Best Accessories for the Nexus 6P

Want to get the most out of your Nexus 6P? Check out these great accessories!

Your Nexus 6P is a powerful device, and right out of the box it works like a dream. Of course, you can always turn your Nexus 6P into a force to be reckoned with by getting a few little extras.

Accessories are the spice of life — they change your phone from ordinary to extraordinary. If you want to kick up the wow-factor with your Nexus 6P, take a look at these awesome accessories we have rounded up for you.

• Chromecast
• Maxboost tempered glass screen protector
• Anker PowerCore+
• Cable Creation 10ft charging cable
• Photo Live Case

Chromecast

If you haven’t heard of Chromecast you probably live under a rock! All joking aside, we can’t recommend this great device enough.

Chromecast is a small, little receiver that plugs into your TV via the HDMI port and allows you to stream the display from your phone onto your TV screen. You can look at pictures, watch video, and even play music through Chromecast, making it great for entertaining everybody.

There are plenty of Chromecast-compatible apps and the number is growing. As long as you have Wi-Fi in your home (or wherever you plan on using it) Chromecast will take you to bigger and better screens!

See at Google

Maxboost tempered glass screen protector

It’s hard to enhance the wow-factor of your Nexus 6P if the screen is cracked or smashed — that’s why screen protectors are so great!

This is a tempered glass screen protector which means it’s going to give you the best protection against scratches and scrapes. The Maxboost protector is hydrophobic and oleophobic which means you shouldn’t have to keep wiping your screen as it will be resistant to the oil on your fingertips.

It’s worth mentioning that Maxboost has a lifetime warranty for their screen protector, so if it ever does scratch they will ship you a new one free of charge!

See at Amazon

Anker PowerCore+

If you are constantly running out of battery power on your Nexus 6P, we have the ultimate solution for you.

Anker’s PowerCore+ is a beast! It has a huge capacity of 20100mAh, which means it can fully charge your Nexus 6P five times before you need to charge it again! On top of its huge capacity, it also has two USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.

It’s quite small for having such a large capacity, making it perfect for carrying around. It’s also a rugged in design, so minor scrapes and drops shouldn’t hurt it too much, making it great for camping or road trips!

See at Amazon

Cable Creation 10ft charging cable

You may be thinking this seems a little ridiculous, but you have no idea just how useful a long charging cord can be until you try it.

This 10-foot long cable will allow you to move around while still charging your Nexus 6P. Vacuuming the living room? Cooking in the kitchen? It’s never been easier to have the freedom to roam around the room.

The cord is wrapped in a fabric weave to give it a stylish look, but it also makes the wire inside fully protected from the outside. If you spill anything on this cord it could stain, but it shouldn’t really affect it’s performance at all.

See at Amazon

Photos Live Case

Straight from Google themselves, the Photo Live case is meant to be as unique as you want it to be. It’s a simple one shell case that features a photo of your choosing, making it perfect for treasuring a precious moment, highlighting your favorite photo, or even using a unique print from your favorite artist.

The Photos Live case also has an app you can download in order to turn your wallpaper into a rolling slideshow, making it feel like your case is integrated into your Home screen!

A case like this, could make you the talk of all your friends or even make a timeless gift for a close friend or loved one. The Photo Live case is available for all Nexus phones.

See at Google

What’s your best accessory?

Tell us how much you love your favorite accessory for your Nexus 6P. Leave a comment in the comment section below!

Nexus 6P

• Nexus 6P review
• 5 things to know about the Nexus 6P
• Read the latest Nexus 6P news
• Learn about Project Fi
• Join our Nexus 6P forums
• Nexus 6P specs

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Google advises developers to upgrade to Android Studio 2.1.1 over security concerns

Following the launch of the Android Studio 2.1.1 update earlier in May, Google has begun contacting registered Google Play developers, advising them to upgrade to patch a security vulnerability present in prior versions.

Google is quick to note that the vulnerability in question is only present in the development environment itself and doesn’t affect apps built in Android Studio. From Google:

As an app developer on Google Play, we wanted to make you aware of an important security update for Android Studio.

On May 11th, we released the Android Studio 2.1.1 update. This incremental update addresses a security vulnerability in the underlying IntelliJ platform that affects all previous versions of Android Studio. The vulnerability concerns the IDE itself and has no effect on individual apps.

If you develop in Android Studio and haven’t yet updated, you should do so now. To manually grab the update, head to the Android Studio menu on OS X and tap “Check for Updates.” On Windows, the option is listed under the “Help” menu. The latest Android Studio is always available as a direct download from Google as well.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid for the Galaxy S7

Ultra hybrid: all that is hybrid (apparently).

Galaxy S7s are pretty fragile if dropped the right (wrong?) way. You’re gonna need a case, so we went hands-on the Spigen Ultra Hybrid, to give you a better idea of whether or not it’s the right fit for your phone and your habits.

If you want to let the beauty of your S7 shine through, with a case that feels a little sturdier than those soft TPU cases, then this is the one for you.

We’ll break things down in terms of style, features, and design.

• Style
• Features
• Design
• The bottom line

Style

The Ultra Hybrid comes in three color options: Mint, Crystal Clear, and Rose Crystal. The colors are only around the outer rim, maintaining a transparent back to show off your S7 in all its glory.

With a hard polycarbonate back and a softer TPU bumper around the rim, the Ultra Hybrid can feel a bit slippery at times, especially if your hands get a bit greasy. However, there is a seam that runs all around the rim of the case, where the TPU and polycarbonate meet, that helps keep it stable in your hand.

This is by no means an “ultra-slim” case, but it doesn’t add a ton of bulk or weight to the S7; although, it being clear may create an illusion of thinness.

Features

The Ultra Hybrid is just about as basic as cases get, aside from being made of two materials, but the thinner polycarbonate backing does allow for wireless charging. Many polycarbonate cases are just too thick, but not Spigen’s, which is a great feature, since you don’t have to take it off your phone every night to charge.

Design

This particular Spigen case underwent the military drop test, which the Department of Defense uses to approve devices for military applications. We still wouldn’t take this one off to war, but it’s built to withstand some pretty solid drops.

Each corner has a small air pocket that helps with shock absorption — an ideal feature for the Galaxy S7, since dropping it on its corner results in a big ol’ spider web of cracks (Google “Galaxy S7 dropped on corner” and you’ll see). The front features a raised bezel, so you can safely lay your S7 on its face without worrying about it getting dinged up.

The Ultra Hybrid covers all the buttons, but leaves all the ports at the bottom wide open, so you’re entirely unencumbered for using third-party cables. The power button isn’t an issue, but if you happen to get an ill-fitting Ultra Hybrid, the volume buttons might be a tad finicky.

This case is designed for those who want their phone to feel protected, because it certainly does feel sturdy and formidable in your hand, albeit a bit slippery.

The bottom line

This case is for you if you want a case that’s easy to put on and remove, one that’ll provide solid protection, and one that won’t drastically change the look of your Galaxy S7.

If clear cases are what you’re after, but this one doesn’t quite do it for you, then you should check out our roundup of the best clear cases for the Galaxy S7.

See at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

• Galaxy S7 review
• Galaxy S7 edge review
• Here are all four Galaxy S7 colors
• Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S7?
• Learn about the Galaxy S7’s SD card slot
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

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Google Spaces: What is it, how do you use it, and why should you try it?

Ahead of Google I/O 2016, Google has launched a new product that’s meant to help people in a group share things more easily.

Called Spaces, the new product is launching as both a mobile app and desktop app for all Gmail accounts. The idea is that people in a group often have to use multiple apps when sharing content (because they often have to copy and paste links, find and share articles, browse and post videos and images, etc), but Spaces makes it so you can do all that within one app, allowing people to instantly share stuff around any topic.

Here’s everything you need to know about Spaces, including how to use it and why you should try it.

Google Spaces: What is it?

Spaces is a new app that lets Gmail account users get together in a group via an invite, then instantly start conversations around any topic, and share things like links, articles, videos, images, and more. The best part is you never have to leave the app to find links, articles, videos, and images. That’s because Google has built in core services such as Google Search, Chrome, and YouTube.

There’s also plenty of features within Spaces that streamline the process of communicating with several people in a group. When someone shares something new, for instance, a conversational view lets you see what the entire group is talking about at that moment, and if you want to find something that was shared earlier, you can conduct a quick search in Spaces to pull it up.

Google Spaces: When and where is it available?

Spaces is rolling out now on Android, iOS, desktop, and mobile web for all Gmail accounts.

Google Spaces: How does it work?

Mobile app

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(Note: We’ve been using the iOS app; the Android app might have minor differences.)

• Download and open Spaces for iOS or Android. It’s free.
• Upon opening Spaces for the first time, you will need to select/sign into your Gmail account (you might already be signed in).
• You will then see a screen that lets you create a space. Tap Create a Space to start a topic about anything.
• You will be brought to a screen with your space. Tap the Untitled Space area and enter a name for your space.
• Once done, tap the Invite Via link below your space name to invite other people to join your newly-created space.
• While on the screen for your new space, you can tap the Post button at the bottom to make your first post.
• While on the Post screen, you will see four buttons at the bottom: link (Google Search), video (YouTube), image (your camera roll), quote (write a post). Choose from any of these options in order to compose and share a post to your space. 
• Make sure to tap the Post button to actually share something.
• Once you share a post, you can tap on the post in your space to see it in a conversational view and maybe say something about it, or you can tap the […] symbol above it while on the Space screen to delete the post.
• While on the Conversational view screen, you’ll notice five buttons at the bottom: quote (write a comment), link (Google Search) image (your camera roll), camera (take a picture or video), sticker (post a sticker). Choose from any of these options in order to contribute again to your space. 
• If someone has contributed to any of the spaces you’ve joined or created, you will receive a notification in the Activity center, which you can access from the main menu bar (at the bottom of most screens in the app).
• You will also see a Spaces option in the main menu bar. Tap this option to see a collection of all the spaces you’ve joined or created. From there, tap on any space to open it. You can even create a new space from this screen.
• To search your spaces, tap Spaces in the main menu bar. Your Spaces hub will appear, with a search field at the top. Enter a keyword or phrase to begin searching all your spaces.
• To access Settings, tap the three-dot symbol at the top right of Spaces hub.
• To manage which Gmail account you’re using with Spaces, tap your profile picture from any screen, such as the Spaces hub.

Web app

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(Note: We’ve been using the desktop web app in Chrome; the mobile web app might have minor differences.)

• Open https://spaces.google.com in your browser (desktop or mobile).
• Upon opening Spaces on the web for the first time, you will need to select/sign into your Gmail account.
• You will then see a main screen that lets you create a space. Click Create a Space to start a topic about anything.
• You will be brought to a screen that lets you create a space. Click the Untitled Space area and enter a name for your space.
• Once done, click the Invite Via link below your space name to invite other people to join your newly-created space.
• You will then see a Post area with three buttons: link (add a link; can access Chrome extensions too), image (your camera roll), quote (write a post). Choose from any of these options in order to compose and share a post to your newly-created space.
• Make sure to click the Post button to actually share something in your space. Everything you share and everything that other people share will appear in a conversational view below the Post area.
• To see a collection of all the spaces you’ve joined or created, click the Spaces button in the top menu bar.
• To search your spaces, click Spaces in the top menu bar. Your Spaces hub will appear, with a search field at the top. Enter a keyword or phrase to begin searching all your spaces.
• If someone has contributed to any of the spaces you’ve joined or created, you will receive a notification in the Activity center, which you can access from the main screen (click Spaces in the top menu bar). The Activity Center will appear on the right-hand side of your Spaces hub.
• The slide-out menu on the left also has links to your Spaces hub, Spaces built-in search function, Settings, and app downloads.

Google Spaces: Why should you try it?

Google already has products that allow people to collaborate, including every productivity app it offers (such as Docs). But each of those productivity apps are focused on letting people share specific things. Docs, for instance, is about letting people create, share, and contribute text and links. Spreadsheets is about letting people create, share, and contribute stats and numbers, etc.

Spaces is unique because it lets people create a topic/space about anything. Call it whatever you want. Add whatever you want. You can drop in an image, or you can take a video in real-time. You can even conduct a Google search, then copy a link, and paste it. You’re not limited to inputing text in a document or numbers in a cell. It’s your space to do with what you want.

WhatsApp for Android has started beta testing a new video-calling feature

WhatsApp might update soon with a pretty cool feature: video calling.

According to Fonearena, Facebook-owned WhatsApp is testing a video-calling feature. The latest Android beta of the popular messaging app apparently includes a new option to place a video call. Although WhatsApp has offered audio calls to users for more than a year, video calls haven’t been available, forcing users to switch to rival apps like Skype or Hangouts whenever they want to simultaneously talk with and see friends.

The feature, which can be enabled or disabled on WhatsApp’s servers, is reportedly undergoing a trial with select groups of beta testers. Keep in mind WhatsApp has more than 1 billion users, and when it began trialling audio calls with Android users last year, it took two months to officially launch the feature for Android users and another month to launch it for iOS users.

WhatsApp hasn’t announced any plans, but it’s clear that the app needs to something in order to maintain its foothold against competitors like FaceTime and Hangouts. Still, it’s hard to say if video calling will see a rollout schedule similar to voice calling.

Also, WhatsApp reportedly testing other features, such as the ability to send group invites through NFC tags, links, and QR codes.

Microsoft to recycle Xbox Gamertags: How to finally grab your dream one

Microsoft has announced that it is freeing up nearly 1 million Gamertags.

These are Gamertags that were claimed by someone from the original Xbox era but have long since been abandoned. They never migrated to Xbox 360 and have been inactive for a long time. Unfortunately, Microsoft won’t share the actual list of Gamertags that’ll be made available.

However, the company said there will be many Gamertags available in specific categories, such as: proper names, pop culture references, types of food, geography and travel, science and technology, math and numbers, animals, and “some of the greatest inventions of all time”.

So, for those of you who have always wanted a Gamertag like iamcool but got stuck with iamcool99881245, now is your chance to check and see if the Gamertag of your dreams is finally available. But first – here’s what you need to about making the change…

What’s an Xbox Gamertag?

Since the original Xbox era, Microsoft has allowed Xbox gamers to sign into its Xbox Live online service with a Gamertag.

The company has described Gamertags as “your online alter ego for Xbox,” emphasising that it “represents you when you’re playing games and sharing with other people in the Xbox community”. You can learn more about Xbox Gamertags from this Microsoft support page.

When will Microsoft release the Gamertags?

Starting 18 May 2016 at 2 pm EST, Microsoft will release nearly 1 million Gamertags over a 24-hour period, giving players in various countries an equal chance to grab the Gamertag of their dreams.

How do you change your Xbox Gamertag?

Microsoft said this is the most convenient way to change your Gamertag:

“Access to these newly-released Gamertags will be available on Xbox.com, which is the most convenient way to make a Gamertag change. Xbox Live Gold members can also access these Gamertags within the Xbox App on Windows 10 and on the Xbox One console. Xbox 360 owners will need to use Xbox.com, the Xbox App on Windows 10, or an Xbox One console to participate given that access to these newly-released Gamertags is not available from an Xbox 360 console. Click here to change your Gamertag on the web.” 

Are there any caveats?

Of course. The Gamertags will only be available to players who have “at least 1 year of cumulative” subscription to Xbox Live Gold. To determine if you qualify, view your Profile on an Xbox One console or on the Xbox App on Windows 10.

Will changing your Gamertag affect anything?

Changing your Gamertag will only affect your Gamertag name. It will not impact your Gamerscore, Achievements, or your Friends list.

Want to know more?

Check out Major Nelson’s blog post for more details.

Win a $1,000 gift card from Newegg

Who doesn’t love free stuff? In our modern world, technology is the key to efficiency and convenience, revolutionizing virtually every aspect of our lives. That’s why we’re excited to offer up a Newegg $1,000 Gift Card for one lucky winner, to be used on any of Newegg’s 24 million products! Enter now on Pocket-lint Deals.

Newegg is a leading electronics retailer on the Web, offering everything from game consoles to smartphones, cameras to computer gear, drones and beyond. With your $1,000 gift card, you’ll have access to any of the fantastic products the Newegg has in stock, up to $1,000. Now you can be guilt-free about that iPhone upgrade you’ve been wishing for, or take the leap into connected-home technology with Amazon Echo. Want to step up your photography? There’s a range of DSLR cameras for that.

If you’re more the DIY type, Newegg has you covered with an assortment of electronics kits and personal computing projects such as Raspberry Pi. $1,000 can offer some strong upgrades in your Mac setup as well, whether upgrading to a 4K monitor, setting up a home network, adding hard drive space or beyond.

Winning your own Newegg $1,000 Gift Card is easy – Pocket-lint readers can just head to the contest page and fill out the online entry form with a valid email address, and you’re automatically entered. Share the giveaway on Twitter, and once you get some friends to enter, you’ll receive additional entries to win. One registration per person please!