Deal: LG G Flex 2 now going for only $199.99
Despite being released a year ago now, the LG G Flex 2 has actually aged pretty well spec-wise, even when stacked against the newest high-end smartphones of late 2015 and even early 2016. This bad boy definitely performs, and it was one of the first mainstream phones to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, a processor many of the best phones around still tout.
Now you may have heard some mixed reactions regarding the G Flex 2’s performance, and while many of these claims were quite true in the beginning, software fixes have helped stabilize the phone’s performance substantially. Unfortunately, not without somewhat tarnishing the reputation of what is easily one of the most unique looking phones to come out of 2015. On the bright side, the mixed reception, and the fact the phone is a year old now, means you can get the LG G Flex 2 for a really good price.
.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;
Previously the cheapest we’d seen this phone was for around $230 to $250, but Daily Steals is now offering up the device for just $199.99. This is the AT&T version (H950, in black), though it is brand new and fully unlocked for use with other carriers.
Specs include the Snapdragon 810 processor (as mentioned above), 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, a 5.5-inch 1080p screen, a 13 MP rear camera, a 2.1 MP front shooter and a 3000 mAh battery. Putting things into perspective, you are getting a phone with similar specs to devices like the Droid Turbo 2, but at a price that’s on similar level to devices like the 3rd gen Moto G. In other words, instead of buying an affordable mid-range handset, you could just go with a phone that is a little older, yet still carries the specs that power plenty of current flagship phones.
Also read:
Best USB-C portable battery chargers
While the USB Type-C standard has yet to find mass adoption in the mobile world, 2015 saw a decent uptick in the number of devices embracing such technology such as the OnePlus 2, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P. Things aren’t going to slow down any in 2016 either, as we anticipate that many other major manufacturers will be jumping into the fray, offering Type-C ports on their flagship, and even mid and low-end phones and tablets.
One of the biggest downsides to the new standard however, is that you have to either buy a ton of adapters so you can keep using your chargers, portable batteries, and other microUSB accessories — or you have to start over again from scratch. If you already have invested heavily into power packs and other accessories, going the former route might make the most sense. That said, a portable battery charger designed for USB Type-C has its advantages over using an adapter with one designed for microUSB. First, charging speed will be much faster with a Type-C connection. Second, less adapters and other cables to bring along with you.
It’ still very early days for USB Type-C portable battery chargers, but a quick look at Amazon turns up about a dozen or so options. Below we listed just five that we felt were worth highlighting due to their brand recognition, as well as their positive ratings and reviews.
See also: Best Android phones (January 2016)
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 mAh
The Anker PowerCore+ packs 20100 mAh and is comes in at $50.99 on Amazon. Along with the 10 LED capacity indicator, the PowerCore+ has 2 USB ports outputting power at 2.4A each, and a USB Type-C port. Included in the box is the power bank, a USB to USB Type-C cable which is used to quickly charge the power bank, a travel pouch, and a micro USB cable. Keep in mind that you don’t just charge the power bank using type-C, there’s also Type-C output, meaning you can charge your Nexus 6P (or whatever have you) from the battery charger as well.
The Anker PowerCore+ is also utilizes a number of special technologies to help ensure the best experience possible, such as PowerIQ, a proprietary technology used to replicate the charging protocol of each device to ensure safe and efficient charging. VoltageBoost is another proprietary technology that detects cable resistance in order to provide a steady charge. It is worth noting that Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 is not supported with this one however.
CHOETECH 10400 mAh
The CHOETECH 10400 mAh portable battery pack can be yours for $31.99 on Amazon. The pack has two USB ports, one of which is compatible with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology. The USB Type-C port is compatible with a variety of devices such as the Macbook, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C. Included in the box, is the power bank, and a USB to USB Type-C cable. The warranty lasts for 18 months. The device can be charged via micro USB and by USB Type-C.
At half the capacity and only about $20 cheaper, the CHOETECH might not seem as impressive as the Anker, but it’s lighter size/weight and the offering of Quick Charge 2.0 support still make it worthwhile.
RAVPower 20100 mAh
The RAVPower 20100 mAh External Battery pack is offered for $59.99 on Amazon. The battery pack is a simple black box with a four dot LED battery indicator. The battery pack has a micro USB port used to charge the battery pack, a USB 3A Type-C port, a USB port capable of supporting Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 technologies, and an iSmart USB port.
The iSmart port is used for devices that have been identified by RAVPower, and is optimised on a device by device basis. There’s certainly plenty of juice here too, as 20100 mAh is enough juice to power a Galaxy S6 close to 5 times, and an iPhone 6S nearly 8 times. The pack has overcharge and circuit protection to protect your devices from the very thing that keeps them running.
While the RAVPower is the more expensive than the first two options, it’s big battery combined with Quick Charge 2 and 3 support make it a pretty compelling option.
Talentcell 10400 mAh
The Talentcell 10400 mAh power bank the least expensive device on the list, at just $26.99 on Amazon. The power bank is charged via micro USB 2.0 and has a USB Type-C port, a full sized USB port, and an LED flashlight. Included in the box is the power bank and a male to male USB Type-C. This power bank supports a variety of Type-C devices other than the 12 inch Macbook, and can charge up to two devices simultaneously.
If you are looking for the cheapest option out there, the Talentcell fits the bill, and is still relatively well reviewed. Of course, there’s something to be said for brand recognition and trust, so if that’s a factor for you — you may be better off considering one of the previous power banks.
iVoler 10000mAh
Once again, a lesser known brand name but the ivoler is aggressively priced at $31.99, making it a tad more expensive than the Talentcell. The ivoer 10000 mAh offers one standard USB port and one Type C that supports up to 5v 3a. While the iVoler doesn’t have Qualcomm quick charge support, it does claim to offer rapid recharge capabilities that lets it top off many devices from 0% to 100% in around 3.5 hours or less using Type-C.
Personally, we’d probably pick the TalentCell over this one, but it never hurts to have a few more options.
Any other solid options you are aware of that didn’t make it onto our list? Give us a shout in the comments and we’ll be sure to take a look.
OnePlus X is now invite free in India too
OnePlus’ controversial invite system is quickly disappearing in most parts of the world. Less than three months after release in the country, the OnePlus X is now available to purchase invite-free in India as well.
Starting from 1 minute past midnight on February 5th, the OnePlus X will be on sale through Amazon India without an invite. You can head straight to the checkout, plump down Rs. 16,999 at a minimum and simply wait for delivery. No more trawling forums for codes or participating in pot luck giveaways. All of the handset models will be up for grabs, including the Onyx Black, Champagne Gold, and limited edition Ceramic.
.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;
“The invite system has been crucial to letting us scale our operations and has given our fans a unique way to share our brand story with the people in their lives … It has been our constant endeavour to enhance the smartphone experience for all of you in taking risks by pushing ourselves and showing real improvements. That’s why we’re making the OnePlus X invite-free, forever, for a more cheerful buying experience.” – OnePlus
The OnePlus 2 is already available sans invite in India and the X model recently dropped its invite requirement in pretty much every country too. While this might seem great for consumers, you have to wonder why stock is seemingly so much more plentiful this time around. Perhaps OnePlus is doing a better job at meeting consumer demand, or has demand has simply shrunk lately?
Are you planning on picking up an OnePlus X, now that you don’t have to obtain an invite?
Sony will distribute its dual-lens camera technology to several “major smartphone players” later this year
One of Sony’s most profitable areas is its image sensor sector. The company has provided camera units for a large number of high-profile flagship smartphones for various manufacturers, including HTC, LG and even Samsung over the course of the past 5-years. That’s why it comes as no surprise to learn that the firm’s brand new deep-focus dual-lens camera technology will be making its way to several products from “major smartphone players” later this year.
This disclosure came during Sony’s Q3 2015 Results Earnings Call. Here’s a short extract from the conversation where Chief Financial Officer of Sony Corporation, Kenichiro Yoshida, reveals the new direction for Sony’s camera development division:
Analyst: “Do you have thoughts from dual camera adoption over the next one to two years and the impact from some of these operations?”
Kenichiro Yoshida (Chief Financial Officer of Sony Corporation): “Well, for next year, our so-called dual lens – dual camera platform will be launched by, we believe, from major smartphone players. However, as I said previously, recently, our smartphone market is growing and particularly, our high-end smartphone market is now slowing down. So, that may impact the demand or production schedule of dual camera smartphones by the major smartphone manufacturers. So, we believe the real start, the takeoff of smartphone with dual lens camerawill be in the year of 2017.”
Unfortunately, Sony was unable to give up any names of the devices that will embrace its new dual-lens sensor. However, Apple is expected to follow in the footsteps of Huawei, Lenovo and ZTE by adopting the Android innovation for its next-generation iPhone Plus, which leads us to believe that it may be purchasing the camera module from the Japanese conglomerate as Apple’s production lines are already full with its ultra-clear iSight cameras.
Via: Xperia Blog
Come comment on this article: Sony will distribute its dual-lens camera technology to several “major smartphone players” later this year
Huawei teases the Honor 7 Premium, coming to Europe later this year
Fresh from launching the Honor 5X in Europe today from just €229/£169, Huawei is not content to rest on its laurels. With the Honor 7 having proven popular in Europe, the Chinese electronics manufacturer has today announced it will be launching a new version of the handset, called the Honor 7 Premium. It might not be an entirely original name, but if it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Huawei could be on to another winner.
Details were scarce, but the gist of the announcement is that the Honor 7 Premium will sport 32GB of internal storage, feature a 9A/2A fast charger in the box, as well as being available in Golden or Mystery Grey. Other than that, it’s anyone’s guess whether it will stick to the 5.2 form factor seen in the original model or perhaps increase in size as is the trend nowadays. Other unanswered questions include whether Huawei will continue to use its own Kirin processor, or will it source a unit from Qualcomm as they did with the Honor 5X?
What features would you like to see in the Honor 7 Premium? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We’ll have a couple more Honor related posts later this evening, once the event is done and dusted.
Come comment on this article: Huawei teases the Honor 7 Premium, coming to Europe later this year
Motorola’s now selling the Moto 360 Sport through the Google Store in Canada
Motorola has just launched the latest iteration of its Moto 360 smartwatch, the Sport, on the Google Store in Canada. The device has been available to purchase in the region exclusively from Best Buy in various colors for the past couple of weeks, but it’s now listed on the search engine giant’s official Android Wear page in the gorgeous black colorway for $379.99 CAD ($280 USD).
For those who missed its announcement back in December 2015, the Sport is a more lightweight version of the traditional leather-band Moto 360. It’s aimed at the more active amongst us and comes with a plethora of nifty sensors which track your daily steps, calorie intake and heart rate. You can also pre-load music onto the device for wireless playback during exercise.
As the Moto 360 Sport runs the latest build of Google’s Android Wear open-source operating system, you have the facility to place calls, send texts, peruse notifications, keep track of to-do lists, follow directions and, of course, check the time without having to pull out your smartphone, too.
If you’re based in Canada, like the sound of the Moto 360 Sport and want to pick one up in black from the Google Store — hit the source link below.
Source: Google Store
Come comment on this article: Motorola’s now selling the Moto 360 Sport through the Google Store in Canada
Verizon blesses prepaid users with more data
In an attempt to keep pace with rival carriers, Verizon on Thursday added more data to its prepaid rate plans. Effective immediately, customers on the $45 and $60 plans get 3GB and 5GB of data, respectively.
As an incentive, Verizon will throw in an extra gigabyte each month if you agree to sign up to its AutoPay service. In other words, let them automatically deduct your payment and you get free data. Should a user need more data, Verizon also offers individual buckets: $5 for 500MB, $10 for 1GB, and $20 for 3GB. The 500MB add-on is good for 30 days while the other two can be spread over 90 days.
Both rate plans also include unlimited talk and text as well as texting to Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Shop Verizon Prepaid Plans
The post Verizon blesses prepaid users with more data appeared first on AndroidGuys.
I’m too out of shape for virtual reality
My knees and thighs ached. If my left shoulder moved more than half a foot out of its neutral position, it lit on fire. Breathing deeply made my back seize with stabbing waves of pain. My pride was hurt most of all. My physical ailments weren’t the result of visiting the gym or training for a marathon — they were the fallout of one afternoon of playing full-body virtual reality video games. Holy crap, am I out of shape.
I’ve always known that my sedentary lifestyle was killing me, but I never thought it would keep me from playing video games. Valve’s SteamVR Developer Showcase proved otherwise, albeit unintentionally. Virtual reality is wholly unlike the so-called “active” games of the last decade.
In Wii Sports, you lazily waggle and swing a remote. With Kinect, you sloppily wave and “dance” to match an on-screen beat. In virtual reality, you just move. If it’s an action game, you instinctively dodge a barrage of deadly lasers. You kneel down to hide behind a crate, only to leap up in a squat-jump to shoot at an enemy behind cover. You’re not thinking about it, you’re just doing what you have to in order to win. Twenty minutes later, and you’ve put yourself through an intense cardio workout.
That scenario sounds hypothetical, but it isn’t — that’s exactly what happened to me last week playing demos for Hover Junkers, Space Pirate Trainer and AudioShield. Although I only spent 15 minutes with each of these games, all of them tricked me into being far more active than I planned. That, I realized, was what made being active in VR so different than playing contemporary motion-controlled games: I was exercising by accident.
Audioshield, for instance, had me blocking rapid-fire abstract missiles to the beat of Metallica’s “No Leaf Clover,” effectively putting me through short bursts of fast-paced shadow boxing. Hover Junkers forced me to duck behind virtual cover to avoid enemy fire in what amounted to a ten-minute squat routine. At the time, I just thought I was playing a game, but each experience left me gasping for breath. I shamefully realized the truth: I’m too out of shape to play some of the best VR games coming to first-generation headsets. That won’t do.
For the first time in my life, video games are about to enact a positive change on my lifestyle. If I want to experience fast-paced action in standing, full-body VR of the kind I saw at Valve’s SteamVR showcase, I’m going to need to get into better shape. As an inherently lazy man, I’m not happy about that — but it’s a reality I’m going to have to accept. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go for a run. Because I want to play video games later. Man, the future is weird.
Intel’s diversity report shows change is slow, but important
Intel has made a big deal about its commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace and now wants us all to see how well it did in 2015. The firm is celebrating the fact that it was just about able to exceed its goal of hiring 40 percent of new employees from diverse backgrounds and plans to push that to 45 percent this year. Overall, women now comprise 24.8 percent of Intel’s workforce, up from 19 percent in 2014, with the number of African American, Hispanic and Native American hires generally trending upward. That’s not even mentioning the chipmaker’s outside projects like teaming up with Lady Gaga to tackle online harassment.
One common problem with creating a welcoming environment for women in male-dominated workplaces is in the benefits packages that are offered. Intel has pledged to increase fertility benefits, support for adoption and push the duration of its maternity leave package to eight weeks of paid leave following a birth. That’s not just open to women, either, as male employees can apply for a similar period of bonding time with their new kids. The company is also shouting from the rooftops that, in its internal audits for 2015, it found that it had a 100 percent record of paying men and women equal pay for equal work.
So, all good, right?
Intel’s biggest problem in 2015 was that it’s struggled to retain diverse employees that it’s spent so much energy trying to woo. For instance, the number of African American employees leaving the company was noticeably higher, causing the firm to fall short on its targets. In addition, the chipmaker has alluded to “challenges affecting retention” of minority employees in the early stages of their careers. Something is making these people wash out and Intel is hoping to amend any culture issues that it finds.
These numbers are positive, but it could be argued that Intel is playing the game with a loaded set of dice. For instance, there’s a rough 50-50 split between men and women in the workplace, but that’s not a metric Intel uses to define diversity. Instead, it’s using the “market availability” of skilled employees, for instance, the amount of STEM-educated women capable of taking on a technical job at Intel. That figure, however, is just 22.7 percent, meaning that Intel can say that a workforce where less than a quarter of women is diverse.
It should be said that Intel is a company with more than 100,000 employees, and it would be impossible to remedy decades of unbalanced hiring in just 12 months. Intel should, and does, admit that it’s certainly not able to parade itself as a paradigm of a diverse workplace just yet. The firm is also pushing money towards education programs and partnering with colleges to help bring through talented candidates of the future. It takes time to turn an ocean liner around, but at least Intel’s leadership are starting to turn the wheel.
Source: Intel
Honda recalls another 2.2 million vehicles over airbag trouble
The ongoing saga of defective Takata airbags continues. Honda just announced that it added 2.23 million more vehicles to its recall list, making for a total of 8.51 million affected vehicles in the US, Autoblog reports. At issue is the airbag inflator used by Takata, which can potentially spray shrapnel on drivers and front-seat passengers. The airbag issue has steadily grown over the last few years — now it affects 14 carmakers and 28 million inflators, reports the New York Times. So far, 10 deaths have been linked to the airbags worldwide, along with over 100 injuries.
Here’s the list of newly affected Honda vehicles:
- 2005-2012 Acura RL
- 2007-2011 Honda CR-V
- 2007-2016 Acura RDX (early production MY 2016 vehicles only)
- 2007-2014 Honda Ridgeline
- 2009-2014 Honda Fit
- 2009-2014 Acura TL
- 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
- 2010-2014 Honda Insight
- 2010-2013 Acura ZDX
- 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
- 2013-2016 Acura ILX (early production MY 2016 vehicles only)
The company says it’ll start sending out notices to customers within a few months, and it’ll begin repairs this summer. It sounds like it’ll be a relatively easy fix, though. Honda will simply replace the Takata airbag components with another supplier’s.
Via: Autoblog
AIVAnet 