Google tests a way to login with just your phone
Reddit user rp1226, aka Rohit Paul, scored early access to a new feature that Google is reportedly testing out which allows users to log into accounts on their computers simply by placing their phone next to the laptop. Based on the screenshots he posted, the process appears to work like 2-factor authentication but over a Bluetooth or NFC link [Update: scratch that, Paul clarifies that the process works over the GCM]. The user first authorizes their phone, in this case a Nexus 6P, then logs into a Google account on their computer. However, instead of asking for a password, the system instead sends a notice to the user’s phone. The user accepts the notice on their phone and — bing, bang, boom — they’re logged in. The user can still use their password, in case their phone dies or isn’t with them, it’s simply been demoted to a backup position.
[Image Credit: Getty]
Via: Android Police
Source: Reddit
Add a 3D printer to the list of things your phone can replace
Smartphones have taken over almost every aspect of our lives. We spend a good chunk of our days clicking links, swiping faces, exchanging emoji or listening to computer-picked playlists. Soon, we’ll be able to use our devices to print 3D objects. Researchers at Taiwan Tech have built a 3D printer that uses the light from a smartphone or tablet to cure resin. They created a photopolymer that hardens with visible light instead of lasers or UV radiation. So, unlike the typical encased 3D printer, the team’s phone-based device prints objects in the open, as long as it’s placed in a dark corner.
A vat, coated with the team’s unique resin, is placed over a smartphone so the light hardens the substance onto a print bed above the vat. With every cured layer, the platform slowly rises until the object is fully printed.
This isn’t the first mention of a smartphone in the context of 3D printing. Solido3D, an Italian rapid prototyping company, announced a phone-based 3D printer called OLO in October. While the company is yet to reveal how OLO works, Taiwan Tech’s 3D printer, which currently lives in the lab, has been able to create a hollow ball that’s about 100 microns thick.
Using light from a device that’s already in the hands of about two billion people across the world is ingenious. But the device, irrespective of the maker, doesn’t provide the power to match the production levels of other 3D printing machines just yet. “As you know, the power of light on a smartphone is very low, so our print speed is still relatively slower than other vat polymerization machines now, but we are working hard to solve this problem and seem to getting promising results recently,” research assistant Hanhsuan Lee told 3D printing industry. “However, there is a professor at Taiwan Tech, that has developed a DLP printer that can print a layer every two seconds. And we are working on a process for making the smartphone light more powerful.”
Source: 3D Printing Industry
Google Play holiday deals include three months of music for $1
Most big digital retailers do holiday deals, and Google Play is no exception. Google surely wants the recipients of new Android phones and tablets to get used to buying things through its storefront as quickly as possible. While that obviously benefits Google, that doesn’t mean these deals aren’t pretty solid this year. Perhaps the best deal is three months of Google Play Music for $1 — a deal that’ll also include commercial-free videos on YouTube Red and full access to the new YouTube Music app. That deal is comparable with promos Spotify has been running for some time (not to mention the free three months of Apple Music still up for grabs), but sadly you’ll need to be a new subscriber to take advantage.
If you can’t take advantage of that music deal (or just don’t want to) there are still plenty of other ways to save some cash. The new Minecraft: Story Mode game is only 10 cents, down from its usual $4.99 price point. You can also rent any movie in the store for 75 percent off or purchase any single album in the store for 50 percent off, and books are “up to” 80 percent off. Selected in-app purchases will also be heavily discounted by as much as 90 percent, but we’re not sure what apps are part of that deal.
These deals are live now, and there should be more beyond these to find if you explore Google Play. It’s worth noting that only customers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Brazil and Mexico can take advantage, though — if you’re in one of those countries, get shopping.
Let’s hope 2016 brings more high-end compact phones
2015 is wrapping up, and as we begin to pick our best smartphones of 2015, it’s clear that the majority of high-end phones this year range in the phablet territory, or 5.5 inches and above. This is no surprise either, as larger phones nowadays are typically the ones that contain the most features and best hardware. But there’s something about the handling and ease of use that I miss most from phones under five inches. I miss the ability to reach my notification bar without risking the destruction of my phone while I readjust my hand to get there. There’s just something nice about holding a smaller phone that gives me the feeling that I’m using a smartphone rather than a small tablet everywhere I go.
Before you think I’m insulting users of larger phones, you must know I’ve grown quite fond of phablets recently after using the Nexus 6P for awhile, even to the point where I didn’t notice it was a big phone. However once my time with the metal behemoth ended, I felt amazed when I held my Moto X 2nd gen. once again with a screen size of 5.2 inches. It was like holding an iPhone 4 after using a phone bigger than five inches. I couldn’t believe how compact it felt, and I loved it.
If you held a Galaxy S6 edge and a Galaxy S6 edge+ next to each other and asked me which one looked more premium, my answer might surprise you. It would be the same answer as if you asked a consumer during the flip phone era which looked better, the smaller or the bigger. We all remember how amazed we were about “camera phones” getting smaller and smaller, and perhaps it’s that same feeling I carry today. Why?
I’m impressed with how better hardware can be built into a smaller body. Between the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the smaller variant released this past spring, I think the original edge looks better because of the very similar hardware packed into a more compact and easy to use body.
Do not fret though, as there are decent options this year for those looking for phones around five inches or under. The most notable include the HTC One A9, the One M9, the 2015 Moto G, the Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (definitely not in any certain order). What’s disappointing to see is that only a handful of manufacturers have launched truly premium compact devices, instead opting for higher end big phones.
I do have a feeling we will be seeing better compact devices this coming year. Smartphone companies must have taken notice at the reactions to recent launches like the five inch OnePlus X, or the joy from Nexus fans that Google was bringing back a smaller Nexus phone. Not to mention the continued success of Samsung with their relatively compact Galaxy S flagships, and Apple’s 4.7 iPhones. My point is, there’s still a craving for compact smartphones, and a very large part of the market is looking for something premium they can wrap one hand around.
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BlackBerry sold under 50,000 Priv units, Play Store data suggests
Late last week, BlackBerry CEO John Chen shared some very optimistic guidance about his company’s future. Despite device sales being around 200,000 units lower than expected (700,000 as opposed to 900,000), the OEM managed to severely reduce losses incurred during the quarter, ultimately sending the stock price up. Much discussion was made about that number however: 700,000. Was it Priv sales, or was it company-wide total device sales? Indeed the latter was correct.
The question thus on everyone’s minds is how much of a success is the Priv? Mr. Chen did not mention any specific numbers, just that the development costs are lower than with traditional BlackBerry OS handsets, and that the price will inevitably fall around Mobile World Congress this coming winter. And yet, ironically enough it would seem that the sales data is right in front of our collective faces: the Google Play Store.
As the Play Store lists an approximated number of installs for every app, it is simply a matter of checking various BlackBerry-related ones to find the results. Note that, on a smartphone, these apps will only appear on search if you have a Priv.
As can be seen above, the Install count is listed as “Over 10,000”. The same holds true for the other apps as well:
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On a PC you can find them simply by searching the Google Play Store website, however there will be a note about a lack of device compatibility. Nonetheless, the full browser Play Store lists the number of installs as between 10,000 and 50,000.
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Play it by the numbers
Because the Priv apps can only be installed on the Priv itself, this offers a very good indication of the kind of sales numbers BlackBerry has achieved. At worst, there are possibly 10,001 sold, and at most, there are possibly 50,000. For the sake of argument, there is the possibility that the statistics on the Play Store are not accurate. Even assuming that installs are double that which is reported, that would still give a range between 20,002 and 100,000 units.
It is difficult to make heads or tails of this presumed purchase point. Considering that BlackBerry sold approximately 700,000 total handsets in Q3, it would mean the Priv was not a major seller. Granted it was only available for 2 weeks before the end of Q3, but many devices typically see the highest sales in the initial release window.
It is also important to mention that the Priv is only available in select markets, with dozens more coming in the future. In the USA specifically, it is only sold on AT&T’s network.
Pricey Privilege: Too much for too long? Not so, it seems.
Last month, an in-depth look was offered at the pricing structure of the BlackBerry Priv. The piece considered the issue of a justification for the high cost, and asked if that might ultimately result in diminished sales. When Mr.Chen disclosed Q3 fiscal performance last Friday, he made a curious point:
Mr. Chen explained that in switching to Android, a cost-savings break has been added to the equation of Priv production, “because we don’t have to do everything ourselves in the operating system world.”
This roughly translates to a product that cost less to produce than it otherwise would have had it been running a new BlackBerry OS build. Furthermore, the display on the device – while AMOLED – is decidedly not of the same quality and clarity as those used in Samsung’s 2015 flagships. In an interview with Bloomberg, Chen disclosed the fact that Samsung is producing the panels. Clearly the display parts purchased were not as premium as it could be, though it could be a result of either party’s initiative.
Interestingly enough it seems that BlackBerry itself knows the Priv is perhaps too expensive. In the earnings call last week, the following exchange took place:
Paul Treiber – RBC Capital Markets
In regards to the pricing and margins on the PRIV, without getting into specifics, how do you see pricing and margins in the PRIV trending through its life cycle? What are some of the strategies to sustain the pricing power through its life cycle? And then can you just contrast that versus what you’ve seen with other BlackBerry 10 devices?
John Chen – Executive Chairman & CEO
Good question. So we have a model obviously, of pricing. I think the pricing will hold pretty strong for the next quarter in Q4. We already have seen some of the POs coming in. Especially in new introductions, margin is usually pretty strong. But I’m not — but you all know the market very well.
In about Mobile World Congress time, we will see introduction of new technology from our competitors. We have maybe a midlife kicker coming in around that time, but I expect ourselves to have to reduce our price to be competitive.
We do have some unique features at PRIV, as being well-received especially in the security world, in the privacy world. But we obviously won’t fool ourselves to expect that they will continue to maintain the high prices that we could get today. So we have our natural trend and a model that goes through 12 months out and then after 12 months, we’re going to have to reexamine that.
It is in this exchange that CEO John Chen has basically admitted that the price of the Priv will need to decrease come Mobile World Congress in February. Ironically speaking, many of the features of the Priv are already classified as “mid-tier” by some: the phone has a Snapdragon 808 SoC as opposed to an 810. The phone has 3GB or RAM as opposed to 4GB. The phone does not appear to have the latest generation AMOLED display. The casing of the phone is made of plastic, not metal or glass.
If the price will begin to fall in February – assuming retailers don’t drop it first – the profit margin for each device sold will thereby also decrease. In the event BlackBerry can then start to sell mass numbers of the handset, it would ultimately result in a positive financial gain. On the other hand, if the price drop is such that the profit margin becomes too small or non-existent entirely, it wouldn’t make much of a difference with respect to the bottom like.
Wrap Up
Truth be told, with BlackBerry itself choosing the conceal the actual sales figures of the Priv, the best approximation that can be made is from the Google Play Store installation tallies. As they are not particularly high, it would suggest that the Priv is not a smash success that it presumably needs to become.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this possible sales situation! Would even 50,000 units sold be considerably a success for BlackBerry at it enters the Android market this late?
Post-apocalyptic RPG Metro 2033: Wars arrives on Android
While nowhere near as popular as the iconic Fallout series, the Metro series is one of the best known post-apocalyptic franchises out there. Both of these franchises have been a PC and console only affair in the past, though Bethesda was the first to branch out to mobile with the arrival of Fallout Shelter. Now it’s Metro’s turn with the introduction of Metro 2033: Wars.
Metro 2033: Wars is set in the same universe as Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light. That said, the game trades in the real-time 1st person perspective and replaces it with an isometric view with turn-based RPG gameplay.
See also: Fallout Shelter review
Unlike many games found on the Google Play store, Metro 2033: Wars is a premium app with no-in app purchases, though it is on the slightly higher side at $7.99. It must be noted that there are no in-apps, but there is an odd system that lets you watch ads if you are short on currency or need an extra boost to make the game a bit easier. These ads are completely optional, but certainly worth mentioning, as this could be a turn off to some.
Here’s a full list of features, straight from the Google Play listing:
- Classic Turn-based, highly strategic battles, with a wide variety of tactics and special attacks
- Open World game play, with detailed, story-driven goals to guide you
- 189 metro stations that you can trade, battle or inhabit, if you wish
- 25 types of mercenaries with individual combat abilities to construct battle-ready Squads with
- 24 different Factions to either battle or establish diplomatic relations with
- 20 different building options to manage your resources and keep your clan alive
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For those unfamiliar with the series, the story takes place in post-apocalyptic Russia, following a nuclear war that broke out in 2033. The “Metro” from the title refers to the metro stations in subway tunnels that have become colonies for those who survived the crisis and are living underground as a way to escape the harsh radiated reality found on the surface.
Is it worth $7.99? I haven’t had the opportunity to fully check it out yet (though as a fan of this series and Fallout, I intend to), but the ratings so far seem to suggest it is worthy of your attention, particularly if you’re into the in post-apocalyptic setting.
Anyone try this one yet? If so, would you recommend it to others?
Next – Best RPGs for Android
Google’s immersive 360-degree Spotlight Stories make their way to YouTube
Google’s Spotlight Stories, which first appeared on the original Motorola Moto X, have just made their way to YouTube. Spotlight Stories are short animated videos that are specifically meant to be viewed on mobile devices and with virtual reality headsets, such as Google Cardboard. They’re interactive, too, which really helps bring these stories to life.
Along with the launch of the Spotlight Stories YouTube channel, Google has released a new holiday-themed story called Special Delivery. Special Delivery was made by the Academy Award-winning studio Aardman Animations, who are the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. In my opinion this is the best Spotlight Story that’s been released thus far, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Here’s the full description if you’re wondering what it’s all about.
Find yourself following the adventures of a humble caretaker, who is disturbed by a mysterious stranger on the roof. Who’s there? And the chase begins… room to room… up and down… somehow, mysteriously, just out of sight. But the elusive stranger is always one step ahead, leaving behind only a trail of gifts…
Currently there are only three videos available on the Google Spotlight Stories YouTube channel – the new Special Delivery animated short, a small teaser, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Special Delivery. Obviously there will be more added in the future, and we can’t wait to see what’s coming up next.
Back in May Google released a Spotlight Stories application to the Play Store that acted as a central hub for all new and existing Spotlight Stories. That app hasn’t been updated in quite some time, though, so it looks like the new YouTube channel is the direction in which Google is now going.
It should be noted that the full interactive experience on YouTube is currently only optimized for a small handful of devices. You can find the list of compatible devices in the video description for the Special Delivery video on YouTube. Interested in checking these out for yourself? Follow the link below to subscribe to the Spotlight Stories YouTube channel.
Google Spotlight Story Special Delivery is a nice YouTube gift for the holidays
If you have not heard of Google’s Spotlight Stories platform, then Google hopes you may pay attention to a new video they released on YouTube just in time for the holidays. The film titled Special Delivery utilizes YouTube’s support for 360-degree video to tell the story of a caretaker on the hunt for a mysterious stranger leaving a trail of gifts. The video for Special Delivery was put together by Aardman Animations, the creators behind the popular Wallace and Gromit videos, and is reminiscent of a Pink Panther caper.
Using the YouTube 360 features means viewers can control what is being watched throughout the video. You can go through and focus on the red-suited stranger one time, then the caretaker the next, and then something else the next time, like the snowman perhaps or just watch a random window.
To really get the full impact of Special Delivery though, users should check out Spotlight Stories if they have a compatible device. Spotlight Stories is a new interactive, immersive platform for storytelling that comes out of the Google ATAP group. Using a compatible device, or even Google Cardboard to really get into things, Spotlight Stories gives users the ability to interact with the story by revealing subplots or making choices at over 60 points that change the direction of the story.
You can check out the full video below on YouTube.
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: YouTube Official Blog
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Orange said to be considering Bouygues Telecom acquisition
The French telecom market may be getting ready to undergo some transformation at the top during 2016 if discussions between Orange and Bouygues Telecom continue during the holiday break to forge an agreement for Orange to acquire Bouygues Telecom. Reports indicate France’s largest carrier, Orange, may be considering the acquisition of Bouygues Telecom to help maintain its position. However, some are concerned that this move would reduce competition by cutting the number of major carriers from four down to three.
Bouygues Telecom currently finds itself stuck between the two heavyweights in France – Orange and SFR/Numericable – and a smaller, nimbler carrier in Free which is competing on cost and efforts to stay lean. This makes for an incredibly competitive market in France.
Meanwhile, Orange is the leader with a huge network that it continues to invest in. Some have questioned whether Bouygues Telecom would really add anything to Orange, since the carrier is doing fine with its network and in attracting customers. A move that effectively eliminated the third largest carrier though would help Orange limit competitive pressures and maintain some upward pressure on prices.
As in other countries, even if the companies were to manage to reach an agreement, regulatory hurdles would still need to be crossed. Sources think the relative calm surrounding the holiday season provides a good time for Orange and Bouygues Telecom to continue their discussions, including ways to appease the government bodies, like possibly spinning off part of Bouygues to Free. There is also the question of how much the deal could be valued at, a number that has not been forthcoming from any sources just yet.
source: Les Echos
via: TechCrunch
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More games get Chromecast support, ‘Angry Birds’ and ‘Monopoly’ included
We’re just days away from Christmas and among the most popular gifts nestled under trees will be Google’s Chromecast. The little dongle does it all. Everything that a pricey media player can do is possible with Google’s $35 darling. Gaming is even in Chromecast’s wheelhouse. And Google wants everyone with a Chromecast (as well as soon-to-be owners) to know that a few more games are now Chromecast-enabled for you to play solo and alongside friends and family during the holidays.
There’s nothing quite like playing Angry Birds on your television while staying warm next to the fireplace.
Here are the games that, according to Google, showcase the excellent multi-screen capabilities of Chromecast:
- Angry Birds Friends
- Driver Speedboat Paradise
- Monopoly Here & Now
- Yahtzee Blitz
- The Game of Life
- Scrabble Blitz 2.0
- Risk
Specifically noted by Google is the addition of Monopoly Here & Now. Four people can simultaneously play the game on one television, each using their own device as the controller.
Check out the entire selection of games that are Chromecast-enabled on the official site. That’s where you’ll see just how serious Google is taking gaming on a device that costs less than $40.
Source: Google
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AIVAnet 