Protect your Galaxy S6 edge+ with this two layer case for $16.95 today!

If you want to keep your Galaxy S6 edge+ protected while propping it up to watch videos, you’ll want to check out this protective case with a metal kickstand. The two layers interlock to keep the phone safe and secure without adding too much bulk. Today, you can grab one for just $16.95.

Marshmallow update imminent for Verizon LG V10

LG V10 owners on Verizon have a sweet treat to look forward to, as the carrier has indicated Android 6.0 Marshmallow will begin rolling out to the handset on March 24. In addition to the bump up to Marshmallow, Verizon’s patch notes indicate that the update will bump the phone’s software version up to VS99022A. There is no indication on how large the update will be, however.

In any case, once the update does arrive, those with a Verizon LG V10 will be able to take advantage of Marshmallow features like Doze mode, granular app permissions and Google Now on Tap.

Again, the update should begin rolling out on March 24, but we’ll this post should the date change. And as with all carrier updates, this one is likely to take some time to arrive for all users once it begins to roll out.

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Twitter is testing colourful photo stickers so that you’ll tweet more

In an attempt to spruce things up a bit, Twitter is testing a new sticker feature.

According to Re/Code, Facebook is letting some users add colourful decals to their photos. Twitter user @XBLFoxes even shared a screenshot with one such sticker, and from the photo, you can see the new sticker option located in the right-hand corner of Twitter’s existing photo editor.

On Wednesday, a Twitter spokesperson said the company is “researching potential new ways to make Twitter more expressive.”

Twitter likely wants to give users ways to be more expressive because doing so could persuade them to tweet more – and then that could motivate other users to respond to the new stickers via likes, retweets, and replies – all of which equals engagement on Twitter and maybe even growth.

Keep in mind Twitter has a serious growth problem. It reported fourth-quarter earnings last month and revealed that no new users were added since last quarter. Twitter has 320 million total users, the same number it reported in Q3. But the story gets worse. Active users dropped too. Only 305 million users were active on Twitter per month on average, whereas the company reported 307 million active users in Q3 of 2015.

Photo stickers won’t cure Twitter’s growth problem, but it certainly won’t hurt it. Re/Code said this feature, which is still in the testing phase and might not ever rollout to everyone, also includes an option to “see how other users from around the world have edited the same photo.”

Pebble lays off 25 per cent of entire staff, says ‘money is tight’

Pebble is having trouble finding its place in a niche market full of big players, and because of that, about 40 employees are getting the axe.

The smartwatch-maker told TechInsider that it is laying off about 25 per cent of its staff. CEO Eric Migicovsky made it seem like the cuts were happening due to funding issues: “Money is pretty tight these days,” he said, indicating fundraising in Silicon Valley hasn’t been as fruitful as it was in the past. That being said, Pebble has raised $26 million in the last 8 months.

It also sold $20 million worth of smartwatches via Kickstarter in 2015. Pebble therefore has some money, but it’s still choosing to be more careful this year as it plans products. Migicovsky said he wants Pebble to focus on the health and fitness. Pebble watches do include some fitness features, but they pale in comparison to sports wearables and fitness trackers on the market.

Last December, Pebble announced something called Pebble Health. It is, as you might’ve guessed, a health app. And it features fully native activity tracking with timeline integration. It was developed in collaboration with researchers at Stanford University and builds off the 24/7 step- and sleep-tracking functionality introduced in 2014 via Jawbone or Misfit’s apps.

Pebble likely launched this app to better compete with smartwatches available from major rivals. Apple, for instance, offers a Apple Watch Sports edition, though it dropped the price of that watch by $50, which suggests it isn’t selling too well or the market is saturated with like-wearables. FitBit, which primarily makes fitness trackers, has even seen its stock drop quite a bit this year.

With these sorts of things happening in the space, it’s interesting to see Pebble consider a move toward health and fitness. We get the feeling it is running out of options though, so it’ll be interesting where the company is at next year.

Take a look at the April update for ‘Destiny’

Developer Bungie held a livestream today adding further details to what you can expect from Destiny’s next update. First up is an increase to Light level (the rating that denotes your defensive and offensive power, based on the gear you have equipped) to 335 from expansion pack The Taken King’s 310. New loot and difficulty settings are coming to the Prison of Elders, Court of Oryx, heroic strikes, Nightfall strikes and the King’s Fall raid in addition to Iron Banner and Trials of Osiris events, as well.

Speaking of the Prison of Elders, Bungie is also adding the shadowy Taken enemies to that in addition to a level 41 difficulty and eight updated bosses. What’s more, each week will see a new round of gameplay modifiers for the mode’s three-in-a-row boss battles.As previously reported, there’s that new “Blighted Chalice” strike, too. Want a peek at what it all looks like? Check out the gallery just above for a few clues.

Are you still playing ‘Destiny’?

Source: Bungie (1), (2)

YouTube wants in on the mobile livestreaming game

YouTube Gaming might not be taking off the way Google’s video wing expected, but that won’t stop the outfit from taking inspiration from another growing video sector. VentureBeat reports that “YouTube Connect” is the video service’s attempt at livestreaming a la Periscope and Facebook Live. You can log in with a Google or YouTube account (you haven’t merged those yet?), plus there’s a built-in news feed, chat and tagging — but apparently no Facebook or Twitter sharing yet.

YouTube currently offers livestreaming via the Creator Studio app, of course, but last year both Periscope and Meerkat showed how streamlining access could bring this to the masses. Anything could change before it launches, but the upcoming Google I/O event looks like a great opportunity to hear more about the company’s plans.

Source: VentureBeat

Apple’s Online Store Down Ahead of iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro Orders

Apple has taken its online storefront down in order to prepare for the launch of iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro orders, which will likely begin at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time or 3:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 24. Orders will be available on Apple’s site, through the Apple Store app, and through carrier websites.

Apple will accept orders for the two devices in first wave launch countries that include Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, US Virgin Islands, and the US.

The iPhone SE is available in 16 and 64GB capacities in the United States, with pricing that starts at $399 for an outright purchase. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available in 32, 128, and 256GB capacities with prices that start at $599. Both Wi-Fi and Cellular models are available.

Supplies of the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro are likely to be adequate and we do not expect the devices to sell out. Nevertheless, customers planning to purchase should do so right away just in case.

Deliveries on orders placed today are expected to begin on March 31, which is also the day when the two devices will be available for in-store purchase.

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Tesla Model S price hike rumored for US

With the upcoming launch of the Model 3 at a price of around $35,000, Tesla is significantly lowering the threshold for entry into brand ownership. At the same time, rumors are circulating about the Model S, and that its bar might get set a little higher in the coming weeks. Forum users at Tesla Motors Club report that Tesla representatives have been warning them of a price increase in April, leading some buyers to pull the trigger early in order to lock in the lower price.
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Some say, though, that those customers will also be locking in old technology. The price increase rumors correspond with others involving updates to the luxury electric sedan, perhaps to be revealed alongside the Model 3 unveiling. While some are hoping for cosmetic changes to bring the Model S fascia in line with that of the Model X, others predict new Autopilot hardware (spurred on by images of cars spotted with new sensors attached), or the launch of the P100D. Some folks suspect the new price might just be to align the Model S with recent updates like the new standard Slipstream wheels and updated center console.

Of course, an update could include all of these additions, or the rumors might turn out to be just, well, rumors. One thing is certain, those with their ear to the ground will be paying close attention to the Model 3 presentation on March 31, looking for any revelations, obvious or implied, about possible changes to Tesla’s flagship vehicle. And if we don’t get any confirmations, we can be certain that the rumormill will continue to grind away wherever Tesla’s name is spoken.

Related Video:

Source: Electrek, Tesla Motors Club

Google Maps for iOS gets more ridesharing options

Google Maps has added new ridesharing options to its iOS app, a week after they first became available on Android. Uber was the sole choice for years — so long as you have the app on your phone, Maps can show how much you’d pay for a ride when you search for a destination. You can even launch the app from within Maps if you decide to make a booking. While the new new ridesharing partners are certainly welcome, there’s one caveat: they’re mostly services in other countries, though one offers rides in NYC.

These new options are: Gett for the UK, Israel, Russia and NYC; 99Taxis for Brazil; Ola Cabs for India; Hailo for the UK, Ireland, Spain and Singapore; and MyTaxi for Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Poland. Similar to Uber’s integration, you’ll need to install these apps if you want to see their pricing on Google Maps. Once you do, you can easily compare their prices with Uber’s fares (whenever both are available) and decide which service to hail.

Source: iTunes

Sprint LG G5 pre-orders kick off March 24 ahead of April 1 launch

Sprint has officially announced that it will launch the LG G5 on April 1, with pre-orders set to kick off tomorrow, March 24 online and March 25 in stores. Sprint’s pricing lines up with what we reported in an earlier leak, with installment plans coming in at $24 per month for 24 months. The carrier is also offering the G5 for $150 after a $50 mail-in rebate on a two-year contract.

Finally, if you trade in you current smartphone, Sprint will throw in an accessory bundle for free. Included in the bundle is an extra battery, a battery charging cradle and a USB-C to Micro USB adapter. As for the G5’s “Friends”, Sprint has confirmed it will soon offer the 360-degree LG 360 Cam “friend” for $199, while the LG Cam Plus will come in at $70.

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