App Store Holiday Sales: Final Fantasy VII, Lara Croft GO, Notability and More
Ahead of Apple’s annual iTunes Connect winter shutdown starting tomorrow, a number of developers have discounted their paid apps and games on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch this week.
The holiday savings should be locked in place until Apple resumes accepting app submissions and updates on December 29. Apps on sale include Final Fantasy VII, Lara Croft GO, Scanner Pro, This War of Mine and more.
Apps on Sale
– Alto’s Adventure ($2.99 → 99¢)
– Bastion ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Blek ($2.99 → 99¢)
– Civilization Revolution 2 ($9.99 → $4.99)
– Day One ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition ($4.99 → $2.99)
– DuckTales: Remastered ($9.99 → 99¢)
– FlightTrack 5 ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Leo’s Fortune ($4.99 → 99¢)
– NBA 2K16 ($7.99 → $3.99)
– Notability ($5.99 → 99¢)
– Fantastical 2 ($4.99 → $2.99)
– FINAL FANTASY VI ($15.99 → $7.99)
– FINAL FANTASY VII ($15.99 → $10.99)
– Grim Fandango Remastered ($4.99 → $2.99)
– Heroes of Might & Magic III ($9.99 → $4.99)
– Hitman GO ($4.99 → 99¢)
– I Am Bread ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Infinity Blade III ($6.99 → 99¢)
– Lara Croft GO ($4.99 → $1.99)
– Oceanhorn ($8.99 → $4.99)
– Procreate Pocket ($2.99 → 99¢)
– Rogue Star ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Scanner Pro ($2.99 → 99¢)
– Ski Safari 2 ($1.99 → 99¢)
– Splendor ($6.99 → 99¢)
– Tetrobot and Co. ($2.99 → 99¢)
– Tiny Guardians ($3.99 → 99¢)
– This War of Mine ($14.99 → $4.99)
– Thomas Was Alone ($4.99 → 99¢)
– Transistor ($9.99 → $2.99)
– Trick Shot ($1.99 → 99¢)
– Wizards and Wagons ($4.99 → $1.99)
– XCOM: Enemy Within ($9.99 → $4.99)
There are dozens of other iOS apps discounted for the holidays beyond those listed above. Keep track on our sister website AppShopper.
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ZTE Axon Max goes official in China
The ZTE Axon Max is a new 6-inch phone that’s headed to China. The device was unveiled this past week and will make its way to China Telecom sooner rather than later.
The ZTE Axon Max features a 6-inch display with a full-HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. Powering the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor backed with 3GB of RAM. As for the device’s cameras, this one includes a 16MP snapper on the rear side and a 13MP shooter on the front for taking selfies and video chats. 32GB of internal storage is onboard as well as a beefy 4,140mAh battery sealed at the back. Other key specs include LTE connectivity, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, Quick Charge 2.0, and dual SIM support. The device’s design is another standout feature which looks to be all metal.
The ZTE Axon Max will run Android 5.1 Lollipop straight out of the box, with Marshmallow possible for the future via a software update. However, ZTE has made no promises. The device will be available to purchase in China for 2,999 CNY or approximately $460 USD off contract. For all the remaining details and specifics, check out the official press release included down below.
ZTE Launches 6-Inch AXON MAX and Global VIP Passport Service for Chinese Users
BEIJING–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ZTE Mobile Devices today announced the launch of the newest and final model of its high-powered AXON flagship series, the AXON MAX. At the same time, the company has announced its special “Global VIP Passport” service catering to owners of its AXON phones. ZTE is now offering this high-end after-sales service to pair with its high-end phone series based on the continued focus on user insight that has driven the AXON line since inception.
The AXON MAX is designed for those who not only work hard, but play hard too. Its 6-inch, 2.5D Super AMOLED FHD screen and ultra-slim bezels deliver maximum value for visual entertainment. Users can also enjoy a top-of-the-line Hi-Fi audio playback and recording experience pumped out by an independent flagship audio chipset. Equipped with astoundingly powerful cameras—16 megapixels on the rear and 13 megapixels on the front—the AXON MAX is ready to capture any moment. The ultra large 4140mAh battery should power an entire day’s worth of business, fun, and more. For the cautious, the phone has five energy-saving modes, extending battery life up to 50%. It also supports Quick Charge 2.0, allowing rapid replenish from 0 to 60% in 30 minutes of charge time. For a mix of work or pleasure, the AXON MAX is a premium phablet for seizing the most of what the day has to offer. It is competitively priced at 2,799RMB.
ZTE’s new “Global VIP Passport” service includes a number of high-powered service items aimed at high-powered, globe-trotting AXON users embarking from China. Emergency assistance enjoyed by Global VIP Passport members include:
1. 24-hour online Chinese-language emergency consultation for 8 popular travel destinations initially
2. A secure repair service guaranteeing secure back-up and restoration of files, even if the phone cannot turn on
3. A business travel service offering customers preferential ZTE rates on flights worldwide
4. A subsidy on the purchase of a new ZTE phone should there be a problem with the original while traveling to any country
- For customers whose phones experience problems while traveling to the U.S., they are also provided a temporary back-up service
5. 1 RMB insurance covering damaged screens (50 days) and mobile bank accounts (3 months, insuring up to 50,000 RMB)
Adam Zeng, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices, commented that “Our flagship series is the core of ZTE’s strategy. The AXON MAX may be the final building block of this bold line of devices, but it is really just the next step in what we believe will be a far-reaching dynasty of premium products with vision for what tomorrow’s users need.”
ZTE has put users at the heart of everything in order to develop the high-end and affordable premium products they truly need. The AXON flagship series is the direct result of this user-centric approach. Designed based on the expertise of partners and customer feedback, AXON leverages ZTE’s powerful technology to provide a more intuitive user experience. The high-end line of products represents the company’s vision of the future of mobile and its focus on core technologies aimed at more a more convenient user experience. The bodies of all of AXON models are made from Boeing 787 aircraft-grade aluminum-titanium alloy, and they feature Hi-Fi audio, stunning screens, powerful cameras with impressive focus time, and expandable memory. The devices can be unlocked with three different biometric authentication options – fingerprint, voice control, and eye-scan.
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Marshmallow update makes its way to the SHIELD Tablet K1
An update has been pushed out to owners of the SHIELD Tablet K1. This software update brings Google’s latest in Marshmallow to your NVIDIA device.
Marshmallow will bring a slew of improvements to the operating system on the SHIELD Tablet K1. Starting with the device’s camera, which will get a design refresh and new options such as real-time HD image effects and an improved burst photo functionality. Owners of the tablet will also get Google’s famous Now On Tap feature, which seems to be a favorite among the majority. The update also brings simplified app permissions, better power consumption and some system wide improvements such as optimized preloaded apps and a memory usage monitor.
Adoptable storage has also been made easier with the latest update. MicroSD cards can be integrated with the device’s main internal storage, and can be easily managed by the system. A few interface tools have also been added allowing owners to better fit their device to their personal needs.
Notably, the Marshmallow update changes how storage expansion operates. The portable way keeps previously stored external data and the internal way will wipe current user data. Please be sure to check with NVIDIA on the details as well as back up your information prior to beginning the update process.
Source: NVIDIA
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Samsung Galaxy S7 to launch in March, report says
Samsung’s rumored and upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S7, is rumored to hit stores in March 2016, according to a new report from China Mobile. This further confirms last week’s report from the Wall Street Journal, where the publication noted that that Galaxy S7 could be available some time in March.
Considering that the Galaxy S6 launched around the same time in 2015, we could see Samsung announce its next flagship device in February, around the time Mobile World Congress is supposed to take place.
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 has been the subject of many rumors, with some reports saying that it could be the first device to sport the Snapdragon 820 in 2016. Other reports indicate that Google and Samsung have been working closely to make the TouchWiz interface cleaner and more fluent.
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S7 to launch in March, report says
[Deal] Get a free Samsung TV from Best Buy with a purchase of a select Galaxy smartphone
A deal that began with just Sprint has now been extended to Verizon and AT&T subscribers through Best Buy. For a limited time, with a purchase of a select Samsung smartphone you can get a 32-inch Samsung LED HDTV totally free of charge.
Now what’s a deal without some terms and conditions. First off, there only a few smartphones that are eligible for the offering. They include the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6. Buyers must activate the handset on one of the supported carriers with either a 2 year deal or via installment payments.
The deal is valid through January 2, 2016 and has limited quantity available, so hurry up before they’re all gone!
[Best Buy]
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You can share your iPhone 6s’ Live Photos on Facebook
Live Photos on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are supposed to add a dash of life to your memories, but what good are they if you can’t share them with your Facebook friends? You might not have that problem after today. Facebook’s iOS app now lets you share those animated snapshots on the social network. While viewers will need a device running iOS 9 to see the effect, this could give your friends one more reason to check out your baby pictures. Be prepared to wait a little while to try this, however. Only a “small percentage’ of users can try Live Photos right now, and the wider roll out will continue into the new year.
Source: App Store
Stratos is going out of business
According to TechCrunch, the Stratos Card company is going out of business barely half a year after launching the product. The Stratos, which was meant to replace a customer’s various debit, credit and loyalty cards, promised to be “100 percent compatible” with US payment systems and point of sale machines. Over the past few weeks, the company reportedly stopped replying to social media and customer service requests. What’s more, they’ve also placed their Ann Arbor-based HQ up for sale.
Source: TechCrunch
Bandai Namco sends its anime-inspired games west in 2016
Bandai Namco, the studio responsible for Dark Souls and Tekken, will expand some of its franchises in the western world with new installments in the Tales of, God Eater and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. Tales of Berseria is a Japanese role-playing game starring a young woman named Velvet, whose left hand has special, demonic powers; it’s confirmed for PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam across the Americas and Europe. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven is a PS4-exclusive, two-on-two brawler starring characters from that franchise’s anime and manga storylines.
God Eater: Resurrection and God Eater 2: Rage Burst make their way west in the summer for PS4, Vita and PC. These are monster-battling action-RPGs set in an apocalyptic, alien-infested future, all with a decidedly anime twist. A new One Piece game, subtitled Burning Blood, hits PC via Steam, PS4, Vita and Xbox One next year as well. Last up, Bandai Namco has a Vita-only offering: Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs-Force, due in 2016. The new Mobile Suit Gundam features the series’ traditional two-on-two battles, plus it adds larger team battles.
This engine saves gas by shutting down most of its cylinders
The V8 Denali I’m about to drive isn’t known for its fuel economy. But the huge GMC SUV isn’t your usual over-sized grocery-getter. It’s outfitted with Tula’s engine optimizing Dynamic Skip Fire technology that reduces the amount of cylinders running at any moment to boost energy savings. So while all eight of them are firing when I take off from a stop light, once I’m at cruising speeds, the car settles into firing an average of two cylinders.
Reducing the amount of cylinders to save gas isn’t new. What is new is how Tula is pulling it off. Current solutions reduce the cylinders by half. A V8 goes down to four. A V6 shuts down to three cylinders. The main reason for this is because of balance issues. If less than half are running consistently, the engine block would begin to whip back and forth. No one wants to drive a car with an engine that’s about to rip itself out of the vehicle.
Tula’s Dynamic Skip Fire technology works on the same principle, but instead of using pre-determined cylinders, the company’s control unit dynamically selects which ones to fire at any moment based on the needs of driving situation. So instead of just shutting down half the cylinders, it can shut down seven of the eight at any one time by moving the firing cylinder around the engine therefore stifling the balance issue.
While driving the Denali the fuel savings averaged about 18 percent using the Tula technology with Delphi hardware. Delphi is an investor in the company but the system will work with components from other manufacturers and is expected to be in production vehicles by 2020. The company is already working on a four cylinder version and while the results may not be as dramatic as the V8, if coupled with a plug-in hybrid get ready for another boost to the fuel efficiency of cars.
New ‘Apple Museum’ in Prague Shows Off Largest Private Collection of Apple Products
A newly opened Apple Museum in Prague is showing off the largest private collection of Apple products, housing Macs, iOS devices, and other Apple paraphernalia from 1976 to 2012. The museum opened its doors last Thursday, and an inside look has been shared on Imgur.
Located in a renovated historical building, the exterior windows of the Apple Museum are decorated with quotes from Steve Jobs, artistic product arrangements, and one popular quote of unknown origin.
Three apples changed the world. The first tempted Eve, the second inspired Newton, and the third was offered to the world half eaten by Steve Jobs.
Included is an Apple Lisa, which is one of 100,000 made, an Apple II, and several other older Mac and NeXT Computer products. One section displays a range of printers Apple produced, while another houses iterations of the PowerMac and iMac and a third includes different iBook, PowerBook, and MacBook models.
Little known Apple accessories like the Apple camera are on display, and there’s an entire section dedicated to the complete iPod family, including the special edition Beatles box set sold in 2008 for $795. Each version of the iPhone and iPad, starting with the original 2007 and 2010 models, is also shown off on dedicated tables in order of release.
Miscellaneous products, papers, contracts, and other small odds and ends from Steve Jobs’ time at Apple, NeXT Computer, and Pixar are available at the museum, as are mementos from his early life, including a high school yearbook. The full assortment of images is available on Imgur and is well worth checking out for those who won’t be able to visit the museum in person.
According to the Prague Post, there are more than 12,000 meters of computer cabling installed in the museum, which students from the Czech Technical University helped assemble. Also on the site is a bistro that includes all raw vegan foods, in honor of Steve Jobs’ preferred diet, and there’s an interactive space for children.
Tickets for the Apple Museum are available from the Apple Museum website for 11 euros. The site also includes details about the creation of the museum, the history of Apple, and will offer a 3D tour, information on Steve Jobs’ diet, and products to purchase in the future.
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