Netflix updated with in-app phone support
Netflix has been updated VoIP support, allowing users to call to customer service within the application. The media streaming company is known for its excellent customer service, and this new update makes it that much more convenient.
The new feature will require users to give the Netflix app a new permission for accessing the system’s microphone. This feature is new, and as a result, there’s still some quirks to work out, but it makes getting support for Netflix much quicker than normal.
Here’s the full changelog:
– Call Netflix Help directly from the app (Microphone permission required)– Bug fixes
Netflix is available to download for free on the Play Store, but requires a subscription to the service to watch the content.
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Look out Apple and Samsung: Huawei shipped over 100 million phones in 2015
When I got my hands on the Huawei Mate 7 for the first time, I knew that this company was on to something. Despite some glaring software issues, the phone was highly attractive, the hardware was excellent, and the rear fingerprint scanner was one of the best implementations I’d ever witnessed. Since then, Huawei has only went uphill, introducing the Huawei Mate S, and more recently the Nexus 6p and Mate 8. Not only is the hardware prowess on the upward march, so is consumer interest it seems.
Huawei has now announced it has shipped more than 100 million smartphones this year, putting in on ground that is almost even with major competitors Samsung and Apple.
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The big difference between Huawei and the other ‘big two’ is that the bulk of the third largest phone manufacturer lies in China and other parts of Asia. That said, Huawei has made a push towards the western markets in 2015 and in 2016 is reportedly set to bring the Mate 8, Honor 5x, and other key products to the United States. Will this continued push allow Huawei to jump ahead of the current smartphone kings, Samsung and Apple? While it’s hard to say for sure, there is no denying that Huawei is on a roll, like them or not.
For Huawei, it likely will come down to marketing, and software. Huawei has proven that it has the hardware and design side of things down, with the Nexus 6p winning our “people’s choice” award for the best Android phone of the year. If Huawei can find a way to makes it software more western market friendly on its non-Nexus devices, things will only go up from here.
What do you think of Huawei? Impressed by what you’ve seen, or less optimistic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Report: Samsung Galaxy S7 to have software optimization that rivals the iPhone
This year’s Samsung Galaxy S6 finally brought the major shakeup in design that many had long been hoping for, alongside tweaks and improvements to Touchwiz that made it a bit more streamlined than in years past. While the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge weren’t without their faults, there’s no denying that their arrival signaled a new era for Samsung. Now the question is where Samsung will go from here.
The rumor mill has been churning with increased intensity as of late and we are starting to get a clearer picture of what the Samsung Galaxy S7 will bring to the table. First, we can reportedly expect only minor changes in design this time around, though the microSD slot could be making a much desired comeback.
Where the Galaxy S7 could really shine is in the software. A new report out of China suggests that Samsung is taking a software-centric approach to their Next Big Thing, and no that doesn’t mean throwing on a bunch of unnecessary extra software features (that’s what the Galaxy S4 and S5 were for).
See also: Samsung Galaxy S7 rumor roundup: release date, price, specs, features
Reportedly, Samsung has actually teamed up with Google engineers to help optimize and reform TouchWiz in a way that goes above and beyond the positive steps we saw with TouchWiz in 2015. Supposedly Samsung is aiming for optimization levels that would rival or even exceed what Apple has accomplished with iOS.
A lofty goal to say the least. After all, Apple is able to achieve its level of optimization due to its tight control of iOS, an advantage Samsung simply doesn’t have. Regardless, if the rumors prove true, that means we could be looking at a slimmer, faster, and more optimized software experience with the Galaxy S7.
You might be wondering if Google would really lend its engineers to Samsung in such a manner. While the legitimacy of this claim is unknown, we can say that it makes sense on some level. For many casual consumers, there are two accepted choices for smartphones if you want to be trendy: a Galaxy or an iPhone. That means the first taste of Android for many users comes from those who buy a Samsung Galaxy device, and so it isn’t surprising that Google would want to work with Samsung to ensure that the experience is a pleasant one.
For now, we’d take the entire report with a healthy dose of skepticism, but we can’t help but be a little excited over the prospect of a ultra-optimized Samsung Galaxy software experience.
What do you think, would you purchase a Galaxy S7 with more optimized TouchWiz onboard? Do you think that Samsung could achieve the kind of optimization it is hoping for? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Looking back – Samsung Galaxy S6 review
Best Buy Sales Event Includes $300 Off Retina MacBook, $125 Off iPad Air 2, and More
Best Buy today introduced a new deal into its Apple-centric “Holiday Event,” giving customers the chance to get $300 off of the entry-level Retina Macbook, along with free two-day shipping for last minute holiday shoppers.
Originally priced at $1,299, the deal reduces the new Gold, Silver, and Space Gray MacBook to $999, rivaling that of the entry model 13-inch MacBook Air. College students also have the opportunity to get the MacBook as low as $949, thanks to a $50 student discount offered when ordering either a MacBook or an iMac. The $1,599 version of the 12-inch MacBook, with increased flash storage, isn’t available in Best Buy’s current sale.
The Apple Holiday Event began earlier in December at Best Buy, and all of its deals are still running in the lead-up to Christmas. When activating on a two-year contract, the retailer is offering the 16GB versions of the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus for $1 and $99.99, respectively. The iPad Air 2 has been cut by $125 for both cellular and Wi-Fi only options. A similar deal is running for the iPad mini 4, which has been reduced by $100 on each of its versions. The Apple Watch is also still available at a $100 discount.
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Best Buy Sales Event Includes $300 Off Retina MacBook, $125 Off iPad Air 2, and More
Best Buy today introduced a new deal into its Apple-centric “Holiday Event,” giving customers the chance to get $300 off of the entry-level Retina Macbook, along with free two-day shipping for last minute holiday shoppers.
Originally priced at $1,299, the deal reduces the new Gold, Silver, and Space Gray MacBook to $999, rivaling that of the entry model 13-inch MacBook Air. College students also have the opportunity to get the MacBook as low as $949, thanks to a $50 student discount offered when ordering either a MacBook or an iMac. The $1,599 version of the 12-inch MacBook, with increased flash storage, isn’t available in Best Buy’s current sale.
The Apple Holiday Event began earlier in December at Best Buy, and all of its deals are still running in the lead-up to Christmas. When activating on a two-year contract, the retailer is offering the 16GB versions of the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus for $1 and $99.99, respectively. The iPad Air 2 has been cut by $125 for both cellular and Wi-Fi only options. A similar deal is running for the iPad mini 4, which has been reduced by $100 on each of its versions. The Apple Watch is also still available at a $100 discount.
Discuss this article in our forums
Sprint is the first American carrier to push out the Marshmallow update for the LG G4
Marshmallow update for the LG G4. In addition to carrying the latest build of the open-source operating system to the handset, the upgrade also bundles support for the operator’s brand new global roaming feature, which will allow users to take their device abroad without having to swap out the SIM.
To see if the update is ready for your device, first, ensure your unit has at least 50% charge, then head into Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates” and select “Check for updates”. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification prompting you to install the upgrade, but this will only happen if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Come comment on this article: Sprint is the first American carrier to push out the Marshmallow update for the LG G4
MetroPCS customers can now use their smartphones in Canada for just $5 per month
MetroPCS has today revealed that its customers are now able to use their smartphones in Canada for just $5 per month, which is great news as they no longer have to subscribe to the $10 a month World Calling scheme and the $5 monthly Value Bundle for international text messaging. Instead, they can pay a $5 flat fee to use their device just like they would in the US whilst on vacation.
Seeing as T-Mobile is the parent company of MetroPCS, it’s only natural for them to adopt the same policy for their customers. That’s why the wireless network operator also launched a new scheme which enables its subscribers to use their phones in both Canada and Mexico. However, unlike MetroPCS, T-Mo customers won’t have to pay extra to use their device abroad.
Source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: MetroPCS customers can now use their smartphones in Canada for just $5 per month
What is the XPOSED Framework?
Among the greatest achievements in the Android community, the XPOSED framework is almost certainly one of the most popular subjects. It’s likely you’ve heard of it before, some more than others. It’s also likely you’re not that well clued up on it. Worry not, for this post is here to set the parameters and explain what’s what.
What is XPOSED?
In a nutshell, the XPOSED Framework is an app that you use to mod your rooted phone. Think of it like Minecraft or GTA, where you can download additional things to add or adjust program features. XPOSED offers these “mods” to adjust the software on your phone. Such adjustments include
Custom ROMs like CynanogenMOD can also offer additional features and tweaks. However, XPOSED uses your existing software and adds to what is already there, instead of replacing your software entirely.
Before we move on, let me give you a heads up on what a custom ROM is. Let’s say you own a Samsung with Samsung’s infamous Touchwiz. You don’t like the software that it came with it, so you download software from the internet to replace it. This software is known as a custom ROM.
Moving on, the two biggest mobile OS competitors are iOS and Android. Think of iOS as alternate software (our custom ROM). You are running Android, except that you also want a few fancy features from iOS. Before XPOSED, you would have to have to choose either Android or the custom ROM, and be unable to mix them into each other. XPOSED will allow you to take features from this custom ROM and put them inside Android without having to choose another software type entirely, allowing you to have only what you want.
Keep in mind that iOS actually has nothing to do with XPOSED.
The actual XPOSED Framework is something that modifies the internal system, allowing these ‘mods’ to be injected into the operating system.
What are the pro’s and con’s?
As you’re fiddling around with root and the internal workings of Android, there obviously are some cons. In rare cases (as I’ve personally experienced), installing a package from the repository may be incompatible with your phone model. Most of the time, nothing will happen, but I installed a tweak that modifies the booting up process, inevitably causing a bootloop (when I switch my phone on, all it did was repeat the start up animation infinitely). This was an easy fix for me, fortunately.
Your phone may slow down if it isn’t well endowed with specs and you use lots of tweaks.
It is highly implausible that you will brick your phone by all means.
On a more positive note, there are sufficiently more good things that come around, and even more that you may not expect. For example, say you’ve installed Greenify. Greenify allows you to save battery by cutting down on background activity. By using XPOSED, you’ve already managed to save a considerable amount of battery. And that is only one mod.
What are some examples of mods? What can I use it for?
Depending on your device, you may have access to a wide range of packages. There are 2 main types: visual tweaks and internal tweaks. Most of the visual tweaks are designed for stock Android, e.g. Nexus models and Google Play Editions, while some will work for all models.
These visual mods often adjust colors, layouts and themes. Take LG’s quick settings menu on the G3, for example.
Because the G3 is a relatively popular device, there is more support for it. Likewise, here’s a tweaked Sony quick settings tile layout on the Z2:
Internal tweaks, on the other hand, are also often device-specific, but they often offer more universal device support. A classic example of an internal tweak is SNAPPREFS. Used for Snapchat, this extension allows you to perform actions not typically supported by the app. You can take screenshots of received pictures without the other person knowing, and even automatically save them if you’re too lazy to press buttons.
Another example is RootCloak. This hides the fact that you have root if other apps check and they are blacklisted by you. Security sensitive applications like banking apps often block users with root, and RootCloak simply tells the app that you aren’t rooted, allowing you to use them normally.
While we’re at it, here’s a glimpse of the module library:
It becomes evident that XPOSED is a very powerful tool for even the average user.
Interested in how to install it? Head over to the official XPOSED Framework XDA thread if you are feeling adventuresome, or if you’re uneasy, keep tuned to AG for our next XPOSED post: How to install the framework and manage modules.
We at AndroidGuys.com accept no responsibility for any devices damaged in the process of using the XPOSED Framework.
The post What is the XPOSED Framework? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Target Working on QR Code Mobile Wallet as Apple Pay Holdout Continues
Target is in early stages of developing its own mobile wallet solution that could launch as early as next year, according to Reuters. The fourth-largest U.S. retailer is leaning towards using QR code technology for the payments app, rather than NFC, enabling customers to purchase goods by scanning a code at checkout akin to Walmart Pay announced last week.
Target is working on a mobile wallet for use at checkout (Image: MADELINECOYNE)
The retailer reportedly plans to integrate the mobile wallet into its existing app available on iOS and Android, and will directly link customers’ credit cards for payments. The wallet will likely support both Target’s Red store credit and debit cards and ones from other issuers. Target does not currently accept any mobile wallets in it stores, but does support Apple Pay in its iPhone and iPad app.
Target’s plans to launch its own mobile wallet raise questions about its commitment to rival payment platforms. A company spokesperson confirmed that Target remains an active member of the Merchant Customer Exchange, a consortium of retailers developing the payments system CurrentC, and the retailer is also exploring additional mobile wallet solutions, according to the report.
Target CEO Brian Cornell said in May that the retailer is “open-minded” about supporting Apple Pay or other payment services after upgrading its point-of-sale systems with chip-and-PIN card support, but the company has not announced any specific plans since. A few other MCX retailers including Best Buy and Rite Aid have already reversed course and started accepting Apple Pay this year.
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Nintendo’s 2015 was the best of times and the worst of times
Let’s face it: In the world of video games, Nintendo exists in a state of constant scrutiny. More often than not, the Japanese company is targeted for being “behind the times” or “out of touch” with what its fanbase wants. Looking back, however, we see a more dynamic mish-mash of good and bad decisions. In 2015, Nintendo teased us by promising to build mobile apps, but pleased us by adding some unexpected classics to its digital game library and announcing a new game console. The company had breakout hits like Splatoon, but also fumbled on launch dates, failing to deliver Star Fox Zero and Zelda Wii U by year’s end. How is Nintendo doing, really? Let’s take a look back at the highs and lows of Nintendo’s year and find out.
Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images
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