Canadian cable company Shaw just bought a phone network
Shaw Communications has announced that it’s going to pay $1.6 billion CAD for Canuck carrier Wind Mobile. As MobileSyrup reports, there were rumors of a Verizon purchase back in 2013, but the US carrier ended up courting some internet company or something. Shaw will pick up Wind’s mobile spectrum that covers Ontario British Columbia and Alberta. CEO Brad Shaw says the company plans to offer converged network solutions, which is the unsexy way of saying Canadians will be able to bundle their wireless needs in with their cable and internet — if they like what Shaw’s offering. The deal still needs to pick up approval from Canada’s Competition Bureau, but Shaw expects the deal to go through by late 2016.
Via: Mobilesyrup
Source: Shaw
Full featured octa-core Lollipop smartphones for $300 or less
Do you like premium smartphones? Most of us enthusiasts expect nothing less than HD displays, octa-core 64-bit displays, 4GB RAM and a minimum of 32GB of memory. The phone has to be built from high-quality materials too. You really don’t have to spend a ton of money these days for incredibly powerful and well-built phones. We selected a list of incredible deals of flagship like devices for mid-range prices of $300 or less.
The deals seem too good to be true, but you need to check them out at everybuying.net. I have been personally using a couple of these phones and will be providing full reviews in the coming months. They truly are amazing, and even when I show off the speed of these devices to the other writers, they are simply amazed at what performance you can get for your dollar.
Check out the phones below. They come with free shipping and are tax free.
Elephone Vowney 5.5 inch Android 5.1 4G Phablet – LINK
The Elephone Vowney is downright impressive. For $299.99 you get an octa-core Helio processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of memory, 21MP camera, 4000mAh battery, 2k display, and an all metal build. What else could you want? It also comes with Android 5.1.
Elephone Vowney Android 5.1 4G Phablet MTK6795 Octa Core 1.9GHz 2K Screen 4GB RAM 32GB ROM 8.0MP + 21.0MP Camera
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 2K LCD Screen, 2560 x 1440 pixel
CPU: Helio X10 Octa Core 1.9GHz
GPU: PowerVR G6200
System: Android 5.1
RAM + ROM: 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM, Micro SD Card up to 128GB
Camera: Back camera 21.0MP with flashlight and auto focus + front camera 8.0MP
Bluetooth: 4.0
Features: NFC, OTG
GPS: Yes
SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby, one is Micro SIM, the other is Nano Card
Network:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 800/1800/2100/2600MHz
Letv 1s – LINK
The Letv 1s doesn’t have a 2k display, but it has everything else including a price tag of less the $210. The features are incredible – it has a 5.5″ 1080p display, 2.2GHz octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB memory and a 13MP camera while running Android 5.0. The 1s also has an all metal build with a super quick fingerprint reader as well.
Letv 1s 5.5 inch 4G Phablet Android 5.0 MTK6795 64bit Octa Core 2.2GHz 3GB RAM 32GB ROM 5.0MP + 13.0MP Cameras
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: MTK6795 64bit Octa Core 2.2GHz
GPU: PowerVR G6200
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 5.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Sensor: Gravity Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor and Fingerprint Sensor
Bluetooth: 4.0
Features: GPS, A-GPS, Glonass, Beidou
SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby, one Nano SIM Card, one Micro SIM Card
Network:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 1800/2100/2600MHz
Meizu MX5 – LINK
Another Android Lollipop, all metal powerhouse is the incredibly priced Meizu MX5. With a 5.5″ 1080p display, Helio X10 octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 21MP camera, and an AMOLED display, the Meizu MX5 is a steal at $288.50. I’m a huge fan of AMOLED displays for their rich color and unbeatable contrast ratios.
Meizu MX5 Android 5.0 Lollipop 4G Phablet 5.5 inch FHD Corning Gorilla Glass Screen MTK Helio X10 Turbo 64bit 2.2GHz Octa Core 3GB RAM + 16GB ROM 20.7MP Rear Camera
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 (FHD) screen 401 PPi
CPU: Helio X10 Turbo ARM cortex-A53 2.2 GHz x 8
GPU: PowerVR G6200
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 16GB ROM
Camera: 5.0MP f/2.0 super aperture, Beautify, front camera + 20.7MP f/2.2 super aperture, professional photography and video, clear and vivid.
Bluetooth: 4.1
GPS: GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS
Sensors: Hall Effect sensor, Gravity sensor, IR proximity sensor, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Touch sensor, Digital compass
SIM Card: Dual SIM, Dual standy, Dual Nano SIM
Network:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 1800/2100MHz
XIAOMI Mi4C – LINK
Xiaomi has a rock star in the Mi4C. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon hex-core 808, USB type-C, 3GB RAM and 32GB of memory. It comes with a 1080p 5.0″ display for easier handling and an affordable price tag of less than $260. It really is a phone worth checking out.
XIAOMI Mi4C 5.0 inch Android 5.1 4G Smartphone Snapdragon 808 64bit Hexa Core 1.44GHz 3GB RAM 32GB ROM 13.0MP + 5.0MP Dual Cameras
Display: 5.0 inch, 1920×1080 Pixel
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 64bit Hexa Core 1.44GHz
GPU: Adreno 418
System: Android 5.1
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: 5.0MP with 85 degree wide-angle, f/2.0 aperture front camera + 13.0MP 5 element lens, f/2.0 aperture back camera
Sensor: Light sensor, G-sensor, Proximity sensor, Hall Sensor
Feature: Gyroscope, Electronic Compass
Bluetooth: 4.1
GPS: Yes
SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby, Dual Micro SIM
Network:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 1800/2100/2600MHz
Check out everybuying.net – they carry a wide range of tech from budget to premium smartphones, and also carry consumer gadgets like quad-copters and portable battery packs. All products come with free shipping and a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
The post Full featured octa-core Lollipop smartphones for $300 or less appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Huawei bringing the Mate 8, Honor 5X and “new smartwatch” to the USA
Huawei’s struggle to enter the USA market has been constant. It was only some years ago that most people had no idea how to even pronounce the brand name, but you can bet much more of you will be familiarized with Huawei soon.
The Chinese manufacturer has had a hard time entering the USA due to security concerns. Most of us associated the brand with cheap low-end phones you get from prepaid carriers, right? But they actually make some great phones for the Chinese market, something many of us could benefit from at some point.
See also: Huawei – Past, Present, and Future
Things are changing and now Google’s flagship device, the Nexus 6P, is made by Huawei. And the company is certainly not stopping there. They plan to further push their devices into the USA. According to The Wall Street Journal, CES 2016 will be used as a runaway for their triumphant takeoff.
“People familiar with the matter” are stating the manufacturer is getting ready to introduce one of its high-end devices, something that is definitely a special occurrence. Huawei is not known for releasing high-end phones in America (other than the recent Nexus 6P), so this should be a strong push for the Chinese phone maker.
More Huawei content:
This flagship device would be the Huawei Mate 8, which we have actually played around with. These sources also state the company will be showcasing the Honor 5X and a “new smartwatch”. All of these will be heading to the USA next year.
As for the prices, we really have no idea about them the Huawei Mate 8 is definitely not cheap. Even in China they are worth the equivalent of up to $700. Keep in mind this is a powerful handset, packed with a 6-inch 1080p display, four Cortex-A72 and four Cortex A53 CPU cores, as well as up to 4 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB of internal storage, a 16 MP rear camera, an 8 MP front shooter and a 4000 mAh battery.
The Honor 5X is a bit lower end, but is also worth the equivalent of $300 in China. It will probably be a good mid-end option. We are clueless about the new smartwatch though. We suppose we will have to wait for those details.
We need to stop underestimating Huawei in the USA. We know a lot of people don’t think much of it, but this just so happens to be the 3rd biggest smartphone vendor around, beaten only by Apple and Samsung. Do we have your attention yet? Let’s stay tuned for more to come during CES, when Huawei is said to be showing off these products.
Word-puzzler ‘Scribblenauts Unlimited’ returns to mobile
Scribblenauts started as a handheld game, and now the adorable interactive dictionary puzzler is making its way to Android and iOS after an extended break from mobile. 2012’s Scribblenauts Unlimited (which appeared on 3DS, PC and Wii U) is available right now on Google Play and as a universal app on iTunes for the cool price of $4.99. A version’s heading toward the Amazon Appstore on Android as well.
This is pretty cool news, actually. The Wii U version of the game played out entirely on the GamePad’s screen, mirroring the visuals to the TV while you brought a seemingly limitless amount of creatures and objects to life by simply typing the words out; mobile is the perfect venue for this series.
So when you need to help protagonist Maxwell’s brother teach a pig to fly so it can win a competition, writing out “giant wings” and dragging them onto the swine will secure a first place trophy just like that. It’s more or less how each puzzle in the game plays out. Of course, since this version of the game isn’t on a Nintendo platform, you can’t summon the likes of Mario, Samus or Link to do your bidding like you could on the Wii U and 3DS — but a giant Cthulu? That’s doable.
Similar to Scrabble, vulgarities and proper nouns are verboten, but sadly in-app purchases are not. Avatar packs to swap your player character are $0.99 each along with “playgrounds” containing three new levels apiece.
Source: Google Play, iTunes
Pandora has to pay higher royalties starting in 2016
Pandora and similar services like iHeartRadio and SiriusXM will have to give a bigger part of their earnings to music labels starting January 1st next year. The Copyright Royalty Board has ruled that online radio stations have to pay labels 17 cents per 100 song plays by non-subscribers and 22 cents per 100 plays by subscribers. Pandora’s rate used to begin at 14 cents per 100 plays, and even then it was never profitable — in fact, it had to pay over $400 million in royalties in 2014, which was already 44 percent of its revenue.
Pandora’s chief executive Brian McAndrews seems to be OK with the price increase, though. In a statement, he said: “This is a balanced rate that we can work with and grow from. This decision provides much-needed certainty for both Pandora and the music industry.” The ones who sound unhappy with the decision are the music labels, which wanted a much, much higher royalty hike.
Record label representative SoundExchange was pushing for a heftier 25 cents per 100 song plays, causing Pandora investors to panic. The company’s stocks plummeted before the Royalty Board’s decision came out, and then it rose by 22 percent during after-hours trading. SoundExchange’s spokesperson told The New York Times: “It’s only fair that artists and record labels receive a market price when their music is used. We believe the rates set by the C.R.B. do not reflect a market price for music and will erode the value of music in our economy.” The group says it will review the decision and consider its options, which means it’ll likely continue to demand a higher royalty rate. Hopefully, that doesn’t translate to more expensive monthly fees for Pandora One in the future.
[Image credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Pandora Media]
Source: The LA Times, TechCrunch, Copyright Royalty Board, The Washington Post
POP! CARDBOARD 2.5 review: a superb Google Cardboard variant
Virtual reality (VR) has taken the mobile market by storm as soon as Google introduced a ingenious way to achieve it – by simply strapping a phone to our faces. While that sounds like an odd thing to say, it works! A viewer with lenses and a phone mount doesn’t need to be an expensive accessory, and it was with this realization that Google Cardboard was born.
Since then, accessory manufacturers also wanted a piece of the action. One finely-made Google Cardboard variant is by a German company called Mr. Cardboard. It’s latest revision of the product is called POP! CARDBOARD 2.5.
Let’s check out Mr. Cardboard’s take on Google’s viewer and if this is the Cardboard design you should be using to get away from it all.
Setup and Design
I loved how easy it was to get the POP! Cardboard up and running. I have to say that when I received the review unit (unopened it just looks like a thick envelope), I didn’t look forward to assembling it. I don’t like having to set something up to use it. But that’s how Google’s Cardboard project works.
To my satisfaction, the product guides you perfectly through each step (and there aren’t even a lot of steps). When you open the envelope, you see instructions on the back panel and the flattened product on the other.
All it take is two unfolds and you begin to see what the Cardboard looks like.
There’s a clearly marked perforated line on where to detach the device from the packaging. Once you do, it’s pretty self-explanatory on what do from here. Simply expand the flattened box and the viewer takes shape.
The panel that holds the lenses just folds down into place. There are two inserts on the panel that go into corresponding slits on the box, so that it doesn’t come apart unwillingly.
On the other end, you see where the phone is to be placed. There’s a flap that encloses the phone, secured by Velcro.
I would’ve liked for the orientation of the Velcro patch to go vertically instead of horizontally. It’s easy to overshoot it when closing the lid. Rather, you need to visually make sure that the two patches line up. No biggie.
Usability
My current phone is the LG V10. It’s not a small phone by any means, so I was interested on how well it would fit onto the POP! Interestingly, the length of the phone extends past the dimensions of the Cardboard.
At first impression, one suspect a failure. But Mr. Cardboard actually states that the POP! Cardboard 2.5 supports very large phones like the Nexus 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. So what gives?
Turns out that it doesn’t really matter. The viewer functionality still works. Actually, the phone’s extension gives you more to grip onto.
However, do notice that the back cutout (meant to allow the phone’s camera to be utilized for augmented reality) slightly cuts into my phone’s camera. This is a tough one, because you have to try to guess a cutout that would work for all phones. Fortunately, all it takes is a little shift to unblock the camera. The phone’s mounting is undisturbed by movement of the phone.
The POP! Cardboard 2.5 doesn’t have a strap, so it can only be used with support by your hands. I suspect this is due to the device’s support for large phones. The weight of phablets can compromise the experience. Also, there’s a risk with the phone falling out, since it doesn’t get fully encapsulated. Using your hands makes sure your device stays safe.
As soon as you’re ready to go, simply download a VR-supported app. Google has a list of apps and games here. There’s a Cardboard-specific QR code you scan on the side of the box for checking “Works with Google Cardboard” compatibility.
Where you place your face on the viewer has mindful foam padding. It’s very comfy and the experience is as it should be. There’s no issue whatsoever viewing the screen through the lenses. The functionality works as it should. On the bottom, there’s a small cutout to allow you to interact with the phone without removing it.
Final Thoughts
It was a joy to test out Mr. Cardboard’s solution for Google Cardboard. The POP! Cardboard 2.5 is extremely easy to get up and running. I loved how simple and refined the product is.
It’s a bummer that there isn’t some way to attach the viewer to your head for a hands-free experience. But I do appreciate that you can use it with large phones.
The POP! Cardboard 2.5 is made in Germany, but fortunately it’s available on Amazon for U.S. customers. At $19 (at the time of this writing), it’s not the cheapest Cardboard out there, but you know you’ll be getting one that is well-made.
The post POP! CARDBOARD 2.5 review: a superb Google Cardboard variant appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google Store offering free overnight shipping during the holidays
Earlier we told you about that nifty $50 discount the Google Store is giving all Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X customers. The deal was sweetened by free overnight shipping, but did you know this delivery offer is not exclusive to the newest Google phones? It applies to any US purchase from the Google Store.
This happens to be a holiday promotion, so just as it had a beginning, it has an end. Google is giving you until December 22nd to grab your goodies from their store and take advantage of overnight shipping. By the way, overnight shipping is not cheap. Prices can go up to about $20, so this is definitely a treat.
Google Store product reviews:
- Nexus 6P review
- Nexus 5X review
- Nexus 9 review
- Chromecast and Chromecast Audio review
- Pixel C hands-on and first look
There is plenty to be had from the Google Store. Aside from the Nexus devices, you can go ahead and take a look at Chrome OS computers, Chromecast units, Android Wear watches, accessories and even home products like thermostats, routers and smoke detectors.
Starts today: 
free overnight shipping for US orders from @GoogleStore https://t.co/Wn1Bi1Rsay pic.twitter.com/BVN8f3LLhi
— Nexus (@googlenexus) December 16, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
By the way, Google is also extending the return period. You know, just in case that gift wasn’t the right one. Any purchase made from November 27th to December 22nd can be returned by January 22nd.
Are any of you signing up? Just head over to the Google Store and get shopping. Your stuff will land at your doorstep only a day later!
Netflix’s Windows 10 app is at home on PCs and tablets
Microsoft continues to fill out its library of Windows 10 apps, and the latest addition is from Netflix. Upgrading from its old Windows 8 edition to take advantage of the new operating system, this one is a universal app, that will eventually work across PCs, tablets and phones, although it’s not ready for that last one just yet. While the team works on extending the experience to Windows 10 phones, the desktop app is rolling out this week for all supported countries.
@satyanadella @netflix see Master of None, Satya. You will love it. (On cool new Windows app, of course)
— Reed Hastings (@reedhastings) December 16, 2015
In a post on its tech blog, Netflix reveals the app uses the Facebook React Javascript library, and the same HTML5 video playback that it delivers to many modern browsers. On Windows, the Netflix app has a Live Tile that shows off art from titles the user is currently in the middle of watching, and it works with Cortana for voice search and control. Just activate Cortana, say “Netflix” and then the title of what you want yo see, and it will open up a search for it in the app. Simple, right? Grab the new version now, right here.
Source: Netflix (Windows Store)
ZTE’s Axon and Axon Pro get camera improvements, security patches, and more
On Wednesday, ZTE started rolling out a software update to two flagship devices sold in the United States. The Axon and Axon Pro (reviewed here) are getting improvements to their cameras, security patches from Google, and better wireless signals.
Included in the software update is T-Mobile’s WiFi calling, a quick launch button for the camera, faster focus and improved white balance, improved camera zooming, Google-issued security patches, Qualcomm-issued modem patches, and the ability to use MetroPCS as an APN. Not every item, though, is eligible for both the Axon and Axon Pro. The WiFi calling and camera quality updates are only for the Axon Pro while the Axon’s camera gets better zooming. The remaining updates are for both phones.
ZTE has not specified the size of either phone’s update, but both come with at least 32GB of internal storage. And nothing here is particularly substantial. The same probably won’t be said when ZTE rolls out Marshmallow for its Axon devices.
Come comment on this article: ZTE’s Axon and Axon Pro get camera improvements, security patches, and more
Deal: Coupon codes for discounted Inateck chargers on Amazon
If you’re in the market for a new charger or if you’re scraping together some tech-related stocking stuffers, Inateck is running a promotion that might be right up your alley. If you have the right coupon code, you can get some serious discounts on their chargers through Amazon. All of these products are Prime eligible to boot, so Prime members can take advantage of that free two-day shipping.
Inateck Quick Charge 2.0 30W 3-port USB Car Charger
This car charger offers triple-stacked ports, one of which boasts Quick Charge 2.0 tech, which charges QC 2.0 compatible devices 70% faster than the standard ones. These babies usually run about $50, but right now they’re going for $16.99. However, if you use the promo code JDM7O7ZA then it will knock an additional $8.00 off that. A $50 car charger for $8.99? Uh, sign me up.
A USB cable comes with the package, since you can’t ever have too many of those. Click the button below to check it out.
Inateck Aluminum 9.6A/ 48W 4-Port USB Car Charger
If your device isn’t QC 2.0 compatible, then this car charger might be the better option for you. It’s a four-stacker, which is great for those times during road trips when all the passengers’ phones are dying all at once. Instead of plastic, this charger has a sleek aluminum face and it comes with two USB cables.
The normal price is about $40, but they’re on sale for $14.99. However, using the promo code F7BSOXON knocks another $4 off that price, bringing your bottom line down to $10.99. Pretty sweet deal.
Inateck 12W 5V/ 2.4A 1-Port Compact USB Wall Charger USB Portable Charger
This is a clean, no-nonsense wall charger for all your USB charging needs. It’s a pretty durable little thing that’s designed to be carried around in a purse or computer bag for power on the go. No frills, but it gets the job done.
The original price tag for this wall charger is 16 bucks, but they’re half off right now at $7.99. Our promo code K62OF8F9 cuts that in half again, bringing your final price to $3.99. All considered, you’re getting 75% off this useful little gadget.
See also: Best wireless chargers – how they work and perform
Inateck 40W 5-Port High Speed Desktop USB Charger
The big boy. This quintuple-stacked charger can keep your entire study group powered all night long. The longer cord lets you plug it into the wall and set the charge hub somewhere more convenient.
The usual cost of this five-port charger is $35, currently on sale at $19.99, and our promo code O2DNTI2E knocks it down to $15.99. Click the button below to become the hero of your next late-night group project.
AIVAnet 