T-Mobile launches Enhanced Voice Services for clearer, more reliable calls

T-Mobile has announced the launch of Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), the moniker for what it calls a “true next-gen voice technology.” Most wireless customers are only now getting a chance to check out the benefits of Voice over LTE (VoLTE), but T-Mobile claims that EVS pushes things further with improvements over VoLTE across the board.

In all, there are three main areas of improvements that T-Mobile customers can look forward to with EVS. From T-Mobile:

• First, EVS improves voice call reliability in areas of weaker signal, which means the rare dropped call on LTE will happen even less frequently.
• Second, EVS provides even higher-fidelity calls than the HD Voice we were the very first in the US to introduce back in 2013. EVS does this with a broader audio frequency range, which translates to richer, more realistic-sounding voice audio.
• Third, EVS delivers all this more of the time and in more places. EVS works whether you’re on Wi-Fi or the T-Mobile LTE network.

Perhaps the most interesting detail of all is that EVS should provide improved call clarity even if you’re speaking to someone without an EVS-capable phone.

For now, EVS is only available on the LG G5, along with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The G5 works with EVS out of the box, while the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge recently received a software update that enables the feature.

While the initial pool of compatible phones is limited, T-Mobile says it’s hoping to enable the feature on seven phones by the end of the year.

The best Chromebooks

They all run the same software, but there are big differences between these Chromebook models

We’ve done our best to keep up with Chromebook coverage here at Android Central for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being that we use these machines every single day. We spend time with every Chromebook model we can get our hands on, putting in full reviews whenever possible.

With the rapid pace of releases pumping out new Chromebooks on a regular basis it’s hard to say what’s “the best,” but every so often we need to put our collective feet down and make a list — these are the best Chromebooks available as of November 2015.

Article updated in November, 2015

The best: Dell Chromebook 13

We can just come right out and say it — Dell has made the best non-Pixel Chromebook to date with the new Chromebook 13. This 13.3-inch Chromebook has a great metal build coated in durable soft touch material, along with a great backlit keyboard and a big glass-covered trackpad. The display is a 1920×1080 IPS panel that looks great in the non-touch matte version, but there are also models with a Gorilla Glass-covered touchscreen of the same resolution.

See at Dell

See at Amazon

At its lowest configuration — starting at $429 — you’ll be getting a new Intel Celeron processor that’s plenty capable when paired with 4GB of RAM, but if you have a specific reason for higher specs Dell will oblige and sell you one of several other configurations. You can spec up a Core i3 or Core i5 processor, up to 8GB of RAM and a touchscreen, but you can start pushing $800 quickly here.

The Chromebook 13 offers fantastic battery life, is built super well and really checks all of the boxes aside from being a bit heavy at 3.23 pounds. If you’re okay spending a little extra money to get something better than your standard cheap plastic Chromebook, this is the model to get — just make sure you choose the right configuration that works for your needs and budget.

Read our Dell Chromebook 13 review

Honorable mention: Toshiba Chromebook 2

We were extremely impressed by the first iteration of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 (in fact it was our top recommended Chromebook until the Dell was released), and Toshiba has made a simple refresh of the model late in 2015.

The latest Chromebook 2 bumped up to a new set of processors — either a new Celeron or Core i3) — and a backlit keyboard while keeping the same build, battery life and great IPS display. You’ll get 4GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a Celeron processor in the standard configuration, while it starts $100 less (MSRP) than the Dell Chromebook 13.

See at Amazon

It isn’t made nearly as well as the Dell and the battery life is also a bit shorter on the Chromebook 2, but you may find it worth it to save the difference in price. For a great idea of what to expect from the Chromebook 2, be sure to read our full review of the previous model below.

Read our review of the original Toshiba Chromebook 2

On a budget: ASUS Chromebook C201 and Chromebook Flip (C100)

Both of ASUS’ latest Chromebooks hit good price points, ranging from about $175 to $275 depending on the retailer. The cheaper of the two is the Chromebook C201, which is an 11.6-inch all-metal built laptop with a standard set of ports, a new Rockchip ARM processor (meaning it’s finless) and a solid IPS display.

You can pick up a model with 4GB of RAM, which we recommend, for just $200 and get a great device that’s built better than you’d expect for the price. If you’re really tight on cash you can save about $25 and go with the lower model with just 2GB of RAM, but we recommend you put off buying a few coffees the next week and just bump to the higher model.

See at Amazon

See at Google Store

Stepping up the scale about $75 on each model is the Chromebook Flip (aka the C100), which is built much the same as the C201 but has a touch screen that’s an inch smaller at 10.1-inches in total and is convertible into a pseudo-tablet with the screen flipping back completely.

It has the same metal build and internals as the C201, which are plenty usable, and while there are compromises made in order to make this Chromebook convertible it’s a good option if you need a small machine with great battery life and want to be able to touch the screen directly.

See at Amazon

See at Google Store

Read our ASUS Chromebook Flip (C100) review

Bigger screen: Acer Chromebook 14

Chromebooks are designed to be light and portable, but as the 11- and 13-inch segments have filled out manufacturers have started to move to larger screen sizes. If you need more screen real estate but still want some sort of portability, the Acer Chromebook 14 is the way to go.

Announced in April 2016, the Acer Chromebook 14 comes in checking a lot of boxes for those who want a laptop form factor but also lots of power and quality hardware. First off the laptop has an aluminum build, which you don’t always expect in a Chromebook, and it also has a 1080p display, Intel N3060 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and 12 hours of battery life. An extra bonus is that both of its USB ports are the faster USB 3.0 spec, which is great.

That all comes together for just a $299 price, which is phenomenal for everything that’s packed inside. There’s a lower-end model with less RAM and a lower-resolution display, but we just wouldn’t recommend it. This is going to be a great choice if you need a little bit bigger machine.

See at Amazon

For an even bigger screen, there’s also the Acer Chromebook 15, which is even bigger but a generation old at this point — you’ll have to really want that extra diagonal inch of space to go to this lower-powered model.

Money’s no object: Chromebook Pixel

If you’re looking for the best possible Chromebook experience, and don’t care how much it’ll cost you, look no further than the new Chromebook Pixel. The 2015 refresh of the Pixel actually cut the price by a considerable $300 and still jumping to the latest Core i5 processor and improving the screen a bit, while keeping the same wonderful build quality and simplistic design.

You’ll also be getting cutting-edge USB-C ports for charging and peripherals, which really is the way of the future. Spending $999 on a Chromebook really isn’t advisable for most people, but if you’re all-in on Chrome OS it may be worth consideration.

See at Google Store

It’s hard to go wrong with any of these picks

With these options, there’s something to satisfy most any need that you may have when it comes to picking out a Chromebook. Whether you’re buying for yourself, as a gift, or giving guidance to someone else for their own purchase, be sure to start here before making a buying decision. We’ll be keeping up with this “best Chromebooks” list as new models come out, so you’ll always be able to turn to it for the latest information.

Keep up with all of our Chromebook news

Apple code reveals you might soon be able to remove stock iOS apps

In the near future, you might not have to tuck stock iOS apps into folders.

Apple’s iPhone and iPad come pre-loaded with Apple-developed apps, such as Compass and Stocks, but unfortunately, you’re unable to remove these apps. Unlike third-party apps, which you can long-press on the home screen until they vibrate and become removable, stock iOS apps are permanent and can only be stowed in folders should you want to declutter your home screen.

All that could soon change, according to App Advice, which recently spotted new keys in iTunes metadata that suggested some stock apps might be removable one day. The keys are found on every app in the App Store and appear as “isFirstParty” and “isFirstPartyHideableApp”. They are now set to false but could be turned on during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

App Advice

App Advice noted Apple is expected to announce the release of iOS 10 at WWDC 2016 in June, so the company could conceivably use the same developer event to announce API adjustments that will allow stock apps to be hidden. Keep in mind Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, told Buzzfeed News last autumn that Apple is considering letting consumers remove stock apps:

“This is a more complex issue than it first appears,” Cook explained. “There are some apps that are linked to something else on the iPhone. If they were to be removed they might cause issues elsewhere on the phone. There are other apps that aren’t like that. So over time, I think with the ones that aren’t like that, we’ll figure out a way [for you to remove them]. … It’s not that we want to suck up your real estate; we’re not motivated to do that. We want you to be happy. So I recognize that some people want to do this, and it’s something we’re looking at.” 

Although Apple has been stalling on this functionality because it could mess with the core iOS experience, it seems like the company is giving in a little and will at least let you get rid of some stock apps in the near future.

Hands-free and secure: ExoMount Touch Air Vent Car Mount is 31 per cent off

We all get creative with our attempts at hands-free placement, but storing your smartphone in your car’s cup holder never quite seems right.

That’s where the ExoMount Touch Air Vent Car Mount comes in, which allows you to drive safely by allowing you to mount your phone with just one touch. For a limited time, you can pick one up for just $16.99 (£11.94) on Pocket-lint Deals.

Thanks to 360-degree rotation and swivel, the ExoMount allows for nearly any viewing angle, no matter the model of vehicle. Inside the mount, non-slip rubber grips will ensure your phone doesn’t go flying whenever you hit the brakes. Take that, cup holder.

Features:

• Mount your phone to your air vent w/ just 1 touch
• View your phone in any orientation w/ 360˚ rotation & swivel
• Keep your phone stable w/ non-slip rubber grip
• Use w/ smartphones, MP3 players & more
• Pop in a thick card to use it as a phone stand on your desk

Go hands-free on the road with ExoMount Touch Air Vent Car Mount, now 31 per cent off at Pocket-lint Deals.

Easily craft long-form content with Scrivener 2, the preferred alternative to Microsoft Word

Tired of using Word to handle your writing tasks? If so, a world of convenience awaits in Scrivener 2, a powerful word processor and project management app.

We agree with Jason Snell, Editorial Director of Macworld, who puts it: “Scrivener is one of the best finds of the last ten years.” Here’s your chance to streamline your writing process and free yourself from the frustrations of Word, at a full 50 per cent discount from Pocket-lint Deals.

Like its predecessor, Scrivener 2 offers an extensive suite of writing aids without ever forcing users to confirm to any set process. Whether you want to jump in and start typing, or prefer to compile meticulous research and outline the whole narrative, Scrivener’s happy to hand you the tools and get out of your way.

Unlike a regular word processor, Scrivener is set up for long-form writing with distraction-free fullscreen mode for composing, as well as a “Snapshots” feature which allows you to restore and rewrite previous versions of your work. Users can also load documents into floating windows above the text for quick reference, and there’s a searchable database for storing notes. Scriptwriting mode provides custom formatting, along with the option to export to other apps, such as Final Draft.

Scrivener 2 also allows writers to track creative plots with the Storyboard feature, while storytellers can map out their narratives with the built-in outliner mode which allows for a macro, structural look at a piece in progress. You can even synchronize the text of your project with mobile apps.

If you’re looking for a better alternative to Word, it’s time to join countless writers, professionals and students with Scrivener 2, now £15.81 ($22.50) from Pocket-lint Deals.

Amazon Prime same-day delivery expands to 11 more US cities

You know what’s better than free two-day shipping? Free same-day shipping, and folks in 11 more US metro areas can now take advantage of Amazon’s speedy delivery times. Prime members in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Fresno, Louisville, Milwaukee, Nashville, central New Jersey, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Stockton, and Tucson are now privy to free same-day shipping on over a million items. For those keeping track at home, the latest additions bring the tally to 27 cities for the online retailer’s quick delivery. There is a $35 order minimum, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re hoping to receive something before the end of the day.

Amazon says its same-day delivery will drop off orders placed before noon by 9PM in the areas where it’s available. To help you find which items are included in the one-day shipping option, you can filter products so that a category only displays the stuff that you can have in hand quickly. Unsure if Prime same-day shipping is available where you live? Input your zip code here to find out.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Amazon

Reddit’s blocking tool now hides unwanted comments and posts

In a big step towards making Reddit a more welcoming community for everyone, and not just its hardcore users, the site just debuted an upgraded blocking tool. Previously, you could block Reddit users from sending you unwanted private messages, but now the feature also hides hide posts and comments from those Redditors as well. It’s similar to Twitter’s mute function — you never have to see activity from a harassing user on the site, and they’re also unaware that you blocked them (which could encourage them to continue harassing you).

“Our changes to user blocking are intended to let you decide what your boundaries are, and to give you the option to choose what you want — or don’t want — to be exposed to,” wrote Reddit’s founding engineer, Christopher “KeyserSosa” Stowe. “[And, of course, you can and should still always report harassment to our community team!]”

The upgraded blocking tool has been a long time coming. Last June, Reddit finally broke away from its hands-off approach to censoring content on the site by banning subreddits that encouraged harassment. That led to a massive user revolt, with some defecting to alternative social news sites like Voat. At the time, I argued that the uproar would be a good thing for Reddit in the long run. Giving users the option to actually use Reddit without being bombarded by jerks is certainly a good start (though it would have been nice to see much, much sooner).

You can block users who message or comment on your posts by clicking a button in your inbox. If you change your mind, you can choose to unblock them from the “blocked” tab in your Reddit preferences.

Source: Reddit

‘Doom’ open beta kicks off April 15th

You won’t have to pre-order a game to get a taste of Doom’s multiplayer mode before the ultra-violent first-person shooter arrives on May 13th. Bethesda and id Software have revealed that the open beta for the game will run April 15th through the 17th on the PS4, Xbox One and Windows PCs. As with the closed test, you’re getting a sliver of the full online experience: you’ll have two maps (Heatwave and Infernal), two game modes (Team Deathmatch and Warpath) and one demon to invoke.

The developers have also offered a glimpse at the downloadable content coming to the game after launch. There will be three multiplayer add-ons, available for $15 each or for $40 as part of a season pass. The first, due this summer, will bring three new maps as well as a weapon, a demon, an armor set, equipment and a slew of ways to customize your soldier. You won’t have to pay for everything, though — additional gameplay modes and content for the build-it-yourself SnapMap tool will be free.

Via: Polygon

Source: Bethesda

Verizon team-up will create a mobile video service for teens

Apparently, Verizon doesn’t believe its go90 video service is hip enough. It just bought a minority stake in AwesomenessTV, and plans to work with the DreamWorks-owned firm to create a “premium” short-form mobile video service as part of go90. Verizon isn’t saying what the content will entail, but it isn’t shy about who it’s targeting — the carrier likes that AwesomenessTV caters to “Gen Z and millennials” (read: teens and twentysomethings), and it wants in on the action. The project doesn’t have a launch date, but it’ll unsurprisingly be exclusive to Verizon’s US-based platforms.

Source: Verizon (PR Newswire)

The ‘Rocket League’ boxed edition hits US shelves in July

The physical edition of the ball-bashing, car-crashing game Rocket League rolls into US stores on July 5th, though the lucky folks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa get it on June 24th. The game comes with four new vehicles plus the three existing DLC packs, Supersonic Fury, Revenge of the Battle-Cars and Chaos Run. We first heard about the Rocket League boxed version back in February.

Rocket League is a beautiful blend of soccer and derby cars that debuted on PlayStation 4 and PC in 2015; it hit the Xbox One in February. Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League, recently revealed that the game could easily take advantage of PS4-Xbox One cross-play, though that functionality remains a pipe dream for now. The game recently picked up an award for Best Design at the 2016 Game Developers Choice Awards.

If you haven’t played Rocket League yet, this summer is a chance to treat yourself while displaying some indie love on your gaming shelf.