Get a 50% discount on any one album, courtesy of the Google Play Store
Have you been itching for a hot new (or not-so-new) album? Music can be pricey, but the Google Play Store is feeling very generous this holiday season and is giving you until early January to buy any one album for 50% off.
This offer is available from now until January 4th, 2016 at midnight. All you have to do is click through the link button below and the offer should be automatically applied during checkout. In the instance that it isn’t, simply use coupon code “ALBUM2015” (without the quotation marks, of course). And yes, this will work for any album… even the bad ones!
There are some limitations to keep in mind. For starters, only one album per account can be purchased at this promotional price. You must also be at least 13 years old and one of the select markets included in the promotion. This offer is only valid in “AU, BR, CA, DE, FR, GB, JP, MX, RU and US”.
Without further ado – go claim your album for 50% off the original price!
Watch this Lexus NX concept roll out on wheels made of ice
Lexus isn’t a newcomer to the world of bizarre vehicle concepts. Back in October, the company introduced the Origami Car, a working electric IS sedan made out of cardboard. Fast forward to today and Lexus is showing off an NX crossover with ice wheels — yes, ice wheels. This project, aptly called Ice-Tyre Lexus NX, features a set of hand-sculptured tires created from multiple blocks of ice, each one intended to recreate the look of Lexus’ alloy wheel and its companion Yokohama winter tire.
The automaker says it took three months to put everything together, which includes having to freeze the Lexus NX for five days in a sub-22-degree Fahrenheit (30 degrees Centigrade) temperatures. Wild.
Via: The Verge
Source: Lexus
BlackBerry may launch a second Android-powered smartphone in 2016
During a recent interview with Bloomberg, BlackBerry CEO John Chen hinted that the Canadian company may well launch a second Android-powered smartphone in 2016. Like the Priv, the upcoming device, which has been codenamed Vienna, is expected to a be a mid-range to high-end handset featuring the firm’s iconic hardware keyboard.
Unfortunately, Chen didn’t elaborate on a specific time frame for the device. He merely stated that its release will depend on how the Priv performs on the open market in the coming months. At present, the handset is only available in four countries, but will touch down in an additional thirty-one within the next three months.
Source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry may launch a second Android-powered smartphone in 2016
Woopower 50W 5-Port High Speed USB Charger (Review)
Design
The Woopower 5-port charger is exactly what it says it is. There is nothing fancy about it – it is a plastic brick with soft rubber feet that help keep it on my desk without sliding around. It has five ports and each USB port has its own LED light indicating the power status. It comes with a four foot power cord so you can set it up on top of a night stand or desk, and then simply connect your USB cables to charge your devices.
Usage
Chargers are about as exciting as watching grass grow. But fortunately the Woopower 5 port charger does have a purpose to serve and it does it well. I’ve charged smartwatches, USB type-C smartphones like the Nexus 5X and 6P, tablets and more. I love that it comes with a four foot cable so I can use my devices at my desk while plugged in to charge.
I really enjoy bringing it along when I travel as it cuts back on how many single port chargers I have to bring with me.
Amazon Description
- Simultaneous multi-port fast charging:50W power output among 5 charging ports,to five devices simultaneously charging can keep up to 2.1A current output for each port to achieve the purpose of high-speed charging
- Suitable to carry out:International universal input voltage (100 ~ 240V) power adapter, compact and lightweight, fit to go out and travel.
- Ensure safety: UL certified design, industrial grade high temperature fireproof material, good protection mechanism (over-current, over-temperature, short circuit protection)
- Offer: Woopower 5 port 50W Charger, 120cm detachable power cord
Summary
The post Woopower 50W 5-Port High Speed USB Charger (Review) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Rumor: Google and Ford will announce self-driving car hookup at CES
While Google’s doing well developing driverless cars on its own, it’s still teaming up with Ford for a new self-driving vehicle venture, according to Yahoo Autos. Since neither corporation has confirmed the information yet, we still don’t know the exact details of the partnership. Yahoo, however, says the two are building cars using Google’s technology and describes the collab as “a huge step by both companies toward a new business of automated ride sharing.” If you recall, Bloomberg reported a few days ago that Google wants to spin off its self-driving car division and turn it into an Uber-like business (without the driver) under Alphabet.
This might not be the only Google driverless car partnership in the works, as well: Yahoo says Mountain View is negotiating with more automakers and convincing them to use its self-driving car system. While this info hasn’t been verified yet, we don’t have to wait too long to know for sure. The two companies are reportedly planning to announce the joint venture at CES 2016 a couple of weeks from now.
Source: Yahoo
BMW and Nissan roll out dual-plug EV chargers across the US
In some says, Tesla’s Supercharger network is its ace in the hole — you can buy one of the company’s electric cars knowing that you’ll have speedy charging when away from home. BMW and Nissan aren’t going to let this competitive edge go unanswered, though. They’re launching a network of 120 dual-format fast chargers (both CHAdeMO and CCS) across 19 US states, any of which should bring most EVs up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. The stations should be available now, and you can find them in the automakers’ respective mobile apps.
The team-up is mostly meant to spur sales of the i3 and Leaf, of course, but the brands are also aware that this could help the EV industry as a whole. Right now, many public charging stations are still the slow variety that won’t help much when you’re eager to get home. Having even a modest network of (mostly) universal fast chargers could boost the confidence of buyers worried that the hassles of owning an EV could outweigh the environmental and financial advantages.
Via: SlashGear
BMW and Nissan roll out dual-plug EV chargers across the US
In some says, Tesla’s Supercharger network is its ace in the hole — you can buy one of the company’s electric cars knowing that you’ll have speedy charging when away from home. BMW and Nissan aren’t going to let this competitive edge go unanswered, though. They’re launching a network of 120 dual-format fast chargers (both CHAdeMO and CCS) across 19 US states, any of which should bring most EVs up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. The stations should be available now, and you can find them in the automakers’ respective mobile apps.
The team-up is mostly meant to spur sales of the i3 and Leaf, of course, but the brands are also aware that this could help the EV industry as a whole. Right now, many public charging stations are still the slow variety that won’t help much when you’re eager to get home. Having even a modest network of (mostly) universal fast chargers could boost the confidence of buyers worried that the hassles of owning an EV could outweigh the environmental and financial advantages.
Via: SlashGear
Pink color variant of the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is now up for sale
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 has been out since last month but has only been available in gold and silver. Now, a pink version of the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is up for purchase via the company’s website.
The new pink-colored version contains all the same specifications found in the original gold and silver Mi Pad 2 models. The tablet is one of the hottest sellers in China and can be purchased for RMB 999 or approximately $189 (16GB model). Specs are mostly mid-range keeping the price from high heights. If you’re in the market for such a tablet, and you love the color pink, this tablet is meant for you. Unfortunately, if you live outside China there’s no telling whether the newly colored handset will make it to your location, but there’s still hope. You can find all the details at the link to the company’s website down below.
Source: Xiaomi
Come comment on this article: Pink color variant of the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is now up for sale
Listen to this: Microsoft drops “Hey Cortana” hotword from Android app
As of the latest update, “Ask” means type.
There is a war of words going on right now, but it’s not political or even personal. It’s digitial. While Google had voice assisted functionality from very early on, Apple’s introduction of Siri into the mobile market arguably pushed voice in a more pronounced way, at least to the general public. While Google’s own assistant doesn’t have a name per se, it is nonetheless an integral part of the Google Now experience and features quick response times and a less “synthesized” voice. Microsoft, too, has its own assistant named Cortana, taken from its cash-cow Halo videogame series.
Recently Cortana was released to the Google Play store and with it Microsoft’s move to migrate millions. Or at least attempt to. This past weekend however, it updated the app and removed what some might consider to be a key feature: “Hey Cortana” hotword support. While the feature was essentially limited to a shout out on either a device’s home screen or within the actual Cortana app itself, support for it has been removed entirely for those in the USA.
What gives (and was taken)?
While Microsoft has yet to state what prompted the sudden about face, those looking for answers on the removal decision may be able to get an idea from posts on reddit in response to the news. User shamrock013 writes:
Good. Using “Hey Cortana” broke the microphone across the whole OS. It barely worked during phone calls. It broke the “OK Google” hotkey. To top it off, the feature barely worked to begin with, so it was half-baked from the start.
Get your crap together, Microsoft.
Another user, bfodder, added:
Oh shit, I couldn’t even use the microphone by tapping on it on the Google Now widget at the top of the home screen. Now it works. And now I know why.
Finally, anthonyvardiz posted:
That explains why I couldn’t “Okay, Google” on my Nexus 6P. Just tried it and it works again!
Based on these responses, it would seem that hotword detection created interference with the normal functioning of a user’s microphone. It is currently unknown as to just how prevalent this issue was, or what devices may have been affected – though clearly the Nexus 6P was one of them. It is also unknown as to the status of “Hey Cortana” on Cyanogenmod builds, which have OS-wide integrated hotword detection.
The question now is if or when Microsoft plans to restore the feature to its fledgling Android app. Part of the draw of virtual assistants is the ability to make use of them effortlessly. By requiring manual triggering of Cortana, the app has arguably lost some of the appeal it might have had, or at least some feature parity with Google Now.
Does it even matter?
Perhaps the larger issue is if hotword removal matters at all. While some love and live by it, others feel enabling the feature drains battery life due to the “always listening” approach. It is similar to criticism raised about LG’s now-heavily cloned “Tap to Wake” display functionality wherein the digitizer must always remain on so as to detect tap input. As for how much effect on battery life this actually has, that’s a different story.
Reviews that have already been posted on the Play Store indicate that yes, this is a big problem. Pedro Ramos wrote:
Hey Cortana?? C’mon Microsoft…stop screwing with us…I really love Cortana. Unless ur doing it so that pc’s Cortana doesn’t get confused then I forgive you.
Chad White’s review goes even further however:
Uninstall Without Hey Cortana there’s no reason to use this app over Google Now why do I have to actually open the app when I could just: “Ok Google, uninstall Cortana” First Microsoft screws up with Windows, then they kept messing up the Skype app for a while, let’s see if they actually listen the the people for once the make at least one good product this year.
The other issue at large is how many Android users want Cortana in the first place. As of right now, the Play Store data lists Cortana installs between 100,000-500,000. While there are other ways to get it (such as an APK file), suffice to say the app has apparently yet to hit a multi-million milestone, or even the one million mark.
Those who want a more seamless Windows 10 experience will no doubt be interested in using Cortana, but it remains to be seen how many Android users will be interested in having a second voice assistant running on their phone, especially since many are probably unsure of how to disable Google Now’s listening in the first place.
Wrap Up
There are a variety of ways to take in this news. Some might be angered and perhaps uninstall the app. Some might be pleased Microsoft has suffered an apparent setback of sorts. Some might not care at all. Whatever you are thinking, however, we want to hear it.
Has Cortana become less relevant without the hotword detection or are you still inclined to use it? Did you even know Cortana was available for Android to begin with prior to reading this story? Leave your comments below and share your thoughts for all to see!
Matías Duarte is anxious for the future
Google’s vice president of design, Matias Duarte, recently sat down with Beautiful Pixels and talked about what he thinks of the current state of mobile computing and what he sees happening in the future.
Duarte told Beautiful Pixels he’s happy mobile experiences are “no longer second class computing citizens” and said the “aesthetic sophistication we’ve seen also across software design in general is also really inspiring.”
But not everything about the current state of mobile computing makes Duarte happy.
“I’m really antsy and frustrated waiting for the future,” he said, adding that he feels mobile computing has plateaued in terms of innovation. “I can’t wait for the messiness and awesomeness of the next paradigm shift.”
Duarte also said he believes mobile and desktop computing have begun to merge, citing the fact that Microsoft makes tablets that run Windows and Apple makes iPads that can be used with keyboards as evidence. But what form that “mobile/tablet/laptop/desktop convergence thing” will eventually take is unknown, he added.
“We know it’s going to happen. We know most of its attributes, but we don’t have consensus yet on the exact right solution,” he said.
Duarte had kind words for his competitors, as well, when he talked about the state of mobile design across platforms.
“I’m impressed and excited that we are in a world where so much great digital design is happening — and not just in terms of the platforms, but also the apps and web pages on those platforms,” he said.
Source: Beautiful Pixels
Come comment on this article: Matías Duarte is anxious for the future
AIVAnet 