Xiaomi opens its online accessory shop in the US and Europe
We knew that Xiaomi was beta-launching its online accessory store in the UK this week, but now it’s become clear that other regions are also being supported. The Mi Store will be available at two separate time slots: 7PM PT/ 10PM ET (May 18th) for customers in the US, followed by 1PM CET (May 19th) for people in the UK, France and Germany. As we reported before, this is a limited launch that will allow the Chinese phone maker to tentatively test consumer demand in these markets. Only four products will be sold — a pair of headphones, a couple of portable batteries and its Mi Band fitness tracker — and they’ll be available in limited quantities. So if you’re interested in being an early Xiaomi adopter, it’s best to get in as early as possible. If the store is successful, who knows, we might not have to wait too long before its smartphones and tablets are also available in the West.
Filed under: Misc
Via: The Verge
Source: Xiaomi (Twitter)
Official Galaxy S6 Avengers accessories launched
Samsung worked with Marvel to give its devices pride of place in the Avengers: Age Of Ultron movie and the partnership looks set to continue. Alongside the previously-teased Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition handset, the two companies have teamed up to launch official Avengers-themed accessories for the Galaxy S6.
Launched through UK retailer MobileFun, the accessories include cases themed on Avengers characters and a Captain America themed wireless charger (which looks super cool!). The problem is – as you might expect from any official merchandise – the prices are certainly a little steep, but if you’re an Avengers fan, these might be worth paying.
The accessories available are:
- Captain America Case – £34.99
- Captain America Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge Wireless Charger – £44.99
- Iron Man Case – £34.99
- Hulk case – £34.99
- Thor case – £34.99
The accessories are expected to launch later today and MobileFun ships to several countries around the world. At the moment, the retailer is the only one to have listed the accessories and its unclear whether they will be available from other retailers. The only question now is – will Samsung and Marvel release special edition handsets for each of the Avengers characters and if so, will they look as good as that fan render?
Xiaomi starts small with a UK online accessory store
Xiaomi is about to enter the UK market, but it won’t be selling the Android phones and tablets it’s best known for. Mimicking its plans for the US, the company is starting with an online accessory store for its Mi-branded headphones, battery packs and fitness trackers. Xiaomi will be taking orders from midday on May 19th, but be warned, as the store has been firmly branded with the “beta” label. As Android Authority reports, this means that all of the accessories will be available in limited quantities — so once Xiaomi has sold through its pre-determined amounts, that’ll be it. Game over. Products will ship directly from Xiaomi’s warehouses in China, so be aware that you might have to pay some import duties. Clearly, Xiaomi is using this limited launch to test the UK’s waters, but who knows, if it’s successful maybe we’ll see a full-time store selling its flagship Mi Note in the future.
Filed under: Peripherals
Via: Android Authority
Source: Mi Store
No-contract Motorola Triumph, $104.99
Thinking of pulling the trigger on a prepaid or no-contract device? It’d be worth 5 minutes to check out the Motorola Triumph. While its days of headlining the show may be in the past, this 4.1-inch screened phone packs a 1GHz processor and pulled in terrific ratings when it was first released.
Now, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars and grab one with no commitment from Virgin Mobile for just $104.99 (shipped for Prime customers). A solid device at an attractive price.
Join Prime and get this deal with FREE two-day shipping!
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Quick Look: Samsung Wireless Charging Pad with MicroUSB Charger
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One feature that Samsung packed into the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge that they have never offered as a built-in function is wireless charging. It was easy enough to pick up one of their wireless charging cases, or one of a handful of others out there though. There were even a few go getters that created a wireless charging adapter that went behind the rear cover of the device. While some worked better than others, it wasn’t until the most recent flagship that Samsung made it a standard built-in ability. This function now lets users use a variety of Qi wireless charging pads, pucks, stands as anything that is Qi enabled will charge your device. here I will show you a quick look at the Samsung Wireless Charging pad.
In the box:
- Qi compatible wireless charging pad
- USB cable
- 2.0A wall block
- Quick start guide and warranty
The charging pad is a round puck style pad that is constructed of a hard plastic. Sitting in the middle is a raised rubber pad that helps the device stay in place. It is also useful for not scratching the rear gorilla Glass 4 too.
Around the outer edge is a clear plastic halo. There is a LED light that illuminates to show you the charging state. Blue means it is charging and green means your phone is charged.
I distinctively remember the first iteration of wireless chargers being horribly slow at charging a device. This was many years ago and the technology has come a long way. I ran the same battery charge tests that I do for other chargers and battery banks to see how it performed. To best test its charge rates I ran a 10 minute charge with all the usual connections still active. I did the same charge using the stock wall plug.
The stock charger that is included with the wireless charger along with all cellular connections, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location services connected offered up approximately 7% charge in 10 minutes. The device was naked without a case. Mind you, the charger that it comes with the unit does not enable fast charging.
Leaving the same connections on and placing the device on the Samsung wireless charger it pulled in approximately 5% battery charge in roughly 10 minutes. Again, the device was naked.
While it certainly will take your new flagship a little longer to reach full charge, having wireless charging certainly is a bit more convenient and should help keep extra strain off your USB port. Particularly at the office, in the living room, kitchen or wherever a quick set down is usual. However, there is a flaw in the whole process. Once your device hits 100% the charging pad shuts off and doesn’t resume. In a nutshell, you wouldn’t want to use this as an overnight bedside charging option as you will wake up to less than a full charge on your device. I can’t compare this to others out there as this is the only Qi charging pad I have ever used, but if there are other options that will keep it trickle charging overnight please leave a comment.
I gave it a charge test with the two cases I have sitting here, one being the Samsung Flip View cover and the other being the Rokform Crystal V3. I expected the Samsung case to have no issue as it is fairly thin, I was pleasantly surprised that the phone still charged with the thicker Rokform case on as well. The thicker Rokform case did charge much slower than the slimmer Samsung Flip View though. With the Rokform it slowed to 4 – 5 % per 10 minutes. Not a huge deal if you aren’t looking to grab large amounts of power in a short period of time.
The Samsung Wireless Charger is landing in stores all over the globe right now. Here in the US you can find them for $49.99. If you registered your device you should have received a 30% coupon in your email which knocks the price down to $35 + shipping unless you order something else to get your total over $50, then you get free shipping. Alternatively you can pick them up through Amazon for a little less.
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The post Quick Look: Samsung Wireless Charging Pad with MicroUSB Charger appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Snag yourself a set of four limited edition Avengers cases for your Note 4
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It is no secret that Samsung and Marvel have a pretty hefty partnership underway. We know there is a limited edition Iron Man Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge on the way around the end of the month. Users of the new S6 and S6 Edge already have access to a number of killer Avenger themes on both device right now and Samsung has said it will bring them to other devices in the near future. For those of you that couldn’t do the 5.1-inch screen and picked up the power of the Note line, then you might in for a special treat with a set of four Marvel Avengers themed cases from Samsung for free.
The offer isn’t without some serious fine print though. You have to buy a Note 4 in May or June to even be eligible to get the themed cases to begin with. So those of us that snatched it up months ago are out of luck. Samsung is also only sending out a four pack to the first 4,300 eligible, and legal residents, in the U.S. In order to submit for your supposed $200 in cases for free you will need to know your purchase date, snag your IMEI or HEX MEID and get your hands on your Wi-Fi MAC Address. The later is probably to ensure you are in the states, although some will happily skip the case offering due to that requirement. You will also need your purchase receipt handy to upload as well.
The offer started on May 4th and will continue through June 1st. If you just picked up your Note 4 this week, or plan to do so in the next month, then be sure to visit the promo page. You might need to bookmark it if you don’t have your device yet.
Source: Samsung Via Androidandme
The post Snag yourself a set of four limited edition Avengers cases for your Note 4 appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Sphero Takes Ollie to the Darkside this Month
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Sphero make some amazing tiny robotic toys, and they’ve even been involved in creating robots for the Star Wars movies. Maybe that’s what spurred them to create the new Darkside Ollie edition released this month. If you don’t know what the Ollie is, it’s a small, rugged, robotic toy with tracks at either side that you control with your smartphone. It’s one rugged little beast that pulls off all kinds of neat tricks Evel Knievel would be proud of.
The new version is an all black design that’s going to cost you a little more than the regular Ollie’s. You’re not just getting a new color scheme for your extra dosh, the Darkside Ollie comes with Prime Hubs, Flux Hubs and Turbo Tires to give you even more off-roading capabilities.
What’s in the box?
- Darkside Ollie
- 2 Nubby Tires
- 2 Turbo Tires
- 2 Prime Hubs
- 2 Flux Hubs
- USB charging cable
- Quick Start guide
- Free apps available on the App Store and Google Play
The Darkside Ollie is available this month from your favorite stores and of course from the Sphero store for $149.
Dig around a little more on the Sphero store and you’ll find all sorts of accessories and replacement parts for the entire Ollie range, including ramps, different colored tires and whole lot more. It must be someones birthday soon! why not get em a little Ollie 
The post Sphero Takes Ollie to the Darkside this Month appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Best Android Watches
A number of new Android Wear watches have been hitting the market lately, which means it might be difficult to tell which one is right for you. So, to help you make that decision, we’ve rounded up the best Android Wear smartwatches you can buy.
Here’s what you need to know about the best Android Wear watches available right now.
Editor’s note – this post will be updated periodically, as new devices hit the market.
LG Watch Urbane
The LG Watch Urbane is just now making its way into the hands of consumers. Available now from the Google Store for $349, this new Android Wear-powered device brings a classy look to the wearable market. It features just about the exact same internal specifications as LG’s G Watch R, though it sports a more premium aesthetic that’s hard to pass up if you’re in the market for a new smartwatch.
While our full review is in the works, take a look at our hands-on and first impressions video below for more information on the device.
Specs
- Display: 1.3-inch POLED 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 410mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 45.5 x 52.2 x 10.9mm
Read more
Huawei Watch
Huawei recently launched its first Android Wear device at MWC 2015 a few months ago, and it’s already made a huge splash in the wearable community. Featuring a beautiful sapphire crystal circular display, the Huawei Watch definitely gives the LG Watch Urbane a run for its money on the aesthetic side.
We’ve gone hands-on with the device, and you can check out our first impressions below. Huawei has yet to announce pricing and availability details for the Watch, but as of right now, this is shaping up to be one of the more sought-after wearables of 2015.
Specs
- Display: 1.4-inch sapphire crystal AMOLED 400 x 400 pixels
- Processor: 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 300mAh
Read more
- Huawei Watch first look
- Huawei Watch officially launched
- Huawei Watch price unveiled by several different online retailers
Motorola Moto 360
It’s hip, it’s stylish, and it’s customizable. The Moto 360 was one of the first Android Wear smartwatches announced, and, while it took Motorola more than half a year to release it, the sleek circular device has been well received. Featuring a large circular screen (albeit with the infamous “flat tire” cutout at the bottom), a sleek brushed metal build, and several replaceable bands, the Moto 360 will look good in just about any occasion.
On the inside, the processor is older than the competitors’, while the battery is on the small side – still, the Moto 360 will last a day of usage for all but the most active users, and you get wireless charging. With a variety of cool watchfaces taking advantage of the round screen and more launching constantly, the Moto 360 is a great choice if style is your biggest priority.
Specs
- Display: 1.56-in IPS LCD 320 x 290 pixels
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP 3
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 320 mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 49g, 46mm diameter
Read more
- My first 30 days with the Moto 360
- Moto 360 review: probably the best Android Wear smartwatch yet
- Moto 360 unboxing and initial setup
LG G Watch R
The other circular smartwatch on our list is the G Watch R, and, as LG likes to point out, there’s no cutout here. The full circle screen is beautiful, and everything will look nicer on it thanks to the 245 ppi (higher than the Moto 360’s). While the Moto 360 has a minimalist flair, the G Watch R will appeal more to fans of sport watches, with its beveled engraved ring and aggressively sculpted body.
The G Watch R impresses through its large battery and the Snapdragon processor inside ensures steady performance. The device ships with a nice leather strap, but if you don’t like it, you can easily swap it with any standard 22 mm strap.
Specs
- Display: 1.3-in P-OLED 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 410 mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 62g, 46.4 x 53.6 x 9.7 mm
Read more
Asus ZenWatch
Asus’ ZenWatch has been one of the nicest surprises in the Android Wear ecosystem so far, thanks to its good specs and stylish design, proving you can make a rectangular smartwatch that doesn’t look geeky. With a smoothly rounded two-tone metallic body and a standard-sized stitched leather strap, the ZenWatch looks sophisticated and timeless.
There aren’t any bells and whistles on the hardware side, but Asus makes it up with the software stack, including some nice watch faces and several interesting Asus features (available through an app) like the ability to double tap the screen to launch a feature. All and all, if you don’t want a round watch, but still want style, this looks like your best option.
Specs
- Display: 1.63-in OLED 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 370 mAh
- Water protection: IP55
- Weight and size: 75g, 51 x 39.9 x 7.6 ~ 9.4 mm
Read more
Sony SmartWatch 3
Runners, hikers, and cyclists, stop looking, this is the Android Wear watch you need. Sony used its own OS for the previous generations, but embraced Android for SmartWatch 3, and we couldn’t be happier. The Sony SmartWatch 3 stands out through its onboard GPS module, which lets you track your activities without needing a smartphone that weighs you down. Just as easily, you can connect a pair of Bluetooth sports headphones and enjoy your music straight from the watch.
Available in black, white, pink, and lime, SmartWatch 3 looks as sporty as it acts. The rubber strap is non-standard, but at least you can swap it in a few seconds without any tools. The watch is IP68 water resistant and the screen is transflective LCD, which means you can read it more easily in the sun. All in all, a great choice for active use.
Specs
- Display: 1.6-in Transflective LCD 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 420 mAh
- Water protection: IP68
- GPS, NFC, IR
- Weight: 45g (core unit)
Read more
There you go – our look at the best Android smartwatches available right now. Missed anything? Tell us in the comments.
Kingston 64GB UHS-1 Class 10 MicroSDXC cards 51% off right now
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While Samsung may have ditched the Micro SD card slot on the latest Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, that doesn’t mean all devices have lost the support. The new LG G4 still retains both a removable battery and SD card slot, giving end-users a solid back-up choice to the new Samsung line. It seems to me that the micro SD slot is almost a necessity with the G4, and the HTC One M9, since both can shoot RAW format photos. Then we have tablets, GoPro cameras, HTC Re Camera and a plethora of other devices that we can always use more storage for. In the micro SD card line, and with our devices capable of shooting ultra hi-res photos and taking 4K video, you need to ensure you are buying a card that can read and write that data quickly. Enthusiasts know that nothing less than a UHS-1 Class 10 card is worth the plastic. That is exactly what you will get with this deal today.
The Kingston 64GB UHS-1 Class 10 card spouts of some solid numbers with read speeds at 90MB/s and write speeds at 45MB/s. Depending on your hardware you could see faster numbers, or slower numbers. If you are looking to get a fast card with ample storage at an affordable price, this is your ticket. The Kingston 64GB UHS-1 usually retails at $79.99, but for a limited time they are offering it for $38.99 with Prime shipping. You can step down the size to a 32GB for $23.02 or a 16GB for $9.99. Seriously though, go big or go home. Hit the links below to get your order in now. Better hurry though, they only have 5 left, but more are on the way.
Buy: Kingston 64GB MicroSDXC UHS-1 Class 10 with Adapter
If you did get a Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge and need another way to offload or access storage, you might want to consider the Kingston MobileLite wireless 5-1 mobile companion. Since jumping to the Galaxy S6 myself, the MobileLite has become a great accessory to have handy and it pairs up really nicely with the 64GB card above.
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5-pack MicroUSB cables, $6.49
Always losing your charging cables? Grab this pack of (5) MicroUSB cables and enter coupon code QU9AQXHW at checkout to bring your price to just $6.49!
Join Prime and get this deal with FREE two-day shipping!
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AIVAnet 