Microsoft officially launches Cortana for Android today
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
Microsoft‘s take on the virtual assistant, Cortana, has spent some time since July in beta on mobile devices, but it appears Microsoft is ready to officially announce its launch. Cortana for Android is officially available from the Play Store today and is compatible with all Android devices with Android 4.1.2 and higher – the only catch is that Microsoft is restricting access to the US and China for now; hopefully a global rollout is on the cards soon.
If you’re wondering why we’re bothering to talk about another virtual assistant at all, Cortana is slightly different in that it’s designed to link your mobile device to your Windows 10 PC – with the help of the Phone Companion app on your PC, you’ll be able to make the most of your phone-PC link like seeing missed calls on your PC. Like Google Now, Cortana also allows for personal tracking of flights and reminders and all that good stuff.
http://playboard.me/widgets/pb-app-box/1/pb_load_app_box.jsMicrosoft also made another interesting announcement which is that in the latest version of Cyanogen OS, users will be able to say “Hey Cortana” and trigger Cortana’s search function, much like saying “OK Google” on an Android device. Apparently this feature is going to be introduced first on the Cyanogen OS-powered OnePlus One sometime in December with the 12.1.1 update.
What do you think about the launch of Cortana for Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Windows Blog via engadget
The post Microsoft officially launches Cortana for Android today appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Tim Cook on New iPhone 6s Battery Case: ‘I Wouldn’t Call it the Hump’
Apple CEO Tim Cook attended one of Apple’s Hour of Code events in New York this afternoon, where he spoke to Mashable‘s Lance Ulanoff about the new iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case, which debuted yesterday.
Ulanoff asked Cook if he was excited about the “hump,” a mocking nickname people have given to the battery case due to its distinctive shape. In response, Tim Cook said he was aware of the comments people were making about the case. “You know, I probably wouldn’t call it ‘the hump,’” Cook said.
Cook went on to point out the malleability of the new Smart Battery Case in comparison to other battery cases. It’s made of a soft silicone that makes it easy to put on and remove, unlike more rigid cases from third-party companies.
Cook was pointing out the issue with cases, like those from Mophie, that are so rigid it takes considerable strength and patience to put them on and take them off.
“If you make this solid all the way across,” said Cook, indicating the spots where the Apple case’s embedded battery stops and you just have the soft fluoroelastomer casing, “in order to get it on, you’d find it very difficult to get it on and off.”
“So the guys had this great insight to put the bend in along with making it a smart case,” Cook explained.
Cook also commented on the viewpoint that the case is an admission the iPhone 6s battery is too small, saying most people who charge their iPhones every day won’t need the case. “But if you’re out hiking and you go on overnight trips… it’s kind of nice to have,” he said.
Apple introduced its iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case yesterday morning, and its distinctive humped design quickly led to derision and negative comments from iPhone users. Reviews of the Smart Battery Case were also not overly positive as the case doesn’t have enough capacity to fully recharge an iPhone and it’s missing some features that are found in third-party battery cases.
Apple’s Smart Battery Case for the iPhone 6s is priced at $99 and is available from the online Apple Store and Apple retail locations.
Discuss this article in our forums
Microsoft extends Xbox One bundle deals through Christmas
Citing their sales successes on Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it will extend its $300 console bundle deal through December 26th. This $50 price drop reportedly applies to every Xbox One bundle including the Halo 5: Guardians Bundle, the Elite Bundle and 1TB Holiday Bundle. What’s more, from December 27th to January 7th, Microsoft is also running its Countdown digital game sale with more than 200 discounted titles.
[Image Credit: Getty]
Source: Microsoft
A sponge-filled syringe could save you from bleeding out
RevMedx’s sponge-filled syringe, the XSTAT 30, was approved for military use in treating gunshot wounds last year. Now, the FDA says paramedics and other first repsonders can use the device to treat civilian injuries as well. The syringe is filled with tiny sponges that are designed to control severe bleeding from wounds in places a tourniquet can’t be used. Each syringe contains 92 compressed sponges that expand to fill the wound to block blood flow for up to four hours.
While the FDA gave the go-ahead on the XSTAT 30, there are some stipulations. For example, it’s only to be used on patients at risk of life-threatening hemorrhagic shock when a hospital is more than a few minutes away. It also can’t be used in parts of the chest, abdomen, pelvis or tissue above the collarbone. Once in place, though, the dressing’s four-hour window gives paramedics more time to reach an emergency room or trauma center for surgery.
Sprint MVNO Boost Mobile announces unlimited music
Sprint subsidiary Boost Mobile announced today that they are going to begin offering zero-rated music streaming on their service, very similarly to what is offered by T-Mobile’s Music Freedom program. In addition, Boost is announcing increased high-speed data allotments for all of their data plans!
This isn’t the first time that a Sprint subsidiary would be making this type of move. Virgin made a similar announcement a couple of months ago. Boost is going to join the club and will offer zero-rating with the following services:
- Pandora
- iHeart Radio
- Slacker Radio
- Samsung Milk Music
- 8Tracks
During their original announcement, Virgin only had the former three services and today will also be adding Milk Music and 8Tracks to the mix to match their orange-colored sibling. The data plans for Boost are also increasing so that the 2GB plan will now offer 5GB and the 5GB plan will be bumped up to 8GB. You can also get a $5 credit if you sign up for “auto re-boost.” Additionally, you can get 500MB of extra high-speed monthly data after every 3 on-time payments up to 3GB additional (18 months of on-time payments) with their growing data program.
All of today’s announcements sound like a great deal for anyone who is willing to get on board with the nation’s number four carrier and it appears as though they’re taking suggestions for what the next services to be added should be, so be on the lookout for that! As I said when Virgin originally announced this move, hopefully we’ll see big-brother Sprint start making these consumer-friendly policies as well!
Source: Sprint Newsroom
The post Sprint MVNO Boost Mobile announces unlimited music appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Uber upgrades Windows app with Cortana, desktop support
You can pick up your phone and call-in a car-on-demand anytime, but what if you’re sitting at a desktop PC? Well, now you can do it there, too. Uber announced today that it used the Universal Windows Platform to port its app to full Windows 10 — making it possible for customers to call cars from their laptops, tablets and desktop computers.
Sadly, the desktop version of the app can’t stand alone: Uber says customers will still need to use their mobile device to complete a trip. At least the phone experience is getting an upgrade, too — the new app adds Cortana voice commands (“Hey Cortana, get me an Uber to Central Park”) and live tile support, letting Windows users see when their car is arriving without actually opening the app. Not good enough? Fine: Uber is giving away a free ride (a credit up to $20) to new users of the Windows app if they use the code MSFTWIN10 under the promotions tab. How’s that for an update?
Source: Microsoft
TYLT ENERGI 6K Smart Charger: a neat little battery companion
In case you’ve missed our past coverage on TYLT accessories, we’re a pretty big fan of its products. They aren’t cheap, but TYLT is a sure bet if you’re willing to put more moo-lah down for quality.
Most recently, we were provided the ENERGI 6K smart charger for our thorough run-through and opinion for you guys.
External battery packs are aplenty in the market, overwhelmingly-so. If you know TYLT, you can probably guess that there is something unique in the design. You’d be right, and this thing isn’t called a “smart charger” for no reason. Let’s see what the ENERGI 6K is all about.
Design
The design of the ENERGI 6K is fairly basic. This is no surprise. How interesting can a charger be? Also, TYLT typically focuses on a solid build rather than a flashy design. Therefore, when I pick up the 6K, it feels sturdy. TYLT’s devices always have a heft to them (in a good way) that makes them feel worth the price.
The build is plastic, but with a very nice-feeling finish. It’s soft to the touch – a quality that gets carried throughout TYLT’s lineup.
One of the things unique about this charger is that you don’t refill it with a separate AC adapter plug; it’s internal. There are embedded prongs that flip in and out, which means that the entire unit hangs off the power outlet when it’s time to charge.
And for those of us who don’t like carrying around a cable in addition to the charger, the 6K fortunately has an attached cable (this unit uses microUSB, but there’s also a variant with a Lightning connector for Apple users).
When not in use, it is nicely concealed within a groove along the sides. There’s a cutout where the microUSB connector is housed that lets your finger easily scoop it free.
The cable isn’t very long – only about 3″. There is also a full USB port on the side for charging other devices you have a cable for.
On the top, we only have a subtle TYLT logo and a small button with a smaller light next to it. As you can probably guess, this gives you an indication of the battery level.
Functionality
Speaking of the build, I love how sturdy the ENERGI 6K feels. It’s meant to handle your travels, and the robust-feel certainly implies that it can take the inevitable abuse.
And since the prongs are on the top of the device, you don’t have to worry about it blocking the other port on the wall outlet.
When the 6k is on the wall, you can use it like you would AC adapter to charge a device (recall that it has a USB port for power output to a mobile device). TYLT says that it gives priority to charging the attached device before it goes to charge the battery pack.
“The Intelligent Charging Technology prioritizes the charge to your device until your device is fully charged. It then charges the 6,000mAh battery onboard.“
One criticism is that I wish TYLT made the power output Quick-Charge compatible. All flagship phones these days have some form of fast charging, so when we’re reminded of the yesteryear charging rate, it’s somewhat annoying.
The 6K’s battery capacity is a modest 6,000 mAh. This is a decent amount (roughly twice the capacity of batteries in flagship phones). However, being that power banks are commonplace these days, there are tons of others with much more capacity for less money.
The battery indicator is a standard affair. An LED light essentially tells you if the charger’s battery is low (orange) or has a significant capacity (green).
I would’ve liked to see a more informative battery indicator. For instance, the larger ENERGI 10K uses five LED dots to give the user a better idea of the status.
Final Thoughts
I love TYLT’s little ENERGI 6K charger. It’s a no-fuss and efficient approach to a travel charger. The only issue I see is when putting the 6K up against a market that offers considerably larger batteries for less money. 6,000 mAh isn’t a lot of capacity for the asking price.
However, if you like to splurge for the extra quality and a well-thought design, I would definitely recommend this. It’s fantastic not having to deal with cables at all. Just throw this in your bag and you’re set. And being a TYLT product, it will hold up on your travels.
The ENERGI 6K comes in either a blue or gray color and goes for $69.99.
The post TYLT ENERGI 6K Smart Charger: a neat little battery companion appeared first on AndroidGuys.
You can now beta test the timeline interface on your Pebble Classic or Steel
If you were comparing the original Pebble smartwatch to the recently-released Pebble Time, you might not even realize that the two wearables were produced by the same company. Not just because of their hardware differences, but also their software. With the Pebble Time, Pebble introduced a super intuitive timeline-based interface that allows users to organize their past, present and future in an easy way. And way back when the Time was still in the land of crowdfunding, the Pebble team promised to bring this new Pebble Firmware 3.0 to the rest of its lineup. Although not here yet, that day will soon be upon us – Pebble has announced that the timeline interface is coming to the Pebble Classic and Pebble Steel this month.
For now, the beta version of Pebble Firmware 3.8 is available only to a few select Android users who get accepted into the beta testing program. To sign up, visit the Google+ page below to throw your hat into the ring. Once you get accepted, follow the instructions on the Community page to download the new beta firmware. If you don’t get accepted, no need to worry – Pebble release the consumer-ready version of 3.8 sometime before the new year.
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
It should be noted that watches upgraded to version 3.8 will only be available in English for the time being. The public version will include support for French, German and Spanish.
Aside from the revamped timeline interface, version 3.8 also brings along with it the ability to load up more applications on the Pebble Classic and Steel. Previously, these wearables could only have 8 apps installed at one time. This should be a welcome change for anyone wanting more apps on their Pebbles. Interested? Follow the link below to sign up for the beta testing program.
Galaxy announces the Gear S2, Gear S2 Classic and a new Galaxy A8 variant for Japan
Galaxy has announced 3 new products today, one of which is the Galaxy Galaxy A8.
Galaxy has had a tough time in Japan. After facing severely diminished market share results at the hands of the iPhone and Sony’s Xperia brand, the company – known as Samsung overseas – has taken some drastic steps in 2015 to try and rebuild its brand. Steps have included stripping its Korean namesake off all products/advertising/social media, giving the Galaxy S6 away free on contract beginning this summer, and releasing just three mobile devices this year, with the most recent being the original Galaxy Active Neo. Today that number was bumped up to 6.
Galaxy has just announced three brand new products for Japan: the Gear S2, the Gear S2 Classic, and a Galaxy A8 variant – a Japan exclusive. Some had been waiting for news of key flagships like the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, or even the Galaxy Tab S2, but they will continue to remain elusive.
The Galaxy Gear S2.
The Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic are the same devices which were launched by Samsung back in September. The Galaxy A8 was released back in July elsewhere with a Snapdragon 615 or Exynos 5430 SoC; the Japanese variant will include a Octa Core Exynos 5433 SoC with Mali T760 MP6 graphics instead. It will retail for 76,680 yen, or roughly $623.
Yes, Galaxy is actually comparing the A8 with the Note 3.
The struggle continues
Do you like your Galaxy device devoid of Samsung branding? Import a Japanese variant, though don’t expect firmware updates.
At this point in time, many readers and Samsung followers are well versed in the difficult situation facing the Korean conglomerate. Key markets where a stronghold was once assured – China and India – have seen market share erode at the hand of keen competitors who have severely cut costs yet released worthwhile hardware.
In the Land of the Rising Sun however, Galaxy Mobile Japan faces…something else. The end result is marketing such as this:
#GalaxyA8 のディスプレイは約5.7インチの大画面、Super AMOLED（有機EL）で屋外でも鮮やかです✨解像度はフルHD（1920×1080）で細かな文字もはっきり
https://t.co/ghbUgAX0YW pic.twitter.com/ol78YAuivJ
— Galaxy Mobile Japan (@GalaxyMobileJP) December 9, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
This:
And this:
Here is the Galaxy Galaxy A8. Note the lack of any branding on the front side, and Galaxy branding on the back.
Once upon a time (i.e. prior to Spring 2015) reality would have been a bit different. The tweet and YouTube video, both posted by Galaxy Mobile Japan, would have been posted by Samsung Mobile Japan. The phone would have carried the Samsung branding on the back side. Unfortunately, all of this might potentially remind customers of the company’s Korean origins.
Wrap Up
The Galaxy is everywhere…customers, not.
Galaxy’s 2015 mobile phone line-up in Japan to-date now consists of the Galaxy S6, the Galaxy S6 Edge, the Galaxy Active Neo, and the Galaxy A8. If you find that list a bit too brief, consider that LG didn’t release the G4 or V10 either, just a sole heavily modified offering called the isai Vivid. HTC for that matter, only released one Japanese carrier device this year.
While the situation makes sense given ever-dwindling market share and a resistant consumer base, it is still curious the extent to which Samsung has basically given up in Japan; to note it does not sell computers, cameras, appliances, or even televisions here. Even the display business is now finished as well, which means all it has is mobile.
Well, there is always 2016!
10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015)
Are you in the market for a new smartphone? Is Sprint the service provider you’re considering? You’re in luck! We’re here to help you pick out that next handset. If you’re an existing smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade won’t be too much of a challenge. But, for others, particularly first-time buyers, the idea of buying an Android might make them nervous.
Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig mine through the muck and pull out a few gems.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Sprint this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Sprint if you’re currently contemplating a new device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S6
Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.
LG G4
LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.
LG V10
The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favorite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.
But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.
HTC One M9
The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build. The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage. And, perhaps the best part, the included Uh Oh Protection will replace your water damaged or cracked screen for free inside of 12 months.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime
Somewhat of a trimmed-down take of the Galaxy S line, this one gives new smartphone users more than enough to learn the ropes. What’s more, it comes at a fraction of the cost of the flagship brand. Specs include a 5-inch HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera, and a front-facing 5-megapixel camera. Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, you also get to enjoy expandable memory via microSD slot.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime at T-Mobile
ZTE Obsidian
Priced to move, you’ll have a hard time beating the value in the ZTE Obsidian. Those looking to get into the smartphone game should find the 4.5-inch phone meets their needs. The Android 5.1 Lollipop provides the Material Design aesthetic that’s become all the rage; the 8GB storage with microSD expansion (up to 32GB) ought to be enough to store your music, pictures, and other media.
Kyocera Hydro Wave
Does your lifestyle find you spending time around water? Plumbers, lifeguards, and parents of toddlers will enjoy the waterproof Kyocera handset. Not only that, but the Military Standard 810G rating ensures this one can take a beating. Go ahead, drop it, if you can. The non-slip finish won’t make it easy on you.
Kyocera Hydro Wave at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
When all you need is the essentials, consider picking up the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime. It’s a pocketable 4.5-inch experience with a 5-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 2-megapixel shooter. The quad-core processor and 1GB RAM won’t set any benchmark records, but what do you expect for about one hundred dollars? Give this one to the kids for their first taste of Android.
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime at T-Mobile
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 