. They come in $10, $25, and $50, and can be redeemed online by entering the code on the back of the gift card. The balance can then be spent on movies, music, apps, games, or any other content in Google Play. There is no additional cost above the value of the gift card and they never expire. Of course, you’ll need to remember that these gift cards cannot be used for magazine or app subscriptions, or for hardware purchases.
You can find the list of retailers that sell Google Play Gift Cards here.
The best prepaid and no contract plans in the US (Updated November 2015)
When we first started this list in 2012, things were starting to get exciting. We were seeing processors with more cores, screens in true HD, and things were starting to get really exciting for Android. It’s now 2015 and the mobile industry has undergone a striking revolution. Carriers are becoming less aggressive, off-contract phones are getting better and cheaper, and things don’t look anything like they did in 2012. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the value of a good no contract plan or a prepaid plan so let’s take a look at the best ones of 2015. Please note, this list is in alphabetical order.
AT&T
Like Verizon, AT&T has spent the better part of the last few years simplifying their offerings. They are now much easier to understand for the average consumer. Also, like Verizon, you can bring your own device to AT&T’s prepaid plans (currently called GoPhone plans) as long as they support AT&T’s network.
Plan Details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data. Users can buy 100MB of data for $5 if needed. Much like Verizon’s lowest tier, AT&T recommends customers use WiFi Hotspots for personal data useage.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1.5GB of data. This plan also includes AT&T’s Rollover Data where any data you don’t use gets added to your next month. For instance, if you end the month with 500MB left on your plan, that 500MB will be added to next month’s allotment.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 4GB of data. This plan also includes Rollover Data, unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico. It also supports data roaming to Canada and Mexico.
- $2/day – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data. You can purchase data at $0.01 per 5KB of data. This is likely for folks who are traveling into the US and need a temporary SIM card.
- $0.10/minute – AT&T also supports the old school “per minute” pay structure. You pay $0.10 per minute, $0.20 per message, and $0.01 per 5KB of data. Frankly, this is a rip-off.
AT&T isn’t too dissimilar from Verizon. The plans are reasonably priced although the data allotments are a little small. Our recommendation is the same as Verizon. If you go with AT&T, stick to WiFi as often as possible. If you want to see more details, you can get to AT&T’s prepaid plans by clicking here.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is an MVNO that uses Sprint’s network. It’s one of the more popular MVNOs out there and most people have probably heard the name somewhere before. They have a decent selections of phones and, like T-Mobile, don’t use contracts at all on their network. You can bring your own Sprint device assuming it’s somewhere on this list.
Plan details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data. This supports Boost Mobile’s Auto Re-Boost feature.
- $35/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of data.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data.
- Data boost – Boost Mobile is offering a promotion where every three months of on-time payments gives you a (permanent) 500MB of additional data. Thus, after 18 months, each plan listed above has the capacity to earn an extra 3GB of data (that’s the max). Obviously, the unlimited plan doesn’t have this.
- Add-ons – Boost Mobile offers a ton of add-ons including data packs, International phone services, phone insurance, and mobile hotspot services.
Boost Mobile provides a lot of bang for your buck. Even more so than Sprint at this point which is kind of funny considering that Boost Mobile uses Sprint’s network. We especially liked the low cost of entry for unlimited data and the ability to earn more through on-time payments. To see more Boost Mobile plan details, click here.
Cricket Wireless
Fun fact: Cricket Wireless used to be called AIO and it’s an MVNO that runs off of AT&T’s network. In fact, Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T similar to how MetroPCS is owned by T-Mobile. You can bring your own device, assuming it’s on their compatibility list.
Plan details:
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2.5GB of data. You get unlimited 2G after the data cap.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of data. You get unlimited 2G after the data cap. This plan also includes unlimited Int’l texting to 38 countries and free data roaming in Canada and Mexico.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 10GB of data. You get unlimited 2G after the data cap. This plan also includes unlimited Int’l texting to 38 countries and free data roaming in Canada and Mexico.
- Auto-pay discount – Cricket Wireless offers a deal where you can get $5 off any plan if you use their auto-pay system effectively cutting the rates to $35, $45, and $55/month, respectively.
Hilariously, Cricket Wireless has better rate plans than AT&T does, despite being owned by AT&T. We would recommend looking into Cricket if you already own your device and are just looking for AT&T service. Click here to see their plans page.
H2O Wireless
H2O Wireless prepaid is next on the list and it is another prepaid service that uses AT&T’s towers. That means you can bring pretty much any GSM smartphone to the service and it should work. They also have a ton of plan options.
Plan details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of data. This plan does not include unlimited data.
- $35/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of data. After the data cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G speeds.
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. After the data cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G speeds.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data. After the data cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G speeds.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 4GB of data. After the data cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G speeds.
- International calling – All plans (except the $60/month one) includes unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes to Mexico. You can add International calling for $10-$20/month.
- Pay-as-you-go – H2O Wireless offers pay as you go options for $0.05 per minute, $0.05 per text, and $0.10 per MB of data.
These are surprisingly reasonable prices, especially compared to what they were offering a couple of years ago. It’s also a good way to get AT&T’s service without worrying about their pricing strategies. If this looks like it’s for you, check out their plans page.
MetroPCS
MetroPCS was purchased by T-Mobile a few years ago and has since seen some changes. Its original CDMA network has been decommissioned and MetroPCS officially operates as an MVNO on T-Mobile’s network. That means most GSM devices and T-Mobile-compatible devices should work as well but you should double check before committing.
Plan details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds after the data cap.
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds after the data cap.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds after the data cap.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data.
It’s worth noting that each plan comes with mobile hotspot so you can use your data on other devices as well. It also includes many of T-Mobile’s perks, including Music Unlimited (their version of T-Mobile’s Music Freedom) and Data Maximizer (their version of Binge On). If you want to learn more, check out their plans page.
Net10 Wireless
Net10 is a subsidiary of TracFone, which is why we won’t be mentioning TracFone. They’re pretty much identical services available in the same places. That means that Net10 is an MVNO that piggybacks off of all four major US carriers. They allow you to bring your own phone as well so you can use virtually any device on this network (as long as it has a SIM card slot) which is actually pretty awesome.
Plan details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of 4G data. After the data cap, you get unlimited 2G data.
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1.5GB of 4G data. After the cap, you get unlimited 2G data.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of 4G data. After the cap, you get unlimited 2G data.
When we last updated this list, Net10 was using some pretty archaic pricing and plan features. It’s really good to see them moving to a more acceptable plan structure. Given their wide compatibility range, this definitely ranks as one of the best MVNOs right now. You can learn more about their plans by clicking here.
Page Plus
Page Plus is an MVNO that is powered by the Verizon network. To date, it is literally the only way to get unlimited data on Verizon’s network which is something pretty special. You can bring your own Verizon device to the network if you so choose or buy one directly from Page Plus.
Plan details:
- $12/month – 250 minutes, 250 texts, 10MB of data.
- $29.95/month – 1500 minutes, unlimited text, 1GB data. This plan does not offer unlimited data.
- $39.95/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1.5GB data. After high speed data, you get unlimited 2G.
- $55/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB data. After the high speed data, you get unlimited 2G.
- $69.95/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 7GB data. After the high speed data, you get unlimited 2G.
- $10 – This pay-as-you-go price includes 100 minutes with each additional minute at $0.10.
- $25 – This pay-as-you-go price includes 416 minutes (?) with each additional minute at $0.06.
- $50 – This pay-as-you-go price includes 1000 minutes with each additional minute at $0.05.
- $80 – This pay-as-you-go price includes 2000 minutes with each additional minute at $0.04.
Simply put, if Verizon offered these services at these prices on their own network, it would probably put everyone else out of business. This is a great deal for Verizon customers looking for more flexibility with data (which is virtually every Verizon customer). Their pay-as-you-go options aren’t great, though, and we recommend avoiding those unless absolutely necessary. To see more, check out their plans here.
Project Fi
Project Fi is Google’s attempt at being a mobile carrier. It uses T-Mobile along with Sprint to provide a pretty decent coverage map. Currently, the service is only compatible with Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6 devices which you’ll have to purchase off-contract on your own. For now.
Plan details:
- $20/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data.
- $10/month – 1GB of data. Additional data is calculated at $1 per 100MB.
- Data buyback – Much like Ting, Project Fi revolves around a “pay for what you use” philosophy. If you use 2GB, then your bill will be $40/month. If you use 1GB, your bill will be $30/month. If you use 1.3GB, your bill will be $33. Project Fi recommends you use WiFi hotspots whenever possible to keep your bill low and, unless we’re mistaken, will actually help you find WiFi hotspots to use when you’re out and about.
Project Fi is a unique and fun little experiment. It’s not easy to get into and the device list isn’t great, but if you can stick to WiFi networks and happen to own a Nexus device, you can get good service for cheap. To learn more, check out Project Fi’s FAQ page.
PTel Mobile
PTel (formerly PlatinumTel) has undergone a lot of identity changes over the last two years. Aside from the name change, PTel also adopted T-Mobile’s network as its main source over AT&T. You can bring your own GSM phone as long as it supports T-Mobile bands.
Plan details:
- $20/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 250MB of data. This plan does not give you unlimited data.
- $25/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data. Data is all 2G, no 4G data is included.
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB data. After data cap, you get unlimited 2G.
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB data. After data cap, you get unlimited 2G.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB data. After data cap, you get unlimited 2G.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 10GB data. After data cap, you get unlimited 2G.
- Real PayGo – This pay-as-you-go service offers $0.05 per minute, $0.02 per text, $0.10 per MB.
These are all surprisingly good deals. The unlimited 2G may not be great for some, but $25/month for unlimited 2G data is a better deal than you would think it is, especially if you spend most of your time around WiFi. Their pay-as-you-go solution is among the more reasonable options as well. To learn more, check out their plans page.
Red Pocket Mobile
Next on our list is Red Pocket Mobile. This MVNO uses three of the country’s top four service providers, including Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T. That means you can bring virtually any device to the service as long as it has a SIM card and supports those networks.
Plan details:
- $29.99/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of data. This plan doesn’t appear to have unlimited data and CDMA devices are limited to 3000 minutes.
- $39.99/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of data. After the data cap, you get unlimited 2G speeds.
- $49.99/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. After the data cap, you get unlimited 2G speeds.
- $59.99/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB of data. After the data cap, you get unlimited 2G speeds.
Red Pocket Mobile isn’t the strongest options in this price range when it comes to features, but it’s not a bad option given its high compatibility with other carriers. If you want to learn more, check out their plans page.
Republic Wireless
Republic Wireless used to be one of the most simple companies on this list. They have only three plans and you can only use three devices on their network that you have to buy from them. The phones are the Moto E, Moto G, and Moto X (2014).
Plan details:
- $10/month – This is the base price for unlimited talk and text. This is included in all plans.
- $15/month – Additional 1GB of data per month.
- $30/month – Additional 2GB of data per month.
- $55/month – Additional 3GB of data per month.
- Data buyback – Republic Wireless will refund any GB of data that you don’t use. So if you get 2GB and only use 1GB, your next bill will be credited with $15.
While they aren’t quite as simple as they used to be, Republic Wireless is still among the most simple and economic solutions on the list. As usual, you’ll want to stick to WiFi whenever possible and you should be able to make use of this service. If you want to learn more, you can check out their plan rates for yourself here.
SIMPLE Mobile
SIMPLE Mobile hasn’t change a whole lot over the last couple of years. They’re still on T-Mobile’s network and you can still bring your own T-Mobile-capable GSM device if you so choose. Their rates also haven’t changed much.
Plan details:
- $25/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data. This plan also includes unlimited International texting.
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 4GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap.
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 8GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap.
- $20, $40, $60/month – These are data-only plans that give you 1.5GB, 4GB, or 6GB respectively.
- $20/week – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap. This also includes unlimited talk and text to supported International countries.
- $35/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data. This also includes unlimited talk and text to supported International countries.
- $40-$45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 4GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap. This also includes unlimited talk and text to supported International countries.
- $55/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 8GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap. This also includes unlimited talk and text to supported International countries.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 10GB of data. You get unlimited 2G data after the data cap. This also includes unlimited talk and text to supported International countries.
There are a lot of plans available, and the International plans are pretty good. Don’t forget to read the fine print so you can see the restrictions and such. If this looks like it’s for you, head to their plans page.
Sprint
At one point, Sprint had only two prepaid plans. One with unlimited data and one without data at all. Since those days, Sprint has been rethinking their plans and now they’re more in line with the competition. One downside is that you have to buy a Sprint pre-paid phone and you cannot bring your own. That’s lame. You can find the selection of prepaid phones by clicking here.
Plan details:
- $35/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. Data is technically unlimited. After you use your 1GB of LTE data, you’ll be dropped down to 2G speeds.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB of data. Again, data is unlimited, just throttled after 3GB.
- $55/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 6GB of data. Yes, still unlimited, but throttled after 6GB.
It is worth noting that Sprint will be doing away with contracts altogether by the end of 2015 (or early 2016). Once that happens, they’ll operate much like T-Mobile where you buy phones and plans separately and you can cancel at anytime. You’ll also be able to bring your own phone assuming it supports Sprint’s service. Until then, prepaid is your best bet. To see more details, you can check out Sprint’s prepaid pricing by clicking here.
Straight Talk Wireless
Straight Talk made headlines a few years ago with their bold, no-contract plans and their “bring your own phone” philosophy. Most carriers now mirror this ideology but you can still bring pretty much any GSM smartphone with you to the service.
Plan details:
- $30/month – 1500 minutes, unlimited text, 100MB of data. All plans, including this one, include unlimited calls to 411 as well.
- $45/month – unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of data. Once your data allotment is up, you’ll have unlimited data at 2G speeds.
- $60/month – unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5GB of data (unlimited 2G speeds). This plan includes unlimited International calling to Mexico, India, Canada, and “select International landline destinations”.
- $130 per 3 months – This is the $45 plan that you pay every three months instead of monthly. This will save you $20 per year over paying month-to-month.
- $255 per 6 months – This is the $45 plan that you can pay every six months (twice a year). You save $30 per year over paying month-to-month.
- $495/year – This is the $45 plan if you paid it once per year. Doing so can save you $45 annually. That’s essentially one free month of service.
Overall, it’s not quite the amazing value that Straight Talk used to be. That said, it’s still a pretty decent contender, especially if you don’t need more than 5GB of data. Liberal use of WiFi while at home and this is a great, cheap plan. To learn more, check out Straight Talk’s plans.
Ting Mobile
Ting is perhaps one of the most interesting prepaid carriers on the list. They’re a dual GSM/CDMA carrier that use’s Sprint’s network and an undisclosed (literally) GSM network. However, you should be able to bring most GSM phones to this service along with Sprint phones, which is great news.
Plan details:
- For plans, Ting uses a “only pay for what you use” philosophy which makes listing out plan rates literally impossible. You can find their rates here.
- We also recommend you use their savings calculator. It allows you to get a good idea of what you’d pay based on your usage.
- $6/month – no talk, no text, no data. This is the lowest possible plan that is literally just a device connected to their service.
- $81/month – 2100 minutes, 4800 texts, 2GB of data. This is the max price for a plan as listed by the Ting website. If you go above those numbers, you’ll be subject to overages at $0.02 per minute, $0.0025 (1/4 of a cent) per text, and $0.015 (1.5 cents) per MB.
It’s a fun idea, especially for those who like to micromanage their use. If you stick to WiFi as often as possible and mitigate text and calling to services like Hangouts, Skype, etc, you can get away with getting decent phone service for a very low cost. If you’re not interested in managing your own services all the time, we recommend you probably look elsewhere. To learn more, check out their website.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has done away with contracts entirely. That means that, technically, every plan on their service is no-contract. Believe it or not, they still have a prepaid service as well. There are a ton of options and most plans get all of the perks, including T-Mobile’s JUMP program, Music Freedom, Binge On, and whatever else they happen to cook up. You can bring your own phone assuming it can use T-Mobile’s service. The only downside is the plan structures have gotten a lot more complicated.
Plan details:
- $50/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data. Technically, it’s unlimited data but you’ll be throttled to 2G speeds after 2GB.
- $65/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 6GB of data. Again, unlimited data but throttled after 6GB.
- $80/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 10GB of data. Throttled to 2G speeds after 10GB.
- $95/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data. Data is “de-prioritized” after 23GB of usage.
- $50-$335/month – Family plans come in a ridiculous number of combinations. Far too many to list here. You can get as low as one line for $50 to as high as five lines with unlimited everything for $335/month. Click here to see T-Mobile’s family plan tool to see all the combinations.
- $3/month – Any combination of 30 minutes and 30 texts.
- $5/day – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 500MB of data per day.
- $10/week – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data per week.
- $10/month add-on – You can get unlimited calls to and from Mexico and Canada for $10/month.
- $15/month add-on – Unlimited calls to and from Mexico, Canada, and 30+ countries.
- $5/month add-on – This is T-Mobile’s “Score!” promotion that gives you better pricing on new devices. It doesn’t apply to all new devices and really, we don’t recommend it. Especially if you have JUMP.
Hilariously, T-Mobile went from being one of the most simple carriers in the industry to being one of the most complex. Either way, there are some good deals here. Do note that to get all the extra perks, you’ll need at least the $65/month plan or better. To see T-Mobile’s plans, click here.
US Cellular
US Cellular is a lesser-known carrier that operates its own wireless network independent of the major four carriers in the US. It’s a CDMA carrier with LTE coverage. You can bring your own device, but the compatibility list is not very large.
Plan details:
- $40/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data. This is for basic phones, not for smartphones.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds once you hit the data cap.
- $55/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds once you hit the data cap.
- $65/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 4GB of data. You get unlimited 2G speeds once you hit the data cap.
US Cellular keeps their prepaid plans simple which we like. The only issue is that this service isn’t available everywhere so you’ll have to check and make sure you can even get the service before signing up. If you want to learn more, check out their plans page.
Verizon Wireless
Next on our list is Verizon Wireless. Over the last few years, they’ve been slower to adapt than their smaller counterparts but don’t let that chase you away. They still have a rock solid network and good LTE speeds. Since our last update, Verizon has further simplified their prepaid and no contract plans. You can bring your own device as long as it supports Verizon’s network.
Plan Details:
- $30/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, no data. Users are encouraged to use WiFi for their personal data needs.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of LTE data.
- $60/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB of data.
- $5, $10, $20 data add-ons – You can get an extra 500MB, 1GB, or 3GB of data for $5, $10, or $20 respectively. These are not part of monthly plans and the data expires after 30-90 days.
In classic Verizon fashion, you get rock solid service but you don’t get to use a lot of service. These plans are great for those who need calls and texting but not so great for those who consume a lot of data. If you go for Verizon, we recommend using WiFi whenever possible to avoid overage charges and saving your data allotment for when you’re not at home, work, or anywhere else with a WiFi Hotspot. For more details, you can visit Verizon’s prepaid plans page by clicking here.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is a CDMA prepaid service that runs on the Sprint network. It promotes itself to the younger crowd and indeed, a lot of young people use this service. They keep the plans simple with the only caveat being that you cannot bring your own, non-Virgin Mobile device to the service with you.
Plan details:
- $25/month – 500 minutes, unlimited text, no data. This plan recommends that you use WiFi all the time for your device as it comes with absolutely no data.
- $35/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 1GB of data. After the cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G data.
- $45/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 3GB of data. After the cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G data.
- $55/month – Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 8GB of data. After the cap, you’ll have unlimited 2G data.
- $5-$10/month – You can get data add-ons for 1GB and 2GB ($5 and $10, respectively). This gets added to your existing plan.
While it’s true you can find better value in other places, we love that Virgin Mobile keeps it simple. Their phone selection isn’t too great, though, and we yearn for the day that we can bring our own Sprint devices to the network. If you want to learn, head to their plans page.
Which prepaid and no contract plans are the best?
Unforunately, there is no way to determine that for sure because everyone’s use case is different. Some people need a lot of data while others don’t. In order to get the best value, you’ll have to know your usage habits and what you’re willing to change to fit into one of these plans (if anything). That said, we can list a few guidelines for you.
- Best for data – Boost Mobile, MetroPCS, and T-Mobile are the only three carriers that offer unlimited, high-speed data.
- Second best for data – Cricket Wireless, Net10 Wireless, Page Plus, PTel, SIMPLE Mobile, Sprint, Straight Talk, and Virgin Mobile offer larger than average data caps and they all offer unlimited 2G after you hit the cap.
- Best for talk and text – Most plans offer unlimited but if you’re a real talker or texter, you may want to avoid the cheapest deal on Page Plus, Straight Talk’s cheapest plan, Ting, and Virgin Mobile’s cheapest plan.
- Best perks – Most plans keep it pretty simple but some other things to the plans that add value. AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, and T-Mobile all have extra features on their plan that can add value to your experience.
- Best bang for your buck – Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, Net10 Wireless, Page Plus, Project Fi, PTel, Republic Wireless, SIMPLE Mobile, Sprint, Straight Talk, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile.
Wrap up
We would love to hear about your experiences with these carriers and, of course, recommend any great prepaid and no contract plans that we might have missed! If you’re looking for some epic smartphones to use on your new service of choice, check out our review section, our list of the best cheap Android smartphones, and our list of the best Android smartphones!
Latest Google Fit update brings real-time running stats, strength training info and more
Google has just announced a new update to the Google Fit app for Android that brings a few handy new tracking features to the fitness application. The biggest addition that comes along with this update is the ability to get real-time statistics for your runs, walks and rides on your smartphone. The Google Fit app will now be able to record your speed, pace, route, elevation and more, so you’ll be able to stay motivated and on track much more easily.
This next feature is for Android Wear owners out there. With this new update, your watch will be able to automatically detect and count each push-up, sit-up and squat. They’ll be added to your daily activity, so you can get credit for each one. Last but not least, Google Fit will now show you information from your favorite nutrition and sleep apps. After you update to the latest version, you’ll be able to monitor your diet with MyFitnessPal, Fatsecret, Lifesum or LoseIt. You can also track your sleeping habits with Sleep as Android, Xiaomi Mi Band and Mi Band 1S, Sony Smartband 2 or the Basis Peak. Pretty great, right?
The big update will be rolling out over the next couple days, so head to the Play Store link below to see if the latest version of Google Fit is ready for download.
Facebook’s making it easier to ignore your ex after a breakup
Social networking can be a little …awkward after a break up — forcing you to revisit potentially painful memories each time your ex posts a meme, status update or, worst of all, photo with their new fling. Facebook understands, and it’s testing out new tools to help you see less of your former partner without the social faux pas of actually blocking them.
Source: Facebook
Groupon’s new CEO insists the company is ‘misunderstood’
Last week Groupon’s shares hit an all-time low, only days after appointing Rich Williams as its new CEO in place of co-founder Eric Lefkofsky. What’s more, Groupon recently ceased operations in Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and a handful of other countries, adding to notable layoffs the company announced back in September. All of this is to say that Groupon, which offers coupons and deals to online customers, is at a crucial point in its short history — how much longer can it go on like this? To answer that, newly appointed chief Rich Williams today wrote about Groupon’s chances to win the daily local deals game, one that tech giants like Amazon have failed at, among other things.
Source: Groupon
Amazon offers a free screenwriting tool to discover new stories
Amazon’s original series have been on quite the run as of late, and the online retailer wants to help both aspiring and established screenwriters get their work discovered. To do just that, the company has Amazon Screenwriter: a free cloud-based app for creating screenplays for movies and television. The software provides an alternative for requisite apps that can be somewhat pricey. Of course, Amazon isn’t the first to offer a free option, with the likes of Trelby and Celtx already doing so. The Screenwriter app automatically formats as you type and supports import/export of PDF, FDX and Fountain file formats. While writers are online, work is saved in the cloud as they go and a Chrome app for Mac and PC allows for offline productivity.
Source: Amazon
Google to move all of its cloud services under one umbrella
Google’s shuffling its alphabet again. The company announced on Thursday that it will condense all of its cloud-based internet services — including Google for Work, Cloud Platform, and Google Apps — under a single company that has yet to be named. “This new business will bring together product, engineering, marketing and sales and allow us to operate in a much more integrated, coordinated fashion,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in a statement. Former CEO and founder of VMWare Diane Greene is expected to head up the new company.
Via: Android Central
Source: Google for Work Blog
Playdate: Answering the ‘Call of Duty’ in ‘Black Ops III”
Another year, another Call of Duty campaign. It’s almost comforting — an annual tradition of unlocking weapons, leveling up and ultimately realizing that we’re a lot worse at this game than we remember. Join us on the Engadget Gaming homepage, here in this post or Twitch.tv/Joystiq starting at 6PM Eastern / 3PM Pacific for two hours of Call of Duty: Black Ops III. We’ll be checking out the campaign and spending some time in team deathmatch to see just how bad Sean is at online shooters.
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