Sky TV streaming comes to Xbox One a year after PS4
If you’re a Sky TV subscriber with an Xbox One console, Christmas has come early. At last, the broadcaster has released a “TV from Sky” app for Microsoft’s new console, giving users the ability to stream live TV and catch-up content. It’s been an agonising wait, especially as PS4 owners were gifted the same service more than 12 months ago. To get started you’ll need a Sky Go Extra account, which is £5 per month for regular Sky TV customers, or free if you’re signed up for Sky Multiscreen. It’ll count as one of your four registered devices though — notable if you have multiple TVs in the house and a variety of streaming boxes underneath them.
The service combines live programming and what Sky calls “Sky Box Sets” — complete, on-demand seasons for shows like Scandal, The Last Panthers and Fungus the Bogeyman. If you have a Sky Sports or Sky Movies subscription, you can also gain access to their respective channels and catchup content through the new app. Why it’s taken so long to appear on the Xbox One is a mystery, but never mind — it’s here now, and just in time for the holidays. Whether it’s Boxing Day football or family-friendly movies, there’s now another way to watch Sky content on your TV.
[Image Credit: Yuriko Nakao/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Source: Sky
Nova Launcher Prime is discounted worldwide until December 15, just $0.99 in the US and 10p in the UK
One of the easiest ways to customize your Android device is to install a custom launcher, there are many to choose from, but one of the most popular options is Nova Launcher. While the basic version is free, you can add even more features such as Gestures, Unread Counts, and Custom Drawer Groups by purchasing Nova Launcher Prime, which is currently heavily discounted on the Play Store, almost anywhere in the world.
In the States, the paid Prime version usually sells for around $5, and around £3 in the UK, but until December 15th it is available to purchase for just $0.99/£0.10 respectively. In France, Germany, Italy, and Spain it can be had for just €0.10, 10RUB in Russia, and 0.20AUD in Australia. The Indian Play Store has it available for Rs 10. Elsewhere in the world, the price has been set as low as possible, according to local Google Play Store guidelines.
If you haven’t already purchased Nova Launcher Prime, these discounted prices will only last until December 15.
Source: Cliff Wade (Google Plus)
Come comment on this article: Nova Launcher Prime is discounted worldwide until December 15, just $0.99 in the US and 10p in the UK
Samsung files new trademark for ‘Duo Pixel’
Samsung holds hundreds if not thousands of patents and trademarks. Earlier today, Samsung filed for a new trademark called ‘Duo Pixel.’
‘Duo Pixel’ looks to be the first of its series, although maybe just a standalone device. There’s also a chance this has something to do with a technology for an application. Up until this point we haven’t heard anything relevant to the name ‘Duo Pixel.’ Our only guess would be a smartphone with a dual camera lens. A little while back, we heard that Samsung was investigating and testing devices with not one but two rear-facing cameras. This could make for better picture quality, enhanced video recording and in-depth 3D images. However, ‘Duo Pixel’ could be something totally different due to the few details that were provided to us. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the unknown technology sooner rather than later.
Come comment on this article: Samsung files new trademark for ‘Duo Pixel’
Fossil Q Founder now available from the Google Play Store, cheaper version coming
The Fossil Q Founder smartwatch has been available from the watch maker’s website for about a couple weeks now, but some of us just want to deal with the Google Store, right? The luxurious wearable has just arrived at Google’s shelves, but that is not the only good news; get this… it’s actually cheaper! Well, at least there is a cheaper version listed.
See also: Fossil shows off its upcoming Android Wear watch, coming this holiday season
The metal iteration of the Fossil Q Founder is still $295, but Google also lists a version with a leather band, which would cost $275. The more affordable variant is not available just yet, though. It is listed as “coming soon”.
By the way, this little guy comes with all the specs you would expect from a good Android Wear watch. Fossil’s smartwatch packs 4 GB of internal storage, a 400 mAh battery, IP67 certification and a design that is to die for. I mean, there’s a reason we listed it in our best gifts under $500 shopping guide.
See also: Best Android Wear watches
Not to mention that this watch comes from a manufacturer with ample experience in making wrist watches. This must be another level of craftsmanship, and though I haven’t actually held one of these, they sure look gorgeous. Are any of you thinking about buying a Fossil Q Founder?
PlayStation launches a… messaging app?
It turns out the PlayStation team believes there’s not enough messaging services out there, so they have decided to release their very own dedicated IM application. They call it PlayStation Messages and it has just launched on the Google Play Store (it’s also available for iOS).
But this application is not your typical messaging hub. It is meant to keep you connected with your PSN (PlayStation Network) friends, a feature that was already available in the official PlayStation app. According to the team, this is the most used service within the PlayStation application, so they have decided to make it a standalone service and give you quick access to your messages.
See also: 10 best texting apps for Android
PlayStation Messages is very simple, really. The UI is divided in 3 sections: Messages, Favorites and Friends. Contacts can be listed by online status or alphabetical order. Aside from simple text messages, users can also deliver voice clips, stickers and attachments.
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There’s not much else to it, but that is the good part about it. This is not supposed to be complex or replace your Facebook Messenger, Skype, Google Hangouts or whatever it is you use. This application is for PlayStation gamers who might want to discuss their next button-smashing session. And for that, it should work very well. Not to mention, you don’t always have your PlayStation contacts added in all your other services.
See also: 10 best new Android apps of November 2015
But what do you guys think? Is there room in your phone for the PlayStation Messages app, or do you think there is no need for a dedicated app? Hit the comments and let us know!
Galaxy Note 4 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow video posted on YouTube
Amid the growing cries of Samsung “forgetting” and “pretending it doesn’t exist”, the Galaxy Note 4 managed to do the seemingly impossible when it was updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, at least for some users in Hungary. In truth the word is still out as to just how it happened, though it is believed to have been a mistake, similar to how some T-Mobile users found themselves in a similar situation with the Galaxy Note 5 last month. Nonetheless, one of the lucky users (ardaiaron) running Marshmallow has decided to post some footage on YouTube:
The video, which is about seven and a half minutes, highlights a few key points about Marshmallow on the Note 4, though many of them are problems rather than positives:
- There is a considerable amount of lag present. At times the entire screen will just remain blank as background processes load. Additionally the multitasking app “Rolodex” also has lag. This kind of issue is likely a result of the pre-release software running on the device. OEMs usually spend several weeks or months testing and fine-tuning firmware updates so that they are properly optimized for the hardware running it. Granted this doesn’t always translate into the best results, but it would be quite surprising for Samsung to deploy the update featured in this video as “RTM” status.
- Some of the Samsung-specific icons (S Health for example) are incorrectly sized and therefore appear significantly smaller than the rest.
- Air Command and related functionality from the Galaxy Note 5 has been ported. This includes the ability to write with the screen off, as the video demonstrates.
- There are some ongoing error messages (specifically “Samsung Cloud has stopped”) that randomly appear while in use. While the man recording the video was unsure just what this meant, we suspect it has to do with a synchronization error or problem related to being logged into a Samsung Account (possibly with Device Backup activated) and software compatibility issues.
- Battery life is said to be the same as prior to the update. Also related, “Standard” power saving mode is now missing, with only Ultra power saving mode present. This may be a result of internal power optimization due to Android Doze or it could be missing from the build present on this device.
As we reported yesterday, this update is seemingly only available for the Galaxy Note 4: SM-N910F variant and may be part of a soak test or, as suggested in the introduction, possibly even a mistake. It should be noted that the visual changes seemingly being introduced to the Galaxy S6 Marshmallow build are nowhere to be found here.
In addition to the changes detailed in the video, Marshmallow also brings with it some core OS related improvements, including the new Doze mode to save on idle battery power consumption and Google Now On Tap, designed to search for results based on whatever content and text is displayed on-screen. The update is also said to offer some performance improvements, though with this particular build that does not seem to be the case.
We want to hear from you! Have you managed to score the update or flash it? Would you considering using it based on the performance as seen in this video? Have your feelings about the Galaxy Note 4 changed now that it is clear Samsung is working on merging it with Marshmallow? Leave us your thoughts and comments below!
Nova Launcher Prime only $0.99 in the USA (even less in other markets)
Are you tired of your manufacturer UI? Some of us even get fed up with stock Android. I know, hard to believe, but it does happen sometimes. Finding the right launcher just got much easier. We know many of you are big fans of Nova Launcher, but even those on the fence will be lured into signing up for it after they hear about the developer’s holiday promotion.
See also: Nova Launcher gets a Material Design refresh and much more in version 4.0 update
You can now grab Nova Launcher Prime for $0.99, as opposed to the usually costs $5. And while most times people outside the States are left out of these promotions, this time they might be getting a better deal. TeslaCoil Software is offering Nova Launcher Prime at the lowest possible price markets support (here’s a list). This means it will actually cost less than a buck for many of you!
Nova Launcher is definitely a favorite among Android customization apps. No best launchers list is complete without Nova, and that doesn’t exclude ours.
See also: 15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
But why even sign up for Prime? Nova Launcher’s free version is great, but you can really unlock its true potential by paying a bit more. The premium version adds gestures, unread counts, custom drawer groups, the ability to hide apps, more scroll effects and more.
This is a steal if you are into changing your UI look and really want a complete experience, so go sign up as soon as you can!
Chrome for Android receives optimized Safe Browsing features
Google’s Chrome for Android has been receiving a few updates in the closing quarter of the year and the browser is now boasting tougher security features as well. Coming (almost) straight from the company’s desktop software, Chrome Safe Browsing is now built into version 46 of Chrome for Android.
The updated security features are designed to offer additional protection against malware, unwanted software and social engineering websites. If you accidentally stumble onto a suspicious page, Chrome will now offer up a big red warning page and to let you have another think about the site. The feature has also been specifically designed so that it won’t eat up or slow down your data connection, nor will it have a major impact on your phone’s battery life. Interestingly, Google says that the new Safe Browsing client on Android is part of Google Play Services 8.1 and that the company’s browser is just the first app to make use of it.
“Network bandwidth and battery are the scarcest resources on a mobile device, so we had to carefully rethink how to best protect mobile users. Some social engineering attacks only happen in certain parts of the world, so we only send information that protects devices in the geographic regions they’re in.”
Safe Browsing is now enabled as the default setting, so you can rest easy knowing that your browser now has some extra protection. To double check that it’s enabled, take a look in Settings -> Privacy. If you’re not using Chrome as your default browser, you can download it for free from Google Play at the button below.
Android 6.0.1 adds power button camera shortcut and next alarm DND mode
Android 6.0.1 has only just hit a range of Nexus devices in the past 24 hours, so users are still discovering a few new hidden extras packed into the update. While the chief feature of the update was touted as new emoji support, the update has also brought a double-tap power camera shortcut to the Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013) and 9, along with tweaks to the Do Not Disturb mode.
This double tap power button camera shortcut originally appeared with the new Nexus 5X and 6P models, but now a wider number of Nexus owners can quickly launch their camera when the screen is off, which is bound to come in useful when you really quickly need to capture a picture.
See also: Android 6.0.1 arriving on Nexus devices today, includes new emoji
Another not so new feature in Android 6.0.1 is the reintroduction of “until next alarm” feature to the OS’ Do Not Disturb notification mode. Rather than manually having to mute and unmute system sounds, this mode can be used to automatically unmute notifications once your alarm goes off in the morning. Another pretty useful addition.
If you haven’t updated your Nexus yet, click the big orange button below to go and grab the factory images. We also have a handy user guide for installing Marshmallow here too.
Samsung Pay for the Gear S2 delayed until 2016 in America
This year, a big push has been made in Android land to promote Pay services. Though arguably brought to the mainstream’s attention with last year’s iPhone 6 and Apple Pay, Google’s mobile OS has actually supported and included NFC technology since the Samsung Nexus S landed 5 years ago. Japan for that matter, has been using an NFC-based mobile payment system since the feature phone days of ten years ago.
Now that the technology is finally catching on in earnest in America however, Samsung’s system – called Samsung Pay – has prime potential to push the payment platform. The new Gear S2 smartwatch was cited as a way to pay when it launched this past autumn, however it seems that – at least for American users – the dream of a wrist-worn-wallet will have to wait:
@_TheTRn We're sorry for the wait, Michael. #SamsungPay is now coming to the #GearS2 in 2016. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks!
— Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) November 29, 2015
The above Tweet is now over a week old, but was picked up by SamMobile earlier today. As can be seen, Samsung Mobile US has responded to customer’s query by indicating the payment service has been delayed until 2016.
It is unclear just what has caused the setback, especially given that Samsung Pay is not only “turned on” for several 2015 flagships, but has already wracked up a million users. The likely culprit is a software glitch or bug, something that becomes a larger possibility given the variety of carriers who are offering the Gear S2 3G variant which may have modified software builds to support relevant network infrastructure or pre-loaded carrier software.
At this point in time, those who own the Gear S2 and live in the United States must endure a bit longer until they have the chance to pay with their wristwatch. Alas like it’s said, mo money, mo problems.
AIVAnet 